First signs of fall
By Cheryl Castile | Times Vedette
The colors on the leaves of a tree located by the Panora Post Office begin to change, which is a sure sign of fall.
Sunshine Club meets Sept. 10
Special to the Times Vedette
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, 10 members gathered at the home of Linda Godwin for a 1 p.m. meeting. Trudy opened the meeting asking everyone to say the Lord’s Prayer. Roll call was, “What is your favorite thing about Sunshine Club?” Many nice answers were given with the favorite one being fellowship time with one another. One new member paid her dues. The minutes from last month’s mystery trip were read, and the treasurer’s report was given. Birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned.
Next month’s meeting will be at the home of Chari Heldenbrand for an 11 a.m. luncheon and meeting. Bingo was played, and another guessing game with prizes awarded. Refreshments were served, and lots of visiting and laughing took place.
Rings, beeps, dings and alerts
Interruptions. We all have plenty of them.
Phone calls. Social media alerts. Text messages. Emails. People who just can’t stop talking. This column may even be an interruption to your day.
Some interruptions can be good and even welcomed, but most simply do one thing: interrupt.
It is difficult now to imagine when we were not accessible at all times. For the younger readers of this newsletter, you never experienced those simpler days when you could truly unplug. For the rest of us, it really wasn’t that long ago.
Do you remember when you could start a project and actually finish it without any rings, beeps, dings or alerts? Sounds soothing, huh?
I was driving my truck the other day and this all came to mind, remembering when being in my vehicle was a time of solace to get away from the hustle and bustle of the home or the office. It was a time when others didn’t have to know where I was or what I was doing, and that was OK. All those seemingly urgent things could wait.
Somewhere along the line, something changed. We now suddenly feel the need to be accessible 24/7 and to share with others those seemingly important things like what we had for breakfast, a couple hundred selfies, and where we “checked in” at. And, of course, we have to learn what others had for breakfast, look at their couple hundred selfies, and see where they “checked in” at.
It’s an addiction, one that some would argue was perpetrated by Big Tech for corporate gain. And, like any addiction, it can be difficult to kick. Meanwhile, until Congress reins in the data stealers, we need to try even more to find time without interruptions, the solace that is required to keep our sanity.
Have a focused Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-755-2115
Panorama School Board discusses absenteeism/truancy policy
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Sept. 9 regular meeting of the Panorama School Board, Superintendent Kasey Huebner reported on the school district’s professional development plan and district goals. The board approved the district and building goals.
The board held a first reading of the proposed Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Policy Revision – Policy 501.15. It will again be on the agenda during the Sept. 18 work session. Superintendent Huebner explained the proposed revision.
“The biggest change is that all excused absences are not exempted from the chronic absenteeism calculation. We will continue working with the families when situations arise. This policy, directed by the state, is intended to make school and attendance a priority,” Huebner said.
The board discussed the Juvenile Justice Agency Sharing Agreement, which would allow school personnel to collaborate and have conversations with local agencies who are working with students. Agencies include the District Juvenile Court, Panora Police and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department. The board approved the agreement.
The board noted several upcoming dates, including Homecoming Friday on Sept. 27. The school board has scheduled a work session for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
The next regular board meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome at all meetings other than special closed sessions as allowed by Iowa Code.
Fickes celebrates 90th birthday
Special to the Times Vedette
Donna Fickes is celebrating her 90th birthday on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 2-4 p.m. at the Guthrie Center Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 105 N. 4th St. Donna requests no gifts and says your presence is her present.