By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, a veterans’ parade will begin from the Guthrie Center High School at 8:30 a.m. Veterans and their spouses are also invited to come enjoy a complimentary breakfast prior to the parade, beginning at 7:30 a.m. All current and previous members of the U.S. Armed Services are invited to participate in these events. To RSVP, call the Guthrie Center Elementary School at 641-332-2720 or email Bob Bolton at bbolton@acgcschools.org and give the name of the service member who will participate in the parade and the branch of service.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

For much of the last year, Big Green Umbrella Media has been collecting photos of veterans with ties to Guthrie County for a special commemorative section that will be inserted in each of our print publications (Panora Times, Guthrie Center Times and Lake Panorama Times) in the month of November. We will also be sending a digital version of this out via email and text link on Veterans Day, which is Monday.  In addition, the full digital section will be able to view at www.gctimesnews.com starting Monday.

A total of 256 veteran photos were submitted at https://gctimesnews.com/veterans. The submission site will stay up year-round, and we will add to it as we receive more. Our hopes are that the printed edition will be an annual effort, with new photos updating it each year. So, if you are a veteran or know someone who is, please submit the photos and information for future issues.  

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center and Panora Chambers of Commerce are partnering to hold the Holiday Showcase now through Saturday, Nov. 9.  The event kicked off Thursday, Nov. 7 and continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Shoppers are invited to look around in each participating business for a small hidden object. Once found, it can be brought to store personnel and a punch card will be signed/punched. Once a shopper has collected signatures/punches at five participating businesses in Panora and five in Guthrie Center, the card can be entered in a drawing for prizes.

Participating businesses in Panora are: Ada’s Acres, Lake Lumber, Old Soul Millennial, B&B Marketplace, Bella Sorella, T&K Designs, Crafty’s Coffee, Owl’s Nest, Insight Wealth Group/Insight CPA, Eye Care Associates, Tribe Boutique, and Twin Vines (Twin Vines hours are Friday 3-7 p.m. and Saturday 1-5 p.m.).

Participating businesses in Guthrie Center are: The Bean Box, Dowd Drug, Art On State, Faith’s Fashion Designs, Pink Poppy, The Strawberry Patch, Bean Armory, Gap Creek Quilting, Pearls & Lace Boutique, and Tractor Supply Company.

Purchase is not required for punch/signature. A separate drawing will also be held for kids. More details are available on the Panora and Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce websites and Facebook pages.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Community Foundation (GCCF) will host its annual fall reception on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Panora Community Center in Panora. This event is open to the public and provides an opportunity to hear from GCCF grant recipients about the impactful projects they are undertaking with the support of the Foundation.  GCCF awarded grants to more than 25 local organizations, including programs for children, and emergency and medical services.  

During the reception, representatives from each recipient organization will share briefly about their project and how it benefits the citizens of Guthrie County. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the work being done in the community and the Foundation’s role in supporting local initiatives.

All community members are encouraged to attend and show their support for the organizations working to make Guthrie County a better place.

The application process for 2025 begins Nov. 13.  For more information, contact the Guthrie County Community Foundation at gccfoundation@gmail.com or visit desmoinesfoundation.org/affiliates/guthrie-county.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Thursday, Nov. 21, the Panora Library Foundation is sponsoring a free performance of “Garbo, the Musical,” an original solo musical based on the life of Greta Garbo. Jillian Gabrielle will perform the production, which is based on the life of the famous Swedish-born actress who lived from 1905-1990 and was a major film star and model prior to World War II. Although Garbo retired from movies early in life, she continued to be in the public eye for many years.

The performance will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Panora Community Center. To reserve a spot, call the Panora Library at 641-755-2529.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Nov. 6, a total of 13 players participated. Bruce Bailey got a 21. Dennis Betts, Wayne Nickel and Rhonda Titus each had 16s. Lela Schwartz got a 16 and a 20. Sandy Rumelhart pulled in a 24.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m., at the New Homestead independent living rec room at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays, and at the Guthrie Center Activity Center at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.