Nadine died May 26, 2016. She was born on April 1, 1930 to Oakley and Violet (Beranak) Payne in Washington, Iowa. She and Jack D. Harris were married June 20, 1953. They had five children: Tony, David, Brian, Greg, and Elizabeth. The family lived in Monroe County.
Nadine gave piano lessons and played at church services in Lovilia, Bussey, Omaha, NE, and at Albia Baptist Temple. In addition she played for weddings, funerals, and as accompanist for many students in band contests.
She is survived by children: Tony (Kathy) Harris of Arkansas City, KS; David Harris of Lakewood, CO; Brian (Mindy) Harris of Albia, IA; Greg Harris of Kansas City, KS; and Elizabeth (Robert) Kusterer of St. Louis, MO. Also, she leaves many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and two step great grandchildren
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, one daughter in law, and one grandson.
A memorial service was held June 11, 2016 at Albia Baptist Temple. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Albia Baptist Temple in her honor. (FYI no burial information in the obit)
Virginia R. Weldon dies
Virginia R. Weldon passed away at her Lovilia home on June 8, 2016. She had battled cancer for six years. Her birthplace was Ottumwa, Iowa and her parents were Arthur and Evelyn (Zumalt) McMillen. Her date of birth was January 4, 1941.
She was a graduate of Albia High School. Virginia married Danny Weldon in 1957. They were blessed with three sons.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Danny; son, Jeff (Deanna) Weldon; son, Bryan (Vonda) Weldon; son, Randy(Luann)Weldon; sister, Joyce (Jim) Harrison, sister, Delores Sullivan; brother, Jess (Debbie) McMillen; and many grandchildren and friends.
Preceding her in death were: her parents, a granddaughter, Ashley; a brother, Tom McMillen; a half-brother, Jack McMillen; and a half-sister, Marilyn Carson.
As per her request, she was cremated and Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Raymond Doser officiating at Sinnott Funeral Home, Gilbert chapel in Lovilia. Visitation will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at the Gilbert Chapel in Lovilia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Lovilia United Methodist Women, Lovilia Community Building, Lovilia Park Commission, or an organization of your choice is suggested. (FYI no burial info. in the obit)
Potato Supper Results
The potato supper held June 8, 2016 was a fundraiser to help pay for the insurance and maintenance of the Lovilia Community building. Approximately 90 dinners were served which after expenses raised $294.76. Volunteers felt the low turnout maybe due to so many children and families being away at ballgames and farmers in the field. They will try to plan another dinner for February 2017 and hope for a bigger turnout. Thanks to all who did volunteer to work, donate desserts, and come eat.
Lovilia House Demolished
The former Shorty and Irene Goodwin house on back street (F Avenue) was taken down last week due to its falling into poor condition. The lot has been smoothed and leveled out. Current owners are Ken and Brenda Chilton.
T-Ball Games in Lovilia
Attendance by parents, grandparents, and Lovilians at Tuesday’s game , June 14th,at the Lovilia ball diamond was good. The little kids are learning the basics of the game. They play three innings. Each batter gets five pitches and if he has not hit the ball, he can then hit the ball off of a t. It is fun to watch as you have no idea what will happen. Some batters get a hit without the t, some with the t, and then they go to base with some reminders along the way to keep going and stop on the base. One player pushed another player and the coach had to prevent a fist fight by picking up the one and holding on to his shoulders to keep him in his fielding position. One baseman spent the entire inning squatting down and playing with the rocks around the base. One runner was passed by the next runner who had hit a homer and the first runner just slowly plodded around the bases unconcerned. But I wish all ballgames were like T-ball. The coaches were kind and patient. Parents encouraged but not critical of the players. Kids played for the sake of playing with no cares of wins or losses. It is all good.
There are two home games left. Hope you can see one. Games are on Tuesdays, June 21 and June 28 at 6pm start and are done by 8pm. The two Lovilia teams both play. Ninjas and Lil Lions. The concession stand next to the field is open too for hot dogs, nachos, drinks, or candy and run by volunteers. Play ball!! It is like watching a living, breathing, Norman Rockwell painting. It will just make you smile.
Pop Can Collection again July 9
To have cans picked up call Loita Williams from 9am-noon. Or she can pickup before the 9th if you call her. Her number is 946-7940.
New Priest to Arrive to Serve at St. Peter’s
The current priest, Father Pat Lumsden, will be retiring from the priesthood on June 30th. He has served the local parish for several years. Assigned to take his place is Father Mark Yates who will be arriving July 1 to settle in to the rectory at St. Peter’s Church.
Father Pat plans to move to a condo at North Liberty, Iowa. Father Mark is moving from St. Joseph, MO to join us here in Lovilia. He is a Precious Blood congregation priest as is Father Mike of St. Mary’s , Albia. We wish Father Pat a restful retirement and we welcome Father Mark to our community.
Statistics can be Surprising and Interesting
From the web site of the think tank, Economic Policy Institute, Monroe County is listed as to income from all the counties in the United States.
The county with the residents with the highest income is listed as number one and then down from that. Monroe county is the 1303 rd down from the top. ( By comparison Jefferson co. (Fairfield, IA) is 128, Polk co.,(Des Moines) is 968.
The average income of the top 1% of residents in Monroe co. is $516,504. The average income of the bottom 99% of residents is $36,826. The ratio of the 1% to the 99% is 14/1 times larger income.
You can research this yourself for any state or county. It surprised me that Polk was not the top Iowa county. Shows we all assume things that the facts do not support.
Lovilia Fall Festival Planning Update
A new t-shirt will be chosen at the July meeting with a new design. The same band will play this September as last year. This includes Paul Hatfield, John Bain, and Bobby Morney as local musicians. Other acts will be included and announced here when confirmed.
The parade has been changed from night to day at 1pm. People liked last year’s night parade but many entrants did not have lights or know how to attach them which made them hard to see. It was decided to have a day parade this year and then let people tell us which they like best for future festivals. Ryan Shaw has offered to be parade line up chairman.
Food will be available in the community building from 11am until 6:30pm. There will be merchandise vendors along main street (E Ave.) near city hall area. Car show, 4-H bake sale, bags tournament, firemen water fights, and kids games are all planned too.
If you want to send a donation to support the festival, send it to:
Sadie Dykstra, PO Box 142, Lovilia, IA. 50150.
Lovilia Community Building Update
A new water heater has been installed in the kitchen to replace the two small ones installed over 30 years ago when the building was constructed. It is an electric one and should provide a good supply of hot water when the building is being used.
New water faucets have also been installed in the men’s and woman’s bathrooms to replace the 30+ year old fixtures.
Next meeting will be July 11 at 6:30pm at the community building. If you want to help, come join the meeting. If you have suggestions for what other needs should be fulfilled at the building or in town, let the committee know. Thank you to the volunteers who hung the flags for Memorial day, flag day, and Fourth of July holidays. It looks so nice.