A Publication of the Epworth Community Historical Society Volume 2, Issue 4

February 2015

The Voice Yesterday / Today / Tomorrow

Available on the web @ www.ci.epworth.ia.us

Happy President's Month

Inside this issue: Epworth Cares…

3

News Around Town

4

Town & Country

5

Business Highlights

6

Fire Dept.

7

City News

8

Dog Park

9

Library

10-11

Divine Word College

12-13

Minister’s Musings

of Progress

14

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A special thank you from Santa to: The City of Epworth Epworth Fire Department Epworth Head Start Epworth Family Dentistry John White Legion Post Wayne Marxen Tim Connolly Jane Sweeney Rhonda Deutmeyer Karen Conrad Kara Sperflage Amanda Healy Barb Kline Ellen Koerperich Dakota Koerperich Deb & Lilly Connolly, and many others who help make this event a success every year.

Tom Wickham. Aka: Abe Lincoln Who's our greatest president? Former WDHS history teacher Tom Wickham, who is an Abe Lincoln reenactor, will say it is the rail-splitter from Illinois--Honest Abe. As the Farley principal in the mid-80s, the fifth grade teachers asked if they could bring the General US Grant reenactor to Farley rather than take their classes by bus to visit the Galena historic sites. A full day of activities was planned, and soon a 6 foot 5 inch tall principal was coaxed into delivering the famous address of the sixteenth president. Betty LeClere, the hot lunch supervisor, was Julia Dent Grant, and parents with horses and a wagon added to the finished production. President Lincoln arrived on his horse accompanied by a military escort of four men in full military dress, supplied by Civil War historian Bill Corbin from Monticello. All went well, even after Abe's horse reared up in front of the second graders crowded on the lawn in front of the school. Fast forward fifteen years to Tom's wife, Brenda, volunteering her husband for Lincoln duty again. As well as the Farley School, he also presented to their grandkids' classes at Seton and Peosta schools. With Tom's love of history and the presidency, he began to share Abe Lincoln's life, the Civil War, and the battle over slavery with school and community groups in Iowa and Florida. He varies his program to each group, depending on the audience. When doing a program for fifty retired sisters and former teachers at Mt. St. Francis, he finished with the Gettysburg Address. As he recited the famous two minute speech, he noticed nearly every sister mouthing the words along with him. A recent presentation to Dubuque NAMI (mental health) group focused on "Lincoln's Melancholy." As a lover of history, Tom has enjoyed sharing his stories of the sixteenth president and his historic presidency during his 150th anniversary year.

THE VOICE OF PROGRESS

Epworth Community Historical Society PO Box 434, Epworth, IA 52045 The Voice of Progress is a quarterly publication. Issues will be published in August, November, February, and May. Stories, letters and articles of interest are always welcome. The Voice of Progress may edit for space and clarity and reserves the right not to print an article for any reason. All submitted articles and columns reflect the views and opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the Voice of Progress. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. Neither the publisher or the advertisers will be held liable for errors.

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Friends of The Historical Society The Historical Society would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the paper. Your dollars help with the publishing of this paper. Thank you very much for your support. The Epworth Community Historical Society is a non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible, up to 50% of your income. Please support our sponsors.

Our Dono

rs

Friends: Evelyn Edge, Lyle & Pat Heiderscheit, Sandra Stoneking, Mary Kay Then Patrons: Sponsor: Supporter: ECHS Benefactor: Patrick Clements

Contributions Up to and including $10.00 - Friend $11.00 to $25.00 - Patron $26.00 to $50.00 - Sponsor $51.00 to $99.00 - Supporter $100.00 & up - ECHS Contributor/Benefactor

Want a subscription to the VOICE OF PROGRESS mailed four times a year (February, May, August, November)? Complete the request below and enclose a $10 check to E.C.H.S. , PO Box 2, Epworth, IA 52045

Enclosed is my contribution of $________ I would like to help: Defray the cost of publishing and mailing the Voice of Progress. Support the historical museum VOP out-of-town subscription request/renewal

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E.C.H.S. Donations Please enclose $10 for each annual subscription Name: Address: City: Zip Code:

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Thank you for your support. Please make checks payable to E.C.H.S. and mail to:

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Judy Berger PO Box 2 Epworth, IA 52045

E.C.H.S. Article Submissions and Advertising Rates Anyone wishing to donate items to E.C.H.S. call Bill Beyer @ 876-3213. Any donation of $100 or more to the ECHS is remembered with an engraved nameplate in the display case at the Gateway or on a nameplate at the Historical Society. Annual Advertising rates (4 editions): $60 for a business card size and $30 for a half business card size ad. Voice of Progress is published quarterly (Feb, May, Aug, Nov). To advertise your Business call Deb Connolly @ 744-3158.

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EPWORTH CARES... “The capacity to care is the thing that gives life its deepest meaning and significance."“ - Pablo Casals

Hometown Heroes Everyone would like to think his or her life has changed someone else's for the better, but most of us never know for sure. Tuesday, December 30, 2015, assured Tom and Sandy Gassman that not only had they changed someone's life, they had saved someone's life. Tom, former Epworth mayor, and Sandy, former Western Dubuque Middle School teacher, were traveling west of Farley when the car in front of them left the roadway and entered the ditch. Tom called 911, while Sandy ran to the car and helped the man exit the vehicle shortly before it caught fire less than a minute later. Mark Schuster, from Dyersville, was soon aided by paramedics and on his way to the hospital. In their humble manner, the Gassmans say they just did what anyone would do if they saw an accident; however, Epworth will always think of them as two of our hometown heroes. (picture: courtesy of the Dyersville Commercial/Cascade Pioneer)

Besler Donation The Holy Cross semi-pro baseball team hosted a tournament the weekend of July 31, 2014, in memory of Dawson Besler. He was a former member of the Holy Cross baseball team. Dan and Marilyn Besler donated the proceeds from the event to the Epworth Athletic Club. At the November meeting, Marilyn Besler presented a check in the amount of $2,521 to be used toward future improvement projects at Centennial Park. The Epworth Athletic Club would like to thank all who participated in the tournament and the Besler family for the generous donation in memory of Dawson Besler.

Food Pantry Serves Local Communities Midwest people are known for their work ethic and “do it myself” attitude. Though proud of this fact, this same pride can get in the way of asking for help when needed. Putting that pride aside, tears of appreciation often follow when someone in need is handed a box of food and paper goods from the Epworth Community Food Pantry supplies. Began in 1998 to help those in need in the Epworth, Farley, Peosta, Placid, Bankston, and Graf areas, the community food pantry operates out of the lower level of the St. Elizabeth Pastorate Office under the direction of Judy Thurm (876-3227)), Lois Smith (876-3712), June Brandenburg (876-5562), and Jane Smith (876-3269). Methodist, Catholic, and Lutheran churches, plus local grocery stores and banks all give leads for those in need as well as donations to keep the shelves supplied. Money donated provides for purchases from St. Stephen's food bank in Dubuque. At Christmas time, the Epworth food pantry crew joins forces with the Dyersville food pantry to provide Christmas baskets to families and gifts for children under fourteen. During the summer months, donations are leaner, so food drives held during the summer are greatly appreciated. The pantry is open by appointment, simply by calling one of the ladies listed above. All information about the food pantry can be accessed on the city's webpage at http://www.epworthiowa.org/ under community outreach.

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NEWS AROUND TOWN Sewing, Visiting, Helping Do you like to do crafts? Cut out patterns? Sew? Visit? Would you like to learn to sew? Then here is the perfect activity for you! On the second Thursday of every month, a group of people gather in St. Patrick's Church Hall to create baby blankets and buntings, bibs, and burp cloths. Rita Klostermann began this venture to provide items for babies being helped through Mary's Inn, Birthright, and Right to Life, all in Dubuque. The group meets from 9 to 4. Volunteers can come for the day or just an hour or two, whatever works into someone's schedule. It is helpful to bring your own scissors, pins, cutting mats, or sewing machine. Donations of material, batting, or thread are also appreciated. If you don't have the time to help, but would like to donate any of these items, they can be dropped off at the St. Elizabeth Pastorate Office in Epworth. This is a great opportunity to get out of the house for the day while helping a good cause. Dorothy Klostermann, Sandy Baumhover, and Ellen Koerperich tie baby blankets on Thursday, January 9, 2015.

Gateway Gardner News As snow and cold temperatures cover our fair town of Epworth THINK SPRING, THINK FLOWERS AND GREEN GRASS, THINK GARDENS!!! If you have a green thumb but no space to use it, there are a couple of volunteer opportunities you and your family could participate in, such as planting and maintaining one of the many concrete flower pots around town or adopting one of the beautiful flower beds around the Gateway on Jacoby Drive. Both opportunities involve planting, weeding, and watering as needed. If interested, please contact City Hall for details. Speaking of springtime, flowers, and warmer weather, the Gateway Gardeners will be having a 6:30 meeting March 2nd at City Hall to plan spring and summer happenings. If your green thumb won’t stop itching, please come and join us.

Follow-up on the Freedom Rock As reported in the November issue of the Voice of Progress, Epworth will soon be displaying Dubuque county's Freedom Rock in front of our city hall. Cyndi McDermott reports she is in the fundraising stage of the project. Seven hundred and fifty pavers are being sold at $50 each. Each brick will be imprinted with a veteran's name. Veterans can be living or deceased. These pavers will be cemented into the base upon which the rock will stand. Cyndi is hoping all the pavers will be sold by early April, so that the rock will be in place this spring. If anyone would like to buy a paver to honor a veteran you know, please contact Cyndi at 581-5446. Ray Sorensens' first Freedom Rock, 1999. (“The Freedom Rock” is a registered trademark and is used with permission).

Easter Egg Hunt The Easter Bunny will be coming to Epworth on Saturday, March 28th, 2015, at the Tower Park at 11:00 AM. To see our furry friend, and share all the goodies he brings to our town, plan on being on time. There is always plenty for everyone, but the Easter egg hunt does not last long. Each child should bring a bag to collect all the goodies and toys. Watch for posters for updates on this event. In case of inclement weather, instructions will be posted on the city web site. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures after the egg hunt. Anyone who would like to help with this event can contact Deb Connolly at 744-3148.

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and Town and Country Days Planning Begins submitted by Dawn Kress The initial planning for Epworth 2015 Town and Country Days began on January 13, 2015, at 6:15 PM with a meeting at Weber's Bar & Grill. Members for this year's committee are Jill Herbst, Jodi Hallahan, Leslie Klinkhammer, Jack Silker, Roger and Rachel Weber, Rod Berger, Paul Kremer, Lloyd McDermott, Judy Callahan, and Dawn Kress. Jill Herbst reviewed last year's profit and donations will be made as follows: 1) $2000 will be put towards four light poles on Jacoby Drive 2) $2000 will be given to the Athletic Club and 3) $1700 will be given to the Epworth Garden Club. Judy Callahan asked for donation ideas for 2015 stating that City Hall had forwarded the following ideas: 1) New picnic tables for Tower Park 2) East side playground equipment 3) Dog Park fence 4) Trail lighting for Jacoby Drive Committee members brought up other ideas such as donating money towards the Historical Society, assisting Western Dubuque Marching Bands purchase new band uniforms, and also looking at other organizations within our Epworth community. Ideas for the parade theme were also brainstormed and included circus, carnival, 80’s, 70’s, disco, sports, or reality TV shows. The parade theme will be finalized at the February meeting. The committee would also like to finalize the decision about the Grand Marshall at next month's meeting. Contacts are being made for bands for Friday night from 6-10 PM and Saturday afternoon entertainment from 2 till 5 PM. Please send any suggestions for the parade theme, Grand Marshals, entertainment, or projects or organizations to give some of the profit to from our 2015 event to [email protected] It has been brought to the committee's attention that the cost of the bracelets for the bounce houses seems tto be getting expensive at $15 per bracelet per child. Other options were discussed such as asking for a sponsor to cover some of the costs and asking LT Amusements for different or fewer inflatables/bounce houses. Jill Herbst will be looking into advertising soon. The committee is looking for vendors to attend the event, please contact [email protected] if interested. Vendor fee is $30 and a 10% donation from profits. The vendor form will be updated. We look forward to having Tony Hoefer join our committee and are always looking for others. If interested, please join us at our next meeting which will be held at the Pizza Factory on February 24th at 6:15 PM.

Kramers Car Wash 520 Richards Dr. Epworth, IA

Full Service Car Wash

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Business Highlights

D N K Auto David and Kayla Landry opened D N K Auto in November 2014 at 306 N Center Ave (previously Denny Driscoll’s place). David comes to us with 19 plus years of mechanic experience and loves being in our small town of Epworth. He offers service on “anything with an engine” including but not limited to cars, trucks, semis, ATV’s; diesel and gas. With a wide range of available services D N K will be able to meet your auto mechanic needs! Complete auto repair and services available include: transmissions, clutches, brakes, struts, shocks, suspension, tune-ups, breakdowns, oil changes, lights, water and fuel pumps, belts, fans, starters, air conditioning, wheel bearings, axles, rods, and ball joints. David uses Computer diagnostics to help determine the scope of your auto mechanic needs. Call or stop in for estimates. Telephone : 563-845-8070 Hours: Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Welcome to Epworth, David and Kayla!

Weber’s Bar Rachel and Roger Weber have been at 107 W. Main Street- Weber’s Bar (and Grill) serving our local favorites and quenching our thirst since October 2013. Their delicious menu includes daily lunch specials such as chicken pot pie, pot roast & veggies, pizza /pasta buffet, burgers, spaghetti, lasagna, and chicken bacon ranch sandwich/fries. Pizzas, wraps, appetizers, and cheese sticks and other snack foods are always available. Watch for daily lunch specials and other events at “Weber’s Bar & Grill” on Google or Facebook. I’m told the favorite, most commonly ordered pizza, is the Chicken Bacon Ranch. Yum Yum! (If you haven’t tried it yet, put it on your bucket list of foods to try). Other popular pizzas are Philly Cheese Steak, Hawaiian Delight, and Bacon Cheeseburger. Weber’s Bar is very family oriented so bring your family for an evening of food and relaxation. The larger back room with a capacity of approximately 90, which is available to rent, has been a gathering place for WD High School activities, bridal showers, and other family occasions. Did you know that Weber’s Bar provides all pizzas served at the Grand Harbor Water Park? Just think, you can get the pizza- without the park- just by visiting Weber’s bar right here in Epworth! Telephone: 876-9625 Hours: Daily- 11 a.m.- ? Weekends-11 a.m.-2:00 a.m. Welcome to Epworth, Rachel and Roger!

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Epworth Fire Department News By Fire Chief Thomas I. Berger

2014 ended up being one of the busiest years on record for the Epworth Fire Department. We responded to 192 calls for service over the past twelve months. Only once in the history of the department did we respond to 200 calls or more. Almost 80% of the calls were for the ambulance service, which is typical. We have seen a rise in the ambulance calls and a decrease in the fires, which is a trend that has been going on for years. In January, we held our annual recognition Presidents Party. During the ceremony, Firefighter/Paramedic Andy Sprengelmeyer was awarded the 2014 Firefighter of the Year. Andy is a 10 year veteran of the department and takes on numerous extra tasks to make sure the ambulances are equipped and ready for responses. Tom Hancock recently retired from the department and was honored for 45 years of service, including 16 years as the Fire Chief. Tom dedicated his life to public service and will now continue as a Dubuque County Supervisor. Firefighter Kevin Anstoetter was recognized for serving 25 years on the department. We thank and honor all of our volunteers and their families for the many sacrifices and hours they donate to the community. President Dale Snyder thanked and recognized all the wives and families for their patience and understanding. This is essential when you have a volunteer firefighter or EMS member in the family. The training, meetings, and the calls for service are demanding of the volunteers’ time and their families sacrifice by allowing the members to attend. The Epworth Fire Department is starting the process to prepare for our annual fund-raising season. We do have a change for the dance this year. It will be moved from the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. It will be held on Friday, May 22nd. We hope this will improve attendance for the dance, as we will use it to “kickoff” the first big weekend of the summer. The 67th annual Epworth Firemen’s Picnic and Silent Auction will be held at the Epworth Fire Station on Friday, July 10th. The silent auction has developed into the most important part of the picnic. Homemade items and woodworking items are the most popular items for auction. As the winter months drag on and you are working in your wood shop, the fire department would appreciate if you would consider donating an item for the auction. We can accept and store items any time at the station for the auction. More information about these events will follow in the next issues of the Voice of Progress or on the website at www.epworthiowafire.org. We have a lot to be thankful for in the Epworth community. I would like to publicly thank our volunteer members for their dedication and commitment to make sure each call for service is answered promptly. The members are to be commended for giving freely of their time and talents to help people in our community. Our members do not receive any compensation for responding to calls. The requirements of being a volunteer firefighter or EMS member are unlike any other organization. We wish everyone a safe and wonderful winter and we hope that spring is just around the corner. Please check out our website at www.epworthiowafire.org for updates and information about the department.

HORSFIELD CONSTRUCTION, INC. 505 East Main St. PO Box 305 Epworth, IA 52045

Office (563) 876-3335 Fax (563) 876-3487 www.horsfieldinc.com

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CITY NEWSLETTER

February 2015

Visit the City website at www.epworthiowa.org for updates and more information.

PASSPORTS City Hall accepts passport applications on behalf of the US Department of State. US citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports during office hours. Contact us at 876-3320 or email [email protected] for more information. You will need a certified birth certificate, a driver license photo ID, and passport photos Calendar SPRING GARAGE SALES set for April 23-25, Thursday & Friday 4 pm - dusk, Saturday 8 - 11 am. Contact City Hall by April 6 to participate. A Goodwill truck will accept usable items on Saturday 11 am – 1 pm at the Community Center lot, 110 Bierman Road. Family Swimming at Divine Word College Indoor Pool on Thurs evenings 6:30 - 8:00 pm and Sundays 1:30 - 3:30 pm through April. All ages are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $2.00 each. If school is cancelled on the day of a family swim, there will be no program. Cancellations are posted at www.dwci.edu Open Burning Restrictions. The open burning of yard waste originating on the premises is permitted during daylight hours from April 1 to May 15. The burn site must be attended and reported to the County non-emergency dispatch by calling 583-1711. Yardwaste: Midwest Organic Solutions, located at 10166 Hartbecke Road on Hwy 20, accepts FREE drop-off of residential yard debris: grass, leaves, brush, compostable material, during business hours Mon-Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, and Saturday 8-11:30 am. Curbside pickup is available by the Epworth garbage hauler with the purchase of $2.00 yellow tags sold at City Hall. Large Item Disposal: $1.00 tag for each 50 pounds; tags sold at Quik ‘n Handi and City Hall. Appliance tags are required for large appliance disposal at $10 each and are only available at City Hall Electronics will be picked up for recycling, but items with a circuit board or picture tube will require a fee. Laptops, small monitors and TV's require a $5 disposal tag and a TV or monitor 27" or more will require a $15 disposal tag. All other electronics, such as printers, towers, and VCRs, will not require a fee at this time. Glass is accepted for recycling by our hauler. Test your home for RADON. Kits are available for Epworth residents at City Hall for a cost of $5.00 each. The Phil Silker Pavilion, located in Tower Park, is available for your next gathering. Bookings will be taken at City Hall. Carry-in food and beverages are allowed. Trees Forever. Our local committee has applied for funds through Black Hills Energy to offer a $50.00 rebate toward the purchase of shade trees purchased at a certified nursery. Please contact City Hall at 876-3320 for details.

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Storm water (including gutters and sump pumps) must be discharged on your own property and may not be discharged, drained, or directed onto public property or the private property of another party. Any discharge lines must terminate at least five (5) feet from a side yard or ten (10) feet from the front or rear yard if the slope is less than 3:1. For slopes greater than 3:1, these measurements apply from the top of the slope. No connections are allowed into the street or city storm sewer system, including any city-owned or maintained pipe that may cross your property. Please contact City Hall for additional information. Lost and Found: A bracelet was found on East Main Street near the sidewalk October 6 th. Inquire at City Hall 876-3320. Property tax abatement incentives are available for new home construction and commercial improvements. Please contact City Hall for an application or more information. Please note that qualifying properties constructed during 2015 must apply by February 1, 2016 to be eligible.

Coming soon to a park near you Interested dog owners desiring to make their dogs healthier through exercise interactions with other dogs approached the Epworth Park and Recreation Board about the possibility of an off-leash dog park. The proposed off-leash dog park is located at the north end of Centennial Ballpark. Details are still in the planning stages, but to have a great park for our cooped up, leashed pets, we are looking for sponsors to help fund the purchase and installation of a chain link fence that will butt up against the ballpark fence already in existence. Estimated cost of the fence is $5300. Sponsors will be able to advertise on the east side of the fence once it is installed. Pet owners and other interested individuals wanting to donate to the cause are encouraged to contact Rick Horsfield (563-451-4608) Karen Horsfield (563-451-4609) or Janet Berger at City Hall (563-876-3320). Please see our Facebook page- Epworth Dog Park- for updates, to post comments, and pose questions.

Epworth Police Department NEWS Please remember to turn on your headlights on foggy mornings. Automatic headlights do not activate because of fog. As warmer weather approaches, there are more pedestrians out on the city's streets and sidewalks, be sure to obey speed and traffic signs when driving. Let’s make 2015 a safe year for everyone! James Kauffmann Epworth Police 563-876-3050

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The Dubuque County Library

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought it appropriate to share a Reader’s Digest list of some of the best all-time love stories. Most of these are available at your Epworth branch; curl up with one and re-kindle your romantic spirit! One of my favorites, Outlander, made the list, but another one about new love during the U.S. imprisonment of Japanese citizens during World War II, Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson, did not. If you don’t see your favorite love story, send me an e-mail at: [email protected] and let me know—I’ll add it to the display in the library. 1. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough 2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë/Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 3. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje 4. True Believers by Nicholas Sparks 5. The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles 6. Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts 7. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro 8. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 9. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 10. Follow the Stars Home by Luanne Rice For information on any of the above titles, feel free to stop in or call the library.

What I’m Reading Now. . . I just finished Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger and was sorry to see this satisfying story end. The tale takes place on/near the lake of the Woods in Minnesota/Canada. I could easily put myself in the environment of this murder mystery because I’ve been on that vast body of water. The story begins on the day of an actual monstrous storm, called a derecho, which hit the Boundary Waters area in July, 1999. A family vacationing on a houseboat finds themselves caught in the storm and also in the bizarre events that follow. Fast-paced, not predictable, and well-written, it was a quick, rewarding read, and I look forward to what Krueger will have Cork O’Connor involved in next. —Kathy

Donuts with the Director Do you have questions or comments about your Epworth Library? Stop in and meet our Dubuque County Library Director, Michael Wright, for donuts and coffee on Saturday, February 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. He’s a nice guy, I promise, and he wants to chat with you about our library and how we serve the Epworth area.

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Tech Time at the Library Did you get an eReader for Christmas and haven’t gotten around to figuring out how to download a book? Or maybe you just want to know more about social media. Stop by the Epworth Branch on Saturday, February 21, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the library’s services, especially our eResources. (Note: This event follows our “Donuts with the Director” at 10:00 a.m., so feel free to come then, have a donut, and ask any tech questions while you’re here.)

Upcoming Events at the Epworth Branch Family Story Time (ages 18 months—early elementary) Mondays, February 2 & 16, and March 2 & 16, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Join us for silly stories and rhymes then sing along to some catchy songs, and more. Please call ahead to register. Donuts with the Director Saturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. Let Mike buy you a donut and a cup of coffee! He’s easy to talk to and wants to know more about Epworth and how the library can meet your needs. Tech Time Saturday, February 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Our resident tech expert is on hand to answer questions, give demonstrations, or explain how to use your newest gadget. Stop by and stump her! Movie Night Thursday, February 26, March 26, April 23, 7-8:45 p.m. See new releases of family movies at your library for free! A snack is also provided. Participants may bring a drink with a re -sealable lid. No registration required. Craft Night @ Your Library (ages 6th grade & older) Thursday, March 12, April 9, 6-7:30 p.m. Work on your own projects, discover a new activity or learn a seasonal craft. Get away for some “you” time this winter— we’re always working on something fun. Please call ahead to register. Dubuque County Library, Epworth Branch 110 Bierman Rd. S. E. 563-876-3388 www.dubcolib.lib.us.ia Hours Monday 9-12; 3-7 Tuesday and Thursday 3-7 Wednesday 9-6 Saturday 9-1

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DIVINE WORD COLLEGE 50th Anniversary Events Continue at DWC The second half of the academic year is underway, highlighted by the final group of events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Divine Word College. The celebration began last August with Epworth’s annual Town and Country Parade, followed by the All-Alumni Reunion over Labor Day weekend. In early September, Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackals was an honored guest of the college along with leaders of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in North America for Family Feast, which commemorates the founding of the society. In October, Mission Sunday drew hundreds of people to Mass and the International Food Fest that followed. In November, recording artist Fr. Raul Caga, SVD—known as the “Singing Priest of the Philippines”—traveled to the DWC for a special concert that included many of our students. Events resumed in 2015 with Immigration Week, from January 16-23, which focused on Catholic social teachings regarding immigration. The activities included a presentation, movie, and discussions as well as prayer for solutions to immigration issues around the world. For the rest of the academic year, events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Divine Word College include: 

Saturday, February 21 - Lunar New Year 3 p.m. – Mass 4:30 p.m. – Banquet and Entertainment Lunar New Year will be celebrated with Mass followed by the banquet and entertainment from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the gymnasium. This year, we not only celebrate the Year of the Goat, but also commemorate the arrival of the first Vietnamese student to arrive at DWC in 1975, as partof the 50th Anniversary of Divine Word College.

Tickets are free but required and need to be picked up in person at the front office at DWC. They will be available beginning February 2. 

Saturday, March 28 – Lecture 10:30 a.m. Noted lecturer Fr. Roger Schroeder, SVD, professor of Intercultural Studies and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, will present “Interculturality and Prophetic Dialogue: Culture Intersecting with Theology.” Fr. Schroeder has given talks and workshops in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United States, and Vietnam.

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Friday, April 24 – Concert 7 p.m. Musicologist and missionary to South America, Fr. Piotr Nawrot, SVD, will lead a truly unique performance of beautiful 16th Century Baroque-style music compositions, created by the Native-American, Chiquitanias people. Centuries ago, Spanish missionaries encouraged the people to write the music, which includes masses, operas, sonatas, and instrumental music for the liturgical year, and often incorporated native language and musical instruments.



Holy Land Tour – SOLD OUT Friday, May 16 - Monday, May 25 The pinnacle event of the 50th Anniversary celebration, Divine Word College will host a faith-filled Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Guiding the tour will be Fr. vanThanh Nguyen, a graduate of DWC, member of its board of trustees, and New Testament scholar at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Fr. Tim Lenchak, SVD, president of Divine Word and an Old Testament scholar, will co-host the trip. The tour is full, but there is a waiting list. Contact Mark Singsank at [email protected] for more information.

February 18 Mass Time

Family Swimming at DWC for Spring 2015 Thursdays - 6:15-8:15

8:00 am

Sundays - 2:00-4:00

Investments

Moonen Law Office Licensed in Iowa and Illinois 111 West Main St PO BOX 57 Epworth, IA 52045 563.876.3451

Carol Heying, LUTCF Certified Senior Advisor

2993 Deerwood Circle Dubuque, IA 52003

*Securities offered through Broker Dealer Financial Services.

Maah’s Service

East Iowa Mechanical East Iowa Construction

Full Service Gasoline Light Auto Service & Repair Open M-Sat : 6:30AM - 6PM Sun : 8AM—Noon

119 W Main St Epworth, IA

(563) 876-3757

Ph. 563-583-4558

Plumbing • Heating & Cooling • Electrical Concrete Construction • Excavating

302 North Center Ave PO Box 59 Epworth, Iowa 52045

O 563.876.5573 F 563.876.9063

www.eastiowamech.com

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Minister’s Musings

Pastor Stephanie Schlimm

Focus on Friendships Throughout the Gospels, we find stories of Jesus inviting people to follow him. These followers always became friends. As the story goes on, we learn that friendship is an essential part of life with Jesus. This has caused me to reflect on the gifts of friendship in my own life. I’m learning and re-learning that my friends are the ones who will love and support me when I need them, and who challenge me when I’m being stubborn. They almost always help me to become a better version of myself. This makes me wonder what might change in our world, if we each invested more fully into the friendships with which God has blessed our lives. One of the greatest gifts of a smaller community like ours is the feeling that everybody knows everybody else. How might we reach out a little further? Instead of simply waving or nodding as someone passes us by, I invite you to stop and listen to one another for a bit. I will confess that I am often rushing from one place to the next, but I am going to spend some energy this season focusing on really paying attention to the people God blesses me with. I hope you will join me. If we each commit some energy to be truly devoted friends, I can only imagine how God’s love might be known throughout all our community.

In Peace

Epworth United Methodist Church Pastor Stephanie Schlimm--563-581-5512 (cell) Office: 563-876-3193

[email protected] New Website: www.eumc-ia.org AREA CLERGY Divine Word College Fr. James Bergin, SVD (563) 876-3353 New Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Nathan Frambach-interim pastor (563) 744-9160 St. Elizabeth Pastorate (Bankston, Epworth, Farley, Placid, Peosta) Pastor: Fr. Michael Schueller, sacramental priest: Fr. John Haugen (563) 876-5540 United Methodist Church Pastor Stephanie Schlimm (563) 876-3193

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/epworthumciowa

St. Elizabeth Pastorate Mass times are as follows: Sat. St. Joseph, Farley St. John’s, Peosta Sun. St. Patrick’s, Epworth St. Joseph, Farley St. John’s, Placid St. Clement’s, Bankston St. John’s, Peosta St. John’s, Peosta

4:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 5:30 PM

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THE VOICE OF PROGRESS

Betty Mausser 11499 Gun Club Rd Epworth, IA 52045 563-876-3293 563-590-5699 [email protected] www.marykay.com/bettymausser

General Merchandise GENERAL

ELECTRIC

www.silkers.com

Independent Beauty Consultant

101 WEST MAIN (563) 876-5575 EPWORTH, IOWA 52045

Shop online with me 24/7

Epworth Family Chiropractic

Epworth TV & Satellite David Koerperich Owner

Satellite & Antenna Systems ٠ Sales & Service Work (563) 876-3147 Home (563) 876-3117 Fax (319) 876-3147 [email protected]

Mary Jo Kelchen, D.C. 116 W. Main St PO Box 282 Epworth, IA 52045

103 East Main Epworth, IA 52045

Office (563) 876-3231 1-877-277-9119

THE PIZZA FACTORY 104 N. Center Ave. Epworth

876-3153 Pizza, Chicken, Seafood Sandwiches, Salads & Mexican

Kim’s Kreations

Epworth Family Dentistry, P.C.

110 North Center Ave. PO Box 301 Epworth, Iowa 52045

255 BIERMAN RD. EPWORTH, IOWA 52045

(563) 876-3078 Kim Simon - Owner

TELEPHONE (563) 876-3396

Dr. Kim D. Kissell, D.D.S. Dr. Ryan Oetken, D.D.S.

Highview Cemetery A Non-Denominational Community Cemetery

More info, contact Bob Rolwes, President 876-3463

Margaret Stocks, Secretary 876-5525

EASTERN IOWA DAIRY SYSTEMS, INC. 105 3rd Ave NW

PO BOX 273

Epworth, IA 52045

Jim Siegert & Wayne Meyer Office: 563.876.3087

GEA Milking & Cooling WestfaliaSurge

Email: [email protected]

GEA Farm Technologies - The right choice.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US Postage Paid Epworth, IA Permit # 10

Epworth Community Historical Society PO Box 434 Epworth, IA 52045 110 Bierman Rd.- Suite C

Bill Beyer, President 876.3213 Deb Connolly, Vice President 744.3158 Tom Simpson, Secretary/Treasurer 876.3160

ECR WSS

Museum tours offered by appointment Bill Beyer

563-876-3213

Voice of Progress Dianne McDermott

876.3721

Sandy Kass

876.3103

Judy Berger

876.3689

Judy Then

876.3530

Postal Patron Epworth, IA 52045

“Bread of Life” Free bakery items Monday evenings 5:30-6:30 Tuesday mornings 8:30-9:30 Epworth United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

HAVE YOU BEEN TO MUSIC AND A MEAL YET? Come join in the fun! Cook, Serve, Deliver, and Dine .

Community Meal Delicious, Nutritious and Free Serving Fridays 11:30-1:00 Deliveries available 563-876-3193 Epworth United Methodist Church Fellowship

Epworth Community Food Pantry The Epworth Community Food Pantry is available seven days a week for confidential assistance to those who need it. It is located in the St. Elizabeth Pastorate office basement. Please call any of the following for assistance: June 876-5562

Lois 876-3712

Judy 876-3227