Our Hometown • May 2023

JunqueFest

JunqueFest returns to Webster City for its eighth year, this Memorial Weekend at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds

Friday, May 26th Noon-8 p.m.

Saturday, May 27th 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Presented this year by The Trash Man

Webster City will offer two great days, and multiple ways, of shopping.

Here are some options:

• Architectural salvage

• Repurposed

• Local makers

• Antique farmhouse

• Vintage decor

• Artisanal jewelry

• Wine tasting

• Food vendors

• Live music

• Indoor and outdoor vendors

$1 admission, no charge for kids 12 and under; and the parking is free

Look

Who’s

Coming to JunqueFest

Crystal’s Collections

DH Designs

Goodness from the Goats

Josina Supplies LLC

Kona Ice of Central Iowa

Lila Rose Hair Accessories

Patina, Rust and Fairy Dust

Rag Rugs by Denny D

Shabby Bliss

Stripling Apiaries

The Grove Goods and Gallery

Tastefully Simple with Shelly

Wow DOnuts and More

Appliance Plus & US Cellular

Backcountry Winery

Bev’s Mercantile

Caliall Studio

Coleton X Arts

Crafty Jules Creations

Donut NV Central Iowa

El Taco Riendo

All Cultures Equal

Barnyard Steamworks

Boone River Rusticks

CJ Crafts

Color Street-Glittery Nail Gypsy

Connie’s Calico Creations

Creations from Sorrow Made with Loving Hands

Double M Concessions

Faith and the Farmhouse

Hacsaw Forge & Design

Kelly’s Country Relics

Legacy Quilts

Nebraska Flashbacks

North Iowa Freeze Dried

Pliner’s Kettle Korn

Scentsy

Sugarbox Treats

Tempel’s Timeless Treasures

The Upcycle Market

Willow Rock Country Store

All Stack Up

Annette’s Farm Finds

Baybees Nest

Brickyard Antiques

CK Finders

Corn Crib Creations

Handcrafted Wood Designs

J&J Candles

Lee Mae Boutique

Nokes Achers

Pickin Preacher

Shondel’s Stone Creations

Soldier Creek Winery

Sweet Treats

The Meat Wagon

Toots Antiques and Collectables

Young Living Essential Oils With Shelley

So Much More Than

Junque

By JANE CURTIS

JunqueFest returns this year with the promise of even more.

More activities – the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce is negotiating to make adult beverages available outdoors, according to Anna Woodward, Chamber director, with the opportunity for local nonprofits to help serve and keep the tips.

More music – Kris Karr, Chip Evans, Rod Johnson, and Bill Robb, will be sponsored collaboratively by local financial institutions to provide the two-day event’s soundtrack. More vendors – a fourth building has been added to the site plan at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 1200 Bluff St., Webster City.

More than junque awaits visitors Friday and Saturday, May 26 and 27. The hours Friday are from noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday the event is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s JunqueFest is sponsored in part by The Trash Man. Admission to the grounds is $1; there is no charge for children 12 and under. Parking is free.

JunqueFest is an annual undertaking that draws thousands of shoppers to Webster City on Memorial Weekend. It’s been doing so since 2014, though the pandemic year of 2020 was the exception.

The name, according to Mike Constant,

one of JunqueFest’s founders, was the fruit of collaboration, much like the event itself.

“I came up with the name based on several other shows happening around Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Junk was a big draw at the time, and I push location and local in my business, IowaAntiqueNetwork.com,” Constant, of Webster City, said. “Deb Brown came up with Fest, so I included it all together.” Brown was Chamber director at the time.

That first year, more than 50 vendors set up in downtown Webster City, drawing the thousands of people both Constant and Brown hoped would come.

In year two, 2015, the number of vendors rose to 80, the site changed to Wilson Brewer Historic Park, at the corner of Superior and Ohio streets, and the shoppers converged.

In that second year, JunqueFest organizers announced JunqueFest Too, which hosted vendors selling homemade crafts, goods and direct sale items. JunqueFest Too was located across Superior Street from the park at Carsten’s Auto Body and Customs and Doc’s Stop.

That cemented JunqueFest’s identity as an event that is about more than junque.

“Junquers” repurpose barn wood into hutches, bookshelves, and picture frames. They take items like vintage dressers and fix them up with the addition of chalk paint to make the old item look

new. They fashion lawn ornaments from old farm equipment.

JunqueFest moved to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in its 2021 return from the pandemic hiatus. Past vendors have come from all over Iowa, southeast Nebraska, central Illinois, central South Dakota, and Missouri.

“Some of these vendors said the name is so good that when they go to a show, they’ll bring 100 or so people along with them just to buy the stuff because they only do four or five shows a year,” Constant said.

With signage to help visitors find the vendors they seek, a map of the grounds accompanied by a vendor list, an ATM on site and a food court with tables, Webster City is ready with the metaphoric welcome mat.

In other words, company’s coming and they’re on the hunt for junque.

For more information, go online to visitwebstercityiowa.com or visit the Webster City Area Chamber Facebook page

Dessert is as easy as apple pie

The phrase “as American as apple pie” may lead one to believe that this classic dessert originated somewhere in the Americas. But this beloved dessert actually traces its origins to Europe. In fact, apples aren’t even native to North America, according to experts. Apple pie is categorized alongside baseball and Coca-Cola® as truly American, but even though it was brought over to the colonies with settlers, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the treat was established as a symbol of national pride. By then, this apple-filled pastry had cemented itself in popular cuisine, and has since been replicated and reimagined in more ways than one might imagine.

Most families have an apple pie recipe that they love. This recipe for “Grandma’s Apple Pie,” courtesy of the Vancouver-based food recipe blog, Spend with Pennies, by Holly Nilsson is one to add to your culinary repertoire.

Grandma’s Apple Pie

Servings: 8 slices

Double Crust Pie Pastry (see note below)

1 large egg, beaten

6 to 7 cups apples, peeled and sliced, about 2 pounds

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1⁄2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons flour

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.

2. Peel apples and cut in quarters. Remove the core and slice apples into 1⁄4-inch to 1⁄8-inch thick.

3. In a large bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss well to combine and set aside.

4. Roll half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the pastry dough. Fill with apple filling.

5. Roll the remaining crust and gently place it over the apple mixture. Seal the edges by gently pinching the top and bottom crusts together. You can fold or decorate the edges by crimping or pressing with a fork. Remove any excess dough.

6. Beat the egg and 2 teaspoons of water or milk. Cut 4 to 5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with egg mixture and sprinkle with sugar (optional).

7. Place the pie plate on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. This is optional but will catch any drips or spills.

8. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 375 F, and bake an additional 35 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.

9. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce if desired. Note: You can use a premade refrigerated pie crust for this pie, or try making a homemade pastry with the recipe below.

Flaky Homemade Pie Crust

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

7 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

7 tablespoons shortening, cubed

1⁄3 to 2⁄3 cups ice cold water

1. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl with a whisk.

2. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles the size of peas.

3. Add ice cold water a tablespoon at a time to one area of the dough and mix with a fork. Move to one side of the bowl and continue adding water just until dough is moistened (you don’t want it to be sticky).

4. Once mixed, use your hands to quickly and gently fold over the dough a couple of times. Divide into two balls.

5. Roll each of the balls into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Use as needed in your recipe, or wrap and refrigerate to use later.

CITY SCENE CITY SCENE CITYCITYSCENE SCENE

The Recreation and Public Grounds Department are made up of many opportunities and amenities for community members to enjoy. Throughout the community the city offers two recreational trail systems, 11 outdoor parks, an outdoor swimming pool and a recreation center.

The following are the parks and amenities that are offered:

Brewer Creek Park

• Enclosed shelter for rental

• 18-hole disc golf course

• Natural prairie area

• Brewer Creek trail

• Winter sledding on “Hospital Hill”

Kendall Young Park

• 4 Shelter opportunities – 3 for rental (2 enclosed, 1 open)

• Bathrooms open to the public during open season

• Girl Scout Lodge

• Horseshoe Pits (2)

• White Fox Creek winds through the park

• Sand volleyball court

• Playground equipment

Lions Stafford Park

• Playground equipment (handicap accessible)

• Basketball court

Nokomis Park/Middleton Sports Complex

• 2 baseball/softball diamonds

• Carl Rhoer ice skating/hockey rink (winter)

• Sand Volleyball courts (2)

• 2021 Playground equipment – including new swings sets, climbing equipment and large play structure

• Boone River Canoe access/Fishing access

• Boone River walking trail begins at Nokomis Park

West Twin Park

• Enclosed shelter for rental

• 2021 open shelter being built in Spring/Summer –will include public bathrooms, kitchenet area and covered shelter space

• Art in the Park

• Playground equipment

East Twin Park

• New playground equipment – including swing sets, climbing equipment and large play structure

• New fitness equipment area

• Skate Park

• Basketball Court

Wehrheim Park

• Playground equipment

• Open shelter

• 2021 asphalt basketball court to be installed

• Large green space for playing

Sketchley Park

• Dog Park

• Green Space

Riverside Park

• Boone River canoe access

• Educational wetlands for storm water run off

• Access to Boone River walking trail

Wilson Brewer Historic Park

• Open every Friday & Saturday beginning May 5th through September 30th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm

• Trail system within park

• Historical Buildings – Illinois Central Depot, first Hamilton County Courthouse, Mulberry Church Center, Harmony Center School, Jameson Log Cabin, Wilson Brewer/Jackson Groves Log Cabin & Burial Mound

• Illinois Central Caboose

All parks are open to the public from April 15th through October 15th. Rental of park shelters may be made by contacting Fuller Hall Recreation Center at (515) 832-9193. There are two recreational trail systems located within the city. The Brewer Creek Trail is a two-mile trail that winds through Brewer Creek Park and along Brewer Creek and continues around Graceland Cemetery. This is a highly popular inner trail used for biking, walking and running. Bike rentals are accessible at the trail head in the summer. The second recreational trail is the Boone River Trail. This trail begins at Nokomis Park and ends at Briggs Woods Park, spanning six miles of 10-foot-wide paved trail. This trail may be used for biking, running and walking. There are canoe access points along the trail to enter the Boone River. There will also be bike rentals available at Riverside Park. Both trails have beautiful scenery and opportunities to view wildlife.

The outdoor swimming pool will open June 5th to the public.

Summer Recreational Activities:

Adult Coed Sand Volleyball –

Begins Monday, June 5th

Adult Coed Slow Pitch Softball –

Begins Sunday, June 4th

Aquacise (Outdoor Pool) –June, M W F 11:30-12:30

Youth Baseball–

Begins Monday, June 5th

Youth Softball –

Begins Thursday, June 1st

Youth Tennis –

Begins July 17th thru 28th

9:00-10:00 2nd, 3rd & 4th grades

10:00-11:00 5th & 6th grades

Aquatots – June 12- June 28th

5:00-5:30 6 months – 2 years

5:30-6:00 3 and 4 year olds

The Fuller Hall Recreation Center is open to the public year-round. It provides an indoor gymnasium, racquetball courts (2), 25-meter indoor swimming pool (closed during summer months), cardio room and weight room. The center also provides a game room and a tv lounge.

Summer dates & hours are as follows:

Beginning Monday, June 5th

Monday-Friday: 6:00am-7:00pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

LET’S EAT

Our Hometown Recipe Corner

Sandwich ideal for picnic dinners

Opportunities for enjoying sunshine and fresh air abound in spring and summer. Who wants to be stuck indoors when the weather is pleasant? People engage in all sorts of activities while enjoying Mother Nature, including dining outside.

When it comes to picnics or meals enjoyed at the beach or on park benches, portability reigns supreme. This makes sandwiches the ultimate go-to. Sandwich ingredients do not need to be limited to cold cuts or tuna salad. This recipe for a “Roasted Vegetable Focaccia Sandwich” from “The Pampered Chef® Stoneware Inspirations” (The Pampered Chef®, Ltd.) by The Pampered Chef® Test Kitchens puts vegetables front and center.

Roasted Vegetable Focaccia Sandwich

6 servings

1 medium eggplant

1 large zucchini

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, pressed Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

2 balls fresh mozzarella cheese (8 ounces), sliced

1 medium tomato, sliced

1 71⁄2-inch loaf focaccia bread (about 12 ounces)

1⁄4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

1⁄2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Cut eggplant and zucchini crosswise into 1⁄4-inch-thick slices. Combine eggplant, zucchini and oil in a mixing bowl. Press garlic into mixing bowl using a garlic press; toss to coat. Season with salt and black pepper, if desired.

2. Arrange vegetables in a single layer on a stoneware bar pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender and deep golden brown. Remove from oven to a cooling rack; cool slightly.

3. Meanwhile, cut mozzarella and tomato into 1⁄4-inch-thick slices. Cut bread in half horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on cut surfaces.

4. To assemble sandwich, arrange basil leaves, vegetables, tomato slices, and mozzarella slices over bottom half of bread. Top with top half of bread. Cut into slices and serve.

Photo #1

by Jim Miller

How to Prepare a Will

Dear Savvy Senior

, I would like to make my last will and testament and would like to know if I can do it myself, or do I need to hire a lawyer?

Don’t Have Much

SAVVY SENIOR

Dear Don’t,

Very good question! Almost everyone needs a will, but only around one-third of American have actually prepared one. Having a last will and testament is important because it ensures your money and property will be distributed to the people you want to receive it after your death.

If you die without a will (a.k.a. dying “intestate”), your estate will be settled in accordance with state law. Details vary by state, but assets typically are distributed using a hierarchy of survivors i.e., first to a spouse, then to children, then your siblings, and so on.

You also need to be aware that certain accounts take precedence over a will. If you jointly own a home or a bank account, for example, the house, and the funds in the account, will go to the joint holder, even if your will directs otherwise. Similarly, retirement accounts and life insurance policies are distributed to the beneficiaries you designate, so it is important to keep them up to date too.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Not necessarily. Creating a will with a do-it-yourself software program may be acceptable in some cases, particularly if you have a simple, straightforward estate and an uncomplicated family situation. Otherwise, it’s best to seek professional advice. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases, which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone.

If you need help finding someone the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org), the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC.org) and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC.org) websites are good resources that have online directories to help you search.

Costs will vary depending on your location and the complexity of your situation, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $1,000 or more to get your will made. To help you save, shop around and get price quotes from several different firms. And before you meet with an attorney, make a detailed list of your assets and accounts to help make your visit more efficient.

If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (see FindLegalHelp.org) to find low-cost legal help in your area. Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-6771116 for a referral.

If you are interested in a do-it-yourself will, some top options to consider are Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust (Nolo.com, $99) and Trust & Will (TrustandWill. com, $159). Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at FreeWill.com or DoYourOwnWill.com.

It’s also recommended that if you do create your own will, have a lawyer review it to make sure it covers all the important bases.

Where to Store it?

Once your will is written, the best place to keep it is either in a fireproof safe or file cabinet at home, in a safe deposit box in your bank or online at sites like Everplans.com. But make sure your executor knows where it is and has access to it. Or, if a professional prepares your will, keep the original document at your lawyer’s office. Also, be sure to update your will if your family or financial circumstances change, or if you move to another state.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Parting SHOT

M E N T A L H E A L T H A W A R E N E S S M O N T H

M e n t a l h e a l t h i s j u s t a s i m p o r t a n t a s p h y s i c a l h e a l t h . I t a f f e c t s h o w w e t h i n k , f e e l , a n d a c t . T a k i n g c a r e o f o u r m e n t a l h e a l t h i s e s s e n t i a l f o r o v e r a l l w e l l - b e i n g . A t V a n D i e s t F a m i l y H e a l t h

C l i n i c , w e h a v e m e n t a l h e a l t h p r o f e s s i o n a l s a v a i l a b l e i n - p e r s o n o r v i r t u a l l y i f y o u n e e d t o t a l k o r s e e k c a r e .

M e e t o u r T h e r a p i s t s

M e e t o u r P s y c h i a t r i c N u r s e P r a c t i t i o n e r s

Jane Hoffman, Licensed Independent Social Worker

Deb Koestner-Rees, Licensed Independent Social Worker

Anthony Wubben, Licensed Independent Social Worker

o i n t m e n t w i t h o n e e a l t h p r o v i d e r s , c a l l ( 5 1 5 ) 8 3 2 - 7 8 0 0 , o r g o t o o u r w e b s i t e a n d c l i c k " S c h e d u l e N o w " !

T h e S e n i o r L i f e S o l u t i o n s p r o g r a m a t V D M C i s a s u p p o r t i v e g r o u p c o u n s e l i n g p r o g r a m d e s i g n e d t o m e e t t h e u n i q u e n e e d s o f a d u l t s o v e r t h e a g e o f 6 5 s t r u g g l i n g w i t h d e p r e s s i o n a n d a n x i e t y , o f t e n r e l a t e d t o a g i n g .

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t S e n i o r L i f e

S o l u t i o n s , c a l l 5 1 5 . 8 3 2 . 7 8 1 3

2350 Hospital Drive Webster City, IA 50595

515.832.7800

vandiestmc.org

Krista Johnson, PMHNP-BC

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