Society News

Photo provided Richard and Donna Vermeulen will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Jan. 7, 2022.

Richard and Donna Vermeulen to celebrate 60th anniversar y

Richard and Donna Vermeulen of Port Byron will celebrate 60 years of marriage on January 7, 2022.

The former Donna Dunn of Port Byron and Richard Vermeulen of Cordova were married on January 7, 1962, at the Port Byron Methodist Church.

Richard was employed by ALCOA in maintenance as a general mechanic. He retired in 1995 after 34 years.

Donna was employed by Metrobank in East Moline as a customer service representative. She retired in 2003 after 25 years.

They are members of the Port Byron First United Methodist Church.

Their children are Douglas Vermeulen, Deena (Greg) Mitchell and Daniel (Shelley) Vermeulen, all of Port Byron. They have four grandchildren, Drew (Christen) Vermeulen, Virginia; Valerie (Mike) Dodge, Port Byron; Chelsea (Justin) Claus, Geneseo; Bryce Ditto, Port Byron; and three grandchildren, Porter and Jaxon Claus and Finn Vermeulen.

The couple will celebrate with a family dinner.

Whiteside to offer master gardener training

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

STERLING – Master gardener training through the Whiteside office of University of Illinois Extension will begin Feb. 15.

This year, participants will study online and then attend a weekly live webinar session over 12 consecutive Tuesday mornings.

“Our hybrid training is a great opportunity for folks who need more flexibility to participate,” said Candice Hart, a state master gardener specialist. “The online portion of this hybrid model gives more flexibility for trainees to learn at their own pace each week and also participate in weekly live interactive webinars with their fellow trainees.”

The training includes videos, a master gardener manual, reading materials and quizzes.

For information or to fill out an application form, call the Whiteside Extension office at 815-632-3611 or go online to go.illinois.edu/clwmgtraining. Registration closes Feb. 1. Local fees apply.

Volunteers who complete the training can lead educational programs in their communities, such as interacting with garden clubs, civic groups and schools.

Mercy One encourages get ting f lu vaccinations

Across the U.S., flu vaccinations are significantly lower than a year ago. This is concerning to MercyOne physicians and providers, who advise all eligible people age 6 months and older to receive a flu shot.

With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations once again rising, controlling flu cases is expected to play a key role in keeping health care resources available. The Centers for Disease C o n t r o l a n d P r e v e n t i o n r e p o r t s increasing COVID-19 and flu activity in most of the country. MercyOne infectious disease specialist Dr. Ravi Vemuri is concerned people are not remaining vigilant. He reminds everyone the flu can result in serious complications, including death, at all ages.

“In 2020, we essentially had no influenza season because we were practicing COVID-19 mitigation measures, like masking, and had significant increases in influenza vaccinations,” Vemuri said. “This year, most mitigation measures are not being practiced and large gatherings have resumed. So far, influenza vaccination rates are woefully inadequate to provide community protection.”

“I highly encourage everyone who is eligible to get their influenza vaccination,” said Jeffery Sander-Welzien, infection preventionist from the eastern Iowa region of MercyOne. “It is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from getting influenza and becoming severely ill.”

MercyOne is confident in the safety of the flu vaccine approved by the F o o d a n d D r u g A d m i n i s t r a t i o n. Receiving a flu shot can help prevent from getting sick with the flu. While a flu infection is still possible, the vaccine can help reduce symptoms and the need for hospitalization.

MercyOne primary care providers are good resources for vaccine questions. If you or your child have a scheduled appointment, you can ask to receive a flu shot. If you’re already scheduled to receive another vaccination, including a COVID-19 shot or booster shot, you can receive a flu shot safely at the same time. Check with your provider for more information. If you need to establish care with a primary care provider, request an appointment.

NEWS BRIEFS

Swedish travelogue at Jan. 5 WWW@WCC program

The Windmill volunteer educators at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton invite the public to attend the Wild Winter Wednesday program at 9 a.m. Jan. 5, featuring coffee, tea, mill treats and “Northern Sweden – Touring Above the Arctic Circle” by Connie Koehn.

Connie and her husband Ron have traveled extensively since 1971, when they first met while studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria. Connie has presented travelogues locally since retiring from Deere and Co.

WWW@WCC programs take place on Wednesday mornings through March. Doors open at 9 a.m., and the program starts about 9:20 a.m. Programs are free and open to the public. For information, visit the Windmill Cultural Center Facebook page or call 815589-3671. The building, 111 10th Ave., complies with Americans with Disabilities Act access guidelines. Programs

are funded through a grant from the D.S. Fikkema Foundation and a donation from Nelson Corp. Note that if Riverbend Schools are closed because of weather, the WWW program also is canceled.

Stonecroft Clinton Women’s Connection to meet Jan. 12

Stonecroft Clinton Women’s ConnecConnie Koehn tion will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Community Reformed Church, 747 N. 12th St., Clinton. The cost to attend is $10. There will be a brunch followed by music and an inspirational nondenominational speaker. There are no dues or membership required to attend the monthly meetings. Music will be provided by Cheryl Green and Sue Pessman. Speaker Bobbie Furr of Coal Valley will present “Love Starved-Love Satisfied.” God has a wonderful plan for our lives, with rewarding satisfaction when we turn the reins of our lives over to Him. All women are invited to attend. Reservations are due Friday, Jan. 7. For reservations or information, call Donna at 563-357-6843 or Nancy at 563-2428819 or her cellphone at 563-357-8859.