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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — DECEMBER 24/DECEMBER 31, 2021
Orange City’s Christmas display’s grand finale is this year As is our custom after each meal, we Their acreage doesn’t lie directly on the read out of the Bible. On Dec. 10 our versbusy thoroughfare of Highway 60; but es to read were found in the book of Luke. the lights can be seen by anyone travelNormally around this time of year, the ling the highway. If a person is wise, they focus is on the second chapter of Luke. will take the time to turn north onto the C12 highway. All you need is to drive But we weren’t reading the Christmas towards the lights. story. Instead, the Apostle Luke was about finished with writing this book “I just love the lights at Christmas FROM MY that bears his name. Right there time,” said Val. “I never tire of seeing the FARMHOUSE towards the end of the last chapter he lights as we come over the hill towards KITCHEN records that Jesus said, “Peace be to you.” home. To me, it depicts the real reason for the season. Jesus is the light of the By Renae B. There are several possible reasons why world. Sometimes I try to imagine the Vander Schaaf those words spoken by Jesus demanded brightness when my attention. Jesus comes for Obviously the those who believe news is filled with on His name.” tragedies and calamites. There are The lights are rumors of military turned on for the conflicts. first time each season on Or it could also Veteran’s Day. be that that the Perry has a deep Christmas season passion for the has me thinking military. He has of the words that many friends who the angels sang at have served to His birth: “Glory protect freedom. to God in the He loves America. highest, and on He respects what the flag stands for. Thus there are earth peace, good will towards men.” sections respectfully done honoring this country. But rather I think it has more to do with the conTheir special Christmas display has an airplane versation I had enjoyed with Val Dykstra earlier or two. Yes, I even saw a helicopter. that morning. She and her husband Perry have a Christmas display on their acreage between Orange “My dad and uncle loved to fly,” explained Val. “My City and Le Mars that exemplifies peace, joy, love uncle made the plane. Once he was finished with and hope. flying, he gave it to us. I also have a brother in law who is a professional pilot.” About 12 years ago, the Dykstras began setting up a small display. Since then it has grown Planes were a natural inclusion. immensely so that the lights can be seen for some distance — which is a good thing.
THE LAND Christmas & New Year EARLY DEADLINE
Deadline for Dec. 24, 2021issue is Tues., Dec. 14th at noon. Deadline for Dec. 31, 2021issue is Tues., Dec. 21st at noon. Deadline for Jan. 7, 2022 issue is Tues., Dec. 28th at noon. Due to the Holidays, THE LAND office will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24th and Monday, Jan. 3rd, 2022.
No doubt you will be surprised when you see figurines doing gymnastics. Hmm? Gymnastics have played a huge part in their family. Val has coached this sport for over 30 years. Her Siouxland Superstar Tumblebus travels to 20 different preschools/daycare centers every week. Young children learn the basics of gymnastics while their parents are at work. In 2018, teaching gymnastics expanded even further. She and her daughter, Alisha Dykstra, opened VIP Gymnastics, Ninja and Cheer in South Sioux City, Neb. It’s amazing that this 21,135 square foot building was at one time a place where Gateway manufactured computers. It is now a place of physical activity. What a change!
I don’t think anyone is going to say, ‘there is nothing to do here’ as the facility is well equipped with a long trampoline, rod floor, two vault runways, two in-ground trampolines, pit bar, channel bar, full set uneven bars, high and low balance beams, two full spring floors, ninja equipment, and its very own preschool gym. But it’s more than a place to run off some excess energy for the 500 to 600 kids who come every The Dykstras have added at least one new item week. The gymnastics and cheer sports can be every year. Their ideas often were found in magacoached on the competitive level. zine devoted to patterns to be used for seasonal disYet, I must say, there is even more. plays. They would spend time looking through it. If “In the business name, the first three letters VIP a certain pattern jumped out, they would work reveal its true purpose,” said Val. “Our goal is to together to make the item. They both also enjoyed make everyone feel special, a very important person.” painting the new exhibit. This year Santa was presented with a boat while more was added to the milShe continues to spend time coaching as she pours itary display. out her love towards her students to help them feel I am positive that the cutouts of Santa Claus kiss- as though they were a super star. The roles are ing Mrs. Santa Claus will make you smile. See FROM MY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN, pg. 6
