Rippey News, February 7, 2023
Rippey United Methodist Church Rev. Cat Stokes, Pastor
Sunday Worship Services at 11 am
Tuesdays, Fellowship at 10 am. Soup lunch served the first Tuesday. Everyone welcome.
Rippey Public Library
New hours effective Feb. 6: Monday- Closed. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2-5 pm. Wednesday 2-6 pm. Saturday 9-11 am.
Storytime: Tuesdays at 4 pm with crafts all week
Teen programs: Wednesdays at 4 pm
Adult events are Thursdays at 3 pm
From the Rippey library shelves
This is once again Black History Month and the Rippey library has a number of books to consider.
Change Sings; A Children’s Anthem in the “Easy Picture” section is an amazing book. The author is Amanda Gorman, Presidential inaugural poet in 2021, with eye-catching illustrations by Loren Long. A charming young guitarist greets readers, “I can hear change humming in its loudest, proudest song. I don’t fear change coming and so I sing along.” This young girl gathers an amazing cast of children on her musical journey with the important message that we all have the power to use our unique abilities to make a difference in our communities and ourselves. ~by Nancy Hanaman
Rippey Lions BRR time
Rippey Lions Club members and a top-notch crew of volunteers served the traditional roast beef sundaes and other tasty treats to many bikers and community folks and to one energetic 80-year-old rider. The Lions sold out of everything and will use money earned for community and other projects. Thanks to our volunteers Bobbi Dollinger, Janice Johnston, Cara McCoy, Paula Rychnovsky, Margaret Den Beste, and Greg Jacobs’ granddaughters, Kyla, Kelsey and Teagan. It was another rewarding community effort, now looking forward to the 47th BRR Ride. ~by Nancy Hanaman
BRR riders well fed
Saturday February 4th, 2023 the “potato bar” was assembled at the Rippey Methodist Church to feed the BRR riders! This tradition of feeding potatoes, homemade pies and bars to the bike riders at the Rippey church has been going on for over 25 years! This year the Rippey church and the Rippey Baseball Commission joined efforts to provide a great “potato bar” again! There were workers and donations from both groups, including some baseball players from an adult team from Des Moines that have played on the Walt Anderson field. The food was plentiful and the conversation great for all that attended. The comment we heard the most as the bikers left was, “See you next year!” ~by Mary Hick
Jean’s Jottings, February 7, 2023
Years ago, after helping at an ice cream social, Velda DeMoss and I were wiping down some tables and sat down to rest. Our bodies were starting to complain to us every time we helped with the fundraisers by that time of our lives. Observing the “youngsters” cleaning the kitchen, we both had a distinct feeling of relief that we didn’t have to do that job anymore!
After we finished the tables, we gathered the wet dish rags and towels, and walked to the serving window. We got the attention of the clean-up crew and when a couple of them were close enough, we threw our wet, soggy, wash rags and towels at them and announced, “We are throwing in our towels!” Because he was first to wander over, Kevin Hick got the brunt of them. The reaction was priceless! Of course Velda and I still helped, but not with the labor intensive jobs.
Kevin and Mary Ann still organize the BRR meal at the church. I have observed new faces sharing this undertaking over the years. It is a well-oiled machine!
As with most communities, the volunteer pool is dwindling. This affects churches, service organizations, emergency responders, etc., who fundraise to survive.
I would encourage folks to consider becoming a volunteer in your community. Working together for a common cause for the community you call home enriches your community. The most satisfying part is making special memories, as well as the best lifetime friends!
