may 2012
summer recreation begins again
When we think back to our childhood – to that last bell of the school year dismissing us for the summer – we can’t help but get a little nostalgic. As the weather continues to get warmer and the kids get eager for summer break, the Orange City Parks and Recreation Department is excited to launch its 2012 Summer Recreation Programs. “We’re hoping for a record-breaking year of sign-ups this season,” says Mitch Aalbers, Parks and Recreation Director. “The number and types of programs continue to expand every year, and we’re excited to be part of the vibrant quality of life in Orange City.”
Programs include everything from swimming lessons and skateboarding to guitar lessons and baseball. “There is something for children of all ages,” continues Aalbers.
Not only will there be programs for kids, but adult and family programming will be available as well. Some of these opportunities include a kickball league, a sand volleyball tournament, GeoCaching, and a family fishing weekend. Even the summer reading program with the Orange City Public Library is available for adults. “We’ve got something for everyone,” Aalbers states. “Something for the big ‘kid’ in all of us.”
Orange City baseball players showing sportmanship after a scrimmage
This year the Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to Orange City with a production of Cinderella. The Orange City Arts Council sponsors the troupe, which comes to town every other summer. “This opportunity gives children in Orange City the chance to work along side two professional actors,” says Janine Calsbeek, Orange City Arts Council Director. “They get to produce and perform a play for the community in six days.” Along with Cinderella, Missoula Children’s Theatre will hold three free workshops for students—Drama Quest, What If?, and Mime Your Own Business. The troupe will be in Orange City from July 16–21, with performances Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21.
The summer rec programs will wrap up on Friday, July 13 at the annual Awards Picnic in Windmill Park. The event will include free food, fun, and achievement awards for all summer recreation participants.
Summer Recreation registration begins May 1. Booklets and program information can be found online at OrangeCityIowa.com or at City Hall.
“We hope you are all as excited as we are for this summer,” concluded Aalbers. “Just remember, have fun! After all, it’s about the friends you make along the way!”
don’t get zapped
Everybody has those aggravating times when the lights won’t work or the refrigerator quits. Hopefully, these issues can be solved simply with a new light bulb or by resetting the electrical circuit breaker. However, if these solutions don’t work, who can you call to fix the problem? While your friend-of-a-friend may be a “jack of all trades,” he or she may not be qualified.
The State of Iowa requires that anyone performing electrical work must be licensed by the state and knowledgeable of National Electrical Code. If you are adding circuits, upgrading the main service panel, rewiring your house, building a new structure, or making changes to commercial property, a state licensed electrician is required. Larger projects will require state inspections at different intervals, and a licensed electrician knows when to schedule an inspection.
Orange City has many state licensed electricians to fix your problems in a safe, reliable manner. When you need to call someone, only hire a state licensed electrician. After all, your safety is most important… plus it’s the law.
are you looking your best?
Make your lawn the envy of the town!
Tulip Festival brings thousands of visitors to town. And inevitably they will be talking about how beautiful our community is … including YOUR lawn and landscaping.
Over the years, comments often heard include, “How do you keep your community looking so clean and tidy?” and “Every part of town—the parks, streets, and neighborhoods—are so well kept.”
With early spring rains, lawns around town are quickly growing … again. You might not have a staff to keep your landscaping beautifully manicured like Landsmeer Golf Club, but your lawn can be equally nice if kept mowed and trimmed. City rules require lawns to be mowed periodically, and Orange City residents take a lot of pride in the appearance of their homes and businesses. So, do your part to welcome visitors, and keep our community looking good.
sump pump bandits
Is your sump pump running in your basement? Do you know where it discharges your excess water? If your pump hose is connected to your drain line, you are contributing to a major problem! With the infiltration of rainwater during large downpours or wet seasons, sewer lines may become overloaded and cause backups in basements—or overflow at lift stations and the treatment plant. City ordinances only allows sump pumps to drain into sanitary sewers during October 15–April 15. Remember to reconnect pumps to an outdoor outlet.
For more information contact the City of Orange City at 712-707-4885.
going… going…
The lighting system in your business could be fading away. Most T-12 fluorescent laps will no longer be manufactured after July 2012, and production of magnetic ballasts for T-12 fixtures ended in July 2010. Maintaining your T-12 lights likely will become more costly as the Department of Energy continues to phase out this technology. For a limited time, Orange City Municipal Utilities is offering rebates to help local businesses install more efficient lighting.
For more information contact Orange City Municipal Utilities at 712-707-4885 or learn more at OrangeCityIowa.com.
onstage orange city
The sun is shining, tulips have bloomed, kids are playing in the parks, and now – with Orange City Arts Council’s Onstage Orange City lineup announced – it feels like summer is already here!
In April, the Orange City Arts Council announced its schedule of shows for the upcoming season of Onstage Orange City. Kelley Hunt, Lionel Young, Blame Sally, Brother Trucker, and Bella Ruse are the headliners for this summer’s concert series. “Our entire lineup this year will be fantastic,” says Janine Calsbeek, Orange City Arts Council Director. “We are confident all our shows will draw a big crowd from throughout the region.”
This is the third year for the free concert series in the park, and the third time may really be the charm. The series will feature 13 Wednesday nights of entertainment, beginning May 30 with the Lionel Young Band from Boulder, Colorado—a double-winner of the International Blues Challenge.
Some new events with Onstage Orange City this year are Festival Latino and the 4th of July Celebration.
Festival Latino is scheduled for June 6 and will feature Estrella de Jalesco and La Perla Tapatia from Sioux City. The festivities include arts and crafts, bingo, a piñata design contest, dance lessons, and more.
The 4th of July Celebration brings back a favorite to the state, Bella Ruse. Along with music the celebration will include a mini carnival, kids games, and a parade down Central Avenue.
Another exciting event on June 27 is the grand opening of Prairie Winds Event Center. The special event includes the annual Customer Appreciation Picnic and Onstage Orange City’s second annual Orange City’s Got Talent. The show will feature local talents and free food from Orange City Municipal Utilities. Auditions can be scheduled beginning May 29 by contacting the Orange City Arts Council.
Other artists performing for Onstage Orange City include the young a cappella group Six Appeal, the energetic comedy and magic show by Jerry Frasier, a family friendly and hilarious show from The SchoolHouse Company, and the ever-favorite Orange City Area Community Band directed by Carla Van Beek.
“Contributions from local businesses and individuals, with help from the Orange City Arts Council and City of Orange City, fund Onstage Orange City,” continued Calsbeek. “Without their generous support none of these events would be possible.”
For more information about Onstage Orange City or the Orange City Arts Council contact Janine Calsbeek at 712-707-6514 or ocArts@orangecityiowa.com. Also, visit them online at OrangeCityArts.net.
e-recycling event
Alton and Orange City residents have another opportunity to recycle electronic items this spring. The City of Orange City and City of Alton are co-sponsoring, along with Recycletronics of Sioux City, an E-Recycling weekend event on Friday, May 4 at 4:00–7:00pm and Saturday, May 5 at 9:00am–12:00pm. This time the collection site will be located in the alley north of Alton City Hall (905 Third Avenue).
The following will be accepted for free:
- CRT monitors*
- Computers
- Keyboards
- Laptops
- Printers
- Servers
- Cell phones
- TV’s*
- Sound equipment
- Banking equipment
- VCR’s
- AC adapters
- Fax machines
*For this event only, CRT monitors, and TV’s will be accepted free of charge.
For a complete list of accepted items, go to recycletronics.com. For more information, please contact the City of Alton at 712-756-4314.
pocket park for downtown
Orange City is getting a new public park! Smaller than most, but it will offer an enjoyable respite from downtown shopping and restaurants. Recently, the Community Betterment Board recommended $7,500 for the development of a “pocket park” to be located in the alleyway between the Northwestern Bank and the Family Eye Care. “We hope to have the park completed in time for the May Tulip Festival,” says Mick Snieder, board chair. “The park will be a great location for conversation, Wi-Fi Internet access, and just enjoying our beautiful downtown.”
Approximately 36’ of alleyway will be transformed into green space with a flowerbed and various plants, mulch, picnic tables, and benches. Orange City Growth Organization members are volunteering their labor for the project, and Heemstra Landscaping will install sidewalk pavers and brick planter.
reserve your favorite park
Windmill Park Farmer's Market & Shelter House
The arrival of summer means picnics, reunions, and birthday parties. After being inside all winter, we can all agree outdoors is the place to be. For a very inexpensive “get-away,” Orange City has four shelters which are available to rent for your group activities. All of these City-owned facilities have a refrigerator, stove, sink, and counters.
- Vets Park Shelter ($35/day)
- Swimming Pool Shelter ($35/day)
- Vets Park Scout House ($55/day)
- Windmill Square Shelter ($35/day)
Contact the City Offices at 712-707-4885 to reserve a shelter and key arrangements. Reservation can be made online at OrangeCityIowa.com. Other outdoor picnic areas can be used without a fee or reservation.
jump in
Fun in the sun!
Orange City Municipal Aquatic Facility opens for the 2012 season Saturday, May 26 at 1:30pm—weather permitting. Its regular hours will be Monday–Saturday 1:00–7:30pm and Sunday 1:00–4:30pm.
A pool pass—a season or budget pass—can be purchased May 14–15 at 5:00–7:00pm or the first week of the season beginning at 12:30pm. Pass holders will have a picture taken and a key fob assigned to them. We will reuse key fobs from last year.
For more information, pass and admission rates, aquatic fitness, or pool events visit OrangeCityIowa.com.
So dust off your swimming suit, beach towel, and goggles and get ready to escape the hot temperatures this summer.
city offices closed
City offices will be closed May 17–18 at 12:00–4:00pm and May 28. For utility emergencies call 712-707-5000.
editions
What’s Vibrant? is City of Orange City’s newsletter which is included in every residents’ monthly utilities. Current and previous editions are available for download below. For additional editions, please contact Maria Plueger, Event/Brand Manager, at marketing@orangecityiowa.com or 712-707-4885.