Clayton County Register

There’s a lot more than stretching and stepping going on at a local fitness class. Several members are also involved in service project designed to brighten the holiday season for kids in need.

The Fit and Flex group, which meets weekday mornings at the Elkader Fitness Center, has embraced projects launched by two of its members. The first is an effort led by Debbie Crane to make kids’ pajamas.

“I went to a garage sale in Cedar Rapids and there was a table with a stack of new flannel on it, probably 15 or 20 yards,” Debbie said. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it but I knew I had to buy it.”

The calendar might say November 20^th but inside the Carter House Museum, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The museum is being readied for the annual holiday open house Friday, November 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., and each room—plus the Annex—will reflect this year’s theme: Gifts.

“This year’s theme has come together beautifully, and I think our guests will enjoy the house and how each room celebrates a gift—from music to nature, food, friendship, poetry, pets, humor, and community service,” said Carter House board member LaVonne Augustson.

No immediate member of Michael Ellison’s family has served in the armed forces and yet as Veterans Day approached, Ellison felt compelled to do something to say “thanks” to those who have served. Since feeding people is what he’s does best, Chef Mike, as he’s better known, decided to offer breakfast at his Elgin business, Dotzy’s Restaurant and Saloon. Veterans and their spouses enjoyed a free buffet Monday morning, a time when Chef Mike and his staff are usually recovering from a hectic weekend. Non-veterans were welcomed, as well. They could make a freewill offering, which was given to the Elgin American Legion. “I’ve had friends in the military and I really appreciate those who serve,” Chef Mike said. “I feel a debt to them, and this seemed like a good what to repay a bit of that.” Chef Mike admitted he wanted to do an appreciation breakfast last year, but the thought occurred to him too late. This year, planning started earlier, and he got some help.

John “Jack” Moyna, 85, of Elkader, was born on April 21, 1934, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, to the parents Katherine “McCormick” Moyna and Cecile Moyna. After an amazing 85 years of life, he passed away on October 24, 2019.

Throughout John’s 85 years of life, he has left us with a legacy that will live on forever. John was the President of C.J. Moyna & Sons, Inc. for over 50 years. He denied that he was retired, and his ritual was to go out to the shop daily and share his wisdom with everyone. The only difficulty he had was in most years of “retirement” he would run out of vacation time because of all his travels.