Not all superheroes wear capes, and some superheroes put capes on other people to help out their superhero status. Such is the case with Janet Pithan. A hero to countless heads of hair, Pithan officially retired from her shop, Janet's Beauty Salon on September 30th, hanging up the capes she used to help make people feel a little more powerful with a fresh hairdo.
    Janet graduated from beauty school in 1978 and began her career in Correctionville. After a couple years there, she joined Vi Rogge in Danbury in the same brick building in which she has styled hair for women, men, boys and girls for 46 years. Incidentally, this same brick building had been built by Vi's brother, Andrew Drenkhahn in 1948 specifically as a beauty shop.
    Also spending well over 5 decades in this building on a regular basis was Darlene Dose of Anthon. Darlene had been driving to Danbury for her hair needs when Vi was owner and continued when Janet purchased and took ownership in 1989. As a matter of fact, Darlene was Janet's first customer as owner of Janet's Beauty Salon. On Friday, Janet styled Darlene's hair for the last time. Reflecting on her first styling from Janet 46 years ago, Darlene reminisced on the transition from her tried and true hairdresser, Vi to this new hairdresser with just a couple years under her belt. Was Darlene concerned with turning her locks over to Janet back in 89?
    "I was more concerned with Vi's long fingernails," she exclaimed with a laugh.
    Janet and Darlene chatted while Janet finished the styling on Friday, and Janet mentioned that she will miss this interaction with her clients, holding back a few tears as she spoke.
    Her list of what she won't miss is relatively short. Complaining about hair being cut too short or not short enough was one of her won't-miss subjects, but the highest on the list came to Janet without much hesitation - hair. The ends of the cut hair that tend to like her shoes or clothes. The ones that just don't want to be swept up and forgotten forever. The ones that would love to go home with her, though the feeling wasn't mutual.
    With 48 years of styling under her belt, of course there are changes in the hair industry. Pricing for haircuts was top on her list. A $4 haircut is just a memory in this day and age. Perms also have transitioned to body waves with coloring hair taking over the highest priority at the moment. She also used to put rollers in hair all day on Thursdays and Fridays, but now she only has two clients who use the roller sets. Most now blow dry and use the curling iron themselves.
    Janet's car may not be seen on Main Street 5-6 days a week anymore, at least not in front of 208 Main Street. Janet will enjoy time with her grandkids in the Des Moines area like she already does, but she will also remain a big part of the Danbury Community. Instead of putting superhero capes on others and running her fingers through their hair, she will be joining other uncaped heroes doing whatever she can for the good of her town and enjoying time with family and friends and her hobbies. She looks forward to being able to do whatever she pleases.
    "I express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of my clients," Janet said.
    But, what about the building which has been a hairstylist's haven for 78 years? Well, a new uncaped superhero will continue the hair styling tradition when Claire Goslar reopens the shop as her own. Her story will be seen in a future episode of The Danbury Review. Stay tuned.
    A retirement open house will be held on Friday, October 16th from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Cord Memorial Library. All are invited to attend the open house and congratulate Janet on her transition to retiree.

    October is known as Respect Life Month. Every October, we consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death.
    A Life Chain will be held on Sunday, October 4th from 2 - 3 pm at the 4-way stop in Mapleton to stand for life. Signs and materials will be provided, or feel free to make & bring your own sign. Fellowship will follow.
    If you have questions please contact Dave or Sharyl Bruning at 880-7749.

    The kitchen and cafeteria at Danbury Catholic School will be raring to go bright and early on Saturday. The annual pie bake kicks off before the sun comes up. Pie bakers will be peeling apples, preparing topping, filling pie crusts, and packaging the fresh pies all morning and into the early afternoon.
    Pies will be ready to pick up beginning at 8:30 Saturday morning for all who have ordered their pies.
    The Rosary Society appreciates all the help they can get to make hundreds of pies. There is no set time to arrive. Just show up and help when you can. People from the age of mid-elementary through their senior years are appreciated. Can't stand for long? Can't sit still for long? They will find the perfect job for you!

    Danbury's Fall clean up days will be Friday, October 2nd from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00 a.m. - noon, and Sunday, October 4th from 9:00 a.m. until the dumpsters are full. The dumpsters will be in the green shed on Second Street.
    Clean up is for Danbury residents only. No paint, ashes, chemicals, or tires will be accepted.
    Appliance tags will be needed for microwaves, computers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, air conditioner units, dishwashers, and other appliances.
    They may be purchased at City Hall or at the City Shop during clean up.
    Have items that are too large for your vehicle to take to the shed? Large items may be picked up at the curb by calling City Hall to schedule prior to October 1st. City Hall may be reached at 712-883-2431.

    Remember a few weeks ago when the sun shown and the ground was dry? Seems like an eternity, but it really wasn't that long ago. Sort of.
    Saturday, September 12th was a beautiful day to be outside. A handful of citizens took advantage of the beautiful day to put a fresh coat of paint on the open shelter house. The paint is slightly darker than the previous color, and the white trim brightens up the old, yellowing white paint.
    Unfortunately, the small group was unable to finish in the six hour time slot. There will be another painting session to finish the project. If interested, contact City Hall at 712-883-2431 for more information.
    To the left, Bob Welte, Janet Pithan, and Lynn Buth work on different phases of painting. Bob was applying tape to a planter to save it from paint, Janet was rolling paint on the wall, and Lynn was painting the trim.
    Photo by Susan Lund. Thanks, Susan!