It was anounced last week by Rec Center Board Members Linda Colbert, Dale Drees, and Joann Treiber that the Rec Center Renovation Project was the recipient of a very generous donation in the amount of $5,000 from Shelby County State Bank. The project which was originally conceived as a means to provide the little league and high school baseball and softball teams with an enhanced indoor baseball/softball practice facility has morphed into a complete renovation of the entire Rec Center facility. Planned improvements include an additional 60 ft. retractable pitching/batting cage on the gym floor, two new pitching machines (softball and baseball) for the on-stage batting cage enhanced with a electronic hitting simulator, 2 new adjustable basketball goals, 2 new basketball wall mats, a painted pickelball court, a refurbished weight room with a new weight machine and new flooring, renovation improvements to both restrooms, a facelift to the existing Rec Room including a new kitchen countertop, sink and faucet and some new games for the after school program. In addition to all of this, the entire gym, stage and both of its adjoining rooms are being painted and a new security system complete with Wi-Fi and bluetooth connectivity for music has been installed.
    All of these improvements are the result of the initiative of a few coaches, parents, community club members, and a very active rec center board. Their dreams, aspirations and plans are becoming a reality thanks to a kick start of a $75,000 MHRD grant requiring $18,750 in matching funds. Even though the board has not quite reached the matching goal as of this printing, they are encouraged by the hundreds of hours of volunteer work being donated as well as numerous donations they've received so far from local businesses, members of the community as well as Danbury alumni who want to support their initiative. There are even more improvements under consideration should the level of donations exceed the current budget.
    An open house for the public is being planned sometime after the first of the year to show off the new renovation once all the work has been completed. A plaque will then be placed near the entrance of the rec center displaying the names of all the gold ($1,000+) and silver donors ($500-$1,000) If you wish to have your name or business or a name in memory of a loved one on this plaque, please send your donation of $500 or more to Danbury Rec Center, PO Box 39, Danbury, Iowa 51019. All donations of any denomination are and will be greatly appreciated and will be recognized and published at a later date in the Danbury Review. We are grateful for your support.
    Also as a reminder, all memberships for fiscal year 2026 are due by January 15, 2026, and will once again be offered for $200 for a family, $100 for a single membership, or $50 for a HitTrax membership.

    Santa double checked the weather, and he is happy to announce that he won't need Rudolph's help to get to Dana Hall in Danbury on Saturday. All are welcome to Dana Hall on Main Street between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. There, all may talk to Santa, create a Santa treat, and enjoy one of Santa's favorite cookies. Kids 10 and under will receive a gift from the Jolly Old Elf.
    Santa is excited to see you!

    Jim Twitchell and Twitchell Electric will celebrate another Christmas Eve at Schrank's Bar & Grill and invites other "orphans" to join him for Twitch's 30th Annual Orphan Party.
    Attendees are asked to bring a munchie. They are also encouraged to wear an ugly sweater.

    All are invited to make a little noise by shouting, "Bingo!" at Cord Memorial Library on Thursday, December 18th from 1:30 until 3:30. Please bring a nonperishable food item for each card you wish to play.

    The annual Christmas raffle at Cord Memorial Library is nearing the end, but you still have a little more time to try to win some great items. The raffle runs through Saturday at noon at which time the winnings names will be drawn. The library will be open Saturday morning for final raffle ticket purchases. You may also purchase them Thursday from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.

    Just over six years ago, the Danbury Shelter House opened for rentals. The building was furnished with new appliances including a stove.
    Fast forward to not very long ago, like weeks ago. Danbury City Hall was informed that the stove was not working properly. Councilperson Sherry Welte heard about the issue and remembered seeing a post from Brenner's in Ida Grove concerning a used stove they had for sale. Welte contacted council members before pursuing and was advised to continue. A call to the store and conversation with Clyde Brenner made all concerned very happy. Clyde offered to donate the stove to the cause if the city would pick it up. Public Works Person Chad Kreger picked up the stove. Bob Welte gave it a good cleaning, and the two of them installed it in time for the next renters.
    Pictured are Chad Kreger and Clyde Brenner with the city's new-to-them stove.
    Photo supplied by Sherry Welte. Thanks, Sherry!

    The Christmas season will have officially arrived, and we are looking ahead to the annual Christmas issue. We will take this special issue to the post office on Christmas Eve. Yes, you'll get it after Christmas, but by then the holiday hectics will be over so you can sit and relax and enjoy (maybe).
    If you have prose or poetry or a Christmas memory that you would like included, please make sure we get it by Thursday, December 18th. Items may be emailed to review@danbury-ia.com, left at our "office" at 209 Thomas St., Or left at Colbert's Market.
    Thanks for your help.