As part of a national initiative, Milestones Area Agency on Aging will begin distributing vouchers starting June 1 to low- and moderate-income seniors for use at local farmers markets.

To qualify, applicants must live in Iowa and be age 60 or older on the date of application. Annual income requirements are $21,775 or below for a single person and $29,471 or below for a married couple. Both husbands and wives may receive checks. Recipients must sign a statement of eligibility that includes their name, address, phone number and the last four digits of their Social Security number. Recipients are awarded 10-$3 checks valued at $30.

The checks can be used June through October for fresh, unprepared, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at participating farmers market vendors. Checks cannot be used for baked goods, eggs, jelly, meat, etc. Distribution of the coupons will take place at the Milestones Area Agency on Aging senior nutrition meal centers throughout the following ten counties of Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne.

For more details and other distributions locations call Milestones at 1-855-410-6222 or visit the website at www.milestonesaaa.org
Distribution dates are as follows:

Albia Benton Apt., 520 Benton Ave W, June 12, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Albia Leisure Lounge, 17 N. Clinton, June 17 and 19, 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Albia Park View Village Apt., residents only, 500 S. 12th, June 15, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Centerville, Senior Center, 922 W. State, June 10, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Delta Senior Center, 203 E. 4th St., June 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Eddyville American Legion, 207 Walnut, June 5, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Keota Senior Center, 211 E. Broadway, June 17, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Oskaloosa Senior Center, 715 B Ave. East, June 10, 8:00–11:30 a.m.
Ottumwa Camelot Towers, 827 Albia Rd., Ottumwa Residents only, June 11, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Ottumwa First Presbyterian Church, 228 4th Street, June 10, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Ottumwa Hillside Apartments, 118 S. Union, Ottumwa Residents only, June 15, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Ottumwa South Oak Towers, 102 W. Finley Ave, Ottumwa Residents only, June 11, 9-10:30 a.m.
Ottumwa Westgate Towers, 910 W. 2nd, Ottumwa Residents only, June 15, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Ottumwa Woodland Est., 606 E. Pennsylvania, Ottumwa Residents only, June 8, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Sigourney Senior Center, 214 S. Main, June 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
What Cheer Senior Center, 308 S. Barnes, June 19, 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Photo provided by Bob Ballard

On Saturday, May 9th, the Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont Concert Band and EBF Rocket Chorale performed at State Large Group Contest at Mid-Prairie High School in Wellman.

Bands and choirs at the contest were evaluated in several categories by a panel of three judges. The music groups were rated on their performances using a scale of 1 through 5. A I rating indicates a superior performance.

The EBF Concert Band earned a I rating and the choir was very close to a I rating. This is the 21st year in a row that the E.B.F.H.S Concert Band has earned a division I.

The EBFHS Band is directed by Joe Overton and the EBFHS Choir is directed by Chris Ellerston.