Preschoolers honored for artistic ability

Nine local children were awarded Tuesday morning for demonstrating superb coloring skills during the second annual Jasper County Pinwheel Coloring Contest.

Parents As Teachers of Jasper County recently sponsored a Pinwheel Coloring Contest in coordination with Prevent Child Abuse Month in April.

Mayor Mike Hansen judged nearly 200 entries that were submitted by Jasper County children between the ages of two and five. Hansen, the children and their parents attended an event at the Newton Public Library to receive their award.

The winners in the 2 and 3-year-old section were Gabe Janssen, Zach Niceswanger and Mia Parsons. The winners in the 4-year-old section were Alex Breuer, Emily Cantu and Tinsley Terpstra. The winners in the 5-year-old section were Teagan Carkhuff, Courtney Heston and Landen Terlouw.

The winners in each group received a book, courtesy of the Parents As Teachers and a free movie pass, courtesy of the Capitol II Theatre. All participants received a “Treat Coupon” and a “Joy” tattoo sticker, also courtesy of the theater.

In addition to receiving an award, the winners were treated to some entertainment by Capitol Theatre’s mascot, Joy the mini-pig. Theater owner Dawn Bleeker and Joy took center stage as Joy performed her many tricks.

Hansen thanked the group for their entries and noted he was extremely impressed by this year’s work.

“I look forward to doing this again next year,” Hansen said.

Parents As Teachers is a nonprofit program available to all Jasper County preschoolers.

Assistant Director of Parents As Teachers of Jasper County Tari Brostrom said Tuesday’s event, as well as the coloring contest, were an effort to bring awareness to child abuse and the services the Parent As Teachers program provides.

“Our free, in-home, personalized visits supply family support, information and activities for healthy baby and child development,” Brostrom said.

The winning entries are all on display at Uncle Nancy’s Coffeehouse.

Parents As Teachers is funded by United Way of Jasper County, the Early Childhood Initiative and citizens of Jasper County.

For more information visit jccpca.org. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 1032 in Newton.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com