Giving Thanks

When Linda Heimbuck and her husband James moved into Newton’s historic Hunter Mansion a year ago they were in free fall. Her youngest son and her sister had both passed away, and Heimbuck was left to care for her son’s three children. In Newton they found a community that embraced them with open arms, and a year later they’re giving back; by hosting a community wide open house at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hunter Mansion, at 223 W. Fourth St. S. in Newton.

“Losing our youngest son and my sister has been devastating, we don’t know how we would’ve made it without the people of Newton,” Heimbuck said.

Moving to Newton wasn’t just chance for the Heimbucks, Linda said she feels like it was divine intervention. As she and her husband walked along the river in Waterloo last year, they stopped and prayed for a change. The next day, her husband got a job offer at a scrap metal recycling center in Kellogg, and it wasn’t long before they were packing their bags for Newton.

Across Newton, members of the community stepped up to help the family in their time of need. James Heimbuck is a Mason and members of the local Masonic lodge were waiting at the house when the family arrived, ready to help them unload their belongings and move into their new house. When the Heimbucks stopped at The Salvation Army in a search for school supplies for their three grandchildren, ages 7, 11 and 12 they met Janelle Cleaveland, captain of the Salvation Army. Cleveland said right away she knew she wanted to do everything she could to help the family, and get them settled into their new house in Newton. A search of The Salvation Army storage room yielded a few toys, left over from past Christmas donations, and Cleaveland gave each of the children a new toy in addition to the back to school supplies. Since that moment, the Heimbucks have been regulars at The Salvation Army, participating in their Wednesday night youth group events.

“[Cleaveland] has gone far and beyond to help us, she’s helped us with groceries, family night and game nights, just to cheer us up,” Heimbuck said.

Heimbuck said they’ve been overwhelmed with support since moving to Newton, something which began as soon as they met Shawn Preston, the realtor that sold them their house. As soon as the Heimbucks walked into the historic Hunter Mansion Linda turned to her husband and told him she knew this was the house for their family. After the sudden death of her son, Preston even helped arrange for the family to move in two days early. James Heimbuck, Linda’s husband said he couldn’t thank Preston enough for his help.

“He’s a genuine professional, something that’s often lacking in today’s culture,” James Heimbuck said.

The mansion, which had most recently been used as a tea room, came with a garage half filled with Christmas decorations. As Heimbuck began setting up the first of seven Christmas trees that fill the house, she had an epiphany. She wanted to throw a party to give back to the town.

“Everyone in this town welcomed us with open arms, not knowing us everyone just came together to welcome us, they showed up at our door,” Heimbuck said. “It’s just been very difficult, and people have been so kind and loving and understanding, we just want to meet these people and say thank you.”

On Saturday Linda will have refreshments to serve as she welcomes friends and neighbors, both new and old into her house. She’s also hoping to collect what money she can for The Salvation Army, she’s asked Cleaveland to bring a kettle to folks can donate if they’re able.

“Captain Janelle has taken our children under her wing, children who are hurting, and has just loved them,” Heimbuck said. “People in this town are amazing, I don’t know what to say other than thank you.”

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com