Waves for Vern – A Drive-By Tribute on Gaines Street

Join us in celebrating Vernon “Vern” Carpenter, a beloved figure in our neighborhood who has waved to commuters from his porch at 14th & Gaines Street for over 30 years. Vern recently recovered from a stroke and is back on his porch, just in time for his birthday on October 10.

To show our appreciation, we’re organizing a community drive-by tribute.

We'll assemble in the parking lot at the north end of Gaines and Locust Street near St. Ambrose University and drive north on Gaines to Locust, honking and waving as we pass Vern’s home.