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The Friends of Drake Community Library are hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 7 - 8 p.m. in the community room at the library.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will start at 7 p.m. Board members will be supplying refreshments. including various cookies and sweet things. plus coffee. water. and tea. The program this year will feature the Library's very own Monique Shore, as well as Dr. Tamara Beauboeuf of Grinnell College. Their presentation will focus on Edith Renfrow Smith, the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College and the oldest living alumni of both Grinnell High School (1932) and Grinnell College (1937). They will share their journey of discovery of the Renfrow story and some of the remarkable stories of her family. Please join us - and bring a friend. There will also be a run-down of what the Friends have done this year for the library, a look at finances. and a peek at our plans for 2023. Drake White tickets at Brooklyn Opera House are sold out. Please use caution when purchasing from a third party. Use the eventbrite website to determine if the tickets you are purchasing are valid tickets.
Steve Fenske, owner of The Vinyl Shop at 831 Broad St. in Grinnell, is ready to share his knowledge of music and vinyl records at his new business. Fenske has been involved in the music scene most of his life and brings that knowledge to his new business. The Vinyl Shop is stocked with an assortment of new and used vinyl records from rock to country and everything in between. Each vinyl record is checked over for quality control. Fenske specializes in buying and selling vinyl records, CDs, cassette tapes, 45 records and used audio equipment. By J.O. Parker
A renewed interest in vinyl records by music lovers all across this nation has led to a Grinnell man opening The Vinyl Stop. Located at 831 Broad St. in the former Music Shop location, the business opened Feb. 3 and owner Steve Fenske said the vinyl revival, as he calls it, has come to Grinnell. The business is stocked with hundreds of used and new vinyl records from rock to country and about every music style in between. There are CDs, cassettes, 45 records, used audio equipment, speakers and even 8-track tapes. There are also music books and vinyl cleaning and storage supplies such as record sleeves and crates. “I think people like something they can hold on to, read and look at,” said Fenske, who has been involved in the music scene most of his life. Fenske had been tossing around the idea of opening a vinyl record business for some time and last summer he stopped at the Music Shop and was talking with then owner Dave Elliott. “I was explaining to Dave about what I wanted to do and he suggested I buy the Music Shop from him,” recalled Fenske. A deal was made between the two parties and Fenske took over the business in July 2022. Fenske spent the next few months remodeling the building, adding a new restroom, replacing the ceiling and updating the display and store fixtures. He designed a new business logo and ASI Signage did the rest. “I found a display case in the basement and it works great for 45 records,” said Fenske. “I love the versatility of the slat walls (in the building) for displaying vinyl.” Fenske grew up in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1989. After attending broadcasting school in Springfield, Mo., Fenske worked in radio in Springfield and in Perry, Iowa. “I got out of radio and opened a DJ business called Partytime DJ Productions,” Fenske said. “I did that for 20 years offering DJ services at weddings, anniversaries, reunions and all sorts of gatherings.” Fenske said he worked briefly for a gentleman at his record store in Marshalltown before opening The Vinyl Stop. His love for music drew him back to Grinnell and opening the business in his hometown. Each vinyl record in the store is examined for quality and condition. Used vinyl sells from $8 - $16 each and new vinyl, which includes brand new releases and reissues, sell for $18 - $28 each. “Soon, I hope to be selling new turntables,” he said. “If you need a new needle for your turntable, I can order that, too.” The business also has guitar picks, strings and straps for sale. “I also do consignment on audio equipment and I buy and sell vinyl, CD and cassette tape collections,” said Fenske. He said business has been good and he even sold some vinyl to a group of Grinnell College students who stopped during the opening weekend. “It’s good to see young kids embrace the format,” he said. “I just love music so much. I enjoy passing my knowledge along. That is good for me.” The business is open Wednesday and Thursday, 11 – 6; Friday, 11 – 7; Saturday, 11 - 6 and Sunday, 12 – 5. The business is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The Vinyl Stop phone is 641-236-5980 or check out the business’ Facebook page. Note: the location has changed to the Community Life Church in Barnes City at 450 Cherry St. We would like to invite you all! Come on out and support the family of one of our own!
Iowa Legislators present at the Jan. 26 School Board In-Service at the MJM Community Center are, from left, front row: Heather Hora, House District 92; John Dunwell, House District 38; Helena Hayes, House District 88. Back row: Thomas Gerhold, House District 84; Dean Fisher, House District 53; Dawn Driscoll, Senate District 46 and Brad Sherman, House District 91. Superintendents and school boards from 14 central and east central Iowa school districts, along with legislators representing those districts, were invited to an in-service in Brooklyn on Jan. 26. Legislators present included: Thomas Gerhold, House District 84; Dean Fisher, House District 53; Heather Hora, House District 92; John Dunwell, House District 38; Helena Hayes, House District 88; Brad Sherman, House District 91 and Dawn Driscoll, Senate District 46. Also present was Shawn Snyder and Michelle Johnson with the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). The majority of the agenda was a legislative forum, which allowed district leadership and legislators to talk openly about bills and the impact or potential impact of those bills to public schools. The forum began with a long discussion about the school choice bill that was passed by both the House and Senate earlier that week, along with being signed by the governor. House File 68 provides for education savings accounts for students to attend private school. Since this had already been signed into law, the majority of the discussion time was spent with the legislators sharing specifics about it and fielding concerns/questions from the room of board/district leadership. There were some passionate exchanges between the groups, with board members and superintendents sharing ongoing funding concerns and asking for greater accountability for private schools as they would now have students being supported with public dollars, while the legislators shared the elements of flexibility that they felt the bill afforded districts. Dwelling on something that the governor had already signed was not going to be productive time, so the moderator decided to shift the conversation to other issues on the minds of school districts. Some of the issues discussed were the following:
Rep. Heather Hora, House District 92, said we need to promote the good that schools are doing. “We need to flood the media with good stories,” said Rep. Hora. Rep. Helen Hayes, House District 88, said building trust with good communication is important. “It’s all about building trust between teachers and parents.” “We are doing the best we can with the information that is sent to us,” said Sen. Dawn Driscoll, Senate District 46. “There is a lot of misinformation out there. Maybe we should try to listen and do the best for the students.” “Overall it was a very good meeting,” said Jason Meyer, vice president of the Montezuma School Board. “We had lots of discussion with the different representatives and for me personally, I like hearing the points of views from the representatives and school personnel.” The evening concluded with those in attendance supporting the continuation of this event and encouraging more events like it to occur, so that districts feel that they have a voice in matters that impact teaching and learning. The Brooklyn Ruritans served the meal at the event. Editor’s Note: Montezuma Superintendent Rich Schulte contributed to this article. Montezuma School Board members, Stacy Cameron and Jason Meyer visit with Rep. Dean Fisher, House District 53, following the School Board In-Service at the MJM Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 26. Rep. Thomas Gerhold, House District 84, visits with Alicia Jacobi, a member of the Belle Plaine School Board, at the close of the meeting. The meeting gave school officials and board members an opportunity to connect and discuss issues of importance with area legislators. Curt Rheingans, superintendent at Iowa Valley and English Valleys school districts, visits with Rep. Helena Hayes, House District 88, at the close of the School Board In-Service held at the Michael J. Manatt’s Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 26. Montezuma Superintendent Rich Schulte visits with Sen. Dawn Driscoll, Senate District 46, at the close of the School Board In-Service held at the MJM Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 26. The meeting gave school officials and board members an opportunity to connect and discuss issues of importance with area legislators.
Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce announces the return of the annual celebration slated for March 82/26/2023 The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the Annual Celebration on Wednesday, March 8. The event will be hosted at the Grinnell College Golf Course and will feature a refreshed schedule of events. More details on the event and tickets will be forthcoming. This year’s event is sponsored by the Bill Menner Group, UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Grinnell College.
As part of the Chamber’s Annual Celebration, the Awards Presentation will recognize the achievements of our community and business members. Nominations are now open for the following awards: ● Business of the Year This business has demonstrated growth in its employment, production, and/or operations and has a substantial history of success. It has a positive social and/or economic impact on the Grinnell area. The recipient must have shown outstanding growth, significant achievements in innovation, and superior community involvement through the commitment of time and resources. ● Restaurant/Retailer of the Year This restaurant, bar or retail business demonstrates exemplary customer service and excellence in its industry. It has a history of success and contributes to the community through the commitment of time and other resources. ● Service Business of the Year This service business, manufacturer or distributor demonstrates excellence in its industry by creating innovative programs and initiatives, which allow it to excel in customer service and support. It has a history of success and contributes to the community through the commitment of time and other resources. ● GRINNtogether Awards New this year, the Chamber has added the GRINNtogether Awards. We created this award as a nod to the positive things - collaboration and community-building efforts - we saw come out of 2020, despite the challenges. This award aims to recognize businesses, organizations, or individuals that have devoted significant time and efforts to making Grinnell a great place to live, learn, work and play. To submit a nomination, complete a form for each award nomination on the Chamber’s website. Self-nominations are accepted. Businesses and organizations must be a Chamber member in good standing to be eligible for Business of the Year, Restaurant/Retailer of the Year, and Services Business of the Year. The GRINNtogether awards are open to any business, organization or individual in the Grinnell community, regardless of membership status. Current members are listed in the Business Directory at www.getintogrinnell.com. Nominations are due by Wednesday, March 1, 2023. More information about the evening’s schedule and tickets will be announced in the coming week as details continue to be finalized. Announcements will also be posted to the Chamber’s website, Facebook (facebook.com/grinnellchamber), Instagram (instagram.com/grinnelliowa) and other local media outlets. For more information on how to join the Grinnell Chamber Commerce or get involved, please visit grinnellchamber.org or call 641-236-6555. Members of the BGM Dance Team pictured are, from left, front row: Brooklyn Costello, Abby Pierson, Connie Schott. Back row: Caden LaKose, Megan Hanlon, Olivia DeGeeter, Karissa Heishman, Lainey Bridgewater and Abby Slater. By J.O. Parker
The BGM Bears Dance Team and Soloist recently participated in the 47th Annual Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) State Championships, bringing home a Division 1 rating and 9th place finish in Class 1 Lyrical and a Division II honor and tenth place finish in Class II Jazz. In addition, BGM had three soloists who performed at state. Soloists Bryanna Timm, Olivia DeGeeter and Abby Pierson all received Division 1 ratings and all within the top 20 of Class II. The dance team includes Caden LaKose, Megan Hanon, Olivia DeGeeter, Karissa Heishman, Lainey Bridgewater, Abby Slater, Brooklyn Costello, Abby Pierson and Connie Schott. The BGM Bears Dance Team Coach is Kaelyn Harm. The Iowa State Dance & Drill Team Association’s Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championship was held Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 at the Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. Teams are divided into classes based on school enrollment. They are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from all corners of the United States. |
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