The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF) announces that $188,591.25 has been awarded among 40 projects serving Poweshiek County residents through the 2022 Poweshiek County Alliance (PCA) grant cycle. This is the highest total granted to date in the program’s sixteen-year history in the county.
“Each year PCA grants enable nonprofits, local governments, schools, and service organizations to improve the quality of life for Poweshiek County residents,” noted Amy Blanchard, Program Manager of GPCF. “PCA grants empower organizations to execute new projects or help fill critical funding gaps.” PCA grants are supported by five funds administered by GPCF. The Poweshiek County Alliance Fund is an endowed fund designated by the Iowa Legislature to receive an annual portion of gambling revenues. “This allocation from the State of Iowa, combined with the disbursement from the endowed fund that continues to grow each year, constitutes the largest portion of our funding,” shared Blanchard. “This fund supported $134,147 in grants. The Community Fund for Poweshiek County, an endowed fund sustained by contributions from hundreds of local individual donors, contributed $18,838 in grants.” Three additional funding sources add to the pool of available funds, though each are restricted to geographic areas or purposes as designated by the fund’s intent. The Carl and Joann Orr Fund, established in 2017, immortalizes the generosity of the late Grinnell community member, Joann Orr. With the objective of empowering and aiding women, children, and at-risk community members within the Grinnell area, the Orr Fund awarded $30,400 across five projects. The Brooklyn Community Fund and Montezuma Community fund are endowed, donor-supported funds which added $3,300 and $1,900 in funding respectively in community projects. Alicia Blankenfeld, a Grinnell community member and business owner, chairs the PCA committee. “We review many valuable project proposals in each cycle with requested funds far exceeding the amount of funding available,” said Blankenfeld. “The committee prioritized first responder, emergency preparedness, and social support projects, allocating nearly 50 percent of the funding to requests that met these parameters“ The cities of Grinnell, Montezuma, and Deep River each received $10,000 to support emergency services. The city of Grinnell is planning for a municipal emergency medical service while Montezuma and Deep River requested funds to support volunteer fire services to update equipment. East Poweshiek Ambulance Service received $9,263 to outfit a new rapid response vehicle. The town of Guernsey received $6,448 to upgrade the water storage system for fire response and add security cameras at the bus stop. Poweshiek County Emergency Management will replace its obsolete laptop in its emergency response vehicle with a $4,000 grant. The Iowa SAR K9 Fund was awarded $2,200 to assist with training costs for search and rescue dogs and their handlers that assist with missing person incidents. The Hartwick Volunteer Fire Department received $1,972 to purchase medical supplies for emergency response vehicles. The Malcom Fire Department will replace two fire nozzles with its award of $1,800. The Montezuma Ambulance Service received $1,080 to purchase two laptops for its ambulances. To address food insecurity, the committee allocated $6,000 to the Food Recovery Network to assist with ongoing expenses to distribute food to residents in need. Local Foods Connection received $5,580 to connect families in need with fresh food from local farmers. The Malcom Food Pantry received $5,000 to help meet increased demand for assistance locally. To assist youth with food insecurity on the weekends, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and BGM Bear Bags programs received $4,000 and $3,000 respectively. The Bear’s Closet in the BGM school district was awarded $1,500 to support students in need. Eight projects focusing on education, literacy and youth programming in the county received funding this year. The BGM School District received $5,236 to add a SMART interactive panel in the elementary library. $5,100 will support installation of the Drake Community Library Story Walk at Arbor Lake. Read 2 Lead will continue its successful Literacy Care Packages partnership with MICA in Grinnell with an award of $5,015. The Montezuma Library received $4,000 to expand summer programming for youth. The Brooklyn Opera House was awarded $3,000 to support a summer youth theater camp. $1,575 will help Central Iowa Christian School purchase percussion equipment for its middle school band program. LINK Grinnell was awarded $1,350 to purchase storage equipment for enrichment supplies. The Poweshiek County Extension will use $1,200 to support 4-H, Clover Kids, and youth outreach programs with needed equipment. In the category of community enhancement, fourteen projects will receive funding to improve buildings, equipment, safety, and the environment to benefit all community members. The Poweshiek County Fair Foundation will replace aging bleachers with safer, ADA compliant seating with a grant of $9,500. The city of Montezuma will receive $7,755 to upgrade bathrooms at Memorial Hall and Montezuma Community Development will upgrade restrooms at the city’s West Park with $5,762. The Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) will receive $6,078 to purchase a new air conditioning unit. The Poweshiek Historical and Genealogical Society was awarded $6,074 to repair damaged tuckpointing at Carnegie Research Library. The Brooklyn Ruritan Club will install a handicap accessible restroom in the Club’s building with $5,886. Brooklyn city staff will install solar-powered speed radar signs with a grant of $5,800. Hartwick will complete replacement of its community welcome sign lost in the first derecho with an additional $5,000. Imagine Grinnell will continue its efforts to help community members replace the tree canopy with $5,000 for its 1,000 Trees initiative. The Brooklyn Library will increase book capacity with $3,000 to update shelving. The Poweshiek County Pioneer Cemetery Committee will replace the fencing at the Mill Grove/Stillwell Cemetery with a grant of $2,750. The Malcom American Legion will use $1,500 to replace aging exterior doors. Montezuma will use $1,250 to support Montezuma Pride Day activities and $486 to install new historical plaques at three buildings. Two projects will enhance health services in the county. UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation will purchase several new transport chairs that are safer for both patients and staff with a grant of $9,093. Capstone Behavioral Healthcare received $4,708 to purchase office equipment for its Grinnell office to assist increasing capacity for services. “We are proud to partner with nonprofits and community leaders to support these projects,” added Blanchard. “Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation is just a piece of the puzzle that comprises the amazing work happening in our County. These projects wouldn’t be possible without the many volunteers and collaborative efforts of the grantees.” Organizations with the 501(c)(3) designation and/or governmental entities and public schools are eligible to seek grant assistance. The 2023 grant application period will open in December 2022. Organizations may contact GPCF at 641-236-5518 for information on how to apply. A complete list of grants awarded can be found on the GPCF website at www.greaterpcf.org. The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that assists donors in supporting local charitable organizations to improve the lives of people in the area. Individuals who wish to support the Poweshiek County Alliance Fund, Poweshiek Community Fund, Carl and Joann Orr Fund, Brooklyn Community Fund, or Montezuma Community Fund may contact Nicole Brua-Behrens at GPCF, mail checks to GPCF, P.O. Box 344, Grinnell, Ia., 50112, or donate online at www.greaterpcf.org.
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Relatives try to get you to share chain mail conspiracies one person at a time during a scene in the Brooklyn Community Theater production of "The Day the Internet Died." By J.O. Parker
More than 250 guests filled the BGM Auditorium on Saturday, April 2 to see the Brooklyn Community Production of the one-act comedy, “The Day the Internet Died,” written by Ian McWethy and Jason Pizzarello. The production centered around a small town who has to adjust after the Internet goes down for a whole week. Play Director Josh Gerard said a cast of 30 kids and adults worked very hard to pull off a funny and poignant production. "They were a fantastic cast to work with,” Gerard said. “They really wanted to make people laugh, but also think. This play did plenty of both." The production featured 11 scenes. They included: Scene 1: A town learns they will have to try and get by without the internet. Scene 2: A student tries to get peers to "like" her pictures in real life. Scene 3: People think that librarians are human search engines. Scene 4: Relatives try to get you to share chain mail conspiracies one person at a time. Scene 5: Customers demand two day shipping. Scene 6: Customers can't understand why they can't just keep stuff stored in a cart at the store for days at a time. Scene 7: Big business has people listening in on day to day conversations to try and get them to buy, buy, buy! Scene 8: Dating is much harder when it has to be done in person. It doesn't stop people from trying to swipe left. Scene 9: Couples can't get to a party without GPS. They try living their lives apart from technology. Scene 10 and 11: People have grown, but still struggle to live without technology. The production was a fundraiser for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. The Brooklyn Opera House welcomes the Kenny & Dolly Tribute Show on Saturday April 23 at 7 p.m. The event stars Dave Karl and Wendy T., who have toured everywhere from Las Vegas to Atlantic City.
Dave is an accomplished singer-songwriter with a unique talent for celebrity voices. His Kenny Rogers is spot-on. Wendy T. has been performing as Dolly for more than 20 years. They both live in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Their playful friendship is just like the real deal. You'll hear all the iconic hits and superstar duets. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/kenny-and-dolly-in-harmony-tickets-262126245657. You'll be tapping your toes and singing along with Kenny and Dolly in Harmony. Bradly Graham of Victor, formerly of Brooklyn, races his number 2G hobby stock race car at the 2022 Bristol Dirt Nationals last month, where he won every heat race he was in and finished in the top 5 in the qualifying races. He finished sixth overall in the A Main feature race. By J.O. Parker Bradly Graham, 26, took his new number 2G red, white and black Hobby Stock race car to the 2022 Bristol Dirt Nationals and ended up bringing home some top hardware. Bradly, who was joined at the nationals by his parents, Brad and Michelle Graham, and brother, Jordan, who served as crew chief, all from Brooklyn, said racing on the half-mile oval at Bristol was surreal. “I really enjoyed being there,” said Bradly, who was raised in Brooklyn and now calls Victor home. “The highlight was having my family there and all the community support back home.” Bradly, who started racing figure 8 cars when he was 15, built the hobby stock race car with his dad, who sold his figure 8 car last year to help his son follow his dream. “We put that car together, hoping we could qualify for the big show (A Main) and Bradly ended up winning every heat race he was in and finished in the top 5 in the qualifying races,” said Brad. Bradly raced against 40 cars in the Hobby Stock class at Bristol, finishing sixth overall in the A Main feature. Bradly’s dad started racing figure 8 cars at local and area tracks 25 years ago. Bradly would tag along and naturally became interested in the sport of racing as a young boy. He started with figure 8 and then at age 18 moved up to the sport mod class and circle track racing by age 19. Bradly has been racing in the hobby stock class for the last 5 years. A hobby stock race car is based on stock production car such as a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and they have a stock chassis. The car has a number of modifications such as a roll cage, race seat, safety belts and a fuel cell. The cars can reach speeds of 100 mph and are powered by 8-cyclinder Chevrolet engines that are purchased in a crate directly from the manufacture. In Iowa, Bradly races at race tracks in Marshalltown, Boone, Vinton, Oskaloosa and all around the state of Iowa. “Just being there was magical,” said Michelle. “Being at a NASCAR track where all the legendary drivers have raced was an amazing experience.” “We are going to bring a car back (to Bristol) next year,” said Bradly. Bradly Graham of Victor, formerly of Brooklyn, is ready to race at the 2022 Bristol Dirt Nationals. Graham started racing figure 8 cars at age 15, moving up to the sport mod class at age 18 and the hobby stock class at age 19. This year marked the first time Bradly has raced at Bristol. He and his family plan to return in 2023.
Grinnell High School’s Olivia Mick, right, is joined by Jennie Flinspach, English Language Arts Teacher and IHSSA Speech Coach at GHS following her performance at the All-State Festival held on March 28 at the University of Northern Iowa. Mick received outstanding recognition for her solo musical performance of “No One Else” from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. By Kevin Hosbond Grinnell High School brought 31 students with 49 entries to the District Individual Events Speech Contest held at Marshalltown High School on Saturday, Feb. 26. This was one of many contests held across the state as part of the Iowa High School Speech Association contest series. Of the 49 entries, 34 received Division I ratings and advanced to the State IE contest held at GHS on Saturday, March 12. That contest was nearly three years in the making as the pandemic upended the previous two that the school was intended to host. At the close of the season, GHS had 23 Division I ratings coming out of the State contest. One student was selected for All-State honors. The freshmen team consisted of Ian Durr, Maggie Kaup, Ketsia Kiphanzu, Billy Lopatto, Catherine Schubert and Owen Shepardson. The varsity team included Kaia Chang-Roper, Kiran Elfenbein, Roman Mackenzie, Reece Madren, Brody Petig, and Jeslyn Voogd representing 10th grade. 11th grade varsity members included Emily Cooper, Maddie Davis, Brittany Kifer, Emma Lewis, Olivia Mick, Peter Simpson, and Isaac Zaret. Senior members of the varsity team included Bridget Blanchard, Aaron Campbell, Kailyn Corey, Mia Greenwell-Sherman, ValiJo Hauersperger, Thea Larsson, Iris Mackenzie, Josh Osborne, Kaeden Peterson, Noah Shepardson, Amelia Skouson, and Ella Stephens. Ian Durr received a Division II at district for improv, and advanced to state in original oratory where he received a Division II. Maggie Kaup received a Division II at district for solo musical theatre. Ketsia Kiphanzu received a Division II at district in prose and a IV in storytelling for a rule violation. Billy Lopatto received a II for his spontaneous speaking presentation at district. Catherine Schubert advanced in solo musical theatre and later received a Division I at state. Owen Shepardson received a Division II for his reviewing presentation at district, but advanced to state in poetry where he later received a Division II. On the tenth grade side of the team, Kaia Chang-Roper received a Division I in original oratory at district and state. Kiran Elfenbein received a II at district for her original oratory, but advanced in literary program where she later earned a Division I at state. Roman Mackenzie received a II for improv at district. Reece Madren advanced to state in after-dinner speaking and earned a Division I for their performance. Brody Petig received a Division II in radio news announcing at district. Jeslyn Voogd advanced in both after-dinner and literary program, later receiving a I and II respectively. Junior Emily Cooper received Division II ratings on both reviewing and after-dinner at district contest. Maddie Davis advanced with storytelling and prose and received Division I ratings on both at state. Brittany Kifer advanced in original oratory and also received a Division I. Emma Lewis received a II at district in reviewing, but advanced to state in improv where they later earned a Division I. Olivia Mick advanced to state in both prose and solo musical theatre, receiving Division I ratings in both. Peter Simpson advanced to state in spontaneous speaking where he received a I rating. Isaac Zaret advanced in both improv and reviewing, and also received Division I ratings in both at the state level. Finally, a large collection of seniors performed this IE season. Bridget Blanchard advanced to state and received Division I ratings in both acting and solo musical theatre. Newcomer Aaron Campbell received a Division I at state for radio news announcing. Kailyn Corey advanced in both poetry and storytelling and received Division II ratings for both at state. Mia Greenwell-Sherman advanced in both poetry and storytelling; she received a II for poetry and a I for storytelling at state. Thea Larsson advanced in both expository address and poetry, receiving Division I ratings in both at state. Iris Mackenzie advanced in both acting and spontaneous speaking. At state she earned a Division II in spontaneous and a Division I for acting. Josh Osborne joined the IE team this year and earned a Division I at state for his prose performance. Kaeden Peterson advanced in solo musical theatre and also earned a Division I at state. Noah Shepardson was also new to the IE team this year. He earned a Division II at state for his expository address. Amelia Skouson earned a Division II for expository address at district and advanced to state in literary program where she earned a Division II. Ella Stephens advanced to state in both public address and spontaneous speaking and earned a Division II in both entries. Finally, to conclude the IE season, All-State honors were announced. Olivia Mick received outstanding recognition for her solo musical performance of “No One Else” from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. She was invited to perform her selection at the All-State Festival held on March 28 at the University of Northern Iowa. Critic Liz Hansen, IHSSA Hall of Fame, commented on her amazing acting skills and ability to fill the room with her voice. “The success of this season was a remarkable accomplishment and speaks volumes about Jennie Flinspach’s role on the IE team,” said IE co-coach Kevin Hosbond. “She single-handedly coached nearly every student who competed while I spent time preparing to host the state event as the contest manager. I was lucky to get to work with the handful of students I found time for after school. It’s a treat to see so much individual talent at GHS.” The state contest, held at GHS on March 12, welcomed thousands of people. Hosbond said more than 100 volunteers were assigned varied roles throughout the day as they hosted around 850 entries. “I’m glad we finally got to host ‘the big one,’” Hosbond said. “The third attempt really was a charm.” Grinnell High School’s Olivia Mick, middle, is joined with her classmates and friends at the All-State Festival held on March 28 at the University of Northern Iowa. Mick received outstanding recognition for her solo musical performance of “No One Else” from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.
The Grinnell community comprises long-time residents, students from across United States, and international students from around the world, all living together in community — this is what makes Grinnell remarkable. Join us in welcoming both domestic and international students to Grinnell and learning about their hometowns and all that they bring to our community in an interactive and fun way. The Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research, along with the Student Government Association (SGA), are hosting a Hometown Expo event on Saturday, April 16 from 2 – 6 p.m. on Ward Field. Students have signed up to create tables with activities tailored to introduce the Grinnell community to places far and wide.
Morgan Niner, Grinnell College AmeriCorps VISTA, said, “I am excited to showcase a vital part of the College campus — the students. They have put together a wonderful display of their hometowns. I cannot wait for people to see what the students have put together.” “I’m really excited for this event because the Grinnell community shares their hometown with us every day, and this will be a chance for students to share where they're from with community members. It's also just a chance for people across the community to connect and have together for a day,” added Sarah Beiner, SGA resource and services coordinator. Local musicians including Too Many Strings and the Grinnell Children’s Choir will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon. A variety of local food trucks will provide food and drinks onsite including Sweet Swirls Ice Cream and Big Acai Mobile Cafe. A full list of hometowns represented, entertainment and food options can be found on the Grinnell College Events app. Android users can find the app in the Google Play Store by searching Grinnell College Events. IPhone users can visit the app store and search for the Guidebooks app and then within the app search Hometown Expo. Almost 55 years ago, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a Scholars Convocation titled “Remaining Awake During a Revolution” at Grinnell College. This deeply meaningful and historic event occurred just six months before his assassination. Now, Grinnell College is proud to welcome his daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King, to speak at the in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. on May 23 on Central Campus. King is carrying on her father’s mission of nonviolence and positive social change through her work as a global thought leader, orator, peace advocate, and as leader of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (founded by her mother, Coretta Scott King in 1968). As CEO of The King Center, she is steadfastly continuing her parents’ efforts to advance “Kingian Nonviolence,” which she rebranded as Nonviolence365™. The center educates youth and adults about the nonviolent principles modeled by the King family. Dr. King created the Camp N.O.W. Leadership Academy in 2012 to engage youth from around the world in this work. Recent events have brought the need for King’s work into even sharper focus. Through The King Center, Dr. King connected with educators, law enforcement, civil leaders, activists, gang members, and business leaders in Ferguson, Mo., to engage in dialogue and Nonviolence 365 training. The training encourages participants to commit to a nonviolent lifestyle. This important work continues in communities around the country, striving to build relationships between community members and law enforcement. Dr. King, who attended Grinnell College briefly before graduating from Spelman College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, also earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Law degrees from Emory University. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and a trained mediator. |
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