Grinnell Parks & Recreation is hosting a free Fishing Fun-damentals on Saturday May 13 at either Lake Nyanza or Arbor Lake from 9 – 11 a.m.
     Any children age 5-16 years old are welcome to join in the fun for some fishing Fun-damentals. The purpose of this program is to teach children the fundamentals of fishing and how to fish safely, while having fun. There is a limited amount of fishing poles, so if you have one, please bring it. There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 participants.
      Registration deadline is May 6. Contact [email protected] with any additional questions.

Dr. Rachelle Keck, Grand View University President, was recently named to the NAICU Board of Directors

By J.O. Parker

     Grand View University recently announced that President, Dr. Rachelle Keck, a former Montezuma attorney, has been elected to the NAICU (National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) Board of Directors.
         Dr. Keck will serve for a three-year term with the Class of 2026 from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.
NAICU is the only national organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, D.C. As one of the six major presidential higher education associations, NAICU's institutional membership is comprised of presidents from accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
       “Having served on NAICU’s Tax Policy Committee for the last several years, I’m thrilled to be elected to the Board of Directors by my colleague presidents,” noted Dr. Keck. “NAICU’s federal policy and advocacy work is critical to our member institutions, and the students and communities we serve.”
     Dr. Keck's election to the Board of Directors was ratified by the current board members during the February board meeting.

     Kim Bushong, left, Risk Manager, was the recipient of the Larry J. Jansen Epic Impact Award for displaying Grinnell Mutual’s core values while making a business impact at the company. The award was present to Kim by Echo Jansen, the wife of the late Larry J. Jansen, middle. At right is Jeff Menary, president and CEO of Grinnell Mutual. Kim was one of several Grinnell Mutual employees recognized at the awards gala on March 24.

     Grinnell Mutual has a strong culture that highlights the successes and achievements of their employees. Grinnell Mutual hosted an employee gala, which included a sit-down dinner and awards ceremony, at its corporate headquarters on March 24, 2023. 
   Company leaders intend to make the gala an annual event that acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of their employees over the previous year. This year, a committee selected three finalists from all nominations for each of the 10 awards. Employees then voted for the winners.
     “The Grinnell Mutual Way Awards Gala provides a time for employees to not only select and celebrate the successes of their peers, but also to be a part of the Grinnell Mutual culture,” said Lydia Caraveo, director of employee benefits and gala committee chair. “It’s a chance to gather in person, reconnect, and have a fun evening.”  
The 2023 winners are:
    Community Impact Award: For an individual or team with a strong commitment to volunteering and community involvement — Barb Baker, Grinnell, Director of Advertising and Community Relations
    Excellence in Leadership Award: For delivering results while fostering a positive and collaborative environment — Kevin Leis, Fort Jennings, Ohio, Claims Mutual Servicers Supervisor
     Innovation and Improvement Award: For a Business Excellence project by a team that reached goals with significant results — The Assurance, Advisory, and Accounting Services team led by division Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Michelle Hutchinson
     Hero Award: For an individual who works behind the scenes and consistently goes above and beyond — John Guthrie, Kellogg, Director of Building Operations
     Larry J. Jansen Epic Impact Award: For an individual who displays Grinnell Mutual’s core valueswhile making a business impact on Grinnell Mutual — Kim Bushong, Brooklyn, Risk Manager
     Lifetime Achievement Award: For an individual who has been an outstanding mentor, coach, and great example to others for 25 or more years at Grinnell Mutual — Bill Gallagher, North Liberty, Sales Director
    Rookie of the Year Award: For an individual who shows initiative, is self-motivated, and makes a positive impact on Grinnell Mutual (two years or fewer at the company) — David Dudley, Mountain View, Mo., Investigator
     Synergy Award: For the Individual or team who creates an environment of belonging and appreciation for all individuals — Kim Faas, Grinnell, Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager
    Wellness Ambassador Award: For an individual who has promoted healthy behaviors within their department — Lindsey Warnick, Guernsey, Assurance Analyst
    Grinnell Mutual Way Award: For an individual who demonstrates Grinnell Mutual’s core values every day — Traci Guthrie, Kellogg, Underwriting Technical Specialist; and Jody Wilson, Newton, Service Desk Analyst.

​     Rita Mertens, Vice Regent of Grinnell Chapter DAR, presents the Women in American History award to Edith Renfrow Smith in absentia. Receiving the award on behalf of Mrs. Renfrow Smith is Monique Shore.

       At their April 8, 2023, meeting the Grinnell Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution honored Edith Renfrow Smith by presenting her with the DAR’s Women in American History award.
     Edith Renfrow Smith was the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College in 1937.  She has recently been honored with the naming of Renfrow Hall, Grinnell College’s newest building.
       The DAR Women in American History award acknowledges outstanding contributions of women who have made a contribution or a difference in their communities. Awardees may be historical figures or currently living women who are, or have been, intellectual, educational, social, religious, political, scientific, or cultural innovators. Other Grinnell women who have received this honor include Cornelia Clarke, Fannie Buchanan, and Abby Williams Hill. 
     A program entitled, “The Renfrow Sisters,” was given by Monique Shore who spoke about Mrs. Renfrow Smith’s life, and Barb Lease, from the Grinnell Historical Museum, who shared the stories of Mrs. Renfrow Smith’s sisters. The Women in American History certificate and medal were presented to Mrs. Renfrow Smith in absentia.
     The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. The Grinnell Chapter is named after Josiah B. Grinnell, the founder of the city of Grinnell. Members come from Grinnell, Newton, Montezuma and surrounding communities.
      For information about membership in DAR, contact Nancy Bender, registrar, 641-236-7065.

    Tucker Thompson, age 1.5, left, and his brother, Rhett, age 3, right, ham it up while enjoying a tasty rib at the Brooklyn Ruritan Club Ribs and Chicken BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, April 15. The fundraiser was held to raise funds for new lighting fixtures at the “Avenue of Flags” display. The two boys where joined by their mother,  McKenna, and grandmother, Angie Thompson, at the BBQ.

Sandy Hall, left, and Jeff DeWitt, right, fill their plates with tasty BBQ at the Brooklyn Ruritan Ribs and Chicken BBQ on April 15. The event was a fundraiser for new lighting fixtures at the "Avenue of Flags."

​      Grinnell FFA’s Experience the Action Leadership Event (LDE) team brought home third-place honors and a gold rating at the 95th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 17-18, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left, front row: Gabe Reimer, Nina Walton, Ireland Sebetka, Lexi Spooner, Sophia Louden, Peyton Davenport. Back row: Kaiden Brobst, Dominick Clayton, Oliver Louden, Braedyn Mitchell and Andrew Peterson.

​     The Grinnell FFA Ag Sales team brought home a seventh-place finish and gold rating at the 95th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 17-18, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Andrew Peterson, Wyatt Eaton, Oliver Louden, Sophia Louden.

​     The Grinnell FFA Chapter Display earned a silver rating at the 95th FFA State Leadership Conference, held April 17-18, at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Maggie Datyon, Tristan Graff, Jamison Hidlebaugh and Lauren Louden.

​     Two Grinnell FFA Chapter members served as voting delegates at this year’s state convention. Rhiannon Rees, left, and Colton Sieck, right, had an opportunity to vote on next year’s state FFA Officers.

Cast members of 'The Alibis' will host two performances on Saturday April 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday April 30 at 2 p.m. at the Brooklyn Opera House. 

​By J.O. Parker
 
     The Brooklyn Community Theatre production of “The Alibis” is slated for April 29 – 30 in the comfortable 225-seat Brooklyn Opera House.
   Written by Jonathan Dorf, Tyler Dwiggins, Kathryn Funkhouser, Patrick Greene, Mora V. Harris, Carrie McCrossen, Ian McWethy, and Jason Pizzarello, “The Alibis” features a cast of 22 local actors and actresses who will keep you on the edge of your seat while you try to dig through all the alibis and figure out who done it.
    Directed by Josh Gerard, the play centers around eccentric billionaire J. Leslie Arlington who is murdered, and a clueless detective who finds the suspects are all reluctant to admit their alibis . . . because they were all committing other ridiculous crimes at the time. You never know what's coming next when your suspects include disgruntled chefs, teen detectives, and vengeful divas, but one thing's for certain: Every alibi is absolutely absurd.
Cast list
    Cast List in order of appearance - Ryan Emerson, Tristan Taylor, Molly Clayton, Alli McCammant, William Manatt, Travis Williams, Rob Hanlon, Heather Ochs, Jeff Britts, Rachel Lakose, Traci Williams, Isaiah Williams, Lorelai Gerard, Harrison Hershey, Emily Britts, Kaylin Hatfield, Abby Smith, Addi Day, Jamin Manatt, Alaina Holmes, Adelyn McDonald, Lexi Williams.
    The backstage crew includes: Props/Costumes – Kim Hawkins, Gracie Shook and Raven Hawkins; Sound – Whit Gerard; and Lights – Shadlee Hazelwood
     “I have never laughed so hard during rehearsals,” said director Gerard. “This cast is dedicated to putting on a funny and fantastic performance that is also family friendly and suitable for all ages.”
      The 2.5 hour performance with intermission is sponsored by The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. 
Showtimes are April 29 at 7 p.m., and April 30 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and can be purchased online at https://www.brooklynoperahouse.com/events.

​     Edie Worthington, a 2017 BGM graduate, watches a play unfold from the sidelines during an Air Force Falcons football game. Edie has been involved with the Air Force football team since 2018 and worked as a graduate assistant during the 2022 season. Edie is the first female graduate assistant coach in Air Force and Mountain West Conference history. A CBS sports feature on Edie that aired on Oct. 1, 2022 won a Gracie Award.

​By J.O. Parker
 
    Edie Worthington was in her first year as a graduate assistant coach with the Air Force Falcons football program when she learned that CBS Sports wanted to tell her story.
    CBS was interested in Edie, a 2017 BGM graduate, after learning that she was the first female graduate assistant in Air Force Academy history and in the Mountain West Conference to coach college football. In fact, she’s the first female at any military academy to coach football.
    Not sure about it all, Edie called her mom, Glynis, in Cedar Falls and formerly of Brooklyn, to get her thoughts.
    “My mom told me that this isn’t about me, it’s about the little girls who don’t know what I am doing is possible.”
     The sports feature titled “We Need to Talk (Edie Worthington – CBS Sports) aired on Oct. 1 during the Navy vs. Air Force game.
     It was recently announced that the sports feature has received a Gracie Award, which will be presented to the producers of the film on May 23 at the 48th Gracie Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Named after the late Gracie Allen, the Gracie Awards acknowledge outstanding team leadership and individual achievement. The Gracies focus on women who are making positive change and who further the discussion of what a fulfilling career in media looks like.
     Edie got involved with the Falcon football team following basic training her freshman year at the academy.
    “During basic training, I met some other cadets who had been recruited to play football and they became my friends,” Edie said. “I had been talking with them and heard about an opportunity to work with the football team.”
    Following an interview, Edie landed a position with the Falcon football team equipment staff in August 2018. She stayed with the football program and by her sophomore year, she was working with the running backs and quarterbacks.
   “That allowed me to learn the game even more,” she said. “I then moved into a dual role working with the equipment staff and also with the offensive coordinator, Mike Thiessen.”  
   Her junior year, Edie was promoted to the quarterback play signaler.
  “With every motion I’m doing, I’m telling the quarterback what play to run,” she said of being on the sidelines on game day.
   She participated in all home games and traveled to the away games as well as attended practice each day.
    “I went from a person who moved equipment around and helped with drills, to somebody who helped with film and with offensive game play calling,” she said. “I actually became an important part of the team.”
     By her senior year, Edie was working as a volunteer manager and offensive line signaler for the Falcons.
   Edie graduated in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with an emphasis on concrete construction. Her future goals are to attend flight school for pilot training with the hope of flying a CV-22 Osprey, an American multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft with both vertical and short takeoff and landing capabilities. She is currently on a long waiting list.
   During the 2021 football season, Edie expressed an interest in being a paid graduate assistant for the Falcons. She first spoke with offensive coordinator Mike Thiessen. In the spring of 2022, Edie reached out to    Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun with a request to be considered for the GA position.
    “The graduate assistant position is a highly sought after and competitive position,” said Edie. 
    She landed the job, saying that the Lord provided and opened the door for her.
    Edie is currently working on her master’s degree in Science and Engineering Management.
    As a graduate assistant, Edie worked with the tailbacks and slot receivers for the Falcons, who finished 10-3 in 2022 and won their bowl game against Baylor, 30-15.
    Edie said Air Force is one of only seven teams in all of college football to have 10 plus wins in the last three full season, not including the COVID-19 year.
    As for the Gracie Awards, Edie said she has no plans to attend the gala. 
   “I didn’t do any of this for the fanfare,” she said. “I wanted to do the job because I love football. I love what it stands for and what it builds in the lives of young men and how it rallies communities together. Football teaches young people how to push through adversity and get up when they have been knocked down.”
   And as a special treat for her success on the sidelines, the NFL selected Edie to attend the NFL Women’s Forum on Feb. 28 – March 1 in Indianapolis during the combine.
   “They selected me because of what I have done in college football and the possibility of me entering in the NFL,” said Edie. “I got to meet the commissioner of the NFL and some of the coaches and owners. It was a surreal experience.”
    In mid-April, she was awarded a summer internship with the Buffalo Bills NFL team. This fall, unless flight school calls, Edie will be back on the Falcon sidelines as a play caller and an important part of the team. Practice will start the second week of August.
    “I don’t think you’re born with a passion – you build it,” said Edie. “And you find it through learning more and more about something. And that was football for me.”

By J.O. Parker
 
      If you are looking for some unique, locally handmade products, consider attending the Homegrown Grace “Market on the Farm” event on Saturday, May 13 in Victor from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
     Hosted by Randy and AJ Schnebbe, owners of RS Welding Studio, the event will feature 50 plus makers of all original handmade products and foods.
    Some of the items offered include goat soap, bath accessories, leather handbags and  leather products, baked goods, jewelry, homemade jams and jelly, salsa, BBQ rubs, freeze dried candy, fruit and vegetables, wall décor, handmade greeting cards, womenswear, children and adult clothing, woodworking, wreaths, candles, keychains, kitchen hand towels, engraved drinkware and garden trinkets.
“We will have a little of everything,” said AJ.
There will also be food trucks, live music and a free “Family Fun Zone” that includes an inflatable slide, obstacle course and climbing wall for the youngsters.
Food trucks include a casserole truck, Victor Market pizza, a Mexican food vendor and the Parnell Peppers 4-H Club who will be serving refreshments. The Whistle Stop will be offering Bloody Marys and featuring local wines and beer.
AJ said her daughter’s middle name is Grace and she came up with the name for the event.
This is the third year that the Schnebbes have hosted the market at their farm at 2026 B Ave., Victor. The event came about during COVID-19 when the couple, who were regulars at the Des Moines Farmers Market, received a letter noting that the DM market was looking to cut back on the number of artisans due to COVID.
“We were wanting to do something on our farm and this opened the door,” said AJ.
Since 2021, the couple has hosted the “Market on the Farm” event four times a year during the summer months. This year, the couple decided to offer the event May 13 and again on Sept. 23, due mainly to the many area community events that take place.
In addition to the “Market on our Farm” event, the Schnebbes have a store offering their welding products. The business is open five days a week and several Saturdays when they are not attending farmers’ markets. It’s open to local vendors and makers to sell their goods.
“We try to keep it all local if possible,” said AJ. “We try to support local people and businesses. The goal is to see many local makers showcase their products among our metal art.”
For more information, visit Homegrown Grace on Facebook or send an email to [email protected] or call 319-930-7246.