 Ashley Sorensen is the new RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) Volunteer Iowa Coordinator for Poweshiek County. Sorensen took over the position in mid-April. The program connects people age 55 plus with volunteer opportunities, allowing them to use their skills, talents and life experiences to help meet community needs. Volunteer opportunities include non-profit organizations, churches, schools, libraries and more. By J.O. Parker
If you are age 55 plus and are looking to make a difference in Grinnell, Brooklyn, Montezuma or elsewhere in the county, consider volunteering through the RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) outreach. RSVP, which is an outreach of Iowa Health and Human Services, is part of the largest volunteer network in the state for people age 55 plus called AmeriCorps Seniors. The program connects people age 55 plus with volunteer opportunities, allowing them to use their skills, talents and life experiences to help meet community needs. The local program is under the direction of Ashley Sorensen, the new RSVP Volunteer Iowa Coordinator for Poweshiek County. Sorensen brings 25-years of experience to her position, building on her work with the YMCA and various non-profits through the years. She and her husband, George, moved from Wichita, Kan. to Newton in January. George serves as the CEO of the Newton YMCA. The couple has two children. “The skills I learned working with the YMCA and other non-profits has been a guiding light to the work I am doing with local non-profits here in Poweshiek County,” Sorensen said. Since taking on the role of RSVP Volunteer Iowa Coordinator in mid-April, Sorensen has been busy getting to know potential volunteers and the places they gather while finding ways to connect them with volunteer opportunities at businesses, churches, the hospital, food pantries and other non-profits across the county. Volunteer opportunities with RSVP can range from providing social connection to other people, improving access to food, or providing youth support. Sorensen works with each organization and identifies ways each location would utilize their volunteers — this way, she has the best opportunity to create a perfect volunteer match. She already has relationships with organizations like Ahrens Foundation and the Mayflower. She has ventured into Brooklyn and Montezuma where she is making connections and learning about community needs in those two towns. Sorensen recently developed a relationship with the Montezuma Public Library and has a volunteer delivering books to homebound residents. “One great part of RSVP outreach is that people can be reimbursed for their mileage when they volunteer,” said Sorensen. “We also have insurance if, for example, you break your glasses during a volunteering shift.” Sorensen said as her group of volunteers are trained and begin new work schedules, their hours are recorded to know the amount of impact they are having on their local communities. When meeting earlier this year with the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Sorensen said, “There are so many benefits to volunteering. Not only do you get out of the house, but studies show that those who volunteer tend to live longer, find purpose, and be happier.” One of Sorensen’s goals is to work with schools in the county to start a pen pal program for students in the third and fourth grades. Once a month, students in the program would write a letter to an RSVP volunteer, who would then write a letter back to that student. The goal would be to exchange seven letters during the school year. She has also made connections with non-profit organizations such as MICA (Mid-Iowa Community Action), Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs, Unity Point Hospice, Renewed Hope Home Furnishing (Grinnell Friends Church), and Poweshiek County Extension 4-H Clover Kids program. Sorensen said there are opportunities for age 55 plus volunteers to teach an exercise class or bring real-life experience to the classroom. She is currently looking for volunteers and friendly faces to help out at places like Grinnell Farm to Table, the Grinnell Historical Museum, and for the occasional one-time special events. There is also a need for volunteers to serve as walking buddies and reading buddies to residents at the Mayflower. And currently she is working with the Ahrens Foundation to connect volunteers to help with the Tiger Packs program. “Match is very important,” noted Sorensen. “There are so many cool volunteers with different skills and interests, so we want to fit them in organizations that match those skills.” Currently, there are 25 individuals in the county signed up to serve as RSVP Volunteers. “That number has doubled since I started getting the word out that I am a resource to help volunteers find their place to give back,” said Sorensen. “By the end of the year, my goal is to have recruited at least 150 people in the area.” If you are age 55 plus or if you have an older friend, encourage them to volunteer through RSVP! The process is pretty simple — fill out a volunteer application and walk through the RSVP handbook. Then, Sorensen will match your skills and interests with those of local organizations. Sorensen can be contacted at 641-888-0989, or email [email protected]. If you are a new resident to Grinnell, Sorensen is excited to greet newcomers who are ready to jump into volunteer opportunities at the Chamber’s New Resident Welcome event being held Sept. 25 at Central Park. Editor’s note: Some information in this article was provided by the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.
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 Members of the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733 join the honorees of the Quilts of Valor during a special service on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Pictured are, from left, front row: Jacob McCammant, Richard Kirby (quilt recipient), Lonnie White (quilt recipient), Norman Schroeder (quilt recipient), Brenton Simpson. Back row: Phillip Vanrenterhem, Lee King, Jerry Minner (quilt recipient), Roger Griffith (quilt recipient), Cliff Schultz (quilt recipient), Rod Robey and John McCammant. By J.O. Parker Seven veterans and members of the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733 were honored with Quilts of Valor in a special service on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Lonnie White, Jerry Minner, Richard Kirby, Cliff Schultz, Roger Griffith and Norman Schroeder were all presented with handmade quilts. Rod Robey received a quilt on behalf of veteran Clark Dayton, who was unable to attend. Dayton and his wife are in Maryland receiving treatment for cancer. The 60 by 70 size quilts were presented by Jane Bazyn of Victor. Bazyn and friends have made and given out more than 150 Quilts of Valor to area veterans. “I quilt all of them with the help of others who piece each quilt,” said Bazyn. As each veteran’s name was called, Bazyn wrapped the quilt around them and then gave each man a hug. Judy Wacha was on hand calling the veterans to step forward to the podium. Speaking on behalf of her husband, Lonnie, Deb White said, “He’s been touched.” Deb said the ladies do a great job making the quilts. “He feels blessed,” she said of Lonnie, a Marine who served during the Vietnam War. “It is quite an honor to get a quilt.” Minner, a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, said he appreciates the recognition. Kirby, an Army veteran who spent time in the service during the Vietnam War, said receiving the quilt is quite an honor. “I put my time in and I appreciate the honor these ladies bestowed on me tonight,” said Schultz, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War where he spent one year in California and two years in Germany. “I appreciate all of those involved,” said Schultz. Griffith, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, said the quilt is the only thank you he has had since he’s been home. Schroeder, who was honored with 70-year membership plaque from the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733 in April, said he is thrilled to receive the quilt. “I don’t deserve it,” he said. Schroeder spent time in the Navy serving in the Philippines during the Korean War. Bazyn said she has been making and giving the Quilts of Valor to area veterans for about five years, saying there is nothing like the experience. “It is just the best thing a person can do,” she said. “It’s a great experience and heartwarming.” “This is very special for these gentleman,” said John McCammant, commander of the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733.  Join us for a new event at the museum! On Oct. 4, we will hold our first ever Chili Challenge from 3 - 5 p.m. We will have prizes for traditional, spicy, vegetarian, and people's choice - all voted on by those tasting the various options.
The cost is $10 to taste chili entries and $5 for 4 tickers to vote for your favorites. We will have crackers to go with your chili and also water. Want to enter the chili challenge? Sign up to bring a chili at this link https://tinyurl.com/yc8jf3ae Or use the QR on the flyer.  Mark your calendars to join the museum on Sept. 20 outside the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce for downtown Grinnell historical walking tours!
Tours will be offered between 10 a.m. and Noon and last approximately 35 minutes. On the tour, you'll learn about the buildings and history of downtown Grinnell from our board members and volunteers. The suggested donation is $5 per person. All ages are welcome! Please note that in the event of the rain, tours are cancelled.  Sharon Wheeler, right, enjoys a laugh while visiting with Bev Keisters at the Sheridan and Malcom UMC "Picnic in the Park" at the Malcom City Park Shelter on Sunday, Aug. 23. The message on listening to God was led by Pastor Boyd Sparks, 91, who oversees both churches. Following the service, guests were invited to enjoy pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, potato salad and baked beans prepared and provided by the McCammant and McDonald families of Malcom and Brooklyn areas. By J.O. Parker It was a perfect day from the weather to the food, music, sermon and fellowship with friends at a “Church in the Park,” service at the Malcom City Park on Sunday, Aug. 23. Members of the Sheridan and Malcom United Methodist Churches held the joint service and picnic as a way to reconnect and enjoy the blessings of God. “It was a way to get people together and have a good meal and worship the Lord,” said Pastor Boyd Sparks, who ministers at both churches. Pastor Sparks, 91, has ministered in the pulpit at both churches for three years. Special music and singing of hymns was led by Jennifer Kriegel, and daughter, Sawyer, Pastor Sparks and Patti Collins. Hymns included, “This is the Day,” “Amazing Grace,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” that was sang by request. The service included children’s church led by Dawn Frost Hamilton. An offering was taken using hats, including Pastor Boyd’s cowboy hat. The message centered around “Listening to God” based on scripture from Hebrews 12:18-29 and Luke 13:10-17. Pastor Sparks said the original thought was to have a Cowboy Church service. “We did that in Montezuma one year,” he said. “That didn’t work out this year, so it was decided to have a “Church in the Park” service and picnic. The McCammant and McDonald families of the Malcom and Brooklyn area prepared the meal of shredded pork, chicken, baked beans, potato salad and homemade pie. Harold and Pat Wheeler of Montezuma made and served their special Wheeler ice cream. Of the nearly 40 attendees, three families present represented four generations. They included Bernice Sleeuwenhoek with daughter, Jody Allen, granddaughters, Kristine Wheeler and Sharon Burke and great-grandchildren, Jaylene Wheeler, Kalleen Wheeler, Gracelynn Burke and Addie Mae Burke. “I’m proud of my family,” said Bernice Sleeuwenhoek, who calls Grinnell home. “Four generations of my family were able to attend the service.” Also in attendance were two four generation families on the McCammant side. They included: Beverly McCammant, daughter, Terri Posehn, grandson, Brett LaKose and great-grandchildren, Koen LaKose and Ethan LaKose. Also representing four generations include Beverly McCammant, daughter, Dee Dee McDonald, granddaughter, Sam Boyd and great-grandchildren, Mayson Boyd and Evelyn Boyd. “It was a great community church service, meal and fellowship,” said Dee Dee McDonald, a member of the Malcom UMC. “We need to do this more often,” said John Smith, a member of the Sheridan UMC. “This is a good turnout today. The weather was nice.” “It’s great for the churches to come together and worship,” said Duane and Carna Simmons of Keller, Texas. The couple has a family farm near the Sheridan UMC. “It’s nice for the two churches to come together,” noted Duane Simmons. “When it is a small group, its more personal and everybody enjoys visiting with everyone.” “The fellowship of the two churches coming together to worship and reconnect was wonderful,” said Kristine Wheeler with the Sheridan UMC. “Bringing people together for church services is great,” said Dawn Frost Hamilton, a member of the Malcom UMC. “The special music by Jen and Sawyer, the fellowship, food and friends really showed us all there are angles among us all the time.” “I thought overall it was good day,” said Pastor Sparks. “We had a good meal and we had good music. It went well.”  New to Grinnell? Join us for our New Resident Welcome, Thursday, Sept. 25 from 4–6 p.m. at Central Park! If you’ve moved to Grinnell in the last 12-18 months, we invite you to connect with fellow new residents, learn to get involved in community events/organizations, and discover places to shop local for products and services. This free event will feature vendor booths of businesses and organizations, as well as a free meal for attendees! RSVPs are now open; sign up on our website, grinnellchamber.org.
 Country Music Star Craig Morgan is slated to perform at the Grinnell Airport as part of the Brownell's 85 on 80 celebration on Sept. 27. Submitted photo. By J.O. Parker
A special tribute concert hosted by The Brownells Family Foundation will feature country music headliner Craig Morgan at the Grinnell Airport on Saturday, Sept. 27. Morgan’s songs include “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” “When a Man Can’t Get a Woman Off his Mind,” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” The concert will open with performances by rising country star Sadie Bass, Nate Hosie and Ruari Brownell. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert kicks off at 6:45 p.m. Guests can enjoy a festive evening with food vendors and alcohol available for purchase on-site. A drone show will light up the sky following the concert, providing a memorable end to the evening. The concert is part of the 85 on 80 Celebration: A tribute to Frank Brownell (1939 – 2025) at Brownells headquarters, 3006 Brownells Parkway, Grinnell. Beginning at 9 a.m., guests are encouraged to visit Brownells Parkway for a day of giveaways, expert demonstrations, and family‑friendly activities that reflect the company’s roots and Frank’s enduring influence. The “85 on 80” name honors Frank’s 85 years of life and the Brownells headquarters located just off Interstate 80, inviting customers and the local community to celebrate where his legacy began. This event is an opportunity for friends, customers, and local supporters to come together in Grinnell to celebrate the values Frank championed, such as his commitment to quality and his passion for bringing people together. Event highlights include:
“This day is about remembering Frank for who he was and what he gave to everyone around him,” said Pete Brownell, CEO of Brownells “We want people to show up, enjoy the event, and be part of the extended Brownell Family.” Important Parking Notice: There is no parking at the airport. All concert goers are required to use the provided shuttle service, and each person will need a shuttle pass. Click here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craig-morgan-shuttle-pass-tickets-1557028547299?aff=oddtdtcreator). Parking tickets are $12.50. |
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