The Wild West was the theme of the 2022 Fall Coed dance during the Grinnell Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally in Central Park on Thursday, Sept. 29.

         The Brooklyn Opera House will be hosting a fall community theatre production of “Blithe Spirit” from Oct. 28 - 30. As a cornerstone of the community since 1911, the opera house provides a place for the community to gather and celebrate the local arts.
          Written by Noël Coward, this comedy hit focuses on novelist Charles Condomine, who is remarried, but haunted by the ghost of his late first wife, Elvira. Charles’ current wife, Ruth, is accidentally killed, passes over and joins Elvira, and the two blithe spirits haunt Charles into perpetuity. Set in Kent, England during the 1940s, this production includes a cast of seven.
     “While the opera house is proud to host many entertainment options, community theatre is an opportunity for the community to play an active role in a local production,” said Laura Manatt, General Manager of the Brooklyn Opera House. “The play will feature seven local community members, and we look forward to celebrating the talent of our friends and neighbors during this fall season.”
         “Blithe Spirit is a great classic and is perfect for the spooky season,” said Deborah Kennedy, co-director of this fall’s production. “This script is clever, and just plain fun, with a splash of magic as well. It is sure to put a spell on you.”
The Blithe Spirit cast include the following:

• Charles Condomine – Rob Hanlon
• Ruth Condomine (his second wife) – Rachel Lakose
• Elvira Condomine (his first wife and ghostly presence)  – Meghan Glennon
• Madame Arcati (a medium) – Dana Jensen
• Doctor Bradman (a friend) – William Crosby
• Mrs. Bradman (his friend’s wife) – Molly Clayton
• Edith (a maid) – Regan Clayton

       Chris Johnson from Grinnell is the guest director for this production.
     The show will be held Oct. 28 - 29 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. If tickets are still available the day of the show, you may purchase them one hour prior to show time at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center (MJMCC) entrance. Thank you to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for making this community theatre production possible.
      To purchase tickets:
Friday @ 7 PM: https://blithespiritfriday.eventbrite.com
Saturday @ 7 PM: https://blithespiritsaturday.eventbrite.com
Sunday @ 1 PM: https://blithespiritSunday.eventbrite.comPlease visit www.brooklynoperahouse.com for more information.

      The Brooklyn Library is hosting an original Escape Room for the month of October.
     Priceless books are in danger and only you can save them! Bring your family and friends and spend an hour trying to solve a series of clues.
      The escape room if free but any donations will go toward the Friends of the Library, who will use it to bring fun and educational programming to the library.
       To set up a time, call at 641-522-9272, or email [email protected]
Don't wait. Claim your spot on the calendar now!

This year’s celebration is presented by Farm Bureau Financial Services 
       The Iowa 4-H Foundation and Poweshiek County 4-H is launching its annual special 24- hour event, Iowa 4-H Giving Day (www.iowa4Hgivingday.org), on October 4th and 5th from Noon to Noon during National 4-H Week. 
      Each year on Iowa 4-H Giving Day, supporters across the country come together to financially support Iowa’s largest youth organization, to ensure these opportunities continue to be available to youth across the state and at the county level. 
“On Iowa 4-H Giving Day, we’re celebrating all that 4-H’ers have accomplished, how they’ve grown and how they support their communities,” said Emily Saveraid, Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director. “It’s great opportunity for 4-H supporters and alumni to give back and celebrate the program that is making a difference in every zip code in Iowa.” 
Poweshiek County 4-H supporters can go directly to the county giving day page to make a gift at https://www.iowa4hgivingday.org/organizations/poweshiek-county-4-h or simply scan the QR Code. 
Dollars raised on Iowa 4-H Giving Day go directly to the Poweshiek County 4-H Program delivered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and to provide other opportunities-- state recognition, national 4-H trips, college scholarships and special programs, which enhance the Iowa 4-H experience. Iowa 4-H Giving Day is proudly sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services. 
The Iowa 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs to nearly 100,000 young people throughout the state of Iowa. These programs and opportunities help enhance 4-H’ers’ ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and social skills. 
For more information and to make a gift, visit www.iowa4Hgivingday.org. For the latest updates and stories on Iowa 4-H Giving Day, follow the Iowa 4-H Foundation on Facebook and Instagram. 
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Dr. Lauren Graham is a Poweshiek County Community Foundation Spirit of Giving honoree.

​       Dr. Lauren Graham was recently recognized by Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation for her Spirit of Giving, particularly her graciousness in sharing her wisdom and expertise with both her patients and the community. She is passionate about community health and well-being and we all benefit from her presence in Poweshiek County.
       The Community Foundation will continue to recognize more Spirit of Giving nominees during the month of October. Anyone can nominate a community member by completing this simple form at https://forms.gle/Kz8BvdKLgWTm75z46 or by contacting GPCF at 641-236-5518 extension 108.

      Ryan Beckman is shown at Beckman Gallery II, 912 Main St., Grinnell. Ryan has taken over the family business following the passing of his dad, Jim, who opened his first Beckman Gallery in Newton in 1991. The business will continue to offer home décor, gifts and custom framing.       ​

By J.O. Parker
 
       A long-time Grinnell business will continue to operate under the same name, same location while offering the same friendly service.
     Beckman Gallery II announced recently that Ryan Beckman, son of the late Jim Beckman, founder of the business, has taken over the business and will continue in his father’s footsteps.
      Beckman Gallery II specializes in home décor, gifts and custom framing.
      The business is located at 912 Main St., Grinnell.
     Ryan, who grew up in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area and spent several years traveling and sailing, was living near Burlington, VT where he operated a home remodeling business when he learned that his father, Jim, was ill.
      “Everything was going well, then dad got sick again,” Ryan said. “The cancer had come back and I decided to close up shop and move to Iowa to take care of him.”
       Ryan returned to Iowa in February of this year and took care of his dad until his passing on Aug. 6.
       “I had been helping at the shop and once my dad passed, I thought it would be good to keep the business going,” Ryan said.
        When asked about taking over the business, Ryan said it is a little surreal right now.
         “I like the people I am meeting and I like the craft of framing,” he said.
          Four long-time employees of Jim’s will remain at the business.
          “It’s a great team here,” said Ryan.
           Beckman Gallery II is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 – 4 p.m.
The business phone number is 641-236-3344.

​        The annual Friends of Drake Community Library fall book sale will be Saturday Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will be held in the Caulkins Community Room of Drake Community Library, located at the corner of 5th Avenue and Park Street.  Admission is free and all are welcome. Each year the sale features thousands of books sorted by category for book lovers and bargain hunters to choose from.  
       “We’re very proud of our used book store inside the library that is open during regular library hours,” noted Jeff Dickey-Chasins, current FDCL President. “But the book sale really helps us highlight the wide variety of books we receive as donations throughout the year.  There will tables and tables of books to pick from so it’s a great way to stock up on reading material for fall and winter or maybe pick up some early holiday gifts.”
       The sale will include books in the following categories: children’s, cooking, health, fiction, non-fiction, romance, science fiction, gardening, the arts, poetry, travel, and much more. Hardback books are $1, paperback and children’s books are 50 cents.  All proceeds benefit the Friends of Drake Community Library in Grinnell.