 Maretta Grattan, left, and Carole Smothers, right, hold American Flags they received in a Veterans Day Program last week in honor of their late husbands at St. Francis Manor. They are joined by family members and American Legion officials. The annual St. Francis Manor Veterans Remembrance Program was held last week in Grinnell to pay tribute to the veterans residing on the senior housing campus. Residents from St. Francis Manor, tenants of the Hammond Center, and residents of Seeland Park gathered for this special occasion, which featured guest speaker Clay Grandia. Clay, a former Navy SEAL, dedicated 23 years to SEAL Team 5 and SEAL Team 6. American Legion representative Eric Hartz presented flags to Carole Smothers and Maretta Grattan in honor of their husbands’ service. Carole’s husband, Bud Smothers, served in the U.S. Army, spending 20 months in Korea as a cook before being stationed at Fort Jay, New York, until his discharge in August 1962. After his active duty, he continued to serve for 2 years in the Reserves. Maretta’s husband, Worthin Grattan, served for 3 years in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the aircraft carrier Bon Homme Richard, CV-31. In 2024, he was honored with a trip through the Honor Flight program to visit Washington, D.C., and received the Quilt of Valor, which proudly hung in his room at St. Francis Manor. Pianist Barb Tininenko played the official anthem for each branch of the armed services as attendees stood in recognition of their own or their loved ones' service. The program also included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and the playing of “Taps” by American Legion Representative Rod Carlson. Guests enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by the Culinary Department. St. Francis Manor was also presented with the Patriotic Citizen Award by Randy Hotchkin for the unsolicited inspirational patriotic service to the community through the daily display of our National Flag. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended to honor our veterans.  Carole Smothers and family were honored at the Veterans Day program. Her late husband, Bud, served in the U.S. Army.  Maretta Grattan with items, including a Quilt of Valor, from her late husband, Worthin, who served three years in the U.S. Navy.
 Pictured from left: Craig Hartley - CALEA Executive Director, Dennis Reilly, Grinnell Police Department Accreditation Manager, Michael A. McClelland, Grinnell Chief of Police, and Col. Matthew Packard, Colorado State Patrol - CALEA Commission Chair. The Grinnell Police Department is proud to announce that it has earned its first CALEA Law Enforcement Accreditation, a distinguished recognition awarded by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This accomplishment places Grinnell among a select group of agencies nationwide committed to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and public service.
On Nov, 15, 2025, the Grinnell Police Department became the 13th municipal law enforcement agency in Iowa to receive this honor. Accreditation confirms that the department complies with internationally recognized best practices in public safety operations, administration, and community engagement. What CALEA Accreditation Means: CALEA establishes rigorous professional standards for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Achieving accreditation ensures that agencies: · Maintain clear, consistent, and contemporary policies · Uphold fair and nondiscriminatory policing practices · Strengthen crime prevention efforts and organizational accountability · Improve the quality and consistency of services delivered to the public · Enhance collaboration and interoperability with partner agencies How Accreditation Benefits the Grinnell Community CALEA accreditation reflects an ongoing commitment to excellence—not a one-time accomplishment. For Grinnell residents, this means: · Greater transparency and public trust · Increased readiness for emergencies and critical events · Stronger community partnerships and engagement · Reduced organizational risk and liability · A continuous model for professional growth and improvement "This achievement highlights our dedication to integrity, respect, and transparency while serving the Grinnell community. Earning CALEA accreditation is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to excellence in public safety," noted Grinnell Chief Michael McClelland. For additional information about CALEA accreditation, visit www.calea.org or contact the Grinnell Police Department at 641-236-2670.  BGM Schools has several outreaches underway to provide food and Christmas gifts to area families in need.
The district has been working with the local food pantries along with the Grinnell Food Coalition to plan for emergency food resources due to the recent SNAP benefits shutdown. BGM Mini Food Drive BGM is hosting a mini food drive through Friday, Nov. 21 to collect specific items to create “meal bags” for Brooklyn and Malcom food pantries to hand out. In addition, the school will hold its annual food drive between Thanksgiving and Christmas with all donations going to local food pantries. BGM will include a food voucher in their Backpack program to help families in need. The food drives are under the direction of iJAG, FCCLA, NHS and the BGM Student Council. Food items needed Here's the list of items for the mini food drive now underway: Hamburger Helper, Hamburger, Tuna Helper. Cans of Tuna, Cans of Chicken, Pancake Mix, Pancake Syrup, Dried Soups, Macaroni and Cheese boxes and Box Potatoes. Christmas Assistance Program Christmas is a joyful and exciting time for many children and families. However, it can also bring added stress, especially when financial resources are limited. Planning a happy holiday can be challenging if providing gifts and special meals feels out of reach. “We are very fortunate to live in a caring and generous community,” noted a district official. “Several local community members, organizations, and church groups are eager to support families in need during this Christmas season. If your family—or another BGM family you know—could benefit from this assistance, please complete the form below and return it to the BGM Elementary or High School office. You may place it in a sealed envelope labeled “Office.” All information will remain confidential and will only be shared with the office and the individuals distributing the food and/or gifts. Families who sign up will need to pick up their items on Dec. 20 from 9 – 11 a.m. at Brooklyn Grace United Methodist Church. We hope to help make this Christmas season a merry and meaningful one for all BGM students and families. Please contact the school office if you have any questions. If you are fortunate enough that you do not need this assistance, please consider giving towards the Community Angel Giving Tree located at the First State Bank in Brooklyn. Forms must be returned to the school by Friday, Nov. 21. Submissions received after this date may not be accepted. Donations needed Both food and monetary donations are being accepted during these outreaches. All food and cash donations will be split between the Brooklyn and Malcom food pantries. Local food resources for all Poweshiek County residences
Ph 641-236-6584
Ph 641-236-3331
Ph 540-471-1647
Ph 641-522-9272
Ph 641-236-2661
Ph 641-623-3417
916 5th Ave., Grinnell Email [email protected] for more information
Email theiowakitchen.org for more information Local Food Pantries:
Ph 641-522-9283
Ph 641-990-4300
Ph 641-236-3923
Ph 641-623-3275 Hours: Monday 10 a.m. to Noon
ALL FOOD PANTRIES WILL PROVIDE EMERGENCY FOOD IF NEEDED.  Celebrate the Christmas season with :It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," live at the Brooklyn Opera House! Presented by the Brooklyn Theatre Company, December 5–7.
Get your tickets today: https://www.brooklynoperahouse.com/events  Ballet Des Moines The Nutcracker in Grinnell tickets are on sale now! All of the seats in the Grinnell High School Auditorium have great sight lines!
Performances Thanksgiving weekend: Saturday, Nov 29: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov 30: 1 p.m. Thirty area student dancers will perform alongside the professional company. Hit the Tickets link in our bio or at our website: www/grinnellarts.org. Presenting organizations are Grinnell College, Grinnell School of Music and the Grinnell Area Arts Council. |
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