Santa’s Elf, aka Andrea Harms, the BGM Elementary Counselor, smiles as she looks out from the elementary school office earlier this month. Each day, the elf was found in various places around the school from display cases to windows and even on the school roof. Submitted photos.

By J.O. Parker
 
       She’s a wife, a mother, an elementary counselor and on the side, an elf.
       An elf, you ask?
     Yes, an elf who loves putting a smile on kid’s faces and giving them hope and a reason for coming to school.
       Actually, she’s Andrea Harms and in real life, she works as the BGM Elementary School Counselor. But this year, Andrea took on a new role, as one of Santa’s elves.
        Every school day starting Dec. 1 through the end of the school semester, Andrea showed up at the school around 7:40 a.m. dressed in her green, red and white elf outfit. Students found her hiding in the trophy or display case, sitting or standing on the school roof, standing in a tree, hanging out by the school Christmas tree, sitting in the window of the elementary office or in some other conspicuous space around the school.
         “The elf had a new hiding place every day,” she said.
         And when Andrea had a morning appointment or found herself too busy, the elf showed up at the end of the school day. And the last day of semester, the elf showed up with special guests Santa, a reindeer, a snowman and a Christmas tree.
       “There were four of us all dressed up to greet the students going on break,” said Andrea. “Then the Grinch (myself) made guests appearances throughout the day.”
         Andrea came up with the elf idea, saying it was something she wanted to do. In September, she took the elf idea to BGM Elementary Principal Mary Sherwood, who thought it was a great idea and gave her the green light.
          “The students loved it,” said Andrea. “I saw the students looking all over the second they got on school property. The pure laughter that came from them when they spotted the elf was truly a sound I loved to hear. I even saw some high school students who were looking for me on the days that I was outside.”
        “Our BGM Elementary Elf from the North Pole brought so much joy to the students, parents and staff each morning at BGM Elementary,” said Sherwood. “I saw the students arrive at school with a smile on their face as they looked for the elf, both inside and outside, to see where she was hiding for the day. It has been a wonderful and fun event to get us to winter break.”
          Andrea said the time between Thanksgiving break and winter break can be very hard on students. There are a lot of emotions, excitement, and over stimulation.
       “I get a variety of kids in my office who had temporary holiday anxiety, stress, and nervousness during these few weeks,” Andrea said. “Their schedules were all over the place with extra family gatherings, holiday traditions, concerts, and you can't forget the big change in sleeping/eating habits during this time.”
         Andrea said by dressing up as an elf, she was giving the kids another fun reason to come to school.
        “During the last few weeks of dressing up, I noticed some students arriving early to "catch" the elf getting into her hiding spot,” she said. “Parents have made comments about how they have enjoyed watching kids and other parents laughing/smiling when the elf was spotted.”
       She said the general rules for the elf was that students couldn’t touch her and she didn’t talk or wave back.
       “However, sometimes when students waved, the elf might have slightly wiggled her pinky at them,” said Andrea. “I remained in the same position the entire time and kept a smile on my face.”
Andrea said the one thing that surprised her the most was how involved some of the staff members were getting with the elf.
      “They all are playing along when the students talked about the elf and some were taking pictures daily,” she said. “The custodians were the true MVPs for helping me come up with new spots, providing props, or getting me into hard to fit places.”

    Second and third grade students use cups to make music during the annual BGM Elementary Christmas program on Thursday, Dec. 8 in the school auditorium. The program was filled with dance, music and the use of all types of instruments including bells, plastic drums, drum sticks, music triangles, plastic cups and tambourines. 

By J.O. Parker
 
      It was a festive evening of music and dance at the BGM Elementary School Christmas Concert on Thursday, Dec. 8 in the school auditorium.
      Elementary music teacher Emily Chatfield brought lots of energy and passion and it showed as the students performed a number of songs, dances and musical routines using drum sticks, cups, bells, triangles and five-gallon buckets.
       Students in Begindergarten, Kindergarten, first and second grades opened the show with such holiday favorites as, “Big Old Storm A-Comin’,” “Away in a Manger,” “Nutcracker: Trepack (Russian Dance),” “Nutcracker: Spanish Hot Chocolate,” “Kings and Queens,” “Song of the Sleigh Bells,” and “Mail Myself to You.”
        Second and third grade students where next on the agenda. They performed, danced and sang a mixture of traditional and festive songs such as, “Deck the Hall,” “Jingle Bells,” Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Las Velitas,” “Chimes of Dunkik,” Jingle Bell Rock,” “Nutcracker March,” “Christmas Jubilation.”
        The fourth, fifth and sixth graders sang, danced and performed, “The Little Drummer Boy,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” “Sashay the Donut,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Sir Gregory’s Galop,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “December Nights, December Lights.”
        The fifth/sixth grade choir performed two songs, “He is Born,” and “Light One Candle.”
        The fifth grade band performed, “Steppin’,” “Cuckoo,” “Rising Rhythms,” and “In a Minor Mood.”
     The sixth grade band wrapped up the evening with, “Good King Wenceslas,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “Nutcracker, Mirlitons,” and “Jingle Bells.”

Shane Hart of Grinnell was nominated for his tireless work on the Grinnell-Newburg Dollars for Scholars board. Shane has been instrumental in fundraising, board recruitment, and leading the Annual Dogs for Dollars event. Shane cares deeply about kids and our community and he shows it through his kind leadership and forward-thinking. Generous volunteers like Shane help our communities thrive in so many ways.

​Mike Mahaffey of Montezuma is known to Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation for his eight years of leadership on the GPCF board of directors but his recognition goes well beyond that.  Mike was also nominated for lending his many talents to community theatre performances, his service to the Iowa Legal Aid Board, his support for public service through local and state politics, and for being a champion for many causes in Poweshiek County through advocacy and insight.  He gives freely of his time to make Montezuma, Poweshiek County, and the State of Iowa better. 

​Paul Kolpin and Mark Kolpin, brothers from Grinnell, were nominated for their leadership on the TT. Cranny Renovation Campaign which successfully installed new field turf just in time for the 2022 football season at Grinnell High School. Mark and Paul spent many hours building the necessary relationships to raise the needed funds and they continue to envision even more improvements. Their love for their alma mater and their community shines through their many examples of service that extend well beyond this campaign and the Tiger Football Club. 

​Rachael Kinnick was nominated for her outstanding efforts as a community leader.  Rachael leads the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce with forward-thinking, a deep care for our businesses and nonprofits, and a passion for making Grinnell a great place to live. She brings many ideas to the table and enthusiastically supports partners' initiatives. She was instrumental in leading the community through the pandemic and the derecho and in addressing child care needs by establishing LINK. 

​Leah Keller and Melissa Gary were recognized for their work with Chris' Heart Fund, a memorial fund established by Leah in honor of her late husband, Chris Keller, who passed away in the aftermath of the derecho. Chris' Heart fund benefits local families who are facing disaster or hardship by meeting immediate needs to lessen the burden of a crisis. Leah and Melissa actively seek out families that might benefit from a helping hand when their needs are greatest. This fund honors Chris' legacy of caring by turning tragedy into action to help others. 

​Ron Hensel of Montezuma was nominated for a Spirit of Giving award for his efforts to improve his community. Ron, pictured with his wife, Bea, relocated to Montezuma in 2008 and have been very involved in the community ever since. Ron initiated the effort to install a Freedom Rock in Poweshiek County and is currently leading a campaign to build a new American Legion Hall in Montezuma that will serve both the Legion and the wider community as a gathering space. As a veteran, a business owner, and a community leader, Ron truly gives from his heart in everything he does. 

​Tilly Woodward and Karen Neal were nominated for their shining example of collaborative power to align their programming at the Grinnell College Museum of Art and the Drake Community Library to provide free, high quality enrichment programs for kids since 2017, especially during and after the pandemic. Tilly and Karen bring their contagious enthusiasm, energy, interests, and commitment to every endeavor and draw kids and adults alike into amazing encounters with art, literacy, and fun. 

​Judy Hunter of Grinnell was recognized for embodying the five T's of philanthropy: time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony! Judy was nominated for her dedication to education as a founding member of the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation (GNSF) as well as her leadership on the Community Education Cooperative (CEC). Judy has touched many lives through her advocacy for educators, students of all ages, and the fine arts. Among her many gifts to our community, she was instrumental in campaigns for a grand piano at the high school as well as theatre equipment such as microphones and tools for the scene shop. She served many years as a school board member and continues to find and fill needs for educators, learners, and artists. 

​Tom and Alesia Lacina of Grinnell were nominated for their long history of encouraging and growing the arts in countless ways. They have given freely of their time and creativity to strategize and enhance many initiatives including community theatre, arts programs for kids, opportunities for local artists, collaborative spaces for programming, and ensuring sustainability for the arts in Grinnell. They share their passion for connecting the community to the arts and prove time and again that visionary leadership paired with unbridled creativity yields amazing results.

     The Poweshiek County 4-H Program held its annual awards banquet on Sunday, Nov. 13 at Key Cooperative in Grinnell. The following 4-H’ers were recognized at the banquet. 
 
Deep River Helping Hands
     Vivian Cook – Beef, Sheep, Year Member.
Poweshiek Pioneers
  Gabriella Cushman – Year Member, Photography, Self-determined; Maggie Manatt – Year Member, Clothing & Textiles, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Visual Arts; William Manatt - Clothing & Textiles, Science Engineering & Technology, Photography, Food & Nutrition, Year Member, Self-determined.
Sheridan
   Ava Seney – Consumer Management Healthy Living, Home Improvement, Self-Determined, Visual Arts.
Mighty Golden Clovers
     Gracie Kaufman – Food & Nutrition, Horse and Pony, Poultry, Sheep, Vet Science; Carleigh Klein – Year Member, Clothing & Textiles, Sheep, Communication Arts, Food & Nutrition, Horticulture & Gardening, Shooting Sports, Swine & Visual Arts; Blayne LaRue – Poultry, Rabbits; Dasha LaRue – Year Member, Communication Arts, Dog, Horse & Pony, Poultry; Slane McCue – Communication Arts, Food & Nutrition, Horticulture & Gardening, Digital Storytelling, Science Engineering & Technology, Woodworking; Lucy Turley – Year Member, Communication Arts, Music, Visual Arts; Matthew Turley – Year Member, Music.
Outstanding Member Award 
     Gabriella Cushman, Poweshiek Pioneers; Gracie Kaufman, Mighty Golden Clovers; Dasha LaRue, Mighty Golden Clovers; Maggie Manatt, Poweshiek Pioneers; William Manatt, Poweshiek Pioneers; Slane McCue, Mighty Golden Clovers. 
Outstanding Record Keeping Award 
       Vivian Cook, Deep River Helping Hands; Gracie Kaufman, Mighty Golden Clovers; Carleigh Klein, Mighty Golden Clovers; Dasha LaRue, Mighty Golden Clovers; Maggie Manatt, Poweshiek Pioneers; William Manatt, Poweshiek Pioneers; Lucy Turley, Mighty Golden Clovers.
Outstanding Livestock Feed Record Keeping Award 
          Dasha LaRue, Mighty Golden Clovers.
AH HA Moment Award 
    Gracie Kaufman, Mighty Golden Clovers; Carleigh Klein, Mighty Golden Clovers; Dasha LaRue, Mighty Golden Clovers; Maggie Manatt, Poweshiek Pioneers; William Manatt, Poweshiek Pioneers; Slane McCue, Mighty Golden Clovers.
Community Service Award 
      Gabriella Cushman, Poweshiek Pioneers; Dasha LaRue, Mighty Golden Clovers.
Citizenship Award 
       Gabriella Cushman, Poweshiek Pioneers
 Achievement Award 
     Dasha LaRue, Mighty Golden Clovers; Maggie Manatt, Poweshiek Pioneers; Slane McCue, Mighty Golden Clovers; Lucy Turley, Mighty Golden Clovers.
Leadership Award 
       Dasha LaRue, Mighty Golden Clovers; Slane McCue, Mighty Golden Clovers.
William F. Danforth “I Dare Your” Award
      Abby Cheney, Deep River Helping Hands.
Make A Difference Award
      Abby Cheney, Deep River Helping Hands.
Club Service Award
      Deep River Helping Hands & Mighty Golden Clovers.
Poweshiek Pride Club Award –
      Deep River Helping Hands & Mighty Golden Clovers.
Award of the Clover
      Silver Clover: Traci Williams, Leader of Madison Moovers; Gold Clover: Michelle Cheney, Leader of Deep River Helping Hands, Tom Cheney, Leader of Deep River Helping Hands.
Friend of 4-H
      Key Cooperative

​Mighty Golden Clovers Award Winners - ​Many members of the Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H club won awards at this year’s banquet on Sunday, Nov. 13. Pictured are, from left: Carleigh Klein, Matthew Turley, Lucy Turley, Gracie Kaufman, Slane McCue, Blayne LaRue, Dasha LaRue and Ava Seney.

Outstanding Member - ​Outstanding Member honors recognize 4-H’ers who have demonstrated leadership skills and have shown personal growth through 4-H. Receiving Outstanding Member honors are, from left: Gracie Kaufman, Slane McCue and Dasha LaRue. Not pictured: Gabriella Cushman, Maggie Manatt and William Manatt.

Overall Record Book - ​Overall Record Book honors recognize 4-H’ers who have maintained excellent record over all their project areas. Area 4-H’ers receiving Overall Record Book honors are, from left: Lucy Turley, Carleigh Klein, Gracie Kaufman, Dasha LaRue. Not pictured: Vivian Cook, Maggie Manatt and William Manatt.

Council Members ​- Various council members attending and presenting awards at the banquet were, from left, Morgan McKay, State 4-H Council;  Corey Latcham, Poweshiek County Agricultural Extension Council Member and Poweshiek County 4-H Council members Anna Johnson, Poweshiek Pioneers and Ireland Sebetka, Sheridan. Not pictured: Poweshiek 4-H Council Member, Gabriella Cushman, Poweshiek Pioneers.

Overall Livestock Feed Records & Community Service Award –  Dasha LaRue, a member of the Mighty Golden Clovers, received awards for overall livestock feed records and community service.

AH HA Moment Award - ​AH HA Moment Award honors went to, from left: Carleigh Klein, Gracie Kaufman, Slane McCue, Dasha LaRue. Not pictured: Maggie Manatt and William Manatt.

Achievement Award – Achievement Award honors went to, from left: Lucy Turley, Slane McCue and Dasha LaRue. Not pictured: Maggie Manatt.

Leadership Awards – ​From left, Slane McCue and Dasha LaRue were recognized with a Leadership Award honors at the banquet.

Award of the Clover – ​Honored for their 10th year of service, Michelle Cheney (pictured) and her husband, Tom, leaders of the Deep River Helping Hands 4-H Club, were presented with the Award of the Gold Clover. Not pictured was Traci Williams, Leader of Madison Moovers, who received the Silver Award for five years of service.

     Santa enjoys interacting with a Brooklyn area youngster during a photo shot at Tina Marie Photography while his brother and Mrs. Claus look on during the Brooklyn Christmas Traditions event on Saturday, Dec. 3. The day featured a craft show, kids making ornaments and rides on a horse-drawn carriage.

​      Jack Wang, 5, in wheelchair, is surrounded by family and friends at a fundraiser held in his honor at the BGM vs. HLV basketball game on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The event raised $2,500, which included a $500 donation from Chris’ Heart Fund, to help the Wang family with transportation and medical costs related to care for Jack, who was recently diagnosed with NCL2, also known as Batten’s disease. Joining Jack are, from left, front row: Jack’s parents, Mike and Lisa Wang and his sister, Dacia Wang. Middle row: Sharon and Jim Wang, Jamie Wang and Randy Masterson. Back row: Brad and Dawn Hamilton. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
        Fans from both BGM and HLV not only came to watch their teams battle it out on the court last week, they were there, dressed in “Attack 4 Jack” shirts and with open pocketbooks, to honor Jack Wang.
Jack, the five-year-old son of Mike and Lisa Wang and a preschool student at BGM, was recently diagnosed with NCL2, also known as Batten’s disease.
     Batten’s disease is a very rare and rapidly progressing brain disease. It is an inherited disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. It is a fatal disease and there is no cure.
       “Jack is a sweet, loving and happy boy,” said his preschool teacher, Shannon Arment. “His smile will melt your heart and his laugh and giggles are contagious.”
      “Jack loves animals, especially farm animals,” Arment added. “His favorite song is Old MacDonald and his face lights up when you sing it to him. He loves listening to music and watching any Disney movie. He enjoys listening to books especially books with animals. He also likes playing with dinosaurs and going to the zoo. Jack loves seeing his friends at school and gets excited when they come up to him and greet him. His friends love seeing him, too.”
      At the age of three, Jack had a major seizure and was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which is a severe form of epilepsy. Even with seizure medication, Jack continued to have seizures. Jack has had many doctor’s appointments concerning these seizures.
     “His motor skills began to regress,” Arment said. “He was having difficulty standing, walking, picking up things and talking. He was also having trouble eating and drinking. Over the past year, Jack has had significant regression of gross and fine motor skills and speech. With the results of his last MRI, doctors were concerned that Jack had a neurodegenerative condition.”
Hope for a cure
       Even though there is no cure, there are treatments Jack can receive that will help slow down the disease. On Dec. 8, Jack had surgery and had a port implanted into his head. On Dec. 19, he received his first treatment through that port. Jack will continue to receive treatments every two weeks.
How you can help 
      Jack is the brother of Krya, Haliey, Dacia, Lynk and Vayda. Haliey is a member of the BGM Lady Bears basketball team.
      A fundraiser held at the game raised $2,500, which included $500 from Chris’ Heart Fund. Chris' Heart Fund benefits local families who are facing disaster or hardship by meeting immediate needs to lessen the burden of a crisis. This fund honors Chris Keller's legacy of caring by turning tragedy into action to help others. 
      “What a great night honoring Jack,” said Arment. “Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Jack and his family. Small town communities are the best.”
      If you would like to help Jack and his family with a donation to help cover transportation and medical costs, contact the First State Bank in Brooklyn. 
Editor’s note
        Much of the information in this article was provided by Shannon Arment, BGM preschool teacher.

      Jack Wang, 5, is shown with his BGM preschool teachers at the BGM vs. HLV basketball game on Tuesday, Dec. 13. They are, from left: Brenda Day, Traci Williams and Shannon Arment. Submitted photo.

      The Grinch by Kayla Seitz was the winner of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree / Pole Decorating contest held this month. Businesses, individuals and groups were invited to decorate a wood cutout tree and place it on a light pole in the Brooklyn business district along Jackson and Front streets during this Christmas holiday season. There are a total of 11 cutout trees on display.

      Once again Brooklyn Ruritan Club and Brooklyn Francis Gallagher Post 294 have joined forces to raise money to light up Old Glory at the Avenue of Flags in Brooklyn.

​     The Grinnell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution tree received the most votes and was the overall winner at the annual Friends of Drake Community Library Festival of Trees currently on display.
   The Festival of Trees is a fun, family event designed to bring the Grinnell community together with all proceeds going to the library. The Festival of Trees opening was held on Friday, Dec. 2.
  This year’s event features 21 trees decorated by local groups, individuals, families and clubs. The decorated trees fill the main and children’s areas of the library. Earlier, visitors were able to vote for their favorite tree or trees with cash donations. The event raised a total of $431.15 for Friends of Drake Library. The trees will be on display through Christmas.

       The Brooklyn Community Theatre presents "A Carol Play," a one-act, faith-based production at the Brooklyn Opera House on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18. The play was written and produced by Josh Gerard, the Brooklyn Librarian and local minister. Gerard, pictured above in a file photo, has written eight plays and a musical, saying what he loves about writing is how he is able to put his sense of humor into them. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 18. Admission is $5 and a can of food.

By J.O. Parker
 
     The Brooklyn Community Theatre presents “A Carol Play,” a one-act, faith-based play slated for Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Brooklyn Opera House.
       The play was written and directed by Josh Gerard, the Brooklyn librarian and local minister.
The performance is about a director on the eve of the big Christmas play who has entirely forgotten the reason for the season.
      “In the middle of demanding perfection from his cast, the director sustains a head injury, and is then visited by the ghosts of Christmas plays past, present and future,” noted Gerard. “Through a series of hilarious events, they just might be able to remind him of what Christmas really means.”
      After writing and directing several faith-based plays, Gerard said he found himself becoming a demanding perfectionist and started forgetting the message behind them.
     “This play shows how ugly we can let ourselves become when we forget grace and chase after unattainable perfection,” he said.
     Gerard has written eight plays and a musical, saying what he loves about writing is how he is able to put his sense of humor into them.
    “I love to laugh, and hopefully my scripts make others laugh as well,” Gerard said. “What I like about producing them is to get to see the script come to life by a group of talented people who believed in it enough to give up their time and help make it happen.”
Cast
    Starring in order of appearance: Travis Williams, Tristan Taylor, Jeff Britts, Ryan Emerson, Emily Britts, Shadlee Hazelwood, Isaiah Williams, Addi Day, Gracie Shook, Olivia DeGeeter, Alaina Holmes, William Manatt, Adelyn McDonald, Abby Smith, Gracie Gerard, Tabitha Mumm, Lorelai Gerard, Megan Hanlon, Axton Bartachek and Traci Williams.
       Admission is $5 at the door plus a canned good for the Brooklyn Food Pantry.