​       Members of the Grinnell Tigers Dance Team placed third place in Class VI Hip Hop, fourth place in Class IV Jazz and fifth place in Class X Pom at the 48th Annual Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) State Championships, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1. Dancers are, from left, front row: Sarah Ashing, Ellie Mintle, Lexie Gallagher, Brielle Sherman, Lily Schmidt. Back row: Mylee Sharp, Makenna Stahl, Judith Perez-Valentin, Piper Donohoe, Isabelle Holden, Brenna Sherman, Emma Shawler, Olivia Chandler and McCaeyla Snodgrass.

By J.O. Parker
 
     The Grinnell Tigers Dance Team recently participated in the 48th Annual Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) State Championships, bringing home Division 1 ratings and top five honors for a second straight year.
        The team placed third place in Class VI Hip Hop, fourth place in Class IV Jazz and fifth place in Class X Pom.
       The team was once again recognized with the Lois Turnage Community Service award for completing more than 100 hours of community service in the past year. The honor is named after the late Lois Turnage, who enjoyed a 31-year career a Pleasantville Elementary’s band and music teacher and the Pleasantville High School Dance Team coach. She was also the president of the ISDTA.
        The Grinnell Tigers Dance Team also received the distinguished academic achievement award for earning 3.5 – 4.0 GPA.
       “I am extremely proud of my team and their performances at State,” noted Sydney Bradford, the GHS Dance Team Coach. “They worked incredibly hard to perfect these routines from June through November. Their work ethic and dedication to their sport is unmatched." 
      The Iowa State Dance & Drill Team Association’s Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championship was held Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 at the Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. Grinnell performed all routines on the third day of the competition.
        More than 250 high school teams and a total of more than 5,000 dancers performed more than 600 routines throughout the three-day competition. 
          Teams are divided into classes based on school enrollment. They are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from all corners of the United States.
        “The Tiger Paws will now prepare to attend Nationals for the first time in school history in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 7 -12, where they will compete among some of the best high school dance team across the United States,” noted Coach Bradford.

​       BGM dancers competed in Class 1 Lyrical, Class 1 Jazz, Class 111 Pom and also brought home top honors with their Tacky Vacation production routine at the 48th Annual Iowa State Dance Team (ISDTA) State Championships, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 in Des Moines. Members of the BGM Dance Team include, from left, front row: Brooklyn Costello, Kylie Arment, Carli Kriegel, Megan Hanlon, Lainey Bridgewater, Amiah Lint, Abby Pierson, Kara Minnaert. Back row: Caden Lakose, Aiden Corona, Abby Slater, Connie Schott, Madelynn Doty and Taelyn Garringer. Submitted photo.

       A youngster enjoys petting a large draft horse owned by Dennis Dostal of Tama who was at Brooklyn's Christmas Tradition holiday event on Saturday, Dec. 2 giving area families rides in his horse-drawn carriage. The day's events included youth activities at the Brooklyn Library, a craft show in the Manatt Center, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus at the newly refurbished First National Bank Building and the Brooklyn Community Theater production of "It's a Wonderful Christmas Story."

      Members of the Grinnell High School Coed Cheer/Dance Team competed at the ICCA State Championships at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Jacobson Building, on Saturday, Nov. 4, where the team finished fifth in the cheer/dance coed division. Pictured are, from left, front row: Ketsia Kiphanzu, Cailyn Grabe, Madie Fenner, Natalie Thompson, Catherine Schubert, Jaxzon Parker, Will Dahlby Albright. Back row: Coach Jordyn Loiselle, Kimber Stark, Ian Hammond, Ava Morris, Zaria Luckett, Elisabeth Kelley-Chown (alternate) and Coach Sarah Dahlby Albright.

By J.O. Parker
 
     Members of Grinnell High School Cheer/Dance team had a strong showing at the ICCA State Championship at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Jacobson Building on Saturday, Nov. 4.
     Grinnell sent three teams to the ICCA State Championship. The all-girl stunt group placed 11th in Class 3A while the coed stunt team finished in third place. The coed cheer/dance team earned fifth place honors in the competition. The cheer team is coached by Sarah Dahlby Albright along with Coach Jordyn Loiselle.

     The Grinnell High School Coed Stunt Group placed third at state. They are, from left: Ian Durr (assist), Madie Fenner (flyer), and Will Dahlby Albright (base).

​      Terri Possehn, right, her mother, Beverly McCammant, third from left, Beverly Kies and Lucy Axmear, left, and others show off a sleeping mat they made using plastic shopping bags donated by Terri’s sister, Joan. The sleeping mat was one of about 15 that recently was donated to Bidwell Pantry in Des Moines to give to the homeless. It takes about 4-5 hours to make one mat. The group is looking for others who are interested in helping make sleeping mats to get involved. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
           Bringing glory to God and helping those in need is something a group of Brooklyn woman have taken to heart.
            Terri Possehn, along with her mother, Beverly McCammant, and friends, Beverly Kies and Lucy Axmear, have been gathering weekly at her brother’s shop in rural Malcom since June to cut, tie and weave sleeping mats using plastic shopping bags.
         The group recently delivered 15 plus sleeping mats to the Bidwell Pantry in Des Moines. The pantry, which is located off S.E. 14th St., provides food, clothing and basic essentials to those in need.
       There is also a child development center, new directions shelter and the home connection, which provides compassionate, life-changing assistance to families on a journey to self-sufficiency.
            “They serve 600 people a week with food, clothing, shelter and other services,” said Possehn.
          The sleeping mats, which are about twin mattress size, are handed out to the homeless. Possehn said the sleeping mats are water repellant and they retain body heat.
           The sleeping mat project came about earlier this year when the four women started a weekly card club.   The group heard about the mats and went on a road trip to Midwest Missions of Iowa in Jefferson to learn more about the project and organization.
           The organization has multiple missions, one of which is the sleeping mats outreach.
           The project was a perfect fit for the group.
         Possehn said Midwest Missions sent someone to Brooklyn to teach them how to make the sleeping mats.
            “We have been figuring it out as we go,” said Possehn.
         Since starting the project, Possehn said the generosity of people has been overwhelming. Even Possehn’s sister, Joan, who lives in Arizona, donated some shopping bags to the project. In fact, her donation was enough to make one entire sleeping mat.
            Plastic bags from Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas and a lot of towns in Iowa have also been donated to the group.
           Possehn said the biggest need right now is more hands on deck to keep the project going. Possehn said her hope is to purchase another loom and make it a traveling loom where others can get involved in the project.
            Possehn said it takes from 4 – 5 hours to make one mat. The process includes flatting out the shopping bags, folding them into threes, cutting off the end pieces and cutting the bags into pieces before tying them together.
           “Basically, we are making thread and using a loom to weave it all together,” said Possehn.
           When asked how many plastic bags are in a sleeping mat, Possehn said due to the varying sizes of bags, there is no way to tell.
         The leftover scraps are saved and returned to Midwest Missions where they are recycled and used to make park benches.
          The group meets on Wednesdays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
          To learn more, reach out to Possehn via email at: [email protected].
          Possehn said this project is about doing God’s work and helping others.    
        “It’s an open mission for anyone who wants to join,” said Possehn. “There is something everyone can do.”

      From left, Lucy Axmear, Beverly McCammant and Beverly Kies use a loom to make a sleeping mat from plastic shopping bags. The bags are cut and tied together then placed in a loom for weaving into a finished product. The trio of ladies, along with Terri Possehn and others have been making the sleeping mats since June. The group learned about the project and outreach following a visit to Midwest Missions in Jefferson. Submitted photo.

​       From left, Lucy Axmear, Beverly McCammant and Beverly Kies show some of the sleeping mats they made using plastic shopping bags. Earlier this month, the ladies along with Terri Possehn, delivered about 15 of the sleeping mats to Bidwell Pantry in Des Moines to give to the homeless. The group is looking for others who are interested in getting involved in making sleeping mats for the homeless. Submitted photo.

​      Josh Gerard, the Brooklyn librarian, local minister and playwright who played Santa Claus, enjoys visiting with a guest at the close of “It’s A Wonderful Christmas Story,” on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Brooklyn Opera House. This was the second play that Gerard has written and produced and the fifth play he has directed. He has also acted in three other plays. Gerard, who grew up in Brooklyn, said he is learning to let God direct his steps and works to make a difference in the lives of others.

By J.O. Parker
 
        Brooklyn’s Josh Gerard is a man who wears many hats.
        He’s the town librarian and on Sunday mornings, you will find him in the pulpit sharing the gospel at New Beginnings Church on the south edge of town.
       He’s also quite the actor, director and playwright, having written nine plays and one musical, two of which he’s produced and directed locally through the Brooklyn Theatre Company.
        His latest production, “It’s A Wonderful Christmas Story,” was held Dec. 1-3 at the Brooklyn Opera House.   The play, which Gerard wrote in 2009, is about a dad who becomes overwhelmed and doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas.
        “He’s forgotten the reason for season,” said Gerard. “An angel shows up and tries to remind him of the meaning of Christmas, but fails repeatedly in hilarious fashion.”
          It ends with the dad figuring it all out and explaining to his daughter the real meaning of Christmas.
          “The story is about reminding us of the Gospel message during Christmas time,” said Gerard.
      His first directing gig came in the Summer of 2021 with the outdoor production in Landes Park of “Princess Party Smackdown,” a play about a young girl, Olivia, who turns seven. Her mother plans a big party that turned into outrageous demands by the birthday girl, bloody noses, an animal sacrifice and probable alien takeover of the planet.
        Gerard also acted in the “Odd Couple,” and “Every Christmas Story Ever Told,” that year and “Mama Won’t Fly,” in 2022, all at the Brooklyn Opera House.          
      Gerard grew up in Brooklyn and after graduating from BGM in 1996, he headed south to Tulsa, Okla., where he attended Oral Roberts University (ORU) to study theology.
       And on his first day at ORU, he met his future wife, Tracey. The couple married in May 1998 and just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple has four children, Whit, Lorelai, Gracie and Silas.
          While at ORU, Gerard worked five years as the audio visual coordinator.
       “Literally, my job was to lug overhead projectors from classroom to classroom,” he said. “In between classes that was my job.”
      The couple become involved with Life Connection Church in Tulsa. While there, Gerard became an ordained minister and served as the associate pastor for 13 years.
        He and Tracey also served in youth ministry and started a church camp that they directed for seven years.
          “On that seventh year, in the middle of church camp, God spoke to my heart and said you are going back to Iowa,” recalled Gerard.
            So, a year later in 2010, the couple packed their belongings and the family moved to Brooklyn.
          “And in the process, we lost everything,” Gerard said. “We took a bath on our house in Oklahoma, lost our cars and savings due to the economy at the time.”
          The couple and their children lived with Gerard’s mom for 10-months while they worked to get back on their feet.
          “I felt a drift and didn’t know what I was supposed to do in Brooklyn,” he said. “Tracey kept encouraging me to not give up and to trust God’s call on our lives.”
         It was then that the couple started attending New Beginnings Church. One of the first things they did was ask how they could get involved and serve.
           “The pastor at the time said, “Could you vacuum the church,” recalled Gerard.
           Gerard said he vacuumed the church and did it unto the glory of God.
          “They (the church) were looking for help and we were looking for a place to serve,” he said. “We were an answer to their prayers and they were an answer to ours.”
          He then landed a job at Pilot Travel Center where he served as assistant manager, a position he held for nine years.
          “During this time, I become pastor of New Beginnings in 2017,” he said. “I was licensed through Open Bible Ministries, the denomination for New Beginnings.”
          And in 2019, a friend mentioned to Gerard that the Brooklyn Library was looking for a new director.
          He didn’t think he had a chance at the job, but applied anyway.
          “I put in my resume and told God that if this is where you want me, open the door,” he said.
          Gerard was hired as the new Brooklyn Library Director in October 2019. Two months 
          later, Covid hit. Gerard said he was learning how to be a librarian during a tumultuous time.
        “Because I didn’t know any better, I leaned into in-person program (during Covid) when other libraries where not,” he said. “People started flocking to our library and they keep coming to this day.”
          And in the middle of Covid, Gerard said he felt a release to pursue other interests.
          “I had reached a point in my life where I wanted to get back into community theater,” he said.
         Two years later, he resumed his acting and directing journey. In addition to his earlier work, in the Spring of 2022, Gerard directed, “The Day The Internet Died,” a production about a small town like Brooklyn that loses its internet for a week and all that transpires during that time.
           In December 2022, Gerard produced and directed, “A Carol Play,” a play he wrote while in Tulsa. 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,” said Gerard. “Through a series of hilarious events, they just might be able to remind him of what Christmas really means.”
       And earlier this year, he produced and directed “The Alibis.” The play centered around eccentric billionaire J. Leslie Arlington who was 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.
            The cast in all the plays include a mixture of adults and youth from the Brooklyn area.
      In addition, this fall he served as an acting coach for the BGM production of “Brothers Grimm Spectulathon.”
         His recent production of “It’s A Wonderful Christmas Story,” which he played Santa Claus, drew more than 250 guests and included a Saturday dinner theater with food served by Brooklyn’s own Center Ground.
           “The food was excellent,” said Gerard. “Center Ground knows how to make a great pasta dish.”
           He said after one of the productions, a person told him that thy could tell that everyone on stage was getting along.
           “It’s one of the best compliments we have received,” said Gerard.
           And as for the future, Gerard said he will direct two plays in 2024, including the Christmas production of “Many Things,” a play he wrote.
           “I have written several others that we haven’t showcased yet, but it is my hope that we do,” he said.
            And through it all, Gerard said he’s learned how to let God direct his steps.
           “I know the answer now why I am here,” he said.

       Celebrate the holidays with Grinnell Community Theatre’s production of "It's a Wonderful Life" is slated for Thursday, Friday & Saturday (Dec. 14, 15 & 16) at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday (Dec. 16 & 17) at the Loft Theater. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in person at the arts center at 926 Broad St. or order online (and we'll hold them for you): https://www.grinnellarts.org/tickets

By J.O. Parker
 
       It was a beautiful evening with a slight chill in the air as families milled about downtown Grinnell checking out businesses, sipping on hot cocoa, listing to Christmas music and celebrating the season during the annual Jingle Bell Holiday on Friday, Nov. 17.
       On the southeast corner of fourth and Broad, Dennis Dostal of Tama and his team of draft horses came to stop with a carriage full of riders sharing smiles and taking in all the sights and sounds of the evening.
       “We love coming here to Grinnell,” said Vickie Dostal, wife of Dennis, a fixture at the annual Grinnell Jingle Bell Holiday event for years. “Teddy and Tommy (the Dostal team of draft horses) love giving rides and seeing the smiling children who stop to pet them.”
      “I love seeing the kids and smiles on their faces,” said Dennis. “It makes everyone happy to get into the Christmas spirit.”
        Jingle Bell Holiday kicked off at 5:15 p.m. on the main stage at Grinnell’s Central Park.
       Grinnell Mayor Dan Agnew was joined by Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Director Rachael Kinnick as they welcomed those who came to celebrate the holiday, while thanking those who made Jingle Bell Holiday possible. They then turned their attention to a couple dance routines by Michelle’s Dance Academy.
       This was followed by Mayor Agnew sending out a quick thanks to Kevin and Jennifer McAlexander and the host of volunteers for their efforts in decorating the park as he led the large gathering in counting down from 10 and turning on the holiday lights.
       Dancers with Stepping Out Dance Academy closed out the opening ceremony with a dance routine on the Central Park stage before everyone spread out across town.
    Across the street from Central Park at the Grinnell United Church of Christ, singers in the Grinnell Children’s Choir performed a Christmas concert followed by family activities and treats in the Friendship Hall. The choir is under the direction of Erin Bustin.
     And down the street at the Grinnell State Bank, Santa Claus made a stop with a jolly ho ho ho as youngsters and their families stood in a long line to meet Old St. Nick and have a photo taken by local photographer, Cory Hall. Hall has been taking photos of kids with Santa for 30 plus years.
     And just around the corner, Santa’s counterpart, the Grinch, made a visit to Jensen Optometrists for pictures with area youth and families.
      “It’s an enjoyable nice evening,” said Karen Ashby of Grinnell, who was spending the evening with friends. “There are a lot of families out enjoying the festivities and all the beautiful storefronts.”
     At Brown Shoe Fit, the Grasshoppers performed an array of traditional bluegrass tunes along with some classic country songs. The band is comprised of a group of local vocalists and instrumentalist who play a variety of instruments including the dobro, banjo, bass guitar, guitar and fiddle.
      “We saw so many people come through and enjoyed watching some of them sing along to the songs,” said Kelly Kaup, the lead singer for the local group. “They added in some fun traditional Christmas tunes for the holidays.”
      “I just love this event,” said Sarah Dahlby-Albright. “It’s everyone out enjoying the beautiful evening.”
      Next door at the Pioneer Bookshop, Monique Shore, author of “No One is Better Than You,” an illustrated children’s book based on the life of Edith Renfrow Smith, talked about and shared printouts from the book, which is slated for release around Christmas.
     “It’s been a wonderful evening,” said Shore. “We’ve had lot of conversations about the book. I appreciate the bookstore giving me the space.”
     PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) had adoptable kittens at Hair of the Dog and puppy dogs at Mahaska Communication Group.
      At St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus held a soup supper with Christmas Caroling on the front steps.
     Other business open for the evening included Re/Max Partners Realty, Rummaging Around, Saints Rest Coffee House, Solera, Loralei’s Giftshoppe, Lily Lou Company, Hope Family Counseling and Naturopathic Healing, Grinnell Area Arts Council, Grin City Bakery, Beckman Gallery & Gifts, Anna Kayte’s Boutique, Witte’s Home Decorating & Antiques, Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore, Suzi’s Boutique, Stew Makerspace, the Iowa Kitchen, Poweshiek Trading Post and more.
     Inside Hotel Grinnell, Slane McCue, 14, welcomed shoppers to her homemade melt-and-pour glycerin soap booth at the Winter Farmer’s Market held in connection with Grinnell’s Jingle Bell Holiday.
    The annual Winter Farmer’s Market featured more than 30 vendors selling a variety of baked goods, produce, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, fiber art, mittens, tie dye products, jams, jellies, honey and various other gift items.
     “It was really busy,” said Slane, who has been making the soap for about three years. “It was fun and it went well.”
      In addition to the Winter Farmer’s Market vendors, there were 35 participating businesses who took part in Jingle Bell Holiday.
      “I think this is one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen at Jingle Bell Holiday,” said Rachel Bly, a member of the Grinnell City Council. “There are folks of all ages. It’s been great to see kids and adults out and about.”
      “What a wonderful evening to kick off the holiday season,” said Kinnick. “The weather was beautiful, which helped result in a fantastic turnout of community members and visitors alike to downtown. People of all ages were out to enjoy themselves and support our businesses – it truly was a magical evening.”