Shown is the design of the new Grinnell billboards placed in October near the eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 80 near the 282 exit. The new billboard sign was designed by Anya Hart of Grinnell with Anya Hart Design. Hart, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. has done several projects in the Grinnell area including creating shirts, hats and a new logo at Grinnell Farm to Table and creating a mural for Giving Grinnell. 

By J.O. Parker
 
         Having lived in California, Arizona, Georgia, Rhode Island and overseas, Anya Hart has found a home in Grinnell.
        In a short few months, the 24-year-old Hart, a graphic artist with a degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. has already left her mark on the Grinnell community.
          It was Hart who designed the new 24’ x 10’ Grinnell billboard signs located just east and west of Grinnell along Interstate 80.
      Hart said it all came about thanks to a chance meeting with Adrienne Hardin, the Community Development Specialist with the City of Grinnell.
         Hart was working with her boyfriend, Tommy Hexter, the now former executive director of Grinnell’s Farm to Table, on rebranding the local foods business.
           “I designed the shirts and hats, created a new logo and painted the building,” said Hart.
           That’s when Hardin came into the picture.
          Hardin was charged with finding someone to create new billboards for the City of Grinnell. She said the previous Grinnell billboards were about 12 – 13 years old and had become outdated and weathered.
         “The new billboards were part of a broader effort to improve visitors' first impressions of Grinnell, as well as to catch the eye of interstate drivers and encourage them to stop and explore what our community has to offer,” noted Hardin.
         Hardin said she saw the T-shirt Hart had designed for Grinnell Farm to Table and wanted that illustration and style on the billboards.
       “Her style was exactly the direction we wanted to go - whimsical, eye-catching, colorful, and fun,” said Hardin. “I reached out to see if she might be interested in taking on the project, and luckily, she was. Working with Anya was an absolute delight; she brought creativity, energy, and fun to the whole process.”
        “The (the City of Grinnell) wanted the billboard to look like a vintage postcard with the Sullivan Bank,” said Hart.
       Hart spent some time looking for (Grinnell) ideas and landmarks for the billboard project. Her ideas included local foods, parks, bicycle trails, water tower, trains, pizza, purple cone flowers, Gold Finch birds, the Brew House, Dairy Barn, Kites over Grinnell and the farmers’ market.
          She then started the initial sketches and mapped out the composition of the illustration.
        Hart worked alongside representatives from the Grinnell’s Tourism Committee. Hardin said they were the driving force behind the project.
         “They allocated the budget, set the overall direction, reviewed the design concepts, requested revisions, and ultimately approved the final artwork,” said Hardin.
         Hart said it was decided not to include the train or farmers’ market in the final design in order to help the billboard project flow.
         The whole design process took about 1.5 months from the start to final design approval.
       “I'm thrilled with how they turned out,” said Hardin. “The new billboards do an amazing job of highlighting the unique and whimsical character of Grinnell. The ultimate goal with the billboards was to catch the attention of people who might otherwise drive past exit 182, and I think we've accomplished that. At the very least, we've made I-80 a little less boring.”
          “I was happily surprised,” said Hart of the finished project. “It is the most visual project I have done.”
Hart said the eastbound sign is made of eight panels on printed aluminum. The westbound sign is printed on a one-piece vinyl.
         The billboard west of the exit went up on Oct. 10. The eastbound sign was delayed a few days due to rain, but was installed on Oct. 17.
          “Latitude handled the installation and was an outstanding partner through the project,” noted Hardin.
In addition to the billboard signs and the work at Farm to Table, Hart did a mural for the Grinnell community gardens on a shipping container under the direction of Giving Grinnell. 
        “I have also been working with Evan Petig and Abby Copeman Petig, the new owners of the former Carriage House (The Grinnellian) to do their rebranding,” said Hart.
            “I’m open to work,” she added. “The more projects, the better.”
    Hart can be reached via her website at: https://anyahart.myportfolio.com or via email at: [email protected].

​        The Gerard family of Brooklyn has three generations listed in the BGM Hall of Pride. Pictured, from left, Gracie Gerard, Charity Wilkerson, Joan (Montgomery) Bonnett, Josh Gerard and Lorelai Gerard. Gracie, a seventh grader at BGM, enjoys singing and acting and will be a candidate for the Hall of Pride after she graduates in 2031. Charity is listed in the Hall of Pride for Individual Acting category for a speech. Joan sang in the All-State Choirs her junior and senior years in high school. Josh made it to All-State his junior year in the Speech Improv and Lorelai earned Outstanding Performer at Choral Solo and Ensemble at All-State her senior year at BGM.

By J.O. Parker
 
        The BGM Hall of Pride shines a light on the many achievements and accolades of students who have sat in the classrooms, walked the hallways at the school and participated in school activities.
       The hall features students who earned all-state honors in sports, band, chorus, drama, speech, dance, cheerleading, FFA and more.
        Located in the hallway near the elementary kitchen and gym, the BGM Hall of Pride, was founded in 2010 by former BGM teacher, coach and athletic director, turned historian/archivist/curator, Gary Schroeder.
        Currently there are 419 posters in the BGM Hall of Pride.
        Among the students listed in the hall are three generations of a talented Brooklyn family.
         It all starts with Joan (Montgomery) Bonnett, a 1972 BGM graduate.
         Joan participated in the 1970 and 1971 All-State Choirs her junior and senior years.
       “It was a choir of 600 students from across Iowa,” recalled Joan. “The choir was made up of 150 sopranos, 150 tenors, 150 altos and 150 bass singers.”
        Joan, who sang in the soprano group, remembers the choir singing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” with the All-State Band performing the music.
        “It was a great privilege to sing with so many talented singers from across the state of Iowa,” said Joan. “It was an experience I will never forget.”
          Her son, Josh Gerard, was an All-State participate in 1995, his junior year at BGM in Speech Improv.
          Josh said his improv group did a skit about riding on a bus that couldn’t go below 55 mph.
         “It was zany, funny and ridiculous,” recalled Josh, who went on to become a playwrite and brings theatre to life at the Brooklyn Opera House.
            Joining Josh in the improv group was Stuart Hamby, Rachel Dodd and Chris Klaassen.
            “There were so many people there watching us do that skit,” recalled Josh with a chuckle.
           His senior year, Josh said the goal was to return and perform at All-State Speech. However, there was a problem – snow, lots of snow and it was all canceled.
          Charity Wilkerson, a 2002 BGM graduate and daughter of Joan and younger sister of Josh, is listed on the Hall of Pride in the Individual Acting category her junior year at All-State.
         “I performed a somber skit called “Grief Struck,” she said. “I played a mother who had to make the decision to take her son off life support.”
           And her senior year, Charity participated in Group Readers Theatre. That group didn’t make it to All-State, but did finish as Honorable Mention at state.
           And the third generation is Lorelai Gerard, a 2025 BGM graduate and daughter of Josh and his wife, Tracey.
            Lorelai earned Outstanding Performer at Choral Solo and Ensemble her senior year in the Vocal Solo, State Solo and Small Ensemble categories, finishing tops in her group (center).
          All the top performers from each group then performed solos. And what made it extra special for Lorelai was that her grandmother, Joan, accompanied her on the piano during her solo performance.
              “Out of all the students in my group (center), I won the top award,” she said.
               Lorelai is slated to have her poster placed in the Hall of Pride soon.
            And Lorelai’s younger sister, Gracie, a seventh grader at BGM, is on track to be added to the Hall of Pride following graduation in 2031.
             Each year, sixth graders are asked to write an essay about how they could see themselves on the wall someday and the character traits they must follow to reach that goal.
            Schroeder reads all the sixth grade student’s essays and selects his favorite ones. This year he selected 12 students.
          “Beside their writing skill, they have to choose one character from the Character Counts group, which would help them get there,” said Schroeder. “Also, they must choose one activity they want to be noted for.”
            Gracie said her aim is to earn All-State honors in singing and maybe acting.
            “My goal is to inspire others to be their best,” said Gracie.
Where they are today
          Joan has worked at BGM Schools for more than 30 years as a music teacher associate. She teaches piano and serves as the associate pastor at Faith Christian Church in Montezuma.
            In addition to being a playwriter, Josh, who attended college at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. is the Brooklyn Librarian and pastor at New Beginnings Church in Brooklyn. He and his wife have four children.
            Charity and her husband, Bill, are the parents of two boys. The couple met at Victory Bible Institute in Tulsa, Okla. Bill is pastor of Faith Christian Church in Montezuma and Charity serves in many capacities including secretary. 
          Lorelai is in her first year at Northwestern University in Orange City where she is studying art and ministry art with a goal of becoming a church music director.
              Josh and family where able to travel this fall to Orange City and hear Lorelai sing and perform.
             “It was very special to us,” said Josh, of the concert.
             "I am thankful to be a part of the BGM Schools and community and be listed on the Hall of Pride along with my mom, sister and daughter,” added Josh.
             “It is a rarity to have so many family members make it to All-State,” said Schroeder.

​         Lorelai Gerard, a 2025 graduate of BGM, is shown with her Hall of Pride poster slated for placement soon. Lorelai earned Outstanding Performer at Choral Solo and Ensemble her senior year in the Vocal Solo, State Solo and Small Ensemble categories, finishing tops in her group. 

​By J.O. Parker
 
        A long-time beloved Grinnell High School teacher and coach was recently recognized with a special honor.
         Mike Baker, who retired from full-time teaching in 2020, but remains in coaching at the school, was named to the Grinnell High School Hall of Fame.
         Jim Dunne, Trent Edsen, Paul Wagner and Scott Sharp recognized Baker for all he has done for the school and students at the Grinnell Homecoming Pep Rally in Central Park on Thursday, Oct. 9.
             Baker said he was surprised to be recognized and honored by his teaching and coaching colleagues.
           “People you worked with become your best friends throughout the years,” said Baker, of the four men and others he’s worked alongside through the years. “All those guys are super high quality ‘do the right thing’ people.”
        Baker grew up in Cedar Rapids where he attended elementary school before his family moved to Stillwater, Minn., a suburb of St. Paul. He attended and graduated from high school in 1979.
            “It was a suburban school that grew fast,” said Baker.
          He attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a degree in finance. It was there that Baker met his wife, Barb.
          Baker completed his student teaching at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School and stayed with the district for about a year and one-half coaching a girls’ sophomore basketball team and working as an assistant football coach.
            “I did some subbing and coaching after I finished my student teaching requirements,” noted Baker.
          The couple moved to Grinnell in 1988 to teach and coach. Baker said Grinnell was looking for a girls’ basketball coach and he applied and was hired.
           “When we moved to Grinnell it was the smallest town we had lived in and I thought we would be here for a couple years and move on,” said Baker. “You get here and have a couple kids and five years becomes 10 years and so on.”
        Baker spent 33 years in the classroom teaching all levels of high school math before retiring. Since retiring, Baker returned to the school and taught an AP Calculus class for a semester.
        And Baker has been a fixture on the Tigers sideline and courtside for 37 years. He spent 20 years coaching the girls’ basketball team. In 2008, he switched to the boys’ side of the sport. And he continues to serve as an assistant football coach at Grinnell since arriving in town.
         Jim Dunne, who coached Tiger football with Baker for 23 years (1992 – 2015), said he brought a very level-headed perspective to the game.
         “He just was good at developing relationships with kids and developing a good rapport with kids,” said Dunne. “He was part of nine district titles and appeared in six semi-final games in the dome and coached in one state championship game. Mike has been a part of 18 playoff appearances.”
          When asked what inspires him to keep coaching and guiding young people, Baker said, “When you start out, it’s an experience. When you get connected with anyone involved in extra circular activities, you get more connected with your school. It just becomes part of what you do every day.”
         “I tell people that the last 10 years of teaching and 20 years coaching that I have kids on our football team that their dad’s played (and I coached) at Grinnell.
           “It is kind of hilarious when those kids ask questions about their dad,” he said.
         In addition to coaching Tiger football with Dunne, Baker has coached with Aaron Shipley, Brian Sauser and is currently coaching with Adam Hadenfeldt. 
      “It has been a tremendous blessing to work alongside Coach Baker in the football and basketball programs at GHS for nearly 40 years,” noted Scott Sharp, who works at Grinnell Mutual and coaches Grinnell Middle School football and middle school boys’ track and also serves as a varsity boys basketball assistant. “He has shared his wealth of experience in each sport with players and coaches alike. You can always count on Coach Baker to give you the numbers perspective about performance and ways to think outside the box when it comes to strategy and ways to gain an edge over the competition. He is a Grinnell High School icon in the teaching and coaching world. He has truly earned this honor and is so deserving.”
         Baker said he and Barb enjoy spending time with their two children and four grandchildren, all who live in the Des Moines area.
          As far as the future, Baker is not quite ready to give it all up.
          “I’m glad they let me hang around,” he said. “It’s good for me.”

​       Greg and Angie Thompson of Brooklyn are shown with Matt Stutzman, known as “The Armless Archer,” following his presentation at the Brooklyn Ruritan Club Veterans Day program on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Stutzman, who was born without arms, shared his journey from being adopted as a baby by a Mennonite couple from Kalona, to learning to shoot a bow and earning a gold medal in archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He battled the number 1, 2 and 3 ranked archers during single elimination and secured his gold medal by setting a Paralympic Games Record by shooting a 149 out of 150 in the final match. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
       A special event for veterans of all branches of service was held at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, Nov. 12. 
         Hosted by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club, this year’s event drew an estimated 150 guests, including veterans, their spouses, family, friends and more, all who came for an evening of recognition, camaraderie, good food and remembrance.
       Veterans in attendance were from Brooklyn, Victor, Malcom, Grinnell, Montezuma and Deep River. The Brooklyn Ruritan Club has been hosting this annual veterans event for more than 15 years.
       The guest speaker was Matt Stutzman better known as “The Armless Archer.” Stutzman, who was born without arms, shared his journey from being adopted as a baby by a Mennonite couple from Kalona, to learning to shoot a bow and earning a gold medal in archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He battled the number 1, 2 and 3 ranked archers during single elimination and secured his gold medal by setting a Paralympic Games Record by shooting a 149 out of 150 in the final match.
        He shared stories of growing up and learning to milk a cow with his feet. He shared a story of the time he unsuccessfully tried to become a bull rider with the help of his brothers using a shocker on the family bull.
         “I got up and dressed like a cowboy,” he said of that day.
After that failed bulling riding attempt, at age 12, Stutzman decided he was going to be the best at something in life.
          “My parents taught me how to adapt to the world,” he said.
         He learned at an early age to have the mindset of what it takes to be the best and to leading by example. He said he wouldn’t want his life to be any different.
         He shared about buying his first bow with his last $300 and learning how to shot it in two days. He talked about trying to get a job to provide for his family and due to having no arms, no one would hire him.
He used his bow and shot a deer.
          “I finally figured out how to provide for my family,” he told the gathering. “It made me feel good.”
He also touched on the importance of family to him.
        He also drag races and has hit the 216 mph mark in his 1968 Camaro at the Eddyville Raceway. And amazingly, he built his own racecar.
        Stutzman closed his presentation by thanking the veterans for their dedication and service to the country.
          A traditional Thanksgiving meal of ham and turkey with sides was prepared by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club was served to the guests during the program.
         Five Brooklyn veterans were recognized for their long-time membership in the Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Those honored included: Ron Clayton, 60 years, Navy; Danny Griffith, 60 years, Army; Charlie Ormiston, 60 years, Navy; John Morton, 50 years, branch of service unknown; and Bryan Beaderstadt, 50 years, Army.
          Clayton was the only veteran present to receive the honor in person. The other men will receive their membership recognition at a later date.
       The evening also included the singing of “America” led by Don Lastovka, recognition of guests by Rusty Clayton; invocation by Guylain Yumba, minister of Brooklyn’s Grace United Methodist Church; and Roger Van Ersvelde, explaining the Fallen Soldier Table stationed at the event. Launa Judge, a Ruritan rising senior, gave a patriotic reading and Emma Toman, a freshman at BGM and Ruritan Club member, led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance.
        At the close of the evening, nine veterans were awarded Quilts of Valor. They included: John Meyer, Army; Rodney Horrigan, Marines; Jack Hall, Army; Bob Collum, Army; Robert Ryan, Army; Gary VanTomme, Army; Gary Hash, Army; Daryl Brau who was receiving a quilt on behalf of his dad, Don, an Army Veteran; and John Banzoff, Air Force.
        Harold Nevehoven, an Army Veteran, was honored with a Quilt of Valor at the BGM Veterans Day program at the school on Nov. 11.
          Two other Brooklyn Veterans slated to receive Quilts of Valor at a later date are Dennis VerCande, Army; and Jack Lang, Army.
         “It’s a great event that’s put on to honor our veterans,” said Greg Thompson, a member of the Brooklyn Sons of the American Legion in memory of his dad, Steve Thompson. “We really enjoyed listening to the guest speaker, Matt Stutzman and hearing his story about growing up with no arms, overcoming so many things, then going on to becoming the 2024 Paralympian Gold Medalist in archery. We got to meet him, get a picture with him and hold his Gold medal. What a great inspiration Matt is.”
         “I attended the Veterans meal with my husband, Greg and I have to say… it was an honor to be there,” said Angie Thompson. “You’re surrounded by so many amazing veterans from all different ages and branches of the military.”
         “Hearing some veterans talk to each other about their own experiences they had when they were in the service, or what war they were in, made me think of my Dad, Glenn Stevenson,” added Angie. “My dad was in the US Navy, based on the USS Freestone Ship, and fought in WWII. In a way, being there with all these Veterans, made me feel like I was honoring my dad, by showing support for all the veterans that were there. It really is a great event that’s put on for our local veterans every year.”
        “This is a great event for the veterans,” noted Justin Prior, a member of the Brooklyn Sons of the American Legion. “The Ruritans and the American Legion 294 do a good job honoring the local and area veterans. It’s always a good time being a part of this program.”
            “We enjoy it every year,” said Jim Zigler, a U.S. Army Veteran. “The Ruritans do a great job.”
        “This is an outstanding event,” noted Ed Evans with the Deep River American Legion. “Every town’s Veterans Day event should be exactually like this.”
           “The Ruritans have out done themselves in honoring the veterans of the wars of the United States,” said Rodney Horrigan, a U.S. Marine veteran and trained F8 fighter pilot during the Vietnam War.
             “The Ruritan Club does a nice job honoring the veterans,” said Tom Ryan. “It is very much appreciated. It gives veterans a chance to see people they haven’t seen in a while.”

​       Jane Bayzn of Victor honors Korean War Veteran Norman Schroeder with a Quilt of Valor during a presentation on Sept. 2 at the Malcom American Legion while his son, Roger, looks on. Bazyn has been making Quilts of Valor for seven to eight years and to date, has made 170 quilts and awarded them to veterans in the local and surrounding area.

By J.O. Parker

        Jane Bazyn of Victor is on a special mission.
For the last seven or eight years, Bazyn, who has been quilting for 35 years, has been making Quilts of Valor for area Veterans.
      To date, she has made and honored veterans with about 170 quilts. She does most of the work herself using a long-arm quilting machine.
        “People from the area will donate quilts and fabric,” she said.
      It all started through a quilting group in Belle Plaine. Every year, the quilting group makes quilts as a community service project.
        “I told the girls that everyone in the Victor American Legion is going to get a quilt,” she said.
That led Bazyn to branch out on her own and start making Quilts of Valor for veterans.
       In addition to Victor, Bazyn has made quilts for veterans in Brooklyn, Malcom, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and for family members in various other states.
      “My husband and I and our daughter and her husband travel to Alaska about every other year,” said Bazyn. On this last trip, I gave a Quilt of Valor to a Coast Guard Veteran who was our fishing guide. I heard he was retiring and I made one and took it to him the following year.”
         On Dec. 2, Bazyn and long-time helper Judy Wacha, will be awarding a dozen or so Quilts of Valor to the remaining veterans in the Malcom American Legion. She honored seven veterans in Malcom in early September with Quilts of Valor.
          Bazyn said it takes about a week to make a quilt. It can take longer, depending on the pattern.
          “I usually pick a patten that I know I can do in a week,” she said.
Quilts of Valor guidelines
        A Quilt of Valor does not have to be red, white and blue, but patriotic colors are very popular with recipients.
            Recommended quilt size is 60” x 80.” The minimum size is 55” x 65” and the maximum size is 72” x 90.”
            The quilt consists of a top, batting and backing. It must be machine or hand quilted.
         The label must state that the quilt is a Quilt of Valor in order to be awarded as a Quilt of Valor and recorded as such.
         The label must include the name of the recipient, names of quilters, city and state of residence if desired, and date and location of award. First and last names may be used. Label may also include simple washing instructions of cold water and mild detergent.
            Religious or political messages may not be included on the label.
           A thank you note, card or letter to the recipient may be included. A journal with information about how the quilt was made, maker’s thought, etc. my be included.
          Each quilt I considered a singular, personal award presented to an individual service member or veteran who has been touched by war.
          Bazyn takes the quilt project an extra step and not only makes the quilts, she presents them to each veteran.
          “It is just the best thing a person can do,” said Bazyn. “Presenting a Quilt of Valor is a great experience and is heartwarming.”

       Cast members for the Brooklyn Theater Company’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play,” have been working hard in preparation for the live production at the Brooklyn Opera House on Dec. 5 – 7. The production tells the classic story in the format of a 1940’s radio show with the actors reading for more than 40 different characters. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 – 6 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7. Submitted photo.

       The Brooklyn Theater Company presents “It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play,” Dec. 5 – 7 at the Brooklyn Opera House.
        The production tells the classic story in the format of a 1940’s radio show with the actors reading for more than 40 different characters.
           Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 – 6 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7.
Tickets are available on the Brooklyn Opera House website https://www.brooklynoperahouse.com/events, or at the door before the performance.
      “Our actors are portraying radio show actors, who are reading the parts of all of the characters, sometimes in different voices and sometimes talking to themselves in different characters,” noted director Jeff Britts. “You will see many familiar faces as well as some new additions to the Brooklyn Opera House stage. Many of the sound affects you hear are produced live (Foley) like they did in the traditional radio shows: windows breaking, doors slamming, dishes clanking.”
         The play is under the director of Jeff Britts, a first time director, but in his 10th production with the Brooklyn Theater Company.  He selected this play because he has always enjoyed old time radio shows.
“This is a great opportunity to do something a little different than our past Christmas productions,” said Britts.
 Actors:
        George Bailey – Rob Hanlon; Mary Hatch Bailey – Jamin Manatt; Clarence, Billy Bailey, various townspeople – Josh Gerard; Announcer, Joseph, Peter Bailey – Harold Wheeler; Mr. Potter, Harry Bailey, Mr. Gower, Sam Wainwright, various townspeople – Mike McKenna; Violet Bick, various townspeople – Abby Smith; Rose Bailey, various townspeople – Lucia Dooge; Mrs. Hatch, Ruth, Dr. Campbell, Sadie, various townspeople – Karin Zern; Young George Bailey, Tommy Bailey – Isaiah Williams; Young Mary Hatch, Janie Bailey, Bert, various townspeople - Alaina Holmes; Young Harry Bailey, Pete Bailey – Silas Gerard; Zuzu Bailey – Ella Manatt; Stage Manager, Foley Artist – Jeff Britts.