NDN-SS-06-04-2024

What’s inside?

A look at Newton Fest and Newton Alumni Weekend 2024

Foam Fun The Glow Foam party is back page 5

Night Music Heath Alan and The Deep Roots take the stage page 6

Safety First Safety Fest to kick-off the family-friendly festivities page 7

Together Again Newton High School’s Alumni Celebration page 8

Hall of Famers Meet Newton High School’s 2024 Inductees page 9

Reunion Time A schedule of events for reunions during alumni weekend page 12

Alumni photos courtesy of the NHS yearbooks

AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A GLOW FOAM PARTY

Newton Fest got a ‘glow up’ in 2023 to much acclaim — now the party returns!

By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News

Anyone who attended last year’s Newton Fest knows just how cool and fun the UV Glow Foam Party was to the weekend festivities. It was a brand new event, and it was clearly a success with area youth

who enjoyed jamming out to the blaring pop music and wading through gigantic piles of glow-inthe-dark foam.

From 9 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 7, kids and adults can enjoy jumping through the foam, scooping it up and having an absolute blast of a time. The glow foam cannons and

Driving Cap Entertainment’s DJs will be stationed in Maytag Park. The foam is biodegradable, hypoallergenic and scent free.

It’s a simple-yet-effective activity, but last year proved that kind of approach can yield amazing results. Even those who enjoyed the glow foam from the sidelines or the outer

areas had a fun time; many of those families had curious little ones who wanted to be part of the party but did not want to be overwhelmed. But for those who do want to be in the middle of the foamy action, they will get exactly what they came for. Oh! And the best part? It’s free! Party on, Newton Fest!

Christopher Braunschweig/Newton News

ENDING THE FEST WITH MUSIC

Heath Alan and The Deep Roots take the stage for free concert at Maytag Bowl

By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News

What is Newton Fest without a little music? Performing the Maytag Bowl this year is Heath Alan and The Deep Roots. The Des Moinesbased singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is an inductee in the Iowa Rock and Rock Hall of Fame, and he was nurtured and mentored by some of Iowa’s greatest talents.

Patrick Hazel, Joe Price, Roger Miller and Jonathan Schwabe have all had a hand in cultivating Heath’s musical style. Before he was even 18 years old he was awarded the Liberace Music Grant and inducted into the Yamaha Musicians Hall of Fame. Quite the impressive résumé, right? Oh just wait. It gets better.

He also studied music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Northern Iowa with Frank Gagliardi (percussionist on “What a Wonderful World”

by Louis Armstrong), Felix Vesculia and composter Jonathan Schwabe. Heath has been an active musician in the Midwest for a number of decades.

After getting his start with The Blue Band, he ventured off to lead his own band and is an active sideman and studio musician.

Does all this sound familiar? Well, dedicated Bowlful of Blues visitors should most definitely recognize Heath Alan, who has participated in a number of shows on the Maytag Bowl. He knows the venue, he knows the town and he knows the people. He sure as heck will know how to rouse concertgoers at Newton Fest. Heath Alan and The Deep Roots perform 7 p.m. June 8, closing out the weekend with joyous song and celebration at no cost to visitors. Those attending are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and coolers to enjoy with the show. But just be sure to clean up when you’re done. What you bring with, you bring back.

Christopher Braunschweig/Newton News

Heath Alan performs during Bowlful of Blues Saturday evening at Maytag Park.

SAFETY (AND FUN) COME FIRST

Local firefighters and police officer host Safety Fest to kick-off the family-friendly festivities

By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News

Our local police officers and firefighters have one job, and that is to keep us in the community safe. But during Newton Fest, they have another job.

Safety Fest is the annual event the kiddos cannot wait to line up for. For many families it is their first stop during the noon hour of Newton Fest at Maytag Park, which is usually the time when several different activities are happening all at once

and will be available over the next few hours.

So what makes Safety Fest so great? Well, honestly, it’s the effort that these local firefighters and police officers will go to make each game or task as fun as the next. Obstacle courses test the agility and strength of each participant while also giving them a small glimpse into the life of a firefighter.

For instance, in the past, kids have had to drag a dummy resembling a person to safety in order to get to the next area of the obstacle course. At the end, of course, kids get try out the water hose to dose “flames” in a “burning building.” You could

say it’s a great way to test their motor skills. But, really, it’s just fun.

It’s also fun to see all of the emergency vehicles up close, and both the Newton Fire Department and Newton Police Department will have squad vehicles, an ambulance and a firetruck on standby for tours. Safety Fest is also a good time to meet local first responders — who may also be handing out some goodie bags!

From noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 in Maytag Park, do yourself a favor and wear out the kids at Safety Fest.

Christopher Braunschweig/Newton News

CARDINALS COME TO ROOST

AND PARTY

Newton graduates get plenty of opportunities to meet up during Alumni Weekend

By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News

Is there a prouder group of graduates than those from Newton High School? Well, probably not. We do call it “Red Pride” for a reason.

Other schools just do not cultivate the kind of long-lasting friendships and memories as the ones made during the wonder years of Newton High School. Which is why the alumni presence is so strong in the community. “Lifelong friends” is not some kind of throw-away expression. It’s the real deal here.

Newton Alumni Weekend gives Cardinals of all classes a chance to meet up, catch up and get up to no good (within reason). And nothing says Red Pride more than the All Class Reunion, which invites everyone to meet up for food, fellowship and drinks at the beautiful Legacy Plaza.

Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 7, the All Class Reunion goes on until midnight. All the classes will be meeting at Building 20 of the Legacy Plaza campus. Don’t know where that it?

Well, just follow the crowd of familiar faces. It’s an easygoing atmosphere, so there’s no need to worry that much about it.

There is a cover charge of $5 per person, which goes to benefit Dollars for Scholars. Advanced ticket purchases are needed as soon as possible for accurate food ordering or the brunch. The tradition of class window walks around the town square makes its return and will be up Thursday through Sunday. To spice things up, awards will be given for the Class Window Walk during the Alumni Breakfast and NHS Hall of Fame starting at 9 a.m. June 8 in the Newton High School. The cost for the brunch is $15 per person. For those who want to skip breakfast, there is a bit of extra alumni fun happening at the golf course.

The fifth annual Jack Chadwick Best Shot Golf Tournament will only have one flight this year, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

To reserve a spot, call 641-792-3087. The price is $75 per person or $300 for a four-person team.

2024 NHS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Frank Kruse — Teacher/Debate Diane (Black) Sloan — Class of ‘87

Frank Kruse joined the faculty at Newton High School in 1963 as communication, debate and speech instructor. A graduate of Vinton High School, he studied at the University of Colorado and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Debate from the University of Iowa. He completed graduate work at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

During his tenure as debate coach, Newton went to the National Tournament of the National Forensic League (NFL) 12 times, with 20 students competing at the national level between 1963 and 1986. Newton High School had the largest NFL Chapter in Iowa from 1966 to 1971. Indeed, NHS received the Leading Chapter Award in 1976. As a teacher and coach, Kruse received the NFL’s Diamond Key Coach Award twice: 1970 and 1976. Following the discontinuation of the debate program due to budget cuts, he continued to teach and served as Chair of the Communication Department. Kruse retired from Newton High School in 1993.

John Stiles — Class of ‘67

John Stiles is a 1967 graduate of Newton Senior High School. At NHS, he was involved in Drama productions and lettered in football, basketball and track. He matriculated at Drake University where he was active in campus ministries and on the mile relay team that broke the National Track and Field Federation indoor record at the Milwaukee Journal Games in 1968.

Stile’s teaching career began in the San Francisco Bay Area. He also taught at Clear Creek middle and high school in Iowa, where he won a state award for conservation teaching. He later taught in international schools in Brussels, London, Bangkok and Kuwait. He studied at the University of Iowa during a return to Iowa where he won an outstanding teaching assistant award. He earned a Master of Sci-

ence and Ph.D. in science education.

Stiles is currently a member of the International Board of Advisors for the International Association for the STEM Workforce in Bangkok, Thailand. He and his wife maintain homes in Thailand and Maine.

Diane Black Sloan is a 1987 graduate of Newton High School. She played softball, basketball and was active in track and field. In 1986, she was 1st Team All-Conference Guard and in 1987, 1st Team All-State Guard, playing in the All Star Basketball game. Sloan was an outfielder for state all four years in high school, and anchored the 4x400 relay to first place at the Drake Relays and State. She was the champion in 1987 of the 300 Yard Dash and played in the All Star Game 131.

Sloan is one of the most honored athletes in NHS history, with two sport 1st team all-state in basketball and softball while a champion in track. She earned 13 of 16 possible letters. Sloan matriculated at the University of Northern Iowa and later earned a Master of Library Science. She is currently employed at the Excelsior Springs School District in Missouri.

Tom Tyler — Class of ‘83

Tom Tyler attended Newton High School and graduated in 1983 as a Maytag Scholar. While at NHS, he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Peer Advocating Students Support Group and was a member of choir, swimming, marching band and was elevated to an Eagle Scout.

Tyler matriculated at the University of Iowa and later Georgetown University Law Center where he earned the Juris Doctor in 1993. His legal career has taken him to the United States Congress Environmental and Energy Study Conference, the Institute of Recycling Industries, the Environmental Council of the States and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At the EPA, he has served in roles ranging from National Sector Lead, Senior Policy Advisor and Acting Chief of Staff in the Office of the Admin-

istrator. He is currently Senior Officer for Organizational Health in the Office of the Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

Tyler also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the State University of New York — Buffalo Law School, and lives in Virginia.

A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS NEWTON, IOWA!

JOIN US DURING THE EVENING ON THURSDAY, JUNE 6 FOR SOME PRE-NEWTON FEST FUN AT MAYTAG PARK!

Friday, June 7

Newton Alumni Association’s Class Window Displays All Day| Downtown Newton

FREE Community MovieThe Wizard of Oz (1939)

sponsored by Newton YMCA, Lauterbach Buick GMC and MercyOne Newton Medical Center

10 a.m. | Capitol II Theatre

FREE Try the YMCA Day

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Newton YMCA

FREE RSVP Information Session sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

12 - 2 p.m. | Iowa State University Extension Jasper County Offices

FREE Magic Show with Magician

Jonathan May

1 p.m. | Newton Public Library

Gezellig Brewing Company’s Five Year Anniversary

4 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

Newton Alumni Association’s All Class Reunion

6 p.m. | Legacy Plaza

FREE Community Pool Party sponsored by Advantage Credit Union

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Maytag Pool

FREE UV Glow Foam Party

9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Maytag Park

Saturday, June 8

FREE Morning Yoga at the Park 9 a.m. | Maytag Park

Newton Alumni Brunch & Newton High School Hall of Fame Induction

9 :30 a.m. | Newton High School

Gezellig Brewing Company’s Five Year Anniversary 4 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company

Iowa Brewery Running Series Run for Beer 5K 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company

• Advantage Credit Union

• City of Newton

• Capitol II Theatre • Costa Oil

• DMACC Newton Campus • Gezellig Brewing Company

DMACC’s Chalk the Walk at Maytag Park | 5 - 7 p.m. Maytag Bowl Summer Concert Series featuring Blake Jack & South 35 | 7 p.m.

FREE Community MovieThe Wizard of Oz (1939)

sponsored by Newton YMCA, Lauterbach Buick

GMC and MercyOne Newton Medical Center

10 a.m. | Capitol II Theatre

Newton Main Street Car Show, sponsored by Costa Oil - Newton 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Downtown Newton

FREE Safety Fest featuring the Newton Fire Department & Newton Police Department

12 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Maytag Park

FREE Fun Zone w/ Inflatables & Laser Tag 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Maytag Park

Discounted Admission to Maytag Pool

1 p.m. | Maytag Pool

FREE Heath Alan and The Deep Roots in Concert

7 p.m. | Maytag Bowl

• Iowa State University Extension Jasper County

• Lauterbach Buick GMC

• Mercy One Newton Medical Center

• Newton Alumni Association

• Newton Fire Department

• Newton Main Street

SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

• Newton Police Department

• Newton Public Library

• Newton YMCA

• Rachel Braafhart

Class of 1949

9:30 a.m. — June 8

Meeting at the class table after the NHS Alumni Brunch Newton High School gym.

Class Rep: Joan (Welle) Tyler

Mrs. Tyler also invites her former students to stop by and say “hello”

Class of 1954

2 to 5 p.m. — June 8

Okoboji Grill — 1407 W. 19th St. S.

Class Rep: Roger Byer, Susan (Wilding) Robison 641-792-9486, Jean (Wise) Schnell 515-792-1583

Class of 1959

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — June 8

Okoboji Grill — 1407 W. 19th St. S.

Class Rep: Linda (Anderson) Osborn

Class of 1964

Noon — June 8

Sunset Park Shelter — 502 First St. N. Class Rep: Denny and Kay Purtilo 641-521-4820

Class of 1969

6 to 8 p.m. — June 8

Elk Club Lower Level — 111 E. Second St. S.

Class Rep: Kathy (Allen) Stevens 641-798-4428, Pam (Cavitt) Conklin, Nina (Miller) Robson 641-792-3401 and Doug Fisher

Class of 1974

5 p.m. — June 8

5 p.m. — social hour, 6 p.m. — class picture, 7 p.m. — dinner Izaak Walton League Main Level — 889 Hwy F 36 W.

Class Rep: Pat (Miner) Tinnermeier 641-792-9347

Class of 1979

6 p.m. — June 8

Murph & Mary’s Pub Legacy Plaza 403 W. Fourth St. N.

Class Rep: Pam (Lundberg) DeBruyn 641-521-8529

Class of 1984

5 p.m. — June 8

5 p.m. Social Hour, 6 p.m. Taco Bar, 7 p.m. DJ Fore Seasons Golf — 6232 Hwy S74 S. (Reasoner Rd) Class Rep: Suzy (O’Connor) Trotter 641-521-7551

Class of 1989

6:30 p.m. — June 8

Izaak Walton League Upper Level 889 Hwy F36 W. Class Rep: Amy (Smith) Ray 641-521-1788

Class of 1994

June 8 — Thunderdome — 1611 First Ave. W. Class Rep: Beth (Powell) Bailey

Class of 1999

6 p.m. — June 8

Okoboji Grill — 1407 W. 19th St. S.

Class Rep:

Matthew Birkenholz 641-792-8307, Brandon Jackson 641-792-4886

Class of 2004

6:30 to 9 p.m. — June 8

Murph & Marys— Legacy Plaza 403 W. Third St. N.

$15/person — includes one drink ticket and covers snack costs

Venmo payments to @tarazehr

Class Rep: Tara (Peska) Zehr 641-521-3600

Class of 2009

4 p.m. — June 8

Legacy Plaza — 403 W. Fourth St. N.

Class Rep: Christopher Tomlin 641-521-5497

Class of 2014

6 p.m. — June 8

Legacy Plaza — 401 W. Fourth St. N.

Class Rep: Grace Perrin

Class of 2019

6:30 p.m. — June 8

Legacy Plaza — 401 W. Fourth St. N. Class Rep: Lakin Jenkins