Arts+Culture Alliance plans active 2025 in new downtown space
By SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ TIMES-REPUBLICAN
Art and culture enhances a community in a variety of ways. It encourages business retention, cultivates creativity and ideas and brings people together.
Formed in 2004, the Arts + Culture Alliance (ACA) exists, in the words of its 2025-2027 strategic plan, to “make a vibrant and welcoming Marshalltown, alive with arts and authentic cultural opportunities.”
In December 2024, the organization announced its plan to relocate its office from the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center (MACC) to 126 W. Main St.
“The new downtown location will allow us to expand our services and offer a wider range of unique programming and experiences to support our creative community, further enhancing its ability to engage with and inspire the Marshalltown community,” said Executive Director Amber Danielson.
For the first time in its history, the ACA is adding a paid marketing and program coordinator position, and is in the process of accepting applications.
“Our services and reach are rapidly expanding, which meant it was time to add to our team to ensure our work will have the greatest impact,” she added. “Currently, we have myself (full-time) and Beau Kenyon (part-time), led by an all-volunteer board. This new role will offer the ability for us to roll out new programs to support the implementation of the Arts and Culture Master Plan, including several new grant programs for local organizations and artists.”
Back in November, the City of Marshalltown voted to provide the Alliance $130,000 annually, used for the Arts and Culture Master Plan. (A sum of $5,000 will be used for the Marshalltown Community Band during the next five years).
“The Arts + Culture Alliance rolled out a revised strategic plan in 2024 to ensure we are positioned to meet the needs of our growing community, with the ultimate goal of implementing the Arts and Culture Master Plan,” Danielson said.
The priorities in the strategic plan are as follows:
• Activate: cultivating initiatives to transform Marshalltown into a hub for vibrancy (i.e. grant programs for local artists, organizations and community priorities)
• Celebrate: engaging and amplifying the local arts and culture community, specifically through takepART Marshalltown campaign
• Connect: be the
bridge builder for our community by creating opportunities for professional development and leadership
• Advocate: promote the value and necessity of arts and culture, through ambassador programs, data collection and community engagement
The master plan may be viewed here: www.artsandculturealliance.org/wp-content/ uploads/2024/11/FINAL-ACA-Refined-Strategic-Plan-2025-2027.pdf
“The core of this work is the prioritization of public-private partnerships. Through the joint efforts of the public sector resources and private sector expertise, we can unlock a wealth of resources, creativity and engagement, and it is transforming how we approach community development,” Danielson explained. “These partnerships are essential not just for the advancement of local economies, but also for the cultural vitality of our communities. By joining forces, the public and private sectors can co-create spaces, programs and initiatives that celebrate creativity while addressing key social, economic and cultural issues.”
She added that the hope is any organization, business or person can pick up the plan and find themselves within it.
Nancy Adams, a pro fessor of psychology at MCC and a local artist, sees herself in the plan.
“My association with the ACA goes back more than 20 years — to before its inception,” Adams said. “While working for Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation (METF) under then-director, Sue Martin, part of my job was facilitating the creation of multiple (14) community focus groups, with representatives from Marshalltown, as well as from communities in the East and West Marshall school districts. Input from these groups was used to craft a template for how an eventual Alliance might best serve their existing arts and cultural organizations, and support such initiatives that did not yet ‘have a home.’”
Adams’ first personal, versus work-based, collaboration with the Alliance, was partnering with its first executive director, Beth Burkemper, in launching the House of Compassion soup bowl fundraising event.
“I’d experienced it in Arizona and wanted to
was the perfect fit,” she said. “After a few successful years under such leadership, the responsibility for the event was switched to HOC and local churches. And it has thrived since.”
Adams will be one of more than 30 Marshall County artists whose work will be showcased at “A Grand Gathering” the official opening of the ACA’s new space downtown. It will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on February 21. Light refreshments and snacks will be served, along with complimentary beer and wine for those 21 and older.
Adams has been commissioned by the ACA to write the history of the Apgar Family for the upcoming Apgar Family Water Plaza in the Linn Creek District.
“I am also currently,
17, at the new, amazing ACA space on Main Street,” Adams added.
Danielson said local artists are invited to a monthly connect + network + learn event on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., beginning March 13. Artists of all walks of life are welcome, whether you work as a professional artist or as a hobby.
“We work with and fund visual artists (photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, graphic design, textile and fiber), performing artists (theater, dance, music), as well as writers, chefs, gardeners, woodworkers and more,” Danielson said. “While a lot of our efforts invest in public, community, and social practice artists, we value artists across all practices, environments and communities.”
Adams said in addition to activity at the ACA, the community could expect the installation of two large-scale steel paneled artworks on the grounds of Marshalltown Community College.
“The work is intended to highlight the depth and range of talent among our staff and students, and celebrate the joint forces of art and industrial trades that has always made Marshalltown the unique city that it is,” she said. “The realization of these pieces will be the result of collaborations among various campus divisions and departments including the social sciences, fine arts, machine trades, construction tech, welding, buildings and grounds and campus administration. Students studying design submitted ideas (the finals of which have been chosen), and those in our trades programs will have an opportunity to assist in the fabrication and installation of such.”
The goal is to have both pieces completed by late spring/early summer 2025.
The ACA is finalizing its calendar of events and programming. Sign up for its newsletter here: www. artsandculturealliance. org/subscribe.
St. Francis Catholic School continues to grow under new leadership Rise up, Guardians
By ROBERT MAHARRY TIMES-REPUBLICAN
With 255 students in three-year-old preschool through sixth grade, St. Francis Catholic School in Marshalltown continues to see strong growth in enrollment, and a new leader, Principal Julie Graber, has taken the reins within the last year.
This year’s theme for students is “Rise Up,” as they are being asked to share ways they can rise up for others. Graber and Father Alan Dietzenbach recently arranged a host of special events in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week, which ran from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, and they also shared testimonials from families who have chosen to send their children to St. Francis, citing small class sizes and the focus on religious education.
“Our family chose to send our children to St. Francis so they would grow up with a strong foundation. It is important to us that religion plays such a big part in their school days. Learning to pray and celebrate mass together is something that is truly special. Smaller class sizes have also allowed for more differentiation in the classroom,” one wrote. “We value the family atmosphere that St. Francis provides. Our children have had amazing teachers who truly care about them. Our oldest child is in middle school. and the education that St. Francis provided for him has allowed him to be successful in and outside of the classroom.”
Another said they have been “incredibly happy” with their choice to send their children there because the staff have “truly embodied” their hopes of creating a loving, faith-based environment for children.
“Our children look forward to seeing their teachers and friends ev-
ery single day, and the family atmosphere is essential to their positive outlook on learning.
We are grateful that SFC is an extension of our commitment to build a servant heart in our children,” they said. “As a Catholic family, we wanted our children to attend a school with Catholic values.
We also chose SFC because they have smaller classroom sizes and it allows teachers to focus more on their students,” another family wrote. “I love how we as parents can easily connect with the teachers and allow us to participate. We made our decision nine years ago to have our children attend and until this day I do not regret it. I pray that our children pass their catholic values to their children as well.”
Another touted the desire to have their faith be a part of everyday life and education
“We want them to read stories that bring the gospels and saints to life, to discover that science reveals the wonders of God’s work, to see how the beauty of artwork can draw us in to tenderly meet God, and to learn how to work and play with others in
the way Jesus teaches,” they wrote. “We are so grateful to have a Catholic school here in Marshalltown that offers this kind of environment to our children. It gives us great peace of mind that our children’s little souls are safe in this school.”
The growth of the school has also resulted in the creation of new positions and hiring of more staff to serve the needs of students. St. Francis is located at 310 Columbus Dr. and can be reached at (641) 7537977.
Plans in early stages for Reimagine Miller project
BY LANA BRADSTREAM TIMES-REPUBLICAN
After residents approved the November vote for $57 million in general obligation bonds, work moved forward to expand, renovate and rebuild the middle school. The remaining $49 million of the $106 million project will be paid for with the SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) fund.
Kicking off the project includes an update to the Franklin Field at Franklin Elementary.
While an exact start date has yet to be determined, it is es-
timated work will begin sometime this spring or summer. As the design is underway, the notice for bidders for Franklin Field will go out on Feb. 18.
For Miller Middle School, Superintendent Theron Schutte said they are at the beginning of space programming, which determines the number, size and type of spaces.
“There have been a number of meetings, tours, etc. with our architect firm, construction management firm and their engineers,” he said.
Schutte believes the design for the school will be finished
sometime this summer. Work is expected to begin in either the spring or summer of 2026.
“Best case scenario that has been shared publicly via BoydJones and Invision is for bids to be let around Thanksgiving 2025,” he said.
When the school district was running the Reimagine Miller campaign before the November election, they offered voters and Marshalltown residents Wednesday tours of the building so people could get a better understanding of the problems. While the district is no longer offering scheduled tours, resi-
dents can still view the issues if they want.
“I’m sure that the Miller Middle School would happily provide a tour if people request,” Schutte said. “It would need to be outside of school hours in order to not disrupt the educational environment, I’d suspect.”
The Reimagine Miller project will address the issues the facility is dealing with, leaving 80 percent new or like new. Some of the issues include:
• Lack of space;
• Needed updates in the media center, kitchen and
bathroom entries and exits;
• Inadequate heating and cooling;
• Need to update aesthetics;
• Gym, wrestling area and locker room renovation;
• Constant standing water and moisture in the lower level.
The intention of the district, Boyd-Jones and Invision is to keep the historic auditorium and resurrect the community-loved space, bringing back the “splendor, luster and ambience” of when it was originally built.
PuzzlePage
WORD FIND
READER WRITES IN ABOUT MEDICARE
Dear Heloise: I read Allison’s letter regarding a Medicare scam that was correct until the last sentence: “Please tell people there is no new Medicare card.” Correction: Medicare has sent new cards to certain beneficiaries! The accompanying letter stated: “Medicare takes steps to protect your identity and prevent fraud. We found an issue with your Medicare number. To protect you, we’re giving you a new card with a new number.”
Since I had received a new card, I called Medicare and spoke to a representative who informed me that my original number had been part of a data breach; therefore, they issued me a new number that became effective on Jan. 13.
I recommend that if anyone has a concern about receiving a new card, they should call Medicare or go to their website. — Agnes M., North Hills, California
Agnes, the person who wrote about the fraud was made to believe that everyone who receives Medicare now held an invalid card. They claimed they had to verify whether she was the correct person by asking her to give them her card numbers. This was when she realized they were crooks.
— Heloise GRAPES INSTEAD OF ICE
Dear Heloise: I love fresh juice in the morning, especially over ice. The problem was that the ice would start to melt and water down the juice. A friend of mine suggested that I use frozen green grapes instead of ice, and it worked out perfectly. I can also munch on the grapes after I drink the juice.
I asked her where she got this great idea, and she said it was from reading your column. So, thank you for all of your clever hints! — Stacy M., Royal Oak, Michigan
MELTED WAX ON CANDLESTICKS
Dear Heloise: I have a set of candlesticks that have been in my family for four generations. I use them at Christmas and during a few other special occasions. This past Christmas, I didn’t keep an eye on the candles, and wax ran down the candlesticks. Since these are made of pewter, I don’t want to scratch them by using a knife to scrape off the wax. How can I get rid of it? — Karen F., Meriden, Connecticut
Karen, a method I’ve tried is using a hair dryer on medium heat. Place
the candlesticks on several layers of paper towels and let the warm air from the hair dryer melt the wax. As the wax is melting, you can use more paper towels to wipe off the melted wax.
It takes a while, and you will probably need oven mitts when handling the candlesticks, but I find this the safest way to remove the wax. — Heloise LEARNING TO SWIM
Dear Heloise: Summer will be here in a few more months, and I urge every parent to teach their kids to swim or enroll them in a place that teaches swimming. I lost my grandson when his canoe overturned on a deep lake. He couldn’t swim. It’s a skill that they can have (and will need) for the rest of their lives. — Vera S., Oshkosh, Wisconsin
SAVING GIFT CARDS
Dear Heloise: I used to work for a company that gave employees gift cards at Christmas every year. They were for a store that I don’t particularly care for, but a lot of people use the store for wedding and baby registries. So, I would just save these cards to use when I needed to buy a gift for these occasions. — Patricia Morse, via email FEEDING SQUIRRELS PIECES OF BREAD
Dear Heloise: I have been reading your column with interest and like the tips displayed therein. A recent letter from Cody, in San Antonio, noted that he gives various kinds of nuts and seeds to squirrels for their food, which is nice.
On the contrary, I feed them with small pieces of regular or butter-topped bread. Squirrels and other birds like it very much. Sometimes if all of the bread is consumed, squirrels come to me with folded hands and request more. It brings a smile on my face, and I feed them more bread pieces. — Glen Allen, in Virginia PASS THE GIFT CARD ON
Dear Heloise: To Carolyn L., in Olympia, Washington, I understand how you feel about gift cards. But here’s an idea for the steakhouse and massage gift cards: Go to the place of business on Valentine’s Day and stand by the door. When you see someone, perhaps an elderly person, give them the card and wish them a “Happy Valentine’s Day!” You will surprise and delight them and feel blessed for giving to them. — Karen Brooks, Warren,
Ohio MEDICARE SCAM CONFIRMED
Dear Heloise: I wanted to send a big “thank you” after reading a letter in the Elko Daily Free Press about the scam to get Medicare numbers for a new card. Not more than 45 minutes later, I received one and told the guy to read “Hints From Heloise” because he was a scammer. He hung up (how rude!), and I have since gotten four of the same calls.
I am going to buy a whistle and blow it in their ear from now on. I suggest we all blow their ears off. Thank you! —Tina, Spring Creek, Nevada DIFFERING COFFEE STRENGTHS
Dear Heloise: Your hints are often the first thing I read in the morning newspaper. The following hint is not earth-shaking but very practical for us:
My wife and I have differing and specific preferences regarding the preferred “strengths” of our coffee. With our much-appreciated machine, we can easily make two large cups from each pod. We add water to the first cup and a little instant coffee to the second. Thus, we can “have our coffee and drink it, too” while feeling efficient and economical.
My wife also fills the pods herself rather than using the prefilled ones. Fortunately, economizing is no longer important, but we get some enjoyment from believing that we are doing so and being somewhat friendly to our environment. — Harold B., in Leesburg, Florida
PET PAL
Dear Heloise: Otto is the name I gave to the rescue dog who I am thrilled to now have in my home. He is 8 and recently neutered because he was from a puppy mill. I hope he will be happy in our house for another eight years or more. He loves to cuddle and go for walks around the neighborhood. Welcome, Otto! — Helen Kress, via email
Readers, to see Otto and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”
Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise. com. — Heloise Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
Heloise
Hints from Heloise
With great purpose, Tama-Toledo Christian School makes steady progress toward August 2025 start date
By RUBY F. MCALLISTER
TIMES-REPUBLICAN
TOLEDO
— Since pub licly declaring just over a year ago their intentions to open an accredited K-8 private, Christian school in the Tama-To ledo area in time for the 2025-26 school year, board members for the non-profit Tama-Toledo Christian School (TTCS) have worked with great purpose to make that an nouncement a reality.
Over the course of the last 12 months, the board of directors including president Dean Fisher – a Republican state repre sentative from Montour — can count among their many accomplishments: signing a lease with Eric Slagle’s VLS Real Estate LLC for the old Tama Catholic church building at 600 Oswego Street; undertaking extensive renovations on the nearly 125-year-old church to convert it into a threefloor elementary school; building a website; completing all required steps for accreditation by Christian Schools International; hiring Administrator Tana Whitton; and (as of late December) progressing roughly a third of the way toward the school’s initial 30-student enrollment goal.
starting in her role on Jan. 6, 2025.
“Renovations are progressing wonderfully with the framing completed for classrooms, offices, common areas, a chapel, restrooms, and an indoor play area,” she said in an email.
To say it’s been quite a year for the fledgling private school would be an understatement.
When contacted in mid-January for a school planting update, Whitton said she had several noteworthy dispatches to share since officially
Additionally, a “stunning, custom mural” by the artist Julia Slagle depicting the school’s eagle mascot (“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles,” Isaiah 40:31) is in process and will eventually adorn the main entrance to the building.
In terms of the school’s outdoor space, Whitton said TTCS has acquired playground equipment and rubber mulch while also writing a grant proposal to develop the
playground — located in green space north-northwest of the building — into a “welcoming social and play space for our community during nonschool hours.”
When it comes to the school’s finances, Whitton said the board’s initial plans to align tuition with Iowa’s Students First Act private school voucher/education savings account (ESA) per pupil funding remains the goal.
For the 2024-25 school year, the ESA amount was set at $7,826 and could be used for tuition, fees, and other eligible qualified education expenses at any Iowa accredited nonpublic school.
To bridge the likely cost gap, Whitton said TTCS was “actively pursuing grants and continuing fundraising efforts.”
“We have a new and
out-of-the-box fundraising campaign launching soon – stay tuned for its reveal!” she added.
While TTCS has had a Facebook presence since last March, the school recently added an Instagram account and has broadened the information available on its website (ttchristianschool. org) including a step-bystep guide to the admissions process.
The school has also begun accepting applications for both full-time K-8 classroom teachers and substitutes via the website. Among the lengthy list of requirements for employment
as a TTCS teacher, the website states candidates must “be able to not only defend Christian education but also to be a champion for it.”
Prospective teachers must also comply with one of the following scenarios: hold a current teaching license; currently working to become licensed to teach; willing to become licensed; or have a 4-year degree with plans to complete 20 hours of “personal development in his or her teaching area each year.”
Upcoming events TTCS has several upcoming events in the
works for families interested in admission including a parent information meeting (children welcome) set for Thursday, Feb. 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at New Life Church, 211 W. 13th Street, Tama. An open house is also on the docket, set for Saturday, March 29, again at New Life. The event is completely free, open to the public, and will include food plus fun activities for kids.
For further updates on TTCS’s continuing development, email TTChristianSchool@gmail. com to be added to the school’s mailing list, or check out the school’s website, Facebook page, or Instagram account.
PHOTOS BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
The old Tama Catholic church building located at 600 Oswego Street pictured on Dec. 13, 2024.
Rep. Dean Fisher, left, and Eric Slagle, construction manager for Hardon’s and owner of VLS Real Estate, pictured on Dec. 13, 2024, inside the old Tama Catholic church building.
Local artist Julia Slagle’s mural depicting Tama-Toledo Christian School’s eagle mascot. The mural will eventually be placed above the interior main entrance doors.