×

Our town, our people — Carrie Barr

Barr

“Our town, our people” is a weekly Q&A with a local resident who is active in the community. Have a suggestion for someone we should talk to? Email T-R news editor Emily Barske at ebarske@timesrepublican.com. 

Carrie Barr is a retired teacher whose hometown is Marshalltown. She has lived here her entire life, minus a couple of years as a school teacher at Martensdale St. Marys.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: “Much of my time and energy is spent on our children and our beautiful environment. I wish all children, everywhere, could feel safe and confident, be well-fed and healthy, have great teachers and have lots of time to play outdoors. Of course, my favorite passion is my family.”

Q: What community activities do you participate in?

A: “The Marshalltown Youth Foundation has a Musical Instrument Lending Library, which I led. I am currently president of the Friends of Marshall County Conservation, and I conduct a Nature Story Hour at the Grimes Farm. Another favorite project is: 100 Women Who Care, a social and philanthropy group.”

Q: What do you enjoy about this community?

A: “Friendliness and social responsibility. A friend of mine who moved around a lot told me Marshalltown has more friendly people per capita than in any other place she’s ever lived. I love how neighbors care for each other, and I love how the community, as a whole respond, to people in need. I love that all of us support and care about all our children.”

Q: What changes do you feel need to be made in the community?

A: “Community developers tell us that the communities that are growing have great schools and great cultural options, especially including outdoor recreation, restaurants and art. I would love to see more of all these things. I look forward to seeing what the new plan for our downtown entails. This will be a unique opportunity for change.”

Q: What advice would you pass on to young people?

A: “Join in. Marshalltown is just the right size for a person to make a difference. If you have a good idea, there are always people to join you and encourage you. Before you know it, you have improved Marshalltown for others.”

Marshalltown is just the right size for a person to make a difference. If you have a good idea, there are always people to join you and encourage you.

Q: What is your favorite Marshalltown activity?

A: “The Live and Local Free Concert Series at the Grimes Farm is my current favorite. It doesn’t cost anything for concertgoers. It is in a beautiful place with music, fun, food and friends.”

Q: What social activity or event would you like to see come to Marshalltown and why?

A: “I really loved the ‘Sweet Corn and Sweet Music Festival’ that was held in downtown for several years. Tons of people came out to enjoy the music, the food and each other. I would love to see more downtown festivals.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today