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Coming attractions?

Robert Maharry has supported filmmaking in Marshalltown for a long time, especially the efforts of Bella Luna and the productions of Jude Rawlins. But perhaps Bella Luna should change its name to Coming Attractions. Roughly six productions in the can, with financial support pouring from Nancy Adams, Robert and Linda Moore, and others, the films are mainly unseen by the general public because bookings are on a single engagement in niche theaters. Bella Luna films are not available on streaming or cable. I am grateful to Robert Moore for producing my play on Jean Seberg last year in ...

The hard sayings of scripture

Our Bible study group has moved from Galatians, into Ephesians. We have had a little difficulty deciphering Paul but he became clearer when we studied his culture. We immediately encountered another hard-saying in Ephesians 1:3-10--Predestination. We have to discover what is predestined and what isn’t. It was “pre-decided,” from the beginning of time, that we should have the right to be “Holy and blameless in God’s presence vs. 5-8.” Some folks have made this to say that people were predestined to be bad or good. So how do we become Holy and blameless when we have no power ...

The Earth Lives

The earth is alive in its own way and can survive on its own. The earth can handle pollution caused by an or nature. It can burn it up in the atmosphere or wash it out of the sky by heavy rain. People need not worry about the erath, it can take care of itself. God gave the earth more weapons of mass destruction than any army that ever existed. Earthquakes can split the earth and swallow whole armies. Lighting strikes can wreck havoc on anything it hits. Tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes can destroy things on water and land. Flood waters go their own way and can destroy whatever gets in ...

A response to Neil Dalal

After reading the recent letter to the editor from Neil Dalal, I just had to respond. For me, your letter was an empty vessel of bromides and atta boys. As a (former) local business owner, it always sticks in my craw when I’m told by non-business running entities and those involved with them how to run, start, and invest my own time and money. It’s no different than asking somebody for $20 to put in a slot machine. It’s only the one you borrowed from that loses and has skin in the effort. How many storefronts have you filled or invested in, Neil? It’s really easy to work ...

More local ownership for community improvements

Communities, big or small, have to improve themselves to stay relevant. This is a massive undertaking. The responsibility isn’t solely on the backs of the local government’s shoulders but on all of us as a community. Supporting local businesses, belonging, high standards, civic pride, and not settling for mediocrity. Many want to see more locally owned businesses downtown, from cafes, bookstores, boutiques, specialty stores, live music venues, yoga studios, and more. These places offer opportunities for more significant social connections and boost our local economy. Our ...

Thankful for our Messiah audience

On behalf of the Central Iowa Choral Society, I thank our Messiah audience for their attendance, appreciation, and generous offering. Following Handel’s example, we are sharing the offering with the Emergency Food Box and the MPACT Program. Our singers contributed greatly as always — in time and effort and monetarily. It’s hard to describe the joy we presenters get from bringing this music to an audience. We received many comments thanking all the musicians involved. Plans are already underway for next year’s presentation which will be Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Please plan to ...