Arment

“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 newsroom@timerepublican.com

Jeff Arment works for U.S. Postal Service and is postmaster in Conrad. He was born and raised in Marshalltown and has lived here 42 years.

Q: What are you passionate about?

I would have to say my family and friends. As I get older, I realize the importance of spending as much time possible with family because one never knows what tomorrow will bring. I lost my mom four years ago and older brother last fall and I miss them every day. My kids are growing so fast, and I just wonder where time has gone. Don’t put off reaching out to an old friend, pick up your phone and make a plan to get together for lunch or a cup of coffee.

Q: What community activities do you participate in?

I moved away about 10 years ago when I joined the military, and then started my career with the Postal Service. I returned in late September of 1997. Oktemberfest was going on, and I just felt at home as if I never left while participating in events.

Q: What do you enjoy about this community?

I enjoy that Marshalltown offers so many different activities throughout the year. It keeps the community involved and coming together to celebrate living in Marshalltown. The community is also always ready to help each other out when needed. There is no better proof of that when everyone came together to help neighbors when the tornado hit last year. No one needed to ask for help, the community was already there, ready and willing.

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

I feel we need to focus on getting new businesses to come to town while retaining ones here, especially at Marshalltown Mall.

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

Continue making new friends. When growing up and going to school, kids tend to stay in the same groups. Step outside your comfort zone, and bring other people into your circle. Friends on Facebook are different then the ones you actually meet face to face and make life-long relationships.

Q: What is your favorite Marshalltown activity?

I grew up playing in Parks & Recreation events and Little League. I also played sports at Marshalltown High School, so my favorite activity is going out and supporting MHS athletics. I enjoy watching the sports I participated in and seeing how MHS has changed. It always brings back great memories, especially watching the baseball team. I was part of the team that won back-to-back State Baseball Championships in 1985 and 1986 and were recognized a few years ago. Being on the field in front of the fans was an overwhelming feeling.

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

I want to see the Balloon Classic return. It was one of the activities I looked forward to each year. It was before the Indianola Balloon Festival and many of the participants came and flew their different types of hot air balloons. They would also let some of the local residents help them setup for flight and I was even given the opportunity to take my first hot air balloon flight that week. That is an experience I will never forget.