When you think of Marshalltown, are we a city or a community? Is one a better description than the other? Does it have to be a binary choice? By definition, we certainly are a city; an area in which a large number of people live fairly close together for a common purpose. I want to ponder the latter part of that definition, together for a common purpose.

At this time every year, I go back to 1996 when I was fortunate to be on the Marshalltown team who made it to the Little League World Series. While the memories of the experience remain vivid, the actual games are not what stick with me most. I will fully admit that may also be my way of coping with going hitless in three games and committing an error.

Through all the memories, one of the more endearing was the parade and celebration that was held when we returned home. The parade started at Miller and concluded at the MHS baseball diamond. I wouldn’t be able to estimate the number of people who came out, but like your favorite fishing story, I am convinced it was a lot.

Why does that stick out in particular? We were not as successful as we expected while in Williamsport, failing to advance out of pool play with a 1-2 record. I won’t speak on behalf of my other teammates, but I remember coming home nervous wondering what people would say. Our run to that point was magical, filled with win after win, losing our first two games on national television was a gut punch.

The moment we got to town, those concerns faded as the support was overwhelming, filled with smiles, shouts of great job and we’re proud of you. By strictly looking at our record, we failed, yet no one personally made me feel that or anything close to it.

It is in these bigger moments where it is easy for us to come together, just as with the 2009 Bobcat championship football game, tornado and derecho, but why does it need to be such a notable event? This is where in my opinion we transcend the classification as a city and become a community.

The addition of so many art installations around town should be a point of pride, yet I hear questions of their installation. Do you have to connect with each piece? Of course not. The Bean in Chicago is known around the world yet was initially received with skepticism, but good luck trying to get your picture without hundreds of others. Extra credit for you after you read this piece, do a quick search and see what it really is. Hint, it’s not a shiny legume.

Another well-spoken grumble to me is about the median plantings along South Center. Do you recall what they looked like before? Deteriorated concrete and weeds. Are they where we want them to be? No, but they continue to improve in appearance.

Before you rush to paint me as wearing rose colored glasses, I would like to politely challenge you to look around town. You can find easy examples of success, growth, rebuilding or expansion. The Flying Elbow, Karl of Marshalltown, Edgewood extension, Lennox, Marshalltown Company, McFarland Clinic, Unity Point hospital, MHS tennis courts, housing nearing completion on S 8th Street, infrastructure and trail extension along South Sixth Street, Hopkins and Willard building renovations, RACOM, McGregor’s, Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center (with the Fisher family blessing), and Wayward Social patio enhancements are some but not all the noticeable improvements happening to Marshalltown.

Look within your neighborhood, acknowledge and compliment your neighbor on their lawn upkeep, thank a police officer or firefighter for their service, go support the Bobcats and Tigers in sports no matter their record. Why? Because we are a community – sharing a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

Perfection is the natural goal, but rarely attainable. As this 12-year-old in 1996 felt the support of a community, even when the scoreboard didn’t indicate a clear win, we have much to be proud of and reason to feel optimistic. I encourage you to reach out to me and other council members with your thoughts, find ways to contribute and give back, share appreciation with those around you no matter how big or small. We’ve been through a lot, but this is an exciting time for Marshalltown.

Being part of the community is how you experience it fully.

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Barry Kell is an at-large member

of the Marshalltown City Council.