Trending
I was able to attend the re-opening of the Marshalltown Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse last Friday, Oct. 30. As you might remember, the entire center sustained heavy damages during the August 10th 2020 derecho. The Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center along with the Bill Fisher Art Collection was opened a few years ago. The final renovation of the center was in place for the event. Just WOW! The grand re-opening was packed and the Playhouse looked fantastic. So many people have quietly worked and donated funds for its restoration. A funny, short play was had plus a vintage film interview with Martha-Ellen Tye was shown from the original opening of the playhouse in 1969. One thing I noticed during her interview was when she was asked "why build this?" She responded that "I believe that every kid should learn about arts and culture in their education." The crowd in attendance responded with applause. I think Martha-Ellen would be very pleased with the renovations and the hard work of everyone involved. What a gem.
The new Marshalltown arch sign is being installed over East Main Street. The original one was installed in the early 1900's then taken down in 1943. Many people think that it was taken down during World War 2 for a scrap metal drive to help the war effort.
I love the looks of the new one with vintage looks and also the supports with colored blocks. Sort of a nod to our history with looking to the future. Super design!
Marshalltown cross country senior Preston Johnson and his coach Chad Pietig will be honored at the next City Council Meeting.
At the State competition in Fort Dodge, Preston ran the 5,000 meter race in 14 minutes, 40.1 seconds shattering the old state record by over 8 seconds! That is 3.107 MILES!!!
Heather Thomas helped me figure out what it would it look like if you ran it on our city streets. If you started at the main gate of Riverside Cemetery and ran North on Center Street, past Main Street, over the Center Street viaduct, past the U-Haul Rental, past United Bank and Trust, ending at Wells Fargo Bank on Merle Hibbs Boulevard. In 14 minutes and 40 seconds. That is crazy fast!
It will be a while before someone breaks that mark. Super job Preston and Chad.
The City Department Heads and Elected officials had our annual goal-setting meeting last Wednesday. Many items from last year were taken off the to-do list having been completed or almost complete. Some new items were added and the Councilors and myself prioritized all issues present. The list is NEVER empty and budget (as always) drives several of the items. I also think it's good for elected officials to sit down with staff and roll ideas around together as a team. I will write more about this next week.
"Communication is the real work of leadership” – Nitin Nohria