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Published by City of Marion, 2017-02-14 10:47:58

Marion Messenger - Feb. 2017

A quarterly newsletter by the City of Marion, Iowa - www.cityofmarion.org

MmeAsRseInOgeNr

February 2017

A quarterly newsletter by the Marion Ranks among
Best Small Cities in America
What’s Inside:
For those who appreciate 1,268 cities across five key scale, with 100 represent-
City News Briefs- Page 2 fewer degrees of separation dimensions: affordability, ing the most favorable
Wednesday in the Ward- Page 2 and want more bang for economic health, education conditions for small-city
Fire Safety Reminders - Page 3 their buck, small-city life and health, quality of life residents. Overall scores for
Mayor's Message- Page 4 can be tough to beat. Mar- and safety. They selected each city were calculated
Police Department - Page 5 ion recently landed in the cities with population sizes based on the weighted av-
Business Connection - Page 6 top 7 percent of Best Small between 25,000 and 100,000 erage across all metrics and
Well-Being Improvements - Page 7 Cities in America. Marion and considered only the used the results to construct
Urban Forestry- Page 8 landed in the number two “city proper” in each case, the ranking.
Public Services News- Page 8 spot among all communi- excluding cities in the sur-
Water Department Info - Page 9 ties in the category of low- rounding metro area. Five other Iowa com-
Library News - Page 10-12 est housing costs. munities also ranked in the
Parks & Rec Info - Page 12-14 They then evaluated the top 10 percent including
School News - Page 15 To determine the best dimensions using 30 rel- Ankeny, West Des Moines,
Community Events- Page 16 small cities in America, Wal- evant metrics. Each metric Bettendorf, Urbandale and
letHub’s analysts compared was graded on a 100-point Dubuque.
www.CityofMarion.org
Vol. 16, No. 1 Hoskins Steps Down after 40 Years

Feb. 2017 - May 2017 Council in order to accept 40,000,” noted Hoskins.
his appointment as City Hoskins was a trusted
Attorney in July of 1977.
During his tenure, he advisor to city leaders. “One
was a fixture at Marion of Don's greatest attributes
City Council meetings, is his historical knowledge
both formal and informal; base,” said City Manager
rendered legal opinions Lon Pluckhahn.  “He
for the City; participated knows the backstory and
in contract negotiations rationale for so many of our
as requested; drafted or ordinances and policies.
reviewed contracts; and We’ve been fortunate to
prepared ordinances, have him serve Marion for
resolutions and motions the past 40 years.”
for the City Council’s
consideration. When asked what he
The biggest change enjoyed most, Hoskins
In December, the City of in the position was the praised the mayors and
Marion honored longtime increase in workload due council members, city
City Attorney Donald to Marion’s population managers and department
Hoskins. Hoskins served as growth. “Marion had a heads that he worked with
Marion's legal counsel for population of about 15,000 throughout his career.
nearly 40 years. people when I started and Marion Legal
is now rapidly closing in on counsel, Page 2
Hoskins resigned as a
member of the Marion City

2 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

City News Briefs

Audit Report A copy of the audit report is The 2017 Marion City Council includes (from left): Paul Draper
In January, Hogan-Hansen, available for review in the of- (At Large), Mary Lou Pazour (At Large), Will Brandt (Ward 3),
fice of the Auditor of State, the Nicolas AbouAssaly (Mayor), David Nicholson (Ward 4), Kim
A Professional Corporation, City Clerk’s office and at www. Etzel (Ward 1) and Joe Spinks (Ward 2 and Mayor Pro Tem)
released its annual audit report cityofmarion.org.
on the City of Marion, Iowa. sions. The City is currently ernment is serving residents, to
State of the City Address looking to fill vacancies on the gauge perceptions of the city
The City’s revenue totaled On Thursday, Jan. 26 Mayor following boards: Construction and to make comparisons with
$45,793,773 for the year ended Code Review Board, Local Op- peer cities.
June 30, 2016, a 10.7 percent in- AbouAssaly delivered his sec- tion Sales Tax Oversight Com-
crease from the prior year. The ond State of the City address mittee, Park Board, Planning The survey centers on com-
revenue included $21,888,862 before a crowd of more than and Zoning Commission and munity livability and includes
in property tax and tax incre- 450 people at the Cedar Rapids Zoning Board of Adjustment. questions about the quality of
ment financing; $4,510,067 in Marriott. The change in venue Visit www.cityofmarion.org/ life in the community, local pol-
local option sales tax; $4,931,445 was necessary in order to ac- boards-commissions for more icies, demographics, rating of
in other City tax and special commodate the attendance. He information and to download local government services and
assessments; $9,368,518 from provided a recap of the accom- an application. resident use of services.
charges for service; $554,743 plishments of the past year as
from operating grants and con- well as a look ahead to the fu- Marion Seeks Resident A random and scientific sam-
tributions; $3,826,473 from cap- ture. The event was hosted by Opinions ple of 1,500 households will re-
ital grants and contributions; the League of Women Voters. ceive invitations to participate
$707,908 from unrestricted During the month of March, in the mail and their confiden-
investment earnings; $19,524 Board/Commission the City of Marion is asking tial responses will be weighted
from other general revenue; Reception residents to participate in The and analyzed.
and a $13,767 loss on disposal National Citizen Survey™. The
of capital assets. On Thursday, Feb. 2 the City survey is designed to provide
hosted a holiday reception to a baseline of how the city gov-
Expenses for City opera- honor the 100+ community
tions for the year ended June volunteers that serve on City
30, 2016 totaled $41,067,528, a boards and commissions. The
2.1 percent increase from the evening included light refresh-
prior year. Expenses included ments and remarks from May-
$9,875,554 for public safety, or Nicolas AbouAssaly. The so-
$7,310,091 for community and cial atmosphere also provided
economic development, and committee members with the
$6,852,869 for public works. opportunity to network out-
Expenses for business-type ac- side of their regularly sched-
tivities totaled $7,010,693. uled meetings.

It is the opinion of the au- Serve on Marion Boards
diting firm that the City of and Commissions
Marion’s financial statements
as of June 30, 2016 fairly pres- Do you want to provide in-
ent the financial position and put on City policies and help
cash flows of the City and were shape both our city and its
conducted in conformity with government? Apply to be one
generally accepted accounting of 100+ volunteers that serve
principles. on Marion boards or commis-

2017 Wednesday in the Ward Meeting Schedule

Marion City Council members and City Ward 2 Marion Legal
staff are continuing their initiative to connect June 14, 2017 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – TBD counsel, Page 1
with residents. Beginning in March, Wednes- “They have been exceptionally
day in the Ward meetings will resume. One Ward 3 dedicated, hardworking and
meeting will take place each quarter. Sept. 13, 2017 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Hills Bank competent,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity for staff and Community Room, 3204 7th Avenue Anne Kruse and Devin
council members to connect with residents in Ward 4 Kelly of Allen, Vernon &
the wards in which they reside,” said Marion Hoskins P.L.C. are both on
Mayor Nicolas AbouAssaly. “The discussion Dec. 13, 2017 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Lowe Park retainer to provide legal
will be centered around projects specific to Hickory Room, 4500 N 10th Street services for the City going
those neighborhoods.” forward. In his retirement,
Visit http://www.cityofmarion.org/about- Hoskins intends to provide
The 2017 meeting schedule is as follows: us/mayor-city-council to view a map of Mar- assistance as needed and
Ward 1 ion’s wards and determine the appropriate focus on his family genealogy.
meeting to attend.
Mar. 15, 2017 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Marion
Heritage Center, 590 10th Street In addition, Marion City Council members
continue to hold regular office hours every
Saturday between 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mari-
on Public Library, 1095 6th Avenue.

www.CityofMarion.org Marion Messenger • 3

Help Improve Emergency Response Time

The Marion Fire Department illuminated or turning a porch house. During the winter, it is neighbors is to clear any snow
responded to over 3,200 calls in light on during an emergency important that snow and ice away from the fire hydrant clos-
2016. Most people think that an is helpful. First responders can are removed from the driveway est to your home. Some winters
emergency will never happen to lose critical time trying to find a and sidewalk so we can safely we have had fire hydrants com-
them, but they do happen every house that does not have an ad- get into the house but also get pletely buried by snow. Even if
day and time is of the essence in dress on it. Please take a minute you out to the ambulance. they are partially buried, it takes
most situations. and make sure that your ad- precious time to dig them out
dress is clearly marked and not 3. Sometimes we find doors in order to have adequate wa-
If you do have an emergency, otherwise covered-up. that don’t open or simply have a ter to fight a fire. If you clean
there are that things you can do large number of items stored in out the fire hydrant every time
to shorten the response time, 2. Have clear access to your front of them. This is dangerous it snows, it is a small task that
especially in the winter. The house. It is important that emer- for a couple of reasons. During could save significant damage
Marion Fire Department offers gency responders can get from an emergency, it delays us in to your home and the homes
these suggestions: the street and into your house. getting inside to help you. The around you.
There are times when there are biggest concern with a blocked
1. Have an address on your toys, lawn furniture and other door is that you cannot get out By following these tips, you
house and make sure it is visible items in the way. This delays that door during a fire! Make can help improve emergency
from the street. The numbers us in getting into the house. sure that all exit doors are clear response time.
should be at least 4” high and During a medical emergency, and open easily.
should be of a contrasting color there has to be enough space to
to your house color so they stick get the ambulance cot into the One additional thing that you
out. Either having your address can do to help yourself and your

School Bus Safety

Hundreds of children ride pickup while trying to cross The Iowa Department of If you cannot see the driver,
school buses every day in the road to board a school Education offers the follow- the driver cannot see you.
Marion and statistically it bus. This tragedy has result- ing safety tips. • Never cross behind the bus.
is safer for them to ride in a ed in tougher penalties for Reminders for drivers: • When getting on or off the
school bus than in your own drivers who ignore the stop • When the bus driver turns bus, never cross the street
vehicle. The Marion Fire De- signs and flashing lights on until the bus driver signals
partment has responded to school buses. Several studies on the yellow flashers, that it is OK to cross.
accidents involving school have shown that on average, signifies that someone will • If you drop something near
buses in recent years and for- someone drives through a be getting on or off the bus. the bus, do not pick it up.
tunately there have been very bus stop sign on every school All vehicles behind the bus Instead, tell the bus driver
minor or no injuries reported. bus once a day. If you think of must come to a complete what you dropped and let
that happening once per day stop. the driver instruct you on
Sadly, most accidents when to every school bus, there is a • If you are approaching a what to do.
children are severely injured lot of potential for a child to bus from the opposite di- Penalties:
happen when they are get- be hit by a car. A major cause rection, slow your speed to • The penalties for going
ting on or off the bus. On May of this is distracted driving. 20 mph when the bus turns past a stopped bus with its
10, 2011, Kadyn Halverson, on its yellow flashers. stop arm out and red lights
age 7, of Northwood, Iowa • On a two-lane road, traf- flashing include:
was struck and killed by a fic in both directions must • 1st offense–at least a $250
come to a full stop when fine, a 30-day suspension
the lights are flashing red. of your driver’s license and
• On a four-lane road, traf- up to 30 days in jail
fic moving in the opposite • 2nd offense–at least a $350
direction must slow down fine, a 90-day suspension
and proceed with caution of your driver’s license and
when either red or yellow up to one year in jail
flashers are present. • Subsequent offenses offer
• Stop your vehicle at least more severe penalties.
15-feet from the bus. Everyone is in a hurry to
• Remain stopped until the get where they are going, and
flashing lights are turned things like radios, cell phones,
off and the stop arm is conversations and texts cause
pulled back in. distractions for drivers. Is
Reminders for students: that text more important than
• Stop and look both ways a child’s life? Pay attention
before crossing a street. when you are driving, espe-
• Make sure your bus driver cially when a school bus is
can see you when you are nearby.
crossing in front of the bus.

4 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

City Directory Mayor's Message

City Hall On January 26, I was which are at area schools,
honored to deliver my our wellness program
second State of the City for City employees, the
1225 6th Ave. address as Marion’s growing system of more
Marion, IA 52302 mayor before an audi- than 600 acres of nicotine-
www.cityofmarion.org ence of more than 450 free parks and trails and

Administrative Building attendees. I shared just community wellness
Offices Department some of the ways we, all programs for people of
319-743-6330 of us, together, reached all ages - such as sunrise
319-743-6300 higher and put Marion yoga.
tracim@ building@ on the map in 2016. I A recent Gallup-
cityofmarion.org also spoke of the excit- Healthways Well-Being
cityofmarion.org

City Clerk/ Engineering ing, potentially trans- Index survey, garnered
Finance Department formative, projects in through our involvement
319-743-6340 the works for the year with the Blue Zones Proj-
319-743-6350 dwhitlow@ ahead and beyond. A ect®, revealed our efforts
wnelson @ cityofmarion.org link to a video of the are making a difference
presentation and corre- Nicolas AbouAssaly in that overall well-being
cityofmarion.org

Planning & Water sponding annual report of residents continues to
Development Department are available at www.cityofmarion.org. rise and is higher than national and state
319-743-6320 319-743-6310 In addition to our community’s growth, averages. Marion residents feel active and
tsteigerwaldt@ investments in infrastructure, government productive and exercise three or more days
tbellach@ cityofmarion.org performance, public safety and our vibrant per week on average; and smoking and
cityofmarion.org

City Manager Uptown, I spoke of the increased engage- obesity rates in our city have decreased.
319-743-6301 ment by Marion residents and the quality When the Gallup-Healthways study
[email protected] of life that we all enjoy. shows gains in all five elements of well-be-

Marion is committed to adopting mean- ing – and reveals that 80 percent of residents
Parks & Recreation ingful health and well-being improvement feel that Marion is the perfect place for them
initiatives for residents. In November, the city – we know we are on the right track.
Lowe Park, 4500 10th St. received the Healthy Hometown Award from Thank you for choosing to make Marion
319-447-3590 the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative in recog- the place you call home. And thank you for
nition of our efforts. Marion’s accomplish- the ways you contribute to the fabric of our
[email protected] ments include certification as a Blue Zones® community.
community, our community gardens - nine of
Thomas Park, 343 Marion Blvd.
319-447-3580

[email protected]

Public Services

(solid waste, sewer, streets)
195 35th St.
319-377-6367

[email protected]

Marion Public Library

1095 6th Ave.
319-377-3412
[email protected]

Fire Department mMeAssReIngOerN The Marion Messenger is a free, periodical, informational newsletter
for the residents of Marion, Iowa, published by the City of Marion.
3933 Katz Dr.
Emergency – 911 Publisher: Editors: Printer:
Non-Emergency – 319-377-8237 Marion Times
[email protected] City of Marion, Iowa Amber Bisinger & P.O. Box 506
Marion, IA 52302
Police Department 1225 6th Avenue Amanda Kaufman (319)-377-7037
news@
6315 Highway 151 Marion, IA 52302 City of Marion
Emergency – 911 mariontimesonline.com
Non-Emergency – 319-377-1511 (319) 743-6300
Records – 319-200-7714
Administration – 319-200-7727 www.cityofmarion.org Sarah Olberding
[email protected]
Marion Times

ISSN: 1544-5739 (print) * 1544-5747 (electronic)
All contents copyright © 2017 City of Marion, Iowa.
All rights reserved. Reproduction not permitted without due acknowledgement.

www.CityofMarion.org Marion Messenger • 5

Changing of the Guard Enjoy Coffee with
a Cop in March
The Marion Police Depart- at the University of Louisville
ment welcomed Joseph McHale and holds a Bachelor’s De- The Marion Police Depart-
as its new Chief of Police in De- gree in Criminal Justice from ment will host another Coffee
cember 2016, succeeding Harry Grantham University. McHale with a Cop event on Wednes-
Daugherty who retired in June. has held supervisory and com- day, Mar. 22 at Marion Hy-
He is excited to begin his career mand positions in patrol opera- Vee. Officers will be available
in Marion with a department of tions, SWAT, the Street Narcot- beginning at 8:30 a.m. to give
45 sworn officers and 12 civil- ics Undercover Section and the residents the opportunity to
ian employees. McHale says Midwest HIDTA Investigative ask questions and share their
the employees are well-trained Support Center. He was also the concerns in a casual setting.
and well-equipped but one of project manager for the Kansas
the challenges he will manage Joseph McHale City No Violence Alliance, a
will be the changes that come to examine intelligence and collaborative effort to reduce
with serving an expanding data. In turn, this will help him homicides in Kansas City. As a
population. Marion has grown align resources to best meet the Major, McHale was responsible
by more than 38 percent be- community’s needs. for creating the Violent Crime
tween 2000 and 2015, so his About Chief McHale Enforcement Division, which
focus will be making sure there was the core enforcement arm
is adequate staffing in place McHale recently retired as a for focused deterrence in Kan-
to match the community’s 25-year veteran of the Kansas sas City. In 2015, McHale was
growth, as well as determining City (MO) Police Department. appointed division command-
the department’s emergency He is a graduate of the South- er for the East Patrol Division
preparedness. ern Police Institute’s 122nd of the KCPD. In 2016, he was
Administrative Officers Course awarded the Albert Riederer
With growth comes different Excellence in Public Service
types of investigations and pa- Award for his work in violence
trol strategies. McHale is look- reduction.
ing forward to understanding
crime trends in Linn County
and working with researchers

Community Garden Opportunities

Have you, your church, your help. locations in the community
or an organization you work The Uptown Garden has that are looking for a spon-
with ever considered starting sor or group to work with for
a community garden? Many room for expansion, would learning gardens at their loca-
of our local schools have your organization want to tions. With ample community
started gardens for teaching adopt a raised bed by build- resources and expertise now
purposes. The Uptown Com- ing it (with guidance from is the time to get involved!
munity Garden helps supply Blue Zones Project ® Marion Contact Sara Mentzer with
fresh produce to the Churches and Master Gardeners), plant- Blue Zones Project Marion for
of Marion Food Pantry. There ing and tending it? Do you more information at 319-538-
has been discussion of other have a location at your work- 8296 or marionbluezonespro-
gardens starting with youth site, church or organization [email protected].
and community organization where you could build you
but the community can use own gardens and use them
as a team project? There are

Contact City Council Members

Mayor Nicolas AbouAssaly Ward One - Kim Etzel Ward Four - David Nicholson
1225 6th Ave. | (319) 743-6305 933 8th Ave. | (319) 491-7179 2305 Beryl Street | (319) 373-5579
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
At-Large - Paul Draper Ward Two - Joe Spinks
4670 Fairways Ct. | (319) 377-8393 3165 29th Ave. | (319) 377-1070   E-mailallmembersat:[email protected].
[email protected] [email protected] Marion’s City Council meets in work session (no
At-Large - Mary Lou Pazour Ward Three - Will Brandt action taken, just discussion) on the 1st and 3rd
1609 3rd Ave. | (319) 377-1309 2745 4th Ave. | (319) 389-9918 Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. Regular session
[email protected] [email protected] meetings are held the Thursday following the
Tuesday work session at 5:30 p.m. All meetings
are held at Marion City Hall.

6 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

Not Only a November Commercial Real Estate
Holiday – #shopsmall Showcase Set for March 30

Small restaurant, Uptown Marion Main Uptown Marion District. In
Business boutique or Street will host a Commer- addition, the main street pro-
Saturday (or service pro- cial Real Estate Showcase and gram hopes the event will in-
Shop Small vider, $68 re- Networking event on Thurs- spire future partnerships that
Saturday) turns to our day, Mar. 30. This event will want to take advantage of this
is observed community. bring aspiring entrepreneurs, exciting time of revitalization
on the day These busi- investors and business re- and growth. For more infor-
that follows nesses are source providers together for mation, visit www.uptown-
Black Friday supporting an afternoon to learn about marion.com.
during the our schools, opportunities available in the
Thanksgiv- our non-prof-
ing shop- its and our
ping week- cities.
end. It’s a
day to focus Imagine
purchases the impact
on supporting local businesses we can have
in the community. This single throughout the year by shifting
day has a large impact on local our buying patterns to focus
economies. Marion residents on Marion businesses. Chal-
turned out in full force during lenge yourself next time you’re
a recent shopping event held in looking for a gift, oil change
the Uptown area on Nov. 26. or health provider. Invite your
friends and family to Marion
A recent study shows that 68 for dinner and a show. Marion
percent of revenue from small, businesses need your support
local businesses is reinvested and it’s easy to make a few
into a community; so for every small changes that create BIG
$100 spent at your neighborhood results.

www.CityofMarion.org Marion Messenger • 7

Marion Well-Being Rises for Second Year in a Row

Annual Gallup-Healthways
Well-Being Index study shows gains in
all five elements of well-being

An investment in com- two years after Blue Zones ward increased well-being study shows gains in all five
munity well-being seems to Project officially kicked off in among residents across the elements of well-being – and
be paying off in Marion, as Marion. city,” said Sara Mentzer, reveals that 80 percent of
the latest Gallup-Healthways Marion Blue Zones Project residents feel that Marion is
Well-Being Index® report The city’s overall Well- coordinator. “We know there the perfect place for them –
shows a citywide gain of Being Index score rose 4.4 is more work to be done, and we know we are on the right
more than four points in over- points, or seven percent, from thanks to a strong network of track.”
all well-being and an increase 61.8 in 2014 to 66.2 in 2016. community partners work-
in each of the five elements The city’s overall well-being ing toward the same goal, Since Blue Zones Project
of well-being. The study was score of 66.2 is well above we believe we will continue Marion kicked off in January
conducted in the Fall of 2016 national and state levels. The to make strides in our efforts 2014, nearly 8,000 individuals
as part of the city’s efforts city also saw improvement in to improve the health of this have taken the Blue Zones®
surrounding Blue Zones Proj- each of the five elements of community.” Personal Pledge for better
ect®, a community-led well- well-being: purpose, social, well-being. Marion counts
being improvement initiative financial, community and In addition to the commu- 37 Blue Zones Worksites®,
that focuses on changing the physical well-being. nity impact metrics, the Well- 11 Blue Zones Restaurants®,
environment around us to Being Index also measures the three Blue Zones Grocery
make healthy choices easier. Obesity is down 19 points, percentage of the population Stores® and 10 Blue Zones
a drop of nearly 55 percent that is thriving in the five key Schools® — all of which have
  The Well-Being Index is a since 2014. Obesity now sits at elements of well-being. Ac- optimized their environments
scientific survey instrument just 16.0 percent, well under cording to the Well-Being In- to help make Marion one of
that measures, tracks, and re- both national and state levels. dex, Marion residents report the healthiest cities in the na-
ports on the well-being of in- Smoking levels dropped one an increase in thriving across tion.
dividuals and organizations. point, sitting now at just 8.6 all well-being elements, with
Gallup conducted the survey percent of residents. the highest gains in financial
during a four-week period be- and community well-being.
ginning Sept. 23, 2016, nearly “We are encouraged by
our Well-Being Index results,   “Marion is committed to
which show movement to- adopting meaningful health
and well-being improvement
initiatives for residents,” said
Marion Mayor Nicolas Ab-
ouAssaly. “When the Gallup-
Healthways Well-Being Index

Marion is currently home to Roundabout We Go
five roundabouts, two along which is proposed to be con- the posted speed limit signs and/or sirens on do not stop
the Tower Terrace Road cor- structed in 2017. while yielding to the left. Just at the yield line before enter-
ridor, two along our Central like in a four-way intersection, ing, within the roundabout,
Corridor, and one mini round- When approaching a round- you should not be changing or right after you exit as this
about at 29th Avenue and about, pay attention to the sig- lanes while in the roundabout; could make it difficult for the
35th Street. Another is being nage and pavement markings wait until you have fully ex- emergency vehicle. Pull over
designed for the intersection signifying which lane to be in ited to change lanes. before you get to the round-
of 15th Street and 6th Avenue, for the movement you wish to about or clear the intersection
make. As you enter the round- If an emergency vehicle is completely before pulling over.
about, slow down and follow approaching with their lights

8 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

City Establishes Urban Forestry Division

The City of Marion's Urban • The City of Marion orga- conservation easement full-time certified arborists on
Forestry Division within the nizes multiple GREEN held by the Iowa Natural staff. Questions may be di-
Parks and Recreation Depart- events each year to educate Heritage Foundation. rected to City Arborist Mike
ment is dedicated to man- and involve volunteers The department has two Cimprich at 319-447-3580.
aging and maintaining the of varying ages from
quality of our community's cub scouts and 1st grade
green infrastructure. students to longtime resi-
• The City of Marion plants dents. Projects range from
plating trees, tree care and
over 150 trees in the city pruning, mulching, remov-
right of way and park ing invasive plant species
spaces each year. and trash and leaf collec-
• The City of Marion was tion among many others.
awarded $11,500 in grant
funding last year to pur- • The City of Marion man-
chase trees for plantings ages a 110-acre natural
that directly benefit the woodland area (Faulkes
local public. Heritage Woods) with a

Reminders from Public Services
Curbside Yard Waste Yard Waste Drop-off
Collection Resumes in April and no greater than 4 inches in Facility Open Year Round are accepted at the facility free
diameter must be bundled at of charge, year round.
Curbside yard waste will the curb and cannot measure Marion residents that re-
be collected from Marion more than 3 feet in length or ceive municipal solid waste Residents are also welcome
residents beginning on Apr. width. Please call the Marion collection can utilize the Yard to compost, wood chips, and
3. Residents must place their Public Services Department at Waste Drop-off Facility lo- mulch free of charge. Please
yard waste in a 32 gallon can 377-6367 with questions. cated at 195 35th Street. Yard contact the Public Services
marked with a “Y” or a bio- waste items such as leaves, Department at 377-6367 with
degradable bag. Sticks, limbs, grass clippings, and brush questions.
and brush larger than 1 inch less than 4 inches in diameter

www.CityofMarion.org Marion Messenger • 9

Radium Level Update Water Meter
Upgrade Program
The December 2016 radium Silurian Aquifer water with
water test result at Well #7 the Jordan Aquifer water to You may receive notice that your water meter is due for
came in at 4.3 pCI/L which lower the overall radium level an upgrade.
is below the MCL level of 5.0 from the Jordan Aquifer. An-
pCI/L. The Marion Water De- other benefit of this new well The Marion Water Depart- and install new meter and
partment will continue quar- is to preserve the water level ment is continually replac- radio read unit.
terly water testing per DNR in the Jordan Aquifer as new ing old water meters. When
requirements and post the re- regulations that are in place to we replace the old meters We are currently over 50
sults on the City’s website. prevent excessive pumping of we are also installing new percent completed. With
the Jordan Aquifer. For more radio equipment that sends over 13,000 water accounts in
A contractor has been hired information, contact General out a signal to our hand held Marion, the meter upgrade
to drill another well at this site Manager Todd Steigerwaldt reader telling us your water process will take some time
this spring. The goal of this at 319-743-6311. usage amount. Our goal is to to complete. Customers will
additional well is to blend the update our older meters with be notified by mail or door
new meters and radio read card when we are upgrad-
Bill Pay Options units so that we will have a ing meters in your neighbor-
more uniform and accurate hood. You may be contacted
The Marion Water Depart- near future once some soft- meter reading system. There by the Water Department
ment now accepts Master- ware items are resolved. On- is no charge for this upgrade. Customer Service Staff to
Card, American Express and line credit card payments can To accomplish the meter up- make an appointment or
Discover credit cards in the still be made through the Of- grade we will need to: our service technicians may
office or over the phone. Visa ficial Payments website for a knock on your door when
will also be accepted in the $3.95 fee. • Obtain access to the wa- they are in your neighbor-
ter meter, which is located in- hood. All Water Department
Backflow Prevention – Protect side the house and/or busi- staff and contracted employ-
Yourself and the water Supply ness. ees carry identification cards.

When water flows back- All industrial and com- • Shut your water off at Please call the Water De-
ward through the water sup- mercial businesses as well as the meter valve during the partment at (319) 743-6310
ply system, it is called back- all residential irrigation sys- procedure. (Homeowner is between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
flow. Although it is hard to tems are required to have a responsible to have func- if you have any questions or
imagine, this can, and does, back flow device. Business tioning shut off valves adja- concerns. You can also e-mail
happen. When that water is owners and residents may cent to the water meter.) our office at tsteigerwaldt@
accidentally mixed with haz- receive notice that they need cityofmarion.org.
ardous chemicals or other to either have a back flow • Remove the old meter
contaminants, it becomes device installed or have their
dangerous. Installing a back- existing device tested during Cold Temperatures Can Cause
flow prevention device by a li- a required annual inspection. Water Main Breaks
censed plumber and having it If you receive a notice in the
inspected annually by a state- mail, please respond prompt-
certified tester can prevent ly by following the notice’s
such events from happening. instructions.

As winter progresses, the A typical water main repair
colder temperatures cause the will take between 4-6 hours
frozen ground to move and to complete but each brake
put stress on the older water is unique. Some repairs are
main pipes. If the ground more challenging and will
shifts too much the water take more time to repair.
main pipe can break. If you
see a lot of water running Crews work hard to mini-
down the street in the day- mize the loss of water to resi-
time (Monday-Friday) please dents and businesses. Once
call the Marion Water Depart- the repair is made, customers
ment at 743-6310. If you see may experience some rusty
water running in the street at water. Simply running cold
night or during the weekend, water for 5-10 minutes usual-
please call the Marion Police ly clears up the water after the
Department at 377-1511. water main has been repaired.
Customers would be notified
The Marion Water Depart- directly and/or via the news
ment has a dedicated staff of media if the water was not
employees who are on-call safe to drink due to a water
365 days a year to repair the main break.
broken public water mains.

10 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

Message From the Library Director

Marion Public Library is placed on purchasing high- Anime Club, a monthly event teen services was an emerg-
proud to be a gathering place interest materials and circu- that connects teens with oth- ing concept and a relatively
for local tweens and teens.  lation statistics for this collec- er youth who are interested small footprint was desig-
We love that our staff and tion reflect the popularity of in Anime and Japanese cul- nated for young adults. Now
services resonate with the our selections. We also work ture. These programs are free that we more actively serve
young adults in the commu- hard to keep our teen collec- and open to all teens. teens, this space creates some
nity.  In recent months, we tions diverse in format and barriers to active use.  Our
have been exploring ways to content.  We are careful to MPL was recently awarded plans for the new library in-
serve teens more effectively include award winning titles one of twelve “Strengthen- clude an intentional space
through engaging program- and literary selections in the ing Communities Through for teens that will be flexible
ming, collection develop- mix, as well. Our teen collec- Libraries” grants from the enough to serve as a program
ment and space use. tions are used by patrons of American Library Associa- location as well as an area
all ages; if you haven’t yet tion’s Association of Library youth can interact socially.  
We believe teen patrons de- visited that particular section Service to Children.  The
serve access to staff who are of the library, check it out! funding will be used to de- While staff are eager to
knowledgeable about young velop and implement STEM/ design a service model for a
adult development, up to We’ve been experimenting STEAM programming spe- new space, for now we are
date on current teen trends with teen programs and are cifically for tweens during making accommodations in
and cultural constructs and enjoying getting feedback spring break of 2017.  Our the current building to ensure
passionate about connecting from young adult patrons on initiative will focus on the that teens feel welcomed.  In
youth with different types what works well and what basics of designing, build- addition to the teen area,
of resources.  While all MPL could be improved.  Recent- ing and programming robots every Wednesday from 3:30
staff respect and enjoy work- ly introduced programs for using the Lego Mindstorms p.m.-5:30 p.m. one of the
ing with teens—which makes teens include RoughWriters, curriculum.  Contact the li- meeting rooms is reserved
navigating after-school times a supportive and relaxed brary for more information for teen use. Youth can work
a positive experience for teen writing group for middle and on this fun and educational on school projects, socialize,
and adult patrons—we’re for- high school students (every opportunity.      play games or just hang out
tunate to have two part-time Tuesday from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 in a supportive environment.
teen services staff who are p.m.); Teen Fandemonium, a One place we have room to
experts in connecting with monthly program focused on grow in services for teens is Thank you for helping us
young adults.  To increase different teen fandoms; and in space use.  When the cur- support Marion tweens and
staff impact and expand our rent building was designed, teens by sharing spaces and
targeted services for teens, services at the library.  We’re
we have crafted a new, full- appreciative of the way our
time teen services position, adult patrons interact with
which we hope to fill in the teens in the library; your
next few weeks. respect and kindness is no-
ticed, valued and celebrat-
In concert with effective ed.  We welcome your ideas
staffing design, one of our and comments about ways
most valuable tools in serving to keep tweens and teens
teens is careful curation of our an active part of the library,
young adult collections. MPL whether you’re an educator,
has a large, diverse collec- a caregiver, a teen or other-
tion for teen readers, span- wise invested in the success
ning contemporary manga of our youth.  We’re here and
to classic graphic novels to we’re listening!
genre fiction. In building our --Elsworth Carman, Library
teen collections, emphasis is Director

Upcoming Library Events

A Night with the Angels Angelic realm. register early to avoid getting will present free programs at
On Friday, Apr. 7 starting at Copies of Maria's book, An- turned away: https://mari- the library on Wednesdays
onpubliclibrary.org/angels.  Mar. 8, 15, 22, and 29 starting
6:30 p.m., Maria Gurney Peth, gel Decoding: Secret Keys to at 6:30 p.m. Visit the library’s
PhD, angel decoding thera- Communicating with Your Master Gardeners Spring website calendar for details
pist, spiritual teacher, and Angels,  will be for sale after Series on each.
author, will visit the library the event; cost is $10 each, Upcoming Library
for an exciting return engage- signed, and with a special An- Time to get out and get Events, Page 11
ment. Maria is known for her gel message if you like.  planting! Join us for this pop-
exceptional and intuitive abil- ular spring series offered by
ity to communicate with the Space is limited,  pre-reg- the Linn County Master Gar-
istration will be required, so deners! The Master Gardeners

www.CityofMarion.org Marion Messenger • 11

Upcoming Library series of programming read- For Tweens & Teens
Events, Page 12 ing classics as historical docu-
Chicken Certification ments, conversation starters, The Marion Public Library popcorn’s popping and
Classes and treasured entertainment. has some exciting programs magical creatures are hop-
Each book’s series will in- planned for tweens and ping—we’re watching Fan-
Now is a great time to learn clude a presentation by local teens this spring! tastic Beasts and Where to
the basics required to raise historian Kathy Wilson and a Find Them (rated PG-13).
hens safely and successfully book discussion, along with Marion Tweens Build Robots Teen Advisory Board
in urban and suburban ar- an opportunity to view a film Mar. 13 -17
eas. Participants will leave adaptation; some series will 1-4 p.m. Have you ever had a great
with a thorough list of all the have additional bonus events Cancel all your spring idea for the library—a book
things to prepare before get- such as crafts or food-related we didn’t have on the shelf,
ting chicks or pullets. Topics programs. break plans—it’s time to a movie we should show,
discussed will include every- make some robots! We’re a craft you wanted to try, a
thing from designing a coop “Gone with the Wind,” by looking for 16 tweens from program you wish we’d put
and run, what to feed chicks Margaret Mitchell, is our sec- middle schools and home- on? Join our Teen Advisory
and hens, predator protec- ond Classics Club title. We are schools across Marion to Board. You’ll have fun with
tion, and breed selection. This wrapping up our “Gone with build and program robots other Marion teens while
FREE class is offered in part- the Wind” programming with using LEGO® Mindstorms® working together to make
nership with the John and a book discussion about the technology. Have fun while your ideas a reality. Plus,
Kelli Lane, Marion's own Sus- Civil War and Reconstruction. participating in this STEM your involvement will look
tainable Couple, and partici- And, of course, Scarlett and program! Registration ends great on those college ap-
pants will receive a certificate Rhett.  Feb. 17. plications! More information
of completion enabling them April Fools! Teen Craft will be posted on our web-
to get a permit to keep chick- Stay tuned to our calen- Event site this March.
ens legally in Marion, Cedar dar for details on program-
Rapids and surrounding com- ming for Mark Twain’s “The Thursday, Mar. 30 Recurring Teen Programs
munities. No registration is Adventures of Huckleberry 3:30–5 p.m. Check out our website for
necessary.  Scheduled classes Finn” this spring! Prepare your practical
at press time are Wednesday, February is InCoWriMo! jokes in advance! Get crafty more information!
Feb. 15 and Wednesday, Mar. and put together a few harm-
22, both starting at 6:30 p.m. It’s International Corre- less pranks for your friends • The RoughWriters: Teen
Keep an eye on the library’s spondence Writing Month and family… but watch out; Writing Club
website calendar or subscribe (InCoWriMo)! Stop by the In- you might be fooled, too!
to the newsletter for dates for formation Desk on Mondays Flower Up: Gardening for Every Tuesday
future classes. throughout the month for a Teens 3:30–5:30 p.m.
free postage-paid postcard to Monday, Apr. 10
Linn Area Reads send to a loved one. All you’ll 4-5:30 p.m. • Teen Space
The Metro Libraries are ex- need is an address. Roll up your sleeves and Every Wednesday
Saved by the Bell: grab your trowels! You’ll 3:30–5:30 p.m.
cited to announce the 2017 Victorian Death Culture walk away from this gar- • Anime Club
Linn Area Reads title and as- dening program with your First Monday of every month
sociated programming! We On Tuesday, Apr. 4 at 6:30 own flower pot and planted 4-5:30 p.m.
hope the community’s read- p.m., local historian Kathy seeds to tend, water and • Teen Fandemonium
ers will enjoy with us “A Wilson will investigate and grow. Wear something you Third Monday of every month
Wrestling Life: The Inspiring explain the attitudes and cus- wouldn’t mind getting dirty! 4-5 p.m.
Stories of Dan Gable;” cop- toms surrounding death and • Game Day
ies are available at all Metro dying in the 19th Century, in- Teen Movie Feb. 16, Mar. 27 and Apr. 27
Libraries and Gable will pres- cluding the business and cul- Wednesday, May 3 3:30–5 p.m.
ent a program in the beautiful ture of mourning the dead. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Whipple Auditorium at the Expressive Journaling You’ve got an early dis-
Cedar Rapids Library on Sat-
urday, Mar. 25. In addition, Join facilitator Carol Hed- missal from school? We’ve
join us for a free memoir writ- berg of Sparking Clarity on got a movie showing! The
ing program at the Marion Li- Saturday, Apr. 8 from 1-3 p.m.
brary on Tuesday, Mar. 14 and for writing prompts, inspira-
a free showing of the movie tion, and camaraderie with
“Freestyle: The Victories of other crafty souls. Please
Dan Gable” at the Cedar Rap- bring your own journal or
ids Library on Thursday, Mar. notebook; we will provide
23. We’ll also have a book other supplies.
discussion at Barnes & Noble
with a special guest – date not Regular Hours:
available at press time, so visit
http://metrolibrarynetwork. Monday-Thursday:
org/linnareareads for details 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
and dates. Friday-Saturday:
Classics Club 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 2-5 p.m.
Revisit your favorite clas- Call us at 319-377-3412,
sics in a whole new way! We or visit us online at www.
are excited to launch a new marionpubliclibrary.org.

12 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

Homebound but Love the Library?

If you are homebound but interests and mail it back to us Bookstore, or  download one org with any questions.
would still like to be able to along with your library card. at our webpage. Email Home-
check out books and audio We will return your card to Books@marionpubliclibrary.
books from the Marion Li- you with your first book order.
brary, we can help! Friends of
the Marion Public Library has Haven't ever had a library
a service called Friends Home card? Download and complete
Book Program, and if you en- a library card application from
roll, our Friends will check out that same page (or pick one up
books to you and mail them at the library), and mail it to us
to your home along with pre- along with your  application
paid return postage. All you to be enrolled in the  Friends
need to do is complete  our Home Book Program.
brief application form (you can
find it at https://marionpubli- Do you know readers who
clibrary.org/homebooks)  giv- are homebound and who
ing us permission to check might enjoy this service?
out books on your account, Please share our information!
telling us about your reading We'd love to have them sign
up. Grab a flyer from the li-
brary or from the Friends

Weekly Senior Activities at Lowe Park

The Lowe Park Arts and Please note: If Linn-Mar B-I-N-G-O— Penny BINGO plays every Friday at 9 a.m. in
Environment Center is home Schools cancel activities due meets and plays every Thurs- the Sunburst Room.
to FREE senior activities on a to inclement weather, all se- day at 9:30 a.m. in the Sun- Senior Lowe Park Luncheons
daily basis during the week. nior activities at Lowe Park burst Room. A penny per card,
These programs are provided are also cancelled. per game and a nickel per card Enjoy lunch with friends
and coordinated as part of the Monday “Live Music” for blackout games. every 1st and 3rd Thursday of
Witwer Healthy Aging Pro- Dance—Listen and/or dance Blood Pressure Clinics— the month at 11:30 a.m. in the
gram by Aging Services. to live music from various Held the first Thursday of Hickory Room at the Lowe
bands. Meets every Monday the month at 11:30 a.m. in the Park Arts & Environment
These programs and activi- beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Sunburst Room. Center. Cost is $3.50 per meal.
ties are geared towards adults Oaks Room. Fresh Conversations— This Reservations can be made by
ages 55 and up. For more infor- 500— Group meets and plays nutrition education program calling 730-8271, but must be
mation on these programs or every Wednesday at 9 a.m. in is designed to promote better made by the Monday prior to
other sites, please contact JoEl- the Sunburst Room. eating and physical activity the lunch date. Monthly menus
len Haddad or Lauri Mitchell Line Dancing— Get up and includes food tastings. are available at Lowe Park
at Aging Services at 398-3644. and get moving with some Held the third Thursday of the and can also be found by call-
You may also contact the Parks line dancing. Meets every month at 11:30 a.m. in Sun- ing the 447-3590 or 730-8271.
and Recreation Office at Lowe Wednesday beginning at 1 burst Room. These luncheons are sponsored
Park at 447-3590. Here are the p.m. in the Oaks Room. Pinochle— Group meets and by Witwer Healthy Aging and
scheduled daily activities that Summit Pointe Senior Living.
take place during the week.

Volunteers Needed for Woodland Care Days

The City of Marion and Trees land ecosystems
Forever are pleased to host a • Care for one of the hidden
series of Woodland Care Days
at Faulkes Heritage Woods. gems in the Cedar Rapids
Organizers are seeking vol- area
unteers interested in working, • Remove and treat invasive
learning and spending time Japanese barberry
with nature and helping to Note to volunteers: Please
manage invasive plant species. come prepared to work
Plan to attend Wednesday, Feb. outdoors and wear sturdy
22 from 3-5 p.m. or Wednes- leather work gloves if you
day, Mar. 22 from 4-6 p.m. have them. Volunteer hours
at Faulkes Heritage Woods count towards TreeKeepers
(located off Tama Street in requirement. Questions? Con-
southeast Cedar Rapids). tact Dustin Hinrichs at 319-
• Learn about native wood- 373-0650 x124 or dhinrichs@
treesforever.org.

www.CityofMarion.org Marion Messenger • 13

Parks & Recreation Reminders

Friends of Oak Shade Splish Splash
Cemetery

Friends of Oak Shade Cem- Swim Lesson Registration kids the option to learn the make a reservation before
etery is heading into its fourth Day basics of swimming with May 29, contact the Recre-
year of providing volunteer • Date: Saturday, Apr. 29, kids their own age. This ation Office at 447-3590. Af-
assistance to the Marion Parks class will be held during ter May 29, contact the pool
and Recreation Department. 2017 Session 2 only from 11–11:45 directly at 377-1654.
About a dozen members meet • Time: 8–11:30 a.m. a.m. Limit 20 participants. • Date: Monday–Friday
on the 1st Friday of each month • Location: Lowe Park Arts Marion Sharks Swim • Time: 7:15–8:45 p.m.
in the Thomas Park Safe Room Team, • Fee: $190
to discuss preservation and & Environment Center, Children Ages 6–18 • Date: Saturday–Sunday
restoration of the 176-year-old 4500 N 10th Street Open to all swimmers who • Time: 5–6:45 p.m.
cemetery - one of Iowa’s old- This is the first day the Red are able to swim 25 yards. • Fee: $190
est. During 2016, volunteers Cross swim lesson registra- Participants have the oppor-
contributed over 650 hours of tion is open to the public. It tunity to compete against
their time to this cause. is not required to register on other area teams. Coached
this day, but due to limited by the Marion pool staff.
In addition to work in the availability of spots, classes • Fee: $80 per child
cemetery, Friends provide ge- do tend to fill up quickly. • Days/Dates: June–July
nealogical assistance to fami- Lessons are available for • Time(s): Practices Mon-
lies with ancestors buried at children ages 3 and up.
Oak Shade. Future projects Sessions run for two con- day–Friday, 6:45–8 a.m.
include a joint effort with the secutive weeks with classes • Location: Marion Munici-
Heritage Center, to celebrate meeting for 45 minutes each
the lives of the Famous Cher- day, Monday–Friday. Fee: pal Swimming Pool
ry Sisters of Marion; two of $33 per child, per session. • Registration Deadline:
whom are buried here.  That Information can be found at
effort will feature an original www.cityofmarion.org May 26, 2017
one-act play at the Heritage NEW! Intro to Swim, Private Pool Rentals
Center. Children Ages 10–14
Do you have an older child Evening rentals of the
Anyone interested in joining that has never learned how Marion Municipal Pool are
the group is invited to contact to swim? This class allows available for birthday par-
Jay Kacena at 377-7709. ties, neighborhood gather-
B-I-N-G-O Nights at Lowe ings, church groups, etc. To
Park,
Open to all ages Don’t miss these recreation program deadlines:

Join us at the Lowe Park Tiny Goal Kickers Soccer Cockroach Races Youth 3 on 3 Basketball
Arts & Environment Center Children Ages 4–6 • D ate: March 3, 2017 Tournament
for nights of fun, socializing, • Date: March 3, 2017 Adult Wiffleball & Home Children Grades 3rd-6th
and a chance to win some Kick Star Soccer Run Derby • Date: April 28, 2017
cash! Games of BINGO will be Children Age 3 • Date: April 14, 2017 Adult 3 on 3 Basketball
played for $0.25 per card, per • Date: March 3, 2017 PeeWee Baseball Tournament
game. Cash prizes are paid to Indoor Bags Camp Children Ages 5–8 • Date: April 28, 2017
the winner of each game. Par- Children Ages 6–10 • Date: April 14, 2017 Little Kickers Kickball
ticipants are welcome to bring • Date: March 3, 2017 PeeWee Softball Girls Children Ages 3-4
food and drinks to enjoy while Putt-Putt Golf Camp Girls entering K-2nd fall • Date: May 19, 2017
they play. Doors open at 6 p.m. Children Ages 6–10 2017 Lil’ Chippers Golf
Seats and cards are limited, so • Date: March 3, 2017 • Date: April 14, 2017 Children Ages 6-10
get there early to guarantee Lil’ Leprechaun’s Day Little Sluggers Blastball • Date: May 19, 2017
yourself a spot at a table. Camp Children Ages 3-4
• Days/Dates: Friday, Feb. Children Ages 6–10 • Date: April 14, 2017
• Date: March 3, 2017 Little Sports Camp
17; Friday, Mar. 10; Friday, EGGStraordinary Egg Children Ages 3-4
Apr. 21 Hunt • Date: April 21, 2017
• Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Children Ages 3–8
• Location: Lowe Park Arts • Date: March 3, 2017
and Environment Center

14 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

Parks & Recreation Rental Information

Facility Rental Information permitted at any high school The Parks and Recreation be ready until later in April.
Facility rental reservations graduation party rental. For Department is now accepting Please contact the Parks and
questions regarding availabil- lease applications for the 2017 Recreation Office at Lowe Park
are accepted within 364 days ity, please contact the Parks Marion Farmers' Market. The at 447-3590 to inquire about
of your desired event date. and Recreation Office at Lowe market is located at Taube Park plot availability or ask other
Park at 447-3590. on Saturdays, May 6 through questions.
Lowe Park Arts & Thomas Park Safe Room Sept. 30 from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Environment Center each week. Please call the Rec- Baseball & Softball
This non-smoking facility reation Office at 447-3590 for Diamond Reservations
Located within the confines has seating for up to 115 guests availability, rental rates and
of beautiful Lowe Park, 4500 and includes the use of a refrig- any other questions. Baseball/softball diamond
N 10th Street, the Arts & En- erator, microwave, and sink. reservations for 2017 field rent-
vironment Center is a multi- *Weekday rentals during day- Community Garden Plots at als are now being accepted at
use facility that is managed time hours (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) are Lowe Park the Recreation Office at Lowe
by the Parks and Recreation only available Dec. 1–Mar. 31. Park. Fees must be paid at the
Department. The rental spaces Park Pavilions Community garden plots time reservations are made.
are popular for graduation are available for lease at Lowe Marion Parks and Recreation
parties, weddings, birthday Park pavilions are available Park for Marion residents. has first priority of all fields
parties, anniversaries, baby/ for reservations from May 1– Plot sizes are approximately and facilities and predeter-
wedding showers, family Oct. 31. All pavilions feature: 20’ x 40’ and can be leased for mines the time slots that are
gatherings, business meetings, electricity, picnic tables, grills, $25 mid-April until the end available for rental. Rental
concerts, workshops, retreats and water available in bath- of October. Depending on the slots are available for 90 min-
and much more. The rooms al- rooms (with the exception of spring weather, plots may not utes each time slot for $15.
low for flexible set-up, so you Taube Park). Trash must be
can have your occasion just the placed in the containers pro- Marion Arts Council Programming
way you want it. vided on site. There are other
small pavilions in our park sys- Coffeehouse Nights
Graduation Parties (May– tem that do not require a reser- Coffeehouse Nights are held at the Arts & Environment
June Reservations) vation (first come, first serve).
The following pavilions may Center at Lowe Park. These musical performances feature lo-
To accommodate more fam- be reserved by completing the cal acoustic artists in a relaxed coffeehouse type atmosphere.
ilies and rentals for gradua- reservation process: Thomas Admission is free and coffee, cocoa and pastries from Wit's
tion parties during May and Park Begley #1, Thomas Park End Coffeehouse are available for purchase. Upcoming
June at Lowe Park, we limit Begley #2, Thomas Park Eng- spring 2017 Coffeehouse Nights include:
rentals for graduation par- lish, Taube Park, Hanna Park • Date: Mar. 3, Awful Purdies
ties to one time period. The and City Park Depot. • Date: Apr. 7, Acoustic Open Jam Session led by Lori
hours available to rent are 9 Marion Farmers' Market
a.m.–3 p.m. OR 4:30–10:30 Blattner
p.m. Rooms may be reserved
up to 364 days from the cur-
rent date. Alcohol is NOT

What's New with Marion Parks

Sculpture Trail Update feet tall. Waldo’s Rock Park help serve the parking needs
Two new sculptures will The second sculpture is Waldo’s Rock Park will be for recreation activities. In addi-
tion, the construction includes a
be added to the Lowe Park by artist J. Aaron Alderman under construction through trail segment that connects the
Sculpture Trail at Lowe Park. from North Carolina and next summer. When complet- new parking lot to the Klopfen-
The first sculpture is by artist called "Disappearing Cul- ed it will feature a fishable stein Amphitheater for addi-
Reinaldo Correa from Ames, ture." His piece will be placed pond, pavilion, looped walk- tional parking for large events.
Iowa and is called "Prairie Re- on the trail to be initially ing trail and trailhead to the Future development includes a
vival", it is to be the entrance viewed from a distance along Grant Wood trail. The anchor playground and an additional
sculpture for Lowe Park and a horizon line. The sculptures of the Park is the glacial errat- small parking lot.
will stand approximately 17 will convey the disappear- ic boulder next to the pond,
ance of our native culture which is thought to have Bike Repair Stations and
with the use of several pieces originated in Minnesota.    Bike Racks
diminishing in details. This
piece will include a buffalo to South Entrance to Lowe Two new bike repair and
scale, approximately 6 feet in Park maintenance stations were
height and 11 feet long. The installed at Thomas Park and
4 human figures with dimin- Construction is expected to City Square Park. In addition,
ishing features to follow be- be completed this spring on new bike racks were installed
hind the buffalo are each ap- this new entrance to Lowe Park at City Square, Gill, Taube,
proximately 5 ½ to 6 feet tall accessed off of Irish drive. It Donnelly, Elza, Ascension
that portray the diminishing provides access to the center and Lowe Parks.
native culture of the region. part of Lowe Park and features
a 200- stall parking lot that will

www.CityofMarion.org Marion Messenger • 15

District Restructuring and dents and staff would imme- Preschool Registration set two replacements will be
10-Year Strategic Plan diately recognize her design for Feb. 17 made at Marion High School.
and layout work on a special
The Linn-Mar Community poster found throughout the Marion’s Preschool will The Iowa Heart Founda-
School District approved a school. The posters help make hold their preschool registra- tion is a non-profit foundation
Restructuring Plan and 2016- students aware of the Student tion for the 2017/18 school founded by the physicians
2026 Strategic Plan during Assistance Team and include year on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 at at Iowa Heart Center in 1993
the Oct. 24, 2016 school board individual photos of members noon.  Children who are age 4 with a mission to promote
meeting. The Restructuring of the team and the subjects by Sept. 15, 2017, are eligible cardiovascular health in Iowa
Plan proposes the following: they teach.   to attend our free preschool communities.  All funds from
program. Registration will the Iowa Heart Foundation
• Elementary Schools will Lubna takes the time to be held online and comput- support Iowa communities.
become PK/K-4th grade gather the information for ers will be available for those
each member and take their needing assistance register- Second Winter Whiteout
• Middle Schools will be- picture for the poster.  As a re- ing their child at the District Drive a Success
come 5th-7th grades sult of her efforts, awareness Office, located at 777 S. 15th
of the program has improved Street in Marion.   Preschool For the second year, Mari-
• The High School will be- and the number of students locations for the 17/18 school on cheerleaders organized a
come 10th-12th grades seeking out team members year will be at Starry Elemen- drive to encourage students
has increased over the three tary and Longfellow Elemen- and parents to bring in socks,
• The current Excelsior years. She also spends many tary.   For more information underwear, mittens/gloves,
Middle School will become an hours volunteering at St. about the preschool enroll- or hats in lieu of admission to
8th-9th grade center Luke's Hospital. ment process, contact: Nicole select winter activities in Jan-
Harmer, Longfellow Elemen- uary. The items were donated
• The school district will Lubna was nominated tary at 319-377-0183 ext. 3301 to a local homeless shelter.  
build a new Middle School for the “Service Above Self or [email protected]
Award” by administrators or Annette Maier, Starry El- The effort began when or-
The school district believes and staff.   She calls it a "spe- ementary at 319-377-4698 ext. ganizers learned that socks
this is a long-term, fiscally re- cial honor." 2204 or amaier@marion-isd. and underwear are among the
sponsible solution that has a org. most needed items at home-
positive and direct impact on Linn-Mar Launches New less shelters, yet among the
all schools K-12. Learn more Website Grants Received for New least-often donated. Regular
about the plan by visiting AEDs donors of clothing such as
www.linnmar.k12.ia.us. In late January, the Linn- coats and pants will usually
Mar Community School Dis- Nancy Alderdyce, MISD wear their own socks and un-
The district will now hold trict launched a new web- School Nurse, has secured derwear until they have holes
facilities committee meetings site. “The new website is funding for new automated and then throw them away.
to discuss the details of the completely remodeled and external defibrillator (AED) Because of the shortage, the
plan in preparation for a bond aligns itself perfectly with machines. Thanks to the Iowa nation’s homeless population
vote scheduled for June 27, our branding,” said Matthew Heart Foundation, new AED’s is constantly at risk of serious
2017. May, communications and will replace older versions in foot disease and, during win-
media coordinator. The site each Starry, FMI, VMS and ter  months, in severe danger
LMHS Student earns features easier navigation, posed by the cold.
“Service Above Self Award” which makes finding infor-
mation much easier. The site
Lubna Hossain, a Linn- also offers content-search ca-
Mar High School senior, was pabilities, May said. “This is a
recently presented with the great communication tool for
"Service Above Self Award" our district, teachers and stu-
by the Cedar Rapids Rotary dents.”
Club.

Linn-Mar administrators
describe Lubna as a quiet
leader who works to get
things done.

Among her many projects,
Linn-Mar High School stu-

Linn-Mar Dates to Remember

Feb. 17: No School Board Meetings: Feb. 20, Marion Dates to Remember
Feb. 20: No School Mar. 6, Apr. 10 & 24, May 8 Feb. 24: No School May 30: Last Day of School
Mar. 13-17: No School - & 22 Mar. 10-17: No School -
Spring Break Coffee Conversations (8:30 Spring Break  
Mar. 31: No School – 9:30 a.m.) Mar. 31: No School
Apr. 24: No School Apr. 8: High School Apr. 14: No School Board Work Sessions:
May 28: Graduation www.linnmar.k12.ia.us May 16: One Day in May Feb. 27, Apr. 24
May 29: Memorial Day May 26: MHSAP Graduation Board Meetings: Mar. 20,
May 31: Last Day of School May 28: MHS Graduation Apr. 10, May 8
May 29: Memorial Day www.marion-isd.org

PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
MARION, IA
PERMIT NO. 52

1225 6th Ave.
Marion, IA 52302

16 • Marion Messenger www.CityofMarion.org

Don’t miss your favorite summer events in Uptown Marion

Uptown Marion Markets vendors or area restaurants, sit Meet Brooke Prouty
Shop locally sourced produce back and enjoy! Get down Au-
gust 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 6–9 p.m. Please join us in welcom- of Commerce, hoping to bring
and goods while enjoying a in City Square Park. Free admis- ing Brooke Prouty as Uptown a fresh outlook and new ideas
festival-like atmosphere. Local sion thanks to Marion Chamber Marion Main Street Program to her hometown area.
entertainment and community Platinum Community Partners: Director. She began her posi-
programming top off a fun fam- Farmers State Bank, Fosters Heat- tion Jan. 16, 2017, taking over In her free time, Prouty
ily day in City Square Park. Mark ing & Air Conditioning, ImOn for Ashley Zierath. will be enjoying the com-
your calendar for June 10, July 8 Communications, MercyCare munity’s bike trails, coach-
and Aug. 12 from 8 a.m. – noon Marion and Townsquare Media. Ms. Prouty was most re- ing and teaching swimming
for the Uptown Marion Market. Eat. Drink. & Be Marion. Food cently Program Manager for and experiencing all the en-
The Fall Market is scheduled for & Pub Crawl the Des Moines Downtown tertainment and food venues
Sept. 30 from 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. to Chamber of Commerce where that Marion and surrounding
coincide with the Swamp Fox Enjoy a fun night on the town she built and implemented areas have to offer.
Festival. while supporting the Uptown programs that fostered busi-
Uptown Getdown Marion Main Street Program. ness-to-business connections
This adult-only event showcases for the downtown commu-
Grab your chairs and cool- offers from local restaurants and nity. She also held positions
ers and meet your neighbors for establishments. Put July 13 on with the Ames Area Cham-
music in the park with a schedule your calendar and watch for ber of Commerce and Ames
that offers something for every- more information on tickets. Main Street Cultural District.
one. Have a bite to eat from food She received her BS in event
management from Iowa State
University.

With a passion for com-
munity engagement and eco-
nomic development, Prouty is
excited to be leading this pro-
gram for the Marion Chamber


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