The Prairie Burn 100 gravel bike ride and 5K fun run are set to return on Saturday, June 8, 2024, starting from Central Park in Grinnell. This annual event, organized by Imagine Grinnell, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting health and sustainability initiatives, promises an exciting day of outdoor activities for all ages.
Participants can choose from 25, 50, or 100-mile gravel routes, with registration open online. Entry fees are $50 per person for the bike ride and $10 for the 5K fun run. The first 200 registrants will receive a complimentary event t-shirt, and volunteers are welcomed with a free t-shirt as well. "We're thrilled to unveil all-new gravel routes and a competitive race for our 100-mile riders this year," noted Tim Ellsworth, Board Chair of Imagine Grinnell. "The Prairie Burn 100 attracts cyclists from across Iowa, offering a unique challenge while showcasing the beauty of Grinnell." The event kicks off with staggered start times: 100-mile racers begin at 7 a.m., followed by 50-mile riders at 8 a.m., and 25-mile riders at 9 a.m. Family-friendly activities commence at 9:30 a.m., featuring live music by the Surf Zombies and a beverage garden by Solera. Event highlights:
To participate in the gravel ride or 5K fun run, please sign up at https://www.bikereg.com/prairie-burn or see the Prairie Burn website https://www.prairieburn100.com/event-info. All event information is available on the website. Additional inquiries may also be made by contacting Jennifer Cogley at 641-236-5518. "The 5K fun run was a big hit last year, and we're excited to bring it back," remarked Holly Pettlon, Board Member of Imagine Grinnell and Prairie Burn committee member. "Whether you're a seasoned runner or out for a leisurely walk, we welcome participants of all ages and abilities." For more information and to sign up for the gravel ride or 5K fun run, please visit BikeReg at https://www.bikereg.com/prairie-burn or the Imagine Grinnell website https://www.imaginegrinnell.org/ Members of the Grinnell FFA Experience the Action team were named state champions and will advance to nationals in Indianapolis during the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left, front row: Haley Moyer, Peyton Davenport, Sophia Louden, Dylan Heater, Kai Gibson, Brayden Jones. Back row: Brenton Hefflefinger, Maddie Eddins, Tristan Graff, Wyatt Eaton, Carson Penyich, Andrew Peterson and Carter Hansen. Six members were allowed to be the main presenters or media tech specialists and the others were mock audience members/participants. Abby Spriggs was part of the team, but is not pictured. By J.O. Parker The Grinnell FFA Chapter wrapped up the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames with several top honors. Grinnell FFA’s Experience the Action Leadership Development Event team brought home state championship honors and a gold rating at this year’s state conference. Team members included Sophia Louden, Wyatt Eaton, Andrew Peterson, Carson Penyich, Dylan Heater and Abby Spriggs, who were main presenters in the competition. The following eight team members served as mock audience/participants as part of the competition. They are: Haley Moyer, Peyton Davenport, Kai Gibson, Brayden Jones, Brenton Hefflefinger, Maddie Eddins, Tristan Graff and Carter Hansen. Experience the Action team members developed enthusiastic presentations that marketed Agricultural Education and FFA. This program serves to inform and educate the general public regarding the benefits and activities of Ag Ed/FFA programs. FFA Creed Speaking Grinnell’s Aden Wolfe earned second place honors and a gold rating in the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event at this year’s conference. Aden was one of 18 FFA members from across the state to compete in the competition. This event is designed to develop leadership and the ability to appear before groups by seventh through ninth grade students as they become members of the FFA. This event recognizes outstanding FFA members for their ability to present the FFA Creed from memory and answer questions on the meaning and purpose of the FFA Creed. The event is just one way members can develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner. Conduct of Meetings The Grinnell FFA Chapter Conduct of Meetings team earned sixth place honors and a silver rating. Twelve chapters participated in this year’s Leadership Development Event. Team members included Lauren Louden, Alyssa Peterson, Maggie Dayton, Jacob Thilges, Easton Edelen, Owen Kaltsas and Zane Iverson. Teams participating in this event were composed of seven members organized to act out the duties of an officer team. Teams were required to perform opening ceremonies, demonstrate two parliamentary procedure abilities, and successfully close a meeting. This event aids in the development of leadership abilities of young members for present and future chapter activities. Ag Sales Team The Grinnell FFA Chapter Ag Sales Team earned eighth place honors and a silver rating at this year’s convention. FFA teams from 87 chapters participated in this year's CDE designed to provide the students an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Agriculture Sales. The 318 individuals who participated in the event each completed an objective test, made a sales presentation, and performed a customer relations practicum. All team members worked together to prepare a marketing plan and make an oral presentation of the plan to the judges. The 97th National FFA Convention & Expo is Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. Aden Wolfe earned runner up honors in the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event during the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. He is joined by his mother, Ashley Wolfe, the Grinnell FFA Chapter Advisor. The Grinnell FFA Conducts of Meeting team earned sixth place honor and a silver rating at the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left, front row: Owen Kaltsas, Maggie Dayton, Zane Iverson, Easton Edelen, Jacob Thilges, Lauren Louden and Alyssa Peterson. Members of the Grinnell FFA Ag Sales Team finished in eighth place and earned a silver rating at the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Wyatt Eaton, Sophia Louden, Andrew Peterson and Dylan Heater.
Head writer Roy, Travis Williams, tries to pull a wedding ring off the finger of Sarah, Tracey Gerard, after she helped him procure the ring that he planned to use to propose to assistant director Polly, Randi Shaw, during the Brooklyn Theatre Company production of "WCKY." The ring became stuck after Roy did a fake proposal and was down on one knee when Polly walks into the room. When Sarah ends up dead a few minutes later as she’s about to make her own shocking and unscripted announcement on the air, all signs point to poor Roy. The Brooklyn Theatre Company production of “WCKY,” where murder and mayhem collided in hilarious fashion as a new radio station is preparing to air its first show in 1939 was held at the Brooklyn Opera House on April 19 - 21. The play was written by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus and is under the direction of Josh Gerard.
The production is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colo. Synopsis: As the Clementine Sisters are about to sing the opening jingle, the action behind the scenes is infused with both excitement and drama. Head writer Roy plans to propose on air to assistant director Polly. One of the radio actresses, Sarah, has helped him procure a ring, and of course, Polly walks in just as Roy is down on one knee practicing his proposal with Sarah. When Sarah ends up dead a few minutes later as she’s about to make her own shocking and unscripted announcement on the air, all signs point to poor Roy. By the time the night is over, two other on-air talents have also been murdered, and each time, Roy is the prime suspect. It’s up to our creative writer to solve the mystery himself and reveal the actual killer through a live radio broadcast! “This is probably the most ambitious play I've ever directed in conjunction with the Brooklyn Theatre Company,” noted Gerard. “It's a big cast, and almost everyone is onstage all the time. It's packed with jokes and mystery, and I think everyone is going to love it, so come on out and support local theater.” Cast: Ziggy – Emmitt Albers; Emerson – Jeff Britts; Detective Carter – Emily Britts; Alistair – Addy Day; Clementine Sister – Lucia Dhooge; Victoria – Lorelai Gerard; Dischord – Silas Gerard; Sarah – Tracey Gerard; Sterling – Josh Gerard; Speedy – Gracie Gerard; Randy – Rob Hanlon; Gilda – Kaylin Hatfield; Mavis – Shadlee Hazelwood; Slim – Roy Williams; Fran – Alaina Holmes; Solomon – Caden Lakose; Darla –Ali McCammant; Olivia – Sienna Shaull; Polly – Randi Shaw; Dotty – Abby Smith; Officer Green – Tristan Taylor; Clementine Sister – Abigail Wadhams; Roy – Travis Williams; Jasper – Isaiah Williams; and Clementine Sister – Karin Zern. Crew: Sound – Avery Zern; Costumes – Kelly Taylor; Set Design – Lucia Dhooge; Props Master – Kim Hawkins; and Director – Josh Gerard. Madelynn Doty, a BGM tenth grader and FFA member, waters hanging baskets at the newly opened BGM FFA Greenhouse located at 1092 Jackson St. on Saturday, May 4, the first day of business. The greenhouse offers customers fresh veggies, herbs, hanging baskets and an array of individual flowers. Funds raised at the greenhouse will go towards purchasing supplies for the next year. By J.O. Parker If you are looking for fresh veggies, herbs, hanging flower baskets or an array of individual flowers for your garden or porch, look no further than the new BGM FFA Greenhouse. Located at 1092 Jackson St., the greenhouse is west of the football field and south of the ball diamonds. Follow the driveway past the Bear Creek Kids Campus to get to the greenhouse. The BGM greenhouse opened its doors on Saturday, May 4. Customers have their choice of fresh veggies such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers and herbs including parsley, chives and cilantro, all for $3 each. There is also a variety of hanging baskets for $25 each and individual flowers available for $4 each. The greenhouse was the idea of Morgan Dietrich, the agriculture teacher at HLV and BGM. Dietrich said there had been discussion for several years about building a greenhouse in Victor. She thought it would be a good idea to also build one in Brooklyn. “I wanted to give the students at BGM the same opportunity as the students at HLV,” she said. The HLV FFA Greenhouse is located in Victor by the practice field. It opened on Saturday, April 27. Both greenhouses were built in September 2023 thanks in part to grant money, donations and the selling of mums at each school in the fall. The grant money was also used to purchase soil, seeds, plugs and pots to get the greenhouse started. FFA students at both schools planted all the flowers, veggies and herbs during the last week of February and have been tending to the greenhouses prior to opening day. They are also charged with watering the plants and helping customers. “All the money raised will go toward purchasing next year’s supplies and plants,” said Dietrich. “It’s fun to be at the greenhouse and interact with the customers,” said Connie Schott, a tenth grader at BGM and FFA member who was working at the greenhouse on opening day. “I enjoy helping the customers pick out plants and vegetables. I also help with watering and tending to the plants.” “FFA is a great opportunity to learn skills that I will need in life,” said Madelynn Doty, a BGM tenth grader and FFA member helping at the greenhouse on opening day. “We have learned a lot this year,” said Dietrich. “We have a lot more to learn. So far the community support has been fabulous.” The BGM greenhouse will be open through Saturday, May 18. Hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cash and checks are accepted. Make checks out to BGM FFA Greenhouse. For more information, contact Dietrich at 319-430-6192 or via email at mdietrich@brooklyn.k12.ia.us. Laura Manatt, right, and daughter, Payton, check out some of the individual flowers offered at the newly opened BGM FFA Greenhouse in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 4. Also available are hanging baskets, veggies and herbs. The greenhouse is located at 1092 Jackson St. Customers enter the newly opened BGM FFA Greenhouse located at 1092 Jackson St. on Saturday, May 4. The greenhouse offers customers fresh veggies, herbs, hanging baskets and an array of individual flowers. BGM FFA students plant and water all the flowers, veggies and herbs. They also help customers and make sells.
It's time to mark your calendars for the 2024 Flag Festival!
Head on down to Brooklyn for a full weekend of excitement and community spirit on June 7, 8 & 9. Here's what's in store: Friday, June 7: Kiwanis BBQ Chicken at the Catholic Church Parking Lot. Races at the Brooklyn Raceway. Saturday, June 8: 5K Run/Walk Vendor Show at Landes Park Parade Kids Activities including inflatables, a toddler playground, human foosball, an obstacle course, and face painting at Landes Park Zounds the Clown for laughter and entertainment. Pedal Pull competition Kids Bike Giveaway Lunch at the Park Grill by Ruritans Food Trucks offering a variety of tasty treats Bags Tournament at Front Street Tap Concert at Southside Ball field featuring Chad Brock, Tyler Richton & The Highbank Boys, and Blake Jack & the South 35. Post-Concert Party at Front Street Tap. Sunday, June 9: Ruritans Car Show Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate community, entertainment, and fun at the 2024 Flag Festival! See you there! |
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