Imagine Grinnell News & Events

2nd Saturdays Finale results!

2011-09-16T09:33:00.002-05:00

Congratulations and Thank You to all who participated in this season's 2nd Saturdays!

We had a great turn out at our Season Finale on September 10. Our runners' and walkers' times were:

Jared Bruxvoort 24:36:23
Tate' Bear 24:39:51
Whitney Grubb 25:36:24
Jim Bruxvoort 26:38:47
Jarvis Bear 26:54:81
Dirk Whitebreast 27:05:07
Bill Ford 27:12:33
Sheila Smith 28:24:47
LeAnn Pederson 28:26:71
Kari Gosselink 28:45:17
Tina Harter 28:45:17
Brian Wohlgemuth 29:03:36
Ezra Sam 29:14:85
Sara Grubb 29:30:08
Reyne See 31:26:54
Dalton Gosselink 33:53:76
Lauren Bolte 34:50:80
Patrick Bolte 34:51:84
Kaiden Gosselink 37:21:84
Terran Gosselink 37: 36:05
Jake Bruxvoort 40:19:00
Kathy Bruxvoort 42:06:25
Karli Bruxvoort 46:21:08

A big congratulations goes to Bob Tarantino who won this season's 2nd Saturdays Grand Prize: a $150 gift certificate to Bikes to You!

August 13th Second Saturdays Results

2011-08-19T14:02:00.002-05:00

A big congratulations and thank you to all of our August 13th Second Saturdays participants! Here are the top times* for the day:

1. Brandon Nelson—17:47:17
2. Rhett Thys—20:34:07
3. Brad Cecak—20:51:91
4. Louis Sughrove—21:29:17
5. Lawrence McNaul—23:10:52
6. Russ Behrens—24:16:89
7. Kim Hatting—26:40:13
8. Bill Ford—27:18:67
9. April Cooper—29:03:71
10. Brian Wohlgemath—30:37:86
11. Reyne See—33:10:27

Don’t forget to join us on September 10th for the 2nd Saturdays Season Finale and grand prize giveaway! We look forward to seeing you all again soon! In the meantime, be sure to check out our Facebook page for more photos and to become a fan of Imagine Grinnell!

*Due to a technical malfunction, the above times are approximately 13 seconds short. Please add 12-13 seconds to each time to calculate your correct time.

Second Saturdays - August 13, 2011

2011-08-11T15:08:00.000-05:00

Second Saturdays - July 9, 2011

July 2nd Saturdays Times

2011-07-11T09:34:00.008-05:00

Congratulations to our July 2nd Saturdays participants and thank you for coming out! Runners' times are as follows:

1. Kevin Ladd - 20:11:08*
2. Zach Komlose - 24:13:28
3. Nicole Behrens - 26:09:28*
4. Ann Menner - 26:44:93*
5. Lily Cook - 26:45:31
6. Whitney Grub - 26:45:75*
7. Kim Hatting - 26:47:25*
8. Clay Francis - 26:47:89*
9. Bill Ford - 28:05:06*
10. Jorie Walters - 28:23:07
11. Sara Grubb - 31:05:29
12. Kristin Funk - 31:20:91
13. Marna Montgomery - 34:55:69
14. Ethan Dunn - 37:33:69
15. Ashley LaRue - 48:32:27*
16. Kaleigh Bauer - 48:34:63

*Denotes age/gender category winner

We hope to see all of you again next month on August 13. Check out our Facebook page for more photos from the event (you don't have to have a Facebook account to view photos)!

Upcoming Community Garden Events

2011-07-05T11:14:00.004-05:00

Workday for Plot Holders and Community Members
Sunday, July 10th at 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Purpose: To weed and clean up the garden.

Community Garden plot holders and any community members interested in helping are invited to participate in a common workday. Weeds have encroached on many areas of the garden, including the compost bin, the pathways, and the garden beds themselves. Before the weeds get totally out of hand and begin going to seed, creating even more problems for us next year, this is a chance to clean up the garden.

The workday also provides a time to swap produce between plot holders or to plan to swap produce later in the season. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Please bring your own tools if you have them, but some tools will be available.

Community Workshop
Thursday, July 14th at 4:30 PM
Purpose: To learn and share techniques to keep your garden weed free.

Community members are invited to learn strategies to eliminate weeds without chemicals and to enjoy a more weed-free garden this year and in years to come. Topics covered will include: common varieties of weeds and their life cycles, different types of mulch, cover crops, weeding tools, and organic herbicides.

There's no registration or participation fee - just show up in your work clothes and sturdy shoes and be ready to share and to learn! There will be a range of tasks for all abilities, including creative garden activities for children, so bring the whole family!

The Community Garden is located in Miller Park near Lake Nyanza, just beyond the High Street entrance near Washington Ave. Contact Jordan Scheibel at jordan.scheibel@gmail.com or call 236-5518 for more information about either one of these events.

2nd Saturdays

2011-07-05T09:45:00.005-05:00

After a great turn-out for our May Second Saturdays and a very successful Half Marathon & 5K in June, it's time to put on those running shoes again because Second Saturdays is back for another round!

Join us this Saturday, July 9th at 8th Ave and Sunset Street. Just a reminder - runners will be a part of a 5k, with prizes for first-place finishers in each category and overall. Cyclists can choose froma 5k, 10k, or 20k ride on the trail and will be put in a drawing for more prizes, including our Grand Prize, which will be awarded in September!

Registration starts at 8:15 a.m., all events at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $5 for adults (19 & up) and free for youth 18 & under. Continental breakfast will be available.

We promise this race will be warmer than the one in May! See you there!

Half Marathon & 5k Results!

2011-06-15T09:05:00.002-05:00

Results from this past weekend's half marathon and 5k events are officially up! You can access them in pdf form at the following links:

5K Results:
http://imaginegrinnell.pbworks.com/w/file/41313017/Grinnell%205k%20Final%20Results%206-13-11.pdf

Half Marathon Results:
http://imaginegrinnell.pbworks.com/w/file/41313046/Grinnell%20Half%20Marathon%20Results%2006-13-11%20final.pdf

A big congratulations to all of our participants!

Learn to Grow Tomatoes at the Community Garden

2011-06-14T09:28:00.009-05:00

This Thursday, June 16th at 4:30 PM will be our fourth community garden workshop of the season. Come by to learn how to grow tomatoes and enjoy a plentiful harvest. The Community Garden is growing 9 different varieties of heirloom tomatoes as a demonstration. Experienced and beginning tomato growers are welcome. Experienced growers will have the chance to offer advice and swap information.

Workshop discussion will include:
- different varieties and types of tomato
- seed starting and transplanting
- different growing methods
- plant care
- disease control
- season extension

The Grinnell Community Garden is located next to the High Street entrance to Miller Park, close to Lake Nyanza. Wear work clothes and sturdy shoes. There will be a range of tasks for all abilities. Bring the whole family - creative garden activities for children will be available. No registration is necessary – just show up! Contact Jordan Scheibel at jordan.scheibel@gmail.com or call 236-5518 for more information.

Composting Workshop and Compost Bin Sale

2011-06-02T09:18:00.010-05:00

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 11th - ISU Extension will be selling 40 high quality Earth Machine Composters on a first-come, first-served basis. The composters will be sold Saturday only for $45 each. In conjunction with the sale, a workshop on composting techniques will be also held. The workshop is free and does not require purchase or registration. Both the workshop and the sale will take place beginning at 10 a.m. at the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds in Grinnell.

The composting units are made of recycled plastic, are designed to keep out animals and pets, and are used by over 3,500 municipalities around the United States. We hope that the sale of these composters will discourage residents from throwing out organic waste with their regular trash. On average, a family that is composting daily can reduce their annual trash weight by over 500 pounds. The sale of these composters will reduce our county’s landfill contribution and also convert tons of garbage into compost to enrich gardens, lawns and flower beds.

More information on the composting units can be found at www.earthmachine.com. You can also contact Cathy Lents, Executive Director, Poweshiek County Extension Office, 641-623-5188, clents@iastate.edu or contact Jordan Scheibel at jordanscheibel@gmail.com or contact the Imagine Grinnell office at 641-236-5518 with any questions about the event.

IG and Bike Week featured in the Pennysaver

2011-05-26T11:35:00.003-05:00

Bike Week 2011 was a great success! Grinnell once again ranked second in the state of Iowa for most registered bikers, and we couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you to all who participated this year. We hope you enjoyed the experience!

Also, be sure to check out the Pennysaver's recent article on Imagine Grinnell and Bike Week at http://yourweeklypaper.com/blog/2011/05/25/grinnell-bike-week-rolls-along-successfully/

Bike Week / Bike to Work Week

2011-05-16T10:21:00.003-05:00

Grinnell Bike Week is upon us! Today is Get Movin' Monday so take your helmet into Saints Rest and you'll get a FREE 12 oz coffee! Check out our post from May 4 to see the schedule of events and specials throughout this week!

Also make sure to ride your bike to work this week (and register for free at http://www.bikeiowa.com if you haven't already).

Second Saturdays Results

2011-05-16T10:05:00.009-05:00

A big thank you and congratulations to all of our volunteers and participants who came out on Saturday and braved the cold! Here are the runners' times:

1. Jeff Blanchard - 21:26:50
2. Tommy Clower - 22:06:88
3. Rob Clower - 22:55:01
4. Cory Blommers - 26:09:35
5. Cami Seals - 26:15:80
6. Kristin Funk - 29:00:79
7. Brian Wohlgemuth- 29:59:29
8. Bob Larson - 31:48:21
9. Jackie Ernst - 32:11:95
10. Jeff Ernst - 32:11:95
11. Eve Eismann - 37:44:83
12. Windey McKelne - 37:45:82

Also, congratulations to our bikers, Severin Roberts, Tyler Banas, Bob Tarantino, Davis Hamilton, and Rachel Bly.

We hope to see you all next month at the Half-Marathon/5K on Sunday, June 12. Just don't forget to register at http://grinnellgames.com/run.html before the entry fee goes up on May 27th!

Grinnell Bike Week / Bike to Work Week

2011-05-04T11:55:00.005-05:00

May is Bike Month, so tune up those bikes and get out and ride!
Pledge now to ride your bike to work May 16-20 for Bike to Work Week . Go to http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/bike/ now to register for free. Last year Grinnell registered the second highest number of Bike to Work riders in the entire state of Iowa, with a total of 190 Grinnellians signing up online! Help us reach our 2011 goal of 210 registered riders by registering now for free. Let's show Iowa that Grinnell is number one!

May 16-20 is also Grinnell Bike Week and we have all kinds of fun activities and great local deals planned! After kicking off the week with our first Second Saturdays event of the season on May 14th, plan to take advantage of these awesome events:

Get Movin’ Monday: Stop by Saints Rest with your helmet for one 12 ounce complimentary coffee!

Taco Tuesday: Stop by Casa Margarita’s or La Cabana for a free taco with the purchase of any entrée.

Helmet Hair Wednesday: Stop in at the Chamber of Commerce with your helmet and get your picture taken—most outrageous helmet hair wins a cool Grinnell gift basket

Gear-Up Workshop—Bike Maintenance 101: Come by Bikes to You at 7 p.m. for a workshop on basic bicycle maintenance, taught by Bikes to You owner, Craig Cooper. Get a wheel-to-wheel overview and demonstration of proper bicycle maintenance including lubrication, break systems, proper tire care, and much more.

Thirsty Thursday: Bring your helmet by Pagliai’s Pizza for a free soft drink with entrée or pizza purchase, or a free kids single topping pizza with adult purchase.

Feeding Frenzy Friday: Feeling the hunger after the biking frenzy? Bring your helmet to Lonnski’s and get 15% off your lunch or dinner bill.

Bike Rodeo: Join us from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Ahrens Park for the Bike Rodeo! Kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade will learn about riding skills, rules when riding on the road, and the importance of wearing a helmet. Each participant will have a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. (Participants should bring their own bikes – no skateboards or scooters, please.) Join us at Lonnski’s after the event and get 15% off with proof of helmet!

So hop on those bikes and join us for some fun, food, and fitness!

Calling All Volunteers - Parks & Trails Clean-up

2011-04-29T10:25:00.005-05:00

Come join Imagine Grinnell for fresh air and great company as we spruce up the parks and trails for spring! This year’s clean-up event is planned in coordination with Grinnell College’s “Day of Service” to honor the inauguration of President Raynard Kington. Volunteers involved with the inauguration should contact Deanna Shorb (shorb@grinnell.edu) for more information. All others, please contact Melissa Strovers at 641-236-5518 or imaginegrinnell@iowatelecom.net by Friday, May 6 with any questions and to get involved!

Clean-up Locations and Work Times

GART: High School to Rock Creek
Meeting Time: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Meeting Place: Corner of Sunset Street & 8th Avenue
Site Coordinator: Melissa Strovers

GART: Arbor Lake to Industrial Avenue
Meeting Time: 8:15 am
Meeting Place: North end of lake on Industrial Avenue
Site Coordinator: Craig Cooper

Central Park
Meeting Time: 8:15 am
Meeting Place: The Gazebo at Central Park
Site Coordinator: Monique Shore

Jaycees Park
Meeting Time: 8:15 am
Meeting Place: Jaycees Park parking lot on Summer Street
Site Coordinator: Liz Queathem

Please bring your rakes, brooms, gloves, and smiling faces! Trash bags will be provided.

No more rain barrel rebates

2011-04-29T09:39:00.004-05:00

The 100 Grinnell resident rebates for rain barrels have sold out! You can still order rain barrel accessories, compost bins, and rain barrels at the very reasonable non-resident price, till Monday, May 2nd, by visiting upcycleproducts.com or by mailing in an order form, available at the Drake Library and the City of Grinnell office.

Thank you to everyone who has participated and don't forget to pick up your barrel on Saturday, May 7th at the Hy-vee from 10 am to 12 pm. Please let us know if you won't be able to make it.

Community Garden Workshop this weekend

2011-04-20T12:16:00.003-05:00

How to Build a Compost Bin, 2-4 PM, Saturday, April 23rd

Visit grinnellcommunitygarden.blogspot.com for more information!

Come to an Energy Awareness Workshop

2011-04-19T07:35:00.004-05:00

Jordan Scheibel, energy program coordinator for Imagine Grinnell, will present on how to make your home more energy efficient with the Home Energy Audit Toolkits at the library and through Alliant Energy incentives and rebates.

7 pm Monday, April 25

2:30 pm Saturday, April 30

2:30 pm Sunday, May 1

Community Room, Drake Library, Grinnell

Everyone who participates will be eligible to receive a free home energy assessment.

The workshops are free and no registration is required. E-mail jordanscheibel@gmail.com or call (641) 236 5518 for more information.

Register Now for the Half-Marathon / 5K on June 12!

2011-04-13T09:38:00.010-05:00

As a part of this year’s Grinnell Games weekend June 11-12, Imagine Grinnell is hosting our very first Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk event in partnership with the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce! The relatively flat course will loop through the historic downtown, around Grinnell College, through the Paul W. Ahrens Park, along the countryside and down Main Street. There will be something for everyone, including a street festival with kids’ art and activities and prizes totaling more than $1000 awarded to the top male and female winners.

Registration is now OPEN. The race will be capped at 300 runners and the sooner you register, the lower your entry fee! Don’t wait! Register now at http://grinnellgames.com/run.html (click the address link).

Also, if you have Facebook, be sure to let your friends know you'll be in the race by indicating you will attend on our Facebook event page (click here to reach the event page and then log in and click "I'm attending")!

Event Details
Entry Fee:
Half Marathon: $35 before May 27, $40 after, $50 day of event
5K: $20 before May 27, $25 after, $30 day of event
Entry fees are non-refundable.

Registration:
Technical shirts will be provided for those who register before May 27. Shirt sizes and availability are not guaranteed for those who register after May 27.

Prizes:
Half Marathon: 1st - $100, 2nd - $75, 3rd - $50, 4th - $25, 5th - $20
5K: 1st - $50, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $20

Age Brackets
Half Marathon Age Brackets (separate male & female divisions):
14-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
5K Age Brackets (separate male & female divisions):
under 11, 11-14, 15-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Bring your running gear! All abilities are welcome.

Community Garden Workshop This Weekend

2011-04-06T13:45:00.003-05:00

Join Imagine Grinnell for a Community Garden workshop this weekend:

Constructing Raised Beds from Cinder Blocks

1-4 PM, Saturday, April 9^th

Help the Community Garden start the 2011 season and learn how to layout and construct raised garden beds using inexpensive, long-lasting cinder blocks. Raised beds provide a better growing environment for plants and are easier to maintain than in-ground plantings.

Wear work clothes and sturdy shoes. There will be a range of tasks for all abilities. Bring the whole family - creative garden activities for children will be available. No registration is necessary – just show up! Contact grinnellcommunitygarden@gmail.com or call Jordan at (641) 236 5518 for more information.

Habitat for Humanity meeting in Grinnell

2011-03-17T12:38:00.002-05:00

Please read the following message from Jasper County Habitat for Humanity. Imagine Grinnell is partnering with Habitat as they work to restart a Poweshiek County chapter:

Habitat for Humanity International has requested that Jasper County Habitat for Humanity partner with Poweshiek County to create a larger affiliate that will share administrative and fundraising efforts to increase capacity in the entire area. An organizational meeting has been scheduled at Grinnell's Drake Library Community Room at 6:30 pm on Thursday March 24th. Information on becoming a partner family, volunteering to serve on committees, helping with fundraising, making gift-in-kind donations or to help directly on building projects will be available. If you are unable to attend or have any questions, please contact Jasper County Project Manager Doug Garrett at 515-250-8857 or jaspercountyhabitat@gmail.com.

Successful Green Energy Showcase

2011-03-16T11:05:00.008-05:00

A huge thank you to all of our Green Energy vendors this past Saturday and to all of the wonderful folks who came by the showcase to learn from the vendors and workshops and to share their ideas. We gave away dozens of CFL lightbulbs and had well over 100 people sign in, with dozens of others who stopped by! I've heard from several vendors that they developed collaborations just by being next to another business or organization. For example, Latcham Geothermal discussed installing a geothermal system for a future Habitat for Humanity housing development in Marshalltown. And Arpeggio Farm may start selling worm castings through Ace Hardware. Thanks also to the Chamber of Commerce staff for all their work to put together the Expo this year. They had over 100 vendors (over 30 more than last year) and 2300 people attend! The Green Energy Showcase was supported this year with help from the Iowa Power Fund Community Grants Program.

Community garden plots available

2011-03-15T09:05:00.006-05:00

The Grinnell Community Garden in Miller Park is offering individual plots for Grinnell residents to use this season.

Those interested in a plot at the garden should contact Jordan Scheibel at jordan.scheibel@gmail.com or 236 5475. There is a suggested but voluntary donation of $15 for the season by plot users to cover garden expenses.

Applications for plots will be considered until Friday, April 8^th.

Spring Rain Barrel Sale

2011-03-15T08:34:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, March 12th, at the Green Energy Showcase we kicked off the spring rain barrel sale with the help of Rich Fielding from Upcycle Products. Upcycle sold over 40 barrels at the Showcase! That still means, though, that there are 50 or more barrels available for Grinnell residents with a $25 rebate from the City of Grinnell. Don't wait, order your barrel today. You can go online to upcycle-products.com or pick-up a paper copy of the order form and check out one of Upcycle's rain barrels in the lobby at the Drake Community Library. Upcycle also offers a full line of accessories for your rain barrel as well as a tumbling composter.

Remember, non-residents who would like to buy a barrel and Grinnell residents wishing to buy more than one barrel can purchase barrels at full price and receive them on the pick-up day.

Ordering closes Monday, May 2nd. Barrels and all accessories will be delivered to Grinnell for pick-up on Saturday, May 7th from 10 am to 12 pm in the parking lot of the Grinnell Hy-vee. Upcycle will offer an installation workshop. There will also be extra rain barrels, accessories, and tumbling composters for sale on pick-up day.

IG to Host Green Energy Showcase at Home & Business Expo

2011-02-23T10:08:00.013-06:00

Mark you calendars for Saturday, March 12th! For the first time, Imagine Grinnell is bringing vendors to the Grinnell Area Home and Business Expo to talk about about energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy for the new Green Energy Showcase. The Showcase is Imagine Grinnell’s latest effort to promote energy savings in the Grinnell Community, and will include vendor-led workshops on topics ranging from geothermal heating and cooling systems to bicycle commuting. The Showcase aims to help everyone understand that conservation and efficient energy use are important in all aspects of our lives, not just when we flip the light switch.

Showcase vendors will include:
Alliant Energy
Arpeggio Farms
Bikes To You
Iowa Energy Alternatives
Jasper County Habitat for Humanity
Koopman Construction
Latcham Enterprises
My Handyman
South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency
Upcycle Products
Imagine Grinnell

Workshop Schedule
9:30 AM: Using the Home Energy Audit Toolkits
with Jordan Scheibel of Imagine Grinnell
10:30 AM: Habitat for Humanity - Decent, Affordable, Efficient Homes
with Doug Garrett and Mark Steinberg of Habitat for Humanity
11:30 AM: Geothermal 101
with Alan Latcham of Latcham Enterprises
1:00 PM: Bicycle Commuting
with Craig Cooper of Bikes to You
2:00 PM: Residential Wind Power
with Todd Hammen of Iowa Energy Alternatives

Imagine Grinnell is also excited to kick-off its Spring Rain Barrel Sale at the Showcase. Upcycle Products, manufacturer of rain barrels and compost bins from repurposed food-grade shipping containers, will be taking orders for rain barrels, compost bins, and accessories for pick-up in Grinnell in May. Rain barrels catch storm run-off from gutter downspouts and store it for outdoor tasks such as watering lawns and gardens or washing cars. Upcycle Products will also offer a rain barrel installation and water conservation workshop on the pick-up day. Thanks to generous support from the City of Grinnell, Grinnell residents will receive $25 off the purchase of any Upcycle rain barrel. With the discount, 55 gallon plastic rain barrels will be priced around $30 with tax. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your own rain barrel!

We are excited about the exhibitor line-up and encourage attendees to ask questions about how to make their home or business more energy efficient! Whether you’re interested in renewable energy, insulation, recycling, composting, rain barrels, or just weather stripping your home, the Green Energy Showcase will have something for you.

Energy Coordinator, Jordan Scheibel, Interviews with KGRN

2011-02-04T09:27:00.005-06:00

Jordan braved the post-blizzard snow and bitter cold this past Wednesday morning to talk to KGRN's Chris Johnson. Listen to his interview here, as he talks about his position with Imagine Grinnell and IG's efforts to promote energy efficiency and green living!

Jordan's position is through the new Energy Corps program, sponsored by AmeriCorps. Find out more about the Energy Corps program at the following links:
http://technews.tmcnet.com/news/2011/01/29/5275938.htm
(or click here)
http://easterniowalife.com/2011/01/27/americorps-group-to-energize-iowa/
(or click here)

IMAGINE GRINNELL RECEIVES IOWA POWER FUND COMMUNITY GRANT

2011-01-24T10:09:00.002-06:00

$10,000 Grant Will Be Used to Hold a Green Energy Showcase at the Grinnell Home and Business Expo in March

On Friday, January 7th, Imagine Grinnell received a $10,000 Iowa Power Fund Community Grant from the Iowa Office of Energy Independence. The grant money will be used to hold a Green Energy Showcase within the Grinnell Home and Business Expo from 9 AM to 3 PM on March 12th, 2011. Vendors at the Green Energy Showcase will offer a variety of products and services related to improving energy efficiency, conserving energy, and increasing the use of renewable energy. This is Imagine Grinnell’s second Power Fund Community Grant in less than a year. In April 2010, Imagine Grinnell had received a $4,000 grant from the Iowa Power Fund, which was used to purchase more Home Energy Audit Toolkits for the Drake Library and create a workbook for the toolkits. According to the Iowa Office of Energy Independence website, Iowa Power Fund Community Grants are available to cities, counties, non-profit organizations, organizations involved with energy efficiency or conservation efforts, and environmental organizations to help create local programs to save energy.

The Green Energy Showcase is Imagine Grinnell’s latest idea for promoting energy savings in the Grinnell community. Vendors at the Showcase will include remodelers and contractors that do energy efficiency improvements, small-scale renewable energy installation companies, and local non-profit organizations that promote energy efficiency. Workshops by vendors will be held throughout the Showcase. If your business or organization is interested in being a vendor at the Green Energy Showcase, please contact Imagine Grinnell as soon as possible to obtain a registration form. E-mail imaginegrinnell@iowatelecom.net or call (641) 236 5518.

In addition, Imagine Grinnell Americorps member Jordan Scheibel is offering an energy awareness workshop to any interested community groups from now through April. The workshop will demonstrate the Home Energy Audit Toolkits available at the Drake Library, highlight incentives and rebates available through Alliant Energy to improve energy efficiency and install renewable energy systems, and highlight some basic concepts in understanding energy efficiency and use. The workshop is free of cost and can be scheduled at the group’s convenience. If your group is interested, please contact Jordan at jordanscheibel@gmail.com or call the Imagine Grinnell office at (641) 236 5518.

Beginning Farmer Workshop at the Drake Library

2011-01-10T14:41:00.003-06:00

Imagine Grinnell is pleased to announce that Iowa Valley Resource, Conservation, and Development will be hosting one of their beginning farmer workshops called "Business Management and Decision Making on the Farm" in the Community Room of the Drake Library on Saturday, January 15th, from 1 pm to 5 pm. The workshop will be led by Craig Chase, a Farm & Ag Management Field Specialist for Iowa State Extension. There is a limit of 20 attendees and there is a $10 workshop fee.

Click this link to learn more about the workshop and to download a registration form. Advanced registration by mail or phone is best to save a spot but walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.

This workshop being hosted in Grinnell is a result of collaboration between Imagine Grinnell and Iowa Valley RC&D. Imagine Grinnell looks forward to future partnerships with Iowa Valley RC&D.

Green Home Showcase Follow-up

2010-12-13T15:19:00.050-06:00

On Sunday, December 5th, Imagine Grinnell held it's highly successful Green Home Showcase in the Community Room at the Drake Library. Over 50 people attended to see presentations about the solar array at the Grinnell Middle School, small-scale wind generation, the new Home Energy Audit Toolkits, and Alliant Energy's programs to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The audience asked great questions, engaging all of the speakers after their presentations.
Teacher Cathy Sonnichsen and several of her middle school students attended. The students presented a display about the new solar panels and helped Imagine Grinnell board member Chris Bair demonstrate tools from the Home Energy Audit Toolkits.

Doug Garrett and Dennis Herrema from Jasper County Habitat for Humanity and Mark Steinberg from Marshall County Habitat for Humanity also attended to promote Habitat for Humanity's new highly energy efficient homes.

Imagine Grinnell gave away two compact flourescent light bulbs to the first 24 families or individuals who attended the event and Steve Scherf of Grinnell won a set of LED holiday lights from Paul's Ace Hardware in a drawing of the first 20 participants to the Showcase.

The Showcase airs on GET TV Channel 12 on Monday-Wednesday, December 14th-December 16th at 1:00PM and 7:00PM, and Monday-Friday, December 17th-20th at 9:00AM and 5:00PM. Thanks to Chris Sutcliff for recording the event and Travis Renze for putting it on air.

Click the following link to view videos clips of the Showcase presentations on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ImagineGrinnell

Become a subscriber to Imagine Grinnell's channel and add Imagine Grinnell as a friend! Subscribers will receive updates about Imagine Grinnell's channel, including soon-to-be posted videos of a detailed how-to tutorial for the Home Energy Audit toolkits and footage from Home Energy Savers audit conducted as part of Alliant Energy's pilot cost-share program in Grinnell.

Thank you to the speakers-Rich Dana, Todd Hamen, Chris Bair and Angela Hotchkin, as well as Cathy Sonnichsen and her middle grade students. Thank you also to the Imagine Grinnell board members who provided drinks and baked goods, directed visitors into the showcase, took photos and helped set-up and clean-up after the event--Monique Shore, Craig Cooper, Liz Queathem, Ryan Ness, Doug Caulkins, Denise Lamphier, Sarah Seney and Amy Kalkbrenner. And finally, thank you to Jordan Scheibel for the work he did in planning and advertising for the event.

In addition to the 25th anniversary tree put together by Monique Shore, Imagine Grinnell also had a Home Energy Audit Toolkit tree for the Festival of Trees at the Drake Library. The tree is strung with energy-saving LED holiday lights donated by Paul's Ace Hardware and decorated with the tools and weatherizing samples from the Home Energy Audit Toolkits. Who knew that a caulk gun and kill-a-watt meters could make Christmas ornaments? The trees will stay up until December 22nd, so if you have not had a chance to see them, stop by the library soon.

Join Imagine Grinnell for our "Green Home Showcase"!

2010-11-29T09:37:00.014-06:00

Come learn about renewable energy sources, GMS's new solar array, and how to use the new Home Energy Audit Toolkits to save money by making your home more energy efficient! Also learn about Alliant Energy's rebate program on energy efficient appliances and upgrades!

Sunday, December 5th
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Community Room, Drake Library

The first 20 participants will receive two FREE CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and be entered into a drawing to win energy efficient LED holiday lights from Paul's Ace Hardware!

Homemade baked goods and hot drinks will be available, courtesy of Imagine Grinnell members!

Program:
1:30 Introductory remarks
1:35 Solar Array at Middle School, Solar Hot Water and Solar Thermal Technology
Rich Dana, Energy Specialist at NCAT
1:50 Residential Wind Power
Todd Hammen, Iowa Energy Alternatives, LLC, in Barnes City
2:05 How to Use the Home Energy Audit Toolkits
Chris Bair, Environmental and Safety Coordinator for Facilities Management at Grinnell College, with help from Middle School's Green Team students
2:20 Alliant Energy's Rebate Program
Angela Hotchkin, Strategic Account Manager for Alliant Energy
2:35 – 3:30 Time for visitors to look at displays, ask questions of presenters and exhibitors, and try out the Home Energy Audit Toolkits

Also, visitors to the Festival of Trees, also happening at Drake Library this Sunday but running from 1 PM - 3 PM, will have a chance to see Imagine Grinnell's energy-themed holiday tree! One more reason to come out on Sunday to get ready for the holidays and the changing seasons! We hope to see you there!

25th Anniversary Event Photos!

2010-11-10T11:46:00.016-06:00

Reyne receives her prize for winning community entry

Jarrett and his winning poster

David and his winning essay

Miracle and her winning poster

Laynie with her winning poster

*Note: Luke, who had the winning entry from Central Iowa Christian School, was unable to attend the event

"How I Imagine Grinnell" Contest Winners Announced!

2010-11-08T11:17:00.027-06:00

We received many creative entries and we thank everyone who submitted their ideas and visions for Grinnell's future! Congratulations to all who participated and a special congratulations to our winners!

View the Winning Entries Here:

Laynie Clark - 2nd Grade, Bailey Park Elementary
Luke Roudabush - 6th Grade, Central Iowa Christian School
Jarrett Rose - 4th Grade, Davis Elementary
Miracle Bowie - Kindergarten, Fairview Elementary
David Gilbert, 6th Grade, Grinnell Middle School*
Reyne See - Community Entry

Winning Classroom Teachers

The following teachers had the highest percentage of students in their classrooms participate in the contest! We thank them and all other participating teachers for encouraging their students to be creative and imagine possibilities for Grinnell's future! Each winning teacher has received $100 in prize money to be used for materials for their classroom.

Bailey Park Elementary: Mrs. Gohlmann - Second Grade
Fairview Elementary: Mrs. Godar - Kindergarten
Davis Elementary: Mrs. Blunk - Fourth Grade
Grinnell Middle School: Mrs. Cirks - Fifth Grade
Central Iowa Christian School: Mr. Shults - Sixth Grade

*Because of the low quality of the scanned copy, the transcribed text of David Gilbert's essay is provided below:

Many things have changed in Grinnell since it began a long time ago. In the future it will change as well, so we must think wisely and practically about the way we want it to be. Firstly, in the modern world, there is the growing problem of climate change and the renewable energy crises. We can create more jobs and a better energy infrastructure for Grinnell if we did simple things like adding solar panels to popular public buildings, having an area windfarm on the edge of town, etc. We can become an ecologically green society!

It would be great if the local car businesses provided or provided more of hybrid vehicles. The larger of the commercial businesses in Grinnell would be much better presented if they were grouped together as a minimall in an open and easily accessible area, like where Wal-Mart resides currently. We could even add other commercial businesses that we do not have yet!

Renovation of the schools in the future would be nice as well. It’s always good to enhance the children’s learning experiences as much as possible. With more and more people moving into Grinnell, larger subdivisions will be necessary. Also, I would like to have more new college buildings on campus. A larger college will bring and allow more students. One of the very sad and true facts is that when the world becomes more populated, we will need larger highways and interstates for human transportation. Highways like 146 and 6 will need to be expanded. If people don’t want to lose their homes for the expansion of our roads, we can simply make way for a detour road around the homes so there will be no need of tearing them down.

Cleaner grounds, better economy, renewable energy infrastructure, renovation, and many more things will contribute to making Grinnell a better place for all.

- David Gilbert, Mrs. Goltz's 6th Grade class, Grinnell Middle School

2010-09-21T13:34:00.002-05:00

We are CELEBRATING! 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of this organization, founded in 1985 as Grinnell 2000. For 25 years we've helped turns dreams for a better community into reality. Now we want to celebrate our past and set a course for our future.

We're sponsoring a POSTER/ESSAY CONTEST to collect your dreams of a better Grinnell. Find out more info on our website.

On Thursday, November 4, 2010 we're having a grand celebration. We'll present the winners of the poster/essay contest. We'll celebrate the accomplishments of the past and celebrate the leaders who helped us come so far. And we'll all be inspired to work for a better future when we hear the amazing story of Chad Pegracke. At age 23 he founded a non-profit organization to clean up the Mississippi River. He's spent the last 15 years leading teams of volunteers as they've removed garbage from the waterways by the barge full. The story of his relentless pursuit to make a better world will inspire young and old alike.

So PLAN TO JOIN US!

Date: Thursday, November 4th, 2010
Time: The celebration begins at 6:30pm
Where: Harris Center, 1114 10th Avenue (on the Grinnell College campus)
Cost: FREE to all who care about Grinnell's past, present and future

Excellent Turnout for 2nd Saturdays Season Finale

2010-09-15T10:02:00.023-05:00

The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and we had one of our best 2nd Saturdays turnouts yet for last weekend's season finale! Forty-four people turned up to run, walk, or bike in the event and we thank each of you who joined us for the community, beautiful weather, and exercise on the trails!

We are also pleased to announce Shannon Renze as the winner of our season grand prize drawing for a $150 gift certificate to Bikes To You! Congratulations to Shannon and to all of Saturday's winners.

Because we know you all like to see your running times, here are the top 18 for the 5k run:

21:07 - Mickey Munley*
22:21 - Rob Clower*
22:33 - Tommy Clower*
22:56 - Jared Owens*
22:58 - Clayton Francis
26:35 - Whitney Grubb*
27:34 - Kevin Emge
28:52 - Sara Grubb*
28:53 - Kristin Funk
29:08 - Rachel Wike*
34:59 - Reyne See*
36:01 - Gwen Deger
36:02 - Megan Fitzpatrick
47:12 - Miranda Mendoza
47:16 - Christian Polly*
47:58 - Nicole Routier
55:40 - Ann Ellis
55:41 - Tommy Jones

*Indicates first place winner in age and gender category

Again, thank you to everyone for coming out on Saturday. We hope you had fun and that you will all join us again for next year's 2nd Saturdays season!

How Do YOU Imagine Grinnell?

2010-08-24T10:12:00.014-05:00

Imagine Grinnell Poster/Essay Contest!

As a part of our 25th Anniversary celebration events, we are encouraging members of our community (young and old alike) to write an essay or design a poster describing how they imagine Grinnell in 25 years. The main goal of the “How do I Imagine Grinnell?” poster/essay contest is to get students and adults generating ideas and enthusiasm about ways to improve the place where we live, work and play. The contest will be offered in classrooms at all of the local schools but Imagine Grinnell is encouraging adults and college students in the community to participate, as well.

See below for contest details. We look forward to your submissions!

DETAILS: (Download the entry form here)
Essays: 500 words or less
Drawings: On an 8.5" by 11" page
Deadline: Thursday, October 21
Submit at: Drake Community Library or by e-mail to imaginegrinnell@iowtelecom.net

PRIZES:
$50 to the winning entry at each G-N school
$100 to one participating classroom at each G-N school
$50 to adult/college student with winning essay and/or poster

Prizes Awarded at 25th Anniversary Community Celebration
Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m. -- Harris Cinema, Grinnell College

Guest Speaker: Chad Pregracke, environmentalist and founder of Living Lands and Water

For more information:
Call Imagine Grinnell @ 641-236-5518 or visit our website @ http://imaginegrinnell.org

Imagine Grinnell honored with 2010 "Leave It Better Than You Found It" award

2010-08-23T11:24:00.005-05:00

The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation announced today that Imagine Grinnell will receive the 2010 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” award, which annually honors individuals, groups or organizations that make a difference in Grinnell and surrounding communities.

“We are pleased to recognize the work of Imagine Grinnell with this award. Their mission to improve the quality of life in the Grinnell area is evident in the many community projects accomplished by this organization over the past 25 years,” said Julie Gosselink, president and CEO of the Foundation.

Melissa Strovers, executive director of Imagine Grinnell, accepted the $5,000 award on behalf of the grassroots organization. “Imagine Grinnell is thrilled to be selected by the Ahrens Foundation to receive this award. This is a great honor and a wonderful way to mark our 25th anniversary,” Strovers said. “Imagine Grinnell has several projects that we are considering for use of the $5,000. We want to use the funds in a way that will memorialize the award.”

Imagine Grinnell was founded in 1985 as Grinnell 2000, with a mission to improve quality of life, promote a healthy environment, and complement economic development efforts. More than 50 projects have been undertaken by the organization since its founding, including community recycling, Main Street Grinnell, Farmers Market, Grinnell Area Recreation Trail, park planning and cleanup, watershed improvement at Arbor Lake, local foods alliance, and Grinnell Area Petroleum Replacement Initiative, among others. A complete report of activities is available on the organization’s website at www.imaginegrinnell.edu.

“Imagine Grinnell is a great example of what a community partnership can accomplish with strong volunteer commitment to long-term projects,” said Melissa Hull, director of community relations for the Ahrens Foundation. “This organization has set a high standard of productivity and is very deserving of this award.”

The “Leave It Better Than You Found It” award commemorates the Aug. 18 birthday of the late benefactor Claude Ahrens. The program was initiated in August 1994 at the dedication of the Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park and is funded by the Ahrens Foundation. In a 1993 speech to the National Recreation and Parks Association, Ahrens challenged those in attendance to follow the sage advice of his father John, “to leave the world a better place than you found it.” Colleagues of Ahrens decided to encourage area residents to do the same and the effort was founded. To date, more than 300 area individuals, groups and organizations have been honored by the annual program

Ahrens’ legacy is also recalled in the 2009 biography written by Grinnell author Judith W. Hunter, edited by Gosselink, and published by the Foundation. Copies of “Grinnell’s Entrepreneurial and Philanthropic Pioneer: A Biography of Claude W. Ahrens” are available at The Pioneer Bookshop in downtown Grinnell, the Grinnell College Bookstore on campus, and at the Ahrens Foundation headquarters at 1510 Penrose.

Great Showing for July 2nd Saturdays Event!

2010-07-13T11:54:00.007-05:00

Whether you were on bike, pulling a burley, or on foot, it was great to see so many people at the July 2nd Saturdays event. Thanks again to everyone who attended and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday, August 14th!

Here are the times for the 5k run:
22:24 - Shannon Renze
23:03 – Clayton Francis
23:24 – Joel Baumann
24:34 – Cyrus Mistry
24:35 – Dmitriy Glumor
26:04 – Kim Hatting
28:32 – Matt Rosenbaum
28:43 – Nicole Behrens
29:02 – Rachel Wike
31:16 – Pat Stuchlik
35:56 – Phoenix Chang Roper
35:57- Lucy Chang
48:47 – Julie McCombs
51:14 – Claudia Beckwith
51:14:90 – Ann Ellis

Grinnell Bike Week - May 8th - May 14th

2010-04-21T11:38:00.018-05:00

Celebrate the benefits of biking! We are hosting daily activities to encourage everyone to get on their bike for some fun and fitness:

Saturday, May 8th - Second Saturdays
Kick-off the 2010 2nd Saturdays season with a 5k walk/run or a 5k, 10k, or 20k bike ride. Register each month to be entered into drawings for really great prizes and a grand prize drawing at our September season finale. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. – All events start at 9 a.m. Meet at Sunset Street and 8th Avenue, just south of the high school.(Cyclists must wear helmets.)

Monday, May 10th - Get Movin’ Monday
Stop by Saints Rest with your helmet for one 12 ounce complimentary coffee!

Tuesday, May 11th - Taco Tuesday
If you’re feeling the “taco tug”, take your helmet to La Cabana or Casa Margarita for a free taco with the purchase of any entrée.

Tuesday, May 11th - Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of the newest extension of the recreation trail along Highway 146. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. Parking is available at Casa Margarita located at 101 West Street in Grinnell.

Wednesday, May 12th - Helmet Hair Wednesday
Stop in at Bikes To You with your helmet and get your picture taken – most outrageous helmet hair wins a prize. Plus, stop by later to see yourself in the Helmet Hair Hall of Fame.

Wednesday, May 12th - Gear-Up Workshop: Bike Maintenance 101 - 12:15 - 1p.m Veteran's Memorial Building

Designed for the cyclist interested in learning about basic cycle maintenance. Bring your own lunch and get a wheel-to-wheel overview and demonstration of proper bicycle maintenance including lubrication, break systems, proper tire care, and much more. Instructor Craig Cooper.

Thursday, May 13th - Thirsty Thursday
Bring your helmet by Pagliai’s Pizza for a free soft drink with entrée or pizza purchase, or a free kids single topping pizza with adult purchase.

Friday, May 14th - Feeding Frenzy Friday
Feeling the hunger after the biking frenzy? Bring your helmet to Lonnski’s and get 15 percent off your lunch or dinner bill.

Friday, May 14th - Bike Rodeo 4-5:30 p.m.,
Kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade will learn about riding skills, rules when riding on the road and the importance of wearing a helmet. Each participant will have a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. Meet at parking lot of Ahrens Park. (Participants should bring their own bikes – no skateboards or scooters please.) Join us at Lonnski’s after the event. Bring your helmet and get 15% off your dinner bill.

All specials require proof of helmet!

May 17th-May 21st - National Bike To Work Week
And don’t forget to register at www.bikeiowa.com to participate in national Bike to Work Week May 17th through May 21st. Help us exceed our goal of 100 registered riders.

Bike 'N Hike To Shop

2010-04-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

Local Incentive Program Offers Rewards For Biking and Hiking to Grinnell Destinations

Beginning May 10th, you can earn rewards by biking and hiking to your favorite destinations throughout Grinnell (list of participating businesses is below). By doing so, you will be eligible to enter a drawing to win $100 in chamber bucks each month. Fifty-three local businesses have joined the cause to promote health and wellness and encourage our community to commute on foot or by bike. Here’s your chance to burn some calories, save gas and support local businesses.

Here’s how the program works:
1. Pick up a shopper card from the Chamber of Commerce or any participating business listed below beginning May 10th .

2. Have your card punched when you walk or bike to a participating business. Look for a window sign to indicate a business is participating. Participating businesses are listed below.

3. Redeem your card to the Chamber of Commerce. The first 50 participants will receive a free t-shirt and to be entered into a drawing for $100 in Chamber Bucks. The four-question survey on the back of the card must be completed to be eligible for the drawing. Drawings will be held at the end of May, June, and July.

4. The last day to submit your card is July 30th. You can complete an unlimited number of shopper cards.

Participating Businesses:

A & M Café
Expressions Salon, Day Spa & Permanent Make-up
Premier Printing
Anytime Fitness Family Video
Russ’ All Sports Consignment
Arnold Motor Supply
Flowers on Fourth
Saints Rest Coffee House
Awards Unlimited
Godfather’s Pizza
Sears Hometown Store
Bates Flowers & Greenhouse
Grinnell Steakhouse
Shear Delight
Beckman Gallery II
Hammond’s Hallmark
Starnes TV & Appliance Sales & Service
Bikes to You
Hidden Treasures Consignment
Stepping Stone Christian Book Store
Bill’s Jewelry Shop
HyVee
Subway West
Bourbon Street/Voodoo Lounge
Loralie’s
Thai Basil
Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.
Main Street Furniture & Appliance
The Music Shop
Come Back Café
Maurices
Total Choice Shipping Graphics and Printing
Cory Hall Photography
Maytag Laundry & Tanning
Village Decorating Studio
Danish Made Bakery
McNally’s Super Valu
Visions Hair and Body Spa
Dari Barn
Michael’s
Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Inc.
Dave Paulson Salon & Spa
Micky Pats
Westside Family Restaurant
Depot Crossing Restaurant
Montgomery’s Sandwich Shop
Yumi’s Bakery
Dori’s
Phase 2 Consignment
Drake Library
Pioneer Book Store

This program is organized by Bikes To You, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Grinnell College, Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Grinnell Parks and Recreation, Imagine Grinnell, Local Board of Health and Lean and Green and is funded by an Iowa Healthy Communities: Harkin Wellness Grant. In addition to funding for wellness programs, a substantial portion of this grant helped to complete the newest extension of the bike trail from Arbor Lake to Industrial Ave. By participating, you will help bring future grant dollars to our community.

Trail Clean Up Rescheduled for Saturday, April 17th

2010-04-08T11:06:00.007-05:00

The annual trail clean up has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 17th. Please plan to join us at 8 a.m. at the corner of Sunset and 8th Ave. near the south of the high school with your broom and rake. Trash bags will be provided.

Gift to Library Honors Archivist Dorrie Lalonde

2010-01-13T15:43:00.002-06:00

The Imagine Grinnell Board recently voted to make a $10,000 donation to the Drake Community Library building fund to honor archivist Dorrie Lalonde. In preparation for our 25th anniversary events Lalonde has provided invaluable services in helping to organize and preserve our organizational history.

For full story details see the press release on the IG wiki.

Grinnell-Newburg schools to celebrate Walk to School Day on October 7, 2009

2009-10-05T09:36:00.003-05:00

Grinnell-Newburg schools will be joining schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 7, 2009. Children and families are encouraged to walk or bike to school together.

Walk to School Day began as a simple idea – children and families, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It is an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, environmental responsibility, and the importance of building connections between families, schools, and the broader community.

“Walk to School Day is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and have a single designated day to walk to school,” said Edie Eckles, superintendent of the Grinnell-Newburg School District. “It is my hope that this event will be a lasting positive experience and more children will walk or bike to school on a regular basis.”

Families should encourage their children to follow pedestrian safety rules or join in the event themselves to see children safely to school. Contests for both the students and teachers will be held in each of the schools. The classroom from each school with the highest percentage of bikers and/or walkers will receive a pizza party and their teacher will receive $100 in chamber bucks.

Grinnell-Newburg will be among one of the anticipated 5,000 schools from all 50 states. Grinnell walkers will join children and adults in 40 countries around the world.

Community supporters of the event include: Grinnell College, Grinnell Parks and Recreation, Grinnell Police Department, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Imagine Grinnell, and Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance.

Runners/Bikers Turnout for Wet August 2nd Saturdays Event

2009-08-14T09:20:00.013-05:00

Check out these photos from our 2nd Saturday's event last week. Great start and then it poured. Thanks to all those who coordinated and attended the event, despite the rainy weather.

Here are the times recorded from the event:

Jennifer McCombs - 28:39

Muriel Gallo-Chasanoff- 28:40

Drew Cooper - 19:57
Jonathon McCombs - 28:15

Ben Finkelstein 26:48:39

JP Prouty 26:48.84

Lawrence McNaul 27:50

Mick McCombs 28:15

Tom Bachmann 25:16

Hope to see everyone at our season finale on Saturday, Sept. 12! Watch the blog for more details!

July 2nd Saturdays Event Results

2009-07-15T13:33:00.009-05:00

We had 21 runners, walkers and bikers turnout this past Saturday for the third event of the season. Congratulations to our runners who showed great time this month!!! Here are the times from the event on Saturday, July 11th:

Ben Cunningham - 20:27
Jesse Lang - 20:47
David Michael - 26:49
Francesca Cunningham - 27:51
Annie Lang 28:37
Mike McCombs 28:52.41
Jonathan McCombs 28:52.75
Jennifer McCombs 31.14
Michelle Jensen 31:27
Lucy Chang 31:35.33
Maura Strassburg 31.35.68

There are only two more events left this season and remember every time you participate you are entered into a drawing for $150 from Bikes To You and a family four pass to the new Aquatic Center. The more you attend, the better chance you have to win!!! See you in August.

Imagine Grinnell Finds New Home at Ahrens Foundation

2009-06-19T09:18:00.004-05:00

Starting May 1, 2009, the Imagine Grinnell office will be permanently located in the headquarters of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation at 1510 Penrose St. in Grinnell.

The move tells a story of how numerous community partnerships have linked together. The story began in the fall of 2007, when Imagine Grinnell and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation developed a partnership born out of their shared missions to improve quality of life in the community. Founded in 1989, the primary goal of GPCF is to assist donors in efficiently and effectively supporting nonprofit organizations that make life better for people in Poweshiek County. Through its relationship with the Ahrens Foundation, GPCF has provided Imagine Grinnell with administrative and asset management services since January 2008.

“With such a close mission fit between the GPCF and Imagine Grinnell, moving the Imagine Grinnell office to the Ahrens Foundation is a natural next step,” says Denise Lamphier, current president of Imagine Grinnell. “We have already benefited from the expertise the Ahrens Foundation team brings to the table and look forward to this new ‘living arrangement.’ The entire board is excited because this move will help Imagine Grinnell achieve greater efficiencies in serving the Grinnell community. That means our board and executive director can focus on the good work that needs to be done to keep Grinnell one of the coolest communities on the planet.”

Imagine Grinnell’s new contact information is as follows:

Address: 1510 Penrose Street, P.O. Box 344
Grinnell, IA 50112
Telephone: (641) 236-5518
Fax: (641) 236-5590
Email: imaginegrinnell@iowatelecom.net

2009-05-30T09:34:00.003-05:00

Grinnell Bike Week 2009 Highlights

Grinnell Bike Week kicked off on May 9th, with Imagine Grinnell’s first 2nd Saturdays bike/walk/run event of the season. The number of participants for our May event significantly increased over last year. In May of 2008, only eight people registered for the event. In May of 2009, twenty-three people took part in the event.

After 20 people registered with BikeIowa.com to commit to commuting to work by bike during Bike to Work Week 2008, we revamped our programming and aimed for a 50 percent increase in the number of people who registered with BikeIowa.com for 2009. This year, Grinnell ranked 9th in the state of Iowa with 72 registered riders indicating they were commuting from Grinnell to employment destinations. Grinnell ranked 8th for those commuting to Grinnell by bike with 70 registered riders.

The number of employers also rose significantly, with Grinnell College ranked 9th in the state overall with 38 registered riders. Grinnell Regional Medical Center had a solid showing with 7 registered riders, as did the City of Grinnell with 5 riders.

Way to go Grinnell Bikers!!!

Parks Spruced Up for Spring!

2009-05-06T09:55:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, May 2, community members gathered to clean up Central and Jaycee's Parks to welcome the 2009 spring season to Grinnell. Thank you to everyone who came out to make the parks clean-up a success!

Check out some pictures from the event!

May is Bike Month!

2009-04-27T19:11:00.005-05:00

There's a great slate of biking programs coming to Grinnell in May.

Friday, May 1st: Commuting by Bike 101
Mark Wyatt from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition will discuss all things related to commuting via bike. The class is FREE. Registration will start at 11:30 at the Veteran's Memorial Building with class running from noon until 1:30. Bring a sack lunch and join us for this great program.

Friday, May 8th: Bike Maintenance 101
Craig Cooper from Bikes To You will cover basic bicycle maintence. Like the commuting class, it will take place at the Veteran's Memorial Building. Running from 11:30 registration through 1:30.

The Bike Rodeo for kids, organized by the Grinnell Police and Recreation Departments, will be on Friday, May 15 on Commercial Street. This event is for Kindergarten thru 6th Grade. Registration will begin at 4pm and the rodeo will last until 5:30.

BIKE TO WORK WEEK

DAILY ACTIVITIES MAY 9-15

Saturday, May 9th - 2nd Saturday kick-off event
Registration 8:15 Event starts at 9am
Bike Trail head on Sunset Street, south of Grinnell High School

Get Movin' Monday: Ride your bike & bring your helmet into
GRINNELL COFFEE CO. OR SAINT'S REST
to receive a complimentary 12oz coffee

Taco Tuesday: Ride your bike & bring your helmet into
TACO JOHN'S
for a 69 cent crispy taco or bean burrito

Helmet Hair Wednesday
Stop into BIKES TO YOU with your helmet to have your picture taken
Most outrageous Helmet Hair wins a prize.

Thirsty Thursday: Ride your bike and bring your helmet to
PAGLIAI'S PIZZA for a free drink with entree or pizza purchase

Feeding Frenzy Friday: Ride your bike and bring your helmet to
LONNSKI'S and get 15% off your lunch or dinner bill

Be sure to register for Bike to Work Week at www.bikeiowa.org

Join us to clean up the BIKE TRAIL

2009-04-16T11:28:00.003-05:00

Imagine Grinnell is heading up the spring bike trail cleanup. We will meet at 8am on April 18th at Lion's Park. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves and such. Imagine Grinnell will provide garbage bags.

Many hands make the work go more quickly! Hope to see you there!!!

Imagine Grinnell Community Appreciation Dinner a Success!

2009-03-02T11:41:00.000-06:00

On Thursday, February 26th, Imagine Grinnell board members served a delicious pasta dinner at Lonnski's Pub and Deli to 63 members of the community and Imagine Grinnell.

Complete with good conversation, door prizes, and a silent auction, the dinner was a wonderful celebratory and community-building event. The silent auction raised $1,008, while tips totaled to $532.

Imagine Grinnell would like to thank all those who attended, donated to, and served in the event for their committed involvement. Thank you for making the evening a success and continuing to invest in your community!

Membership Appreciation Dinner

2009-02-16T09:33:00.002-06:00

Come join the fun on Thursday, February 26th when Imagine Grinnell board members will serve you a delicious pasta dinner at Lonnski's Pub and Deli. The all you can eat feast starts at 5:30 and is $8.50 per person.

Come learn about our latest achievements, have fun with the wait staff, bid on wonderful silent auction items, and maybe win a great door prize.

Silent Auction & door prizes include (but aren't limited too!) a dozen roses, a whirlpool suite, organizing help, chocolate, coffee and a spring share from the local CSA.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Please call Melissa Hull at 236-5518 by February 23rd to reserve your place for this great evening of food and fun!

Bike Trail Extension and Energy Lending Library

2008-12-12T09:34:00.003-06:00

2008 Tallgrass Bioneers Conference

2008-11-12T11:47:00.011-06:00

For those who were tired of bipartisan bickering over banker bail-outs and Joe the Plumber, this past Halloween weekend provided people from the local and regional communities ample opportunity to enjoy the fall weather at the 2008 Tallgrass Bioneers Conference. Instead of listening to politicians drone on about their campaign promises, participants heard great local and national speakers that have impacted real change in their communities.

The conference began on Friday, October 31 and ran through Sunday, November 2 and included a wide array of talks and activities. Friday featured a keynote address by Chad Pregracke, a young man dedicated to cleaning up the Mississippi River that has inspired others to adopt their own local waterways. The Saturday keynote was delivered by Alison Gannett - a world champion skier and climate change activist who converted the world's first 100mpg solar SUV hybrid and built the first straw-bale home in a national historic district.

Pre-recorded presentations (including Ray Anderson and Alexandra Cousteau) from the national Bioneers conference and local live workshops on community renewable energy projects, immigration and local water quality efforts that were shown throughout the weekend made up the majority of the program, but there were other fun events as well. Friday afternoon featured an opening of still/LIFE - an amazing art installation by Dallas environmental artist Tracy Hicks sponsored by the Faulconer Gallery, while Saturday featured a walking tour of a restored prairie, a tour of Iowa's first LEED gold certified "green building", a discussion on climate and adaptation by survivors of Katrina and the Cedar Rapids floods, and a hands-on workshop with Tracy Hicks. Saturday was topped off by a local food banquet prepared by Chef Kamal Hammouda of the Phoenix Cafe and a dinner speech by organic dairy farmer Francis Thicke.The weekend was rounded out with a lake clean-up at Rock Creek Lake on Sunday, a tour of a locally operated sustainable farm, a historic walking tour, an intergenerational art workshop, and pre-recorded presentations by Naomi Klein, Rebecca Moore, Rick Reed and more.

It was a great weekend of big-picture ideas and hands-on experiences!

To learn more about what participants saw that weekend, go to:

http://www.gotoplanb.net/bioneersconference/tallhome.html

2nd Saturdays Finale Concludes with Many Winners and Sunshine

2008-11-12T10:33:00.001-06:00

The 2008 2nd Saturdays program ended on a successful note as 35 people registered for and completed the final run/walk/bike event of the season.

The women’s overall winner of the day was Malyn Holman with a time of 22:22, while the men’s overall winner was David Clower with a time of 23:29. For other prizes, Larry McNaul (27:37), Clay Francis (23:50), and Barry Byrne (25:03) were the male winners in their age groups, while Sheila Smith (31:05), Valerie Schultz (22:49), and Deb Jacobson (49:13) were the female winners in their respective age groups.

As an added treat, Lonnski’s Pub and Deli provided breakfast burritos to all the participants.

More pictures information on the prize winners

for the 2008 season coming soon!

Thank you to Lonnski’s Pub and Deli, Hyvee, SYSCO Food Services of Iowa City, BikesToYou, Postels Community Health Park, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Grinnell College, Grinnell Regional Medical Center, McNally’s Saints Rest Coffee House, Total Home Service, and Headquarters for all their support and helping the 2nd Saturdays program successfully complete yet another season!

And thank you to the community members who volunteered or participated for being a vital part of 2nd Saturdays!

2nd Saturday Season Finale

2008-10-15T15:04:00.003-05:00

In that weather forced the cancellation of the planned September event, the 2nd Saturdays season finale will take place on Saturday October 18th. Participants can choose from a 5k walk or run, or a 10k recreational bike ride on the Grinnell Area Recreation Trail. The event is being held on the 3rd Saturday of this month due to previously scheduled conflicted event on the 2nd Saturday.

This event will be held rain or shine. Registration will begin at 8:15am at Lion's Park just west of the municipal swimming pool. Breakfast, provided by Lonnski's Pub and Deli, HyVee, and SYSCO Food Services of Iowa City, will be provided for all participants. Breakfast will consist of wraps, muffins, juice, and tea. The run/walk/ride event will start at 9am.

All participants will also qualify for entry in drawings for a great list of items including:

$150 Bikes to You gift certificate
Lonnski's gift certificate
A free massage from the Postels Community Health Park
$25 gift certificate from Brown's Shoe Fit

Be sure to join us for this great event!

Poweshiek County Board of Health Receives $90,411

2008-09-19T10:09:00.001-05:00

Funding to promote wellness and lower health care costs

Grinnell, Iowa - The Poweshiek Board of Health announced today that it was awarded $90,411 in funding to improve the health of their community. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Harkin Wellness Grant program, and the Iowa State Legislature’s support of local health initiatives. The board submitted a competitive grant application earlier this summer to the Iowa Department of Public Health to help them implement a creative approach to preventing disease and promoting wellness in Poweshiek County.

Robin Mann, Chair of the Poweshiek County Board of Health says the goal is to expand the Grinnell Area Recreation Trail that links Arbor Lake, HWY 146 and Industrial Avenue to integrate and promote physical activity as part of a way of life. The plan will improve recreation and link residences to shopping, employment and fitness facilities, and will include promotions to stimulate trail usage and build healthy activities.

“We are ecstatic that we have received this funding. The funding is the final installment of the $536,257 required for construction of the trail from Arbor Lake, via HWY 146 and south to Industrial Avenue,” said project coordinator Melissa Strovers. “Certainly, this segment of trail is going to have an immediate impact on our community. It provides a safe-off road route to shopping, employment, and recreation and fitness facilities south of Grinnell. Couple this with the grant’s funding for programming that encourages the use of the trail for not only recreation, but daily tasks, and it is a win-win for our health, the community, and the environment.”

Construction of this trail segment is scheduled to begin in June 2009. Following the construction of the trail segment, funds from the Harkin Wellness Grant program will be used for a bike/walk/run to shop and a bike/walk/run to work program, as well as the continuation of Imagine Grinnell’s 2nd Saturdays program. Local partners in the project include The city of Grinnell, Grinnell College, Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Poweshiek County Board of Health, Imagine Grinnell, and Bikes to You.

“Prevention and health promotion today are the keys to reducing health care costs tomorrow and for helping Iowans live a longer, happier life,” said U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, who helped secure the federal portion of the new funding. “I congratulate the Poweshiek Board of Health and I look forward to learning how this project improves the health of this community.”

For more information about the project or to get involved, contact Melissa Strovers at 236-6311 or imaginegrinnell@iowatelecom.net

Imagine Grinnell’s 2nd Saturdays Finale to Round Out Season with Breakfast, Prizes

2008-09-08T09:54:00.002-05:00

The 2008 2nd Saturdays season is about to wave goodbye, with the finale event on Saturday, September 13.

Introduced in the fall of 2006, the main focus of these events has been to raise community awareness of the Grinnell Area Recreational Trail while also encouraging community members to stay active and use the trail as a resource. Participants can choose from a 5k walk or run, or a 5k or 10k recreational bike ride on the Grinnell Area Recreational Trail.

This year the season finale will include breakfast provided by Lonnski’s Pub and Deli, Hy-Vee, and SYSCO Food Services of Iowa City. Breakfast will consist of wraps, muffins, juice, and tea. A Grand Prize drawing for a $150 Bikes ToYou gift certificate, Lonnski’s Pub and Deli gift certificates, massage gift certificates from Postels Community Health Park, a $25 gift certificate from Brown’s Shoe Fit, and other great prizes will also help mark the end of the season.

"This is a wonderful family event,” says Craig Cooper, Imagine Grinnell Board Member and owner of Bikes to You. “Everyone has a great time, and it’s a way for us to remind the community that we have a trail system that we are continually working to expand,"

Rob Clower, also an Imagine Grinnell Board Member, echoes Cooper’s sentiments. “Having a local six-mile and one-quarter, hard-surface trail that’s completely separate from the road is something we can be proud of. 2nd Saturdays is a great way to celebrate the trail by beginning the weekend with a little fresh air, and it’s even better when company and prizes are involved,” says Clower.

Registration for the finale event will begin at 8:15 a.m. at Lion’s Park on the corner of Sunset Street and 8th Avenue. All events will start at 9 a.m., with breakfast beginning at 9:30 a.m. for the participants.

The 2nd Saturdays program has had many official sponsors and supporters, including Grinnell College, BikesToYou, Grinnell Regional Medical Center, McNally’s, Saints Rest Coffee House, Total Home Service, Lonnski’s Pub and Deli, Headquarters, Hy-Vee, Brown’s Shoe Fit, and SYSCO Food Services of Iowa City.

For more information, call Imagine Grinnell at (641) 236-6311.

Chamber Chatter

2008-07-31T09:58:00.003-05:00

Pictured are Martha Pinder, Monique Shore, Rich Dana, Lorna Calkins, Melissa Strovers and Dorothy Spriggs.

Twenty five Chamber Ambassadors met with Lorna Calkins of Stewart Library, Rich Dana, Imagine Grinnell Energy Coordinator, and Melissa Strovers, ED for Imagine Grinnell, for the "unofficial" kick-off of the new Energy Lending Library. The new program was funded by a grant received from Grinnell College's mini-grant program. Grinnell's Energy Lending Library is a collaboration between Imagine Grinnell and the Grinnell Public Library designed to help area
residents think critically about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the positive effects of using less fossil fuel on both our local community and the larger world. Hands-on training, tools, and online resources will assist library users in putting their new knowledge into action. The tool kits and books will available for check out in late August.

New Second Saturdays "Postcard"

2008-07-10T22:17:00.000-05:00

Grinnell Youth Conservation Corps - An Evening of Shoreline Restoration!

2008-06-19T11:12:00.003-05:00

THE GRINNELL YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS

invites you to Arbor Lake for an evening of hand-on shoreline restoration

Thursday, June 26
6:30pm-8:30pm

Meet at the picnic shelter

In just their first two weeks, the crew removed invasive trees and shrubs from 150 yards of shoreline, removed invasive regrowths in the community work day area from last year, and picked up garbage in the North end of the lake. To begin invasive shrub and tree removal along the Northwest edge of the lake, they need your help!

Please wear gloves and bring a lopper and/or bow saw. Come when you can, stay as long as you'd like!
Questions? Contact Erica Hougland, YCC coordinator, at 816-679-6788 or hougland@grinnell.edu.

Crawford Recipient of Service Scholarship

2008-06-11T09:37:00.004-05:00

For Lucas Crawford, service is not merely a college application requirement - it is a way of life. With 620 hours of volunteer work over the past 4 years under his belt, Crawford exemplifies outstanding youth civic engagement in the Grinnell community. For his demonstrated service to the community, Crawford, son of Renny and Dennis Crawford, received Imagine Grinnell’s 2008 service scholarship and will apply it to his Iowa State University college expenses.
Whether it’s mulching a playground or assisting with the Kids Against Hunger campaign with his church, conducting a computer-part recycling drive and helping with the M.I.C.A food drive through 4-H, mentoring younger Scouts as an Eagle Scout, or volunteering at the elementary school Fun Night with the high school Soccer team, Crawford has donated time to a wide variety of organizations during his high school career. In the past year, he has logged 130 volunteer hours for his church, 4-H program, Boy Scouts, and school. His service-oriented lifestyle began in the third grade and has evolved throughout the years from participatory roles to coordinating and implementing service projects in and around Grinnell.
The $500 scholarship is dedicated to encouraging youth civic engagement and recognizing graduating high school students for outstanding service to their communities. To be eligible for this scholarship awarded every year in May, the applicant must be a graduating Grinnell High School student who has contributed at least 100 volunteer hours to the community in the previous 12 months. For more information about the 2009 Imagine Grinnell Service Scholarship, visit the Imagine Grinnell website at www.imaginegrinnell.com.

Ribbon-Cutting and Second Saturday Kickoff a Festive Celebration!

2008-06-02T09:23:00.006-05:00

Thank you all for making this event a success! Even though there were sprinkling showers, more than 40 people attended the ribbon-cutting event celebrating the newest addition to the Grinnell Area Recreation Trail along with the first Second Saturdays event in 2008 on May 10 at Lion's Park. The latest trail addition stretches 350 yards linking Lion's Park to Iowa Valley Community College and allows people to safely travel between the community college and the Grinnell High School area. Grinnell now has a full 6.25 miles of trail running from the community college to Rock Creek State Park in Jasper County.

Grinnell Mayor Gordon Canfield did the honors of the actual ribbon-cutting, and Rob Clower (a member of the Imagine Grinnell board) kicked off the 2008 Second Saturdays program.
Thank you to the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the Grinnell Lions Club, Iowa Valley Community College, and all the participants who came to the event and made it a success!

~~~

If you're interested in participating in a Second Saturdays event, mark these dates on your calendar!

~~~ June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13 ~~~
Your choice of a 5k run/walk, or a 5k, 10k, or 20k bike ride. Cyclists, please wear helmets!
Registration starts at 8:15am on these dates, and all events begin at 9am at Sunset and Eighth.

Kites over Grinnell

2008-05-29T09:03:00.001-05:00

A great video of Kites over Grinnell!

2008-05-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

Grinnell High School students "Bike to School" day a BIG SUCCESS!

Bike to Work Week is almost here!

2008-04-25T10:37:00.007-05:00

What: Bike to Work Week!

When: May 10 - 16.

Why: Promote a fun & healthy alternative form of transportation

Register: www.bikeiowa.com

It's free!

***

This year Imagine Grinnell is spearheading the Bike to Work Week effort in Grinnell from May 10 – 16. This nationally recognized week–long event will be kicked-off locally on Saturday, May 10th at 9:30 a.m. at Lion’s Park on Sunset and 8th Ave.

Grinnell’s first Bike to Work Week event will add to larger nation- and state-wide efforts to encourage drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to share the road in a safe manner. Besides promoting a fun and healthy alternative form of transportation, Bike to Work Week’s objectives are to raise public awareness about the sustainability of biking, make bicyclists visible on the streets, and encourage environmental responsibility.

This year marks Iowa’s sixth year participating in the event, and Governor Culver has proclaimed May 2008 as Iowa Bike Month to promote bike advocacy in Iowa. Bike to Work Week events will be taking place all over the state. This year, Iowa hopes to hit a goal of 2,000 registered riders. Last year the Des Moines metro area had more than 1,400 registered riders, and this year Grinnell will be added to the list of communities that participate in the event.

“Imagine Grinnell is excited to sponsor this initiative in Grinnell,” says Jim Powers, Imagine Grinnell president. “Events such as Bike to Work Week and Second Saturdays provide an excellent opportunity to encourage cycling and use of the recreational trail we have in our community. We hope you will join us to celebrate these events.”

In Grinnell, the week will be kicked-off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Lions Park on Saturday, May 10th at 9:30 a.m. The ribbon cutting is to celebrate the newest extension of the Grinnell Area Recreation Trail from Lions Park south to Iowa Valley Community College. Also, Imagine Grinnell’s first Second Saturday event of the season will begin right after the ceremony. Second Saturdays take place the second Saturday of every month and encourages community members to come out for a walk, ride, or run on the Grinnell Area Recreation Trail.

Bike to Work Week registration is free and will run through the day of the event. To register to participate, please go to www.bikeiowa.com.

***

Questions? Want additional information?
Contact Imagine Grinnell at:
641.236.6311
imaginegrinnell@iowatelecom.net

Come participate in Grinnell’s first-ever Bike to Work Week effort!

Don’t miss the first 2nd Saturdays event of 2008!

2008-04-25T10:29:00.004-05:00

This year’s kick-off will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, just following Imagine Grinnell’s ribbon-cutting ceremony (to which you’re all invited, of course!) for the new bike trail section. The ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. @ Lions Park (8th & Sunset).

Register for 2nd Saturdays any time after 9 a.m. Choose from a 5k run-walk, a timed event, or a 5k, 10k or 20k recreational bike ride.
Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for entrants under 18. Kids under 5 are free.

***NOTE that subsequent 2nd Saturdays start times will be 9 a.m.***

Stay tuned! More 2008 2nd Saturdays dates to come!

For more information, please call Imagine Grinnell @ 236-6311.

Every Day is Earth Day

2008-04-25T10:06:00.001-05:00

Iowa Global Warming, Sierra Club, I-Renew, Imagine grinnell and Grinnell Green Drinks present:

~~~Every Day is Earth Day~~~
Thursday, April 24, 2008 7:00pm to 9:00pm

An exclusive viewing and discussion of the documentary

Global Warming: The Signs and the Science

Harris Center Cinema
1113 10th Ave., Grinnell, IA

For more information: Mike Carberry 319-594-6453
mcarberry@iowaglobalwarming.org
www.IowaGlobalWarming.org

Kick the Petroleum Habit!

2008-04-25T09:31:00.011-05:00

Do you want to reduce fuel costs at your farm, business or home?

If you are interested in making your own biodiesel or ethanol, building a small-scale biogas digester, or turning waste products into fuel to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, join us for the first meeting of the GAPRI workgroup. Let's talk about how we can work together to help find alternatives to high-priced, imported fossil fuels.

April 15, 2008, 6:30pm
Grinnell Public Library
Free to the public

For more information, call Rich at 319.530.6051
or email rich@gotoplanb.net.

Sponsored by the Imagine Grinnell Energy Program, The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Grinnell Area Petroleum Replacement Initiative (GAPRI)

Spring Bike Trail Cleaning

2008-04-24T09:16:00.001-05:00

Volunteers are needed to help clean the Grinnell Area Recreation Trail. Following a long-snowy winter, the trail is in need of spring cleaning! We hope you will join us to get the trail in tip-top shape for the upcoming biking/running/walking season.

When: Saturday, April 19th @ 8 a.m.

Where: Meet at Lions Park (Sunset and 8th Ave.)

Please bring your brooms, gloves, and smiling faces!