Today Ambassadors visited Walmart Grinnell to learn more about the current remodel which started this week, from store manager Kody Bigelow. The remodel will be taking place in phases and will last approximately 16 weeks. Most of the remodel is taking place throughout the night so there will be minimal disruption during regular store hours to shoppers. The Grinnell store has not had a remodel since 2006, which was when the store relocated to its current location. There are some great changes coming when this remodel is complete and the WalMart team are very excited for the needs they will be meeting for our community.
The remodel will bring more selection in additional Asian and Hispanic grocery products, and will feature an expanded beer, wine & liquor section. They are also launching a gluten-free section based on feedback from customers and Walmart associates. While departments will be shifting to create a more cohesive layout mirroring other Walmart locations, nearly all of our amenities are staying and many are being expanded! The pharmacy will be getting an expanded footprint, including a services room for more privacy. Walmart Plus will also be launching RX Delivery to its users in the coming weeks. The Pet section will be upgraded and moved towards the back of the store, and will feature the addition of 2 Fresh Pet coolers. The Grinnell store will soon feature 8 staffed checkout registers, in addition to self checkout options. The restrooms will be getting an entire remodel as well as an addition of a mothers room. Perhaps one of the coolest additions to the space will be a mural in the entryway; Kody said the mural will reflect the Grinnell Community and is excited to see it completed towards the end of the remodel.
Some key take-aways Walmart wants our community to know:
1. Be patient with them, the staff is hard at work staying up-to-date on temporary product moves and being as informed as they can be. They are also willing to help you locate what you need, and you can search a product's aisle location online.
2. Continue to shop with them! Many items are being clearanced out to accommodate the remodel so there are great deals in many departments. Walmart is here to stay and will continue to serve the Grinnell Community.
3. If there is a product you would like to see carried in the Grinnell store, talk with Kody or a store leader and they'll see if they can accommodate - they want to be able to meet the needs of our local community if they can!
P.S. The bread is now in aisle A15!
Pictured L-R: Phil Grout- Hy-Vee, Trent Arment- MCG - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Rachael Kinnick- Grinnell Chamber, Donna Fischer- UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Jennifer McAlexander- Hawkeye Lock & Security & JM Consulting, Hannah O'Polka- Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Joni Schmidt- The Mayflower Community, Rachel Arsenault- Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Brenden Baxter- T-Mobile, Fran Conn- Retired, Desiree Strayer- German Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Brianna Gaunt- Community 1st Credit Union, Davant Marshall- T-Mobile, Matt Moyer- Bayer Crop Science, Jeff Finch- Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Casey Hawkins- Walmart Grinnell & Kody Bigelow- Walmart Grinnell
Ambassadors visited Beckman Gallery & Gifts today to learn more about shopping local this holiday season. Owner Ryan Beckman shared that his team has been immersed in all things holiday since October, getting the store decorated and holiday items ordered and out.
Some of the popular items this year are Jellycats stuffed animals, P.F. Candle Co., Stonewall Home & Kitchen, Barebones, Michel Design Works and more. In addition to the huge selection of products and gifts in store, Ryan and his team have been working hard to build out a website where people can order online and pick up in store or have gifts shipped anywhere in the US. While it hasn’t been an easy process, having a virtual presence has allowed Beckman’s customer base to grow.
Beckman Gallery & Gifts is open until 7 PM this week and 5 PM on Saturday as part of our holiday Extended Retail Hours. Stop in store at 912 Main St to shop or head online to beckmangallery.com
Additional Extended Retail Hours activities include:
Pictured L-R: Jeff Finch - Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Lisa Cirks - Cirks Financial Services, Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Rick Jacoby - Grinnell American Legion, Ryan Beckman - Beckman Gallery & Gifts, Monica St Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
Ambassadors got the opportunity to tour the new Grinnell College Renfrow Hall student residence this morning. Assistance Vice President for Facilities Management, Rick Whitney, and Director of Outreach Programming and events, Sarah Smith, shared more about how the space will function for students and community members.
The new residence hall has capacity for 109 students with most living in a 4 person apartment with individual bedrooms and shared bathrooms, kitchen, and living spaces. There are also 2 staff apartments and staff offices within the building. Each apartment is fully furnished with furniture so students only need to bring personal items, decorations, and kitchen utensils.
The South Tower is currently open to students and the first floor features Weingart Pavillion, a space where students and community members will be able to congregate. With space for 70 people, A/V capabilities and a small kitchenette, the room will be available for community meetings and gatherings along with private events. More details about how to rent the space will be coming soon.
The architects worked to bring nature indoors in the form of 3 large planters and a two-story living wall. All the planters have an irrigation system that utilizes rain water collected off the roof of the building. There is also a green roof on the connector portion between both towers that will help collect rainwater off the building.
The College also invested heavily in infrastructure that isn't overly visible. Renfrow is connected to the heating and cooling system and power systems utilized by the college. Significant energy infrastructure was added under the former St Mary hall, and it's also connected to a new utility tunnel under the downtown offices (821 5th Ave) as well. These properties are also able to utilize the energy gathered at the north Solar Field on 16th Ave.
Once completed, the property will also feature a south lawn and a central lawn that will be a green space for students and community members to enjoy. Students are currently living in the South Tower and report their favorite aspects are the kitchens and being able to cook for themselves along with utilizing the common areas for gatherings. The North Tower will open to students for the second semester, starting in January.
Pictured L-R: Monica St Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Matt Moyer - Bayer Crop Science, Whitney Bair Crawford, Agent with New York Life, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Erin Bustin - Grinnell School of Music, Briana Gaunt - Community 1st Credit Union, Milton Sever - Grinnell College Museum of Art, Susan Baley - Grinnell College Museum of Art, Shane Hart - Grinnell College Golf Course, Sarah Smith - Grinnell College, Daniel Strong - Grinnell College Museum of Art, Carl Meck - GreenState Credit Union Grinnell, Rick Whitney - Grinnell College, Donnette Ellis - Grinnell College Community Connections, Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Kody Bigelow - Walmart Grinnell, Donna Fischer - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Brad German - GreenState Credit UnionGrinnell, Jess Dawson - REMAX Partners Realty- Grinnell, Jeff Finch - Wes Finch Auto Plaza, Fran Conn, Desiree Strayer - German Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Lisa Cirks - Cirks Financial Services, Charlie Isaacs - Theisen's, Marissa Ylagan - Grinnell Chamber, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber
Ambassadors welcomed new member Out And About With Jamie Grout Podcast to the Chamber today. Jamie has been in radio for 49 years, most recently part of the morning team at Energy 106.7, but transitioned into podcasting earlier this year.
Jamie worked to cover local news and happenings in the Grinnell and Newton area, hoping to fill a void left by changes in local radio programming. His Grinnell podcast airs once a week on all major podcast platforms along with posting to his website and YouTube channel. He’s recently covered the Grinnell Historical Museum, Poweshiek County Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Grinnell Area Arts Council, Kites Over Grinnell and more. Each episode ranges from 15-30 minutes with a 5-6 minute video cast that gets posted to the website and YouTube page. Jamie also provided live coverage of this year’s Grinnell-Newburg Homecoming Parade and the Kites Over Grinnell event.
Jamie is always looking to help businesses and organizations share their story. if you have a topic suggestion, email jamiegrout@outlook.com.
Follow Out & About with Jamie Grout on all major podcast platforms, YouTube and Facebook to see the latest show releases.
Pictured L-R: Marissa Ylagan - Grinnell Chamber, Dedee Lehman - All In Real Estate Inc., Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Alicia Blankenfeld - Total Choice Shipping & Printing, Jamie Grout - Out And About With Jamie Grout Podcast, Monica St Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Nathan Beck - Community 1st Credit Union, Donna Fischer - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Matt Moyer - Bayer Crop Science, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Lisa Cirks - Cirks Financial Services, Fran Conn
Ambassadors visited with Grinnell Area Arts Council director Monica St Angelo and wheat paste mural artist Isaac Campbell to learn more about the Grinnell Connections Wheat Paste Mural project that was completed earlier this fall.
The idea of a public art installation first came about as Monica was working with Monique Shore on an exhibit using photos from the Poweshiek History Preservation Project from Drake Community Library. They wanted to more broadly share some of the material in the online archives with the community. Isaac’s name came up after he completed a project in Coralville. Monica invited him to town in 2023 to explore the community and consider how to make the project come together.
After securing funding from The Iowa Arts Council, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Grinnell College, City of Grinnell, Friends of Drake Community Library, and Grin Cupola, the Grinnell Area Arts Council was able to enter a partnership with Drake Community Library and building owners in Grinnell to paste 10 images across the community. Isaac and Monica led a team of community volunteers in pasting the images in advance of the Renfrow Hall dedication. Isaac also spent time with Grinnell High School - GNCSD and Davis Elementary students in addition to leading a Bucket Course session and working with Studio 6 students.
Each mural has an adjoining description and QR code that tells the story behind the photograph. The murals typically last 3-6 months before they need to be removed. Isaac said that the dry spell we had following the installation was helpful and hopes they last longer. Monica is hopeful this project will inspire the community to further invest in public art and is excited about what the next iterations of that could look like.
If you’re interested in learning more about Isaac and this project, he’ll be doing a special encore Bucket Course presentation on Wednesday, December 4 at 7 PM at the library. You can find a map of all the large murals on the Arts Council website or pick up a printed copy in the Arts Council or Chamber offices.
Bonus: Isaac pasted 7 Cornelia Clarke cats around town. Have you found them all?
Pictured L-R: Rachel Arseneault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Sarah Smith - Grinnell College, Jennifer McAlexander - JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security, Jess Dawson - REMAX Partners Realty- Grinnell, Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Shane Hart - Grinnell College Golf Course, Monica St Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Isaac Campbell - artist, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber, Marissa Ylagan - Grinnell Chamber, Kyle Stock - Brown's Shoe Fit Grinnell, Joni Schmidt - The Mayflower Community, Donnette Ellis - Grinnell College Community Connections
Not pictured: Jeff Finch - Wes Finch Auto Plaza
