Make a difference. Meet new people. Be part of community. Learn new skills. Volunteering has many benefits to volunteers as well as the organizations they serve. On this national week recognizing volunteers, we'd like to say a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you who help our community organizations make a difference.
It can be hard to find time to volunteer, but many organizations in our community depend on volunteer support to move their missions forward. Did you know the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation and its partner organizations were served by over 500 individuals, including board members and volunteers who carry out their mission, in the last year alone?
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id you know the chamber's board of directors is all volunteer? We appreciate the time and talent they each bring to our organization. We also utilize volunteers at nearly every event we do! Friday Fest, Grinnell Games, Grinnell on the Fourth, Jingle Bell Holiday, are all made possible with the support of individuals just like you, even several of you. For that we are grateful.
Additionally our office (Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank) is kept open on weekends throughout the year because of the commitment from a core group of docents. If you're interested in architecture, greeting visitors or simply spending time in one of the most beautiful buildings in Grinnell, please contact our office. We're always looking for new folks to get involved. We'll even be holding a volunteer training (and update for existing volunteers!) on Saturday, May 20 at 9:00am. Respond to this email if you're interested in attending and learning more.
Small communities are founded and driven on core values. Their citizens, their businesses and their volunteers work together to make things happen. If you already volunteer in some capacity, thank you. If you'd like to get more involved, please consider joining your fellow Grinnellians by volunteering and making a positive impact on our community.
Have you ever heard someone say, "The only constant is change"? In an ever-evolving world, this phrase couldn't be more true. But change is generally not easy, and we were reminded of that this week as a couple businesses announced upcoming closures.
Businesses and their owners are faced with difficult decisions every day: where to spend marketing dollars, what products to carry, etc. Perhaps the biggest decision they face is choosing the time to close their doors. Unfortunately that decision became a reality for two of our downtown businesses this week: Gamers and Memories Maid. I hope you had the opp
ortunity to patronize their businesses during the time they were open, but if you have not I would encourage you stop by in the next few weeks. We are confident they have grown throughout the process of owning their businesses and are excited to see what the future holds for them as individuals. Please remember, these are individuals who took a risk to open a small business in downtown Grinnell and we recognize their accomplishments and commitment to community.
Do not fret or start to worry about the future of downtown; many people are committed to ensuring the success of downtown for years to come and are working diligently to make this happen. There are many things in the works, and I believe there will be some exciting announcements in the future.
In the meantime, please make sure you continue to support the existing businesses in our community. Shopping local truly is critical to their long-term success.
--Rachael Kinnick
It's that time of year again - our office is busy preparing for many warm-weather activities! Grinnell Games, presented by Grinnell State Bank, is just 59 days away! Make sure to mark your calendar for June 16th - 18th to bring your family out for another great weekend of activities. Returning events include the popular 5k Warrior Run on Friday night, co-ed sand volleyball tournament and UV Splash run/walk on Saturday, and the 5K run on Sunday morning.
We've also added two new events to this year's lineup. Saturday's activities will kick off with a Sprint Triathlon which will start with a swim in the Natatorium at Grinnell College, a bike ride out on the trails near Rock Creek State Park, and a run through downtown Grinnell. You can complete the whole thing yourself or sign up as a team of 3 to tackle this event!
Saturday afternoon, take a bike ride through downtown Grinnell, as a part of another new event, "Tour de Grinnell". This family-fun ride will bring you to some of Grinnell's favorite shops and treat you to a scenic tour of the latest art installations in town.
In addition to these great events, a Movie Under the Stars will be held Friday night, the Lil Warrior Run returns Saturday morning followed by free field day activities Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
For more information on these events and to register, visit www.grinnellgames.com
Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have your help – along with your spouse, your frineds, your neighbors, your teammates, your church group, and anyone else you know! Sign up for a shift here - volunteers for at least one shift and get a free t-shirt!
