Tammy R. Lawson

March 6, 2008

Tammy R. Lawson

MC Sun Staff Writer

You can’t help but notice the crisp, new banner adorning the entry that reads “Welcome, Friends” in eight different languages.

The recently established New Iowan Center, in conjunction with Marshalltown’s Iowa Workforce Development Office, provides a countless number of free services to those who have recently moved to Iowa, are seeking employment, or just want to learn a second way to communicate.

The IWD Initiative first opened offices around the state of Iowa in 2000 with goals of educating individuals and various community employers on issues relating to immigration, workforce development, small business programs, and economic development assistance. Overall, the organization has served people from over 100 countries including Brazil, China, Argentina, Ecuador, and France.

“We have people coming in and looking for anything from housing to employment searching, and we’ve even had people come in who [reside] here,” explained Coordinator Stephanie Snow on the services offered to all, including local residents. “Our doors are open to anyone, but our focus is mainly on people who are new to Iowa.”

With the populating incline of Marshall County’s cultural divisions, the overwhelming need for the facility was obvious from the IWD’s point of view. Since opening, the center currently assists 50 people on a monthly basis with free services that include résumé writing, diversity training (which helps new residents adapt to culture shock or it can be used by employers who are looking for a more fluent employee communication), citizenship training, relocation, and with the filing deadline being right around the “eee-i, eee-I OWE” corner, income tax/ITIN information and referral will surely be popular-like it or not.

From the wealth of New Iowan Center assistance, the English and Spanish classes provide area newbie’s two specialized ways of learning a second language. The One On One Program gives a personal, face-to-face conversational learning experience, while the Rosetta Stone® Language Learning Program focuses on individualized, in-house computer instruction that uses speech recognition technology and real-time simulations, thus allowing one to progress effectively at their own pace.

If you would like more information on the services offered, contact the New Iowan Center on 3405 South Center Street in Marshalltown at (641)844-6993 and Coordinator Stephanie Snow or Associate Juana Alcantar will answer any questions.

“Oh my gosh, you get the chance to meet people from all over the world,” Snow commented about some of the clients who have walked passed the welcoming banner. “It makes my job really fun to do.”

Now there’s something you just don’t hear every day.

Marshall County Sun© Copyright 2008

February 21, 2008

Tammy R. Lawson,
MC Sun Staff Writer -

Just do it and get it over with - hum a few bars of “Karma Chameleon”, and then we can all move on.

Monday was Cultural Advocacy Day across the state of Iowa, and Marshall County’s Culture Club, an extension organization of the Arts and Culture Alliance, hopes to blend a palette of diversity and artistic talent that could be advantageous to residents and tourists alike.

“The Club was formed so people could meet, get to know one another, and then work together in order to show people the various cultural experiences that exist,” said Beth Burkemper, ACA Executive Director, characterizing the volunteer-based group. “I see this as an enhancement.”

Marshall County has long been considered an area hub for arts and cultural organizations due to its Midwest location. Being nestled between Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and nearby Ames, the city is surrounded by dozens of smaller townships that contain their share of au courant urbanity.

“Everyone wants to create, and creativity isn’t something you can shut down,” said Central Iowa Art Association’s Rosemary Meling. “This is a great opportunity for people to expose their own, creative aspects.”

Since the county has a history of support for the arts, the Culture Club is hoping to network local groups in order to showcase a cornucopia of everything from candle making to mariachi bands.

“I think it would be interesting to work with the schools-whether during school hours or after-to provide some kind of opportunity for the people in the Latino culture to have access to equipment or instruction in order to learn mariachi music,” explained Latinas al Éxito Representative Jan Mitchell. “Students start to learn the instruments, but usually they’re in concert, jazz, or marching bands; therefore it’s not part of the culture.”

Bringing artists into the Education & Training Center in order to help students develop their own artistic quality is an idea that Gloria DeBower, Family Literacy Coordinator for Iowa Valley Continuing Education, would like to pursue, whereas music would coincide different perspectives into their own values. “Even if they are local musicians, to teach the art would be a way the kids can develop it into their culture.”

Annie Grieshop agrees, having a head start with a March 15th event called An Old Fashioned Singing School-complete with music reading instruction and a capella singing.

Other events on the Culture Club agenda include Orphaned Art at The Perfect Setting on March 27th, ‘Romeo & Juliet’, a fundraiser for the ACA on April 25th, ‘Cyro Baptista’ at the Martha Ellen Tye Playhouse on May 5th, the American Cancer Society’s June Benefit with a performance by Rubberbandance Group, October’s Art & Compassion Soup Lunch, and the Assistance League Marketplace, which will take place in November.

Of course, local businesses and vendors would fair from this collaboration as well with such events as the Hispanic Heritage Festival and annual Garden Extravaganza, which Main Street Community Executive Director Marie Steenlage boasts as a win-win deal for the district.

“It’s not only an event to focus on creative activity in the downtown area, but it’s a unique time to show what the community has to offer,” Steenlage said. “It’s also a retail event, so it all fits together.”

One day, the refurbishing of a multi-purpose theatre will be new icing on the proverbial downtown cake, and with several efforts currently in the works to raise the remaining $80,000 ransom for its life, the Orpheum Theatre will undoubtedly be a draw for businesses, a site for art exhibits, and a flashback for those old enough to remember its ‘when I was your age’ marquee.

“I think all of this is a real, great source of real collaboration to bring several organizations such as the library, the Community Theatre, and others together,” said Sue Martin, Executive Director of the Martha Ellen Tye Foundation. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for everybody.”

One more thing: If you’re too young to know who Boy George is, lucky YOU.

Marshall County Sun© Copyright 2008