City Council Advises Re-Group of Housing Committee
The city council moved this week to seek recommendations of the housing committee before moving forward with the south housing development. The council made their determination after viewing the plan presented by MMS Consulting of Iowa City.
The housing committee has been dormant since providing feedback to the city on "covenant" recommendations for the housing development and after the Montezuma Housing Study was presented in April 2011. While Montezuma's population has remained steady for several years, the in-commute of the area's workforce has continued to climb. Some of our local industries report that approximately 50-70% of their workforce commute from other communities. Many who are part of this workforce are wage earners and next generation (25-44 y.o) folks who are looking for a great place to live that offers affordable housing, services and amenities that are attractive to the lifestyle that is important to them. "Live first, work second has become the defining ethic of the next generation," (Rebecca Ryan on getting inside the head of the the new Creative Class). More rural counties and communities like Montezuma should be taking notes from our state's urban centers who are doing a good job attracting the next generation. Affordable housing is just one area that needs to be addressed as the housing committee returns to the table.
The summary from the Region 6 Housing Study states:
"Poor housing can affect the health of residents and the property values of surrounding homes. Well kept and well planned housing invites families to settle in an area, makes the community attractive, and keeps families healthy and in tact. Adequate housing options support business development and community growth. The number of people commuting to Montezuma for work is higher than other Iowa communities. Capturing some of these commuters will be beneficial to the community. Retaining these workers requires an adequate, attractive and affordable housing stock. Having an adequate supply of housing will support the community's school."
Poweshiek County Historical Museum Making Music
The Poweshiek County Historical Museum is beginning to take shape so the doors can be opened to the public in the near future. One of the most notable features in the museum is an Eastlake Story & Clark Pump Organ from the late 1800's. The reed organ (pipes are made of wood) has a number of stops that are pulled to create a variety of sounds. Three of the stops of this parlor organ function and produce a nice sound, with nine stops that need attention. Although the instrument may need a significant amount of restoration work, a good cleaning might just do the trick. Museum volunteers have been approached about offering a guest program and community sing-a-long to feature the historic organ.
Director's Quill
I hear happy birds chirping out my window this morning, singing joyfully about the much needed rain that our thirsty ground enjoyed last night. And I hear more rain is on the way for the upcoming holiday weekend. I'm sure many of you have outdoor plans, but few of you will not let the rain spoil your cookouts and fishing expeditions. Don't forget to spend some time remembering our Veterans and those that have gone before. Veterans Graves will be decorated at Jackson Cemetery Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., and the Community Memorial Day Observance will occur on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Day is always the start of what I call "Flag Season". The American Flag, a symbol of our freedoms, will be flown throughout the weekend with many other observances in the coming weeks. June 14 is National Flag Day. I always remember Flag Day because it just happens to be my parent's wedding anniversary too, and thankfully serves as a secondary reminder that I should send a card or make a phone call. The tradition of Flag Day was inspired by several decades of state and local celebrations and the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, and established by a proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Later, on May 30, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
June 30 this year kicks off the Let Freedom Ring Celebration in Montezuma. Many terrific events throughout the community will be a part of the celebration, including the Saturday morning parade. The MCD office is coordinating this year's parade which offers the theme "Stars and Stripes Forever". Registration forms are available at Ron's, The Lady Bug, Vannoys, Simone's and the City Office. We are honored to have our parade led this year by our own Veteran, Dale Watts!
The Stars and Stripes Forever theme has been selected as another adoration of the American Flag. By another Act of Congress, the well-known John Phillip Sousa march became National March of the United States of America. We all know the tune, which is classified by a march followed by a trio (when the piccolo begins to sing). The lyrics are less familiar than the strains of America the Beautiful or the Star Spangled Banner:
Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever,
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.
May it wave as our standard forever,
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.
Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend!
Upcoming Events
Plant Up! Montezuma Beautification Event on the Square
Friday, June 1 from 4-7 p.m. & Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to Noon
Bring your work gloves and community pride!
Downtown Revitalization Public Forum
Tuesday, June 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Short meeting, your input is important!
MHS Alumni Football Game at Badger-Gabriel Field
Friday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Half of all pre-sold tickets goes back to the school.
Summer Nights on the Square - Music, Food, Games & More
Tuesday, June 12 from 6-8 p.m.
FREE Event sponsored by the Montezuma Ministerial Association
For a complete listing of all community events, please visit the Community Calendar at www.montezumaiowa.org
