Poweshiek County Career Fair, August 1

In response to the ever tightening labor market and to assist local employment needs, Poweshiek Iowa Development's Workforce Coalition is proud to partner with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell to host a career fair. The career fair is Wednesday, August 1, 2012 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Iowa Valley Community College , 123 Sixth Avenue , in Grinnell.  This event is open to any business or organization that has job openings. Employers will be accepting applications during this event. This event is free for all job seekers. Job seekers are encouraged to dress in appropriate attire for their business type.  Employers interested in participating should contact Poweshiek Iowa Development at (641) 236-1626 or e-mail deb@powi80.com. Registration forms and full details are available at www.powi80.com under “workforce”.

Daycare Committee to meet with First Children's Finance & USDA Rural Development

The Montezuma Day Care Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 1st to begin looking at ways to fund the community daycare project.  Representatives from First Children's Finance and the USDA Rural Development office will be on hand to present information towards expediting the local project.  First Children's Finance provides loans and technical assistance in 10 states including Iowa.  The organization also provides consulting services to communities who are planning childcare facilities, which may include a feasibility study for the Montezuma project.  USDA Rural Development provides some grants and a variety of loan options through their network of services for small communities.  A Community Development Block Grant through the state may also be a source of funding.  The City of Montezuma has made a commitment to participate financially, and plans a future work session once more information on the project cost comes in. 

Drum Corp International Competition, August 3

If you have never witnessed a live Drum Corp International event, a rare opportunity is coming to the region on Friday, August 3, at 7 p.m.  Oskaloosa Community Stadium at the Lacey Sports Complex will host Music on the March 2, an extravaganza of nine corp performances including the Colt Cadets of Dubuque, Blue Devils B from Concord, CA, Spartans from Nashua, NH, Genesis from Edinburg, TX, Revolution of San Antonio, Legends from Kalamazoo, Velvet Knights from Pasadena, Les Stentors of Sherbrooke, Quebec, and the Racine Scouts from Wisconsin.  DCI organizations have become known as the major league of marching music.  Any former Montezuma marching band alumni will be sure to enjoy this show, and it will also be a great inspiration for aspiring musicians of all ages.  You may purchase tickets in advance at www.colts.org or at the gate after 3 p.m. (tickets go fast).  Tickets are $9-12 for general admission and $20 for VIP seats.  Oskaloosa Community Stadium is located at 2060 238th Street in Oskaloosa. 

Keep Iowa Beautiful at the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19

Keep Iowa Beautiful will host a booth at the Iowa Sate Fair Varied Industries Building each day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Montezuma has received two grants from the KIB organization this year, so be sure to stop by and say hello and thank you to our friends from Keep Iowa Beautiful.  If you happen to be at the fair on Tuesday, August 14, come by the booth between 1-5 p.m. to talk to Terence!  Pairs of volunteers are still needed to staff the booth, shifts are from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-5 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.  KIB will provide the $10 gate admission and a t-shirt.  Contact Bill Jackson at 515-323-6537.

Better Choices, Better Health Workshop Coming Soon!

Montezuma will host a six-week workshop focused on finding practical ways to deal with pain, fatigue, stress, and to make better choices with nutrition and exercise.  Persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, or anxiety may find new ways to manage complicated conditions through understanding new treatment options  and by finding better ways to talk with doctors and family members about your health.  Better Choices, Better Health is sponsored in part by the Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging and the Community Transformation Grant through the CDC.  The workshop will be held at the Montezuma Public Library on Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m. beginning October 4th and ending November 8th.  The $20 cost will cover materials, with scholarships available for those who are 60 or older.  Information to sign-up for the class is forthcoming. 

Dream Big, Grow Here Contest, Up to $15,000 in Grants!

The Iowa Innovation Gateway is pleased to announce the Dream Big, Grow Here contest for local entrepreneurs.  Up to $5000 is available to one lucky recipient in a six county region, with an opportunity to take a shot at the $10,000 statewide grand prize.  The contest is for start-up or existing small business owners or entrepreneurs who are 16 years or older, have fewer than 50 employees, and are located in Poweshiek, Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall or Story counties.  Applications for the grant are accepted from September 1-25, 2012, with grants awarded based on public voting support.  For more information, visit:  www.dreambiggrowhere.com.

MCD Committee Meeting Reminders

Mon. July 30 - Downtown Revitalization Meeting
 6 p.m.  City Hall

Wed. August 1 - Daycare Committee
 9 a.m. City Hall

Wed. August 1 -  MCD Board Meeting
5 p.m. City Hall

Save the Date

Iowa's Downtown Resource Center Visit

Wednesday & Thursday, October 17th & 18th

Downtown Revitalization Public Forum
Thursday, October 18th
7:00 p.m. Montezuma Memorial Hall