For the Good of the Order
Marion Public Library to Suspend Browsing at Uptown Branch on Monday
Beginning Monday, Oct. 10, the services available at the Uptown Branch of the Marion Public Library located at 1064 7th Avenue will change. Library patrons will continue to be able to pick up holds and use the computers, but the collection will no longer be available for browsing. This change will give the moving company time and resources to transfer the materials to the new Marion Public Library location at 1101 6th Avenue. Late last month, the Library Board of Trustees met in a special session and announced that the new Marion Public Library would open on or before Nov. 15. An official date is expected to be set by the board at their next regular meeting on Monday.
7th Avenue Reconstruction & Streetscape Project Nearing Completion
We're in the home stretch! Make plans to help celebrate the completion of the two-year 7th Avenue Reconstruction & Streetscape project. Community leaders, contractors and the business community will gather with Marion Chamber ambassadors for the ribbon cutting on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. in the North Plaza, located at 7th Avenue and 11th Street in Uptown Marion. Look for more information to be shared in the weeks ahead.
Code of Ordinances Update in Progress
Since March of this year, the City has been working with General Code, LLC, a professional codifier, on a project to update its code of ordinances. The entire existing Code has been analyzed and reviewed for accuracy to ensure that the content reflects current City practices, needs and priorities and conforms to current state law. City staff have been working diligently to complete its analysis, and this project is nearing completion. Thank you to all staff who have helped with this update! Early in 2023, residents, business owners, developers and municipal officials will have access to a reformatted and updated City Code – in print and online – that will boost transparency and efficiency for all.
Marion Public Library and United Way to Host Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture: Lunch & Learn
Join Marion Public Library and United Way of East Central Iowa for a free in-person event centered on creating a welcoming and inclusive community and workplace culture! Watch a live, virtual presentation from Kwame Christian, author of How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond, followed by a facilitated and interactive conversation about race and equity in a safe, supportive forum. Special thanks to Friends of Marion Public Library for providing lunch and a copy of Christian’s book to all participants. Advance registration is required. D oors open at 10:30 a.m. with the author’s talk to begin at 11 a.m., followed by a community discussion.
Marion Parks and Rec and Trees Forever team up to Plant Hope
Tuesday was tree planting day along Marion Boulevard! In August, Marion’s Urban Forestry Division was awarded a $10,000 Planting Hope grant from Trees Forever. The funds were provided by hundreds of individuals committed to helping communities recover from the August 2020 derecho. Marion Parks and Recreation staff were joined by Trees Forever staff and together they planted dozens of street trees on both sides of Marion Boulevard. Special care was taken to select varieties that would do well in this location.
Stream Monitoring Training Workshops
Marion’s new environmental specialist, Thomas Doyle, was among the team of volunteers participating in a stream monitoring training workshop over the weekend. He will be using what he learned to establish a volunteer water monitoring program here in Marion for Indian and Wanatee Creeks and help monitor the diversity of small aquatic organisms, which can serve as an indicator of a stream's ecosystem health. Days later, Thomas helped train Iowa BIG students to conduct macroinvertebrate monitoring in area streams. Way to connect with the community, Thomas!
Marion Fire Department Volunteers at Miracle Field
There were smiles all around as members of the Marion Fire Department joined the all-star players of Prospect Meadows’ Miracle League last Saturday. The league, thanks to the Kiwanis of Marion/East Cedar Rapids, allows those with special needs an opportunity to play baseball and softball. In addition to those who volunteered on the field, an on-duty engine company stopped by. The players, families and volunteers loved it. Special thanks to Deputy Chief Jason Hansen for coordinating the effort.
Lexi Matthews Introduced as Director of the Marion Arts Festival
The Marion Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce Lexi Matthews as the new director for the Marion Arts Festival. Lexi comes to the Marion Arts Festival with over 10 years of large-scale event operations. She has worked in a range of cultural events across the nation from Super Bowl Live to a three-day yoga festival. She is co-owner of Uptown Coffee Company in Marion. As Marion Arts Festival Director, Lexi will be responsible for leading the one-day festival, jurying high-quality artists, securing sponsorships and managing day-to-day operations. Thank you for your continued commitment to our community, Lexi!
Share Your Thoughts with Linn-Mar
The Linn-Mar Community School District is seeking input from the community as they work to update the district's Strategic Plan and determine the priorities for the next five years. The short survey consists of six questions and asks for input on what the district should start, stop or continue prioritizing as the new Strategic Plan is developed. The goal of this process is to have an approved plan by May/June 2023.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Oct. 7
Dr. Doug Tallamy’s presentation “Nature’s Best Hope” – 6 p.m. – Prairie High School Concert Hall
Coffeehouse Night featuring Roots of Rhythm – 7-8:30 p.m. – Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
Chocolate Walk – 7:30-10 p.m. – Uptown Marion
Future Project Updates
Here’s a look at the tentative agenda containing a list of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.
On the Docket
The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:
- Internal meetings
- Monthly check-in with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school districts
- Bankers Trust 20th Anniversary Celebration
- MEDCO Leadership Council
- Airport Committee meeting
- Equity meeting with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school districts, Civil Rights Commission and the Marion Alliance for Racial Equity
- Meeting with Chris Wheeler
- Meeting with Alejandro Pino
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