Though a full-scale streetscape design is in the works, its facilitation is still 3-4 years away and must coincide with a proposed municipal project for the renovation of streets, sidewalks, and other downtown public infrastructure.  Main Street director, Mary Ottoson, discussed the scope of the downtown streetscape project. “Last year, we worked with the City to start developing action steps for a streetscape master plan. The first task was to apply for assistance with students from Iowa State University as part of their PLaCe program. This program will help us develop a visual guide for what we want to implement in three years. This will include everything from an overhaul of our antiquated water lines to decorative yet sustainable period lighting and landscaping. At that time, the existing trees will have to be removed as their roots have grown around the infrastructure. But, we’ve already reached out to Iowa State University Extension office and they’ve identified some appropriate trees that will be to-scale with the downtown area and also low maintenance.” Ottoson continued to describe that they may also receive some limited design guidance from Main Street Iowa, as that is one of the perks of being a designated Main Street community. Ottoson added that they hope to receive that PLaCe program assistance for the fall of 2012, but that they haven’t received confirmation yet from the university.

But, not every downtown building or business owner likes them. FMMS board member Mike Howard and his wife Bonnie own The Bookmark bookstore (802 Avenue G) downtown, and he expressed no love for the trees. “The tree roots have started to buckle the sidewalks and cause other problems. Plus, they’re messy, sometimes we’re still shoveling leaves well into January.” Main Street president, Charles Scoville, also expressed disdain for the trees, but noted, “It’s true that the trees are no longer a good fit for the district, but removing them will make downtown look rather barren. This was a tough decision.”

Another board member, Jared Reed, suggested staying the course. “If we’re going to have to remove the trees in three or four years anyway, let’s just continue to maintain them until then. I think it’s better than the alternatives.” The board agreed, and unanimously voted to find finds for the tree maintenance which will average around $1,200 annually. Main Street is trying to raise enough funds to maintain the trees for the next three years, so they don’t have to ask the community for assistance every year until the streetscape plan is implemented. The total to maintain the trees for the next three years will be $3,600. Main Street invites anyone and everyone in the community to help show your love for the trees that line Avenue G, by donating to the cause. Ottoson explains that “any funds raised for the trees by 5pm, Friday, June 1st, will remain in a special fund and will be used specifically for this maintenance.” For those who are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to Main Street to help, they may call the office at 319-372-5471.

Award Winning Projects and Volunteers Honored

May 4, 2012 (Des Moines) – The 26^th annual Main Street Iowa Awards celebration was held on Friday May 4 at the newly renovated Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at Veteran’s Auditorium in downtown Des Moines. The event was attended by approximately 500 individuals representing communities across the state. Competitive nominations were submitted for 95 projects; 21 were selected for awards and eight received honorable mention.

Governor Terry Branstad and Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) presented the honors. Main Street Volunteer of the Year awards were presented to 48 individuals, couples, and groups who were selected by their community for outstanding dedication and volunteer service benefiting the local Main Street program.

In its 26-year history, Main Street Iowa has tracked more than $1 billion in private investment in the purchase, construction and rehabilitation of property in participating commercial districts, significantly increasing the state’s job and business base. In addition, over two million hours of volunteer time has been logged collectively by local main street organizations.

“I am proud to have been part of the effort to bring the Main Street program to Iowa in 1985 as an economic development tool,” stated Governor Branstad. “It is gratifying to see and hear about the successes your communities have had because of your participation in Main Street. As a result of the hard work of countless local leaders, Iowa’s Main Street districts in communities large and small are flourishing.”

Director Durham added “Main Street is an economic development model which epitomizes the strength of public-private partnerships. Since 1986, for every dollar the State of Iowa has invested in operating the state Main Street program, the private sector in your communities has invested $79.45 into building improvements and acquisitions.”

During the event, six communities were recognized for reaching significant benchmarks based on private dollar investments made in the purchase and revitalization of properties within their respective commercial districts. Woodbine was recognized for reaching both the $3 million and $5 million benchmark in the last year, with Hampton also honored for $5 million in local investment. Osceola was awarded a certificate for $10 million in local investment; and both Oskaloosa and Waverly were recognized for their $20 million benchmarks. Burlington has attained $50 million in local investment since the program’s inception in 1986.

As a highlight of the evening, two special awards were presented. The “Spirit of Main Street Award recognizes the person, organization, community or project which best demonstrates the true meaning and spirit of “Main Street at work.” Living this spirit is the difference between interest and commitment, between mediocrity and excellence. This year’s Spirit of Main Street Award winners were the 250 Iowans who volunteered for the 2011 National Main Streets Conference. Main Street Iowa honored the historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank in Mason at the “Signature Project of the Year”. This new award is intended to honor a project that rises above our traditional award categories in impact, emotion and significance.

In addition, seven communities were recognized for completing the three-year start up phase required of all new Main Street programs: Ames, Colfax, Cedar Rapid’s Czech Village/New Bohemia, Davenport’s Hilltop Campus Village, Des Moines’ 6^th Avenue Corridor, Fort Madison and Manning. New Main Street organizations in Chariton, Jefferson and Lansing were also recognized and welcomed into the program.

Fort Madison took home three awards that evening, including First Place for the Best Fundraiser – Sensational Chefs and having completed the first three years of the program. Fort Madison was also recognized for its collaboration with other communities at the Iowa State Fair, where they’ll return in 2012 to have a booth at the Fair.

In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center’s Four Point Approach® to district revitalization by establishing Main Street Iowa within the agency that is now the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Since its inception, the state program and its communities have been considered examples of excellence in the national effort to revitalize historic commercial districts across the country.

For more information about each Main Street Iowa community and how all Iowa communities can access commercial revitalization assistance through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/community, e-mail mainstreet@iowa.gov or call 515.725.3058.

A list of Main Street Iowa communities and award winners follows. Photographs will be posted at www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/community/mainstreetiowa after May 7.

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For more information, contact: Tina Hoffman, 515.725.3150

The Matt Nelson Trio – Graham Czach (bass), Brandon Dickert (drums), and Matt Nelson (piano) – will perform Saturday, May 19, 2012, at the FMAAA Art Center in downtown Fort Madison. The band’s debut album, Nostalgiamaniac, received a 4-star review from Downbeat Magazine.

FORT MADISON, IA, April 23, 2012 – Fort Madison Area Arts Association (“FMAAA”) will host The Matt Nelson Trio on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at a fundraising occasion titled, Get Jazzed for the Arts. The event will be held at the Art Center in downtown Fort Madison from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and a fine selection of wine, beer, and spirits will be complimentary for 60 guests in attendance.

“The popular Expressions Art Auction is held every two years, and with 2012 being an off-auction-year, we’re excited to debut Get Jazzed for the Arts,” said Angela Sodey, President, FMAAA Board of Directors.

“This is a unique opportunity to enjoy professional, live jazz musicians and support local arts by purchasing tickets and by participating in fundraising on the night of the event,” she said.

The Matt Nelson Trio will be the highlight of the evening. Featuring notable Chicago-based jazz musicians, the trio performs at well-publicized events, such as DiCarlo’s Wine, Food, and Craft Beer Festival and the prestigious Polish Film Festival in America. Performances at private, upscale occasions include those coordinated by the renowned Clark Construction Group and by former Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley. Matt Nelson, the band’s cornerstone, is also the keyboardist for Grammy-nominated Lupe Fiasco and Matthew Santos.

“This is an exciting, fresh fundraiser for FMAAA. For this event, we’re converting the Art Center into an upscale jazz bar, complete with hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and premium cocktails gratis for guests,” said Brian Riggs, Executive Director, FMAAA. “Gallery art pieces will be available for purchase throughout the evening.”

Contributions from Climax Molybdenum Co., Floors, Décor and More, Fort Madison Bank and Trust Co., Fort Madison Community Hospital, Jim Baier, Inc., King-Lynk Funeral Home and Crematory, MidAmerican Energy Company, MidWest One Bank, Pilot Grove Savings Bank, and Roquette America, Inc., support this fundraising initiative.

There are a limited number of tickets available. Tickets are $80.00 each. Visit the Art Center at 825 Avenue G, in downtown Fort Madison, or contact Riggs at 319.372.3996, to reserve and purchase tickets.

About FMAAA:
Fort Madison Area Arts Association (“FMAAA”) offers arts and cultural amenities that cultivate inspiration, enhance community pride, and strengthen arts appreciation and participation. It provides a local, organized foundation fostering cooperation and communication among artists; a downtown Fort Madison location to display and admire a variety of art forms; workshops and classes to collaborate, teach, and encourage art; and, amenities to inspire artistic aspirations. FMAAA is a non-profit organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).

Attn: Mary Ottoson, Director
Fort Madison Main Street
614 9th Street
Fort Madison, IA 52627
P: (319) 372-5471
F: (319) 372-6404
Email: mottoson@fortmadison.com
Website: www.fortmadison.com

All bid proposals must provide for the completion of work outlined in the grant project’s “Scope of Work,” “Products,” and “Schedule,” respectively, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The cash value of this contract is $20,500.00. Questions on the project or the consultant’s responsibilities should be directed to the Project Director at the above address.

The city of Fort Madison is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It will not discriminate against any proposal because of the applicant’s race, creed, religion, national original, sex, age, physical or mental disability.

You may download the full Request for Proposals here.

Lee County Conservation Board, Lee County Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, and local sponsors will be hosting kids fishing tournaments this summer for ages 3-16. The top two from each age group will participate in finals tournament held August 18, 2012. Each individual tournament will include a lunch, trophies, and big and little fish prizes. There will be a $2 fee per child to help pay for prizes and lunch. Registration will start at 7:30 AM and the tournaments will be from 8AM-11AM. For more information contact LCCB at 319-463-7673.

Click here to download the application.

Timber View Cabin will accommodate 8 people with two twin size bunk beds in one bedroom and a full size bed in the other. A conversion sofa in the living room allows for sleeping as well.

Reservations:
Cabins may be reserved any time of the year.
Daily rates are $65/Night
Weekend (Fri.-Sun. ) two night minimum $65/Night
Weekly rates are $420/week for a maximum of 2 Weeks

A $200 cleaning and damage deposit is required at the time of reservation. Reservations are by credit card only cancellation must be received 24 hours prior to the rental date.

Cabins come equipped with:

March 27, 2012 – Fort Madison Main Street and RSVP are partnering together to offer the 2012 Fort Madison Farmers Market. The market will take place in Central Park, every Thursday evening (4:30-6:30pm) starting on June 7th and ending on September 27th. This year, Main Street and RSVP are looking to build the farmers market and offer a variety of products and activities. They are inviting citizens of Lee and surrounding counties to participate in our market this year as a vendor. Last year’s market was a great success, according to RSVP Director, Jimmy Wendorf. “Last year was very well attended both from vendors and customers, and we hope to double that this year. The market will run rain or shine.” Main Street Director, Mary Ottoson says that the market has already received confirmations from eight vendors that will be returning, and two new vendors for this summer. But RSVP and Main Street want more! “We do have some vendors that have acreage or farms, but if you have a backyard garden, or even have a plot at the community garden, don’t be afraid to try selling at the Market! We really want to be able to provide fresh and local food, and art, to all members of our community, on a weekly basis.”

This year, they are looking for local entertainment. Whether you can sing, play an instrument or juggle here is a chance to share your talents with a captive audience. This is strictly a volunteer opportunity but a great chance to hone your skills and perform for a captive audience. The Central Park gazebo may be available for performances, as well. If you would like to reserve a market day to perform, please contact Jimmy Wendorf. The fee for vendors this year will be $20/month, which comes out to the same vendor fee as prior years. The rules and regulations form, as well as the vendor agreement, are available online at http://fortmadison.com/mainstreet/farmersmarket/

This year also brings new opportunities for vendors who own smartphones. Main Street will be giving each vendor a free credit card reader ($10 value) from Square, which allows for buyers to use their credit card on Farmers Market purchases. Born from the creator of Twitter, Square is a company (www.squareup.com) that promotes small businesses through affordable credit card transactions. They have donated 50 card readers to Main Street for downtown businesses and specifically, the farmers market. In addition, if you join the Community Garden as a plot owner you can sell your vegetables at the Farmers Market at no vendor charge, just contact Jimmy Wendorf @ 319-372-7700 for details.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, a sponsor, helping as a market volunteer or even organizing some activities to take place during the market evenings, please contact Jimmy Wendorf (RSVP) at 319.372.7700 x 201 or Mary Ottoson (Main Street) at 319.372.5471.

Lights, Camera, Action has planned the next two downtown movies!

Angel in my Pocket

March 30-April 1 “Angel in My Pocket” Rated G First released in 1969. Great for the whole family.

Synopsis: Samuel D. Whitehead, a newly ordained minister who put himself through seminary school by working in a brickyard, is assigned to his first parish in the small town of Wood Falls, Kansas. There, he deals with a feuding congregation, moonshiners, in addition to a lazy brother-in-law and an enabling mother-in-law. The results are a fun-packed comedy starring Andy Griffith, Lee Meriwether, Gary Collins and Jerry Van Dyke. Rated G.

Showtimes

Fri, March 30: 2pm & 6:30pm

Sat, March 31: 2pm & 6:30pm

Sun, April 1: 2pm

Simon Birch

April 6 (No School/Good Friday) through Monday, April 9 (No School) “Simon Birch” Rated PG. First released in 1998.

Synopsis: “Simon Birch” the story of Joe and Simon’s heart-warming journey of friendship. Simon Birch was born with a condition that makes him much smaller than all the other kids in town. Now, due to his condition, Simon thinks God made him this way for a reason and highly believes in God. Together, Joe and Simon go on a journey of trust and friendship to find the answers to many things. Their friendship is put to the test when some unfortunate events happen.

Showtimes

Fri, April 6: 2pm & 6:30pm

Sat, April 7: 2pm & 6:30pm

Sun, April 8: 2pm

Mon, April 9: 2pm

Things spiral downhill when his second date, Beth Tucker, played by Amy Power, shows up at the apartment for a dinner date and is followed by her very jealous husband Tony, who just happens to be a part time professional wrestler, played by Jim Posz. Add the local entrepreneur, Pakistani Pete (played by Jim Cole), who incidentally is not Pakistani; and the superintendent of the apartment complex where Joe and Margarita live (portrayed by Mark Philp) and you have a recipe for one of the funniest productions you will have the pleasuring of attending.  There are some suggestive comments made during the course of the dialogue, but no vulgarity.  After all, “Luke” is only 12 years old.

Joe is overwhelmed when the invitations for a small party he throws for his newly single brother is mistakenly sent out to all of the contacts in his profile account.  How will he recover from this catastrophe and how the story ends is a nice contrast to the play.

The two-act play will have six performances over two weekends: Feb. 24, Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, and again on March 1, March 2 and March 3.  All times are 7:30 p.m., except for the March 26 performance which will

be a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets will be on sale this week at County Market and at the Old Fort Players Theater from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Tickets for adults are $10 with children’s tickets selling for $7.

The cast is under the direction of Bob Britton.

The cast is all OFP veterans, except for Tim Harmon and Amy Power, who are appearing on the OFP stage for the first time.  The production is co-produced by Burlington Trailways of West Burlington. For more information, contact the Old Fort Players at (319) 372-9559 or oldfortplayers@hotmail.com.