In all the years Notre Dame principal Bill Maupin knew Jim Myers, he never called him by name.

He just called him “Coach.” Everyone did.

“That’s
 just who he was. Jim was the heart of the basketball team,” Maupin 
said. “In his spare time, he would help out other girls in basketball 
who weren’t even our students.”

Myers
 had just begun his 11th season as head coach of the Notre Dame High 
School girls basketball team. He died Friday after a seven-year battle 
with cancer.

“He did so much for the kids. The kids were always his top priority,” Maupin said.

Myers
 continued to coach until the end of his life. Three days before his 
death, he coached his last girl’s basketball game from a wheelchair — 
the season opener against WACO. Two days before his death, Myers 
attended his final basketball practice.

“I’m
 glad he got to keep coaching until the very end. Not being with the 
kids would have been the worst thing for him,” Maupin said.

On
 Monday night (Nov. 29), the girl’s basketball team returned the favor 
by dedicating the game and the season to Myers. A display of roses at 
the game marked his passing.

“He lived and breathed basketball,” Maupin said. “But he was a great guy off the court.”

Myers
 helped lead the Nikes basketball team to a Class 1A state championship 
in 2014. He coached winning teams at Burlington High School and 
Southeastern Community College, as well. He coached the Nikes to over 
100 wins during his tenure at the school.

No matter the circumstances, Myers knew how to get it done.

He
 was also a family man with three children who attended Notre Dame. 
Maupin said Myers went out of his way to engineer social activities for 
parents and students.

“He was just a fun-loving guy,” Maupin said.

Former
 Notre Dame principal Ron Glasgow knew Myers before he became a 
basketball coach. Although he didn’t coach him, Glasgow remembers 
watching Myers running up and down the court for Burlington High School.

Myers
 developed a special bond with his coach, Don Gibbs, who was not only a 
mentor but a trusted and endearing friend throughout his adult life.&nbsp;

During
 his senior year, Myers guided the Grayhounds to a Mississippi 8 
conference championship in basketball and a fourth-place finish in the 
state tournament.&nbsp;

He led the Mississippi 8 in rebounds and was second in scoring.&nbsp;

He
 continues to hold the record at BHS for most rebounds per game. He was 
an All-State selection by the Iowa Newspaper Association.

&nbsp;He was the 1984 All-Hawk Eyeland Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year.&nbsp;

After
 graduating from Burlington High School in 1984, Myers played college 
basketball at Wayne State in Nebraska, Southeastern Community College, 
and William Penn College, where he graduated in 1988. He enlisted in the
 United States Navy in 1989 and served aboard the USS Cayuga during 
Desert Shield. &nbsp;

When Glasgow became athletic director of BHS, Myers was already the head basketball coach. And he was a darn good one.

“Jim
 was a really strong fundamentals coach. I was really impressed with the
 way he ran his practices. He did a lot of work in the off-season with 
the kids,” Glasgow said.

More
 importantly, Myers understood the value of hard work — unrelenting, 
never-ending hard work that has value beyond basketball.

“There’s
 just some life lessons you can learn from people like Jim Meyers. I 
think those kids are going to have that benefit throughout their life,” 
said Glasgow.

A believer in community involvement, Myers volunteered his time.

He served on the American Little League Board, coached Little League, and officiated basketball games and flag football games.&nbsp;

Burlington
 City Councilman Matt Rinker called Myers a “great Burlingtonian,” and 
paid tribute to him during the Monday night city council work session.

“He
 will be deeply missed, and his impact in our community will not only be
 felt at Notre Dame but throughout the community. A great man, the life 
of a room. Anyone who knew him was blessed to know him.”

Corey Stephens will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638490854451.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In all the years Notre Dame principal Bill Maupin knew Jim Myers, he never called him by name.He just called him “Coach.” Everyone did.“That’s
 just who he was. Jim was the heart of the basketball team,” Maupin 
said. “In his spare time, he would help out other girls in basketball 
who weren’t even our students.”Myers
 had just begun his 11th season as head coach of the Notre Dame High 
School girls basketball team. He died Friday after a seven-year battle 
with cancer.“He did so much for the kids. The kids were always his top priority,” Maupin said.Myers
 continued to coach until the end of his life. Three days before his 
death, he coached his last girl’s basketball game from a wheelchair — 
the season opener against WACO. Two days before his death, Myers 
attended his final basketball practice.“I’m
 glad he got to keep coaching until the very end. Not being with the 
kids would have been the worst thing for him,” Maupin said.On
 Monday night (Nov. 29), the girl’s basketball team returned the favor 
by dedicating the game and the season to Myers. A display of roses at 
the game marked his passing.“He lived and breathed basketball,” Maupin said. “But he was a great guy off the court.”Myers
 helped lead the Nikes basketball team to a Class 1A state championship 
in 2014. He coached winning teams at Burlington High School and 
Southeastern Community College, as well. He coached the Nikes to over 
100 wins during his tenure at the school.No matter the circumstances, Myers knew how to get it done.He
 was also a family man with three children who attended Notre Dame. 
Maupin said Myers went out of his way to engineer social activities for 
parents and students.“He was just a fun-loving guy,” Maupin said.Former
 Notre Dame principal Ron Glasgow knew Myers before he became a 
basketball coach. Although he didn’t coach him, Glasgow remembers 
watching Myers running up and down the court for Burlington High School.Myers
 developed a special bond with his coach, Don Gibbs, who was not only a 
mentor but a trusted and endearing friend throughout his adult life.&nbsp;During
 his senior year, Myers guided the Grayhounds to a Mississippi 8 
conference championship in basketball and a fourth-place finish in the 
state tournament.&nbsp;He led the Mississippi 8 in rebounds and was second in scoring.&nbsp;He
 continues to hold the record at BHS for most rebounds per game. He was 
an All-State selection by the Iowa Newspaper Association.&nbsp;He was the 1984 All-Hawk Eyeland Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year.&nbsp;After
 graduating from Burlington High School in 1984, Myers played college 
basketball at Wayne State in Nebraska, Southeastern Community College, 
and William Penn College, where he graduated in 1988. He enlisted in the
 United States Navy in 1989 and served aboard the USS Cayuga during 
Desert Shield. &nbsp;When Glasgow became athletic director of BHS, Myers was already the head basketball coach. And he was a darn good one.“Jim
 was a really strong fundamentals coach. I was really impressed with the
 way he ran his practices. He did a lot of work in the off-season with 
the kids,” Glasgow said.More
 importantly, Myers understood the value of hard work — unrelenting, 
never-ending hard work that has value beyond basketball.“There’s
 just some life lessons you can learn from people like Jim Meyers. I 
think those kids are going to have that benefit throughout their life,” 
said Glasgow.A believer in community involvement, Myers volunteered his time.He served on the American Little League Board, coached Little League, and officiated basketball games and flag football games.&nbsp;Burlington
 City Councilman Matt Rinker called Myers a “great Burlingtonian,” and 
paid tribute to him during the Monday night city council work session.“He
 will be deeply missed, and his impact in our community will not only be
 felt at Notre Dame but throughout the community. A great man, the life 
of a room. Anyone who knew him was blessed to know him.”Corey Stephens will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Jim Myers Leaves a Lasting Legacy

By William Smith Just in time for Christmas, beloved
 Burlington chef Martha Wolf will have a new cookbook out filled with recipes from her years as a restaurant owner. That’s
 why she chose the no-nonsense title, “Ivy Bake Shoppe Cookbook II,”
 which she hopes will be on sale around Dec. 10. Her first cookbook, 
released in 2007, covers the recipes from the first half of her cooking 
career. The sequel closes out the latter half of her career, with a little something more. “There are a few family favorites,” Wolf said with a grin. Wolf
 had been promising to start the book since 2014, but never really got 
the chance until she retired and closed the Ivy Bake Shoppe in February 
of this year. “I needed a few months to clear my brain,” Wolf said. Her
 children grown and business in the past, Wolf wakes every morning with 
the most wonderful feeling. She knows she won’t have to cook for anyone.
 She knows there isn’t a kitchen depending on her from morning to night. “I love it,” she said. It’s
 a very different state of mind than the one she carried into the first 
book. Wolf said she was so frantic, so constantly busy, that she 
completely forgot to include any recipes with lemon. That’s been 
rectified in the sequel. “I don’t know how I wrote that first book while I was working,” she said. Like
 her first book, the recipes in the new one aren’t exotic enough to 
frighten a Midwestern palette. Wolf is an adventurous eater, to be sure,
 but promises the ingredients in her new book can easily be found in 
local grocery stores. “I really love food 
stories, and the culture of food. It’s so much about the world. It’s 
what we all have in common. That, and music, is easily identifiable for 
everyone,” she said. Wolf has ordered 3,000 copies, which will eventually be available at Burlington By The Book and Under The Sun in Fort Madison.

Stuffed Acorn Squash (from "Ivy Bake Shoppe Cookbook II")

1 Granny Smith apple, skin on, ¾ inch dice

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut acorn squash in half, removing
seeds and pulp. Place in appropriate size pan with the cut half down. Add about
1 ½ inches water and bake in oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until squash
is tender.

In saucepan, melt better and add brown sugar and stir until
sugar is melted. Add cinnamon and stir until all combined. Add apples, walnuts,
and craisins and cook until the mixture is warm and thickening.

To serve, mash gently on the inside of the squash and add a
teaspoon or so of butter to each half; portion the apple mixture on the top.
Serve immediately.

By William Smith Just in time for Christmas, beloved
 Burlington chef Martha Wolf will have a new cookbook out filled with recipes from her years as a restaurant owner. That’s
 why she chose the no-nonsense title, “Ivy Bake Shoppe Cookbook II,”
 which she hopes will be on sale around Dec. 10. Her first cookbook, 
released in 2007, covers the recipes from the first half of her cooking 
career. The sequel closes out the latter half of her career, with a little something more. “There are a few family favorites,” Wolf said with a grin. Wolf
 had been promising to start the book since 2014, but never really got 
the chance until she retired and closed the Ivy Bake Shoppe in February 
of this year. “I needed a few months to clear my brain,” Wolf said. Her
 children grown and business in the past, Wolf wakes every morning with 
the most wonderful feeling. She knows she won’t have to cook for anyone.
 She knows there isn’t a kitchen depending on her from morning to night. “I love it,” she said. It’s
 a very different state of mind than the one she carried into the first 
book. Wolf said she was so frantic, so constantly busy, that she 
completely forgot to include any recipes with lemon. That’s been 
rectified in the sequel. “I don’t know how I wrote that first book while I was working,” she said. Like
 her first book, the recipes in the new one aren’t exotic enough to 
frighten a Midwestern palette. Wolf is an adventurous eater, to be sure,
 but promises the ingredients in her new book can easily be found in 
local grocery stores. “I really love food 
stories, and the culture of food. It’s so much about the world. It’s 
what we all have in common. That, and music, is easily identifiable for 
everyone,” she said. Wolf has ordered 3,000 copies, which will eventually be available at Burlington By The Book and Under The Sun in Fort Madison.Stuffed Acorn Squash (from "Ivy Bake Shoppe Cookbook II") 3 acorn squash¼ cup butter¾ cup brown sugar1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 Granny Smith apple, skin on, ¾ inch dice½ cup walnuts½ cup craisinsPreheat oven to 350 F. Cut acorn squash in half, removing
seeds and pulp. Place in appropriate size pan with the cut half down. Add about
1 ½ inches water and bake in oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until squash
is tender.In saucepan, melt better and add brown sugar and stir until
sugar is melted. Add cinnamon and stir until all combined. Add apples, walnuts,
and craisins and cook until the mixture is warm and thickening.To serve, mash gently on the inside of the squash and add a
teaspoon or so of butter to each half; portion the apple mixture on the top.
Serve immediately.

A New Cookbook From A Familiar Face

The 219 Riderz are more much than a Burlington motorcycle club.

“We’re family,” said club president Anthony “Falc” Harris.

Club members strive to better the community. They are a family that will show up at charity events at a moment’s notice or aid a fellow rider in need.

“Sure, we all like to ride, but it’s more than riding. It’s about providing together. There’s always been a stigma about motorcycle clubs,” said 219 Riderz vice president Kelvin Anderson.

The terminology of the club might be familiar to some — prospective members are called prospects, and they have to earn their way into full membership.

But that’s where the similarities with TV shows like “Sons of Anarchy” ends. Instead of the nefarious tasks asked of new members in fictional versions of a motorcycle club, 219 prospects are tasked with more positive missions.

“An elderly person might need their driveway shoveled out,” Anderson said.

If a prospect is available, they are assigned to the task first. If not, one of the regular members will do it themselves. &nbsp;

“We are trying to show the community that we are&nbsp;a positive influence rather than a menace,” Anderson said.

The club was founded in Burlington two years ago and has made strides toward becoming a charity organization.&nbsp;

Easter egg hunts, trunk-or-treats, movie nights, coat drives, they do it all, and often weekly.

The members regularly volunteer at other organizations’ events, often wearing the trademark black and yellow leather vests around their backs.&nbsp;

“We were called a gang at first,” said 219 Riderz prospect Conway Wolf.

But the word is getting out — these are some friendly bikers.

Humble origins lead to new clubhouse

A few months ago, the 219 Riderz opened up a new clubhouse on 1400 N. Eighth St. Club prospect Ed Malone led the redevelopment project.&nbsp;

“This place was a shell before. There was no wiring,” Malone said.

The clubhouse is located in the old North Hill Tap.&nbsp;

While certain aspects of the building were still used, the place was gutted and refitted to provide the club new home.

Anthony Harris helped start the club in August of 2019 — a spin-off of the 219 Riderz based in Indiana.&nbsp;

In the Burlington chapter, he found friendship and a mission.&nbsp;

Along with his wife, Jamie, known as the First Lady of the 219 Riderz, he has helped steer the club.&nbsp;

“I’m here to support my man,” she said. “We get really involved with the kids.”&nbsp;

Jamie, who also goes by her handle of "Lil’ Mama," is the primary bartender at the clubhouse and enforces the same sort of rules any bar would.&nbsp;

When kids are in the building during one of the club’s many community functions, the drinks switch from alcohol to pop and water.&nbsp;

It’s not their riding prowess for which the 219 Riderz want to be known.

“We want people to have a place of comfort for everyone,” Jamie said, noting that anyone who needs a safe place to stay for the night can contact her.

A few days before Thanksgiving, members of the 219 Riderz convened at their clubhouse, cooked up some turkey and mashed potatoes (among other dishes), and started serving anyone who walked through the door.

But they did it the 219 Riderz way. Children were served first, and those who arrived early had some coloring materials to keep them busy.

Then it was time for the women, who did most of the work preparing the meal.

The men ate last, given the limited room inside the clubhouse.&nbsp;

They stood outside in a casual circle as the others ate inside, talking about football, life, and, of course, motorcycles.

Before the meal, everyone — men, women, and children — stood together in a circle and bowed their heads in prayer, thanking God for the meal they were about to consume.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637951095428.jpeg" alt="The inside of the 219 Riderz clubhouse was packed during the club's Friendsgiving meal Sunday (Nov. 21), but there was plenty of room for club members to converse outside the clubhouse." />
 <figcaption>The inside of the 219 Riderz clubhouse was packed during the club's Friendsgiving meal Sunday (Nov. 21), but there was plenty of room for club members to converse outside the clubhouse.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photos by William Smith The 219 Riderz are more much than a Burlington motorcycle club.“We’re family,” said club president Anthony “Falc” Harris.Club members strive to better the community. They are a family that will show up at charity events at a moment’s notice or aid a fellow rider in need.“Sure, we all like to ride, but it’s more than riding. It’s about providing together. There’s always been a stigma about motorcycle clubs,” said 219 Riderz vice president Kelvin Anderson.The terminology of the club might be familiar to some — prospective members are called prospects, and they have to earn their way into full membership.But that’s where the similarities with TV shows like “Sons of Anarchy” ends. Instead of the nefarious tasks asked of new members in fictional versions of a motorcycle club, 219 prospects are tasked with more positive missions.“An elderly person might need their driveway shoveled out,” Anderson said.If a prospect is available, they are assigned to the task first. If not, one of the regular members will do it themselves. &nbsp;“We are trying to show the community that we are&nbsp;a positive influence rather than a menace,” Anderson said.It’s been working.&nbsp;The club was founded in Burlington two years ago and has made strides toward becoming a charity organization.&nbsp;Easter egg hunts, trunk-or-treats, movie nights, coat drives, they do it all, and often weekly.The members regularly volunteer at other organizations’ events, often wearing the trademark black and yellow leather vests around their backs.&nbsp;“We were called a gang at first,” said 219 Riderz prospect Conway Wolf.But the word is getting out — these are some friendly bikers.Humble origins lead to new clubhouse<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637951380015.jpeg" alt="Anthony "Falc" Harris, president of the charitable 219 Riderz Motorcycle Club in Burlington, talked with fellow club members while sitting on his motorcycle Sunday (Nov. 21) during the club's Friendsgiving dinner." />
 <figcaption>Anthony "Falc" Harris, president of the charitable 219 Riderz Motorcycle Club in Burlington, talked with fellow club members while sitting on his motorcycle Sunday (Nov. 21) during the club's Friendsgiving dinner.</figcaption>
 </figure>A few months ago, the 219 Riderz opened up a new clubhouse on 1400 N. Eighth St. Club prospect Ed Malone led the redevelopment project.&nbsp;“This place was a shell before. There was no wiring,” Malone said.The clubhouse is located in the old North Hill Tap.&nbsp;While certain aspects of the building were still used, the place was gutted and refitted to provide the club new home.Anthony Harris helped start the club in August of 2019 — a spin-off of the 219 Riderz based in Indiana.&nbsp;In the Burlington chapter, he found friendship and a mission.&nbsp;Along with his wife, Jamie, known as the First Lady of the 219 Riderz, he has helped steer the club.&nbsp;“I’m here to support my man,” she said. “We get really involved with the kids.”&nbsp;Jamie, who also goes by her handle of "Lil’ Mama," is the primary bartender at the clubhouse and enforces the same sort of rules any bar would.&nbsp;When kids are in the building during one of the club’s many community functions, the drinks switch from alcohol to pop and water.&nbsp;It’s not their riding prowess for which the 219 Riderz want to be known. “We want people to have a place of comfort for everyone,” Jamie said, noting that anyone who needs a safe place to stay for the night can contact her.A Friendsgiving meal<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637951321521.jpeg" alt="Members of the 219 Riderz converse outside the clubhouse." />
 <figcaption>Members of the 219 Riderz converse outside the clubhouse.</figcaption>
 </figure>A few days before Thanksgiving, members of the 219 Riderz convened at their clubhouse, cooked up some turkey and mashed potatoes (among other dishes), and started serving anyone who walked through the door.But they did it the 219 Riderz way. Children were served first, and those who arrived early had some coloring materials to keep them busy.Then it was time for the women, who did most of the work preparing the meal.The men ate last, given the limited room inside the clubhouse.&nbsp;They stood outside in a casual circle as the others ate inside, talking about football, life, and, of course, motorcycles.Before the meal, everyone — men, women, and children — stood together in a circle and bowed their heads in prayer, thanking God for the meal they were about to consume.

One Big Family

Photos and story by William Smith Long-retired Des Moines County Sheriff Sgt. Steve Parker is a bit of a magician. He’s also a huge Mister Rogers fan.

As the national voice for McGruff the Crime Dog for the past four decades,&nbsp;Parker has dedicated his life to children. He runs an ice cream truck in the summer, featuring his own homemade milkshakes. He helped orchestrate the Safety Town program for years, teaching children traffic rules as they entered kindergarten. He and fellow Burlington resident Marvin Coon even constructed an exact replica of the long-defunct Naifeh's grocery store, just because Parker used to work there as a kid.

Saturday, Nov. 20, Parker entertained a room full of children and their parents at The Danville Station –&nbsp; a combination library and Anne Frank exhibit. He’s a puppeteer and ventriloquist as well and has combined those talents into a unique blend of children's entertainment.

Emulating the titular character from the PBS program, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Parker held conversations with a miniature tiger and pun-crazy alligator, sang songs about the benefits of reading and being kind, and performed a few well-practiced magic tricks. As usual, Parker made sure a few of those tricks were obvious duds, inspiring peals of laughter before awing his young audience by magically tying loops of rope. Parker even revealed a bit of his own life to the crowd, creating a familiar zone of comfort as he slowly removed his shoes and donned a very Mister Rogers-esque cardigan sweater.

“I was born in an elevator between the fifth and sixth floors of Mercy Hospital,” he said. “I was premature.” After nearly an hour of binding the kiddos to their seats – no chiding necessary – Parker reluctantly ended the show. But everyone in the room insisted on a group picture, and Parker was happy to oblige.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637533264516.jpeg" alt="Sgt. Steve Parker imparts life lessons with the assistance of Daniel Tiger. " />
 <figcaption>Sgt. Steve Parker imparts life lessons with the assistance of Daniel Tiger. </figcaption>
 </figure>Photos and story by William Smith Long-retired Des Moines County Sheriff Sgt. Steve Parker is a bit of a magician. He’s also a huge Mister Rogers fan. As the national voice for McGruff the Crime Dog for the past four decades,&nbsp;Parker has dedicated his life to children. He runs an ice cream truck in the summer, featuring his own homemade milkshakes. He helped orchestrate the Safety Town program for years, teaching children traffic rules as they entered kindergarten. He and fellow Burlington resident Marvin Coon even constructed an exact replica of the long-defunct Naifeh's grocery store, just because Parker used to work there as a kid.Saturday, Nov. 20, Parker entertained a room full of children and their parents at The Danville Station –&nbsp; a combination library and Anne Frank exhibit. He’s a puppeteer and ventriloquist as well and has combined those talents into a unique blend of children's entertainment.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637533314706.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Emulating the titular character from the PBS program, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Parker held conversations with a miniature tiger and pun-crazy alligator, sang songs about the benefits of reading and being kind, and performed a few well-practiced magic tricks. As usual, Parker made sure a few of those tricks were obvious duds, inspiring peals of laughter before awing his young audience by magically tying loops of rope. Parker even revealed a bit of his own life to the crowd, creating a familiar zone of comfort as he slowly removed his shoes and donned a very Mister Rogers-esque cardigan sweater.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637533396217.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>“I was born in an elevator between the fifth and sixth floors of Mercy Hospital,” he said. “I was premature.” After nearly an hour of binding the kiddos to their seats – no chiding necessary – Parker reluctantly ended the show. But everyone in the room insisted on a group picture, and Parker was happy to oblige. <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637533364097.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

If Mister Rogers Was a Magician

Story and photos by William Smith The
 five local celebs who battled each other in the Battle of the Brushes 
painting competition Friday night (Nov. 19) at Memorial Auditorium had
 two things in common: little to no art experience and a willingness to raise money for a local cause.&nbsp; Burlington
 superintendent Pat Coen hadn't painted anything since third grade. 
Retired Girl Scouts COO Donna Logan said she was once proficient in 
stick figures. Coen and Logan, alongside fellow
 local celebs Michael Abouassaly, David Oetken (known for his fireworks 
at J&amp;M Displays in Yarmouth), and Ann Menke (founder of Menke &amp; 
Company CPA) had two hours to impress the judges with their canvas 
creations. Each had at least one assistant – a 
veteran artist of their choosing. Coen’s primary assistant was his niece
 Eleanor Krieger, who had a pencil sketch of her own to auction off 
later in the night. Local artist Margaret Ertz assisted Abouassaly, 
Oetken enlisted the help of Chris Mulder, and Craig Fleece assisted 
Donna Logan. Ann Menke had Burlington 
impressionist David Garrison on her side, who dressed in a knee length 
Chicago Cubs jersey to match her baseball theme. For half of the two 
hour competition, he stood above her, using soft ropes to “manipulate” 
her painting hands.

Each piece was auctioned 
off at the end of of the night, with proceeds going to the Art Center of
 Burlington. Coen brought along another assistant and relative, Lou 
Krieger-Coen, who emulated an Iowa farm auctioneer. Pat Coen played 
along, dancing his way to the stage to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” 
while dressed in a baseball cap and overalls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637435393145.jpeg" alt=" “Super” Dave Oetken (left) and his helper artist Chris Mulder, indulged in an "X-Files" theme while creating art very outside the ordinary." />
 <figcaption> “Super” Dave Oetken (left) and his helper artist Chris Mulder, indulged in an "X-Files" theme while creating art very outside the ordinary.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photos by William Smith The
 five local celebs who battled each other in the Battle of the Brushes 
painting competition Friday night (Nov. 19) at Memorial Auditorium had
 two things in common: little to no art experience and a willingness to raise money for a local cause.&nbsp; Burlington
 superintendent Pat Coen hadn't painted anything since third grade. 
Retired Girl Scouts COO Donna Logan said she was once proficient in 
stick figures. Coen and Logan, alongside fellow
 local celebs Michael Abouassaly, David Oetken (known for his fireworks 
at J&amp;M Displays in Yarmouth), and Ann Menke (founder of Menke &amp; 
Company CPA) had two hours to impress the judges with their canvas 
creations. Each had at least one assistant – a 
veteran artist of their choosing. Coen’s primary assistant was his niece
 Eleanor Krieger, who had a pencil sketch of her own to auction off 
later in the night. Local artist Margaret Ertz assisted Abouassaly, 
Oetken enlisted the help of Chris Mulder, and Craig Fleece assisted 
Donna Logan. Ann Menke had Burlington 
impressionist David Garrison on her side, who dressed in a knee length 
Chicago Cubs jersey to match her baseball theme. For half of the two 
hour competition, he stood above her, using soft ropes to “manipulate” 
her painting hands.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637435622509.jpeg" alt="Ann Menke and her mentor, David Garrison, work on completing her painting." />
 <figcaption>Ann Menke and her mentor, David Garrison, work on completing her painting.</figcaption>
 </figure>Each piece was auctioned 
off at the end of of the night, with proceeds going to the Art Center of
 Burlington. Coen brought along another assistant and relative, Lou 
Krieger-Coen, who emulated an Iowa farm auctioneer. Pat Coen played 
along, dancing his way to the stage to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” 
while dressed in a baseball cap and overalls.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637435531415.jpeg" alt="Dressed in overalls and baseball cap, Burlington Schools superintendent Pat Coen makes steady progress on his painting." />
 <figcaption>Dressed in overalls and baseball cap, Burlington Schools superintendent Pat Coen makes steady progress on his painting.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Amateur Artists Give Their All in Art Battle

By Beacon Staff Corndog
 –&nbsp; the loveable female mutt who spent months living around a corn patch 
near the Southeast Iowa Regional Airport this past summer – has a brand 
new home. The pooch now goes by the name Maizy and has been adopted by Burlington Animal Shelter director Tiffanie Rourke-Thompson. “She
 is spoiled and loved very much. She wakes me up daily with a kiss, so I
 know she is more than thankful each day she has a home to call her own,” 
Rourke-Thompson said. It took Rourke-Thompson 
and her team roughly three months to capture the elusive pooch. For the 
past couple of months, Maizy has lived at the shelter, readjusting to 
life around people and other dogs. Maizy’s past
 is a mystery and will remain that way. She has a family now, and the 
scared little girl that avoided her well-meaning captors has blossomed 
into a family pet. “She is still a bit shy but 
has came out of her shell more and more each day. She now has two 
sisters to show her how fun a dog’s life is,” Rourke-Thompson said. “She
 loves my 12-year-old son Jaxson and kisses him when she can.” Rourke-Thompson
 said Maizy was almost adopted out to another family during her stay at 
the shelter, but each time plans fells apart. It almost seemed fated 
that the dog go home with her. “My beautiful 
Captain Marvel has been diagnosed with cancer and will not be with us 
much longer, and my other dog PooPoo needed a companion as she has 
never been alone. So I got her (Maizy) in time for Marvel to teach her 
how to be a good girl,” Rourke-Thompson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637286298918.jpeg" alt="Maizy, formerly known as the elusive Corndog, is quickly adjusting to life with her forever family. Submitted photo. " />
 <figcaption>Maizy, formerly known as the elusive Corndog, is quickly adjusting to life with her forever family. Submitted photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Corndog
 –&nbsp; the loveable female mutt who spent months living around a corn patch 
near the Southeast Iowa Regional Airport this past summer – has a brand 
new home. The pooch now goes by the name Maizy and has been adopted by Burlington Animal Shelter director Tiffanie Rourke-Thompson. “She
 is spoiled and loved very much. She wakes me up daily with a kiss, so I
 know she is more than thankful each day she has a home to call her own,” 
Rourke-Thompson said. It took Rourke-Thompson 
and her team roughly three months to capture the elusive pooch. For the 
past couple of months, Maizy has lived at the shelter, readjusting to 
life around people and other dogs. Maizy’s past
 is a mystery and will remain that way. She has a family now, and the 
scared little girl that avoided her well-meaning captors has blossomed 
into a family pet. “She is still a bit shy but 
has came out of her shell more and more each day. She now has two 
sisters to show her how fun a dog’s life is,” Rourke-Thompson said. “She
 loves my 12-year-old son Jaxson and kisses him when she can.” Rourke-Thompson
 said Maizy was almost adopted out to another family during her stay at 
the shelter, but each time plans fells apart. It almost seemed fated 
that the dog go home with her. “My beautiful 
Captain Marvel has been diagnosed with cancer and will not be with us 
much longer, and my other dog PooPoo needed a companion as she has 
never been alone. So I got her (Maizy) in time for Marvel to teach her 
how to be a good girl,” Rourke-Thompson said.

Corndog Gets A New Name and A New Home

by William Smith When Nae Hillyer began collecting winter clothing for financially disadvantaged children last year, she thought she knew tragedy. Then, she encountered kids who had grown accustomed to not asking for Christmas presents. They would rather have warm winter coats. For Hillyer, who has a 7-year-old at home and is expecting another child soon, the cause hits close to her heart. “It’s heartbreaking when children ask for clothing instead of toys,” said Hillyer, Burlington/West Burlington Optimist Club member and chairperson of the charity. The Optimist Club took over the Coats For Kids of Southeast Iowa program last year from Tim Lundgren Farm Bureau Financial Services, which had run the charity for the past seven years. Lundgren handed the charity off to the non-profit group, which is better suited to run the annual coat drive. Hillyer was already a big fan of Lundgren and the work he had done. Her only fear was the loss of his very public profile. “Everybody knows Tim,” she said. Since then, Hillyer has worked with only one objective – getting coats to anyone who needs them. The organization has given away 40 coats already this year, but there’s still a tremendous need that has to be filled. “What we’re really lacking is large coats for boys, and large coats for girls, too,” she said. &nbsp; This year, Hillyer has teamed up with Michelle LeKander from the Hetta Gilbert organization, which is lending storage space for the coats. “It’s a lot better than using my house. I was running out of room,” she said.

Hillyer works with school counselors throughout Southeast Iowa, as well as all the schools in Burlington. Knowing the specific needs – namely, the size of the coats – gives Hillyer a chance to buy the coats herself using donated funds. She also gets donations from other charity organizations such as Burlington Rotary Club. But as with just about every other product on the market, coats are more expensive than last year. So are boots and other winter clothing, which the charity also collects. “It’s a challenge when you have a budget, and you want to help as many kids as you can,” she said. Coats for Kids has a drop box located at the Burlington Police Department that is open 24 hours a day, as well as drop boxes at Carl A. Nelson, Burlington Trailways and Dana’s Total Image. &nbsp; You can also contact the charity through Facebook at Coats for Kids of SE Iowa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636726348771.jpeg" alt="Nae Hillyer, chairperson of the Coat for Kids of Southeast Iowa, poses in front of the Great River Bridge shortly after taking over the charity in 2020. This year, she is partnering with the Hetta Gilbert organization. Photo by William Smith. " />
 <figcaption>Nae Hillyer, chairperson of the Coat for Kids of Southeast Iowa, poses in front of the Great River Bridge shortly after taking over the charity in 2020. This year, she is partnering with the Hetta Gilbert organization. Photo by William Smith. </figcaption>
 </figure>by William Smith When Nae Hillyer began collecting winter clothing for financially disadvantaged children last year, she thought she knew tragedy. Then, she encountered kids who had grown accustomed to not asking for Christmas presents. They would rather have warm winter coats. For Hillyer, who has a 7-year-old at home and is expecting another child soon, the cause hits close to her heart. “It’s heartbreaking when children ask for clothing instead of toys,” said Hillyer, Burlington/West Burlington Optimist Club member and chairperson of the charity. The Optimist Club took over the Coats For Kids of Southeast Iowa program last year from Tim Lundgren Farm Bureau Financial Services, which had run the charity for the past seven years. Lundgren handed the charity off to the non-profit group, which is better suited to run the annual coat drive. Hillyer was already a big fan of Lundgren and the work he had done. Her only fear was the loss of his very public profile. “Everybody knows Tim,” she said. Since then, Hillyer has worked with only one objective – getting coats to anyone who needs them. The organization has given away 40 coats already this year, but there’s still a tremendous need that has to be filled. “What we’re really lacking is large coats for boys, and large coats for girls, too,” she said. &nbsp; This year, Hillyer has teamed up with Michelle LeKander from the Hetta Gilbert organization, which is lending storage space for the coats. “It’s a lot better than using my house. I was running out of room,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636726383218.jpeg" alt="Some of the coats that have been donated to Coats for Kids of Southeast Iowa. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Some of the coats that have been donated to Coats for Kids of Southeast Iowa. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hillyer works with school counselors throughout Southeast Iowa, as well as all the schools in Burlington. Knowing the specific needs – namely, the size of the coats – gives Hillyer a chance to buy the coats herself using donated funds. She also gets donations from other charity organizations such as Burlington Rotary Club. But as with just about every other product on the market, coats are more expensive than last year. So are boots and other winter clothing, which the charity also collects. “It’s a challenge when you have a budget, and you want to help as many kids as you can,” she said. Coats for Kids has a drop box located at the Burlington Police Department that is open 24 hours a day, as well as drop boxes at Carl A. Nelson, Burlington Trailways and Dana’s Total Image. &nbsp; You can also contact the charity through Facebook at Coats for Kids of SE Iowa.

Giving the Gift of Warmth

By William Smith Retired Col. Pat Coen, superintendent&nbsp; of the Burlington School School District, has seen things no one should have to witness. That’s why he served. That’s why all of America’s soldiers serve—to keep the horrors of war away from home. “They called World War I the war to end all wars. That didn’t exactly work out,” Coen said. Coen spoke of his days of patrolling Taliban and Al-Qaeda hotspots on the Pakistan border. During that time, Coen commanded forward operating base Camp Joyce. The camp was named for a young corporal – just 20 years old – who died on Coen’s birthday. “Each birthday, I wake up early, I go to Aspen Grove (Cemetery), and I go to the soldier’s plot – the Civil War plot. I like to read their tombstones, and I pray, and I stand there and reflect, and then I go back home,” he said. Later in the morning, the birthday wishes start rolling in. For Coen, the day is forever linked to a fresh-faced kid who never got a chance to live the kind of life he should have. “June 25 is the day Corporal Joyce bled out at the base I commanded,” he said. “I think about his mom. Did he have a girlfriend? Did he have a wife?” The toll on a soldier’s life lasts forever, impacting some more than others. After serving in Afghanistan, Coen tried to help out of one of the men in his squad by writing a letter describing the operations they served on together in Afghanistan and the horrifying things they saw. The soldier told Coen the letter was for the Veterans Administration, to help him receive the proper benefits. “What kind of commander wouldn’t do everything he possibly could for one his soldiers?” Coen said, accepting the request with gusto. Coen’s old friend did not take the letter to the VA. Coen never could have imagined what came next. “He promptly sent it (the letter) to his estranged wife and kids, and shot himself. He tricked me into writing his suicide letter. I still love him to death, and I can’t wait to see him again someday,” Coen said. Coen called on everyone in the crowd to lend their help, or to seek help, for a veteran or anyone who is thinking of taking their own life. He encouraged veterans who are struggling to seek that help. “Talk to another veteran. Go somewhere and get some help,” Coen said. “We cannot lose our soldiers, our warriors, because we’re not giving them the help they need.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636672220574.jpeg" alt="The Burlington Area Honor Guard participates in the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Memorial Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 11. Photo by William Smith. " />
 <figcaption>The Burlington Area Honor Guard participates in the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Memorial Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 11. Photo by William Smith. </figcaption>
 </figure>By William Smith Retired Col. Pat Coen, superintendent&nbsp; of the Burlington School School District, has seen things no one should have to witness. That’s why he served. That’s why all of America’s soldiers serve—to keep the horrors of war away from home. “They called World War I the war to end all wars. That didn’t exactly work out,” Coen said. Coen spoke of his days of patrolling Taliban and Al-Qaeda hotspots on the Pakistan border. During that time, Coen commanded forward operating base Camp Joyce. The camp was named for a young corporal – just 20 years old – who died on Coen’s birthday. “Each birthday, I wake up early, I go to Aspen Grove (Cemetery), and I go to the soldier’s plot – the Civil War plot. I like to read their tombstones, and I pray, and I stand there and reflect, and then I go back home,” he said. Later in the morning, the birthday wishes start rolling in. For Coen, the day is forever linked to a fresh-faced kid who never got a chance to live the kind of life he should have. “June 25 is the day Corporal Joyce bled out at the base I commanded,” he said. “I think about his mom. Did he have a girlfriend? Did he have a wife?” The toll on a soldier’s life lasts forever, impacting some more than others. After serving in Afghanistan, Coen tried to help out of one of the men in his squad by writing a letter describing the operations they served on together in Afghanistan and the horrifying things they saw. The soldier told Coen the letter was for the Veterans Administration, to help him receive the proper benefits. “What kind of commander wouldn’t do everything he possibly could for one his soldiers?” Coen said, accepting the request with gusto. Coen’s old friend did not take the letter to the VA. Coen never could have imagined what came next. “He promptly sent it (the letter) to his estranged wife and kids, and shot himself. He tricked me into writing his suicide letter. I still love him to death, and I can’t wait to see him again someday,” Coen said. Coen called on everyone in the crowd to lend their help, or to seek help, for a veteran or anyone who is thinking of taking their own life. He encouraged veterans who are struggling to seek that help. “Talk to another veteran. Go somewhere and get some help,” Coen said. “We cannot lose our soldiers, our warriors, because we’re not giving them the help they need.”

The Toll and Pride of Being a War Veteran

By Beacon Staff Thanks to the new 40 Winks program, Justin and his family will no longer have to sleep on air mattresses. Now, they have real beds.&nbsp; The Burlington resident loaded 
the mattresses from Slumberland into the back of his van on Friday, Oct. 
29. He expressed his thanks for the donation. The program –
 a partnership between the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
 and the Burlington Slumberland – provides beds for victim-survivors in 
Des Moines County. “Community
 partnerships like this provide critical resources for the individuals 
we serve as they navigate their path to safety and independence,” said 
Alta Medea-Peters, director of community engagement for DVIP. 
“Victim-survivors often have to leave everything behind. Donations like 
the beds from 40 Winks ensures that all family members will have a comfortable and safe place to sleep and rebuild their home.” DVIP has reported a dramatic increase in calls for service due to the pandemic. “Our
 program alone has experienced a 28% increase in hotline calls each 
month since May of 2020. These calls have directly resulted in a 
doubling of the services our advocates have provided over the past year 
and show how urgent the need for resources is within the communities we serve,” Medea-Peters said. To donate and learn more, visit&nbsp; <a href="https://dvipiowa.org/" target="_blank">https://dvipiowa.org/</a>. Individuals who need immediate help should contact the DVIP hotline at 1-800-373-1043.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636480481674.jpeg" alt=" A Burlington resident loads mattresses that will be used by his family into the back of his van. The mattresses were free, courtesy of the 40 Winks program." />
 <figcaption> A Burlington resident loads mattresses that will be used by his family into the back of his van. The mattresses were free, courtesy of the 40 Winks program.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Thanks to the new 40 Winks program, Justin and his family will no longer have to sleep on air mattresses. Now, they have real beds.&nbsp; The Burlington resident loaded 
the mattresses from Slumberland into the back of his van on Friday, Oct. 
29. He expressed his thanks for the donation. The program –
 a partnership between the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
 and the Burlington Slumberland – provides beds for victim-survivors in 
Des Moines County. “Community
 partnerships like this provide critical resources for the individuals 
we serve as they navigate their path to safety and independence,” said 
Alta Medea-Peters, director of community engagement for DVIP. 
“Victim-survivors often have to leave everything behind. Donations like 
the beds from 40 Winks ensures that all family members will have a comfortable and safe place to sleep and rebuild their home.” DVIP has reported a dramatic increase in calls for service due to the pandemic. “Our
 program alone has experienced a 28% increase in hotline calls each 
month since May of 2020. These calls have directly resulted in a 
doubling of the services our advocates have provided over the past year 
and show how urgent the need for resources is within the communities we serve,” Medea-Peters said. To donate and learn more, visit&nbsp; <a href="https://dvipiowa.org/" target="_blank">https://dvipiowa.org/</a>. Individuals who need immediate help should contact the DVIP hotline at 1-800-373-1043.

Real Beds, For Everyone

Almost 190 years have passed since Chief Black Hawk led his men to war, and Burlington historian Russ Fry is confident the chief held counsel at the rock west of the Mississippi River before he did.

Fry has been attempting to get the rock recognized as a historic site for years and provides most of his evidence in a new book entitled “Black Hawk Rock.”&nbsp;

Black Hawk Rock may be one of the most famous Burlington landmarks that still isn’t registered as a national historic site.

Wedged in a ravine overlooking Highway 99 north of Burlington, the rock has likely been around since glaciers covered the land. But it didn’t garner fame until the Native American Sauk leader Chief Black Hawk turned the rock into a wartime meeting place. It’s not visible from the roadway and requires a steep climb halfway up the bluff to actually see.

“It is believed that Black Hawk stood upon this rock and counseled on issues of war,” Fry said. “Much of eastern Illinois, parts of Wisconsin and Missouri, and most of Iowa were once the domain of his people. He fought a war in 1832 against the settlers to preserve his homeland. His defeat led to Iowa being opened for settlement.”

Fry said he’s encountered two major obstacles in trying to obtain the historical designation. One arguing point is whether or not Black Hawk met at the rock and gathered warriors to cross into Illinois for war. Some history books say Black Hawk left from near Wapello by the mouth of the Iowa River.

“Other historians say that he left from here in Burlington,” Fry said.

That’s what Fry believes as well. He said Black Hawk’s autobiography backs up that account.

“I believe he crossed the river over Burlington toward Oquawka and went north, and the conflicts of that crossing caused the Black Hawk War,” Fry said.

The other obstacle has been the integrity of the rock. In the 1890s, the Daughters of the American Revolution wanted to move the rock to Crapo Park. But once they started digging around the rock, they discovered it was at least six foot high.

It would be hard to move today with modern equipment; back then, it was even less feasible. Some historians are worried that the rock has been tampered with too much to count as a landmark, but Fry says that isn’t the case.

“It’s obvious they didn’t move it,” Fry said.

This is the fourth book that Fry has written about Chief Black Hawk. In a previous book, Fry provides evidence as to why Chief Black Hawk is likely buried in an unmarked grave in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Previous accounts said the chief’s bones burned in a Burlington fire.

“I also discovered that they may have been given to the University of Iowa in 1853, but I don't believe they were actually sent there,” he said.

Fry said some of the best evidence of Black Hawk Rock’s importance was reported by the Hawk Eye newspaper. An old edition of the paper reads:

“A little distance above the waterworks, farther around the turn of the bluff, it terminates as suddenly and sharply as the steeply sloping sides. It is a clear-cut opening in the hillside slightly rising ’til a distance of 75 to 100 yards from the face of the bluff. Well back in this grassy retreat upon a little projection of earth that elevates above the surface lies a huge granite boulder. Everything is admirably arranged for a council chamber.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636314804583.jpeg" alt="Burlington historian Russ Fry poses on Black Hawk Rock, which he hopes will be a historical monument one day. Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Burlington historian Russ Fry poses on Black Hawk Rock, which he hopes will be a historical monument one day. Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithAlmost 190 years have passed since Chief Black Hawk led his men to war, and Burlington historian Russ Fry is confident the chief held counsel at the rock west of the Mississippi River before he did.Fry has been attempting to get the rock recognized as a historic site for years and provides most of his evidence in a new book entitled “Black Hawk Rock.”&nbsp;Black Hawk Rock may be one of the most famous Burlington landmarks that still isn’t registered as a national historic site.Wedged in a ravine overlooking Highway 99 north of Burlington, the rock has likely been around since glaciers covered the land. But it didn’t garner fame until the Native American Sauk leader Chief Black Hawk turned the rock into a wartime meeting place. It’s not visible from the roadway and requires a steep climb halfway up the bluff to actually see.“It is believed that Black Hawk stood upon this rock and counseled on issues of war,” Fry said. “Much of eastern Illinois, parts of Wisconsin and Missouri, and most of Iowa were once the domain of his people. He fought a war in 1832 against the settlers to preserve his homeland. His defeat led to Iowa being opened for settlement.”Fry said he’s encountered two major obstacles in trying to obtain the historical designation. One arguing point is whether or not Black Hawk met at the rock and gathered warriors to cross into Illinois for war. Some history books say Black Hawk left from near Wapello by the mouth of the Iowa River.“Other historians say that he left from here in Burlington,” Fry said.That’s what Fry believes as well. He said Black Hawk’s autobiography backs up that account.“I believe he crossed the river over Burlington toward Oquawka and went north, and the conflicts of that crossing caused the Black Hawk War,” Fry said.The other obstacle has been the integrity of the rock. In the 1890s, the Daughters of the American Revolution wanted to move the rock to Crapo Park. But once they started digging around the rock, they discovered it was at least six foot high.It would be hard to move today with modern equipment; back then, it was even less feasible. Some historians are worried that the rock has been tampered with too much to count as a landmark, but Fry says that isn’t the case.“It’s obvious they didn’t move it,” Fry said.This is the fourth book that Fry has written about Chief Black Hawk. In a previous book, Fry provides evidence as to why Chief Black Hawk is likely buried in an unmarked grave in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Previous accounts said the chief’s bones burned in a Burlington fire.“I also discovered that they may have been given to the University of Iowa in 1853, but I don't believe they were actually sent there,” he said.Fry said some of the best evidence of Black Hawk Rock’s importance was reported by the Hawk Eye newspaper. An old edition of the paper reads:“A little distance above the waterworks, farther around the turn of the bluff, it terminates as suddenly and sharply as the steeply sloping sides. It is a clear-cut opening in the hillside slightly rising ’til a distance of 75 to 100 yards from the face of the bluff. Well back in this grassy retreat upon a little projection of earth that elevates above the surface lies a huge granite boulder. Everything is admirably arranged for a council chamber.”

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Daylight saving time comes to an end each fall, at a time when the hours of available sunlight already are beginning to decline.

Some people are more accustomed to 
darkness than others. Norwegians, Swedes and people living in Alaska and
 the upper reaches of Canada near or above the Arctic Circle may go 
through a period when winters can be especially dark. Fairbanks, Alaska,
 gets just three hours and 42 minutes of sunlight on the winter 
solstice. Those in Barrow, Alaska, will endure a period of 67 days of 
darkness, according to Alaska.org. Residents of Seattle, which is even 
further north than cities such as Fargo, North Dakota, or Portland, 
Maine, deal with more darkness than those living outside the city may 
know.

Although much of the rest of North 
America doesn't experience such profound periods of darkness, when the 
darkness of fall and winter arrives, it can be difficult to maintain a 
positive outlook. Borrowing some of the coping mechanisms relied on in 
northern latitudes can help many people to see the dark in a different 
light.

· Be aware of SAD. Seasonal affective
 disorder, or SAD, is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a type of depression
 that's related to changes in seasons, beginning and ending at about the
 same times each year. Symptoms tend to start in the fall and continue 
into the winter, sapping energy and making a person feel moody. As with 
other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to severe problems
 if left untreated. Light treatment, talk therapy and medication can 
help people who are susceptible to SAD.

· Make daylight hours count. Spend 
time outdoors while the sun is bright in the sky. Make an effort to 
switch your schedule if work interferes with getting outdoors, even if 
all that can be managed is an outdoor walk at lunch. Sit by a bright 
window and soak up rays whenever possible.

· Celebrate winter activities. Go 
skiing, snowboarding, outdoor ice skating, or snowshoeing. Look forward 
to winter for what can be done, rather than what can't.

· Socialize more often. Instead of 
holing up indoors alone, frequent the places that become indoor 
gathering spots for locals. These can include coffee houses, breweries, 
restaurants, or even the local church. Plan more social occasions with 
friends and families so everyone can collectively shoo away the winter 
blues.

· Exercise more. Use the darker hours
 as an excuse to exercise more, be it at the gym or outside. The Mayo 
Clinic says that exercise and other types of physical activity can 
relieve anxiety and depression, lifting an individual's mood as a 
result.

· Light a fire. Set the kindling 
ablaze in a fire pit, fireplace, or wood-burning stove, or just light a 
handful of candles. Flames can be soothing and less harsh on the eyes 
than artificial light.

These strategies can help individuals to cope with the mood changes that often accompany fall and winter darkness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636234671155.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Daylight saving time comes to an end each fall, at a time when the hours of available sunlight already are beginning to decline.Some people are more accustomed to 
darkness than others. Norwegians, Swedes and people living in Alaska and
 the upper reaches of Canada near or above the Arctic Circle may go 
through a period when winters can be especially dark. Fairbanks, Alaska,
 gets just three hours and 42 minutes of sunlight on the winter 
solstice. Those in Barrow, Alaska, will endure a period of 67 days of 
darkness, according to Alaska.org. Residents of Seattle, which is even 
further north than cities such as Fargo, North Dakota, or Portland, 
Maine, deal with more darkness than those living outside the city may 
know.Although much of the rest of North 
America doesn't experience such profound periods of darkness, when the 
darkness of fall and winter arrives, it can be difficult to maintain a 
positive outlook. Borrowing some of the coping mechanisms relied on in 
northern latitudes can help many people to see the dark in a different 
light.· Be aware of SAD. Seasonal affective
 disorder, or SAD, is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a type of depression
 that's related to changes in seasons, beginning and ending at about the
 same times each year. Symptoms tend to start in the fall and continue 
into the winter, sapping energy and making a person feel moody. As with 
other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to severe problems
 if left untreated. Light treatment, talk therapy and medication can 
help people who are susceptible to SAD.· Make daylight hours count. Spend 
time outdoors while the sun is bright in the sky. Make an effort to 
switch your schedule if work interferes with getting outdoors, even if 
all that can be managed is an outdoor walk at lunch. Sit by a bright 
window and soak up rays whenever possible.· Celebrate winter activities. Go 
skiing, snowboarding, outdoor ice skating, or snowshoeing. Look forward 
to winter for what can be done, rather than what can't.· Socialize more often. Instead of 
holing up indoors alone, frequent the places that become indoor 
gathering spots for locals. These can include coffee houses, breweries, 
restaurants, or even the local church. Plan more social occasions with 
friends and families so everyone can collectively shoo away the winter 
blues.· Exercise more. Use the darker hours
 as an excuse to exercise more, be it at the gym or outside. The Mayo 
Clinic says that exercise and other types of physical activity can 
relieve anxiety and depression, lifting an individual's mood as a 
result.· Light a fire. Set the kindling 
ablaze in a fire pit, fireplace, or wood-burning stove, or just light a 
handful of candles. Flames can be soothing and less harsh on the eyes 
than artificial light.These strategies can help individuals to cope with the mood changes that often accompany fall and winter darkness.

Coping With Fewer Hours of Daylight

Obituaries have been posted for Charlotte Spiekermeier, Tom Walz, William Mathews, Lynne Smith, Mary Lou Banks, and Brenda O'Brien at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637106055246.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for Charlotte Spiekermeier, Tom Walz, William Mathews, Lynne Smith, Mary Lou Banks, and Brenda O'Brien at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 4, 2021

By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots Semi of Love is parked in the Westland Mall parking lot today (Friday, Dec. 3) through noon Saturday (Dec. 4), and volunteers are asking for the public’s help in filling the semi with new, unopened toys for Christmas. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11, 2021. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to more than 800 financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the semi-trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main Street Danville, IA 52623 anytime. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. The Semi of Love opened for business at noon Friday, and will be collecting toys for exactly 24 hours, through noon Saturday. Santa Claus himself was on hand for the opening hours of the toy drive, helping the volunteers load toys dropped off by generous locals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638564185659.jpeg" alt="Santa Claus and his volunteers load the Semi of Love truck Friday, Dec. 3, filling it with brand new toys for financially disadvantaged children. The Semi of Love will be accepting donations through tonight until noon Saturday. Photo by William Smith. " />
 <figcaption>Santa Claus and his volunteers load the Semi of Love truck Friday, Dec. 3, filling it with brand new toys for financially disadvantaged children. The Semi of Love will be accepting donations through tonight until noon Saturday. Photo by William Smith. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots Semi of Love is parked in the Westland Mall parking lot today (Friday, Dec. 3) through noon Saturday (Dec. 4), and volunteers are asking for the public’s help in filling the semi with new, unopened toys for Christmas. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11, 2021. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to more than 800 financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the semi-trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main Street Danville, IA 52623 anytime. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. The Semi of Love opened for business at noon Friday, and will be collecting toys for exactly 24 hours, through noon Saturday. Santa Claus himself was on hand for the opening hours of the toy drive, helping the volunteers load toys dropped off by generous locals.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638564351697.jpeg" alt="Santa poses for pictures at the annual Toys for Tots drive on Friday, Dec. 3. Photo by William Smith. " />
 <figcaption>Santa poses for pictures at the annual Toys for Tots drive on Friday, Dec. 3. Photo by William Smith. </figcaption>
 </figure>

Toys For Tots Semi of Love is Back Today and Saturday and Donations Are Needed

By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots donation boxes are back in area businesses for the season, and the need for toys will be greater than ever. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to hundreds of financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. On Dec. 3 and 4, the annual Semi Of Love toy drive in the Westland Mall parking will attempt to drum-up enough donations to literally fill up a semi trailer of toys.&nbsp; Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main St., Danville, Iowa 52623. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. Bickel’s Cycling and Fitness has streamlined the process, allowing for cash donations in increments as low as $10. To donate to the bicycle fund, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk" target="_blank">https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk</a> Parents who want to sign up for the program can still get into the registration process. The only requirement to receive toys is a residence in Des Moines County or Henderson County, Ill. The toys are only for children, infant to 13 years old.&nbsp; Registrants do have to provide personal information, including a photo ID, a Social Security card or birth certificates for everyone in the household, and proof of residency, such as a printout of food stamps, a utility bill, water bill, etc. Registration will be open at The Rock House at 2700 Division St., through Friday, Dec. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1638329868521.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots donation boxes are back in area businesses for the season, and the need for toys will be greater than ever. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to hundreds of financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. On Dec. 3 and 4, the annual Semi Of Love toy drive in the Westland Mall parking will attempt to drum-up enough donations to literally fill up a semi trailer of toys.&nbsp; Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main St., Danville, Iowa 52623. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. Bickel’s Cycling and Fitness has streamlined the process, allowing for cash donations in increments as low as $10. To donate to the bicycle fund, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk" target="_blank">https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk</a> Parents who want to sign up for the program can still get into the registration process. The only requirement to receive toys is a residence in Des Moines County or Henderson County, Ill. The toys are only for children, infant to 13 years old.&nbsp; Registrants do have to provide personal information, including a photo ID, a Social Security card or birth certificates for everyone in the household, and proof of residency, such as a printout of food stamps, a utility bill, water bill, etc. Registration will be open at The Rock House at 2700 Division St., through Friday, Dec. 3.

Toys For Tots Collecting Donations 

Obituaries have been posted for James Myers and Otto Trousil at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637106055246.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for James Myers and Otto Trousil at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries.</a>

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 30, 2021

The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is widely referred to as the holiday season. Holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all take place in this typically six-week window. During this period, there's another, possibly lesser-known, event that can elicit many of the same warm feelings generated by more recognizable holidays.

GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year. Though that typically means the day is celebrated after the calendar turns to December, this year GivingTuesday takes place on Tuesday, November 30.

How can people participate in GivingTuesday?

The organizers behind GivingTuesday note that the day is about all types of giving. Individuals who want to participate can donate money, food and/or clothing; start an advocacy campaign; help a neighbor; or commit an act of generosity. Participants need not make their GivingTuesday efforts part of any official event associated with the day, but those who want to can visit VolunteerMatch.org to look for volunteering opportunities in and around their communities. Employers and even local governments also may sponsor or host events on GivingTuesday. Twitter users also can use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to promote causes and/or encourage donations throughout the day. Some organizations may match users' donations up to a predetermined dollar amount, and users can enter #GivingTuesday into the Twitter search engine to discover such efforts. Parents can even help children find ways to participate by visiting GivingTuesdaySpark.org.

GivingTuesday is a global effort that emphasizes the power of generosity. Individuals can learn more at GivingTuesday.org. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1638250644929.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is widely referred to as the holiday season. Holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all take place in this typically six-week window. During this period, there's another, possibly lesser-known, event that can elicit many of the same warm feelings generated by more recognizable holidays.GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year. Though that typically means the day is celebrated after the calendar turns to December, this year GivingTuesday takes place on Tuesday, November 30.How can people participate in GivingTuesday?The organizers behind GivingTuesday note that the day is about all types of giving. Individuals who want to participate can donate money, food and/or clothing; start an advocacy campaign; help a neighbor; or commit an act of generosity. Participants need not make their GivingTuesday efforts part of any official event associated with the day, but those who want to can visit VolunteerMatch.org to look for volunteering opportunities in and around their communities. Employers and even local governments also may sponsor or host events on GivingTuesday. Twitter users also can use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to promote causes and/or encourage donations throughout the day. Some organizations may match users' donations up to a predetermined dollar amount, and users can enter #GivingTuesday into the Twitter search engine to discover such efforts. Parents can even help children find ways to participate by visiting GivingTuesdaySpark.org.GivingTuesday is a global effort that emphasizes the power of generosity. Individuals can learn more at GivingTuesday.org.

How to Participate in GivingTuesday

Obituaries and death notices have been published for: James Myers, Michael Romkey, Darrel Jones, Debra Jay Westlake Mason, James McMahon, Larry Mincer, and Kyle Lange at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637106055246.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries and death notices have been published for: James Myers, Michael Romkey, Darrel Jones, Debra Jay Westlake Mason, James McMahon, Larry Mincer, and Kyle Lange at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 29, 2021

By Beacon Staff Due to a federal mandate issued on Nov. 4, 2021, health care workers across the country are facing termination from their jobs if they aren’t fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022. It is an unwelcome scenario that local healthcare facilities worry could add to an already problematic shortage of qualified workers. "We're concerned about this," said Matt Wenzel, Great River Health System CEO. "Like any other industry right now, there is a workforce shortage." Under the federal mandate, employees must receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by the January deadline. The mandate comes from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees reimbursements to hospitals. Failure to comply would result in the loss of Medicare and Medicaid funding. In that event, patients would not be able to submit medical expenses for reimbursement, nor would the hospital receive those funds. More than half of the annual revenue for the hospital system comes in the form of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, according to Wenzel. "We have no choice but to comply," he said. "This isn't just happening at Great River Health System; it's happening to every hospital." At Danville Care Center, most of the nursing home's 35 employees are vaccinated according to Sarah Morehouse, Director of Nursing. She expected the federal mandate might result in the loss of a couple employees at most. "We haven't lost anybody yet," she added. At Great River Health, Wenzel said they are doing their best to support employees. Because of the vaccination schedule, employees must receive their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by Dec. 6, 2021, to continue working. After that date, unvaccinated employees will be required to take a leave of absence or use PTO. Any employees who have not been fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022, will have their employment terminated. At the West Burlington hospital campus, 66 percent of employees are vaccinated, with 59 percent at the Fort Madison campus and 77 percent at the Henry County Health Center. The overall vaccination rate is 67 percent. "We recognize this is an individual decision. People are trying to make the best decisions for themselves. We are trying to do all we can to help our employees through this," Wenzel said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1638041364416.jpeg" alt="A federal mandate requires health care staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022. " />
 <figcaption>A federal mandate requires health care staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Due to a federal mandate issued on Nov. 4, 2021, health care workers across the country are facing termination from their jobs if they aren’t fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022. It is an unwelcome scenario that local healthcare facilities worry could add to an already problematic shortage of qualified workers. "We're concerned about this," said Matt Wenzel, Great River Health System CEO. "Like any other industry right now, there is a workforce shortage." Under the federal mandate, employees must receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by the January deadline. The mandate comes from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees reimbursements to hospitals. Failure to comply would result in the loss of Medicare and Medicaid funding. In that event, patients would not be able to submit medical expenses for reimbursement, nor would the hospital receive those funds. More than half of the annual revenue for the hospital system comes in the form of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, according to Wenzel. "We have no choice but to comply," he said. "This isn't just happening at Great River Health System; it's happening to every hospital." At Danville Care Center, most of the nursing home's 35 employees are vaccinated according to Sarah Morehouse, Director of Nursing. She expected the federal mandate might result in the loss of a couple employees at most. "We haven't lost anybody yet," she added. At Great River Health, Wenzel said they are doing their best to support employees. Because of the vaccination schedule, employees must receive their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by Dec. 6, 2021, to continue working. After that date, unvaccinated employees will be required to take a leave of absence or use PTO. Any employees who have not been fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022, will have their employment terminated. At the West Burlington hospital campus, 66 percent of employees are vaccinated, with 59 percent at the Fort Madison campus and 77 percent at the Henry County Health Center. The overall vaccination rate is 67 percent. "We recognize this is an individual decision. People are trying to make the best decisions for themselves. We are trying to do all we can to help our employees through this," Wenzel said.

Healthcare Workers Face Vaccination Deadline

For eight nights each winter, candles burn in commemoration of a miraculous and joyous event. Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, commemorates an ancient miracle that occurred after the Jewish people waged a hard-fought battle against religious oppression.

A small contingent of Jewish warriors led by Judah Maccabee rebelled against Syrian Greek rulers who desecrated the holy Second Temple in Jerusalem and tortured and persecuted those who did not adopt their religious beliefs. After the Maccabees came out victorious, they set out to rededicate the Temple, which included lighting a menorah. They could only find enough oil for the candelabra to burn for one night. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight nights and the Temple was kept holy. This miracle is the inspiration for Hanukkah.

Various iconic Hanukkah traditions have been borne out of that evening in 164 BCE. Below are some of the most prominent traditions associated with Hanukkah festivities.

The menorah is traditionally a seven-branched candelabra lit by ritually-pure olive oil used in Jewish places of worship. However, in commemoration of the Hanukkah miracle, a special menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used. This menorah is a nine-branched version that enables a candle to be lit for each day the rededicated Temple candles burned. The middle, highest candle from which the others are lit is called she shamash. The hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a visible space, such as the front window of celebrants' homes.

Jews were forbidden from studying their own religious texts like the Torah, but they found ways to do so anyway. They would quickly hide their books and take out spinning tops to pretend to be playing with them when the Greeks were watching. In commemoration, these little tops, or dreidels, are taken out on Hanukkah. The dreidels are marked with four Hebrew letters, which represent the phrase "nes gadol haya sham," or "a great miracle happened there."

Frying foods in olive oil has become tradition and a way to acknowledge the miraculous Temple oil burning. Jelly-filled doughnuts called "sufganiyot" are popular, as are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes.

In addition to Hanukkah gelt (small chocolate coins) and money given out to children and adults, many Jewish families make "tzedakah" (donations) to nonprofits and other charitable organizations during Hanukkah. The sixth night of Hanukkah has recently become associated with charitable giving and other gifting.

In addition to these traditions, Hanukkah is an ideal opportunity for Jewish family members to gather under one roof. It also may be an opportunity for them to share their celebrations and religious customs with non-Jewish friends.

Hanukkah is a celebratory time that looks back to a significant miracle in Jewish history. It's an opportunity to engage in many different traditions with family and friends.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637975441271.jpeg" alt="A special nine-branched menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used to celebrate Hanukkah. " />
 <figcaption>A special nine-branched menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used to celebrate Hanukkah. </figcaption>
 </figure>For eight nights each winter, candles burn in commemoration of a miraculous and joyous event. Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, commemorates an ancient miracle that occurred after the Jewish people waged a hard-fought battle against religious oppression.A small contingent of Jewish warriors led by Judah Maccabee rebelled against Syrian Greek rulers who desecrated the holy Second Temple in Jerusalem and tortured and persecuted those who did not adopt their religious beliefs. After the Maccabees came out victorious, they set out to rededicate the Temple, which included lighting a menorah. They could only find enough oil for the candelabra to burn for one night. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight nights and the Temple was kept holy. This miracle is the inspiration for Hanukkah.Various iconic Hanukkah traditions have been borne out of that evening in 164 BCE. Below are some of the most prominent traditions associated with Hanukkah festivities.Lighting the menorahThe menorah is traditionally a seven-branched candelabra lit by ritually-pure olive oil used in Jewish places of worship. However, in commemoration of the Hanukkah miracle, a special menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used. This menorah is a nine-branched version that enables a candle to be lit for each day the rededicated Temple candles burned. The middle, highest candle from which the others are lit is called she shamash. The hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a visible space, such as the front window of celebrants' homes.Playing with the dreidelJews were forbidden from studying their own religious texts like the Torah, but they found ways to do so anyway. They would quickly hide their books and take out spinning tops to pretend to be playing with them when the Greeks were watching. In commemoration, these little tops, or dreidels, are taken out on Hanukkah. The dreidels are marked with four Hebrew letters, which represent the phrase "nes gadol haya sham," or "a great miracle happened there."Eating fried foodsFrying foods in olive oil has become tradition and a way to acknowledge the miraculous Temple oil burning. Jelly-filled doughnuts called "sufganiyot" are popular, as are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes.Donations and giftsIn addition to Hanukkah gelt (small chocolate coins) and money given out to children and adults, many Jewish families make "tzedakah" (donations) to nonprofits and other charitable organizations during Hanukkah. The sixth night of Hanukkah has recently become associated with charitable giving and other gifting.Family timeIn addition to these traditions, Hanukkah is an ideal opportunity for Jewish family members to gather under one roof. It also may be an opportunity for them to share their celebrations and religious customs with non-Jewish friends.Hanukkah is a celebratory time that looks back to a significant miracle in Jewish history. It's an opportunity to engage in many different traditions with family and friends.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

Obituaries have been published for Michael Keller, Dorothy Buhmeyer, Kathryn Klaus, and Beverly Parker at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637106055246.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been published for Michael Keller, Dorothy Buhmeyer, Kathryn Klaus, and Beverly Parker at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 26, 2021

Story and photos by William Smith The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s local chapter –&nbsp; the Patriotic Quilters of Southeast Iowa – got off to a modest start in 2015, with only three members. Now the charity organization, which does nothing but produce brand new quilts for military veterans, is 61 members strong. The organization has given away nearly 700 quilts since its inception six years ago, and awarded four of the extravagant coverings to four area veterans Friday night (Nov. 12) at the Eagles Club.

Arlyss Fritz, coordinator for the southeast Iowa chapter of the charity, worked alongside fellow volunteers to drape the quilts around the shoulders of the veterans. They were met with thankful smiles. Fritz said the charity’s mission to provide quilts to every veteran they can is never ending. “A veteran, whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check, made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to, and including, his or her life. That is valor.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637694677005.jpeg" alt="Burlington resident Ronald Mehaffy, who served in the National Guard from 1953 to 1955, and the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, reacts to the quilt he received from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor." />
 <figcaption>Burlington resident Ronald Mehaffy, who served in the National Guard from 1953 to 1955, and the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, reacts to the quilt he received from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photos by William Smith The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s local chapter –&nbsp; the Patriotic Quilters of Southeast Iowa – got off to a modest start in 2015, with only three members. Now the charity organization, which does nothing but produce brand new quilts for military veterans, is 61 members strong. The organization has given away nearly 700 quilts since its inception six years ago, and awarded four of the extravagant coverings to four area veterans Friday night (Nov. 12) at the Eagles Club.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637694760860.jpeg" alt="Burlington resident Tim Ruberg, who served the U.S. Army as a radio repairman in Germany, receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor charity." />
 <figcaption>Burlington resident Tim Ruberg, who served the U.S. Army as a radio repairman in Germany, receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor charity.</figcaption>
 </figure>Arlyss Fritz, coordinator for the southeast Iowa chapter of the charity, worked alongside fellow volunteers to drape the quilts around the shoulders of the veterans. They were met with thankful smiles. Fritz said the charity’s mission to provide quilts to every veteran they can is never ending. “A veteran, whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check, made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to, and including, his or her life. That is valor.”<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637694812948.jpeg" alt="Montrose resident and state senator Jeff Reichman receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of Quilts of Valor. Reichman, who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, served in the United States Marine Corps for 28 years, which included two tours in Iraq." />
 <figcaption>Montrose resident and state senator Jeff Reichman receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of Quilts of Valor. Reichman, who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, served in the United States Marine Corps for 28 years, which included two tours in Iraq.</figcaption>
 </figure>

The Color of Valor

Charlotte Spiekermeier, 75, of West Point, died on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at her home in West Point.
 She was born Jan. 27, 1946, in Aberdeen, S.D., the daughter of Richard and Leona Grace Ericson Thompson. On 
July 15, 1966, she married Raymond David Spiekermeier at Saint Mary of 
the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point.

Charlotte was a 1964 graduate of Central Lee High School. She was a member of the Sharon Presbyterian Church and the United Auto Workers Union. After forty-four years of service, Charlotte retired from Champion Spark Plug. Survivors include her husband; daughter, Jean Tennant of West Point; two sisters, Audrey Diane of 
Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Janet Horstman of Denmark, Iowa; and two grandsons. Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
 Friends may call after 12 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 at 
Schmitz Funeral Home - West Point, where the family will receive friends 
from 2 to 5 p.m. that afternoon.
 A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec.6 at the Schmitz Funeral Home - West Point with Pastor Harry 
Hollingsworth and Father Michael Spiekermeier officiating.
 Burial will be at St. James Cemetery in St. Paul.
 A memorial has been established in her memory for the Michael J. Fox
 Foundation for Parkinson’s and West Point Fire Department and Rescue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638640435497.jpeg" alt="Charlotte Spiekermeier" />
 <figcaption>Charlotte Spiekermeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Charlotte Spiekermeier, 75, of West Point, died on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at her home in West Point.
 She was born Jan. 27, 1946, in Aberdeen, S.D., the daughter of Richard and Leona Grace Ericson Thompson. On 
July 15, 1966, she married Raymond David Spiekermeier at Saint Mary of 
the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point.
Charlotte was a 1964 graduate of Central Lee High School. She was a member of the Sharon Presbyterian Church and the United Auto Workers Union. After forty-four years of service, Charlotte retired from Champion Spark Plug. Survivors include her husband; daughter, Jean Tennant of West Point; two sisters, Audrey Diane of 
Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Janet Horstman of Denmark, Iowa; and two grandsons. Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
 Friends may call after 12 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 at 
Schmitz Funeral Home - West Point, where the family will receive friends 
from 2 to 5 p.m. that afternoon.
 A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec.6 at the Schmitz Funeral Home - West Point with Pastor Harry 
Hollingsworth and Father Michael Spiekermeier officiating.
 Burial will be at St. James Cemetery in St. Paul.
 A memorial has been established in her memory for the Michael J. Fox
 Foundation for Parkinson’s and West Point Fire Department and Rescue.

Charlotte Spiekermeier

Tom was born on May 26, 1948, in 
Burlington to Raymond F. and Dorothy E. Moreland Walz. He was of the Catholic faith.
 He married Pam West in 1982,and together, they raised their three girls, coached softball teams and worked security for Police Productions, an association that hired security crews for traveling musicians and bands. Tom joined the Burlington Police Department on March 25, 1980, and 
served his community as a police officer for over 30 years. After his 
retirement, he remained with the City of Burlington as a courier until 
earlier this year. He was the definition of a volunteer. There was not a single 
community event, parade, or neighborhood block party that you did not 
see Tom either taking tickets, serving food and beverages, providing 
color guard, driving cars, providing escorts, setting up and tearing 
down stages, chairs and barricades or just simple enjoying his time with
 his “family”, the public.
 He is survived by his three daughters, Patty 
Walz of Burlington, Amanda Walz-Orton of Burlington and Amy Schatterman of Coal Valley, Ill.; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; siblings, Larry Walz of Burlington, Connie Yeutsy of Iowa City, Mark Walz of Flower Mound, 
Texas; step-sister Susan Scott; and step-brother David Bloomberg. A Catholic prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 
Dec. 7 at Burlington Memorial Auditorium. Visitation with family 
will follow until 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 
a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 at Burlington Memorial Auditorium. The Rev. 
Shane McCampbell will officiate. According to his wishes, cremation 
will be accorded following the funeral services. Inurnment will be held
 at a later date in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. 
 In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a toy be donated to 
Toys for Tots, donations made to Gigi’s Playhouse Quad Cities or to the 
Burlington Elks Lodge #84.
 Services will be live streamed and will be viewable online via the 
Lunning Chapel Facebook page and condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638639876035.jpeg" alt="Tom Walz " />
 <figcaption>Tom Walz </figcaption>
 </figure>Tom was born on May 26, 1948, in 
Burlington to Raymond F. and Dorothy E. Moreland Walz. He was of the Catholic faith.
 He married Pam West in 1982,and together, they raised their three girls, coached softball teams and worked security for Police Productions, an association that hired security crews for traveling musicians and bands. Tom joined the Burlington Police Department on March 25, 1980, and 
served his community as a police officer for over 30 years. After his 
retirement, he remained with the City of Burlington as a courier until 
earlier this year. He was the definition of a volunteer. There was not a single 
community event, parade, or neighborhood block party that you did not 
see Tom either taking tickets, serving food and beverages, providing 
color guard, driving cars, providing escorts, setting up and tearing 
down stages, chairs and barricades or just simple enjoying his time with
 his “family”, the public.
 He is survived by his three daughters, Patty 
Walz of Burlington, Amanda Walz-Orton of Burlington and Amy Schatterman of Coal Valley, Ill.; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; siblings, Larry Walz of Burlington, Connie Yeutsy of Iowa City, Mark Walz of Flower Mound, 
Texas; step-sister Susan Scott; and step-brother David Bloomberg. A Catholic prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 
Dec. 7 at Burlington Memorial Auditorium. Visitation with family 
will follow until 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 
a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 at Burlington Memorial Auditorium. The Rev. 
Shane McCampbell will officiate. According to his wishes, cremation 
will be accorded following the funeral services. Inurnment will be held
 at a later date in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. 
 In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a toy be donated to 
Toys for Tots, donations made to Gigi’s Playhouse Quad Cities or to the 
Burlington Elks Lodge #84.
 Services will be live streamed and will be viewable online via the 
Lunning Chapel Facebook page and condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.

Tom Walz

William P. “Paul” Mathews, 73, of Burlington, died Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at his home.
 Born Dec. 30, 1947, in Burlington, he was the son of Harry Edward and Alice Evelyn Sodergren Mathews.
 He was an Air Force veteran, serving in the Vietnam War.
He worked for IAAP and later for J.I. Case until his retirement in 2006.

He attended Bethany Lutheran Church. He is survived by his cousins, good friend Melanie Witt Purcell and 
many of the PCM nurses and friends who cared for him for the last 
several years.
 There will be no formal funeral services for Mr. Mathews. Graveside
 services and inurnment will be held at a later date next to his parents
 in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.

William P. “Paul” Mathews, 73, of Burlington, died Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at his home.
 Born Dec. 30, 1947, in Burlington, he was the son of Harry Edward and Alice Evelyn Sodergren Mathews.
 He was an Air Force veteran, serving in the Vietnam War.
He worked for IAAP and later for J.I. Case until his retirement in 2006.
He attended Bethany Lutheran Church. He is survived by his cousins, good friend Melanie Witt Purcell and 
many of the PCM nurses and friends who cared for him for the last 
several years.
 There will be no formal funeral services for Mr. Mathews. Graveside
 services and inurnment will be held at a later date next to his parents
 in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.

William Mathews

Lynne D. Smith, 62 of Muscatine died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at Unity Point Health in Rock Island, Ill.
 Born Oct. 4, 1959, in Muscatine, Lynne was the daughter of Kenneth and Opal Shaw Miller. 
 Lynne graduated from Muscatine High School in 1978 and also earned her Associates Degree as a legal secretary. 
 On June 17, 2000, Lynne married Dan Smith in Muscatine. 
 She was a legal secretary working for Stanley Consultants as well as
 a homemaker. For the past 15 years, she was a musician at Wesley United
 Methodist Church in Muscatine.
 Survivors include her husband; parents; daughters, Jennifer Chapin of Muscatine and Kristen Liebmann of Wilton; brothers, Mike Miller of Covington, Wash.,
 Mitch Miller of Taylor Ridge, Ill., and Keith Miller of 
Muscatine; and three grandchildren. The funeral service for Lynne will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6 at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Brian Oliver 
officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of
 service at the church. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine
 following the services.
 A memorial has been established.

Lynne D. Smith, 62 of Muscatine died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at Unity Point Health in Rock Island, Ill.
 Born Oct. 4, 1959, in Muscatine, Lynne was the daughter of Kenneth and Opal Shaw Miller. 
 Lynne graduated from Muscatine High School in 1978 and also earned her Associates Degree as a legal secretary. 
 On June 17, 2000, Lynne married Dan Smith in Muscatine. 
 She was a legal secretary working for Stanley Consultants as well as
 a homemaker. For the past 15 years, she was a musician at Wesley United
 Methodist Church in Muscatine.
 Survivors include her husband; parents; daughters, Jennifer Chapin of Muscatine and Kristen Liebmann of Wilton; brothers, Mike Miller of Covington, Wash.,
 Mitch Miller of Taylor Ridge, Ill., and Keith Miller of 
Muscatine; and three grandchildren. The funeral service for Lynne will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6 at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Brian Oliver 
officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of
 service at the church. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine
 following the services.
 A memorial has been established.

Lynne Smith

Mary Lou Banks, 87, passed away on Dec. 2, 2021, at the Southeast Regional Hospice 
House in West Burlington.

Born Nov. 19, 1934, in Ralston, Okla., to Memory Ann Montgomery Price and George Andrew Price.

She worked for over 20 years at Elm View Care Center in housekeeping and
 then laundry.

She is survived by two daughters, Georgia Oetken of 
Burlington, Rosemary Flaherty of Mediapolis; one son, Tommy 
Banks of Burlington; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Prugh Crematory.

The memorial service for Mrs. Banks will be 10 a.m. Monday, Dec.
 6 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Graber 
officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Southeast Regional Hospice House.

Mary Lou Banks, 87, passed away on Dec. 2, 2021, at the Southeast Regional Hospice 
House in West Burlington.Born Nov. 19, 1934, in Ralston, Okla., to Memory Ann Montgomery Price and George Andrew Price.She was of the Baptist faith.She worked for over 20 years at Elm View Care Center in housekeeping and
 then laundry. She is survived by two daughters, Georgia Oetken of 
Burlington, Rosemary Flaherty of Mediapolis; one son, Tommy 
Banks of Burlington; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.Cremation has been entrusted to the Prugh Crematory.The memorial service for Mrs. Banks will be 10 a.m. Monday, Dec.
 6 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Graber 
officiating.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Southeast Regional Hospice House.

Mary Lou Banks

Brenda A. O'Brien, 49, of Burlington, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at her home in Burlington.

Born June 8, 1972, in Warner Robbins, Ga., she was the daughter of 
Larry and Song Kim Richardson. She was previously married to Eric 
O'Brien and after their separation, she was later engaged to Dalton 
Bird.

She worked previously as a CNA at The Kensington in Fort Madison.

Survivors include her parents; children, Emily O'Brien and Matthew O'Brien, both of Burlington; fiancé, Dalton Bird of 
Burlington; sister, Judy Gardner of Panama City, Fla.; and brother, 
Paul Richardson of Burlington. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Brenda A. O'Brien, 49, of Burlington, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at her home in Burlington.Born June 8, 1972, in Warner Robbins, Ga., she was the daughter of 
Larry and Song Kim Richardson. She was previously married to Eric 
O'Brien and after their separation, she was later engaged to Dalton 
Bird.She worked previously as a CNA at The Kensington in Fort Madison. Survivors include her parents; children, Emily O'Brien and Matthew O'Brien, both of Burlington; fiancé, Dalton Bird of 
Burlington; sister, Judy Gardner of Panama City, Fla.; and brother, 
Paul Richardson of Burlington. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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