&nbsp;The historic Heritage Hill area of Burlington was lit by candlelight Saturday evening, Dec. 17 for the annual holiday luminaria lighting. Above:&nbsp; Columbia Street  is shown.

Above: A Heritage Hills resident lights luminaries on Columbia Street in Burlington.

Above: Heritage Hill resident Ralph Smith lights luminaries as part of the annual Christmas tradition.  The sand in the bags froze making it difficult to place the candles inside.&nbsp;

Note: More photos will be featured in our Dec. 23 print edition.

Photos by Keith Turrill<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671342263072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The historic Heritage Hill area of Burlington was lit by candlelight Saturday evening, Dec. 17 for the annual holiday luminaria lighting. Above:&nbsp; Columbia Street is shown.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671341826923.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: A Heritage Hills resident lights luminaries on Columbia Street in Burlington.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671341864915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Heritage Hill resident Ralph Smith lights luminaries as part of the annual Christmas tradition. The sand in the bags froze making it difficult to place the candles inside.&nbsp;Note: More photos will be featured in our Dec. 23 print edition.

Heritage Hill Hosts Holiday Luminaria Lighting

Above: Santa hugs Myiah Simon after carrying out a bag of toys to her car  during the annual Toys for Tots distribution Saturday, Dec.&nbsp; 10 at Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. The annual charity giveaway, organized by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League distributed more than 10,000 new, unopened toys helping over 400 families.&nbsp;

Above:&nbsp;Emma Asher looks through a variety of games during the annual Toys for Tots distribution.

Above: Alicia Siefken, who has volunteered for the last 12 years at the annual Toys for Tots distribution, carries empty boxes to be broken down Saturday, Dec. 10.

Above and below:&nbsp;Volunteers help shoppers during the annual Toys for Tots distribution.

All photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671159338088.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Santa hugs Myiah Simon after carrying out a bag of toys to her car during the annual Toys for Tots distribution Saturday, Dec.&nbsp; 10 at Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. The annual charity giveaway, organized by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League distributed more than 10,000 new, unopened toys helping over 400 families.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671159378649.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Emma Asher looks through a variety of games during the annual Toys for Tots distribution.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671159456804.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Alicia Siefken, who has volunteered for the last 12 years at the annual Toys for Tots distribution, carries empty boxes to be broken down Saturday, Dec. 10.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671159520290.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above and below:&nbsp;Volunteers help shoppers during the annual Toys for Tots distribution.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1671159586933.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

The Season of Giving

Above: U.S. Navy veteran and Winfield resident Bob Pameticky holds up a handmade quilt stitched and gifted to him by the local Quilts of Valor organization. The charity group creates new quilts for area veterans throughout the year, usually awarding them during a ceremony.&nbsp;Photo/William Smith

U.S. Navy veteran Bob Pameticky never saw combat.

Because of that, he didn’t consider himself a military veteran. It was only years after his service, which lasted from 1989 to 1993, that Pameticky realized he could receive medical care and benefits that were due to him.

“I didn’t even know I was a veteran,” he said. “Men and women before me and the ones come after me, those are the real veterans. They saw combat.”

Pameticky’s service was as vital to the nation’s security as any sailor, and he saw quite a bit of excitement in his four years. He traveled the world. He engaged in rescue efforts. He even helped arrest a ship full of Columbian drug dealers.

Pameticky would have engaged in Operation Desert Storm too, but the war was over by the time the destroyer he served on arrived.

“When we found out that Desert Storm was over, we had a big party in the middle of the gulf,” he said.

This wasn’t just as any party. The USS Merrill — the destroyer that Pameticky served on —&nbsp; anchored beside a Japanese ship for a steel beach picnic. The Americans cooked up hotdogs and hamburgers. The Japanese ship was full of seafood and rice.

The two crews swapped ships during the party, sampling each other’s cuisine while taking tours. They actually held two parties with the Japanese — a first in military history.

“I drank fresh sake in the Persian Gulf,” Pameticky said with a grin.

A native and current resident of Winfield, Pameticky joined the Navy right out of high school. He didn’t take school seriously enough, he said, which left him few options for college. And he wanted to serve.

“I’m not a violent person. Joining the Army or Marines was out of the question. I wanted to travel the world. That’s how I chose the Navy,” he said.

Pameticky went through boot camp in Illinois, then was sent to San Diego, Calif., to serve on the USS Merrill (DD-976) destroyer.

“When I got on the ship, it was a culture shock,” he said. “I come from small town Iowa, and I get put into San Diego.”

Pameticky and his fellow sailors stayed in temporary barracks for two months waiting for the ship to arrive. When it did, the men found themselves in jobs they didn’t anticipate — ship cleaners.

“We cleaned for eight hours straight. It was like a 9-to-5 job,” Pameticky said.

Once the cleaning was over, Pameticky became a fireman recruit and worked in the engine room. He was always interested in welding, and that played a big part in his job. He enjoyed the firefighting aspect and damage control of the job so much he wanted to become a firefighter as a civilian, but prior health concerns didn’t allow it.

Those long hours aboard ship, which was often docked far enough away from San Diego that only the city lights were visible, were filled with more than work. There was plenty of training to be done.

“When it wasn’t wartime, we were always acting like it was wartime,” he said. “We’d be sitting anchored and doing battle simulations.”

The sailors took pride in their work. At the tender age of 22, Pameticky was responsible for all the ship’s plumbing. After his service, he got a chance to visit the ship with his parents while living in Oregon. He wanted to see if his welds and plumbing work were still holding up.

One of the men aboard told them there had been zero leaks or problems.

“I was pretty proud of that,” Pameticky said.

In 1991, the volcano Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted for the first time in 600 years, producing a column of ash, smoke, and rock debris more than 28 miles high. The resulting heavy ashfall left about 100,000 people homeless, forced thousands more to flee the area, and caused 300 deaths.

The USS Merrill was part of the relief effort, providing an escape for American citizens.

“The eruption was over by the time we got there,” Pameticky said. “There was just ash flying around everywhere. We took American citizens from the Philippines to Cebu (Island), and they would fly back to America. We made three trips. That is when the Gulf War broke out.”

That experience will forever be burned into Pameticky’s memory. So will the unexpected drug bust he and the men of the USS Merrill conducted.

“We actually did it twice. We didn’t get anything (drugs) the first time,” he said.

A new captain resulted in a more successful second effort. While approaching the drug ship, the USS Merrill was ordered to wait for the Coast Guard to arrive. But as they waited, the crew of the drug ship starting tossing cargo overboard.

“Our captain said, ‘Screw it,’ and we hightailed it over there, got on board and arrested everyone who needed to be arrested,” Pameticky said.

When the Coast Guard arrived, the men of the USS Merrill had two presents for them. A ship full of handcuffed drug runners out of Panama, and 60 pounds of cocaine.

“They (military brass) gave us a big snowflake sticker to put on the side of the ship,” Pameticky said.

One night while serving on the USS Merrill, Pameticky stepped out onto the deck. It was dark, but he heard someone screaming.&nbsp;

After making his way to the source of the sound, he found one of his fellow soldiers dangling from the handrail around the deck. If the man fell, his body would be sucked into the propeller.

“He would have gotten chopped up. There would have been nothing left,” Pameticky said.

Seeing that he was about to fall, Pameticky laid down on the deck and braced his shoulder against the rail post. He grabbed the man’s belt to pull him up, and the man grabbed Pameticky’s belt when he was raised high enough.

Then they were stuck. There was no way to get the man back up on deck without letting go of him, and the rail prevented Pameticky from standing. They had to wait for the fore or aft watchman to take notice. It didn’t take long for help to arrive, but time had seemingly slowed.

“It felt like it took forever to get someone’s attention,” he said.

After the close call, they nominated Pameticky for a medal for saving his life. But the captain of USS Merrill denied it.

Pameticky believes the captain didn’t want to bring attention to a safety issue. He said the man who fell was leaning on the rail turnbuckle when it collapsed.

Pameticky was crestfallen, and not because of the lack of recognition. The award would have helped promote Pameticky to the second-class petty officer — a rank he had worked toward tirelessly since enlisting. He was considering making the Navy a career.

“ I came from the bottom and worked for everything I accomplished. He (the captain) couldn’t see where I came from. He was more worried about an investigation,” Pameticky said.

“I got mad, and I got out (of the service). There are days I regret it, and days I don’t,” he said.

What he doesn’t regret is enlisting. In the course of four years, Pameticky saved a man’s life, participated in a Columbian drug bust, and rescued Americans from an erupting volcano – all while traveling the world.

“I’m glad I did it,” he said. “You grow up fast.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670910043039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: U.S. Navy veteran and Winfield resident Bob Pameticky holds up a handmade quilt stitched and gifted to him by the local Quilts of Valor organization. The charity group creates new quilts for area veterans throughout the year, usually awarding them during a ceremony.&nbsp;Photo/William SmithBy William Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. Navy veteran Bob Pameticky never saw combat.Because of that, he didn’t consider himself a military veteran. It was only years after his service, which lasted from 1989 to 1993, that Pameticky realized he could receive medical care and benefits that were due to him.“I didn’t even know I was a veteran,” he said. “Men and women before me and the ones come after me, those are the real veterans. They saw combat.”Pameticky’s service was as vital to the nation’s security as any sailor, and he saw quite a bit of excitement in his four years. He traveled the world. He engaged in rescue efforts. He even helped arrest a ship full of Columbian drug dealers.Pameticky would have engaged in Operation Desert Storm too, but the war was over by the time the destroyer he served on arrived.“When we found out that Desert Storm was over, we had a big party in the middle of the gulf,” he said.This wasn’t just as any party. The USS Merrill — the destroyer that Pameticky served on —&nbsp; anchored beside a Japanese ship for a steel beach picnic. The Americans cooked up hotdogs and hamburgers. The Japanese ship was full of seafood and rice.The two crews swapped ships during the party, sampling each other’s cuisine while taking tours. They actually held two parties with the Japanese — a first in military history.“I drank fresh sake in the Persian Gulf,” Pameticky said with a grin.Growing up all at onceA native and current resident of Winfield, Pameticky joined the Navy right out of high school. He didn’t take school seriously enough, he said, which left him few options for college. And he wanted to serve.“I’m not a violent person. Joining the Army or Marines was out of the question. I wanted to travel the world. That’s how I chose the Navy,” he said.Pameticky went through boot camp in Illinois, then was sent to San Diego, Calif., to serve on the USS Merrill (DD-976) destroyer.“When I got on the ship, it was a culture shock,” he said. “I come from small town Iowa, and I get put into San Diego.”Pameticky and his fellow sailors stayed in temporary barracks for two months waiting for the ship to arrive. When it did, the men found themselves in jobs they didn’t anticipate — ship cleaners.“We cleaned for eight hours straight. It was like a 9-to-5 job,” Pameticky said.Once the cleaning was over, Pameticky became a fireman recruit and worked in the engine room. He was always interested in welding, and that played a big part in his job. He enjoyed the firefighting aspect and damage control of the job so much he wanted to become a firefighter as a civilian, but prior health concerns didn’t allow it.Those long hours aboard ship, which was often docked far enough away from San Diego that only the city lights were visible, were filled with more than work. There was plenty of training to be done.“When it wasn’t wartime, we were always acting like it was wartime,” he said. “We’d be sitting anchored and doing battle simulations.”The sailors took pride in their work. At the tender age of 22, Pameticky was responsible for all the ship’s plumbing. After his service, he got a chance to visit the ship with his parents while living in Oregon. He wanted to see if his welds and plumbing work were still holding up.One of the men aboard told them there had been zero leaks or problems.“I was pretty proud of that,” Pameticky said.A drug bustIn 1991, the volcano Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted for the first time in 600 years, producing a column of ash, smoke, and rock debris more than 28 miles high. The resulting heavy ashfall left about 100,000 people homeless, forced thousands more to flee the area, and caused 300 deaths.The USS Merrill was part of the relief effort, providing an escape for American citizens.“The eruption was over by the time we got there,” Pameticky said. “There was just ash flying around everywhere. We took American citizens from the Philippines to Cebu (Island), and they would fly back to America. We made three trips. That is when the Gulf War broke out.”That experience will forever be burned into Pameticky’s memory. So will the unexpected drug bust he and the men of the USS Merrill conducted.“We actually did it twice. We didn’t get anything (drugs) the first time,” he said.A new captain resulted in a more successful second effort. While approaching the drug ship, the USS Merrill was ordered to wait for the Coast Guard to arrive. But as they waited, the crew of the drug ship starting tossing cargo overboard.It was time for a judgment call.“Our captain said, ‘Screw it,’ and we hightailed it over there, got on board and arrested everyone who needed to be arrested,” Pameticky said.When the Coast Guard arrived, the men of the USS Merrill had two presents for them. A ship full of handcuffed drug runners out of Panama, and 60 pounds of cocaine.“They (military brass) gave us a big snowflake sticker to put on the side of the ship,” Pameticky said.Saving a llfeOne night while serving on the USS Merrill, Pameticky stepped out onto the deck. It was dark, but he heard someone screaming.&nbsp;After making his way to the source of the sound, he found one of his fellow soldiers dangling from the handrail around the deck. If the man fell, his body would be sucked into the propeller.“He would have gotten chopped up. There would have been nothing left,” Pameticky said.Seeing that he was about to fall, Pameticky laid down on the deck and braced his shoulder against the rail post. He grabbed the man’s belt to pull him up, and the man grabbed Pameticky’s belt when he was raised high enough.Then they were stuck. There was no way to get the man back up on deck without letting go of him, and the rail prevented Pameticky from standing. They had to wait for the fore or aft watchman to take notice. It didn’t take long for help to arrive, but time had seemingly slowed.“It felt like it took forever to get someone’s attention,” he said.After the close call, they nominated Pameticky for a medal for saving his life. But the captain of USS Merrill denied it.Pameticky believes the captain didn’t want to bring attention to a safety issue. He said the man who fell was leaning on the rail turnbuckle when it collapsed.Pameticky was crestfallen, and not because of the lack of recognition. The award would have helped promote Pameticky to the second-class petty officer — a rank he had worked toward tirelessly since enlisting. He was considering making the Navy a career.“ I came from the bottom and worked for everything I accomplished. He (the captain) couldn’t see where I came from. He was more worried about an investigation,” Pameticky said.It soured Pameticky on the service.“I got mad, and I got out (of the service). There are days I regret it, and days I don’t,” he said.What he doesn’t regret is enlisting. In the course of four years, Pameticky saved a man’s life, participated in a Columbian drug bust, and rescued Americans from an erupting volcano – all while traveling the world.“I’m glad I did it,” he said. “You grow up fast.”

Seeking Adventure In The Navy 

Above: Salvation Army bell ringer Trevor Glade-Siebert of Burlington greets customers at the Hy-Vee on Agency Street on Monday, Dec. 5. Glade-Siebert lost both legs in a medical accident 18 years ago but has found purpose and faith through the Salvation Army and his volunteer efforts. Photo/William Smith

By William Smith&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Community Editor

Burlington native and resident Trevor Glade-Siebert was a punk rock skateboarder for a good portion of his life, and was on the verge of turning his passion into a career.

Then, he lost his legs in what he calls a “hospital mess-up.”

“If I hadn’t lost my legs, I would have gone pro in two to six months,” he said.

The ensuing depression nearly ended his life, but he credits God for giving him the strength to go on. That divine intervention came through various sources.

“If it wasn’t for special needs and the Salvation Army and my friends and family, I wouldn’t have made it through,” he said.

Five years ago, Glade-Siebert started ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign raises money for the charitable organization and is used to help with programs and annual operating costs.

Glade-Siebert has been hooked ever since.

“It’s such a good cause and good people, I keep on coming back,” he said while ringing the Salvation Army bell in front of the Agency Street Hy-Vee Monday, Dec. 5.&nbsp;

Salvation Army bell ringers come in two flavors — paid bell ringers, who work eight-hour shifts in front of local retail stores, and volunteer bell ringers, who typically work on the weekend. Glade-Siebert is one of the paid ringers and said the weekend volunteers are a big help to the organization.

Glade-Siebert takes pride in his work as well. He always has.

“I can still do the same things anyone else can do. It just takes a little more time, and a little bit more effort. That’s one thing I pride myself on,” he said.&nbsp;

Glade-Siebert lost his legs 18 years ago and worked at McDonald’s for 13 years — before and after the accident. Those first 10 years were great.&nbsp;

He worked at McDonald’s across the country, from California to Virginia, as well as at McDonald’s in Burlington.

After losing his legs, Glade-Siebert discovered he couldn’t do everything when he returned to work. Physical limitations and motivation weren’t the problems. It was a sanitary-health issue.

“You can’t work with food, because you are wheelchair-bound. You can’t touch the wheels and then touch the food,” he said.

That limited Glade-Siebert to working the drive-thru, which he didn’t exactly find fulfilling. Not as fulfilling as ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

“One of the coolest moments was last week at Walmart, this little kid had a piggy bank. And he’s like, ‘I want to donate this.’ And it was so cute. The kids make it worth it,” he said.

After five years, Glade-Siebert is starting to become a familiar face around Christmas time. Most offer greetings and a healthy “Merry Christmas.” Some stop to chat for a bit.

“I have this one guy who comes and tells me a joke every time he sees me,” he said.

Several people have asked Glade-Siebert about the silver rings that adorn the fingers of both hands. Most of them are crosses. The skull ring on his left hand was a gift from a friend.&nbsp;

“I’m really religious, and I like my crosses,” he said.

So far, the weather hasn’t been too bad, but it will be.&nbsp;

The Salvation Army bell ringers are ready, undeterred by snow and sub-zero temperatures.&nbsp;

Glade-Siebert wears several layers of clothing during his shift, as well as a battery-heated jacket inside his larger coat.

“Last year was so cold, and this year is going to get worse,” he said.

Glade-Siebert doesn’t do it for the paycheck, though that’s certainly helpful. He’s more concerned that the Salvation Army meets its campaign goal this year.

“I’m really looking to get quota this year,” he said. “I want to do some volunteering for the Salvation Army, too.”

The goal for this year’s campaign is $185,000, which includes a mail-in donation campaign that comprises about $120,000.

That still leaves $65,000 that has to be raised through the kettles.

“We are hoping to surpass the goal. Last year, we did not meet the goal or come anywhere close to the goal,” said Salvation Army Lt. Nathan Welch.

Welch said last year’s kettle campaign goal was $190,000, but only about $120,000 to $130,000 was raised. That was mostly due to a lack of bell ringers.

“That was the biggest hurt last year. We just didn’t have enough ringers to fill all the spaces we had,” Welch said. “Usually the last week or two of the Christmas season is when we make the most money – at least 50 percent, even more. During that last week, we only had one or two ringers out. And that was out of the 13 sites. That’s a big part of why we didn’t make what we were hoping to make.”

Applications for paid and volunteer bell ringers are still being taken, and bell ringers will continue to raise money through Dec. 24.&nbsp;

For more information, call the Salvation Army at&nbsp; (319) 753-2038.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670873510523.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Salvation Army bell ringer Trevor Glade-Siebert of Burlington greets customers at the Hy-Vee on Agency Street on Monday, Dec. 5. Glade-Siebert lost both legs in a medical accident 18 years ago but has found purpose and faith through the Salvation Army and his volunteer efforts. Photo/William SmithBy William Smith&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Community EditorBurlington native and resident Trevor Glade-Siebert was a punk rock skateboarder for a good portion of his life, and was on the verge of turning his passion into a career.Then, he lost his legs in what he calls a “hospital mess-up.”“If I hadn’t lost my legs, I would have gone pro in two to six months,” he said.The ensuing depression nearly ended his life, but he credits God for giving him the strength to go on. That divine intervention came through various sources.“If it wasn’t for special needs and the Salvation Army and my friends and family, I wouldn’t have made it through,” he said.Five years ago, Glade-Siebert started ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign raises money for the charitable organization and is used to help with programs and annual operating costs.Glade-Siebert has been hooked ever since.“It’s such a good cause and good people, I keep on coming back,” he said while ringing the Salvation Army bell in front of the Agency Street Hy-Vee Monday, Dec. 5.&nbsp;Salvation Army bell ringers come in two flavors — paid bell ringers, who work eight-hour shifts in front of local retail stores, and volunteer bell ringers, who typically work on the weekend. Glade-Siebert is one of the paid ringers and said the weekend volunteers are a big help to the organization.Glade-Siebert takes pride in his work as well. He always has.“I can still do the same things anyone else can do. It just takes a little more time, and a little bit more effort. That’s one thing I pride myself on,” he said.&nbsp;Glade-Siebert lost his legs 18 years ago and worked at McDonald’s for 13 years — before and after the accident. Those first 10 years were great.&nbsp;He worked at McDonald’s across the country, from California to Virginia, as well as at McDonald’s in Burlington.“I did everything there,” he said.After losing his legs, Glade-Siebert discovered he couldn’t do everything when he returned to work. Physical limitations and motivation weren’t the problems. It was a sanitary-health issue.“You can’t work with food, because you are wheelchair-bound. You can’t touch the wheels and then touch the food,” he said.That limited Glade-Siebert to working the drive-thru, which he didn’t exactly find fulfilling. Not as fulfilling as ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.“One of the coolest moments was last week at Walmart, this little kid had a piggy bank. And he’s like, ‘I want to donate this.’ And it was so cute. The kids make it worth it,” he said.After five years, Glade-Siebert is starting to become a familiar face around Christmas time. Most offer greetings and a healthy “Merry Christmas.” Some stop to chat for a bit.“I have this one guy who comes and tells me a joke every time he sees me,” he said.Several people have asked Glade-Siebert about the silver rings that adorn the fingers of both hands. Most of them are crosses. The skull ring on his left hand was a gift from a friend.&nbsp;“I’m really religious, and I like my crosses,” he said.So far, the weather hasn’t been too bad, but it will be.&nbsp;The Salvation Army bell ringers are ready, undeterred by snow and sub-zero temperatures.&nbsp;Glade-Siebert wears several layers of clothing during his shift, as well as a battery-heated jacket inside his larger coat.“Last year was so cold, and this year is going to get worse,” he said.Glade-Siebert doesn’t do it for the paycheck, though that’s certainly helpful. He’s more concerned that the Salvation Army meets its campaign goal this year.“I’m really looking to get quota this year,” he said. “I want to do some volunteering for the Salvation Army, too.”The goal for this year’s campaign is $185,000, which includes a mail-in donation campaign that comprises about $120,000.That still leaves $65,000 that has to be raised through the kettles.“We are hoping to surpass the goal. Last year, we did not meet the goal or come anywhere close to the goal,” said Salvation Army Lt. Nathan Welch.Welch said last year’s kettle campaign goal was $190,000, but only about $120,000 to $130,000 was raised. That was mostly due to a lack of bell ringers.“That was the biggest hurt last year. We just didn’t have enough ringers to fill all the spaces we had,” Welch said. “Usually the last week or two of the Christmas season is when we make the most money – at least 50 percent, even more. During that last week, we only had one or two ringers out. And that was out of the 13 sites. That’s a big part of why we didn’t make what we were hoping to make.”Applications for paid and volunteer bell ringers are still being taken, and bell ringers will continue to raise money through Dec. 24.&nbsp;For more information, call the Salvation Army at&nbsp; (319) 753-2038.

Burlington Man Lost His Legs, But Found His Soul

Sirens blared through Burlington and West Burlington Saturday morning (Dec. 10) as a long line of police vehicles snaked through city streets. Rather than signaling a public emergency, the commotion announced the arrival of the annual Shop With a Cop event. Look for more photos in the Dec. 16 print edition.

Above:&nbsp;Detective Dave Murguia, with the Des Moines County Sheriff Department shops with Aynsley Horn, 8, during the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday, Dec. 10 at Walmart. Officers from the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department, Burlington and West Burlington Police Departments, Iowa State Patrol, DCI, Probation Department, and 8th Judicial District volunteered their time with area third graders, first spending time together at Black Hawk Elementary School before taking off in a caravan heading to Walmart to shop for gifts.

Above:&nbsp;Amarrah Garrett, 8, shops with Detective Porfirio Gallegos with the Burlington Police Department during the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday.

Above:&nbsp;Deputy Matt Breckon with the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department shops with Josalynn Brockus, 9.

Above:&nbsp;Keighlia Page, 8, picks out a gift during the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday.

Above:&nbsp;Officers and children arrive for the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday at Walmart in West Burlington.

Above: Detective Dave Murguia, with the Des Moines County Sheriff Department shops with Aynsley Horn, 8.

Sirens blared through Burlington and West Burlington Saturday morning (Dec. 10) as a long line of police vehicles snaked through city streets. Rather than signaling a public emergency, the commotion announced the arrival of the annual Shop With a Cop event. Look for more photos in the Dec. 16 print edition.All photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670781211944.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Detective Dave Murguia, with the Des Moines County Sheriff Department shops with Aynsley Horn, 8, during the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday, Dec. 10 at Walmart. Officers from the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department, Burlington and West Burlington Police Departments, Iowa State Patrol, DCI, Probation Department, and 8th Judicial District volunteered their time with area third graders, first spending time together at Black Hawk Elementary School before taking off in a caravan heading to Walmart to shop for gifts.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670781298703.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Amarrah Garrett, 8, shops with Detective Porfirio Gallegos with the Burlington Police Department during the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670781354647.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Deputy Matt Breckon with the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department shops with Josalynn Brockus, 9.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670781481975.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Keighlia Page, 8, picks out a gift during the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670781729019.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Officers and children arrive for the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday at Walmart in West Burlington.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670780574512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Detective Dave Murguia, with the Des Moines County Sheriff Department shops with Aynsley Horn, 8.

Shop With A Cop 

Above: The first issue of The Beacon features the wonderful Olive Sullivan.&nbsp; Photo/Jeff Abell

By Jeff Abell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; owner/publisher

Earlier this year, I had my final conversation with my sister, Sally. 

Of course, I didn’t know it at the time. We sat at her kitchen table across from a pile of letters and a plastic container holding an assortment of cookies. She walked around her tiny kitchen, dusting the menagerie of ceramic figures lining the counter.

As she settled back into her chair, our conversation resumed without missing a beat. We talked about our childhood, her love for “Lord of The Rings,” and, sadly, how the latest round of chemotherapy had failed to stem the growing tide of tumors.

Her ovarian cancer had worsened, but I didn’t realize how dire the situation had become. Sally looked fragile, but true to her nature, she cracked a joke and then teased me about being the “baby of the family.” I had always admired her strength in the face of adversity. In many ways, she was the most courageous person I have ever known.

During a lull in the conversation, she pointed to a stack of Beacons I had given her a few months prior. She asked me how the newspaper was doing, and I recited a status report. She offered some encouraging words, and we shared a final laugh.

As I was leaving, I took the old copies of the newspaper off the table to take to the recycling center. Once inside my car, I noticed on the top of one was a note Sally had written to me: “Keep on fighting! The Beacon matters!”

She went into hospice care a few weeks later and died shortly after. I didn’t know it then, but those handwritten words in a newspaper would have an impact a few months later.

Along with most of you, I have heard talk about the “new” Hawk Eye, and we wish them well.&nbsp; For us at The Beacon, we’re going to continue to focus on what we do best by listening to our readers, engaging with the community, and treating our employees with respect.

During the past few weeks as the situation developed, my thoughts returned to the words written by my sister — “The Beacon matters!”  Yes, this newspaper does matter. 

The Beacon matters because you, the reader, matter, and so does this community. And, as my father used to say, “The truth doesn’t need to be dressed up.” 

The truth is you deserve a newspaper that is truly locally owned, home-grown, and responsive to the community. The truth is we will continue to fight for those who support us and even for those who don’t. The truth is community journalism is too important for us to do otherwise. 

My sister believed that The Beacon matters and I happen to agree with her. Through your support and encouragement, you have shown that The Beacon matters to you as well. We are deeply grateful, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670701136869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: The first issue of The Beacon features the wonderful Olive Sullivan.&nbsp; Photo/Jeff AbellBy Jeff Abell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; owner/publisherEarlier this year, I had my final conversation with my sister, Sally. Of course, I didn’t know it at the time. We sat at her kitchen table across from a pile of letters and a plastic container holding an assortment of cookies. She walked around her tiny kitchen, dusting the menagerie of ceramic figures lining the counter.As she settled back into her chair, our conversation resumed without missing a beat. We talked about our childhood, her love for “Lord of The Rings,” and, sadly, how the latest round of chemotherapy had failed to stem the growing tide of tumors.Her ovarian cancer had worsened, but I didn’t realize how dire the situation had become. Sally looked fragile, but true to her nature, she cracked a joke and then teased me about being the “baby of the family.” I had always admired her strength in the face of adversity. In many ways, she was the most courageous person I have ever known.During a lull in the conversation, she pointed to a stack of Beacons I had given her a few months prior. She asked me how the newspaper was doing, and I recited a status report. She offered some encouraging words, and we shared a final laugh.As I was leaving, I took the old copies of the newspaper off the table to take to the recycling center. Once inside my car, I noticed on the top of one was a note Sally had written to me: “Keep on fighting! The Beacon matters!”She went into hospice care a few weeks later and died shortly after. I didn’t know it then, but those handwritten words in a newspaper would have an impact a few months later.Along with most of you, I have heard talk about the “new” Hawk Eye, and we wish them well.&nbsp; For us at The Beacon, we’re going to continue to focus on what we do best by listening to our readers, engaging with the community, and treating our employees with respect.During the past few weeks as the situation developed, my thoughts returned to the words written by my sister — “The Beacon matters!” Yes, this newspaper does matter. The Beacon matters because you, the reader, matter, and so does this community. And, as my father used to say, “The truth doesn’t need to be dressed up.” The truth is you deserve a newspaper that is truly locally owned, home-grown, and responsive to the community. The truth is we will continue to fight for those who support us and even for those who don’t. The truth is community journalism is too important for us to do otherwise. My sister believed that The Beacon matters and I happen to agree with her. Through your support and encouragement, you have shown that The Beacon matters to you as well. We are deeply grateful, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

Why The Beacon Matters

Above:&nbsp;Terry Johnson and a young girl make gingerbread houses on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at Berthel Fisher on Jefferson Street in Burlington.

Above: Arts and crafts for children took place on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at The Medium store on Jefferson Street in Burlington.

Above:&nbsp;Christine Williamson spins some wool fiber into yarn on Dec. 8 at the Art Center on Jefferson Street in Burlington during the Living Windows holiday celebration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670699849632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All photos courtesy of Keith TurrillAbove:&nbsp;Terry Johnson and a young girl make gingerbread houses on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at Berthel Fisher on Jefferson Street in Burlington.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670699938705.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Arts and crafts for children took place on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at The Medium store on Jefferson Street in Burlington.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670700047395.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Christine Williamson spins some wool fiber into yarn on Dec. 8 at the Art Center on Jefferson Street in Burlington during the Living Windows holiday celebration.

Holiday Arts and Crafts 

Above: Lauren Schacklett, 9, and her mother Autumn, take a selfie outside of Weird Harold's Records during the annual Living Windows celebration Thursday, Dec. 8 in downtown Burlington. The event included lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.&nbsp;

Above: Reese Richenberger, 12, wearing a tutu that her mother Abby wore 30 years ago when she also studied dance at Cheryl's School of Dance, foreground and Grace Szewczyk, dance in the window of Bent River Brewing Company, during the annual Living Windows celebration.

Above: Cory Evans holds his son Briggs, 2, to look at the train display in the Burlington Vintage and Company window during the annual Living Windows celebration.

Above: Kehlani Johnson, 4, roasts a marshmallow at a S'more making station put on by the Auxiliary of Local 301 at the Burlington Fire Department  during the annual Living Windows.&nbsp;

Above: Tyler Martin, 8, listens as Derek Murphy performs with other musicians, not pictured, during the annual Living Windows.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559283618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All photos by John LovrettaAbove: Lauren Schacklett, 9, and her mother Autumn, take a selfie outside of Weird Harold's Records during the annual Living Windows celebration Thursday, Dec. 8 in downtown Burlington. The event included lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559426413.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Reese Richenberger, 12, wearing a tutu that her mother Abby wore 30 years ago when she also studied dance at Cheryl's School of Dance, foreground and Grace Szewczyk, dance in the window of Bent River Brewing Company, during the annual Living Windows celebration.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559516735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Cory Evans holds his son Briggs, 2, to look at the train display in the Burlington Vintage and Company window during the annual Living Windows celebration.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559621985.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Kehlani Johnson, 4, roasts a marshmallow at a S'more making station put on by the Auxiliary of Local 301 at the Burlington Fire Department during the annual Living Windows.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670560131629.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Tyler Martin, 8, listens as Derek Murphy performs with other musicians, not pictured, during the annual Living Windows.

Living Windows 2022

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (GSEIWI) announced a $1.4 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. A well-known philanthropist, Scott was married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for 25 years and received a 25% stake in the online retailer as part of their 2019 divorce. Shortly after the terms of the divorce were announced, Scott signed the Giving Pledge and promised to give away at least half of her wealth over the course of her lifetime.

This generous gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history. The local council, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, is one of 29 councils out of the 111 councils across the nation selected by Scott to receive these funds. Locally, this gift will enhance programs, expand the program model to reach more girls, create more equitable opportunities, and invest in talent in the region.

“Grateful is an understatement,” said GSEIWI CEO, Diane Nelson. “We were so excited to find out that MacKenzie Scott is impressed by the impact local Girl Scouts are making. The girls in our community will change the world! With this substantial donation, we will expand the opportunities for girls to build their confidence and go out into the world to lead empathetically and dynamically.” This donation will enable the local council to expand its investment in local Girl Scouts and advance the organization’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (GSEIWI) announced a $1.4 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. A well-known philanthropist, Scott was married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for 25 years and received a 25% stake in the online retailer as part of their 2019 divorce. Shortly after the terms of the divorce were announced, Scott signed the Giving Pledge and promised to give away at least half of her wealth over the course of her lifetime.This generous gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history. The local council, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, is one of 29 councils out of the 111 councils across the nation selected by Scott to receive these funds. Locally, this gift will enhance programs, expand the program model to reach more girls, create more equitable opportunities, and invest in talent in the region.“Grateful is an understatement,” said GSEIWI CEO, Diane Nelson. “We were so excited to find out that MacKenzie Scott is impressed by the impact local Girl Scouts are making. The girls in our community will change the world! With this substantial donation, we will expand the opportunities for girls to build their confidence and go out into the world to lead empathetically and dynamically.” This donation will enable the local council to expand its investment in local Girl Scouts and advance the organization’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Local Girl Scouts Council Receives $1.4 Million Donation

The Burlington Public Library has a new director — Brittany R. Jacobs.

And she is encouraging everyone to make use of a resource they may have previously ignored.

“This library is huge,” Jacobs said. “It’s one of the best libraries in the state.”

Jacobs, 35, is replacing former library director Rhonda Frevert, who took another library job in Des Moines.&nbsp;

Jacobs began working at the library 11 months ago, taking on the role of manager of outreach and program services for the library.

“I care deeply about the staff here. I’m a huge champion of the work they’re doing. This is such a well-oiled machine,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs has worked closely under Frevert for the past 11 months and has gotten to know the staff intimately — all 46 of them.&nbsp;

“We are proud and excited to have Brittany as our next visionary leader,” said Becky Godfrey, president of the Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees.

“Her interest in learning sciences and her leadership style are a great fit for our future.”

Frevert was director for 15 of her 20 years at the library, and Jacobs said she’s the best library director she has ever worked for.

Jacobs earned her Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois and serves on the Editorial Review Board for the Afterschool Matters academic journal, and recently completed the Iowa Library Association Leadership Institute.

Before coming to Burlington, she also worked in the public library systems of Denver Colo., and Naperville, Ill.

Jacobs is an accomplished children’s book author who illustrates her own work, sometimes digitally.

Coming to Burlington was a bit of providence and a bit of luck.&nbsp;

Jacobs has participated in the annual RAGBRAI event, and she and her wife talked of retiring to Iowa someday.

When a job opened up at the Burlington Public Library, Jacobs jumped at it.&nbsp;

She and her wife have four dogs and over 120,000 bees.&nbsp;

Jacobs took on the bee colony as a new hobby before leaving Colorado, and the little guys have adapted to Iowa as well as she has.

“They make way more honey down here,” she said.

Jacobs has big plans for the library and is helping oversee several projects to fruition — including making the library “sensory certified” next month.&nbsp;

That means the library will become certified to be more inclusive to those with autism and other sensory issues.&nbsp;

That will make it only the second library in the state with that designation.

Meanwhile, Jacobs and her family have found serenity in Burlington — a new home for a bright future.

“I think Burlington is the best-kept secret of the Midwest,” Jacobs said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/10/1664724854237.jpeg" alt="Brittany R. Jacobs, the new director of the Burlington Public Library, poses in front of the library's sign." />
 <figcaption>Brittany R. Jacobs, the new director of the Burlington Public Library, poses in front of the library's sign.</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithThe Burlington Public Library has a new director — Brittany R. Jacobs.And she is encouraging everyone to make use of a resource they may have previously ignored.“This library is huge,” Jacobs said. “It’s one of the best libraries in the state.”Jacobs, 35, is replacing former library director Rhonda Frevert, who took another library job in Des Moines.&nbsp;Jacobs began working at the library 11 months ago, taking on the role of manager of outreach and program services for the library.“I care deeply about the staff here. I’m a huge champion of the work they’re doing. This is such a well-oiled machine,” Jacobs said.Jacobs has worked closely under Frevert for the past 11 months and has gotten to know the staff intimately — all 46 of them.&nbsp;“We are proud and excited to have Brittany as our next visionary leader,” said Becky Godfrey, president of the Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees.“Her interest in learning sciences and her leadership style are a great fit for our future.”Frevert was director for 15 of her 20 years at the library, and Jacobs said she’s the best library director she has ever worked for.Jacobs earned her Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois and serves on the Editorial Review Board for the Afterschool Matters academic journal, and recently completed the Iowa Library Association Leadership Institute.Before coming to Burlington, she also worked in the public library systems of Denver Colo., and Naperville, Ill.Jacobs is an accomplished children’s book author who illustrates her own work, sometimes digitally.Coming to Burlington was a bit of providence and a bit of luck.&nbsp;Jacobs has participated in the annual RAGBRAI event, and she and her wife talked of retiring to Iowa someday.When a job opened up at the Burlington Public Library, Jacobs jumped at it.&nbsp;She and her wife have four dogs and over 120,000 bees.&nbsp;Jacobs took on the bee colony as a new hobby before leaving Colorado, and the little guys have adapted to Iowa as well as she has.“They make way more honey down here,” she said.Jacobs has big plans for the library and is helping oversee several projects to fruition — including making the library “sensory certified” next month.&nbsp;That means the library will become certified to be more inclusive to those with autism and other sensory issues.&nbsp;That will make it only the second library in the state with that designation.Meanwhile, Jacobs and her family have found serenity in Burlington — a new home for a bright future.“I think Burlington is the best-kept secret of the Midwest,” Jacobs said.

New public library director  excited to fill well-worn shoes

They were already heroes — always ready to save a life if the situation arises.&nbsp;

Now they have been officially recognized as heroes by the city of West Burlington.

West Burlington Swimming Pool general manager Bethany Nannen and her staff were honored by the West Burlington City Council during the Sept. 7 council meeting.

They were honored not only with a proclamation but with certificates of their heroism, which they could hold in their hands.

“We admire these local heroes,” said West Burlington City Councilwoman Therese Lees.

A lot of those heroes are ages 19 and under — local kids just trying to make a living as a lifeguard. Most people don’t see the effort they put into keeping the pool safe and saving those who get in over their heads.

“My staff has been amazing. They’re still amazing,” Nannen said.&nbsp;

“It (the proclamation) meant a lot to me, and it meant a lot to the kids. If you’re 16 years old, you don’t usually get recognized for jumping in the pool and saving someone’s life.”

It was a rough summer for the pool staff — the roughest in the history of the swimming pool. While the proclamation honored all of the staff’s work through the summer, it was their heroic response to a shooting in the pool parking lot in June that captured public attention.

“When we had the debrief, I told the kids (lifeguards), ‘This is something you should never have to witness. I am sorry that you have to go through this. This is not normal, and this is not something that will ever be normal,” Nannen said of the June 14 shooting incident.

Nannen jumped into action with her first-aid kit the day of the shooting, giving aid to a man who had been shot in the neck/jaw area. Meanwhile, the pool staff calmly got everyone out in an orderly evacuation.&nbsp;

At first, Nannen feared a child had been shot.

“At the time, we didn’t know what was happening. We didn’t know if it was another mass shooting. We didn’t know,” she said.&nbsp;

Nannen, a Burlington Community School District teacher, fell back on 30 years of emergency training.&nbsp;

A person on the scene was applying pressure to the victim’s gunshot wound with a towel, doing their best to keep him alive. But the pressure was applied to the man’s jaw rather than his neck, and Nannen quickly moved the towel to the gunshot wound.

Nannen commended her staff, 15 of which were working that day. She directed some of them to break up the crowd gathering outside the pool.

“I cannot tell you enough good things about my staff. And these are all really young kids. The oldest one I have on staff is 19, and she just turned 19,” Nannen said.

As part of the proclamation by the city council, the youths were also recognized by the city as a special category of first responders. They received a standing ovation from everyone at the meeting.

“I want to thank all of you for what you did at the pool,” Lees said. “We have faith in the ability of today’s youth.”

Since the incident, Nannen and her staff have been trying to process the traumatic event.&nbsp;

It’s an ongoing process, she said, but they are working through it.

They will carry the lessons they learned that day for a lifetime.

“One of my lifeguards, made her mom go shopping on Amazon for a professional rescue kit. So she could be on call,” Nannen said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1664327045030.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThey were already heroes — always ready to save a life if the situation arises.&nbsp;Now they have been officially recognized as heroes by the city of West Burlington.West Burlington Swimming Pool general manager Bethany Nannen and her staff were honored by the West Burlington City Council during the Sept. 7 council meeting.They were honored not only with a proclamation but with certificates of their heroism, which they could hold in their hands.“We admire these local heroes,” said West Burlington City Councilwoman Therese Lees.A lot of those heroes are ages 19 and under — local kids just trying to make a living as a lifeguard. Most people don’t see the effort they put into keeping the pool safe and saving those who get in over their heads.“My staff has been amazing. They’re still amazing,” Nannen said.&nbsp;“It (the proclamation) meant a lot to me, and it meant a lot to the kids. If you’re 16 years old, you don’t usually get recognized for jumping in the pool and saving someone’s life.”It was a rough summer for the pool staff — the roughest in the history of the swimming pool. While the proclamation honored all of the staff’s work through the summer, it was their heroic response to a shooting in the pool parking lot in June that captured public attention.“When we had the debrief, I told the kids (lifeguards), ‘This is something you should never have to witness. I am sorry that you have to go through this. This is not normal, and this is not something that will ever be normal,” Nannen said of the June 14 shooting incident.Nannen jumped into action with her first-aid kit the day of the shooting, giving aid to a man who had been shot in the neck/jaw area. Meanwhile, the pool staff calmly got everyone out in an orderly evacuation.&nbsp;At first, Nannen feared a child had been shot.“At the time, we didn’t know what was happening. We didn’t know if it was another mass shooting. We didn’t know,” she said.&nbsp;Nannen, a Burlington Community School District teacher, fell back on 30 years of emergency training.&nbsp;A person on the scene was applying pressure to the victim’s gunshot wound with a towel, doing their best to keep him alive. But the pressure was applied to the man’s jaw rather than his neck, and Nannen quickly moved the towel to the gunshot wound.Nannen commended her staff, 15 of which were working that day. She directed some of them to break up the crowd gathering outside the pool.“I cannot tell you enough good things about my staff. And these are all really young kids. The oldest one I have on staff is 19, and she just turned 19,” Nannen said.As part of the proclamation by the city council, the youths were also recognized by the city as a special category of first responders. They received a standing ovation from everyone at the meeting.“I want to thank all of you for what you did at the pool,” Lees said. “We have faith in the ability of today’s youth.”Since the incident, Nannen and her staff have been trying to process the traumatic event.&nbsp;It’s an ongoing process, she said, but they are working through it.They will carry the lessons they learned that day for a lifetime.“One of my lifeguards, made her mom go shopping on Amazon for a professional rescue kit. So she could be on call,” Nannen said.

Heroes honored by WB council

Driven by a passion for baking that goes back as far as she can remember, Mallory Kienast has spent years slowly tweaking and improving her buttercream -- a staple for her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory.

“I was blessed to grow up with two grandmothers who could bake and who were fueled by passion for the hobby as well,” said Kienast. “When my grandmother, Norma, passed away, I set a goal to take her cinnamon roll recipe and make them as good as her. Part of what makes her rolls so wonderful is the delicious frosting she would slather over them, and so began my pursuit to make my own staple buttercream.”

Kienast was asked to present a working demonstration and samples at the 18th Annual World Food &amp; Music Festival in Des Moines this year and provide samples to the audience. She will be presenting this Friday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at the Dotdash Meredith Culinary Discovery Pavillion. Her presentation is slated to last thirty minutes. During her presentation, Kienast will create her signature buttercream and then pipe it on homemade sugar cookies so guests can sample the buttercream for themselves. 

Having her products sampled and judged is nothing new for Kienast, who began taking her baked goods to the Des Moines County Fair when she joined the Unity H 4-H club in fourth grade. In fifth grade, her first bakery item was selected to advance to the Iowa State Fair. By sixth grade, she’d launched Made by Mallory and sold her cinnamon rolls to teachers, family, and friends.

Kienast continued baking while studying public relations at the University of Northern Iowa. She participated in the Cedar Falls Farmers Market for two years and even had the opportunity to provide a gluten-free cupcake line to Scratch Cupcakery.

When Kienast graduated college, she put her baking aside to focus on marketing and brand development. She launched a marketing business that is still running today, but an itch called her back to the kitchen to continue pursuing her passion for baking.

Today Kienast’s cottage bakery specializes in gourmet cookies and cupcakes with colorful and delicious buttercream piped on top. To learn more about her bakery or her presentation at the World Food &amp; Music Festival, visit her Facebook page @madebymallory.us.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1663162996033.jpeg" alt="Mallory Kienast's signature buttercream adorns the top of cupcakes sold through her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory. (Photo submitted by Mallory Kienast.)" />
 <figcaption>Mallory Kienast's signature buttercream adorns the top of cupcakes sold through her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory. (Photo submitted by Mallory Kienast.)</figcaption>
 </figure>Driven by a passion for baking that goes back as far as she can remember, Mallory Kienast has spent years slowly tweaking and improving her buttercream -- a staple for her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory.“I was blessed to grow up with two grandmothers who could bake and who were fueled by passion for the hobby as well,” said Kienast. “When my grandmother, Norma, passed away, I set a goal to take her cinnamon roll recipe and make them as good as her. Part of what makes her rolls so wonderful is the delicious frosting she would slather over them, and so began my pursuit to make my own staple buttercream.”Kienast was asked to present a working demonstration and samples at the 18th Annual World Food &amp; Music Festival in Des Moines this year and provide samples to the audience. She will be presenting this Friday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at the Dotdash Meredith Culinary Discovery Pavillion. Her presentation is slated to last thirty minutes. During her presentation, Kienast will create her signature buttercream and then pipe it on homemade sugar cookies so guests can sample the buttercream for themselves. Having her products sampled and judged is nothing new for Kienast, who began taking her baked goods to the Des Moines County Fair when she joined the Unity H 4-H club in fourth grade. In fifth grade, her first bakery item was selected to advance to the Iowa State Fair. By sixth grade, she’d launched Made by Mallory and sold her cinnamon rolls to teachers, family, and friends.Kienast continued baking while studying public relations at the University of Northern Iowa. She participated in the Cedar Falls Farmers Market for two years and even had the opportunity to provide a gluten-free cupcake line to Scratch Cupcakery.When Kienast graduated college, she put her baking aside to focus on marketing and brand development. She launched a marketing business that is still running today, but an itch called her back to the kitchen to continue pursuing her passion for baking.Today Kienast’s cottage bakery specializes in gourmet cookies and cupcakes with colorful and delicious buttercream piped on top. To learn more about her bakery or her presentation at the World Food &amp; Music Festival, visit her Facebook page @madebymallory.us.

Local Baker to Present at Festival in Des Moines

By Beacon Staff Only a man as influential as Sterling Lord could warrant an all-day festival in his honor. Lord, the Burlington-born literary agent who found a publisher for Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and “The Berenstain Bears,” died at the age of 102 on his birthday, Saturday, Sept. 3, in a nursing home in Ocala, Fla. The Burlington Public Library celebrated the literary agent's Burlington heritage with an annual celebration starting in 2015. The first event featured a "Berenstain Bears" story time, hosted by Michael Berenstain – the son of the late authors Stan and Jan Berenstain. "Sterling is one of the last great gentlemen of the old world of publishing that I knew as a kid. It was a very different world of publishing," Michael Berenstain said. Lord, who was 94 years old during the first library celebration, still worked at the same agency he founded in 1951. He started his long road to New York at Sunnyside Elementary School.&nbsp; Lord later became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper at Burlington High School, landing a job stringing sports stories for the Des Moines Register at the same time. Lord's love of the written word continued beyond high school; he worked for the student paper at Grinnell College until graduating in 1942. "At the time I graduated, I didn't know what I wanted to do," Lord said during a Skype conversation in 2015. That's how Lord ended up serving with the Air Force in Europe during World War II. He still had time to serve after the war was over and was able to get a transfer to Stars and Stripes –&nbsp; the news organization that covers the military community. After working for the Stars and Stripes Weekend magazine, he purchased it and turned it into a private enterprise in post-war Germany. There was only one problem. "Frankfurt, Germany, went from being the cheapest place to publish in Europe to the most expensive place," he said. The cheapest place turned out to be Paris, but even there, the magazine lasted only a couple of years before going under. Lord moved to New York City and worked for several magazines before being fired from Cosmopolitan. He then decided to start his own literary agency. "I had a different background than almost anyone at the time," he said. Lord was flexible enough to champion any type of book to publication, earning himself a reputation that garnered all-star clients. Besides Kerouac and the Berenstains, Lord also represented Dick Francis, Ken Kesey, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Nicholas Pileggi, Dick Schaap, and Robert McNamara – just to name a few. "Kerouac never asked for a million dollars. He never named any money he wanted. All he wanted to do was sell the book, and he didn't want the publisher to change any words of his text," Lord said. It took four years, but Lord finally landed a contract with a special clause that forbade the publisher from changing anything in Kerouac's iconic novel "On the Road" -- including the punctuation. The deal was highly unusual for the time. "That really made Jack happy," Lord said. Lord was a champion tennis player as well and played competitively for 68 years until macular degeneration in his eyes forced him off the court in 2003. Lord client Stacy Cordery, a former Monmouth College history professor who is now a history professor at Iowa State University, began her writing career with a biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the oldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. She said Lord had a magical way of making everyone he talked to feel like the only person in the world. “I am honored beyond words that he thought my manuscript was good enough," Cordery said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1662522253363.jpeg" alt="Sterling Lord, born and raised in Burlington, built his legacy by championing Jack Kerouac and other iconic authors. Lord died on Sept. 3, 2022, on his 102nd birthday." />
 <figcaption>Sterling Lord, born and raised in Burlington, built his legacy by championing Jack Kerouac and other iconic authors. Lord died on Sept. 3, 2022, on his 102nd birthday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Only a man as influential as Sterling Lord could warrant an all-day festival in his honor. Lord, the Burlington-born literary agent who found a publisher for Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and “The Berenstain Bears,” died at the age of 102 on his birthday, Saturday, Sept. 3, in a nursing home in Ocala, Fla. The Burlington Public Library celebrated the literary agent's Burlington heritage with an annual celebration starting in 2015. The first event featured a "Berenstain Bears" story time, hosted by Michael Berenstain – the son of the late authors Stan and Jan Berenstain. "Sterling is one of the last great gentlemen of the old world of publishing that I knew as a kid. It was a very different world of publishing," Michael Berenstain said. Lord, who was 94 years old during the first library celebration, still worked at the same agency he founded in 1951. He started his long road to New York at Sunnyside Elementary School.&nbsp; Lord later became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper at Burlington High School, landing a job stringing sports stories for the Des Moines Register at the same time. Lord's love of the written word continued beyond high school; he worked for the student paper at Grinnell College until graduating in 1942. "At the time I graduated, I didn't know what I wanted to do," Lord said during a Skype conversation in 2015. That's how Lord ended up serving with the Air Force in Europe during World War II. He still had time to serve after the war was over and was able to get a transfer to Stars and Stripes –&nbsp; the news organization that covers the military community. After working for the Stars and Stripes Weekend magazine, he purchased it and turned it into a private enterprise in post-war Germany. There was only one problem. "Frankfurt, Germany, went from being the cheapest place to publish in Europe to the most expensive place," he said. The cheapest place turned out to be Paris, but even there, the magazine lasted only a couple of years before going under. Lord moved to New York City and worked for several magazines before being fired from Cosmopolitan. He then decided to start his own literary agency. "I had a different background than almost anyone at the time," he said. Lord was flexible enough to champion any type of book to publication, earning himself a reputation that garnered all-star clients. Besides Kerouac and the Berenstains, Lord also represented Dick Francis, Ken Kesey, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Nicholas Pileggi, Dick Schaap, and Robert McNamara – just to name a few. "Kerouac never asked for a million dollars. He never named any money he wanted. All he wanted to do was sell the book, and he didn't want the publisher to change any words of his text," Lord said. It took four years, but Lord finally landed a contract with a special clause that forbade the publisher from changing anything in Kerouac's iconic novel "On the Road" -- including the punctuation. The deal was highly unusual for the time. "That really made Jack happy," Lord said. Lord was a champion tennis player as well and played competitively for 68 years until macular degeneration in his eyes forced him off the court in 2003. Lord client Stacy Cordery, a former Monmouth College history professor who is now a history professor at Iowa State University, began her writing career with a biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the oldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. She said Lord had a magical way of making everyone he talked to feel like the only person in the world. “I am honored beyond words that he thought my manuscript was good enough," Cordery said.&nbsp;&nbsp;