The Burlington School Board was divided on Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 21) on a measure appointing Monica Myers as the interim principal of Burlington High School.

The vote came during a special school board meeting.

The status of the current principal, David Keane, is unclear. 

School officials nor board members say they can comment on his employment due to workplace confidentiality. Keane was still listed as a principal on the high school website as of Tuesday afternoon.

“As I mentioned in my board report weeks ago and then at the last meeting’s board report, we are prepared, underneath guidance from our attorney, to name an interim (principal) at the high school,” Coen said.

Coen said the school district's attorney would answer questions about Keane’s employment status at the next board meeting in January.

School board members Joel Sieren, Darven Kendell, and Nancy Hoelzen voted to approve the human resources report appointing Myers as interim principal. Board members Anika McVay, Scott Mason, and Christi Burghoffer voted against it.

With a tied vote, the motion failed. School board member Deb Hatteberg wasn’t available for the special meeting. 

After the vote, Sieren, school board president, indicated that Keane no longer performs his functions as principal at the school. 

“So we will continue without leadership at the high school for another few weeks,” Sieren said just before the meeting ended.

Several board members voiced their displeasure regarding the lack of information on the agenda for the special meeting and the hiring of an interim principal. 

Kendell said it felt like a slap in the face to the school board and staff, who were not notified for the past two months about the status of Keane’s employment.

Mason was equally frustrated with the meeting and how Myers was chosen without prior consultation with the board. Burghoffer shared the same concerns.

“We’ve had staff, for the lack of a better term, twisting in the wind at the high school," Mason said. "Now, we’re going to make this change?”

Mason said staff at the school are scared to voice their displeasure at the lack of information. But they do have strong opinions on the matter, based on emails, he added.

“The teachers don’t have a voice,” he said.

Coen said he delayed informing the board and the public about the replacement for two weeks longer than expected due to the death of Monica Myer's husband, Notre Dame basketball coach Jim Myers.

Monica Myers has 30 years of experience in the Burlington School District as a teacher and in various teacher leadership positions. For the past six years, she has served in a district-wide leadership role as the teacher leadership and mentoring coordinator.

“We looked at Monica Myers' strengths, abilities, experience, and we thought she is the individual to lead this (Burlington High School) in this dire situation,” Coen said. “However, we could not do that when her husband had just passed away. So we bit the bullet and let people kick us around like dogs for two weeks in the best interest of the school district.”

“I’m going to try to put the best person in there, even if I have to get kicked around for two weeks,” Coen said.

By Beacon StaffThe Burlington School Board was divided on Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 21) on a measure appointing Monica Myers as the interim principal of Burlington High School.The vote came during a special school board meeting.The status of the current principal, David Keane, is unclear. School officials nor board members say they can comment on his employment due to workplace confidentiality. Keane was still listed as a principal on the high school website as of Tuesday afternoon.“As I mentioned in my board report weeks ago and then at the last meeting’s board report, we are prepared, underneath guidance from our attorney, to name an interim (principal) at the high school,” Coen said.Coen said the school district's attorney would answer questions about Keane’s employment status at the next board meeting in January.School board members Joel Sieren, Darven Kendell, and Nancy Hoelzen voted to approve the human resources report appointing Myers as interim principal. Board members Anika McVay, Scott Mason, and Christi Burghoffer voted against it.With a tied vote, the motion failed. School board member Deb Hatteberg wasn’t available for the special meeting. After the vote, Sieren, school board president, indicated that Keane no longer performs his functions as principal at the school. “So we will continue without leadership at the high school for another few weeks,” Sieren said just before the meeting ended.Several board members voiced their displeasure regarding the lack of information on the agenda for the special meeting and the hiring of an interim principal. Kendell said it felt like a slap in the face to the school board and staff, who were not notified for the past two months about the status of Keane’s employment.Mason was equally frustrated with the meeting and how Myers was chosen without prior consultation with the board. Burghoffer shared the same concerns.“We’ve had staff, for the lack of a better term, twisting in the wind at the high school," Mason said. "Now, we’re going to make this change?”Mason said staff at the school are scared to voice their displeasure at the lack of information. But they do have strong opinions on the matter, based on emails, he added.“The teachers don’t have a voice,” he said.Coen said he delayed informing the board and the public about the replacement for two weeks longer than expected due to the death of Monica Myer's husband, Notre Dame basketball coach Jim Myers.Monica Myers has 30 years of experience in the Burlington School District as a teacher and in various teacher leadership positions. For the past six years, she has served in a district-wide leadership role as the teacher leadership and mentoring coordinator.“We looked at Monica Myers' strengths, abilities, experience, and we thought she is the individual to lead this (Burlington High School) in this dire situation,” Coen said. “However, we could not do that when her husband had just passed away. So we bit the bullet and let people kick us around like dogs for two weeks in the best interest of the school district.”“I’m going to try to put the best person in there, even if I have to get kicked around for two weeks,” Coen said.

Burlington School Board Split On Interim Appointment To BHS Principal Position; Status of Current Principal Unclear

A Burlington man was arrested on Sunday after an
investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse.

On Dec. 12, 2021, Burlington police arrested Harry Tilala,
80, of Burlington for sexual abuse in the third degree. The investigation
resulted from a complaint made on July 27, 2021. 

According to police records, at approximately 3 a.m. on July
27, officers were dispatched to the Howard Johnson hotel, 2759 Mount Pleasant
St., in reference to a sexual assault. Officers arrived on scene and spoke
with a woman and her minor daughter; the woman stated her daughter had been sexually
assaulted by Tilala, the owner of the hotel. Detectives interviewed Tilala and executed
a search warrant at his apartment, which is located on the hotel premises.

Cash bond in the amount of $10,000 was posted on Dec. 14,
2021.

By Beacon Staff A Burlington man was arrested on Sunday after an
investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse.On Dec. 12, 2021, Burlington police arrested Harry Tilala,
80, of Burlington for sexual abuse in the third degree. The investigation
resulted from a complaint made on July 27, 2021. According to police records, at approximately 3 a.m. on July
27, officers were dispatched to the Howard Johnson hotel, 2759 Mount Pleasant
St., in reference to a sexual assault. Officers arrived on scene and spoke
with a woman and her minor daughter; the woman stated her daughter had been sexually
assaulted by Tilala, the owner of the hotel. Detectives interviewed Tilala and executed
a search warrant at his apartment, which is located on the hotel premises.Cash bond in the amount of $10,000 was posted on Dec. 14,
2021.

Burlington Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5e8b475d-10ea-438a-91db-ac8fe10d31c2">Brad Strong</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f8a9c58a-811e-4e12-aa86-8171dcc61e39">Katie Hope</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/67c0e95e-d103-4e25-9afe-693d4a5cdd57">Nadine Ibbotson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/296f0c89-aad4-430f-ac90-6d835b4311ba">Eileen Winegard</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5e8b475d-10ea-438a-91db-ac8fe10d31c2">Brad Strong</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f8a9c58a-811e-4e12-aa86-8171dcc61e39">Katie Hope</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/67c0e95e-d103-4e25-9afe-693d4a5cdd57">Nadine Ibbotson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/296f0c89-aad4-430f-ac90-6d835b4311ba">Eileen Winegard</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 14, 2021

By Beacon Staff Des
 Moines County will receive roughly $1.35 million from a $173 million settlement
 reached between Johnson &amp; Johnson and the state of Iowa for opioid-related 
claims. Des Moines County Attorney Lisa 
Schaefer told the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 7 that 
the lawsuit&nbsp; involves a number of states, and the funds will be used 
strictly for opioid treatment and prevention. Burlington
 city manager Chad Bird informed the Burlington City Council during a work 
session Monday, Dec. 13 that the city has opted in for the money as 
well, and will work with the county and local law enforcement to use the
 funds. The money will be paid out over the 
course of eight to 10 years and will be disbursed starting next year.
 Bird said the money is the result of two settlements which were part of $25 
billion lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The
 lawsuit filed by government agencies alleges that Johnson &amp; Johnson
 and three of its opioid distributors downplayed the risks of opioids, 
marketing them to physicians to treat chronic pain. Johnson &amp; Johnson said the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, but the company has stopped selling opioids in the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639528393224.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Des
 Moines County will receive roughly $1.35 million from a $173 million settlement
 reached between Johnson &amp; Johnson and the state of Iowa for opioid-related 
claims. Des Moines County Attorney Lisa 
Schaefer told the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 7 that 
the lawsuit&nbsp; involves a number of states, and the funds will be used 
strictly for opioid treatment and prevention. Burlington
 city manager Chad Bird informed the Burlington City Council during a work 
session Monday, Dec. 13 that the city has opted in for the money as 
well, and will work with the county and local law enforcement to use the
 funds. The money will be paid out over the 
course of eight to 10 years and will be disbursed starting next year.
 Bird said the money is the result of two settlements which were part of $25 
billion lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The
 lawsuit filed by government agencies alleges that Johnson &amp; Johnson
 and three of its opioid distributors downplayed the risks of opioids, 
marketing them to physicians to treat chronic pain. Johnson &amp; Johnson said the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, but the company has stopped selling opioids in the U.S.

DMC/Burlington to Receive Over $1 Million for Opioid Treatment and Prevention

Longtime Burlington City Clerk Kathleen Salisbury has announced her retirement. She has been a city employee for over 42 years; during 36 of those years, she served as City Clerk.&nbsp;

Salisbury has been a leader in the profession by obtaining her Certified Municipal Clerk certification in 1986; she reached the pinnacle of her profession by achieving the Master Municipal Clerk designation in 2006. There are less than 1,400 Master Municipal Clerks worldwide. She has been involved in supporting other clerks in the state through state and regional clerk associations.&nbsp;

Salisbury has modernized the office over the years by implementing a&nbsp; computerized document retrieval system and updating many city policies for permits, records retention, and historical archiving.&nbsp;

Mayor Jon Billups said he was amazed at Salisbury’s unfaltering loyalty to Burlington for over 40 years. He proclaimed, “The city’s many mayors, councilpersons, and citizens owe a debt of gratitude to her for a job well done.”

Salisbury's last day is Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.&nbsp;

Longtime Burlington City Clerk Kathleen Salisbury has announced her retirement. She has been a city employee for over 42 years; during 36 of those years, she served as City Clerk.&nbsp;Salisbury has been a leader in the profession by obtaining her Certified Municipal Clerk certification in 1986; she reached the pinnacle of her profession by achieving the Master Municipal Clerk designation in 2006. There are less than 1,400 Master Municipal Clerks worldwide. She has been involved in supporting other clerks in the state through state and regional clerk associations.&nbsp;Salisbury has modernized the office over the years by implementing a&nbsp; computerized document retrieval system and updating many city policies for permits, records retention, and historical archiving.&nbsp;Mayor Jon Billups said he was amazed at Salisbury’s unfaltering loyalty to Burlington for over 40 years. He proclaimed, “The city’s many mayors, councilpersons, and citizens owe a debt of gratitude to her for a job well done.”Salisbury's last day is Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.&nbsp;

Longtime City Clerk Announces Retirement

Obituaries have been posted for: <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9623b1c8-aee4-4780-8fe5-9f8657f03989">Marcene Dowell</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9cb2c502-2b7e-4a68-95f2-1e457acc734b">Alfred Nellor</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bfbcaed5-e233-475f-8441-da2a691156f9">John Sommers, Sr.</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/39cbdd53-0430-4489-9cce-0bdf74fdf35b">Michael Box</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for: <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9623b1c8-aee4-4780-8fe5-9f8657f03989">Marcene Dowell</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9cb2c502-2b7e-4a68-95f2-1e457acc734b">Alfred Nellor</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bfbcaed5-e233-475f-8441-da2a691156f9">John Sommers, Sr.</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/39cbdd53-0430-4489-9cce-0bdf74fdf35b">Michael Box</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 13, 2021

Photos and story by William Smith Sirens
 blared through Burlington and West Burlington Saturday morning (Dec. 
11) as a long line of police vehicles snaked through city streets. Burlington Police, West Burlington, the Des Moines County Sheriff's office,
and other local law enforcement vehicles lined up&nbsp; end-to-end, rolling 
into Dick’s Sporting Goods just after 11 a.m.

As
 the police officers exited their vehicles, 23 area third-graders popped
 out of the passenger side doors with $100 gift cards in their possession and freedom to spend the money any way they liked. 
The police were there to assist and to provide transportation. That is, when they weren't breaking into foam sword fights with their young charges. It
 was the first of two stops for the returning Shop With A Cop event. 
After leaving Dick's, the police procession cruised toward Walmart, the
 degree of fanfare and sirens equally high. In many cases, the kids themselves were enthusiastically operating the sirens.

While
 Shop With a Cop has been a national program for years, it wasn’t 
started in Burlington until 2014 when city councilman Matt Rinker 
approached now-retired Des Moines County Sheriff Mike Johnstone. The
 duo quickly formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a board of 
directors. The program is funded through a variety of local businesses 
and agencies that contribute money throughout the year. “This year we raised just over $4,500,” Rinker said. The
 police and kids did more than shop together. Earlier that morning, they
 met at Black Hawk Elementary for an early lunch, some games, and bit of 
bonding time.

Rinker said a more subdued 
version of Shop With A Cop was held last year due to COVID-19, which 
meant the cops had to shop by themselves. They did get to 
deliver the gifts, however, with some help from Santa. “This year, we are back to doing what we did before,” Rinker said with a grin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269037923.jpeg" alt="The local Shop With a Cop event was held on Saturday, Dec. 11. After a more subdued version in 2020, the officers and children made the most of the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. " />
 <figcaption>The local Shop With a Cop event was held on Saturday, Dec. 11. After a more subdued version in 2020, the officers and children made the most of the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. </figcaption>
 </figure>Photos and story by William Smith Sirens
 blared through Burlington and West Burlington Saturday morning (Dec. 
11) as a long line of police vehicles snaked through city streets. Burlington Police, West Burlington, the Des Moines County Sheriff's office,
and other local law enforcement vehicles lined up&nbsp; end-to-end, rolling 
into Dick’s Sporting Goods just after 11 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269282248.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As
 the police officers exited their vehicles, 23 area third-graders popped
 out of the passenger side doors with $100 gift cards in their possession and freedom to spend the money any way they liked. 
The police were there to assist and to provide transportation. That is, when they weren't breaking into foam sword fights with their young charges. It
 was the first of two stops for the returning Shop With A Cop event. 
After leaving Dick's, the police procession cruised toward Walmart, the
 degree of fanfare and sirens equally high. In many cases, the kids themselves were enthusiastically operating the sirens.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269333263.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>While
 Shop With a Cop has been a national program for years, it wasn’t 
started in Burlington until 2014 when city councilman Matt Rinker 
approached now-retired Des Moines County Sheriff Mike Johnstone. The
 duo quickly formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a board of 
directors. The program is funded through a variety of local businesses 
and agencies that contribute money throughout the year. “This year we raised just over $4,500,” Rinker said. The
 police and kids did more than shop together. Earlier that morning, they
 met at Black Hawk Elementary for an early lunch, some games, and bit of 
bonding time.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269547332.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Rinker said a more subdued 
version of Shop With A Cop was held last year due to COVID-19, which 
meant the cops had to shop by themselves. They did get to 
deliver the gifts, however, with some help from Santa. “This year, we are back to doing what we did before,” Rinker said with a grin.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269596683.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Shop With A Cop Makes A Loud, Welcome Return

Over a period of 16 months, the buildings at 712 and 722 Jefferson St. will undergo renovations to transform the first floor of the properties into a brewery and grocery store.

The brewery will feature German and Norwegian beers, as well as a small food menu. At this time, no concrete plans have been made for the second floor.

Kathy and Brandon Bentz, owners of Fusion Tech in Roseville, Ill., purchased the two side-by-side buildings in late November.

Both buildings were constructed by Samuel Scotten, a Burlington native and Chicago businessman, according to records from the State Historical Society of Iowa. 

Dating back to 1912, the structure at 712 Jefferson St. is also known as the Gabeline Implement Building. Several companies selling farm implements operated at the address over the years, including Sears Roebuck &amp; Company. The building was recently occupied by Five Flags, which sold janitorial, pool, and spa supplies. 

The Scotten Building at 722 Jefferson St. was finished in 1915. Various businesses have been located in the first-floor storefronts over the years; the second story was the home of the Knights of Columbus until around 1955. Riverview Designs, Me Time Massage, and Starr Asylum Tattoos currently occupy the first floor.

More details will be coming in a future story in The Burlington Beacon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639254777943.jpeg" alt="The Scotten Building and the Gabeline Implement Building occupy the western half of the 700 block of Jefferson Street. Photo by Stacey Abell. " />
 <figcaption>The Scotten Building and the Gabeline Implement Building occupy the western half of the 700 block of Jefferson Street. Photo by Stacey Abell. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffOver a period of 16 months, the buildings at 712 and 722 Jefferson St. will undergo renovations to transform the first floor of the properties into a brewery and grocery store.The brewery will feature German and Norwegian beers, as well as a small food menu. At this time, no concrete plans have been made for the second floor.Kathy and Brandon Bentz, owners of Fusion Tech in Roseville, Ill., purchased the two side-by-side buildings in late November.Both buildings were constructed by Samuel Scotten, a Burlington native and Chicago businessman, according to records from the State Historical Society of Iowa. Dating back to 1912, the structure at 712 Jefferson St. is also known as the Gabeline Implement Building. Several companies selling farm implements operated at the address over the years, including Sears Roebuck &amp; Company. The building was recently occupied by Five Flags, which sold janitorial, pool, and spa supplies. The Scotten Building at 722 Jefferson St. was finished in 1915. Various businesses have been located in the first-floor storefronts over the years; the second story was the home of the Knights of Columbus until around 1955. Riverview Designs, Me Time Massage, and Starr Asylum Tattoos currently occupy the first floor.More details will be coming in a future story in The Burlington Beacon.

Brewery and Grocery Store Coming to 700 Block of Jefferson Street

By Beacon Staff Burlington
 High School will benefit from several possible renovations over the 
next couple of years, though it will be up to the school board to decide
 early next year which of those potential improvements become reality. The Burlington School District hosted a community focus group meeting at Burlington High School Wednesday, Dec. 8. Matthew
 Wolfert of Bray Architects and Tim Seibert of Carl Nelson and Co. 
previewed those additions during the meeting, which would be funded 
though $30 million in SAVE (Secure an Advance Vision for Education) 
money. SAVE money can only be used for infrastructure projects and is 
generated through Iowa's one-cent sales tax. Carl A. Nelson and Company 
is the construction manager on the project. Chief
 on the list of renovations is a new auditorium with an 800-seat theater
 and stage. That would coincide with an auxiliary gym with two basketball 
courts, though the new gym would not take the place of the current one 
for sports competitions. There would also be a weight room and fitness 
room, all on the first floor of the building, as well as an enclosed 
space linking the high school to the industrial arts building. Many
 of the classrooms would undergo renovations as well, expanding from 
roughly 700 square feet to 900 square feet. The science lab, which is 
badly in need of renovation, would also be updated with new equipment. The
 plans detailed a new kitchen facility and media center and would 
relocate the main office to the front of the building. The library would
 evolve into a common area for students, while maintaining it’s 
functionality. Aside from the building 
renovations, construction behind the scenes of the 1969 building would 
update the antiquated HVAC system – a system as old as the
 building itself. Cost of the new air system 
is estimated to be just under $10 million, though the cost of the 
visible renovations will likely exceed $30 million. The
 air quality upgrade would provide better temperature control, improve 
humidity controls to reduce corrosion of the swimming pool area, add air
 conditioning to the gym and locker room areas and reduce energy 
consumption. All of the air handling units would be replaced. Money
 for that portion of the project would come from ESSER (Elementary and 
Secondary School Emergency Relief) COVID-19 relief fund.

The project concept presentation may be accessed at the following link: <a href="https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021">https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639252111663.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Burlington
 High School will benefit from several possible renovations over the 
next couple of years, though it will be up to the school board to decide
 early next year which of those potential improvements become reality. The Burlington School District hosted a community focus group meeting at Burlington High School Wednesday, Dec. 8. Matthew
 Wolfert of Bray Architects and Tim Seibert of Carl Nelson and Co. 
previewed those additions during the meeting, which would be funded 
though $30 million in SAVE (Secure an Advance Vision for Education) 
money. SAVE money can only be used for infrastructure projects and is 
generated through Iowa's one-cent sales tax. Carl A. Nelson and Company 
is the construction manager on the project. Chief
 on the list of renovations is a new auditorium with an 800-seat theater
 and stage. That would coincide with an auxiliary gym with two basketball 
courts, though the new gym would not take the place of the current one 
for sports competitions. There would also be a weight room and fitness 
room, all on the first floor of the building, as well as an enclosed 
space linking the high school to the industrial arts building. Many
 of the classrooms would undergo renovations as well, expanding from 
roughly 700 square feet to 900 square feet. The science lab, which is 
badly in need of renovation, would also be updated with new equipment. The
 plans detailed a new kitchen facility and media center and would 
relocate the main office to the front of the building. The library would
 evolve into a common area for students, while maintaining it’s 
functionality. Aside from the building 
renovations, construction behind the scenes of the 1969 building would 
update the antiquated HVAC system – a system as old as the
 building itself. Cost of the new air system 
is estimated to be just under $10 million, though the cost of the 
visible renovations will likely exceed $30 million. The
 air quality upgrade would provide better temperature control, improve 
humidity controls to reduce corrosion of the swimming pool area, add air
 conditioning to the gym and locker room areas and reduce energy 
consumption. All of the air handling units would be replaced. Money
 for that portion of the project would come from ESSER (Elementary and 
Secondary School Emergency Relief) COVID-19 relief fund.The project concept presentation may be accessed at the following link: <a href="https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021">https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021</a>

New Auditorium, New Gym and Expanded Classrooms Could Be Coming To Burlington High School

Everyone knows how he lived the last decade of his life. A peerless volunteer associated with practically every event and charity organization in town, Walz didn’t earn the informal title of “Mr. Burlington” by accident.

He was the heart of the community for more than four decades.

Walz, 73, died Wednesday, Dec. 1. Upon hearing the news, Burlington Mayor Jon Billups immediately ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff. Walz was a retired Burlington Police officer with 31 years of service and had just retired from serving as a courier for the city a few months ago.

“When you needed a volunteer, he was the first to show up and last to leave. He lived the ideal of giving you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Billups said.

Walz was a constant presence in Burlington, upholding a legacy passed down from his father. 

Walz spoke of his father publicly, often at volunteer award ceremonies. He took home the Burlington Emmy in 2012, noting that his dad was plant manager at Champion for 30 years and was very involved in the community.

Walz’s volunteerism began at the age of 9 at the YMCA.

Walz volunteered at Burlington Steamboat Days early on and became a member of the board of directors in 1988. He started shooting the fireworks for Steamboat Days in 1964 and handled fireworks duty for several Burlington events.

Walz was involved with SnowBull since its inception. His volunteer work extended to high school fundraisers, the Snake Alley Criterium, Lions pancake breakfast, annual chili cookoffs, Heritage Days, and Toys for Tots.

Walz inspired those around him to be better, never casting an eye of judgment from the top of his tall frame. Michael Mehler of Burlington worked side-by-side with Walz at countless community events, from Steamboat Days to SnowBull.

“He was like a father to me. He was there for me when I needed someone to be there for me.  My real dad was very violent; Tom was the opposite. He was a very caring person,” Mehler said

This past weekend, during the Toys for Tots Semi of Love toy drive, Mehler would have been volunteering alongside Walz. 

Instead, Mehler dedicated the event to him. Toy donations for the charity were collected at Walz’s visitation Tuesday and again at his funeral on Wednesday.

Walz also wore many hats at Community Field on behalf of the Burlington Bees, such as selling tickets, putting up signs, selling beer, painting, and wrapping hot dogs.

“I just love people. I love Burlington, Iowa,” he was known to say. 

Walz’s life as a Burlington police officer, which started in March of 1980, wasn’t that different from his life as a volunteer.

Instead of being known as “the nicest man in Burlington,” Walz was then known as “the nicest cop in Burlington.”

Every morning after he started his shift, Walz got into his squad SUV and drove around to area schools to ensure children got safely into their buildings.

He often parked his police vehicle in visible spots to remind motorists to slow down and watch for students. 

Everyone from school administrators to children waved at the veteran police officer. He even got nods from drivers.

He continued that routine right up until the day he retired.

For most of his police career, Walz had a piece of a bullet that nearly ended his life buried in his head.

On April 26, 1991, Walz responded to a silent alarm at Jack’s Discount Store (now the former Shopko building). The suspect, Fonso Wires, was hiding in a nearby depression across Roosevelt Avenue. Walz drove his patrol car off-road, pursuing the suspect; Wires popped up and shot at the police cruiser.  

According to police, the bullet shattered as it went through the cruiser’s windshield. A piece of it went through Walz’s hat and entered his forehead before exiting above his right eye.

The hospital released Walz later the same day, but a piece of the bullet and the scar stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Walz later said he forgave his assailant the day of the shooting. 

Walz and Wires met and talked one-on-one during the trial. Wires learned about Walz while sitting in the Des Moines County jail and felt remorse for what he did.

Bob Thompson, who worked as a Des Moines County deputy, worked with Walz the night of the incident. Like all who knew him, Thompson didn’t know many who were as fine a man or police officer as Walz.

“One night, I transported Fonso Wires to jail after he shot Tommy in the head. Another prisoner looked at Fonso and said, ‘You shot the nicest man in Burlington!’ ” Thompson said.

A Beat Cop Becomes A Community Cop

Before joining the police department in 1980, Walz was a reserve police officer from 1977 to 1979.

Walz wanted to remain on the streets — a beat cop, someone people see day in and day out. He wasn’t interested in climbing the promotion ladder to sit at a desk. He had an intense interest in the fire department and often stayed at fire scenes later than the actual firefighters.

“He would be out there after everyone left, cleaning and sweeping up,” Thompson said.

After his death, the Burlington Fire Department put out a tribute calling Walz “a firefighter in a police officer’s uniform.”

Walz didn’t volunteer for the local fame or respect, no matter how much he earned. He did it for the people he helped — and for himself. 

He spoke about how certain things in law enforcement could bring him down emotionally, and his volunteer work acted as a counterweight to that.  

Some claim that Walz never slept while he was working Steamboat Days. He kept a cot inside Memorial Auditorium so he could take cat naps instead.

“He had this lumbering gait to him, and he always had that smirk on his face,” Thompson said. “He would never let me buy my own beer. If you needed help, he was there to help you.”

Retired journalist and columnist Mike Sweet was one of Walz’s best friends; he wrote of their friendship back in 1991.

“Tom was a big brother to everybody. He was comfortable with both men and women and had lots of friends. When someone had a problem, he was always first to offer a shoulder to lean on.

Tom is one of those people every town has, the one who donates a disproportionate amount of time to good causes.

Over the years, he always answered when charity called. He volunteered not for honor, but because he is a compassionate man, and because he loves people.

That was why he wanted above all to be a cop, I think.”

Walz’s family gathered in front of Memorial Auditorium Sunday night, leading a candlelight vigil for the retired police officer and community man.

A crowd of more than 50 gathered with them.

Al Ourth, another long-time Burlington volunteer, said he had talked to Walz just a few days before his death. Ourth knew Walz for more than 50 years, volunteering with him during the indoor SnowBull rodeo.

Ourth wore a cowboy hat and SnowBull jacket in memory of Walz’s volunteer service.

“We had just talked, and he said he was fine,” Ourth said with a quavering voice.

The crowd, still raw from Walz’s passing, shared their memories. They laughed about the time Walz shot the Mattress Man — a mechanical advertising gimmick that resembled a person.

It was the only “person” Walz ever shot, and he often joked about the fate of the Mattress Man with his fellow officers.

“I asked him what they (the police department) did to him after he shot the Mattress Man. And he said, ‘I haven’t told anyone yet.’ This was 30 years later,” Thompson said with a laugh.

In a news release, the Burlington Police Department declared that Walz “exemplified the epitome of what the Burlington Police Department aspires to offer its citizens.”

“Tom’s selfless dedication to the people that he served, was on display every day of his career. This dedication did not end after his service in uniform. Tom continued to brighten everyone’s day by providing service to the city as its daily mail courier.”

“Away from the City, Tom was the pillar of dedication to volunteerism,” the message says. “His civic involvements were unrivaled and have set an example of what truly giving back to one’s community should look like.”

“There are no words to adequately express what Tom Walz meant to this Department and to this community,” the statement said. 

“This is a loss that will be felt indefinitely. We offer our condolences to all who knew and loved Tom.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639205467846.jpeg" alt="Photo by William Smith " />
 <figcaption>Photo by William Smith </figcaption>
 </figure>By William Smith Community EditorTom Walz had enough heart for two lives.Everyone knows how he lived the last decade of his life. A peerless volunteer associated with practically every event and charity organization in town, Walz didn’t earn the informal title of “Mr. Burlington” by accident.He was the heart of the community for more than four decades.Walz, 73, died Wednesday, Dec. 1. Upon hearing the news, Burlington Mayor Jon Billups immediately ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff. Walz was a retired Burlington Police officer with 31 years of service and had just retired from serving as a courier for the city a few months ago.“When you needed a volunteer, he was the first to show up and last to leave. He lived the ideal of giving you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Billups said.The VolunteerWalz was a constant presence in Burlington, upholding a legacy passed down from his father. Walz spoke of his father publicly, often at volunteer award ceremonies. He took home the Burlington Emmy in 2012, noting that his dad was plant manager at Champion for 30 years and was very involved in the community.Walz’s volunteerism began at the age of 9 at the YMCA.Walz volunteered at Burlington Steamboat Days early on and became a member of the board of directors in 1988. He started shooting the fireworks for Steamboat Days in 1964 and handled fireworks duty for several Burlington events.Walz was involved with SnowBull since its inception. His volunteer work extended to high school fundraisers, the Snake Alley Criterium, Lions pancake breakfast, annual chili cookoffs, Heritage Days, and Toys for Tots.Walz inspired those around him to be better, never casting an eye of judgment from the top of his tall frame. Michael Mehler of Burlington worked side-by-side with Walz at countless community events, from Steamboat Days to SnowBull.“He was like a father to me. He was there for me when I needed someone to be there for me. My real dad was very violent; Tom was the opposite. He was a very caring person,” Mehler saidThis past weekend, during the Toys for Tots Semi of Love toy drive, Mehler would have been volunteering alongside Walz. Instead, Mehler dedicated the event to him. Toy donations for the charity were collected at Walz’s visitation Tuesday and again at his funeral on Wednesday.Walz also wore many hats at Community Field on behalf of the Burlington Bees, such as selling tickets, putting up signs, selling beer, painting, and wrapping hot dogs.“I just love people. I love Burlington, Iowa,” he was known to say. The Police OfficerWalz’s life as a Burlington police officer, which started in March of 1980, wasn’t that different from his life as a volunteer.Instead of being known as “the nicest man in Burlington,” Walz was then known as “the nicest cop in Burlington.”Every morning after he started his shift, Walz got into his squad SUV and drove around to area schools to ensure children got safely into their buildings.He often parked his police vehicle in visible spots to remind motorists to slow down and watch for students. Everyone from school administrators to children waved at the veteran police officer. He even got nods from drivers.He continued that routine right up until the day he retired.Forgiving the Man Who Shot HimFor most of his police career, Walz had a piece of a bullet that nearly ended his life buried in his head.On April 26, 1991, Walz responded to a silent alarm at Jack’s Discount Store (now the former Shopko building). The suspect, Fonso Wires, was hiding in a nearby depression across Roosevelt Avenue. Walz drove his patrol car off-road, pursuing the suspect; Wires popped up and shot at the police cruiser. According to police, the bullet shattered as it went through the cruiser’s windshield. A piece of it went through Walz’s hat and entered his forehead before exiting above his right eye.The hospital released Walz later the same day, but a piece of the bullet and the scar stayed with him for the rest of his life.Walz later said he forgave his assailant the day of the shooting. Walz and Wires met and talked one-on-one during the trial. Wires learned about Walz while sitting in the Des Moines County jail and felt remorse for what he did.Bob Thompson, who worked as a Des Moines County deputy, worked with Walz the night of the incident. Like all who knew him, Thompson didn’t know many who were as fine a man or police officer as Walz.“One night, I transported Fonso Wires to jail after he shot Tommy in the head. Another prisoner looked at Fonso and said, ‘You shot the nicest man in Burlington!’ ” Thompson said.A Beat Cop Becomes A Community CopBefore joining the police department in 1980, Walz was a reserve police officer from 1977 to 1979.Walz wanted to remain on the streets — a beat cop, someone people see day in and day out. He wasn’t interested in climbing the promotion ladder to sit at a desk. He had an intense interest in the fire department and often stayed at fire scenes later than the actual firefighters.“He would be out there after everyone left, cleaning and sweeping up,” Thompson said.After his death, the Burlington Fire Department put out a tribute calling Walz “a firefighter in a police officer’s uniform.”Walz didn’t volunteer for the local fame or respect, no matter how much he earned. He did it for the people he helped — and for himself. He spoke about how certain things in law enforcement could bring him down emotionally, and his volunteer work acted as a counterweight to that. Some claim that Walz never slept while he was working Steamboat Days. He kept a cot inside Memorial Auditorium so he could take cat naps instead.“He had this lumbering gait to him, and he always had that smirk on his face,” Thompson said. “He would never let me buy my own beer. If you needed help, he was there to help you.”Retired journalist and columnist Mike Sweet was one of Walz’s best friends; he wrote of their friendship back in 1991.“Tom was a big brother to everybody. He was comfortable with both men and women and had lots of friends. When someone had a problem, he was always first to offer a shoulder to lean on.Tom is one of those people every town has, the one who donates a disproportionate amount of time to good causes.Over the years, he always answered when charity called. He volunteered not for honor, but because he is a compassionate man, and because he loves people.That was why he wanted above all to be a cop, I think.”A Candlelight VigilWalz’s family gathered in front of Memorial Auditorium Sunday night, leading a candlelight vigil for the retired police officer and community man.A crowd of more than 50 gathered with them.Al Ourth, another long-time Burlington volunteer, said he had talked to Walz just a few days before his death. Ourth knew Walz for more than 50 years, volunteering with him during the indoor SnowBull rodeo.Ourth wore a cowboy hat and SnowBull jacket in memory of Walz’s volunteer service.“We had just talked, and he said he was fine,” Ourth said with a quavering voice.The crowd, still raw from Walz’s passing, shared their memories. They laughed about the time Walz shot the Mattress Man — a mechanical advertising gimmick that resembled a person.It was the only “person” Walz ever shot, and he often joked about the fate of the Mattress Man with his fellow officers.“I asked him what they (the police department) did to him after he shot the Mattress Man. And he said, ‘I haven’t told anyone yet.’ This was 30 years later,” Thompson said with a laugh.Police Department Remembers WalzIn a news release, the Burlington Police Department declared that Walz “exemplified the epitome of what the Burlington Police Department aspires to offer its citizens.”“Tom’s selfless dedication to the people that he served, was on display every day of his career. This dedication did not end after his service in uniform. Tom continued to brighten everyone’s day by providing service to the city as its daily mail courier.”“Away from the City, Tom was the pillar of dedication to volunteerism,” the message says. “His civic involvements were unrivaled and have set an example of what truly giving back to one’s community should look like.”“There are no words to adequately express what Tom Walz meant to this Department and to this community,” the statement said. “This is a loss that will be felt indefinitely. We offer our condolences to all who knew and loved Tom.”

City Mourns "Mr. Burlington"

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/94506ad0-6045-429c-97e0-fe1ce50fb045">Gregory McNamee</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/3efbed85-e6ca-43e0-84c5-9af0b479b36e">Larry Johnson</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/94506ad0-6045-429c-97e0-fe1ce50fb045">Gregory McNamee</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/3efbed85-e6ca-43e0-84c5-9af0b479b36e">Larry Johnson</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 7, 2021

Eagle View Community Health System is now providing convenient access to health care services for Burlington Community School District students, employees, and family members of employees. The school-based health center provides the following services: treatment of acute illness and injury, chronic care management, well-child visits, women's health, COVID-19 testing, mental health counseling, and more. By offering these services within the school, students miss less classroom time and parents can phone into appointments without having to leave work. The Eagle View School-Based Health Center is located on the Burlington High School campus at 421 Terrace Dr.; appointments can be made by calling (319) 753-9653.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638916031929.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle View Community Health System is now providing convenient access to health care services for Burlington Community School District students, employees, and family members of employees. The school-based health center provides the following services: treatment of acute illness and injury, chronic care management, well-child visits, women's health, COVID-19 testing, mental health counseling, and more. By offering these services within the school, students miss less classroom time and parents can phone into appointments without having to leave work. The Eagle View School-Based Health Center is located on the Burlington High School campus at 421 Terrace Dr.; appointments can be made by calling (319) 753-9653.

Eagle View Partners with BCSD to Provide School-Based Healthcare

Obituaries have been posted for Rhonda Wilson, Frances Carruthers, Bill Brumback, and Newton Colburn at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for Rhonda Wilson, Frances Carruthers, Bill Brumback, and Newton Colburn at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 6, 2021

By Beacon Staff For much of her life, Chanelle Nichols never had anyone in her corner. She spent her childhood in foster care and institutions. When Nichols aged out of foster care, she needed support and guidance. She found it in the Burlington Building Bridges program as a way to improve not only her life, but that of her 10-year-old son, Reece Ackerman. “It really helped me find myself. Once I started figuring out myself, it was so much easier, because I’ve never really had anybody in my corner." Now she co-facilitates the program with director Mona Ash, helping others climb their way out of the poverty cycle. She’s been paying it forward since graduating from the program seven years ago, with no thoughts of getting anything in return. “With my Bridges family, I can keep giving back,” she said. Tuesday afternoon, that good will and effort finally came back to Nichols in the form of a free car, a car Nichols desperately needed. “My car has been hanging on by zip-ties for the past five years,” Nichols said, tears in her eyes. The car – a refurbished, 2014 Ford Focus with just over 70,000 miles – is courtesy of the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program along with car donor GEICO and vehicle repair partner Deery Collision Center, where the car was presented. Nichols signed-up for the program two years ago, but could hardly believe she was chosen to actually get a car. Ackerman got a little something extra from GEICO hidden in the back seat – a gift basket full of toys. “Thank you!” the wide-eyed 10-year-old said. Nichols, who works at RonDavoo, knew exactly what she was going to do with the car on her first trip. “I’m going to RonDavoo so I can honk the horn and show them the car, like I told them I would,” she said with a laugh. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,750 vehicles valued at more than $38 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849028546.jpeg" alt="Chanelle Nichols embraces her son, Reece Ackerman. Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Chanelle Nichols embraces her son, Reece Ackerman. Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff For much of her life, Chanelle Nichols never had anyone in her corner. She spent her childhood in foster care and institutions. When Nichols aged out of foster care, she needed support and guidance. She found it in the Burlington Building Bridges program as a way to improve not only her life, but that of her 10-year-old son, Reece Ackerman. “It really helped me find myself. Once I started figuring out myself, it was so much easier, because I’ve never really had anybody in my corner." Now she co-facilitates the program with director Mona Ash, helping others climb their way out of the poverty cycle. She’s been paying it forward since graduating from the program seven years ago, with no thoughts of getting anything in return. “With my Bridges family, I can keep giving back,” she said. Tuesday afternoon, that good will and effort finally came back to Nichols in the form of a free car, a car Nichols desperately needed. “My car has been hanging on by zip-ties for the past five years,” Nichols said, tears in her eyes. The car – a refurbished, 2014 Ford Focus with just over 70,000 miles – is courtesy of the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program along with car donor GEICO and vehicle repair partner Deery Collision Center, where the car was presented. Nichols signed-up for the program two years ago, but could hardly believe she was chosen to actually get a car. Ackerman got a little something extra from GEICO hidden in the back seat – a gift basket full of toys. “Thank you!” the wide-eyed 10-year-old said. Nichols, who works at RonDavoo, knew exactly what she was going to do with the car on her first trip. “I’m going to RonDavoo so I can honk the horn and show them the car, like I told them I would,” she said with a laugh. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,750 vehicles valued at more than $38 million.

Giving the Gift of Transportation

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

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 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.

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