Danette Baier has long wanted to own a business in downtown Fort Madison, her hometown.

But she also wanted to be a stay-at-mom, which she has been to her six children — five daughters and a son — these past 22 years.

But the youngest, 11, is old enough that Baier decided it was time to open a store, and she knew what type it would be.

“I noticed a need, because we don’t have a bookstore anymore, and I love books,” Baier said.

So she opened Bent Oak Books at 619 Seventh St. on Friday, Dec. 15.

She sells new and used books, some games, and gift items and is open six days a week, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The draw to her location was, “I love the downtown buildings,” Baier said. “I love the architecture.”

Her first job was at 14 at Taylor and Bryan’s Ice Cream shop downtown.

“I fell in love with the regulars each day,” Baier said.&nbsp;

“Seeing the same people and chatting with them.” She babysat the children of the Eisentraut family, which ran the Fox Theatre, and she got to know the Young family of Dana Bushong Jewelers, so she saw a tie between family and small-town businesses.

Baier said the store will open Thursday nights for any book clubs that want to meet.&nbsp;

She will have story time at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays for preschool and home school families.

The store will only be open on Sundays when the cruise line ships make a weekend docking in Fort Madison.

The name of her store comes from a cabin owned by her in-laws, Jim and Linda Baier — Bent Oak Lodge. It’s where her husband Jamie proposed to her.

“We spent a ton of time there with his parents while dating,” Baier said. “It’s a way to include them and all those wonderful memories.”

She and her husband purchased the building, and there is an upstairs apartment.

“It’s not a large building,” Baier said, “but I love the tin ceiling and the tin walls and the light coming in. When I walked through this building, I knew this was the time, and we had to try to make this work.”

All along, she said, she wanted to have the store within a block of Swed &amp; Co. coffee shop, “because I feel coffee and books go well together,” Baier said.

Bent Oak Books looks more like a home library, and that’s why she has a leather couch and chairs.

“I love bookstores where there are rows upon rows and rows, and they’re amazing and you’re weaving through books,” Baier said. “Those are so fun.

“But I knew I only had so much space, and my goal was to get as many books as I could without getting overcrowded; because I really wanted to provide a seating space, a comfortable place where people would sit down, flip through their book, chat with their friend, have a cup of tea.”

Most of the new books come from Ingram Publishing, Baier said, “and that was suggested to me by Bonnie (Howard),” who ran the Book Mark in Fort Madison for many years. But when Howard wanted to step down from the business, she didn’t find any takers.

“She was wonderful enough about a year ago to sit down with me and let me ask what I’m sure were a lot of stupid questions,” Baier said. “I loved stopping in there. I love to give books as gifts. I’m hopefully going to be able to provide that.”

She plans on offering a variety of genres “with the idea that I will intentionally cater to what people are asking for,” she said.

Baier has a notebook up front for suggestions. “I’m encouraging my customers to put down genres and authors they’re hoping to see, and I’ll consider that when I put my orders in,” she said.

As for her preferences, “I probably like suspense and mysteries the best and non-fiction,” Baier said. She added she doesn’t have a favorite author.

Most of the used books have been donated, and “I anticipate I’ll be looking at sales, estates sales and going that route to keep them stocked,” Baier said.

“A lot came from our personal library, my mother- and father-in-law’s personal library, and friends have donated handfuls of books here and there.”

But what about Amazon and the easy online access for prospective customers?

“We’ve bought books on Amazon. We’ve done that a lot,” she said.&nbsp;

“But my favorite is going to small bookstores and looking in person. I can spend hours in a bookstore, touching the pages, looking at the different covers.” Baier wanted to offer that experience here.

“I don’t think I’m competing with Amazon, because if you’re going to buy from Amazon, you’re going to buy from Amazon, and that’s OK,” she said.&nbsp;

“But maybe you’ll come here for a different vibe, and you’ll want to look around and see the different options.”

Baier said her store is “something different. You come to a small, independent bookstore, you’re looking for something different.”

Baier will offer a small selection of games, with Quirkle and Wings among the choices at her stores.

In addition, “My favorite bookstores always have a little section where we provide gifts. We have finger puppets, stuffed animals, and little bunny blankets as a gift for a shower.”

Her daughters recommended she has an area for bath bombs and other beauty products. Her son, Chris, said she should get manga books.

Baier said she had thought she would offer magazines, but, “My space is only so big, so as I started to get my inventory in, I decided to start with books, re-evaluate in a month or so, and if I have a lot of interest in magazines, I’ll find a spot for them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/1/1705594486574.jpeg" alt="Bent Oak Books owner Danette Baier wanted to have a bookstore that had a seating area for patrons to browse their books before deciding to buy and enjoy a cup of tea and good company. Bent Oak Books is located at 619 Seventh St. in Fort Madison. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Bent Oak Books owner Danette Baier wanted to have a bookstore that had a seating area for patrons to browse their books before deciding to buy and enjoy a cup of tea and good company. Bent Oak Books is located at 619 Seventh St. in Fort Madison. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerDanette Baier has long wanted to own a business in downtown Fort Madison, her hometown.But she also wanted to be a stay-at-mom, which she has been to her six children — five daughters and a son — these past 22 years.But the youngest, 11, is old enough that Baier decided it was time to open a store, and she knew what type it would be.“I noticed a need, because we don’t have a bookstore anymore, and I love books,” Baier said.So she opened Bent Oak Books at 619 Seventh St. on Friday, Dec. 15.She sells new and used books, some games, and gift items and is open six days a week, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.The draw to her location was, “I love the downtown buildings,” Baier said. “I love the architecture.”Her first job was at 14 at Taylor and Bryan’s Ice Cream shop downtown.“I fell in love with the regulars each day,” Baier said.&nbsp;“Seeing the same people and chatting with them.” She babysat the children of the Eisentraut family, which ran the Fox Theatre, and she got to know the Young family of Dana Bushong Jewelers, so she saw a tie between family and small-town businesses.Baier said the store will open Thursday nights for any book clubs that want to meet.&nbsp;She will have story time at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays for preschool and home school families.The store will only be open on Sundays when the cruise line ships make a weekend docking in Fort Madison.The name of her store comes from a cabin owned by her in-laws, Jim and Linda Baier — Bent Oak Lodge. It’s where her husband Jamie proposed to her.“We spent a ton of time there with his parents while dating,” Baier said. “It’s a way to include them and all those wonderful memories.”She and her husband purchased the building, and there is an upstairs apartment.“It’s not a large building,” Baier said, “but I love the tin ceiling and the tin walls and the light coming in. When I walked through this building, I knew this was the time, and we had to try to make this work.”All along, she said, she wanted to have the store within a block of Swed &amp; Co. coffee shop, “because I feel coffee and books go well together,” Baier said.Someone’s LibraryBent Oak Books looks more like a home library, and that’s why she has a leather couch and chairs.“I love bookstores where there are rows upon rows and rows, and they’re amazing and you’re weaving through books,” Baier said. “Those are so fun.“But I knew I only had so much space, and my goal was to get as many books as I could without getting overcrowded; because I really wanted to provide a seating space, a comfortable place where people would sit down, flip through their book, chat with their friend, have a cup of tea.”Most of the new books come from Ingram Publishing, Baier said, “and that was suggested to me by Bonnie (Howard),” who ran the Book Mark in Fort Madison for many years. But when Howard wanted to step down from the business, she didn’t find any takers.“She was wonderful enough about a year ago to sit down with me and let me ask what I’m sure were a lot of stupid questions,” Baier said. “I loved stopping in there. I love to give books as gifts. I’m hopefully going to be able to provide that.”She plans on offering a variety of genres “with the idea that I will intentionally cater to what people are asking for,” she said.Baier has a notebook up front for suggestions. “I’m encouraging my customers to put down genres and authors they’re hoping to see, and I’ll consider that when I put my orders in,” she said.As for her preferences, “I probably like suspense and mysteries the best and non-fiction,” Baier said. She added she doesn’t have a favorite author.Most of the used books have been donated, and “I anticipate I’ll be looking at sales, estates sales and going that route to keep them stocked,” Baier said.“A lot came from our personal library, my mother- and father-in-law’s personal library, and friends have donated handfuls of books here and there.”But what about Amazon and the easy online access for prospective customers?“We’ve bought books on Amazon. We’ve done that a lot,” she said.&nbsp;“But my favorite is going to small bookstores and looking in person. I can spend hours in a bookstore, touching the pages, looking at the different covers.” Baier wanted to offer that experience here.“I don’t think I’m competing with Amazon, because if you’re going to buy from Amazon, you’re going to buy from Amazon, and that’s OK,” she said.&nbsp;“But maybe you’ll come here for a different vibe, and you’ll want to look around and see the different options.”Baier said her store is “something different. You come to a small, independent bookstore, you’re looking for something different.”Baier will offer a small selection of games, with Quirkle and Wings among the choices at her stores.In addition, “My favorite bookstores always have a little section where we provide gifts. We have finger puppets, stuffed animals, and little bunny blankets as a gift for a shower.”Her daughters recommended she has an area for bath bombs and other beauty products. Her son, Chris, said she should get manga books.Baier said she had thought she would offer magazines, but, “My space is only so big, so as I started to get my inventory in, I decided to start with books, re-evaluate in a month or so, and if I have a lot of interest in magazines, I’ll find a spot for them.”

Baier opens Bent Oak Books

For the past decade, Mike Hoffman has been selling an invention that has yet to catch on.

He is hoping that will change soon. The invention is simple enough to understand — a toilet that can be raised and lowered with a button. A godsend for a portion of an aging population that doesn’t want to go into assisted living, but may have trouble getting up and down from the toilet.

“This could keep someone out of the nursing home for a few more years,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman came up with the idea when his elderly father was having toilet issues at home. Those issues persisted at his nursing home, where two nurses had to lift him on and off the toilet.

Hoffman’s father stood 6 feet, 3 inches tall, which made hitting the toilet even harder. But the bigger problem was getting up when he sat down on the toilet. There was just too much weight, and his center of gravity was too low.

It took Hoffman and engineer Wayne Salzwedel six years to develop the product, which has continually become more streamlined in the past decade through the engineering process. Unfortunately, his father didn’t live long enough to see the result.

“He didn’t know about it, and he would have been mad that he didn’t get to use it,” Hoffman said with a laugh.

Under the company banner of MikeWay LLC, Huffman has sold more than 20 of the toilets. He’s almost sold dozens more to nursing homes but has been undone by how new the product is. Citing Hoffman’s lack of experience in installing toilets in commercial areas, many companies are leery to invest in a newly invented project.

The toilets sell for about $10,000 each, due in large part to the hydraulic pump that lowers and lifts the toilet. That part of the product is built into the wall behind the toilet, so the flushing sound is minimal.

“If they had these units in nursing homes, in assisted living, in hospitals, it would free up the CNAs,&nbsp; free up their backs from getting injured, free up medical claims,” he said.

Hoffman recalled talking to one of the nurses caring for her father, and she admitted she had hurt her back trying to pick him up from the toilet.

“I think this can be a real life changer,” Hoffman said. “It has certainly been a life changer for all those people that have units.”

One of Hoffman’s customers told him how she had to stay up all night to help her husband get on and off the toilet, forcing her to sleep in the daytime. With the Warren lift, her husband was able to get up and down from the toilet on his own.

He still used the toilet on an hourly basis. But now she could sleep at night.

“She said it changed her life a great deal,” Hoffman said.&nbsp;

After the toilets were engineered,&nbsp; phase two of the project consisted of in-house testing. Between two electric units and a hydraulic unit, the company performed 200,000 cycles of testing.&nbsp;

After that, the electrical units were scrapped in favor of the hydraulic units.

“When you have fewer parts, you have fewer problems,” Hoffman said. “What has amazed me is how well Wayne has engineered the product. I think we have a very cool-looking product.”

MikeWay also revamped its original switches used to operate the Warren Lift. Rather than be located on the wall behind the stool, the switches are located on the side of the stool for easy access to the user.&nbsp;

MikeWay’s market for the Warren Lift includes homes, hospitals, assisted living complexes, and nursing homes.&nbsp;

“It can lift a thousand pounds. That’s what it’s rated for. It (the hydraulic system) is used in dental chairs, hospital beds, and the industry.&nbsp; So that’s what we use,” Hoffman said.

The money saved on nursing home bills could easily pay for the Warren Lift in a few years, Hoffman said.&nbsp;

He plans on increasing his marketing and advertising to get the word out.

“Nobody wants to go to the nursing home,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/1/1705020521634.jpeg" alt="Mike Hoffman, owner of MikeWay LLC, invented the Warren Lift — a toilet that rises and lowers with a push of a button. His invention makes life easier for those with mobility issues. Photo/Chris Faulkner" />
 <figcaption>Mike Hoffman, owner of MikeWay LLC, invented the Warren Lift — a toilet that rises and lowers with a push of a button. His invention makes life easier for those with mobility issues. Photo/Chris Faulkner</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithFor the past decade, Mike Hoffman has been selling an invention that has yet to catch on.He is hoping that will change soon. The invention is simple enough to understand — a toilet that can be raised and lowered with a button. A godsend for a portion of an aging population that doesn’t want to go into assisted living, but may have trouble getting up and down from the toilet.“This could keep someone out of the nursing home for a few more years,” Hoffman said.Hoffman came up with the idea when his elderly father was having toilet issues at home. Those issues persisted at his nursing home, where two nurses had to lift him on and off the toilet.Hoffman’s father stood 6 feet, 3 inches tall, which made hitting the toilet even harder. But the bigger problem was getting up when he sat down on the toilet. There was just too much weight, and his center of gravity was too low.It took Hoffman and engineer Wayne Salzwedel six years to develop the product, which has continually become more streamlined in the past decade through the engineering process. Unfortunately, his father didn’t live long enough to see the result.“He didn’t know about it, and he would have been mad that he didn’t get to use it,” Hoffman said with a laugh.Under the company banner of MikeWay LLC, Huffman has sold more than 20 of the toilets. He’s almost sold dozens more to nursing homes but has been undone by how new the product is. Citing Hoffman’s lack of experience in installing toilets in commercial areas, many companies are leery to invest in a newly invented project.The toilets sell for about $10,000 each, due in large part to the hydraulic pump that lowers and lifts the toilet. That part of the product is built into the wall behind the toilet, so the flushing sound is minimal.“If they had these units in nursing homes, in assisted living, in hospitals, it would free up the CNAs,&nbsp; free up their backs from getting injured, free up medical claims,” he said.Hoffman recalled talking to one of the nurses caring for her father, and she admitted she had hurt her back trying to pick him up from the toilet.“I think this can be a real life changer,” Hoffman said. “It has certainly been a life changer for all those people that have units.”One of Hoffman’s customers told him how she had to stay up all night to help her husband get on and off the toilet, forcing her to sleep in the daytime. With the Warren lift, her husband was able to get up and down from the toilet on his own.He still used the toilet on an hourly basis. But now she could sleep at night.“She said it changed her life a great deal,” Hoffman said.&nbsp;After the toilets were engineered,&nbsp; phase two of the project consisted of in-house testing. Between two electric units and a hydraulic unit, the company performed 200,000 cycles of testing.&nbsp;After that, the electrical units were scrapped in favor of the hydraulic units.“When you have fewer parts, you have fewer problems,” Hoffman said. “What has amazed me is how well Wayne has engineered the product. I think we have a very cool-looking product.”MikeWay also revamped its original switches used to operate the Warren Lift. Rather than be located on the wall behind the stool, the switches are located on the side of the stool for easy access to the user.&nbsp;MikeWay’s market for the Warren Lift includes homes, hospitals, assisted living complexes, and nursing homes.&nbsp;“It can lift a thousand pounds. That’s what it’s rated for. It (the hydraulic system) is used in dental chairs, hospital beds, and the industry.&nbsp; So that’s what we use,” Hoffman said.The money saved on nursing home bills could easily pay for the Warren Lift in a few years, Hoffman said.&nbsp;He plans on increasing his marketing and advertising to get the word out.“Nobody wants to go to the nursing home,” he said.

Unique invention offers bathroom users a lift

Amy Burkhart of Burlington has been named the 2024 Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.&nbsp;

Annually, a woman from the community is selected for her dedication to making the world a better place. On Friday, April 26, at Catfish Bend Event Center, Amy will be recognized for her award at a community celebration.

Amy Burkhart is the Marketing Consultant for Titan Broadcasting and Digital Group.&nbsp;

She has over 25 years of marketing and public relations experience. Amy assists over 150 businesses throughout the region in growing their business and their brand through crafting marketing plans, implementing strategic marketing initiatives, and developing creative content to deploy on air and online to help grow their business and brand.

Before working for Titan Broadcasting and Digital Group, Amy spent many years in healthcare marketing. She is the former Community Relations Director of Fort Madison Community Hospital and Community Liaison for Great River Home Health and Hospice.&nbsp;

In the latter position, she played a significant role in the opening of the Great River Hospice House (now known as the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.)

Amy graduated from West Burlington Arnold High School and then attended Monmouth College in Illinois before becoming a Hawkeye and receiving her Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from the University of Iowa.&nbsp;

She received her QRMC (Qualified Radio Marketing Consultant) designation in 2016 and, in 2023, became certified as a PCM (Professional Certified Marketer) from the American Marketing Association and a CDMP (Certified Digital Marketing Pro) from the Digital Marketing Institute.

Amy is very involved in the community serving on the executive board of the Burlington Bees’ Baseball Association and as president of the West Burlington Fine Arts Boosters and West Burlington High School Alumni Association.&nbsp;

Amy was also appointed by Iowa’s Governor to serve as Commissioner on the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Additionally, she volunteers on many committees including the Greater Burlington Leadership Program and Hetta Gilbert Children’s Medical Organization.&nbsp;

She has previously served on the boards of the Burlington/West Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce, North Lee County Relay for Life, Burlington Steamboat Days, Burlington Riverfront Entertainment, and the Miss Burlington Scholarship Program.

Amy’s legacy of community service started many years ago when she served the community as Miss Burlington in 1996 and her platform, Give 5 for the Earth, won the State of Iowa Community Service Award at the Miss Iowa Scholarship Pageant.

Amy and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Burlington with two sons, Sage and Kale.

“Amy’s warmth and passion for our community makes her an excellent role model for all Girl Scouts in the region,” said Regional Director, Amber Rickeberg. “We are ecstatic to honor her in the spring.”

All community members are invited to Woman of Distinction on Friday, April 26 at the Catfish Bend Event Center.&nbsp;

If you would like more information about the award and event, please get in touch with Amber Rickeberg at Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois by calling 309-752-3639.

Amy Burkhart of Burlington has been named the 2024 Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.&nbsp;Annually, a woman from the community is selected for her dedication to making the world a better place. On Friday, April 26, at Catfish Bend Event Center, Amy will be recognized for her award at a community celebration.Amy Burkhart is the Marketing Consultant for Titan Broadcasting and Digital Group.&nbsp;She has over 25 years of marketing and public relations experience. Amy assists over 150 businesses throughout the region in growing their business and their brand through crafting marketing plans, implementing strategic marketing initiatives, and developing creative content to deploy on air and online to help grow their business and brand.Before working for Titan Broadcasting and Digital Group, Amy spent many years in healthcare marketing. She is the former Community Relations Director of Fort Madison Community Hospital and Community Liaison for Great River Home Health and Hospice.&nbsp;In the latter position, she played a significant role in the opening of the Great River Hospice House (now known as the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.)Amy graduated from West Burlington Arnold High School and then attended Monmouth College in Illinois before becoming a Hawkeye and receiving her Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from the University of Iowa.&nbsp;She received her QRMC (Qualified Radio Marketing Consultant) designation in 2016 and, in 2023, became certified as a PCM (Professional Certified Marketer) from the American Marketing Association and a CDMP (Certified Digital Marketing Pro) from the Digital Marketing Institute.Amy is very involved in the community serving on the executive board of the Burlington Bees’ Baseball Association and as president of the West Burlington Fine Arts Boosters and West Burlington High School Alumni Association.&nbsp;Amy was also appointed by Iowa’s Governor to serve as Commissioner on the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Additionally, she volunteers on many committees including the Greater Burlington Leadership Program and Hetta Gilbert Children’s Medical Organization.&nbsp;She has previously served on the boards of the Burlington/West Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce, North Lee County Relay for Life, Burlington Steamboat Days, Burlington Riverfront Entertainment, and the Miss Burlington Scholarship Program.Amy’s legacy of community service started many years ago when she served the community as Miss Burlington in 1996 and her platform, Give 5 for the Earth, won the State of Iowa Community Service Award at the Miss Iowa Scholarship Pageant.Amy and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Burlington with two sons, Sage and Kale.“Amy’s warmth and passion for our community makes her an excellent role model for all Girl Scouts in the region,” said Regional Director, Amber Rickeberg. “We are ecstatic to honor her in the spring.”All community members are invited to Woman of Distinction on Friday, April 26 at the Catfish Bend Event Center.&nbsp;If you would like more information about the award and event, please get in touch with Amber Rickeberg at Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois by calling 309-752-3639.

Burkhart named 2024 Woman of Distinction

The inability to communicate with another person may be one of the most frustrating things in life, especially for a young child.

But thanks to an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device, students who don’t talk, have a speech impediment, or struggle with expressing thoughts can still communicate with their teachers and classmates.

Erika Freeman is a speech pathologist with the Area Education Agency who teaches at Sunnyside Elementary School and sings the praises of an AAC.

“Communication is a basic human right,” Freeman said. “We use it to be social. We use it to communicate our wants and needs. We use it to let people know that we’re hurt.”

The AAC looks like a tablet, but this is a separate device, not simply an app or a program on a tablet.

Students touch the screen on a square with a visual cue, and the machine gives the answer.

Students with autism are often non-verbal or have limited speech.&nbsp;

Those students in the Burlington school district attend Sunnyside, and they comprise many of the 17 students who use an AAC there.

But, Freeman said, an AAC can help any child with a speech impairment or who has trouble communicating. Maybe the child has cerebral palsy or trouble pronouncing certain words.

“We have some kids who truly use it to augment their verbal speech,” Freeman said.&nbsp;

“They might be able to say lots of things, but they’re hard to understand.”

Freeman said previously educators thought a child needed to be able to do “x, y, and z before getting a device. Now we are using devices so much sooner,” she said. “There are no prerequisites.”

The devices are not provided by the AEA or the school system. Parents must be on board and buy the devices, but insurance will often cover it as a medical need.&nbsp;

A child, even a preschooler, can be evaluated and approved for an AAC.

“They take it wherever they go,” said Shalee Brown, a Level 2 special education teacher, who works with first- and second-grade students with autism.

“My room is self-contained, but I also have kids who go out to (general education classes),” Brown said. Nine of her 10 students use an AAC.

“Some of them are verbal, but they also use their devices to help them with words that they can’t find or we have trouble understanding,” Brown said.

Jaimie Hecox, a Level 1 special ed teacher, works with students who go to the general education classes all day, “and then they come to me to work with me for maybe 30 minutes for reading or 30 minutes for math,” she said.

For those with speech difficulties, Hecox said, “Since they’re in Gen Ed all day, they have to have that device to communicate basic needs, or if you have a student that just needs it to help them communicate what they’re talking about.”

Hecox said she has no fourth-graders that use the device but that younger ones will continue using it in fourth grade and, if need be, through the rest of their school years.

The devices have different degrees of complexity.

One of her students, Hecox said, “can do full sentences on hers. We’ve even adapted writing for her onto her device because writing was hard. She does her paragraphs on her device.”

It’s as if she’s typing but with whole words, Freeman said.

Kensley Andrews, a second-grader at Sunnyside, demonstrated how the device works.

She was asked, “Do you have any dogs?”

Andrews pressed a button. “One,” said the AAC.

Andrews pressed a button to access the food section and then pressed “Candy.”

That should have been obvious, so what is her favorite supper meal?

But then Freeman asked Andrews why the device was good for her and prompted with, “Because what you want to say is...,” and Andrews finished with her own voice: “Important.”

Student Brysin Wixom used the device to say his name and answer other questions. But he often punctuated it with his own voice: “See!”

When the interview was over, Freeman told him, “Goodbye,” and Wixom used the AAC to return with, “See ya later, alligator.”

“AAC has been around for quite some time,” Freeman said.&nbsp;

“But it’s really been in the past five years that we have just seen it really take off and that we have really been using so many more robust language systems.”

She said, “The incredible thing about AAC and about the devices is it has given so many kids the power to communicate, and it has given them their voice.”

One concern parents sometimes have is that their child may be able to improve their speech but get too attached.

“That’s a question parents definitely ask,” Freeman said. “They say, ‘I just want my child to talk.’ And I always try to tell parents and families, ‘So do we.’ We will never stop working on verbal speech. But AAC gives kids the power to communicate. It gives them the tools.

“The research shows that AAC only supports verbal speech,” Freeman said. “It does not prevent verbal speech, or it does not slow down the process of acquiring verbal speech.”

Andrews’ mom, Cassie Sedan, had those concerns as well at first when her daughter started using one in kindergarten. But those concerns faded quickly.

“She went from being very non-verbal and not being able to speak up for herself and tell me what she wanted so that device really helped her. If I couldn’t understand her, she would just whip it out and tell me what she wanted.”

There’s no concern it will be used as a crutch. “She’s very independent.”

The fact that parents have to purchase the device means they’re committed and, combined with the teachers at school, makes the program a success, Freeman said.

“With AAC, it is truly a team effort,” she said.&nbsp;

“It takes a village. When you have parents’ buy-in and parent involvement, and they are using the device at home, that helps the child so much.

“I’m so blessed with an amazing team who embrace AAC, and they are constantly modeling on the devices,” Freeman said. “That truly is what the child needs to be successful.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/1/1705019759564.jpeg" alt="Brysin Wixom, a student at Sunnyside Elementary School, shows how an Augmentative Alternative Communication device works while speech pathologist Erika Freeman asks him various questions. Wixom navigates the screen by pressing the appropriate button, which either gives an answer or directs him to the section that will give him choices for an answer. Photo/Chris Faulkner" />
 <figcaption>Brysin Wixom, a student at Sunnyside Elementary School, shows how an Augmentative Alternative Communication device works while speech pathologist Erika Freeman asks him various questions. Wixom navigates the screen by pressing the appropriate button, which either gives an answer or directs him to the section that will give him choices for an answer. Photo/Chris Faulkner</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerThe inability to communicate with another person may be one of the most frustrating things in life, especially for a young child.But thanks to an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device, students who don’t talk, have a speech impediment, or struggle with expressing thoughts can still communicate with their teachers and classmates.Erika Freeman is a speech pathologist with the Area Education Agency who teaches at Sunnyside Elementary School and sings the praises of an AAC.“Communication is a basic human right,” Freeman said. “We use it to be social. We use it to communicate our wants and needs. We use it to let people know that we’re hurt.”The AAC looks like a tablet, but this is a separate device, not simply an app or a program on a tablet.Students touch the screen on a square with a visual cue, and the machine gives the answer.Students with autism are often non-verbal or have limited speech.&nbsp;Those students in the Burlington school district attend Sunnyside, and they comprise many of the 17 students who use an AAC there.But, Freeman said, an AAC can help any child with a speech impairment or who has trouble communicating. Maybe the child has cerebral palsy or trouble pronouncing certain words.“We have some kids who truly use it to augment their verbal speech,” Freeman said.&nbsp;“They might be able to say lots of things, but they’re hard to understand.”Freeman said previously educators thought a child needed to be able to do “x, y, and z before getting a device. Now we are using devices so much sooner,” she said. “There are no prerequisites.”The devices are not provided by the AEA or the school system. Parents must be on board and buy the devices, but insurance will often cover it as a medical need.&nbsp;A child, even a preschooler, can be evaluated and approved for an AAC.“They take it wherever they go,” said Shalee Brown, a Level 2 special education teacher, who works with first- and second-grade students with autism.“My room is self-contained, but I also have kids who go out to (general education classes),” Brown said. Nine of her 10 students use an AAC.“Some of them are verbal, but they also use their devices to help them with words that they can’t find or we have trouble understanding,” Brown said.Jaimie Hecox, a Level 1 special ed teacher, works with students who go to the general education classes all day, “and then they come to me to work with me for maybe 30 minutes for reading or 30 minutes for math,” she said.For those with speech difficulties, Hecox said, “Since they’re in Gen Ed all day, they have to have that device to communicate basic needs, or if you have a student that just needs it to help them communicate what they’re talking about.”Hecox said she has no fourth-graders that use the device but that younger ones will continue using it in fourth grade and, if need be, through the rest of their school years.The devices have different degrees of complexity.One of her students, Hecox said, “can do full sentences on hers. We’ve even adapted writing for her onto her device because writing was hard. She does her paragraphs on her device.”It’s as if she’s typing but with whole words, Freeman said.Kensley Andrews, a second-grader at Sunnyside, demonstrated how the device works.She was asked, “Do you have any dogs?”Andrews pressed a button. “One,” said the AAC.“Do you have any cats?”“Two,” said the device.“What’s your favorite food?”Andrews pressed a button to access the food section and then pressed “Candy.”That should have been obvious, so what is her favorite supper meal?“Pizza.”But then Freeman asked Andrews why the device was good for her and prompted with, “Because what you want to say is...,” and Andrews finished with her own voice: “Important.”Student Brysin Wixom used the device to say his name and answer other questions. But he often punctuated it with his own voice: “See!”When the interview was over, Freeman told him, “Goodbye,” and Wixom used the AAC to return with, “See ya later, alligator.”Not new technology“AAC has been around for quite some time,” Freeman said.&nbsp;“But it’s really been in the past five years that we have just seen it really take off and that we have really been using so many more robust language systems.”She said, “The incredible thing about AAC and about the devices is it has given so many kids the power to communicate, and it has given them their voice.”One concern parents sometimes have is that their child may be able to improve their speech but get too attached.“That’s a question parents definitely ask,” Freeman said. “They say, ‘I just want my child to talk.’ And I always try to tell parents and families, ‘So do we.’ We will never stop working on verbal speech. But AAC gives kids the power to communicate. It gives them the tools.“The research shows that AAC only supports verbal speech,” Freeman said. “It does not prevent verbal speech, or it does not slow down the process of acquiring verbal speech.”Andrews’ mom, Cassie Sedan, had those concerns as well at first when her daughter started using one in kindergarten. But those concerns faded quickly.“She went from being very non-verbal and not being able to speak up for herself and tell me what she wanted so that device really helped her. If I couldn’t understand her, she would just whip it out and tell me what she wanted.”There’s no concern it will be used as a crutch. “She’s very independent.”The fact that parents have to purchase the device means they’re committed and, combined with the teachers at school, makes the program a success, Freeman said.“With AAC, it is truly a team effort,” she said.&nbsp;“It takes a village. When you have parents’ buy-in and parent involvement, and they are using the device at home, that helps the child so much.“I’m so blessed with an amazing team who embrace AAC, and they are constantly modeling on the devices,” Freeman said. “That truly is what the child needs to be successful.”

AAC device helps students express themselves

Fernandez uses his life experience in his role as pastor.

The Rev. Dan Fernandez arrived at First United Methodist Church this past summer and is already integrating himself into the community.&nbsp;

You’ll likely see him if you stop by a weekly meeting at the Kiwanis Club or Rotary Club.

When Fernandez first arrived, he was impressed not only by the church but The Loft – an extension of the church that acts as a store, and public meeting space and serves other functions.

“I’ve already acclimated myself in the community, and I’m trying to maximize myself in the community. You need to make yourself present to the community,” he said.

Fernandez is a native of the Philippines, but he, his wife, and their seven children have lived in Iowa for the past 20 years. He has a degree in agricultural engineering but felt God calling him to the ministry in 1987.

The next year, Fernandez was in seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree. He had found his calling.&nbsp;

The only thing that was missing was a white Christmas.

“I always tell my congregation that when I was a young boy I loved to sing, ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,’ ” he said.

Fernandez didn’t get his white Christmas this year. But he’s had plenty by now and will have plenty more.

“It’s no longer a dream. It’s a reality. Before we arrived (in Iowa), I got an email that there was a blizzard. And I thought, ‘Is that an ice cream?’ ” he said, laughing.

Fernandez served 13 years in the ministry in his home country while married to his wife Dodie, who is also an engineer. He was elected as a delegate for the First United Methodist Conference in 2000, which brought him to Cleveland, Ohio. He was recruited for a position in Iowa while he was in Iowa.

In 2000, Fernandez started working as a pastor in Fort Dodge. He’s been in Iowa ever since, crisscrossing the state as he is assigned to different ministries. He recently served Mason City and Eldora, but the length of those assignments varies greatly. Some last a year. Others last several years. The average is usually a few years.

It’s not a lifestyle that fits everyone. Fernandez serves the will of the church, which assigns him where he’s needed. He’s just three years away from celebrating 40 years in the ministry.

Moving around so much was hard for Fernandez’s family at first, but it eventually became part of their identity.&nbsp;

“My daughter used to say, ‘Dad, we’re losing our friends,’ and I said, ‘No, you’re not losing friends. You’re adding more,” he said.

This was around the time Facebook was starting to gain in popularity, which made it possible for his children to stay in contact with the friends they had moved away from.

“They realized they have a lot of friends,” he said.

It took some time to adjust to America, and not just weather-wise. Learning English is a requirement in the Filipino school system, and Fernandez has continually improved his understanding over the past 20 years in the States.

But Fernandez still has a Filipino accent, and will likely carry it for the rest of his life. Despite his well-spoken English, Fernandez has had several racist encounters over the years where people pretend not to understand him.

“I speak better English than someone who has just come over from Germany, but no one seems to have a problem understanding them,” he said.

Fernandez has heard the same thing from other foreign pastors out of India, Pakistan, Korea, and Africa. All they can do is ignore the prejudice and preach God’s love. Like his pastor peers, Fernandez is often one of the few foreign faces of color in the community. His audience is overwhelmingly white.

“I try to look on our similarity, not on our differences,” he said.

That means immersing himself in the culture around him. He’s already introduced himself to the Burlington fire chief and has been making his rounds at other city departments.

Fernandez and his family – which now consists of grandchildren from three of his children – are Burlingtonians now. He’s hoping it will be a long stay.

“I thank God for the opportunity that I am able to serve our American brothers and sisters,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/1/1704388834104.jpeg" alt="The Rev. Dan Fernandez wishes a happy birthday to a church member during service on Sunday, Dec. 24 at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Burlington. Photos/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. Dan Fernandez wishes a happy birthday to a church member during service on Sunday, Dec. 24 at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Burlington. Photos/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Fernandez uses his life experience in his role as pastor.By William SmithThe Rev. Dan Fernandez arrived at First United Methodist Church this past summer and is already integrating himself into the community.&nbsp;You’ll likely see him if you stop by a weekly meeting at the Kiwanis Club or Rotary Club.When Fernandez first arrived, he was impressed not only by the church but The Loft – an extension of the church that acts as a store, and public meeting space and serves other functions.“I’ve already acclimated myself in the community, and I’m trying to maximize myself in the community. You need to make yourself present to the community,” he said.Fernandez is a native of the Philippines, but he, his wife, and their seven children have lived in Iowa for the past 20 years. He has a degree in agricultural engineering but felt God calling him to the ministry in 1987.The next year, Fernandez was in seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree. He had found his calling.&nbsp;The only thing that was missing was a white Christmas.“I always tell my congregation that when I was a young boy I loved to sing, ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,’ ” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/1/1704389082719.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fernandez didn’t get his white Christmas this year. But he’s had plenty by now and will have plenty more.“It’s no longer a dream. It’s a reality. Before we arrived (in Iowa), I got an email that there was a blizzard. And I thought, ‘Is that an ice cream?’ ” he said, laughing.Fernandez served 13 years in the ministry in his home country while married to his wife Dodie, who is also an engineer. He was elected as a delegate for the First United Methodist Conference in 2000, which brought him to Cleveland, Ohio. He was recruited for a position in Iowa while he was in Iowa.In 2000, Fernandez started working as a pastor in Fort Dodge. He’s been in Iowa ever since, crisscrossing the state as he is assigned to different ministries. He recently served Mason City and Eldora, but the length of those assignments varies greatly. Some last a year. Others last several years. The average is usually a few years.It’s not a lifestyle that fits everyone. Fernandez serves the will of the church, which assigns him where he’s needed. He’s just three years away from celebrating 40 years in the ministry.Moving around so much was hard for Fernandez’s family at first, but it eventually became part of their identity.&nbsp;“My daughter used to say, ‘Dad, we’re losing our friends,’ and I said, ‘No, you’re not losing friends. You’re adding more,” he said.This was around the time Facebook was starting to gain in popularity, which made it possible for his children to stay in contact with the friends they had moved away from.“They realized they have a lot of friends,” he said.It took some time to adjust to America, and not just weather-wise. Learning English is a requirement in the Filipino school system, and Fernandez has continually improved his understanding over the past 20 years in the States.But Fernandez still has a Filipino accent, and will likely carry it for the rest of his life. Despite his well-spoken English, Fernandez has had several racist encounters over the years where people pretend not to understand him.“I speak better English than someone who has just come over from Germany, but no one seems to have a problem understanding them,” he said.Fernandez has heard the same thing from other foreign pastors out of India, Pakistan, Korea, and Africa. All they can do is ignore the prejudice and preach God’s love. Like his pastor peers, Fernandez is often one of the few foreign faces of color in the community. His audience is overwhelmingly white.“I try to look on our similarity, not on our differences,” he said.That means immersing himself in the culture around him. He’s already introduced himself to the Burlington fire chief and has been making his rounds at other city departments.Fernandez and his family – which now consists of grandchildren from three of his children – are Burlingtonians now. He’s hoping it will be a long stay.“I thank God for the opportunity that I am able to serve our American brothers and sisters,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/1/1704389249477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

52 faces: From the Philippines to Iowa

Two long-standing greenhouse businesses are merging — Ty Louck of Ty’s Greenhouse in Wever purchased Matt Mohrfeld’s Matt’s Greenhouse in Fort Madison.

Ted Goldie, Louck’s cousin, had been Mohrfeld’s operations manager from 2013-2023, and he will join Louck under the new entity, TNT Greenhouses, LLC.

It will have wholesale greenhouse production, such as bedding plants, hanging baskets, and patio pots. There will also be spring flower and garden products.

Each spring, Mohrfeld had set up Matt’s Greenhouse at the Fareway grocery stores in Fort Madison and Burlington, which his wife Beth operated.

That operation will now be called Lucy’s Flowers, in honor of Louck’s and Goldie’s grandmother, Lucy Goldie.

“When grandma and grandpa retired,” Ted Goldie said of Lucy and the late Philip Goldie, “they came to work for Ty. They had helped him through the years and were very integrated into the business. They were helping for many, many years.”

TNT will employ about 75 people during the peak season.

Mohrfeld established The Flower Cottage in 1977, and he and Louck worked for Beebe’s Greenhouse in Wever in the late 1970s. Around 1982, The Flower Cottage became Matt’s Greenhouse &amp; Flower Cottage. Ty’s Greenhouse started in 1992.

Goldie said of the acquisition, “We weren’t really competitors. We would buy supplies together, so we could get some buying power.”

The two businesses sold to different markets, and combined they sold to farm stores, grocery stores independent flower shops, and garden centers.

“It was the obvious right choice for the business, keeping it local,” Goldie said, “having two owners that are very invested in the local community.”

Matt Mohrfeld, currently the mayor of Fort Madison, said, “We’re at a point in the business where it’s doing really well, but it had to go to the next stage. Given my age and where it was at, and they were aggressive and at their age, and where they’re at, the next thing to do to keep the business moving was to pass the baton to the next group.

“I’m tickled to be part of that. But for it to be where it needs to be in five years, it needed to be done.”

Mohrfeld said he’ll be helping out in the transition phase.

Louck said, “We’re looking forward to combining our resources and growing the business together.”

The company will continue to sell mums in the fall and poinsettias around Christmas time.

Lucy’s Flowers will open in spring 2024 when weather conditions are right. Louck’s daughters, Morgan Pieper and Samantha Louck will operate that portion of the business.

Goldie worked for his cousin Ty when he was in high school. That job “sparked everything moving forward.”

“I was always interested in the greenhouse business, and I’ve always enjoyed it,” Goldie said.

After he graduated from Des Moines Area Community College, he worked for Ty from 1998-2008. He began to work for Matt’s Greenhouse in 2011.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to do this at another level,” Goldie said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/12/1704049652657.jpeg" alt="Matt’s Greenhouse owner Matt Mohrfeld (left) has sold his business to Ted Goldie (center) and Ty’s Greenhouse owner Ty Louck, and the new company will be TNT Greenhouses, LLC.&nbsp;Photo by Chris Faulkner" />
 <figcaption>Matt’s Greenhouse owner Matt Mohrfeld (left) has sold his business to Ted Goldie (center) and Ty’s Greenhouse owner Ty Louck, and the new company will be TNT Greenhouses, LLC.&nbsp;Photo by Chris Faulkner</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerTwo long-standing greenhouse businesses are merging — Ty Louck of Ty’s Greenhouse in Wever purchased Matt Mohrfeld’s Matt’s Greenhouse in Fort Madison.Ted Goldie, Louck’s cousin, had been Mohrfeld’s operations manager from 2013-2023, and he will join Louck under the new entity, TNT Greenhouses, LLC.It will have wholesale greenhouse production, such as bedding plants, hanging baskets, and patio pots. There will also be spring flower and garden products.Each spring, Mohrfeld had set up Matt’s Greenhouse at the Fareway grocery stores in Fort Madison and Burlington, which his wife Beth operated.That operation will now be called Lucy’s Flowers, in honor of Louck’s and Goldie’s grandmother, Lucy Goldie.“When grandma and grandpa retired,” Ted Goldie said of Lucy and the late Philip Goldie, “they came to work for Ty. They had helped him through the years and were very integrated into the business. They were helping for many, many years.”TNT will employ about 75 people during the peak season.Mohrfeld established The Flower Cottage in 1977, and he and Louck worked for Beebe’s Greenhouse in Wever in the late 1970s. Around 1982, The Flower Cottage became Matt’s Greenhouse &amp; Flower Cottage. Ty’s Greenhouse started in 1992.Goldie said of the acquisition, “We weren’t really competitors. We would buy supplies together, so we could get some buying power.”The two businesses sold to different markets, and combined they sold to farm stores, grocery stores independent flower shops, and garden centers.“It was the obvious right choice for the business, keeping it local,” Goldie said, “having two owners that are very invested in the local community.”Matt Mohrfeld, currently the mayor of Fort Madison, said, “We’re at a point in the business where it’s doing really well, but it had to go to the next stage. Given my age and where it was at, and they were aggressive and at their age, and where they’re at, the next thing to do to keep the business moving was to pass the baton to the next group.“I’m tickled to be part of that. But for it to be where it needs to be in five years, it needed to be done.”Mohrfeld said he’ll be helping out in the transition phase.Louck said, “We’re looking forward to combining our resources and growing the business together.”The company will continue to sell mums in the fall and poinsettias around Christmas time.Lucy’s Flowers will open in spring 2024 when weather conditions are right. Louck’s daughters, Morgan Pieper and Samantha Louck will operate that portion of the business.Goldie worked for his cousin Ty when he was in high school. That job “sparked everything moving forward.”“I was always interested in the greenhouse business, and I’ve always enjoyed it,” Goldie said.After he graduated from Des Moines Area Community College, he worked for Ty from 1998-2008. He began to work for Matt’s Greenhouse in 2011.“I’m glad to have the opportunity to do this at another level,” Goldie said.

Two plant businesses form TNT Greenhouses

As a future engineer, 12-year-old Notre Dame student Matthew Oleson is practical to the core.

But he is also a pretty slick writer. Oleson, who professed no real interest in city politics or writing for a living, won the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest organized by the city of Burlington.

Oleson read that essay during the city council meeting Monday night. His speech was scheduled during one of the council’s busier nights in recent memory.&nbsp;

The intersection of a rental inspection frequency vote, the swearing-in of a new police chief, and the departure of three council members.

If Oleson felt the pressure, he didn’t show it. He approached the podium, looked down at his essay, and started reading. He didn’t stop until the end, finishing with nary an error or verbal slip.

“Outstanding sir!” mayor Jon Billups said.

The audience behind him erupted into applause. Oleson’s grandmother and Notre Dame teacher provided support from the front row, giving him the confidence to storm the podium.

“It was a very proud moment. I’m very proud of him. He’s a good kid,” said his grandmother, Pat Oleson.

It wasn’t just Oleson’s writing that garnered him the victory. He took the question of “If I Were Mayor”&nbsp; quite literally, imagining what people would want of him if he were mayor. He thought of problems that needed fixing, and ways Burlington could improve.

From the perspective of a 12-year-old boy who wouldn’t mind seeing a trampoline park in town, of course.

“The potholes by Queso’s and Hobby Lobby are kind of bad,” he said. “I kind of did some research on how people would like to come here. Stuff like that.”

When asked if he would like to become an elected official himself someday, Oleson said, “Not really.”

If I were mayor I would want to do things that would benefit the entire community. For a community to grow and prosper, I would have to listen to the needs and wants of all of the people. I would also try to maintain a clean environment. I would do that by encouraging everyone to help pick up trash and not waste as many natural resources. We could do this by either installing more solar panels or using more wind turbines.

When people decide to live in a certain town, they need to see what it has to offer for them and their families.&nbsp;

There are definitely things that I see a need for in Burlington. I’d like to construct more bike paths and trails for cyclists. It’s a real advantage for people to be able to enjoy the outdoors. I’d also like to make our roads stay in good shape with no potholes.

We need to draw more businesses to our town. If we have good schools and shopping, then more people will want to live in Burlington.&nbsp;

I would also try to improve and add more attractions like a trampoline park or a bigger water park. I would also add an ice rink, because you have to drive all the way to Iowa City, just to go ice skating in the Coral Ridge Mall.&nbsp;

I would also try to add more food choices by trying to get more food companies to come into Burlington.

We need to continue to have a great police department to keep our city safe. It all starts with a good leader that will listen to the needs and wants of all the people, and add some things I might want that the people would like as well. If I were mayor I would listen and try hard to be that person that Burlington needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/12/1704049082600.jpeg" alt="Notre Dame student Mathew Oleson, 12, is handed the proclamation naming him the winner of the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest by Burlington Mayor Jon Billups.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Katie Music/City of Burlington" />
 <figcaption>Notre Dame student Mathew Oleson, 12, is handed the proclamation naming him the winner of the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest by Burlington Mayor Jon Billups.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Katie Music/City of Burlington</figcaption>
 </figure>Notre Dame student wins essay contest.By William SmithAs a future engineer, 12-year-old Notre Dame student Matthew Oleson is practical to the core.But he is also a pretty slick writer. Oleson, who professed no real interest in city politics or writing for a living, won the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest organized by the city of Burlington.Oleson read that essay during the city council meeting Monday night. His speech was scheduled during one of the council’s busier nights in recent memory.&nbsp;The intersection of a rental inspection frequency vote, the swearing-in of a new police chief, and the departure of three council members.The council chambers were packed.If Oleson felt the pressure, he didn’t show it. He approached the podium, looked down at his essay, and started reading. He didn’t stop until the end, finishing with nary an error or verbal slip.“Outstanding sir!” mayor Jon Billups said.The audience behind him erupted into applause. Oleson’s grandmother and Notre Dame teacher provided support from the front row, giving him the confidence to storm the podium.“It was a very proud moment. I’m very proud of him. He’s a good kid,” said his grandmother, Pat Oleson.It wasn’t just Oleson’s writing that garnered him the victory. He took the question of “If I Were Mayor”&nbsp; quite literally, imagining what people would want of him if he were mayor. He thought of problems that needed fixing, and ways Burlington could improve.From the perspective of a 12-year-old boy who wouldn’t mind seeing a trampoline park in town, of course.“The potholes by Queso’s and Hobby Lobby are kind of bad,” he said. “I kind of did some research on how people would like to come here. Stuff like that.”When asked if he would like to become an elected official himself someday, Oleson said, “Not really.”Matthew Oleson’s EssayIf I were mayor I would want to do things that would benefit the entire community. For a community to grow and prosper, I would have to listen to the needs and wants of all of the people. I would also try to maintain a clean environment. I would do that by encouraging everyone to help pick up trash and not waste as many natural resources. We could do this by either installing more solar panels or using more wind turbines.When people decide to live in a certain town, they need to see what it has to offer for them and their families.&nbsp;There are definitely things that I see a need for in Burlington. I’d like to construct more bike paths and trails for cyclists. It’s a real advantage for people to be able to enjoy the outdoors. I’d also like to make our roads stay in good shape with no potholes.We need to draw more businesses to our town. If we have good schools and shopping, then more people will want to live in Burlington.&nbsp;I would also try to improve and add more attractions like a trampoline park or a bigger water park. I would also add an ice rink, because you have to drive all the way to Iowa City, just to go ice skating in the Coral Ridge Mall.&nbsp;I would also try to add more food choices by trying to get more food companies to come into Burlington.We need to continue to have a great police department to keep our city safe. It all starts with a good leader that will listen to the needs and wants of all the people, and add some things I might want that the people would like as well. If I were mayor I would listen and try hard to be that person that Burlington needs.

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