Fran Kinne a local legend

By Ronna Faaborg

Gannett

Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne was two weeks shy of her 103rd birthday when she died on May 10. She was a glass ceiling breaker, a generous benefactor, a small-town Story City girl who never forgot her roots and never stopped loving her hometown, no matter where she was in the world.

Born on May 23, 1917, six days before the birth of futurepresident John F. Kennedy, Kinne was raised in Story City and retained close ties with the town for more than a century. As recently as September, she donated $40,000 for the repair of the town’s historic Swinging Bridge, a 1936 Works Progress Administration project that sustained damage last year from flood-driven ice.

Fran grew up in Story City, the daughter of Charles and Bertha Bartlett. Her father published the Story City Herald, and her mother was the first full-time librarian for the community, which made Bertha Bartlett the namesake of its library. Bertha, too, lived to see her 100th birthday.

With a love for music and literature, she became a trailblazer in education: she was the first woman to receive a doctorate from the University of Frankfurt, the first female dean of a fine arts college in the United States and the first woman to serve as president of a Florida university.

At the age of 16, Kinne entered Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, and subsequently transferred to Drake University in Des Moines. She was a talented pianist and

studied music at Drake.

After teaching music at a number of central Iowa schools, Kinne became a U.S. Army Entertainer during World War II. She served as a United States Army Hostess at Camp Crowder in Missouri, ultimately becoming the head hostess in a program that served 70,000 troops.

Following the war, while serving as the recreational director at a V.A. hospital in Leavenworth, Kan., she met her first husband Lt. Colonel Harry Kinne.

While living in China in 1948, the Kinnes were evacuated from the country’s interior as the communist revolution occurred. During the Korean War, Harry was on General MacAuthur’s staff and Fran served as Director of Music and Assistant Entertainment Director for the Far East Command for the U.S. Army’s Special Services.

In 1955, Harry accepted a command assignment in Germany and Fran began completing her PhD at the University of Frankfurt. It was here that she studied under professors such as the well-known Dr. Max Horkheimer.

Upon returning to the U.S, Harry accepted a position with the Florida National Guard. The move to Florida was fateful as Fran became involved with Jacksonville University as a professor.

It was here that Fran would become the first woman in the United States to serve as dean of a fine arts college. A short time later she would be the first woman to serve as president of a Florida university, holding that role at JU for 10 years from 1979 to 1989.

Kinne’s tenure as president included the founding of the Davis College of Business and the Keigwin School of Nursing at JU. In 1989, she moved to the new role of JU’s chancellor, retiring from the role in 1994 but retaining the title of chancellor emerita.

Even as she aged past a century of life, Fran continued to remain active, serving on multiple boards, including

FRAN KINNE JUST AFTER JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY WON THE SUNBELT

TOURNAMENT WIN IN BIRMINGHAM, ALA. PHOTO BY DAVE MARTIN/ASSOCIATED PRESS

the Mayo Hospital Board. She often returned to visit her beloved hometown of Story City. Despite her accomplishments and impressive resume, she remained kind and lovable and approachable.

“I met Fran within the first three months of becoming the library director in Story City, and I am pretty sure she called me before I actually met her,” Bertha Bartlett Public Library director Kolleen Taylor said. “I remember she was excited to meet me, and I was a little scared — but when we met, her enthusiasm just bubbled from her.”

During one of her first visits, Kinne insisted on meeting Taylor’s parents and Aunt Cleo and invited them all to lunch.

“My family was overwhelmed with her joy in meeting them,” Taylor said, “and the conversation jumped rapidly from the library to music they grew up with, experiences they shared and so many topics that had to be rare to have so much commonality.

“My aunt was a few years older than Fran, my dad a few years younger. My dad was smitten, my mom and aunt astonished at all she had done. From that day onward, she became part of my family, always asking about how my family was doing.

“She was one of the first I told about my dad and my aunt’s deaths, and she has been a strength for me since my mom’s stroke, following the path into dementia. She shared my heartbreak on multiple occasions, and we shared tears when her nephews Phil and Carl Hermanson passed away.”

Kinne remained active in university life until the coronavirus pandemic suspended the routines of normal campus life. She had been recovering from a stroke suffered on April 21 at her home.

“Fran was the best spokeswoman for her hometown, she told everyone about Story City,” said Kate Feil, director of the Museums of Story City, an organization for which Kinne was a generous benefactor. “We will miss her visits back home and the wisdom she imparted. Fran was a generous supporter of many organizations in town, Story City was truly blessed to have such a wonderful friend.”

Kinne brought to JU an array of eminent personalities across a wide range of fields — from Jack Benny to Arthur Fiedler, from Linus Pauling to Ross Perot.

In her many roles, she crossed paths with famous figures local and national — her autobiography, “Iowa Girl: The President Wears a Skirt,” was published in 2000 with forewords from Bob Hope, Charlton Heston and Winston Churchill, grandson of the wartime British prime minister.

“Fran was such an elegant lady who cared about everyone she met and her home town of Story City,” said Mike Jensen, Story City’s mayor and a good friend of Kinne. “She always said, ‘Others before self.’ She will certainly be missed by so very many.

“God bless the memory of Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne.”

Fran was preceded in death by her first husband, Col. Harry L. Kinne, who died in 1981, and her second husband, Col. M. Worthington Bordley Jr., who died in 1996.

Funeral services are expected to be in Story City at a future date. Burial was in the Story City Cemetary on May 15.

FRANCIS BARTLETT KINNE STANDS IN THE HALLWAY OF HER HOME, SURROUNDED BY PLAQUES,

PHOTOS AND MEMORIES. PHOTO BY MARK E. GRISHAM/FLORIDA TIMES-UNION

FRAN, AGE 2, AND HER BROTHER CHARLES, AGE 5.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSEUMS OF STORY CITY

BALLET HISPANICO WILL TAKE THE STAGE AT STEPHENS AUDITORIUM ON JAN. 25.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ONE OF THE SHOWS IN THE BROADWAY SERIES, “CHARLIE AND THE CHOCO

LATE FACTORY” WILL BE PERFORMED ON APRIL 8. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Stephens Auditorium looks forward to 2020-21 Performing Arts Series

By Ronna Faaborg

Gannett

Stephens Auditorium plays a leading role in central Iowa’s performing arts scene, and this week it announced the lineup for its Performing Arts Series for the new season, which starts in the fall.

“Our 2020-2021 Performing Arts Series brings a classic line-up full of laughter and tears, happy endings and thought-provoking performances,” said Tammy Koolbeck, executive director of the Iowa State Center.

This year’s four-show Broadway series includes “South Pacific,” “Anastasia,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Performing Arts Series subscriptions are on sale now.

The Performing Arts Series is a highly anticipated opportunity to enjoy live performance — anticipated more, perhaps, than any time in recent history after the community has been sheltering in place for so long due to the pandemic. After a shutdown of performances this spring, the Iowa State Center staff has been mindful of the coronavirus and will continue to be moving forward, Koolbeck said.

“As our community, our state and our country work to contain the COVID-19 virus, our staff is learning about how best to re-open Stephens when our programming starts again,” Koolbeck said. “We are working with venue industry leaders who are establishing cleaning and disinfecting protocols with governmental agencies including the CDC.”

Staff at the Iowa State Center and VenuWorks, which manages Stephens Auditorium, are contemplating several different scenarios with how social distancing and PPE may become part of their events to keep patrons and staff safe and healthy.

“We will not re-open until it has been determined safe,” Koolbeck said. “To that end, we will be offering refunds and unlimited ticket exchanges to season shows for the 2020-21 season. We are expecting there to be some turbulence in this unprecedented time and we will be ready to guide our patrons through any concerns or issues that may arise.”

Subscription orders can be placed online at www.center. iastate.edu/orderonline. Individual tickets go on sale in the fall.

Here is the lineup of shows, as released by Stephens Auditorium:

Russian String Orchestra – Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.

The Ames International Orchestra Festival welcomes Misha Rachlevsky and the Russian String Orchestra for a mini-residency. They will present a public performance in Stephens Auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Founded in 1991 as Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, the orchestra is comprised of some of Russia’s finest young string players and has carved a niche for itself under the creative baton of founder Misha Rachlevsky. With highlyacclaimed recording and mesmerizing concerts, the Russian String Orchestra’s warmth and high energy create addictive performances that stay with listeners long after the last note has been played.

The program will include “Variations on the theme by Tchaikovsky” by Anton Arensky; “Italian Serenade” by Hugo Wolf; “Serenade Melancolique for violin and orchestra” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with Evgeny Pravilov on violin; “Longing for Light for string orchestra” by Jeffrey Prater; and “String Quartet No. 3 in A minor” by Robert Schumann.

The Russian String Orchestra residency is supported, in part, through local option tax funds provided by the city of Ames through the Ames Commission on the Arts and the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Community Grant Program. The performance is made possible, in part, by

generous gifts from Arthur Klein, Warren and Beverly Madden, and Rae Reilly and the estate of Peter J. Reilly.

The Fab Four – Saturday, Oct 3, 8 p.m.

If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute.

The Emmy Award winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun” and “Hey Jude,” the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.

Their incredible stage performances include three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career. This loving tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences in countries around the world, including Japan, Australia, France, Hong Kong, The United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.

This performance is made possible, in part, by generous gifts from Steve and Randi Peters and Brent and Maggie Wynja.

Whose Live Anyway? – Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.

The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” are proud to present their new improv tour: Whose Live Anyway?

The improve show is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Jeff B. Davis, Dave Foley and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show, so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast on stage. Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones.

All ages are welcomed, but please note that some PG-13 language will be used during the performance.

This performance is made possible, in part, by generous gifts from Jay and Karen Heldt Chapman.

Capitol Steps – Monday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Originally founded by a group of Senate staffers, this satirical comedy group knows first-hand just what goes on in our nation’s capital, and they don’t pull any punches. Among the current members, 18 Congressional offices are represented from a span of over 62 years (though not all current members are former Capitol Hill staffers).

From their inception, the Capitol Steps have recorded 35 albums, the most recent of which is titled “Orange is the New Barack.” Through the years, they have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS, while producing biannual “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio specials on National Public Radio stations nationwide.

While the Capitol Steps are based in Washington, D.C., their comedy is accessible to all with an interest in politics. They continually update their material to keep up with the headlines, so no matter what’s in the news, the Capitol Steps are equal opportunity offenders.

This performance is made possible, in part, by generous gifts from Betty and Craig Miller, John and Suzan Shierholz and Brent and Maggie Wynja.

Ballet Hispanico – Monday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.

An established international force, Ballet Hispanico continues to mold the landscape of contemporary dance in the United States and beyond. Ballet Hispanico ignites cultural pride, elevates diverse artists, and stresses the importance of the universal, physical

FACETS | JUNE 2020 | 19 language accessible to everyone — dance!

The company’s 50th anniversary touring repertory spans generations of Latinx artists honoring the legacy of those who laid the foundations and those who continue to explore, bringing people together to celebrate joy and diversity without the trappings of stereotypes. To and from Beyoncé and beyond, theatricality and passion propel every move.

“When Ballet Hispanico’s dancers take the stage, watch out. No one struts, kicks, spins, leaps, and gyrates the way they do. Their joy is infectious.” – Newsday

This performance is made possible, in part, by a generous gift from Elizabeth Beck.

DRUMLine Live – Saturday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m.

DRUMLine Live is a show-stopping attraction created by the music team behind 20th Century Fox’s hit movies, “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat.” Having paraded onto some of the biggest theatre stages in America, Japan and Korea, and performed more than 300 shows since 2009, the show features new music and choreography. The legendary Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band experience comes alive with this worldclass cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers. Be prepared to laugh, sing, dance and cry, because DRUMLine Live is a highoctane musical roller coaster ride that is guaranteed to touch every emotion in your body.

With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a synchronized musical showcase of the legendary HBCU experience that will also feature various genres of music from hip-hop, American soul, gospel, jazz and more. DRUMLine Live brings a unique style of drumming, mesmerizing musicianship and energetic choreography never before seen on stage.

This performance is made possible, in part, by a generous gift from Randy and Cathy Fitzgerald.

South Pacific – Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. (Broadway)

Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed woven into an inspiring story cherished the world over.

Winner of 10 Tony Awards, the beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” amid big, Broadway performances and a chorus of American sailors and Navy nurses ready to take you to Bali Ha’i.

This performance is made possible, in part, by a generous gift from Brian and Tanya Anderson.

Anastasia – Thursday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m. (Broadway)

Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical Anastasia is on a journey to Stephens Auditorium at last!

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic “Ragtime,” this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

“Anastasia” features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak.

This performance is made possible, in part, by a generous gift from Duane and Megan Wolf.

Fiddler on the Roof – Tuesday, March 2, 7 p.m. (Broadway)

Rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life (L’Chaim!),” Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter.

Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and 2017 Tony-winning Best Play “Oslo,” bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Featuring a talented cast, lavish orchestra and stunning movement and dance from Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins, “Fiddler on the Roof” will introduce a new generation to the uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!

This performance is made possible, in part, by generous gifts from Jim Beckwith and Cecilia and Jack Horner.

Prague Symphony Orchestra – Friday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.

Brimming with joy and national pride, the Prague Symphony Orchestra brings a cheerful, optimistic program featuring Smetana’s “Bartered Bride Overture,” Dvorak’s lush “Eighth Symphony” and Schumann’s “Piano Concerto in A minor, opus 54.”

Discover the thrilling beauty of this internationally renowned orchestra as each piece takes you through an emotional experience. The Prague Symphony Orchestra is a top tier musical ensemble and the official orchestra of the Czech capital.

The program will include music by Beethoven and Dvorak.

This performance is made possible, in part, by generous gifts from Arthur Klein, Warren and Beverly Madden and Rae Reilly. Additional support come from local option tax funds provided by the city of Ames through the Ames Commission on the Arts.

Nathan Carter – Sunday, March 7, 7 p.m.

Taking the music world by storm, Irish phenomenon Nathan Carter brings his action-packed live show, Celtic Roots, to Stephens Auditorium! Backed by his stellar six-piece band and with special guest Chloe Agnew (former star of Celtic Woman), Carter’s live show is a unique blend of Celtic, Irish, country and pop favorites not to be missed. Performing with Irish warmth and infectious energy, fans will hear hits like “Caledonia,” “Wagon Wheel,” “The Rare Auld Times” and “The Irish River.”

Carter first catapulted into stardom in his native Ireland, charming audiences on guitar, piano and accordion. Since his start at local venues, his career has become a national success story. With five No. 1 albums, two No. 1 singles, and three No. 1 live performance DVDs, Carter is now Ireland’s No. 1 Live Act and is blazing a trail to worldwide success.

Velocity – Friday, March 26, 7 p.m.

Velocity Irish Dance, the next generation in Irish tap, is an expressive, free, fast-paced and edgy performance driven by passion and pride. Led by Guinness World Record holder for The Fastest Feet in the World, James Devine, and five-time World Champion Irish dancer, David Geaney, and joined on stage by a motley crew of mind-blowing musicians and an old school scratch DJ, it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before! These two illustrious hoofers come together in an intimate, no-nonsense jam session of impossible scuffles and shuffles.

Honoring past traditions but blasting feet first into the 21st Century, Velocity Irish Dance breaks away from the idea of what an Irish dance show is to one that is a high-octane celebration of the past, present and future of Irish dance!

This performance is made possible, in part, by a generous gift from Mike and Tammy Koolbeck.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m. (Broadway)

Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Ames’ golden ticket! It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of “Hairspray.”

Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory — to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before — get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

This performance is made possible, in part, by a generous gift from Todd and Jill Klindt.

DRUMLINE LIVE WILL PERFORM AT STE PHENS AUDITORIUM ON JAN. 30.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” IS ONE OF THE BROADWAY SERIES SHOWS IN STEPHENS AUDITORIUM’S 2020-21 SEASON.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MARCIA SAMPSON, OF NEVADA, SHARES PHOTOS OF SEVERAL OF HER PLANTS. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Nevada woman studies herbs, homeopathic remedies

By Sara Jordan

Heintz Contributing

Writer

Marcia Sampson, of Nevada, got interested in growing herbs for making teas and elixirs out of necessity for treating a variety of medical conditions that didn’t respond to traditional medicine.

“I have allergies to a lot of medicines, so my doctor told me to think outside the box. I don’t think he meant essential oils and herbs, but this is where I went with it,” Sampson said. “I have three pages of allergies to medicine.”

She says her health dramatically declined after being implanted with Essure in 2011, a medical device crafted from metal coils for female sterilization, later pulled from the market. Its manufacturer, Bayer, has been hit with thousands of lawsuits. Even after having the product removed, Sampson says she still suffers from sunlight sensitivity, severe migraines, new food allergies, hair loss and extreme weight loss, among other ailments. “It changed everything about my DNA,” she said.

By day, she works as a bus driver for the Nevada School District. In her free time, she does online learning through the Heart of Herbs Herbal School. On its website, the school says it educates, “doctors, nurses, mothers, massage therapists, doulas, midwives, bankers, clergy, missionaries and basically anyone who wants to learn about herbs or aromatherapy.”

Once she completes the program, Sampson would like to operate a side business selling herbs to “help people who are interested in holistic care like I am. I started doing this in 2013 when I did not know what I was doing and I made a lot of mistakes. When I started the schooling in 2017 that’s when I realized more what to do.”

Sampson grows her own catnip, basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, lavender and wormwood. She is busy getting the

small greenhouse on her property ready for an assortment of plants and flowers to reside inside.

She said she and her family primarily suffer from migraines and sensitive skin. Salves for eczema and dry skin are crafted using burdock. Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components, which aid in the healing of wounds, soothes eczema and relieves diaper rash. It can also be used as an antiseptic. Feverfew traditionally is used to treat fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomachaches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility and problems with menstruation. Wormwood can help ease digestive problems, as well as gall bladder disease and intestinal spasms.

The types of herbs she brews in teas for migraine relief include catnip, spearmint, peppermint, skullcap and feverfew. Symptom relief is achieved in 45 minutes to an hour, Sampson said.

“I start with using one teaspoon for making a cup of tea,” she said. “With my migraines, they’re so bad, I usually do one and a half teaspoons.”

Sampson makes tinctures and elixirs. The main difference between the two is an elixir is a tincture but it is sweetened by using a simple syrup. They are both made by grinding herbs and mixing them with either alcohol, vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar. The concoction is then left alone in a dark cabinet for four weeks, and then strained. A dose is administered under the tongue. Its shelf life depends on how the elixirs and tinctures were made.

“Some glycerin ones can last up to four years if kept in a very dark cupboard,” she said. “Also, apple cider elixirs and tinctures can keep good up to four years if they are kept in a dark cupboard; if not they won’t last past a year. Alcohol (such as brandy or vodka) ones will keep for four to six years, and this is why people use alcohol most often.”

Sampson makes an elderberry syrup year-round for general health purposes. She creates a fire cider in July, which has to set for four to six weeks. It is made with apple cider vinegar, horseradish, peppers, garlic, onions, lemons and oranges. After the proper time passes, you take everything out and mix in honey. You can take a shot of it every morning, she said.

Being allergic to cinnamon, Sampson creates her own holidaythemed beverage.

“I make my own coffee blend: it has cloves, cherry coffee, anise, nutmeg and ginger. I have an espresso machine and brew it out. Then I put honey and half-and-half in it. Cherry coffee is low caffeine,” she noted.

Trial and error is the key to working with herbs, and sometimes these plants don’t grow at the speed in which the grower would prefer.

“Buy already growing lavender and then replant it. I do cheat. Ones we planted do take a while to grow,” she said.

For an over-all pleasant and pleasing tea, try brewing hibiscus, rose hips or rose petals.

When in doubt, she uses a popular nature app called iNaturalist, which assists people with identifying the flora and fauna around you.

MARCIA SAMPSON, OF NEVADA, SHARES PHOTOS OF SEVERAL OF HER PLANTS.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO