Twist and Shout • 1123

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 30 YEARS!

Twist Shout!

NOVEMBER 2023

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ENTERTAINMENT MONTHLY

STORY PAGE 4

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WHAT’S INSIDE 4-5: Seussical

NOVEMBER 2023

6. Holidays at the Blanden 8. A Dickens of a Christmas 9. The Pork Tornadoes 18. A Time For Angels

PUBLISHER terry christensen tchristensen@messengernews.net

EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net

HR/ACCOUNTING melissa wendland mwendland@messengernews.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tom tourville lori berglund

DESIGN COORDINATOR nick manwarren nmanwarren@messengernews.net

COPYRIGHT 2023

SALES DIRECTOR leanne darr ldarr@messengernews.net jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net

EVERY ISSUE

Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.

10: Local Calendar

*All photos submitted to Twist & Shout become property of Twist & Shout.

12: Good Eats

We are not responsible for their return.

14: Artist Spotlight: Melissa Hindt

brittney benson bbenson@messengernews.net

16: Shining Star: Logan Hamilton 17: A look back: Linda Scott

/twistshout

Laufersweiler-Sievers

Funeral Home & Cremation Services

307 S. 12th St. • Fort Dodge (515)576-3156 2

All funeral providers are not the same.

Although some have tried, there is no true way to compare with just price.

Our families only select what they need and want for their loved ones while receiving the utmost care and respect.

Serving families since 1856 n o v e m b e r

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Art Walk is on Saturday, November 25 from 10 AM to 2 PM on Main Street in Pocahontas.

Over 25 artists/vendors participating and 15 businesses open that day as well for Small Business Saturday!

Hometown Christmas is Dec 8 & 9, featuring local specials at retail stores and special Christmas activities such as a Christmas movie marathon at the Rialto Theatre and a Light Parade.

Go to www.pokychamber.com to learn more about our events!

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Comedia brings

to the Phillips stage by lori berglund

“One hundred percent a trouble maker,” said Holli Campbell, who stars as none other than The Cat in the Hat in the Comedia Musica Players upcoming production of “Seussical the Musical”

Wherever the Cat in the Hat goes, trouble is sure to follow. Holli Campbell as the Cat

“Absolutely a trouble maker,” Campbell emphasizes, because it just can’t be said enough where the Cat in The Hat is concerned.

in the Hat, and Leah Myer as Jo Jo sure to serve up laughs in the upcoming production.

Be prepared: when the Cat in the Hat is driving a story, almost anything can happen, according to Alyssa Sparks, director.

“It’s a show that’s just good, old-fashion fun,” Sparks said.

For anyone who grew up on the books of Dr. Seuss, this play is filled with characters they already know and love. There are connections upon connections to bring the imagination of Dr. Seuss creator Theodor Geisel live to the stage.

Horton is hearing a Who, a tiny, tiny Who. It may be tiny, and quite soft-spoken, but have no doubt that Horton is definitely hearing a Who. Jo Jo, a tiny, tiny Who, is thinking thoughts, ä big thoughts, big, big thoughts, deep thoughts ä for a very tiny Who. The Cat in the Hat is being, well, the Cat in the Hat.

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As director, Sparks nightly oversees a mayhem of actors and assistants determined to bring this production to the Phillips Auditorium Nov. 9 11. And she couldn’t be happier, as the laughs on stage and the work all comes together. This play offers a blend of ages that is not always seen in Comedia productions.

“It’s nice to have a mixture of both kids and adults,” Sparks said. “That’s a fun dynamic that you don’t get all the time. Usually it’s either kids

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or adults or teenagers, so it’s fun to have the mix for this production.”

It’s actually a very large cast, as well, with about 17 kids acting it up with a slew of fun-loving adults. Ages range from about 9 years old on up to teenagers, and those who are definitely not sharing their age with any reporter.

In addition to such a full cast, there will also be a pit orchestra on the Phillips stage.

“I love being able to put the pit on stage with us,” Sparks said.

Dan Cassady leads the orchestra, while Shelly Bottorff is the accompanist.

“It’s a fun show,” Sparks said. “I know I say that about a lot of shows, but this one is just so unique.”

The Cat in the Hat is up to his old tricks as he spurs Jo Jo on in her deep, deep thoughts. Horton the Elephant is determined to save little Jo Jo. The story is one that presses the limits of imagination for the audience.

“There are so many different stories going on,” Sparks said. “If you look at all of the different Dr. Seuss books, once you come see the show, you will see how they all fit together. It’s a hodgepodge that really tells a very good story of your imagination being put to very good use through a very imaginative child.”

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“Theater, I think, helps a person grow in so many ways,” Sparks said. “They learn public speaking, how to get up in front of a group of people, confidence, and a lot of working together. Team work is such a huge thing here. It takes all of those things to put on a good show.”

Along with acting and presenting themselves on stage, the kids are also taking on dance and choreography.

“I think the kids are having a lot of fun,” Sparks said. “They get to dress up as so many different characters and they really get to be a lot of different things.”

Tickets for the show are available at HyVee customer service, online at comediamusica.com, and at the door the night of each production.

Tickets are all general admission and are priced

at $15 for adults and $10 for students. Over-flow parking is available for all performances at the Corpus Christi parking lot, with free shuttle bus transportation to Phillips Auditorium.

Doors open for ticket sales at 6:15 p.m.

Nov. 9-10 and 1:15 p.m. for the Nov. 11 matinee. There will be a reception with beverages available at each show.

“

Who can be sad when the Whos are around!

From bottom up are; Alisyn Johnson Payton Johnson, Lauren Schelle, Iris McAtee, Emily Scott, Laila Hickey, Abby Heckert, Keria Frank, and Mr. and Mrs. Mayro, Nathan Schelle, and Jenn McAtte.

“It’s a show that’s just good, old-fashion fun

“

For the children and adults working together on the show, it’s clear to see they are having a good time at a recent practice. For the kids, Sparks is especially pleased at the life lessons they can glean from community theater.

Alyssa Sparks

Esther Laupp and Braelyn Townsend team up as Sour Kangaroo and Young Kangaroo, respectively.

Parker Gaines, Matt Caruth and Jay Price play those oh so innocent characters, the Wickersham Brothers.

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holidays at the blanden by lori berglund

Tucked away on a tree-lined street in Fort Dodge’s Oak Hill Historic District, the Blanden Memorial Art Museum is a gem for Fort Dodge and the surrounding area. Home to the works of world-renowned artists, it’s a place dedicated to inspiring creativity even among those who have barely held a paint brush.

“What we try to create here is an environment that is welcoming,” said Director Eric Anderson. “You don’t have to have a vast knowledge of art and design. We want you to come in, take a look around, and come out of here having a better understanding of what art is, to have an appreciation of the arts.”

From classes for the whole family, to the notable Andy Warhol print that hangs here, to pieces that have been collected and donated to the museum over the decades, the Blanden seeks to have a little something to enliven Fort Dodge artist Mary Jo Hinds in her home studio with one of the landscape pieces for which she has become known.

the artistic nature within every soul. “i get people who come in the door and say, `I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never been inside,” Anderson said.

The coming collection for the holiday season will give first-timers, and even old friends of the Blanden, great reason to come inside.

Fort Dodge resident Mary Jo Hinds will be the featured artist in the Blanden’s East Gallery beginning Nov. 2 and continuing throughout the months of November, December and January.

The inspiration for her work comes largely from nature, from friends, and from places she has gone, or would perhaps like to visit.

“I like to capture the beauty of the world,” Hinds said.

She paints a lot for her family, friends, and does commission work. Many of her paintings are available as notecards. Her work can be seen, and even purchased, on her website at josartwork.com

With an abundance of color and light, her landscapes and floral paintings are sure to be very popular with visitors.

For those with a long history in Hamilton County, her work is reminiscent of the natural scenes that were often the subject of paintings by Webster City native Penny Dermand.

Visitors to the Blanden can meet her in person and learn more about her work at an upcoming reception.

“She does a lot of nature scenes, some florals, and some religious-based paintings,” Anderson said.

The reception for Hinds is set for 2 to 4:30 p.m Nov. 18.

The reception starts off with a social time, followed by a talk from the artist usually at about 3 p.m., and then wraps up with more time to see the collection or visit the other galleries throughout the Blanden.

Hinds is well known for her work at the Blanden’s summer art festival, and is also a regular at Art in the Park at Okoboji and other locations.

“For the most part, she is a self-taught painter,” Anderson said. “She has taken classes and workshops by other artists, but I would say she is mostly self-taught.”

Born in Wyoming, Hinds and her husband, Hal, have lived in Fort Dodge for many years and raised their family here. She really only took up painting after retirement, and has worked with three different teachers, but said she really needed to learn by picking up a brush and simply doing it herself.

“I just had to paint in order to learn to paint,” Hinds said.

She enjoys working in oil colors because of their depth and flexibility. Because the oil remains pliable for some

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time, she can come back to a painting even days later and make adjustments. Hinds is often refining her work. Her husband offers suggestions and names the paintings.

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“We always do an artist reception for our artists to meet with the public,” Anderson said. “It’s free for people to come in and talk with the artist a bit.”

NEW PERMANENT EXHIBIT COMING IN 2024 The West Gallery of the Blanden is always devoted to pieces from the museum’s permanent collection. Each exhibit remains up for about two years, with a new display set to debut in early 2024, so there is limited time left to see the current exhibit, which is themed “The Grid, Architecture and Perspective.” In late December, these pieces will be tucked away at the museum and remain as part of the permanent collection, but not on public display.

Anderson expects the new exhibit to open by midJanuary. The working theme for this exhibit is titled “Motion, Time and Space.”

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Blanden Museum Director Eric Anderson loves to welcome first-time visitors to the local museum. New exhibits are set to debut in November and again early next year, making it a great time to stop in.

It’s his hope that, as the years go by and the ornaments are hung on the tree each holiday season, that parents and children will be able to reflect on something they did together.

While the open house had traditionally been linked with fundraising, that went on hiatus during the pandemic. This year, the open house is back, but the fundraising remains on hiatus, at least for the time being.

“We always try to make it a festive occasion,” Anderson said of the holiday classes. “Usually we provide some hot cocoa and some holiday treats.”

“This year we are just focusing on getting people reacquainted with the experience, coming to the museum, and socializing with others,” Anderson said. “Maybe next year we may incorporate some fundraising.”

All materials, from the ornaments to the paint and glaze, are provided. A family pack of four ornaments is just $25. Additional ornaments are available at $5 each.

Once completed, the ornaments will be left behind to dry and will be available for pick-up the following week at the Blanden’s annual holiday open house.

This will be the first year that the holiday class will be held at the Blanden’s new Art Education Center, located at 224 S. Eighth St. “The new center allows us to accommodate more people, more families, and allows us to do a lot more in terms of programming,” Anderson said.

The centerpiece for the new permanent exhibit is “Thirty-One Discs in Three Directions,” created by Alexander Calder in 1952. A three-dimensional mobile of painted aluminum, it stands nearly 76 inches high and 27 inches in diameter. The piece was a gift of the late Ann Ringland Smeltzer.

FAMILY ORNAMENTS, FAMILY MEMORIES Families are invited to come together and paint their own holiday ornaments from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Blanden Art Education Center. Munch on Christmas cookies, and sip a little hot cocoa as family members paint their own ornaments to hang on their Christmas trees.

“It’s really a chance for families to have some fun together,” Anderson said. “It’s a great time to make some memories that last.”

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The family ornament class is always a seasonal favorite, but it’s just one of many classes offered throughout the year. Other upcoming classes include: • Black Out Poetry and Illustrations, ages 12 to 18, on Nov. 11 • Kids Ceramic Class featuring clay monsters, ages 6 to 11, on Nov. 25 •Art Memes, ages 12 to 16; on Dec. 16.

As a final reminder, the Blanden is also a unique place to do a little holiday shopping, and keep it local.

“We support local artists in the gift shop,” Anderson said.

“Everything is made by artists within about 60 miles. We have a mixture of pottery, metal work, some pressed flowers, silk scarves, post cards and cards. It’s a good mixture, and a good variety of price points.”

Members of the Blanden receive a 10 percent discount in the gift shop.

“It’s a good way to save some money and support the museum,” Anderson said. “The money helps support our programming, exhibits and outreach efforts, and other things at the museum.”

Check the Blanden’s website at blanden.org for ongoing classes throughout the year. Pre-registration is needed for all classes.

Register on-line, in-person at the Blanden or by calling 515 573-2316.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE RETURNS The annual holiday open house returns to the Blanden from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9.

“This is a great community get-together with live music, a chance to socialize, and enjoy some goodies to eat,” Anderson said.

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51st Annual

A Dickens of a

Christmas by brandon brueschke

The Fort Museum and Frontier Village will once again be holding its “A Dickens of a Christmas” event this holiday season. Focusing on the stories of Charles Dickens and the Victorian era, this event will be filled with different vendors and carolers bringing the spirit of the season to Fort Dodge.

It is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Opera House on the museum grounds.

The executive director of the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, Tim Morris, highlighted the various things people can expect at the event.

Morris said “We will have crafts from vendors across the county and strolling, Victorian era musicians. Santa will be here at noon, and stay for a couple hours for the kids.”

“There’ll be food and refreshments available at our kitchen and bar area,” he added.

“They’ll also be strolling carolers as well apart from the musicians, all Victorian era.”

wares to the public, but a lot of them sell privately as well,” he said.” That way the public can come in and get Christmas gifts or gift ideas and then they can make the purchase later from a vendor as well. So it’s a total shopping experience for the locals. If you want to get something specialized for someone for Christmas, this is the event to come to.”

Morris also wanted to highlight that this event is a family focused one.

“It’s a family event,” he said. “Bring the kids out. We’ll have crafts for the kids. Also, they can have the kids bring their letters for Santa because they can mail them here too.”

When asked about the work that goes into putting on an event such as this, Morris said “Well, we start working on events like this almost the day after we’re done with the previous year’s event. We get together as a group and see what was strong and what could stand improvement, and we try to make those changes throughout the year. The person that does our signups for our vendors, she begins working almost immediately going around to the different vendors. She starts signing them up for the next year as soon as possible. So that’s what we do. It’s pretty technical once we get it laid out. Luckily our Opera House really lends itself to an event such as this. We have a lot of room. Nice bright lighting so everyone can see the crafters’ wares and a really good mix of local artisans and crafters too.”

Morris highlighted the event as a stage for crafters and artisans to show their work to the public.

“With most of the vendors being local, not only can the vendors display and show their

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THEPORKTORNADOES by hailey brueschke

RETURNING FOR THE ANNUAL FIREMAN’S BALL

Get ready to rock with the Pork Tornadoes and special guest Justin Goodchild during this year’s annual Fireman’s Ball Nov. 18 in Fort Dodge at the Laramar Ballroom.

The entertainment for the night will begin at 8 p.m. with an acoustic performance from Goodchild, an Iowa native, who performs original music as well as pop/reggae covers.

The Pork Tornadoes will be the main entertainment and will take the stage after the raffle at 9:30 p.m.

The Pork Tornadoes are one of the mostknown, loved party bands in the Midwest. They are known for putting their own unique spin on some of the most well-known songs spanning five decades and four different genres.

They cover a wide array of artists including Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake all the way to the Killers, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Sublime, Coolio, and Phil Collins.

“These talented Iowa natives will have you dancing and singing along all night,” said Matthew Decker, a firefighter who is helping to organize the ball. “They are an amazing, energetic, entertaining show with a wide variety of cover songs for everyone to enjoy.”

Between the two performances will be a raffle starting at 9 p.m. with numerous donated items.

Some available items include an ottoman, golf bag, gas station gift cards, grocery store gift cards, Larita’s Cookies gift card, and much more.

Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at the door on the night of the ball.

“The Fireman’s Ball is just one of the events held to help support the Fort Dodge Firefighters Association,” said Decker. “The funds go towards fitness equipment for firefighters to help stay in shape, kitchen supplies, and any general supplies and equipment that isn’t already provided by the city.”

The money raised is also used for charities the department is involved with, including their scholarships for high school students, Bikes for Tikes, and Coats for Kids.

The Fort Dodge Firefighters Association Ball will be from 8 p.m. to midnight on Nov. 18 at the Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave N. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 per person, or a VIP table can be purchased, which includes eight tickets, for $300. Tickets will be available at the door, but it is recommended to buy the tickets before the event online at www.eventbrite. com/e/the-pork-tornadoes-live-presentedby-your-fort-dodge-firefighters-assoc-tickets694976131317?aff=erelexpmlt.

For more information please call the Fort Dodge Fire Department at 515-573-2871.

photo courtesy of eventbrite.com

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THE

Pulse LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR &S

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Disciple Concert 7:00 PM The Laramar Ballroom 710 1st Ave N • Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 4

Tank Anthony Band LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Comedia Presents Seussical November 09 - November 11 FDFAA Phillips Luxury Apts Auditorium 1015 5th Ave N. • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Taylor King LIVE FD Fine Arts Association at Shiny Top Brewing presents Fundraiser Winter 2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing - POORLY DRAWN PORTRAITS NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 8

Online All funds will go towards programming and operating expenses for the FDFAA

NOVEMBER 2

STEAM Fest 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Iowa Central Community College Career Education Building One Triton Circle • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Ribbon Cutting: Flooring America’s 50th Anniversary 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Flooring America 3026 5th Ave South • Fort Dodge, Iowa

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NOVEMBER 5

Fort Dodge Polar Plunge® 1:00 PM Kennedy Park - Bob Heun Shelter 1415 Nelson Ave • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Evan Pratt LIVE at Koozies 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Koozies • 16 N. 7th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Once Upon a Fairytale 7:00 PM Fort Dodge Senior High 819 N. 25th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 7

Leadership Fort Dodge Alumni OHV Ride Gypsum City OHV Park 2390 Mill Road • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Art After School - Ages 6-11

NOVEMBER 3

Coffee & Connect 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Ardy’s Mae Coffee & Dessert 14 South 14th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Adam Girard LIVE at Soldier Creek Winery 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Blanden Art Education Center 224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Jordan Reuter LIVE at Koozies 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Koozies • 16 N. 7th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa

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NOVEMBER 9

Beginning Oil Painting with Diane O’Hern 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Blanden Art Education Center 224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Craft Night Paint & Sip @ Soldier Creek Winery 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Comedia Presents Seussical November 09 - November 11 FDFAA Phillips Luxury Apts Auditorium 1015 5th Ave N. • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Clint Riedel LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 10

Nedd Freeley Funn Band LIVE at Soldier Creek Winery 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 11

Sally Jameson Bond 2023 Iowa Book Tour 0:00 AM - 11:00 AM Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association Gallery 921 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

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NOV Black Out Poetry & Illustrations 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Blanden Art Education Center 224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hops For Heroes 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM ShinyTop Brewing 520 Central Ave • Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 17

NOVEMBER 25

NOVEMBER 26

Emma Elsbecker LIVE at Soldier Creek Winery

Free Saturday Class Ages 6-11

BINGO at Soldier Creek Winery

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM • Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Blanden Art Education Center 224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

515 Big Band Concert

Ceramic Monsters

NOVEMBER 30

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Historic Phillips Auditorium 1015 5th Ave N • Fort Dodge, Iowa

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Blanden Art Education Center 224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Bingo at Soldier Creek Winery

NOVEMBER 18

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

The Blanden Collective

Renegade Soul LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

NOVEMBER 12

Church of the Damascus Road Prison Ministry Celebration 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM St. Olaf Lutheran Church 239 N 11th St, Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 14

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave s. • Fort Dodge, IA

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM • Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA

Emma Elsbecker LIVE at Koozies 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM • Koozies 16 N. 7th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 22

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM • Citizens Central 617 Central Ave • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Salty View LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

Art After School - Ages 6-11

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM • Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA

NOVEMBER 16

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM • Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

NOVEMBER 19

Member Meet & Eat

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Blanden Art Education Center 224 South 8th Street • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Larry Myer LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

NOVEMBER 24

Tom Shadonix LIVE at Soldier Creek Winery

Jesse Wilson LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM • Soldier Creek Winery 1584 Paragon Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM • Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, Iowa

Brutal Republic LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM • Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge, IA

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s t a E d Goo s k n i r &D dining:

716 Main...................................Humboldt Amigos.................................. 280 N. 1st St. Applebee’s.......................... 2810 5th Ave. S Bloomers on Central.......... 900 Central Ave. Buffalo Wild Wings......................2909 5th Ave. S. CasaBlanca Steak House........................ Hwy 169 Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert....... 14 S. 14th St. Community Tap & Pizza..............2026 5th Ave. S. Peking Garden...............................510 5th Ave. S. Hacienda Vieja.........................1518 3rd Ave. NW Ja-Mar Drive-In.............................. 329 S. 25th St. Lizard Creek Ranch..................1762 Johnson Ave The Stadium...............................2001 2nd Ave. N. Lomitas Mexican Restaurant.......2223 5th Ave. S.

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Mineral City................................2621 5th Ave. So. Ninja Sushi Steak House............... 407 S. 25th St. Perkins...........................................511 S. 32nd St. Pizza Ranch................................ 3311 5th Ave. S. Sneakers...................................1317 Central Ave. A Pinch of Love Cafe..................... 850 S. 18th St. Shiny Top Brewing........ 520 Central Ave. Tea Thyme...................................2021 6th Ave. S. The Sports Page.......................... 2707 N. 15th St. Tom Thumb Drive Inn.......................... 1412 A. St. Tres Amigos.................................3521 5th Ave. S. Tropical Smoothie..................2813 1/2 5th Ave. S. Village Inn.................................... 2002 N. 15th St. Zakeer’s Family Restaurant.........425 2nd Ave. S.

FAST-FOOD: Burger King....................... 2814 5th Ave. S. Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza..........2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd Ave. N. 1133 S. 22nd St. 1308 3rd Ave. N. W. 235 Ave. O 1230 3rd Ave. NW 3327 5th Ave. S. Culver’s............................. 3048 5th Ave. S. Domino’s Pizza................... 1430 5th Ave S. Dunkin’ Donuts.................. 2520 5th Ave. S.

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Hardee’s..................................6 S. 15th St. Jimmy Johns..................... 3023 5th Ave. S. KFC....................................3057 1st Ave. S. McDonald’s........................ 2509 5th Ave. S. ............................................. 107 Ave. O W. Pancheros......................... 3022 5th Ave. S. Papa Murphy’s Pizza......... 2813 5th Ave. S. Pizza Hut........................... 2940 5th Ave. S. Scooter’s Coffee................. 2949 5th Ave S. Starbucks - Target..............2910 1st Ave. S. Starbucks - Hy-Vee............... 115 S 29th St Subway..................................... 109 Ave. O .......................................... 2323 5th Ave. S. Taco Bell.............................3057 1st Ave. S. Taco Tico............................. 319 S. 29th St. Wendy’s............................. 2313 5th Ave. S.

drinks: 4th Street Depot................ 300 S. 4th St. Brass Monkey.................... 15 N. 10th St. Buck’s Fireside Lounge..... 16 N. 11th St. Bootleggers.................. 1239 S. 22nd St. Crickets Lounge........... 512 Central Ave. Dodge City Bar............. 915 Central Ave. Dodger Tap........................ 22 N. 12th St. River Hops.................. 1014 Central Ave. Shiny Top Brewing........ 520 Central Ave.

15 Years In A Row! 1911 First Avenue North Fort Dodge

515-576-5095

Craft Beer • Gourmet Pizza • Live Music

520 CENTRAL AVE. FORT DODGE

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Advertise your restaurant on good eats • 573-2141 EXT. 445 t w i s t

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artistspot Melissa Hindt

Age: 49 • Hometown: Rockwell City, IA Instrument/Profession: Piano, Guitar, Percussion / Pre K- 12 Music Teacher

time and as any good big sister she nudged me to get serious about my plans and encouraged me to share my love of music with kids.

Tell us about a couple of your most memorable performances/ concerts?

How did you first become interested in making music?

My parents shared their love of music with me. Dancing by the record player to the Lakewood Ballroom to singing in the tractor and at church. My greatest honor was to play and sing for them as they reached the fullness of God’s love in 2021.

I know my mom and dad are still a part of my music making and every time I sing or play the piano I still feel them right beside me. That is why I put that picture in of me playing the home piano, they would always stop and listen to me.

How long have you been teaching? And, what made you decide to major in Music Education?

This is my 19th year teaching but my first year teaching high school music. My sister, Julia, helped me decide to major in music education. She was teaching second grade at the

Every concert I have with my students is memorable; all of their work and their trust they put in me lights up the world. Hearing their voices and seeing their smiles is like a little piece of heaven. A personal memorable performance was the summer of 2022.

I played Mavis in the 2nd Helping of the Chruch Basement Ladies for the Webster City Comunity Theatre. My character was the farm wife who could do anything and producing new life on the farm or in the farmhouse was “God’s Way of Sayin” life must go on. It was a joy for me because my character was a way of celebrating my childhood with my parents and my siblings. It was the best way to work through my new life here on earth without my parents in it. I have a picture of me and 5 of 6 siblings coming to see the show that I put as a part of this article. It was our mom’s birthday the night they came to see the show.

The pose we are creating was one of my lines on how those in heaven are always looking down at us but of course I was a humorous character so as I was thinking of our loved ones looking down and I needed to be proper with my top. So my siblings recreated that part with me.

Who has the greatest influence on you musically, and why?

My husband has been the greatest influence in my life in every way; even musically. We were high school sweethearts and listening to music was and still is one of our favorite things to do. Especially movie scores. He has written many beautiful poems and short stories that come to life with our favorite film collections. This love and influence is now something our 4 children share with us and we love it!

If you had a chance to meet any performer/musician, alive or dead, whom would you choose, and why?

Karen Carpenter, her voice and her music filled the days of my childhood and still do to this day I am captivated by her songs,her voice and her ability to bring her listeners into her melodies.

What are some of your musical accomplishments?

Bieng a music teacher is my greatest musical accomplishment.

I love sharing the joy of music making with my students and seeing them light up when they learn the songs and instruments.

What is the most unusual thing to have happened to you during a performance/concert?

This is a tough one to answer because I believe when something happens out of the ordinary that you don’t expect it is all how you handle it. From the messed up words, to the shenanigans among the little ones and the unexpected light outs you just have to roll with it. And those moments make it all real.

Go to www.fineartsassociation.com for a list of upcoming events and our members…..

Over 60 events each month!

To become a member or let us know about an event contact: Shelly Bottorff, Executive Director • fdfinearts@gmail.com 14

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Outside of music and the classroom, what other things do you enjoy? Any hobbies?

I love to be with my family and playing games. We love to watch movies together in the theater and at home. I love to read and decorate; especially for the holidays. We love the gift of Christmas! And I love to dance!

What has been the hardest lesson to learn when it comes to music and education?

I think the hardest lesson has been trusting myself enough to know how to teach my students and meet their individual needs. To not be afraid of taking risks when it comes to choosing music because of my insecurities; if I am excited about it that will rub off on them and their excitement and talents will grow right along with mine. And this gives me the courage I need to be the best teacher I can be.

What do you tell a student who is interested in pursuing a career in music/music education?

I would say, “If you have music in your heart and you want to change the world go for it!!”

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If you’re sexually active, using condoms (every time!) can help reduce your risk of syphilis. You can also protect your health by making STI testing part of your regular health routine. t w i s t

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Find a testing location near you: gettested.cdc.gov Free and low-cost options available.

15

shiningstar Logan Hamilton

Age: 17 • Grade and High School: Senior at Fort Dodge Senior High • Hometown: Fort Dodge

eyes to the possibilities, and also made me realize my love for the arts. I made so many friends along the way (even if I don’t remember most of them), and it shaped me into the person that I am today.

You can travel anywhere in the world where do you go, and why? And, who do you take with you, and why?

Ireland! And not because I’m a ginger! I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. It’s so beautiful and the weather is so perfect. I would take my mom, and probably my friends Sydney Gebers, Olivia Wood & Michael Wagner.

Walk us through a day in the life of Logan Hamilton.

I usually wake up around 7:00am every day, and after getting ready, I get either my super complicated $7.00 coffee order or an energy drink, with a breakfast sandwich. Then I get to school a little after 7:50. After school, I normally work one of my 3 jobs Scooters, Taco Tico or as a drummer for First United Methodist Church. On those special days where I don’t work, I’m in my room drawing or playing my guitar.

Who are some of your role models?

Tell us about some of your cultural experiences growing up in Fort Dodge.

I remember falling in love with the arts from a young age. From taking art classes at the Blanden Art Museum, seeing live bands performing at the band shell, to watching local musicals and plays, I knew that I wanted to do it all. In high school, I’ve been involved in Marching Band, Concert Choir and Jazz Band, as well as solo/ensemble contest, Speech Contest, Choir & More.

What are your plans after high school?

I am planning to go to Iowa Central Community College for two years, and then transfer to the University of Iowa to major in English and Creative Writing, and a minor in art. I want to be able to write books and comics for all ages, and expose youth to the arts.

What are the biggest benefits for a child, growing up in Fort Dodge, being involved in the arts?

My elementary band and music teacher Mr. Brad Bleam, and my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Merritt are two of my role models. Mr. Bleam introduced me to the wonderful world of music. He came up with a strange and unique way of teaching us our notations, and he was always willing to provide extra lessons and harder music if I ever asked. I can’t thank him enough for making me realize that talent can get you far, but practice gets you farther. Mrs. Merritt is my all-time favorite teacher!

She would give us gum for getting stuff done, she let us perform fun plays if we raised enough tokens, and introduced me to my now favorite author, Neil Gaiman.

I thrive to be like them both, and I hope to influence the youth to the arts in some way in the future.

Tell us about one of your best experiences when performing/creating art.

During my freshman year for band, during marching band, drumline got a 9.3 at state competition. When I joined Jazz Band after, we ended up being the first Jazz 2 ensemble to get a Division 1 at contest. Joining band and getting involved with music is one of the best decisions I’ve made, and freshman year really just proved the point to me that I can achieve great things if I really work for it.

Being involved in the arts as a kid really opened my 16

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a look back

By Tom Tourville

“I’VE TOLD EVERY LITTLE STAR” REMEMBERING

LINDA SCOTT AT THE LARAMAR BALLROOM her real name, Linda Sampson. While the record was good, it did not reach Billboard’s charts.

While still in high school, Linda was signed to Canadian American Records, which was actually a New York City based record label, not in Canadian like so many believed.

The label had gained a reputation as it was the same label for the famed guitarists, Santo & Johnny of “Sleepwalk” fame.

1961 was going to be a big year for Linda & Canadian American Records. Her “I’ve Told Every Little Star/Three Guesses” (Can Am #123) was released nationally and became the biggest seller for Can Am that year reaching #3 on Billboard’s charts and gaining gold record status selling over 1 million records. What a great start for Linda.

I do not want to say “I Told You So,” but in the case of this month’s artist, Linda Scott, that was virtually the case. I’ve shared many times in this column an artist could build a career in the ‘60s by simply touring the Midwest ballroom circuit. This was the case of New Jersey’s, Linda Scott. I asked the late Darlowe Oleson, then owner of our Pla Mor Ballroom, here in Ft Dodge, as well as being President of the National Ballroom Owners Assoc. about Linda Scott.

He told me, “Linda built her career almost entirely by performing at our Midwest ballrooms and she was highly successful in doing this.”

Scott started out in her native New Jersey when she was just 14 years old. She tried out for Arthur Godfrey’s CBS radio show in 1959 and had good luck. Because of her spectacular singing skills, she was offered a full-time place on the show, it really helped her gain a national reputation. Soon she was signed by Epic Records. Her debut national release “In-Between Teen/Lover Of The Year” (Epic #5-9341), was under

Linda followed up “I’ve Told Every Little Star” with more hits including: “I Don’t Know Why/It’s All Because” (Can Am #129)-1961, “Don’t Bet Money Honey/Starlight, Star Bright” (Can Am #127)-1961, “Count Every Star/Land of Stars” (Can Am #133)-1962, “Bermuda/Lonely For You” (Can Am #134)-1962 and “Never In A Million Years/ Through The Summer” (Can Am #103)-1962. Canadian American Records placed Linda’s next release on their sister label, Congress Records with “I Left My Heart in The Balcony/Lopsided Love Affair” (Congress #106)-1962. After the Congress release, Linda would still release records, but none with much chart success.

In 1963 Linda would appear on American Bandstand and because that appearance turned out so well, Dick Clark asked her for multiple appearances on his TV show, “Where the Action Is.” Clark soon asked Linda to tour with his “Caravan of Stars Tours.” These tours took place in 1963 and took her away from the famed Midwest ballroom circuit.

Linda would go on to record for Kapp & RCA Records. She would tour and release more records, but in the early ‘70s she finally retired from the music business. Scott received a degree in Theology, got married and had a child in 1973.

Later, she taught music in New York City.

I hope you were at the Laramar in 1962 to see Linda and the Marketts serve up a double bill of rock and surf.

All during this time, Linda would appear at ballrooms across the Midwest including our own Laramar Ballroom.

Linda appeared at the Laramar during the second week of 1962. She came to Fort Dodge on a true ballroom double bill with California surf music legends, the Marketts of “Surfers Stomp” and “Out of Limits” fame. Linda was touring in support of her release “Never in A Million Years.”

Because of her chart success for Canadian American Records, Linda was asked to appear in the movie “Don’t Knock the Twist” with twist music legend, Chubby Checker. Later her song “I’ve Told Every Little Star” was used in the movie “Mulholland Drive.”

Until Next Month Take Care & Remember The Music t w i s t

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17

Grief Shared is Grief Diminished by brandon brueschke

For nearly 25 years, Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been holding the A Time For Angels service of remembrance for the Fort Dodge community. The event is to bring people together during the holiday season when people’s grief can be at its greatest.

The service will be at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 239 N. 11th St. Owner and funeral director Phil Gunderson spoke about the origins of the service, saying “We started this service in 1998.

My wife, Keely, was the one who established this way back then.

We recognized that the Christmas season is a very difficult time for those who are going through grief and loss. Especially during that first year after a death and so we started a service as a way to bring people together. With a service of remembrance, you help to remember and to support people, and help people with their grief and loss and give perspective.”

“It’s been at St. Olaf for many years now,” he added. “We have the Rev. Emily Sauer and this year from St. Olaf and then Father Ross Caniglia, who is a Catholic priest. We invite the families that we have served during this past year, and then we have opened it up to the community to come and people will call in names of their loved ones. We read the names as part of it, there’s messages of hope, and of comfort, and music. We remember those who have died not just during this past year, but in years past as well because there’s no time limit on grief. So we read the names and we have the handmade angel ornaments that we then present to each family, one per family and they can also purchase additional handmade angels after the service for $15 each. But we present each family with these ornaments when the name is read and remembered. We get about maybe 300, sometimes three to 400 people at the service each year. And over the years, we’ve probably distributed around 1,000 angels per year so it’s been about 25,000 angels that people have as a keepsake. A number of people will get an angel each year to remember different loved ones as well because each year the angel is different.”

Gunderson highlights the importance of the assistance this service offers to those who are grieving.

“We believe this is a very special and important community event for people to come together,” he said. “When someone dies, and especially in that first year, everything is new. Everything is different. Everything’s turned upside down. And to come together with other people in the setting, and hear the messages of hope and comfort in the music and to have the symbolism of an angel ornament, which is very special to people. It also helps with your perspective that you’re not alone in your grief. There are a lot of others that are experiencing that same thing.”

“I’ve always believed that grief shared is grief diminished,” he said.

“We always try as best we can to help ease the pain and ease the grief. We can’t take it away, but we can help that journey through grief.”

Gunderson wished to express gratitude to everyone that helps make this service possible, saying “I’d like to give mention to my wife Keely and all of our staff. It’s a very special service. We know that it can be a difficult day for people. We appreciate that we can help make differences in easing one’s grief and loss. And I’d also like to mention St Olaf ’s Church and Holy Trinity Parish and the support that we got from the community as a whole. We’re collaborating with lots of people to help have a very meaningful service of remembrance.”

THE SERVICE WILL BE AT 1:30 P.M. DEC. 3 AT ST. OLAF LUTHERAN CHURCH, 239 N. 11TH ST. 18

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Novembertunes

NEW RELEASES

11-10

11-10

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The maybe Man

all the little lights Anniversary

welcome 2 collegrove

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AJR

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Passenger

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2 Chainz & Lil Wayne

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Dolly Parton

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Saturday, November 18th, 2023 • 9am - 4pm

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