Newcomers welcomed at dinner

Women, who have moved to the area in the past 12 months, were welcomed into the community Monday evening at the Iola Coterie Club’s second annual newcomer’s dinner.
The Coterie Club began holding the dinner last year to give newcomers the opportunity to meet new people and community leaders, while also learning about the local businesses.
Presenters honed in on what makes Iola special.
Susan Raines, director of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, gave a presentation about Iola’s hidden gems and about this year’s activities.
“If you live in Allen County you have the right to take advantage of the Bowlus and the upkeep as well, fortunately,” Raines said.
Iolans get a steal of a deal when they see performances at the Bowlus. The prices at the Bowlus are usually discounted by almost half – and some performances are free.

BRAD YODER, with the recreation department located in Riverside Park, gave the women, not only ones with children, information on recreation activities, such as classes and the work they do with the local school districts’ sports.
The recreation department is the busiest during the summer when hundreds of Allen Countians are cooling off at the pool and the Allen County Fair is being held.

THRIVE ALLEN County’s executive director, David Toland focused on what roll Thrive has in the community — promoting health, wellness, recreation and education.
Nov. 3 runners will be gearing up for the first Portland Alley Marathon, which begins in Chanute, goes through Humboldt and ends in Iola.
Thrive is known for the Mad Bomber Race held on a July night. All the activities are focused on keeping Allen Countians healthy.
Allen County’s health ranking is number 93 out of 105.
“We still have a ways to go, but we have to set a goal and work on it,” Toland said.

THE DINNER was held at the Allen County Country Club and it only seemed fitting that L.C. Lacy, club manager, spoke about the opportunities the club provides.
The club can be rented for events and there is a 9-hole golf course members can play.
It has been some time since the club held bridge games, but Lacy said if a group wanted to get together and set a time to meet at the club he didn’t see the problem with that.

Elyssa Jackson, Allen County Historical Society director, wore two hats at the dinner; she was a newcomer and a presenter.
She spoke a little about herself, but her main focus was to talk about the Historical Society and the importance it holds in the community.
“Our mission is to preserve, protect and share. If we don’t do it who will,” Jackson said. “The historical society holds the story of our community.”
Jackson encourages all Allen Countians to visit the museum, not only to see what is already there, but also to give suggestions as to what other stories should be told.

FOR ANY new mothers in the community, Autumn Peeper, with Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), might be their saving grace.
“MOPS is a group of women who are trying to connect,” Peeper said.
It gives mothers a chance to connect with other women who are going though the rough but wonderful time of early child raising.
During their meetings, daycare is available and that in of itself might be the selling point for mothers.
“I know MOPS doesn’t necessarily pertain to everyone, but we need to get word out for women who need it,” Peeper said.

THE DINNER was sponsored by the Coterie Club, Allen County Country Club, Emprise Bank, Citizens Bank and Community National Bank.
The food was catered by Elaine Stewart.
The organizations would like to continue this tradition, but ask for the community’s help in getting the names and contact information of women who have moved to the community in the past 12 months.