“West Liberty, you have a lot of kids,” said Kaitlyn Wintermeyer on Friday, Feb. 9, in the West Liberty Community Center. “You’re a young community with young families.”
Wintermeyer is the director of Early Childhood Iowa Muscatine County (ECIMC), she was the featured speaker for West Liberty Business Association Luncheon.
The quarterly luncheon was organized by We Lead and sponsored by West Liberty Foods.
“I think that the strength of Early Childhood Iowa Muscatine County is the local decision making and local partnerships,” she added.
ECIMC is committed to helping local children, which includes identifying the needs for children from newborn to five-years-old as well as their parents.
It also coordinates programming and funding for children throughout Muscatine County, as well as monitors area programs to identify gaps and regional needs.
Basically, it’s all about the children.
“Our vision is that every child in Muscatine County, beginning at birth, will be healthy and realize their full potential,” said Director Wintermeyer.
She was speaking to a room full of community members and business representatives attending the luncheon, which has become a staple in West Liberty.
Director Wintermeyer laid out four priorities for ECIMC, which includes childcare access, healthy children, parenting support and getting kids school ready.
She spent a good deal of time tackling the topic of childcare, which has become difficult for parents and providers in a post Covid-19 world.
“Childcare slot availability is tough in the State of Iowa,” she said. “This community in particular has some amazing childcare providers, but there’s just not enough.”
She’s impressed with the West Liberty Day Care Center, as well as many of the community’s in-home daycare options. However, there is still a lack in availability.
“That’s a really complicated issue,” she added. “Quality and availability are both our goal, but the problem is availability right now.”
Accordingly, building childcare “infrastructure” will be an objective going forward for ECIMC, as well as Kindergarten readiness.
All in all, Director Wintermeyer just wanted to remind community members that ECIMC is here, in West Liberty, and will continue to advocate for children.
Passing the Mic
As is tradition, We Lead Director Ken Brooks opened up the floor during the meeting for updates from the community, including its organizations and businesses.
Director Charles Brooke of the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce was up first. He announced he’ll be leaving his role in February, but hopes his replacement will take over right away.
He also announced several dates for upcoming Chamber events. The Farmer’s Market will kick off May 1, the Fair Parade followed by Picnic in the Park will be July 14, the annual golf tournament will be Aug. 22, and the Holiday Open House Nov. 23-24.
Kelsey Meyers, Muscatine County Fair Manager, informed everyone about the fair’s goal to replace its current Activity Center with a new $2 million Event Center.
“Fundraising for that has been going very well for the past month,” she said, noting that Weekend for the Fair will be held Feb. 24 at the fairgrounds.
Council Member Cara McFerren spoke on behalf of the city. Not too much going right now, though it's wrapping up several construction projects at Rainbow S./Maxson Ave. and Knotty Circle Dr.
“We’re also polishing up job descriptions within the city to kind of get those updated, and then we’ve got our posting for a new electrical superintendent,” she said.
High School Principal Brenda Arthur-Miller talked about the recent showing of “My Ascension” at the high school, which highlights the negative effects of suicide and mental illness.
She noted that the school district will soon be transitioning from its second trimester into its third trimester at the end of February.
There was a special visitor in the audience, Rotary Club District Governor Dennis Drager was at the luncheon in order to hand out several awards to the West Liberty Rotary Club.
The WL club was one of 1,530 clubs to achieve a Top Three Highest per Capita Annual Giving honor and was one of 3,800 clubs to attain a status as an Every Rotarian, Every Year Club.
It was also one of 4,500 clubs to become a 100% Foundation Giving Club and was presented a certificate of appreciation for its support of ending polio.
Monica Leo, local puppeteer and founder of Eulenspiegel Puppets, informed the audience that the local theatre is turning 50 years old this year.
They will be holding their 26th annual Puppet’s and Pastries Dessert Theatre for Teens and Adults on Feb 24 at the Owl Glass Puppet Theatre.
Bill Koellner informed everyone that he and the City of Muscatine will be digging into the history of the Underground Railroad this year, including its role in West Liberty.
“The city has budgeted for historic districts in town, so we’ll be getting a study and working with the State of Iowa to determine three historic districts for homes,” he added.
Ed Moreno was on hand, stating that LULAC council 310 is preparing to hand out $25,000 worth of scholarships via matched contributions from the community, including the Lion’s Club.
Also, he stated that the West Liberty Dream Catchers will be holding their annual golf tournament on May 11 in Muscatine.
Charles Brook spoke on behalf of the Fine Arts Boosters, informing everyone about “Night of the Nites,” a major fundraiser that will be held March 7 at 6 p.m.
Father Guillermo Trevino, of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, talked about the many Fish Frys to be held at the church through the Knights of Columbus. The first will be Feb. 16, from 5-7 p.m.
Finally, We Lead Director Ken Brooks closed the meeting with a tease, stating he gets asked alot about future development in West Liberty.
“I have answers to all of these questions, you can hear them on Friday, May 10, for the next quarterly business meeting, which is also We Lead’s annual meeting,” he said.