Out And About With Jamie Grout

This podcast is a "best of" podcast with radio's Van Harden. I am lucky enough to get together with a group of radio folks once a month for lunch and normally Van is a part of that group. Van is a great story teller and a heck of a nice guy. When I started doing this podcast I knew I wanted to get Van on the air to talk about some of the promotions he and his partners on the radio had been through and he talks of some of them in this podcast.

On this podcast I speak with Katie Cantu who is a Naturalist with Jasper County Conservation. Jasper County Conservation has a new home out by where the Jasper County Care Facility used to be next to where the Law Enforcement Center is located. Make sure you check out the shortcast video for a tour of the new Nature Center who will be having their ribbon cutting soon. In this podcast Katie talks about the Summer Camp programs they will have going on, the various parks that Jasper County Conservation manages, the cabins that are available for rent, the specific date for the ribbon cutting that coming up soon for the new Nature Center.

In this podcast I speak with Ella White, Newton's new Chamber Of Commerce Director. In this podcast I talk with Ella about her work history, her goals and ideas for the Chamber, the benefits of belong to the Chamber and what she feels are the benefits of living and having a business in Newton, Iowa. If you don't have time to listen to the entire podcast make sure you watch the shortcast video on both outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com or on my YouTube channel or on the link below.

In this podcast I speak with Melissa Strovers with The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative. Their mission aims to foster strategic economic growth by leveraging partnerships and programs which will create a vibrant economy for the benefit of regional businesses and residents alike. We had a great conversation about the benefits of having a business in Poweshiek County and the progress this organization has made over the years.

One of the badges of honor in Newton is it's golf course. Westwood Golf Course has been around a number of years. In fact when I was a kid I took golf lessons from retired golf pro Larry Stewart. I was at Westwood when they had their ribbon cutting last year for their new clubhouse. Since I was at the ribbon cutting they've added the outside deck for more activities for spring, summer and fall months.I felt it was time to revisit Westwood and find out what was going on for the upcoming season at the golf course with its new addition. In this podcast you'll learn of all the golf tournaments they have coming up in the next few months. You'll also find out how the clubhouse is becoming a new venue for class reunions, birthdays and other celebrations. They also have a great selection of yummy food at Westwood too. You'll hear about all that and more with the pro & manager at manager at Westwood Brad Sponseller.

The Minneapolis Steam Engine has been in Brian Healy's family for many years and also belongs to The Jasper County Museum. Unfortunately, after many years, the steam engine is in a state of disrepair. Because of the the museum and Brian are heading up a fund drive to repair the steam engine. In this podcast you will learn what repairs need to be made to the steam engine, the history of the steam engine, how the steam engine functioned and the number of parades the steam engine was in. Make sure you watch the video that I do with Brian so you can see the before and after cosmetic repair pictures of the steam engine that have been done over the years.

In this podcast I speak with a couple of ladies involved in The Link Mentoring program in Grinnell. If you didn't know, Link Mentoring is much like The Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Link Mentoring is having their big bowling event this weekend. LINK Mentoring Looking for 'Bigs LINK Mentoring engages volunteers as positive, supportive, and encouraging role models to children in need. The LINK Mentoring program helps instill hope, introduces children to positive and healthy activities, and empowers them to set goals and become responsible committed members of the community. LINK Grinnell. Email [email protected] to sign up or learn more!

When I looked up the name Speed Herrig on Google it described him as an Iowa icon. And why shouldn't he be described that way! He is the man that brought Cookie's BBQ Sauce to fame. If you've lived in Iowa for any length of time you've probably seen his TV commercials or heard his jingles on the radio. Speed has been selling his various flavors of Cookies Sauces since 1977 and the story of how it all got started is very interesting. Speed never planned on being "the sauce man" but that's how life turned out for him and now "Cookies" is sold in over 30 states around the midwest. If you don't see his "Rib Wagon" at county fairs and other events you might see him at The Iowa State Fair once again this year giving out samples of tasty ribs with the various flavors of Cookies BBQ sauce. I hope you enjoy this podcast with the one and only Speed Herrig, "the sauce man."

In this podcast I speak with one of the owners of The Iowa Nite Hawks and the new Coach of The Iowa Nite Hawks about their upcoming season and their goals and what excites them about the upcoming season. I also talk to the new coach about his coaching philosophy. I also ask the coach about what changes he has made since last season? What are the teams biggest strengths and weaknesses? How does he build team chemistry? What role do veterans do veteran players play on the team? And, what message to they have for the Iowa Nite Hawk fans heading into the season?

In this podcast I speak with Chris Nolte who is with The Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs Department. He answers a wide variety of questions dealing benefits veterans can receive. The motto here is "if you served you deserve." If you have served in the military please don't hesitate to contact Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs. They will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the benefits you may have coming to you.

The Newton Optimist Club is a fairly new service club in town that puts it's focus on helping youth. Recently The Newton Optimist Club had an essay and oratory contest. At this point The Newton Optimist Club is a small but growing service club that is all about helping the community. If you'd like more information about the Newton Optimist Club please feel free to contact me at: [email protected] or call or text me at 319 504 7661; It only costs $100 per year to join. In this podcast I speak with various members of The Newton Optimist Club about why they've decided to join and the purpose of the organization.

This podcast is about Wesley Life At Home. Wesley Life At Home has been around for a number of years. Now Wesley Life At Home will be opening a new office on the east side of the Newton Square next The Red Pride Cafe in the old Blooming Nails location. In this podcast we find out about all the services Wesley Life At Home offers. More and more people are looking at home health care. If you or a friend or relative are thinking about a situation like that check out this podcast. It may answer some questions you may have about Wesley Life At Home. If not, check out their website or their location opening up in late April or early May in downtown Newton.

If you want to know what's going on in Grinnell on 4/2 and 4/3 I have all the information for ya. If you'd like to know more about what's going on in Grinnell check out The Grinnell Chamber Of Commerce website.

This podcast is with Taylor McDonnell who is a counselor at Emerson Hough Elementary School in Newton. She is heading up a drive started by her church to reduce the school lunch deficit in the Newton School System. As you will hear the deficit is huge. It is the feeling of this podcaster that no child should go to bed hungry at night so I wanted to spread the word about this fund drive. In this podcast we also talk about the food pantry's that the various schools have around the district. If you have money to donate you might consider giving money toward this drive. Or, the next time you are at the grocery store picking up and few extra canned goods or non-perishable items and bringing them to the Newton Administration Office or one of schools and dropping them off for one of the families who are dealing with food insecurity.

My sister, Deb, passed away in early November from complications of Parkinson's Disease in early November. So, when a longtime listener, Lori, contacted me and said she would like my help in spreading the word about a Parkinson's Disease Support Group forming in Newton, I was more than happy to help. In this podcast I speak with a couple of ladies whose husbands are fighting Parkinson's Disease right now. I also speak with a lady who worked as a nurse in the Neurological Department at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. The ladies talk about the early symptoms of Parkinson's that they saw in their husbands and how they are dealing with the disease in their day to day lives. The retired nurse talks about what causes Parkinson's and the various forms of the disease. We also hear about the support group, where they meet and how you can get involved. Make sure you check out the podcast and the video shortcast if you are dealing with Parkinson's, either having the disease, having a family member with the disease, or a friend who is fighting the disease.

In this podcast I talking about all the things coming up in Grinnell on March 25th and 26th. For a heads up on many of the other things going on in Grinnell make sure you go to The Grinnell Chamber of Commerce website.

This podcast is with Newton City Council Person Melissa Dalton. As I mention in the podcast, after chatting with Newton Mayor Randy Ervin, he had suggested talking with Melissa about the Newton Rail Park. This rail park out by TPI has the potential for bringing employment and industry to Newton. In this podcast we discuss what Iowa Interstate Railroad has in mind for this land and the opportunities available for it.

This Podcast is with Regan Maher who is heading up a drive for people to committ to organ donation. Regan is the recipient of a kidney donation several years ago. Regan is very grateful for that and is paying that forward with this drive for folks to commit to being an organ donor. You can commit to this by signing up on his Facebook page beginning on April 1st.

This is part 2 of a podcast I did with Newton Mayor Randy Ervin. In this we discuss some positive aspects of Newton including all the new housing being built in Newton. Remember you can check this podcast and all my other podcast out at outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com and also Spotify, Apple Podcast, I-Heart podcast and all the other platforms.

This is part 1 of a 2 part podcast interview I did with Newton Mayor Randy Irvin. Most of my podcast don't go 40 minutes so I chopped up this podcast into 2 segments. The second part of this interview will be uploaded Monday night into Tuesday morning. In this wide ranging interview I speak with "Irv" about the harrassing texts, phone calls and emails he's been getting about the man who was arrested at a Newton City Council meeting a few years ago who took the city to court about his 1st amendment rights being violated. The judge recently ruled against the city. We also talk about Randy's pro active approach to fireworks, the city's controversial discussion about franchise fees and a brief conversation about a possible inclusive playground in Newton.

It's International Women's Month. With that in mind "She Counts" is a Grinnell organization that is involved in helping women from all walks of life. In this podcast I speak with Jennifer Cogley who is with She Counts and the Claude and Dolly Ahrens foundation. She talks about the special project that She Counts has going on this month and other projects they have coming up and their goals for the future. Check into She Counts, it's a great organization.

This podcast is about The Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County. This is a great organization that helps kids transition into or out of foster care. The Open Arms Foundation has a couple of fund raiser coming up in the month of April you should know about so get ready to mark your calendars for some good times and good food for a GREAT cause. Always remember you can find the library of all of the Out And About With Jamie Grout videos and audios at outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com or at my YouTube channel.

Almost everyone I speak with has been affected by Alzheimer's or Dementia in some way. Either they are related to someone who has it or they know of someone who has it. In this best of podcast I speak with Greg Woods who works for the State Of Iowa in The Health And Human Services Department and focuses on Alzheimer's and Dementia. We discuss if there is a cure for these health issues and if not what we can as care givers can do to deal with these memory issues that effect our loved ones.

I had heard about Stew Makerspace but really didn't know anything about it. I had driven by it, I had done podcast with Monica and others from across the street at Grinnell Area Arts and The Community Theatre but never at The Stew. Finally I had heard about the pottery classes they were having and decided to find out more about this place. When I got there I got the tour from Craig, the Program Director of the place and found that it was much bigger than I thought it would be. As you will see from the video, they use their space for all kinds of crafting from woodworking to pottery. Enjoy the audio podcast but make sure you check out the video tour either on the link below our on The Out And About With Jamie Grout YouTube channel and find out what The Stew Makerspace is all about.

In this podcast I speak with Ida who talks about all the events coming up at the Newton Arboretum. At The Arboretum their motto is create, grow, bloom and discover your peace of nature. The Arboretum is 6 acres of arboretum and gardens and 13 acres of seedling prairie. They have a volunteer Board of Directors. Listen to the podcast and find out about all the programs and events The Arboretum has coming up in the next several months.

The Newton Rotary Club has been around for a long time. Rotary is tied in with their organization Rotary International is a service organization that strives to help locally and worldwide. In this podcast I speak with Wade Sheeler who is the current President of The Newton Rotary Club. In this podcast Wade talks about all the projects Rotary takes on both internationally and locally. He also talks about what happens at meetings and how often they meet, I can endorse Newton Rotary having been a past board member and President of the organization. I really enjoy getting together with my Rotary brothers and sisters every Tuesday at noon at the DMACC Newton campus to enjoy a great program and meal. Come on up and join us sometime and enjoy this podcast.

Today's podcast focuses on the many things going on in Grinnell in the next 30 to 60 days. If you are looking for something to do or somewhere to go in the Grinnell area listen up, you might get some ideas from this podcast.

In this podcast the topic is The Newton Kiwanis Club. Many times I have spoken with Tim North as Captain Tim North of The Salvation Army, but this time I am speaking with Tim as President of The Newton Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis International is a global volunteer organization dedicated to improving children's lives, with over 80 countries represented. Members participate in service projects, such as building playgrounds or mentoring and raise nearly 480 million dollars annually. The Newton Kiwanis Club does many of these same kinds of things as you will find out in this podcast. Since I am in Newton Rotary and Tim is in Kiwanis we give each other a hard time about it but both service organizations do a great job in helping the communities they serve. If you would like to attend a Newton Kiwanis Club meeting or would like more information on Newton Kiwanis contact Tim at The Newton Salvation Army at 641 792 6131

This is a "best of" podcast with Iowa's Masonic Grand Master Wade Sheeler. When this podcast was recorded Wade was Secretary of The Masonic Lodge of Newton. I've been a Mason for a number of years. My dad was a Mason, my grandfather was a mason, my great uncle was a mason and my mom was a Grand Worthy Matron of The Eastern Star which is the women's side of The Masonic Lodge. In this podcast Wade tries to dispel the myth that masonry is a religion. He talks openly about many of the rituals of masonry and what they are based on. Don't forget to check out the video of my interview with Wade where he gives a tour of Newton's Masonic Lodge and the symbols within the lodge hall.

In this podcast I repeat my podcast I did with Anne Harris who is the President of Grinnell College. President Harris talks about all the positive aspects of the college and how the college strives to work with the community. As you will hear President Harris is an energetic force who talks about the bright future of Grinnell College and the various classes they offer and how she takes pride in the school being called "The Harvard Of The Midwest."

It's time for another Out And About With Jamie Grout podcast and this time I chat with Newton Community Theatre Administrator and Director of the play Three Viewings Sue Beukema. Sue talks about the plot of the play and the cast members. One different aspect of the play is that on the 19th of February NCT is having a "pay what you can" night where you can play whatever you can afford to watch the presentation of Three Viewings. Sue also talks about the upcoming season at The Newton Community Theatre. It sounds like the theatre has some exciting performances one the way including the smash broadway hit ANNIE.

A few weeks ago I was having lunch with Iowa radio legend Van Harden. He suggested that I ask folks on Facebook who is the funniest person in Newton? Some people suggested Mark Allen. Mark is known in Newton for being a financial advisor, the inventor of the Moose Grill and being involved in The Mercy One Foundation. But to Iowans he might be known for being the morning sports reporter on the Van & Bonnie show on WHO Radio. It's a bit ironic that Van would suggest this topic and the person's name that comes up is someone who was on his radio show for a number of years. I think you'll enjoy Marks funny stories about his kids. He even has a funny story about working with Van at a golf course where he and Van had to wear a suit of armour. Enjoy!

This podcast is with Kent Reed who is the founder of American Braun and The Solace Center located in the Masonic Lodge in downtown Grinnell. American Braun is an organization that helps First Responders and Firefighters. The Solace Center is an organization that strives to help active and retired military folks who are dealing with PTSD with the battles they are facing. In this podcast Kent tells us about how the first responders saved his life and how he got the idea to pay them back by starting American Braun and after that starting The Solace Center.

The Salvation Army in New, not only ton does so many things for so many people. The food pantry supplies food for the food insecure around Jasper County and the Thrift Store supplies clothes for folks around the area for a low price and it also helps to fund many of the other helpful things the Salvation Army does including help with utilities and disaster relief. In this podcast Captain North also talks about the history of the Salvation Army not only worldwide but also in Newton when Fred Maytag got it started.

This Out And About Podcast is with local Author Terri Leedom who has written the book Play The Game. This book is for adult who are dealing with folks who have people in their lives who have Alzheimer's or Dementia. Terri, in her book, talks about how she was able to handle her own experience with her mom, whose memory slowly declined over the years. She gives great advice on how you can help the folks in your life who are going through Alzheimer's or Dementia through patience and love.

This podcast is with Rachel Kinnick, The Executive Director of The Grinnell Area Chamber Of Commerce. She is giving us the lowdown on "The Sweet Stroll" in downtown Grinnell this Friday night. The Sweet Stroll is much like The Jingle Bell Holiday and is in it's 2nd year. The event features special bargains, food and entertainment for the entire family. Rachel will tell you more in this podcast. Always remember that my video podcast is available on my YouTube channel and on my website: outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com

In this podcast I speak with Robbie Robinson who is the founder and Executive Director of Discover Hope 517 Ministry and Pastor of New Creation Church in Newton. In this podcast he talks about his background and how he got Discover Hope 517 started and it's mission. Robbie also talks about how Discover Hope 517 has grown in it's 10 years of operation. Discover Hope has turned many lives around from addiction. I think you'll find Robbie's story very interesting. Don't forget to view our video at outandaboutwithjamiegrout.come or on my YouTube channel.

Many folks deal with grief at one time or another in their lives. I lost my beloved sister on November 1st from her fight with Parkinsons Disease. While I knew her death was coming it still wasn't easy as my sister was almost like a 2nd Mother to me. She was 10 years older than myself and taught me many lessons in my life. She was on this earth 10 years before I ever came along and could have been totally resentful of me stealing the spotlight from her. However, this was not the case as she treated me as if I was her baby. She always had my back and even beat up on the neighborhood bully when he was picking up on me. If you or a friend or relative are going through grief this podcast might give you some ideas on how to deal with grief. If you would like to join our grief support group you can contact Park Centre in Newton at 641 791 5000 or you can email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

The Grinnell Community Theatre presents She Stoops To Conquer this weekend. In this podcast I speak with one of the actors in the play about the plot of the play and her character. We also talk about the cast in this Readers Theatre performance. In the performance the readers, we find out, are costumed and have movement. We also let you know how you can get tickets to this farce. Find out about She Stoops To Conquer coming up this weekend in Grinnell.

The radio business has changed quite a bit over the years and John Carl would know, He retired from the business just shy of 50 years. His career started in his hometown of Atlantic, Iowa and moved to Centerville and finally to KCOB AM and FM in Newton where he owned and operated the station for a number of years, In this podcast he talks about his history in radio and what he liked about about owning and managing a radio station. He also discusses the future of radio. You can also find the shortcast video with John Carl archived at outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com

This podcast is with George Sorensen who is CEO of The Newton YMCA. In the podcast George talks about the mission of The YMCA, the various programs they have, the daycare program and the future of the YMCA. The YMCA will be celebrating 50 years at their present location and George talks about that and he would like the community to come out and help them celebrate with them.

This podcast is about The Link Mentoring Program Of Grinnell. About a year ago I found out about The Link Mentoring Programing going on in Grinnell. Because of the name I was unaware that the program was much like the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program. In this podcast I speak with a couple of people heavily involved with Link Mentoring on what the program is all about and the benefits for both the "bigs," "littles," and even the parents involved in the program.

This podcast is about The Newton Optimist Club. In the podcast we find out what the Optimist Club is all about. I speak with some members of the Optimist Club and talk to them about why they wanted to join this organization. I also talk to them about their creed and what they have as their fund raisers and projects. Don't forget you can always check out the video and see some of the members of The Newton Optimists Club at outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com and on my Out And About With Jamie Grout YouTube channel.

Edith Renfrow Smith, the first black woman to graduate from Grinnell College, passed away recently at the age of 111. In her honor I decided to rerun a "best of" podcast with Monique Shore who was friends with Edith Renfrow Smith and has written a book about her life called "No One Is Better Than You"

This podcast is with the Producer, Director, Writer and some other the cast members of the locally produced movie Littles. The movie will be shown later this month at The Capitol 2 Theatres in Newton. It's a unique kind of movie where this cast is all children. We discuss where the idea where the idea of the movie came from and how it as produced. I also discussed the movie with the children in the movie about the characters who they portray.

RSVP is a great program in Poweshiek County that provides volunteer opportunities for folks 55 and older to help out with various programs to be a pen pal to you youth, to be a companion to "shut ins," help with folks who are food insecure and volunteer at the Mayflower. In this podcast I speak with volunteer coordinator Ashley Sorensen about the various programs and how folks can volunteer for those programs.

This podcast is with Newton High School Principal Michael Dale. In this podcast Michael tells us a bit about his history from his football playing days at Drake University to his days as Associate Principal at Marshalltown High School. He talks about how education has changed since he has become an educator and some of the goals he would like to see NHS achieve as Principal. He also discusses some of the things he takes Newton Cardinal Pride in as the Newton High School Principal.

On this podcast I speak with Jonathan Curiel and Mary Tiso about their glass art business Fuego Hot Glass. They tell us about the art of glass blowing. Please check out the video on outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com or my Out And About With Jamie Grout YouTube channel for a demonstration of glass blowing . The word of mouth about their business is spreading throughout the community as I was told about them from my friend Wade Sheeler who suggested that this might make for a good podcast, and he was right. Fuego Hot Glass is located in an alley right next to Advantage Credit Union in Newton at 111 West 3rd Street North. You can also contact them on Facebook and Instagram. I had a very nice but short conversation with Jonathan and Mary in the podcast but the video demonstration was longer but very interesting and, again, I would like to encourage you to check out the video by checking out the link to see how they make these beautiful works of art.

It's been over a year since I first spoke with Erin Bustin, Executive Director of The Grinnell School Of Music. When I first spoke with Erin, The Grinnell School Of Music hadn't even started yet and they were still putting the finishing touches on the building. Now, it's been over a year that The Grinnell School Of Music has been in operation. It seems the school has come a long way in a year. In this podcast I get caught up with Erin and find out what has happened in the past year and what has happened with the non-profit. Erin reminds us of what the mission of the Grinnell School Of Music is all about and the different classes they have plus how students can get enrolled and how folks can contribute to this great cause.

The lighting of The Jasper County Courthouse has become a tradition in Newton for the past several years. The tradition was actually started in the 1930's but was interrupted years later when the Jasper County Board Of Supervisors said they didn't have the funding to support the lighting of the courthouse anymore. A group of folks headed up by Don Knight got together and with time and money brought back the courthouse lights after quite a bit of hard work. In this "best of" podcast that I ran about a month ago I speak with Steve Knight who carries on this tradition for his father and the people who love the rich tradition of he courthouse being lit up every year during holiday time.