Mary Darnell is someone that you should know in the Muscatine community. She is currently running the Salvation Army of Muscatine’s Kid Zone Summer Camp, and she’s doing an incredible job. Now, my oldest son, Henry, attends the camp and is having a great experience, and that is because of Mary (and her staff). Mary shows up each day with a positive attitude, a smile that brightens the room, and a compassionate heart.
I know how much she cares, and how much of her time and energy she has poured into making the Kid Zone a success. Mary and her dedicated team have provided their campers with unique experiences in the form of field trips, some hands-on learning with musical instruments, and much more. I hope that Mary knows just how much my family appreciates all that she’s done. In addition to that, Mary has been an excellent communicator, sending information to families and ensuring they are well aware of things going on with the Kid Zone Camp.
Thank you to Mary and her staff for a job well done this summer! I hope you get time to catch your breath before your after-school programming begins at The Salvation Army of Muscatine County!
Time to pivot. There is a fantastic, free, family event taking place this Saturday, July 30, here in Muscatine. Ballet Des Moines presents “Gravity on Tour: A Statewide Summer STEM Tour,” featuring STEM activities from 5-7 p.m. and a ballet performance at 7 p.m., all located along the riverfront in downtown Muscatine. In addition to that, they’ll have a mobile planetarium and, an opportunity to meet the artists and creators!
I really encourage you to bring your family and friends to this free event that we are extremely fortunate to have in Muscatine. This is made possible thanks to the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, Visit Muscatine, the Principal Foundation, ISU Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Arts Council, Flex Forward Learning Experience, and the Science Center of Iowa.
I want to give a special thanks to my friend, Melanie Alexander, Director of the Muscatine Art Center, for keeping me in the loop on this wonderful event! Also, if you haven’t stopped by the Muscatine Art Center in a while, get there! Those folks have so much going on for all ages. Great work by all!
I’m a strong supporter of any events held at our riverfront, and I look forward to this one being a success. Here’s to good weather and a great time spent along the riverfront in beautiful downtown Muscatine. I’ll see you there!
