This is going to be two columns that I attempt to cram into one 500-word block.
First, please join my family and me this Saturday, Oct. 16 for our Apple Cider for a Cause fundraiser supporting the MCSA Domestic Violence Shelter. We’ll be outside our house (417 West Third Street) from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. selling glasses of apple cider for $2 each (feel free to donate more if you’re so inclined). Show up dressed in a costume and we’ll give you a cookie for free (while supplies last). I’m assuming all three of our kids will be dressed up and my wife and I will be wearing our “tired parents costumes,” which seems to be a year-round look. 100% of all the proceeds collected will be donated to the MCSA Domestic Violence Shelter to help ensure their doors can remain open.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and my family and I continue to be strong advocates for our local shelter. Folks, they are literally saving lives and providing a safe space for women and their children. I really hope you’ll consider stopping by. If you cannot make it, feel free to Venmo me your donation @Tony-Tone-Loco, and I will ensure it gets to the shelter. That’s this Saturday, Oct. 16. You can get more details on Facebook should you need them.
Okay, switching gears. Last Friday (Oct. 8) was my coworker Lisa Bunn’s last day working with the Muscatine Community School District. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for all that Lisa has done to serve students in Muscatine for the 32 years she spent working in the district. It has been my honor to work alongside Lisa during my first year with the district. She welcomed me and would always find time to answer my questions (and I had a lot) and to share her knowledge with me. Seriously, the reason that I was able to have a smooth transition going from working at Hy-Vee to the school district was due in part to Lisa’s efforts to help set me up for success. That is something that I will forever be grateful to her for. Lisa, I hope you know that you made a difference and that you will be deeply missed.
Prior to working with the district, Lisa was always my go-to contact whenever I wanted to interview someone for the “Hy-Vee Today with Tony Tone” show or when I was working at the radio station. She wore so many hats throughout the years she spent working in the district, all with a sense of pride and a commitment to serving students. My hope is that she will reply to my text messages when I come across something I should know the answer to but can’t recall.
Lisa, all the best to you in this next phase of your professional life. Thank you for being my friend, and please don’t be a stranger.
