Anyone familiar with Midwest weather is familiar with tornadoes. Sometimes it’s a gentle breeze & sunshine. Other times, the wind rises, the sky darkens, & a terrible storm we never saw coming, nears. Many years ago, as a fourth grader, I remember a bright sunny day in May. After school, I went to church youth choir. My mother picked me up after the rehearsal and drove us home under dark threatening skies in the nick of time. Upon finding our safe spot in the southwest corner of our basement, we stood firm, anchored our feet down & rode out the storm. Within a minute, our two-story home was lifted off its foundation and gone, utterly gone. Moments later, we climbed out of the basement to a landscape that was unrecognizable. For as far as my eyes could see, every house flattened, trees uprooted, & in the eerie quiet there was complete mayhem. This massive F5 tornado shaped my life! Left - Damage from the street I lived on.
Right - The church I attended the youth choir about 15 minutes before the tornado hit.
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Thanks to the Corning community, I-Jobs grant and various smaller grants who gave generously and believed in our restoration in 2011-12. Part of the I-Jobs grant guidelines were to have an event within 18 months of receiving the money or forfeit the grant dollars. Bravely on April 5 & 6, with no theatrical lighting or sound system installed, we forged ahead with the Ron Cooley Trio featuring Jeff Millhollin. The trio made up of Mannheim Steamroller musicians and Jeff’s original songs gave a magnificent performance! Volunteers worked tirelessly to open on time with wine, hor’doeuvres, and ribbon cutting for the two sold-out performances! June of 2012 we officially opened with performances by Christopher the Conquered and Elizabeth Aarynn followed by the premiere of the movie The Last Ride about Hank Williams. The dream was BIG! And we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.
Hear what people are saying about the tours I gave during June: 1) Very Worthwhile said Craig & Pamela P. 2) Love it! From Becky P. 3) Very Interesting from Mary Beth. 4) Amazing! From Beverly M. 5) Fabulous Learning Diane P. and 6) Vicky W says Sweet Surprise!
Our family has taken many trips together and tours are a frequent activity from the natural attractions, man-made attractions, and cultural entities. We remember the special tours that made us laugh (Wisconsin Ducks), let us learn through touching (have you touched a stingray?) and so on. Jim and I were also surprised on a tour of Europe because nowhere in the company’s advertising did it mention it is for Indian people, and you only eat Indian food! Surprise! That was an eye-opening tour for sure!
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De HeatonExecutive Director since 2012; Bachelors in Music Education; Professional Tour Guide, Iowa High School Musical Association Musical Judge, Master's in Education; 2023 Iowan of the Day by Blue Ribbon Foundation; 2023 Iowa Governor's Volunteer of the Year; 2023 John McMahon Volunteer of the Year; enjoys smiles and people! |