SPRING 2012

2012 MHS ReunionsIf your class is planning a reunion and it is not listed here, please contact the Foundation office for assistance. (Marion’s Swamp Fox Festival is Sept. 13-16, 2012)

Class of 1957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .September 14Jay Kacena (319) 377-7709 jaykacena7709@msn .com

Class of 1962 . . . . . . . . . . . September 14-15Frank Lochner (319) 377-3487 nrlfhl@hotmail .comNancy (Kolda) Jennings (319) 377-7685 wpjnkj@aol .com

Class of 1967 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 29-30Connie Jirouch (319) 377-3667 mjirouch@mchsi .com

Class of 1972 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 3-4Vickie (Farrington) Dipple (319) 377-8718 madip3@aol .com

Class of 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 22-24Patti Jakoubek (319) 350-9638 patti@jakoubek .org

Class of 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 3-4Hanson Kyllingstad Bloesch hanson216@gmail .com

Class of 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 27-29Nancy (Hatch) Wittstruck (319) 899-4655 nancywittstruck@gmail .com

Class of 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 4Bryan Ryther bryanryther@gmail .com

Class of 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 2 Natalie Ryther (319) 270-8320 NatlieRyther@gmail .com

Marion Homecoming Tailgate – Friday, October 5th

Catch up with fellow alum, have dinner then head over to the MHS varsity homecoming game!

The Foundation will host a Homecoming Tailgate for alum and all Marion football fans at the new Thomas Park Pavilion on Friday, October 5 from 5-7 p .m .

Just $20 per person for a delicious “tailgate meal” and one varsity homecoming game ticket .

Space is limited and will fill fast!

RSVP is required (with payment) no later than September 21 . Parking is limited so plan accordingly - carpooling is fun, too!

For more information or to make a reservation, email the Foundation at lcassell@marion .k12 .ia .us .

Watch our website for updates:

marion-foundation .org .

Celebrating our 10th Golf Event!Thursday, June 28 • noon shotgun

Gardner Golf Course (formerly Squaw Creek - Hwy 100 & Hwy 13)

Corporate SponsorFarmers State Bank

Hole-In-One Car Prize SponsorPat McGrath KIA

Hole-In-One $10K Cash SponsorSheets-Forrest-Draper Insurance

All Day Keg SponsorFleck Sales

Golfers: $100/personHole Sponsorship: $300

Foursome/Sponsorship Combo: $650•

Registration includes 18 holes of golf,

keg beer and snacks, cookout dinner,

flag events, games and PRIZES!

Registertoday by calling:

(319) 377-4691 x.1110

Don’t Miss The Fun!

MarionFoundation

GolfClassic

MarionFoundation

GolfClassic

2012

See all sponsors, event highlights and a list of registered golfers at www.marion-foundation.org

Corporate Sponsor

Board of DirectorsGregory Hapgood, PresidentGreg Van Gorp ’77, Vice PresidentNancy Hatch Wittstruck ’92, SecretarySheryl Campbell Morgan ’75, TreasurerJill Wilson Ackerman ’94Gary Albaugh ’74Mike Cannoy ’84Mike Cira ’58Cody CrawfordStephen Godar ’78Donald Hoskins ’63Victor KlopfensteinBoyd Potter ’71Bonnie RaaschDebby Gagliardi Roth ’78John Vernon ’47Doreen French Zumwalt ’82Sarah Pinion, SuperintendentDr . Greg Thomas, Asst . SuperintendentDiane Bys, Ad HocDavid Law, Ad Hoc

Foundation StaffLaNisha Cassell, Executive Director lcassell@marion .k12 .ia .usNancy Thornton, Assistant Director nthornton@marion .k12 .ia .us

Published semi-annually byMarion Independent School District Foundation & Alumni Association777 South 15th StreetMarion, Iowa 52302(319) 377-4691 x .1110Fax: (319) 377-4692www .marion-foundation .org

Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 9 a .m .-3 p .m . Please call for an appointment

The Mission of the Foundation is to maintain, develop, increase, and extend the facilities of the MarionIndependent School District, and to provide broader educational serviceopportunities to its students, staff, faculty, and the residents of thegeographical area which it serves .

Director’s ReportLaNisha Cassell, Executive Director

After Seven Years, Marion is Home Away from HomePreviously printed in the Marion Times, January 2012

As excited as I was to get the call that the job was mine, I was more nervous than I’d ever been about beginning a new job. One thousand miles away from home, a new husband and our first child on the way, I wondered how I could make an impact as the new Executive Director for the Marion Foundation. Though my resume might have appeared impressive, I was used to the “dog-eat-dog” world of the city’s fast-paced environment of the east coast; specifically the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. I was born in our nation’s capitol, raised in the suburbs of Maryland and held positions in and around the metro area since my high school days. After college, I assumed I’d be on D.C.’s fast track to reach my professional goals. Never, in even my wildest imagination, did settling down in Iowa ever cross my mind! I mean, I’m a city girl! How would I adjust to the world of the laid back “everyone knows everyone” Midwest when I was used to power suits and brief cases, a renowned public transit system that could take me between MD, DC and VA in minutes, and a diversity of cultures I’d taken for granted? I prayed that success would come.

Well, I can honestly say that long before I reached this seven-year mark, my prayers were answered and surpassed. Marion is indeed my home away from home. I’ve been able to build so many wonderful personal and professional relationships with so many unique individuals. Just as amazing, I have strong ties to my board of trustees and amazing colleagues; who have supported and encouraged me along the way. I went from not knowing anyone to now associating names and faces with a specific

story. I can even tell you when someone graduated from Marion High School and recall who their spouses and children (sometimes grandchildren) might be.

I could recount many stories from my seven years with the Foundation, all of which are special and add to our mission to provide enhancement opportunities. Our alum give from the heart; mainly because of their wonderful experience as students, but partly because we enjoy building lasting relationships. We care about the students from the class of 2012 as much as we care about the alum from the class of 1933.

So, for initiatives like our annual golf tournament, “For the Love of Marion” event at Lowe Park, Marion Fund teacher grant cycles, Drive for Five campaigns and other signature Foundation projects, we provide a necessary component of educational enhancement for our students and teachers. While we raise dollars and awareness, the Marion Foundation’s (and my) true mission has always been to establish relationships. That’s what Marion is really all about.

(Above) LaNisha with Sherry (Wilkinson) Murray, MHS ’55, at the 2006 All-School Reunion.

(Below) Larry Martin, MHS ’41, and LaNisha make sure the 2010 Golf Tournament is running smoothly.

Ruth Stanton Hahn, MHS ’33, and LaNisha share stories and a laugh after the All-School Reunion in 2006.

Over the past ten years, more than $200,000 has been disbursed from the Marion Fund for classroom projects and enhancement tools. For 2012, the Marion Foundation awarded close to $20,000 toward projects throughout the Marion Independent School District. Details of this year’s grants and the primary faculty contact are provided below. iCan Learn, Achieve & Succeed Virginia UtsingerFrancis Marion Intermediate School

To provide students the ability to utilize tools that will allow for re-teaching, accommodations, and modifications within the general education and special education settings.

“Chill Out” Materials for Sensory BreaksKaren AsaStarry Elementary School

To provide materials and tools for active, off-task or distraught students to use during sensory breaks (with parental permission) in the classroom or guidance office to calm, sooth and re-focus their attention.

Newcomers & Spanish ELL MaterialsSarah Dowd – District Wide

To obtain research based support material for newcomer non-English speaking students, Spanish speaking students and lower ELL (English Language Learners) students to better enable them to develop their English skills.

Infinite Possibilities…iPad2Renee MethStarry & Emerson Elementary Schools

To provide iPads and researched appropriate applications (apps) to assist students achieve at least one year’s growth in the areas of math, reading or language; for work in the “specialists programs” for students above or below grade level expectations.

Walpole StrategiesKim DeWulfStarry & Emerson Elementary Schools

To benefit beginner readers who may be experiencing difficulty in reading.

Hot Fun in the SummertimeChad Zrudsky – District Wide

Summer camp offered to students entering grades 4-9 with a focus on literacy while developing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines during a two-week camp with related field trips. The program will provide a daily snack and lunch.

Red Cedar Chamber Music ResidencyAmanda FreeseStarry & Emerson Elementaries and Francis Marion Intermediate Schools

Red Cedar Chamber Music residency will expose students to live interactive chamber music and professional musicians in the classroom in order to enhance curriculum and bring new experiences with the arts.

2012 Marion Fund Recipients Bruno Rinas Memorial Science and Interdisciplinary Research Grant

The Marion community lost a true hero when retired, long-time science teacher Bruno Rinas passed away in December 2011 . Before becoming a beloved member of the Marion High School faculty, Mr . Rinas served with the defenders of Bataan and Corregidor in the Philippines during WWII, and endured 44 months as a POW held by the Japanese Army .

As a living legend, Mr . Rinas had a profound impact on those who knew him, or were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher . So, in his absence, it only makes sense that he would continue making an impact .

After receiving numerous memorial contributions, the Rinas family has established an endowment through the Marion Foundation to lead the way in scientific research for faculty and students . The goal of the endowment is to enhance, enrich and enlighten development of our teachers and students; as well as bring awareness to the scientific and general educational strides Marion High School is making .

The family and administration are working to finalize the details of the endowment, which is scheduled to begin disbursements during the 2013-2014 school year .

Additional contributions to the fund are encouraged and may be made at any time . For more information, please contact the Foundation office .

Hills Bank Makes Classroom Cash DonationSince 2004, Hills Bank & Trust Company has contributed more than $7,000 in Classroom Cash to the Marion Independent School District. Classroom Cash accumulates when Hills Bank customers, who have selected Marion Independent as their designee, use their debit card anywhere they shop. For more information about Classroom Cash, contact Hills Bank at(319) 377-6066. Foundation President Greg Hapgood (left) and Executive Director, LaNisha Cassell

(right) receive Classroom Cash from Cody Crawford, Hills Bank Commercial Deposits Officer and Foundation Trustee (center.)

In his own words, Norman Edward Hammond, finally gave in to his daughter (Norma Hammond Schmatt, MHS 1961) and wrote out his life story. He was just 92 years young when he printed the five page document re-counting his childhood, education, employment, marriage, family and faith. With “tell it like it is” wit and a keen sense of self-awareness, Mr. Hammond’s recollection of his family’s life on their grandfather’s farm and life in Marion reminds us that our “daily grind” may be a blessing in disguise. “No inside toilets, water brought in from the outside wells, no electric lights and cooking was done on a cook stove that burned wood or coal. Laundry was done after heating water on the cook stove, then by hand on a wash board or later a washing machine powered by a gasoline motor. Kerosene lamps were used for morning and evenings and lanterns for outside chores after dark. Milking cows by hand, cream was separated from milk by a hand powered separator,” remembers Norman. With a family of seven children (five girls and two boys) and a 120-acre property (granddad sold the farm), Norman’s father, Harry, still had time to serve on the [Marion Rural] school board. It’s because of this, Norman and his brother Elwood were “…in the same grade…and we graduated from 8th grade in the spring of 1928. I think I took 4th and 5th grade in the same year.” For Hammond, 9th grade began in the fall of 1928, four miles from the family farm. “We drove a horse and buggy to town, leaving them at a livery stable…then walking several blocks to school.” As he captured all his important memories, it was apparent Norman was transported to simpler times that weren’t without their obvious hardships. “…Arlene Morehouse and I decided to get married and keep it a secret as we were not able to live together especially financially. June 1, 1935 was our big day – then back to farm labor.” (Arlene wasn’t able to finish at Marion High School because her parents couldn’t afford shoes.) After renting for years, they were finally able to buy their own home in 1942; at 1468 10th Street in Marion. They lived there for 25 years. Norman and Arlene took pleasure in parenthood; finding it a “joy to have both a girl and a boy for the family.” Bruce (MH 1966) was born five years after Norma. After retirement, Norman and Arlene traveled extensively (Hawaii, Alaska, England and more); enjoying more than 70 years of marriage. The long-time lovebirds volunteered together in many civic organizations over the years. Norman continued volunteering up until 10 days before he passed away – six hours a day; five days a week at the Iowa Masonic Library. At 91 years old, Norman lost Arlene, “the love of my life.” And he wrote, “The Lord has seen me through many troubled times and I am most grateful.” Norman Hammond was 97 years old when he passed away in January.

In His Own WordsNorman Edward Hammond • 1914-2012 • MHS Class of 1932

Estate Tax PlanningBy Craig Adamson, Adamson Financial Planning

In 2010 there was no estate tax . Heirs of billionaires, like NY Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, paid no estate taxes on their inheritances . Until the end of 2012 the estate tax exemption is $5 .12 million . However, on January 1, 2013, the exemption for estate taxes drops all the way down to $1 million .

If congress does not step in and change the exemption, you may need to protect your heirs from a 55% tax rate on assets over the exemption . Your assets include your home’s equity, investments, CDs, 401k, and IRAs and can add up to $1 million very quickly .

Protect your family and your assets by seeking professional advice from your attorney, accountant or financial advisor .

For more information on including the Foundation in your estate planning, contact Marion Foundation Director, LaNisha Cassell .

Norman Edward Hammond (above)represents the Foundation in the 2006 Swamp Fox Festival parade.

Mr. Hammond was a member of the Marion High School class of 1932.

Show your Marion Pride

At games, performances, competitions or just around town – show you’re proud to be a Marion Indian . These premium, 2-sided flags will get everyone’s attention . 15” x 11” red and gold flag with hardware . Mount and remove quickly from any vehicle window . $15 each .Order through the Foundation office .

Marion High School class of 1928 graduate Melvin “Buzz” Gibson, holder of the Foundation’s unofficial title of “Oldest Marion Alum,” passed away in February at the age of 101 . When Buzz was a senior at Marion High School he participated in basketball and track .

‘Oldest’ Marion Alum Passes Away

www.marion-foundation.orgThe Marion Foundation website is being updated and will feature a new look and more information . The plan is to have the new site up and running by June . We hope all our alumni friends will help us keep this site fun and informative by sending us their news, memories and photos .

The 6th annual For the Love of Marion fundraiser was held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center. The evening featured gourmet hors d’oeuvres by Kristeena’s Café, the Pat Smith and Rich Wagor jazz duo, a game puzzle sponsored by Philip’s Diamond Shop and Design Center, and a silent auction. David Law, current MISD School Board member and former Vernon Middle School band director was the evening’s emcee.

The Marion Independent School District Leader Awards are presented annually at the For the Love of Marion event.

Recipients of this award have been nominated by their peers, and are recognized as going above and beyond for the benefit

of their students and the greater Marion community. Honorees for 2012 include Gwen Buchheim, Kathryn Woerner and Elizabeth Fowler. Mrs. Buchheim has taught at Marion Schools for 32 years. She is currently a family consumer science teacher at Vernon Middle School. Mrs. Woerner has been a social studies teacher Vernon Middle School for 11 years. Ms. Fowler has been teaching Spanish and French at Marion High School for 6 years.

MISD Leader Awards Presented at For the Love of Marion Event

Stephen M . Godar, MHS 1978 has joined the Marion Foundation’s board of trustees . Mr . Godar is Vice President of Information Services with Farmers State Bank in Marion . His wife, Ann, and their three children are also Marion grads . Steve and Ann reside in Marion .

Welcome New Board Member

As an alum, parent, member of the community and/or a donor, we know how important it is for you to keep abreast of what’s happening in the Marion Independent School District. Our database includes all of the above as well as the MISD taxpayers (as provided by the Linn County Assessor’s Office).

Often, the Foundation receives calls immediately following a newsletter mailing because of a name discrepancy, an ex-spouse is listed, or the addressee is deceased. Generally, these discrepancies are a result of outdated information with the Assessor’s Office. If you have a concern, please do contact the Foundation. We will make sure our records are correct and direct you to the Assessor’s Office as necessary.

Why Do You Receive this Newsletter?

Alumni Highlights

Chad ZrudskyAssociate PrincipalMarion High SchoolMHS class of 1997

BA, Chemistry – Coe CollegeMA, Educational Leadership – UNI

MHS Teacher (10 years)General Science, Chemistry & Physics

Goal: To make positive impacts in the field of education and in the lives of children .

Motto: “Work hard and enjoy what you do .”

Chad resides in Marion with his wife, Whitney and their son, Elliott .

Vivian (Klopfenstein) QuinnFamily & Consumer ScienceMarion High SchoolMHS class of 1978

BS, Home Economics Education – ISUMA, Family Studies – UNI

MHS/VMS Teacher (27 years)Exploratory Home Economics, Food &Nutrition, Occupational Child Care

Goals: To live healthy while balancing family, friends & career; prepare for retirement, travel and develop hobbies .

Motto: “The things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been and the memories we’ve made along the way . So wherever you go, go with all your heart .”

Vivian and her husband, Pat have four sons – Clancy, Brady, Riley and Daly – and one grandson, Aiden .

Special thanks to Scott and Atiya Zach and the Northwestern Mutual Zach Group for their support of For the Love of Marion.

Gwen BuchheimVernon Middle School

Kathryn WoernerVernon Middle School

Elizabeth FowlerMarion High School

Still Needing Your Piece of the Past?

Bricks from the old Marion High School/Vernon Middle School building are still available with your gift of $50 or more to the Marion Foundation. The bricks come with a certificate of authenticity and make great gifts.

Speaking of a great gift, there are a few VMS ornaments still available for only $10 each. Contact Deb Menken at dmenken@marion.k12.ia.us for an ornament.

777 South 15th StreetPO Box 606 • Marion, IA 52302

non-profit orgus postage

PaidCedar rapids iapermit no 174

Support the Marion Independent School District Foundation and Alumni Association__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________Name MHS Graduation Year

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone/Email

Please sign me up or send more information about:

10th Annual Golf Classic ($100/person)

10th Annual Golf Classic Flag Event ($150) of Hole Sponsor ($300)

10th Annual Golf Classic Foursome/Sponsor Combo ($650)

Bruno Rinas Memorial Science Research Grant Fund

Brick from old MHS/VMS (minimum of $50 +shipping)

Red Brick on the Wall of Support for engraving ($300)

Gold Brick on the Wall of Support for engraving ($1,000)

Endowed scholarship/fund (minimum of $7,500)

Designated Gift (no minimum / 2% admin fee)

Including the Foundation in a planned gift

Volunteering my time during Foundation events

Enclosed is my donation to the Foundation’s Marion Fund: $1,000 $500 $250 $100

Other $______________

My donation will be matched by my company:

_________________________________________ (company contact information)

Add this donation to an existing endowed fund:

_________________________________________ (contact Foundation for a list of funds)

Mail this form to the Marion Foundation777 S. 15th Street, Marion, IA 52302.

For questions, call 319-377-4691, x.1110.