Community visits will celebrate families

Seven community visits across the state are part of Iowa State University's yearlong celebration, "Strengthening Families to Become the Best." The visits will involve university faculty and administration, local host families with strong ISU ties and community partners in events to showcase how communities are strengthening families. Visit dates, communities and host families are:

* Sept. 28, Dubuque, Linda and Mark Chmelar * Oct. 30, Des Moines, Jinny and Don Nickerson * Nov. 28, Bedford, Kay and James Lucas * Jan. 30, Oskaloosa, Beverly and Lawrence Everett * Feb. 15, Sac City, Sue and Harold Peyton * March 26, Buffalo Center, Amy and Harlan Asmus * April 24, Cedar Rapids, Debra and Dwight Hughes

 The host families will be involved in planning ISU's activities in their community during the visits.

"Both my husband and I are looking forward" to the event, said Linda Chmelar, a member of ISU Extension's Citizens Advisory Council. Chmelar said she hopes to "really highlight" what Dubuque is doing to strengthen families.

The Dubuque visit will feature partnerships created for young family, intergenerational and neighborhood family-centered programming, said Beverly Berna, extension family life field specialist.

Veterinarian James Lucas, of Bedford, and his wife, Kay, will host the November visit. "Kay and I have been active in many community affairs and projects, many of which involved the children. … Bedford has a lot of things going for it."

Kim Brantner, Taylor County Extension education director, noted Bedford's strong community support of collaborative programs for children from birth through preschool age.

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...and justice for all. The Iowa Cooperative Extension Service's programs and policies are consistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, and disability.

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• Last update: Sept. 18, 2000