Elma, IA

During the past week greater conversation regarding poverty has surfaced. The concern of the elderly in poverty has taken a back seat to the needs of the families with children. The specific concerns were regarding the availability of transportation and food was brought up during the monthly BRIDGE (Elma’s community betterment organization) meeting.

The discussion centered on the possibility of expansion of the congregate meal program to include “meals on wheels” and the use of the nursing home’s van for seniors to go to nearby fitness centers.

The community will continue research opportunities to implement these two additional ideas.

Girl Scout Troop #498 in Elma will celebrate Girl Scout Sunday during church services at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma on March 9th. Troop #498 currently consists of three girls in grades 4, 5 and 6, which is the “Junior” level in scouting. Girls in Troop #498 have participated in such community service activities as Elma Park clean-up, planting Elma community flower barrels, letters to area Veterans and military personnel, songs and visits at Colonial Manor Nursing Home, and participate in the annual Memorial Day parade among other projects. Girl Scouts is a non-profit program open to all girls in grades Kindergarten-12th, as well as adults, and strives to help girls develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in todays world. Members are accepted regardless of financial constraints, or racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In northeast Iowa, the Girls Scout program is coordinated through the Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Council with local offices in Decorah and Waterloo. To learn more about the Girl Scouting program, go to www.gseiwi.org.

A new committee formed in January to strengthen the link between families , the community and the Elma Charter School. “Parent-Teacher Partnership,” (PTP) is led by teacher Tara Madsen and currently involves 13 parents/parent families. Projects being discussed include the organization of fundraisers, family mini-breakfasts, a community rummage/bake sale, a playground map, a school/community bike-a-thon, and school/community game nights. The committee meets once monthly as needed to plan events and will soon establish officers to direct various elements such as leadership, finances and communication.