To set the record straight about the “talk around the square,” which many contend is primarily negative, a handful of Iola area citizens are organizing a monthly “Talk Around the Square,” forum where area residents give quick updates about their activities.
Modeled after Ottawa’s “First Friday,” which has proven a rousing success in its first nine months, the meetings will feature representatives of area functions, including city, county, schools, finance, housing and social to give quick three-minute updates of their activities.
A primary speaker will also give a 10-minute address on his or her specific cause. Sometimes it’s a politician, but in most cases it’s a local person.
“It’s a way to give people the opportunity to say positive things about their town,” said Bill Maness, former Iola mayor and frequenter of the Ottawa forums.
“The message is always good news,” he said.
The emcee for each forum will be Elsmore native Jeff Johnson, the amiable president of Citizens Bank here in Iola. He’ll recognize people’s birthdays and others events of note gleaned from local news sources.
Shelia Lampe, director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, is also on board with the organization of the Friday events which will begin at 10 a.m. most likely at the New Community Building in Riverside Park.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase the good news of the city,” Lampe said of the one-hour format. “It’s fast-paced, stops rumors and innuendos because the right sources of information will be there to address the issues, and most importantly, help build a stronger community.”
Organizers, including Jeff Kluever, director of the Allen County Historical Society, and Carl Slaugh, city administrator, have yet to determine which Friday will work best for the programs, but are determined to begin in April.
Kluever will give the first program, which is about building community pride — not with words, but by actions.
“Pride is a verb,” said the former football coach.
Kluever will provide upcoming speakers with his PowerPoint abililties to aid their deliveries.
For more information about “Talk Around the Square,” contact Lampe at the Chamber at 365-2121.
Ottawa’s “First Friday” for March is at 10 a.m. this Friday. Enter the west entrance of the old high school on Main Street.
