Nourishing Minds and Hearts

At the end of October, Professor of Russian Todd Armstrong and his Food Stories tutorial students teamed up for a special event that combined cooking, creativity, and compassion — preparing and serving food for the newly reinvented Grinnell Community Meal. Their efforts not only addressed the issue of food insecurity, but also created a meaningful connection with the local community. 

News & Updates

“The dogs love getting out and running! Plus, they get to smell new stuff and explore beyond what they get to see on a daily basis, which I think really helps them and their quality of life.” 

– Brian Goodell ’24, Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) volunteer and Grinnell College cross country team member 

Members of the Grinnell College Cross Country Team Unleash Compassion in Unique Run with PALS Shelter Dogs 

Brian Goodell ’24 recently orchestrated a unique and heartwarming event that brought together two groups with a shared passion—running. Goodell, who has been volunteering at Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) for some time, decided to combine the joy of running with the love for dogs in a memorable collaboration. Read about the collaboration with the Grinnell cross country team on our website. 

Strategic Plan: Knowledge Into Action 

“Knowledge into Action” is a strategic plan that reaches into the wellspring of our strengths as an institution of educational excellence and a source of positive change to best position us for challenging futures. It champions Grinnell College as a community of inquiry with a legacy of moving knowledge into action. It prepares us for the work ahead by engaging our long tradition of being a catalyst for change; calling on the vital forces of belonging and connection; prompting action for collective equity; and building shared goals to further common ground. Learn more about Grinnell College’s new strategic plan, including a summary and a letter from President Anne Harris, on our website. 

Grinnell College Football Makes History with First Woman to Play 

This fall, the Grinnell College football team started Midwest Conference play with a 2-1 record for the third year in a row and made some history in the process. The Pioneers rushed for a season-high 159 yards and cruised by Lawrence University 34-16 on a warm Saturday at Rosenbloom Field. The game saw a historical moment, as Juniper Schwartzman ’27 became the first woman to play for Grinnell in a football game. Schwartzman capitalized on that opportunity, booting an extra point following the Pioneers’ final touchdown in the third period. Read more about the historic game on the Grinnell College Athletics website. 

Upcoming Events

Participants enjoy activities at the 2022 annual Jingle Bell Holiday. Photo courtesy of OurGrinnell Media/J.O. Parker.

November 17 – Jingle Bell Holiday 

Grinnell’s Jingle Bell Holiday annual winter festival and seasonal shopping kick-off will be held on Friday, Nov. 17 in downtown Grinnell, with a variety of festive in-store activities taking place from 5–8 p.m. that evening. Guests are invited to enjoy winter activities and promotions at a variety of businesses, including the Pioneer Bookshop. The Bookshop will offer a children’s activity make-and-take, Wish Lists for kids to complete for 10% off (must be returned by Dec. 22), and hot chocolate! More information, including a schedule of events and list of participating retailers, is available on the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce website. 

November 17 and 18 – Winter Farmers Market 

The Grinnell Winter Farmers Market is a special two-day-only winter market that begins during Grinnell’s Jingle Bell Holiday event and features a unique mix of local vendors. The Winter Farmers Market will be held at Hotel Grinnell on Friday, Nov. 17, from 5–8 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m.–noon. Learn more about the event on the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce website. 

November 18 – Met Opera in HD: X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X 

Anthony Davis’ groundbreaking and influential opera, which premiered in 1986, arrives at the Met at long last. Theatre luminary and Tony-nominated director of Slave Play Robert O’Hara oversees a potent new staging that imagines Malcolm as an Everyman whose story transcends time and space. The opera will be shown in the Harris Center Cinema from 11:55 a.m.–3:37 p.m. on Nov. 18. Visit our website for more information. 

Through November 19 – ‘Caribbean Indigenous Resistance’ — Smithsonian Exhibition at Drake Community Library 

Experience the captivating story of Caribbean Indigenous resilience through the bilingual (Spanish/English) traveling Smithsonian exhibition, “Caribbean Indigenous Resistance / Resistencia indígena del Caribe ¡Taíno Vive!” at the Drake Community Library, on view through Nov. 19. The exhibition is free to the public during library hours. Read more about the exhibition on our website. 

Through December 10 – Grinnell College Museum of Art Free Exhibitions 

The Grinnell College Museum of Art (GCMoA at Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, 1108 Park St.) has two exhibitions on display through Dec. 10. Stephen Appleby-Barr’s Correspondence is the first museum exhibition in the United States featuring the work of London-based Canadian artist Stephen Appleby-Barr, whose drawing, painting, and printmaking bring together influences from the history of art and literature, his European travels, and the community of friends who gather around his London studio. The second exhibition, Old Friends and Psychopomps, is curated by Melena Johnson ’23 and features prints from GCMoA’s collection inspired by Appleby-Barr’s works and words. Learn more about the exhibitions and museum hours on our website. 

Tuesdays Through December 12 – Yoga in the Museum 

Enjoy a free 30-minute yoga practice with Joy Jones at the Grinnell College Museum of Art (GCMoA at Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, 1108 Park St.), 12:15–12:50 p.m. The class is open to all levels, and mats are provided. Come wearing clothes you can move in. No RSVP required. Virtual yoga is also available on our website, featuring images of works from the GCMoA collection and the calming voice of Jackie Hutchison.  

2023–24 Pioneer Athletic Events  

To see the complete schedule of Pioneer athletic events, many taking place in Grinnell, visit the Pioneer Athletics website. From basketball to volleyball and more sporting event options throughout the winter months, bring a friend, and cheer on the Pioneers! 

Did you know?

Student Dining Dollars Used Locally

Initiated by a student proposal to encourage more students to explore downtown dining options, students can use Dining Dollars to purchase food items and non-alcoholic beverages at McNally’s Foods, Jay’s Deli, and Saints Rest Coffee House, with the addition of Dari Barn scheduled for the spring 2024. 

Construction Corner

November Updates

Opening in the fall of 2024, Renfrow Hall will bring new student activity and connection to downtown. For real-time updates of Renfrow Hall at the Civic Engagement Quad, passersby can see the work as it progresses from the street and any day, anytime from our live webcam, available here. More details are also available in our Hello Neighbor flyer here.

Get the latest news!

Receive the latest updates from Grinnell College by following Grinnell College Community Connections on Facebook.

Read past newsletters here or share this email with other community members so they can stay in the know and subscribe to future newsletters.

Share Your Stories

Do you have a story about community connections you’d like to share? Submit an idea or a full story about community connections and your story may be included in upcoming communications!