Britson Park Athletic Complex Chili Cookoff

The Roland Park Board will be hosting a Chili Cookoff fundraiser on Saturday, November 19 from 5 to 8PM at the Roland Middle School. The money raised is for construction of the Britson Park Athletic Complex in west Roland.

The BPAC will have 2 softball/baseball fields, fields for soccer and youth football, as well as a playground area. Primary users of the athletic fields will be the youth softball program, North Story County Little League, Roland Youth Sports, and for now, practice space for the Chargers football program.

There will be five celebrity judges of the chili. Confirmed so far are the Roland Rocket himself, Gary Thomspon, along with Iowa State Head Softball Coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler and Iowa State Assistant Football Coach Bill Bleil.

More information will be forthcoming on how to enter. But even if you aren't a contestant, you can still come eat chili (or hot dogs if you aren't a chili fan), participate in various games in the gym, or put a bid down on the silent auction.

Besides the food, games, and auction, there will be information on how you can donate to the Britson Park Athletic Complex. With larger amounts, you can receive a brick with your name on it to be placed near the concession stand.

HERE is a link to a drawing of a layout of the park. The initial phase will be to build only the 2 fields to the west. The 3rd field to the northeast could be built if there becomes a need. For now it will be flat land for soccer or football.

So don't forget, come to compete, or just eat, on Saturday, November 19. Watch for more details on how to enter.

Council Meeting October 10

I didn't do an update for the October 10 council meeting because I wasn't there. But I heard it took 11 minutes. There are never 11 minute council meetings when I am there.

Ed Nerem

Just wanted to mention, in case you were not aware, of the passing of Ed Nerem. Ed was our city's main park employee, and he was tasked with keeping our parks looking good. And they certainly did. Ed is also one of those people that lived pretty much his whole life in Roland. Those folks are important to keep the ties to the past, and telling the stories of Roland from days gone by.

HERE is his obituary from the Tribune.

Roland from the air

Here is a pic of Roland taken from the air late this summer. It was taken by Justin Hanson and forwarded to me by Steve Hanson. Nice to see Roland in summer green!

Click on the pic to see it in larger format.

Britson Park fundraiser

Details still be worked on, but save the evening of Saturday November 19 for a Britson Park fundraiser. It is going to be a chili cookoff competition, with some sports games and a silent auction planned as well. So if you like cooking chili, keep that in mind.

The money raised will be used for development of the park. Again, the planning is in the early stages, but save the date!

Job Opening for Roland City Clerk

The City of Roland (population 1284) seeks a full-time City Clerk. CMC or CMFO and 5 years municipal experience preferred. Possess all aspects of city records management and government accounting & budgeting. Send resumes to Mayor Roger Fritz, City of Roland, 202 E Ash Street, Roland, Iowa 50236. Visit www.cityofroland.org for city information and job description. Applications due 10/31/11.

HERE is the job description.

Deneen's Retirement Party

The City of Roland is having an Appreciation Day for retiring city clerk Deneen Frost on Thursday, October 6 at the Community Center on Main Street from 3 to 6 p.m.

This in honor of the 16 dedicated years she has given the city in her position as City Clerk. The public is invited to come and celebrate her service to the community. If you wish to send a card, please send it to City Hall, 202 E. Ash St, Roland, IA 50236.