A Treasure in Shenandoah Iowa

Some knowledge is taken for granted. Some knowledge is so essential yet simple that it often needs to be reminded by even a simple voice in a noisy world. Such is the case just last week. Often, we in southwest Iowa feel isolated and cut off from opportunity and those activities that make city life look exciting. I was reminded just last week of a treasure that we have right here in Shenandoah. A treasure that I also grew up with in the Isolated Nebraska town of Avoca and even Nebraska City. The treasure is – isolation.

Don't get me wrong. This is not some dark dismal rendition of some kind of grandeur of being away from the more populated world. I only want to expound on one aspect of the isolation that we have - yet take for granted. Are there things to learn and remember from living in an area with exponentially less traffic? Are there good things that come from living in an area where most people still don't lock their doors? Is there a softer sense of safety when our children go on their walkabouts? Consider these things and then consider the future.

I remember when I lived out in the country in Avoca, Nebraska. We were trailer house tenants on a farmstead that had lots of crops and lots of cows. I remember that maybe four or five times a year we'd wake up to cows in our yard because they escaped the fencing somehow. It was interesting running to the car while dodging the landmines left by our guests. We didn't lock the door because there was no need to. There was nearby vegetation to go exploring in and there was a hay barn just up the hill where my brother and I used to play and jump on the huge rounds. These are memories that, now looking back, contributed to my entire makeup today. It fostered courage and curiosity. It also allowed the principle of self reliance and endurance to prevail.

Avoca is home of the Quack Off!

Being in a trailer house on a farm was brutal during the winter. I remember the pipes freezing up every year and the only true warm room in the house was the bathroom which was located right next to the furnace. It served as a family room because we brought in the little black and white television (with tin foil for reception of course). I remember us having to bring the dishes into the bathtub to be washed. Also, don't even get me started on the toilet. That was an indulgence that we may now sit comfortably and read the paper but at that time our system of family restroom turns was extremely disgusting. Remember, no plumbing and frozen water lines. You do the math and use your imagination. Yet – it was a memory that contributed to who I am today.

I loved walking a half mile to the small town of Avoca and walking the streets having fun with friends. My brother and I often went to the small laundromat to play Space Invaders. It was one of two video games there. I loved and continue to cherish my memories of my school there. Though not used as a school no more, and old and musty, it still bears memories good and bad for many past students. These too contributed to my being today.

In Nebraska City I enjoyed the liberty of walking the streets. It was safe as far as I allowed it to be in my rebellious years. We did lock our doors more but the town was just small enough to enjoy the privilege of walk and curiosity – with an added touch of trouble I might add. Still, these added to who I am.

Nebraska City is the home of Arbor Lodge.

Shenandoah is no different for our children. I often hear them scourge at the lack of things to do and their desire to go to the big city. However, what they don't realize now is that fifteen or twenty years down the road they will look back with gratitude of the latitude and liberties they had. These freedoms were dependent largely because of being in a smaller city in a greater rural area.

This is the treasure which we have here. In order to retain the fond memories for our youth of the nature of Shenandoah we need to give them things to enjoy and to create their own environment in. We do have a great many activities and places to visit here. Our rising generation have many local generosities of a wide variety of scholarships to partake of. Yet there is always more that can be done.

Take a drive down Shenandoah!

I submit that we need to continue striving toward community involvement and interaction. Acquiring the sense and knowledge that you are part of something larger is fulfilling and encourages happiness. I believe that there should be greater dialogue between the public and the officials they elect. Through this, perhaps we can expand the activities available so as to further inspire and interest all kids across the diverse spectrum here in Shenandoah.

Our “isolation” is a gift which we can benefit from immensely. It's an opportunity to create opportunity in a community ripe with talent and occasion to serve one another. All this is made possible by the blood and courage of the United States military past, present and future. They continue, as they always have, to protect those simple things in life that we take for granted yet reap the benefits from down the road.

Honor our defenders, honor our rising generation, honor citizenship and honor the memories of Shenandoah. Always be engaged in a good cause. Let's roll up our sleeves for the betterment of this community.