Event Proceeds to Benefit Roof Restoration Project

For the past 17 years, Heartland Acres has stood as a pillar of the Independence community, bridging the gap between the past, present, and future of agriculture while hosting a myriad of community events. The center draws thousands of visitors annually, not only enriching their experience with exhibits but also bolstering the local economy through their patronage of nearby businesses.

Despite its significance, Heartland Acres operates independently, devoid of state or city tax dollars. Instead, its sustainability relies on charitable donations, revenue generated from its event center, and collaborative endeavors with charitable partners like Independence BrewBQ.

However, the aging roof over the museum poses a pressing challenge. With each passing day, the need for restoration becomes more urgent. This critical project comes with a hefty price tag of over $170,000—a sum that surpasses the center’s current financial capacity. As of May 1, approximately $60,000 has been raised.

Securing grants for this endeavor proves challenging, as the roof replacement is categorized as maintenance rather than a capital improvement. Nevertheless, Heartland Acres remains resolute in its commitment to preserving its legacy.

Independence BrewBQ will dedicate proceeds from this year’s event to the Heartland Acres Agribition Center roof restoration project. This support will not only ensure the structural integrity of the facility but also safeguard its role as a community cornerstone.

“I am beyond grateful that Independence BrewBQ has chosen to work with
Heartland Acres for their 2024 event. Like the Heartland campus, this event brings droves of
people to our community each year. The board members are excited to have some fun while
helping raise money for our extensive project. We’re looking forward to creating a more
permanent solution for the exterior of the building so that we can preserve current our exhibits
and shift our focus to adding new features to the campus to continue telling the story of
agriculture, past, present, and future for years to come.” – Travis Smock, Heartland Acres board member.

Make sure to join us on Saturday, August 24 at Riverwalk Parks for a great time and to help us make a difference! Entrance into the event is free and open to the public. Stop down to purchase some delicious BBQ and beverages while enjoying live music. There is also the option to purchase tickets into our Craft Brew Zone tasting area. Click here for more information about the Craft Brew Zone.

Content written and provided by Cedar Valley Hospice.

With the flick of her heel and the sounds of 30s and 40s music in her ears, Doreen Stirm was dancing again.

The smile on her face meant she was instantly transported back to when she was a little girl, putting on her tap shoes and letting the music move her body. Although this time she wasn’t upright, the feeling inspired giggles as her daughter’s eyes brimmed with love.

“It was a wonderful gift from Cedar Valley Hospice,” said daughter and part-time caretaker Angie Reuter. “She has always loved to dance.”

To help 94-year-old Doreen re-live “the magic,” Cedar Valley Hospice Music Therapist Rachel Johnson came up with the perfect plan. She took some taps she had at her home from her own daughter’s dance classes and glued the taps onto Doreen’s favorite pair of blue slippers. Of course, the living room stage wouldn’t be complete without Doreen’s old tap board she had saved from all those years ago.

“It was like Christmas morning,” said Rachel. “Her eyes lit up. I don’t think she ever thought she would be able to do that again. She was so happy.”

Doreen was practically born into a passion for music. Her grandfather was a singer in Washington D.C., where she grew up, and her mother, Anne, played the piano…daily.

“Every morning, I would wake up to the sound of Country Gardens,” she said. “And we would sing together all the time.”

It was only natural that she join a dance class. She studied tap and point ballet through high school. In the evenings, her mother used to take her to the theatre where they always sat in the first or second row to see the “guys play in the band.” Saturday nights were Lawrence Welk nights. “Of course, I knew all the songs for that too,” she said grinning.

Months before she died, she sat in her recliner, her piano is only 5 feet away, still with sheet music on its stand, but unable to play it. Macular degeneration caused her to barely be able to see, and her body is slowly declined.

“You’d think after all those years of playing, I would have memorized at least one song, so I could play it,” she smiles shaking her head.

That’s why helping her dream or “bucket list” goal become a reality was so important, said Rachel, Cedar Valley Hospice Music Therapist.

“She is such an active participant in our music therapy,” added Rachel. “For music therapy, the most important thing is to meet patient goals. Her goal was to be able to tap again. When I brought her the slippers, it was such a joyful moment for her…I think for a little bit she forgot she was 90 and dealing with her health.”

“As I look back, I have a lot to be thankful for. Sometimes life isn’t easy, but it can be cheerful if you make it,” Doreen added. “Every time I see the sun shine, I’m so happy for that.”

Cedar Valley Hospice is the Independence BrewBQ official 2023 charity partner. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit their programing in Buchanan County!