Back when I was in school and found myself with a pile of posters or fliers to post around campus – be it for a open mic night, an art opening or a friend’s acting class production – it seemed nearly impossible to find a place these bulletins were welcome. Most bulletin boards on campus were monitored, and if whatever event didn’t have a direct correlation to the university, the posters were usually taken down.

This town, as a whole, seems to embrace nearly the opposite. Everywhere I go, from grabbing coffee in the morning at the Hy-Vee gas station to walking along the square, it seems that these fliers are not only nearly everywhere, but comepletely welcome as well.

They’re for fundraisers, local music and benefits for residents; for dinners, 5Ks and community events. While I’ll admit I’ve been in attendance at merely a handful of such events, I always hear good things – a testament to the generosity of the residents of Newton, both former and present.