Caldwell praised for her work on alley

If you walk down the Newton alley that runs between Maid-Rite and the law firm of Caldwell, Brierly, Chalupa & Nuzum this month, you’ll see many different colors.

Those colors are the result of much hard work and dedication from Margaret Caldwell.

Caldwell, whose husband, Randy, is a member of the law firm, has spent many hours maintaining a colorful set of flower beds that bring life and character to the First Avenue West section of downtown Newton. Since retiring from the Newton Community School District about 14 months ago, Caldwell has been able to keep these vibrant islands going, even with all the vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the area.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” Caldwell said. “(City of Newton Parks Administrative Superintendent) Nathan Unsworth said he was looking for someone to take care of these beds, and I’m someone with an interest in this sort of thing.”

Creating and nurturing artistic items like flower beds is nothing new to Caldwell. Toward the end of her teaching career, Caldwell was an art teacher with Newton Schools, and her personal artwork has been displayed publicly, including at the Iowa Sculpture Festival, held in June in Newton.

Caldwell said she’s also one of a growing number of Jasper County residents interested in the resurgence of pollinators that keep certain food-bearing plants in proliferation. She has milkweed, which attracts pollen-transferring butterflies and bees, planted alongside colorful flowers.

“It’s brought up a lot of conversations that I didn’t have before,” Caldwell said. “Even Dan (Holtkamp, the co-owner of the Maid-Rite franchise, known as Dan’s Sandwich Shop) asked me if he could have some milkweed seeds to plant his own.”

Caldwell said she was happy to help provide a pollinator habitat in a place where it isn’t in the way.

Newton Main Street Director Andrew Bassman said Caldwell’s dedication to the project is exactly the type of individual effort needed to help revitalize central Newton.

“The time and skill Ms. Caldwell has devoted to the alleyway is simply awesome. Individuals taking the initiative and showing pride in the downtown is absolutely what we need to help us reach our revitalization goals,” Bassman said. “On behalf of Newton Main Street, we would like to thank Ms. Caldwell for her fabulous work and outstanding effort.”

Marilyn Terlouw, a member of the Main Street Design Committee, said it’s important to recognize something positive about a citizen who takes pride in the community and is making a difference.

“This same alley had publicity about how awful it looked, and the lack of care,” Terlouw said. “Look at it now. I was stunned to walk by and see the most beautiful alley in Newton. Positive change is always good.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com