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HONORING DOUG AND JOAN BRUNELL AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Monday, December 20, 2021
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Pastor Doug and Joan Brunell, owners of Uptown Brick & Bell Cafe in Creston, Iowa, as our Iowans of the Week.
Last year, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Doug and his wife, Joan, were driving through some Iowa towns and couldn't help but notice the number of boarded up churches that they were seeing. They saw one in Creston, Iowa, just a few blocks from downtown, and Pastor Doug was interested. When they were able to get a full tour of the property, Pastor Doug was touched. This church needed a purpose, and the folks in Creston were the perfect fit to fill that purpose.
On the Fourth of July, 2021, Pastor Doug and Joan opened the Uptown Brick & Bell Cafe in the basement of the old church. They started with a coffee and espresso machine, while also serving various assortments of ice cream. With the cafe being in the basement of the old church, there is plenty of space for customers and community members to meet for coffee or ice cream.
The basement consists of a large main room, filled with tables, chairs, and even bean bags for customers to enjoy and relax. At the front of the room, you'll see the main counter where customers can order their favorite coffee or espresso drinks or try out the different flavors and styles of ice cream. The space even has an attached kitchen, which has come in handy lately as Pastor Doug and Joan have been expanding the menu of what they are offering their customers. Not only can you stop by for a pick-me-up or a sweet treat, but folks can also stop by for bagels and sandwiches if they are looking for a quick bite.
The cafe also serves the Creston community in other ways. The main sanctuary of the old church is still as functional and beautiful as ever, and it is rented out for services every Sunday. Pastor Doug and Joan also plan to host other community events and organizations, such as CAT (Creston Area Theatre), Iowa Realty Association meetings, arts and craft sessions, and even auctions, among other events.
In a matter of just a few months, Pastor Doug and Joan were able to bring the old church back to life, cultivating an infectious sense of community, togetherness, and support. It's folks like Pastor Doug and Joan who make communities more connected and make towns like Creston a better place to live. Madam Speaker, because of Pastor Doug and Joan's dedication to faith, service, and community, I am so honored to recognize them as this week's Iowans of the Week.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 219
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