Right now, it’s the money. There is almost a million $$ in the till, in pledges, gifts, and land value. However, six million dollars is needed to bring The ARC to reality. And that means active involvement by individuals, businesses, and governmental entities in the entire Jackson County area. Those big foundations out there won’t even look at us till that happens.

Careful research into the budgets of similar facilities in Anamosa, Cresco, Geneseo, and Princeton has resulted in workable estimates for The ARC. For a detailed accounting, please see further into this newsletter.

Hard to say--but based on the figures from other towns, less than $2.50 a week per person (not per membership).

The Maquoketa Area Foundation is the "parent" of The ARC.

The Maquoketa Area Foundation is a "community foundation": a public charity organized as a vehicle for people to give back to their communities. As a grant-making organization, it is devoted to improving the quality of life of area residents.

The foundation holds and administers a variety of funds, some for specific projects; some for current fundraising projects; plus a number of unrestricted funds providing for a wide array for local programs and initiatives.

The benefit of donating to a fund of the Foundation such as The ARC is seeing your dollars work right here at home. Gifts to Foundation funds are tax-exempt.

It seems that way, because you need to fill out and sign a pledge card and get it back to the MAF office. But hey, you can pick up a pledge card at any bank office in Maquoketa or at the Chamber of Commerce Office or the MAF office, both on Main St., or the Community Center, 506 S. Eliza. Can’t pick one up? Just call the Community Center (652-5292) and all the pledge cards and brochures you want will be mailed to you. (PS: you might want several, maybe to pass over the back fence).

As above, The ARC is a line item of the Maquoketa Area Foundation. . The pledging system of sending in your pledge card to the MAF ensures accurate accounting and the (deductible) tax-exempt status of your gift.

Your tax-deductible gift or pledge can be made many ways, including cash, securities, or real estate; in honor of a person or as a memorial; as a named endowment; or as a deferred gift made through a trust or will.

Naming rights to various rooms, equipment, etc., are available -- AND it will only cost you a million to name the whole facility!

If you are sending in money, please make your check payable to: The Maquoketa Area Foundation/ARC.

The address is:

Maquoketa Area Foundation/ARC

120 ½ South Main St., PO Box 795; Maquoketa

Phone: 563-652-4179; Fax: 563-652-4203;

Email: maf@cis.net

Is there room for expansion?

Yes, indeed. The Goodenow farm ("Llama Farm"), now owned by the City, has plenty of room for future expansion, which might include an outdoor pool to supplant the present pool--whose days are numbered--or athletic fields.

People stated strongly in the original questionnaire about building a recreational/wellness facility: "Don’t build it too small!!" That is the wish of the citizens of the area. Bottom line: the people who give the money will decide what will be built.

Again, the people who give the money will decide. Nobody is planning on a bond issue.

Go visit some other area recreational/wellness facilities and count the number of gray heads in the water and on the walking track; not to mention the "baby boomers" on the bikes, on the courts, and pumping iron!

Call the Maquoketa Community Center at 652-5292, or drop in at 506 S. Eliza St., and leave your name and number and what you’re interested in doing, as a volunteer, and somebody will call you!

Of course (hopefully, up!).

No. You can choose your terms; up to three years is recommended. What is needed urgently right now is your pledge of support.

All dressed up and ready to roll in the Fair Parade, Brad Deery’s red convertible sports The ARC sign, and Bailey the Dog wore a sign that said, "I bark for The ARC". City Manager Brian Wagner drove the car, with passengers Julie and Ben Wagner, and Kaitlyn McCutcheon and Jordan Pierce. David Hayes brought up the rear. Unfortunately, on the line of march Dog Bailey was attacked by a tiny and ferocious "ARC-enemy" dog, who tore her sign. But she soldiered bravely on to the Fairgrounds. Let her be an example to us all: despite any obstacles, we will press forward and complete The ARC project!