Dignitaries - Sturgis Falls Celebration

2010 Dignitaries

2010 Hostess - Sue Stedman

Anyone who has visited the Red “OP” Caboose in Sturgis Park may very well know our hostess, Sue Stedman. Sue was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. After high school, she pursued her dream of teaching at the State College of Iowa, (now UNI), where she majored in Junior High English. As a student, Sue worked with Programmed Learning Materials (PLM). Following her graduation, she accepted a position at Hawkeye Institute of Technology (now HCC). Sue adapted the PLM curriculum for The Learning Center, which helped adults finish their high school degree or prepare for their GED. She felt very fortunate to start with Hawkeye in its infancy.

In her freshman year at the University of Northern Iowa, Sue met the love of her life, Kenneth Stedman (asales representative for Standard Distribution). They later married and had two sons, Joel and Troy. In 1975, Ken and Sue had the opportunity to purchase “The Other Place”, locally known as “The OP”. It has grown to 9 locations throughout Iowa and Kansas. The Stedman’s later built Peppers Grill and Sports Pub, which became Ken’s pride and joy. Ken passed away in 1998. They were married for 35 years. Today, Sue and her sons are very involved in the Stedman family businesses.

Sue has always been a great supporter of the Sturgis Falls Celebration, the City of Cedar Falls, and UNI.When they obtained the Red Caboose for selling pizza at local events, Sue took an active part by waiting on customers and helping manager Greg Kisner. For the business to be successful, Sue says, “it took a group of people!” She continues to love attending the Sturgis Falls Celebration each year.

2010 Grand Marshall - Bill Shephard

Bill’s love of music as a child led to his life-long career -- teaching, and his avocation -- playing trombone. The two was forever intertwined. After graduating from Carrollton High School, Bill earned his BA and MFA degrees in music from Ohio University. He served as high school band director. His high school marching bands were featured at many college football games and presented special half-time programs at professional football games of the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bill moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1976, to direct the marching and symphonic band programs at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). He continues to teach in the School of Music at UNI, where he chairs the General Studies area.

In 2000, Bill was instrumental in starting the local New Horizons Band, a group of men and woman ranging in age from 50 to 80+, who want to start or continue playing a music instrument in a band. Under Bill’s leadership, the group has more than doubled in size since its beginning and has developed a broad repertoire of band music. The group presents several free concerts per year and numerous musical programs for community groups.

Bill's love of Big Band music has always been a part him. He played in the Chuck Bisgrove and Jack Runyan band for many years throughout Ohio and adjacent areas After he moved to Iowa, where there was a lack of groups playing big band music, he started the Bill Shepherd Big Band in 1979. Since then, the band has become the premier Big Band throughout Northeast Iowa. The Bill Shepherd Big Band recorded an LP, “Big Band Sounds,” in 1981 and “Ballroom Memories,” a CD which was released in March 2003.

The Bill Shepherd Combo and Bill Shepherd’s “Red Hots” Dixieland Band, two groups that grew out of the Big Band, frequently perform at both public and private events.Bill also shares his musical talents at church, playing solos and in brass groups for special music programs throughout the year.

2010 Celebrity Marshal - Nancy Price

Nancy Price was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and raised in Detroit. Nancy received her B. A. in English and art from Cornell College in 1946. In 1945 she married Howard J. Thompson, who joined the faculty of the University of Northern Iowa. Their three children, Catherine, John and David, were born in the 1950's. In 1961 Nancy studied with Philip Booth and John Holmes at Tufts University and began to publish her poetry.

In 1964 she received her M. A. from the University of Northern Iowa, completed further graduate coursework at the Writers Workshop, University of Iowa, and taught at U.N. I. until 1968, when she left to write her first novel, A Natural Death, a story of South Carolina life before the Civil War. She continued to write :An Accomplished Woman, Sleeping With the Enemy(In 1991 this book became a Twentieth Century Fox feature film starring Julia Roberts), Night Woman, Bonfire’s Daughter, Snake In the Blackberries, Two Liars and a Bride.

Nancy's latest work, Stolen Away is about a man's journey to find his two year old abused son and the people that have him. His journey's take you from Waterloo/Cedar Falls through Chicago to Northern Michigan and back. Nancy will be having a book signing on Sunday at Sturgis Falls Celebration's Arts and Craft show.

Nancy works half the year in Iowa, the other half near Orlando, Florida. Nancy Price says: "Looking back, I can’t believe that I—a housewife in Cedar Falls, Iowa--saw my poems and short stories appear in magazines, newspapers and books. My novels became best sellers, and have been translated into fifteen foreign languages. A Twentieth Century Fox film starring Julia Roberts was made of my novel SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY. Surely such miracles must encourage every writer who reads this biography."

2010 Cornerstone Award - Martin Bros. Distributing

The Sturgis Falls Celebration is proud to honor Martin Bros. Distributing Co.,Inc. as the recipient of the 2010 Cornerstone Award for contributing to the quality of life in the Cedar Valley. Roy and Glen Martin founded Martin Bros. Distributing in 1940. Beginning with only great determination and a handful of cash, their foundation was strong family values and an emphasis on customer relationships defined by “Legendary Customer Service.” Martin Bros. has grown into a regional, independent foodservice distributor serving Iowa and seven surrounding states. It is still family-owned, having been passed down to Roy’s son John, and is currently led by John’s sons: Brooks Martin, President and Chief Operating Officer; and Jeff Martin, Chief Financial Officer. Family members are also involved in the daily operations of the retail stores located in Cedar Falls and Mason City, as well as sales, distribution and information technology.

In addition to being recognized as a top employer in the community, Martin Bros. also contributes to the quality of life in the Cedar Valley through its support of local organizations and events. Various fundraisers are held throughout the year with employee and corporate donations benefitting local charities. The retail store assists many local schools and organizations in their fundraising efforts as well.

Martin Bros. has been a proud sponsor of the Sturgis Falls Celebration for many years. ”The Sturgis Falls Celebration is a great reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a terrific community. From the smell of fresh kettle corn at the Dixieland Jazz Fest to the smiles on the kids enjoying the carnival rides and the chance to reunite with old friends that come back to town, Sturgis Falls will always hold a special place in our hearts.” ~ John Martin

2010 Poster Artist - John Ashlock

John Ashlock is a returning Sturgis Falls Celebration Artist. He created the artwork for the poster, "Splish Splash" in 2006, and, "Rockin on the River" in 1997 . This year his talent shines through with his artwork for "Simply the Best". John is an experienced graphic design artist providing a wide range of design, prepress and production services since 1989. He has over 20 years of real-world experience in computer and traditional art, illustration, cartooning and graphic design.

John is a 1987 graduate of Cedar Falls High School and a 1989 graduate of Hawkeye Community College, where he received his A. B. in Commercial Art. John and his wife, Lisa are former Cedar Falls residents. They have 3 children, Madison-19, Austin-17 and Jackson-10.

He noted, "I remember when my parents took me down to the Sturgis Falls Celebration. As a kid, I enjoyed especially the music and the rides. Now that I am older, the celebration means more! It is about family, friends and the community coming together. Now I have friends that are members of some of the bands that play in Tourist. So it is nice to reunite with them each year". John currently lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If you would like to see more of John's artwork, visit his website at: www.ashlockart.com

2010 Cedar Falls Representitive Citizen - Dave Deaver

Dave Deaver is the recipient of the 2010 Cedar Falls Representative Citizen Award. Dave is a long-time resident and is well known throughout the community for his remarkable number of leadership roles and lengthy history of involvement in volunteer activities. His broad range of contributions touch every facet of the community; such as, several service clubs, the Cedar Falls Schools, Sartori Hospital, Cedar Falls Public Library, Cedar Falls Community Theatre, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, his church, and his profession. Dave’s service extends beyond Cedar Falls to include the entire Cedar Valley region, where he participates on a number of economic development and community service boards. He is the President of the First National Bank of Cedar Falls. Dave and his wife, Jan, have two grown daughters.