The outside community piano in downtown Vermillion got a workout on a recent summer day.
First, Mia, who was with Rachel Peters, plunked keys.
A bit later, Adam Gesteland played several songs, saying he stops to play many days per week, en route to or from the city library.
This What's The Frequency show spotlights Vermilliion, which as at least 11,700 residents. This is the first of upcoming Frequency shows on some of the larger towns of Siouxland, where people will talk about what's new and what they may like to see added.
Vermillion was founded along the Missouri River in the 1850's. Much of the downtown was originally built from 1880 to 1942, with some now on historic registries.
Show guests include Vermillion City Councilwoman Julia Hellwege and City Manager John Prescott.
Both said Vermillion has the benefits of a thriving university and also a smaller, tight-knit, community feeling.
"Quality of life has been a priority of the city council," Prescott said. He also said another big project that is nearing completion is a $42 million joint city and Clay County new law enforcement center, after a big bond issue measure passed.
The Main Street Streetscape project covering four downtown blocks and costing more than $3 million was finished about five years ago. That project included wider sidewalks, modern lighting, added trees, landscaping, and makes for an easier place to bike and walk.
"We are revitalizing our downtown, maintaining our city center and expanding to new areas," Hellwege said.
She walks through several downtown blocks, pointing out streetscape highlights. We stopped in at The Bean to chat with a worker, and strolled by such places as XIX (pronounced 19) and Cafe Brule, plus more.
"Carey's bar is still alive and well," Hellwege said.
Also near the end, you can hear me take a stab at playing the downtown corner community piano, although with far less talent and flair than Gesteland.
*Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
What's The Frequency, Episode 74.
