[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 219 (Monday, December 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          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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