Jr Aux Participants: Brayla Davis, Kenzie and Bryleigh Bartel, Carlee Smith, Alaney Sienknecht.

Good Morning GMG!

It’s a new day, a new school year, and each of you can make it a great year.

I hope each of you to remember a short 4-letter word this year and choose to be it every day. NICE… Yes, NICE.

How many of you went to the Iowa State Fair?

It’s great isn’t it?

Have you heard the term, “Iowa Nice?” I love that phrase!

Well I missed the Fair because I was in Boston. I go to Boston 3-4 times a year to see my grandsons. I can tell you, I always think Boston is not nice. People don’t seem to be friendly or polite. They are impatient and they are not helpful. But while I was there I read an article by a reporter from the Washington Post; he had gone to our Iowa State Fair and told about how nice the people were. They were “Iowa Nice.” And I got to thinking, if I am “Iowa Nice” in Boston maybe it will rub off a little. You see, being nice is a matter of choice. And when you’re nice to others, they appreciate that. That is how we can spread “Iowa Nice.”

So when I was out on my walks, I said hello to people, I waived at passing cars, and I stopped and talked to people and gave out compliments. It made me feel good and I think those people felt good. During the time I was there, I got to know some of the people and when they saw me, they waived and said “Hi.” Now this may not seem like much but if those folks continue on waiving and saying “Hi” and being nice and it catches on, just think how much nicer the world could be.

Remember, being nice starts with one person- YOU. And YOU. And YOU……

This year be “GMG Nice”- pay attention to your teacher and others, be patient, be polite, use your manners, be helpful, be a friend to everyone. I can’t think of a better way to be a good citizen and American than to be nice to others.

REMEMBER: It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be NICE. GMG Nice, Iowa Nice. And make this a great school year!