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Bells are repaired

Fusebox Marketing on November 16, 2020

Six bells of the carillon have not been ringing due to storm damage late this summer. With these bells placed on the outer edge of the framework, a large crane was needed for the Verdin Bell Company technicians to reach them. This work was completed on Nov. 12 – 13. Now the full carillon of 4 octaves is in great condition and ready for the holidays.

Bill Monroe continues to change out the music for carillon to play digitally with several songs after each hour. The Westminister Chimes also play each quarter hour and ring out the hour.

October Hours at Tower

Fusebox Marketing on October 2, 2020

During the month of October, the Mahanay Bell Tower will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The bells continue to chime each quarter hour and play several songs after each hour. The observation deck is reached by elevator. Covid -19 precautions have been implemented for the safety of our visitors and staff. Masks are required to enter the Tower and limited numbers in the observation deck at a time. The staff is delighted to explain more about the Tower right outside the entrance door on the Bell Tower Plaza.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit the Mahanay Bell Tower. The colors in the downtown and surrounding rural area are breathtaking! Visitors of all ages enjoy viewing the peaceful landscape while listening to the four octave carillon throughout the day.

Tours are also available by appointment by calling the Jefferson Matters: Main Street & Chamber at 515-386-2155.

Youth 18 & under are free courtesy of the Greene County School Foundation! Adults are $3.

Mahanay Bell Tower 54th Birthday Concert

Peg Raney on October 1, 2020

The community will enjoy a live concert to celebrate the 54th birthday of the dedication of the Mahanay Bell Tower on Friday, October 16 from 5 – 6 p.m.  Four local musicians will play 15 minutes each with a variety of tunes.  The Tower Tunes Live Concert will be shared as a Facebook Live event on the Mahanay Bell Tower’s Facebook page.  For those listening in person on the square, the Bell Tower Community Foundation Board will be passing out 54 Ding Dong treats along with a penny that could be used in the penny press souvenir machine located in the Bell Tower lobby.

The Mahanay Bell Tower has moved to October hours open each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Those wanting to make an appointment for a tour at other times can call Jefferson Matters: Main Street & Chamber at 515-386-2155.

Tower Tunes Live concerts on Memorial Day Weekend

Fusebox Marketing on May 16, 2020

The Bell Tower Community Foundation has scheduled special Tower Tunes Live concerts for Memorial Day weekend. A variety of patriotic songs and hymns will be played by three musicians over the weekend to celebrate this important holiday.  

Wendy VanderLinden will play on Saturday, May 23 from 12:15 – 12:30 p.m.  Yvette Bardole will play on Sunday, May 24 from 12:15 – 12:30 p.m.  Rick Morain will play on Memorial Day, May 25 from 12:15 – 12:30 p.m. with this concert offered on Facebook Live. 

At this time, the Mahanay Carillon Tower is not open to the public for tours but the community can still enjoy the music of the bells.  The bells continue to play each hour digitally with the Westminster Chimes at each quarter hour.  The four octave carillon also plays several selections after each hour.  

Other special Tower Tunes Live concerts for the summer are being planned.  The Chews Jefferson concerts every Wednesday in June and July will also take place.  

Please check the Mahanay Bell Tower website at www.mahanaybelltower.org or the Facebook page for info on the Tower.   

The Bell Tower Foundation oversees the staffing and marketing of the Mahanay Bell Tower through the partnership with the Greene County Supervisors and City of Jefferson.  Board members include Carole Custer, Peg Raney, Jean Feldmann, Nancy Gerken, Wendy VanderLinden, Don Van Gilder, Tim Christiansen, Bob Schwarzkopf, Pete Bardole and Pat Richards.  

Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Tower

Peg Raney on November 16, 2019

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to visit with children after the community tree lighting on Thursday, December 5 from 6:45 – 7:30 pm.  There is no admission fee.  Children and their families will ride the elevator to the observation deck where Santa & Mrs. Claus will speak with them.