Episode 5: Meet the Party People!

Hosts:

Tim Kasparek, Mayor – ⁠⁠tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org⁠

Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – ⁠⁠torris@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ ⁠

Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – ⁠⁠aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ Guests:

Bri Wilkerson, Deputy City Clerk - bwilkerson@tiffin-iowa.org

Ashley Platz, Asst. City Administrator

This week on Tiffin Talk: The Official Podcast of the City of Tiffin, Iowa, Mayor Tim Kasparek and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Orris sit down with two of the City's biggest community champions—Deputy City Clerk Bri Wilkerson and Assistant City Administrator Ashley Platz, better known as members of Tiffin's unofficial event-planning crew, "The Party People."

From the origins of RecFest to the launch of the new Tiffin Summer Socials: Parties in the Park series, Bri and Ashley share how the City is creating opportunities for neighbors to connect, families to make memories, and residents to experience the community spirit that makes Tiffin special.

Learn about upcoming summer events, including live music, food trucks, ice cream socials, movie nights, bingo, and the expanded two-day RecFest celebration. You'll also hear why community events matter, how volunteers can get involved, and how the City is working to preserve Tiffin's small-town feel while continuing to grow.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to town, this episode is packed with exciting ways to get involved, meet your neighbors, and make the most of summer in Tiffin.

Topics include:

• The story behind "The Party People"

• Tiffin Summer Socials: Parties in the Park

• RecFest 2026 updates and new additions

• Building community through local events

• Volunteer opportunities

• Summer fun, food, music, and more

Tune in and discover why summer nights in Tiffin are all about community, connection, and creating memories together.

Full Transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php

🎙️ Tiffin Talk – Episode 4: Building Smarter with the City’s Building Official

Ever wonder when you actually need a building permit—or what really happens during an inspection?

In Episode 4 of Tiffin Talk, we’re joined by Brian Shay, Tiffin’s Building Official, for an inside look at the Building Department and how it impacts everyday projects around town. From decks and basements to fences, sheds, and DIY renovations, Brian breaks down what homeowners need to know before starting a project.

This episode covers:

• Which projects require permits (and which don’t)
• Common DIY mistakes that can cause big problems later
• Why inspections matter more than people realize
• How zoning rules affect what you can build and where
• Real‑world examples and memorable inspection stories

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer, planning your first home project, or just curious about how Tiffin grows safely and smartly, this episode is packed with practical info straight from the source.

👉 Pro tip: When in doubt—call before you build.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to make your next project smoother, safer, and code‑compliant.

FULL TRANSCRIPT can be found at: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php

Episode 3: Spotlight on Service, Stories &Community – Lions Club + Springmier Library

Hosts:
Tim Kasparek, Mayor – ⁠tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org
Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – ⁠torris@tiffin-iowa.org⁠
Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – ⁠aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org⁠

Guests: Liz Petersen Grier, Springmier Library Director - epetersen@tiffin-iowa.org Special Guest: Kevin Swanson, President Clear Creek Lions Club - contact@clearcreeklions.com

In Episode 3 of TiffinTalk, Mayor Tim Kasparek and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Orris shine a light on two pillars of what makes Tiffin such a vibrant, connected place to live: community service and lifelong learning.

First, we sit down with Kevin Swanson, President of the Clear Creek Lions Club. Kevin shares the Lions’ “We Serve” mission, how they support Tiffin through programs like Flags OverTiffin, and what membership looks like for anyone interested in getting more involved. Whether you’ve seen their work around town or are curious about joining a local service organization, this conversation offers a meaningful look at how the Lions bring fun, connection, and volunteer spirit to Tiffin.

Next, we welcome Liz Petersen Grier, Director of the Springmier Community Library. Liz joins us for a lively conversation about the library’s programs, hidden gems,recommended reads, and the role the library plays in supporting curiosity and community for residents of all ages. From quick-fire book questions to behind-the-scenes insights, this segment highlights why the library remains one of Tiffin’s most treasured resources.

We wrap up the episode with a few quick City of Tiffin updates, reminders on where to find information, and what’s coming next. Visit Tiffin-Iowa.org for all your City Information.

Stay connected:
📘 Springmier Community Library: https://www.tiffin.lib.ia.us/
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/springmiercommunitylibrary/ 🦁 Learn more about the Clear Creek Lions Club via their website www.LionsClubs.org or socialpages - Find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579985217844

Want to become a Lions ClubMember? Email: contact@clearcreeklions.com

For more information.

🏛️ City updates: tiffin-iowa.org

If you enjoy hearing the stories and voices shaping Tiffin, be sure to subscribe, follow, and share.

See you next month for Episode 4!

Full Transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tiffin-iowa.org/city_government/tiffintalk_podcast.php