United Way of Jasper County’s speakers series “Voices of Inspiration” will kick off its fall schedule in just over two weeks. Jessica Lowe Vokes is the agency’s Executive Director, and she says she’s very proud of the four speakers they have for the fall. Vokes believes they will be engaging, inspiring, motivating, and informing for those who attend the free event. The four presenters are from the areas of entertainment, publishing, history, and culture. Professional magician and historian William Pack of Chicago opens up the fall schedule on Thursday, September 11th. Newton’s own Bev Klingensmith and her dog Bing, who had a major part in the recently released movie “The Friend”, will be part of “Voices of Inspiration” on September 25th. Nike shoe and fashion designer and publisher Colin Behr, who moved back to Iowa, is the speaker for October 23rd. The final guest for this year’s “Voices of Inspiration” series is “Iowa Scenic Views By Feet” author Tyler Sullivan, who will speak on November 6th. Vokes says she loves to hear people tell their stories, and this speaker series idea came to her a couple of years ago.

“Really the idea is to allow people to come and hear first-hand accounts of things that have happened in history, things that people have learned, and different things people are doing in their lives. I just think there is so much power in that.”

The series will be held on Thursday nights and doors will open at 6 p.m., with free-will admission collected to help continue and grow the speaker series. Seating is first come, first served, with a capacity of 325 people.