Like a Local – Michael Halley
Michael Halley has lived in Fairfield since 1993 when he came to attend the local university. He co-founded Natural Selections in 1995 and in 2007 he began working at Danaher Oil Company. Since then he’s served with Live on the Square, Volunteer Center, Jefferson County Wellness Action Coalition, Go-Green Commission, Cultural Alliance, Chamber of Commerce, and is the 4th Ward representative on the Fairfield City Council.
What do you like to do with your kids on the weekend?
My kids and I like to visit Noah’s Ark animal shelter most Saturday afternoons to play with the cats and walk the dogs, and we often go to the library to chill out with a good book. We play at the parks and ride our scooters when it’s warm and go sledding and build forts when it snows. They like to eat at their favorite restaurants every week, some of which are so reasonably priced it’s easier to go out than to cook at home.
Do you have a favorite outdoor activity? Indoor activity?
In the warmer months I enjoy triathlon training: swimming in our public lake, running and biking on our scenic trails. When things cool down I go indoors to play basketball, floor hockey, and my newest passion – dance. There are nearly infinite opportunities for fun physical activities and self-expression that it’s easy to wish you had more time in the week to do it all.
How did you get involved in the local dance scene?
I watched a performance in the Sondheim Center of local dancers of varying experience and thought it looked like fun. With no formal dance training I enrolled in ballet class at Fairfield Art of Dance studio and started working on a contemporary partner dance with the studio owner. After just two months I found myself on stage dancing for hundreds of people, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback fueled my desire to improve my technique and continue to perform. I’ve been on the Sondheim stage many times since that first night and I plan to be there many times in the future. Dance is a beautiful combination of fitness and artistic expression, once you start it’s easy to get hooked.
How will you start your Friday night?
My Friday nights usually start with my show on our community radio station, KRUUFM. A buddy of mine started an alternative music show 5 years ago that runs from 8-9 every Friday night and he and I have been playing tunes and telling bad jokes ever since. It’s a great way to unwind from the work week and share some great music with our community, and with the world thanks to online streaming.
What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Fairfield (this weekend or in general)?
If it’s summertime you have to try the soft-serve Radiance Dairy ice cream at Everybody’s whole foods store – it’s really unlike anything you’ve ever tried. Any time of year it’s always fun to see a show at the Sondheim Center. You might see some of our amazing local talent or some world-class traveling show. Either way you will be delighted and thoroughly entertained.
If you’re having a date night, what romantic spot will you go to and what will you order?
Lately I’ve enjoyed romantic dinners at Top of the Rock. The classy Mediterranean atmosphere and great food make it ideal for a special night out. Their artichoke dip appetizer is so good, and I think I’ve sampled all of their regular desserts and can vouch that each one is as delicious as the next.
What’s Fairfield’s best-kept secret?
Fairfield’s best kept secret is definitely our people. Our community has a naturally open, inviting vibe that allows people to relax and be themselves. As soon as I visited Fairfield I knew it’s where I wanted to be more than anywhere else in the world, and I’ve called it home ever since. Even people who visit on occasion talk about how FF feels like a second home. We really are one big (mostly) happy family, and we love meeting new people!
Tags: fairfield ia, Fairfield Iowa
