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Faces Of Waukee: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, Vero Chiropractic

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Tell us a little about your story.

After living in six states while growing up, my family finally settled in Ames.  I have eight brothers and sisters, and we were always competing to be the best. When I went to chiropractic school and heard about neurologically-based care, I knew I had to go the extra mile to become certified. I am so glad to be back in Central Iowa, as there is no better place to live and raise a family.

What is it that you do and how does it set you apart from your competitors?

We practice what is called Neurologically Based Chiropractic Care. Instead of working on the muscles and bones like a traditional chiropractic office, we focus on the nervous system, as your brain and spinal cord control your entire body. We have clients who travel five hours one way just to come to our office because our approach is so unique and effective.

What made you want to practice on the west side?

My wife and I knew when we decided to come back to Iowa that there was nowhere else we wanted to live, open a business and grow our family than the west side of Des Moines.

Can you tell us a little about your family?

My wife, Megan, and I met in high school. We’ve been married four years now and have a two-year-old named Brecken.

What types of services do you provide at Vero Chiropractic?

We love seeing people who have tried every other approach to improve their health and come to us as a last resort. We offer a very detailed and unique neurological method to not only help people in the short term but also create a life-lasting impact.

Meet the Waukee Mayor and City Council

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The City of Waukee uses the Mayor-Council form of government, which includes a mayor and an at-large city council comprised of five members, all with overlapping four-year terms of office. The Waukee City Council is responsible for the legislative function and overall vision of the City, which includes reviewing and approving the annual budget and City tax levy, ordering the construction of capital improvements, authorizing contracts, approving rezoning requests and more. The Waukee Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City, presiding over council meetings and signing or vetoing any action taken by the council. The mayor also represents the City as a member of many regional boards or at special events.

Learn more about the City of Waukee’s elected officials!

Mayor William F. “Bill” Peard

Mayor Bill Peard served two terms as a Waukee City Councilmember prior to becoming mayor in 2006; he is currently serving his fourth term in that role. He and his wife Lin
da have lived in Waukee for nearly 25 years, and he says they have enjoyed raising their two sons in such an amazing community. Mayor Peard holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is the Executive Vice President of the Iowa Cable and Telecommunications Association. He presently serves on the boards of the Waukee Leadership Institute (which he co-founded), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) policy committee, the Metropolitan Advisory Council (MAC), the Iowa Public Information Board and Bravo Greater Des Moines. He can be found at nearly all City of Waukee functions—be sure to wave as he rides through the Fourth of July parade, lights the WinterFest tree, and more!

Councilmember Anna Bergman

Anna Bergman is a Waukee native and graduate. Her immediate family members still live in Waukee, and she resides in “Original Waukee” with her three dogs. Anna graduated from Drake University with a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration. She is an attorney and Director of Legal and Policy Services at the Iowa Association of School Boards. She owns a local horseback riding business as well – Bergman Riding Academy. Anna serves on the board for the Rotary Club of Waukee, the Waukee Area Historical Society and as board liaison to the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the inaugural board for Drew’s Crew, a non-profit that serves at-risk youth. She was a member of the Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2017 and earned the President’s Award for leading the class on the Waukee Veterans Memorial project. Anna is a youth mentor with Community Youth Concepts and a volunteer with the Iowa Mock Trial Association & American Mock Trial Association.

Councilmember Charlie Bottenberg

Charlie Bottenberg has resided in Waukee with his wife and three children for more than a decade. He was appointed to the City Council in January 2017 and was elected to a new term in November’s election. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology from Drake University, an MBA from Iowa State University and a law degree from Drake University Law School. He operates a law firm in Waukee. Charlie served as Board Chair of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and on several other non-profit boards in the Waukee area. He says he enjoys working with his fellow Councilmembers to ensure Waukee maintains its hometown feel while also attracting new jobs and adding new amenities to the City.

Councilmember Courtney Clarke

Courtney Clarke was elected to her first term on the Waukee City Council during the November 2017 election. She, her husband and their four children moved to Waukee in 2009 because they were looking for a true “community” in which to raise their family. Courtney has earned bachelor’s degrees in business management, international business and French from Iowa State University. She is a member of the management team at an institutional investment firm where she oversees all business development and strategic planning efforts. Courtney is a governor-appointed board member of the Iowa Child Advocacy Board and a team leader for Love Lunches, a non-profit group that provides lunches to children and families over the summers. She looks forward to helping guide the City of Waukee toward solidifying a unique identity in the Des Moines Metro.

Councilmember Shelly Hughes

Shelly Hughes has served on the Waukee City Council since 2012. She has lived in Waukee for eight years with her husband Brian and their two sons. The couple chose to move to Waukee from out of state because they knew they wanted to raise their children in Iowa, and they found the best schools and best hometown potential in Waukee. Shelly studied communications and broadcast journalism in college. She operates 123, Eyes On Me Photography and also serves on the Metro Advisory Council, the Dallas County Housing Trust Board and as a key planner for BACooN Sizzles Waukee. Shelly volunteers at her sons’ schools, at her church and with various other charitable organizations. Her dreams for the community are to grow in a responsible way to broaden the commercial tax base, job options and amenities for citizens.

Councilmember Larry Lyon

Larry Lyon served a Waukee City Council term from 1998-2000 and is back in action for his second term. Between the two terms, he served for 11 years on the Waukee Community School District Board of Education. A resident of Waukee for more than 20 years, he and his wife Lori enjoyed raising their three sons here. Larry graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in business and communications. He started his businesses, Remodelworks! and Mr. Fix-It, in Waukee more than 20 years ago, and they are still going strong. Larry was the co-founder of the Waukee Leadership Institute, and he has been involved with the Dallas County Compensation Board and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. His hope for the City of Waukee is to provide staff with the tools needed to deliver excellent service and to foster innovation within the community.

Regular city council meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Waukee City Hall. Work sessions are often held on off-weeks so that elected officials and City staff can discuss current projects and issues in detail. Elected officials also hold annual goal-setting workshops to set legislative and administrative priorities for the City over the next year.

Have a question for the elected officials?
Email CouncilMembers@Waukee.org to reach all of them at once. A full directory of contact information can be found at www.Waukee.org.

Under Construction: Waukee Marketplace and The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing

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By Kellyn Pappas

It would be the understatement of the year to say there’s construction going on in Waukee.  You can’t drive a city block, it seems, without encountering a new development taking shape.  One of these, currently under construction north of Hickman Road and west of the Waukee Hy-Vee, will eventually be known as The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing.

Construction began on the 7,150-square-foot retail and restaurant space this past fall.  Divided into five bays, with a drive-through available at one end, the center is scheduled to be finished in the spring of 2018.  The popular Tex-Mex eatery Panchero’s is among the businesses who have signed leases for the space, according to Aimee Staudt, Vice President and Director of Development at Knapp Properties, who is the developer and listing broker for the Shoppes.

“We anticipate a mix of franchise and small, independent businesses,” said Staudt.

Just over 50 percent of the center is currently leased or in lease negotiations at the time of writing, so interested businesses may still have time to snag a spot for themselves.

To help manage the traffic flow, there are plans for the eventual creation of a signalized intersection along Hickman Road, directly to the south of The Shoppes.  There will also be plenty of parking space to support the center, with 64 parking stalls planned for the development.

Across the street, on the southwest corner of Hickman Road and Alice’s Road, progress is being made on another large development.  The Waukee Marketplace sits on approximately 12 acres and will encompass 55,000 square feet across eight buildings, with room for nine to 12 businesses.  According to Richie Hurd, Vice President at Hurd Real Estate Services, who is developing the site, automotive retailer AutoZone and ever-popular coffee chain Starbucks are both set to move into the development.  Site plans for the buildings that will house those two businesses have been approved by the City of Waukee, and both buildings are currently under construction, according to Brad Deets, Development Services Director for the City.  Construction on those is set to finish in the spring of 2018.

There is still space available at Waukee Marketplace for lease or build-to-suit.  The dates for finished construction on the rest of the center will vary.  The majority of the remaining square footage will be spread across six free-standing buildings.  There’s also space available in a proposed multi-tenant building and a 2,300-square-foot end cap that is available next to Starbucks.

Hurd commented that, like The Shoppes, Waukee Marketplace will consist mostly of nationally branded businesses, but a handful of local businesses will be featured as well.  There are 475 parking stalls planned across the site to accommodate what will surely be a busy area.

Given the prime location and the high traffic volume near both of these developments, the remaining spaces at both sites will likely be snapped up quite quickly.

New Year, New Programs at Your Library

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By Leah White

The Waukee Public Library is kicking off the new year by offering a variety of new and exciting programs and classes for all ages! Stop by the library or visit our website for a full list of upcoming events.

LOCAL HISTORY SERIES

Our popular year-long Local History Series is back for 2018! In partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society, the Waukee Public Library will be offering nine unique history presentations. All programs will be at the Waukee Public Library.

One-Room Country Schools in Dallas County
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, Feb. 4 – 1:00 p.m.
Iowa’s Misbehaving Women
Presented by Author Cheryl Mullenbach
Sunday, Mar. 25 – 1:00 p.m.
All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Presented by Richard Chapman, President of AAGPBL
Sunday, Apr. 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Interurban Railroad – Perry to Des Moines
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, May 6 – 1:00 p.m.
Nile Kinnick, Hal Manders & Bob Feller of Dallas County
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, Aug. 5 – 1:00 p.m.
Jack Trice – ISU Football
Presented by Bradley Kuennen, Iowa State Archivist
Sunday, Sept. 9 – 1:00 p.m.
Shuler Coal Mine
Presented by Bruno Andreini
Sunday, Oct. 7 – 1:00 p.m.
Iowa Connection World War I
Presented by Fort Des Moines Education
Sunday, Nov. 11 – 1:00 p.m.

 

UPCOMING ADULT PROGRAMS

Helping Hands: Valentine’s Day Cards
Jan. 2 through Feb. 12

Drop by the library to make a Valentine’s Card for residents of an area senior living center. Help us make enough cards so that each resident receives a one-of-a-kind handmade card to show that their community loves them. All supplies will be provided.
Afternoon Book Club: “Alias Grace” by Margaret Atwood
Thursday, Jan. 4 – 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
Bird-Watching Basics
Sunday, Jan. 14 – 1:00 p.m.

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to connect with nature? Come learn the basics to identifying birds. Dallas County Board naturalist Mike Havlik will guide you through field marks, behavior and calls to help take the mystery out of backyard birds. We will also take a trip outdoors to look for live birds at the library.
Books on Tap: “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend” by Katarina Bivald
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – 6:00 P.M.

Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
Yoga
Friday, JAN. 19 – 10:00 a.m.

Take time to breathe, move, stretch and relax in this beginners’ yoga class. This class is scheduled on the same day and time as our Snow Much Yoga Fun kids’ event with parents’ needs in mind! (However, any adult may attend.) Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Crafternoon
Saturday, Jan. 27 – 2:00 p.m.

Adults need crafty time, too! Get together with your friends and neighbors to have some crafty fun creating one craft. All supplies will be provided by the library. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Afternoon Book Club: “Major Pettigrew’s Land Stand” by Helen Simonson
Thursday, Feb. 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
Won’t Chew Be My Valentine
Thursday, Feb. 1 – 6:00 p.m.

No matter what you’re planning for Valentine’s Day this year, nothing says “I love you” like delicious and decadent desserts. We’ve rounded up three sweet treats that will make your heart melt! Whether you’re single or taken, enjoy these easy-to-make desserts with your sweetheart or pals this Valentine’s Day. Samples will be served! Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Craft Workshop: Heart-Felt Needle Felting
Sunday, Feb. 11 – 1:30 p.m.

Discover the pure magic of needle-felting! In this beginner’s class, we will make a sweet little penguin holding a heart. You won’t believe how easy felting really is–no sewing or patterns involved! No prior experience required. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Books on Tap: “My Lady Jane” by Cynthia Hand
Tuesday, Feb. 20 – 6:00 P.M.

Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
A Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Photography
Saturday, Feb. 24 – 2:00 p.m.

Come learn the ins and outs of wildlife photography! Dallas county resident and national magazine editor Marlen Kemmet has worked for years photographing Central Iowa and several national parks. Get tips and techniques aimed at making you a better wildlife photographer. Afterwards, attendees are encouraged to practice their new skills on library grounds and around the Waukee area for a chance to have their pictures featured on the library’s Facebook page! Submissions may be sent to: AskMe@waukee.org

 

UPCOMING KIDS’ PROGRAMS

Sensory Playtime
Friday, Jan. 5 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

Stay as little or as long as you wish to explore different interactive sensory stations each month with your child. Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Jedi Training
Saturday, Jan. 6 – 10:00 a.m.

Young Padawans (K-5th grade) are challenged to attend a Jedi Training Session at the library. Construct your own droid, take down Storm Troopers, make Jabba slime, meet R2D2 and more! A light snack will be provided. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Dallas County Conservation
Friday, Jan. 12 -10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to Critter Cindy from Dallas County Conservation for stories and activities to learn more about the natural world around us. No registration required.
Brick Builders
Saturday, Jan. 13  from 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to join teen volunteers to play with the library’s LEGOs and complete optional engineering challenges. No registration required.
Songs & Stories
Saturday, Jan. 13 – 9:30 a.m.

Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians. No registration required.
Snow Much Yoga Fun
Friday, Jan. 19 from 10:00 – 10:40 a.m.

Join best-selling local author Sara J. Weis of “Go Go Yoga for Kids: the Complete Guide of Using Yoga with Kids” for a fun and engaging yoga class for 3-6 year olds. We will have fun celebrating the winter season with yoga poses, games, stories and snowballs. Bring a beach towel or yoga mat. *There is an adult yoga class for adult caregivers paired at the same time as this event. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
S.T.E.M. Lit with Iowa State Extension – Super Sled
Thursday, Jan. 25 – 4:30 p.m.

Kids in grades K-5 are invited to hear a story about a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topic followed by a related experiment. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Sensory Playtime
Friday, Feb. 2 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

Stay as little or as long as you wish to explore different interactive sensory stations each month with your child. Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Decorate a Valentine Box
Saturday, Feb. 3 – 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Students in K-5 are welcome to design their own boxes for upcoming Valentine’s Day parties. All boxes and decorating supplies are provided.  Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Dallas County Conservation
Friday, Feb. 9 -10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to Critter Cindy from Dallas County Conservation for stories and activities to learn more about the natural world around us. No registration required.
Brick Builders
Saturday, Feb. 10  from 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to join teen volunteers to play with the library’s LEGOs and complete optional engineering challenges. No registration required.
Songs & Stories
Saturday, Feb. 10 – 9:30 a.m.

Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians. No registration required.
Dr. Mayank K. Kothari S.T.E.A.M. Expo
Saturday, Feb. 24 – 10:00 a.m.

Families with children in grades K+ are invited to a morning of exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) at the library. A generous donation has been made in memory of Dr. Mayank K. Kothari to increase the number of kits in our STEAM Library. Hear a presentation about the new STEAM kits followed by the opportunity to see each kit in action. Kits will be available for check-out the Monday after the event. No registration required.

To find out more about the Waukee Public Library, visit www.waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact the us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.

Publisher Note: January / February 2018

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The holidays are behind us, and a new year is here. So what happens now? Well, many Waukee area residents will make resolutions. A quick Internet search on popular resolutions led me to an NBC news story on the matter. It revealed that in 2017, the most popular resolutions involved getting healthier, getting more organized, living life to the fullest, learning new hobbies, spending less and/or saving more, traveling more and reading more.

Last year, I publicly shared my resolution to get healthier and lose weight. I turned 40 in 2017, and I knew getting healthier was going to be more difficult at this age than when I was younger. I started with the Paleo Diet. That didn’t last, but I did stick to living a healthier lifestyle in general. I ate less food overall and made healthier food choices. I cut soda out of my diet, even though I do enjoy an occasional Cherry Coke. I rode my bicycle more often, riding 75 miles at Waukee’s Baccoon Ride, and even riding on RAGBRAI for the first time. In doing these things, I found I enjoyed life much more, and in the process, I lost 35 pounds—not bad for a 40-year-old man.

So now 2018 is upon us. I will keep the same healthier habits I adopted in 2017, but what else do I want to do in 2018? Well, I want to continue working to make our community better, be successful personally and find personal happiness and contentment with what I have. I also want to try new things. In 2017, I was invited to have sushi with friends. I’d never really liked sushi, only having it a few times in my life. I went and was amazed at how good it was. I loved it. Now, one of my favorite places to hang out in Waukee/West Des Moines is Wasabi. What a great restaurant with phenomenal food, a great environment, friendly staff, and a fabulous outdoor patio during the warmer months. As you flip through this issue, you can learn more about Wasabi owner Jay Wang in our Faces of Waukee profile.

In 2018, I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. Here’s to making 2018 the best year yet for ourselves, our families and our community.

Des Moines Area 2017 Holiday Lights Guide

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The holiday season is officially in full-swing and that means it’s time to get in the spirit! There is no better way to do that, then to load up the family in the car, grab some hot cocoa, turn-up the volume on some holiday tunes and take in holiday light displays!

We’ve compiled a list of the must-see displays in the greater Des Moines area!

 

Beaverdale

When: Now – December 31st
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: FREE

 

Jolly Holiday Lights

When: Now – January 1st; Closed December 24th & 25th
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $20/car

 

Gingerbread Lane

When: Now – January 1st
Time: 5:30 to 10:00 pm.
Cost: FREE

 

Historic Valley Junction

When: Now – December 31st
Time: 5:00 pm to Midnight.
Cost: FREE

 

What is your favorite spot to see holiday lights this time of year?

If you are looking for more light displays to visit this year, check out this guide to holiday lights in Des Moines!

Businesses Doing Good In The Neighborhood

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With the holiday season approaching, we wanted to give recognition to some of our neighborhood businesses and organizations doing good for others in our community.

Our community is what makes Waukee stand apart from the rest, so companies serving our people shouldn’t go unnoticed. Join us in giving a slow clap to these businesses and organizations!

Courage League Sports

Courage League Sports is a non-profit adaptive sports and recreational facility that offers year-round programming for children and adults who aren’t able to go full speed due to a physical, cognitive or emotional disability. (You can read our past story on Courage League Sports here.)

Make-A-Wish® Iowa

Make-A-Wish® Iowa grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in an effort to change the lives of the kids served and their families.

Be sure to check-out the upcoming events Tour de Lights and Jolly Holiday Lights to bring in the holiday season and help support this amazing organization.

Service Legends Heating & Cooling

Service Legends is a residential heating and cooling company in Des Moines, Iowa who provides heating systems in the winter to those in need (many times for free).

AHeinz 57

AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport is a foster-based rescue organization committed to saving homeless animals and providing them comfort. (You can read our past story on aAHeinz 57 here!)

Kids Living Brave

Kids Living Brave supports kids in Iowa with cancer & their families through building a community for emotional support, awareness and educational outreach.

Waukee Area Christian Services Food Pantry

Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS) provides compassionate, practical care to those in need, offering food and medical assistance. Supported by area churches, businesses and community organizations, WACS includes a food pantry, free medical clinic, and community garden.

Do you know of other local businesses and organizations doing good? Please tell us about them!

 

Wi-Fi Hotspots & S.T.E.A.M. Kits Available for Checkout!

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By Leah White

The Waukee Public Library is very excited to announce that you can now check out fun new items from the library!

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Library patrons can now borrow the internet! We are excited to bring free, unlimited high-speed internet access to our library patrons through the use of Wi-Fi hotspots that can be checked out like a library book. The portable hotspots allow patrons to easily get online using any Wi-Fi enabled device such as a phone, tablet or laptop. Perfect for use at home, in a park, or while on vacation. Hotspots can be checked out for one week and can be renewed if there are no other patrons on hold for the device.

S.T.E.A.M. Kits

Our new STEAM Kit Cabinet is here! The STEAM Kits are designed to enhance and promote learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math. These kits include a telescope, coding kits, musical instruments, a science lab and much more! The kits are appropriate for a wide range of ages and can be checked out for three weeks and renewed if no one is waiting for the item. Each kit consists of instructions, resources and tools to help you conduct experiments at home.

To find out more about the Waukee Public Library visit waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.

NOVEMBER PROGRAMS:

SONGS & STORIES
Saturday, Nov. 11
9:30 a.m.
Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians.

DALLAS COUNTY HISTORY / PRESERVING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Sunday, Nov. 5
1:30 p.m.
Explore the celebrated, forgotten and sometimes shocking history of Dallas County. Darcy will offer her top tips on how to start sharing your family history and preserve precious family photographs.

MOVIE MATINEE – “Hidden Figures”
Thursday, Nov. 9
10:00 a.m.
Watch a movie on the library’s big screen. All movies are free and refreshments are available.

DOWNSTAIRS AT DOWNTON
Saturday, Nov. 11
1:30 p.m.
What was life like downstairs at places like Highclere Castle? Could the chauffeur really marry the daughter of an Earl? Would a maid help move a dead body to protect her mistress’ reputation? Get the answers to these and other questions about one of the country’s most popular television series, and discover what life was really like for the people working downstairs. Professional historian and educator Kathy Wilson of Historical Perspectives will present the program. Stick around for tea and cookies afterwards! No registration required.

SHAKE, RATTLE & READ SOCK HOP
Saturday, Nov. 18
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Join us for a be-bopping dance party and fun activities with Elephant and Piggie to kick off the Winter Reading Program! Not only is our Sock Hop a dance and reading celebration, but we will also be collecting unopened packages of socks for the Waukee Community Closet for local families in need. All sizes of socks are welcome. Registration is required for this event.

DECEMBER PROGRAMS:

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Saturday, Dec. 2
9:30 a.m.
Let your creative juices flow and make some fun holiday crafts. Recommended for students in grades K-5. Parents of younger students are encouraged to remain in the program to assist as needed. Our annual program has become so popular that registration is now required for this event and will open three weeks before the event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY APPETIZERS
Wednesday, Dec. 6
6:00 p.m.
Do you want to enjoy holiday food, but also want to eat healthy? Fareway dietician Caitlyn Ferin will share ideas and recipes to use at your next holiday celebration or other special event. Samples will be served, so come hungry! Registration opens three weeks before the event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

HOUR OF CODE
Friday, Dec. 8
4:30 p.m.
Students in grades 2-5 are invited to bring a parent or caregiver to participate with them in this international program. We will try out the new program offered by code.org as part of the annual Hour of Code. The class size will be limited to the number of computers available. You are also welcome to bring your own laptop to participate in this event. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

SONGS & STORIES
Saturday, Dec. 9
9:30 a.m.
Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians.

MOVIE MATINEE – “A Christmas Story”
Thursday, Dec. 14
10:00 a.m.
Watch a movie on the library’s big screen. All movies are free and refreshments are available.

STORIES WITH SANTA
Thursday, Dec. 14
6:00 p.m.
Families are invited to attend a special Storytime with Santa! There will be a few songs and stories followed by a simple craft. Kids are welcome to come in pajamas. Registration is required for this event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

Superior Popcorn Factory and Interesting Facts about America’s Favorite Snack

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By Sue Ellen Kennedy

There once was a building on Highway 6 with the words “Superior Popcorn Factory” written on its side.  The Superior Popcorn Factory was owned by Chet Breckenridge.  Established in the 1930’s, it flourished until he sold the company to the Heart of Iowa Popcorn Company in 1965, which closed in the 1980’s.  

During the Great Depression, Mr. Breckenridge operated a retail popcorn shop on Locust Street in Des Moines.  He would buy popcorn from farmers and sell it to businesses—mainly Des Moines-area movie theaters.  In 1941, he built the plant in Waukee and developed a wholesale popcorn business.  His business later expanded nationally, selling popcorn machines to movie theaters, schools and carnivals.  His main office remained on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines.  

Mr. Breckenridge dabbled in growing popcorn on a small plot of land for testing purposes.  Most of his popcorn came from farmers he contracted to grow it for him.  The farmers used corn pickers and then hauled the crop to the Waukee plant.  Breckenridge’s hoist would lift the wagons, dumping the popcorn onto a conveyer, which would move it to a storage crib.  The crib could store 20,000 bushels at a time.

The popcorn would dry naturally in the crib until it was ready to shell.  Scratched or cracked popcorn kernels would not pop correctly, so the workers had to use plastic buckets and handle the popcorn carefully.  Air from a mill or cleaner was used to remove the chaff.  A gravity mill was used to grade the popcorn, and the kernels were separated by weight.

The heavier kernels were considered the better kernels.  As the popcorn went down and around an incline the small and odd kernels would fall off to the side. The extra-large kernels were separated for uniform grade popcorn.  Finally, a drying process was completed prior to packaging.  The popcorn was sold in 25-, 50- and 100-lb. bags.   

Stores received cases of two dozen 2-lb. bags.  Prior to 1941, the railroad near the plant was used for shipping.  In 1941, they started shipping by truck.  Today, there are no signs, buildings or any indication that this once-thriving business ever existed.

Interesting Facts about Popcorn

  • Americans consume 17.3 billion quarts of popcorn per year.
  • Popcorn is a whole grain.
  • Most of the popcorn grown in the United States is grown in Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Iowa.  Nebraska is the top producer, with 250 million lbs. per year.  
  • Popcorn kernels can pop up to three feet in the air.
  • In the United States during the 1890’s, street vendors would push steam- or gasoline-powered poppers in places where crowds gathered, such as sporting events, parks, carnivals and fairs.
  • The popcorn business thrived during the Great Depression because that’s when movie theaters began to sell it.
  • Unpopped popcorn kernels are called “spinsters” or “old maids.”  
  • Native Americans used dried herbs, spices and chili as popcorn flavorings.  

Fifty-five different varieties of popcorn are grown in North America.  Most popcorn comes in two basic shapes when popped—snowflake and mushroom.  The snowflake variety is used in movie theaters and ball parks.  It looks bigger.  Mushroom is used for candy confections because it doesn’t crumble.  

The first popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors of Chicago, Illinois in the 1880’s.  The actual date is unknown, but he was issued a peddler’s license to use the machine on Dec. 2, 1885.  Cretors also invented a large-scale automated commercial machine in 1893.  

In 1914, Cloid H. Smith founded American Pop Corn Company in Sioux City, Iowa.  American Pop Corn Company launched the Jolly Time brand in 1925.   Perry Spencer invented microwave popcorn in 1945.

Popcorn sales decreased as the popularity of televisions increased in the early 1950’s because more people were staying home instead of going to the theaters.  However, sales increased once again when popcorn became easily accessible to the everyday consumer.

Faces of Waukee: Michael Johnson

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Where did you grow up?
I grew up in West Des Moines and have spent almost my entire life in Iowa.

Tell us about your family.
My wife Jen and I have been married for six years and our 2-year-old son Knox keeps us more than busy. We are lucky to have all of our immediate family also living in Iowa. That was a driving force for us to come back here after I completed my orthodontic residency training in Texas.

How did you come to practice orthodontics?
I’ve always had the desire to work in some form of healthcare and I feel blessed to have discovered the field of orthodontics. I worked at an orthodontic office—with one of my very important mentors, Dr. Jeff Sturdivant—while I was in college and realized it would be a great fit for me. While in dental school, I was fortunate to have earned the opportunity to spend two additional years of training at a top-level orthodontic residency program at the University of Texas at Houston.

What value do you think orthodontics brings to people’s lives?
Your smile is one of the first things others notice about you, so improving your smile can make a significant positive impact on your self-esteem. Straight teeth and a good-fitting bite also lead to healthier teeth, which helps you keep your teeth for much longer.

Why did you to choose to set up your practice in Waukee?
We view Waukee as the perfect place for us to raise our family and we couldn’t be happier to live here. Obviously, many other people have had similar thinking as this town is full of kids running around and playing. Waukee is quickly becoming “the” place to live, and there’s been amazing growth over the past few years. We are excited to be a part of that growth and we look forward to all the great things coming to Waukee in the future.

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