Darby Brincks

Holiday Happenings 2020 : Kellyn Pappas

November 24, 2020 by Darby Brincks

It’s hard to believe, but the 2020 holiday season is fast approaching, in what has been a year of social distancing, masking and more uncertainty than most of us have likely ever experienced. Like everything else this year, the holiday season—and many of the traditional holiday events that come with it—will look a little different, and unfortunately, some events won’t be held this year at all. Just because we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, however, doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty to do in the metro over the holidays. Check out the list below and start planning your family holiday outings!

WinterFest on Wheels
Date: Friday, Dec. 4
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Location: Waukee Public Works Building, 805 University Ave., Waukee

The City of Waukee’s free, annual WinterFest celebration, normally held in Waukee’s historic Downtown Triangle, will go mobile in 2020. “We’re including many of the activities that families love during WinterFest, but they’ll look a little different this year,” said Danae Edwards, Waukee Parks & Recreation Supervisor. Families will drive through the Parks & Recreation bay at the Waukee Public Works building and receive treats and goodies from Santa Claus and his helpers. Participants won’t even need to leave their cars!

Attendees will also have the chance to watch the holiday tree lighting via Facebook Live and watch the ice sculptor hard at work on his beautiful masterpieces at the Public Works building. Charter Bank and Waukee Parks & Recreation will sponsor the giveaway of more than 700 books to children up through ten years old at the event.

WinterFest participants can also participate in a community-wide holiday light competition! Waukee homeowners will be able to enter their decorated residences into the competition, and participants will have the chance to drive around town and view houses on their own personal holiday light tour before voting.

Despite the alternative format, there will still be an opportunity to give back to the community during WinterFest, as always. Bring non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys to donate when you drive through. These items will be distributed to those in need throughout the community.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) Curbside
Date: Virtual Market open Nov. 9 – 22; Curbside pickup Dec. 3 – 6
Time: Dec. 3: 5 pm – 8 pm
Dec. 4: 11 am – 8 pm
Dec. 5: 9 am – 6 pm
Dec. 6: 12 pm – 5 pm
Location: Principal Park, Des Moines (curbside pickup)

Due to the pandemic, the Des Moines European Heritage Association made the decision over the summer to take the popular Christkindlmarket, a German-inspired Christmas market, virtual this year. In a typical year, the open-air market features regional vendors selling handcrafted wares and European foods and beverages from traditional wooden stalls. This year’s event will feature an online marketplace instead, which will open Nov. 9 and can be accessed through a link on the CDM website. Customers can purchase their favorite handcrafted items—such as hand-blown glass ornaments, nutcrackers and steins—through 29 vendor stores in the marketplace. After making their purchases, customers can choose from four drive-thru pickup times Dec. 3 – 6, when they can stop by Principal Park and pick up their purchases.

While it’s difficult to replace the festive, in-person atmosphere of the traditional Christkindlmarket, Director Suzanne Hull notes that this year’s virtual market will feature 30 percent new vendors and says the ultimate goal of the event remains the same. “[Our] goal is to provide holiday cheer to central Iowans and support our long-standing vendors,” she explained.

Festival of Trees and Lights
Date / Time: To be determined

This popular annual event—the largest annual fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and an event that has become the traditional kickoff to the holiday season—typically attracts more than 20,000 visitors during its five-day run. This year’s Festival will take place virtually, according to Dr. Steve Stephenson, president and COO of Blank Children’s Hospital. “Festival may look different, but we are working hard to ensure it will continue to be a family-friendly, full of fun way for our community to support Blank Children’s Hospital and kick off the holiday season,” said Stephenson in a statement on UnityPoint Health’s website.

According to the statement, organizers are currently exploring a Festival app, which could be downloaded for a small fee that would support the hospital. The app would include a variety of fun family activities, and of course, lots of the Festival’s signature beautifully decorated trees. More information will be provided as plans develop and the date gets closer.

Jingle in the Junction
Dates: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17
Time: 5 – 9 pm each evening
Location: 5^th Street, West Des Moines

Visit Historic Valley Junction beginning Thursday, Nov. 19, for Jingle in the Junction! Take a free, horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Valley Junction, which will twinkle with over 150,000 lights. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, take in balloon art by Professor Von Air, and check out the ice carvings by Bill Gordish! Visitors should socially distance and wear masks as appropriate.

Jolly Holiday Lights
Date: Nov. 27 – Dec. 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Time: 5:30 – 10 pm each day
Location: Adventureland Park, Altoona

Entering its 25th year as Make-A-Wish Iowa’s largest fundraising event, Jolly Holiday Lights will once again delight families at Adventureland Park in 2020. Beginning Nov. 27, families can drive through Iowa’s largest lighting display, with more than 100 light displays over 2.5 miles. Tickets are $20 per car, or $40 if you’re planning to bring a limo or minibus, and customers can save $5 by purchasing their tickets by Nov. 25. Weekends are generally much busier than weekdays, so plan accordingly!

Living History Farms Family Christmas
Date: Dec. 5
Time: 12 – 4 pm
Location: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd., Urbandale

Visit Living History Farms for a day of festive holiday traditions! Families can participate in the holiday traditions of a Victorian Midwestern family in the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill. Enjoy music, dancing and cookie decorating, and do a little shopping in the MarketPlace Museum Store while you’re at it! Visitors will be required to wear masks, socially distance and follow the prescribed one-way paths for foot traffic on-site.

Living History Farms will also be collecting new, unused winter weather gear, such as hats, mittens and coats, to support Youth Emergency Services & Shelter. Visitors can drop off their donations at the Visitor Center during the event.

Salisbury House Virtual Holiday Tea at the Castle
Date: Dec. 12
Time: 10 am – 1 pm (pickup of tea kits); 1 – 3 pm (virtual holiday tea)
Location: Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr., Des Moines (for pickup of tea kits); The tea itself will be virtual

Des Moines’ Salisbury House offers visitors the chance to enjoy a proper English afternoon tea from the comfort of their own homes! Customers can visit Salisbury House’s website to purchase a ticket for $40 ($36 if you’re a member), which will entitle them to receive a tea kit with all the trimmings, including two types of tea, finger sandwiches, tea cookies and more! Ticket holders will be emailed a private website link ahead of the event. On Dec. 12, between 10 am – 1 pm, ticket holders can pick up their tea kits at the north door of Salisbury House. They can then use the website link to log on from 1 – 3pm to view the tea at the castle programming while enjoying their tea and goodies at home! Ticket sales close Nov. 27, so make sure to snag yours before they’re gone!

Business Unusual : Kellyn Pappas

November 24, 2020 by Darby Brincks

The COVID-19 pandemic has left no area of life unaffected. The realities of social distancing, face coverings, virtual learning, and working from home have impacted us for months now. The persistent uncertainty has necessitated adaptation on everyone’s part—including local businesses, which, in some cases, had to close for extended periods and lay off workers.

But despite these challenges, Waukee businesses, with the help of the community, have adjusted to a “new normal” for both employees and customers.

When the pandemic arrived in Iowa, many of us worried about our own health and that of family and friends, and that was no different for Waukee businesses. “Our biggest concern was the health of our employees,” said Scott Politte, President at Stivers Ford Lincoln in Waukee. “The fatality rate had not been established in February or March, so there was a real fear of losing coworkers, or their family members and friends.”

Sean Gleason, chef and owner of Gastro Grub and Pub, and Janelle Holter, Vice President and Marketing Officer for Central Bank, both echoed Politte’s comments, saying that “keeping our staff and customers safe” was their primary concern during the early days of the pandemic.

The potential financial ramifications—for businesses and their employees alike—contributed to the stress. Gleason said Gastro Grub and Pub faced real worry about “how and if we were going to be able to survive the pandemic financially.” Politte said not knowing initially how Stivers’ business would be affected caused concern about “the livelihoods of all the families that depend on us to make a living.”

Additionally, of course, the pandemic presented logistical and operational challenges for just about everyone. “We were consumed with creating ways to continue operations” once the pandemic hit, said Russell Vannorsdel, Vice President at R.L. Fridley Theatres, Inc., which manages the Palms Theatre & IMAX in Waukee. “Our biggest concern was how to handle fixed expenses and forced closure.” Limited capacity, in addition to guests’ reluctance to congregate socially in large groups once things did reopen, complicated things further.

Everyone, however, pivoted quickly, adapting to the new and ever-changing realities of doing business during COVID. Cleaning schedules and procedures were increased and enhanced across the board. “We spent countless hours cleaning and creating protocols to ensure our guests’ and employees’ safety,” said Vannorsdel.

Fridley Theatres’ corporate Commitment to Communities pledge details protocols that have become increasingly familiar to the general public as the pandemic has progressed, including requiring face coverings in all common areas, practicing social distancing, and using credit cards for payment as often as possible. Once movie theatres were permitted to reopen, The Palms Theatres & IMAX took additional precautions, such as reducing auditorium capacity and spacing out feature start times to reduce overall congestion.

Stivers also increased its cleaning of high-touch areas and its sanitization of customer service vehicles, in addition to staggering schedules for employees and using PPE—“all the things everyone is now familiar with and generally practices every day,” said Politte. He commented that educating employees was the most important part of their battle against COVID-19. “Making team members aware of what best practices are” was crucial, including the potential impact of high-risk behavior away from work.

Central Bank took early steps towards increased contactless account openings and loan closings, according to Holter. “We invested in additional technology and digital resources to allow our customers to complete their banking from home or the office, during or after business hours,” she explained.

According to Gleason, Gastro Grub and Pub scaled-down staff, stocked up on PPE and disposable to-go containers and moved tables and chairs to increase space between customers once restaurants could reopen for dine-in service.

The “new normal,” of course, features constant masking and distancing at all locations, and challenges do continue. Gleason says the pandemic’s effect on the supply chain continues to affect their business. “It has been difficult to get the items we need to operate on a daily basis,” he said. “There are nationwide outages on products, both disposable and consumable.”

Vannorsdel said the lack of new movie releases remains an ongoing concern at the Palms Theatres & IMAX. “Hollywood continues to delay major releases,” he said. “I believe many guests are ready to come back to the theatre, but without major studio releases, it will be difficult to operate.”

Amid the hardships, however, there have been bright spots. Holter says low mortgage rates continue to attract new home purchases and refinances, and Central Bank’s mortgage loan officers work flexible, extended hours to assist customers both face-to-face and remotely.

Politte appreciated the Paycheck Protection Program from the federal government and says Stivers was able to apply for and receive funds relatively quickly during the height of the uncertainty in the spring. “[The program] worked exactly as intended for us,” he said. “The PPP allowed us to keep full, 100 percent employment at a minimum of 85 percent compensation.”

Additionally, support from the community has proved crucial for these businesses. Gleason commented that although Gastro Grub & Pub is no longer as busy as it used to be, “our customers and community have, for the most part, been really supportive and understanding of the new hardships.”

Despite lower attendance numbers, Vannorsdel says theatre patrons understand the need for ongoing safety protocols and still manage to have a great time at the movies. “The guests that come out have been very respectful of personal space and have really enjoyed the overall experience,” he explained. He also commented that the theatre was “humbled” by the enthusiastic community response to their curbside concession offerings when they were forced to close in the spring. “We sold a lot of large popcorns,” he added.

We’re certainly still a long way from “business as usual.” But with continued community support, Waukee businesses will undoubtedly continue to persevere, despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents along the way.

Try Our Online Library!

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

The Waukee Public Library has just what you need to keep yourself and your family entertained! Our curbside pickup and return service is still available, but you can also check out our online library, which is free of charge to our cardholders—anywhere, anytime!

Look at all the ways you can use the library online!

DOWNLOAD EBOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS – Waukee resident card holders have access to our entire Overdrive ebook and audiobook collection. The Libby app is the easiest way to get started with digital books and audiobooks. The Libby app is available for Android, iOS and Windows 10.

DOWNLOAD MAGAZINES – Download your favorite magazines from a variety of publishers and read them anytime, anywhere. Download the Flipster app today!

ONLINE LEARNING – Lynda.com has more than 12,000 courses, ranging from computer programming to project management, including instruction on various computer software, programming languages and business topics. The video courses are taught by industry experts and are designed for any skill level.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE – Pronunciator offers over 80 languages, including ESL. Courses are available for English speakers or for native speakers of 50 other languages. Learn on a desktop or access Pronunciator from your mobile device.

EXPLORE HISTORY – Check out Heritage Quest at home; it’s a genealogy resource that contains census data, family records, local histories and documentary collections. Then explore Iowa history and genealogy through the historical newspaper archive from 1800-2018. This includes obituaries, birth announcements, sports articles and more.

Visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/online-library to find even more great options through our online library!

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

Women in Law Enforcement

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

More Female Police Officers Join and Lead at the Waukee PD Than Ever Before

When Sgt. Mackenzie Sposeto joined the Waukee Police Department in 2007, she was the only woman on the force, which at the time comprised 10 officers. Fast-forward to 2020, and she is now the Community Outreach Sergeant and Public Information Officer, and the Waukee PD is now home to 26 police officers, six of whom are women. In addition to Sposeto, they include: Sgt. Kelli Cichoski, Detective Susan Williams, SRO Corby Robbins, Officer Kathryn Guess and Officer McKenna Olberding.

“I think female officers are so essential in law enforcement because we offer different ways of dealing with conflict,” said Sposeto. “We may not all have the physical strength of men, but we have bravery, creativity and verbal skills, which all make women a great fit for the law enforcement profession.”

Sposeto was the department’s first woman to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2015. Just recently, Sgt. Cichoski became the second. Police Chief John Quinn said those promotions were well deserved, regardless of gender.

“Diversity in the workforce certainly is a priority at the Waukee PD,” said Quinn. “However, hiring quality individuals who have a passion for service and a dedication to the department’s mission of community-oriented policing is imperative. All of our female officers were the top candidates when they were hired and have proven themselves as true leaders.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 12 percent of all local U.S. police officers in 2013 were female. That number was up from only 8 percent 25 years prior in 1987.

A University of Northern Iowa and Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) graduate, Officer Corby Robbins joined the Waukee PD in 2018 after more than a decade in other law enforcement agencies. This fall, she is taking the reins as a School Resource Officer for both Timberline and South Middle Schools. She said she’s been lucky in her career to be accepted by most of her male counterparts.

“I believe women make great officers because we are inherently patient and willing to listen,” said Robbins. “Maybe that is the mom in me coming out. I would tell any woman looking to come into law enforcement that now is a perfect time. A lot of the old stigmas have been broken and women are doing great things in this profession.”

Waukee Detective Susan Williams joined the Waukee PD in 2014. She earned a degree in criminal justice from Buena Vista University and graduated from ILEA. She was also a collegiate athlete and said that experience helped prepare her for the discipline and team-focused environment at the Waukee PD. Williams is proud to be a part of diversifying the police force.

“Women tend to do the job differently than men; not better or worse, just differently,” said Williams. “Gender doesn’t matter; what matters is that the officer is compassionate, understanding and fair. Diversity is essential because it helps people relate to police.”

In 2019, the Waukee Police Department responded to 13,639 calls for service. So what inspires these disciplined women to put on the badge every day?

“On Sept. 11, 2001, I was sitting in a criminal law class at ILEA shortly after graduating from Iowa State, when an instructor informed us that the Twin Towers in New York City had just been hit by airplanes,” said Sposeto. “We all sat in silence and watched as the destruction unfolded. I knew right at that moment that I had made the right career choice—one where I would be keeping people safe.”

“I chose law enforcement because I look up to my brother very highly and saw how much he enjoyed the law enforcement profession,” explained Williams. Through shadowing him and going on ride-alongs, I saw the satisfaction that comes from helping people and I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

Regardless of the reasons, these women and the rest of the Waukee Police Department team members work hard around the clock to help keep Waukee’s crime rate low (1.52 per 1,000 for violent crimes and 11.69 per 1,000 for property crimes), provide outreach opportunities to members of the public, keep schools safe and conduct quality investigations.

Faces of Waukee : Erin Good

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Where did you grow up?
I’m originally from Clive.

Tell us about what you do.
I’m a registered and licensed Hy-Vee dietitian with 8 years of experience. I counsel customers on a variety of dietary needs, including heart disease, high blood pressure, weight loss, diabetes, food allergies, and more. I also provide personalized nutrition tours, hands-on cooking classes for adults and kids, lunch ‘n’ learn presentations and biometric screenings at Waukee Hy-Vee, and the surrounding community. I’m an active member of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, where I serve as a media spokesperson providing credible nutrition information (both in-person and virtually).

What made you want to become a dietitian?
During my freshman year at Waukee High School, I took health class and started strength training for varsity cheerleading. As my interest in exercise grew, so did my love for nutrition and fueling my body with healthier foods.

I enjoy providing inspiration, motivation, and direction to help people become healthier (both mentally and physically). There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an individual (or entire family) make sustainable and positive lifestyle changes without depriving themselves.

What’s your favorite thing about working in Waukee?
I enjoy working with the wide variety of people in Waukee—from children to older adults to student-athletes and even entire families ready to make healthier lifestyle changes. I also love the long-lasting customer relationships I have in this community. I enjoy hearing from my previous clients who once struggled with their health now finding success with their improved overall diet on which I coached them.

Do you have some simple healthy-eating tips you can share with our readers?
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Find your favorite ways to destress weekly (like yoga, massage, walking, reading, or simply calling a friend)! While short-term stress can help give you a burst of energy and focus to complete deadlines on time, it’s important to avoid prolonged periods of stress. Chronic stress may weaken your immune system, increase blood pressure and blood sugar/worsened diabetes, and lead to unintentional weight gain. Stock your kitchen with nuts, steam-able veggies (edamame is one of my favorites), fresh fruit, and whole-grain crackers or popcorn. These foods will help keep you full and satisfied longer while providing essential vitamins and minerals for extra support during stressful times.

Reggie Bell Named Waukee’s 2019 Citizen of the Year

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke named community advocate and military veteran Reggie Bell as Waukee’s 2019 Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year honor is given each year to an exemplary resident who represents the true spirit of community service.

Bell was selected as the 2019 Citizen of the Year in March; however, the acknowledgement process was delayed due to social distancing guidelines. He will be honored at the December WinterFest celebration and at the January 2021 Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner. He will also be presented with a City of Waukee proclamation and plaque and will receive a local business prize package from the Chamber.

“When the selection committee and I reviewed award submissions, we were so impressed with the level of community service Reggie has provided to Waukee,” said Mayor Clarke. “Not only has he sacrificed in serving our country, but he initiates continual outreach to underserved groups in and around Waukee. We thank him greatly for showing us what can be achieved with selfless giving of one’s time and talents.”

Bell spent many of his formative years in Kansas City public housing. He then served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. He, his wife Sherry and their two daughters moved to Waukee in 2007. Since then, he has been busy inspiring other community members, such as Ellen Pieper, who nominated him for this award.

“Although Reggie is now 63, diabetic and has multiple artificial joints, he’s still constantly looking for and initiating activities to raise awareness of other people’s needs,” said Pieper. “Better yet, he follows through on these activities by providing necessary approvals, print materials, collection bins, eye-catching decorations, transportation and more.”

Many people know Bell from his volunteer and fundraising work with the Waukee American Legion, as a greeter at the Waukee Family YMCA or as a member of the Mu Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. He also assists with Cornerstone Church’s Hot Dog Ministry in Des Moines, which delivers hot dogs and snacks to homeless shelters and encampments. He supports the Single Parent Provision, leads socks and snacks drives for deployed members of the U.S. military, collects food and necessities for the homeless and low-income, opens his Thanksgiving table each year for those who are alone, and serves with local non-profits Garden Gate Ranch and Leading With Power.

“I’m truly humbled by my recognition as Waukee’s Citizen of the Year,” said Bell. “I have a heart for helping others. I grew up with a mother who always reached out to help the less fortunate, even when her own circumstances were not good. A quote that comes to me in these trying times was written by Charles Dickens: ‘No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.’”

Bell said he and his family found a safe, affordable community in moving to Waukee and that he loves all of the friendly people in town. “My family continues to thrive here, as do many people,” he said. “As Waukee becomes more diverse, we must embrace one another, love one another and respect one another.”

A fan of famous quotes, he added Coretta Scott King’s words of wisdom: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

The City of Waukee and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce collectively thank Reggie Bell for sharing his commitment to service, his smile and his compassion throughout Waukee and beyond.

The Waukee Citizen of the Year program is a joint effort between the City of Waukee and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize Waukee residents for dedicated volunteer efforts that lead to making Waukee a great place in which to live, work, play and learn. The selection committee consists of Waukee’s mayor and representatives from the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Area Christian Services and the Waukee Family YMCA.

Curbside Service Now Available! : Leah White

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Contact-free curbside pickup is now available at the Waukee Public Library!

Library cardholders can now place holds on items using the online catalog on our website or by phone. Patrons will be notified to schedule a pickup time when their items are ready.

Curbside return of library materials is also available during our curbside hours. Patrons can return items to the bins on the labeled carts. If you are only returning items, please leave the parking spaces closest to the pickup location for people using curbside pick-up. Due to construction, the drive-up return will remain closed at this time. Returned items will be checked in after at least 72 hours of quarantine.

Curbside service is available Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the library’s front entrance. This location could change due to weather or parking lot construction. Please follow the directional signs.

Place your holds now!
💻 waukeepubliclibrary.org
☎ 515-978-7944

Curbside FAQs
• Curbside pickup service is available for library materials including books, audiobooks, DVDs and magazines.

• The library is closed at this time and will remain closed to the public.

• No fines were charged during our closure.

• All library cards set to expire in 2020 have been renewed until July 1, 2021.

• All items checked out prior to our closing in March are due July 1. If you cannot return your items before then, please let us know and we can extend that date further.

Reopening
• The library has a multi-phase plan for reopening based on federal reopening guidelines. We will open as soon as it is safe to do so. We are closely monitoring the situation.

Getting a Library Card
• You can create a digital library card on our website.

• If you would like to be able to check out items, you will first need to create a digital library card. Once you do that, let us know and we can upgrade your digital card to a temporary card. The temporary card will allow you to continue to use digital resources as well as check out five items at a time. We will send your new library card number to you via email and mail.

Donations
• The library is not accepting book, DVD or magazine donations at this time.

• We are not accepting donations of craft supplies or envelopes at this time.

Parking Lot
• The library is currently undergoing a parking lot project that will double the number of parking spots. This project will last into the fall.

Interlibrary Loan
• At this time, we are unable to take any requests for interlibrary loans. We hope to resume this service in the near future.

• Any interlibrary loans that were checked out prior to our closing should be returned as soon as possible.

For more information on our new curbside services, please visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/curbside.

Waukee School District

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

The fifth season in Iowa is construction, and the same is true in Waukee. Sugar Creek Elementary, the district’s tenth elementary school, held its groundbreaking event on May 21. The new school is located in the southwest area of the district, north of Ashworth Road and southwest of the Sugar Creek Golf Course. Construction has begun, and the building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

The district is working on several improvement projects over the summer. We are looking forward to further enhancing our facilities and learning environments for

staff, students and families. We were able to start some of these projects early due to the school year ending early this year.

Vince Meyer Learning Center Preschool and Office Addition
This project will add 20 preschool classrooms and administrative areas to the east side of the existing Vince Meyer Learning Center building in order to consolidate the district’s preschool programs into one location.

The project also includes a smaller office addition to the west side of the building for the technology and community education departments.
The existing “ranch” or “bus barn” building will be demolished over the summer of 2021.
Construction activities will significantly impact the use and occupancy of the VMLC building for a good portion of the construction timeframe.

Waukee High School and Prairieview Parking Lot Improvements
This project entails removing and replacing the asphalt and concrete in both south parking lots, selected driveways and the WHS north loading dock areas. This project is a continuation of the paving improvements that began last summer.

Parking and access to Prairieview will be impacted the most by Phase 3 and 4 of the project. During this time, primary parking will be provided in the WHS east parking lot with access to the building through the Theater Arts Center. Both street entrances from University will be closed during this time, as well.
WHS’ north driveway and loading dock will be closed during Phase 5 of the project.
Barricades and signage will be provided to assist motorists and visitors. Please do not drive around the barriers.
The project schedule may change depending on the weather.

Timberline Stadium Improvements
Phase 1 of this project includes improvements to the existing stadium to prepare it for competition use. This will include lights, fencing, an entrance area for spectators, bleachers, a press box and a scoreboard.

Phase 2, scheduled for the summer of 2021, will include field turf, a concessions area and restroom facilities.
Phase 1 work will mainly affect the track and field areas, which will be unavailable for use during the project timeframe.
If all goes according to plan, Waukee Community School District will hold competitive athletic events at Timberline Stadium beginning in the fall of 2020.

Prairieview Fitness Center Addition
This project allows for a dedicated fitness center for students in grades 8-9 that are in the Northwest High School feeder. This fitness center will be used for curricular physical education at Prairieview, along with before- and after-school and summer strength and conditioning.

This project mainly affects the north and west areas adjacent to the existing gym and locker rooms.
The school’s north entrance/exit doors will remain largely available for use.
Parking in the northernmost lots may be temporarily adjusted to accommodate construction traffic.

Brookview Elementary Classroom Addition
This project will add three new classrooms, a band room and two small group rooms for personalized instruction.

This project mainly affects the northernmost ends of the kindergarten and first-grade wings of the existing building.

Eason Elementary Classroom Addition and Parking Lot Improvements
This project will add five new classrooms, a band room, a small group room for personalized instruction and other support spaces.

Part of the project will include the complete reworking of the south parking lot and driveway to improve the safety and efficiency of student drop-off and pick-up. It will significantly increase the amount of driveway length available for vehicle stacking, and should help prevent vehicles from backing up onto SE Boone Drive.
The addition portion of this project mainly affects the northernmost end of the second-grade wing of the existing building.
The parking lot improvements are expected to take place over the summer of 2021.

Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Thank You for Shopping Local
The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy. Thank you for continuing to support our Waukee business community!

Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Golf Outing
The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Golf Outing was held on June 18 at the Beaver Creek Golf Course. Golfers participated in activities at each tee, sponsored by member businesses. Our guests enjoyed a round of golf and business networking. The western theme offered each guest the opportunity to wear their protective face mask (provided by the Chamber) in style. The Chamber also provided a boxed lunch and lots of bottled water from Waukee Hy-Vee!

Thanks to all of our business member sponsors, who were highlighted on signage throughout the golf course. The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our Board of Directors, Community Development Committee, Ambassadors, staff and other volunteers for helping to make the day so enjoyable for all of our members!

Best Ways to Enhance Your Membership Experience
1.) Volunteer on a Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce Committee (Government Affairs, Community Development, Economic Development, Membership, Scholarship, Waukee YP & Ambassadors).

2.) Refer local business.

3.) Get involved by attending Good Morning Waukee, our monthly Waukee Chamber Networking Luncheon or After Hours (provided virtually on Zoom through the summer).

4.) Highlight your business at a signature event, such as the Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, What’s Cookin’ in Waukee, Golf Outing or the Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour.

5.) Patronize existing businesses.

6.) Support new businesses by welcoming them to our community and being a part of their Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony!

7.) Stay “in the know” with the weekly Waukee Chamber Business Report.

8.) Share your successes, job openings and events in our communications to Chamber membership.

9.) Collaborate with local organizations to strengthen our community.

10.) Connect with the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce by using our online or printed membership directory.

Waukee Farmers Market

The Waukee Downtown Business Group will host the Waukee Farmers Market on Wednesdays starting June 17 through September from 4 -7 p.m.in the historic Waukee Triangle Park.

Waukee School to Work Graduation
Congratulations to all Waukee High School (WHS) students who participated in the School to Work program. Thank you to Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce intern, Lily Couchman! WHS connects high school seniors with local business internships for hands-on experience in a field of interest and class credit! Thanks to our business community for supporting this awesome program!

Waukee Scholarship Recipients Recognized
The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Board Scholarship Chairs Ray Meister of Security National Bank and Ashley Rottinghaus of West Bank, recognized two Waukee High School Seniors, Caitlin Henriksen and Frances Loeffelholz, as recipients of the Chamber’s 2020 scholarships on May 28!

More information can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.waukeechamber.com. If you have any questions, please email info@waukeechamber.com or call 515-978-7115.

Give Love : Kellyn Pappas

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Unrest continues nationwide in response to the death of George Floyd and the larger discussion regarding racism and police brutality in our culture. However, there have also been numerous instances of communities coming together in the wake of the turmoil. One such event took place right here in Waukee on June 12.

Waukee resident Erin Dahl was one of the primary organizers of the Give Love event, which took place in the Glynn Village neighborhood of Waukee, just west of the Waukee Police Department on SE LA Grant Parkway. “Waukee Elementary School has a slogan: ‘Give love.’ They always teach kindness,” said Dahl. “I borrowed that idea to give love to the families struggling in the neighborhood. I wanted them to feel our arms around them.”

Dahl said it was particularly important to involve the neighborhood kids in the event. “Our children have been so blessed to have grown up with kids of every color as their friends. Most of our children have close friends and neighbors of color, so they have a hard time understanding why racism even exists. It was difficult to explain this to them and hard to talk about.”

According to Dahl, it was just as important to include law enforcement officers in the event. “We know that our officers here in Waukee are part of our community,” she explained. “Their children go to school with our children.”

The event was intended to foster unity in the face of apparent division. “I thought this demonstration of unity could comfort families of color who are worried for themselves and their children, as well as officers in our neighborhood,” said Dahl. “Both sides needed comfort, and both sides are loved, valued and appreciated here.”

For the Give Love event, Glynn Village residents and Waukee community members were encouraged to decorate their driveways with messages of love and peace. Dahl commented that people began decorating early in the morning on June 12. “We started posting photos, and the excitement grew,” she said. She added that the sidewalk and driveway decorating was a great way to get kids involved, as well. “The sidewalk decorating was a perfect way to bring children into a positive, productive demonstration of caring,” she said.

At 7 p.m. on June 12, drone footage captured more than 50 people taking a knee (while social distancing) in memory of George Floyd. Dahl made a Facebook Live video as the community observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence. Afterward, “I called for unity [and] expressed my heartfelt love and appreciation for all and that together, we can get through this,” she said.

Dahl said the response has been positive. “There were so many families that reached out to say how much this meant to them. Many families of color were so kind with their words of encouragement and hope,” she said. She went on to say she hopes that everyone—children and adults alike—goes forward knowing that there are ways to turn a divisive issue into one that brings people together instead.

“Another quote they use at Waukee Elementary is ‘Seek first to understand,'” she said. “If we can listen long enough to understand the point of view of both, we can see the big picture. We can find a common ground,” she explained.

Dahl said she hopes the Give Love event demonstrates the value of community, particularly to the children involved. “I hope our children see that even in a pandemic, we can do something,” she said. “We can help in positive ways, even when the world seems crazy and scary. I hope our neighbors see that we love them and support them, regardless of our differences. I hope they see that community comes from these moments when we pull together.”