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Waukee Chamber Grand Opening of New Office Space

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The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Grand Opening of our new Chamber office at 208 W. Hickman Road on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017.

The Chamber Board of Directors and staff would like to express gratitude to our business sponsors who invested in the buildout, our Board members who served on the committee to lead the project, and all of our dedicated volunteers and partners who contributed to the creation of our new 1,600-square-foot office.  The space offers natural lighting in a large front welcome area, two offices, a board room, a storage room and a kitchenette.

The Chamber concluded two three-year leases at 236 W. Hickman in November of 2017.  The Board of Directors located open space at 208 W. Hickman in February of 2017.  Request for proposals were issued to members, and ultimately, the Board chose Remodelworks! to manage the build out project.  The Chamber is the first tenant in this location and had the opportunity to design the floor plan and remodel the open space to fit our office needs.

Many Board members provided additional services and contributions to the space, including Kevin McCormick of Fareway and Ray Meister of First American Bank.  

We look forward to serving the Waukee businesses and community members in our new space!

For more information, please reach us at 515-978-7115, info@waukeechamber.com or www.waukeechamber.com.

 

Chris Norton to Keynote Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Annual Dinner

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome Chris Norton as the keynote speaker of the 2018 Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Silent Auction on Thursday, Feb. 1 at the West Des Moines Marriott.

Norton suffered a severe spinal cord injury playing college football and was told he would never walk again. He defeated all odds and walked across the stage of his college graduation, which has been viewed over 300 million times across the world. Norton calls us to focus on response instead of situation—to be defined by attitude rather than circumstance. He shares a compelling story filled with laughs, tears and life changing moments that give audiences hope and a new perspective. He demonstrates how attitude, effort and purpose can navigate the most challenging obstacles.

The Annual Dinner & Silent Auction celebrates the accomplishments of the past year and conveys to membership the organization’s goals for the coming year.  In addition, outgoing Board members are recognized, and the Member of the Year and Ambassador of the Year are announced.

The silent auction and networking will begin at 5:30 p.m.; the dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m.; awards will be announced at 8:00 p.m.; and Chris Norton’s keynote address will begin at 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit waukeechamber.com or call 515-978-7115.

J.H. Carter of Carter and Sons

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By Sue Ellen Kennedy

John Henry Carter was born in Monck County, Ontario, Canada on July 19, 1856.  In 1876, he came to the United States and settled in Dallas County, Iowa, securing employment as a brick mason in Dallas Center.  In 1877, he bought a farm in Dallas County and worked the farm while continuing to build homes for eight years.  He eventually purchased the farm next to his, for a combined total of 240 acres.  John went home to Ontario in 1883, and returned to Iowa with his bride Susan Wills.

In 1888, he rented out his working farm and moved his family to Waukee, where he built, by written accounts, a grand home of that time.  John and Susan had eight children: A.B. “Burt”; Kathyrne; John W.; George; and Gordon; with three children passing—Roy, Letha and Henry.  Susan passed away on December 7, 1904.   

Following is a quote from the Memorial and Biographical Record Iowa, Vol. 2:

“He who makes a visit to the town of Waukee, Iowa and has the pleasure of a drive through its streets, is sure to have pointed out the handsome and commodious residence of John Henry Carter, one of the most enterprising and influential men of the place.”

If you live on Ashworth Drive in Waukee, check your deed abstracts.  You may be living in the home built sometime between 1888 and 1890, referred to in this written account.

John was well-known as the manager of the grain elevator.  He established J.H. Carter Grain & Stock located on the north side of our downtown Triangle around 1890.  The business sold coal, grain and stock.  The original building burned in 1901 and was replaced.  As Waukee grew, so did the business. Various hardware and farm implements were added to the inventory.  By the 1920’s, John’s sons John W. and Burt joined the business, renaming it J. H. Carter and Sons.

John passed away in March of 1939, and his two sons ran the business until the 1950’s, making it one of the longest-running family businesses in Waukee.  

John was interested in politics and was very involved in our community.  He was a member of the Methodist Church, IOOF (Independent Order of the Odd Fellows) and the Order of Knights of Pythias.  The IOOF was created to improve and elevate the character of mankind by promoting the principles of friendship, love, truth, faith, charity and universal justice.  The Order of Knights of Pythias is an international, non-sectarian fraternal order that was established in 1864.

This year, I will be focusing on men and women that were business and civic leaders in our community.  If you have any photos, documents or other information of historical significance on John Henry (“J.H.”) Carter or anyone we feature in this section, please contact The Waukee Area Historical Society at (515) 782-0025 or waukeehistory@gmail.com.

The Waukee Area Historical Society will hold an indoor golf fundraiser on February 24 at Broheim’s Indoor Golf and Pub.  Please register on our website at waukeehistory.org.  Be sure to check out our Facebook page for information on all of our upcoming events.

May you have a happy and prosperous New Year!

Waukee’s 8 Year Old Miracle

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Ella Goering isn’t your typical 8-year-old. With a mature, caretaking personality, you can find her reading and crafting alongside older children or adults, unless she’s taking care of younger children. Then, she’s a mother hen. In her wise, young years, Ella’s faced more than most anyone will encounter in a lifetime: she has a brain tumor.

“Ella fell at school in kindergarten and hit her head pretty badly,” said Ella’s mom, Sherri. “Shortly after the fall, she began getting headaches. After seeing several doctors, they determined she had a concussion and time would be the best medicine. Ella would still get headaches about once a month after vigorous activity, but usually laying down for a bit would help.”

The family managed the headaches for almost a year, and then they started to become more frequent. Different doctors told the family it was anything from the flu to migraines. Yet, Sherri knew something more was going on. In December of 2015, Ella had an MRI.

“We went in that morning for the MRI and had actually planned to spend the rest of the day Christmas shopping,” said Sherri. “As Ella was coming out of sedation, the radiologist and nurses came in to talk to me in a private room. I immediately sensed something was very wrong, but I couldn’t have imagined what they were about to tell me. Thank God my dad was there. I thought I was going to faint when they told me Ella had a large brain tumor.”

The official diagnosis was medulloblastoma, an aggressive, cancerous brain tumor. The tumor was at the base of Ella’s spine, causing a blockage so the fluid couldn’t flow to the spine, which caused the headaches and visual trouble. Ella, Sherri and family were transferred to Iowa City, where Ella was scheduled for surgery to drain the excess fluid from her brain and to remove the tumor. However, Ella didn’t come out of surgery as planned.

“Ella woke up unable to talk, walk, swallow and more. After a week, we found out she developed posterior fossa syndrome (PFS). It was the scariest time of our lives,” said Sherri.

Ella and Sherri were sent to MD Anderson in Texas for proton radiation, where they spent 91 days in the hospital doing radiation, chemotherapy and intense therapy to regain Ella’s abilities. Ella’s father Jerrod stayed in Iowa with 4-year-old Adelle.

“Being thousands of miles from everyone and everything we knew was heart-wrenching, but we knew it was going to offer the best treatment option for the type of brain tumor she had,” said Sherri. “We were incredibly grateful for technology, so we could see our family. Ella’s best friend, Kendall, called almost every single night. Kendall would do the talking for both of them, since Ella couldn’t speak. That friendship would inspire anyone to call their friends and catch up.”

Slowly but surely, Ella started making progress. Each new development, from swallowing to squeezing a hand for yes/no communication to regaining her voice, was a big win. Yet somehow, her cancer grew during treatment. When the radiation and chemo were complete, Sherri and Ella made their way home to Iowa. Without a doubt, the entire journey changed their family.

“If not for deep faith in a plan larger than my own, I’m not sure how I would’ve made it through each day. God told me to trust Him,” said Sherri.

In an act of complete surrender in faith, the family focused on quality of life, stopping treatment to allow Ella to experience life to the fullest. That next December, the family’s prayers were once again answered.

“I learned of a ketone supplement that could help her,” explained Sherri. “I did a ton of research and contacted the company. I took it myself before giving Ella the recommended dose for children the next day. I was across the house when I heard loud belly laughter. I knew it wasn’t Adelle’s laugh, and I ran to find Ella laughing hard with happy tears rolling down her cheeks.”

The ketone supplement continued to benefit Ella. She regained some of her strength and her schoolwork began to improve, too. Since then, her MRI’s have been stable, and Sherri said they don’t talk or think too much about the cancer itself.

“Our minds can’t orchestrate the series of events that God’s plan entails,” said Sherri. “Living in a surrendered place has opened us up to what I perceive as miracles. I’m not saying I don’t worry or fall into trying to control life, but when I realize I’m doing it, I surrender and let it go.”

“If you see us out and about, feel free to smile and say hello,” she continued. “Ella does use a walker, so it helps when parents talk with their kids about why that is, instead of having others stare or ask condition-specific questions.”

Sherri posts updates on her Facebook page, facebook.com/ellagoering. These days, the forum is filled with walking practice and sleepovers with new friends from school.

“I pray no one has to face anything like this, but life is happening for all of us,” said Sherri. “Everyone has a story, and I hope what you take from ours is to let go and let God. God has everything figured out, and as hard as it can be, we need to step out of the way and let Him work.”

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!

 

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