myWaukee | Waukee Iowa Community News

  • Blog
  • Features
  • Sections
    • My City
    • Faces of Waukee
    • Community Spotlight
    • Under Construction
    • From the Library
    • Waukee Chamber
    • Waukee History
  • Columns
    • Banking
    • Financial
    • Health
    • Insurance
    • Real Estate
    • Senior Living
  • Issues
You are here: Home / Archives for Features

Brews for You & Your Kin Kinship Brewing Company

January 7, 2021 by Darby Brincks

One might think a global pandemic would be just about the last time during which anyone would want to open a brewery. With restaurants and bars still operating at reduced capacity, plus masks and social distancing, an owner could be forgiven for thinking twice. But while the pandemic may have altered schedules slightly for Kinship Brewing Company—which will be open north of Hickman in Waukee by the time you read this—it hasn’t altered what owner Zach Dobeck and his team envision for their space: a place where residents can enjoy a great beer, let their dog off the leash, and build a community everyone can enjoy.

Dobeck, born and raised 45 minutes outside Atlanta, Georgia, had an interest in branding from a young age. “I grew up in a family of storytellers,” he said. “When it comes to branding, that’s what you’re doing.”

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in political science, he initially considered going to law school. Instead, he ended up at a design agency, where he received valuable experience in advertising, marketing and branding. His path eventually led to a job as a project manager in software development. By this time, he’d met his future wife, Ann, who hails from Waukee and had moved to Georgia for school, and the two had immersed themselves in the Atlanta community.

But Dobeck, who’d been brewing beer at home with his brother as a hobby and creative outlet for years, couldn’t quite get the idea of opening his own brewery out of his head. “[The idea] was in my mind for probably 12 years,” he explained. Although the company where he worked was growing, Dobeck found himself questioning whether that was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. “It wasn’t enough for me,” he said.

Finally, on July 27, 2017, after years of kicking the idea around, Dobeck made a bold declaration. “I said out loud to my wife, ‘I want to do this for real. I’m tired of talking about it.’” Ann’s response became the guiding philosophy behind building Kinship Brewing: “Do it right.”

“That has been the theme of this brewery—doing it right,” said Dobeck.

After transitioning out of his job in software development, Dobeck spent time working with several brewing industry mentors in the Atlanta area, supplementing his marketing and branding experience with business acumen. He wanted to gain as much knowledge as possible as he took his brewery—originally named Roots Brewing Company—from a hobby to a business. “You have to understand the business side of it,” he said, adding that he intentionally gave himself time to let a business plan evolve.

He had been impressed by how welcomed he felt on trips to Iowa to visit his wife’s family, and the couple eventually decided to relocate here and open the brewery in Iowa. After establishing contacts at several Iowa breweries, Dobeck set about finding a location.

He initially had his eye on downtown Des Moines, but “a small part of me was like, ‘Maybe you should consider Waukee,’” he said. Having heard about undeveloped land near the Raccoon River Valley trailhead in Waukee, Dobeck drove out to see it for himself, and said, “The location just felt right.”

At the time, the property didn’t have a road to it other than the bike trail. But Sunrise Drive was being built to the north of Hickman Road, and “that was my timeline,” said Dobeck. “Once that was completed, we bought it—we closed on the land.”  After that, construction was able to get underway. “Now,” said Dobeck, “if I stand where I stood that day, I can see my brewery.”

At 13,000 square feet, Kinship’s substantial building sits on just over six acres of land. Most of that space will be dedicated to production. In addition, Kinship’s spacious taproom will hold up to 250 people, and there will also be a private event space. Outside of the taproom, the outdoor beer garden will eventually have 12 tap lines of its own, in addition to the 24 inside, said Dobeck. Also outside will be a dog park where local canines can safely play while their owners imbibe nearby.

The brewery is striking not only in size, but visually. Kinship tapped a local artist to do an ancient Japanese siding technique on the building’s exterior called shou sugi ban that preserves wood by charring it with fire. This makes the wood water-resistant and gives it a distinct black color. Once inside the brewery, visitors will see a large, colorful mural on one wall, featuring an imposing black and white tiger, mouth agape. (Fun fact: The tiger’s name is Sheila.)  An Atlanta artist named Greg Mike agreed to do the mural after Dobeck, who’d admired Mike’s work while still in Georgia, reached out to him on Instagram. The artist’s message of “Live life loud” resonated with Dobeck, and the same message is featured on the Kinship mural.

According to Dobeck, the nature of the tiger’s expression—she could be yawning, roaring, singing or laughing—was purposely left up to the interpretation of the viewer. That creativity, he said, “is the epitome of what Kinship represents.”  Also inside the space is a paint-by-numbers mural on a large canvas on an easel. Dobeck hopes the striking visuals, inside and out, will intrigue and entice visitors. “Hopefully, you’re already sold by the time you get to the beer,” he said.

The beer, of course, is at the heart of Kinship Brewing. Each of Kinship’s beers is named for a particular person or concept. “It’s fun to play and tell a story through that,” said Dobeck. Oh Billy, an homage to one of Dobeck’s friends, is a lighter beer, at 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Dear Annie—a beer that Dobeck describes as “a love letter to my wife”—is a hazy IPA brewed with mosaic hops that comes in at 6% ABV. Off the Leash, a 4% corn lager, is designed to appeal to a broad range of palates. And Kinship’s Russian Imperial Stout, Sheriff Dobeck, is a “big, bold beer” dedicated to Dobeck’s father. In addition to Kinship’s proprietary offerings, the brewery will also offer wine, spirits and cider options from local cideries.

While the brewery’s primary emphasis is on beverages, Kinship’s food concept will lean toward smoked meats and pizza, courtesy of Des Moines’ 515 Pi and Up in Smoke food trucks, which will serve customers in the parking lot through the month of January. Kinship’s kitchen will be open after that. “We want to be able to feed the masses,” said Dobeck.

Kinship will have a series of soft openings during the week of December 26 and is aiming to open its doors to the public for the first time on January 1, 2021. Dobeck said there’s a certain symbolism to this: “It represents something about having a clean slate, a redemption year.”

He said his experience thus far with Kinship Brewing has reinforced for him that he made the right decision. “This is something I was meant to do,” he said. “I love the name Kinship. I love what it represents. It’s built on community. Kinship has already proven to me that people want to come drink beer here.”

That emphasis on community, said Dobeck, is what sets Kinship apart. “We want to be something different and change your expectation of a brewery,” he said. “We want people to walk away thinking, ‘Wow, this is something worth paying for.’ And, of course, we want you to come back!”

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Features, Lifestyles, My City, PinPoints of Interest, Restaurants, Waukee

Apart Together

January 7, 2021 by Darby Brincks

​Often, once the festive cheer from the holiday season has died down, January and February can feel a little bleak.  This could be particularly true this year, as we’re all still spending more time at home in the midst of the pandemic.  But staying home during this unusual winter doesn’t have to mean boredom.  There are plenty of games and activities to keep even the most difficult-to-entertain family busy this season.  Here are some options!

Waukee Public Library

​Although the Waukee Public Library (WPL), like other metro libraries, is currently closed to the public, they are offering curbside pickup for library materials.  Patrons can place holds on items online or by calling the library at 515-978-7944.  When your items are ready, you’ll be notified via email, text, or phone, and you can schedule an appointment to pick up your materials.

In addition to books, the WPL is offering numerous craft and online activities for kids, teens, and adults alike.  One popular activity for kids and teens, according to WPL Creative Services Librarian Leah White, is the library’s activity packs for Pre-K, Elementary, and Teen Makers.  Register each month to pick up a bag of supplies to use to make various crafts and activities, designed for your child’s grade level.  Kids and teens can complete the activities on their own using the provided instruction sheet, or they can save the supplies to do along with online videos featuring library staff twice each month.  Recent activities have included making a straw pan flute and exploring the science of sound (elementary level) and making your own winter scene luminary in a mason jar (teen level).  Patrons can pick up maker bags curbside as well!

The WPL also has various online and phone story resources through their Storytime Online and Dial-A-Story programs.  Each Wednesday, the library shares a new online storytime for kids and families to enjoy, which includes a book reading, songs, and an activity to do at home.  Patrons also now have the option of simply calling the Dial-A-Story phone line at 515-981-7800 at any time to hear a selection of books read aloud by library staff.  New selections will be recorded each month, designed for infants through elementary-age students. Listen for as long or as little as you want!  White notes that the Dial-A-Story theme for January will be winter, and February will be about feelings.

And for adults, the WPL features three different book clubs, all currently “meeting” online.  Virtual Books on Tap, the Online Afternoon Book Club, and the Introvert Book Club all have Facebook groups for updates and discussion opportunities for each selection.

Smash Park Online Game Nights

​COVID-19 has put a damper on most of our large social gatherings, and even just our nights out with friends.  If you’re missing your weekly group trivia night, all is not lost!  West Des Moines’ Smash Park offers virtual, 60-minute, private game nights, emceed by Event Manager Ashley Castellano.  There are multiple game options, including Can You Draw This? (think virtual Pictionary), Jeopardy!, Trivia (with numerous theme options available, such as 90’s movies or Disney animated films), and Name That Tune!  

Participants can divide into teams or play each other individually, using the Smash Park app on their phones or the web app on their computers.  Castellano notes that Can You Draw This?, in particular, is a great option for folks who may not be very tech-savvy, as it requires only a Zoom link, a pencil, and paper.  Participants still get all the great benefits of in-person game nights — friendly competition, laughs, and of course, heckling — with zero contact.  

​At only $9 per participant per session, Smash Park’s online game nights are a cost-effective option, too.  Plus, all sessions come with a free, recorded copy of your event — always good for laughs later!  Castellano says she’s hosted everything from corporate game nights, to Friendsgiving celebrations, to neighborhood block parties, to a moms’ night in.  The top three individuals or teams take home Smash Park gift cards.  Smash Park also offers 15% off a curbside carry-out food and beverage order with your session.  So if you’re looking for a fun way to bring family or friends together virtually, this could be it!

Online Games

Another great way to bring family and friends together, even if you live far apart, is through online board games.  Jackbox Games is a great place to start, according to Waukee resident and online game enthusiast Joe Ross, as the site offers a variety of word and trivia games.  “One person needs to buy the game,” notes Ross, “but then can share their screen to others, who can play on their phones to answer the questions.”  

Among Us is a popular game, designed for 3-10 people, which can be played online or through your phone.  Players attempt to repair a spaceship, but be careful, warns Ross, as “some of your friends are not on your side and are trying to eliminate the good crewmates.”  If you can catch them, however, you can vote them out — if you can convince the rest of the crew!

​Ross notes that Code Names and Welcome To are great options that require little setup to play online.  In Code Names, two teams (4-12+ people) compete in a word game that makes participants come up with ways of linking different words together.  “There are a lot of different versions of this game, and many of them are great for kids or adults,” says Ross.  In Welcome To, one of Ross’ personal favorites, “each of you tries to build a 50’s style neighborhood, complete with fences and pools.”  

​

One game that many people have heard of already is Dungeons and Dragons, a roleplaying game which has become very popular over the last couple of years, due in part to shows like Stranger Things.  Three to six players is the recommended group size, but Ross notes that any number of people can play.  All you really need to run a game, says Ross, is a set of dice or a dice-rolling app.  “Roll20.com is one free option that can help make playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons much easier,” he says.

​Ross also notes that the Tabletop Simulator can be a great option to incorporate, as it essentially creates a virtual game board, including game components, for “just about any board game or card game there is.”  Each participant does need to have their own computer, which isn’t always possible.  But if it is, it can come in handy for virtually any online game night.

So if you and your family have been staring down the barrel of the next few months with nothing to do, don’t worry!  With numerous library programs and offerings, plus more online board game (and game night) options than ever before, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained this winter!

Filed Under: Activities, City of Waukee, Family, Features, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, PinPoints of Interest, Waukee

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: 5th 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!

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Family, Features, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee

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.

Filed Under: Features, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee

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.

Sgt. Mackenzie Sposeto

“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.

Officer Corby Robbins

“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. 

Detective Susan Williams

“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.”

Sgt. Kelli Cichoski

“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.”

Officer Kathryn Guess
Officer McKenna Olberding

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. 

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Features, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee

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.

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Features, Lifestyles

Mental Health: Now More Than Ever

November 23, 2020 by Kellyn Pappas

We all likely had our own ideas of what 2020 would look like—maybe for the world, and certainly for ourselves. Then, barely three months into the year, the world as most of us knew it turned upside down. The COVID-19 pandemic has consumed everyone’s 2020. From kids attending classes virtually, to their parents working from home, to face masks becoming ubiquitous, life now looks very different than it did at the start of the year. And with no end to the pandemic currently in sight, even the calmest among us are facing challenges to our mental health like we may never have experienced before. So how do we combat the ongoing uncertainty and anxiety?

According to Jim Wilwerding, licensed mental health counselor with New Heights Counseling Resources in Urbandale, the pandemic presents unique challenges to our mental health. Foremost among these can be a feeling of powerlessness against a foe we can’t see, which therefore can feel too overwhelming to even contemplate. “There is this notion that COVID is everywhere, and we don’t know where it is,” he says. “Where do you turn?  How do you manage something that’s so big?  It’s just too big to comprehend.”  

The measures required for public safety—social distancing, wearing face coverings in public, and the need to stay home and limit close contact with others as much as possible—can lead to feelings of isolation, which only compounds the struggle. As human beings, Wilwerding says, “we need interaction—particularly three-dimensional interaction.”  Phone calls, FaceTime, and Zoom meetings can bridge the gap, but the way our brains are wired, says Wilwerding, two-dimensional interactions only go so far. “There’s something about being in the same space,” he says.

It makes sense, then, that one of the most effective ways to cope with COVID-related anxiety or stress is to prioritize ways to get those in-person interactions with people, especially loved ones. “We all get kind of closed into our own worlds,” Wilwerding says. “Can you find someone you can have face-to-face interaction with?”  Additionally, one of the safest ways to interact in person with others right now is to socialize outdoors, and going outside and getting fresh air into your lungs is another one of the best ways to buoy your spirits. 

“I’ve been recommending to a lot of folks—get outside, get some exercise, get some sunshine on your face,” says Wilwerding. Whether it’s a socially-distanced happy hour in a parking lot with coworkers, or just an impromptu chat with a neighbor from six feet away, finding ways to interact in person with the people around us can go a long way toward alleviating feelings of anxiety and isolation.

In addition to three-dimensional interaction with others, putting a high priority on getting accurate information regarding the coronavirus itself can be crucial to your mental well-being. The mere fact that this is a virus we’ve never encountered before can be anxiety-inducing on its own. “[The virus] is novel—we don’t know a lot about COVID-19,” Wilwerding says. He points out, however, that it can be useful to think back to our high school biology classes and remember how viruses work, and perhaps more importantly, how they don’t work. 

Additionally, it often feels like there is not only an overwhelming amount of information circulating about COVID-19, but sometimes contradictory information, which can make it difficult to distinguish facts from fiction. Wilwerding recommends limiting your intake of news and information about the virus to “real, solid sources of information.”  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center are two oft-referenced, reputable sources of information and statistics. Knowing the data and being armed with science-based facts and information can help you feel more in control.

That knowledge can be particularly helpful for supporting others around us, especially our kids. Wilwerding says children can be just as confused and concerned by the situation as adults are, particularly as everyone navigates returning to learn in a very different environment than in the past. “We have to be careful of what we’re asking kids to process,” he says, particularly younger children. “A lot of it is beyond their capabilities for processing.”  The key with small children is keeping things simple. Kids generally have a good grasp on the concept of germs and the importance of washing their hands. Just don’t overwhelm them. “Simple answers, simple questions,” says Wilwerding. 

Helping teenagers cope during this time follows a similar line. Wilwerding points out that adolescents, who tend to be major users of social media in particular, often have more information than the adults in their lives do. Where parents can help is making sure their kids are processing all that information effectively. “Sure, you can have all this info,” he says, “[but] how do you effectively interpret it [and] process it in a way that’s not overwhelming?”  Since adolescent brains are not yet fully equipped to think critically about what they’re taking in, or about the consequences of their actions, parents should make sure to put boundaries in place to ensure their teenagers aren’t unnecessarily putting themselves or others at risk. “Just because all your friends ‘seem’ safe, doesn’t mean you can go have a sleepover,” says Wilwerding. 

Parents should also keep in mind that the same coping strategies that can help them, can help adolescents too. Make sure your teenager gets the opportunity to go out and get their exercise, says Wilwerding, “even if it’s just running around the block.”  Ensuring that they’re connecting safely with friends can help combat feelings of social isolation and boredom.

Of course, colder weather will soon be upon us, and that means the advent of flu season, in addition to the ongoing pandemic. With so much uncertainty around public health, in addition to the stress of what will likely be a contentious election season, watching the evening news these days often feels more depressing than ever before. Is it possible to remain upbeat in the midst of what can seem like an overwhelming amount of negativity?

Wilwerding says yes—it just takes some perspective. “The thing about times like these is that there have always been times like these,” he says. In situations like this, where there is not yet an end in sight and where not much is certain, there can be value in following the oft-quoted advice to “keep calm and carry on,” says Wilwerding. “I tell folks all the time: There’s no such thing as a thought that lasts forever or a feeling that lasts forever.”

Although there will almost certainly be permanent changes to the way we live due to this pandemic, Wilwerding says if you can cultivate and sustain hope, you can make it through even the most trying of circumstances. “I really like the word hopeful,” he says. “It’s not just being positive, not being Pollyanna [or] overly optimistic. To me, hopeful says: In the end, it’s going to be alright.”

Filed Under: Features, Lifestyles

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.”

Filed Under: Community Spotlight, Features, Lifestyles, My City

Waukee Leadership Institute Profile : Kellyn Pappas

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Over the past few years, miniature food pantries have sprung up all around the Des Moines metro. These small boxes, stocked with nonperishable food, are available any time of day for anyone in need—a small-scale way to help combat food insecurity in the community. Waukee residents will soon see these Little Free Food Pantries in their neighborhood as well, thanks to the recently-graduated Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2020.

The Waukee Leadership Institute began in 2006 as the brainchild of Waukee’s former mayor Bill Peard and co-founder Larry Lyon. Both men were serving on the Waukee City Council at the time, and according to Peard, both thought the city of Waukee was in need of a way to “keep the leadership pipeline full”—not just for elected officials, but for community leaders, as well. The two created the program as a way to develop leaders through education, networking, mentoring and roundtable discussions.

A significant amount of time and effort went into developing the Institute, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. “It was a labor of love for a lot of people,” said Peard. “It’s truly a volunteer effort.” The founders took some cues from other leadership institutes in the area, but ultimately, Peard explained, “We kind of just jumped in the deep end of the pool and figured it out from there.” The Institute’s first class graduated in 2007.

Class members apply online each year over the summer and meet on a monthly basis from September to April. Each year’s class is capped at 20-25 people. “We feel that is a good size,” said Institute Board Director Terry Snyder, an Institute Class of 2012 graduate herself. “It’s not too big, not too small.”

Class of 2020 graduate Gretchen Stanger, who works as the Youth and Family Program Director at the Waukee YMCA, became interested after hearing about a coworker’s experience in the program the year before. “[She] shared her experience with me and it piqued my interest,” she said.  Larry Hingst, also a 2020 graduate, had just accepted a new role as a sales manager at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company in Waukee when he enrolled. “I was asked to enroll…about one week before it was going to start,” he said.

Fellow classmate April Samp, who worked as the News Director and creator of the We Are Iowa brand at WOI-TV Channel 5 and currently owns her own producing and consulting company, first heard about the Institute on the golf course. “I first heard about WLI from current President Rick Kyser in a fortuitous meeting on the Sugar Creek Golf Course,” she explained. “I was paired with Rick and his wife for a round of golf, and he talked to me about the program.”

Despite varying levels of familiarity with the Institute and with the curriculum, class members quickly realized they had made a good decision.  “I quickly felt it would be a good fit, both personally and professionally,” said Stanger.

Hingst agrees. “Going in, I really did not know a lot about the program,” he said. “I realized this was going to be more fun and interesting than I had anticipated!” 

Although class content has been refined somewhat over the years, the core components of the curriculum remain the same. According to Snyder, each class “learns how the Waukee city government works, how our economic development department attracts new business to Waukee, and how the school district handles the population growth of the city.”

Waukee’s mayor and city administrator are regular annual presenters, as is Waukee’s police chief, John Quinn, whose Introduction to Leadership class has become a staple on the schedule. Snyder commented that the curriculum has been enhanced over time, as well. “Former Governor Tom Vilsack presented for the class of 2020, and he is scheduled to present again [for] the class of 2021,” she explained.

A session on state government, presented by Iowa Senator Charles Schneider and Representative Kenan Judge, is also on the schedule for next year. The Institute has also added a class where representatives from a small, medium and large business in Waukee present to class members on their leadership style and how the size of their business impacts the way they lead.  

Graduates have high praise for the class content and presenters. “I appreciated how carefully the topics and presenters were planned. It truly made for an immersive experience,” said Stanger.

Hingst said he learned a lot about the operations of the city government and was impressed by what he heard from presenters. “One of the things that really stood out [was that] the leaders that we have in our community really put the city first in their decisions,” he said. “That was refreshing to see.”

The capstone each year is a final project, the aim of which is to enhance the Waukee community. “We encourage the class to think outside the box and look around town and see what they think is needed,” said Snyder. Class members pitch ideas to one another and talk through the logistics of each one. Eventually, the class as a whole makes the final decision on which project they would like to pursue.

Past class projects have included the construction of the amphitheater in Centennial Park (Class of 2013) and the installation of bike ramps on Waukee’s bike trails (Class of 2016). After talking through numerous pitches, the class of 2020 decided to tackle food insecurity in Waukee by working with Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS).

A nonprofit outreach ministry supported by Waukee-area churches, WACS operates a food pantry, a free medical clinic, a community garden and additional seasonal and children’s programs that serve all of Dallas county and into the surrounding area, as well.

The project aimed to raise awareness in the community about food insecurity and elevate the impact of WACS. For starters, the group created a marketing toolkit for WACS to use to create marketing materials to reach out to volunteers, donors and clients. According to Samp, the group also engineered “a self-functioning…food donation network.” 

This network is built around local businesses that agree to host month-long donation drives and then challenge another business to do the same in another month. “We also created a database of potential and current donors for [them] to use,” said Samp. Another major part of the marketing campaign was a short video the group produced for WACS to increase awareness of the services they provide. According to Samp, the video explains “not only what they provide, but also how people can help.” 

The class also solicited materials and labor from local businesses to construct roughly half a dozen Little Free Food Pantries, which will be placed throughout Waukee in the coming months. The pantries provide “a way for people to get the basics without having to go into WACS,” said Samp. The group also aimed to raise funds for WACS, and although some of the group’s progress fundraising was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they still managed to raise over $4,700 by the time their efforts were slowed in March. “I am pleased our class remains committed to completing the project we began in September and I’m elated to witness our efforts take shape in the community,” said Stanger.

The impact of the Waukee Leadership Institute has certainly been felt throughout the city of Waukee over the years. “I think the class projects have made a great impact on the community,” said Snyder. She also points out the great leadership the Institute has produced, such as Class of 2007 graduate Chad Airhart, who is currently the Dallas County Recorder, as well as current City Council member Anna Bergman, a Class of 2017 graduate who recently ran for Iowa State Representative.

Peard agrees. The Institute has become a “definite part of the community,” he said.

That impact is felt by the Institute’s graduates, as well. Snyder enjoyed working with the Class of 2020. “They were all very professional,” she said, adding that she appreciated “their enthusiasm for the class and the project.”

Stanger explained, “The classmates were a delightfully diverse group of welcoming, goal-driven, inspirational, and community-focused leaders.”

Samp agrees. “I enjoyed collaborating with so many smart and caring people,” she said. “I appreciated the kind hearts and strong work ethic of the group.”

Hingst was inspired by presenters’ knowledge and dedication. “Waukee has some tremendous leaders, in our government and in the private sector,” he said. “They take great pride in our community, and this is awesome to see. It inspires me to get more involved.”

That impact was felt by Samp, as well. “My son and I are planning on volunteering more regularly at WACS,” she explained. “It has enriched our family life, as well.”

The Little Free Food Pantries represent the culmination of an experience that enriched the Class of 2020 not only professionally, but personally—an experience that has carried through to their lives after graduation. Stanger perhaps best sums up the impact: “I have developed invaluable relationships with my classmates and local business leaders, gained insight about myself, become more involved with the Waukee community, strengthened my leadership style and reinforced the ambition to be the most authentic version of myself.”

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Features, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee, Waukee Area Chamber Of Commerce

Faces of Waukee : Sara Kappos

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in rural Boone county, near Ledges State Park, the Iowa Arboretum and the 4-H Camp. I graduated from Boone High School and then got my civil engineering degree from Iowa State University.

You recently started a new position with the City of Waukee. Tell us about that.

I lead the city’s engineering, GIS and stormwater teams, and I oversee the construction of the development and capital improvement projects within the city.  

Which projects are you most excited to tackle?

I am super excited for the construction of the stormwater improvements project at the Waukee Public Library this summer. In addition to the replacement and expansion of the library’s parking lot, which is much needed, there will be a new stormwater pond, permeable pavers and bioretention cells to improve water quality in the area.

What do you enjoy most about working in Waukee?

I’ve really enjoyed the positive working environment. Everyone works together as a team to get things done and seems to genuinely enjoy what they do. The days go by fast!

The world is far from normal right now. How have you and your co-workers adapted to social distancing and other measures during the current pandemic situation?

Luckily, my team is predominantly field-based, so they’re used to working out of their trucks! We’ve transitioned to working remotely, conducting meetings via Zoom, and limiting face-to-face interaction as much as possible. Part of what I love about my job is my co-workers and the feeling that we’re all one big team. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has limited our in-person interactions and eliminated our large group gatherings at public works, but I’m looking forward to reconnecting as a group when this is all over!

Let’s end on a high note! Do you have any special plans for this summer?

I’m hoping we get to take the family vacation we’ve planned in northern Minnesota in July. It’s something my family has done since I was a kid, and we enjoy lots of swimming, fishing, games and laughter, and just spending quality time together!

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Features, Lifestyles

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »
www.mercydesmoines.org

Subscribe to our mailing list

Signup and be entered into a monthly drawing for a chance to win a prize!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
© Copyright myTown Magazines
  • Advertise with myWaukee
  • Contact Page