Second High School Coming To Waukee

September 11, 2018 by Elyssa Appleton

Waukee area students in graduating classes 2022-25 could be the first to attend the area’s second high school, which is set to open in 2021.

The fast-growing Waukee Community School District was ready to burst at the seams with Waukee High School nearing capacity. Total districtwide enrollment increased from 2,198 students in September 1999 to more than 10,000 this year with a projection of nearly 13,000 in five years.

Meanwhile, the city of Waukee had grown from 5,180 in 2000 to 20,649 last year. Its recent one-year increase of 9 percent was the highest of any city in the Des Moines area.

The Waukee City Council and the Waukee school district took action in May 2016 to deal with the influx. They approved the joint use of 160 acres of green space for a new high school and a city-owned sports complex. The yet-to-be-named 395,000-square-foot, 1,800-student capacity high school will reside just north of Hickman Road near the Waukee Family YMCA.

Most of the land will be used for the school and its amenities with the remaining space slated for 12 softball/baseball fields and a parking lot.

Voters had to approve a referendum for $117 million in general obligation bonds for the new high school in February to make the project a reality. It required 60 percent for passage. It got 90.27 percent.

Meeting Short-Term Needs

The Waukee Innovation and Learning Center—a facility for innovative partnerships between local businesses, the community and high school students—may be used to house additional Waukee High School programs until the second high school opens. Details are still being worked out.

Ten Elementary Schools by 2022

The district is also adding two elementary schools to accommodate growth. Radiant Elementary, at 5050 170th St. in Urbandale, is under construction and expected to open in the fall of 2019.

Land has been purchased for a tenth elementary school off Ashworth Road, west of Ute Avenue and Highway R22. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2020 and it’s expected to open in 2022. A name for the elementary school has not been determined.

In the meantime, Nicole Lawrence, Communications Coordinator with Waukee Community School District, said the district is closely monitoring enrollment and bringing on new teachers to ensure classrooms stay at an appropriate size.

News about the district’s progress on the elementary and high school fronts has sparked questions about the middle schools as well. The district’s website dedicated to providing information about the second high school addressed the issue by stating it will monitor updated enrollment data and then make plans for how to accommodate students at the middle level.

The New High School’s Design

The concept for the new high school was developed through a six-month immersive design process between FRK Architects & Engineers, district administration and a visioning committee comprised of parents, students, staff and community members.

“In a series of three visioning sessions, the committee learned about current standards and trends in high schools around the country, reviewed multiple layouts from newer high schools and then created building layouts to reflect district values,” said Lawrence.

Feedback from the committee was used to create the building’s three-story layout, which includes a rooftop terrace, a media center with a second-floor mezzanine, an auditorium with a second-floor balcony and orchestra pit, a commons area for students and several individual and group learning areas for students and staff.

There will also be a single, secure entrance for staff, students and visitors during school hours.

“Open, light-filled spaces that promote collaboration and student development were high priorities for the committee, with student safety being a top priority,” said David Briden, Senior Project Architect and Principal with FRK Architects & Engineers.

Incorporating a pond on to the campus was also an important and notable feature when designing the school’s layout.

“A natural drainage channel through the center of the site allowed a pond to be placed as a focal point around which the city and school district facilities could be developed,” said Briden. “Placing the building adjacent to the pond allows it to take advantage of views over the pond to the north. The natural slope of the terrain creates a structure that tucks into the hillside, helping to marry the large scale of the building with the site.”

As instructional methods and learning styles continue to evolve, Briden said each classroom space would be adaptable and future-ready for students.

The school parking lot will be ready for newly licensed drivers, too, with enough room for 1,360 stalls.

Athletic Facilities

Lawrence said that while the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU) ultimately determine sports classifications, the district anticipates each high school to compete at the 4A – IHSAA and 5A – IGHSAU level.

“Both high schools will offer similar programming and opportunities to students,” she added.

The second high school’s outdoor athletic facilities will feature a football stadium with a field and track, four practice fields, 12 tennis courts, and baseball and softball competition and practice fields. Additional amenities such as concession stands and team rooms are also included in plans.

The stadium will be built in a bowl-type setting into the ground. Inside, the school will have a gymnasium seating 2,500, an auxiliary gymnasium, and a three-lane track.

Parents Embrace the Second High School

Abby Jones, a Waukee parent whose fifth-grade son could be attending the second high school said the addition was a definite need for the community.

“It’s amazing to think how this area has grown in such a short period,” said Jones. “When I attended the University of Iowa, I remember some of my classmates from the Chicago suburbs said they graduated with a class of 1,000. That seemed huge, but we’re not far behind those numbers anymore.”

“I really think so much of our growth can be attributed to the school district’s commitment to offering students a truly high-quality education,” she added.

During the 2015-2016 school year, 855 kindergarten students enrolled in the district—a sign of even larger classes to come.

FOLLOW & LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

https://www.facebook.com/mywaukee

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2pWrorl07oe1lqOd5inS6A/featured

FOLLOW US ALSO ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM!

Go Biking Waukee

May 10, 2018 by Elyssa Appleton

It’s that time of year. The grass has started to green, neighborhoods have emerged from hibernation and the area’s evolving trail system is ready for use.

As residents dust off their bikes, strollers and tennis shoes, let’s walk through the winding trails of Waukee and beyond.

Overview

Waukee has three main trails—Heart of the Warrior, Sugar Creek and Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT).

The Heart of the Warrior Trail is three miles long and runs east to west through many of Waukee’s residential neighborhoods. Parking is available on the east side of the trail at Lion’s Park. Heart of the Warrior connects to Clive’s Greenbelt Trail, which leads to an extensive trail system. Centennial Park also sits along the trail, just across Ashworth Road, and provides a nice place for picnicking and playing outdoor games.

The Sugar Creek trailhead is at the intersection of Warrior Lane and University Avenue and curves through the city’s southern neighborhood of Glynn Village. This trail also runs through Centennial Park by way of a pedestrian bridge connected to the Spyglass neighborhood. Scenic views of the Sugar Creek Golf Course are an added treat.

Racoon River Valley Trail is the area’s largest system, spanning across 89 miles of trail and connecting to 13 additional communities outside Waukee. The trailhead is on the corner of Hickman Road and North 10th Street, where restroom facilities also can be found. Visit raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/the-trail for a
description of attractions and amenities in each community.

What’s New

In March, Waukee unveiled a new $1.1 million-dollar public art installation on the RRVT gateway trailhead. “Waukee Railroad Pergola: In the Shadow of the Rails” was designed by nationally recognized artist David Dahlquist and RDG Planning and Design of Des Moines. Dahlquist is also the mastermind of the High Trestle Trail bridge lighted superstructure that runs across the Des Moines River between Madrid and Woodward.

Similar to the High Trestle Trail bridge, the Waukee Railroad Pergola will be illuminated from dusk until dawn. At least six additional locations along the RRVT loop will adopt aspects of the main trailhead structure, making it the longest linear public art installation in the country.

In November, a pedestrian underpass that runs across the west side of Alice’s Road was completed along with a sidewalk to the east. “The new tunnel is really cool,” said Andy Walsh, who owns Mickey’s Irish Pub with his wife, Amy—both of whom are major supporters and participants in all things biking. “It’s not a straight shot. It’s a winding tunnel that goes back and forth. It’s neat.”

Grand Prairie Parkway also consists of two pedestrian underpasses. Waukee Parks and Recreation Director Matt Jermier said the underpasses were necessary for safety reasons. “We were getting a lot of comments about how busy that road is, and how dangerous it is to get across. As you’re trying to develop your trail system, the last thing you want is residents interacting with a six-lane road,” he said.

What’s Ahead

What’s next for the Waukee trail system? Jermier said their top priorities are safe
commutes and connectivity. “As we continue to put in more parks and develop new neighborhoods, we’re looking at ways for parents to not have to get in their car and drive to an elementary school,” said Jermier. “A good example of this plan working is the trails in Fox Creek Park that connect to Grant Ragan Elementary. There are many residents who can see the school from where they live and walk from the trail system.”

Safer routes also mean creating more underpasses. “The crossings on Hickman are just way too crazy,” said Walsh. He has been involved with numerous fundraising efforts for the trail system and says a connector from RRVT to the High Trestle Trail is another project on the list once more funds become available.

“It would be amazing. If bicyclists want to ride High Trestle Trail right now, it involves loading up the back of a truck and unloading in Woodward. With a connector, we could get on our bikes from here, ride to Woodward, curve around the north side of Des Moines and back down. That would be great.”

Raccoon River Valley Trail Events

Jermier said there has been an uptick in charity events and 5k runs since completing the north loop on RRVT. “We get usage numbers from Dallas Country Conservation, and those continue to increase year after year,” said Jermier.

One of Waukee’s largest and best-known trail events will take place on Saturday, June 16. The annual BACooN ride covers 71 miles of on the Racoon River Valley Trail and will be presented by the Blue-Ribbon Bacon Festival, RAGBRAI and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Numerous stops along the way will provide tasty bacon treats.

Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee is the official post-party location for the ride, featuring three bands and food and drink specials for riders. Additional RRVT events include the Market to Market Relay for runners on May 12 and live
music on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. at Perry’s historic Hotel Pattee.

Side Bars

If you’re looking for a pit stop where you can grab a drink and pump some more air in your tires, consider the following Waukee establishments: Mickey’s Irish Pub, Saints Pub and Patio, and Hy-Vee Market Grille (where the tire pump is located at Hy-Vee Gas).

Additional places with food and/or drink near the Waukee trails include 1908 Draught House, Rookie’s Sports Bar and Grill, Kenny’s Garage, Sidetrack Pub, and Broheim’s Indoor Golf and Pub.

Walsh, who has owned Mickey’s for 11 years, says bicyclists generally prefer to stop at bars that are known to be ‘bike-friendly.’ “That means the place might be
owned and populated by bikers,” he explained. “‘Bike-friendly’ bars put out a station for filling water bottles, provide extra bike racks and create specials for bicyclists—things like that.”

We Have It Good

Walsh thinks some Iowans tend to take for granted how good of a trail network we have. “We’ll have people driving across the country who stop here and jump on
the RRVT,” he said. “We’ll show them our network, and they’re blown away by all the paved trails. It’s not a priority for most places, like it is here.”

For more information on Waukee’s trails, visit waukee.org.

Gastro Pub & Grub

March 6, 2018 by Elyssa Appleton

Life had been going so well for Andrea Gleason, half of the husband-and-wife ownership duo of Waukee’s new restaurant, Gastro Grub and Pub.

She was planning her wedding with the love of her life, and she had never been happier. And then she was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.

“I’m sorry, what is it?” Andrea asked her doctor.

“You have cancer,” the doctor said.

“No, I don’t. I’m fine.”

Andrea’s mother was sitting next to her and began to cry. She and Andrea’s father had a friend who had recently died from melanoma. She didn’t know how her daughter would survive this.

“There’s no way,” Andrea repeated to herself. “We’re thriving. This can’t happen now.”

Andrea and her now-husband, Sean, met while working at Legends Grill in West Des Moines. She’d been trying to earn some cash to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. He’d been studying pre-med at Drake, but dropped out after losing his father—a prominent Des Moines doctor —to suicide three years earlier.

She was smart, beautiful and full of life. He was handsome, brimming with untapped potential and ready for whatever life would present next. They had fallen in love instantly.

A few months into dating, Andrea had told Sean she wanted to move to Los Angeles, which also would give Sean an opportunity to recreate his life. So they packed their bags and headed west.

When they arrived in L.A., Andrea encouraged Sean to do something he really enjoyed. He’d always had a knack for cooking, and his mom had been urging him to become a chef since he was a teenager.

“Even when we first started dating, he would cook full meals for me,” said Andrea.

Sean began taking courses at Le Cordon Bleu, a culinary arts school, while working at Fig and Olive, an upscale restaurant. Andrea landed a restaurant gig at Katsuya, a popular L.A. sushi joint, and went to auditions in her free time.

“I ended up spending more time at the restaurant than I did on acting,” she said.

After a year at Fig and Olive, Sean left for The Village Idiot. That’s where he and Andrea had their first taste of gastro pub fare—what Andrea describes as a fusion of eclectic foods.

Sean worked his way up to Sous Chef there within three years. After four years of hustling and getting a taste of the L.A. restaurant scene, the big city lifestyle began to wear on Andrea. It was time to go home. “We were working six days a week just to pay rent,” she said.

The couple decided to make the most out of their trip home and planned a two-week
road trip to visit several National Parks. When they landed in Yosemite, Sean proposed.

“We were so excited, we had to get a drink just to calm ourselves,” she laughed.

Back in Iowa, they moved in with Sean’s mother—with no jobs and no money. But they had a dream. “We wanted to open a restaurant,” said Andrea.

With Andrea’s experience and Sean’s talent, they created a business plan and presented it to potential investors. But nobody would bite.

“Who are you? You just moved back from California. You don’t have any money. Why should we go all-in when you have nothing to lose?” they were told.

Andrea understood the rejection. But she also knew they weren’t giving up.

About a year passed with no luck when the city of Des Moines announced it was approving food truck permits. They decided to give it a shot. With a small investment from their parents, they bought a food truck off Craigslist.

By the summer of 2015, Gastro Grub was ready for customers. It was just the two of them. Andrea took orders and Sean cooked.

They frequented events like the Valley Junction Farmer’s Markets on Thursdays, Hinterland and various food truck festivals across the metro.

When winter came, Andrea and Sean decided to keep going and parked outside
Confluence Brewery every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The profits weren’t great, but staying open helped the couple get their name out in the community.

Gastro Grub grew in popularity, and by the summer of 2016, “the requests were coming in like crazy,” said Andrea. “It was so good that it was more than we could handle.”

Andrea’s mom joined their party of two, helping Sean in the kitchen.

When she wasn’t on the food truck, Andrea played volleyball at The Sands, one of her favorite things to do in the summer. Her arm started to bother her, and she thought she may have hurt it playing.

Then she found a lump, and Sean’s mom, a nurse, urged her to get it checked out.

She was told it was nothing serious and was given several courses of antibiotics, but the lump kept growing and it became painful and bruised. Sean’s mother suggested Andrea be seen again.

One summer afternoon, when the flow of customers had settled around the food truck, Andrea sneaked away to Mercy’s Urgent Care in Clive.

“Sean’s dad helped create that facility. In some weird way, I think he sent me there to get the right tests,” she said.

The doctor sent her to get a biopsy. Soon after, she went back in for the results.

“Denial. I was in total denial,” said Andrea. “It felt like the future Sean and I were planning was ruined.”

She told Sean she didn’t want to do the food truck anymore. “We had just booked our wedding, and now I didn’t even want to marry him. I wanted him to find someone else, so he didn’t have to go through this. I was broken,” she said.

But Sean knew he wanted to be with Andrea forever—until death do they part.

A PET scan showed Andrea’s cancer had metastasized in the lymph node under her arm and spread into eight more tiny tumors across her chest. She was sent to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she qualified for a clinical trial that had cured other patients with her type of cancer.

“Keep trying to live your life as much as you can,” her doctor told her. So she did. That meant, despite taking 12 pills a day, flying to Vegas for her bachelorette party and not missing out on summer festivals like Hinterland.

But the side effects of treatment caught up with her. Andrea recalls sitting in her car one morning, getting ready to pick up burgers and buns for the truck. “I just cried,” she said. “I felt so awful and wanted to crawl back in bed, but I knew that wouldn’t help anything, so I just pushed through and did the best I could.”

Her subsequent scans showed the treatments were working. Her tumors were shrinking. “I felt like I was going to be saved,” she said.

But right after the wedding, Andrea felt the tumor in her armpit growing larger, and her doctors confirmed her worst fears. The cancer was growing again, and it was aggressive.

“It was so depressing to have this false hope that I was going to be fine. Life was going so well, and it was being taken away from me again,” she said.

Amid her treatments, Andrea and Sean worked with a realtor and local bank to nail down a spot for their restaurant. “We really wanted to make it happen,” she said. “Not only because it was our dream, but because both Sean and my parents knew the truck was wearing me down.”

She said they looked for space downtown, but were worried it was oversaturated. Their realtor took them out to Waukee, and they fell in love with the space formerly occupied by Louie’s Wine Dive off University.

The couple secured a loan through the Small Business Administration and made a down payment on the building. “We needed the restaurant,” said Andrea. “I wanted it for Sean. I thought if I wasn’t going to make it, Sean couldn’t do the food truck without me. But I thought he could do the restaurant if I got it up and running for him. That was my goal, so he would be OK. I told him if I died, he could not give up everything we’ve worked for.”

Andrea’s doctor scheduled her for surgery for her 31st birthday to try to remove the remaining tumor in her armpit. She was told there was a chance she’d lose her arm.

Luckily, she woke up to good news. “I think we got it all,” her doctor told her.

After surgery, Andrea started radiation three days per week for six weeks. The first session landed on the week of Gastro’s Grand Opening. “I would go straight to the restaurant from Iowa City,” she said. “I was going to make this work and take it one day at a time, just like everything else.”

Although Andrea completed radiation in early February, her doctors can’t definitively say she’s in remission until she has several clear scans. She’ll remain on a treatment called Keytruda for the next 12 to 15 months.

Since Gastro Pub and Grub opened, Andrea said quite a few cancer survivors have come in to tell her she’s inspiring them not to give up on life. “I just have to stay strong and keep doing what I’m doing,” she said. “I still worry. I want to be done and move on with my life, but it’s always in the back of my mind.”

She said cancer has shown her how much we need to support one another. “So often, we’re so selfish. We forget to love one another and take care of each other. If anything, I can help do that now. I can try to make people’s lives a little bit better.”

The couple plans to donate some of their proceeds to a charity every month and is helping support the metro non-profit Freedom for Youth by using Freedom Blend Coffee in their restaurant.

Andrea said they’re hoping to set themselves apart from other area competitors by taking their food industry experiences in California and infusing that into their meals and drinks. Items on their menu range from a bourbon bacon jam burger to a vegan barbecue jackfruit sandwich to pork chops and mashed potatoes.

Andrea said operating a business with her spouse has its ups and downs. “We’re together every single day, but we’re so busy,” she said. “I miss him even more now and still get the butterflies when I see them. Our love is still strong, and we put that into the restaurant.”

Waukee’s 8 Year Old Miracle

January 8, 2018 by Elyssa Appleton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Adventures of Paul & Moose: Serving the Community Through Animal Therapy

November 1, 2017 by Elyssa Appleton

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and for Waukee resident Paul Mohlke and his 6-year-old labradoodle, Moose, the title couldn’t be more fitting. Not only do they share the typical owner-pet bond, but these two are committed to community outreach through animal therapy.

Their story began about seven years ago, when Mohlke became ill and ended up in the hospital. It was during his hospital stay that he first experienced what a therapy dog could do.

“My sisters knew I had always liked dogs, but with my work and my schedule, I wasn’t in a position to have one of my own,” said Mohlke. “During my time in the hospital, my sisters asked the staff if the therapy dog could come to my room. As soon as the dog came in, everything changed, and I instantly knew I wanted to have this same impact on people.”

Every day for the remainder of his hospitalization, Mohlke was able to see the therapy dog, and it was because of those visits that he began researching dog breeds and the process of training a therapy dog.

Roughly a month later, he was leaving a Walgreens when he noticed a dog sitting behind the wheel of the car parked next to his. Not knowing the breed, he stayed in the parking lot until the dog’s owner returned. He learned the breed that captured his attention was a labradoodle, a mix between a Labrador and a poodle. Not long after, he connected with a family that raises labradoodles in rural Northeastern Iowa.

“I let them know I was planning to train a puppy for therapy work,” said Mohlke. “Two days after our first conversation, they reached out saying someone returned one of the puppies due to conflicting emotions about losing a dog not long before. The next day, I went to meet the puppy, and once I saw him, I knew Moose was the one.”

Coincidentally, Mohlke learned the family who returned Moose also had plans to train him for therapy work. It’s as if Moose was destined to be a therapy dog.

The duo started therapy dog classes when Moose turned 2 years old. Mohlke used a center in Urbandale to help with the training, and he and Moose worked together one night a week for an entire year. At the end of 12 months, Moose took a test through Therapy Dog International.

“Moose has a great personality and loves people, so he was easy to train,” said Mohlke. “But, the testing felt a little like how I imagine American Idol contestants must feel. After the testing, all of the handlers, along with the dogs, were brought into a room, and Therapy Dog International selected some of us to move to another room, while the rest stayed. That’s how Moose earned his certification, and it was extremely rewarding.”

With a formal certification in hand, Therapy Dog International connected Mohlke and Moose with places in Central Iowa looking for therapy dogs. The first place they were sent was the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VA), and four years later, you can still find them meeting with veterans there for two hours on Saturday mornings. Additionally, every Tuesday, they visit the students and staff at Orchard Place School.

Mohlke explained that these two sites are very different, but the variety works well for them. He gets to interact with veterans at the VA, and Moose loves the kids and the attention they give him at Orchard Place.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to impact someone’s day—you can just do the littlest thing, and it makes all the difference,” said Mohlke. “I’ve had kids ask, when Moose and I are getting ready to leave, if they can just give me a hug, and the students make cards for Moose on his birthday every year. I’ve also received a letter from the daughter of a veteran who passed away, telling me how our visits meant everything to her father. Things like that make it all worth it.”

Mohlke and Moose were named “Volunteers of the Year” for Orchard Place this past year for the service they provide. Perhaps it’s partly because, as Mohlke explained, Moose is extremely perceptive during their visits, finding and sitting with the people who need him most.

“On a recent visit to the school, Moose gave particular attention to one girl,” explained Mohlke. “He kept licking her and making her laugh. Her teacher told me that she wasn’t having a good day, and somehow, Moose just knew.”

While “working” does leave Moose enjoying recovery naps at home afterward, Mohlke believes Moose loves his job. “His tail just wags all the time,” he said. “Moose really likes it because, just like us, he enjoys having a purpose and a job to do.”

Moose even has a baseball card that Mohlke makes himself and hands out to the people they meet. The front features a smiling headshot of Moose, bandana around his neck, and on the back, people can learn more about the friendly labradoodle, including his favorite toy (squeaky tennis balls), his favorite treats (hot dogs and string cheese) and his favorite activities (chasing rabbits and squirrels, along with visiting people, of course).

Mohlke explained that he’s looking forward to retirement, so he and Moose can visit even more organizations that request therapy dog visits, such as hospices and hospitals.

“I’ve found that Moose has the ability to help anyone, regardless of their role,” said Mohlke. “I’ve had nurses run us down in the hall, asking to see him because they’ve missed him so much. And now, a lot of the kids we see say that when they grow up, they want to do this. It’s rewarding to know they’ll know what a program like this is and what it means to experience it firsthand. Life is more than just work and having a job. When I was in the hospital seven years ago, I asked myself, ‘What’s my purpose?’ And, I can honestly say both Moose and I have found ours.”

The Waukee Innovation & Learning Center: An Inspiring Place for Aspiring Professionals

July 3, 2017 by Kate Fairfield

Tucked slightly off the road just south of the Waukee Timberline Soccer Complex, you’ll find a spaceship-looking building, better known as the Waukee Innovation & Learning Center (WILC). This sleek and modern facility is part of the Waukee Community School District and is the only one of its kind here in Central Iowa.

The WILC opened its doors this past January and is now home to the Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) program for local high school students.

Michelle Hill, director of APEX, says the WILC was purposefully designed to be a welcoming, collaborative environment. “Our philosophy at APEX is for students to take ownership and leadership of innovation, and that’s exactly what’s reflected in the WILC,” said Hill.

APEX offers courses in five economic sectors—engineering; human services; finance and insurance; business, technology and communication; and bioscience and value-added agriculture. Within these sectors, there are 11 courses (soon to be 14) for the 2017-2018 school year.

Each course has its own “studio” within the WILC. The building also features some open learning spaces, like the “triangle” in the middle of the building, where furniture can easily be moved for small group work or large speaking events. One of the more unique features of the WILC is The Hub Café, which offers fresh food and even has a reclaimed barn wood kitchen table with the APEX logo for its base conceptualized and designed by students.

“When people are looking for me, I’m usually at that kitchen table,” said Hill. “I’m like the ‘APEX mom.’ I enjoy helping students to find what makes them happy. High school can be such as scary time, where they’re supposed to have it all figured out. We play a part in helping them figure out what the next step is.”

Every aspect of the WILC allows for what Hill and her team call “creative collisions.” As students come to co-work, serendipitous interactions happen, including relationships with business professionals.

Russ Goerend, an APEX instructor who previously taught sixth grade English in Waukee, says the WILC structure and the APEX program give metro high school juniors and seniors a rare learning opportunity unlike anything in the traditional classroom.

“APEX is a different, consultant model,” said Goerend. “While the school-to-work program functions more like an internship, APEX exposes students to working with real clients on real projects with real feedback, paired with the technical skills for completing the work and delivering the final product.”

Each APEX course has its own curriculum team made up of academic and business partners. Curriculum is evaluated and refreshed every six months to keep it relevant to the needs of the industry. Hill, Goerend and the APEX instructors also receive support from an advisory board of 23 partners who assist with program strategy and planning while also assessing workforce trends.

Before the WILC opened, students met exclusively at the offices of APEX partner businesses—what the program calls “host sites.” Now that students have a permanent space, they have the luxury of equally splitting course time between the WILC and in the professional environment, which Goerend said is essential to the program’s success.

While the school-to-work program functions more like an internship, APEX exposes students to working with real clients on real projects with real feedback, paired with the technical skills for completing the work and delivering the final product.

“APEX wouldn’t work without our business partners,” said Goerend. “Our APEX course standards are designed around client relationships, career exploration and development of technical and professional skills. Our business partners play an integral role in that.”

One such partner is the City of Waukee. Goerend teaches a course called Designing Communications Solutions, and as part of this course, he once had his students partner with the City to establish a portfolio of photos from around Waukee. The students were responsible for scheduling, shooting and editing the photos and then delivering the finished photo library to the client.

But, prior to receiving their course projects, APEX students go through a two-week onboarding period during which they adjust to professional dress every day and business basics, like firm handshakes and looking others in the eye.

“They quickly become independent and use me as a coach and sounding board for projects,” said Goerend. “Students learn to be self-motivated and independent learners, which is exactly what business partners want in employees.”

One of the foundational tenants of APEX is there are no prerequisite courses or GPA requirements to join the program, nor an application process. Students simply need to register with their counselor, signing up just like any other elective course at the high school.

“APEX can impact any student, regardless of where he/she might be in school,” said Goerend. “If they feel as though they’ve diverged from what school can offer, we’re here; if they feel as if they’ve reached the maximum school can offer, we’re here. The motivation is there from APEX students, and the experience they receive is incomparable. The amount of work and growth they’re able to accomplish in a semester is amazing.”

Primarily filled with students from the Waukee Community School District, APEX has seen tremendous growth, doubling and tripling its class size since its inception. Next year, APEX expects to see 400 students and will add an additional instructor.

While WILC and APEX offer students a unique learning environment and the chance to explore career possibilities, staff members also hope students begin to see the metro community in a different light—and perhaps consider the Des Moines area when deciding where they want to live and work in the future.

“One of the metrics we track with students after they finish APEX is how likely they are to return to the Des Moines area post-college,” said Goerend. “What we’re learning is just how much insight APEX gives them about what the Des Moines business and industry landscape has to offer.”

Goerend firmly believes in the APEX program, not only for the students he mentors and teaches, but for his own family, too. He and his wife, who is also a teacher in the Waukee School District, hope their three young boys will embrace APEX when they reach high school. “I want our own sons to have this experience,” he said. “I don’t care which APEX sector they choose, but I will highly encourage them to pursue this opportunity.”

For more information on the WILC and APEX, including how to apply or how to become a business partner, visit waukeeapex.org.

Biz Kids: Young Iowa Entrepreneurs

July 3, 2017 by Sara Stibitz

Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. They employ nearly half of our private sector workforce, and in the last 20 years, they’ve created 64 percent of our new jobs.

While it’s wonderful to hear kids speak of becoming doctors, lawyers and engineers, it’s also wonderful to see them taking part in entrepreneurial ventures right here in Iowa. When kids get a taste of what it takes to run a small business, they get an early glimpse into risk, profits and losses, expenditures and costs, customer relationships, and perhaps most importantly, what it really takes to earn a living.

Below are the stories of two local families with entrepreneurial kids. In the first story, you’ll read about how Ben Hughes started his own lemonade business to earn money for a new phone, but ended up getting much more out of it than he expected. In the second story, you’ll read about Iowa lawmaker Rob Taylor and his family of entrepreneurial beekeepers, and how they’re doing their part to support the bee population.

And who knows? Maybe Ben’s Lemons and The Iowa Honey Company will find a way to combine forces.

Ben’s Lemons

Ben Hughes was 10 years old, and he was dying for a new phone. Like many parents, his father told him if he wanted one, he’d have to pay for it himself. Ben and his father happened to be discussing this at a Rotary event, and a fellow Rotarian suggested to Ben that he start a lemonade stand. But Ben knew he wasn’t going to make the kind of money he needed to buy a cell phone by selling lemonade on a street corner.

So he started a lemonade stand of sorts, but he took it a step further—he created a booth at the Waukee Farmers Market.

That was three years ago, and he’s been an entrepreneur ever since.

The lemonade recipe is their own. “My dad and I experimented with sugar water, lemon juice and normal water until we found the right combination,” explained Ben. “It’s not an exact science, and we experiment with it. We keep it mostly the same every year and tweak it just a little here and there.”

Ben makes it every Friday night before the farmers market. Sometimes it’s hard to run a business in the summer, but he gets it all done.

He gets valuable family time, too. “My dad and I can talk, and it’s a good bonding experience,” he said.

For Ben, the lessons he’s learned from the lemonade business have been transformational. “It’s made me proud of what I’ve been able to do with the money, and it’s made me appreciate what I buy, because it wasn’t just given to me,” he said.

His parents have noticed changes, too. “He can talk more easily with people, and he’s developed more social skills. He can have a conversation with people he doesn’t know,” said his mom, Shelly Hughes.

My dad and I can talk, and it’s a good bonding experience

He’s honed his sales skills, too; Ben will sell his lemonade as people walk by, convincing them to stop for refreshment.

Ben’s success is a result taking ownership in the enterprise. “He does all the work, and he’s very particular about the setup and how it goes,” said Shelly. “When I’ve gone to help him set up, I apparently don’t do it correctly—he’s very particular,” she said with a laugh.

The business has also taught him about responsibility. “He has to get a permit and pay taxes, and he’s done it all on his own. He’s learned a lot about business, and that running a business comes with hidden fees,” explained Shelly.

This may be Ben’s last year selling lemonade at the farmer’s market. Since he’s going into the 8th grade and will soon be old enough to get a job, he might try his hand at a more conventional way of making money. But fear not, there’s talk of a familial buyout. Ben’s younger brother, Asher, wants to buy the lemonade stand from Ben—and call it “Better Than Ben’s Lemonade.”

Iowa Honey Company

Rob and Christi Taylor have been self-starters for a long time. Christi is a physician at Iowa Health, and Rob is an entrepreneur in the automotive industry, as well as a legislator in the Iowa house. The couple knew they wanted to get their two kids, Ben (16) and Will (12), involved in business and agriculture in a venture that would give them a taste of both.

“We wanted to do something that would connect our kids to agriculture and teach them how to run a business,” said Rob.

With that in mind, they decided on beekeeping. “Bees are responsible for a third of the agricultural crops in the world,” explained Christi. “If we lose bees, we’re in trouble.”

The whole family took beekeeping classes at the Iowa State Extension Lab. After completing the six-week course, they purchased their first set of bees.

“Believe it or not, you can order bees online,” said Christi. “The first time we ordered, we used pre-made hives. We were brand new at this, so we needed a hive quickly. From there on out, we’ve ordered wooden kits and put them together ourselves,” she said.

In 2015, they had four hives; in 2016, they had 16, and they now have 29 hives. “In 2016, once we had 16 hives, we decided to teach the boys how to start a company,” said Rob.

They named it the Iowa Honey Company. They built a website, got the name trademarked and had a logo made. They created Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, too.

Their hives are scattered across Central Iowa. “We have two hives in our backyard in West Des Moines, 10 hives at our property in Osceola, another 10 on the farm where my dad grew up, and the rest are in Grimes,” said Ben.

The flavor of the honey produced varies between the locations because the bees feed on different flowers at each location.

The whole family takes care of the bees year-round, tending to them in the summer and making sure they have enough food in the winter. Every Labor Day, they process the honey in their once-a-year harvest.

The first year, they pulled 40-60 pounds of honey out of each hive. Now they’re up to 70-150 pounds per hive. The family is careful to leave enough in each hive so the bees can survive the long Iowa winters, and they also put the honeycombs back in the hives so the bees can keep using them instead of needing to build new ones.

Until recently, the company’s sales have been solely through word of mouth. But this summer, they entered into a relationship with Mayberry’s Coffee Shop in Osceola, which now sells their honey on a retail basis. “They love selling it because some of the honey is from right there in Osceola,” said Rob.

Needless to say, the family has learned a lot about bees along the way. “Bees have different personalities, and you have to handle them differently, depending on the personality of the hive,” explained Will.

He also explained that bees don’t like visitors when it’s rainy or stormy, that they don’t like offensive smells, and they prefer the scent of women and children over that of men.

As for Ben, he’s learned firsthand that bees give warnings before they sting. “They die when they sting, so it’s their last resort,” he said. “They’ll head-butt you first, as a warning. If the worker bees start pelting you in the chest, then they’re not in the mood to be messed with,” he said.

Avoiding bee stings hasn’t been the only challenge faced by the Taylor family. Last year, two of their hives were stolen from their location in Grimes. It made statewide and even national news. Fortunately, they were able to locate one of the hives a month later.

Since the beginning, and through all of its ups and downs, Rob and Christi have been sure to involve the boys in all areas of the business. “We do a lot of it along with our parents—the processing, selling, feeding, and caring for the bees,” said Will. “We build and stain the hives. We do almost everything they do.”

“We sit down at the kitchen table and make all of the decisions about the company together,” said Christi.

“They help make financial decisions, and they get to see costs and expenses, and how they affect profits,” explained Rob.

“It’s been a good experience to learn how to manage a business, but also to get a taste of agriculture. It’s given us a better understanding of both agriculture and business in general,” said Will.

Ben agrees. “It’s helped me realize how hard things in life can be, but also how much support we have around us. Not just from family, but from our community. They support our business and buy our honey, and they like our business and want to keep it going. It’s taught me that anything I want to do—with enough hard work, and enough people around me to support me, I can get it done.”

Up To Par: The Solheim Cup 2017

May 8, 2017 by Sara Stibitz

In the game of golf, patience is key. As golfer Gary Player once said, “A good golfer has the determination to win and the patience to wait for the breaks.” Well, the Des Moines Golf and Country Club has been a good player and patient enough to wait for a big break. After a long bidding and preparation process, it’s preparing to host the 2017 Solheim Cup August 14-20.

The Solheim Cup is a biennial competition between the best players of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the best players of the Ladies European Tour (LET). The competition is hosted alternately by cities in Europe and in the U.S., and this year the event will be played on the courses of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. They have the distinction of being the first 36-hole facility to host the international event, which means that both the Cup and the Junior Cup will be played on site.

According to Jim Cutter, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, the bidding process began in the fall of 2011, when the club reached out to the LPGA. Members from the LPGA visited the course in 2012, and then the club submitted a formal proposal in September 2012.

“We worked with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, as well as the Greater Des Moines Partnership, to put the proposal together,” said Cutter. “We had to submit details about everything from the size of their locker rooms, power availability, phones, acres of the course—everything you can imagine about the course and the area, including the clubhouse, hotel rooms, flights, access to airports, highways, and average temperatures over the last five years,” said Cutter.

They were in competition with eight other clubs across the country, and then it was pared down to three. They learned they would host the event in the summer of 2013, and they’ve been preparing ever since. “It started so long ago, and now we’re only 129 days away [at the time of the interview]. It’s kind of unbelievable,” said Cutter.

ITA Group, headquartered in Des Moines, played a big part in putting the proposal together. Since then, the LPGA has asked to use their proposal as a model going forward.

This isn’t the club’s first rodeo, however. In 1999, the club hosted the Men’s Senior Tour. “The crowd we attracted is still the record for that event,” said Cutter. With the Solheim Cup, they wanted to bring golf back to the forefront, and it was an opportunity to showcase not only the club, but all of Des Moines. “It’s one of the reasons we had buy-in and support from the Partnership and the Bureau,” said Cutter.

The preparations are well underway. The course has undergone renovations in the last four years; they were scheduled regardless of the tournament, but they enhance the course nonetheless. “We’ve renovated bunkers, tees and greens. The course was ready for the tournament as it was, but now it’s even better,” explained Cutter.

They’re now in the process of building out the bleachers and corporate pavilions. The buildout will eventually interfere with normal use of the course, but for now, the course is open to members and other players who want to play.

Hosting the Cup is no small feat, as they expect the event to draw 175,000 to 200,000 visitors to the Des Moines area over the week. Over half of those visitors will come from outside the state of Iowa, and at least 10,000 will come from Europe. The estimated local impact is $75 million, meaning Des Moines businesses will see the benefit of all of these visitors. According to Cutter, that figure includes restaurants, hotels, shopping, concessions, entertainment and everything that comes along with a visit to Des Moines.

The Club is not alone in its preparations. Major corporations around Des Moines will be sponsoring the event, including DuPont, Rolex, and of course, PING. “There are a myriad of other corporations that are helping put on the event,” said Cutter.

Far from the quiet golf competitions we see on TV, with narrators speaking in hushed tones, quietly awaiting the swing, the Solheim Cup is a little different. In fact, Michael Whan, the LPGA commissioner, commented about treating this game more like a football game than a golf game in a recent interview. They expect to see cheering, yelling, face paint and flags waving as fans cheer on their teams.

The reason? Unlike the tournament at Augusta, where they count every stroke, this is match play, where 12 of the best Americans and 12 of the best Europeans play matches,” explained Cutter. The first day, there are four matches in the morning and in the afternoon. Matches can end before the 18th hole. “Many matches don’t get to the 18th hole, so we want to make sure we start them off right at the tee,” said Cutter. “Fans are free to sing, yell, wave and support in any way they see fit.”

“Because we have 36 holes, we’re the first club to host the regular and the junior competition on the same property,” said Cutter. In years past, the Junior Cup was played at a different course. The junior competition will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday of the same week. The Junior Cup features some of the best players in the 13-18 age range from the U.S. and Europe.

If you’re thinking about attending the event, tickets can be purchased at solheimcupusa.com. There’s also the opportunity to volunteer, although that chance doesn’t come for free. However, for the fee and a few hours of their time, volunteers get a ticket to the event for the day, a uniform (which includes a shirt, slacks or shorts, a rain cover of some kind, and a hat) and a meal during their shift. Not to mention, you get behind-the-scenes exposure to the competition. More than 2,000 volunteers are needed to rake bunkers, carry scorecards, help in the media tent and a help with a wide variety of other tasks.

For more information about volunteering, visit dmgcc.org.

Broheim’s Indoor Golf & Pub: Brothers, Pints, & Golf

May 8, 2017 by admin

When the temperatures drop and Iowa’s unpredictable weather rolls in, metro golf enthusiasts now have a place to practice their swing at Broheim’s Indoor Golf and Pub in Waukee.

“The golf off-season is our season,” said Jon Goes, co-owner of Broheim’s with his twin brother, Justin.

The NE Carefree Lane establishment opened its doors on Feb. 3.

In addition to a full bar stocked with domestic and craft beers, Broheim’s has five PGA-sponsored golf simulators where single players or groups can play up to 66 different courses. Each simulator is 16 x 16 feet, and is surrounded by lounge chairs and couches. Each simulator can be rented for $45 an hour.

There’s also miniature golf, skee-ball and a big screen gaming system available for customers.

Hours are 10 a.m. to – 2 a.m. daily. The latest tee time is 10 p.m.

Goes said his passion for golf began in 2004 when he relocated to Urbandale from Lincoln, Neb., to help run the family business, Renaissance Granite and Quartz.

He continues to serve as general manager at Renaissance during the day and heads to Broheim’s every evening and weekend, where his brother—a musician by trade —manages the bar and carries out the day-to-day operations.

“He’s the hipster; I’m the golfer,” Goes joked.

His wife, Lacey, a consultative dietician, also helps with marketing for Broheim by managing its social media pages.

Goes credits his friends for getting him into the sport.

Once he and his friends moved away after going to college together in Nebraska, they used golf as a way to get together to do something they all enjoyed.

“You’re outside. You’re with your friends. You’ve having fun. You’re getting away. You’re clearing the mechanism. You don’t have to think about anything except what you’re doing on the golf course. All the stress and pressures of the day just fade away,” he said with a smile.

Part of their “buddy weekends” involved creating fake tournaments. Whoever won the tournament trophy got to take it home, with bragging rights included, until they got together again.

They all took turns creating tournaments. Goes called his the ABC Classic for “Anheuser-Busch Classic,” which he also says is their best-selling beer at Broheim.

But when the weather got cold, the men had nowhere to go. That was until Goes’ friend said there was a pub with golf simulators in Nebraska, and they should have a winter tournament there.

He recalls walking into the business and saying, “I could do this, and I could do it way better.”

His wife, however, wasn’t keen on the idea right away. “It took about six years of convincing her,” he said.

The Des Moines market was prime for it. The catalyst was when the Longview Golf Centre—the Urbandale driving range under a giant dome—closed its doors for business.

“That’s when my wife agreed there was a void in the market, and we should start our own golf and pub business,” Goes said.

The name for Broheim’s Indoor Golf and Pub is a play off the Solheim Cup. Goes and his friends are hyper-competitive and sometimes wouldn’t speak to one another after their tournaments. After one tournament dispute in particular, the Solheim Cup was on TV. They got the idea to call their next tournament the Broheim Cup in the spirit of brotherly love.

And the name of the future golf and pub was born.

Goes also decided they needed to do Broheim right.

“The simulators in my bar are all top-of-the-line. They’re the same ones on Golf Fix on the Golf Channel. Famous golfers play on these,” he explained.

Area golf pros like Wade Pettit and Eric Peyton also help improve the games of young gulf enthusiasts during private lessons taught on the simulators at Broheim.

While food isn’t yet sold at Broheim Golf and Pub, customers can order food into the bar. Goes said surrounding restaurants like Saints Pu —about 20 feet away from his golf pub—will deliver.

In time, Broheim will have snacks, a popcorn machine and a hot dog roller— similar to what you’d see on a golf course.

When deciding on a location, Goes said Waukee was a no-brainer. “Waukee made sense, because it’s the fastest growing city in the state,” he said.

As part of his role as general manager at Renaissance Granite and Quartz, Goes looks at housing starts to see where the market is growing, so he knows where their product is most likely to sell. Knowing that families in Waukee typically have some disposable income was another determining factor.

Goes said while Broheim Golf and Pub is a family establishment for parents who want to let their kids test out the simulators, minors do need to be out by 9 p.m.

“I’ve had a couple parents come in and take advantage of the screen-on-screen on the simulators, so their kids can watch TV while they’re playing. A few dads even loaded their Netflix account,” he said.

Goes has been proactive about ensuring Broheim shows support for social and community causes. They’ve donated gift cards to Waukee Teacher Approval and have allowed auctions to be held at the pub to raise funds for the Veteran’s Memorial in the Waukee Triangle as well as events for private charities for families fighting cancer.

With the Solheim Cup coming to West Des Moines in August, Goes is hoping to find a way to partner with the women’s professional golf tournament.

“In the golf world, the Solheim Cup is huge,” Goes said. “I don’t know if the city of Des Moines recognizes the economic boost that’s going to occur. It’s the biggest tournament to ever come here.”

Goes plans to take full advantage of having his key demographic down the street by advertising Broheim’s around lodging and restaurants in the area.

“After (spectators) are done watching golf, they can come in to play a round and have some drinks,” he said.

And Goes plans to be among those watching. “Oh, I’m absolutely going,” he laughed.

For more information on Broheim Indoor Golf and Pub, visit broheimsgolf.com.

Broheim’s is running a special on drinks through myWaukee Deals! Click here to sign-up for our FREE local offers mailing-list to access the Broheim’s deal, along with many other local business offers around the city of Waukee.

Painting the Full Picture: Meet Waukee Artists

March 8, 2017 by Mackensie Graham

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!