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You are here: Home / Archives for Lifestyles / Faces of Waukee

Faces of Waukee: Hassan Atarmal

July 9, 2019 by admin

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Morocco, in a very small town with limited opportunities and minimal access to modern conveniences. My parents worked hard to ensure my siblings and I could go to school and have better futures. During my first few years of college, I lived with my uncle who ran his own business. I worked there during my time off from school, and that’s where I was inspired to embrace entrepreneurship. 

In 1998, I came to the U.S. in search of better opportunities and landed in New York, where I managed a bagel shop for several years. In 2004, I met my wife, who happened to be from Iowa, and after a few years, we moved here so I could get a business degree from UNI. I worked for a few years as a home mortgage underwriter, which I enjoyed, but deep down I wanted to do something that brings people together. So, I went for something that did just that—fresh and tasty food. Hence, Fresh Mediterranean Express was born. 

When did you first realize you had a passion for food?

I grew up watching my mom cook and I remember helping her peel vegetables or adding spices to a dish and the outcome was always amazing. I’ve become even more passionate about cooking and experimenting with fresh ingredients as I’ve gotten older. I enjoy the creative aspect of what you can do with fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. 

How did you end up in Waukee?

When I was looking to open Fresh, my research showed that Waukee was on trend to grow exponentially, and there were very few healthy eating options here. So my wife and I decided Waukee would be a perfect fit for our concept and we opened Fresh Mediterranean Express in 2014. 

You make an effort to give back through various programs and charities. Tell us about that.

We are passionate about giving back. We support organizations that improve the well-being of children, including those with a focus on literacy.

What is the most popular item on your menu?

It’s hard to limit it to just one, but Gyros are a top seller, and ours are some of the best in town. Oh, and you can find our fresh hummus at Hy-Vee, too. That’s definitely a customer favorite!

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee

Faces of Waukee: Brian & Peggy Willard

July 9, 2019 by admin@mytownmagazines.com

Where did you both grow up?  

We both grew up on farms in Minnesota—Brian near Bemidji, and Peggy near Worthington. We moved to Iowa in 1994.

Tell us a little about your family.  

We have a son who works as a project engineer in Des Moines. Our daughter is a business owner/bookkeeper, is married and resides near Spearfish, SD. Our youngest daughter will graduate in May from college with a degree in Music Performance for violin.

The two of you run a family-owned business. Tell our readers about that.  

Owning our own business became a reality in September 2014.  For three years prior to our opening, Brian was doing repairs from our home garage in West Des Moines and working for Principal Financial Group’s aviation department.  Because of the number of people requesting his services, we researched and financially prepared to see if we could open a real repair shop. 

Peggy went from managing the family of five to being the Willard Garage owner/office manager.  Brian is the owner/technician. We aim to treat people the way we want to be treated. It’s been good to add more technicians and office assistants as we grow.  

What do you enjoy most about working in the Waukee community?  

Waukee is a great community of “Iowa nice” people. It has a small-town feel, but it’s growing!  Meeting locals and new residents is one part of our job that is so enjoyable. 

Summer travel season is fast approaching. Do you have any tips for folks gearing up to hit the road for summer travel?

Make sure your spare tire has adequate air in it. Also, every oil change at Willard Garage includes a good safety inspection to make sure you’re good to roll down the road. This includes checking all fluids, tires, battery, hoses/belts and brakes.

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee

Faces of Waukee: Kevin McCormick

March 13, 2019 by admin

Where did you grow up?

I’m originally from Decorah and graduated from Garner-Hayfield. I attended North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.   

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my wife, Marie, for 26 years. We have four children—Cole, Maddie, Bayley and Tanner.

Readers might think you look familiar. Why might that be?

You might know me as the manager of your Waukee Fareway. I started working with the company in Clear Lake over 30 years ago. Since then, I’ve worked at stores in Winterset (which is where I met my wife, a Saint Charles native), Ames, Boone, Independence, Ottumwa, Burlington and the south side of Des Moines. I should probably have a punch card.

In 2010, I moved back to the metro to manage the Clive store and bought a home in Waukee. In 2016, I became the manager of the Waukee store.

What do you like most about the Waukee community?

Waukee is a small city with a big heart, and I truly mean that. We also love its top-notch school system and its great swim program for our kids.

Our store has been a part of the Waukee community since 1998, providing great service and competitive prices—in my humble opinion.

We’re proud to serve the Waukee community, and will do so for many more years to come. Thanks for reading a bit about me, and I hope to see you on your next visit to Fareway.

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Lifestyles

Faces of Waukee: Clint Robinson

March 13, 2019 by admin

Tell us about your family.

My wife, Jenny, is a nurse. We’ve been married for 19 years, and both of us are from Waukee, although she likes to remind me that I am “a few years older.” We have three kids, ages 16, 12 and 9. We spend as much time outdoors as possible doing things like hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.

Tell our readers what you do.

As the Fire Chief for the city of Waukee, I am responsible for all operations of the fire department—including response, budgeting and personnel. The Waukee Fire Department is a combination department, meaning it employs a combination of full- and part-time firefighter/EMTs and paramedics in-house.  The department is an all-hazards department, responding to fire, ambulance and rescue calls.

Your team often makes the news for their acts of valor and quick thinking. To what do you attribute the success of Waukee’s Fire & EMS departments?

The success is 100 percent attributable to the dedication and skill of the employees and the time they spend training and preparing for emergencies. In addition to their initial training, they also spend time training each night in order to keep their skills sharp. After 27 years in the department, I am still amazed at the dedication of the firefighters.

As winter lingers a little longer and residents spend more time in their homes, odds are increased for fires in the home. Do you have any prevention tips for our readers?

·        Keep a clear space around all space heaters.

·        Make sure smoke detectors are operational with fresh batteries.

·        Have a plan with your family on how to react in an emergency.

·        Be sure carbon monoxide detectors are working and appliances are properly maintained.

·        Keep a clear area around fire hydrants.

·        Check on elderly family members more frequently than you typically would.

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Lifestyles

Faces of Waukee: Keri Weston-Stoll & Alex Coggeshell

January 15, 2019 by admin

Left to Right: Keri Weston-Stoll & Alex Coggeshell

Keri Weston-Stoll

Tell us about your family.

I live with my husband John; we have been married for six years. He is the youngest of six siblings, and I am the oldest of four. We enjoy spending time with our nieces, nephews and our extended family.

What do you do for a living?

I lead a department of three youth services staff who create and present all of the fun library programs for children and teens ages 0-18 and their caregivers. We spend a lot of time planning and preparing events that are fun and sneakily educational, and we make many outreach visits to area schools, preschools, and child-care facilities. I also enjoy working with our Teen Advisory Board and our other amazing teen volunteers. Additionally, I purchase all of the books, DVDs, STEAM kits and other materials for children and teens.

What do you think sets the Waukee Library apart from other metro-area libraries?

To me, two of the most exciting things about our library are our Digital Scholar program and our STEAM Library. Digital Scholar is a partnership with the Waukee schools that allows all Waukee students access to our online materials with their student ID numbers. Our STEAM Library offers a wide variety of educational items that all library cardholders can borrow for three weeks at a time. The most popular item is a Dash Robot. We also have a learn-to-knit kit, a keyboard, a telescope, a microscope, Little Bits, more robots, and several other items. This collection is growing all the time.

Any exciting winter programs you’d like to tell us about?

We have a Winter Reading Bingo challenge going on for all ages until the end of January. People can sign up on our website or stop into the library for a Bingo card. For special events, we have some new monthly programming for elementary students who are fans of the “I Survived” series, a new monthly Craft Lab and a Family Disney Fan Trivia fundraiser coming up on Feb. 2.

Any New Year’s resolutions you care to share with our readers?

Nothing too exciting—just trying to be more healthy!

Alex Coggeshell

Tell us about your family.

My family and I are originally from the Des Moines area, but we moved to Joplin, Missouri when I was in junior high. Now I’m back and proud to be an Iowan again! My grandpa, Paul Coggeshell, had a chiropractic clinic on the south side for many years—it’s surprising and heartwarming how many people recognize my last name and ask if there’s any relation. I am a spoiled only child and was raised by my wonderful mother, Micci Krause, who owns a thriving real estate company. Though it’s a bit of a trek from Joplin, my grandma and mom make frequent trips to visit me—and to go shopping at Jordan Creek.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the adult services librarian at the Waukee Public Library. I’m in charge of planning all of the adult programs as well as managing and developing the adult book collection. In short, I’m responsible for running all the fun events and buying all the books for our adult patrons. I’m also in charge of Lit+Fix—our personalized book selection service for busy caregivers and parents. Soon, I’ll have a hand in curating our library’s new art gallery, which is opening in the spring.

What do you think sets the Waukee Library apart from other metro-area libraries?

I think our library is set apart by the strong sense of community in Waukee. We serve one of the fastest growing cities in the metro, but our library offers a welcoming environment and friendly customer service that’s usually attributed to smaller towns. Library staff members really take the time to get to know our patrons and we pride ourselves on working together to meet the community’s needs.

Any exciting winter programs you’d like to tell us about?

I have so many great upcoming programs planned for adults! There will be classes on 5k Training and Disney Travel 101, a craft workshop on Beginner’s Knitting, an Herbal Tea: Mixology 101 class, and history talks on “Lessons from the Holocaust” by Brad Wilkening and “Buxton, Iowa: The Making of a One-Of-A-Kind Town” by Iowa author Rachelle Chase.

In March, we’ll kick off a new year of our Local History Series in partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society with a presentation on “Minburn Singing Wheels” and our Lunch & Learn sessions in partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation with an iPad Basics class.

Be sure to check out our website, give us a call or stop by the library to get all the details!

Any New Year’s resolutions you care to share with our readers?

My resolution is always to eat healthily (but save room for dessert), stay active and make some great memories.

 

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Lifestyles

Faces of Waukee: Amy Varcoe

January 15, 2019 by admin

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Algona, Iowa.  

Tell us a little about what you do.

I work as the Director of Communications for Waukee Community School District. My duties are varied, which is the best part. I get to interact with students, teachers, staff, and administrators to share the amazing stories that happen every day at Waukee. As the spokesperson, I handle all media inquiries, oversee social media, the website and all public relations activities and events. My day is anything but predictable, which is what I love most.

How long have you been with the Waukee Community School District?

I started my current position in October 2018.

The second high school recently had its groundbreaking. What are you most excited about as the district continues to grow?

As a parent of a student in the district and as an employee, I’m excited to see the growing number of opportunities for our students and staff. We’re one of two districts in the state that has added a high school in the past 45 years. The innovation and collaboration opportunities are endless with business partners, students, and staff. Waukee is preparing its students for a future with real-life experiences and opportunities. The time has never been better to be a part of our school district as an employee, community member, and parent.  

Any New Year’s Resolutions you care to share with our readers?

I’m not a big resolution person, but I do try to reset any chance I get. Yoga is my go-to for centering and grounding. My husband and I have three young children— ages 9, 7, and 4—and we’re busy running from place to place with them. I wouldn’t change it for the world, but sometimes it’s important to slow down and enjoy the moment.

 

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Lifestyles

Faces of Waukee: Rudy Koester

November 19, 2018 by admin

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m from Northeast Iowa, where my immediate and extended family resides. My parents are blue-collar workers; my father works as an equipment operator/truck driver for a heavy highway contractor, and my mother works for an egg processing plant as a line worker. In addition, they (along with my father’s siblings) help my grandfather with the operation of the family cattle and crop farm.

I met my wife Erin about three and a half years ago, and we got married in September of 2017.  We enjoy hiking, traveling, exercising, visiting the many mom-and pop-restaurants Iowa’s small towns have to offer on our Harley and cheering for the Cyclones! We have a five-year-old American Brittany named Chief with whom I enjoy pheasant hunting in the fall and winter months.

You’re an Iowa State grad with a degree in Civil Engineering. How did you land in this field of study?

I grew up helping my dad and grandfather on the farm. From a young age, I always enjoyed building and fixing things with my hands. On the farm, it seemed we were always fixing or building things and my dad was always good at showing me how to do things that fascinated me. Growing up, I knew I wanted to build things, but I wasn’t sure what. My first summer job after high school graduation was with the Fayette County Engineer’s Office. The county engineer at the time took me under his wing and introduced me to the civil engineering world. It was his mentoring that really sparked my interest in highway construction. I knew from this experience wanted to build roads and bridges. The next decision—whereto go to college—was easy. I had an uncle who studied industrial engineering at Iowa State University, and he always talked up their engineering program, so I figured ISU had to have a good civil engineering program, too!

By the time this issue reaches Waukee readers, you’ll have stepped into the role of Waukee’s Public Works Director and City Engineer. For those who don’t know, can you tell us what all this position entails for you?

Serving as the Public Works Director/City Engineer is a great honor and I’m humbled to serve the citizens of Waukee. The essential functions of my position are leading and directing the Public Works Department staff through policies, procedures, regulations, programs, systems, operations, goals and objectives of the organization. I’m serving as a liaison between the City and various regional, state and federal agencies, establishing public works and capital improvement projects and their respective project budgets. In addition, I’m the chief spokesperson for the Public Works Department and ensure a high level of service to our customers

You’ll certainly have your hands full. Is there anything you’re particularly excited for as you take on your new responsibilities going into 2019 and beyond?

Waukee is growing quickly and it’s exciting to be a part of this growth. When I think back to when I first started with the city last year As I drive by all of the businesses and residential developments that have been built over this short period since I began working in this position, I get excited! I try to envision how Waukee will look in
10, 20 and 40 years. It’s exciting to be involved in building and shaping its future. Specifically for 2019, I’m looking forward to completing the Alice’s Road improvements, the beginning the Apple development and the unknown projects yet to come!

Last question. In this issue, we take a sneak peek at the new state-of-the-art Fridley Palms theatre set to open in Waukee very soon. Is there any movie you’re looking forward to this holiday season?

I’m a big Clint Eastwood fan! I’m looking forward to The Mule coming out in December.

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Lifestyles

Faces of Waukee: Courtney Clarke

November 19, 2018 by admin

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Adam and I both grew up in the Des Moines area. We moved to Waukee nine years ago. We have four amazing kids—three daughters and one son—who are 13, 11, 6 and almost 2 years old. Their activities run the gamut from dance to Scouts, to band, to taekwondo. As you can imagine, they keep us pretty busy.

As we enter the holiday season, is there any tradition and/or Waukee event that’s a can’t-miss for the Clarkes?

I have a large family—I’m the fourth of five kids, and we have 12 nieces and nephews. So holidays for us are filled with a lot of family! A few of our favorite traditions include packing Christmas Child boxes with our kids, adopting a family, making snow people (if it’s a white Christmas) and eating!

Tell our readers a little about what you do.

In my day job, I head business development for an institutional investment firm. I oversee marketing, sales and client service. I’m also a board member for the Iowa Child Advocacy Board, a state organization that oversees the Court Appointed Special Advocacy and foster care review board programs because I want to help stand for all of Iowa’s children. I was also fortunate to be elected to the city council in 2017. I am completing my first year as a council member.

What made you want to take on the responsibility of public service?

I’ve always been engaged in service. It may sound silly, but I felt called to do more. I didn’t know exactly what that meant until I attended some council meetings. Oftentimes people don’t realize the huge impact made by the local city council. Waukee has amazing and talented city employees and a strong council with a diverse set of skills. But I felt my analytical background and my experience in planning strategically for growth would be a good addition to the team.

On a more personal note, there’s a lot of divisiveness and ugliness in politics. It’s not just today in 2018. I door-knocked for a candidate when I was in college. I was threatened, chased off the doorstep, and called some pretty awful names, all by people who didn’t know the first thing about me. That happened here in Iowa. It’s also happened when I’ve gone to the statehouse to advocate for things I believe in. I’ve been shut down fairly rudely by people who are paid out of my tax dollars to represent me. And my kids witness it regularly—ugly arguments in their school or on television. At some point, I realized that if I want our kids to have a good role model in that arena, someone who respects and listens to people, who is willing to change her mind when new information is introduced, and someone who won’t “throw shade,” maybe I need to stand up and be that person.

In this issue, we take a sneak peek at the new state-of-the-art Fridley Palms Theatre set to open in Waukee very soon. Is there any movie you’re looking forward to when their doors open to the public?

If this were a  live interview, people would see me laugh! I love movies and am excited about the theater, but having four kids basically means my movie time ends up being their selections. In our house, the kids are very excited to see the new Fantastic Beasts and Mary Poppins Returns. While I am excited for those too, I personally love anything action-oriented.

 

Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Lifestyles

Faces of Waukee: Mercy Doctors

September 12, 2018 by admin

 

Sarah Jackson, M.D.

Christopher A Etscheidt, MD

Tell us a little about your families.

SJ: I have a little family of four—me, my husband Eric and our two girls, Sigrid and Iselin. Sigrid is our spunky, spirited three-year-old, and Iselin is (so far) our laid-back three-month-old. We enjoy taking the girls to parks, the science center and the zoo.

CE: I live with my wife and eight-month-old daughter. I grew up in Eastern Iowa and my wife grew up in Ames. We love to spend time with each other and our families. I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and did all of my medical school and residency training at the University of Iowa. I’ve been at the Waukee Pediatric clinic for two years now.

What made you want to become a doctor?

SJ: I initially went to college with no plans for med school. I got to my senior year and wanted a job where I could help people. I’ve always loved working with kids, and I’m very interested in people’s stories, which is what I think has helped bridge my theater major with my job as a doctor.

CE: I knew I wanted to become a pediatrician after my third year medical school rotation in pediatrics. I am kind of a kid at heart, so pediatrics fits perfectly with my personality. It allows me to have fun at my job every day.

What do you like most about helping patients in the Waukee community?

SJ: I love living in the community I serve. We live in Urbandale, but very close to Waukee. I like seeing familiar faces when we are out and about doing things.

CE: The thing I like most about helping patients in Waukee is that my patients and their families are people just like me. Iowans share a common bond and the Waukee community showcases that. Being able to relate to and understand my patients helps me take better care of them.

What advice might you have for parents wanting to teach their children about preventing illness?

SJ: The best way to prevent illness is to wash your hands. Teaching kids to cover their cough early on is a great skill too. And I’m never without some hand sanitizer in my bag!

CE: I would tell them the best way to avoid any illness is prevention. Whether it’s exercising every day, eating more vegetables or washing our hands, I would tell parents to display good behavior for their kids. Make prevention part of your daily routines. Starting early and making prevention part of your child’s life will allow them to develop strategies and good behaviors that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

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Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Family, Health, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee Tagged With: faces of waukee, Family, Health, healthy lifestyle, Lifestyles, waukee, Waukee Iowa

Faces of Waukee: Chad Airhart

September 12, 2018 by admin

Tell us about your background and professional career.

I began my collegiate studies with plans to be an art teacher. I began working at the Art Store in Des Moines, and eventually managed the business. I dabbled in the art community selling my own art and that of others I represented. I was the co-owner of McArtor Design Co. until I got into politics in 2003. I worked on numerous campaigns in various positions. In 2014, along with Jason McArtor and his creative director Zachary Kern, we started Goldfinch Media to publish myWaukee Magazine. I sold my stake of the business to Jason early this year to explore other business opportunities.

You are the elected Dallas County Recorder. When were you elected and can you tell us what you do in this role?

I was first elected in 2010 after defeating a 22-year incumbent. The county recorder records all real estate and real estate related documents. In addition, the county recorder is also the county registrar and keeps vital records (marriage, birth and death), registers off-road vehicles and handles passport applications and passport issues.

What other involvement have you had in the Waukee area?

Prior to being elected recorder, I served as the executive director for the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. I also served on the Waukee Planning & Zoning Commission where I served as vice chair. I attended and graduated from the very first class of the Waukee Leadership Institute and eventually served on its Board of Directors and served as president of the board. I was granted their first ever Alumnus of the Year Award.

You recently purchased Pars & Cigars (now Iowa Cigar Co.) in West Des Moines. Tell us about that.

I’d been a Pars & Cigars customer for over a decade. After the previous owner passed away last fall, my business partner and I purchased the business from his family and changed the name to Iowa Cigar Co. We have a new air filtration system, the largest selection of premium cigars in Iowa and one of the largest selections in the upper Midwest.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as recorder?

In my eight years as recorder, my office has always run a budget surplus and hasn’t cost taxpayers a penny to function. Meaning, we bring in more money over the counter for services than we spend on payroll and office functions. In eight years, we’ve returned approximately $2.5 million to the county’s general fund. These funds have helped reduce the property tax burden on the county taxpayer. On top of that, we have made all of our records dating back to 1850 digitized and searchable online. We were the first county in Iowa to accomplish this monumental task.

It’s been an honor to serve in public office in Dallas County. I am running (unopposed) for my third term as recorder in November. While I don’t have an opponent, I would appreciate everyone’s vote.

 

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Filed Under: Faces of Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee Tagged With: faces of waukee, iowa, waukee, Waukee Iowa

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