Lifestyles – Page 4

Try Our Online Library!

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

The Waukee Public Library has just what you need to keep yourself and your family entertained! Our curbside pickup and return service is still available, but you can also check out our online library, which is free of charge to our cardholders—anywhere, anytime!

Look at all the ways you can use the library online!

DOWNLOAD EBOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS – Waukee resident card holders have access to our entire Overdrive ebook and audiobook collection. The Libby app is the easiest way to get started with digital books and audiobooks. The Libby app is available for Android, iOS and Windows 10.

DOWNLOAD MAGAZINES – Download your favorite magazines from a variety of publishers and read them anytime, anywhere. Download the Flipster app today!

ONLINE LEARNING – Lynda.com has more than 12,000 courses, ranging from computer programming to project management, including instruction on various computer software, programming languages and business topics. The video courses are taught by industry experts and are designed for any skill level.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE – Pronunciator offers over 80 languages, including ESL. Courses are available for English speakers or for native speakers of 50 other languages. Learn on a desktop or access Pronunciator from your mobile device.

EXPLORE HISTORY – Check out Heritage Quest at home; it’s a genealogy resource that contains census data, family records, local histories and documentary collections. Then explore Iowa history and genealogy through the historical newspaper archive from 1800-2018. This includes obituaries, birth announcements, sports articles and more.

Visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/online-library to find even more great options through our online library!

To learn more about the Waukee Public Library, visit waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.

Women in Law Enforcement

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

More Female Police Officers Join and Lead at the Waukee PD Than Ever Before

When Sgt. Mackenzie Sposeto joined the Waukee Police Department in 2007, she was the only woman on the force, which at the time comprised 10 officers. Fast-forward to 2020, and she is now the Community Outreach Sergeant and Public Information Officer, and the Waukee PD is now home to 26 police officers, six of whom are women. In addition to Sposeto, they include: Sgt. Kelli Cichoski, Detective Susan Williams, SRO Corby Robbins, Officer Kathryn Guess and Officer McKenna Olberding.

“I think female officers are so essential in law enforcement because we offer different ways of dealing with conflict,” said Sposeto. “We may not all have the physical strength of men, but we have bravery, creativity and verbal skills, which all make women a great fit for the law enforcement profession.”

Sposeto was the department’s first woman to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2015. Just recently, Sgt. Cichoski became the second. Police Chief John Quinn said those promotions were well deserved, regardless of gender.

“Diversity in the workforce certainly is a priority at the Waukee PD,” said Quinn. “However, hiring quality individuals who have a passion for service and a dedication to the department’s mission of community-oriented policing is imperative. All of our female officers were the top candidates when they were hired and have proven themselves as true leaders.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 12 percent of all local U.S. police officers in 2013 were female. That number was up from only 8 percent 25 years prior in 1987.

A University of Northern Iowa and Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) graduate, Officer Corby Robbins joined the Waukee PD in 2018 after more than a decade in other law enforcement agencies. This fall, she is taking the reins as a School Resource Officer for both Timberline and South Middle Schools. She said she’s been lucky in her career to be accepted by most of her male counterparts.

“I believe women make great officers because we are inherently patient and willing to listen,” said Robbins. “Maybe that is the mom in me coming out. I would tell any woman looking to come into law enforcement that now is a perfect time. A lot of the old stigmas have been broken and women are doing great things in this profession.”

Waukee Detective Susan Williams joined the Waukee PD in 2014. She earned a degree in criminal justice from Buena Vista University and graduated from ILEA. She was also a collegiate athlete and said that experience helped prepare her for the discipline and team-focused environment at the Waukee PD. Williams is proud to be a part of diversifying the police force.

“Women tend to do the job differently than men; not better or worse, just differently,” said Williams. “Gender doesn’t matter; what matters is that the officer is compassionate, understanding and fair. Diversity is essential because it helps people relate to police.”

In 2019, the Waukee Police Department responded to 13,639 calls for service. So what inspires these disciplined women to put on the badge every day?

“On Sept. 11, 2001, I was sitting in a criminal law class at ILEA shortly after graduating from Iowa State, when an instructor informed us that the Twin Towers in New York City had just been hit by airplanes,” said Sposeto. “We all sat in silence and watched as the destruction unfolded. I knew right at that moment that I had made the right career choice—one where I would be keeping people safe.”

“I chose law enforcement because I look up to my brother very highly and saw how much he enjoyed the law enforcement profession,” explained Williams. Through shadowing him and going on ride-alongs, I saw the satisfaction that comes from helping people and I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

Regardless of the reasons, these women and the rest of the Waukee Police Department team members work hard around the clock to help keep Waukee’s crime rate low (1.52 per 1,000 for violent crimes and 11.69 per 1,000 for property crimes), provide outreach opportunities to members of the public, keep schools safe and conduct quality investigations.

Faces of Waukee : Erin Good

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Where did you grow up?
I’m originally from Clive.

Tell us about what you do.
I’m a registered and licensed Hy-Vee dietitian with 8 years of experience. I counsel customers on a variety of dietary needs, including heart disease, high blood pressure, weight loss, diabetes, food allergies, and more. I also provide personalized nutrition tours, hands-on cooking classes for adults and kids, lunch ‘n’ learn presentations and biometric screenings at Waukee Hy-Vee, and the surrounding community. I’m an active member of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, where I serve as a media spokesperson providing credible nutrition information (both in-person and virtually).

What made you want to become a dietitian?
During my freshman year at Waukee High School, I took health class and started strength training for varsity cheerleading. As my interest in exercise grew, so did my love for nutrition and fueling my body with healthier foods.

I enjoy providing inspiration, motivation, and direction to help people become healthier (both mentally and physically). There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an individual (or entire family) make sustainable and positive lifestyle changes without depriving themselves.

What’s your favorite thing about working in Waukee?
I enjoy working with the wide variety of people in Waukee—from children to older adults to student-athletes and even entire families ready to make healthier lifestyle changes. I also love the long-lasting customer relationships I have in this community. I enjoy hearing from my previous clients who once struggled with their health now finding success with their improved overall diet on which I coached them.

Do you have some simple healthy-eating tips you can share with our readers?
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Find your favorite ways to destress weekly (like yoga, massage, walking, reading, or simply calling a friend)! While short-term stress can help give you a burst of energy and focus to complete deadlines on time, it’s important to avoid prolonged periods of stress. Chronic stress may weaken your immune system, increase blood pressure and blood sugar/worsened diabetes, and lead to unintentional weight gain. Stock your kitchen with nuts, steam-able veggies (edamame is one of my favorites), fresh fruit, and whole-grain crackers or popcorn. These foods will help keep you full and satisfied longer while providing essential vitamins and minerals for extra support during stressful times.

Mental Health: Now More Than Ever

November 23, 2020 by Kellyn Pappas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reggie Bell Named Waukee’s 2019 Citizen of the Year

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke named community advocate and military veteran Reggie Bell as Waukee’s 2019 Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year honor is given each year to an exemplary resident who represents the true spirit of community service.

Bell was selected as the 2019 Citizen of the Year in March; however, the acknowledgement process was delayed due to social distancing guidelines. He will be honored at the December WinterFest celebration and at the January 2021 Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner. He will also be presented with a City of Waukee proclamation and plaque and will receive a local business prize package from the Chamber.

“When the selection committee and I reviewed award submissions, we were so impressed with the level of community service Reggie has provided to Waukee,” said Mayor Clarke. “Not only has he sacrificed in serving our country, but he initiates continual outreach to underserved groups in and around Waukee. We thank him greatly for showing us what can be achieved with selfless giving of one’s time and talents.”

Bell spent many of his formative years in Kansas City public housing. He then served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. He, his wife Sherry and their two daughters moved to Waukee in 2007. Since then, he has been busy inspiring other community members, such as Ellen Pieper, who nominated him for this award.

“Although Reggie is now 63, diabetic and has multiple artificial joints, he’s still constantly looking for and initiating activities to raise awareness of other people’s needs,” said Pieper. “Better yet, he follows through on these activities by providing necessary approvals, print materials, collection bins, eye-catching decorations, transportation and more.”

Many people know Bell from his volunteer and fundraising work with the Waukee American Legion, as a greeter at the Waukee Family YMCA or as a member of the Mu Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. He also assists with Cornerstone Church’s Hot Dog Ministry in Des Moines, which delivers hot dogs and snacks to homeless shelters and encampments. He supports the Single Parent Provision, leads socks and snacks drives for deployed members of the U.S. military, collects food and necessities for the homeless and low-income, opens his Thanksgiving table each year for those who are alone, and serves with local non-profits Garden Gate Ranch and Leading With Power.

“I’m truly humbled by my recognition as Waukee’s Citizen of the Year,” said Bell. “I have a heart for helping others. I grew up with a mother who always reached out to help the less fortunate, even when her own circumstances were not good. A quote that comes to me in these trying times was written by Charles Dickens: ‘No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.’”

Bell said he and his family found a safe, affordable community in moving to Waukee and that he loves all of the friendly people in town. “My family continues to thrive here, as do many people,” he said. “As Waukee becomes more diverse, we must embrace one another, love one another and respect one another.”

A fan of famous quotes, he added Coretta Scott King’s words of wisdom: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

The City of Waukee and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce collectively thank Reggie Bell for sharing his commitment to service, his smile and his compassion throughout Waukee and beyond.

The Waukee Citizen of the Year program is a joint effort between the City of Waukee and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize Waukee residents for dedicated volunteer efforts that lead to making Waukee a great place in which to live, work, play and learn. The selection committee consists of Waukee’s mayor and representatives from the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Area Christian Services and the Waukee Family YMCA.

Curbside Service Now Available! : Leah White

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Contact-free curbside pickup is now available at the Waukee Public Library!

Library cardholders can now place holds on items using the online catalog on our website or by phone. Patrons will be notified to schedule a pickup time when their items are ready.

Curbside return of library materials is also available during our curbside hours. Patrons can return items to the bins on the labeled carts. If you are only returning items, please leave the parking spaces closest to the pickup location for people using curbside pick-up. Due to construction, the drive-up return will remain closed at this time. Returned items will be checked in after at least 72 hours of quarantine.

Curbside service is available Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the library’s front entrance. This location could change due to weather or parking lot construction. Please follow the directional signs.

Place your holds now!
💻 waukeepubliclibrary.org
☎ 515-978-7944

Curbside FAQs
• Curbside pickup service is available for library materials including books, audiobooks, DVDs and magazines.

• The library is closed at this time and will remain closed to the public.

• No fines were charged during our closure.

• All library cards set to expire in 2020 have been renewed until July 1, 2021.

• All items checked out prior to our closing in March are due July 1. If you cannot return your items before then, please let us know and we can extend that date further.

Reopening
• The library has a multi-phase plan for reopening based on federal reopening guidelines. We will open as soon as it is safe to do so. We are closely monitoring the situation.

Getting a Library Card
• You can create a digital library card on our website.

• If you would like to be able to check out items, you will first need to create a digital library card. Once you do that, let us know and we can upgrade your digital card to a temporary card. The temporary card will allow you to continue to use digital resources as well as check out five items at a time. We will send your new library card number to you via email and mail.

Donations
• The library is not accepting book, DVD or magazine donations at this time.

• We are not accepting donations of craft supplies or envelopes at this time.

Parking Lot
• The library is currently undergoing a parking lot project that will double the number of parking spots. This project will last into the fall.

Interlibrary Loan
• At this time, we are unable to take any requests for interlibrary loans. We hope to resume this service in the near future.

• Any interlibrary loans that were checked out prior to our closing should be returned as soon as possible.

For more information on our new curbside services, please visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/curbside.

Waukee School District

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

The fifth season in Iowa is construction, and the same is true in Waukee. Sugar Creek Elementary, the district’s tenth elementary school, held its groundbreaking event on May 21. The new school is located in the southwest area of the district, north of Ashworth Road and southwest of the Sugar Creek Golf Course. Construction has begun, and the building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

The district is working on several improvement projects over the summer. We are looking forward to further enhancing our facilities and learning environments for

staff, students and families. We were able to start some of these projects early due to the school year ending early this year.

Vince Meyer Learning Center Preschool and Office Addition
This project will add 20 preschool classrooms and administrative areas to the east side of the existing Vince Meyer Learning Center building in order to consolidate the district’s preschool programs into one location.

The project also includes a smaller office addition to the west side of the building for the technology and community education departments.
The existing “ranch” or “bus barn” building will be demolished over the summer of 2021.
Construction activities will significantly impact the use and occupancy of the VMLC building for a good portion of the construction timeframe.

Waukee High School and Prairieview Parking Lot Improvements
This project entails removing and replacing the asphalt and concrete in both south parking lots, selected driveways and the WHS north loading dock areas. This project is a continuation of the paving improvements that began last summer.

Parking and access to Prairieview will be impacted the most by Phase 3 and 4 of the project. During this time, primary parking will be provided in the WHS east parking lot with access to the building through the Theater Arts Center. Both street entrances from University will be closed during this time, as well.
WHS’ north driveway and loading dock will be closed during Phase 5 of the project.
Barricades and signage will be provided to assist motorists and visitors. Please do not drive around the barriers.
The project schedule may change depending on the weather.

Timberline Stadium Improvements
Phase 1 of this project includes improvements to the existing stadium to prepare it for competition use. This will include lights, fencing, an entrance area for spectators, bleachers, a press box and a scoreboard.

Phase 2, scheduled for the summer of 2021, will include field turf, a concessions area and restroom facilities.
Phase 1 work will mainly affect the track and field areas, which will be unavailable for use during the project timeframe.
If all goes according to plan, Waukee Community School District will hold competitive athletic events at Timberline Stadium beginning in the fall of 2020.

Prairieview Fitness Center Addition
This project allows for a dedicated fitness center for students in grades 8-9 that are in the Northwest High School feeder. This fitness center will be used for curricular physical education at Prairieview, along with before- and after-school and summer strength and conditioning.

This project mainly affects the north and west areas adjacent to the existing gym and locker rooms.
The school’s north entrance/exit doors will remain largely available for use.
Parking in the northernmost lots may be temporarily adjusted to accommodate construction traffic.

Brookview Elementary Classroom Addition
This project will add three new classrooms, a band room and two small group rooms for personalized instruction.

This project mainly affects the northernmost ends of the kindergarten and first-grade wings of the existing building.

Eason Elementary Classroom Addition and Parking Lot Improvements
This project will add five new classrooms, a band room, a small group room for personalized instruction and other support spaces.

Part of the project will include the complete reworking of the south parking lot and driveway to improve the safety and efficiency of student drop-off and pick-up. It will significantly increase the amount of driveway length available for vehicle stacking, and should help prevent vehicles from backing up onto SE Boone Drive.
The addition portion of this project mainly affects the northernmost end of the second-grade wing of the existing building.
The parking lot improvements are expected to take place over the summer of 2021.

Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Thank You for Shopping Local
The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy. Thank you for continuing to support our Waukee business community!

Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Golf Outing
The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Golf Outing was held on June 18 at the Beaver Creek Golf Course. Golfers participated in activities at each tee, sponsored by member businesses. Our guests enjoyed a round of golf and business networking. The western theme offered each guest the opportunity to wear their protective face mask (provided by the Chamber) in style. The Chamber also provided a boxed lunch and lots of bottled water from Waukee Hy-Vee!

Thanks to all of our business member sponsors, who were highlighted on signage throughout the golf course. The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our Board of Directors, Community Development Committee, Ambassadors, staff and other volunteers for helping to make the day so enjoyable for all of our members!

Best Ways to Enhance Your Membership Experience
1.) Volunteer on a Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce Committee (Government Affairs, Community Development, Economic Development, Membership, Scholarship, Waukee YP & Ambassadors).

2.) Refer local business.

3.) Get involved by attending Good Morning Waukee, our monthly Waukee Chamber Networking Luncheon or After Hours (provided virtually on Zoom through the summer).

4.) Highlight your business at a signature event, such as the Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, What’s Cookin’ in Waukee, Golf Outing or the Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour.

5.) Patronize existing businesses.

6.) Support new businesses by welcoming them to our community and being a part of their Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony!

7.) Stay “in the know” with the weekly Waukee Chamber Business Report.

8.) Share your successes, job openings and events in our communications to Chamber membership.

9.) Collaborate with local organizations to strengthen our community.

10.) Connect with the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce by using our online or printed membership directory.

Waukee Farmers Market

The Waukee Downtown Business Group will host the Waukee Farmers Market on Wednesdays starting June 17 through September from 4 -7 p.m.in the historic Waukee Triangle Park.

Waukee School to Work Graduation
Congratulations to all Waukee High School (WHS) students who participated in the School to Work program. Thank you to Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce intern, Lily Couchman! WHS connects high school seniors with local business internships for hands-on experience in a field of interest and class credit! Thanks to our business community for supporting this awesome program!

Waukee Scholarship Recipients Recognized
The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Board Scholarship Chairs Ray Meister of Security National Bank and Ashley Rottinghaus of West Bank, recognized two Waukee High School Seniors, Caitlin Henriksen and Frances Loeffelholz, as recipients of the Chamber’s 2020 scholarships on May 28!

More information can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.waukeechamber.com. If you have any questions, please email info@waukeechamber.com or call 515-978-7115.

Give Love : Kellyn Pappas

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

Unrest continues nationwide in response to the death of George Floyd and the larger discussion regarding racism and police brutality in our culture. However, there have also been numerous instances of communities coming together in the wake of the turmoil. One such event took place right here in Waukee on June 12.

Waukee resident Erin Dahl was one of the primary organizers of the Give Love event, which took place in the Glynn Village neighborhood of Waukee, just west of the Waukee Police Department on SE LA Grant Parkway. “Waukee Elementary School has a slogan: ‘Give love.’ They always teach kindness,” said Dahl. “I borrowed that idea to give love to the families struggling in the neighborhood. I wanted them to feel our arms around them.”

Dahl said it was particularly important to involve the neighborhood kids in the event. “Our children have been so blessed to have grown up with kids of every color as their friends. Most of our children have close friends and neighbors of color, so they have a hard time understanding why racism even exists. It was difficult to explain this to them and hard to talk about.”

According to Dahl, it was just as important to include law enforcement officers in the event. “We know that our officers here in Waukee are part of our community,” she explained. “Their children go to school with our children.”

The event was intended to foster unity in the face of apparent division. “I thought this demonstration of unity could comfort families of color who are worried for themselves and their children, as well as officers in our neighborhood,” said Dahl. “Both sides needed comfort, and both sides are loved, valued and appreciated here.”

For the Give Love event, Glynn Village residents and Waukee community members were encouraged to decorate their driveways with messages of love and peace. Dahl commented that people began decorating early in the morning on June 12. “We started posting photos, and the excitement grew,” she said. She added that the sidewalk and driveway decorating was a great way to get kids involved, as well. “The sidewalk decorating was a perfect way to bring children into a positive, productive demonstration of caring,” she said.

At 7 p.m. on June 12, drone footage captured more than 50 people taking a knee (while social distancing) in memory of George Floyd. Dahl made a Facebook Live video as the community observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence. Afterward, “I called for unity [and] expressed my heartfelt love and appreciation for all and that together, we can get through this,” she said.

Dahl said the response has been positive. “There were so many families that reached out to say how much this meant to them. Many families of color were so kind with their words of encouragement and hope,” she said. She went on to say she hopes that everyone—children and adults alike—goes forward knowing that there are ways to turn a divisive issue into one that brings people together instead.

“Another quote they use at Waukee Elementary is ‘Seek first to understand,'” she said. “If we can listen long enough to understand the point of view of both, we can see the big picture. We can find a common ground,” she explained.

Dahl said she hopes the Give Love event demonstrates the value of community, particularly to the children involved. “I hope our children see that even in a pandemic, we can do something,” she said. “We can help in positive ways, even when the world seems crazy and scary. I hope our neighbors see that we love them and support them, regardless of our differences. I hope they see that community comes from these moments when we pull together.”

Waukee Leadership Institute Profile : Kellyn Pappas

November 23, 2020 by Darby Brincks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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