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Caring Cops

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The Waukee Police Department is very active in the community it serves, taking part in over a dozen community outreach programs. From Safety City courses for incoming kindergarten students to supplying a drug drop box for unwanted and/or expired medications, the department provides a wide range of services and fun opportunities for Waukee residents.

The holiday season provides a special occasion for the department to bring joy to residents who might otherwise not have an all-that-jolly holiday, through their “Thanksgiving Basket” and “Shop with a Cop” programs.

The Thanksgiving Basket program enables the department to provide traditional Thanksgiving dinners for families in need. Each fall, donations from community businesses and individuals are used to create gift baskets packed full of ingredients for hearty Thanksgiving meals. Counselors from Waukee schools nominate recipients, focusing on families who are facing particularly challenging situations, such as financial difficulty or a loss in the family.

Each gift basket costs approximately $30 to put together and is prepared by Fareway in Waukee. The number of families the department is able to help is dependent on donated funds, so the more they receive, the more people they can help.

The baskets are delivered the Saturday before Thanksgiving, ensuring that each recipient family gets all the turkey and stuffing they can eat in time for the holiday.

The Shop with a Cop program carries this idea through to the Christmas season. Each December, the police department raises money through community donations to provide children in the school district with the opportunity to buy holiday gifts for their families. Recipient students are nominated by student counselors, focusing on families with a need for economic assistance.

The participating children begin their day with breakfast cooked by the Waukee Fire Department, after which they get to ride in a squad car to stores like Walmart to purchase gifts for their family members. After their shopping spree, the children get to enjoy a pizza lunch and a gift-wrapping session at the Waukee Public Safety Building.

The Waukee Police Department gratefully accepts donations throughout the season to facilitate both programs. Donations may be mailed or dropped off in-person at the Waukee Public Safety Building at 1300 SE LA Grant Parkway. Call the department’s non-emergency phone number at 515-978-7979 or email police@waukee.org for more information about either program.

 

Miss NiNi’s Desserterie

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Finding a good cup of coffee in the Metro isn’t difficult. Nor is it hard to hunt down tasty desserts. But finding both in one spot, with that certain hard-to-define element that accompanies homemade items, can be a little more challenging. That’s where Miss NiNi’s Desserterie comes in.

Janine Knop, whose longtime nickname gives the store its name, has had a passion for baking her entire life. Raised on a farm in North Dakota, she “would sit on our three-legged, wobbly kitchen stool observing Mom as she made dozens of loaves of bread, pies, cakes and cinnamon rolls.” Knop continued to bake all through school, participating in 4-H for a decade and earning her college degree in home economics education and food and nutrition.

After years of farming near Atlantic, Iowa, with her husband Fred, Knop began to enter her baked creations in food exhibits and competitions at the Iowa State Fair (the largest of their kind in the country). Before long, she wasn’t just participating—she was bringing home numerous championship ribbons. According to Knop, this was when she decided to challenge herself by baking professionally.

Knop’s desserts could soon be found at Friedrich’s Coffee locations around the Des Moines Metro and at Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure, where they have been featured for over 10 years. The menu at Des Moines Golf and Country Club also regularly features Knop’s signature creations. The clamor for the desserts increased with time, and in January of 2017, Miss NiNi’s Desserterie opened for business in the Hawthorne Center on University Avenue.

Miss NiNi’s menu features a diverse array of goodies, many of which were awarded championship ribbons at the state fair. “I create recipes based on unique flavor combinations and design,” says Knop.

It’s difficult to imagine a sweet tooth that couldn’t be satisfied at Miss NiNi’s. If cheesecake isn’t your speed—of which there are 11 varieties on the menu, from Chocolate Raspberry Swirl to Italian Tiramisu—there are also layer cakes, brownies, dessert breads, cookies and coffee cakes available. One highly popular item, the Cupcake-A-Jar, “solves the problem of messy cupcake eating,” according to Knop. Cake and frosting are layered in small glass canning jars, which allows the consumer to eat a few bites now and save the rest for later. The jars are shelf-stable for five to seven days, so you can take your sweet time enjoying them.

In addition to the dessert options, Knop says customers tell them their coffee—made with locally-roasted Zanzibar’s beans and a sophisticated water filtration system—is the best-tasting in town.

With the holiday season just around the corner, seasonal additions have begun to appear in the dessert case at Miss NiNi’s. Among the offerings are pumpkin praline cheesecake, three-layer pumpkin cake with cranberry filling and cinnamon buttercream frosting, decadent flourless chocolate torte with chocolate ganache, and apricot rum cheesecake.

New this year is Miss NiNi’s 8-inch Bundt cake, which comes in pumpkin spice, chocolate chunk, and coconut bliss. One seasonal hit from last year, make-them-yourself Christmas cookie kits, will be offered again this season, along with cookie gift trays, which would undoubtedly go over well at any holiday office party or family gathering.

Knop and her baking team focus on creating beautiful, handcrafted desserts with impeccable homemade flavor and texture—qualities that are often absent in the commercial baking industry, Knop notes. Locally owned and operated, Knop says Miss NiNi’s “would be incomplete without the tremendous support and dedication of my family and talented baking team!”

Customers who visit the desserterie, located at 9500 University Avenue, Suite 1204, in West Des Moines, have the option of enjoying their dessert on-site or taking it to-go. Hours and menu items may be found at missnini.com.

So if you’re in the market for a great cup of joe and a sweet, homemade treat to go with it—and really, who isn’t?—Miss NiNi’s has you covered.

The Fridley Palms Theatres

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Waukee residents are only months away from having one of the state’s largest cinema screens in their backyard. The 85-foot IMAX screen at The Palms Theatres and IMAX, between NE Dartmoor Drive and NE Westgate Drive near Hy-Vee, is tentatively scheduled for a partial opening on Dec. 7.

Russell Vannorsdel, Vice President of Fridley Theatres, The Palms’ parent company, said the theater complex will offer something for every moviegoer.   
“We didn’t want to compromise anyone’s experience, so the design concept lets you pick what you want,” he said. “A variety of amenities will give customers the choice of less distraction or the experience of dining while watching a movie in a theater.”
The theater complex will have 15 auditoriums, all with reserved seating. Each auditorium will feature luxury recliners with tables and cup holders. Vannorsdel said the recliners in the IMAX are part of what makes The Palms exceptional.
“While some exhibitors have done retrofits without approval, IMAX has never approved luxury recliner seating in an auditorium before now,” he explained.

The facility will have a bar and a restaurant where customers can order their food to eat inside the restaurant or to take with them into the theater.

Dine-in seating will be offered in at least eight of the auditoriums. Each will vary in size, with the IMAX having the largest capacity and the others seating about 40 people.

“The small auditoriums will provide a more intimate experience,” said Vannorsdel. “We could have filled them with more seats, but we wanted to minimize distractions. They have more aisles so wait staff don’t have to walk in front of guests to take orders or carry in food.”
Eliminating distractions was top-of-mind when designing the concept for the IMAX theater, too. When designing the layout for the luxury recliners in the auditorium, Vannorsdel said they wanted to ensure all sightlines would be clear in all positions. “People should be able to see the top and bottom of the screen at all times,” he explained. “So if you’re fully reclined, and the person in front of you is not, you’ll still be able to see the bottom of the screen.”

Fridley’s, which is headquartered in downtown Des Moines, is not a newcomer to entertainment venues. Owner Bob Fridley has been in the movie industry since the 1930s. He turned 101 this past March. With the opening of The Palms, Fridley Theaters will have 21 complexes across Iowa and Nebraska, and a total of 101 movie screens.

During the research phase before building The Palms, Vannorsdel and Brian Fridley, President of Fridley Theaters, toured movie theaters across the country— including the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood—to research what worked and what did not.  

“We took things we already knew and things we learned from other exhibitors around the world and brought them all together for The Palms,” said Vannorsdel.

Fridley initially considered making the IMAX screen the biggest in the United States, measuring more than 100 feet tall. “Two things changed our minds,” said Vannorsdel. “The first consideration was cost. Anytime you add more square feet, it gets more expensive. Plus, there wasn’t that much of a difference for the viewer between an 85-foot screen and one that’s 95 feet.”

Vannorsdel added that he wanted customers to be able to “take in” the entire screen, and it can be difficult to do that in an IMAX if you’re not sitting toward the back. “If you’re too close, you literally have to move your head to get the entire picture in,” he explained. “That’s why we put the first row farther back, so those sitting there can see as much as possible.”

In addition to the six-story tall, premium large-format screen, the IMAX theater boasts a Laser GT system with dual laser projectors.


Vannorsdel said they’re planning to have a staff of about 100 people— a mix of part-time and full-time—with 50 for theater operations and 50 for in-seat food, beverage and kitchen staff. Hiring has already begun with a general manager, operations manager and a chef for the restaurant.

“Hiring initially made me a little nervous, because of the low unemployment rates, but we’ve had a great response for all positions—everything from janitorial to concessional positions,” said Vannorsdel. “This project is so special that people are going to want to work here.”

According to Vannorsdel, when choosing a location for The Palms, he and Brian Fridley considered both Ankeny and Waukee because of their size and growth over the past few years. They settled on Waukee because the area doesn’t yet have a theater, and because of its easy access to the interstate via Grand Prairie Parkway.

“We want this to not only be a Waukee theater, but a Des Moines metro theater,” said Vannorsdel. “And with the IMAX, we expect this to become a regional theater. If it draws a lot of external guests, it can only be good for the area’s economy.”

The Palms is getting involved in the community, as well. They’re currently discussing a project with the APEX Program and Waukee School District to provide educational seminars, content and classes in the future. However, with the Science Center’s long history of educational programming, Vannorsdel said they’ll primarily stick to Hollywood movies.

“We hope the Science Center is able to reopen its IMAX, because they do such a great job bringing in that type of content,” he said.

The Palms also may be used to show big televised events, like the Super Bowl. “We intend on having the ability to broadcast live television with food and drinks available,” explained Vannorsdel.

He added that the IMAX will change movies about every two weeks, with hopes of showcasing “Mortal Engines” in time for the partial opening and “Aquaman” just before Christmas.

While he wouldn’t disclose the total cost to build The Palms, Vannorsdel said that the general contractor’s expense, which excludes all furniture, movie screens, and equipment, was around $16 million.

For more information on The Palms Theaters and IMAX, or to apply for a position, please visit fridleytheatres.com and use the locations tab to find the Waukee location.

 

Faces of Waukee: Mercy Doctors

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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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Faces of Waukee: Chad Airhart

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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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Faces of Waukee: Andy Briggs

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Where did you grow up?

I’ve lived in Des Moines my entire life and went to Johnston High School.

Tell us a little about your family.

My wife Katie and I just celebrated our 15-year anniversary this summer. I have two boys—Colby is 11 and Cooper is 8. They definitely keep us busy!

What inspired you to be a teacher?

I’ve always loved sports and exercise and knew that was what I wanted to do for my career. I’m amazed that I get paid for something I love so much.

What do you like most about teaching in the Waukee School District?

Waukee schools have always been at the forefront of best practices and innovation.

Waukee APEX is the essence of best practice where we help students find their passions and become better aspiring professionals. It is inspiring to see the amazing things that our high school students can do when given the opportunity.

In our feature, we take a look at growth of the school district and the upcoming addition of a second high school. What excites you most about Waukee’s continued growth?

Growth is something we have become accustomed to in Waukee and APEX. One of my favorite things about my job is that each day is completely different from the last one. We will continue to adapt to changes in Waukee and continue to provide a quality program for Waukee students.

 

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The Heartbeat Of The Downtown Triangle And Waukee Community

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Lyn Schafer and Classic Floral: The Heartbeat of the Downtown Triangle and Our Community

By Sue Ellen Kennedy

Lyn Schafer was born in Portland, Oregon, and her family moved to Iowa in 1962.  She has also lived in Washington, California, Virginia, South Carolina, Illinois and Connecticut.

After returning to Iowa with her children and managing a flower shop in Des Moines, she heard about a flower shop for sale in Waukee that was owned at the time by Rick Husery.  In 1990, she bought the store—Classic Floral and Gifts.

A single mother since 1983, Schafer raised five children and fostered four others.  She worked very hard to help reunite the foster children with their families. Her children are Andrea (47), Erin (44), Michael (42), Jason (38) and Savannah (22). Three of her five children, as well as her four foster children, attended Waukee schools.

Classic Floral is not only a business, but also the family’s home. In 1992, Schafer bought the building and later had the north side of the building converted into a home for her family, including their rescue dogs.  Classic Floral has been a family affair ever since.

Schafer has fond memories of her grandchildren hunting for chocolate eggs in the flower shop every Easter.  Bernice Johnson, an employee, recalls finding the missed eggs several weeks after and tossing the stragglers in the fall. Johnson also fondly recalled that Brandon, the oldest of Schafer’s eight grandchildren, would hide his toys in the flower shop when he was very young, and she would find them while she was working.

Johnson has been a friend and loyal sidekick for 25 years, even helping watch the grandchildren when Schafer had to leave to make deliveries.

“If there’s an obstacle in Lyn’s path,” said Johnson, “she finds a way around, over, or through it.”

When city hall, the post office, and the library moved from downtown, it was expected that the downtown area would fizzle out. The downtown businesses rallied together and there was no one more passionate about keeping downtown alive than Schafer.  She had the vision to see what it could be again and understood the importance in keeping it alive.

Schafer has also been a staunch advocate for the Downtown Business Group.  The original members of the group were Schafer, Jerry Wright, Larry Cranel, Sheryl Humphry, Chet Chedester, Joe Stork and Bill Vasilonikolidaks.

The Downtown Business Group works closely with the city of Waukee in the promotion and preservation of our downtown Triangle business area. “It takes a group to accomplish what we have,” said Schafer.

Today, the Triangle Business District boundary starts at the south side of Highway 6 including Kum and Go, to the south side of Locust to the east side of 4th to 7th Street.  The boundary currently encompasses over 30 businesses.

As president of the Downtown Business Group, Schafer was instrumental in establishing the Waukee Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Wednesday from the first week in June through the end of September. Though she will no longer be involved after this September, her hard work will be continued for many years by the group.

In addition to the Farmers’ Market, the Downtown Business Group helps with the Winter Festival every year, and gives out bananas to BACooN Ride participants.

When asked about her current vision for our downtown district, Schafer said she would like to see a quilt shop and a bike shop. “These would fit best in our business district and would bring more traffic to our area,” she said.  She added that these businesses would also fit into downtown’s small-town feel.

Schafer has received several accolades over the years, including Waukee Citizen of the year in 2002.  But the beaming look of gratitude she expressed when she showed me her 2017 City of Waukee Proclamation in Recognition of her retirement was priceless.  It was a heartfelt thank-you for demonstrating her commitment, lending her expertise and using her passion to promote the Waukee Triangle Business District.

“It’s never been about me, it’s been about and for the community,” said Schafer.

For 28 years, Schafer has been the sole owner and operator of Classic Floral. On Labor Day of 2018, the shelves will be emptied, the cooler bare, and at closing time, a long-time staple in our community will be no more.  We are sad that a buyer for the business could not be found, but the truth is, Classic Floral would not be the same without Lyn and Bernice. We understand that it’s time for you both to go, but dang it, we don’t like it. Good luck to you both as you begin these new chapters in your lives.

“Lyn and Classic Floral have been the heartbeat of downtown and the community. Her leadership and guidance will be missed. Thank you, Lyn.” –Geoff Warmouth

 

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Waukee Chamber Updates: September/October 2018

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Waukee YP

Waukee Young Professionals (Waukee YP) is a new committee of the Chamber, connecting and providing growth opportunities for young professionals who work or live in the Waukee area. Join us for the next Waukee YP Social!

Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour 

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee will host the 6th annual Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour on Thursday, September 13 at 3:30 p.m.  The tour will start and end in with a reception to follow at 5:00 p.m. at Brick Towne at Kettlestone in Waukee. This event is open to the public and will highlight community information, business, school and residential development. No cost to attend. Seats are limited.  Please RSVP to www.waukeechamber.com for a seat on the bus tour. Please contact us with any questions at 515-978-7115 or info@waukeechamber.com.

 

New Businesses

The Chamber has welcomed 38 new members this year and celebrated local grand openings with 20 of those businesses.  We look forward to celebrating many more scheduled ribbon-cutting ceremonies and business anniversaries over the next couple months.  Please check our calendar at www.waukeechamber.com and join us to help our new business owners feel welcome in Waukee!

Networking Luncheon: Nonprofit Roundtable

Join us on Thursday, September 27 at the Waukee Community Center for our monthly Chamber Networking Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and learn about nonprofit organizations in the Waukee community.

Develop business relationships, hear from Chamber leadership and have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business!  Please RSVP to www.waukeechamber.com.

 

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A Library Card Can Take You Places!

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September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month

By Leah White

There are many different cards that you have in your wallet—credit cards, insurance cards, gift cards…but do you have a library card?

This September, the Waukee Public Library joins libraries across the U.S. in celebrating National Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you don’t have a library card, now is the perfect time to get one! Signing up for a library card is easy – and best of all, it’s free!

Here are just a few ways you can use your library card:

  • Borrow up to 50 items at a time, 10 of those can be movies
  • Download e-books and audiobooks with Overdrive
  • Access to popular magazines on your phone or tablet from Flipster
  • Request items for pickup at the library
  • Access dozens of research databases and online resources
  • Use online research tools for students, business owners and more
  • Take online design and technology classes through Lynda.com
  • Use online language learning tools with Pronunciator
  • Research your ancestry online
  • STEAM kits are available to checkout and explore
  • Wi-Fi hotspots can be checked to use wherever you need internet

 

To find out more about the Waukee Public Library go to waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944

 

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

 

TERRIFIC TREES WITH ISU EXTENSION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 | 4:30 p.m.

Kids in grades K-5 are invited to hear a story about a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topic followed by a related experiment. Registration required and will open 3 weeks prior to the event.

 

LUNCH AND LEARN : ESTATE PLANNING 101 @ the Waukee Community Center

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 | 11:00 a.m.

Presenter Ron & Molly Anderson of Howes & Anderson, P. C.

No time to attend an evening or weekend program? Try our new Lunch & Learn series! Bring your brown bag lunch and we’ll provide the dessert! Stick around afterwards for Waukee Parks & Recreation’s bingo at 1pm.

This program is brought to you in partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation.

Estate planning is important for everyone. Anyone who has assets, no matter how small, or wants their medical wishes carried out should have an estate plan. Come learn the ins-and-outs of putting a well thought out estate plan in place, and with peace of mind get back to the business of living and enjoying your life.

 

ADULT CRAFT WORKSHOP: FELT TERRARIUMS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | 1:30 p.m.

Some people may believe that there is nothing cuter than a terrarium, but they are sadly mistaken! Handmade felt terrariums are even more adorable and so easy to make. Perfect for plant-killers and others who prefer low maintenance flora, after this class you’ll never water again! No felting experience needed. Registration required. This craft is intended for Adults. Registration begins 3 weeks before the event.

 

LOCAL HISTORY SERIES:

JACK TRICE & THE HISTORY OF IOWA STATE FOOTBALL

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 | 1:00 p.m.

Iowa State University archivist, Bradley Kuennen, will present about the life and legacy of Jack Trice, as well as, the history of the football program at Iowa State University.

 

WELCOME TO MEDICARE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | 5:00 p.m.

This free seminar offered by the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will cover Medicare Parts A & B benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance. To register, call (800)-351-4664. Registration is required.

 

ELEMENTARY PIRATE YOGA

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | 10:00 a.m.

Children ages 6-11 years are welcome to bring a towel or yoga mat and enjoy pirate-themed yoga games and instruction. Parents staying in the room for the program should plan to participate as well! Registration is required and will open 3 weeks prior to the event.

EXLPORING THE WILDERNESS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 | 2:00 p.m.

Did you know that Iowa is one of only 5 states that has no designated Wilderness areas?

Dallas County Conservation Board (DCCB) naturalist, Chris Adkins, will examine what wilderness is, why we need it, and how wilderness areas are designated, managed and protected. Naturalist Adkins has led treks to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness of north-central Idaho for the past 25 years. Attendees will get to view images and learn about the logistics of backcountry travel and about DCCB’s upcoming Summer 2019 trek.

 

INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 | 6:00 p.m.

Your family has a story to tell! Come learn the basics to begin your journey of discovery for your ancestral history. Theresa Liewer, from the Iowa Genealogical Society, will give you a road map for researching your family’s history, talk about what tools and resources are available, and discuss what to do if you run into an information brick wall.

 

COFFEE 101 AT THE COFFEESMITH

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 | 1:00 p.m.

This program will take place at The Coffeesmith (770 Alice’s Road, Waukee, IA).

Celebrate National Coffee Day with us at The Coffeesmith! Nate Kempers, barista and owner of The Coffeesmith, will teach attendees all the coffee basics you need to know to make that perfect cup of joe. Various brewing techniques will be demonstrated and samples will be served!

BIZARRE HISTORY OF IOWA: STRANGE STORIES FROM THE PAST

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 | 1:00 p.m.

This program provides a time portal back to the early days of the state when it was filled with strange deaths, ghosts, sea serpents, peculiar people, medical anomalies, oddities, psychic phenomena, and UFOs! Showcasing over 100 bizarre newspaper stories from Iowa that have not been seen in over 100 years, presenter Chad Lewis will change the way you view the good ol’ days of Iowa.

Youth entering grades 1-5 in the fall are invited to enjoy science, technology, engineering, art and math activities with music. Registration is required and will open 3 weeks prior to the event.

 

OCTOBER EVENTS

HELPING HAND: ANIMAL SHELTER SUPPLY DRIVE

THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Dog month, the Library will be taking supply donations for the AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport. A complete list of supplies needed can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/IZI5097BIFPN

 

WONDERFUL WIND WITH ISU EXTENSION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 4:30 p.m.

Kids in grades K-5 are invited to hear a story about a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topic followed by a related experiment. Registration required and will open 3 weeks prior to the event.

 

LUNCH AND LEARN : DNA BASICS @ the Waukee Community Center

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 | 11:00 a.m.

Presenter Ron & Molly Anderson of Howes & Anderson, P. C.

No time to attend an evening or weekend program? Try our new Lunch & Learn series! Bring your brown bag lunch and we’ll provide the dessert! Stick around afterwards for Waukee Parks & Recreation’s bingo at 1pm.

This program is brought to you in partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation.

Whether you’ve had your DNA tested or are thinking about it, this program will give insight into the different test services available, the process, and the usefulness of DNA Testing as a tool to learn more about your health, traits, and ancestry.

 

LOCAL HISTORY SERIES: SHULER COAL MINE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Bruno Andreini

 

CREATURE FEATURE : A QUIET PLACE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 | 6:00 p.m.

Is there a better way to get ready for Halloween than by watching a monster movie?  We don’t think so! Join us for two special Halloween movie nights…if you dare. Movies are free and spooky treats will be available.  No registration is required.

 

PUPPY PARTY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 | 1:00 p.m.

Love puppies? Pawesome! Come hangout with fellow doggo enthusiasts for an afternoon of barking-good fun. Play a canine trivia game and make cute dog crafts. And the best part? There will be puppies! The AHeinz57 Pet Rescue is joining us for a presentation, bringing along some of their adoptable canine friends for a meet-and-greet.

This is an Adult event, however children and teens in 3rd grade and up are welcome but must be accompanied by a guardian. Registration required and will open 3 weeks before the event.

 

CYBER SECURITY 101

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 10:00 a.m.

This short training session by the State of Iowa-Information Security Officer, Alison Radl, will cover the basics of cyber security with tips and techniques for more secure browsing. Come ready to learn and ask questions!

 

THE DEVIL HAS MY CONSENT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 | 1:00 p.m.

In 1692 more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts and 20 were executed. Why? What happened to create such hysteria? Were the accusers possessed? Experiencing delusions caused by eating spoiled grain? Come discover the real story behind the behind the Salem Witch Trials at this fascinating presentation by historian Kathy Wilson. This event is sponsored by the Waukee Public Library Friends Foundation.

 

CREATURE FEATURE : HOCUS POCUS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 | 6:00 p.m.

Is there a better way to get ready for Halloween than by watching a monster movie?  We don’t think so! Join us for two special Halloween movie nights…if you dare. Movies are free and spooky treats will be available.  No registration is required.

 

BEASTLY POTTER PARTY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 7:00 p.m.

All ages of Harry Potter fans should attend this enchanted evening. There will be live magical creatures from the Blank Park Zoo and many other beastly and magical activities. The first 100 guests will receive a free magic wand pen. All guests will have the chance to enter a drawing for two free tickets to the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert with the Des Moines Symphony at the Des Moines Civic Center on January 25 & 26, 2019. No registration required.

 

FANTASTIC BEASTLY ESCAPE ROOM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 9:15 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | 10:45 a.m.

Teams of 6 will be magically sealed in a room at the library. Teams will need to work together to solve clues about J.K. Rowling’s magical world in order to break the spell and exit the room. Recommended for fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Teens (grades 6+) and adults are welcome to participate in this event. (These will be the same puzzles as the November 7 teen program.) Registration is required.

ADULT CRAFTERNOON

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 2:00 p.m.

Adults need crafty time too! Get together with your friends and neighbors to have some crafty fun creating one fun and easy craft. All supplies will be provided by the library.

Registration opens 3 weeks before the event date.

 

 

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Waukee Ten & 5K

by

By Kellyn Pappas

Historically, most of the more well-known races in the metro area have taken place in and around downtown Des Moines. However, Waukee is now home to its own race event—the Waukee Ten. This will be the second year for the event, which is scheduled for Sept. 15.

“Waukee is an amazing community that’s growing rapidly and is home to many people that participate in running events throughout the year,” said Pasha Korsakov of Just Go Faster, which produces the Waukee Ten. “We wanted all runners from the western suburbs and surrounding areas to have a chance to race closer to home.”

Korsakov also pointed out that this time of year, many area runners are gearing up for the Des Moines Marathon and Half Marathon in October. The Waukee Ten, as a double-digit distance race, serves as a great training race for those events.

Given that many people use the Waukee Ten as a barometer for their training for longer distances, it’s an added bonus that the course is certified by USA Track and Field (USATF). According to Korsakov, a USATF-certified course is most important for runners who are aiming to qualify for events that require a specific caliber of result from an official distance race (in other words, running a certain distance at or under a certain time). However, a certified course is also great for those who want to compare themselves to others’ times at that distance.

Certification is done via official measurement by a USATF-approved certifier. Those measurements are used to mark the course and place mile markers for race day.

According to Korsakov, not much is changing from last year’s inaugural Waukee Ten. Runners can tackle the ten-mile race or elect to do the 5K (3.1 miles) instead. Both groups of runners will share part of the course, which traverses the historic Waukee Triangle. The ten-mile runners will be treated to a scenic tour of Waukee as they travel through the rest of the course, winding along trails, back roads and growing neighborhoods. All runners will finish their races where they started—on the track inside Waukee Stadium.

Runners will be well-supported with seven water stations along the course. Three of those will serve Gatorade, one will have gels and four locations will have restrooms.

This year’s Waukee Ten is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15, beginning at 7:00 AM. (The 5K begins one hour later at 8:00 AM.) There’s still time to register—visit www.waukeeten.com for details. Fees begin at $40 through Aug. 21 for the 5K and $55 through the same date for the ten-mile race. Fees for both will increase by $5 beginning Aug. 22.

Participants can look forward to a great post-race experience as well, which will feature music, games, snacks, drinks and the CrossFit FlyOver podium.

Approximately 400 people registered last year, and organizers are hoping for over 500 this year. “We’re looking forward to another great event,” said Korsakov. “We hope even more people from Waukee and surrounding communities join us to continue growing the tradition and conquering the distance!”

 

 

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