Faces of Waukee: Kirk Tyler

July 15, 2016 by admin

Tell us a little about your family.

Our family has been in the Coca-Cola business for over 107 years. I have a 91-year-old father that is still active in the business, and four sisters that are shareholders of our company. My wonderful wife, Janel, and I have been married for 37 years. Our daughter, Jessica, and her husband, Rob, have three children— Claire, Avery and Owen. Our son, Jay, lives in West Des Moines and works with us in the business. It truly is a family business.

We all see the big red trucks on our daily commutes in and out of Waukee. Tell us about Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company and what you do there.

Atlantic Bottling began in Villisca, Iowa in the ice and ice cream business. We currently do business in central and southwest Iowa, but we’re soon expanding to service about 90 percent of the state with Coca-Cola products. I was fortunate enough to be named chairman of the company earlier this year. I oversee the daily operations in Atlantic and Waukee, but my favorite part of the job is getting out and visiting with our employees in the trade and listening to our customers talk about their needs and how we can help grow their businesses.

When you’re not working, what are some of your hobbies?

The people I work with say that while I never take vacations, I do work in some pretty nice places! Janel and I like to travel, and we also like to golf when time allows.

Generational ownership is becoming increasingly rare. What does it mean to you to work with your family?

A family business is a great place to work. I am the third generation in our business, and the fourth is working with us now. It’s a lot of work getting the family to work together, and it takes a lot of communication to keep everyone informed, but it’s all worth it.

We hear you make it a priority to give back to your community. Why is this so important to you?

We strongly believe in giving back to the communities in which we do business. These are the communities in which our employees live, work and play, so it’s important that we do what we can to keep them the type of places that keep and attract people that want to work for our company.

Truth time: What is your all-time favorite Coke product?

Nothing beats the taste of a Coca-Cola right off the production line in Atlantic. We make the best, and we are very proud of that.

Faces of Waukee: Jon Garner

July 15, 2016 by admin

Tell us a little about your family

I am truly blessed with an amazing family. My wife Cory and I have two boys— Ben is 5 and Tommy is 2. As anyone with young children knows, they are quite a handful at times, but we wouldn’t trade one ounce of their energy or enthusiasm, even when it’s not exactly focused in the right direction. My wife is a dentist with Lifepoint Dental Partners and works on the south side of Des Moines.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a partner at Hartung & Schroeder, LLP, a general litigation law firm in downtown Des Moines. While we do not specialize in any one area, a large portion of our practice is focused on business/corporate law, family law, personal injury litigation and class action lawsuits.

When you’re not working, what activities do you like to do with your family?

We try to spend as much time as possible outside. While this often revolves around soccer or tee ball games, we also spend a lot of time at the pool or with friends in our neighborhood. As is the case in much of the Waukee area, we have an amazing group of families in our neighborhood, and almost all of them have children, so on any given night, there’s usually a group of kids playing somewhere.

We hear you’re a fitness enthusiast. Tell us about that.

I’m not sure I qualify as an “enthusiast,” but I definitely enjoy working out. I have historically been a runner, but over the last six months, I’ve gotten involved in hot yoga at Power Life Yoga. I find the workouts incredibly challenging, both mentally and physically, and I truly enjoy the community of individuals I’ve met there.

In this issue, we talk about Iowa vineyards and finer dining. Do you and your wife have a favorite place for date nights?

That is a tough question! Des Moines has such a great collection of locally owned and operated restaurants to choose from. One of our favorites has always been Bistro Montage. Both the food and service are always amazing. A newer restaurant we have enjoyed is Reed’s Hollow in Beaverdale. It has an eclectic menu and great atmosphere.

Wine & Dine

July 15, 2016 by admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Louie’s Wine Dive Waukee

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

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

1378 Hickman Road, Waukee

louieswinedive.com

(515) 518-2075

Gusto Pizza

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

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

8950 University Avenue, Suite 105, West Des Moines

gustopizzaco.com/west-des-moines

(515) 216-2198

Trostel’s Dish

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

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

12851 University Avenue, Suite 400, Clive

dishtrostels.com

(515) 221-3474

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

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

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

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

west-des-moines.firebirdsrestaurants.com

(515) 259-8540

Grape Expectations

July 15, 2016 by admin

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

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

Iowa (Wine) Nice

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

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

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

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

Accessible, Affordable Sips

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

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

Helpful Smiles

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

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

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

Local Wineries Worth a Visit

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

Penoach Vineyard

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

26759 N Avenue, Adel

www.penoach.com

(515) 993-4374

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

Snus Hill Vineyard and Winery

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

2183 320th Street, Madrid

snushillwine.com

(515) 795-3535

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

Jasper Winery

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

2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines

jasperwinery.com

(515) 282-9463

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

Covered Bridges Winery

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

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

coveredbridgeswinery.com

(515) 729-9463

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

Madison County Winery

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

3021 St. Charles Road, St. Charles

madisoncountywinery.com

(641) 396-2220

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

Two Saints Winery

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

15010 20th Avenue, St. Charles

twosaintswinery.com

(641) 396-2102

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

Summerset Winery

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

15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola

summersetwine.com

(515) 961-3545

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

Annelise Winery

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

15110 Highway 92, Indianola

annelisewinery.com

(515) 229-1299

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

Dale Valley Vineyard & Winery

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

3097 285th Street, Stuart

(515) 523-2199

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

dalevalleyvineyard.com

Top 10 Outdoor Dining Spots in West Des Moines / Waukee

July 12, 2016 by admin

With warmer temperatures, there is nothing quite like dining al fresco. Believe it or not, West Des Moines / Waukee has a wide variety of outdoor dining experiences for you to choose from.

Here is our list of Top 10 restaurants featuring patios, rooftops and picnic tables!

Barn Town Brewing

9500 University Ave.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-978-6767
Website | Facebook

Barn Town Brewing is a brewpub serving up from-scratch comfort food and craft beer.

Global Brew Tap House

9500 University Ave., Suite 1118
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-264-2903
Website | Facebook

Global Brew Tap House is home to a community of craft beer lovers, 50 beers on tap and approximately 200 bottled beers from around the world.

Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio

1238 8th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-809-1727
Website | Facebook

Gilroys’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio is known for it’s take on “Stylish American Comfort Food” that can’t be found anywhere else. Coupled with it’s experienced bar staff and one of a kind patio.

Gusto Pizza Co.

8950 University Ave. Suite 105
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-216-2198
Website | Facebook

Gusto Pizza Co. offer unique hand-crafted pizzas and sandwiches, for a reasonable price.

Granite City Food & Brewery

12801 University Ave.
Clive, Iowa 50325
515-224-1300
Website | Facebook

Granite City Food & Brewery is a national restaurant chain, featuring a full made-from-scratch menu sure to please any tastes. However, the on-site brewery with handcrafted brews is what sets it apart from most national chains.

Wellman’s Pub and Rooftop

597 Market Street
West Des Moines, Iowa
515-222-1100
Website | Facebook

Technically not a patio, but a rooftop! Wellman’s Pub and Rooftop is one of “the” spots to watch the game and grab anything from brunch to after dinner drinks.

Saints Pub & Patio

87 NE Carefree Ln
Waukee, IA 50263
515-216-1654
Website | Facebook

Saints Pub & Patio is a great place to grab a burger and watch the big game, with domestic pints and a large selection of traditional bar food.

Wasabi

9500 University Ave #2101
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-987-6103
Facebook

Wasabi has been a long time coming and worth the wait, bringing Asian fusion with stylish presentation to West Des Moines. Their outdoor dining space is a perfect place to enjoy that California Roll you’ve been craving lately.

Taco Hangover

265 50th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-440-4703

Website | Facebook

Taco Hangover offers authentic street food along with killer American favorites in an urban party bar atmosphere.

Mickey’s Irish Pub

50 SE Laurel St
Waukee, IA 50263
515-987-9604
Website | Facebook

Energetic Irish-themed bar offering pub grub, drink specials, pool & more in a casual atmosphere.

Your turn. You tell us, what’s your favorite outdoor dining spot in West Des Moines / Waukee?

Ultimate Summer Grilling Guide

May 31, 2016 by admin

Hooray!! It’s grilling season! Firing up the grill is loved by many for a variety of reasons, primarily because nothing says Summer quite like a juicy burger or steak with those beautiful grill marks! Up your grilling game this year, with an arsenal of new gadgets and a few new recipes to test out!

Grilling Gadgets >>

Quesadilla Grill Basket from Williams-Sonoma

Who doesn’t love a grilled quesadilla, however it would be virtually impossible to do that mess free. Here enters this grill basket to save the day!

Monogrammed Steak Brand from Williams-Sonoma

For most men (or women) grilling meat in an art form. One that they may want to brand their own. This monogrammed BBQ brand would make the perfect Father’s Day gift!

Stuff A Burger Press from Amazon

Stuffed burgers are all the rage in the burger world and if you’ve ever tried to manually stuff a burger, it’s truly not as easy as The Food Network makes it look. This little burger press is sure to keep tears out of your burger.

Ceramic Shrimp and Scallop Pan from Sur La Table

There are SO many mouth-watering recipes out there that feature shrimp and scallops, however handling either on the grill is no easy feat. Luckily, Sur la Table has just the solution with a pan perfect for grilling delicate seafood!

Vegetable Clip from WalMart

As a former vegetarian, I mostly appreciate the grilled veggies, so I’m always looking for easy ways to grill some of my favorites! Since asparagus is one of my favorites, this would be perfect!

Grilling Recipes >>

Grilled Cinnamon Peaches with Pecans and Ice Cream from Tasty

Dessert is often forgotten when it comes to grilling, until now! These simple and delicious peaches are sure to put any brownie to shame!

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon from Natasha’s Kitchen

Don’t be afraid to add some seafood to your kabobs this year! Salmon is a great hardy fish that holds up to the head of grilling.

Southwest Chicken Foil Packs form Everyday Dishes

Foil packs are AH-MAZING! Easy assembly, easy cooking and easy clean-up. Now that’s winning!

Grilled Baked Potatoes from AllRecipes

Nothing pairs better to a nice steak or burger than a potato. Kick up any baked potato a notch with this recipe.

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Turkey Burger from Baker By Nature

Couldn’t be a list of grilling recipes without a stuffed burger! Try out these stuffed turkey burgers at your next BBQ!

Do you have any grilling gadgets you can’t live without? What’s your favorite grilling recipe that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser? Let us know in the comments below!

Iowa Reapers take the Plate

May 6, 2016 by admin

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

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

Some History

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

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

Meet the Reapers

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

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

Who’s on First: Rules of the Game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Series Stars

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

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

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

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

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

Coached Dedication

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s one team Iowa is lucky to have.

Get in the Game

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

Applications are due by July 1.

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

Featured Recipe: Zesty Pesto Flank Steak

May 6, 2016 by admin

I just love the month of May. It has so many wonderful holidays—Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and a personal favorite, Cinco de Mayo, which inspired me to share this particular recipe. This zesty rub and spicy pesto topping will add pizzazz to your next grilled steak. Enjoy!

Zesty Rub:

1-1/2 tsp. Chili powder

1-1/2 tsp. Instant espresso coffee

1/2 tsp. Brown sugar

1/4 tsp. Dry mustard

1/4 tsp. Cumin

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1-1/2 lbs. Beef flank steak

In a small bowl, combine the above ingredients and coat the steak well on both sides. Heat a large skillet or grill with olive oil just to cover over medium-high heat. Sear the steak on either side only, and move it to an oven heated to 350 degrees until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Let it rest, and its temperature will rise to a perfect 150 degrees.

Poblano Pesto Topping:

2 Medium poblano chile peppers

1/2 c. Fresh cilantro

1/4 c. Crumbled Cotija cheese (1 ounce)

2 tbsp. Pine nuts, best toasted

2 Cloves garlic

1/4 tsp. Crushed red pepper

1/3 c. olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove stems, seeds and membranes. Coarsely chop peppers and place in a food processor with cilantro, cheese, pine nuts, garlic and crushed red pepper. Cover and process until mixture is finely chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper. With processor running, add oil in a steady stream through feed tube to form a coarse paste.

Serve pesto as a condiment with steak.

Finding Courage: Courage League Sports

May 6, 2016 by admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Ready, Get Set, Play!

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

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Under Construction: Heritage Park

May 6, 2016 by admin

New Heritage Park Retail Opening on Hickman Road

New construction has a way of popping up overnight. Where there was once a patch of empty land, suddenly there’s a place to meet with things to do, buy and eat. Waukee residents will notice such new construction as they drive down Hickman Road. One new building is going up in front of Life Time Fitness and another next to Kum & Go in Urbandale.

The two buildings, collectively known as Heritage Park Retail, will have plenty of room for business development in the 8,125- and 7,425-square-foot spaces. Collectively, the buildings are designed to host nine different businesses.

According to Jeffrey D. Stanbrough, CCIM, CPM, of Stanbrough Realty Company, the outside shells of the buildings should be done in about two months, but tenant improvement—the interior development of the storefronts—has already begun.

First on the list of new businesses is the “freaky fast” Jimmy John’s, perfect for a quick sandwich or lettuce wrap (and let’s not forget the cookies). A joint venture of Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels will come together for a caffeine and carb-filled storefront. There will also be a nutrition store, offering a myriad of health products, and Fresh Fit Meals, which will serve up nutritious meals to-go or for on-site consumption.

There’s still time for new businesses to lay claim to the hot spot, but interested buyers should act fast. “We expect the building to fill up pretty quickly,” said Stanbrough. “It’s right off the interstate and on a highway, and it’s in the middle of everything.”

Plus, with two large monument signs marking the shops, it will be hard to drive by without swinging through. Ninety-four parking spaces have been allocated for the development, ensuring plenty of convenient parking for visitors.