December 2015

Living

WEST DES MOINES LOCALLY OWNED SECTION INSIDE

West Des Moines december 2015 50265/50266

magazine

Christmas

wish list WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE IF MONEY WAS NOT AN ISSUE?

WE INSTEAD OF ME

BIG GREEN UMBRELLA MEDIA 5619 N.W. 86th St., # 600 Johnston, Iowa 50131

FAITH

MOLLY THE MAZDA

POSTAL CUSTOMER BIG GREEN UMBRELLA MEDIA

GARAGE

PAID

U.S. POSTAGE

EDUCATION

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/westdesmoines

PRSRT STD ECRWSS

MEET ERIN YACINICH

West Des Moines Living

DECEMBER | 2015

NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS! DELAY FIRST PAYMENT FOR 90 DAYS ON NEW PURCHASES ONLY. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS

2015 NISSAN

MURANO

S AWD

2015 NISSAN

#23015 #266482 #269593 Two or more at this price.

LEASE FOR *

PURCHASE FOR

$299

0%

*

36/MO.

AVAILABLE

PLUS $500 NMAC CASH

$2,699 initial payment

2015 NISSAN

PATHFINDER

ROGUE

S


LEASE FOR *

$194

PURCHASE FOR

0%

*

36/MO.

2015 NISSAN

MSRP $19,800 #20114 #362258 One or more at this price.

PURCHASE FOR

JUKE

S AWD


PURCHASE FOR

0%

0%

$500 NMAC CASH

$500 NMAC CASH

AVAILABLE PLUS

AVAILABLE

PLUS $250 NMAC CASH

$2,699 initial payment

AVAILABLE PLUS

Based on 2014 RegTrak sales. ** Based on 2014 Final sales. †Based on Nissan 2015 calendar year to date. Photos are for illustration purpose only. Purchase price excludes taxes, title, license, options, destination fee and $99 doc fee. Tax, title, license & $99 doc fee included in the Lease payment. Rogue S – MSRP $24,295 Residual $13,605. Murano – MSRP $33,185 Residual $18,251 Lease allows for 12,000 miles per year with .15 per mile for excess mileage. Disposition fee due at termination. 90-day delayed payment option is available when you purchase from new dealer stock and finance through NMAC with special APR rates, Tiers 1-7 (excludes Tiers 8 & 9). Subject to credit approval with maximum term of 72 months. The delayed payment must begin exactly 90 days from the date of the contract. Accrual of interest commences fromdate of contract and consumer is responsible for payment of accrued interest. Down payment may be required. Offer not valid in PA. Lease allows for 12,000 miles per year with .15 per mile for excess mileage. All rebates assigned to dealer. Offer requires approved credit through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation. Offers apply to DSM market area. See dealer for details. Offer ends December 31, 2015.

DECEMBER | 2015



WELCOME

DREAMING OF A NEW CAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

What would you buy? W

1.99

AS LOW AS

e can all dream a little, right? Admit it. You have done it. Ever since most of us learned how to count coins, we contemplated what it would be like to have endless amounts of money. And we often fantasized over what we would do with it all. Of course, the typical responses varied greatly depending on the age of the person, but the fun of dreaming about this was all the same. If a child were asked what he or she would spend endless amounts of money on, the answer would likely be something like a million bags of Skittles. After all, $100 can seem like a fortune to a 6-year-old. For a more savvy teenager, the response may be a new Corvette or a life’s supply of pizza. And for middleaged adults, that first answer would probably be something like paying off the mortgage or a child’s college education. The answers are clearly all about stages of life. And, selfishly, I might pick all of the aforementioned. But regardless of age or stage — and after the initial materialistic responses are offered — most of us start thinking about how we could use the money to solve world problems like starvation, disease, lack of education, job creation, terrorism or animal cruelty, to name a few. In the end, we would likely realize that money alone can’t completely fix any of these things — but it can help. So in the spirit of Christmas — which certainly includes giving and receiving — we asked local residents what they would spend endless amounts of money on if they received this windfall and had to disperse it during the holiday season. The answers may not surprise you a great deal, as you would likely respond in similar ways, depending on how much time you had to answer. But what you will read will certainly reinforce your faith in the human race and the fact that we all want to improve ourselves and others, and not necessarily in that order. Enjoy these stories, think about how you might spend this endless amount of money in positive ways, and have a merry and joyous Christmas. Thanks for reading. n

Shane Goodman Publisher

%

ASK ABOUT OUR

APR*

FIXED UP TO 63 MONTHS 2012 OR NEWER

RATE MATCH GUARANTEE!

Cornerstone Community Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Lender. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice and may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications and collateral conditions. For a $25,000 car loan loan with a term of 63 months with a 1.99% APR, the monthly payment would be $418.26. Other terms and conditions are available. Existing loans do not qualify. All loans subject to approval.

Cornerstone Community Credit Union

NEED ? N A LOITA ’S

tone

Corners

Community Focused since 1931

Darren Tromblay Editor 515-953-4822 ext. 304 [email protected]

Becky Sidles Advertising 515-231-2628 [email protected]

Living

Iowa

magazines

515-274-2343 >> 414 - 61st Street, Des Moines www.cornerstonecreditunion.com >> Auto >> Personal >> Real Estate >> Home Equity >> Business

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

DECEMBER | 2015


3

NEW YEAR OPPORTUNITIES

INSIDE Discover. Experience. LEARN. NOW ENROLLING!

Let your child experience the Montessori difference! Serving ages 0–6

5

9

Faith “We” instead of “me”

16 Garage

6355 Beechtree Drive, WDM (A few blocks E of Jordan Creek Mall) - - 515.223.1387 - - - www.AlphabetAcademyWDM.com

Find Holiday

MAGIC

Molly the Mazda

Page 5

20 Recipe

Pear butter

21 Education

Meet Erin Yacinich

21 Health Q & A

Owned and operated by the Thrailkill family • Faith Spencer-Hamilton, Director

Cover story Christmas wish list

Advice from professionals

Page 16

22 Calendar

A comprehensive list

26 Finance

Yearly financial to-do list

28 Senior living

Combatting the holiday blues

29 Dining

BW’s Burgers

31 Community

Repairs and upgrades

Page 21

On the cover: Camryn, Tammy and Vince Cline. Photo by Dan Hodges. PUBLISHER: EDITOR: SALES TRAINER/RECRUITER: ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES:

in the Village of Ponderosa 440 Fairway Drive, Suite 100 | West Des Moines 515-727-4980 | EstiloSalon.com 4


DECEMBER | 2015

Shane Goodman Darren Tromblay Jolene Goodman Ashley Sohl Brooke Pulliam Julie Downing Becky Sidles Shelli Pulley Emily Stanbrough Linda Jennings Macinzie McFarland

ADDRESS: 5619 N.W. 86th St., Suite 600, Johnston, IA 50131 PHONE: 515.953.4822 EDITORIAL: ext. 304 ADVERTISING: ext. 319 DISTRIBUTION: ext. 316 DESIGN: ext. 313 ACCOUNTING: ext. 316 FAX: 515.953.1394 WEB: www.iowalivingmagazines.com

DESIGN MANAGER: GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: CONTRIBUTORS: BUSINESS OFFICE MGR: DISTRIBUTION: DIGITAL:

Celeste Jones Karen Ericson Brian Olson Kathleen Summy Dawn Sagario Pauls Elaine Lenz Dan Hodges Lisa Verhey-Budding Brent Antisdel Brent Antisdel Tyler Nash

Circulation and readership audited by

West Des Moines Living magazine is a monthly publication of Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., an Iowa corporation. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or

in part without permission of the publisher. West Des Moines Living magazine is mailed free of charge to every household and business in the 50265 and 50266 ZIP codes. Others may subscribe for $18 annually. Copies of past issues, as available, may be purchased for $3 each (plus shipping if required).


FEATURE

Christmas

wish list WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE IF MONEY WAS NOT AN ISSUE?

Tammy, Camryn and Vince Cline are football fans who would love to go watch the Iowa Hawkeyes play in the Rose Bowl. Photo by Dan Hodges.

By Dawn Sagario Pauls

C

hristmas is the season of giving. For some, that “giving” can make the holidays a stressful one, as maxed out pocketbooks inadvertently overshadow the true essence of this time of year. But what if money were no object? What would you buy then for others? And what would you want for yourself? We posed those questions to West Des Moines residents. Here are their wish lists:

Watching the Iowa Hawkeyes play in the Rose Bowl Tammy Cline knows exactly what she would want for Christmas this year. Her Hawkeyes just have to make it happen, she mused in late November. “At the top of my bucket list, by 10 miles above everything else, is going to watch the Hawkeyes play in the Rose Bowl,” says Cline, who would take along her friends and family. “It’s the first time in 25 years it’s even been a www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

possibility. If they make it, I’m going.” Any other year, Cline would opt for a trip with her husband, Vince Cline, and their daughter, Camryn, around the world with no time constraints, making stops in Europe and Australia. “My favorite thing in life is snorkeling,” she says. “So I would love to do the Great Barrier Reef.” In her home, Cline would add two rooms: one that could accommodate eight to 12 teleDECEMBER | 2015


5

FEATURE visions so she could watch multiple college football and basketball games simultaneously. The second would be a “ginormous room for every stray animal that passed my door,” says the animal lover. She would also restore her husband’s Mustang and give her daughter unlimited gift certificates to the mall. For her other family and friends, Cline would buy whatever was at the top of their personal bucket list. “I’d love to buy the inventory out of a Toys ‘R’ Us and let every needy child come and fill their cart as much as they wanted,” Cline adds. “I was blessed and had fabulous, joyous Christmases as a child. It breaks my heart when children, especially, don’t get to experience the joy of Christmas. And for kids, it’s presents.” Preserving a family treasure Nick Valdez says it might sound like a strange Christmas wish, but he would like a new foundation for

for. “Just to lift a burden on my siblings, and to let them know that it’s taken care of,” he says. Rocha would also take the opportunity to help those less fortunate. While he sits on several committees for the city of West Des Moines, it’s his work as a member of the West Des Moines Human Services Board that is “near and dear to my heart,” he says. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of that.” He would visit homeless camps two or three days before Christmas, bringing warm clothing and food. He’d also visit shelters to offer help to those needing it, and then stop in at nursing homes. There, he’d reach out to individuals with no family or those whose relatives live far away. And for himself? Rocha thought maybe a newer vehicle or a Harley.

to the overall revitalization of his neighborhood. It would provide a more structurally sound building that will be around for a long time, says Valdez. His gift to others would be to eliminate any debts or help pay for the essentials for his family members. That way, they could have complete peace of mind during the holidays, he says. Nick Valdez would like a new foundation for his Valley Junction home, which has been in their family for three generations.

his Valley Junction home. “It’s a historic home, and it’s been through the floods, and my house has been in my family for three generations,” Valdez says. “I would like to see it improved.” Putting in a new foundation comes with a hefty price tag, anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000, he says. The investment would not only be helping to preserve an heirloom but also be contributing

Helping family, those less fortunate “My first thing would be to buy my mom a hearing aid,” says Mark Rocha. “She’s 87, and she misses a lot with the grandkids, or if there’s four or five people in the room, she’s missing out on conversations. I think she’d be giddy if she got one and realized what she’s actually missing.” Next, he would hire her a chauffeur, available 24-7, to take her anywhere she wanted. He’d move on to his nephews and nieces, ensuring that all of their college educations were paid

Focus on family, pets “I would take the whole fam-

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 2016 CHILD CARE CHECKLIST 4 EXPERIENCED n 4 EDUCATIONAL n 4 n 4 n

STAFF

CURRICULUM SAFE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT OPEN COMMUNICATION

NOW ENROLLING!

For more information, please call 515-225-3603 or email [email protected]

WDM Monday–Friday 6:30am–6pm

WEST CAMPUS 720 S 68th Street

www.2foruchildcare.com 6


DECEMBER | 2015


West Des Moines 515-225-3603

FEATURE ily on a vacation — somewhere warm, with a beach,” says Meridith Freese. Her traveling crew would include her parents, siblings and boyfriend. “I would love to go to Greece,” she says. “That would be where I would go.” Next on the list: houses for herself and her parents. Freese currently lives in an apartment with her boyfriend, Alex McCarty. She envisions a house in the country for the two of them — something far out enough to satisfy his Iowa farm roots, but close enough where she could make the drive into town. It would be close to family so they could enjoy it as well, says Freese, and large enough to accommodate their relatives. Their home would also have to be spacious enough for the many dogs she would add to her Christmas list. “I would probably have 20 if I could,” says Freese. The couple currently has

Some of Meridith Freese’s Christmas gifts to others would include taking everyone in her immediate family on a vacation and paying off their debts. She would also love to get a house in the country for her and her boyfriend, Alex McCarty (above), and get more dogs her current furry friend, Hilton. Photo submitted.

Hilton, a German wirehaired pointer, who McCarty likes to take hunting. They also like German shorthaired pointers. As for her parents’ homes, her mom would likely want to live out in the country, too, while her dad probably would like to head out of

state. Freese would also pay off the debts of those in her immediate family and start college funds for her nieces and nephews. A personal chef, season tickets to the Broncos

Naomi Hamlett and her husband, Chris Hamlett, both enjoy cooking. She just wishes they had more time to devote to it. With busy work schedules, mealtimes are typically rushed. That would change if she could have a personal chef — just for a year, Naomi Hamlett says. A chef could make personally designed menus for each member of their family, including their daughter, Veronica, that they would all love. A chef would learn what spices each of them likes best and create healthy, tasty dishes. She would host more parties and invite people over all the time. “I would learn so much in that year from that person,” Hamlett says. “I think it would be great. It would be so fun.” She would buy season tickets for her husband to the see the Denver Broncos. He has loved the team since he was 5, she says. A spare bedroom in their home is decked out in Broncos memorabilia. They usually go to watch one

MAKE SOME

DOUGH

With the checking account that pays you With $ensible Checking™, you can earn unlimited cash back for debit card purchases while enjoying free, value-added banking services. Visit bankiowabanks.com for all the details on how it pays to be $ensible or stop by your local Bank Iowa today!

LIVE IOWA. WORK IOWA. BANK IOWA. Altoona 515.967.7283 / Johnston 515.727.4484 West Des Moines 515.225.0710 / bankiowabanks.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

Member FDIC DECEMBER | 2015


7

FEATURE game every year. Chris even won a trip through a drawing to go watch the Broncos play, and had on-field access, she says. It was a treat to see her husband in his element. “I think it would just be fun to plan out his fall and winter,” as he would decide which games he would go to and which tickets he could give away, says Hamlett. “He would be so thrilled,” she says. “His face would just light up.” One wish Mary Bernabe just has one wish. “I would ask for world peace,” Bernabe says. “I am really not a ‘material things’ kinda gal, so money doesn’t really matter.” She admits it’s a cliche answer, “but in this day and time, it is what I desperately want and what we all need. If only it were that easy. I would offer love and compassion to others.” The gift of time

Mary Bernabe, here with her husband, Sam Bernabe, would wish for world peace. Photo submitted.

A bibliophile, Jim Miller’s first Christmas wish for himself was simple: Acquire more books. “I would go to the Planned Parenthood Book Sale and buy all the books I could,” Miller says. While a fan of various genres, biographies are his favorite.

Jim Miller would go to the Planned Parenthood Book Sale and buy all the books he could for himself. Miller’s gift to others would be to provide them with whatever they needed so they could have more time to pursue the things they want to. Photo submitted.

“Whether it’s political or historical, celebrities — anything,” says Miller. At the end of November, he was in the midst of reading

three such books. One was “41: A Portrait of My Father,” George W. Bush’s personal biography of his father, George H.W. Bush (Miller’s politics are much different, he wants to note.) He was also reading “Dream More” by Dolly Parton, and “McCoy, You’re Going Straight to Hell” by state Sen. Matt McCoy. Miller’s second wish: To have the time to enjoy the newest additions to his collection. He would probably need to retire to do that, he says. Miller’s gift to others would be to provide them with whatever they needed so they could have more time to pursue the things they want to. That might mean getting someone a personal assistant or paying off a person’s debts so he or she wouldn’t have to work so hard. “So many people that I talk to are so busy,” Miller says. “We don’t have enough time to do things we want to do.” n

We make math make sense. At Mathnasium, we believe that every child has the ability to be successful in math—it’s a matter of teaching the way that makes sense to them. When math makes sense, kids excel—whether they’re far behind or eager to get ahead.

Challenging Math for Advanced Students.

or f ay l! d to tria s ll u free a C a

Mathnasium of West Des Moines

515-440-MATH (6284)

mathnasium.com/westdesmoines 160 S. 68th Street, Ste. 1105 (Across from Jordan Creek Mall) 8


DECEMBER | 2015


FAITH

‘We’ instead of ‘me’ Take a look at the people around you

at the Events Center West

By Pastor Tom Allen

C

hristmas season is here. I love this time of year. You just can’t help but think about certain things — no school, Christmas trees, presents, eggnog, cold weather, gathering with friends and family... and the list goes on and on. But what happens sometimes around the holidays (and I am as guilty of this as the next person) we focus on the “me” (“What am I getting for Christmas?” “My Christmas vacation,” “I’m so glad I’m out of school,” etc.). We can never look beyond ourselves when we are looking in a mirror. Our attitude can so easily cause us to forget there are people right next to us — in our neighborhoods, in our churches, in our schools, and maybe in our own family — who won’t have a very merry Christmas. It’s great to give and receive presents, but be sure to take time this December to remember one of the most important commandments God has given us: Matthew 22:39 “…Love your neighbor as yourself.” We oftentimes hear this and think, “What does that really mean?” It means a couple of different things. First, start to think “we” instead of “me.” Picture it this way: Instead of looking in the mirror and seeing “me,” you look through a window and see the people around you. When we begin to look beyond ourselves, we quickly realize there are those around us who need help and hope. The motivation for this is to remember the real message and meaning of Christmas was set by God almost

Celebrate Christmas 1701 - 25th Street • West Des Moines

Join us Wednesday

DECEMBER 23 for our Christmas Eve-Eve services SERVICE TIMES 6 PM and 7:45 PM 2,000 years ago when He thought about us instead of just Himself and sent His Son to make a way to forgive us of our sins so we can have a personal relationship with our Father in heaven through Him. Secondly, once we start thinking differently, it should motivate us to act differently, to understand that to love your neighbor is not just a nice idea; it is something that can actually be done. This can be walked out in a myriad of ways… • Go out of your way to say “Merry Christmas” to a neighbor or someone in your workplace whom you’ve never talked to before. • Identify one or more people or families in your neighborhood, church, school, workplace or community who truly need a helping hand and offer one, perhaps not just at Christmas, but all throughout the year by giving your time, abilities and resources to meet needs A true sign of maturity, both as a person and spiritually, is when we begin to realize that this life is not all about us. It’s time to think “we” instead of “me,” and we can all do that starting today. n

Information provided by Pastor Tom Allen, Simple Church, 1701 25th St., West Des Moines, 770-5763

Beautiful Music WWWWWWWWW Candlelight Service WWWWWWWWW Inspiring Christmas Message

515-770-5763 www.simplechurchDSM.com


DECEMBER | 2015


9

LOCALLY OWNED

s e n i o M s e D West

BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE 10


DECEMBER | 2015


LOCALLY OWNED IN WEST DES MOINES

loCally owned in west des moines

Palmer Group

Owner: Austin Palmer Address: 3737 Woodland Avenue, Suite 200 Phone: 225-7000 Website: www.thepalmergroup.com Central Iowa’s employment solution since 1998 In 1998, Austin Palmer founded Palmer Group with the goal of becoming Iowa’s top employment firm. Today, Palmer, along with Executive Vice President David Leto, works with a team of 63 full-time professionals to connect the best companies with the best potential employees in a number of positions. Palmer Group provides hundreds of client companies with a broad range of employment services that includes professional placement on a temporary, contract or direct-hire basis, along with providing outplacement services. Palmer Group has the professionals and resources to help job seekers advance their careers in Des Moines and around Iowa. Palmer Group recruiters look for talent in a wide variety of fields that are specific to their client’s needs. The group’s staff has extensive experience placing professionals in jobs that fit their skills and requirements. Recruiting potential employees is an expensive and timeconsuming process, which can be especially difficult positions need to be filled quickly. For companies looking to hire talented employees, Palmer Group can help find the most qualified candidates. Palmer Group has the skill and experience in identifying, recruiting and placing Des Moines’ top candidates. The company has seen continued success, winning many awards, including Best Executive Search Firm and Best Temporary Employment in 2015. Palmer Group is also excited about its newly published 2016 Salary Guide. The joint project between Palmer Group and the Greater Des Moines Partnership has resulted in the most comprehensive guide yet, with up-to-date insights and data for hundreds of job titles across central Iowa. Palmer Group currently has more than 200 open orders on its website. They are looking for talented and qualified professionals to apply in their West Des Moines office. This locally owned and locally managed business is glad to be helping other metro businesses and local employees grow and succeed. n

Central iowa’s employment solution sinCe 1998 Our staff has extensive experience with recruitment and placement in: Accounting & Finance / Banking & Mortgage Customer Service / Engineering & Manufacturing Human Resources / Information Technology Insurance / Office Administration Sales and Marketing

3737 wOOdlAnd AvEnuE, SuITE 200, wEST dES MOInES 515.255.7000 | www.thepalmergroup.com


DECEMBER | 2015


11

LOCALLY OWNED NEAR WEST DES MOINES

Adel & Winterset TV & Appliance, Heating & Cooling

Owner: The Chapman Family Address: 916 Main St., Adel Phone: 993-4287 Website: www.adelwintersettv.com Serving the community for more than 55 years Kenny Chapman has seemingly always loved to tinker with things. He had a knack for knowing how things worked, and his love of tinkering eventually led to a partnership with Jay Eberhart, owner of the Adel Gambles Store. The new business was called Adel TV, Furniture & Appliance, and Ken also had his own service business called Ken’s TV and Appliance Service. Soon after, Ken bought out Eberhart and renamed the store Adel TV & Appliance Co. The businesses has called Adel’s Main Street home since 1960. “I founded it not long after graduating from high school,” he says. “Most chain stores do not offer service beyond the sale. We sell many of the same name brands that chain stores offer, deliver them into your home, provide installation and service your products. We are proud of the service that we offer.” In 1994, Chapman opened a second location in Winterset, offering the same small-town service the Adel location is known for. Both stores offer a full line of name brand electronics, appliances, heating and cooling (including geothermal), bedding, furniture, grills and smokers, vacuums and carpet cleaners, water heaters and more. Ken and his team can service almost anything they sell and even most things that they don’t. Chapman also has more than 25 years experience with geothermal heating and cooling system installation, not something a lot of big box installers can claim. Geothermal heat pumps harness the natural energy from the earth and use it to dramatically increase a home’s heating and cooling efficiency, cutting electrical and fossil fuel costs. Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly and pays for itself in only a few years. 12


DECEMBER | 2015

Kenny Chapman’s interest in new innovative products is just one more thing that keeps Adel TV & Appliance, Heating & Cooling ahead of it’s competitors. As a family business, all five of Chapman’s children have worked at the store, and two still do, his daughter Tammy and son Terry. In fact, five generations of the Chapman family have called Adel home. The business now employs 16 full-time employees and occupies 9,300 square feet on Adel’s Main Street. Chapman says his staff’s ability to provide excellent service has kept them in business, even when big box stores have opened nearby. “We have stayed very competitive with much larger competitors right down the road,” he says. “Some have even taken aim at us, threatening our product vendors, but we just stay focused on servicing our customers. We have watched much larger box stores close doors over the past 55 years, but we remain consistent and have grown with the area.” Some chain stores will charge a fee for delivery, but won’t unpack or bring the product into a home, also known as “driveway delivery.” That’s not the case at Adel & Winterset TV& Appliance, Heating & Cooling. Chapman and his staff make sure everything is working for the customer after the sale has been made. It’s also important for Chapman to support other local businesses and says he believes that’s what living in a small town is all about. He is happy to refer his customers to other small businesses, and other local owners do the same for him. “It’s about working together for the betterment of the community,” he says. “The profit made in locally owned stores is redistributed within the community, not to a bunch of shareholders or CEOs. Also, sales taxes collected help pay for pools, parks and playgrounds. Doing business locally is a reinvestment in the community.” n


LocaLLy owned near west des moines

Revolutionary features. Chef-inspired design. Endless potential. Behold, the completely reimagined suite of KitchenAid® appliances. kitchenaid.com/new

1500

$

RECEIVE UP TO A

PREPAID CARD WITH PURCHASE OF SELECT KITCHENAID BRAND APPLIANCES

®/™ ©2015 KitchenAid. All rights reserved.

JULY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2015

OUR SERVICE DOESN’T END AFTER THE SALE. 916 Main Street, Adel, IA

515-993-4287

Monday - Friday 8-6 Saturday 8-2

RETAIL INFORMATION HERE

www.adelwintersettv.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

224 Hwy. 92, Winterset, IA

515-462-2939

Monday-Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-2

DECEMBER | 2015


13

DENIM BAR Visit us in Prairie Trail 1450 SW Vintage Pkwy Suite 110 Ankeny, IA 50023 515.289.9309 HOURS: M-TH 10-7 / F&S 10-6

West Des Moines Store 165 S Jordan Creek Pkwy Suite 165 WDM, IA 50266 515.223.9907 HOURS: M-TH 10-7 / F&S 10-6 / SUN 12-4

blondgenius.com 14


Ankeny Ad.indd 1

DECEMBER | 2015


12/1/15 3:32 PM

NEWS BRIEFS

Mrs. Dueker and her fourth-grade class with WWII vet Roy Garcia. This was the first time the class met a WWII veteran.

The reason for the season.

Back row: Captain Dan Gannon, Cheryl TanCreti, Keith Rasmussen and Rev. Tim Byrnes. Front row: Martin, Hanna and Ben, winners of essay contest.

Students participate in Veterans Day event

The Iowa Christian Academy fourth grade class sang the National Anthem and recited the American Creed by William Tyler Page during a Veterans Day ceremony at McLaren’s Funeral Home. The top three winners of the Fairmeadows fifth grade Veterans Day essay contest read their essays and Boy Scout Troop 280 of West Des Moines also particpated. More than 700 Veterans Day cards that the students of ICA and Fairmeadows made were delivered to the VA hospital here in Des Moines and Marshalltown.

Merry Christmas from all of us.

Date announced for military ball

The date has been announced for the Ninth Annual Iowa All Academy Military Ball, an event recognizing Iowans currently enrolled in all five of the United States Military Academies, as well as honoring Iowa-based graduates of the academies who have gone on to serve our country. The All Academy Military Ball will be held on Sunday, Dec. 27, beginning at 6 p.m. at the West Des Moines Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines. The event is open to all current students and graduates of any of the five United States service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point, New York), The U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland), The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, Connecticut), The U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado) and The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, New York). “We do this as a thank you. We greatly appreciate our Iowa military academy students and graduates, and they deserve a special night dedicated to their honor,” says Kevin Lentz, chairman of The Iowa All Academy Ball. The Iowa All Academy Ball will include a full program with a cocktail reception, silent auction, keynote speaker, dinner and live entertainment. It is a formal event, with cadets and midshipmen wearing their mess dress or winter uniform. Proceeds from this event will raise funds for three Iowa- based charitable organizations. For registration information, contact event chairperson, Kevin Lentz by phone at 991-3550, by email ([email protected]), or visit the Iowa All Academy Ball website at www.iowaallacademyball.com. You can also follow the Iowa All-Academy Ball on Twitter (@iowaallacademyball), or stay informed by liking the Iowa All-Academy Ball Facebook page (www.facebook.com/iowaallacademyball). n

Living

Iowa


magazines

DECEMBER | 2015


15

WHAT’S IN YOUR GARAGE?

Shanielle Bookout and her car, Molly the Mazda. Photo by Lisa Verhey-Budding.

Molly the Mazda

Ordinary-looking car provides driving thrills By Lisa Verhey-Budding

M

olly the Mazda can be fast and furious, according to owner Shanielle Bookout, 23, of West Des Moines. Her little car may look pretty normal to the general onlooker, but it is definitely much more than that to Bookout. Bookout says she loves driving her 2007 Mazda 3 because it is a stick shift and a blast to go drifting in. She says it is fun to hit the emergency brake when going into drifting mode. “I love driving a stick shift way more than an automatic for a bunch of reasons,” she says. “You get better gas milage, and they are fun to mess around in, especially in the snow. My boyfriend likes to drift in it any chance he can get. I attempted drifting once and ended up hitting a mailbox.” According to Google, “drifting is a driv16


DECEMBER | 2015

ing technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels or all of the tires, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner.” The term was made famous when the movie “The Fast and The Furious” hit the big screen, causing a frenzy among young people across the world. “My boyfriend and I are definitely huge fans of ‘The Fast and The Furious’ movies, no doubt about it,” Bookout says. “We could watch them over and over again and not get tired of them at all.” Bookout says that the car obtained its nickname purely and simply. “Molly the Mazda just sounded perfect for her,” Bookout says. “She is really pretty, too. I love her deep purple color. At one time, we www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

were matching when I had my hair dyed just about the same color that she is. I liked matching my car.” Bookout works at Cattoor’s On Grand in West Des Moines and hasn’t had a lot of time to take her car on many road trips. “I love to drive, I always have,” Bookout says. “I drove to Chicago in the car once, but mostly I drive back and forth to work and to go do things with friends and my boyfriend. And I will never have an automatic transmission vehicle. That would just be too boring.” n Contact Darren at 953-4822 ext. 304 or [email protected] to recommend someone for an upcoming issue of “What’s In Your Garage?”


DECEMBER | 2015


17

CONGRATULATIONS!

ugmug.com

HulstPhotography.sm

HulstPhotography.sm

ugmug.com

HulstPhotography.smugmug.com

2015 DOWLING CATHOLIC VARSITY FOOTBALL ROSTER Dallas McCarthy Aaron Krah Moses Dweh Cole Deskin Michael Zachary Cole Billings J.T. Brown Brendan Dougherty Philip Giudici Charlie Reding Prince Boduo Kurt Walding Alec Hermann

SPONSORED BY

Ben Wilson Jesse Correl Parker Morse D.J. Brown Joseph Herold Jack Koerner Sam Bocken Dylan Watters Jacob Zachary Layne Bender Christian Cavan Aiden Sackett Adam Lee

Nick Esposito Jacob Shedenhelm Conner Pitz Drew Madden Kaden Sauer Kobe Gaines Peyton Krugler Cody Veach Bryce Shonka Evan Doud Henry Fini Marcus Topping Tommy Wanek

5465 NW 1st St. • 515-244-2724 • www.capitallandscaping.com 18


DECEMBER | 2015


Mason Brown Jacob Hummel Ross Otte Lyle Fini Ronnie Brown Nic Schneider Vince Scavo Willie O’Hara Nick Simpson Dakota Streffeler Steven Johnson Spencer Morgan Quincy Hill

Dowling Three-peat STATE 4A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS NOV. 23, 2015

m HulstPhotography.smugmug.co

HulstPhotography.smugmug.com

Matt Lawler Yarima Robertson Andrew Steenblock Matthew Bates Nathan Leon Pete Ryan Aaron Fritz Ryan Mells Alex Palme Tom Derry Jack Bethel Zach Ross Jon Hays

Peter Nank Josh Jameson Jake Hougham Jonathan Bliss Daniel Keough Cole Scieszinski Blake Bagenstos Nick Adam Camp Ketcham Nick Savage Ethan Jorgensen Stevie Sarcone Joe Lathrum

Spencer Pearson Brawntae Wells Evan Pyle Nico Scigliano John Waggoner Cole Patton Atlias Bell

Aundra Meeks,Ryan Van Veen, Jay Campbell, Andy Pollock, Fred Tiernan, Larry Weier Stats: Kurt Zimmermann

Head Coach: Tom Wilson

Student Trainers: Jenny Vedane, Jazmin Tejada, Rachel Svendsen, Marguerite Scigliano

Chaplin: Fr. Zach Kautzky Trainer: Del Lark

Asst Coaches: Jim Williams, Craig McClain, Steve Smith, Grant Bousum, Jeff Motz, Luke Bengtson, Adam Jack,


Student Manager: Carter Rands

DECEMBER | 2015


19

RECIPE

Pear butter

Perk up a cold winter day with this tasty treat By Kris Ellis Tracy

P

ear butter is wonderful on toast, waffles, or pancakes. Use it like you would apple butter or jelly. I like to have some on hand to open on special days or lazy Saturdays. My dad always liked to have a tasty special treat on days when it snowed. It seemed to make the hassle of dealing with snow and the dark days easier. n

20


DECEMBER | 2015

Pear butter

Ingredients 10-12 large pears, peeled, cored and quartered 1/2-3/4 cup of sugar Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons of butter Directions 1. In a large pot, place the pears, sugar spices and water. Stir to coat the pears with the sugar and spices. Cook on medium heat until the pears release their juices and simmer, stirring occasionally. 2. When the pears are soft, turn off the heat and carefully spoon the mixture into a food processor. Do not fill the mixture all the way to the top. You may need to process in two or three batches. 3. Cover the lid of the food processor with a towel www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

before you turn it on. Process until the pear mixture is smooth. Return the pears to the cooking pot and bring them back to a boil. Stir frequently until the butter is at the thickness you like. Longer cooking will make the pear butter thicker, but you will have less volume. 4. While the pear butter is very hot, spoon into clean glass canning jars, leaving less than ¼ inch of space at the top. Immediately wipe the mouth of the jar with a clean damp towel and put the lid on the jar. (Be sure to use a new jar lid with a rim of plastic on the inner surface.) Put the jar ring on, but not too tightly. You will tighten the ring after the jars have cooled and sealed. You may hear the pop as the vacuum forms and the pear butter cools. 5. Allow the jars to continue to cool on the counter away from breezes or extreme changes in temperature. Once the jars are cool, you can tighten the rings and put them in the pantry, ready for future use.

EDUCATION

HEALTH

Meet Erin Yacinich

Q: My heel hurts. What’s causing it, and what can I do to make it better?

Teacher nurtures budding readers and writers By Dawn Sagario Pauls

F

irst grade is a pivotal year, helping set the stage for a student’s future educational success, says Erin Yacinich. This is the age when kids are forming a solid foundation in reading, a skill that opens up the world to them, explains Yacinich, in her sixth year as a first-grade teacher at Sacred Heart School in West Des Moines. Students feel empowered by the fact that reading has transformed them into more independent learners. They’re making connections between reading and writing, enabling them to put down in writing their thoughts and feelings. “It’s a big responsibility,” says Yacinich of the job she’s been entrusted with. Reading and language arts are her favorite subjects to teach, says the veteran teacher, whose career spans nearly 21 years. It’s exciting “helping them break the code of language,” she says, and watching their self-confidence blossom as their reading and writing skills grow. “It’s fun to see their eyes light up when all of the sudden they’ve read a whole book, when they didn’t think they could,” says Yacinich. For her, tapping into each child’s potential begins with getting to know each one of them personally. It’s about asking what they did over the weekend. It’s about saying, “Good night,” when they leave her class for the day. It’s about

A: The most common cause of heel pain is “plantar fasciitis.” Typical symptoms are pain and limping the first steps out of bed and the end of the day. The pain usually stems from aggravation and inflammation of the plantar facial ligament. Simple at-home treatments to improve the pain include ice massage (freeze a water bottle and roll from your heel to arch 15 minutes), stretching and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or Aleve. It is very important to wear good supportive shoes. Also, you may consider purchasing over-the-counErin Yacinich teaches first grade at Sacred ter arch supports and try to avoid going barefoot in Heart School. Photos by Dawn Sagario your home. Pauls. If the pain and inflammation persist for more than two to three getting to know each one’s family. weeks, you may want to consult your primary care physician or podia From there, trust is built and trist. Recommended treatments from your physician may include physical the foundation for learning is set. therapy, custom orthotics, night splint and possibly a steroid injection. “I try to teach to the whole Ninety percent of plantar fasciitis pain resolves with conservative child, try to get to know their treatments described above. For the 10 percent of people who fail treatpersonal strengths and struggles,” ment there is a minimally invasive surgical procedures as an option. n Yacinich says. That enables her to tailor her teaching to each indi- Information provided by Dr. Julie Grundberg, podiatrist vidual, helping them grow and be at Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons (DMOS), 1301 Penn Ave., Suite 213, Des Moines, 299-6366. successful. “I like being a part of their little, early lives,” she says. “I like being able to guide them not only spiritually, but socially and cognitively. I just love the way they fill up your heart.” She’s been working with kids in pre-kindergarten and early elementary her entire teaching career. The kids haven’t changed, but their academic expectations have grown tremendously, she says. Ensuring students meet those expectations while also providing a learning environment that’s engaging and fun can be challenging. But there’s nothing else she’d rather be going. “I’m still loving it,” Yacinich says. n

Q: What do you like best about Mrs. Y?

Kathleen Warren: “I like when she teaches me writing.”

Sophia AnthonyBode: “I like when she teaches me math.”

Griffin Grabe: “I like the silly stories we tell.”

Restore Movement

DMOS – West 6001 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266 (515) 224-1414 DMOS – East Penn Medical Plaza 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 213 Des Moines, IA 50316 (515) 263-9696

DMOS – Ankeny 2515 SW State Street Suite 200 Ankeny, IA 50023 (515) 964-6782 DMOS – Carroll 311 South Clark Street Suite 285 Carroll, IA 51401 (712) 792-2093

DMOS – Urgent Injury Clinic 6001 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266 (515) 224-4210

Specialized, Compassionate Care.

(800) 245-6129 • www.DMOS.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

DECEMBER | 2015


21

CALENDAR Thursday Dec. 10 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Civil Service Commission Meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., City Hall n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road, n WDM Human Rights Commission Meeting, 4-6 p.m., City Hall n Oliver’s Puppy Tales, For ages 1-4 with an adult. Registration required. 10:30-11:10 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Teen Craft Night - Crafty Cinema, for teens age 12 and up. Registration is required. 6-8 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Jingle in the Junction, 5-9 p.m., Historic Valley Junction n VHS Bowling: Boys/Girls JV/V vs. Dowling, 3:45 p.m. @ DCHS n VHS Swimming: Boys JV/V vs. Waukee, 5:30 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Wrestling: JV/V Meet, 5:30 p.m. @ Waukee n VHS Basketball: Boys 9th vs. SEP, 7 p.m. @ Valley Southwoods n DCHS Bowling: Boys/Girls JV/V vs. WDM Valley, 3:45 p.m. @ DCHS n DHCS Swimming: Boys JV/V vs. Johnston, 5:30 p.m. @ Summit MS n DCHS Wrestling: JV/V Meet, 5:30 p.m. @ SEP n DCHS Basketball: Boys JV vs. Ankeny Centennial, 7 p.m. @ DCHS n DART Fares for Food Day. Cash fares and donations into DART fareboxes will benefit the Des Moines Area Religious Council. All day, DART Fareboxes

Urbandale, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ Valley Southwoods n DCHS Basketball: Boys 10/9/V vs. Johnston, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ DCHS n DCHS Basketball: Girls JV/V/9 vs. Johnston, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ DCHS

Saturday Dec. 12 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Dog Behavior 101, 9-11:30 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Writer’s Group, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n MUFON IOWA, UFO education. 12:30-4:30 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Des Moines Telugu Badi, 2-5 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n VHS Wrestling: JV Invite, 9 a.m. @ DM East n VHS Wrestling: JV Invite, 9 a.m. @ West Central-Stuart Menlo VHS Wrestling: Varsity Invite, 10 a.m. @ VHS n VHS Swimming: Boys Varsity Invite, Noon @ Marshalltown n VHS Basketball: Boys 9/10/V vs. Waterloo East, 1/2:30 p.m. @ WEHS n DCHS Wrestling: Boys JV Tournament, 9 a.m. @ SEP n DCHS Wrestling: Boys Varsity Invite, 10 a.m. @ Ankeny Centennial n DCHS Swimming: Boys Varsity Invite, 11:30 a.m. @ Holmes

Friday Dec. 11

Sunday Dec. 13

n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments. Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Iowa Youth Chorus, 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Drop-In Oliver’s Puppy Tales, 10:30-11:10 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n VHS Basketball: Boys 10/V vs. Urbandale, 4:45/7:45 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Basketball: Girls JV/V vs. Urbandale, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Basketball: Girls/Boys 9th vs.

n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road

22


Monday Dec. 14 n City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration

DECEMBER | 2015

of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Mother Goose, This class is designed around early literacy skills for children 6 months old through 2 years with an adult. Registration required. 9:30/10/10:30 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Nighty-Night Drop-in Storytime, 6:45-7:20 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n JDRF Greater Iowa, 3-7:30 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n VHS Wrestling: 8th Meet, 4:30 p.m. @ Indian Hills n VHS Basketball: Boys JV/9 vs. Urbandale, 7/8 p.m. @ UHS n DCHS Bowling: Boys V/JV vs. Fort Dodge, 3:30/3:45 @ Ridgewood Lanes n DCHS Bowling: Girls JV/V vs. Fort Dodge, 3:45 @ Fort Dodge n DCHS Basketball: Boys JV vs. Johnston, 7 p.m. @ DCHS n DCHS Basketball: Boys 9B vs. Waukee, 8:15 p.m. @ DCHS

Tuesday Dec. 15 n Open Computer Lab, 10 a.m., WDM Public Library n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Lapsit Lambs, 1 month-18 months. Registration is required. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n WDM Library Board of Trustees Meeting, 4:30-7 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n VHS Bowling: Boys/Girls JV/V vs. Marshalltown, 3:45 p.m. @ Totem Bowl n VHS Basketball: Girls 8th - Indian Hills, vs. Stilwell, 4 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Basketball: Girls JV/V/9 vs. Ankeny Centennial, 4:45/6:15/ 7:45 p.m. @ ACHS n VHS Basketball: Boys 10/9/V vs. Ankeny Centennial, 4:45/6:15/ 7:45 p.m. @ ACHS n VHS Swimming: Boys JV/V Meet, 5:30 p.m. @ VHS n DCHS Wrestling: 7/8 Match, 4:30 p.m. @ DCHS n DCHS Basketball: Boys 10/V vs. Waukee, 4:45/7:45 p.m. @ WHS n DCHS Basketball: Girls JV/V vs. Waukee, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ WHS n DCHS Basketball: Girls/Boys 9th vs. Waukee, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ Waukee Prairieview


Wednesday Dec. 16 n Al-Anon, 12-12:45 p.m., Al-Anon Service Center n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Drop-in Family Storytime. For all ages, no registration required. 9:3010 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Family Storytime, Ages 2-6. 10:30-11 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Finance & Administration Meeting, 7:30 a.m., City Hall n Board of Adjustment Meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City Council Chambers n The Polar Express, ages 5-12. Registration required. 3:45-4:30 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library

Thursday Dec. 17 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Dev & Planning City Council Subcommittee Meeting, 7:30-9 a.m., City Hall n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Oliver’s Puppy Tales, ages 1-4 with an adult. Registration required. 10:30-11:10 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall n Kids Club Read, For ages 8-12. Register anytime by calling 222-3405. 4:15-5:15 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n VHS Wrestling: JV/V Meet, 6:30/7:30 p.m. @ VHS n DCHS Swimming: Boys JV/V Meet, 5:30 p.m. @ DCHS n DCHS Wrestling: JV/V Meet, 6:30/7:30 p.m. @ DCHS

Friday Dec. 18 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road

CALENDAR n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road, n Drop-In Oliver’s Puppy Tales, 10:30-11:10 a.m., West Des Moines Public Library n VHS Basketball: Boys 10/9/V vs. Johnston, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ JHS n VHS Basketball: Girls JV/V/9 vs. Johnston, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ JHS n DCHS Basketball: Girls JV/V/9 vs. Urbandale, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ UHS n DCHS Basketball: Boys 10/9/V vs. Urbandale, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ UHS n DCHS Wrestling: JV Invite, 5:30 p.m. @ Indianola

Saturday Dec. 19 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Break Time - West (Single Parent Provision), Break Time is a free program providing single parents several hours of uninterrupted time for running errands, studying, or simply having some alone time. 5:30-9 p.m., Valley Community Center n VHS Wrestling: Varsity Invite, 10 a.m. @ Waterloo West

Sunday Dec. 20 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road

Monday Dec. 21 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Public Works Council Committee Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., City Hall n Plan and Zoning Commission, 5:30-7 p.m., City Hall n VHS Basketball: Boys 10/V vs. Fort Dodge, 4:45/7:45 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Basketball: Girls JV/V vs.

Fort Dodge, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Basketball: Girls/Boys 9th vs. Fort Dodge, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ Valley Southwoods n DCHS Basketball: Boys 10/9/V vs. Marshalltown, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ DCHS n DCHS Basketball: Girls JV/V/9 vs. Marshalltown, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. @ DCHS

Tuesday Dec. 22 n Open Computer Lab, 10 a.m., WDM Public Library n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road

Wednesday Dec. 23 n Al-Anon, 12-12:45 p.m., Al-Anon Service Center n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n No school, winter break, Des Moines Community School District

Thursday Dec. 24 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n No School, Winter Break, Des Moines Community School District n Public Arts Advisory Commission Meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall n Christmas Eve

Friday Dec. 25 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road

n No School, Winter Break, Des Moines Community School District n Christmas Day

Saturday Dec. 26 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Kwanzaa

Sunday Dec. 27 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Kwanzaa

Monday Dec. 28 n City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road, n No school, winter break, Des Moines Community School District n Kwanzaa n Winter Yard Waste and Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days n Drop-in Craft, All day, West Des Moines Public Library

Tuesday Dec. 29 n Open Computer Lab, 10 a.m., WDM Public Library n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road, n No school, winter break, Des


Moines Community School District n Kwanzaa n Winter Yard Waste and Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. n Drop-in Craft, All day, West Des Moines Public Library n Troop 295 - Frog Patrol, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library

Wednesday Dec. 30 n Al-Anon, 12-12:45 p.m., Al-Anon Service Center n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n Board of Adjustment Meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City Council Chambers n No school, winter break, Des Moines Community School District n Kwanzaa n Winter Yard Waste and Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. n Drop-in Craft, All day, West Des Moines Public Library n Movie Madness, 1:30-4 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library

Thursday Dec. 31 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Dev & Planning City Council Subcommittee Meeting, 7:30-9 a.m., City Hall n Ashworth Road Celebration of Lights, 5-6 p.m., Ashworth Road Baptist Church 5300 Ashworth Road n No school, winter break, Des Moines Community School District n Kwanzaa n Winter Yard Waste and Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. n Drop-in Craft, All day, West Des Moines Public Library

DECEMBER | 2015


23

CALENDAR n Civil Service Commission Meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., City Hall n New Year’s Eve

Friday Jan. 1 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n No school, winter break, Des Moines Community School District n Kwanzaa n Winter Yard Waste and Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. n New Year’s Day

Saturday Jan. 2 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Winter Yard Waste and

Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. n VHS Basketball: Boys JV vs. Waukee, 10 a.m. @ VHS

Sunday Jan. 3 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Road n Winter Yard Waste and Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. All day, City of West Des Moines

Monday Jan. 4 n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Rd, West Des

Moines. n Winter Yard Waste and Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. n VHS Swimming: Boys JV/V vs. Ankeny, 5:30 p.m. @ Ankeny YMCA n VHS Basketball: Boys 10/V vs. Pella, 6/7:45 p.m. @ VHS n DCHS Bowling: Boys/Girls JV/V Meet, 3:45 p.m. @ Val Lanes n DCHS Swimming: Boys JV/V vs. SEP, 5:30 p.m. @ DCHS n DCHS Wrestling: JV/V Match, 5:30 p.m. @ DCHS n DCHS Basketball: 9B vs. Ankeny, 6 p.m. @ Southview MS

Tuesday Jan. 5 n Open Computer Lab, 10 a.m., WDM Public Library n DIY Blown Glass Ornaments, Create your own blown glass ornament. $20/ornament. Ages 9 and older. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Studio Fuzzishü 1808 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines. n Winter Yard Waste and

Christmas Tree Collection, Christmas trees (stripped of all garland and decorations) and yard waste will be picked up on normal garbage collection days. n Club Read: Adult Book Discussion, Registration preferred. 6:30-8:30 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n Girl Scouts Troop 477, 6:308 p.m., West Des Moines Public Library n VHS Basketball: Boys 10/V vs. Waukee, 4:45/7:45 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Basketball: Girls JV/V vs. Waukee, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ VHS n VHS Basketball: Girls/Boys 9th vs. Waukee, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ Valley Southwoods n DCHS Basketball: Boys 10/9 vs. Mason City, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ Lincoln Intermediate n DCHS Basketball: Girls JV/V vs. Mason City, 4:45/6:15 p.m. @ MCHS

Promote your event!

Have a calendar entry for the next issue of West Des Moines Living? Send your information to: [email protected].

Your home. Your care. Your pace. Our program provides a complete system of health care. The service is called PACE, which stands for: Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. We provide primary and hospital care as well as prescription drugs, transportation and so much more to our participants. Services are provided in the home, at the PACE  Center and in the community. PACE participants may be fully and personally liable for the costs of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program services. Emergency services are covered. Participants may disenroll at any time. For complete program details and benefits, please call 515-270-5000 or visit www.immanuel.com.

Serving Central Iowa in the Counties of Polk, Marshall, Story, Boone, Dallas, Madison, Jasper, Warren & Marion 7700 Hickman Road | Windsor Heights, IA 50324 | 515-270-5000 Serving Southwest Iowa in the Counties of Pottawattamie, Mills & Harrison 1702 N. 16th Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | 712-256-7284 24


DECEMBER | 2015


HEALTH

Holidays by the numbers

Happy Holidays from all of us, to all of you!

Smart choices will help keep you on track By Whitney Packebush

T

he average person gains about seven to eight pounds from Halloween to New Years — making that 10-pound weight loss goal popular come 2016. Find out where some of those calories are coming from with our holidays by the numbers. 3,000: Calories in the average holiday dinner. • Eat a breakfast full of whole grains, protein and fiber to prevent binging later. • Be active for at least 30 minutes before your holiday dinner. • Remember MyPlate: fill half your plate with vegetables, onefourth with lean protein and onefourth with whole grains. 460: Number of liquid calories the average American consumes per day. • Liquid calories do count, according to your waistline. • Skip the calorie-loaded drinks in favor of more filling, lower calorie options. • One cup of eggnog has more than 300 calories. Head to www.fareway.com for light and easy eggnog, which has about 60 percent fewer calories. Three. The average person may consume enough fat at a holiday meal to equal three sticks of butter. • Scan the options before you fill your plate. Choose one (two at the most) options to splurge on.

Four slices of skinless roasted turkey have 190 calories and only six grams of fat. Enjoy all through the holidays. • Always remove the skin, and choose white meat whenever possible. • If you prefer dark meat, choose half white and half dark meat to get the flavor without all the fat. 26: Minutes of jogging it takes to burn off one slice of pie. • Keep up your exercise routine, but keep in mind it’s nearly impossible to out-exercise a bad diet. 33.9: Santa’s estimated Body Mass Index (BMI). This puts him in the obese category (maybe he should leave the cookies alone). A healthy BMI is between 18 and 24.9. Don’t let the numbers scare you. Smart choices mixed with a few splurges at special events should keep your belt in the same notch in 2016. Happy holidays. n

Information provided by Whitney Packebush, RD, LD, Fareway corporate dietitian, Fareway, West Des Moines, 329 Grand Ave., 274-9415.

We have everything you need to make your favorite Holiday dishes. Bring this ad on your next visit and receive $5 OFF Any MEAT & CHEESE, VEGETABLE OR FRUIT TRAY

Call ahead for quick pickup service. We look forward to meeting your grocery needs. We’re going to $ave you money! W#53153

Good Only At Your New West Des Moines Fareway

Expires 1/14/16

329 GRAND AVENUE • WDM

GROCERY 274-9415 • MEAT 274-9437 • BAKERY 274-9503 MON-SAT 7 A.M. TO 9 P.M. CLOSED SUNDAYS www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines DECEMBER | 2015


25

FINANCE

Your annual financial to-do list By Matt Stahr

W

hat financial, business or life priorities do you need to address for 2016? Now is the time to think about your investing, saving and budgeting methods. Some year-end financial moves may help you pursue your goals. • Make a charitable gift before New Year’s Day. You can claim the deduction on your tax return, provided you itemize your 2015 tax year deductions with Schedule A. The paper trail is important here.1 If you give cash, document it. Even small contributions need to be demonstrated by a bank record, payroll deduction record, credit card statement or written communication from the charity with the date and amount. Incidentally, the IRS does not equate a pledge with a donation. If you pledge $2,000 to

a charity in December but only end up gifting $500 before 2015 ends, you can only deduct $500.1 Are you gifting appreciated securities? If you have owned them for more than a year, you will be in line to take a deduction for 100 percent of their fair market value and avoid capital gains tax. (Of course, if your investment is a loser, it might be better to sell it and donate the money so you can claim a loss on the sale and deduct a charitable contribution equal to the proceeds.)2 Does the value of your gift exceed $250? It may, and if you gift that amount or larger to a qualified charitable organization, you will need a receipt or detailed verification form. You also have to file Form 8283 when your total deduction for non-cash contributions or property in a year exceeds $500.1

plan • protect • invest Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through VisionPoint Advisory Group, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

26


DECEMBER | 2015

If you aren’t sure if an organization is eligible to receive charitable gifts, check it out at irs.gov/ Charities-&-Non-Profits/ExemptOrganizations-Select-Check. • Contribute more to your retirement plan. If you haven’t turned 70½ this year and you participate in a traditional (nonRoth) qualified retirement plan or have a traditional IRA, you can cut your 2015 taxable income through a contribution. Should you be in

the 35 percent federal tax bracket, you can save $1,925 in taxes as a byproduct of a $5,500 regular IRA contribution.3,4 Citations. 1 irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/SixTips-for-Charitable-Taxpayers [5/19/15] 2 philanthropy.com/article/ Donors-Often-OverlookBenefits/148561/ [8/29/14] 3 irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/ Traditional-and-Roth-IRAs [3/18/15] 4turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/ tax-tips/General-Tax-Tips/4-LastMinute-Ways-to-Reduce-YourTaxes/INF22115.html [10/20/15] n Information provided by Matthew Stahr, president, VisionPoint, 1601 Westlakes Parkway #200, West Des Moines, (800) 282-4032.

1601 westlakes pkwy. #200 • west des moines 800.282.4032 www.vpadvisor.com


LEGAL BRIEFS

Reviewing your estate plan Changes in circumstances may call for revisions By Nathaniel Tagtow

M

any people understand that estate planning is a necessary part of life. For some, the thought may be that estate planning is time consuming, expensive, confusing or all of the above. While some situations may be more complex estate plans requiring the input of a professional team of advisors including an attorney, CPA, financial advisor and trust officer, this may not always be necessary. When an individual’s estate plan comes together, one of the many benefits is the significant peace of mind that one’s affairs are now in order. With that peace of mind brings a tendency to believe that the estate plan is something that will never need to be revisited. However, it is necessary to peri-

odically review your estate plan to ensure that your plan continues to accomplish your goals and objectives. When circumstances in life change, your estate plan may need a change. The end of the year is an excellent time to review your estate plan and make any updates that may be necessary. Think back on this last year. Were there any new births, deaths, marriages or divorces in your family? Perhaps you’ve had a substantial increase in your net worth or have purchased farm land or other real estate. These are just a few of many changes that may occur throughout your life that results in the need to update your estate plan. Updating your estate plan could be as simple as ensuring that

a newborn child or grandchild is added to your will as beneficiary. On the other hand, if it has been quite some time since you last updated your estate plan, your circumstances could be much different than what they were at the time you estate plan was first developed. A simple will may no longer be sufficient to meet your needs, and a revocable trust is now

an important tool to consider. Make sure you are updating your professional advisors when you have changes in life circumstances. If you’ve assembled the right estate planning team, they can guide you through determining when updates may be needed. Information provided in this article is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your specific circumstances with your tax, legal, and financial advisors. n Information provided by Nathaniel Tagtow, JD, assistant vice president and trust officer, Lincoln Savings Bank, 13523 University Ave., Clive, 221-9876, nathaniel.tagtow@ mylsb.com.

Happy Holidays to you and your family from LINCOLN SAVINGS BANK Member FDIC • www.myLSB.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/west-des-moines

DECEMBER | 2015


27

Give yourself the gift of a vibrant lifestyle

SENIOR LIVING

Combatting the holiday blues Tips to help you get into the spirit By Susan Ray

T

Ask about our Spring

MOVE-IN INCENTIVES! Lease Options Available – Call Today! See us on Zillow.com and Realtor.com

Leasing: SHARON 515.698.9702 Tours: ANN 515.727.5927 • RONA 515.202.6851

2727 82nd Place | Urbandale www.ReserveUrbandale.com Sponsored by

Locally managed by

he sound of bells ringing, caroling, the fresh smell of baked goods, trees and lights all are signs that the holidays are coming. For most of us, the holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on the past while planning for the future. This time is filled with joys, family and friends. For many aging adults, the holidays are viewed in a different way than they once were. The older adult may see the holidays as highly stressful, confusing and lonely. For some, the holidays can be a time that reminds them of losses. They think about the loss of loved ones, perhaps the loss of their family home and all the traditions that they carried out throughout the years. They may be saddened by the loss of good health. They reminisce about holidays gone by, and it just isn’t the same. Some of the holiday enchantment is simply gone. In fact, what was once filled with wonderment may even feel like a burden. It may be difficult to get dressed up and ready for a big celebration when you do not feel your best. So, if you’re feeling the holiday blues, how do you get into the spirit of the holiday season? Here are a few tips that you may find helpful: • First, keep your daily routine as much as possible. • Get plenty of rest, and do not forget to eat sensibly. • Get as much exercise as you can tolerate. • If you feel blue, call a friend,

Information provided by Susan Ray, executive director, The Reserve, 2727 82nd Place, Urbandale, 727-5927.

Newbury Living

28


DECEMBER | 2015

family member, or neighbor. • If you are invited to a gathering, say “yes!” even if it would be much easier to stay home. Social connectedness is especially important at holiday times. • Do something nice for someone — call a friend who has been ill and ask how he or she is doing. Ask a neighbor who is all alone to share a cup of tea or cider with you. • Help shake up traditions and create some new ideas. • Get involved in events offered by your community. Many of these programs are at no cost. • Think of the many blessings that you have experienced in your life. Although these feelings are difficult, the holiday blues are generally temporary. It is important to spend the holiday season with supportive and caring people. As families, traditions and life changes, be open and embrace the fact that each holiday season is different and should be enjoyed in its own unique way. n


DINING

The ranch burger and onion rings at BW’s Burgers. Photo by Elaine Lenze.

Bountiful burgers BW’s satisfies diners of all ages By Elaine Lenze

A

fter a good friend raved about the giant burgers at BW’s Burgers, I was eager to see what all the hype was about. On a cold and windy evening I dragged my whole family out to the tiny restaurant in hopes of some belly-warming food. We parked close to the door and strolled into the glass entryway. An energetic and smiling hostess quickly sat us at a large table in the middle of the dining room where a few other diners were already seated. We put in our drink orders and looked over the menu. Though it was one page, it was deceptively full of options. Chicken, pork and steak

BW’s Burgers 3701 EP True Parkway 327-7007 Hours: Monday: closed Tues.-Thurs.: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Fri. - Sat: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Sunday: Closed sandwiches, appetizers and lots of salads filled the menu and made my decision difficult. Even though there was not a kid’s menu, there were chicken tenders and a few other appetizers that were kid friendly.

After deciding on the ranch burger with onion rings instead of fries, and my kids were happy with their decision of cheese balls and chicken fingers, we sat back and enjoyed our wait. The small area was full of tables that were filling up quickly with diners. Specials were handwritten on a board in the entryway. It felt homey and family oriented. In a short time, the waitress brought out the kids’ food, which was great for all of us. They got started on their meals and seemed very happy to be the first to eat. Soon, our meals were served on giant plates. My burger was


steaming and covered in crispy, perfectly cooked bacon. One bite and I was hooked. The bun was thick, buttery and just a bit crispy on the edges. The caramelized onions in ranch seasoning made the taste slightly sweet with just a hint of savory. It was warm, cooked exactly as I requested and delicious. I enjoyed half and ate lots of the thin and crispy onion rings before asking for a box for the rest. My kids and husband gobbled down their meals, and we all left full and happy. This new restaurant is a great place to try a new burger and have a meal with family or friends. n

DECEMBER | 2015


29

INSURANCE

Protect your home from fires Maintain chimneys, fireplaces and wood-burners By Sean Boston

Because we our heroes For 25 years, the Fisher House Foundation program has provided a “home away from home” for military and veteran families. Show your support by visiting www.fisherhouse.org This message is provided by your local community publication and PaperChain

Helping you protect what matters most 650 S Prairie View Dr, Suite 200 West Des Moines, IA

515-223-7182

Pablo Castillo Chris Morrill Bridget Brodie Jason Hill Sean Boston Chris Mizell Agency Manager

Call today to find out more!

Auto, Home, and Commercial policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®, or COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. Fixed Annuities issued by COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.

A

s the outside air gets cooler, a warm fire crackling in the fireplace sounds inviting. A hot blaze in a wood-burning stove appeals to family members of all ages. However, these practical and fun activities can cause unforeseen dangers if not properly attended to. Most fires — and the injuries and deaths resulting from them — are preventable. Yet, according to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2009, there were more than 480,500 structure fires in the United States. Sixty-eight percent of those fires occurred in residential properties. Fortunately, there are steps to take to keep your family and home safe. Protect your family Chimney, fireplace and woodburning stove fires are highly preventable. Appropriate precautions simply need to be taken. Place one designated multipurpose (Type A-B-C) fire extinguisher next to each wood burning unit. Fire extinguishers should be examined yearly by a fire equipment professional to ensure they are in proper working order. Position an adequate number of smoke detectors throughout your home. Dispose of ashes in a noncombustible, metal container with a tight-fitting lid.


DECEMBER | 2015

Prevent chimney and stovepipe fires Check and clean your chimney and stovepipe before each heating season and as needed during the heating season. It is best to use professional help. Make needed repairs immediately. Never use flammable liquids, burn trash in a stove or fireplace, let wood burn unattended or install unapproved or unlisted heating equipment. Take extra precautions when lighting fireplaces and wood burning stoves for the first time of the season. Sitting in front of a warm fire will be much more relaxing if you have the comfort of knowing you took all the appropriate safety measures beforehand. n

Information provided by Sean Boston, Country Financial, 650 S. Prairie View Drive, Suite 200, West Des Moines, 223-7182.

1115-564HO

30

Use a fireplace screen or glass fire doors.


COMMUNITY

LIBRARY NEWS

New technology @ the library Some changes will be operational in early 2016 By Darryl Eschete

A Residing work has begun on the Bennett School.

Repairs and upgrades Work being done on Bennett School, Jordan House By West Des Moines Historical Society

M

uch-needed repairs and upgrades are underway for the West Des Moines Historical Society’s two properties — the Bennett School and the Jordan House. The society’s board of directors recently approved short- and long-term plans for upgrades and improvements to the properties. Bennett School For years, the Bennett School has been plagued with a peeling paint issue. After carefully studying the causes and options to solve the problems, the Historical Society voted to remove the existing siding and replace it with new cedar wood siding. A skilled crew began working on the east side of the building on Oct. 19. The project is nearly completed and will receive a final coat of paint in the spring. A generous donor contributed $50,000 for the siding project and for a security system and cameras. The Society is thrilled and confident that the Bennett School will soon look as good as new.

Jordan House The Jordan House also benefitted from upgrades and repairs. The exterior lighting system was replaced, and several new security cameras were installed around the exterior perimeter of the house. Other repairs and upgrades scheduled soon are replacement of a rotted cellar door, repair of the stair railing and newel post leading to the basement’s Underground Railroad display and changing the main entrance to the house from the east side to the south side. Locks on the south side entry door will be modified in order to provide improved accessibility to the house and to facilitate wheelchair access. The outdoor interpretive sign will also be replaced and its location moved. Within the next few years, the fence surrounding the Jordan House will be replaced with 700 lineal feet of a historically accurate fence, and the entire house will be painted. n

long time ago, I read an article by some futurist or another in which he or she — I can’t remember which — took the reader on an imaginary tour of the library of the future. The hypothetical patron had a library card stored on her personal communication device that alerted the library’s central computer when she entered and, in her earpiece, she was given a friendly greeting and told about a new book that had recently been returned that might be just what she’d like to read. In the story, the card and library central computer recognized when the patron picked something up and asked the patron if she planned to take the item home. She answered yes and, in a flash, the item was checked out to her. Then, because the computer was aware that the patron had her item, she could simply leave and her item was checked out to her account. Well, we aren’t quite there yet, and the model I read about may never be fully realized; many people would blanch at the idea that the library would have a central computer that was aware of its patrons’ comings and goings. (Once again, we don’t). But, the West Des Moines Library is currently transitioning to a new technology that will bring the library just a bit closer to this kind of Star Trek-level service. As of this writing, the West Des Moines Public Library is beginning to implement a radiofrequency identification (RFID) system that will make shelving, sorting and checking out materials much faster. Getting the system up and running involves a few steps: step one is the tagging of each of the library’s 140,000-plus items with extremely weak radio transmitters


that bear the item’s identifying barcode. We’re doing this now, and it may take a few months before it’s totally complete. While we’re doing that, our vendor, Bibliotheca, will come and install new self-checkout kiosks that read these tags — as many as 10 or 11 at a time, depending on how thick the books are. West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Parkway 222-3400 Hours: Sunday: 2-5 p.m. Mon. - Thur.: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 pm Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 2-5 p.m. Then, in the back of the building, we’ll be installing an automated materials handler and sorter (AMHS) that will check in items, turn on their anti-theft mechanisms and sort the books into bins automatically, at high speed. And, finally, we’ll be replacing the security gates in the building so that any item that is carried out without being checked out will alert staff and be logged. We hope to have the publicfacing parts of the system fully installed and operational early in 2016, but some of the “stuff” in the back may take a bit longer. Our goal is to free library staff from the material-centered, non-value-added tasks that tie us up behind desks so we can spend more time serving the people who come into the library and to allow the public to serve themselves efficiently and quickly when it comes to checking out. Note: The library is closed Dec. 24 and 25, and will closes at noon on Dec. 31. The library will also be closed Jan. 1. n

DECEMBER | 2015


31

OUT AND ABOUT

Keeping it local Shoppers flocked to Historic Valley Junction as it observed Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.

Paris Boehm, Jim Miller, Niome Hamitter and Veronica Hamitter

Monica Dolezal

Jo Eckert and Mary Ann Kennedy

Janelle Suckou, Amanda Fulton and Laura Suckou

Bonita Kock and Alex Kock

Taylor Sinning and Terri Sinning

Tony Odom and Becky Sidles

Jayda, Alex and Karena Nelson

Lisa Johnson and Deb Richardson

Jennifer Nelson and Victoriah Nelson

Terry Askelson and Kimmy Askelson

32


DECEMBER | 2015


OUT AND ABOUT

Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus at Small Business Saturday in Historic Valley Junction on Nov. 28.

Jeanne Graesch, Roy Graesch, Barb Elliot and Tom Elliot at Small Business Saturday in Historic Valley Junction on Nov. 28.

Dawn Kerwood and Michael Kerwood at Small Business Saturday in Historic Valley Junction on Nov. 28.

Becky Sidles and Kaylynn Coleman at Small Business Saturday in Historic Valley Junction on Nov. 28.

Claire Celsi, Jeremiah Schlegel, Ray Warner and Bill Fry at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.

Susie Heathman, Barb Osier Breeser and Tony Ray at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.

Danny Beyer and Tina Carstensen at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.

Susan Dunn and Kayla Wolthoff at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.

Paul Edwards and Suzy Landis at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.

Connie Blodgett, Kade Hammes, Jasmina Alicic and Kyle Freeman at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.

Tamara Williams and Barbara Saevgling at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.

Ann Block and Mary Ann Kennedy at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon hosted by Des Moines Golf & Country Club on Nov. 12.


DECEMBER | 2015


33

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE BEST DEAL ON A NEW HOME Century 16x80, great three bedroom floor plan, two baths, two master BR closets for only $49,900 including delivery, set, skirting, and central air. CENTURY HOMES OF OSKALOOSA 1-877-241-3621 FARM RELATED OUR HUNTERS WILL PAY Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 www. BaseCampLeasing.com FOR SALE TRAILER SALE! Trike trailer 7’x12’ V-nose ramp $3,074.00; 6’x12’ V-nose ramp $2,750.00; 7’x16’ V-nose ramp $4,063.00; 12 different dump trailers 7k to 21k bumper pull & gooseneck. $50.00 off all aluminum utility trailers (mention this add). 515-972-4554 www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com VACATION/TRAVEL JOIN US IN TEXAS! Would you like to get away from the cold snowy winters? Why not hook up your RV and come on down to J-5 in Mission, TX. We are a small park with a country setting yet we have lots of shopping nearby. Lots of activities in the park. We have specials for 1st time residents. Call us at 956-682-7495 or 515-229-1540 or email us at tdtuttle@ hotmail.com TIRED OF THE SNOW? Become a Winter Texan where the sun meets the gulf. Over 100 RV resorts and retirement communities for you to choose from. RV sites, fully furnished rentals and more. For more information visit www.rgvparks.org ADOPTION *ADOPTION:* Affectionate Devoted Financially Secure Family, Opportunities, Travel, Music awaits 1st baby. Expenses paid 1-800-354-2608 EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED OWNER OPERATORS wanted. Paid all miles. No touch freight. Many operating discounts. Family run business for 75 years. Many bonuses and good home time. Direct deposit paid weekly. Call 800-533-0564 ext.205. CLASS A CDL DRIVER. Good home time. Stay in the Midwest. Great pay and benefits. Matching 401k. Bonuses and tax free money.

34


Experience needed. Call Scott 507437-9905. Apply on-line http://www. mcfgtl.com CDL DRIVERS NEEDED to haul livestock, home on weekends. Great Benefit Package for Full-Time Drivers! www.lynchlivestock.com or call Angie @ 563-776-3051 for more information. EOE OVER THE ROAD CARRIER seeking experienced drivers. Midwest and west coast, no east coast. Drivers average 3,000+ miles per week, loaded and empty miles paid. Call recruiting 1-800-645-3748 MAKE $1000 WEEKLY!! Mailing Brochures From Home. Helping home workers since 2001. No Experience Required. Start Immediately! www. newmailers.com MAKE $1,000 WEEKLY! Paid in advance! Mailing Brochures at Home! Easy pleasant work. Begin Immediately! Age unimportant! www. MyHomeIncomeNow55.com MISCELLANEOUS FREE POLITICAL COINS. Trump, Hillary and the Gang. Free Kids Collection 5 coins with Purchase of any Political Collection. Just in Time for the Holidays. Merry Christmas. www.WeRPotus.com

HD Channels + Genie HD DVR + 3 months FREE HBO, SHOW, MAX & STARZ + FREE NFL Sunday Ticket! Call Now 1-888-552-7314

pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and FREE Shipping. 1-800-2634059.

DIRECTV STARTING AT $19.99/mo. FREE Installation. FREE 3 months of HBO SHOWTIME CINEMAX, STARZ. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included (Select Packages) New Customers Only. CALL 1-800-2034378

ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 FREE Shipping! 100 Percent Guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-800-7959687

DISH NETWORK - Get MORE for LESS! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months). PLUS Bundle & SAVE (Fast Internet for $15 more/month). CALL Now 1-800-390-3140 A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-442-5148 ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control. FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800-640-8195

GOT KNEE PAIN? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-604-2613 CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-3890695. www.cash4diabeticsupplies.com ACNE SUFFERERS: Clear your acne with all natural Acnezine! Eliminate the root cause of acne fast. No negative side effects of chemical treatments. Exclusive Trial Offer, Call: 855-402-7215

HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 SECONDS. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets NOW for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 855-614-5579

LIVING WITH BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN or WRIST PAIN? Medicare recipients may qualify to receive a pain relieving brace at little or no cost, plus get Free Shipping. Call now to speak with a Rapid Relief back pain specialist! 844-887-0082

HEALTH & MEDICAL VIAGRA!! 52 Pills for Only $99.00! Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888-403-7751

ELIMINATE CELLULITE and Inches in weeks! All natural. Odor free. Works for men or women. Free month supply on select packages. Order now! 855-738-3083

$14.99 SATELLITE TV. Includes free installation. High speed internet for less than $.50 a day. Low cost guarantee. Ask about our FREE IPAD with Dish Network. Call today 1-855331-6646

IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT Surgery and Suffered an Infection between 2010 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

FINANCIAL ARE YOU IN BIG TROUBLE with the IRS? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-606-6673

GET HELP NOW! One Button Senior Medical Alert. Falls, Fires & Emergencies happen. 24/7 Protection. Only $14.99/mo. Call NOW 1-888840-7541

VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 50 tabs $90 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-836-0780 or Metro-Meds.net

PERSONALS MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 800-357-4970

DISH NETWORK - $19 Special, includes FREE Premium Movie Channels (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz) and Blockbuster at home for 3 months. Free installation and equipment. Call NOW! 1-866-820-4030

ADT SECURITY protects your home & family from “what if” scenarios. Fire, flood, burglary or carbon monoxide, ADT provides 24/7 security. Don’t wait! Call Now! 1-888607-9294 19.99/MO. FOR DIRECTV -

DECEMBER | 2015

AS SEEN ON TV: Burn fat quickly & effectively with Garcinia Cambogia. Blocks fat. Suppresses your appetite. Safe - 100% natural. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Free bottle with select packages! 844-587-6487 STOP OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International


AUTOMOBILES DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 1-800283-0205

Here’s to a great new relationship UNITED SERVICE COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION IS NOW MARINE CREDIT UNION

Same friendly faces. Same exceptional service. Only the name has changed 515.867.2200 | UnitedServiceCU.org |

909 9th Street • West Des Moines, IA 50265



DECEMBER | 2015

ALL IN STOCK!

WE HAVE THE BEST SELECTION & PRICES IN CENTRAL IOWA. Charcoal

Injectors

Pizza Tools

Baskets

STOCKING STUFFERS Large selection of EGGcessories, Wood Chunks, Charcoal, Spices, Rubs, and Sauces ready for the stocking!

Extra Large Medium Small

Large

Holland Grills also in stock! Mini

Extra portable for small spaces, picnics and tailgating!

515-462-2939

515-993-4287

Monday - Friday 8-6 West Des Moines Living Saturday 8-2

MiniMax!

224 Hwy. 92, Winterset, IA

916 Main Street, Adel, IA DECEMBER | 2015

HOT HOLIDAY BUY!


www.adelwintersettv.com

Monday-Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-2