05-20-20 Story County SUN

STORYCOUNTYSUN.COM • INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • VOL. 13, IS. 7 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

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Russell, Weeks appointed to Story County Community Foundation Story County Community Foundation is pleased to appoint two new members to its Advisory Board.

Both new appointees bring extensive knowledge to the organization’s leadership.

The Story County Community Foundation, an affi liate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, has been created by and for the people of Story County.

The Community Foundation’s main

goals are to support charitable projects and programs in Story County and to attract additional funds to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Story County.

Joining the Advisory Board are Julie Weeks and John Russell.

Weeks recently retired from the Ames and Iowa State University visitor industry and has been active in a wide variety of Ames and ISU events,

John RussellJulie Weeks

including Special Olympics, Iowa Games, Odyssey of the Mind, Farm Progress and RAGBRAI. Russell is the mar-

ket president of Ames with Bankers Trust.

He has 40 years of credit and commercial banking experience.

He also has been in-

volved with the United Way of Story County, Ames Economic Development Commission, Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames Seed Capital Fund, Ames Education Foundation and many other county and university organizations.

For more information, contact the Story County Community Foundation at (515) 232-9200 or visit www.storycountyfoundation.org.

The organization is now accepting online donations.

The members of the 2020 Advisory Board are: Laurie Henry – Chair Jennifer Dieter -Vice Chair Daryle Vegge – Past Chair Ann Kurtenbach – Treasurer Dustin Ingram – At Large Jaclyn Anderzhon Jeremy Arends Patti Cotter Al Hermanson Mike Phillips John Russell Connie Tjelmeland Julie Weeks

R-S FFA participates in World Food Prize Youth Institute

Clockwise, from lower left, Nathan Faga, Reagan Schmitz, Sam Skaar and Brendan Taylor represented the Roland-Story FFA chapterat the World Food Prize Foundation’s ninth-annual Iowa Youth Institute on Monday, April 27, featuring the participation of 264 students and 110 et achers from 93 Iowa high schools. This virtual, day-long event was the first of its kind for the IYI supported by more than 90 experts from across Iowa.

The World Food Prize Foundation hosted its ninth-annual Iowa Youth Institute (IYI) on Monday, April 27, featuring the participation of 264 students and 110 teachers from 93 Iowa high schools.

This virtual, day-long event was the first of its kind for the IYI supported by more than 90 experts from across Iowa. Representing Roland-Story were Nathan Faga, Reagan Schmitz, Sam Skaar and Brendan Taylor.

“The Iowa Youth Institute helped me realize how many of the world’s biggest problems are very interconnected: such as climate change, poverty, malnutrition, and infectious disease,” said Taylor, a senior. “It made me realize the impact our solutions can have on various peoples and issues and made me realize the significance of pursuing a career that can help these issues.”

Each year, the World Food Prize Youth Institutes convene high school students, teachers and experts to explore and solve local, national and global hunger and food security issues.

In order to be a part of the Iowa Youth Institute, students research and write a paper on a global challenge related to hunger and food insecurity.

Editor’s Note: With how rapidly everything is changing related to COVID-19, please visit the Ames Tribune website, www.amestrib.com, for more information as it becomes available. Follow the Ames Tribune on Facebook as well.

Community calendar suspended: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that no gatherings with 50 people or more take place for the next eight weeks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Due to this, and the constantly-changing environment surrounding COVID-19 throughout the county and state, the Ames Tribune will suspend its community calendar until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.

PAGE 2 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY

“Being good is commendable but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.” — Unknown The Volunteer Center of Story County connects people of all ag es with volunteer opportunities, promotes volunteering and recogn izes volunteers. For additional information, to volunteer, or to list volunteer needs, visit www.vcstory.org, call (515) 268-5323, email director@vcstory.org or visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday t hrough Friday.

COVID-19 OPPORTUNITIES

Multiple agencies Volunteers are still needed at many local agencies and organizations. There are multiple opportunities for you to volunteer from home for your favorite causes. Needs are clustered together on the VCSC online referral website. Volunteers who are healthy, not at-risk and are able to volunteer are encouraged to get involved. Organizations seeking volunteers are taking available safety precautions for volunteers, staff and clients.

Volunteers are encouraged to do the same. Positions include Pen Pals with Central Iowa RSVP, making homemade face masts for Mary Greeley Medical Center and packing food boxes for the Food Bank of Iowa.

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING

Multiple agencies Want to serve from home?

Reiman Gardens has several projects you can work on for their upcoming fall events, the American Red Cross is looking for support for its programs and services, including supporting communication between active military members and their families, and maintaining an events calendar with VCSC. BLOOD DONOR

LIfeServe Blood Center

Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to give back to your community. Call 1-800-2874903 to schedule your donation appointment at the donor center or a blood drive near you.

OVERNIGHT VOLUNTEERS

Martha’s House of Hope

Volunteers stay at the house from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Duties in-

clude ensuring curfew is met and helping in emergencies or when babies arrive. A comfortable bed is provided for volunteers to sleep.

every other week December through October, and a minimum of four hours every week October through December each year.

VOLUNTEER CONSERVATOR OR GUARDIAN

LITTLEST PARTICIPANT CHILD CARE

Involves listening and taking brief notes. Orientation, training and shadowing opportunities are provided. Interviews are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday or Thursday each week.

DIY VOLUNTEERING Iowa Department YSS The Baby Bump and Beyond Volunteer Center of Human Services program is looking for two volunVolunteers are needed to of Story County teers with a genuine interest in

serve as conservators or guardians for wards of the state, typically individuals with mental illness, mental disabilities, or dementia. Volunteers use skills with accounting, real estate, taxes, etc. to work with professionals from DHS and other service agencies to handle matters such as paying bills, settling outstanding debts, selling, leasing, mortgaging property, investing funds or fi ling taxes for some one unable to make sound decisions on their own.

VEGETABLE HARVESTERS

Mustard Seed Community Farm

Every week on Tuesday and Friday for 20 weeks (May to October) harversters are needed for three hours to learn how to safely harvest, handle, wash, pack and store more than 50 kinds of vegetables. Volunteers receive a box of vegetables each time.

SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Provide one-on-one assistance to help Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, or representatives with questions and problems related to Medicare and health insurances. Assist the sponsor site (MGMC) to create awareness or SHIP/SMP services in the county, including informal discussions and group presentations. The position is needed for four hours

caring for our littlest participants (0 to 5 years), while their parents attend class every first and third Thursday of the month in Ames from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m.

WOODWORKER

Ames History Museum

Volunteers skilled with using a jigsaw are needed to create a specifi c wood shape for activities at the one-room schoolhouse museum this summer, Hoggatt School. Pattern and wood will be provided by the museum.

TRANSLATORS

ISU Extension and Outreach Story County Spanish-speaking translators are needed to partner with the Family Nutrition Program Assistant for nutrition lessons for Spanish speaking residents in Story County. Programs run for eight weeks, with meetings once a week for approximately an hour and a half.

CLIENT INTAKE AND INTERVIEWING

Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance, Inc.

Intake and Interview Volunteers meet one-on-one at Good Neighbor with persons who are seeking rent or utility assistance.

Looking for a volunteer project idea for your team or that you can do on your time. The VCSC has ideas, resources and information about potential projects, (including projected time commitments and budgets) on the online referral website. Look for ideas, and by signing up through the system, the VCSC and benefitting organizations will be able to provide additional support and information to help with your projects.

WEEKEND RESPITE GROUP

ChildServe Two individuals over 16 years old are needed to spend Saturdays and/or Sundays playing, reading books and just having a good time with children between the ages of four and 24.

FOOD PANTRY & DOING THE MOST GOOD MARKET VOLUNTEER

Salvation ArmyStory County Guide guests through the Food Pantry and Doing the Most Good Market on Mondays through Fridays from 12:45 to 3:30 p.m. Volunteers can serve one or multiple days as available. Individuals or small teams are welcome to come try out a shift and shadow an experienced volunteer before making a long-term commitment.

For volunteer opportunities with Central Iowa RSVP and Volunteer Center of Story County, visit www.amestrib.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020 • STORY COUNTY SUN • PAGE 3

PEOPLE

Ames City Hall and other city facilities will not reopen before Wednsday, July 1,due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AMES TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

City of Ames facilities, program and service updates in response to COVID-19 pandemic The Ames City Council provided direction to city staff at the May 12 Council meeting about reopening city facilities, holding events and offering various city programs and services.

In making its decision, council members reiterated their top priority is to protect citizens and city employees by reducing opportunities to spread COVID-19 in Ames.

Council directed City Hall and city facilities not reopen before Wednesday, July 1, 2020. City staff will continue working from their offices and, in some cases, from home. To prepare to open, physical barriers are being installed to protect the public and staff. Customers can conduct city business online or by contacting individual city departments directly.

Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave., will follow the same reopening plan, and is also moving forward on a curbside pick-up program planned to launch in the coming weeks.

The Council delayed making a final decision regarding opening Furman Aquatic Center and/or Ames Municipal Pool until its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 26.

The Council delegated the possibility of opening the Ames/ISU Ice Arena to city staff and required the use of “decision-making criteria” that includes Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ directives, public health guidance and other considerations.

City staff developed the decision-making criteria process to evaluate factors such as the number of people involved, how densely crowded people will be, what type of protective supplies are available or provided, and whether social distancing is possible.

The Council also directed staff to determine on a caseby-case basis the feasibility of offering recreation program-

Ames Mayor John Haila pours coffee for an Ames community member during the annual July 4 pancake breakfast in downtown Ames. The event will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AMES TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO BY KYLEE MULLEN

The Ames City Council will evaluate at a future meeting whether it will be possible to proceeds with Fourth of July fireworks in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic. AMES TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

ming during the summer season, again requiring the use of the comprehensive decision-making criteria and thorough analysis of each program.

Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham said he will follow national and state health guidelines, sports associations recommendations, consult with staff, and consider feedback from a user survey his department conducted in order to move forward.

The City Council considered a list of events, celebrations and parades planned on city property through Aug. 31, 2020.

Organizers of some events, such as the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony, have already notified city staff of cancellations.

By using the decision-making criteria, the City Council canceled the Fourth of July parade and pancake breakfast, Street ‘N’ Greet Block Party Trailer reservations, Ames Municipal Band concerts and Rummage RAMPage.

Additionally, the Council directed approval for all other events on city property through Aug. 31 be considered using the same guidelines.

The City Council will evaluate whether it is possible to proceed with the Fourth of July fi reworks at a future meeting.

“There are dozens of events planned each year that typically go through the city’s special events process. With this directive, our spring and summer events will be screened to consider factors like the numbers of attendees and whether the event complies with state regulations,” Assistant City Manager Brian Phillips said. “Ensuring safe event planning in the era of the COVID-19 is incredibly challenging, and we are going to be very cautious about approving events moving forward.”

Finally, the City Council voted to allow Ames Farmers Market to open in downtown Ames with several conditions. Event organizers must follow the COVID-19 guidelines they presented earlier to the Council.

There will be no food trucks, no food prepared on site (hot or cold), and no alcohol tasting. The organizers are responsible for enforcing safety guidelines and practices. Also, vendors must adhere to the Governor’s guidelines issued jointly by four state agencies on April 24 regarding farmers markets.

For additional information or concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, call the city hotline at (515) 2395670 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or email covid19@cityofames.org.

PAGE 4 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

PEOPLE

Van Wall Equipment Nevada store donated high speed vertical tillage of all FFA fields with a John Deere 2660VT pulled by a John Deere 8400R. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Nevada FFA receives more than $8,000 of donations for chapter test plots Van Wall Equipment Nevada location donated high speed precision planting with a Acura Emerge 24 row planter pulled by a John Deere 8RX “four-track” tractor operated

by Scott Meldrum of Van Wall Equipment.CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Dr. Craig Grandgenett helps load donated Pioneer seed for Nevada FFA at Kolln Ag Services, where he helps out part-time with seed distribution. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kolln Ag Services, a Pioneer seed dealership, donated $3,000 of corn and soybean seed, including exclusive a QROME hybrid P1093 with triple stack genetics. From left, Leyton Kolln, Eli Christianson and Jason Kolln. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Nevada FFA recently completed planting of roughly 35 acres of its test plot fields comprised of corn and soybeans. Donations included $3,000 of Pioneer corn and soybean seed from Kolln Ag Services; tillage and highspeed planting valued at $1,540 provided by Scott Meldrum & Van Wall Equipment; six acres of land with no rent charge from Heartland Cooperative, valued at $1,128; and discounted land lease from Mike Flummerfelt, valued at $1,620; and donated herbicide application and grid soil testing from Heartland Coopera-

tive valued at $367.

Fenceline nuisance tree clearing chainsaw work and brush chipping was donated by Kevin Cooper on several weekends valued at $390.

“These donations are impressive, and really helps out our chapter treasury to provide great opportunities for our students,” saidKevin Cooper, Nevada High School agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor.

All test plot operations, input values and technology use have been included in on-line learning for Nevada High School ag students & FFA members utilizing the Canvas platform.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020 • STORY COUNTY SUN • PAGE 5

PEOPLE

ISU’s Amy Erica Smith named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow

Iowa State associate professor of political science Amy Erica Smith has been selected as a 2020 Andrew Carnegie Fellow. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Roland-Story FFA student Jackson Sterle is preparing for the upcoming fair seasons. He shows one of his registered breeding gilts for the Iowa State Fair. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Roland-Story’s Sterle planning for summer fairs Roland-Story student Jackson Sterle is preparing for the upcoming fair seasons.

Sterle, a junior this year, is the son of Stephen and Jodi Sterle, of Roland, and is a member of

the Roland-Story FFA chapter, where he is a chapter officer.

Sterle is preparing to exhibit swine and sheep at the Story County Fair in July and Iowa State Fair in August.

According to Brad

Taylor, Roland-Story FFA advisor, “Jackson is a very hard worker and dedicated student.

“He takes a lot of pride in what he does, and is a great advocate for the agriculture industry.”

Carnegie Corporation of New York announced on May 14 Amy Erica Smith, LAS Dean’s Professor and associate professor of political science in Iowa State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been selected as a 2020 Andrew Carnegie Fellow.

Smith, of Ames, is one of only 27 researchers nationwide, and the first at ISU who will receive $200,000 in philanthropic support for the award, in recognition of high-caliber scholarly research in the humanities and social sciences that addresses important and enduring issues confronting our society.

Smith will utilize the award to pursue research projects exploring how religion is molding citizens’ explanations of and response to climate change. The work will culminate in multiple journal articles, a book manuscript and contributions to a documen-

tary fi lm project.

Her current work demonstrates how informal networks, religious organizations and religious beliefs inform and mobilize people in both democratic and authoritarian regimes.

“We are very excited to see Professor Smith recognized with this prestigious fellowship,” said Beate Schmittmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Her work on religion and Brazilian politics has garnered her national visibility, and this fellowship will enhance her scholarly stature even further.”

Following an extensive history of published works, her most recent book, “Religion and Brazilian Democracy: Mobilizing the People of God,” examines how politics and religion intermingle to either undermine or capitalize on each other, as fits the need of a political or religious leader.

She also contributes

to nationally recognized media outlets such as the New York Times, Inside Higher Education, the Washington Post and Vox. Smith earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies and the Plan II Honors Program from the University of Texas at Austin.

She has received fellowships and grants from the National Science Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies, Fulbright, and the University of Notre Dame Kellogg Institute for International Studies, as well as the Luce, Mellon, and Templeton Foundations.

In September 2016, she was recognized with the Award for Early Achievement in Research from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ISU.

PAGE 6 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES CENTRAL IOWA RSVP

Connecting people to purpose Adopt-a-Flower-Garden RSVP is looking for two to three volunteers who would like to plant and maintain a flower garden as part of the Adopt-aFlower-Garden program through the city of Ames. Mulching and planting will take place in mid to late May and volunteers are encouraged to weed and maintain the garden throughout the summer. To learn more contact RSVP at (515) 292-8890.

Fraud Fighters One in three Americans ages 65 and older are scammed, losing $36.5 billion annually to fi nancial exploitation, criminal fraud and caregiver abuse. The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) is requesting help from RSVP in implementing their Fraud Fighters Program. Volunteers will conduct presentations to educate community members (primarily targeting seniors and retirees) on types of fraud, provide prevention tips to avoid fraud, and provide resources to assist you if you are a victim of fraud. Training and all presentation materials for volunteer presenters will be provided by IID staff. To learn more, contact RSVP at (515) 292-8890.

Salvation Army Representative Payee VolunteerLooking for volunteers to distribute weekly checks and review receipts and visit with payees to monitor any changes to their status or any other impending issues. Volunteers should be able to communicate well, write legibly and keep accurate records.

Training and supervision will be provided as well as the opportunity to attend meetings as scheduled. Needing two volunteers for one to three hours from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays. Call RSVP at (515) 292-8890 for more information.

Orientation Contact Central Iowa RSVP at (515) 292-8890 to arrange for an orientation for volunteers.

Information

For more information about RSVP, please visit the website, www. rsvpvolunteer.org, like the Facebook page, Central Iowa RSVP, or call (515) 292-8890.

Food Pantry/Doing the Most Good Market Attendants Looking for volunteers to help with food pantry and market pantry from 12:45 to 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Thursday .

Volunteers will meet and greet families, direct them through the pantry and market and assist with sorting, shelving or restocking needs. This job requires standing, lifting (20lbs) and kneeling. A cheerful attitude and ability to respect the confidentiality of all those who visit the Salvation Army is a must.

The Salvation Army encourages volunteers who can work on a consistent basis. To learn more contact RSVP at (515) 292-8890.

Volunteer Ombudsman/Advocate The Offi ce of the State LongTerm Care Ombudsman is searching for dedicated volunteers for its Volunteer Ombudsman Program (VOP). Volunteer Ombudsmen will receive free training to become certified volunteers who visit local long-term care facilities and advocate for residents’ rights. This includes visiting with residents about their quality of care and quality of life in the facility and seeking to resolve any of their concerns in cooperation with the facility.

This unique and rewarding opportunity requires a minimum commitment of three hours per month. To learn more contact RSVP at (515) 292-8890

RSVP offers adult volunteers aged 55+ quality opportunities to share their skills, interests and life experiences in response to a wide variety of community needs.

Serving Story County since 1973 and Marshall County since 2003, RSVP recruits volunteers from all economic, educational and social backgrounds.

RSVP Volunteer Driver Transportation Program You can make a difference in the lives of Story County residents by becoming part of a pool of volunteers who provide occasional rides to those in need of transportation. Priority is given to seniors needing rides to medical appointments. This service is provided entirely by volunteers who use their own vehicles. One to two more Nevada drivers are needed to help riders in that area. Please call RSVP at (515) 292-8890 for more information.

Reiman Gardens Butterfl y Wing Docents - Volunteer among the butterflies!

Volunteers are needed to help with monitoring the space to ensure that USDA regulations are followed and the butterflies are contained within the exhibit.

These volunteers, also known as Butterfl y Wing Docents, interact directly with the public answering questions about the butterfl ies and plants in the exhibit. All new Butterfl y Wing Docents are required to attend one training session. Prefer two-hour commitments with both weekday and weekend opportunities available between 9:00-4:30. Perfect for individuals and couples. To learn more contact RSVP at 515-2928890 Conservatory Docents - Do you enjoy interacting with people and teaching others? Are you into tropical plants? Reiman Gardens’ new Conservatory Docent volunteer position might be the perfect opportunity for you! Conservatory Docents greet visitors to the Hughes Conservatory, share information about the plants and current center display, and are available for questions. No plant knowledge is necessary to get started. Weekday and weekend opportunities are available. Perfect for individuals and couples.

Mary Greeley Medical Center Caring Hands Volunteer The Caring Hands Program uses trained volunteers to provide non-therapeutic hand massage to patients and/or family members at the William R. Bliss Cancer Center. The volunteer will provide an opportunity for patients/family members to receive a voluntary, complimentary, hand massage using gloved hands, with gentle massage.

Volunteers will introduce themselves and the service to the patient/family member. A minimum six-month commitment is required. 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays. Call RSVP at (515) 2928890 for more information.

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)/Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Volunteer Counselor- Provide one-on-one assistance to help Medicare benefi ciaries, their caregivers or representatives with questions and problems related to Medicare & related health insurances. Counselors also assist their sponsor site to create awareness of SHIIP/SMP services in the county; for example, informal discussions with partners or group presentations. Hours: Four hours every other week Dec. 8 through Oct. 14 each year. Minimum of four hours every week Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year.

Food at First RSVP assists with two of the many shifts available each month. Volunteers are needed from 3 to 5 p.m. on the second Monday of every month to prepare and serve food and again from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday to repackage food and staff stations at the market place. If you are interested in helping with these shifts, call RSVP at (515) 292-8890.

For volunteer opportunities with Central Iowa RSVP and Volunteer Center of Story County, visit www.amestrib.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020 • STORY COUNTY SUN • PAGE 7

PEOPLE

Nevada High School ag students continue learning through Supervised Ag Experience programs

Nevada FFA member Marshal Sheldahl is meticulous about keeping his swine facility perfectly clean for maximum pig growth and comfort. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Nevada FFA member Ella Toot fills a syringe with medication for her swine project. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Nevada FFA members Carson and Keegan Mather provide some walking outside for a breeding gilt. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Story County Sun Call (515) 233-3299 to advertise

Nevada High School agriculture education students and FFA members continue their education during the COVID-19 break through Supervised Ag Experience programs.

SAE programs may include employment placement, entrepreneurship/ownership, exploratory, and research/experimentation.

Lately, several students have focused on their livestock projects as the nomination procedures have started for the county and state fairs.

Kevin Cooper, Nevada High School agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor, has been traveling to student rural residences to tag livestock and obtain DNA samples to be submitted.

“It is great to see the caring animal husbandry that these students are learning!” Cooper said.

Hands-on learning includes nutrition, disease prevention, treatment for illnesses, environment and free-choice clean water.

All students keep records of income and expenses on Ag Experience Tracker (AET).

AET is a robust online platform for students to record SAE information and basically build an electronic portfolio and audit trail of learning and skill development.

PAGE 8 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020