Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y W E E K LY
STORY COUNTY
INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • COMMUNITY NEWS VOLU M E 9, I S S U E 2 3 • W E DN E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 7, 2 016
[title of show] opens Sept. 16 at ACTORS The Ames Community Theater is excited to open its 61st season with a contemporary musical, [title of show]. With music and lyrics written by Jeff Brown and a book by Hunter Bell, [title of show] premiered at the New York Theatre Festival in 2004 and landed on Broadway in 2008. Directed by Stephanie Bauder-McKay and Stacy Anderson with music direction by Bryan Willer, [title of show] follows the creative journey of Jeff (Jay Jacobson) and Hunter (Clayton Johnson) as they attempt to write a musical about two guys writing a musical. With the help of two actresses, Heidi (Sydney
Allen) and Susan (Maureen Hanzel), the men battle writers’ block and dream about what it takes to leave their mark on the theater world. Combating insecurities, the four are confronted with doubts about their abilities to create something truly unique. Susan re-energizes the group when she encourages them to kill the “vampires” that have crept into their creative space. When their musical sees success at the festival, the group begins to unravel as they vie for a home on Broadway. The show has a palpable See ACTORS on page B2
Sydney Allen, Clayton Johnson, Jay Jacobson and Maureen Hanzel are members of the cast of the Ames Community Theater’s contemporary musical, [title of show]. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Page 2 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
STORY COUNTY
The Story County Sun is published weekly on Wednesdays by GateHouse Media, at 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010. (515) 233-3299 Mary Beth Scott, sales manager, (515) 663-6951, MScott@amestrib.com. Ali Eernisse, RE Weekly, (515) 663-6956, AEernisse@amestrib.com. Megan Wolff, content coordinator, (515) 663-6920, news@midiowasun.com.
Publisher: Scott Anderson Advertising Director: John Greving
© Copyright 2016
PEOPLE
ACTORS: ‘I hope this show inspires you’ Continued from page 1
message for a diverse audience. Director Stephanie Bauder-McKay says, “This speaks to anyone and everyone if you have a dream, be it to paint or act or even to go on that vacation you’ve been planning. I hope this show inspires you.” Actor Jay Jacobson also spoke to the deeply personal nature of the show, “I feel like the people in the audience are having a conversation with the people on the stage.” Music Director Bryan Willer says, “I can’t stop listening to the music. It is at times silly and other times confessional, but
Sydney Allen, Maureen Hanzel, Clayton Johnson and Jay Jacobson are members of the cast of the Ames Community Theater’s contemporary musical, [title of show]. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
it all amounts to a story about overcoming obstacles to relentlessly pursue a dream.”
The talented cast and crew are putting their hearts and souls into every aspect of the show. Clayton
Johnson said, “It’s a very collaborative process and it’s been great to work with a group that workds so fluidly.” [title of show] is a fastpaced 93-minute show and is performed without intermission. [title of show] opens Sept. 16 at 7:30 pm and continues Sept. 17, 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30 pm with two matinee performances on Sept. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m., including a Thursday night performance on Sept. 22. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at ACTORSinc.org or at our new box office, Ali Cakes, located at 300 Main St., Ames, IA, 50010. Their phone number is (515) 233-2222.
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Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Page 3
PEOPLE
Roland-Story FFA wins State Fair
Members of the first-place group were, from left, Sarah Phelan, Sierra Tate, Riley Wilgenbusch, Brendan Taylor, Rachel Phelan and State FFA President Elisa Russ.
Roland-Story FFA members were involved in the Iowa State Fair on several different occasions this summer by competing in the agricultural demonstrations division. The competition is set up so that students from different FFA chapters/schools develop and make presentations to visitors attending the fair while using their public speaking skills. The Roland-Story teams
developed their presentations to demonstrate the procedures for extracting DNA from plants and
then explain how the DNA can then be genetically manipulated. The Roland-Story teams
finished first in the state in this year’s competition at the State Fair while receiving purple ribbons.
Get inspired. Meet medical specialists. Connect with others. All at a Novartis MS Education Link Event Valerie Stickel-Diehl, RN is talking multiple sclerosis (MS) and treatment.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
9/13/16 at 6:00PM Hilton Garden Inn 1325 Dickinson Avenue Ames, IA 50014
Save a seat for a friend. Accessible to folks in wheelchairs or who need assistance. Light meal served. Validated parking.
Space is limited.
Please RSVP by calling 1-866-682-7491.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080
© 2015 Novartis 12/15 T-XMG-1325053
Page 4 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
PEOPLE
Presentation of the Boy Scout Troop 140 Dave Slater Achievement Award. From left, Stephen Pendry, assistant scoutmaster, Peter Jaynes and William Brumm. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Boy Scout Troop 140 of Ames honors scouts with exemplary leadership Boy Scout Troop 140 of Ames recently presented the Dave Slater Achievement Award to Star Scouts Peter Jaynes and William Brumm at its Court of Honor on Aug. 22. The award is given in memory of Dave Slater, assistant Scoutmaster of the troop from 1987-95, who was instrumental
in building Troop 140 in its early years, and was a role model to Scouts and leaders alike. Dave passed away in 1996. The award has been given ever since to scouts and adults alike when worthy recipients are identified. The award recognizes exemplary leadership and participation in all areas
of the troop’s program. Peter and William are both in the 10th grade at Ames High School. Troop 140 has been operating continuously since 1986 and is chartered by Bethesda Lutheran Church. Since 1986, 81 boys from Troop 140 have achieved the rank of Eagle.
Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Page 5
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Sept. 8
Camera club: Ames Camera Club will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 8, in the Danfoss Room at Ames Public Library. Suz Welch will teach how to make photo cards and 8x10 mats.
Sept. 10
Audition Notice: ACTORS Community Theater will be hosting auditions for its upcoming play “November,” by David Mamet. They are looking for four men, ages 25 to 60; one woman,
age 25 to 40, and are seeking a diverse cast. The script is available at Ames Public Library. Auditions will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11, at ACTORS, 120 Abraham Drive. Healing Fair: Unity of Ames will host a healing fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Unity, 226 Ninth St. Vendors representing feng shui, massage, healing animals, theta healing and more will be in attendance. The suggested offering is $5, but no one will be turned away.
Sept. 11
Youth lacrosse clinic: Ames Lacrosse Club will host a free “Learn the Game” clinic for any boy or girl in seventh- through 12thgrades interested in lacrosse. The clinics will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 and 18, at Emma McCarthy Lee Park, 3400 Ross Road, in the lower soccer area. Equipment will be provide for clinics. Contact ameslaxclub@gmail.com for more information.
Sept. 12
Ames Woman’s Club: The first general meeting of the year will be at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12, at the Clubhouse, 106 South Dakota Ave. Lunch will be provided, and at 1:30 p.m., Bunco will be played. For more, call Shirley at 292-4259. Sons of Norway: The September Sons of Norway event will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12, at the Community Center, 503 Elm Ave., Story City. The speaker will be
John Hanson, who received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Norway for a year. Cost is $7 for members, $10 for guests. It is open to all. For reservations, phone Shirley Frandson at (515) 733-4482 or Ingrid Place at (515) 292-7513 by Friday, Sept. 9.
Sept. 13
Mental health resource
fair: An Evening of Hope and Healing will be from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the ISU Memorial Union Great Hall. At 5:30 p.m., Doug Gentile, from the ISU psychology department, will hold a discussion and interactive mindfulness activity, and at 6:30 p.m., Marti MacGibbon will give a presentation based on her personal experience about trauma and mental health.
Page 6 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
PEOPLE Nevada High School FFA State Fair ag mechanics exhibitors, left to right, Mr. Kevin Cooper FFA advisor, Hunter Anderson, Henry Corbin, Ryanne Barker, Devin See, Dana Ackerman, Austin Doty, Chance Steffes, Erik Fevold, Connor MacVey, Courtney Davis. (Tractor pictured is Ferguson TE 20 donated by the late Richard “Dick” Pilgrim). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada FFA student Ryanne Barker placed fourth a the Iowa State Fair in FFA crops with a Wyffels 4590 corn sample.
Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Page 7
PEOPLE
On Aug. 25, Ames Golden K Kiwanis presented a donation of $600 to support the efforts of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to train and support community volunteers to serve as an effective voice in court for abused and neglected children. From left, Ron Skrdla,Golden K, Steve Ward, CASA program coordinator, and Golden K’s Vaughn Speer. For more information about Golden K, please visit amesgoldenk.org. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
George Belitsos, founder and emeritus CEO of YSS, received the Individual Award at the 2016 Mosiac Diversity Conference on July 21. Pictured with Belitsos is Kimberly Baxter, president of the Friends of Iowa Civil Rights board. Belitsos was recognized for co-founding AFFIRM, which focuses on advocating for best practice services for LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system and working towards making all foster homes more welcoming. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Page 8 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
PEOPLE
Chance Steffes with John Deere 3010 purple ribbon winner CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Cory Sampson with Grand Champion commercial gilt, left to right, Todd Sampson, Cory Sampson and Amy Sampson CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada FFA member Austin Doty with second-place speckle lamb. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Page 17
PEOPLE
Roland-Story ag ed classes ‘dig’ potatoes Students enrolled in Roland-Story’s agriculture education I class got an opportunity during class in the first week of school to learn about why gardeners and farmers test their soils for nutrient content as they were working in the FFA garden digging potatoes that will be donated to the local food pantry.
Roland-Story ag I students Elizabeth Hill, Kassy Ashburn, Courtney Gessner, Nolan Jackson, Cora Twedt, Andrea Williams and Kinley Buckels. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
According to Brad Taylor, Roland-Story agriculture education teacher, “this was a very exciting first week of school as the freshmen were being introduced to the wide variety of careers that exist within the agricultural industry. “The students were given instruction on why soils need to be tested and how that is done. While
learning about testing soils, they were able to do actual hands activities such as digging up potatoes we raise at our FFA garden.” So far this summer, the RolandStory FFA garden has provided more than two tons of fresh garden produce to the local Loaves and Fishes food pantry in Story City.
Page 18 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
AMES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Ames Christian School art teacher Mrs. Melynda Van Zee
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
From left, fourth-grade teacher Chris Taylor, first-grade teacher Mrs. Randi Graham, and Ames Christian School Administrator Floyd Athay CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Ames Christian welcomes new administrator, teachers Ames Christian School started the academic year on Aug. 24 with a few new faces, including a new administrator. Last spring, former
ACS Administrator Peggy Smith retired after faithfully serving the school for 20 years. ACS now welcomes Mr. Floyd Athay as the new
Administrator. Mr. Athay has served in the education field for 35 years in Le Mars. His love for children and families, as well as mentoring teachers has
become evident in his first few months with ACS. Mr. Athay also spent several years as the athletic director within the Le Mars School District.
Students were welcomed to school by more new faculty members, including first-grade teacher Mrs. Randi Graham, fourthgrade teacher Mr. Chris
Dining Guide
Taylor and art teacher Mrs. Melynda Van Zee. ACS welcomes all the new staff members and looks forward to a great school year.
Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Page 19
Page 20 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY The Volunteer Center of Story County connects people of all ages with volunteer opportunities, promotes volunteering and recognizes volunteers. Visit www. vcstory.org for additional information, to volunteer, or to list volunteer needs. Or call (515) 268-5323, e-mail volunteer@vcstory.org or visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 110 Crystal St, Ames, Iowa 50010.
WINTER WEATHERIZATION CHALLENGE
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Story County Coalition for Energy Efficiency (SCCEE) is sponsoring the
10th-annual Winter Weatherization Challenge. Volunteers will be matched with Story County homeowners to install plastic on windows, door sweeps, weather stripping around doors and windows, and more. Volunteers form teams of four to six members and sign up for either the 8 a.m.or 9:30 a.m. kick-off time. This is a great opportunity for businesses, organizations, service clubs, faith groups, student groups, and friends to learn more about their community and give back.
recovery during CFR’s fourth-annual “Walk for Wellness, Race for Recovery” 5K run/walk on Sept. 17. This is a great opportunity to promote wellness and help raise awareness that recovery from mental health and substance use disorders is possible. There are several different types of volunteer jobs and shifts available.
WALK FOR WELLNESS, RACE FOR RECOVERY 5K
UNITED WAY OF STORY COUNTY — WOMEN WITH INITIATIVE
COMMUNITY AND FAMILY RESOURCES Join the voices for
CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS STORY CITY, AMES, NEVADA, HUXLEY
Play with and provide care for a group of children, infants through elementary school age while their mothers attend financial education workshops. Three to four volunteers are needed for a four-session series of workshops. See page 21
Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Page 21
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY Continued from page 20
CLERICAL WORK
AMES HISTORICAL SOCIETY We are looking for a volunteer(s) to help us out occasionally when we have some clerical work to do. One big project that we have that is ongoing is clipping out obituaries from the paper and filing them. At other times there are files that need to be filed or organized. This opportunity is a more “as-needed” one, so it would be great for someone who can only volunteer occasionally.
STORE ASSISTANTS
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CENTRAL IOWA We need volunteers to assist at our store at 402
E. Lincoln Way. Our hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We are in need of volunteers to help with sales, showroom layout, arrangement and cleaning, as well as pick-up and delivery of donated items. Some heavy lifting could be involved.
TREE HOUSE BUILDERS
THRESHOLD LEARNING CENTER Our after-school Kids Club would like to build a treehouse. The children are too small to do all of the heavy lifting and run the power tools. We are looking for a large group of volunteers to help us on a weekend this fall - you choose the date. We could also finish it with a few volunteers who can join us to help after school from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for a few weeks.
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
AMES HISTORICAL SOCIETY We are looking for some volunteers who would be willing to assist us on an “as needed” basis for some of these events. Each event/ program is different so duties may change based on that but they usually consist of assisting staff with set up and clean up, and then sitting with them through the event/program to answer questions or assist in any way.
FALL FESTIVAL HELP
THRESHOLD LEARNING CENTER Our annual Fall Festival is a free event for families. We are always needing extra hands for setting up,
cleaning up, running stations like crafts, hikes, pumpkin carving and decorating, archery, apple baseball, scarecrow contest and more.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
AMES HISTORICAL SOCIETY It takes a lot of passionate people to run a place like the Ames Historical Society, and our small three person staff cannot do it all alone. We have many different committees including: Membership Committee (helping to increase and retain membership), Collections Committee (assisting with our physical collections), Hoggatt Committee (help us plan programs and events for our one room schoolhouse), Finance Committee (help us plan the budget), Development Committee (help us plan fundraising events and ideas to support the museum in the
long term), programs and events Committee (an ad hoc committee that helps plan the year’s programs and events).
in a fun, involved way. Volunteers are needed to help make our event a success.
OPEN STREETS
MUSTARD SEED COMMUNITY FARMS
HEALTHIEST AMES Healthiest Ames is hosting an Open Streets event on Sunday, Oct. 2. The Open Street events aim at improving the overall health and wellness of the residents of Ames and the surrounding communities through increasing education and physical activity
HARVESTING VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed to help harvest at Mustard Seed Community Farm. Looking for committed individuals interested in working on the farm every from 7 to 10 a.m. Tuesday and Friday through harvest (late October-early See page 24
Page 22 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
PEOPLE
Vern Hawkins, right, Story County Community Foundation (SCCF) advisory board member, looks on as Lauren Wernau, left, Project SEARCH Skills Instructor, teaches students goal-development skills. The Arc of Story County received a $6,000 grant from SCCF to help pay the startup costs for Project SEARCH, which helps individuals develop job skills to enhance their employment opportunities. For more information on Project SEARCH visit http://www.projectsearch.us or contact The Arc of Story County at (515) 232-9330. Applications are being accepted for SCCF community grants of up to $6,000. Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Sept. 30. More information on applying for these grants is available on the SCCF webpage at http://www.storycountyfoundation.org or call the SCCF office at (515) 232-9200. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Rotary Club of Ames has donated $10,000 to the Ames Foundation to fund a tree planting trailer to replace Ash and other dead trees that are being removed throughout the community. The Rotary Club is the major partner in the Ames Community Tree Partnership project. Funds for this project have been donated by the 230 members of the club which has the motto “Service Above Self.” From left, Jim Lohr, Rotarian; Sheila Lundt, Ames Foundation president; Austin Woodin, Rotary Club president and Ames Foundation board member; Jim Mason, Rotarian and City Beautification Committee chair; and Jeff Iles, past president of the Rotary club and Ames Foundation board member. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016 • Page 23
PEOPLE
‘If This Little School Could Talk …’ Over the years, the Gilbert Harvest Fest has held a series of “talks” as part of the celebration. “If This Pioneer Could Talk” was a cemetery walk that set the theme for future productions. It was followed with “If This Main Street Could Talk,” featuring the original Gilbert Business District. In “If This Old House Could Talk,” we visited historic Gilbert homes. “If This Old Farm Could Talk” took us to the early farms of the area. In this year’s “If
This Old School Could Talk,” learn the history of Gilbert Consolidated School. Gilbert became a consolidated school when nine of the area one room school houses joined with the Gilbert School in 1917. Most of the school buildings that educated our grandparents and great-grandparents have been moved, repurposed or destroyed, but they still exist in the memories and the stories that have been passed down. These little schools will be featured in a
program at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, at Gilbert Lutheran Church after the Harvest Fest. Local historians who have a tie to one of these “little schools” — either by attending or teaching at one, or having listened to a parent or grandparent tell of their experiences, will tell stories of that era. And, if this full day of activity leaves the audience with an appetite,
they can stay at the church and have a delicious dinner at the GLC Annual Pork Roast from 5 to 7 p.m. Gilbert Harvest Fest begins at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 at the Upstill Farm, one mile north of the Gilbert roundabout. Activites include corn picking, cider making, old-time contests, baking, tours of the 1894 farmhouse and lunch served by the Gilbert Lions Club.
Pictured is Lafayette #4. This school stood at the corner of E18 and 500 Avenue. This school was moved to Gilbert and is a residence. The teacher was Mabel Jacobson, who lived 3/4 mile away and used to ride her horse to school. Mabel’s daughter, Marlene, will be one of the History Experts to tell more stories of her mother’s teaching days during the afternoon program. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Page 24 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, September 7, 2016
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY Continued from page 21
November). Volunteers will be eligible to receive a CSA box of vegetables and herbs with service.
CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS
LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA LSI’s People Place offers support for parents of young children. Help care for children while their parents participate in parent education support groups and classes. Help provide a warm, caring and positive atmosphere modeling patience, encouragement and respect. Currently, we are seeking volunteers who are available
from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
SET-UP FOR O.W.L.S PROGRAM
STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors) programs are held the first Tuesday of each month, September to May, beginning at 11am at the conservation center. Two volunteers are needed to arrive at 10am to help set up tables and chairs. Ideally volunteers would also stay through the program (always very interesting topics) to help with cleanup after lunch gets done. If volunteers stay for both setup and cleanup, they’ll get a free lunch.
WINTER WEATHERIZATION KIT ASSEMBLY
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY Come on Oct. 21 to help assemble kits for the winter weatherization teams. Volunteers will sort all the weatherization supplies and pack them into kits for each home. The kits will be used to weatherize almost 50 homes across Story County. The assembly will take place at the Collegiate Methodist Church Annex.
YSS MENTORS — NEVADA
YSS YSS Mentoring is looking for mentors to volunteer in
the Nevada school district. We appreciate mentors from all walks of life from community members to high school and college students. Mentoring is a commitment that requires your volunteer service for 40 to 60 minutes one day a week. You will meet with your mentee during the school day, with occasional opportunities to spend time together outside of school. We ask all mentors to make at least a one year commitment to the child they are
matched with.
EVENT PLANNING TEAM
VOLUNTEER CENTER OF STORY COUNTY The VCSC Event Planning Team’s objective is to provide leadership, logistical support, and ideas for VCSC Days of service and events. The planning team will meet monthly
with VCSC staff representatives and other event team leads. Team Managers will commit approximately four to eight hours a month but additional meetings/hours may be necessary during certain times of the year. Committee appoints run one year (July to June). Specific committee roles include an event manager, marketing manager and sponsorship manager.