STORYCOUNTYSUN.COM • INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • VOL. 12, IS. 36 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS DEC. 4 TACO NIGHT Story City American Legion Post 59 is having a taco night at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 301 Washington St., in Story City. Come and enjoy some tasty hard or soft shell tacos for $1.50, and $2 walking tacos.
BINGO NIGHT American Legion Post 37 will offer Bingo at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 225 Main St. in Ames. Event is open to the public. Play sheets of three, six or nine squares are available for $6, $12 and $18.
BINGO NIGHT Enjoy a night of Bingo at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Story City American Legion Post 59, 301 Washington St., in Story City.
DEC. 5 BREAKFAST WITH A BOOK Join Nevada Public Library at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, for the Breakfast with a Book reading group at FarmGrounds, 1026 Sixth St. in Nevada. Coffee and breakfast may be purchased on your own from FarmGrounds. This month’s book will be “We Come Apart” by Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan.
DOWNTOWN MINGLE Downtown businesses in Ames stay open late and offer special deals, treats and opportunities on Thursday, Dec. 5. Shop local in time for the holidays. Downtown Mingle will also be on Thursday Dec. 5., 12 and 19.
ART MART The Workspace in Iowa State Memorial Union will host Art Mart, an annual art sale starting on Thursday, Dec. 5, in the Campanile Room on the second floor of the MU on Dec. 5, 6 and 7. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
RADIO CLUB MEETING The Story County Amateur Radio Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, in the North Conference Room A/B on the first fl oor of Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. The meeting is free and open to the public.
DEC. 6 WINTERFEST WinterFest at Iowa State University will be on Friday, Dec. 6. This is a weekend celebrating the winter season at ISU. WinterFest provides a unique combination of winter themed events, activities, displays and traditions to help students relieve their end-of-semester stress and connect with the Ames community.
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS IN NEVADA Main Street in Nevada is throwing a vintage Christmas celebration starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. The celebration will continue for the entire weekend. Events include cookie decorating, tree lighting with Santa, a chili cookout, window decorating contest, and more, all on Main Street.
LIVE NATIVITY A live Nativity scene will be on display from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1403 24th St., in Ames. Everyone is invited to this free event celebrating the the birth of Jesus Christ. The nativity scene will feature live actors and live animals. You may drive through and see the scene from your car, or park and walk to see the animals up close. Please enter the parking lot from 24th Street. For more events, see page 5
Ames Choral Society to present ’Remembering Decembers’ Dec. 8 The Ames Choral Society will present its holiday concert “Remembering Decembers” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 209 Colorado Ave. in Ames. Directed by Steve Hoifeldt, and with accompanist Barb Evenson, the concert program has been selected to reflect the hope for peace and joy in the world at this holiday time. The program includes Remembering Decembers (Pinkzebra), Mary Did You Know (arr. Roger Emerson), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (arr. Molly Ijames), Carol of the Drum, Noel (Naomi La Violette), Jubilate Deo (Peter Anglea), Feliz Navidad (arr. Snyder), Ritmo (Dan Davison),
Members of the Ames Choral Society nostalgically remember past Decembers as they prepare for their holiday concert “Remembering Decembers,” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 209 Colorado Ave. in Ames. Directed by Steve Hoifeldt, the concert music reflects the hope for peace and joy in the world today. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
and Solstice Song (Jan Garrett/arr. Larry Nickel). The concert includes an audience sing-along of familiar
seasonal songs followed by a reception. Tickets for the concert are $12 for adults in advance or $15 at the door and free for chil-
dren under 12. Tickets may be purchased from Choral Society members, at Rieman Music, 327 Main St., Ames, and at the door.
Good Company presents holiday concert Ames-based women’s choral ensemble Good Company will present its annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at St. Andrews Church, 209 Colorado Ave., Ames. Tickets are $12 in advance from Good Company members or $15 at the door. The concert will showcase two works by 17th century Italian composer Nicola Porpora: “Magnificat,” a cantata in six choral movements, and “Lauda Jerusalem.” Porpora served as maestro of the Ospedale della Pietà, a convent, orphanage, and music school in Venice. First established as a hospice for the needy, the Pietà was well known in the 17th and 18th centuries for its all-female musical ensembles that attracted tourists and patrons from around Europe. In his role, Porpora composed many works for women’s voices. The program also includes contemporary works sharing the theme of snow, two of them settings of poems by women. “Christmastide” by Tom Shelton is based on a poem by Christina Rossetti, and “Let Us Walk in the
White Snow” sets a poem by Elinor Wylie. “Tundra” was written by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo and “Winter Dreams” by anonymous composer PinkZebra. The pieces by Porpora, “Winter Dreams,” and “Tundra” will be accompanied by a string quartet. For more information, contact Betsy Hickok at (515) 456787 or betsy.hickok@ yahoo.com.
Ames-based women’s choral ensemble Good Company will present its annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec.15, at at St. Andrews Church, 209 Colorado Ave., Ames. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
PAGE 2 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 The Story County Sun is published weekly on Wednesdays by Gannett Co., Inc., 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. Kylee Mullen, content coordinator, (515) 663-6901, news@midiowasun.com. General Manager: Kim Fowler Advertising Director: Becky Bjork
© Copyright 2019
Heartland Senior Services 205 S. Walnut Ave., Ames (515) 233-2906 Lunch menus Wednesday, Dec. 4: Key West Roast cod (alternative: grilled chicken breast), long grain rice, broccoli cuts, fresh orange, chocolate chip cookies. Thursday, Dec. 5: Brat with bun, au gratin potatoes, Cape Cod vegetables, coleslaw, pineapple fruit cup. Friday, Dec. 6: Spaghetti with meat sauce,
green beans, garden lettuce salad, sugarfree chocolate pudding, breadstick. Monday, Dec. 9: Beef pot roast, whipped potatoes with gravy, snap peas, peaches, Jell-O cup. Tuesday, Dec. 10: Baked salmon with glaze (alternate: seasoned chicken breast), cut red potatoes, corn, mandarin oranges, chocolate pudding.
Wednesday, Dec. 11: Pork tips with Chutney, whipped potatoes, baked sliced apples, garden lettuce salad, cut banana. FRIENDLY LUNCH BUNCH: Enjoy a meal, shared in the company of others, served Monday through Friday at 205 S. Walnut Ave., in Ames. Please call (515) 233-2906 by 8:30 a.m. to make your reservation.
Calendar of events Wednesday, Dec. 4 9 a.m., Video exercise 1 p.m., Rummikub 3 p.m., Life Choices exercise class Thursday, Dec. 5 8:15 a.m., Tai Chi II 9 a.m., Tai Chi I 9:30 a.m. to noon, Foot care 1 p.m., Bingo 6:30 p.m., Duplicate bridge Friday, Dec. 6
9 a.m., Video exercise 1 p.m., Friday Afternoon cards Saturday, Dec. 7 5:30 p.m., Cribbage Sunday, Dec. 8 1:30 p.m., Duplicate bridge Monday, Dec. 9 9 a.m., Video Exercise 1 p.m. Senior Band at North Grand Mall Tuesday, Dec. 10 8:15 a.m., Tai Chi II
9 a.m., Tai Chi I 9:45 a.m., Songbirds 6 p.m., Monthtly dance at Moose Lodge Wednesday, Dec. 11 9 a.m., Video exercise 1 p.m., Rummikub 1 p.m., Coloring workshop 3 p.m., Life Choices exercise class
PEOPLE
Ames High presents annual Madrigal Dinner Ames High School vocalists are preparing for the 31st-annual Madrigal Dinner, a production with a royal Middle-Ages theme. Dinners will be on Thursday, Dec. 5, Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7 at Northminster Presbyterian Church. A select group of 28 singers are selected for the Madrigal, making it one of the most prestigious performance groups at AHS. This year, seniors Will Daniels and Vera Barkosky play the roles of King and Queen. “When I got to Ames my freshman year, I wanted to try everything related to singing,” Daniels said, “and
when I made it my sophomore year, I just kept singing.” “This is such a great group of individuals,” Barkosky said. “Everyone always comes prepared and ready to sing. They really love what they do and I think that’s part of the reason the audience will love it so much.” It’s Barkosky’s second year in Madrigal, who was intrigued at the opportunity of being involved because of her grandmother. “My grandmother was involved in Madrigal in college and we’re a pretty musical family,” Barkosky said, “so, growing up my grandmother always inspired me.”
There is a distinct atmosphere at the Madrigal Dinners. The dinner is by candlelight. The singing is done acapella, directed by AHS choir director Peggy Dieter. “The beautiful music is always the highlight,” Dieter said. “The strings, the brass … it just makes everyone go, ‘Wow!’” “It will be a full-on medieval experience,” Daniels said. “Once we come in singing, you will definitely get the full musical experience we worked so hard to achieve.” “It’s such a familyfriendly event with some great Christmas classics that everyone can look forward to
hearing,” Barkosky said. Other performing arts groups from the high school are also included, such as strings players from the orchestra and brass musicians from the band. The dinners are served by members of the Ames High choir. There are also roles for actors from the drama department, such as Gray DeGeest,
sophomore, who is playing the Jester. “It’s a challenge to bring it all together with music and the skits, which are mostly improv,” Daniels said. “Then add instrumental, it will be entertaining for everyone.” Although there are new things each year, there is a thread of tradition that runs from year to year. “We are ready to
put on a great performance,” Dieter said. Tickets are $30 each and must be purchased in advance. Seating opens at 6 p.m. with dinner starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances are sold out, but tickets are still available for the Thursday night performance. To purchase, contact Peggy Dieter, at peggy. dieter@ames.k12.ia.us.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • STORY COUNTY SUN • PAGE 3
PAGE 4 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019
PEOPLE Nevada FFA harvest nets $16,698
Garrett Anderson, of Van Wall Equipment, shows MyOperations app to Nevada High School students at FFA test plot. From left, Dillon Nicholson, Chloe Henry, Alizaya Stubben, Jarrett Fredin, Mallory Mills, Scott Meldrum, of Van Wall, Suriah DeCoske, Bianca Sponseller and Garrett Anderson, of Van Wall Equipment. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada High School ag mechanics class in field with Van Wall’s John Deere S770 combine demonstrated by Scott Meldrum and Garrett Anderson. From left,Camden Vincent, Carson Mather, William Carsrud, UlrichWolfe, Caden Jones, Averie Dobson, Will Nady, William Owen, Keegan Jones, Benton Shill, Jacob Stufflebeam, Scott Meldrum, Garrett Anderson, Wyatt Lewis, Marshal Sheldahl, AJ Butz, Luke Brakke, Marcus Nelsen, Luke Schmitz, Adam Pratt, Aiden Sellberg and Danny Sorem. Not pictured, Erica Sporrer, and Nevada High School agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor Kevin Cooper. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada FFA soybeans being harvested by Steve Owen on land leased from the Iowa Department of Transportation. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nevada FFA harvested its soybean and corn test plots on 37 acres of farmland that the chapter operates. After all costs, Nevada FFA will have a profi t of $10,698. Steve and Jim Owen donated the harvesting of the chapter’s soybeans, which totaled 784 bushels of soybeans off the land rented from the Iowa DOT, and Heartland field. Heartland Cooperative donates six acres to the chapter. Van Wall donated the harvesting of the FFA Flummerfelt corn field, which totaled 2,796 bushels with parts of the field yield-
ing as high as 258 bushels per acre. 500 bushels of corn was forward contracted with KEY Cooperative at $4.12 per bushel. The remainder of the corn and soybeans are in open storage at KEY Cooperative Nevada location. Steve Owen provided trucking for both the soybean and corn transport from the fields to KEY Cooperative. Scott Meldrum and Garrett Anderson of Van Wall operated and demonstrated the 2019 John Deere S770 combine for the Nevada High School students and
FFA members. Several students were impressed with the many features of the combine including digital cameras mounted within and on back of the combine that can be viewed inside the cab. An application called MyOperation, which is a John Deere field data base manager, was also shared with the students. The app features harvesting speed, yield, and acreage mapping. A data base of crop revenue and inventory value with input cost subtracted shows a profi t of $10,698 for the FFA chapter.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS continued from front NEVADA CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY The Talent Factory, 1114 Sixth St., in Nevada, will hold a free Christmas party for children in Nevada from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. There will be a showing of “The Polar Express,” and Santa will be in the lobby following the movie. Reserve your seats at www.eventbrite.com.
Christmas Story event, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, and from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 159 Sheldon Ave., in Ames.
ID CARD DRIVE
Boy Scout Troop 196 will host its 51stannual Pancake Day from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Elks Lodge, 522 Douglas Ave., in Ames. There will be all-youcan-eat pancakes, with sausage, coffee, milk or orange juice. Tickets are $8 at the door. Children ages five and under or Cub Scouts in uniform will be admitted for free.
A Central Iowa Community ID card drive will be on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Ames Middle School Commons, 3519 Mortensen Road. AMOS congregations in Story County has launched the Central Iowa Community ID card, a photo ID of reliable proof of identity and residence in the community. Admitting participants (ages 16 and up can receive a card) will begin at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and orientation will begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The card costs $8 (cash only) and has a life of two years. Please contact (515) 5998149 or visit www.communityid.org for more information about what forms of proof you will need.
BUTTERFLY BLIZZARD
CASA HOLIDAY SALE
Experience a butterfly blizzard in Reiman Gardens’ butterfly wing from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Release your very own butterfly, just-emerged from its chrysalis, and waiting in a container for its first flight in the Butterfly Wing. Themed crafts and hot cocoa will be available.
Creative Artists Studios of Ames (CASA) will have a holiday open house and gift sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 130 S. Sheldon Ave. in Ames. Items on display and for sale will include paper art, notecards, jewelry, watercolor and oil paintings, and encaustic pieces.
DEC. 7 PANCAKE DAY
WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM Collegiate Presbyterian Church will host Walk Through Bethlehem, a
WINTER CONCERT The Ames Children’s Choirs will present their
annual Winter Concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way in Ames. The program will feature music in a variety of languages accompanied by several instruments. Advance tickets are $5 for students/seniors, and $8 for adults at on sale at Rieman Music in Ames. Tickets are $8 for students/seniors and $12 for adults. For more information, contact info@ameschildrenschoirs.org or (515) 290-1422.
SANTA AT THE STATION Meet Santa at the fire station in Gilbert from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. There will be fun activities for the whole family, including chili cook-off judging, face painting, music, station tours and games with firefighters, crafts, and photos with Santa. Chili, chicken noodle soup, desserts, and drinks provided with a free will donation. Proceeds will go to the Gilbert Iowa Firefighters Association.
ST. THOMAS FUNDRAISER The St. Thomas Aquinas/Worldly Goods shopping event will be after mass times on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, at the church in Ames. Mass times are 4:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sat-
urday, and 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. This event benefits the Love Your Neighbor fund at St. Thomas. Twenty percent of sales will go to the Love Your Neighbor Fund.
STEAK DINNER The American Legion will offer a steak dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 225 Main St., in Ames. Dinner is open to the public. Enjoy a strip steak dinner or a sirloin steak dinner with a potato, salad bar, soup, and dinner roll. Add shrimp and make it a combo for just a little more. Fried shrimp and ham steak dinners are also available.
DEC. 8 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE Iowa State University will present its Holiday Festival performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8., at Stephens Auditorium. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Tickets $10 for adults and $5 for students, and are available at www.center. iastate.edu/events/ holiday-festival/
WIND ENSEMBLE, SYMPHONIC BAND, CONCERT BAND
PERFORMANCE The ISU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band will perform at Stephens Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and can be purchased at the Stephens Auditorium Ticket Office or at www. ticketmaster.com.
DEC. 9 HEART OF IOWA SENIOR BAND HOLIDAY SHOW Join the Heart of Iowa Senior Band from 1 to 1:45 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at North Grand Mall in Ames.
AMES WOMAN’S CLUB MEETING Ames Woman’s Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at its clubhouse, 106 S. Dakota Ave. in Ames for its annual Christmas Party.
SONS OF NORWAY The December Sons of Norway Kong Sverre Lodge’s event will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at the Community Center, 503 Elm Ave., in Story City. “Christmas Norwegian Tunes
and Stories” will be the theme for the event, featuring David Swenson. The cost is $7 for members and $12 for guests, and includes a catered dinner. For reservations, contact (515) 733-4482 or (515) 292-7513 by Thursday, Dec. 5.
DEC. 10 HOME GARDENING SERIES Reiman Gardens will host a Home Gardening Series from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Preregistration with prepayment is encouraged by Sunday, Dec. 8. The cost is $16 for members, $20 for the public, and $13.60 for ISU students. Register at www.reimangardens. com.
DEC. 11 SENIORS IN STORY CITY HOLIDAY PARTY Join Bethany Life for the annual Holiday Party from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Bethany Life, 212 Lafayette Ave., in Story City. Brunch will be provided, and white elephant gifts are welcome but not required.
PAGE 6 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019
PEOPLE
Collegiate Presbyterian Church will host Walk Through Bethlehem Dec. 7-8 Collegiate Presbyterian Church will host Walk Through Bethlehem, a Christmas story event, from 9 a.m. to noon on
Saturday, Dec. 7, and from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 8, at the church, 159 Sheldon Ave., Ames. The Christmas story of
the Christ child unfolds by costumed characters through storytelling, art, music, activities and crafts.
Appropriate for children through adults. The last tour will begin 30 minutes before closing.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • STORY COUNTY SUN • PAGE 7
PEOPLE
Home of Jim and Jodi Atwood. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Home of Patrick and Mindy Bergstrom. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Home of Betty Beisker. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The 2019 Annual Altrusa Holiday Home Tour — A Family Affair
Home of John and Betty Boccella. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Home of Jeremy Fields and Meg Davis. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Altrusa’s holiday home tour is back again, offering yet another excursion through beautifully-decorated homes in Story County. The 31st-annual Altrusa Holiday Home Tour (HHT) will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8. The following homes will be festively decorated and open to the public: Jody and Jim Atwood, 2363 170th St.; Betty Beisker, 1216 Ridgewood Ave.; Mindy and Patrick Bergstrom, 4310 Ballantine Drive; Betty and John Boccella, 4613 Clemens Blvd.; and Meg Davis and Jeremy Fields, 714 Brookridge Ave. Ames Altrusa is a nonprofit member organization of men and
my mom as either a volunteer hostess at the homes, or planning the event as a co-chair,” Lee said. “Now, I’m working alongside her as a co-chair, and we have come full circle. “I am learning much from her, and I think she’s enjoying the energy and new ideas I provide. It’s a great example of how two generations can work together, learn from each other, then adapt and compromise.” Boccella said, “It’s been a very positive experience for us both. And this year, I also find myself in a dual role as a co-chair and mentor, and as a homeowner on the tour. I’ve asked so many people to consider having their home
event is a staple for hundreds of people; it marks the beginning of their holiday season!” Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door of any of the homes on the tour that weekend, and can be purchased at Coe’s Flo-
women committed to supporting their community through service projects and raising money for scholarships and local organizations through fundraisers such as the HHT. It’s also not unusual for generations of families to join Altrusa, and this year’s HHT is an example of one family passing their love of tradition and service along to the next. Jenn Lee is a new member of Altrusa, and co-chair of this year’s event, but she is not new to the HHT herself, thanks to her mother and co-chair, long-time member Betty Boccella, whose home is also one of the stops on the tour. “For years, I attended the tour, observing
on the tour over the years. Now it’s my turn, and my husband and I are delighted to be part of such a great community tradition.” Another integral part of the HHT fundraiser is the support it provides through the proceeds to local nonprofits. Organizations benefitting this year are ChildServe, Ames Days for Girls Sewing Team, Ames History Museum and Mid-Iowa Community Action. “It is our club’s biggest fundraising event of the year,” Lee said, “and I love everything it represents: teamwork between members, homeowners and the community; dedication to giving back; and fun and entertainment. This
ral and Gifts, Mary Kay’s Flowers, Evert’s Flowers & Gifts, or from any Altrusa member. Visit Altrusa on Facebook to learn more about the homes, check out the map and give them a “like” while you’re there.
PAGE 8 • STORY COUNTY SUN • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019