myWaukee: Premiere Issue 2014

PREMIERE ISSUE

A RIDE FOR THE CURED The inaugural Bacoon Ride is coming to Waukee!

Building new nightlife WAUKEE MOMS

in our hometown S P OT L I G HT myWaukee.com

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Postal Customer PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE P A I D DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 589

PREMIERE ISSUE

14 STORIES

CONTENTS

Do you love BaconFest? Do you love biking?

What happens when you combine the two? Pure deliciousness.

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06 Full-Time Moms with Full-Time Jobs

Having just celebrated Mothers Day a short time ago, we wanted to ask working Waukee Moms how they do it!

12 Under Construction

New businesses are cropping up like crazy around Waukee. This ongoing series will keep you posted on the new businesses and hot spots coming to town.

18 Faces of Waukee

You live in Waukee. You might work in Waukee. Join us as we interview our friends and neighbors who live and/or work here to see what they do and what they love about Waukee.

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S E C T ION S

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F rom th e Publisher P i n poi n ts of I nterest Wau kee Cham ber Commu n i ty Ev ents

ON THE COVER Cyclist Jim Miller showing off a taste of things to come at the inaugural BACooN Ride.

Photo by Laura Wills

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Premiere Issue

A note from the publisher

TO OUR WAUKEE FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS,

PREMIERE ISSUE

Welcome to the premiere issue of myWaukee Magazine!

The myTown Magazine team is proud to bring you a fresh new magazine about the city we love – one of the best places in Iowa to live, work and play.

Our goal is to bring you a quality bimonthly magazine with positive, upbeat news about our growing city’s people, places and events. This, along with our website and Facebook page will keep you connected to events, activities and your neighbors in Waukee!

Publisher Chad Airhart

Just like Waukee – the fastest growing city in Iowa – we hope to grow myWaukee Magazine and make it as unique as our community. That’s why we need your input.

Do you have story ideas, events for our calendar or photos of Waukee happenings?

Creative Director Jason McArtor @JasonMcArtor

Art Director Zachary Kern @ZacharyKern85

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER Chad and his wife Jodi are proud Waukee residents.

Chad is currently serving his first term as Dallas County Recorder and is the President of the Waukee Leadership Institute.

He previously served as the Executive Director of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice Chair of the Waukee Planning and Zoning Commission.

Photo Director Laura Wills @laurawillsphotography

Advertising Director Jodi Gilson-Schrage

In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, listening to Bruce Springsteen on his iPod and making sure his shoes

If so, please submit them to: waukee@mytownmagazines.com We can’t wait to hear from you!

Here in our premiere issue, we report on one of the most fun and unique events to come to Waukee in a long time – the BACooN Ride. Imagine Bacon Fest and RAGBRAI rolled into one and held on the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

What could be more fun? In future issues, we’ll report on interesting people you’ll want to meet, businesses you’ll want to discover and news and ideas that will change the way you look at your hometown.

Our myWaukee team is committed to working to ensure each publication is something you’ll find fun, interesting and useful. We hope that you like what you see, that you embrace our vision and that you’ll say “this is my Waukee Magazine.”

are shined.

Contributors Emily Kelly Deborah Mikelson Copy Editor Marjorie Sandner

Chad C. Airhart, Publisher

myTown Magazines Distributor Goldfinch Media Address PO Box 1202 Waukee IA, 50263 Email info@myTownMagazines.com myWaukee Magazine is published bimonthly, six times annually, by myTown Magazines, a division of Goldfinch Media. For subscription and advertising information, go to myTownMagazines.com. ©2014 Goldfinch Media

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FULL TIME MOMS with FULL TIME JOBS It’s hard enough working a full-time job, but when the clock hits 5:00 p.m., the second shift often begins for many working parents.

Having celebrated Mother’s Day a short time ago, we wanted to ask working Waukee moms how they do it!

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.

I have worked for Medicap for 13 years – the last eight in Waukee and the last two and a half as a manager. My oldest daughter is a pre-med student at Wartburg, and my other girls are 7 and 8.

You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?

My husband and I have really been able to coordinate our schedules well. It is still difficult sometimes. My parents moved here from Colorado to be with us and they help when they can.

What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?

Fortunately, I get the benefit of them seeing me doing something important – helping people. I love it when they are proud of me for that.

Cindy Anderson | Waukee Medicap Phar macy M o m t o Tay lor, Riley, & Reg a n

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.

I own Pizza Ranch restaurants in Waukee, Urbandale and Altoona. We opened in Altoona eight years ago, in Waukee six years ago, and in Urbandale six months ago.

My husband, Brian, and I have been married for 11 years. We have four children Lindsay is 21 and just finishing up her college education at UNI. Olivia is 21 and in her first year of the Respiratory Therapist program at DMACC. Taylor is 19 and going to Aveda Salon in West Des Moines. Tanner is a junior at West Central High School in Stuart.

Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?

Take time to really see the big picture in life. Always remember that your family comes first. Work is always going to come and go, but your family gives you the support you need to be the best at what you really want.

Tonya Hotze | Pi zza Ra n c h

M o m t o L indsay, O livia, Tay lo r, & Ta n n er

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Photos by Laura Wills

What does a day in your career look like?

I am usually in the bakery by 7:15 or 7:30 a.m. and I leave around 6 p.m. My day consists of a lot of baking, finishing, cleaning, and the most important part of the day – talking with our customers. Without our customers, we wouldn’t be here. They are the most important part of our business, and we do our best to spend time with them when they call or visit.

How do you manage work and family?

My husband is so supportive and helpful! I was a stay-at-home mom for quite a few years. I took care of everything around the house so that when he was home, we could have family time. Now that I am getting home after he gets there, he is starting the laundry, helping with dinner and always asking what he can do to help. My kids are helpful, too!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Michelle Holtz | Sweet Rewards Gluten-Free Bakery

Just that I am so blessed. I really am!

M o m to Ryan & C on n or

Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.

I have worked for American Trust & Savings Bank for seven years. I have been married to my husband, Justin, for 18 years. Our two kids keep us very busy with soccer, cross country, gymnastics and church activities.

What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?

Hearing my kids laugh. I know it sounds simple, but I know my time with them is so limited. I hope we have instilled in them the values that will make them strong, kind, hardworking adults with caring, faithful hearts.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just that I love being a mom. It is the hardest role I have and by far the most rewarding!

Sara J. Larson | American Trust & Savings Bank M o m t o Jake & L aur y n

What does a day in your career look like?

Fortunately, I get to start every day with my family. I love the flexibility this career offers but that does come with somewhat of a trade-off at times – working evenings and weekends. After seeing my kids off to school, I tackle my schedule either in or outside of the office depending on appointments for the day.

Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?

Take care of yourself, which I know from experience is easier said than done. However, if you manage your energy well, you will be more productive at home and at work.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

The time you have as a parent of young children passes more quickly than you expect, so think of parenting as a gift. Just remember what’s important, and in the end, it will all come together.

Donna Stall | Iowa Realty Waukee Office M o m to Ryan & Kyle

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Capitol dome tour with

Waukee legislators Saturday March 29th, 2014

Brian Hotze, owner of Pizza Ranch.

IA Representative Rob Taylor heading to the top of the dome.

Terry Snyder, Erna Morain and Melinda Behn.

Waukee Chamber members listen to a history of the Capitol from Rep. Rob Taylor and Sen. Charles Schneider.

Erna Morain in the Capitol Library.

Photos submitted

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Premiere Issue

Should I Buy the Damage Waiver When Renting a Car? Everyone has a different tolerance for risk and should make their own decision, but we can help you be aware of the risks you will assume if you decline the waiver.

Please take time to consider the following.

Most auto policies do provide liability coverage for your use of a rented or borrowed car, just as they do when you’re driving your own vehicle – assuming it’s a passenger car, SUV, etc., and not a truck used for business.

Coverage for damage to the rented vehicle is less certain.

If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on at least one of your vehicles, that same coverage will apply to a rented vehicle if you are responsible for repairs.

Brian V. Conway INSPRO Insurance Acco u nt E xe c u tive

bconway@insproins.com 515-226-9565 ext 1109 INSPRO Insurance represents a wide variety of insurance carriers.

Maintaining quality business relationships with our carriers is an agency priority and INSPRO has earned “Preferred Status” levels with many of them. INSPRO Insurance continually strives to cultivate relationships with financially strong insurance carriers for the benefit of our clients.

Certain expenses may not be covered by your personal insurance, and because of this risk, some choose to purchase the waiver from the rental company. These expenses include: Loss of Rental Income. If the car rental company claims they are losing rental income while the car is being repaired, they may hold you responsible for the lost income. The rental company may charge their maximum daily rent amount, which can really add up if the repairs take an extended period of time.

Diminished Value. The rental company may claim that, because of the damage and subsequent repair, the vehicle is worth less when it comes to resale. Your policy may not pay for a loss like that, nor will it pay for other indirect costs, such as towing.

Operation by Unauthorized Drivers. Your policy will not pay for loss caused by someone driving the vehicle if that person is not covered by your rental policy. This includes a valet attendant parking the rented vehicle.

(A similar restriction may be in the damage waiver.)

Risk of Impairing the Use of Your Credit Card.

It is possible that, if the rental company holds you responsible for any or all of these obligations, the company may immediately place a charge on your credit card pending final resolution of the claim.

We hope this information will relieve some uncertainty and help you enjoy your upcoming vacation or business trip.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact your local INSPRO Insurance office today.

myWaukee.com

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Strengthening Kids and Community through Collaboration (From Left to RIGHT)

Gretchen Stanger Waukee YMCA Youth Development Director

Cindy Macarthy Waukee Area Christian Services Food Pantry Volunteer

Joyce Sass Waukee YMCA Member & Volunteer

At the Y, strengthening our community is our cause. We do this through several focus areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. There are also many cause-driven behaviors that help us make a positive impact in our community.

One of those is collaboration.

When people and/or organizations come together and collaborate for a common cause, we can achieve more.

Thanks to a partnership between the Y, Waukee Area Christian Services and Waukee Elementary, efforts are being made to help children in need to live healthier. Each week, volunteers from the Y meet at WACS, housed in the lower level of Westview Church, to pack 30+ healthy snack packs.

The packs are full of single-serving size healthy foods, including fresh fruits. They are placed in backpacks and go home with Waukee Elementary students that have been identified as having a need.

Waukee Elementary Guidance Counselor, Shanlyn Doll, who is also a Y board member, says the response from the children has been terrific. “Kids came back the first weekend and were so thankful for their snacks. One boy talked about rather than having to scrounge through the cupboard to find his lunch, he knew he could go right to his bag for something to eat.”

There is another collaborative effort of the “backpack variety” going on between the Y and Waukee Elementary. “Healthy Family Home Fun Packs” have been going home with one student per classroom each Friday this school year. The packs are filled with activities, games and information emphasizing family time over the weekend. The packs also encourage kids to get outside, eat healthy and sleep well.

The Y collaborates with many community organizations, including church, government, non-profit, and for-profit entities. We also encourage you to collaborate to achieve greater impact in your areas of focus.

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u n de R

construction

1352 E. Hickman Road W a u k e e

The Shoppes at Williams Pointe, a new 18,000-square foot upscale retail center, is scheduled to open in mid-to late June at 1352 East Hickman Road in Waukee.

Occupants of this new center will include Louie’s Wine Dive,The Draught House and Polished Nail Salon.Three additional businesses are currently in negotiations for space within the center as well, according to Darin Ferguson, founder of Ferguson Commercial Real Estate Services.

“We are very excited to open this new location,” said Corey Gonzalez, one of the owners of Louie’s Wine Dive.“It will have a new, but similar look to the other location (at 4040 University Avenue in Des Moines). We call it ‘Version 2.0.’ It will be bigger, and it will have a private dining room for special events like wedding rehearsal dinners. It will be quaint, cozy, comfortable and fun. It will have local food, strong value, high quality, and honest ingredients,” said Gonzalez.“And, we’ll open any bottle of wine for anyone who will drink two glasses.”

The Draught House will be similar to 1908 Draught House in Johnston and Buffy’s Draught House in West Des Moines – which means it will offer around 20 different beers on tap as well as outstanding food and service. (The full name of the Waukee location will be finalized soon.) All three locations are owned by Tom Baldwin Jr. According to Ferguson, the center’s location on Hickman Road, between SE Waco Place and SE Brick Drive, is very appealing for businesses because it offers the high traffic volume of Hickman Road – more than 23,000 vehicles per day, according to a 2012 study – as well as two full access points from SE Stone Ridge Drive.The upcoming addition of traffic signals at SE Waco Place, next to Stivers Ford, will also be beneficial.

“We are hopeful that these new options will encourage Waukee residents to enjoy a night out on the town closer to home,” said Ferguson.

are hopeful that “We these new options will encourage Waukee residents to enjoy a night out on the town closer to home.”

Darin Ferguson

Words Deborah Mikelson 12

Premiere Issue

Photo Laura Wills

Have an idea for an Under Construction story?

Email us at waukee@mytownmagazines.com

Your Waukee

out Waukee Locales Pinpoints of Interest Pointing you should check out!

K il’ n Time

268 W Hickman/Hwy 6 A contemporary ceramic studio, offering paint your own pottery, glass fusion, mosaics, and clay! w w w. k i l n t i m e 4 f u n . c o m

F re sh Me d iterra n ea n E x pre s s 15 NE Carefree LN

Brand new restaurant serving tasty Greek, Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine with a smile. w w w. f re s h m e d i t e r r a n e a n e x p re s s . c o m

Elite Ed ge Gy m 495 SE Alice’s Rd

A bodybuilder and former firefighter, a competitive runner, and a martial arts champion lead the workouts for Elite Body Boot Camp at Elite Edge Gym. What better way to get in shape for the summer? w w w. e l i t e e d g e g y m . c o m

Want to be a pinpoint of interest?

Email us at waukee@mytownmagazines.com

myWaukee.com

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WORDS Emily Kelly PHOTOS Laura Wills

FOR THE

LOVE OF

BACON AND

BIKES Bacon-loving bike riders rejoice!

The inaugural BACooN RIDE will begin and end in Waukee on Saturday, June 28th.

The BACooN RIDE is a 71-mile bike ride along the beautiful Raccoon River Valley Trail System featuring stops for bacon-inspired bites, a bacon-themed lunch and numerous drink specials at establishments along the way. Participants also have the option of joining at other starting points for a shorter ride.

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This event is a team effort and it will showcase the trails “systems, the parks and the entire Waukee community.”

Matt Jermier

“The BACooN RIDE was inspired by the success of Bacon Fest and seemed like the perfect opportunity to spread its pig wings into a little something more and offer a calorie-neutral event!” said Bacon Fest founder Brooks Reynolds.

The Waukee Fire Department and Iowa Egg Council will fuel riders with bacon and egg tacos before they hit the trail and several other Waukee businesses will be offering specials and activities to support the event.

After departing from Waukee, bikers can stop for bacon breaks in Ortonville, Adel, Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, Herndon, Jamaica, Dawson, Perry, Minburn and Dallas Center. Registered riders will receive a punch card (called a “Pass-Pork”) which allows them to pig out on the bacon-inspired bites at each stop, including maple bacon donuts, bacon ice cream, BLT sliders and a hog roast – just to name a few.

Participants must register online prior to the ride as there is no registration the day of the event.The $55 registration fee includes a commemorative pint glass, Pass-Pork, t-shirt and access to the food and entertainment provided along the trail.

Participants can pick up their registration packets on Friday at Centennial Park, and can start their rides at any time after they have checked in on Friday or Saturday, as it is not a mass start ride.

Camping will be available at Centennial Park for registered riders at no charge on Friday and Saturday night, and evening entertainment will be provided to the public on Saturday night at Mickey’s Irish Pub.

More than 1,500 riders have already registered and organizers anticipate this number will double by the day of the event.

Continued next page

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It gets people on the trails, gets people “out there and active and it’s good for the culture and economy of local communities and Iowa as a whole.”

Dave Milburn

The BACooN RIDE is presented by RAGBRAI, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Raccoon River Trails Association and the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, and proceeds from the event will support the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, RAGBRAI’s Dream Team and other Iowa charities.

“The BACooN RIDE is great for the community.

It gets people on the trails, gets people active, and it’s good for the culture and economy of local communities and Iowa as a whole,” said Dave Milburn, an avid cyclist, RAGBRAI veteran and a BACooN RIDE participant.

“I love the trails in Iowa because they are safe and well maintained.The trails also bring in people from all over and allow others to enjoy and see what Iowa has to offer,” said Milburn.

Milburn will be participating with some of his RAGBRAI team members to gear up for that event in July.

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He anticipates hydrating with water along the route and partaking in a few beers to help wash down the bacon.

The Blue Ribbon Bacon Board, RAGBRAI organizers, City of Waukee, Department of Public Safety, Waukee Fire Department,Trails Association and other committees, restaurants, volunteers and officials throughout the state of Iowa have all worked together to organize this event.

“Each entity offers a wealth of knowledge and different resources to make sure this event will be successful, safe and fun for everyone that participates,” said Reynolds.

“This event is a team effort and it will showcase the trails systems, the parks and the entire Waukee community,” said City of Waukee Organizer Matt Jermier.

For more information or to register, go to w w w .b aco o nr id e. co m or visit the BACooN RIDE on Facebook.

Sign up for the BACooN RIDE today! Ride for the love of bikes! Ride for the love of bacon! Ride for the love of Iowa! Or ride just so you can tell your friends that you made history and were part of the first delicious BACooN RIDE!

OVERVIEW

Friday @ Centennial Park »» 6-9 pm packet pick up for registered riders »» 7-11 pm Live Band/Beer Garden

Saturday »» 6-10am Breakfast put on by the Waukee Fire Department & Iowa Egg Council »» 7-10am Departure for the Ride (optional starting time) »» 7pm- Ride is done/Route closed Camping available at Centennial Park Evening Entertainment will be hosted by Mickey's Irish Pub (in their Parking Lot)- open to public

Hyjumping at waukee

hyvee Monday April 21st, 2014

Photos submitted

Do you want to reach thousands of Waukee residents and businesses?

Contact Jodi and let our award winning creative team help you achieve your marketing goals!

Jodi Gilson-Schrage 515 238-8686

jodi@mytownmagazines.com myWaukee.com

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FACES OF

WAUKEE w/ Cy Phillips Where were you born?

Clover Bend, Arkansas. It’s a small town of about 60 people in Northeast Arkansas.

Where did you attend college?

University of Iowa, 2002-2006. I earned a BA in Communication Studies and a Certificate of Entrepreneurial Management.

Tell us about your family.

Proud father of two children, Charlie (2½) and Genevieve (1), lucky husband of Meighan, and pet owner of 2 Jack Russell Terriers (Lily and Bridget).

Tell us briefly about your current career.

I earned my real estate license at the end of 2007… arguably one of the worst possible times to step into a career in real estate. It turned out to be one of the best professional decisions I’ve ever made. Today I really enjoy helping people find great homes and in the process, I’ve met some incredible friends!

What are your hobbies/interests?

If I'm not working, I'm outside playing in the backyard with our little people and organizing my garage!

I love mowing the yard (some might say I am very particular about the stripes), washing my truck and playing with our kids at Gym Space.

What do you like most about living and/or working in Waukee?

The people! Our quality of life and amenities. The buzz around town about the future.

The small town feel. I really like being able to wave at people when driving down the road.

This is an incredible community and I’m proud to be a part of it!

Photo by Laura Wills 18

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Know someone we should feature? Let us know!

Email us at waukee@mytownmagazines.com

I’m in the market to build a new home What ar e m y fi n anc ing o p ti ons?

Aletha lenz Luana Savings Bank

Seni o r Re sid e ntia l L o a n O f f i c e r

alenz@luanasavingsbank.com 515-987-2116 Founded in 1908 in rural Northeast Iowa, Luana Savings Bank has created a significant lending presence throughout Northeast and Central Iowa, expanding to the Metro area in 2008. Luana Savings Bank is one of the top performing banks in the nation and maintains stable growth by consistently providing the most competitive loan products and services in its market areas.

In today’s housing market, it’s a great time to consider buying or building a new home. While we’ve seen interest rates increase slightly in the past year, rates are still at historic lows, which makes building or buying a new home more affordable.

Traditionally, building a home would mean two separate loans for the consumer –one for the construction phase of the homebuilding project and another for when the project is finished, or what we call “permanent financing.”

Today, we’re seeing rising popularity of construction loans called “construction-topermanent financing,” also known as “all-in-one” or “one-time-close” loans.

These types of loans have become popular due to the convenience for the consumer having only one application, one set of closing costs and one single closing.

A huge factor when considering construction-to-permanent financing is that it can protect you from rising interest rates. The construction phase often lasts six months or longer. Without construction-to-permanent financing, the consumer is at risk for interest rate fluctuation during this time. For example, longer term treasuries increased a full 1 percent from May 2013 to today’s current rates. This correlates to roughly the same increase in mortgage rates. This increase can add thousands of dollars to a home loan.

Luana Savings Bank helps customers lock in great long-term interest rates right up front during the construction phase. We work with our customers to estimate the time period for construction, and when it’s completed, monthly payments begin. This allows consumers to eliminate the risk of rising interest rates during the construction phase.

Not all lenders offer these types of construction loans. However, Luana Savings Bank specializes in this type of lending, as we see the great benefit for our customers.

Luana Savings Bank also specializes in home mortgages for those who are in the market to buy a home, rather than building. Our No-Cost Mortgage Special has become very popular for both purchases and refinances. Again, not all lenders offer this type of lending. This special limited-time offer allows our customers to lock in a competitive rate at no cost.

Eliminating closing cost fees protects the consumer from being overcharged.

Luana Savings Bank also stresses the importance of quick loan approval and local loan decisions. We’re unique because we approve and service loans locally. We strive to build close relationships with our customers beyond numbers, which leads to a much more fulfilling experience for our customers as we work to meet their needs.

We welcome you to visit with our real estate experts at Luana Savings Bank to see if our construction-to-permanent financing or No-Cost Mortgage Special fit your needs. myWaukee.com

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Live, learn, & connect

@ your Waukee Library

by Devon Murphy-Petersen

There’s something for everyone at Waukee Public Library’s Summer Reading Program! Summer has always been a great time to kick back with a book.

A growing body of research shows that students of all ages experience a decline in reading skills unless they read - and understand what they read during the summer. This summer, parents can help improve a child’s reading abilities by remembering these simple ABC’s: Access to books, a wide variety of books for every member in the family. Magazines and newspapers, too.

Books that match each reader’s ability levels and interests. Your library has something for everyone.

Comprehension. Talk to your kids about what they are reading and ask questions. Encourage your child to tell you about each book, and also share a little about what you’re reading.

Sign-up for Summer Reading starts on Monday, June 2nd. That day, kids can play in our giant pool of slime 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. For a complete listing of Summer Reading events and activities, visit the library’s website at:

www. waukee.org/library Everyone - babies through adults - can read for fun and prizes June 2nd through August 1st.

Participate in the Big Library Read!

Your library will be taking part in the Big Library Read from June 3rd through June 18th. During this time, the popular eBook and eAudio mystery ”A Pedigree to Die For” by Laurien Berenson will be available for Waukee and rural Dallas County residents.

Big Library Read is an international program that gives libraries and library customers unlimited simultaneous access to a popular title during the program dates, creating a virtual, global book club.

Interested customers will be able to borrow “A Pedigree to Die For” using a Waukee library card, and read on all major computers and devices, including iPhone, iPad, Nook, Android phones and tablets, and Kindle without wait lists or holds. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, and best of all, there are no late fees!

Scholastic Book Fair Come one, come all – there’s something for everyone at the Scholastic Book Fair!

The Book Fair will be available May 29th – June 6th in the library meeting room during library open hours. Proceeds will help support the summer reading program.

Waukee Author Visit Angela Youngers, author of “Painting Walls” will tell about the process of publishing her first novel and read excerpts. Her book is available for Kindle on Amazon.com.

Light refreshments served.

Thursday, June 19th 6:30 pm Coal Mine Meeting Room

Devon’s ReadIng Recommendations This month, I want to share some picture books, the largeformat books for children where the illustrations help tell the story. Picture books are fun for parents and children to read aloud, and are a great place to begin learning letters and words. Here are a few of my all-time favorites: “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper

I’ve lost track of how many copies of this book I’ve given as gifts. This classic has been inspiring kids since 1930 as the Little Engine never gives up, and accomplishes his goal. “I think I can! I think I can!”

“Millions of Cats” by Wanda Gag

A great read-aloud, this charming story of an old man and old woman who want a pet cat was one of my childhood favorites, and in turn, one of my son’s.

“Cars and Trucks and Things That Go” by Richard Scarry

As the pig family head to the beach for a picnic, they encounter nearly every kind of vehicle. The varied scenes offer ample opportunity for discussion, and making up your own stories. Searching for Goldbug on each page provides added interest.

“Swimmy” by Leo Lionni

The little fish band together to outsmart the bigger, hungry fish, and provide a lesson about teamwork and cooperation. Beautiful word images and artwork.

“One Duck Stuck” by Phyllis Root

The rhythm and rhyme in this counting book carry the story along, and eventually the poor duck gets unstuck.

The Waukee Public Library – Growing Readers since 1928!

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FACES OF

WAUKEE w/ Laura Warner Once upon a time a little baby girl was born On August 21, 1962 to Robert and Pauline Procter...

I grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from the University of Iowa, where I earned a BA in Communications. After moving to Des Moines in 1986, I ended up in hotel sales and marketing. From the start, it was the perfect fit, and after two years as a Sales Manager, I became Director of Sales at a hotel in Clive.

In 2001, I joined the West Des Moines Marriott as Director of Sales. The hotel business is more than just selling guest rooms and banquet space. It’s about creating relationships, networking and building trust. Actually, many of my clients are people I have encountered in my personal life. You really can’t separate the two when you’re in sales.

I was recently appointed to the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteered to chair the Ambassador Committee. I thought my time and energy could be put to good use welcoming new companies and members to the Chamber, and helping them see and experience the value in being involved with the Chamber.

My husband, Steve, and I have been married for 27 years. We’ve lived in Waukee for the past 18 years. We have no plans to leave until we’re ready to head to the Lake of the Ozarks for our retirement, but that’s still a few years down the road.

My husband owns a lawn care business called S & L Lawn Care Service. In the 13 years I’ve been with the West Des Moines Marriott, I’ve also played the role of Administrative Professional for his business. S & L stands for Snow & Lawn as well as Steve & Laura!

The other loves in my life are my sons, Evan and Garrett. Evan graduated from Waukee High School in 2008. He won an international modeling competition in New York this past summer and was picked up by Wilhelmina, one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies. He moved to Los Angeles last September and is enjoying great success. My younger son, Garrett, graduated from Waukee High School in 2011.

He’s a junior at the University of Iowa and a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

If you were to ask me my favorite thing about Waukee, it’s that it has a “small town” feel with a splash of cosmopolitan flare. I also love that you can go almost anywhere in Waukee and run into someone you know.

That’s a good thing unless you’re running errands on a Saturday morning with no makeup, glasses and a ponytail! It’s a melting pot of sorts – folks born and raised in Waukee, longtime residents like myself and people just moving in from other places near and far.

Together, we all bring something to Waukee that gives it life, energy and balance.

Photo by Laura Wills 22

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Know someone we should feature? Let us know!

Email us at waukee@mytownmagazines.com

What’s So Great About a Rollover?

Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience.

Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your old employersponsored retirement plan.

Some people choose to roll over these funds into an Individual Retirement Account, and for good reason.

More than 25% of all retirement assets in the U.S. are held in IRAs, and more than 50% of traditional IRA owners funded all or part of their IRAs with a rollover.

Brian Weckman (L) Actis Wealth Management Presi d e nt

bweckman@actiswealth.com

Brian M. Thompson (R) Actis Wealth Management Indepe nd e nt We al th M a n a ge r

bthompson@actiswealth.com Actis Wealth Management was founded in 2001 with the aim of bringing an institutional-style investing approach to individuals and businesses. We feel that individual investors should benefit from the same type of investment access and asset allocation processes that are utilized by the world’s largest institutions, including pension funds and university endowments.

Generally, you have three choices when it comes to handling the money in a former employer’s retirement account.

First, you can cash out of the account. However, if you choose to cash out, you will be required to pay ordinary income tax on the balance plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are under age 59½.

Second, you may be able to leave the funds in your old plan. But some plans have rules and restrictions regarding the money in the account.

Or third, you can roll the money into an IRA. Why do so many people choose an IRA rollover?

Here are a few of the major benefits: Rollovers may preserve the tax-favored status of your retirement money. As long as your money is moved through a direct “trustee-to trustee” transfer, you can avoid a taxable event. In a traditional IRA, your retirement savings will have the opportunity to grow tax-deferred until you begin taking distributions in retirement.

An IRA rollover may open up your investment choices.

When you stick with your former employer’s retirement plan, you are typically limited to the investments offered by the plan. With an IRA, you may have a much broader range of choices, giving you greater control over how your assets are allocated.

Rollovers can make it easier to stay organized and maintain control. Some people change jobs several times during the course of their careers, leaving a trail of employer-sponsored retirement plans in their wake.

By rolling these various accounts into a single IRA, you might make the process of managing the funds, rebalancing your portfolio, and adjusting your asset allocation easier.

An IRA rollover may make sense whether you’re leaving one job for another or retiring altogether. But how your assets should be allocated within the IRA will depend on your time horizon, risk tolerance and financial goals.

myWaukee.com

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FROM THE

WAUKEE CHAMBER Business After Hours at Design Alliance

Dr. Tyler Molstre and Casey Klesic with True Life Wellness.

Design Alliance employees play a supersized game of jenga.

Jerry Purdy and Design Alliance mascot “Woody”.

Photos submitted

chamber calendar

J UN 10

Breakfast Before Business at American Trust & Savings Bank

12

Ambassador Meeting

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Business After Hours at People’s Trust & Savings Bank

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BACooN Ride

19

Annual Golf Outing

JUL 04

17

10

22

City of Waukee’s 4th of July Celebration Ambassador Meeting

15

Cow Patty Business Bingo Chamber Night at the Iowa Cubs

Chamber Networking Luncheon

FREE i Pa d M in i

G I V E AWAY Simply “like” us on facebook to stay up to date on your home town.

When we reach 2000 fans, we’ll draw one Facebook friend at random for a FREE iPad Mini! www.facebook.com/mywaukee 24

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AUG 07

Ambassador Meeting

14

Chamber Networking Luncheon

21

Business After Hours

23

City of Waukee’s Waukee Fest

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New Member Welcome Breakfast

COOKING UP FUN AT

What’s Cookin’ in Waukee Thursday April 10th, 2014

Ben Landhauser, Brad Deets and Dan Dutcher with the City of Waukee.

Tim Wolf and Bryan Rowland with State Savings Bank.

Tim and Bryan won 1st place with their Pulled BBQ Pork & Coleslaw!

Chuck and Tina Howell with Koko FitClub.

Melinda Behn with the Waukee Chamber.

Trevor Feuerhelm, Paul Clark and Jeff Russell with Waukee HyVee Catering.

Karmen Buchhop and Brittany Biscoe with Achieving Inner Peace.

Photos submitted

myWaukee.com

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myWaukee

COMMUNITY SECTION

Did you

Waukee schools: summer activities

know...

B a s e ba ll , Softball, Track & F i e l d, G o l f

1,366 new students entered the Waukee Schools for the 2012 - 2013 school year.

S u m m er Programs , C amps & Cl i n i c s

Waukee is the fastest growing community in the state.

Wa u kee Communi ty E ducatio n

Waukee was originally named Shirley.

ht t p: / / g o o.g l/ A c x o 4m ht t p: / / g o o.g l/ 4 V7 9r B ht t p: / / g o o.g l/ TviI 12

Important dates: C o o l things to Last Day of School

do in yo ur to wn

July 4th Celebration

Ma y 2 9th

Parade @ 2:00pm & Fireworks at dusk Ju ly 4th

Downtown Farmers Market

Movies in the Park @ Centennial Park

Wednesdays 4:00pm to 7:00pm S t a r t i ng June 4 th

8:30pm

Ju ly 19th

Light the tRAIL Ride

Longest Yard in Dallas Center to Mickey’s Irish Pub

WaukeeFest @ The Downtown Triangle

Ju n e 6th

First Day of School

A u g u s t 23rd

9:15pm

A u g u s t 13th

Movies in the Park @ Centennial Park 8:30pm

Ju n e 21 st

Residents guide: n u mbers to

kno w

City of Waukee.............................................................................................5 15 - 9 7 8 - 7 9 0 0 Chamber of Commerce.........................................................................5 15 - 9 7 8 - 7 1 1 5 Dallas County Motor Vehicle/License Plates.......................5 1 5 - 9 9 3 - 5 8 1 2 Dallas County Sheriff.............................................................................. 5 1 5 - 9 9 3 - 4 5 6 7 Fire: Non-Emergency............................................................................. 5 1 5 - 9 8 7 - 4 7 1 2 Iowa One Call...................................................................................................................... 8 1 1 Library................................................................................................................ 5 1 5 - 9 8 7 - 1 2 8 0 Parks & Recreation................................................................................... 5 1 5 - 9 7 8 - 0 0 0 6 26

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Police: Non-Emergency......................................................................... 515-987-1073 Post Office........................................................................................................ 515-987-9820 Public Works...................................................................................................515-987-4363 Public Works After Hours (Emergency).......................................515-249-1212 Waste Management...................................................................................515-299-2504 Waukee City Hall.........................................................................................515-987-4522 Waukee Community School District.............................................515-987-5161

myWaukee.com

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