MyWaukee July/August 2020

JULY / AUGUST 2020

THE WAUKEE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE TAKING PRIDE (AND ACTION) IN THEIR COMMUNITY

Also GIVE LOVE GLYNN VILLAGE WAUKEE LIBRARY SCHOOL DISTRICT WAUKEE CHAMBER

DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 5107

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Used Car Superstore All makes new Collision Center

Award Winning Service Department open until Midnight Parts open until Midnight and on Saturdays “Voted Best Auto Dealer Domestic by Des Moines Cityview readers-8 years in a row.�

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THE

THE

GOOD BAD

sleepy

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz AND

THE

One in three Americans report they don’t get enough sleep,

which increases your risk of being overweight or obese and consuming extra calories daily. But did you know what you choose to eat for dinner, or for your late-night snack attack, can either help or hinder your process of hitting the hay?

HY-VEE DIETITIAN ERIN GOOD SHARES SOME TIPS ON FOODS THAT CAN HELP YOU SLEEP TIGHT TONIGHT.

Good Cherries

contain a significant amount of melatonin, the hormone helpful in falling asleep.

Cottage Cheese

is rich in a slow-releasing protein called casein that wards off hunger, keeping you sound asleep all night long. Don’t count sheep; eat cottage cheese.

Almonds

contain both calcium and magnesium, the perfect duo to calm your body and relax your muscles.

Bad Sugar

Sugary treats may cause increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods take longer to digest, which delays your body’s ability to enter relaxation mode. These foods also commonly cause bloating and indigestion, so say “sayonara” to a peaceful sleep!

Beer

may be worth avoiding if you’ve noticed your restful snooze has suffered. Alcohol causes dehydration, and extra liquid causes the need for extra bathroom breaks!

Erin Good, RD, LD Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian egood@hy-vee.com

FROM The Publisher

180 Can we do it? Can we turn things around?

Everywhere you look, people want to hit the restart button for 2020 – or somehow fast-forward to the end of the year so we can put everything behind us and move ahead.

We have right around 180 days remaining in the three-hundred sixty-fiv–oh, of course, we got an extra day this year, 366 days of 2020.

What will it take?

How can we make the most of the next six months?

These are times like few of us have seen, with the pandemic and professional and personal challenges that have come from it to the protests following the killing of George Floyd, just 250 miles north of our metro.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

Publisher & Partner Jason McArtor

Creative Director & Partner Zachary Kern

Content Kellyn Papas

Photos / Creative / Layout FARMBOY Marketing & Web Development

Copy Editor

I grew up in a very small (by most people’s standards) rural community here in Iowa, and I can’t say I know the challenges others face in any of our communities. I use times like these as a reminder to do something nice for someone. Show some grace. Remember that you don’t know what someone may be dealing with – everyone has an occasional bad day.

Marjorie Sandner

I don’t know about you, but even the busy days seem longer – today’s problems have drawn more focus than they may have in other years.

Goldfinch Media

These are problems that are solved with caring, communication and understanding.

The political season is fast approaching, but no politician or party is going to fix any of this.

It has to go beyond what others tell us to think or believe. We have to look at ourselves.

Advertising Darby Brincks 515- 306 - 0 5 0 8

Distributor

Address 8527 University Blvd Suite 7 Clive, Iowa 50325

Email info@myTownMagazines.com

One person at a time.

We wish everyone good health and an enjoyable summer.

Jason McArtor MyTown Magazines P u bli she r & Partne r j a s o n@ mytow nm a g azine s .c o m / 5 1 5-3 1 4-1 3 21

4

July / August 2020

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. ©2020 Goldfinch Media

CONTENTS July/August 2020

09 HIG H L I G H TS

06 CITY OF WAUKEE

06 18 WAUKEE SCHOOL

Reggie Bell

Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke named community advocate and military veteran Reggie Bell as Waukee’s 2019 Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year honor is given each year to an exemplary resident who represents the true spirit of community service.

09 STORY

Waukee Leadership Institute Profile

The Waukee Leadership Institute began in 2006 as the brainchild of Waukee’s former mayor Bill Peard and co-founder Larry Lyon. The two created the program as a way to develop leaders through education, networking, mentoring and roundtable discussions.

16 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

16

Kellyn Pappas

Unrest continues nationwide in response to the death of George Floyd and the larger discussion regarding racism and police brutality in our culture. However, there have also been numerous instances of communities coming together in the wake of the turmoil. One such event took place right here in Waukee on June 12.

Construction

Sugar Creek Elementary, the district’s tenth elementary school, held its groundbreaking event on May 21. The new school is located in the southwest area of the district, north of Ashworth Road and southwest of the Sugar Creek Golf Course. Construction has begun, and the building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

19 WAUKEE LIBRARY

S E C T IONS

18

0 4 F rom th e P u bl i s her 0 6 You r Ci ty of Waukee 1 8 You r Wau kee School D istric t 1 9 You r Wau kee L i brary 2 1 You r Wau kee Cham ber

Curbside Service

Library cardholders can now place holds on items using the online catalog on our website or by phone. Patrons will be notified to schedule a pickup time when their items are ready.

21 CHAMBER

Thank you

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy. Thank you for continuing to support our Waukee business community!

ON THE COVER Rick Kyser & Terry Snyder from the Waukee Leadership Institute.

5

CITY OF WAUKEE

Reggie Bell

NAMED WAUKEE’S 2019 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke named community advocate and military veteran Reggie Bell as Waukee’s 2019 Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year honor is given each year to an exemplary resident who represents the true spirit of community service.

Bell was selected as the 2019 Citizen of

the Year in March; however, the acknowledgement process was delayed due to social distancing guidelines. He will be honored at the December WinterFest celebration and at the January 2021 Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner. He will also be presented with a City of Waukee proclamation and plaque and will receive a local business prize package from the Chamber.

“When the selection committee and I reviewed award submissions, we were so impressed with the level of community service Reggie has provided to Waukee,” said Mayor Clarke. “Not only has he sacrificed in serving our country, but he initiates continual outreach to underserved groups in and around Waukee. We thank him greatly for showing us what can be achieved with selfless giving of one’s time and talents.”

Bell spent many of his formative years in Kansas City public housing. He then served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. He, his wife Sherry and their two daughters moved to Waukee in 2007. Since then, he has been busy inspiring other community members, such as Ellen Pieper, who nominated him for this award.

“Although Reggie is now 63, diabetic and has multiple artificial joints, he's still constantly looking for and initiating activities to raise awareness of other people’s needs,” said Pieper. “Better yet, he follows through on these activities by providing necessary approvals, print materials, collection bins, eye-catching decorations, transportation and more.”

Many people know Bell from his volunteer and fundraising work with the Waukee American Legion, as a greeter at the Waukee Family YMCA or as a member of the Mu Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi.

Reggie Bell served in the U.S. Army for 22 years.

Bell and his American Legion Brothers at the Iowa State Fair

“Not only has he sacrificed in serving our country, but he initiates continual outreach to underserved groups in and around Waukee. We thank him greatly for showing us what can be achieved with selfless giving of one’s time and talents.”

Mayor Courtney Clarke Quilts of Valor

6

July / August 2020

Bell chatted with former Gov. Terry Branstad the day Waukee became a Home Base Iowa community.

He also assists with Cornerstone Church’s Hot Dog Ministry in Des Moines, which delivers hot dogs and snacks to homeless shelters and encampments. He supports the Single Parent Provision, leads socks and snacks drives for deployed members of the U.S. military, collects food and necessities for the homeless and low-income, opens his Thanksgiving table each year for those who are alone, and serves with local non-profits Garden Gate Ranch and Leading With Power.

“I'm truly humbled by my recognition as Waukee’s Citizen of the Year,” said Bell.

“I have a heart for helping others. I grew up with a mother who always reached out to help the less fortunate, even when her own circumstances were not good. A quote that comes to me in these trying times was written by Charles Dickens: ‘No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.’”

Bell said he and his family found a safe, affordable community in moving to Waukee and that he loves all of the friendly people in town. “My family continues to thrive here, as do many people,” he said. “As Waukee becomes more diverse, we must embrace one another, love one another and respect one another.”

A fan of famous quotes, he added Coretta Scott King’s words of wisdom: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

The City of Waukee and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce collectively thank Reggie Bell for sharing his commitment to service, his smile and his compassion throughout Waukee and beyond.

The Waukee Citizen of the Year program is a joint effort between the City of Waukee and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize Waukee residents for dedicated volunteer efforts that lead to making Waukee a great place in which to live, work, play and learn. The selection committee consists of Waukee’s mayor and representatives from the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Area Christian Services and the Waukee Family YMCA.

“As Waukee becomes more diverse, we must embrace one another, love one another and respect one another.”

Reggie Bell

Mailing care packages to deployed U.S. soldiers

7

HEALTH & WELLNESS Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy How to Safely Return to Sports and Exercise Post-Quarantine As a physical therapist, one of the main injuries I see is often referred to as an “overuse injury.” Quite simply, this is when an individual uses a body region too much and without proper recovery. We frequently see this in those new to sports/fitness activities or those returning to those activities after long periods of inactivity.

Many of us are coming out of an extended period of inactivity due to COVID-19, and our bodies have lost some of their pre-quarantine fitness qualities. Even if you were able to keep up with some walking, running or bodyweight work, it’s likely that your overall fitness has decreased. It’s also possible that some of us have seen changes in our weight and are now motivated to get back into shape.

TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF INJURY WHILE PURSUING YOUR FITNESS GOALS, KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND WHEN RETURNING TO ACTIVITIES YOU HAVEN’T PERFORMED IN A WHILE:

PATRICK FORD, DPT, PT

8

• Decrease the frequency, duration and intensity of your exercise routines compared to what you were doing pre-quarantine

• Run or lift no more than every other day

Waukee Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy L ead Physic a l Th e rap ist

515-630-4745

• Slow your running pace, adding 1-2 minutes per mile

Patrick Ford is a Doctor of Physical Therapy for Kinetic Edge, located on the premises of Sportsplex West. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and health from Iowa State University and attended Creighton University to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Patrick is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Orthopedic Resident who specializes in sports rehabilitation. With his depth of knowledge and experience, he is ready to help everyone from senior citizens to young athletes!

• Decrease the amount of weight you lift by 30-50 percent

• Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat a balanced diet and reduce other day-to-day stressors

July / August 2020

• Reduce your weightlifting, cardio and running time by 30 percent or more • Limit your sports-specific workout to 30-40 minutes • Limit your weightlifting exercises to 2-3 exercises per muscle group, per session • Reduce your total weekly running miles by 30 percent

• Lower your average heart rate (if using a heart rate monitor or smartwatch)

• Find a physical therapist or strength coach for personally tailored programming If you are currently avoiding activity due to an injury, have been recently injured, or get hurt in the future, be sure to call our clinic and set up a free injury screen. We will help you return to activity as soon as possible.

STORY By Kellyn Pappas

The Waukee

Leadership Institute

Over the past few years, miniature food pantries have sprung up all around the Des Moines metro. These small boxes, stocked with nonperishable food, are available any time of day for anyone in need—a small-scale way to help combat food insecurity in the community. Waukee residents will soon see these Little Free Food Pantries in their neighborhood as well, thanks to the recently-graduated Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2020.

The Waukee Leadership Institute began in 2006 as the brainchild of Waukee’s former mayor Bill Peard and co-founder Larry Lyon. Both men were serving on the Waukee City Council at the time, and according to Peard, both thought the city of Waukee was in need of a way to “keep the leadership pipeline full”—not just for elected officials, but for community leaders, as well. The two created the program as a way to develop leaders through education, networking, mentoring and roundtable discussions.

A significant amount of time and effort went into developing the Institute, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. "It was a labor of love for a lot of people," said Peard. "It's truly a volunteer effort." The founders took some cues from other leadership institutes in the area, but ultimately, Peard explained, "We kind of just jumped in the deep end of the pool and figured it out from there." The Institute's first class graduated in 2007.

Class members apply online each year over the summer and meet on a monthly basis from September to April. Each year's class is capped at 20-25 people.

"We feel that is a good size," said Institute Board Director Terry Snyder, an Institute Class of 2012 graduate herself. "It's not too big, not too small."

Class of 2020 graduate Gretchen Stanger, who works as the Youth and Family Program Director at the Waukee YMCA, became interested after hearing about a coworker’s experience in the program the year before. “[She] shared her experience with me and it piqued my interest,” she said. Larry Hingst, also a 2020 graduate, had just accepted a new role as a sales manager at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company in Waukee when he enrolled. "I was asked to enroll...about one week before it was going to start," he said.

Fellow classmate April Samp, who worked as the News Director and creator of the We Are Iowa brand at WOI-TV Channel 5 and currently owns her own producing and consulting company, first heard about the Institute on the golf course. "I first heard about WLI from current President Rick Kyser in a fortuitous meeting on the Sugar Creek Golf Course," she explained. "I was paired with Rick and his wife for a round of golf, and he talked to me about the program."

Despite varying levels of familiarity with the Institute and with the curriculum, class members quickly realized they had made a good decision.

CONTINUED>>

Class of

2020 9

STORY By Kellyn Pappas Hingst agrees. “Going in, I really did not know a lot about the program," he said. "I realized this was going to be more fun and interesting than I had anticipated!”

Although class content has been refined somewhat over the years, the core components of the curriculum remain the same. According to Snyder, each class "learns how the Waukee city government works, how our economic development department attracts new business to Waukee, and how the school district handles the population growth of the city."

Waukee’s mayor and city administrator are regular annual presenters, as is Waukee’s police chief, John Quinn, whose Introduction to Leadership class has become a staple on the schedule. Snyder commented that the curriculum has been enhanced over time, as well. "Former Governor Tom Vilsack presented for the class of 2020, and he is scheduled to present again [for] the class of 2021," she explained.

A session on state government, presented by Iowa Senator Charles Schneider and Representative Kenan Judge, is also on the schedule for next year. The Institute has also added a class where representatives from a small, medium and large business in Waukee present to class members on their leadership style and how the size of their business impacts the way they lead.

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Graduates have high praise for the class content and presenters. “I appreciated how carefully the topics and presenters were planned. It truly made for an immersive experience," said Stanger.

Hingst said he learned a lot about the operations of the city government and was impressed by what he heard from presenters. “One of the things that really stood out [was that] the leaders that we have in our community really put the city first in their decisions,” he said. “That was refreshing to see.”

The capstone each year is a final project, the aim of which is to enhance the Waukee community. “We encourage the class to think outside the box and look around town and see what they think is needed,” said Snyder. Class members pitch ideas to one another and talk through the logistics of each one. Eventually, the class as a whole makes the final decision on which project they would like to pursue.

Past class projects have included the construction of the amphitheater in Centennial Park (Class of 2013) and the installation of bike ramps on Waukee’s bike trails (Class of 2016). After talking through numerous pitches, the class of 2020 decided to tackle food insecurity in Waukee by working with Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS).

A nonprofit outreach ministry supported by Waukee-area churches, WACS operates a food pantry, a free medical clinic, a community garden and additional seasonal and children’s programs that serve all of Dallas county and into the surrounding area, as well.

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STORY By Kellyn Pappas

“The Institute has

become a definite part of the community.”

Bill Peard

The project aimed to raise awareness in the community about food insecurity and elevate the impact of WACS. For starters, the group created a marketing toolkit for WACS to use to create marketing materials to reach out to volunteers, donors and clients. According to Samp, the group also engineered “a self-functioning…food donation network.”

This network is built around local businesses that agree to host month-long donation drives and then challenge another business to do the same in another month. “We also created a database of potential and current donors for [them] to use,” said Samp.

Another major part of the marketing campaign was a short video the group produced for WACS to increase awareness of the services they provide. According to Samp, the video explains “not only what they provide, but also how people can help.”

The class also solicited materials and labor from local businesses to construct roughly half a dozen Little Free Food Pantries, which will be placed throughout Waukee in the coming months.

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“The classmates were a delightfully diverse group of welcoming, goal-driven, inspirational, and communityfocused leaders.”

Gretchen Stranger The pantries provide “a way for people to get the basics without having to go into WACS," said Samp. The group also aimed to raise funds for WACS, and although some of the group’s progress fundraising was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they still managed to raise over $4,700 by the time their efforts were slowed in March. “I am pleased our class remains committed to completing the project we began in September and I’m elated to witness our efforts take shape in the community," said Stanger.

The impact of the Waukee Leadership Institute has certainly been felt throughout the city of Waukee over the years. "I think the class projects have made a great impact on the community," said Snyder. She also points out the great leadership the Institute has produced, such as Class of 2007 graduate Chad Airhart, who is currently the Dallas County Recorder, as well as current City Council member Anna Bergman, a Class of 2017 graduate who recently ran for Iowa State Representative.

Peard agrees. The Institute has become a "definite part of the community," he said.

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STORY Kellyn Pappas

Waukee Leadership Institute

Cl as s P roj e cts

That impact is felt by the Institute's graduates, as well. Snyder enjoyed working with the Class of 2020. "They were all very professional," she said, adding that she appreciated "their enthusiasm for the class and the project."

Stanger explained, “The classmates were a delightfully diverse group of welcoming, goaldriven, inspirational, and community-focused leaders.”

Samp agrees. "I enjoyed collaborating with so many smart and caring people," she said. "I appreciated the kind hearts and strong work ethic of the group."

Hingst was inspired by presenters’ knowledge and dedication. "Waukee has some tremendous leaders, in our government and in the private sector,” he said. “They take great pride in our community, and this is awesome to see. It inspires me to get more involved."

That impact was felt by Samp, as well. "My son and I are planning on volunteering more regularly at WACS," she explained. "It has enriched our family life, as well.”

The Little Free Food Pantries represent the culmination of an experience that enriched the Class of 2020 not only professionally, but personally—an experience that has carried through to their lives after graduation.

Stanger perhaps best sums up the impact: "I have developed invaluable relationships with my classmates and local business leaders, gained insight about myself, become more involved with the Waukee community, strengthened my leadership style and reinforced the ambition to be the most authentic version of myself."

“The class projects have made a great impact on the community.”

Terry Snyder 14

July / August 2020

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15

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT By Kellyn Pappas

GIVE lOVE

Glynn Village

Unrest continues nationwide in response to the death of George Floyd and the larger discussion regarding racism and police brutality in our culture. However, there have also been numerous instances of communities coming together in the wake of the turmoil.

One such event took place right here in Waukee on June 12.

Waukee resident Erin Dahl was one of the primary organizers of the Give Love event, which took place in the Glynn Village neighborhood of Waukee, just west of the Waukee Police Department on SE LA Grant Parkway. "Waukee Elementary School has a slogan: ‘Give love.’ They always teach kindness," said Dahl. "I borrowed that idea to give love to the families struggling in the neighborhood. I wanted them to feel our arms around them."

Dahl said it was particularly important to involve the neighborhood kids in the event. "Our children have been so blessed to have grown up with kids of every color as their friends. Most of our children have close friends and neighbors of color, so they have a hard time understanding why racism even exists.

It was difficult to explain this to them and hard to talk about."

According to Dahl, it was just as important to include law enforcement officers in the event. "We know that our officers here in Waukee are part of our community," she explained. "Their children go to school with our children."

The event was intended to foster unity in the face of apparent division. "I thought this demonstration of unity could comfort families of color who are worried for themselves and their children, as well as officers in our neighborhood," said Dahl. "Both sides needed comfort, and both sides are loved, valued and appreciated here."

For the Give Love event, Glynn Village residents and Waukee community members were encouraged to decorate their driveways with messages of love and peace. Dahl commented that people began decorating early in the morning on June 12.

"We started posting photos, and the excitement grew," she said. She added that the sidewalk and driveway decorating was a great way to get kids involved, as well. "The sidewalk decorating was a perfect way to bring children into a positive, productive demonstration of caring," she said.

At 7 p.m. on June 12, drone footage captured more than 50 people taking a knee (while social distancing) in memory of George Floyd. Dahl made a Facebook Live video as the community observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence. Afterward, "I called for unity [and] expressed my heartfelt love and appreciation for all and that together, we can get through this," she said.

Dahl said the response has been positive. "There were so many families that reached out to say how much this meant to them. Many families of color were so kind with their words of encouragement and hope," she said. She went on to say she hopes that everyone—children and adults alike—goes forward knowing that there are ways to turn a divisive issue into one that brings people together instead.

"Another quote they use at Waukee Elementary is 'Seek first to understand,'" she said. "If we can listen long enough to understand the point of view of both, we can see the big picture. We can find a common ground," she explained.

Dahl said she hopes the Give Love event demonstrates the value of community, particularly to the children involved. "I hope our children see that even in a pandemic, we can do something," she said.

"We can help in positive ways, even when the world seems crazy and scary. I hope our neighbors see that we love them and support them, regardless of our differences. I hope they see that community comes from these moments when we pull together."

"I thought this demonstration of unity could comfort families of color who are worried for themselves and their children, as well as officers in our neighborhood."

Erin Dahl 16

July / August 2020

AUTO REPAIR Willard Garage National Auto Service Professional Day

In recognition of National Auto Service Professional Day, which was June 12, I’d like to recognize the auto service professionals in our community who serve our families by ensuring our safety, protecting our investments, and providing advice on our investments.

These men and women prepare for their profession through higher education and continually keep up on new technologies and invest in the new tools that are required in their ever-changing field.

As the pandemic blew up, these professionals continued to work every day in their essential businesses all across our community. As families adjusted to stay-at-home orders and some faced radically changing personal budgets, these professionals adjusted prescribed treatments as needed. After all, we are entrusted with your family’s investments and the safety of your family, and we strive to provide the most informed and best treatment option for the client.

As the owners of Willard Garage, we ask you to join us in celebrating the automotive service professionals who serve you by sending a note of thanks and encouragement, specifically addressed to your technician, because they’re so often in the background.

It doesn’t matter if your technician works for us or another local auto repair business. It doesn’t cost much, and you’ll be amazed at how much loyalty and goodwill it fosters.

Technicians serving our community at Willard Garage include Nate with 21 years’ experience, Court with 2 years’ experience, and Brian with 31 years’ experience.

Join us as we extend a big shout-out to our automotive service professionals Peggy, Robyn, Nate, Court and Paige! Thanks for serving, thanks for investing in our community, and above all, thanks for your personal integrity that fuels the trust on which we build our business every day!

17

FROM YOUR Waukee School District THE FIFTH SEASON IN IOWA IS CONSTRUCTION

and the same is true in Waukee Sugar Creek Elementary, the district’s tenth elementary school, held its groundbreaking event on May 21. The new school is located in the southwest area of the district, north of Ashworth Road and southwest of the Sugar Creek Golf Course. Construction has begun, and the building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

WAUKEE HIGH SCHOOL AND PRAIRIEVIEW PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS This project entails removing and replacing the asphalt and concrete in both south parking lots, selected driveways and the WHS north loading dock areas. This project is a continuation of the paving improvements that began last summer.

PRAIRIEVIEW FITNESS CENTER ADDITION This project allows for a dedicated fitness center for students in grades 8-9 that are in the Northwest High School feeder. This fitness center will be used for curricular physical education at Prairieview, along with before- and after-school and summer strength and conditioning.

• Parking and access to Prairieview will be impacted the most by Phase 3 and 4 of the project. During this time, primary parking will be provided in the WHS east parking lot with access to the building through the Theater Arts Center. Both street entrances from University will be closed during this time, as well.

• WHS’ north driveway and loading dock will be closed during Phase 5 of the project.

• Barricades and signage will be provided to assist motorists and visitors. Please do not drive around the barriers.

• The project schedule may change depending on the weather.

• This project mainly affects the north and west areas adjacent to the existing gym and locker rooms.

• The school’s north entrance/exit doors will remain largely available for use.

• Parking in the northernmost lots may be temporarily adjusted to accommodate construction traffic.

This project will add 20 preschool classrooms and administrative areas to the east side of the existing Vince Meyer Learning Center building in order to consolidate the district’s preschool programs into one location.

TIMBERLINE STADIUM IMPROVEMENTS

EASON ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM ADDITION AND PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS

• The project also includes a smaller office addition to the west side of the building for the technology and community education departments.

• The existing “ranch” or “bus barn” building will be demolished over the summer of 2021.

• Construction activities will significantly impact the use and occupancy of the VMLC building for a good portion of the construction timeframe.

• Phase 2, scheduled for the summer of 2021, will include field turf, a concessions area and restroom facilities.

• Phase 1 work will mainly affect the track and field areas, which will be unavailable for use during the project timeframe.

• If all goes according to plan, Waukee Community School District will hold competitive athletic events at Timberline Stadium beginning in the fall of 2020.

The district is working on several improvement projects over the summer. We are looking forward to further enhancing our facilities and learning environments for staff, students and families. We were able to start some of these projects early due to the school year ending early this year.

VINCE MEYER LEARNING CENTER PRESCHOOL AND OFFICE ADDITION

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July / August 2020

Phase 1 of this project includes improvements to the existing stadium to prepare it for competition use.

This will include lights, fencing, an entrance area for spectators, bleachers, a press box and a scoreboard.

BROOKVIEW ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM ADDITION This project will add three new classrooms, a band room and two small group rooms for personalized instruction.

• This project mainly affects the northernmost ends of the kindergarten and first-grade wings of the existing building.

This project will add five new classrooms, a band room, a small group room for personalized instruction and other support spaces.

• Part of the project will include the complete reworking of the south parking lot and driveway to improve the safety and efficiency of student drop-off and pick-up. It will significantly increase the amount of driveway length available for vehicle stacking, and should help prevent vehicles from backing up onto SE Boone Drive.

• The addition portion of this project mainly affects the northernmost end of the second-grade wing of the existing building.

• The parking lot improvements are expected to take place over the summer of 2021.

FROM YOUR Waukee Library

By Leah White

Curbside Service Now Available

Contact-free curbside pickup is now available at the Waukee Public Library!

Library cardholders can now place holds on items using the online catalog on our website or by phone.

Patrons will be notified to schedule a pickup time when their items are ready.

Curbside return of library materials is also available during our curbside hours. Patrons can return items to the bins on the labeled carts. If you are only returning items, please leave the parking spaces closest to the pickup location for people using curbside pick-up. Due to construction, the drive-up return will remain closed at this time. Returned items will be checked in after at least 72 hours of quarantine.

Curbside service is available Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the library’s front entrance. This location could change due to weather or parking lot construction.

Please follow the directional signs.

PLACE YOUR HOLDS NOW! waukeepubliclibrary.org 515-978-7944

Curbside FAQs • Curbside pickup service is available for library materials including books, audiobooks, DVDs and magazines.

Donations • The library is not accepting book, DVD or magazine donations at this time • We are not accepting donations of craft supplies or envelopes at this time.

• The library is closed at this time and will remain closed to the public.

• No fines were charged during our closure.

• All library cards set to expire in 2020 have been renewed until July 1, 2021.

• All items checked out prior to our closing in March are due July 1. If you cannot return your items before then, please let us know and we can extend that date further.

Reopening • The library has a multi-phase plan for reopening based on federal reopening guidelines. We will open as soon as it is safe to do so. We are closely monitoring the situation.

Getting a Library Card

Parking lot • The library is currently undergoing a parking lot project that will double the number of parking spots. This project will last into the fall.

Interlibrary Loan • At this time, we are unable to take any requests for interlibrary loans. We hope to resume this service in the near future.

• Any interlibrary loans that were checked out prior to our closing should be returned as soon as possible.

• You can create a digital library card on our website.

• If you would like to be able to check out items, you will first need to create a digital library card. Once you do that, let us know and we can upgrade your digital card to a temporary card. The temporary card will allow you to continue to use digital resources as well as check out five items at a time.

We will send your new library card number to you via email and mail.

For more information on our new curbside services, please visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/curbside.

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LAW Masterson & Bottenberg SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS We’ve recently received several questions from clients concerning special needs trusts, what they are, how they function, and whether they are a good fit for particular situations. These can be solid planning tools for people looking to help protect the financial assets of those with certain mental disorders, minors that have congenital physical challenges, personal injury survivors, or adults that have become incapacitated due to illness or injury.

CHARLIE BOTTENBERG Masterson & Bottenberg LLP Part n e r

cbottenberg@mblawia.com 515-216-0737 Masterson & Bottenberg LLP is a Waukee law firm specializing in Wills, Trusts, Estate, Long Term Care Planning, Asset Protection, Succession Planning, Guardianships, Business and Corporate Law, and Conservatorships. We strive to provide excellent service to our community and be “Your Law Firm When Life Happens.”

These operate much like traditional trusts; however, they do not allow the individual to spend the money themselves. A special needs trust does allow another adult (the “trustee”) to manage the money and finances for the special-needs person (the “beneficiary”), and allows for needs such as medical care, compliance with tax and reporting laws, and the maintenance of public benefits to be addressed.

Funding for these typically comes from a parent or other family member setting aside funds to be placed in the trust, or they can be “self-settled” using the proceeds received from a personal injury recovery.

In addition to the obvious payment of medical payments, the trustee can also use the special needs trust to cover the costs of other items for the beneficiary, such as haircuts, house cleaning, clothing and vehicles, as well as pets and their supplies.

Unlike traditional trusts, however, there may be a multitude of additional things to look at other than just how it is funded and when the funds are available to the beneficiary.

A properly drafted special needs trust will need to take into account the individual needs of the beneficiary, both now and well into the future, as well as any public funding that the beneficiary is receiving, and who can act as trustee now and in the future.

This last point is often the most difficult to determine, especially when parents are acting as trustees for their children. The conversation on how things are handled in the event a parent is not there to take care of them is critical to ensuring the special needs trust does what it is intended to do.

If you have questions about your individual situation, the best first step is to reach out to an experienced estate planning attorney who can go over your options with you.

“Your Law Firm For When Life Happens” Jeremy Masterson - Charlie Bottenberg Experienced Attorneys practicing in the areas of: Wills, Trusts, Estate and Long Term Care Planning Asset Protection and Succession Planning Guardianships and Conservatorships Business and Corporate Law Masterson & Bottenberg, LLP 14225 University Ave., Suite 210, Waukee IA 50263 Phone: 515-216-0737 Fax: 515-216-0104 www.mblawia.com

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July / August 2020

CHAMBER Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

Thank You for Shopping Local The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy.

Thank you for continuing to support our Waukee business community!

WAUKEE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2020 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Golf Outing was held on June 18 at the Beaver Creek Golf Course. Golfers participated in activities at each tee, sponsored by member businesses. Our guests enjoyed a round of golf and business networking. The western theme offered each guest the opportunity to wear their protective face mask (provided by the Chamber) in style. The Chamber also provided a boxed lunch and lots of bottled water from Waukee Hy-Vee!

Thanks to all of our business member sponsors, who were highlighted on signage throughout the golf course. The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our Board of Directors, Community Development Committee, Ambassadors, staff and other volunteers for helping to make the day so enjoyable for all of our members!

"The Chamber would like to thank our Board of Directors, Community Development Committee, Ambassadors, staff and other volunteers for helping to make the day so enjoyable for all of our members!"

Continued>>> 21

CHAMBER Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce BEST WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE 1. Volunteer on a Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce Committee (Government Affairs, Community Development, Economic Development, Membership, Scholarship, Waukee YP & Ambassadors).

2. Refer local business.

3. Get involved by attending Good Morning Waukee, our monthly Waukee Chamber Networking Luncheon or After Hours (provided virtually on Zoom through the summer).

4. Highlight your business at a signature event, such as the Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, What's Cookin' in Waukee, Golf Outing or the Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour.

5. Patronize existing businesses.

6. Support new businesses by welcoming them to our community and being a part of their Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony!

7. Stay “in the know” with the weekly Waukee Chamber Business Report.

8. Share your successes, job openings and events in our communications to Chamber membership.

9. Collaborate with local organizations to strengthen our community.

10. Connect with the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce by using our online or printed membership directory.

WAUKEE FARMERS MARKET

The Waukee Downtown Business Group will host the Waukee Farmers Market on Wednesdays starting June 17 through September from 4 -7 p.m.in the historic Waukee Triangle Park.

WAUKEE SCHOOL TO WORK GRADUATION

Congratulations to all Waukee High School (WHS) students who participated in the School to Work program. Thank you to Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce intern, Lily Couchman! WHS connects high school seniors with local business internships for handson experience in a field of interest and class credit! Thanks to our business community for supporting this awesome program!

WAUKEE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS RECOGNIZED

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Board Scholarship Chairs Ray Meister of Security National Bank and Ashley Rottinghaus of West Bank, recognized two Waukee High School Seniors, Caitlin Henriksen and Frances Loeffelholz, as recipients of the Chamber's 2020 scholarships on May 28!

More information can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.waukeechamber.com.

If you have any questions, please email info@waukeechamber.com or call 515-978-7115.

22

July / August 2020

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628 NE 56TH ST, ANKENY, IA 50021

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