myWaukee March/April 2020

FARMHER

A spotlight orniculture women in ag

THE IMAGE THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN MOST OF US PICTURE A FARMER IS THAT OF A MAN. BUT LOCAL RESIDENT

MARJI GUYLER-ALANIZ IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO CHANGE THAT.

MAKING THE PASS

WAUKEE LIBRARY

Waukee Lacrosse

100 Years of the 19th Amendment

Also FACES OF WAUKEE Ryan West

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT First Lady Lou

CHAMBER NEWS Save the date for upcoming events

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FROM The Publisher Good Sports The world doesn’t revolve around sports, but try telling that to someone over the next few weeks as brackets are filled out, busted and promptly shot across the room into the circular file…clank!

Ok, I’ll think positively…swish! Over the course of my 44 years, I’ve been fortunate to be around a lot of good sports.

Basketball was one of my very first loves as a kid—from the hoop that still hangs in the old machine shed on our farm in rural Winfield, Iowa, to the Hawkeye teams I cheered for when I was young. Popping popcorn and tuning into the games on the Raycom Network (with Larry Morgan and Mac McCausland calling the games and players like BJ Armstrong, Andre Woolridge, and eventually my old high school teammate Jess Settles)— yep, I was hooked.

It started with my parents putting me on our local small-town team when I was in fifth grade. I remember the smell of my first pair of red and black Sky Jordans (the smaller kids’ size that had no “Air,") and my dad taking me to “open gym” as I moved on to junior high on Sunday nights at Winfield Mt. Union, where we’d play against older kids (and some of the parents) from our high school.

MARCH / APRIL 2020

Publisher & Partner Jason McArtor

Creative Director & Partner Zachary Kern

Content Kellyn Pappas

Photos / Creative / Layout FARMBOY Marketing & Web Development

Copy Editor I started out with my junior high coach, Terry Rodgers, and Coach Coble and Gerling, and moved on to JV and varsity with Coach McGowan and Coach Mike Koelker. I looked forward to grabbing a copy of the new Street & Smith’s Basketball Yearbook every winter at Hy-Vee to see who the top college and high school teams and players across the country were. (This was before the internet.) I went to hours of games, practices, team camps at UNI and summerleague games across the Eastern part of the state.

Eventually, our teams went on to play in three state tournaments, from 10th to 12th grade, finishing runner-up, third and fourth in the state—losing in OT of the state semi-finals before our 1995 team took the championship the year after I graduated. Coach and those guys deserved that.

Marjorie Sandner

Advertising 515 - 3 1 4 - 1 3 2 1

Distributor Goldfinch Media

Event Photography & Social Media Curator Igor Dimitrienko

We never lifted the big trophy at the old barn, but the friendships and lessons and everything else I learned during those years were invaluable. I’ll always enjoy the memories of all the different people I played with and against, including future college and professional players at a number of different levels.

The Iowa girls’ and boys’ state tournaments will be taking place as this issue is coming off the press, and kids from towns that many of us have never heard of, all across our state, will make their way to our community. Nine teams will succeed in what they sought out to do, and dozens of teams will fall short of even making it to Des Moines, but win or lose, there’s a lot to gain from the time spent in getting knocked down and pulling yourself up and doing it all over again—in front of huge crowds, or with no one watching at all.

Address 8527 University Blvd Suite 7 Clive, Iowa 50325 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. ©2020 Goldfinch Media

Jason McArtor MyTown Magazines P ubli she r & Pa rtne r j ason@ mytow nma g azin e s .c o m / 5 1 5-3 1 4 -1 3 21

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March / April 2020

CONTENTS March / April 2020

09 18 HIG H L I G H TS

06 CITY OF WAUKEE

Triumph Park

Triumph Park will feature a sports complex with 12 softball/baseball fields, practice areas, concessions, accessible restrooms and 800+ parking spaces.

The complex will serve local teams as well as large tournaments.

09 COMMUNITY

First Lady Lou

Special Free Performance of “First Lady Lou” Celebrates the Life of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.

Waukee’s Prairieview Theatre Arts Center on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m.

18 FACES OF WAUKEE

Ryan West

Meet local Podcaster and Entrepreneur Ryan West, who is all about creating a community for motivation, wellness and health. Ryan created a platform to help people realize that they can defeat adversity and how to prepare for it, and this all comes from his own personal experience.

15 15 STORY

S E C T IONS

Waukee Lacrosse

It may still be cold and slushy outside, but make no mistake, spring is on its way back to Iowa.

With spring comes the usual sporting events—track meets, golf, and soccer, baseball and softball games.

And as of last year, there's another option for Waukee athletes: lacrosse.

21 STORY

21

0 4 F rom th e P u blisher 0 6 You r Ci ty of Waukee 0 9 You r Commu nity Spotlight 1 3 You r Wau kee Sc hool D istric t 2 6 You r Wau kee Cham ber 2 8 You r Wau kee Library

FarmHer

Traditionally, the image that comes to mind when most of us picture a farmer is that of a man—a male farmer out in the fields, in the tractor or climbing a grain bin. But local resident and Iowa native Marji Guyler-Alaniz, through her multimedia business, FarmHer, is working tirelessly to change that.

28 WAUKEE LIBRARY

19th Amendment

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. After 70 years of protests, marches, rallies and hard work by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, and countless other women, this Amendment, passed on August 18, 1920, granted women the right to vote in U.S. elections.

ON THE COVER Marji Guyler-Alaniz of FarmHer

5

CITY OF WAUKEE

Future Triumph Park to Feature Amenities of ‘EPIC’ Proportions

On Thursday, Jan. 23, the IMAX auditorium at The Palms Theatres & IMAX was filled to capacity with citizens eager to hear the Waukee Betterment Foundation and the City of Waukee announce new details about the future 66-acre community park and sports complex being built in western Waukee, including its name—Triumph Park.

Triumph Park will feature a sports complex with 12 softball/baseball fields, practice areas, concessions, accessible restrooms and 800+ parking spaces. The complex will serve local teams as well as large tournaments.

The journey toward planning Triumph Park was not possible in years past due to the high cost of infrastructure and other setbacks. But, when the Waukee Community School District was selecting a site for its future second high school, WCSD and City of Waukee officials decided to jointly purchase 160 acres of land located north of Hickman Road and east of N. 10th Street. Triumph Park will be located adjacent to Northwest High School.

The City will build an 11-acre pond which will also serve as a major stormwater management feature.

Large greenspaces will be used for events, and three miles of trails will connect to area neighborhoods and regional trail systems. In addition, the Waukee Betterment Foundation is raising $3 million to help fund accessible features at Triumph Park.

“With such a broad range of activities and opportunities provided at the future park, it was challenging to pin down a name,” said Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke.

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March / April 2020

“When we considered that people of all abilities can win a baseball game, safely fish off the pier, enjoy a playdate with friends, reach fitness goals and attend outdoor events without barriers, the term ‘Triumph’ kept surfacing. I think the name ‘Triumph Park’ really speaks to the inclusion and optimism of what this regional destination will be.”

The Waukee Betterment Foundation and Minnesotabased playground design firm Landscape Structures Inc. revealed the look of the Waukee EPIC Inclusive Playground. The firm builds only one EPIC Playground every year, and Waukee’s will be the most inclusive to date of its size.

EPIC playgrounds are “designed for all families, all kids, all abilities to be able to play together, to share together and, most importantly, to grow together,” said Scott Roschi, Landscape Structures Creative Director.

The 15,000-square-foot playground will feature mobility device access at various levels, rubberized surfacing for accessibility and safety, a seating wall, sensory features, STEM panels, shade structures and accessible parking and restrooms.

The Waukee EPIC Inclusive Playground will be situated near the Greater Iowa Credit Union Miracle League® Field and an accessible fishing pier.

“The responses we have received from donors—whether they be other foundations offering grants, central Iowa businesses, service groups or individuals—has been tremendous,” said Todd McDonald, Waukee Betterment Foundation Board President. “We often hear stories of how this park will positively impact the lives of their employees and/or their family members. It’s going to be something special for Dallas County and the central Iowa area as a whole.”

Mayor Clarke added a personal anecdote as she addressed the crowd on Jan. 23 related to how amenities such as these have impacted her family.

“While the Miracle League® Field, fishing pier and park are certainly critical for the more than 1,200 students throughout Dallas County living with disabilities, the adults in our region will benefit as well,” said Clarke.

“We often hear stories of how this park will positively impact the lives of their employees and/or their family members. It’s going to be something special for Dallas County and the central Iowa area as a whole.”

TODD MCDONALD

“My mother-in-law is blind and my father-in-law was quadriplegic. It has always been important in our family to attend attractions where we can enjoy them all together. For a parent or grandparent with a mobility or sensory impairment to be able to take their kids or grandkids fishing or to the park is definitely epic.”

The foundation also acknowledged Apple, Inc. for its role in making the all-inclusive amenities possible with a significant donation. The company, which previously announced that it’s building a large data center in western Waukee, is contributing $1 million to the Waukee Betterment Foundation for this project.

That $1 million boost brings the foundation’s current fundraising total (as of Jan. 23, 2020) to $1.6 million, with $1.4 million left to raise.

The $3 million the Waukee Betterment Foundation is raising covers the inclusive amenities at Triumph Park.

The City’s estimated budget for the rest of the project is around $17 million over a two-year build-out. Dallas County Local Option Sales Tax revenues will cover about two-thirds of the park’s cost. A Public Improvement Fund with Apple is expected to cover the remaining third. It is the City’s intention that Triumph Park will not be paid for with debt or property taxes.

Construction at Triumph Park is expected to begin in the fall of 2020 with a planned opening date in the spring of 2022.

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AUTO REPAIR Willard Garage

Modern Cars and Software Updating

There’s no doubt about it—we live in a digital age with machines all around us that use software or programming. Our cars are no exception.

They can have dozens of computers handling many different systems and communicating with each other on networks to send and receive commands, sensor data, status reports and fault codes.

All of this functionality requires software—the instructions for performing the assigned functions. And just like how some parts need a design improvement, software also requires periodic improvements. How often do you see an update performed on your phone for the phone itself or for the many different apps we install? Every day? Certainly, every week.

When it comes to our cars and pickups, let me assure you, these updates are necessary and beneficial to us. We’ve seen updates available to improve fuel economy, reduce oil consumption, reduce emissions, improve safety, and/or improve driver comfort.

We’ve even seen a fault code on an oxygen sensor where a software update is the repair, not replacing the sensor. The simple code scan at home or at the auto parts store just tells you the oxygen sensor is bad and guess what—they can sell you an oxygen sensor, even if it won’t fix the fault.

Another time when software programming is commonly needed is when we replace a failed component. Some newer components (such as a GM window switch module) are modules that require programming as part of the replacement. It looks and feels like a switch assembly, but it’s also a computer module and when it’s replaced, the new unit needs to be programmed.

As a full-service shop, Willard Garage is your trusted alternative to dealer service, including module programming and updates. We’re investing in the latest technology every month and we attend regular training on the latest technology and service tools for you, our customer.

As a small-town, family-owned service shop, we’re proud to offer these repair options for the latest technology. This is one of the reasons we stand for “Old-Fashioned Service for Today’s Cars” at Willard Garage!

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March / April 2020

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Special Free Performance of “First Lady Lou” Celebrates the Life of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.

This March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. This March also marks the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, and March 29 is the 146th anniversary of the birth of Waterloo, Iowa native Lou Henry Hoover—also known as Mrs. Herbert Hoover.

The Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Hoover Presidential Foundation will mark these momentous occasions with a series of public performances throughout Iowa—including a free performance at Waukee’s Prairieview Theatre Arts Center on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m.!

Before becoming First Lady, she led a very active and public life, leading and working in many new movements and organizations, including the early years of the Girl Scouts and helping with food relief efforts during China’s Boxer Rebellion and World War I.

This performance will celebrate the life of Lou Henry Hoover, a remarkable pioneer of her time. Celebrating her during Women’s History Month and on the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage seems like an especially appropriate time to honor her many groundbreaking accomplishments.

The performance features Jane Fellows, an actress who has performed the one-woman show “First Lady Lou” at numerous venues around the United States. Throughout the show, “Lou” takes the audience on the remarkable journey of her life.

Not only did Mrs. Hoover excel in her role as First Lady, but she became the first woman to earn a geology degree from Stanford University.

Set in a New York City hotel room, Act I takes place in 1914, the day before she sails to London to join Herbert. Act II takes place in 1944, at the end of her life. Throughout the play, the audience experiences history through the eyes of a smart, compassionate and visionary woman.

Leslie Hoover-Lauble, great-granddaughter of Lou Henry and Herbert Hoover, will attend the performance and join the 2020 Iowa tour.

She provides first-hand knowledge of the Hoover family history and serves as a major selling feature for the show. She is, of course, Lou’s most significant advocate.

CONTINUE>>

The Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Hoover Presidential Foundation will mark these momentous occasions with a series of public performances throughout Iowa— including a free performance at Waukee’s Prairieview Theatre Arts Center on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m.!

9

COMMUNITY Spotlight

“Learning about Lou Henry Hoover was an eye-opening experience for me. As a woman born in the late 1800’s, she was anything but typical of her times.”

LESLIE HOOVER-LAUBLE GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER OF LOU HENRY AND HERBERT HOOVER

“Learning about Lou Henry Hoover was an eye-opening experience for me,” said Hoover-Lauble. “As a woman born in the late 1800’s, she was anything but typical of her times. She was a woman of many and surprising talents, with a high sense of integrity. I am a proud descendant of Lou Henry, and I thoroughly enjoy ‘First Lady Lou’ as performed by Jane Fellows.”

Hoover-Lauble was too young to meet her great-grandmother during her lifetime, but feels Jane Fellow’s depiction of Lou Henry gave her the opportunity to meet her after all.

Ms. Fellows first performed “First Lady Lou” in March of 2014 as a commissioned piece by Colonial Dames of America in Oregon and the HooverMinthorn House Museum. “Being able to share this part of history through the lens of this extraordinary woman is at once humbling as well as a distinct honor,” said Fellows.

“First Lady Lou” touches on issues of ethnicity, diversity and identity, giving audience members great insights into the history of these important issues.

For example, Lou Henry made great efforts to be inclusive while in and out of the White House. As First Lady, she coordinated the social functions at the White House, including inviting the wives of the members of Congress to the White House for tea.

Mrs. Hoover faced an unusually delicate situation—for the first time in 30 years, Congress included an African American member, Oscar Stanton DePriest, the son of former slaves, elected from Chicago. Rather than bow to political pressure, she invited Mrs. DePriest to an intimate tea at the White House with the wives of cabinet members.

Mrs. DePriest’s attendance as an invited guest at a White House social function accorded her social legitimacy, and by implication, equal standing with the white guests, something well ahead of her time.

“First Lady Lou” was written by Des Moines, Iowa playwright Rebecca Christian. The Hoover Presidential Foundation has received a grant award from Humanities Iowa, a state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in support of “First Lady Lou.”

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March / April 2020

HOME IMPROVEMENT Home Solutions of Iowa Spring Gutter Maintenance Is A Must Sunshine, storms, and warm weather are near. It is time to make sure your gutters are prepared for the spring showers to come. With the cold and snowy winter we experienced, your gutters and home may have experienced additional damage that you haven’t seen before. We have compiled a small list of helpful tips for inspecting your gutters before the first spring storm.

1. Inspect, Clean, And Check Your Gutter System for Damage Before heavy rains begin to fall, inspect, clean, and check your gutter system for damage. Check the entire draining system: The downspouts play an equally important role in diverting rainwater quickly and safely away from your home. An easy way to check for clogs or leaks and clean the downspouts is, turn the water on and run a hose down from the top. If you notice water backing up into the gutter, your gutters have a clog somewhere.

JOSEPH SMITH

Home Solutions of Iowa Own e r

515-954-3555 Home Solutions of Iowa has established itself as a trustworthy and reliable source for homeowners looking for all sorts of exterior remodeling solutions. We’re a full-service exterior remodeling company specializing in LeafGuard® gutter protection, seamless gutter systems, rain barrels, roofing, insulation, windows, doors, and siding. We started as a one-man show at the Iowa State Fair in 2003 and have since grown to have more than 50 employees serving the entire state of Iowa.

2. Observe any hanging or fallen gutters and missing or damage downspouts Damage could have been caused by fallen limbs, ice damming, clogs or even by the weight of snow. Make sure to check the seams of your downspouts and the elbow connections. Seam separation can be a result of swelling debris or freezing. Downspouts are installed with the seam facing your home and if they have separated, snowmelt and rainwater will leak against your home’s siding and foundation.

3. Call Home Solutions of Iowa: If you feel uncomfortable climbing a ladder to maintenance your gutters or if you have found that your gutters need a little more attention than just some spring cleaning, it is best to call a professional contractor. We will gladly come out and take a look at your gutters for you.

With LeafGuard® Brand Gutters, we can provide you with a peace of mind and a maintenance-free solution!

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March / April 2020

FROM YOUR Waukee School District

It includes detailed plans to manage the district’s facility and infrastructure needs, financial health and enrollment projections.

We believe this plan is an intentional, strategic shift to a longer-term, systemic approach to facility planning.

WHAT’S NEW IN WAUKEE SCHOOLS? 10-YEAR FACILITY AND FINANCIAL PLAN Waukee Community School District’s 10-year Facility and Financial Plan was recently created to help map our future growth and development. It includes detailed plans to manage the district’s facility and infrastructure needs, financial health and enrollment projections. We believe this plan is an intentional, strategic shift to a longer-term, systemic approach to facility planning.

Waukee continues to see increases in enrollment, so these increases are addressed within the plan. Also included in the plan is a map for new facilities, as well as support for existing facilities through 10-year planning that also addresses finances, boundary work and staffing. The plan also reflects our priorities of equity in infrastructure across our schools and students’ access to technology. Lastly, based on current financial and enrollment projections, the plan’s vision contains shifts in approaches of our maturing district.

FUNDING The proposed model will require a bond referendum to secure funds to pay for the plan so that other infrastructure monies can be directly committed to roof projects, interior improvements to existing schools, and parking lot repairs and replacements, in addition to new facilities. This model allows for better planning and provides opportunities to place more technology in the hands of our students.

Proposed $195,000,000 GO Bond Referendum – September 2020 Total District Facility Needs Next 10 Years = $263,800,000

SUGAR CREEK ELEMENTARY The Board of Education approved Sugar Creek Elementary as the name for our 10th elementary school. The name was selected from community submissions and feedback. Sugar Creek Elementary will be located in the southwest area of our district, north of Ashworth Road and southwest of the Sugar Creek Golf Course. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2020, with an anticipated opening in the fall of 2022. A groundbreaking event will be held at a later date.

NEW PRINCIPAL AT WAUKEE NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL Dr. Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi will be the new Principal at Waukee Northwest High School.

She will officially begin her duties as principal on July 1, 2020, in preparation for Northwest High School opening in August 2021.

Dr. Bishara-Rantisi has more than 20 years of experience in education. She started her career as a middle school art teacher in Spain before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked in a variety of roles including Spanish teacher, curriculum specialist, and high school associate principal. Since 2017, she has worked as principal of Gentry Middle School, which belongs to the Columbia Public School District in Missouri.

For more information and updates about Waukee Community School District, visit waukeeschools.org or follow us on social media.

She will officially begin her duties as principal on July 1, 2020, in preparation for Northwest High School opening in August 2021.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy Physical Therapists: You’ve Heard of Them, But What Exactly Do They Do? As we go through life, we will inevitably experience some sort of pain or discomfort that can limit our ability to perform meaningful activities. These aches and pains can be slow to develop and occur over time, or they can happen in an instant from a fall, accident or activity. Furthermore, our discomfort can range from a mildly bothersome ache to an intolerable level that leaves us stuck in bed.

When it comes to a first line of action to deal with the wide variety of aches and pains you may experience, look no further than physical therapy. Your physical therapist will help you determine if your injury may require advanced medical attention, identify how your symptoms behave throughout the day and with activity, and come up with a personalized plan for getting you back to those meaningful activities.

PATRICK FORD, DPT

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy Physi cal Th e ra p ist

(515) 630-4745 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!

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March / April 2020

At Kinetic Edge, our mission is to restore health, happiness and hope by empowering our patients and giving them the knowledge and tools they need to recover.

DID YOU KNOW? » Physical therapists are skilled in assessing and treating muscles, joints and nerves and have in-depth understanding of how other conditions (e.g., heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, etc.) can affect your daily activities.

» At Kinetic Edge, you will get one-on-one care with a skilled clinician who will listen to your story, thoroughly assess your condition, and work with you to develop a rehab plan that fits your wants and needs.

» A physical therapist can help you save time and money by avoiding unnecessary x-rays and MRIs!

» Physical therapy is considered “direct access” in Iowa, which means you do not need a referral to see us.

» Physical therapists are skilled in exercise and manual therapy techniques that are often used together to optimize movement and decrease pain.

STORY By Kellyn Pappas

M aki ng the pass

It may still be cold and slushy outside, but make no mistake, spring is on its way back to Iowa. With spring comes the usual sporting events—track meets, golf, and soccer, baseball and softball games. And as of last year, there's another option for Waukee athletes: lacrosse.

se osse cros Lacr keee La auke Wau W

Lacrosse, which has its origins in various Native American communities, is the oldest team sport in North America. It existed primarily as a regional sport until roughly 50 years ago, centered in the Mid-Atlantic states. Throughout the last few decades, however, the sport has grown markedly in popularity and has spread throughout the United States.

According to a US Lacrosse survey from 2016, there are now more than 825,000 participants nationwide— an increasing number of which are right here in Waukee.

Getting the Waukee Lacrosse program up and running involved a tremendous amount of time and effort, according to Michelle Hilsabeck, one of the program’s executive board members. Until last year, interested players would join the very successful West Des Moines Tigers team. As the sport has grown in the metro, however, the West Des Moines club expanded to the point where it made sense to create another program.

"Waukee was a significant ‘feeder’ city to that program, so it became the logical place to start the next club," said Hilsabeck.

CONTINUE >>

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STORY By Kellyn Pappas

Adhering to the parameters from the Nebraska Lacrosse Association (the club’s governing organization), organizers began the process of creating a non-profit and finding a board for the club. Once that had been accomplished, the group was charged with creating budgets, securing funding for uniforms and equipment, finding practice space, creating a game schedule, finding coaches and recruiting players—a process that didn’t happen overnight.

“Some folks from the West Des Moines club and a group of Waukee parents worked for months to get everything ready for the season,” said Hilsabeck. “2018-2019 was a time of rapid learning.”

But learn they did, and Waukee Lacrosse is now entering its second year. The program is already seeing a jump in numbers, drawing players from not only Waukee, but Johnston, Urbandale, Grimes and other locations. According to Hilsabeck, there were over 80 players in the program last year.

"We're already nearing those numbers [at this point], with registration having only been open for a month," said Hilsabeck. Throughout the state, the program had over 500 kids playing last year—a mark they are on pace to surpass.

Since lacrosse isn't yet a school-sanctioned sport in Iowa, the program is 100 percent club-based. “We're anxious for the growth necessary to get this sport into the schools,” said Hilsabeck.

High school players begin indoor practices in January and move outdoors as soon as weather allows, according to Hilsabeck. The lacrosse season is a quick one—games begin at the end of March and continue through April. Locally, Waukee will play West Des Moines, Ankeny and Ames. They will also take on nine teams from Nebraska over the course of the season.

Also on the agenda for the future is the addition of a girls' program in Waukee.

Currently, the program supports four levels of boys' teams: high school-age, 14 and under, 12 and under, and 10 and under. “We're really interested in getting a girls' program going again at Waukee,” said Hilsabeck.

Lots of additional infrastructure will be required to achieve that goal, including finding additional coaches and referees, securing more field space and recruiting enough players to field a team. Currently, interested Warrior women play with the very competitive West Des Moines Tigers team, explained Hilsabeck.

For a sport that perhaps doesn't have quite the local history of track and field or baseball, lacrosse is certainly emerging as a popular new option for young metro athletes. Hilsabeck thinks the fast-paced, physical nature of the sport appeals to players and spectators alike.

“Lacrosse gives [players] an outlet where many of the skills they have—running, catching, throwing—can be combined with some different equipment to create a new experience," she explained. "I think there are many kids interested in trying something different."

“Some folks from the West Des Moines club and a group of Waukee parents worked for months to get everything ready for the season.

2018-2019 was a time of rapid learning.”

Michelle Hilsabeck

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March / April 2020

A CREDIT CARD WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN

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6 mo. intro rate

(purchases, transfers & cash advances)

With burgeoning registration numbers and growing buzz, it's likely only a matter of time until lacrosse becomes part of the roster of spring sports at area schools. In the meantime, Waukee Lacrosse's club season kicks off Sunday, March 29, against Elkhorn South, with an additional JV game later the same day against Northstar, both at Waukee High School Stadium.

The full home schedule is listed below.

"We welcome the community to come out and experience the games this season,� said Hilsabeck.

March 29

April 14

April 19

Waukee vs. Elkhorn South Waukee High School

Waukee vs. Ankeny Location TBD

Waukee vs. Westside Timberline Field

VARSITY: 10am JV: 12pm

VARSITY: 6pm JV: 7:30pm

VARSITY: 11am JV: 1pm

Waukee vs. Northstar Waukee High School

April 18

JV: 3pm April 5 Waukee vs. Creighton Prep Waukee High School VARSITY: 10am JV: 1pm

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Waukee vs Cobra Timberline Field West Des Moines VARSITY: 11am JV: 1pm Waukee vs. Burk VARSITY: 3pm

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For each billing period, the APR is determined by adding a margin to the Prime Rate. The margin APR for Purchases, Balance Transfers, and Cash Advances is 7.49%-13.49%. Finance charges are assessed on cash advances from the date they are posted.

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FACES OF WAUKEE Ryan West Where did you grow up?

I was born in Red Oak, Iowa, and grew up on the south side of Des Moines. After graduating from Lincoln High School, I left for the Navy, where I served from 1994-1998. My job in the Navy was a Flight Deck Director on board the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln. After the military, I attended and graduated from Simpson College.

Tell us about your family.

My wife Gayla and I have two children who are 20 and 18. We have lived in Waukee since 2006 and enjoy spending time together as a family.

Something unexpected happened in your 20’s.

Can you share what that was and how it affected you?

When I was 24, I was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumor and a disease called acromegaly, which is a form of giantism. Among other things, I had brain surgery, radiation and reconstructive jaw surgery as a result of the disease. About 18 months ago, I decided to find a way to use all of this to my advantage.

That led me to becoming a health and wellness entrepreneur, specializing in how to prepare for and overcome adversity. You can read more about my story on my website and in my weekly blog.

More recently, you've wanted to help and inspire others.

How have you been doing that?

In becoming an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that helping people who are struggling through adversity is actually a great way to help yourself. I created and host the Revealing Healing Motivational Health Story podcast where guests tell their health stories to inspire others. Montel Williams was the guest on my first episode last March, and now we’re closing in on 100 episodes.

I’ve also created a fitness app called Resistance Assistance Fitness Made Easy, which is a workout platform that anyone can use. I use resistance bands to do the training, and we have over 35 weeks of total body workouts, individual body workouts and 20-minute aerobic cardio blasts that anyone can do.

In May, I’m launching Adversity University, an online course to help those who have been through adversity use what they have learned to become entrepreneurs themselves. I'm very fortunate to have gone through my own health journey to put me on this path. I wouldn't have said that two years ago.

How can readers follow your work?

Website, podcast, speaking and blog: ryanwest.live Fitness website and app: fitnessmadeeasy.net Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/RevealingHealingFighters

18

March / April 2020

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Eat Right, Bite by Bite at WOWkee!

Good nutrition shouldn’t be restrictive or overwhelming.

Small goals and changes can have a healthful effect, and every little bit (or bite!) of nutrition is a step in the right direction.

Let your Waukee Hy-Vee and Registered Dietitian, Erin Good, help you achieve your health goals and make healthy eating easy and enjoyable this spring!

PERSONALIZED NUTRITION TOUR With the changing of the seasons, NOW is a great time to try new foods and set new goals. Spring clean your diet and the kitchen pantry while leaving the heavy comfort foods behind!

Contact Erin at egood@hy-vee.com or call the Dietitian Office at 515-216-2770 to schedule your own personalized and free tour today.

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TAKE A BITE ON THE HEALTHY SIDE WOWKEE’S EXCLUSIVE TASTING EVENT

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STORY By Kellyn Pappas STORY Saul Shapiro

FarmHer

A spot light oniculture women in agr

Agriculture is omnipresent in the lives of many Iowans. Even if you didn't grow up on a farm yourself, chances are your parents and/or grandparents did.

Traditionally, the image that comes to mind when most of us picture a farmer is that of a man—a male farmer out in the fields, in the tractor or climbing a grain bin.

But local resident and Iowa native Marji Guyler-Alaniz, through her multimedia business, FarmHer, is working tirelessly to change that.

CONTINUE >>

21

STORY Originally from Webster City, Alaniz moved to central Iowa and spent most of her childhood near Grimes.

Although her grandparents farmed, she didn't originally set out to work in the agriculture industry. Fresh out of Grand View University with a degree in graphic design and journalism and a minor in photography, she landed in the marketing department at Johnstonbased Rain and Hail, one of the largest crop insurance companies in the nation. Alaniz spent the next 11 years moving up the corporate ladder. By early 2013, however, she realized it was time for a change.

“I can't say I expected, nor was I prepared for what came next.

FarmHer quickly garnered attention and gained traction. There wasn't really anything else like it out there” - MARJI GUYLER-ALANIZ

According to Alaniz, there wasn't one specific factor that prompted her to "figure out what career 2.0 was," as she put it. Having given birth to her second child and noticing that her life wasn't slowing down, she realized she was no longer fulfilled by her corporate role.

“Insurance is important, but I needed a change, and a big one at that!” she explained. “I knew if I didn't take the leap then, I might blink and realize that I had spent my life working on something that didn't light a fire in me.”

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“To say it was a major change is an understatement,” she said. "I had no concept of FarmHer [at the time]. I knew I wanted to incorporate photography into whatever I did, but I wasn't sure what that was."

As it turns out, a major sporting event provided the impetus that pushed her in that direction. “The Super Bowl was on just two days after I left my job, and a commercial during the game sparked the fire that led me to start FarmHer as a photography project just a few months later!" said Alaniz.

Looking to bring women to the forefront of agriculture, Alaniz spent the summer of 2013 photographing a few such women in Iowa. She published those pictures on a "very basic," photography-focused blog, plus social media pages, in July of 2013.

"I can't say I expected, nor was I prepared for what came next," said Alaniz. FarmHer quickly garnered attention and gained traction. “There wasn't really anything else like it out there,” she explained.

Women in agriculture not only began to engage with and participate in FarmHer's content, but they started to share their own stories, as well. Some of the women requested t-shirts, so Alaniz began to sell a few. The ball kept rolling, and by the fall of 2013, Alaniz had incorporated FarmHer into a business. “Then,” she said, “the real work began!”

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Alaniz began 2014 with the goal to push FarmHer beyond the online world. Working with the Small Business Development Center in Des Moines to create a business plan, she undertook small speaking engagements, photography displays, gallery shows and conferences—and lots of them. “Everywhere I went, I tried to make sure I introduced myself to as many people as I could, and introduced them to FarmHer,” she said.

It paid off. Soon, Alaniz had filled her calendar for 2015, as well. 2015 also marked the first of what would become many Grow by FarmHer ticketed events, which sold about 200 tickets to young women from around the state. The events, which provided young women with the chance to network with peers, connect with industry professionals and hear from speakers, proved enormously popular, and by 2016, over 1,000 young women from four states had participated.

2016 brought even more radical changes for FarmHer. Alaniz had been contacted the year before by the founder of RFD-TV, a national cable TV network focused on rural America. With their support, Alaniz and her team took FarmHer to a weekly, 30-minute television show, airing in over 50 million households around the country.

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STORY That was a turning point for FarmHer,” she said.

Episodes spotlighted, among others, a woman running an urban goat dairy in Tampa, Florida, as well as an 80-year-old Texas resident singlehandedly running the family ranch. The show was a hit from day one on RFD-TV, and with that momentum, FarmHer was able to attract large, national advertisers to the show. Today, FarmHer is in the middle of its fourth season on RFD-TV and is beginning to film the fifth.

The expansion of the FarmHer brand didn't stop with TV. "I ran with wide-open arms at any ways in which I could grow the brand and bring diversity to our business," said Alaniz. She and her team expanded the brand's events, tried out an online community, expanded its merchandise offerings, and added a podcast in 2017.

In early 2018, the podcast expanded as well, airing on Sirius XM Channel 147 as the hour-long “Shining Bright

by FarmHer” radio show.

All this expansion eventually prompted some difficult decisions. Alaniz had the opportunity to go through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program last year, which is designed to give entrepreneurs greater access to education, capital and business support services. “It was the perfect time to look at the lines of business we had built with a really discerning eye,” she said.

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I am a vice president.

A volunteer. I know 12 ways to wear a scarf and I can check profit and loss statements in my sleep.

I rock heels. Running shoes.

And pink fuzzy slippers.

I’M A MOM. With 26 TV episodes per year, 52 radio shows, nine ticketed Grow by FarmHer events, and countless speaking engagements and other events, Alaniz had been spending more time on the road than she wanted. "I took the chance that Goldman Sachs offered to refine our business and refocus on our main goal—telling the stories of the women who are a part of food and farming," she explained. With that in mind, she arrived at the difficult decision to pull back from FarmHer's events in 2020 and focus exclusively on the brand's media.

So, what’s next for FarmHer? Quite a bit. Fans will see the same media—photography, TV and radio—with an even richer focus on storytelling. The team will also work to expand the brand's digital reach.

"I know our stories have the ability to resonate with an even wider audience than we have already reached, and my team and I are really focused on making that happen through this year and into the future," said Alaniz.

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Also on the agenda this year is the introduction of RanchHer, another television show that will air on The Cowboy Channel, a network of RFD-TV. Alaniz is excited to see RanchHer grow, saying that it’s been “sitting on the back burner” to this point. “It will be a footprint for how we can do the same thing we have done with FarmHer for more women, in different industries and areas," she said.

One thing will always remain the same about the FarmHer brand, however, and that is the emphasis on the people featured in its stories. "FarmHer tells the stories of rural communities, food, family and farming—all through the lens of a woman,” said Alaniz.

“We tell stories of people. People who grow food, nurture the soil, raise animals with care and concern, love their families and communities, and work tirelessly to feed the world."

Above all, Alaniz said, she wants people to know that the women on the other side of her camera are just like the rest of us. "Sure, their lives might look a little different," she said. “Their jobs definitely aren't nine-to-five. It's not just a job, but a way of life. Even if you don't think these stories apply to you, I can promise you, they most definitely do!"

That passion for sharing the stories of women in agriculture—putting women front and center—is what continues to drive Alaniz and FarmHer as a whole. "There’s a little bit of FarmHer in all of us,” said Alaniz, "and through these women's stories, we can all connect with that!"

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LAW Masterson & Bottenberg AFTER THE ESTATE PLAN This article is for you—the person who was just asked to be the guardian to your nephew in the event your brother and his spouse pass away. Or you—the person who was just named executor of your aunt’s will.

When asked to fill these types of roles, many people respond with a cautiously optimistic “yes,” with the cautious optimism rooted in the hope that their filling of the role will turn out better than the horror stories they’ve heard from others about their experiences.

JEREMY R. MASTERSON Masterson & Bottenberg LLP Par t n e r

jmasterson@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.”

All too often, we hear from folks who had agreed to fill the role if needed, but never had an in-depth conversation about it with the now-deceased, and they now feel unprepared to fulfill their duties. We also hear from folks who have been identified to fill these roles only after someone passes. But fear not—there are some simple steps you can take to help avoid confusion and help set the stage for a clean run.

If you have been chosen as a potential guardian, make sure you know where the kids go to school, any allergies they may have, contact information for their doctors, and maybe even a list of classmates with whom they do and don’t get along. If you are blessed to be within close proximity and interact with the family often, you may already know many of these things.

But, if you are not as close, helping to make sure the people that appointed you have this information ready will go a long way in ensuring a smoother transition if needed.

For those that have been told they will be an executor or trustee, a great deal of confusion can be avoided simply by knowing the expectations of the person who appointed you and where to find the information you will need if and when you have to act in your appointed role.

This could involve having a detailed list of personal property that is important and where it should be directed, or a spreadsheet listing where bank, retirement or investment accounts are located and the contact person for each.

Regardless of the role you find yourself being asked to fill, make sure to be as prepared as possible and know it’s okay to ask questions about what will be expected of you.

By knowing what will happen, what you will need to do, and where to find the information you will need, as far in advance of your appointment as possible, you can avoid many of the headaches that other people frequently experience when going through this process.

As always, if you have questions, your best first step is to reach out to an experienced attorney for help.

“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

26

March / April 2020

CHAMBER Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

A Swinging Good Time

Waukee Chamber Annual Dinner & Silent Auction The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Dinner and Silent Auction was held on Thursday, January 30th at the Sheraton. Our guests enjoyed networking, presentations from Chamber leadership, award recognition and live entertainment at this Roaring 20’s themed event.

The Chamber presented the following awards, recognizing business members making a significant contribution in business and community involvement: 2019 Large Business Member of the Year, Holmes Murphy; 2019 Medium Business Member of the Year, Heartland Co-op; 2019 Small Business Member of the Year, Marco’s Pizza. The 2019 Ambassador of the Year was awarded to Holly Lewis of Stivers Ford Lincoln and the Waukee YP of the Year Award was presented to Katelyn Soults of Illuminated. A gavel plaque was presented to 2019 Board Chair, Ray Meister.

Thanks to all sponsors, members and community residents who helped us to celebrate! We truly appreciate our Waukee Chamber Community Development Committee, Board of Directors, staff, interns and volunteers who helped with the auction and dinner details!

WAUKEE LEGISLATIVE COFFEES The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Waukee State Senator Charles Schneider and State Representative Kenan Judge to speak with Waukee residents, Chamber members and guests at the Waukee Legislative Coffee on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Waukee City Hall.

Please join us at the next Waukee Legislative Coffee on April 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Waukee City Hall, located at 230 W. Hickman Rd. Waukee State Senator Charles Schneider and State House Representative Kenan Judge will speak to Waukee residents and the Chamber membership about what is happening at the state level and offer the opportunity to ask questions.

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan organization that is hosting this event as a service to our members and the community.

“Thanks to all sponsors, members and community residents who helped us to celebrate! We truly appreciate our Waukee Chamber Community Development Committee, Board of Directors, staff, interns and volunteers who helped with the auction and dinner details!”

WAUKEE CHAMBER JANUARY NETWORKING LUNCHEON The Waukee Community School District's Superintendent, Dr. Brad Buck, spoke at the January 23rd Networking Luncheon at the Waukee Community Center. Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce members developed business relationships, enjoyed catering

by Marco's Pizza and received a Chamber update from Board Vice-Chair Travis Gaule.

Luncheon guests also had the opportunity to provide a brief introduction. Dr. Buck spoke about the district's 10-year facility and financial plan.

Check out the Waukee Community School District online here: https://waukeeschools.org/.

Thanks everyone for joining us and we look forward to seeing you soon!

GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL DINNER The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Waukee were represented at the Greater Des Moines Partnership's 2020 Annual Dinner on January 15th.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,400 Regional Business Members and 340+ Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes Des Moines as the best place to build a business, a career and a future.

WAUKEE CHAMBER SAVE THE DATES April 2 What’s Cookin’ in Waukee- A Business Expo and Tasting Experience June 18 Annual Golf Outing September 10 Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses, organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy. www.waukeechamber.com 27

FROM YOUR Waukee Library

By Jana Maxwell-Schwerdtfeger

Celebrating 100 Years of the 19th Amendment This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. After 70 years of protests, marches, rallies and hard work by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, and countless other women, this Amendment, passed on August 18, 1920, granted women the right to vote in U.S. elections. More than eight million women turned out to the polls to vote for their first time in the 1920 elections.

The Waukee Public Library will honor this momentous anniversary with programs and displays throughout the year.

During the month of March, there will be an informational exhibit throughout the library to explore and learn at your own pace.

On Sunday, March 8, Karen Mason, curator of the Iowa Women’s Archives, will talk about the history of women’s suffrage in Iowa.

On Sunday, March 29, we will host a program called “Fake News, Filters & Falsehoods: Navigating Information Overload in the 21st Century.” While not exactly about the 19th Amendment, this program focuses on being an informed voter when heading to the polls, a right given to women due to the 19th Amendment.

Program planning for the second half of the year is still in the works. Check our calendar of events each season to see if anything else on this topic is added later in the year.

Visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/online-library to check out our Online Library today!

In the fall, the Coal Mine Art Gallery will host artist Mary Kline-Misol’s “Battle of the Ballot” exhibit, featuring portraits of the influential suffragists who fought for women’s rights.

UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS Learn About Holi – Saturday, March 7 | 10:00 a.m.

Seed Starting Workshop with artist Autumn Rozario Hall – Saturday, March 14 | 1:00 p.m.

Teen Relaxation Party – Monday, March 9 | 6:30 p.m.

CultureALL Ambassador Sonal Mistry will help us celebrate Holi, India’s spring festival of colors! Learn about this joyful holiday and create a colorful craft.

Calling all beginning gardeners and plant enthusiasts!

Come learn about gardening with native prairie plants and take home your very own tray of started seeds.

Registration is required.

This workshop from Iowa ReWild BeWild will teach you the basics and benefits of gardening with native plants.

A variety of prairie and woodland flower seeds will be available to choose from.

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to relax before the end of term! Students can bring a friend and complete as many activities as they wish: pop bubble wrap, color, listen to relaxing music and guided imagery, make a stress ball, eat light snacks and more.

Ribbon & Book Page Wreath Class – Saturday, March 7 | 1:30 p.m.

Come make a unique ribbon-wrapped wreath with rose accents made from book pages! You will leave class with a complete wreath ready to display in your home or on your front door for an added decorative flair. All supplies will be provided.

Registration is required.

Uncovering the History of Women’s Suffrage in Iowa – Sunday, March 8 | 1:30 p.m.

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment—guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote.

In celebration of this anniversary, Karen Mason, Iowa Women’s Archives curator, will talk about the history of women’s suffrage in Iowa, drawing on items in the Iowa Women’s Archives that shed light on suffrage.

No registration required.

March's exhibiting artist Autumn Rozario Hall will demonstrate seed planting and provide everything you need to start your own pollinator garden. Families welcome.

Fake News, Filters, & Falsehoods: Navigating Information Overload in the 21st Century – Sunday, March 29 | 1:30 p.m.

We live in an age of information overload.

Despite increased public awareness, “fake news” continues to be a growing and evolving problem.

Join Dan Chibnall, STEM Librarian at Drake University, as he shares strategies for navigating the rivers of information.

Chibnall will discuss the roots of the misinformation problem, how to become more aware of the problems in everyday life, and provide solutions to these problems.

You will learn how to better separate fact from fiction and approach sources with an objective eye—essential information literacy skills needed in today’s society. No registration required.

28

March / April 2020

No registration required.

Mindful Monday – Monday, March 16 | 1:30 p.m.

Stop by our relaxation stations to recharge for your spring break. We’ll have calming music, crafts and activities to help you unwind. No registration required.

Spa Science – Wednesday, March 18 | 1:30 p.m.

Learn the science behind some of your favorite spa products. Participants will have a chance to experiment making their own bath products including a face mask and lip scrub. No registration required.

Dance Break Storytime – Friday, March 20 | 10:00 a.m.

Come celebrate with this party themed storytime. We’ll share stories and a simple craft, and then we’ll let loose at a bubble wrap dance party. No registration required.

Friends & Family Bingo – Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 a.m.

Bring your family and friends and play Bingo to win fun little prizes. Water and hot chocolate will be provided for everyone. All ages are welcome. No registration required.

UPCOMING APRIL EVENTS Grown-Up Egg Hunt – Friday, April 3 | 8:00 p.m. | $10

Not Your Grandma’s Crochet – Sunday, April 5 | 1:30 p.m. | $7.00

Friends & Family Yoga – Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 a.m.

Don’t let kids have all the fun! Teens and adults are invited to bring a flashlight and go on an egg hunt at the library. Lucky egg hunters may win cash, chocolate, gift certificates to local businesses and other great prizes.

Crochet is so much more than just your grandma’s tea cozies and afghan collection! From trendy cardigans and home décor pieces to jewelry and adorable stuffed animals—there’s a modern crochet project for everyone. Come learn the basics of crochet from the experts at Heartland Fiber Co.

The whole family is invited to this fun yoga class! We’ll share mindful movements and a simple craft. Please bring your own yoga mats or towels.

Cookies will be served while participants wait for the hunt to begin. In case of inclement weather, the hunt will take place inside the library (still via flashlight). The hunt doesn’t last long, so make sure to arrive on time!

This event is a fundraiser for teen programs at the library.

Tickets will be available at the library or online starting March 6 and they are non-refundable. Registration is required.

You’ll learn how to hold your hook and yarn, read patterns, single crochet and join your chains. With these skills, you will be able to crochet a simple cowl!

Cost for supplies is $7 per person and includes a crochet hook, simple cowl pattern and yarn for completing your project.

Payment is required upon registration. Registration is required.

Earth Day Celebration – Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 a.m.

Register at: heartlandfiber.net/classes.

Join our early Earth Day celebration with a special story, presentation and activities with staff from Waste Management. After the presentation, venture outside and see a garbage or recycling truck up close! All ages are welcome.

Friends of the Library Book Sale – Saturday, April 18 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

No registration required.

Fans of Disney Trivia – Saturday, April 4 | 1:00 p.m.

Team up with your friends and family to prove who is the biggest Disney fan! Questions will cover old, new, illustrated and live action Disney films.

Categories will include: Who Said That?, Villians, Sidekicks, Identify the Song, and Miscellaneous Facts.

Light snacks will be provided. This event is for Disney fans in kindergarten and older.

Library Closed – Sunday, April 12

If you love books and are looking for great deals, stop in and stock up on all kinds of used books, magazines, movies and more! **FRIDAY PRE-SALE** Friends Foundation members get first dibs at the Members Only sale on Friday before the book sale starts. Not a member? You can join before you shop!

Find out more about the Friends Foundation https://www.wplff.org/

No registration required.

Terrace Hill Tour – Friday, April 24 | 1:00 departure Join us on a field trip to Terrace Hill for a private tour of “Iowa’s Home.” A stunning example of Victorian Second Empire architecture, the 18,000-square foot building now serves as the official governor’s residence.

We will take a FREE roundtrip shuttle that will depart from the Waukee Public Library. Those registered and riding the shuttle will also receive FREE admission.

Please arrive for boarding by 12:50 p.m.; we will leave promptly at 1:00 p.m. Registration is required.

Iowa’s Lost History from the Titanic – Sunday, April 26 | 1:30 p.m.

What do an orphan train rider, a kidnapper, a missionary, a wealthy businessman, a wedding guest, a betrayed wife, a farmer and an immigrant recruiter have in common? All had ties to Iowa, and all were passengers aboard the ill-fated Titanic.

Join Darcy Maulsby on a remarkable journey as she brings these haunting, poignant, and sometimes shocking tales from the “ship of dreams” back to life once more.

No registration required.

Attendees 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Local History Series: Tallgrass Prairie in Dallas County – Sunday, April 5 | 1:30

To find out more about the Waukee Public Library go to waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944 29

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Professional Photography & Video? We Do That myTown Magazines offers our award-winning photo/video services to local businesses throughout the metro. » Ribbon Cuttings

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» Event Coverage

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» 360 Photography

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» Product Photography

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March / April 2020

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