myWaukee March/April 2015

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Nature

W au k ee / U r b anda l e edition

Delivers dig into waukee-based CSA Organic farm, clarion sage New Faces + New Sections

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Meet Santa Claus & His Real Reindeer

Golf Outings

With the Waukee Cha m

ber

at PTSB in Waukee

You may have seen us here...

Now we would like to see you here!

Proudly supporting our community and the legacy of our commitment to you!

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1 1 8 5 S E U N I V E R S I T Y AV E • WA U K E E , I O WA • 9 8 7 - 4 1 3 5 • W W W. P T S B A N K . C O M

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CONTENTS March/April 2015

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12

STORIES

12 F a c e s

S E C T ION S

o f W a u k e e Carlos Acebey

Carlos is a busy man! He’s a consultant, teacher, administrator, and coach. He’s also the Director of Vision Soccer Academy, and tells us about the great new facility coming to Waukee this Fall.

18 F e a t u r e Nature Delivers

On the edge of Waukee—past the strip malls, high school, and fancy fitness center— Clarion Sage is run by two nature-nurturing souls that have planted their stakes in the rewarding and challenging field of agriculture.

24 F a c e s

05

F rom th e P ublisher

06

Ci ty of Waukee

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0 9 You r P i n Points of I nterest 1 0 You r Featu red Teac her 2 2 You r Wau ke e Library 2 6 You r Wau ke e Rec ipe

o f W a u k e e Don Frazer

We talk to Don Frazer, the newest member to the team at Actis Wealth Management, an independent financial planning firm. He also has some sage advice for tax season.

ON THE COVER Clarion Sage owners Jenn Miller and Cody Kilgore. Photo by Laura Wills

2 8 You r Wau ke e Cham ber 29

Si n ce We Last Spoke

3 0 You r Wau ke e Com m unity

S p r i n g

Iowa, Inc. EPOXY Garage Floor Polishing Commercial - Industrial - Retail - Residential

Special

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515.216.4325

SPECIALIZING IN POLISHED CONCRETE, EPOXY FLOORS PRODUCTS BY 3

Waukee Waukee

FROM The Publisher The weather outside has been extremely cold, but the reception of myWaukee Magazine in our new region—Clive and West Des Moines—has been very warm. We now reach the entire Waukee school district, and everywhere I go, I hear from friends, business associates, and even strangers how much they enjoy myWaukee.

Spring is near, and as things begin to grow, we thought it was fitting to feature a story about a local business, Clarion Sage, that uses innovative techniques to grow produce for citizens of the greater Waukee area. We hope you enjoy the story.

Speaking of innovative techniques, our team has implemented some of its own in order to better communicate with our readers. Our Facebook page now has over 1,000 followers—not a bad start for a relatively new magazine that mails to about 20,000 doors. In addition to reading our printed magazine, you can find other exclusive local stories, blogs, and shared updates on your computer, tablet or phone by following us on social media or visiting myWaukee.com.

As we grow our readership and diversify our content, we want your involvement with us to grow, as well.

We want you to nominate a teacher that you’d like to see featured in a future issue. We want photos from the kids’ ball games, proms, and other community activities. Though we often see bad news on our televisions, we want to share acts of kindness and goodness and opportunities for you to enjoy all that our greater community has to offer.

As we look forward, it’s important to occasionally look back. On March 28th, you can be one of the first to get a copy of the Waukee Area Historical Society’s new Waukee History book. You can learn more about this on the Waukee Library’s update in this issue. I, for one, am particularly excited about this, as the genesis of the Historical Society came from the Waukee Leadership Institute, a program of which I am a graduate, a past board member, and past president.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Publisher Chad Airhart f facebook.com/chadairhart

Creative Director Jason McArtor @JasonMcArtor

Art Director Zachary Kern @ZacharyKern85

It’s great to see so many people in our community working to make a difference and making the Waukee area a better place. We at myWaukee hope we can play a small role in making this area better by helping you find ways to maximize all this great community has to offer.

Photo Director Laura Wills @laurawillsphotography

Chad C. Airhart, Publisher

Advertising Director Jodi Gilson-Schrage

Contributors Mackensie Smith Sara Stibitz Carolyn Wadle Matt Beglinger

A dv e rt ise w ith us Reach thousands of Waukee residents and businesses for as little as 5¢ per door!

Contact me and let our team help you achieve your marketing goals!

Jodi Gilson-Schrage 515 238-8686

jodi@mytownmagazines.com

Copy Editor Marjorie Sandner myTown Magazines Distributor Goldfinch Media Address PO Box 1202 Waukee IA, 50263 Email info@myTownMagazines.com myWaukee Magazine is published bimonthly, six times annually, by myTown Magazines, a division of Goldfinch Media.

For subscription and advertising information, go to myTownMagazines.com. ©2015 Goldfinch Media

Waukee City of

The Key to Good Living

Sugar Creek Golf Course is a beautiful nine-hole, par 34 golf course in Waukee, open mid-March through mid-October.

Owned and maintained by the City of Waukee, it’s a great course for beginners and provides a challenge for seasoned golfers, as well. Sugar Creek’s newly developed practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, and chipping area.

Sugar Creek Golf Course offers men’s and women’s tournaments, leagues for men and women, instructional camps for junior and pee wee golfers, and personal instruction for golfers of all ages.

Visit waukee.org/sugarcreekgolf or call 515-987-5247 for more information or stop by at 1505 6th Street in Waukee.

Kids’ Golf Lessons Last a Lifetime

Sugar Creek Junior Golf Programs

Intermediate Junior Golf Camps

All junior golf programs are coordinated and supervised

by PGA Golf Professionals with the assistance of local collegiate scholarship golfers.

Pee Wee Golf Lessons Children who get a good start in golf will enjoy the game for a lifetime. Instruction includes an introduction to the full swing, putting, chipping, and rules and etiquette. There is a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio and juniors may attend more than one session. Missed lessons will not be made up unless they are weather-related.

Junior golf sets are available for purchase through the Sugar Creek Golf Shop. Please call 515-987-5247 and ask for Jim Webb to order prior to the class. Delivery takes approximately one week.

Date SessionS 1 & 2 : June 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-9:15 a.m.

9:30-10:15 a.m.

The Intermediate Junior golf program is geared towards students who have some golf experience or have attended a Sugar Creek golf camp before. The 12 hours of instruction covers golf rules, etiquette, and course management, along with six basic golf skills—putting, chipping, pitching, fairway irons, woods, and sand play.

Experienced PGA Instructors will coordinate the lessons to include fun contests and golf skills competitions.

The week concludes with the popular Iowa PGA Skills Competition. In addition, all participants will receive a junior golf tee gift. There is a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and refreshments are served each day.

Time 8:00-11:00 a.m.

Date Session 1: June 2-5 Session 2: June 9-12 Session 3:June 16-19 Session 4:June 23-26 Session 5:June 30–July 3

Fee

Session 3 : July 11, 18, 25, and August 1

$120

Age

8:30-9:15 a.m.

8-14

Fee $50 per session

Age 8 and under

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Junior Camper Discounted Play Program At the completion of the Junior Golf Camps, all participants will be qualified to play golf for the discounted rate of $5 per nine-hole round. Ages 11 and under will need adult supervision for the discounted play program.

Ages 12 and up may play without adult supervision.

The discounted rate is in effect for the remainder of the 2015 golf season, provided the junior golfer secures a tee time during the following times:

Monday-Friday *Before Noon

Saturday-Sunday *After 6:00 p.m. *Tee times are subject to course availability.

Join your Friends in Golf League

Take a Swing at Sugar Creek Tournaments

WOMEN’S League—Thursday Nights

Mixed Couples Events

Our nine-hole, two-woman team league begins the last week of April. The 14-week schedule runs through the end of July. A handicap system is used, so all playing abilities are welcome. Weekly and year-end prizes are awarded during the season.

Team registration begins in mid-February.

Men’s Leagues—Monday or Tuesday Nights Our nine-hole, two-man team league begins the last week of April. The 16-week schedule runs through mid-August. A handicap system is used, so all playing abilities are welcome. Weekly and year-end prizes are awarded during the season. League players can choose to play Monday or Tuesday nights. Team registration begins in mid-February.

Spend your Friday evening at Sugar Creek Golf Course and enjoy a night of golfing and dinner at a Mixed Couples Event. This nine-hole, two-person scramble event includes green fees, cart, range balls, dinner, and prizes.

Dates May 15 and 29 June 12 and 26 July 10 and 24 August 7 and 21

Fee $50/couple or $30 for season pass holders

Waukee Women’s City Championship Join us for this 18-hole event featuring a women’s open and a women’s senior (55+) event. Each entrant is automatically entered in the gross and net divisions of their age group.

Time Tee times starting at Noon

Date Saturday, August 1

Fee Entry fee is $40. Riding cart is $10 extra.

Waukee Men’s City Championship Join us for this 18-hole event featuring a men’s open and a men’s senior (55+) event.

Each entrant is automatically entered in the gross and net divisions of their age group.

The low eight players and ties in the Men’s Open Gross Division play an additional nine holes to determine the champion.

Time Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m.

Date Saturday, August 8

Fee Entry fee is $40. Riding cart is $10 extra.

Men’s Scratch Match Play Tournament Dates June-July

Details Single-elimination Open to the first 16 golfers 18-hole matches For more information, visit www.waukee.org/sugarcreekgolf

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A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.”

Investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly and with potential consequence to an individual’s future financial security. Let’s review some of the forms this takes.

Your 401(k) Plan

Brian Weckman (L)

Fou nder/ P re sid e nt & C hi e f Inve stm e nt O f f ic e r bweckm a n @a c t is wea l t h. c o m

Don Frazer (M)

Inde pe nd e nt We a l th M a n a ge r dfraz er@a c tis wea l th .co m

Brian M. Thompson (R)

Bu si n e ss D eve l o p me nt D i re c t o r & Inde pe nd e nt We al th M a n a ge r b thomps on @a c t is wea l t h . c o m

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

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March/April 2015

Non-Retirement Plan Investments

The worst non-decision is the failure to enroll. Not only do non-participants sacrifice one of the best ways to save for their eventual retirement, but they also forfeit the money from any matching contributions their employer may offer. Not participating may be one of the most costly non-decisions one can make.

For homeowners, “stuff” just seems to accumulate over time. The same may be true for investors. Some buy investments based on articles they have read or on a recommendation from a family member. Others may have investments held in a previous employer’s 401(k) plan.

The other way individuals let indecision get the best of them is by not selecting the investments for the contributions they make to the 401(k) plan. When a participant fails to make an investment selection, the plan will have provisions for automatically investing that money. And that investment selection may not be consistent with the individual’s time horizon, risk tolerance and goals.

Over time, they can end up with a collection of investments that may have no connection to their investment objectives. Because the markets are dynamic, an investment that may have made good sense yesterday might no longer make sense today.

Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

Generally, once you reach age 70½, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. The 10% early withdrawal penalty may be avoided in the event of death or disability.

Wa u kee / U r b a n da l e E di t i on

By periodically reviewing what they own, investors can determine whether their portfolio reflects their current investment objectives. If they find discrepancies, they are able to make changes that could positively affect their financial future.

Whatever your situation, your retirement investments require careful attention and benefit from deliberate, thoughtful decision making. Your retired self will one day be grateful that you invested the necessary time to make wise decisions today.

Pinpoints of Interest

Experience extraordinary

M ul c h ma rt 125 N. 10th Street

Mulch Mart is known for its variety of mulches, rocks and landscape materials, and what better way to compliment these materials than with equipment to help get the job done? Top names like Bobcat, Kubota and Wacker equipment are available for rent. w w w. m u l c h m a r t o f i o w a . c o m

RJ Lawn & landscape 16180 Southeast Jonas Circle

RJ Lawn & Landscape specialize in lawn maintenance, lawn treatments, irrigation & fountains, landscape design/installation, snow removal, and outdoor furniture. w w w. r j l a w n s e r v i c e. n e t

Waukee Hardware & Rent It Center 380 6th Street

American Trust helped Suman and Paula save for their wedding, buy their first place, and have enough left over for a sporty new car. They got started with RewardChecking® and RewardSavings.®

3.01% APY* on checking plus 1.51% APY* on savings plus ATM rebates up to $25 To qualify just make 12 debit card purchases post and settle (signature or pin). Access online banking, and receive e-statements each cycle.

Make life extraordinary with American Trust.

Your full service hometown hardware store! Located on the historic Waukee Triangle in downtown Waukee, come see why owner Geoff Warmouth was named Waukee’s Citizen of the Year.

w w w. w a u ke e. d o i t b e s t . c o m

EARL MAY nursery & garden center 1530 S.E. Blackthorne Drive

Earl May Nursery & Garden Centers are a full service, one-stop shopping experience. Their stores carry a large variety of plant and nursery product and everything to enhance your outdoor living space. w w w. e a r l m a y. c o m

Want to be a pinpoint of interest?

Email us at waukee@mytownmagazines.com

9350 University Ave–Suite 138–West Des Moines 515.283.3750 *Annual percentage yields (APY) for these accounts are in effect as of 01/01/14 and calculated based on the daily balance method. All qualifications must be met during your monthly earnings period. ATMprocessed transactions do not count towards qualifying debit card transactions. Transactions may take one or more business days to post and settle to an account from the date your transaction is made. Minimum to open these accounts is $100. No minimum balance or monthly service charge. Interest rates and caps may change without notice after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings. If you close your account before interest is credited, all accrued interest will be paid. Personal accounts only. Maximum of two accounts allowed per social security number. ATM fee refunds up to $25 per earnings cycle when requirements are met. Rate tiers for REWARD Checking and REWARDSavings: 3.01% APY applies to balances up to $15,000 and 0.25% APY applies to the portion of the balance over $15,000 when requirements are met each earnings cycle. 0.05% APY applies to checking balances if qualifications are not met. 1.51% APY applies to savings balances up to $15,000 and 0.25% APY applies to the portion of the balance over $15,000 when requirements are met each earnings cycle. 0.05% APY applies if qualifications are not met.

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Featured Teacher

“With every little

step they make, with every goal they achieve, they’re excited.

They’re little sponges—they want to learn more and more all the time. It’s a lot of fun.”

Steenhoek says one of the best parts of her job is being able to focus on one content area with her students.

She takes three students into her classroom for twenty minutes at a time, working with a total of around 30 students by the end of the day. While in her classroom, the students complete learning exercise designed to help them find patterns in words and boost reading comprehension.

According to Smith, Steenhoek finds out how each individual child learns best and then helps parents continue the learning process at home. Smith credits this “team effort” approach for the success her own son achieved over the months he spent participating in the reading lab.

Words Carolyn Wadle

Photo Laura Wills

Kristin Steenhoek

For some people, finding an ideal career is a long journey.

Not so for Kristin Steenhoek, who teaches in the reading lab at Waukee’s Maple Grove Elementary School.

When asked about her career choice, Steenhoek says, “I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher.” Steenhoek, who spends her days providing extra reading help to small groups of students, grew up babysitting and helping in preschools and children’s Bible School programs.

Her passion for teaching has not gone unnoticed.

Laura Smith, who nominated Kristin as one of Waukee’s favorite teachers, describes Steenhoek as one who “goes above and beyond every day” in the classroom.

When she’s not in the classroom, Steenhoek is spending time with her husband, Jeff, and their two sons, Ethan, 7, and Cael, 3, at their home in Waukee. With two little guys at home, Steenhoek says, “I am doing all things ‘boy’ around here,” which includes lots of outdoor activities like baseball, basketball, and riding bikes.

As a teacher, Steenhoek finds motivation in her students’ excitement to learn. “When you work with kids, especially little kids, every day is kind of a new day. For those kids that might be struggling with one thing one day, the next day they come in and they’re fresh and they’re excited to try it again.”

She also enjoys seeing the progress of her students.

“With every little step they make, with every goal they achieve, they’re excited. They’re little sponges—they want to learn more and more all the time. It’s a lot of fun.”

Know a Waukee teacher we should feature? Nominate them!

Go to mywaukee.com/waukee-featured-teacher/

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Effective Skin Care Regimen for YOU! Susan Cross ARNP, FNP-BC u r b a n e f fe c t s m ed sp a .com

515-987-5188 URBAN EFFECTS MEDSPA treats the face and body as a whole. Its owners have over 35 years of experience in aesthetic medicine. Susan’s multi-discipline background includes facial plastic surgery, dermatology and endocrinology. This has given her valuable skills to personalize the treatments and product recommendations for their guests. Their entire staff is committed to providing outstanding customer service, treatments and products to achieve realistic, healthy results.

Skin care, according to Euromonitor International, represents a market share of $96.5 million each year, most of which is focused on facial products and services. Billions of dollars are spent on anti-aging skin care products. The female consumer today is well-informed and empowered with information she obtains from multiple sources.

At one time or another, we’ve all purchased a product based on its advertising claims.

Some skin care products claim to make you look younger, and others say they reduce wrinkles or make skin firmer. These products’ results often don’t live up to their claims. You may have heard the term “cosmeceuticals.” This is a marketing term that combines “cosmetic” and “pharmaceutical.” Cosmoceutical products are not subject to approval by the FDA, and many times, their benefits are not adequately tested and claims are greatly exaggerated.

A cosmeceutical’s effectiveness is determined by how it is tested. Testing procedures determine the active ingredients, and those active ingredients are then evaluated to determine if they are antioxidants or anti-inflammatories.

The three most important cosmeceutical categories are: 1. Antioxidants, which reduce the harmful effects of free radicals that injure skin’s cells and cause inflammation. Free radicals, which are caused by sun exposure, aid in the development of skin cancer. The top two anti-aging topical antioxidants I recommend are vitamin A (retinols or prescription-strength tretinoin/Retin-A) and vitamin C (THD Ascrobate).

How well do you know your skin?

It is important to choose the right products for your skin!

VISIA consultation will help you target your skin care concerns, allowing our skin specialist to recommend products that suit your specific skin conditions. This will place you on a quicker path to an improved complexion! *The November 2014 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reports 86% of the subjects who participated in a study who underwent a VISIA skin analysis reported it helped them to understand their initial concerns.

2. Peptides, which are smaller proteins that stimulate the production of collagen to thicken the skin.

3. Growth factors, which act as chemical messengers between cells and play a role in cell division, new cell and blood vessel growth, and the production and distribution of collagen and elastin.

In addition to Vitamins A and C, peptides, and growth factors, a broad spectrum UVA/ UVB sun block that contains zinc or titanium (or both) is imperative in the prevention of photo aging and skin cancer.

Skin care does not need to be complicated or expensive to be effective. However, it should contain highly-tested active ingredients and be specific to your skin care needs. We start with your medical history, a complimentary VISIA skin analysis, and a consultation to determine the best skin care regimen for you.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary skin care consultation, contact Urban Effects Medspa at 987-5188.

Call today to schedule your Complimentary Skin Care Consultation and Professional Skin Regimen

515-987-5188 2 4 8 0 BE R K SHIR E P K WY, STE. B, CLIVE, IA 51 5-98 7-51 8 8 • UR BAN E FFE CTS M ED S PA.CO M

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FACES OF WAUKEE Carlos Acebey Where are you from originally?

I was born in Evanston, Illinois, and moved to Des Moines as an infant.

Tell us about your family.

My wife and I have lived in Urbandale for 12 years. We have three children.

Our daughter is a senior in college, and our two sons, ages 6 and 10, attend Shuler Elementary.

What do you do for a living?

I am a consultant, teacher, administrator, and coach.

What do you like to do with your free time?

I like to spend time with family and friends.

What are some of things you like most about working and/or living in the Waukee area?

I enjoy the familiarity of my surroundings while serving to improve the community’s well-being. As a high school coach for the past 12 years, I have been fortunate to have been associated with many people while getting to know their family members.

Outside the scope of coaching, I genuinely appreciate seeing these people in and around the city, especially as more time passes. These encounters go a long way in validating my family’s decision to live here.

You’re the Director of Vision Soccer Academy.

Can you tell us about that?

The club has over 1,000 members and offers year-round programming for children as young as three years of age. We have been working diligently to find a new home to accommodate our growth, enhance programming, and hopefully extend our reach.

Due to a partnership with the Waukee Community School District and many generous donors, we will move into our new facility at the intersection of Ashworth Road and SE LA Grant Parkway just after September 1st. The new facility, known as Timberline Soccer Complex, will benefit tens of thousands of school-aged boys and girls, and hopefully impact the community, both economically and culturally, for many years to come.

The benefits of team sports are many, but in your opinion, what are the most important takeaways?

There is a reliance on others that determines varying levels of success. One individual very rarely can single-handedly produce team success, especially as the number of team members increases. Everyone has a role to play and a dependency on one another.

Additionally, most high-performing teams have had to overcome some type of adversity. The notion that there will be no resistance or obstacles along your journey is inane.

Photo by Laura Wills 12

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Know someone we should feature? Let us know!

Email us at waukee@mytownmagazines.com

My business is looking to expand…

Wh at ar e some t hings w e should be l o o ki ng at ?

Matt Janssen Luana Savings Bank Loan O f f ic e r

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

No matter the industry, there comes a time when a business may want to expand and grow.

Whether they need to buy equipment, want to purchase a new building, purchase an existing business or grow their existing customer base, a need for bank financing may exist.

As the economy has continued to recover, more options and possibilities have become available to businesses.

Why Luana?

New Since 1908!

Whether you are buying, “building or refinancing, we’ve got super competitive rates and financing options to meet all your commercial needs.”

Real Estate? Longer term fixed rates protect you from rising interest rates and NO Prepayment Penalties allow you to build equity faster.

Equipment? Easy application process and prompt turn-around time so you can put your new equipment to work faster.

Lines of Credit? Helps take care of the day to day operating expenses so you can take care of your customers and grow your business more efficiently.

Ask a commercial loan specialist for details!

There are three things to think about when financing needs exist: return on investment, equity position, and cash flow. In the end, they go hand-in-hand.

Return on investment (ROI) measures the gain or loss generated relative to the amount of money invested. Does having a larger or more productive work area allow your workforce to be more efficient or produce more results that could drive the bottom line? Does updated or additional equipment allow you to complete more jobs and do so more profitably? ROI is one of the most commonly used profitability ratios.

On a company’s balance sheet, the equity position can refer to a business’ assets in relation to their liabilities, or the business’ net worth. For a business owner, building equity in their company is important in both the short and long term. Some business valuation models are derived from a company’s equity position. If the business purchases additional real estate or equipment, what will that do to the value of the business?

Matt Janssen Commercial Loan Officer NMLS 640557

Cash flow refers to all the revenue or income coming in to the business versus all the expenses or debt payments going out. Depending on the industry, a business’ cash flow can vary day to day and month to month. How will new investments in real estate or equipment affect the business’ ability to take care of their other day-to-day expenses?

Will those short or long term investments end up adding profit to the bottom line, which helps build equity and create a desired ROI? A lot of any business’ successes are built on the relationships they develop and maintain day to day. Providing great products and services and developing trust equals retaining good customer relationships and the possibility of referrals. At Luana Savings Bank, we are no different. From the beginning, we work hard to understand our customers’ wants and needs, set obtainable expectations so both parties know the game plan and work hard day after day to earn our customers trust.

www.LuanaSavingsBank.com

We welcome you to visit with our commercial loan experts at Luana Savings Bank to see how we can help your business continue to grow, service your customers profitably and efficiently, and obtain the successes you are working hard to achieve.

16390 Holcomb Court, Clive Waukee side of Clive | Across from Stiver’s Ford

515.987.2116

Local People. Local Decisions. Local Investments.

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S pecia l S ecti o n

Words Sara Stibitz

ONE ST

Photos Laura Wills

OP SHOP

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Hunter Jones

Cake Designer

Graduation is a busy time for the whole family.

Your Waukee Hy-Vee will take the work out of graduation and help you celebrate your graduate’s big day! Hy-Vee’s Floral, Bakery, & Catering departments pull together the perfect party.

Choose from a variety of options, ranging from deli and fruit trays to custom food bars.

Finish off with a specially decorated cake and gifts and you’ll be celebrating in style!

Jeff Russell

Retail Chef

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Selling Your Home in 2015?

B o o st Y o ur R esale V alue Jeff mullen Jeff Mullen Real Estate jeff@jeffmullenrealestate.com 515-778-7801 Jeff Mullen Real Estate has concentrated their expertise on Des Moines and its surrounding areas, including Clive, Johnston, Urbandale, Waukee, Ankeny, and several other nearby communities.

In order to sell for top dollar, some improvements may be necessary. But renovations can be costly and don’t always add value to your home.

Here are three sure-fire, inexpensive ways to improve your home’s resale value.

Make a Great First Impression Curb appeal is priority number one. Does your house look welcoming? Spend some time landscaping your yard. Pressure wash your driveway. Paint the front door. Plant some fresh flowers. Doing the work yourself or with the help of friends will minimize your costs and maximize your results.

Refresh the Interior Show off all your house has to offer! Repaint in neutral colors. Remove old wallpaper.

Make rooms look larger by clearing any clutter. If possible, store unnecessary furniture somewhere else. Have carpets cleaned. Organize closets and cabinets. Be sure the kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling. Most of these suggestions cost very little but add huge value to the buyer.

Install Inexpensive Upgrades Sometimes we assume upgrades will be costly in both time and money, but many changes may be within your budget. For example, improving the ceilings of main rooms adds big value. Add an elegant touch by installing crown molding, or add box beams for a rustic feel. Painting and changing the hardware on cabinet doors can create dramatic change, and updating light fixtures and doorknobs can make a space look more modern.

Selling your home may require a modest investment, but following these guidelines will likely result in a quicker sale and a better return for you.

If you’d like to discuss buying or selling a home, feel free to give us a call. Curious about the current value of your home or real estate activity in your area? We’d be happy to share that information with you.

Jeff Mullen Real Estate - Service you deserve! 515.778.7801

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Scott Wiley: Rockin’ and Walkin’

at the Waukee Family YMCA

Hit the Waukee Family YMCA indoor track on any given day between 6:15 and 10 a.m., and you may see Scott Wiley. With his earbuds in, iPhone with external charger at the ready, and Fitbit clipped to the center of his shirt, Scott is likely walking his daily half marathon. Yes, you read that right. Scott, age 45, walks an average of 20 miles every day, with 13 of those miles around the Waukee YMCA track and building, or on different trails around the city.

“I started with nine walking routes at five miles each,” said Scott. “I am able to cover the entire city of Waukee in one week!

Take into account I cannot run, but I am a heck of a power walker!”

During his time on the track, he multi-tasks by talking with friends, tackling Fitbit challenges, and listening to music.

“It’s usually rock or country that I listen to…if I ain’t rockin’, I ain’t walkin’,” Scott laughed.

Scott was born with Cerebral Palsy and began walking five years ago “out of boredom” and to be healthier.

“I needed something to do, so I started walking and never quit,” said Scott, who works at the Waukee Hy-Vee in the afternoons.

Scott has walked the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon and the Drake Relays Hy-Vee Road Race Half Marathon. He keeps meticulous track of his steps with the help of his trusty Fitbit. His Fitbit friends have christened him “THE BEAST” on the fitness-tracking tool.

It’s a proper nickname for him, as all of this walking—over 28 million steps, or 13,000 miles at the time of interview— equates to walking halfway around the world. All these steps have kept him at the top of every leaderboard in Iowa, ranking between number one and two. He has also previously been the number five Fitbit stepper in the nation.

Beyond the leaderboards, Scott’s Fitbit usage has also led to other major healthy lifestyle changes for the Waukee resident.

When he started walking, he weighed 240 pounds. Between walking, clean eating (think fruits, vegetables and no artificial sugar), and medicating a thyroid condition, he has lost 90 pounds.

Scott uses Fitbit to track his steps, calories burned, mileage, and floors climbed— among other analytics.

The in-app gamification functionality acts as a natural motivator for steppers. Users can earn badges, participate in challenges, or start challenges for other to join in— like Scott does.

Users can also join groups within the app or on Facebook for motivation. Scott is the administrator for two Fitbit user groups, the Red Tennis Shoe Fitbit Group and the Red Tennis Shoe Rebounders Fitbit Group.

Rebounders are members who jump on a mini trampoline to count steps.

“I was conned into buying my first rebounder last November by one of my Fitbit friends, and I love it!” Scott said, adding that it’s easier on his body than power walking.

In January of 2014, he made it a goal to set Fitbit history at the Waukee Family YMCA by walking 100,000 steps in one day, going beyond the 75,000 step badge. He accomplished his goal in approximately 13 hours by taking a break after every 25,000 steps. At the time, there was no badge for this accomplishment, and Scott contacted Fitbit until they added one last November. This past January, he repeated the feat and obtained the badge he deserved.

Through engaging with Fitbit, Wiley has made a number of friends from all corners of the community and even global acquaintances.

“Some of these people have become personal friends, and most I talk to every day; we share in the daily struggles and issues we face and have fun in the groups and challenges,” he said.

Scott also said that his life has changed forever since he began walking.

“If you look beyond that little piece of plastic called a tracker you buy in the store, there is a whole other world with it,” he said. “This experience cannot be put into words; this is something special.”

Insta

17

Nature Delivers v FEATURE Story

Words Mackensie Smith

Photos Laura Wills

On the edge of Waukee—past the strip malls, high school, and fancy fitness center— there is an Eden of organic produce farmed in the rich Iowa soil. Marked with a simple sign, Clarion Sage is run by two nature-nurturing souls that have planted their stakes in the rewarding and challenging field of agriculture.

Owners Jenn Miller and Cody Kilgore explain that there are historical roots behind the farm’s curious name. Miller’s grandfather was raised on a family farm in Clarion, and returned there after serving in the Navy during WWII. They combined that nod to family history with the herb sage, which was one of the first seedlings planted on the farm. The homonym of the word “sage” also represents the wisdom of the farm’s growing methods.

Two Head s A re B e t t e r Tha n O n e

A Windy City native, Miller became a food blogger and columnist while working on gardens and community supported agriculture (CSA) around the world, in places like California, Costa Rica, and Iceland.

Originally from Missouri, Kilgore worked for 20 years in agriculture before moving to Iowa.

The two met while trying to create a thriving urban garden to provide veggies in the inner city of Des Moines. Both are vegetarians, and Miller eats a gluten-free diet. They both love the empowerment that comes from growing their own food.

The pair has operated Clarion Sage since August 2012, when Miller was presented the opportunity to rent the land from a colleague through the Iowa Food Cooperative. She wanted to lease the land to young farmers who would use it sustainably. After extensive planning and plotting, Kilgore said that 2014 was a year of establishing Clarion Sage as a viable business in Waukee.

G r owing M et h od s

The couple uses innovative techniques to produce a rich mix of veggies, fruits, and herbs. While they rent six acres, they currently grow on one half-acre.

Instead of rows and rows, as one would see on a typical farm, this farm has beds and beds (84 to be exact) of 25-ft by 5-ft gardens. This is a bio-intensive method for growing and assists in soil preservation.

They have learned that certain plants, planted together, increase the growing performance of the plants.

“The soil we are growing in has been untouched for a couple of decades,” said Kilgore. “We pay a lot of attention to the soil and soil structure—to the microorganisms and eco-diversity of the soil.”

The farming team hand-digs the beds to an extreme depth to promote deep root systems of 18-24 inches and to maintain looseness to the soil. The deeper the roots, the healthier the plant.

Seeds start in the germination room, which allows the farm to expand its season to 25 weeks. Rich varieties of produce, like onions, tomatoes, celery, Brussels sprouts, and red cabbage will sprout to seedlings before being transferred to the high tunnel greenhouse—also known as the “hoop house,” due to its main frame.

A microclimate forms within the high tunnel, meaning plants like tomatoes can grow earlier in the spring and later into the fall. While not heated, the area within the high tunnel is, on average, 30 degrees above the outside temperature. Kilgore said they have had spinach and kale grow year-round.

Miller said they save many of the seeds from the grown plants.

“We grow and then collect seeds for replanting, because those seeds have been conditioned for growing in the environment,” she said.

CONTINUE READING

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“We want our members and families to be

intricately linked. We want to see them as much as possible; it’s a chance for them to see the produce and a chance for us to share our passion.”

FEATURE Story

C S A Sen s ati on

Planted with intent and cared for by the attentive eyes of Kilgore and Miller, the juicy, crunchy, healthy goods are parceled into packages for families who have signed up to receive the weekly packages. By definition, CSA is communitysupported agriculture. Clarion Sage works this definition both ways. The farm supports the community’s health and pocketbooks through exceptional, flavor-bursting agriculture; the community in turn supports the continued production of good food through the cost of participating in the program.

Beginning in May, participants can have a cooler stocked full of fresh goodness starting at $25 per week. Members can choose the spring, summer, fall or complete season pricing, opting for seasonal goods like micro greens in the spring, watermelon in the summer, or sweet potatoes in the fall.

Clarion Sage offers delivery, but invites participants to visit the farm, just a few miles south of Waukee, for the weekly pick-up.

Benefits of the program also include a weekly newsletter featuring recipes, produce information, and storage tips.

“We want our members and families to be intricately linked,” Miller said. “We want to see them as much as possible; it’s a chance for them to see the produce and a chance for us to share our passion.”

Miller said one of the main goals for Clarion Sage in 2014 was to distinguish the CSA program as unique.

“We wanted to bring real food to typical families. A lot of CSAs are geared towards foodies, which is great, but we wanted to bring something to the meat-and-potatoes kind of families,” Miller said of the wide variety of staple favorites they include in their program.

Families were certainly interested in consuming real, wonderful food from their community. Clarion Sage fed 30 families—around 100 individuals—throughout the summer from less than an acre.

“We do kind of let our members pick veggies and make requests, and we work with other local farms to supply our members with what they want,” Miller said. Members may request items such as eggs that they source from other Central Iowa sustainable providers.

Clarion Sage also occasionally hosts fun farm events, including bonfires and “pickyour-own days.”

“We feel like we’ve walked into heaven with this land—it’s all rolling hills and wildlife,” Kilgore said.

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Gr een Th um b

Think of a carrot—orange, with green sprouts on top. That is not always the case, especially at Clarion Sage. Miller is ardent on growing different varieties. Sourcing the seeds from small companies around the world, the farm will try 30 to 40 different varieties of tomatoes, planted parallel to eight different types of potatoes and four different varieties of celery.

“I’m not going to live long enough to try all the varieties I want,” Miller said with a smile.

This year’s harvest will include increased quantities of past produce types, as well as new varieties of veggies, like potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and carrots.

Said Miller, “We try to find varieties of staples that are more than 100 years old.”

Clarion Sage also assists in filling out your own flower and veggie gardens. Choose from plants such as jalepeno pepper, stevia, marigolds, and mixed heirloom tomatoes, and the farm will let you know when your baby plant is ready to go home and flourish (usually within the first couple weeks of May). Members enjoy half-off of all transplants.

“I really enjoy the transplants,” Miller said. “I like feeling that I am giving someone so much potential.”

Moth er N ature ’ s U p s a n d Do w n s

Of course, farming in Iowa does not come without its challenges.

Kilgore said unpredictable natural elements—which they try to synchronize with, and try not to override with machinery—prove to be the toughest row to hoe. Last year, the area saw heavy levels of moisture and cool temperatures. 2015 may prove to be dry and hot, meaning different types of produce will or will not grow.

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. NOT A WINDOW / DOOR / CABINET / COUNTERTOP / FLOORING EXPERT.

When I want to update a room in my house I need someone who is honest and smart. Someone who knows exactly what I need. Not too pricey. Definitely not cheap.

Just perfect.

Another challenge is the field mice that can scurry their way into the germination room to feast on the seedlings.

Overall, however, the benefits outweigh the challenges. “For people to know and have a relationship with the food they are consuming is incredibly important,” Kilgore said.

“We are helping to plant seed with people. So many people have no knowledge of where their food comes from, and have no connection to the food.”

WE PROUDLY CARRY:

“We really want to provide our members with the staples they need,” Miller said. “We want to come as close as we can to filling a large portion of their grocery shopping.”

Easy Pe as y Le mon S q u e e z y

Obtaining a Clarion Sage membership is easy. Simply register online at clarionsage.com. Fill out your contact information, choose which share you’re buying into, and share your family’s food preferences and eating habits.

“If you care about what you eat, and about having the freshest, healthiest possible food, then this could be a great fit for you,” Kilgore said. “Nutrient levels in our food are higher than those that have been out of the ground for a while. And, you are supporting our local economy by participating.”

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21

From your WAUKEE library Devon Murphy-Petersen Community Scrapbooking Pack up your paper crafts equipment and spend the day sharing ideas and tools! There is plenty of room to spread out and work. The library’s tools will be set out for your use. Saturdays, March 7 and April 4, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm in the Coal Mine Meeting Room.

New Book – “Images of America: Waukee” The Waukee Area Historical Society’s new Waukee history book will be released in June! To make sure you own one of the first copies available, attend the pre-sale on Saturday, March 28, 10:00 am – noon in the Coal Mine Meeting Room.

Welcome to Medicare A free seminar offered by the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program. Learn about Medicare Parts A & B benefits, prescription drug benefits, Medicare advantage plans, and Medicare supplement insurance. Registration required by March 24, please call 800-351-4664. Tuesday, March 31, 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Trout Fishing 101 David Wright and fellow members of the North Bear Chapter of Trout Unlimited will present an introductory program on fly fishing for trout in Iowa streams. Trout Unlimited is a national non-profit organization dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s cold-water fisheries and their watersheds. All ages welcome. Sunday, April 26 - 1:30-3:30 pm.

Programming for Children and Youth Reading and literacy-based programs give kids a boost in both ability and confidence. Your library offers a wide variety of programs for children and youth - babies through high school. For a complete listing, please check our website at: www.waukee.org/library, or pick up a calendar at the desk. There’s something for everyone at your library!

WPL Staff Recommendations

the Best Books Made into Movies Although we all agree that the book is nearly always better than the movie, library staff particularly enjoyed the following movies based on books. There’s something for everyone in the family – and they’re available free for checkout at your library! »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Sense and Sensibility Jane Eyre The Razor’s Edge One for the Money The Life of Pi Anne of Green Gables Pride and Prejudice Mr. Popper’s Penguins James and the Giant Peach

»» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Dune Jurassic Park Gone With the Wind The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Congo Hunger Games Trilogy The Fault in Our Stars Under the Dome

March & April Hours Easter: Closed Sunday, April 5.

Open Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Friday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Save the Date – Saturday, May 2!

The Friends and Foundation’s semi-annual book and bake sale 8:30 am – 3:00 pm, library meeting room.

Dallas County Library Association Toddlerfest, 10:00 am – noon at the Dallas County Fairgrounds.

Waukee Public Library Growing Readers Since 1928!

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» Touring Bikes » Mountain Bikes » Cyclocross Twitter: @rassysbikes Like us on Facebook

Top Trends in Employment Practices Liability Claims

Unpaid internships, illegal background checks, pregnancy and health-related employment discrimination continue to be the top trending employment practices litigations cases, according the industry experts.

Claims costs are rising, in part due to the length of time it takes to resolve an EPLI claim. According to an Advisen white paper released recently, defense costs can top out at $300,000 and the timeline for resolution can be anywhere from 18 to 24 months.

Mark Currie INSPRO Insurance Accou nt E xe c u tive

mcurrie@insproins.com 515-226-9565 ext 1106 INSPRO Insurance represents a wide variety of insurance carriers. Maintaining quality business relationships with our carriers is an agency priority and INSPRO has earned “Preferred Status” levels with many of them. INSPRO Insurance continually strives to cultivate relationships with financially strong insurance carriers for the benefit of our clients.

Genetic Discrimination GINA, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Information Act, which took effect in 2009, prohibits employers from using genetic information in employment-related decisions. Employers should make sure that they are not requesting family medical history or other genetic information from job applicants.

Illegal Background Checks Lawsuits resulting from illegal background checks are on the rise. Employers who use background checks will want to make sure that they comply with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and that they conduct the background checks uniformly, and not just for certain applicants or protected groups of applicants.

Pregnancy Discrimination The Pregnancy Act was enacted in 1964 and requires employers to allow pregnant employees to work at their jobs as long as they can perform their jobs and employers aren’t allowed to hold pregnancy against a prospective new hire.

Unpaid Interns The Department of Labor has perimeters that they use for determining if an intern is or isn’t an employee.

Employers that can show that their programs have an educational value, do not give interns work that would otherwise be done by employees, and do not automatically entitle interns to paid jobs at the conclusion of the internship will be well-positioned to argue that the participants are truly interns and not employees who are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Please contact INSPRO if you have any questions about Employment Practices Liability Insurance.

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Gary Lewis 23

FACES OF WAUKEE Don Frazer

Where are you from originally?

I grew up on a farm near Conrad. After graduating from Iowa State University, I entered the working world as a banker in Atlantic.

Tell us about your family.

My wife Dianne and I moved to Waukee five years ago.

Our daughter, Shae, is married to Brad Niggemeyer, and they are the proud parents of our wonderful grandson, Micah.

Shae teaches at Woodland Hills Elementary in the Waukee school district. Our son, Will, is a chef, and he lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

What do you do for a living?

I joined the team at Actis Wealth Management on January 1, 2015. Actis is an independent financial planning firm, and it custom tailors solutions for business owners and individuals.

I spent most of my career as a community banker in Atlantic and Oelwein. After I left banking, I co-founded an agricultural biotech startup, which has been tabled.

What do you like to do with your free time?

I enjoy family time, networking events, cheering on Cyclone athletic teams, golf and reading.

What are some of things you like most about working and/or living in the Waukee area?

I describe Waukee to friends as “small-town friendly, with all the amenities of living in the city.” I think the City of Waukee has done an outstanding job of managing Waukee’s rapid growth, and that we have an exciting future ahead of us.

If you could pick just one favorite Waukee hotspot or landmark, what would it be?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve met many great people via my membership in the Waukee Chamber of Commerce. Also, we’re thrilled to have Louie’s Wine Dive open in Waukee.

Any plans for when the snow thaws and Spring finally arrives?

Golf! I’m heading to Nevada with some friends for an annual golf trip in late February, and then I’ll be enjoying the great course at Sugar Creek in Waukee as soon as the weather allows.

It’s that time of year many of us dread.

Do you have any sage advice for the struggle that is tax season?

Be prepared. Tax preparation is much easier if you keep track of tax items throughout the year. To assist in your preparation for future years, work with a trusted financial planning firm such as Actis Wealth Management.

Photo by Laura Wills 24

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Know someone we should feature? Let us know!

Email us at waukee@mytownmagazines.com

Q : What is “kinesio-tape ? ” I s it just for athletes ?

A: “Kinesio-tape” is short for kinesiology tape.

It is a special kind of tape that doctors, physical therapists, and trainers use to enhance therapy. Kinesio-tape has three main functions. First, the tape provides “dynamic support,” meaning that it will offer stability while allowing you to move. Second, the tape helps to decrease pain in the area it’s applied. Third, the tape helps reduce swelling and improve lymphatic flow.

Tom Lloyd III, D.C. Enhanced Health Chiropractic tom3dc@gmail.com 515-987-0767

Dr. Tom’s goal is a community that moves & eats their way to a healthy life. He has been practicing in the West Des Moines/ Waukee area since 2010. Located next to Jethro’s BBQ & Jambalaya, Enhanced Health Chiropractic is an inviting office with convenient hours; most insurance plans are accepted.

Kinesio-tape is designed to mimic the thickness, weight, and elasticity of human skin. This lends the tape to nearly endless applications. The tape can be worn for three to six days; it’s waterproof and can be worn while exercising, swimming, or in the shower.

Common conditions that improve with the use of kinesio-tape include: whiplash, carpal tunnel, muscle cramps, back pain, shoulder problems, plantar fasciitis, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, shin splints, ankle sprains, knee issues, postural problems, and pain.

Athletes sometimes notice bigger improvements faster, but you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit. Benefit from the tape is determined by the cause of your problem, not by what you do for a living!

It must be noted that kinesio-tape alone is not a “cure all.” If you use the tape but don’t address the cause of the problem, the tape will not have a lasting effect.

To get the best results, the tape must be coupled with other conservative care therapies. Ask your doctor how you can benefit from the use of kinesio-tape.

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WAUKEE Recipe

Patsy’s Banana Bread

My wife’s Grandma Patsy is known for this recipe. She would always have a loaf or two on hand, and she would give them out for all occasions—whenever someone had a new baby, when someone was sick, when there was as a death in the family, or when she was visiting a neighbor.

Matt and Lissah Beglinger Iowa Food Blog www.iowafoodblog.com

My wife remembers getting a loaf when she left for college. We recently moved to Waukee, and we’re enjoying the close-knit feeling of our neighborhood. We’ve tried to continue the tradition by giving away loaves as thank-you and welcome gifts to neighbors.

We’ve introduced our two very picky daughters to this recipe, and it’s a hit with them, too. It stores well in the freezer, and we usually serve it warm with butter. It’s great for breakfast or a snack.

Continuing the Art of Outdoor Wood Care » deck cleaning & staining » Window cleaning » Pressure washing & house wash a m a z i n g

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Ingredients »» 1 stick margarine »» 1 cup sugar »» 1 egg »» 3 Tbsp milk »» 3 ripe bananas, mashed »» 2 cups flour »» 1 tsp baking powder »» 1/2 tsp baking soda »» 1 tsp cinnamon »» 1/2 tsp salt »» 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions C ream margari ne and s ugar; add egg a nd vanilla. Add m ashed bananas . M i x dry i ngredi ents together t hen add t o w et . Add mi l k, s ti rri ng to c ombi ne.

Pl ac e batter i nto two s mal l or one l arge greased loaf pans.

Spri nkl e addi ti onal s ugar and c i nnamon on t op of loaves.

Bake at 325 for 45-50 mi nutes or unti l t oot hpick inser t ed in c enter c omes out c l ean.

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27

FROM YOUR Waukee Chamber March will continue the trend of a busy new year at the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce! There are so many opportunities to network and promote your business through the Chamber. We’d like to share with you some things the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is currently doing in the community and for our businesses: Signature events Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, What’s Cookin’ in Waukee: A Business Expo and Tasting Experience, Golf Outing, Cow Patty Business Bingo and the Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour Communication Weekly chamber and member newsletter update, business listed in official Waukee Chamber Directory & Community Guide, business listed in membership directory at www.waukeechamber.com, event calendar & social media.

Connection Networking opportunities to develop business relationships through the monthly luncheon, business after hours & breakfast before business. Regional connection through the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Matt Klein West Bank

Government affairs Legislative voice of the business community. Chamber sponsors three coffees during session, stays up to date on legislative issues affecting business, participates in regional public policy meetings/events and hosts election year forums.

Board P re sid e nt

mklein@westbankiowa.com 515-222-2387 The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce was organized for the purpose of advancing positive images among consumers for greater growth and development in the Waukee area.

Our programs and events support our members as business owners, but also benefit the Waukee community as a whole.

Get involved in the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce to enhance your presence throughout the business community and make a positive impact in Waukee!

Business promotion opportunities Chamber opportunities to highlight and promote business at our annual and social events and in member communications.

Committee volunteer opportunities Members have the chance to give back to the community and gain exposure in the marketplace by volunteering on one of our six committees: Membership, Community Development, Ambassadors, Government Affairs, Economic Development and Scholarship.

These are just a few of the ways we promote and support the growth and success of Waukee and its businesses.

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2015 Annual Dinner and Silent Auction was held on Thursday, January 22nd at the West Des Moines Marriott. Our 200 member guests in attendance enjoyed networking, presentations from Chamber leadership, award recognition and an amazing presentation by business owner and professional triathlete, TJ Tollakson.

Thanks to the Waukee Family YMCA for sponsoring the February Networking Luncheon at the Waukee Community Center. The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed 49 guests to the luncheon catered by Mickey’s Irish Pub. Board President Matt Klein provided a Chamber update and members had the opportunity to introduce their businesses.

The Chamber recognized the following award winners: 2014 Large Business Member of the Year, Access Systems; 2014 Medium Business Member of the Year, American Trust & Savings Bank; 2014 Small Business Member of the Year, Bowen Design. The 2014 Ambassador of the Year was awarded to Matthew Swim of New York Life Insurance Company. A gavel plaque was presented to 2014 Board President, Jerry Purdy of Design Alliance and outgoing Board Members were recognized including Erna Morain and Terry Snyder.

The Waukee Family YMCA presented and all guests participated in an activity to describe the YMCA in 6 words or less.

Check out the Y online at www.dmymca.org/waukee.

State Senator Charles Schneider and State Representative Rob Taylor spoke at the Waukee Legislative Coffee on Saturday, February 7th. The coffee was held at the Waukee City Council Chambers with thirty-three guests in attendance. The legislators provided an update and answered questions from the audience on a range of topics including road use tax fund, state mental health institutes, school start dates, enforcing drainage laws, minimum wage, puppy mill regulations and eminent domain. The legislators will join us again on March 14 and April 4 to speak at the remaining 2015 Waukee Legislative Coffees.

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce joined the Greater Des Moines Partnership and other local Chamber and business leaders to advocate on behalf of the region at the Iowa State Capitol during the Partnership’s annual “Day on the Hill” event on Thursday, February 19, 2015. Business and community leaders, including many representatives from Chambers throughout Central Iowa, participated in the event designed to provide an opportunity to work with the Iowa General Assembly and the Administration to accomplish mutually beneficial legislative goals and objectives for the economic betterment of Iowa.

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Upcoming events include the March 4th New Member Welcome Breakfast, March 14th Waukee Legislative Coffee, March 26th Chamber Networking Luncheon and a taste of our local business community on April 2nd at What’s Cookin’ in Waukee**. **What’s Cookin’ in Waukee: A Business Expo and Tasting Experience is Waukee’s largest business networking event and will be held at Waukee Prairieview Commons. Our member businesses will offer guests the opportunity to get a taste of our local business community. Business information will be highlighted and food tastings offered at each booth.

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

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

Have a great month and we look forward to seeing you soon!

since We Last Spoke

Startup This Spring

With spring comes the opportunity to try new things, pick up a new hobby, break a bad habit, learn a new skill, or maybe do something you never thought you’d do.

My background is in creative marketing and design—developing brands and producing printed materials like brochures, logos, corporate stationery, and this very magazine. I grew up drawing and creating art in a small farming community and I was trained in this area in college before I began working for myself in 1998. In those early days, I began teaching myself web design. There was no YouTube back then, so I had to rely on printed books or proprietary software to learn how to build websites. This became a new area of interest for me, and it eventually evolved into another business offering. The web has changed a lot since then, but my business continues to create online experiences for local and regional clients of varying sizes.

Over the years, I’ve developed a wide range of other interests, including hobbyist woodworking, cooking, and coaching my daughter’s youth softball team. I never would’ve known softball was my favorite sport if I hadn’t tried it.

Jason mcartor Farmboy

Owner/C re ative D ire c t o r

jason@farmboyinc.com 515-314-1321 Farmboy is a Des Moines-based web and graphic design firm that has formed creative foundations for clients in a broad range of industries, from sports marketing and manufacturing, to technology startups and agriculture, for over 15 years. Their outstanding work, primarily in the areas of identity, branding, packaging and promotion has earned them recognition both statewide, as well as by national trade publications.

Several years ago, I stumbled upon a gardening concept that was gaining traction among city folk. After hearing a radio interview with Mel Bartholomew, a pioneer of “square foot gardening,” I decided to try it for myself. My wife and I had always enjoyed some light gardening as a hobby. We probably spent more money on the water and seedlings than it would have cost just to drive up to the local Hy-Vee for a few tomatoes or a bunch of cilantro, but the kids (and the neighborhood critters) enjoyed picking the fruits that bloomed off the vine.

Square foot gardening uses a raised garden bed, typically constructed of 1x12 or 2x12 lumber that makes a “box” for your soil.

Each square foot is then sectioned off, sometime with wood lathe, or strings of twine run from side to side, to create a grid of one-square-foot “gardens,” each for a specific number of seedlings or seeds, depending on the species of plant. The overall garden can be any size, but you can start with something manageable, like a 4x4-foot box, which would give you 16 mini-gardens.

The gardens have many benefits over traditional gardens, including more plant varieties in a concentrated area, easier management, fewer weeds, and the ability to plant pest-repelling plants—such as marigolds—among the vegetables. You can also easily cover or cage in the garden to protect it from weather or rabbits.

WEB DESIGN Mobile • Apps • Responsive E-Commerce • Social Media

graphic design Logos • Branding Printing • Consulting

Nationally recognized print & web design firm with over 20 years experience crafting award winning client work. Creative Craftsmen at Your Service. That’s Farmboy. w w w . f a r m b o y i n c . c o m

If you’ve ever experimented with a square foot garden, or any other method of urban/sub-urban gardening, we’d love to hear from you online at mywaukee.com/square-foot-gardening. we’ll also post a few links to online resources to help you get started.

marketing

Brochures • Newsletters • Signage Tradeshow • Environmental • Copywriting

contact us today for a free consultation mail@farmboyinc.com / 515–314–1321

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YOUR COMMUNITY Numbers to know Waukee City Hall.......................................................................................................... 515-978-7900 Waukee Chamber of Commerce............................................................................. 515-978-7115 Waukee Fire: Non-Emergency................................................................................. 515-978-7998 Waukee Library............................................................................................................. 515-978-7944 Waukee Police: Non-Emergency............................................................................ 515-978-7979 Post Office....................................................................................................................... 515-987-9820 Public Works.................................................................................................................. 515-978-7920 Public Works After Hours (Emergency)................................................................. 515-249-1212 Waste Management..................................................................................................... 515-978-7900 Waukee Parks & Recreation..................................................................................... 515-978-0007 Waukee Community Center..................................................................................... 515-978-0007 Waukee Community School District..................................................................... 515-987-5161 City of Urbandale......................................................................................................... 515-278-3900 Urbandale Chamber of Commerce......................................................................... 515-331-6855 Urbandale Fire: Non-Emergency............................................................................ 515-278-3970 Urbandale Library........................................................................................................ 515-278-3945 Urbandale Police: Non-Emergency........................................................................ 515-278-3938 Post Office....................................................................................................................... 515-334-5683 Public Works.................................................................................................................. 515-278-3950 Public Works After Hours (Emergency)................................................................. 515-249-1212 Urbandale Parks & Recreation................................................................................. 515-278-3963 Urbandale City Hall..................................................................................................... 515-278-3900

Visit Our Waukee Location 43 NE Carefree Ln 515-987-5333

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