MyWaukee March/April 2022

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PA I D

DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 5107

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Renewal &

REVIVAL Waukee is embracing the spirit of spring and reopening a community favorite, the Art Gallery!

Also

CITY OF WAUKEE

HOOKED ON FISHING WAUKEE LIBRARY

THE ART GALLERY RETURNS SCHOOL DISTRICT

WAUKEE CSD: A GROWING PLACE TO BE

Iowa’s #1 Lincoln Dealer* Since 1980

(VIN or number in stock per state requirements)

684

A MONTH FOR 39-MONTHS¹

5LM5J7XC2LGL09632

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3184 AFTER $1,000 wish list RCL cash back

A MONTH FOR 39-MONTHS¹

Security deposit waived. Excludes taxes, title and license fees. expires 12-31-19

5LMJJ2JT9KEL26528

394

3461 AFTER $1200 wish list RCL CASH BACK

2894

A MONTH FOR 39-MONTHS¹

Security deposit waived. Excludes taxes, title and license fees.expires 12-30-19

AFTER $1500 RCL CASH BACK, $500 owner loyalty, and $600 wish list first payment cash

Security deposit waived. Excludes taxes, title and license fees. expires 12-30-19

39 month Lincoln Automotive Financial Services closed end leases, 10500 miles per year with qualified credit

New Lincolns on the ground, and arriving daily.

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A MONTH FOR 00-MONTHS¹

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0,0001450 E HICKMAN I WAUKEE 0,000 IA 50263

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515.987.3697 I www.stiverslincolniowa.com

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services (LAFS) Red Carpet Lease (RCL) for qualified lessees, after $0,000 LAFS/RCL Cash Back.

Security deposit waived. Excludes taxes, title and license fees.

A MONTH FOR 00-MONTHS¹

A MONTH FOR 00-MONTHS¹

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services (LAFS) Red Carpet Lease (RCL) for qualified lessees, after $0,000 LAFS/RCL Cash Back.

Security deposit waived. Excludes taxes, title and license fees.

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services (LAFS) Red Carpet Lease (RCL) Waukee for qualified lessees, after $0,000 LAFS/RCL Cash Back.

Security deposit waived. Excludes taxes, title and license fees.

Stivers Ford Lincoln

*Sales ranking based on 2021 car and truck sales report of the Kansas City Region of Lincoln Motor Company.

123 Main Street I Anytown, USA 00000

¹Not all buyers will qualify for low-mileage Lincoln AFS Red Carpet Lease. Lease payments may vary; dealer determines price. Residency restrictions apply. STATE LAW HERE IF NEEDED. Cash due at signing is after

FROM The Publisher NEW SEASON Things are starting to feel new—at least for me. I really hope I’m not alone in saying that.

MARCH / APRIL 2022

Publisher & Partner Jason McArtor

Creative Director Taylor Eckstrom

Photographer

This is really a magical time of year—one that I have more appreciation for as time goes by. The leaves we raked, bagged and hauled away are showing up again on our trees, and sprouts are emerging from the ground. I’m not sure what type of bird it was, but just a few afternoons ago, I heard the frantic chirping of what sounded like hundreds of something flying in from the west before I whipped out my camera —I mean phone—to capture about 30 seconds of the flyover. If anyone has an idea what those were, I’d love to know. They were headed somewhere in a hurry, and I’d never seen anything quite like it.

Slushy streets and bike paths are bustling with people now that the snow has melted, and pets are eager to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Our little dog just enjoys stepping outside our sliding door to sit in the warm sun.

It’s a time of year when basketball can bring us all together, around the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, and many of us fill out brackets in hopes of getting lucky. This may be a year when luck may be a little better than smarts, and seeing smiling faces in anticipation of the spring and summer seasons is a welcome step in the right direction.

Patrick Fleming

Content Courtney Morgan

Photos / Creative / Layout FARMBOY Marketing & Web Development

Jason McArtor P u b l i s h er & Pa r tner j a s o n @ mytownm a g a z ines.com / 515-3 14 -13 21

Copy Editor Marjorie Sandner

Advertising 515-314-13 2 1

Distributor Goldfinch Media

Address 8527 University Blvd Suite 7 Clive, Iowa 50325

Email info@myTownMagazines.com

CONTENTS March / April 2022 HI GHLIGHT S

04 CITY OF WAUKEE ART 07GALLERY WAUKEE

The City is excited to see the growth of public fishing opportunities, as the community itself grows. The city currently has four public fishing ponds and is excited to add an additional one at the new Triumph park, opening in June for all ages.

12 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Spring is the time for renewal, and this year has big things in store. Waukee is embracing the spirit and reopening a community favorite. The Waukee Public Library is reopening The Art Gallery on April 2 after being closed for the pandemic.

Waukee Community School District is committed to providing all of its students with the knowledge, experiences, and growth opportunities necessary for them to develop the competencies required for success in school, in the workforce, and in life. 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. ©2022 Goldfinch Media

SECTI ONS

03 From the Publisher 04 Your City of Waukee 12 Your Waukee School District 14 Your Waukee Library

ON THE COVER Adult Services Librarian, Alex Coggeshell, excitedly standing in front of the Waukee Library as they put together the reopened art gallery inside.

Photo By: Patrick Fleming

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CITY OF WAUKEE By Summer Evans

Waukee is Getting on Fishing As Waukee grows, so do the opportunities for public fishing. The community has four public ponds open for fishing, and the pond at Triumph Park will oh-fish-ially open in June!

“Fishing is a classic outdoor family activity, and it’s something that anyone can do,” said Waukee Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Josh VandeKamp. “With recent City investments and the help of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish Local program, this favorite past time is readily available without leaving Waukee.”

Kettlestone Village Pond

Tallgrass Pond

The current Waukee public fishing locations include:

Ponds

Kettlestone Commons

» Two Kettlestone Commons Ponds » Tallgrass Pond » Kettlestone Village Pond

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March / April 2022

Those ponds are all stocked with Largemouth Bass, channel catfish and bluegills; Waukee’s fifth public pond will be as well. In the past, some ponds have been stocked with trout.

When the new 66-acre Triumph Park opens in June, the 11-acre pond on site will welcome anglers of all ages and abilities. The new Triumph Park pond features a highly anticipated ADA-compliant accessible fishing pier, the first of its kind in Dallas County. The pier, made possible with funding from the Waukee Betterment Foundation, will provide a safe and convenient way for people to explore nature through fishing.

“Senior living centers and The Veterans Administration have expressed a lot of interest in this new opportunity,” VandeKamp said. “It’s specifically designed with portions of low railings for those fishing from wheelchairs, and it’s fully encased by railings, meaning it’s safer for those with mobility challenges.”

With more ponds opening in Waukee, are people really utilizing them? The answer is yes. Fishing licenses in Waukee hovered around 1,200 in both 2018 (when the Kettlestone ponds opened) and 2019. As the desire for outdoor activities increased during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a record 1,859 fishing licenses were issued in 2020. Officials believe that popularity will continue to grow. 14-year-old Waukee resident Calvin Carroll is a big fan of fishing at the Kettlestone Commons and Tallgrass Ponds with his dad and his brothers.

Kettlestone Ponds

“It makes me happy to see the City opening up more ponds. I really look forward to Triumph Park’s new public fishing amenity” - Officer Schettler

Carroll Fishing

Trout Fishing

“The fishing is very good! The fish are relatively easy to catch, and the ponds are easy to access,” he said. “There are also great walking trails nearby for getting exercise.”

Waukee Police Officer Rod Schettler spends a lot of his free time fishing in Waukee with his sons, his friends and sometimes on his own. Whether it’s a hot summer days or ice fishing season, he’s there.

“The Waukee ponds are so convenient,” said Officer Schettler. “If I’ve just left work for the day and want to spur-of-the-moment go fishing, the long drive to the closest lake is not going to stop me! Plus, the ponds are stocked full of fish – types of fish I enjoy catching.”

Both Carroll and Officer Schettler said they are excited to try their luck at the new Triumph Park pond in June.

“The fishing is very good!

The fish are relatively easy to catch, and the ponds are easy to access.”

“Triumph is going to be bigger and deeper which will improve the size of the fish and maybe open it up to stocking new species such as walleye,” Carroll said. “It’s also great to have that attraction located right next to Northwest High School, the ball fields and the EPIC Inclusive Playground – it’s sort of a one-stop shop.”

Fishing licenses are required in order to fish on Waukee’s public ponds. Those wishing to buy a license online, explore maps, get Iowa fishing regulations and learn more can visit iowadnr.gov/fishing. In Waukee, residents and visitors can purchase fishing licenses in-person at Fleet Farm, located at 1300 SE Kettlestone Blvd.

Per Iowa's fishing regulations, the daily limit for bluegills is 25. The catfish daily limit is 8. The daily limit for bass is 3, but bass must be at least 15 inches long to keep. Releasing bass back into the waterbody helps maintain healthy fish populations.

Kayaks, paddle boards and motorboats are not allowed on City-owned ponds. Visit Waukee.org/fishing to stay up-to-date on all things fishing in Waukee.

Officer Schettler Fishing

- Calvin Carroll 5

STORY By Courtney Morgan

WAUKEE ART GALLERY

RETURNS

Spring is the time for renewal, and this year has big things in store. Waukee is embracing the spirit and reopening a community favorite. The Waukee Public Library is reopening The Art Gallery on April 2 after being closed due to the pandemic It’s been a long journey for the library and it’s wonderful to see it return. The Art Gallery opened its doors on June 4, 2019 with a space-themed summer reading program and exhibition. “Explore the Universe” featured a collection of photos borrowed from NASA and focused on “extravehicular activities.” The program was a hit with activities including play dates with “moon sand” and a rebel forces training program called Space Warrior Academy!

The gallery offered many different types of exploration and exhibition before the shutdown. Local and regional artists showed their work in all types of media: photography, acrylic, oil, watercolor, you name it! There was always something to do at the gallery but not just art.

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March / April 2022

Art Gallery getting set up Through a generous donation from Hiram Ori, the Coal Mine Museum and Meeting Room were built in 2011. Today, these rooms host many local gatherings, important meetings, and library events. It is also home to the Art Gallery. With the reopening, artists will return and exhibit their work in the event space as well as host a reception to discuss their lives and work with the community.

STORY Courtney Morgan THE FIRST EXHIBIT OF 2022 The gallery reopens with a reflection on the pandemic and the stories of those who lived through it. The first exhibit of 2022 is a selection of pieces from photographer Julie Houghton called “90 Heroes: Masked Portraits.”

It will be on display from April 2-26.

Julie decided to challenge herself by drawing something each day for 90 days at the beginning of 2021. Much like the rest of us, she was inundated with images of Covid-19 and staying current on the news. One common thread was surfacing that could tie us all together: the humble face mask. We were seeing it all around us and experiencing it daily. It was the perfect theme for the project.

It all started with a self portrait. Julie put on a mask and drew herself. After some reflection, she began asking for friends and family to take masked selfies and she would draw them in return. From there, she was receiving selfies from the community, including frontline healthcare workers. Each healthcare worker received a full color portrait to honor their dedication and hardship.

During those 90 days, she received over 100 photos. Sometimes, there would be a reflection or a story attached that gave her a glimpse of the person’s life during these trying times. Julie thought this was a fitting caption to each portrait and reached out to each participant for a few words to accompany their image.

ADDITIONAL ARTIST EXHIBITIONS Following “90 Heroes,” the gallery will feature a photoset from Jen Loeb titled “From Iowa to the 7 Summits: Adventures in Altitude.” This project took several years to achieve but didn’t start out as the main goal.

Jen is an avid volunteer. She works locally and internationally with charitable organizations to build schools and houses for those in need. Along with hiking all over the world, she helps remove invasive plants, clean up rivers, and has even collected data on endangered species. In 2010, she took time away from her good work to begin mountain climbing. This is where the journey began.

After completing climbing school, she scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011 and Mount Everest in 2016. With these two wins under her belt, she wanted more.

She would climb the seven summits. Each summit is the highest peak of each and every continent in the world. It would take time (and a setback called the pandemic), but in January of 2022, Jen would climb the last of the seven summits and complete her dream.

Julie Houghton with her art

SPRING WAUKEE ACTIVITIES The Art Gallery isn’t the only thing getting spruced up this spring.

Several activities are returning to Waukee and getting the community out and about in the warmer weather. Come on down and join the fun!

Take the sting out of crime this spring with Waukee Area Seniors and Police (WASP) on March 30 and April 27 at 9:00 a.m. at the Waukee Community Center.

Admission is free. The cooperation between law enforcement, senior services and seniors in the community can help reduce criminal victimization of the elderly.

Interested seniors can contact the Waukee Police Department directly or attend the meetings for more information.

Calling all Bingo enthusiasts! The Waukee Community Center will be hosting monthly bingo events on April 1 and May 6 at 1:00 p.m. Your first card costs $1 and a second card is ten cents. Grab your bingo buddy and come out for a fun afternoon of competition with this classic game of chance.

She brings us a collection of photographs from all her climbs over the years.

The equipment she used on her journey will also be on display alongside her photo series. Jen will also talk about her experiences throughout the years and share her motivations for scaling the seven summits at the event. This event is for adults but teens are also welcome to attend.

Wouldn’t you love to free up more time and go outside to enjoy the warmer weather? Dinner Delights Meal Prep Party has got you covered on April 10 and May 15 from 2-4 p.m.. It costs $125 for six meals of three servings each.

Register at: waukee.org/registration.Bring your own freezer bags and/or cooler to take home your six prepped meals and Dinner Delights will handle the rest. Grab your friends and join us for a meal assembly party! Dinner Delights takes care of all of the planning, shopping and food prep while you socialize and gather all you need for six nights of meals! Meals include: Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Pesto Meatballs, Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops with Jalapeno Creamed Corn, Monte Cristo Casserole, Thai Pork Tacos, and Cajun Meatloaf and Veggies.

After experiencing the journey of the seven summits, the gallery will also host Kelsey Wilson’s “Lost in the Weeds” from June 12-28. It’s a watercolor botanical series about invasive plants behaving badly in our backyards.

Each painting takes anywhere from 30-100 hours to complete.

Bricks and Beads at the Waukee Public Library is a fun event for kids and teens who love to get crafty and creative. It will be held on Wednesday, April 13 from 2-4 p.m. Build a Lego creation that will be displayed for a short time in the library or design a great Perler Bead creation that can be taken home when you are done.

In addition to the watercolor display, Kelsey will also host a Botanical Drawing Class on Tuesday, June 28 at 5:30 PM in the Waukee Art Gallery.

We’ve caught word that the Easter Bunny will be hiding thousands of eggs and candy at the Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park on April 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Children up through 10 years old are invited to participate in this free event.

Our sources also claim that there will be special golden prize eggs hidden across the field for the quickest and luckiest participants. Three age groups are allowed to participate: Ages 4 and under, Ages 5-7, and Ages 8-10. The groups will be separated between fields 1-3 for everyone’s safety.

Note: Professional and Amateur Artists are encouraged to apply for exhibition in the gallery. Art organizations are also welcome. Interested parties can apply on the library’s website: waukeepublic library.org/artgallery.

Everyone could use a bit of “hoppiness” in their mailbox. Make some greeting cards with us at the Library Lunch & Learn: Greeting Card Making Class on May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Waukee Community Center. It’s free to attend.

Bring a sack lunch with you!

Julie double-checking the exhibition 7

SPRING CLEAN YOUR DIET WITH HELP FROM AN EXPERT! Hy-Vee Registered Dietitians are skilled in helping you live a healthy lifestyle that’s right for you. Sign-up today for any of the following nutrition programs on HY-VEE.COM/HEALTH or USE THE QR CODE:

From the Dietitian,

How to N at u r al ly D e tox Yo u r B ody for Sp ri ng Toxins, teas, laxatives and cleanses using lemon juice and cayenne pepper.

A quick Google search on the word ‘detox’ and you’ll be bombarded with advice— some more sound than others! The good news? Your body is able to naturally detox itself! Erin Good, Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, shares three tips on how to support your body in becoming the most efficient detoxifying machine.

Why detox? Toxins are created through our regular metabolism. They can also be absorbed through our skin or introduced to our bodies when we eat, drink or breathe. Toxins include lactic acid, urea and waste products, pesticides, air pollution and alcohol, to name just a few.

How does it work? Our bodies use the nutrients in our diets to detoxify daily.

The ability to detoxify varies from person to person and is influenced by diet, lifestyle, genetic factors and our environment. Some of us may need more detox support than others, but diet and lifestyle modifications may help enhance daily detoxification.

3 DIETITIAN TIPS TO REFRESH AND REJUVENATE YOUR BODY 1. STAY HYDRATED. We all know water is important, but consistency is key to help remove waste products.

• Erin's Picks: Flavored water, green or herbal tea

2. CONSUME 5-9 SERVINGS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DAILY.

Increasing produce in your diet will also provide a boost in fiber, helping support and maintain bowel regularity.

• Erin's Picks: Cruciferous veggies (e.g., broccoli and Brussels sprouts), berries,

canned artichokes, garlic, onion

3. FEED YOUR GUT RIGHT. Include probiotic-rich foods that are naturally fermented to increase the diversity of good bacteria.

• Erin's Picks: Sauerkraut, kombucha, a multi-strain probiotic supplement

EGood@hy-vee.com • (515) 216-2770 8

March / April 2022

BEGIN: 10-WEEK HEALTHY LIFESTYLE & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM That run-down, low energy, blah-times-ten feeling shouldn’t be your norm. Join a Hy-Vee Dietitian for a 10-week virtual group nutrition program teaching you how to prioritize your health, gain more energy, and boost confidence.

BEGIN is not a diet. BEGIN is a plan to help with lifelong wellness.

Sign up online for any of the following dates: • Mondays at 10:00 AM starting March 28th • Wednesdays at 3:00 PM starting April 6th • Thursdays at 8:00 PM starting April 14th • Tuesdays at Noon starting April 19th

FREE A1c SCREENINGS (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST STARTING APRIL 1ST) During the entire month of April, schedule a FREE, 10-minute A1c screening with your local Hy-Vee Dietitian to learn your average blood sugar levels, or Hemoglobin A1c. Visit hy-vee.com/health to book your appointment today!

Erin Good, RD, LD

Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian

HOME IMPROVEMENT GLS Painting

Spring Is A Great Time To

Refresh

Your Home’s Exterior

What are some things to keep in mind before you paint?

As it gets warmer outside, it might be time to consider a fresh coat of paint to spruce up your home. Before you get started, there are a few things to bear in mind.

­ ­

Make sure you set aside ample time for an assessment. Before you paint, it’s best to have someone check the types of substrate on your home. There may be damage that needs to be repaired before any painting can be done.

Another consideration is shipping time—repairs may take longer than expected because the materials are shipping from out of state or out of the country. Another possible delay could be the cost to produce the materials needed for the project. A great way of avoiding these potential hiccups is to schedule early. It’s always a good idea to call in the professionals before you expect to start.

WHICH PAINT IS RIGHT FOR MY HOME? Choosing the right paint for your project can be overwhelming. It’s not a matter of which brand to use, but knowing which type of paint is best for you and your home’s exterior. At GLS, we have three different tiers of paint to fit any project and budget, and we know which paint is the right one for the job. We can tell you which paint will meet your short and long-term goals. A higher product price does not necessarily mean it will perform better in a particular situation.

All of these questions (and more) can be answered with an assessment, and GLS Painting is here to help! Get in touch with us today to discuss your spring project.

HOW DO YOU PAINT A HOUSE? At GLS, we follow a specific process. Before any work begins, we want to have the exterior checked for any damage and help you find the right professional to make any necessary repairs before our crew arrives. Next, we want to make sure the house is tidy and free of anything that can interfere with the paint adhering to the surface. We power wash the entire house from roof to foundation.

After everything is neat as a pin, we scrape the surface to remove any unwanted textures or irregularities. Next, we scrape and spot prime areas where needed. If any areas need to be caulked or sealed, we make sure to take care of those before the paint goes on.

Finally, we finish the house with two coats of paint. Depending on the materials of your exterior—like wood or another porous surface—we will use a method called backrolling. This helps the paint adhere to the textured surfaces and push the paint into any grain or grooves. In order to backroll properly, one person uses an air sprayer to apply the paint in a thick layer, and another person follows closely behind with a roller to press in the paint and give the finished product a smooth finish.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Home Solutions of Iowa

Gutter Maintenance Is a

Spring Must

We often focus heavily on fall gutter maintenance, but spring gutter maintenance is just as important. In the fall, the sight of overflowing leaves in your gutters is an eyesore and a good indication that the gutters are unable to perform properly.

In the spring, leaves may be noticeable, but our extremely cold winters may have caused damage to your gutters and home that you haven’t seen in previous years.

Here are four signs that you may need new gutters:

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, siding, and decking. 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.

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March / April 2022

SAGGING OR SEPARATED GUTTERS: If you see your gutters falling away from your home, it is crucial to get a new gutter system ASAP to avoid further damage to your siding, roof and home foundation.

PEELING PAINT: Water trickling down the side of your home can cause the paint to peel. This may be an indication that your gutter system has holes, cracks or gaps, or that your gutters are clogged. If left unrepaired, this can lead to serious damage to your home.

ERODED LANDSCAPING AND FLOODED BASEMENTS:

If you notice pools of water on your landscape, or if your basement is flooding, this is a sign that your gutters aren’t working correctly. Gutters that are not channeling water properly can cause water to get into places it shouldn’t, like your flower beds and the basement.

GUTTERS PULLING AWAY FROM THE ROOF: If your gutters are pulling away from the roof, this is a sign that your fascia board could be rotting.

Over time, water will seep into your home’s fascia board and cause it to rot. Another sign of this is water running down your siding due to your gutters being clogged with leaves and debris.

Life is busy enough—that’s why one of the best choices you can make for your Waukee, Iowa home is installing LeafGuard® Gutters. LeafGuard® is a lifetime solution that will allow you to enjoy life without the stress of gutter maintenance.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Colby's Lawn & Landscape

Give your Home a FRESH look with new mulch and edging this spring.

When we “think spring,” we usually think about shampooing carpets and power washing the driveway but have you stopped to consider that your lawn needs just as much love and care? Spruce up your property with a deep clean and new edging this spring.

Curb appeal is important to any homeowner, whether you already live in your forever home or you’re getting ready to sell. It doesn’t have to eat up all your free time or cost you an arm and a leg to get the lawn you want. Rock, mulch, edging, and a deep spring cleaning can all elevate the look of your yard, and home, while also improving its health.

ROCK AND MULCH There is a wide variety of rock and mulch available this time of year. Whatever your taste, Colby’s Lawn & Landscape can get you the color and type you want without the hassle of selecting, buying, and lugging it home from the store.

We offer a wide selection of hardwood mulches for any yard whether you want to get rid of an outdated color or its time to replace old rock or mulch that has seen one too many winters. Adding rock or mulch around trees, bushes, garden beds, and around the yard can cut down on weeds and add visual interest.

LANDSCAPE EDGING There are three kinds of edging that we offer: plastic, metal, and brick. Plastic edging is a great choice for those trying to sell a house or want to crisp up the lines of their lawn on a budget. The plastic lining is black and sits very low to the ground.

It can clean up a yard without obscuring the natural flow and look of your property. Black metal edging is the next step from plastic. Similar to the plastic option, black metal edging sits close to the ground, sharpening the edges of your landscaping without the more prominent look of brick.

This solution will last you through many years of home ownership and will endure all the weather that Iowa can throw at it. It’s a great option for folks who just moved in or want to bring order to chaos.

Our last edging option is brick. This is a very popular choice and comes in a wide selection of colors, textures, sizes, and more. Brick is an elegant boundary around any lawn, garden, or path.

It’s long lasting and very durable for whatever the weather sends your way.

All forms of edging offer versatility but none do it better than a fully customized brick layout. You can stack them high and build a sturdy barrier to keep the borders of your garden intact or place them flush with the ground so that any mower can roll over them safely and say goodbye to the edge trimmer forever.

SPRING CLEANUP After winter departs, the ground begins to thaw and all the muck and mire previously hidden by the snow is prominently displayed on your lawn.

Even the best maintained landscaping has a hard time coming back to life after months of ice, snow, and cold, rainy days.

A good spring cleaning of your property is just what it needs. A great place to start is with trimming the bushes and smaller trees that might have broken limbs and lackluster leaves.

Get a jump on the weeds with a preemptive spray and give the grass a fresh cut. Lastly, pick up and remove any debris, dead vegetation, and old mulch to really rejuvenate your home and boost curb appeal.

Serving Des Moines Metro

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WAUKEE SCHOOL DISTRICT Kristin Chavez, WCSD

Waukee CSD: A Growing Place to Be Growth is always the goal in Waukee–for our students, our staff, and our surrounding community.

As a district, we are committed to inspiring learners who feel valued, challenged, and prepared to embrace tomorrow’s opportunities. In order to do this, we must provide not only the educational experiences and opportunities for students to succeed, but also the spaces where this growth can happen.

When looking at the last several years, we can see that growth has been prevalent, and the trend appears to be continuing forward. Our facility and construction team at Waukee CSD has been busy planning for and opening new facilities as well as completing renovations and additions to current facilities. Most recently, this includes the opening of Radiant Elementary, the addition to Vince Meyer Learning Center, and the opening of Northwest High School, among many other projects.

ELEMENTARY #11 Our 10-year financial and facility plan has had some timelines accelerated and, most notably, for Elementary #11. This acceleration is in direct response to the most recent enrollment projections from RSP & Associates: · Overall Enrollment: Increase by 3,000 students in 5 years · Elementary Schools: Increase by over 1,500 students in 5 years

WAUKEE CSD FACILITY TIMELINE

SUGAR CREEK ELEMENTARY Sugar Creek Elementary is the district’s tenth and newest elementary and will open this upcoming fall of 2022 in the southwestern corner of our district boundaries. The building is quickly coming together at over 75% of the way complete. The district was also excited to announce Liz Griesel as the Principal for Sugar Creek Elementary.

Liz is currently serving as the Assistant Principal at Maple Grove Elementary & Eason Elementary. In the months ahead, there will be much to finalize, including hiring for open positions in order to be ready for students in August.

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March / April 2022

· Middle Schools: Increase by about 700 students in 5 years · High Schools: Increase by over 600 students in 5 years

During the presentation of our initial financial and facility plan in January 2020, we projected opening Elementary #11 in the fall of 2026. However, we quickly realized we would need to adjust our timeline.

According to Kirk Johnson, Waukee CSD Chief Operations Officer, “The enrollment projections indicate Radiant Elementary being nearly 200 students over design capacity by the fall of 2024.

Therefore, the school district has agreed to purchase land in the northeast corner of our school district boundaries. We anticipate after a future boundary modification, this new elementary, which will now open two years earlier in the fall of 2024, will relieve enrollment pressures on Radiant Elementary.”

Below is the architectural schematic design for the newest elementary (#11), which will closely resemble our other recently added elementary buildings.

A BETTER MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE Our mortgage services are more than the loans themselves. Our rates are competitive.

COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL

Our process is simple and quick. But first

Another form of growth in the district is the expansion of opportunities for students and families. One of those being the increase in openings for our Community Preschool program for four-year-olds. This program is funded by the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Grant making it free for families. The district is excited to be expanding the program by more than 100 additional openings as well as offering morning or afternoon options, instead of just the afternoon as offered in previous years.

and foremost, with Central Bank, you have a mortgage officer who will provide the unparalleled personal service you expect.

And that’s peace of mind.

We encourage families in our community to visit our district website to find out more about preschool enrollment and complete the online application. We look forward to welcoming these additional students and their families into our Waukee Community Preschool family!

STAFFING Given that our facility timeline is now refined, we will experience an annual need to continuously hire additional certified and classified staff each year between now and 2025. In addition, there will be a need to add staff at all other buildings in the district as residential development continues to flourish in all four of our municipalities.

Matt Klein NMLS ID##446592

300 E. Hickman Rd Waukee, IA (515) 987-2299

If you’re interested in joining our Waukee CSD family as a staff member, we would love to have you visit our website and check out our current open positions.

As we look to the years ahead, it appears the growth work will continue as we experience an increase in families moving into our district boundaries. We’re excited about this continued growth, and we look forward to all of the new opportunities it will create for our staff, students, and district families.

Come work as our Advertising Director Be your own boss and earn additional income with a flexible work schedule! » Flexible Hours

» Uncapped Commission

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Scan the QR code to download Matt’s app.

Calculate monthly payments, compare lending scenarios, apply using your smartphone... and more!

Call or email to learn more about this opportunity (515) 314-1321 jason@ mytownmagazines.com

13 CENTRAL BANK MY WAUKEE AD_4.1815X9.5.indd 1

9/27/21 1:45 PM

Waukee Library

By Sam Bedford

Celebrating Women’s History Month Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions women have made to history, culture, and society in the United States and around the world. The Library is honoring Women’s History Month with several events during the month of March.

Three online, family-friendly presentations offer new insights into many of the women who made history:

Starting March 1, the Library will have the following hours: • Monday and Tuesday 9 AM – 8 PM • Wednesday and Thursday 9 AM – 6 PM • Friday 9 AM – 5:30 PM • Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM

• Deborah Sampson, the only woman known to have disguised herself as a man and served in the Continental Army without detection. Janet Parnes will perform a historical portrayal of this legendary woman on Saturday, March 5 at 1 PM.

• Sunday 12-4 PM

• Madam C.J. Walker rose from poverty in the South to become America’s first female self-made millionaire. Dr. Daisy Century will portray this historic entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist on Saturday, March 12 at 1 PM.

The majority of events will require advanced registration.

Visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/calendar for more information and to register.

• Helga Estby, Pearl Hart, Ann Eliza Young, Tad Lucas, and more women who left footprints on history by stepping out of place will be introduced in an online performance by Lyn Messersmith and Deb Carpenter-Nolting on Saturday, March 19 at 1 PM. March’s Movie Matinee will be “Respect,” a movie all about Aretha Franklin and how her voice changed everything. All are welcome to enjoy this movie at 10 AM on Thursday, March 10 in the Library’s Coal Mine Meeting room.

All month long, the Library will be taking supply donations for the Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC).

YWRC serves girls and young women ages 10-24 throughout Greater Des Moines. Needed items include unscented baby wipes, full-size deodorant, size seven diapers and pull-ups, full-size toothpaste, new teethers for babies, and more. You can see the full list of accepted items on the Library’s website.

Learn more about these events and register at waukeepubliclibrary.org/womens-history-month.

Teen Advisory Board Monday, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 | 3:30 PM Students in grades 7-12 are invited to participate on the Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB). TAB meets weekly to plan teen programs, sign up for Library volunteer opportunities, build leadership skills, and suggest teen books to be purchased by the Library. Email kweston-stoll@waukee.org to register or for more info.

Afternoon Book Club Thursday, April 7 | 2:30 PM Come to the Coal Mine Meeting Room at the Library for a discussion of April’s book, The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict.

Teen Egg Hunt Friday, April 8 | 6:30 PM Don’t forget your flashlight for this indoor, in-the-dark egg hunt! Enjoy cookies and trivia, then try your luck to see what candy and prizes you can win from the hunt.

For students in grades 6-12. Registration is required.

14

New Library Hours

March / April 2022

APRIL EVENTS

Introvert Book Club All Month Long Introverts, it’s time to unite! Separately. In your own homes. If you want to join a book club but aren’t sure you’re up for the time commitment or people-ing — this is the book club for you! Each month there’s a new book selection, but there’s never a meeting.

April’s book is A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum.

Learn About Songkran Saturday, April 2 | 10 AM Join us to learn about Songkran, the Thai New Year Water Festival from a CulturalALL ambassador! For children in grades K-5, registration is required.

Easy as Pie Saturday, April 9 | 1:30 PM

Stormwater Management Tuesday, April 12 | 6 PM

Learn the basics of making a delicious pie from Iowa State Fair and American Pie Council award-winning baker, Lana Shope.

She’ll teach you all the tips and tricks to a flakey crust and a tasty filling! Samples will be served. Registration is required for this adult-only event.

Curious about how the Library’s new parking lot storm water management system works?

Want to learn how to collect and utilize rain water at home? Learn all about it at this class led by the City of Waukee’s Stormwater Department.

Teen Self Defense Sunday, April 10 | 2 PM Students in grades 6-12 can attend this free workshop to learn the basics of staying safe in today’s world. Instructors from Cobra Self Defense of Iowa will present information and training on a variety of topics. Registration is required.

Take and Make: Rolled Felt Flowers Monday, April 11 | All Day Celebrate spring by making some rolled felt flowers! In this simple and easy take-andmake craft, you’ll cut patterns out of colorful felt, then roll them into dainty flowers to turn into magnets, hair-ties, push pins, or wearable brooches. Registration is required for this adult-only craft.

Bricks and Beads Wednesday, April 13 | 2 PM Calling all crafty engineers! Register to drop in any time during this event to get creative with the Library’s Lego collection or to make a Perler bead design. Registration is required.

Movie Matinee Thursday, April 14 | 10 AM Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the Library’s big screen.

We’ll be showing everything from major blockbusters to classics. No registration is required.

0-5 Playtime Friday, April 15 and 29 | 10 AM Children ages 0-5 years and their caregivers are invited to stop in the front program

rooms and play with a variety of the library’s toys to build social and early literacy skills.

Registration is required.

Books on Tap Tuesday, April 19 | 6 PM Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub to enjoy food, drinks, and a discussion of TJ Klune’s book, The House in the Cerulean Sea!

1,000 Miles Up the Nile (Online) Saturday, April 23 | 1 PM Join Egyptologist Laura Ranieri Roy on a journey up the Nile! You’ll go on a wonderful, visual exploration up the Nile River, visiting famous historic sites. Registration is required for this online travel experience.

Elementary Early Out Wednesday, April 27 | 2:30 PM Youth in grades K-5 are invited to bring their creativity and scientific minds to the Library to explore a variety of Star Wars themed STEAM hands-on activities. Registration is required.

(515 ) 348-8098

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