more news at ......wishes for christmas. with a helping hand from ashley mobley, who teaches first...

28
Living Urbandale december 2012 50322/50323 magazine MORE NEWS AT WWW.IOWALIVINGMAGAZINES.COM MEET JANE EMRY BECKER EDUCATION HIDDEN TREASURES GARAGE PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE RECIPE URBANDALE STUDENTS SHARE THEIR CHRISTMAS WISHES PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID BIG GREEN UMBRELLA POSTAL CUSTOMER BIG GREEN UMBRELLA 414 61st Street Des Moines, IA 50312 Dear Santa...

Upload: others

Post on 05-Oct-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

LivingUrbandaledecember 2012

50322/50323

magazine

MORE NEWS AT WWW.IOWALIVINGMAGAZINES.COM

MEET JANE EMRY BECKEREDUCATION

HIDDEN TREASURESGARAGE

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKERECIPE

URBANDALE STUDENTS SHARE THEIR CHRISTMAS WISHES

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

BIG GREEN UMBRELLA

POSTAL CUSTOMER

BIG GREEN UMBRELLA414 61st Street

Des Moines, IA 50312

Dear Santa...

Page 2: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

www.KennybrookVillage.com

200 SW Brookside DriveRRetiirement Living in Grimes, ILi i i G i Iowa

515-369-3900

We wish you and your family a

MERRY CHRISTMASand a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Independent Living Apartments ~ Assisted Living Apartments ~ Rehabilitation/Long Term Care

Page 3: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

welcome By Shane Goodman, [email protected]

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 3

Darren TromblayEditor515-953-4822 ext. [email protected]

Sally [email protected]

Julie [email protected]

Oh, Christmas TreeB ack in 1995 when Jolene and I became married, we scraped together

enough money to buy our first Christmas tree. It was a four-foot, artificial tree that was skimpy on branches. Years later we still joke

about how it looked like something from a Charlie Brown Christmas special. We eventually gave that tree away, and we were able to buy a larger and fuller tree that we continue to adorn with family ornaments today.

But as each holiday season arrives, our fam-ily tosses around the idea of buying a real Christmas tree. The discussion this year led me to do a little research, and I learned that despite the election season being over, this debate is another political hot potato. Those preaching the benefits of real trees will tell you how growing them provides habitat for wildlife and how they remove dust and pollen from the air. They share how one acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen requirement of 18 people. They will remind you that the Christmas tree growing industry employs

more than 100,000 people, while 85 percent of the artificial trees in the U.S. are imported from China. And they will cringe when sharing how artificial trees will last for six years in your home but centuries in a landfill. Those opting for the artificial version will tell you that it takes between seven and 10 years to grow the 30 million or so Christmas trees that are sold each year, and that more than one million acres of land is needed to plant them. They will ask you what becomes of all the Christmas trees on Jan. 1 and point to the various dumping grounds some people create. And they will even question where all the cut but unsold trees go. If you are curious, about 20 percent of United States households buy real trees, 50 percent or so buy artificial and the remaining 30 percent have no tree at all. As for the Goodman household, sometimes the best decision is no decision. Thanks for reading, and Happy Holidays!

Shane GoodmanPublisher

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the www.iowalivingmagazines.com web-site for exclusives including obituaries, an expanded calendar of events and even more photos.

HOME OF THE

GYRO!

2667 - 86th ST. URBANDALE 276-2558

Gyros Tenderloins Coneys Graziano’s

sausage Homemade

onion rings Salads Falafels Kid’s meals Bottled beer Burgers

and more!

MONDAY – SATURDAY 10:30am – 9:00pm

Now serving homemade TENDERLOINS!

DINE IN! CARRY OUT!

4614 NW 84th Street Urbandalewww.urbandalehealthcare.com

New and improved

THERAPY GYM!

Call and set up you

personal tour toda

270-6838

Page 4: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

On the cover: Taylor Beron. Photo by Michael Swanger.

Urbandale Living magazine is a monthly publication of Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., an Iowa corporation. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without permission of the publisher. Urbandale Living magazine is mailed free of charge to every household and business in the 50322/50323 ZIP codes. Others may subscribe for $18 annually. Copies of past issues, as available, may be purchased for $3 each (plus shipping if required).

inside

5 Cover story

Dear Santa...

9 Calendar

A comprehensive list

12 Finance

Don’t take a ‘holiday’

13 Health Q & A

Advice from professionals

14 Education

Meet Jane Emry Becker

15 Faith

Marrying the right person

16 Legal briefs

New Year’s resolutions

17 Garage

Hidden treasures

18 Insurance advice

Reducing fire risks

19 Banking

Teaching children to share

24 Dining

Culver’s

Page 5

Page 14

Page 17

ADDRESS: 414 61st Street Des Moines, Iowa 50312PHONE: 515.953.4822EDITORIAL: ext.304DISTRIBUTION: ext.301DESIGN: ext.313ACCOUNTING: ext.301FAX: 515.953.1394WEB: www.iowalivingmagazines.com

PUBLISHER: Shane GoodmanEDITOR: Darren TromblaySALES MANAGER: Jolene GoodmanACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Julie Downing Sally Wisner Brooke Pulliam Michelle Haupts Dan Juffer Wendy Goodale Pete Gardner Jen Reed

DIGITAL: Lindsey WoodyDESIGN MANAGER: Celeste JonesGRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Karen Ericson Lindy VorrieEDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Kathleen SummyCONTRIBUTORS: Michael Swanger Dave Mable Elaine LenzeBUSINESS OFFICE MGR: Brent AntisdelDISTRIBUTION: Brent Antisdel

Circulation and readershipaudited by

4 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

9401 NW 70th AVE.1 mile east of Grimes on NW 70th

JOHNSTON 986-3716

The Des Moines area’s

most beautiful

Poinsettias!o 10” pots & custom colors

Freshly cut

MILY OWNED AND GROWN SINCE 1967

Christmas Trees CC rees Ch Trereeees WreathsWr

$349g at

WeWe 4 greenhouses gree

f Poinsettias!

DISCOUNTSfor large orders

Tiny Treasures Lutheran Preschool

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 8301 Aurora Ave. | Urbandale

www.gloriadeionline.comContact Jo Lynn Yeutsy with any questions.

278-5544, ext. 305

Christian, nurturing

environment.

Open House Monday, January 7, 2013 - 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Come join us! Classes for 2 ½ to 5-year-olds

Tiny Treasures Lutheran Preschool is a National Lutheran Schools’ Accredited Preschool

dedicated to bringing Jesus Christ to your preschooler. We are a unique atmosphere that will nurture the spiritual, social, physical, and cognitive

development of your child.Registration for 2013-2014 begins Tuesday, January 8.

Page 5: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

feature Submit story ideas to [email protected]

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 5

T he magic of the holidays as seen through the eyes of a child is sometimes lost on adults who become caught up in the

hustle and bustle of checking lists and checking them twice. With that in mind, Urbandale Living magazine decided to let some of the children of Urbandale tell this year’s cover story about the holidays by sharing with us some of their wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her

students to write down on a piece of paper what they wanted for Christmas. A few were selected at random to draw their wishes, too. “They were excited to be in the magazine and to be thinking and working on a project about the holidays,” says Mobley. “It was interesting hearing them talk about what they wanted. One that really stood out was a little girl who wants her two front teeth.” Electronic games and devices were at the top of the list for many children, including high-tech items such as iPads and iPods.

“I was impressed by that,” Mobley says, with a smile. This marks Mobley’s sixth year of teaching at Valerius, and she says the students, staff and parents at Valerius never cease to amaze her. “I love teaching here, we have such won-derful support and such great kids and families. Everyone here is like a big family,” she says. With that said, read further (with help from a few grammar edits) to see what some of the youngest members of the extended family at Valerius are wishing for this holiday season.

Dear Santa...URBANDALE STUDENTS SHARE THEIR CHRISTMAS WISHES

By Michael Swanger

Front row: Siya Shukla, Jackson Weber, Perry Steeve, Matthew Hammerand, Haris Saric, Sawyer Weese and Hailey Schwienebart. Back row: Ashley Mobley, Anne Roesler, Avery McKinney, Jaidan Abel, Austin Kalny, Samuel Pattison, Nikolas Hudak, Sadmir Jusic and Taylor Beron. Not pictured: Gabriel Carver, Alison Blaess, Christopher Booth and Bradley Moritz.

Page 6: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

Sadmir Jusic“My Christmas wish is a dirt bike, so I can ride it, so I can jump over animals, so I can jump over big buildings.”

Perry Steeve“My Christmas wish is a remote control airplane and a remote con-trol Velociraptor because it will be awesome and a T-Rex, too.”

Anne Roesler“My Christmas wish is a American Girl because my sister has one. Her name is Rebecca. If I got

another one they could both have a pet.”

Nikolas Hudak“My Christmas wish is a mechan-ical airplane with a person in the airplane, with a rocket ship with a person with a door. I love Santa.”

Matthew Hammond“My Christmas wish is a monkey. I love monkeys! I think monkeys are cool. I want my monkey to be orange. I am gonna name it Orangey.”

6 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

feature Submit story ideas to [email protected]

Anne Roesler Jaidan Abel

Wishing You a “Classic” Holiday

and Happy New Year!

Open Mon-Fri 7am - 6pm2-yr/24,000 mi Warranty

515.986.5241

[email protected]

Happy Holidays!

Page 7: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

Bradley Moritz“My Christmas wish is a dirt bike because it is awesome! And I will ride it in my backyard!”

Christopher Booth“My Christmas wish is a Kindle Fire. I hope I get it really soon. I hope I get more than a Kindle Fire. I hope my sister gets presents too. I hope my brother gets presents too. I hope my mom gets presents, too.”

Alison Blaess“My Christmas wish is my two

front teeth. And a iPod and a iPad. I got nothing for the teeth.”

Gabe Carver“My Christmas wish is a remote control plane. They are cool because they can shoot discs. It is cool. They can even land on a platform. It is cool.”

Siya Shukla“My Christmas wish is I want to have a real pony to ride on. I really want it. It is going to be fun. I can ride on it all day long. I can feed her. She will have a water slide.

feature Submit story ideas to [email protected]

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 7

Matthew Hammond Nikolas Hudak

www.godfathers.com

WE DELIVER!

Sunday–Thursday 8:30am–9:00pmFriday and Saturday 8:30am–10:00pm

8801 HICKMAN ROAD278.8100

4119 UNIVERSITY AVENUE277.6344

5919 ASHWORTH ROAD226.8880

3 LOCATIONS in the metro!

GODFATHER’S PIZZA

CAtERs!

REGULARHOURS

ORDER ONLINE AT

DELIVERY HOURS Sunday–Thursday 11am–8:30pmFriday and Saturday 11am–9:30pm$3.00 delivery charge

JOIN OUR EMAIL CLUB!

Hand to cashier or sign up online at www.godfathers.com.

Name: Zip: Email: DOB:

$10 offany purchase of $20 or more

Limit one offer per coupon.Not valid with any other

discount or special or value deals.

Offer good through 2/28/13. Minimum order of $15 for delivery. Does not

include $3 delivery fee.UL

$1699LARGE SPECIALTY PIZZA

Limit one offer per coupon.Not valid with any other

discount or special or value deals.

Offer good through 2/28/13. Minimum order of $15 for delivery. Does not

include $3 delivery fee.UL

LARGE PIZZAfor

MEDIUM PRICELimit one offer per coupon.

Not valid with any other discount or special

or value deals. Offer good through 2/28/13.

Minimum order of $15 for delivery. Does not

include $3 delivery fee.UL

Page 8: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

8 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

feature Submit story ideas to [email protected]

Siya Shukla Taylor Beron

She is going to have friends.”

Samuel Pattison“My Christmas wish is a autograph from Aaron Rodgers because I like the Packers. He’s my Q.B.”

Jackson Weber“My Christmas wish is a big play-ground. I want one because my friend has one. My other Christmas wish is a big bucket full of Legos!”

Hailey Schwienebart“My Christmas wish is a pony. I will feed her and give her water. I will give her a name and it will be Sheila.”

Jaidan Abel“My Christmas wish is a new baby sister. Because my mom is going to have a baby sister in December.”

Taylor Beron“My Christmas wish is a iPod 3 because it will have lots of games. I will have a great time playing games.”

Haris Saric“My Christmas wish is a car. I want a blue car. My car will have golden wheels. It will have blue wheels on the back.”

Austin Kalny“My Christmas wish is a LeapPad 2 and paperclips. I make things.”

Sawyer Weese“My Christmas wish is a real Ferrari and a Camaro convertible because they look cool.”

Avery McKinney“My Christmas wish is a iPad because I can play games on it.”

Curtis E. Fett is a Registered Representative of and securities are offered through LaSalle St. Securities, LLC (LSS), a Registered Broker/Dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. Mr. Fett is an Investment Advisor Representative of and advisory services are offered through LaSalle St. Investment Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor affiliated with LSS. Iowa State Bank Investment Services is a registered branch of LSS.

Investing involves risks, including the risk of principal loss. Not FDIC Insured. May Lose Value. No Bank Guarantee.

Street Urbandaleww.iowastatebanks.com

Page 9: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 9

Friday, Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

2 p.m. early dismissal - DMCS

Toddler Time, 9:30 and 10 a.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

DMCS Grandparent’s Day Open

House, 1 p.m.

DMCS Grandparent’s Day

Christmas Program, K-2nd grade at 4

p.m. and 3rd-6th grade at 5:15 p.m.,

Grace Church.

DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball vs.

West Central Valley, 6 p.m.

UHS 9/JV/V Girls Basketball vs.

Johnston, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m.

UHS 9/10/V Boys Basketball vs.

Johnston, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m.

Senior Center Events: Tai Chi-

Beginning at 8:30-9:15 a.m., Tai Chi-

Continuing at 9:15-9:55 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8 Hanukkah begins

ACT Testing

DMCS Jazz Band @ SCIBA Jazz

Districts

DMCS 9/JV Boys Basketball at

Carlisle, 9 a.m.

DMCS JV Girls Basktball vs.

Carlisle, 9 a.m.

UHS 9 Boys Basketball vs. SEP,

9 a.m.

UHS 10/V Boys Basketball vs. DM

North, 1/4:15 p.m.

UHS JV/V Girls Basketball vs. DM

North, 1/2:45 p.m.

UHS 9 Girls/Boys Basketball at

DCG, 9:30 a.m.

UHS JV Wrestling at SEP, 10 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 10 Family Story Time, 7 p.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

Book Babies, ages12-24 months,

10 and 10:30 a.m., Urbandale Public

Library.

DMCS Fine Arts Boosters (FAB)

Officer Meeting, 7 p.m.

DMCS 7/8 Boys Basketball vs.

Pella Christian, 4:15 p.m.

DMCS JH Girls Basketball at Pella

Christian, 4:15 p.m.

DMCS JV Girls/Boys Basketball at

Woodward-Granger, 6 p.m.

UHS 8 Girls Basketball at

Indianola, 4:30 p.m.

UHS 9 Girls Basketball vs. DM

Hoover, 6:30 p.m.

UHS 9/JV Boys Basketball vs.

Johnston, 7/8 p.m.

Senior Center Events: morning

fitness class at 9- 9:45 a.m.

Holiday Music Concert & Dessert

Potluck, festive dessert pot luck fol-

lowed by an evening of holiday music,

free, Senior Center.

St. Pius X Band Concert, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11 Family Story Time, 7 p.m.,

Urbandale Public Library., Urbandale.

Toddler Time, 9:30 a.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

Book Babies, ages 12-24 months,

10 a.m., Urbandale Public Library.

DMCS JV/V Boys Basketball vs.

Woodward Academy, 6 p.m.

UHS JV/V Girls/Boys Bowling at

Marshalltown, 3:30 p.m.

UHS 8 Wrestling Meet, 4:30 p.m.

UHS 9 Boys Basketball at DCG,

5 p.m.

UHS 10/V Boys Basketball at

Mason City, 4:45/7:45 p.m.

UHS JV/V Girls Basketball at

Mason City, 4:45/6:15 p.m.

6th Grade Chorus Concert, 7 p.m.,

Urbandale High School.

Senior Center Events - morning

fitness class: 9- 9:45 a.m., timely talk-

ers: 9:15-11 a.m., senior singers: 2-3

p.m., mixed cards and games all day

Public Art Committee, noon-

1 p.m., City Hall.

City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., City

Hall.

Jane Ausen Movie, 6:30 p.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

Wednesday, Dec. 12 1 p.m. dismissal St. Pius X School

Merle Hay Kiwanis, 11:45 a.m. -

1 p.m., all are welcome, Urbandale

Golf and Country Club, 4000 86th St

Story Time, 9:30 and 10:15 a.m.,

Urbandale Publice Library.

Senior Center Events - Tai Chi-

Beginning: 8:30-9:15 a.m., Tai Chi-

Continuing: 9:15-9:55 a.m., Taking

Control with Exercise: 10-10:55 a.m.,

Knitting Group: 12:30-2:30 p.m., Yoga:

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Commission

Meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall.

Thursday, Dec. 13 Family Story Time, 7 p.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

Story Time, ages 3-6, 9:30 a.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

Book Babies, ages 12-24 months,

10 a.m., Urbandale Public Library.

DMCS Secondary Band/Vocal

Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Valley

Church.

UHS JV/V Girls/Boys Bowling vs.

Johnston, 3:30 p.m.

UHS 8 Girls Basketball vs. Indian

Hills, 4:30 p.m.

UHS JV/V Boys Swimming at

Ames, 5 p.m.

UHS JV/V Wrestling vs. Waukee,

6:30/7:30 p.m.

Senior Center Events- Get

Creative Craft Group- no experi-

ence needed, 9:15-11:30 a.m., Bridge

calendar Submit event information to [email protected]

Page 10: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

Workshop- no reservation required,

10:30-11:30 a.m., Mixed Cards &

Games- 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

St. Pius X K-2 Christmas Program,

6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14 Toddler Time, 9:30 and 10 a.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

DMCS 7/8 Boys Basketball at

Earlham, 4 p.m.

DMCS JH Girls Basketball vs.

Earlham, 4 p.m.

DMCS 9 Boys Basketball at

Guthrie Center, 4:30 p.m.

DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball at

Guthrie Center, 6 p.m.

UHS 9/JV/V Girls Basketball vs.

Dowling, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m.

UHS 9/10/V Boys Basketball vs.

Dowling, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m.

Senior Center Events- Tai Chi-

Beginning, 8:30-9:15 a.m. Tai Chi-

Continuing, 9:15-9:55 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15 DMCS 7/8 Boys B Basketball at

Grandview Park Baptist, 9 a.m.

DMCS JV Boys Basketball at

Grandview Park Baptist, 11 a.m.

UHS UHS V Wrestling at Iowa

Falls-Alden, 10 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 16 Hanukkah Ends

Monday, Dec. 17 Library Foundation Board Meeting,

5:30 p.m., Urbandale Public Library.

2nd Standing DMCS Board of

Directors Meeting, 6:45 p.m.

Meeting of the DMCS Standing

Committees of the Board, various times

DMCS 9 Boys Basketball at

Ankeny, 5 p.m.

DMCS JV Girls/Boys Basketball at

Ogden, 6 p.m.

UHS JV/V Girls/Boys Bowling at

Fort Dodge, 3:30 p.m.

UHS 8 Wrestling at DCG, 4:30 p.m.

UHS 9/JV Boys Basketball vs.

Dowling, 7/8 p.m.

Senior Center Events - morning

fitness class: 9 - 9:45 a.m. amateur art-

ists group: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Planning & Zoning Comission

Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall.

Library Board of Trustees, 6:15

p.m., Urbandale Public Library.

St. Pius X 7-8 Choir Concert,

7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 18 DMCS 7/8 Boys A Basketball at

West Central Valley, 4 p.m.

DMCS JH Girls Basketball vs.

West Central Valley, 4 p.m.

UHS 8 Girls Basketball at

Johnston, 4:30 p.m.

UHS 9/JV/V Girls Basketball vs.

Waukee, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m.

UHS 9/10/V Boys Basketball vs.

Waukee, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m.

City Council Lunch & Learn

Meeting, 11:45 a.m., City Hall.

Senior Center Events- morning fit-

ness class: 9- 9:45 a.m., timely talkers:

9:15-11 a.m., senior singers: 2-3 p.m.,

mixed cards and games all day

Jane Austen Program, 6:30 p.m.,

Urbandale Public Library

Tuesday Night Movie, 6:30 p.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

Wednesday, Dec. 19 UHS Finals

DMCS Secondary Finals

UHS Late Start/In-Service K-8

Merle Hay Kiwanis, 11:45 a.m. -

1 p.m., all are welcome, Urbandale

Golf and Country Club, 4000 86th St

Senior Center Events- Tai Chi-

Beginning: 8:30-9:15 a.m., Tai Chi-

Continuing: 9:15-9:55 a.m., Taking

Control with Exercise: 10-10:55 a.m.,

Knitting Group: 12:30-2:30 p.m., Yoga:

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 20 DMCS Secondary Finals

UHS Finals

UHS JV/V Wrestling Match,

5:30 p.m.

UHS JV/V Boys Swimming at

Mason City, 6 p.m.

Senior Center Events - Get

Creative Craft Group - no experi-

ence needed, 9:15 -11:30 a.m., Bridge

Workshop - no reservation required,

10:30 -11:30 a.m., Mixed Cards &

Games - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21 First day of winter

UHS Finals

DMCS Secondary Finals

DMCS end of 2nd quarter and

1st semester

1:30 p.m. early dismissal- DMCS

DMCS Elementary Christmas Parties

DMCS Parent -Teacher

Fellowship (PTF) Staff Cookie Delivery

DMCS 9 Boys Basketball at Van

Meter, 4:30 p.m.

DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball at

Van Meter, 6 p.m.

Senior Center Events- Tai Chi-

Beginning, 8:30-9:15 a.m. Tai Chi-

Continuing, 9:15-9:55 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 22 DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball at

Dordt College, 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve

No School - St. Pius X

No School - Urbandale Schools

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

Urbandale City Offices Closed

Urbandale Chamber Offices Closed

Urbandale Public Library Closed

Tuesday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day

No School - St. Pius X

No School - Urbandale Schools

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

Urbandale City Offices Closed

Urbandale Chamber Offices Closed

Urbandale Public Library Closed

Wednesday, Dec. 26 Kwanzaa

No School - St. Pius X

No School - Urbandale Schools

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

Merle Hay Kiwanis, 11:45 a.m. - 1

p.m., all are welcome, Urbandale Golf

and Country Club, 4000 86th St

City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.,

City Hall.

Thursday, Dec. 27 Kwanzaa

No School - St. Pius X

No School - Urbandale Schools

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

Pockets Full of Fun Ventriloquist,

all ages, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Urbandale

Public Library.

Friday, Dec. 28 Kwanzaa

No School - St. Pius X

No School - Urbandale Schools

calendar Submit event information to [email protected]

10 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

Page 11: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 11

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

LEGOrama, ages 5 and older,

10:30-11:30 a.m., Urbandale Public

Library

Saturday, Dec. 29 Kwanzaa

Sunday, Dec. 30 Kwanzaa

Youth Services Movie, 1:30 p.m.,

Urbandale Public Library.

Monday, Dec. 31 Kwanzaa

New Years Eve

No School - St. Pius X

No School - Urbandale Schools

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

Urbandale City Offices Close at

Noon

Urbandale Public Library Open

from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

GuideOne ImaginEve, bounce

houses, inflatable rides and giant slides,

fireworks finale for all visitors takes

place at 8:10 p.m., 4-8 p.m., Hy-Vee

Hall, Downtown Des Moines

Tuesday, Jan. 1 Kwanzaa

New Years Day

No School - St. Pius X

No School - Urbandale Schools

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

Urbandale City Offices Closed

Urbandale Chamber Office Closed

Urbandale Public Library Closed

Wednesday, Jan. 2 No School - St. Pius X

No School - DMCS

DMCS Offices Closed

DMCS Early Education and School-

Age Care Open

Classes Resune- Urbandale Schools

Thursday, Jan. 3 DMCS classes resume

Classes resume - St. Pius X

DMCS 9 Boys Basketball at

Ogden, 4:30 p.m.

DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball at

Ogden, 6 p.m.

UHS 9/10 Boys Basketball at

Ankeny Centennial, 6:30/7:45 p.m.

UHS 9/JV Girls Basketball vs.

Ankeny Centennial, 6:30/7:45 p.m.

UHS JV/V Wrestling Match,

6:30/7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 4 DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball vs.

Woodward-Granger, Alumni Night,

6 p.m.

calendar Submit event information to [email protected]

View events and happenings from this community and others at

www.iowalivingmagazines.com

out & about Submit photos to [email protected]

Claudia Howell, Tanna Allen and Mary Anne Kennedy at the Primary Source 2012 Fall Open House at their office in Urbandale on Oct. 23.

Jaonne Buckingham, Marla Bundy (winner of a door prize), and Patti France at the

Primary Source 2012 Fall Open House at their office in Urbandale on Oct. 23.

John Forbes, Don Brush and Adam Forbes at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon held Oct. 17.

See more photos online at www.iowalivingmagazines.com

Dawnette Smith and Jennifer Allamby, both with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, at the Primary Source 2012 Fall Open House at their office in Urbandale on

Oct. 23.

Page 12: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

12 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

Information provided by Steve Olejniczak, financial advisor at Edward Jones, 7517 Douglas Ave., Suite 12, Urbandale, 276-6237

finance Steve Olejniczak

W e’re well into the holi-day season, and while the holidays are joy-

ous, they can also be expensive. You can enjoy the holidays and still stay on track toward your financial goals by following a few simple guidelines, including the following:

stick to it. Whether you’re buy-ing gifts or hosting holiday parties, you need to establish a budget and not exceed it. The people to whom you’re giving gifts and entertaining do not expect you to dig yourself into a financial ditch on their account. With some searching, you can almost always find less expensive versions of those gifts you’re considering. The earlier you start hunting for bargains, the better your chances of finding good prices. iday” sales. The best bargains typically appear when the holidays are over. While these sales may not benefit you this year, they can prove quite valuable if you decide to “stock up” on gifts for the next holiday season. credit cards. Try to limit your credit card purchases during the holidays. If you must use a card, at least pick the one with the lowest interest rate — and do the best you can to pay off the card quickly. Over the last few years, Americans have actually done a pretty good job of lowering their household debt levels — and that’s definitely a movement in which you’ll want to participate. Keep in mind that the higher your debts, the less

money you’ll have available each month to invest for retirement, college for your children or any of your other financial goals. term investments. If you find yourself coming up short when dealing with holiday expenses, you may be tempted to cash out at least a portion of your long-term investments. But this should be avoided, for at least two reasons. First, depending on the account you’re tapping into, you may face penalties, fees and taxes. Second, and perhaps even more importantly, you’ll be depriving yourself of resources you had ear-marked for your key goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Of course, you may eventually be able to replace the funds you’ve withdrawn. But in the meantime, you’ve lost out on the growth potential these investments may have provided — and that period of lost opportunity typically cannot be regained. It might be too late for this year but, once the holidays are over, set up a special account for next holiday season. Even if you put in only a small amount each month, you’ll be pleased with how much you can accumulate in a year. Keep the money in a liquid, low-risk account — one that’s separate from any money you use for your normal day-to-day expenses. By following these suggestions, you may be able to take some of the stress out of this holiday season. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Don’t take a ‘holiday’ from working toward financial goals

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Create and implement a strategy designed to help youachieve your long-term financial goals.

TAKE CHARGEOF YOUR FUTURE.

Steve OlejniczakFinancial Advisor

7517 Douglas Avenue Suite 12Urbandale, IA 50322515-276-6237

Do something positive for yourself. Call today for a no-cost,

no-obligation portfolio review. Together, we can create a strategy

that’s right for you based on your current situation, objectives

and risk tolerance.

515-202-5406515 202 5406www.kbelectriciowa.com

Connecting Power with Service and Integrity

May Your Holidays be Merry and Bright!

Page 13: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 13

A: Chinese medicine has worked for millions of people for thousands of years, for a variety of conditions.Eastern medicine sees the body as an entire system, and disease or malfunction is a disturbance to that system. Health can often be restored by treating the entire system rather than focusing on one part of it. Challenges with the reproductive system aren’t viewed as the man or woman being infertile but as the individual being imbalanced. Fertility and Sterility, a journal published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine as well as a study done by Cornell University (in addi-tion to many others) have shown twice as many woman became pregnant after using acupuncture with IVF treatments. In addition, improved blood flow and increased endometrial thickness showed a positive effect on implantation. I greatly respect Western science and the amazing ability to see inside the body, correct or repair the tiniest of tears and blockages, as well as all assisted reproductive technology (ART) that allows families with no ability to conceive to have children. However, Eastern medicine gives us an additional perspective that may give hope to those searching for an alternative to medi-cine or even a support to Western-based reproductive technology (such as medications, IVF or IUI’s, etc). Talk to an acupuncturist today and find out if acupuncture can help you move from infertility to motherhood… bringing your baby from heart to hand. For more information, please contact Yost Family Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center, 515-278-YOST.

Q: Can acupuncture help me optimize reproductive technologies such as IVF?

Information provided by Des Moines Dental Group, 708 First Ave S., 967-6611.

health Q&A

A: A study of young gamers suggests that those who spend substantial time at the screen are more than twice as likely to develop tooth decay as youngsters with more active lifestyles. Though computer games have long been identi-fied as contributing to childhood obesity, keep-ing youngsters from more active pursuits, this study of youngsters between the ages of 12 and 16, is the first to identify the dental danger. The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Iowa, found that teenagers are more likely to snack on sugary foods while absorbed for hours in computer games. The study also found that young-sters whose parents set rules for screen time were at less risk. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque, which is the sticky coating we all have on our teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that cause tooth decay. When we eat or drink something sugary, our teeth can be under siege for up to an hour. This is why it is better to keep intake of sugary foods to regular meal times, after which a person may be able to brush, or at least rinse, their teeth. Talk with your dentist about ways to protect your and your children’s teeth.

Q: Why do computer games pose dental risk?

Information provided by Dr. Heather Yost, CACCP, Yost Family Chiropractic, 3993 100th St., Urbandale, www.YostFamilyChiropractic.com.

www.dmdentalgroup.comNew pat ients are always welcome!

We offer...

Preventative Dentistry Root Canals Dentures –

partial and complete Crowns and Bridges Treatment

of Gum Disease Cosmetic Dentistry

Des MoinesDental Groupis a full service dental facility

offering the finest in preventative and

restoration servicesfor the entire family!

URBANDALE8515 Douglas 278-2361

Omega Place, Suite 21

DES MOINES2333 McKinley 287-32514405 SW 9th 287-3588

Dr. RobertCram, D.D.S.

Dr. AndrisKirsis, D.D.S.

Page 14: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

14 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

F ew subjects in school stimu-late both hemispheres of the brain like music does, just

as few teachers are afforded the opportunity to motivate, inspire and engage every student in a school like General Music teach-er Jane Emry Becker at Olmsted Elementary School in Urbandale. Now in her 23rd year of teaching, all of which have been at Olmsted, Emry Becker not only shares her knowledge and passion for music with the approximately 450 students at Olmsted through fifth grade, but she also teaches fourth and fifth grade students at nearby Karen Acres Elementary School. “One of the things I love about this job is getting to know every student that walks through the door. I get to see them devel-op over the years,” she says. Just as rewarding, Emry Becker says, are the lifelong lessons that she teaches her students, including the merits of tunefulness, beauti-fulness and artfulness. Her goal is not to develop musical prodigies, but to impart an appreciation for music and creativity in hopes of sparking something within every child that is not necessarily learned from a textbook.

“Music is a place where every-body can succeed,” she says. “It’s a creative art. It gives students the freedom to explore their own ideas and to involve them in deci-sion-making. It also teaches them how to work with one another to make something beautiful. Being musical makes them better human beings.” In December, Emry Becker will begin organizing and rehears-ing for chorus concerts at both schools to be held in February. She says that the concerts feature singing and dancing and that every student has a featured role. “It gives them a well-rounded experience and helps to develop their confidence,” she says. “It’s a great way to boost their abilities and they are so proud of their work.”

Meet Jane Emry Becker

Jane Emry Becker is the General Music teacher at Olmsted Elementary.

Emry Becker’s music lessons extend beyond the classroom

education Submit story ideas to [email protected]

By Michael Swanger Phot

os b

y M

icha

el S

wan

ger

What do you like best about her music class?

Brett Cullinan: “It’s fun to play games of the seasons. She’s a nice teacher.”

Caleb Hews: “It’s fun because we get to play games on different instruments.”

Abby Russell:“I like the con-cert in the fall. It’s really fun.”

Isabella Jaspering: “I like playing the recorder and how she starts out the songs and lets us do the rest.”

marketlinkinc.com/careers3839 merle hay road des moines

looking for a great place to work?

how about a fun and casual environment?

NORTH DES MOINES LOCATION!

look no further! at Marketlink, we make and take business-to-business and business-to-consumer calls.

join us! apply online or stop in today!

**daytime hoursday urs monday–fridaymon y ay

NEW

Page 15: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 15

faith Submit story ideas to [email protected]

Learn to love the one you found

By Pastor Don Morris, Timberline Christian Counseling Service

A question I am frequently asked by an unhappily mar-ried spouse sitting in my

counseling office is: “How do I know I married the right person?” The hurting spouse sitting in front of me tells the history of the marriage relationship. The early days were filled with long talks, tender touches and thoughtful gifts. These things caused both of them to just “fall in love.” They were “swept off their feet” and they got married. But after a few years of mar-riage, the excitement faded. Slowly, but surely, phone calls and text messages became fewer, and kind words were changed into harsh or hurtful words. What a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much sadder or angrier stage. It is at this stage the question is asked, “Did I marry the right person?” This is when marriages break down. Spouses blame their mates for their unhappiness and often look outside their marriage for fulfillment. Certainly extramarital affairs come in all shapes and sizes but infidelity is the most common issue I deal with as a marriage counselor. I also see people turn to work, church, hobbies, exces-sive TV or substance abuse to cope with their unhappiness. As I try to teach my hurting clients, the answer to their mari-tal problems does not lie outside their marriage, it lies within. You see, the key to succeeding in mar-

riage is not finding the right person but learning to love the person you found. I don’t believe you can sponta-neously find lasting love. You have to learn to “make it” day in and day out. It takes time, effort, energy, commitment, and most importantly, it takes wisdom. You have to know what to do to make marriage work.

Since God was the One who established marriage, it makes sense to turn to Him and His Word for the direction as to how to have marriage work. Just as He developed physical laws of the uni-verse (such as gravity), He also put into place laws for relationships and successful marriages. When you know and apply the laws of covenant love, emotional oneness, sexual satisfaction, spiri-tual oneness with Him and your spouse, the results will be predict-able and lasting. With God’s help and by learn-ing and following God’s laws, your marriage can be transformed. Focus on creating love God’s way and you will see your love rebuilt and strengthened. Then “you” will become the right person married to the right person! If you find yourself in need of marital assistance, call 276-6090.

Marrying the right person

Timberline Church4459 121st St.Urbandale, IA 50323515-276-6089 - main515-276-6090 - counseling

visit our web site for more info! www.timberlineonline.org

corner of meredith and 121st street in western urbandale

t imber l ine church

join us for our Chr istmas presentat ion

All IsW ell

Page 16: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

16 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

legal briefs By Ross Barnett

Information provided by Ross Barnett, attorney for Abendroth and Russell Law Firm, 2560 73rd St., Urbandale, 278-0623, www.ARPCLaw.com.

W ith the holiday sea-son winding down and 2013 upon us, it’s time

to make your New Year’s resolu-tions. Our firm can’t help you stick to your diet or finally clean out the garage, but we can offer these suggestions:

Update your estate plan. Putting your legal affairs in order is important. It reduces the burdens on family and loved ones in the event of poor health or death. It can save time and expense. And it allows you to have control over how your assets pass. Every per-son should have three basic estate planning documents: a last will and testament, a durable financial power of attorney, and a living will/health care power of attorney. A will directs the distribution of your assets upon your death. Through the power of attorney, you give a another person the ability to make financial decisions for you should you become inca-pacitated. If you are too ill to speak for yourself, you can express your wishes and have your voice heard through a living will. This advance directive lets you detail your pref-erences for your medical care.

tacts. When you update your estate planning documents, you should also make a master list of important information. If you die or become incapacitated, your family will spend a great deal of time figuring out what assets you own and whom they should con-tact. List your accountant, insur-ance representative, business man-ager, bank or banker and attorney.

Make sure you have the correct contact information for each advi-sor listed. home. You should review how you hold title to your home. When you purchased your house, the seller executed a deed. The deed contained important vesting infor-mation — the names on the title and the legal relationship between those titleholders. If you are married, you prob-ably want to ensure that both spouses are on title to the house. This may not be the case if the par-ties were married after one bought the house, or if it is a second mar-riage. You also probably want to ensure that, if one titleholder were to die, the house would pass to the survivor. A simple review of who holds title and how title is held can prevent expensive and time-consuming problems later. These are three quick reso-lutions that can save time and expense in the future. Happy 2013 .

New Year’s ResolutionsBy Ross Barnett, attorney, Abendroth and Russell Law Firm

Help save time and expense in 2013

Page 17: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 17

A: GAP stands for “Guaranteed Auto Protection.” It is a type of auto insurance that helps cover car owners in the event of a severe accident where a vehicle is “totaled” or in the event of theft. GAP literally covers the gap between what you owe on the vehicle and its actual cash value as determined by the standard auto insurance policy. Whether you purchase a new or used vehicle, depreciation affects the value. The rate of depreciation varies on different vehicles and is usu-ally a result of supply and demand. If you paid cash for your vehicle, you don’t need GAP. If you borrowed money to purchase your vehicle, GAP could be a consideration. Your standard auto insurance policy is designed to pay the vehicle’s current cash value in the event of total loss — not the current loan balance. Example: Your vehicle cost $15,000 and that’s how much you bor-rowed. An accident occurs and your insurance company determines a total loss. They then determine the actual cash value is $10,000; however your loan balance is $12,500. You still owe $2,500 and the lender would require full payoff. If you had purchased GAP, that “imbalance” would be covered. So — you’re a likely candidate for GAP if you finance for 60 months or more, put less than 20 percent down, roll negative equity from a previ-ous vehicle or buy a vehicle with high depreciation rates.

Q: What is GAP insurance, and do I need it?

Information provided by Tab Miller and Mona Lillard, Preowned Solutions, 11010 Douglas Ave., Urbandale, 515-528-8100.

auto

O verlooking the Raccoon River and nestled down the hill south of Grand

Avenue, Terrace Drive is a street with some hidden treasures. One of those treasures made it into the garage of Urbandale’s Denny Wheeler. Wheeler has worked in the remodeling industry for many years, and it was at one such job that he found this unique gem. “We were working at a remodel job on one of those old houses on Terrace Drive,” says Wheeler. “All of the windows were being replaced, and I saw this old arched window on the floor of the attic, and it was headed for the dumpster. I just thought it was a work of art.” One side of the original cut-glass window is weathered from nearly 100 years in the elements, the paint chipped and peeling. The inside of the window, which hung in the attic, was never painted and

displays the rich, deep grain of the old wood. “I just love this old thing,” he says as he removed it from where it hangs in the garage. “They just don’t make windows like this any-more. Even the curved eyebrow windows are now all built with straight lines. Just look at these curves. This is a work of art.” Wheeler still works in the remodeling business, but not as much, as he’s semi-retired. “I only do the jobs I want to now,” says Wheeler. “Mostly for people I know and friends. You never know when I’ll stumble upon something like this old window again.” This 100-year-old window has seen a great deal of change and growth in the city of Des Moines. Now, hanging in the protection of Wheeler’s garage, it will continue to watch as Des Moines expands further away from its old home on Terrace Drive.

what’s in your garage?

By Dave Mable

Wheeler rescues ‘work of art’ from the trash

Hidden treasures

Contact Darren at 953-4822 ext. 304 or [email protected] to recom-mend someone for an upcoming issue of “What’s In Your Garage?”

Denny Wheeler rescued this arched window from a home he was remodeling.

Phot

o by

Dav

e M

able

11010 Douglas Avenue UrbandaleExit #126 on I-35/80 and Douglas

‘We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.’ – 2 Corinthians 8:21

AUTO TRUCK MOTORCYCLE BOAT TRAILER

www.preownedsolutions.com

Page 18: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

18 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

insurance advice By Ben Buenzow

By Ben Buenzow, State Farm® agent

Information provided by Ben Buenzow, State Farm Insurance, 3273 100th St., Urbandale, 270-8870.

Reduce the risk of wintertime fire

D uring the holidays and throughout winter, the use of fireplaces, candles, fur-

naces and decorative lights goes up. So does the risk of a home fire, says Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Residential fires during the winter are respon-sible for more than 900 deaths and 3,800 injuries each year. Keep your home safe with these precautions: hardwood in your fireplace. Never toss trash, gift wrap or branches from your old Christmas tree into the flames. you’re feeling drowsy. According to the NFPA, 36 percent of resi-dential candle fires start in the bedroom. Blow out candles before you fall asleep to prevent curtains or bedding from catching on fire. tree watered. Water it daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. When needles begin to fall off or break rather than bend, it’s time to dis-pose of the tree. for damage. Frayed cords and exposed wires are a major fire hazard, especially when they rest on Christmas tree branches and other flammable materials. When decorating outdoors, prevent cord damage by using clips to hang lights — don’t use nails or staples. fessionally cleaned. According to the NFPA, creosote buildup is responsible for 22 percent of home heating fires. Avoid the dan-

ger with an annual chimney inspec-tion and cleaning. with battery backup. Winter storms can knock out the power and prevent electric smoke alarms from functioning. Make sure your alarms have a battery in place to keep them functioning no matter what. cord. If you need an extension cord for items such as space heat-ers, make sure the cord is the same size or larger than the cord being plugged into it and that it can handle the amp load. Keep Christmas trees, decora-tions, furniture and other items from blocking from your home’s exits. If a fire breaks out, this will help everyone get out safely. “Make sure that there are two ways out of every room,” Carli says. As an extra safety pre-caution, Carli recommends that families practice their fire escape plans in the winter as well as in the summer to account for seasonal changes such as ice and snow.

Use caution with candles, fireplaces and such

JOHNSTON5601 Merle Hay Road

515.278.6300

URBANDALE4501 NW Urbandale Dr.

515.276.2900

GRINNELL814 - 4th Avenue

641.236.3174

MARENGO1101 Court Avenue

319.642.5511

POLK CITY205 Broadway Street

515.984.6211

a community bank close to home!

www.grinnellbank.com

Committed to Urbandale

GRINNELLSTATE BANK

Page 19: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

M ine! Sure, we’re big fans of private property. But that attitude probably won’t

make Junior the most popular kid on the playground. Why is it that some children have a natu-ral inclination to share their toys and other possessions with other children, while others are much more... possessive? A recent study from the University of Zurich in Switzerland studied the behavior of 229 chil-dren who were given the oppor-tunity to share with another child who had less. They found that children between ages 3 and 8 were markedly more reluctant to share — that is, make the alloca-tion more equal — with other children aged 9 and older. But after age 9, the study found that children become more interested in reducing inequality. Parents, on the other hand, have found over the years that children who receive less than others also develop an exquisitely fine-tuned sense of fairness — one that is not necessarily shared by those given more. Funny how some things don’t change as we get older. We want children to be asser-tive and willing to stick up for themselves. And we want them to appreciate and value the things they are given. But we also want them to develop instincts for kind-ness, charity, empathy and fairness. So what can you do to help? Here are some ideas: Set clear time limits and under-stand the child understands “when the big hand on the clock points to six, it’s time to give it back.”

to play, set some toys aside if they may potentially create conflict.

sharing behavior in other children or people when you see it.

see him or her sharing.

easier to share from a position of perceived abundance than scarcity. That doesn’t mean you need to spoil the child, though. charities send you a picture of a child from the village benefiting from the charity to put on the refrigera-tor. Include your child in writing let-ters to these children who are ben-efiting. Help your child take pride in helping and sharing with others. There’s no substitute for set-ting a personal example... and mak-ing sure everyone else in your child’s life is, as well. Children do what they see others do, so take advantage of that and set the stan-dard yourself. Teach your children sound money handling today with the help of Midland Credit Union.

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 19

banking By Sonya Wingfield

Information by Sonya Wingfield, loan officer at Midland Credit Union, 2891 106th St., Urbandale, 515-278-1994.-

By Sonya Wingfield, loan officer, Midland Credit Union

Teaching your children to shareHelp develop smart money habits at young age

map

www.midlandcu.org

Page 20: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

20 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected]

Des Moines Christian School juniors Daniel Hawley, Courtney Zonnefeld, Albert Gustafson and Ian Troll placed first at the Knowledge Bowl Competition on Nov. 1.

Des Moines Christian School cheerleaders are the 2012 Class 2A State Cheer Champions.

Yost Family Chiropractic Halloween contest winner, Jacob Dorr, aka Baby Chippendale, on Oct. 29.

Cowboy Dominic Cabildo at the Yost Family Chiropractic Halloween Event on Oct .29.

santa’s hours through december 23rd:

santa’s hours:November 9-December 23

mon-sat: 10am to 8pm

WinterWonderland

Ride the train!Take your picture with Santa!Free coloring book and crayons!

CHRISTMAS EVE HOURSSanta: 10am to NoonTrain: 10am to 4pm

Page 21: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 21

recipe Submit ideas to [email protected]

Beth McDonald is a wife and mother and works full time in Des Moines.

T he holidays are here, and if you are looking for a twist on pumpkin pie, I have it for

you: pumpkin cheesecake. This cheesecake is a proven crowd pleaser with my family, friends and co-workers. Recently at work, we started a monthly baking competition just for fun, and this last month was “Battle Cheesecake.” There were four of us who took time out of our busy schedules to make cheesecake for our coworkers to judge and determine the winner. The only rule we had was that the cheesecake had to be homemade. So in the competition, we had a turtle cheesecake, traditional New York style, double chocolate cheesecake bars and pumpkin cheesecake. We have some serious bakers on our team, so this was a stiff competition. When I tasted all four, it was even hard for me to make a decision. I eventually went with the pumpkin, and at the end of the day it was the overall winner. A couple of tips for making a successful cheesecake: Make sure the cream cheese and your eggs are at room temperature. This helps to make sure you don’t overbeat the batter, which causes the top of your cheesecake to crack. You can also bake your cheesecake in a water bath. In order to do this, prep your spring form pan as expected but then place it in a larger baking dish and fill the outer pan with water until it comes up about half-way up the spring form pan. Enjoy!

Pumpkin cheesecakeBy Beth McDonald

PumpkincheesecakeCrust:1 ¾ cups of graham cracker crumbs3 tablespoons of brown sugar½ teaspoon of cinnamon1 stick melted butter

Filling:3 8-oz. packages cream cheese 1 15-oz. can of pureed pumpkin1 ½ cup of sugar3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk¼ cup of sour cream½ teaspoon of cinnamon1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg1/8 teaspoon of cloves2 tablespoons of flour1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions:1. Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees2. For the crust combine the crumbs, brown sugar and cinnamon. Then add melted butter. Press into the spring form pan. 3. For the filling beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add pumpkin, eggs and egg yolk, sour cream, sugar and spices. Beat together until well combined. Pour into spring form pan and ensure it is evenly distributed. Place in the oven for an hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

A twist on a familiar holiday dessert

Sarah’s

Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m

Convenient & EasyHoliday Gifts

Page 22: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

22 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

I t’s the time of year when family and friends gather. With adult children moving away from par-

ents and extended family, it can be several months between face-to-face visits. You may notice that some of these family members may not be as spry as you remembered from your last visit. If you politely ask how they are doing, the response will most likely be, “I’m just fine,” or “I can take care of everything, it just takes a little longer to get things done.” The truth is, most people are not willing to tell even close family members that they are having difficulty doing things they once accomplished with ease. It’s important to let this person know that you are concerned about his or her quality of life and safety. Some things you may observe to let you know they are struggling on their own are:

and an unkempt appearance. A home health aide can assist with bathing, dressing, personal cares and dolaundry. Occupational therapy can improve fine motor skills needed to dress and do chores around the house.

can lead to trips and falls that have serious consequences. A registered nurse will do a full home safety check and fall risk assessment. A care plan will be cus-tomized to address specific needs.

to 12 medications. Taking multiple medications at various times of the day can be overwhelming. A registered nurse can set up daily or weekly medications or arrange for an automatic medica-tion dispenser.

of chairs, avoiding going up and down stairs and difficulty getting in and out of a car indicates a loss of strength and balance. Physical therapy can increase range of motion and overall strength. A therapist can provide instruction on the use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers and reaching devices.

-plained dents and scratches on their car can be an indication of loss of vision and motor skills. Occupational and physical therapy can improve fine motor skills and range of motion needed for driving.

dehydration. A registered nurse can devel-op care plans to avoid skin break down and urinary tract infections. Home health care can be a cost-effective solution to pro-viding the extra care needed to keep your family members in their home safely as long as possible. A complimentary in-home health assessment by a registered nurse will identify care needed to give you peace of mind and let them thrive at home.

home health care By Judy Troster, RN

Home for the holidays

Information provided by Judy Troster, RN, Iowa Home Care, Clinical Resource Manager, 515- 222-9995.

How to tell if your loved one is struggling

By Judy Troster, RN

Page 23: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 23

THE POWER OF MAMMOGRAMS

ANKENY CLIVE DES MOINES

IowaRadiology.com

(515) 226-9810

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Page 24: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

One Friday night, my husband and I decided to head out for a quick, relaxing dinner. Around 6 p.m. we drove to Culver’s and arrived to a packed restaurant full of families, kids and couples. Each table was topped with delicious-looking burgers, fries and warm sandwiches. As we walked up to the coun-ter, I perused the menu posted above full of sandwiches, salads and the famous frozen custard. I’ll admit I had a hard time choosing. I finally decided on the Wisconsin Swiss Melt. Unlike their infamous Butter Burgers that are made on a big, buttery bun, this sandwich is on toasted rye bread. It sounded like something a little different, yet right up my alley. I chose fries as my side, and went off to fill my soda while my husband took our number to a table so our food could be brought right to us. After just a short wait, our food arrived. It smelled so good that we both dug in right away. I started with my fries since my sandwich was searing hot. The fries were large, salty and hearty. Once I started on my sandwich, I was immediately happy with my choice. The beef was juicy, delicious and layered with hot, melted Swiss

cheese. The bread had been but-tered to perfection and was the perfect topper. As we finished our meals, my husband decided to grab a peanut butter and hot fudge concrete mixer. “I’m completely stuffed and still can’t stop eating this,” he said. “This is so good.” Full as well, I passed on the concrete mixer but can’t deny that it looked thick, creamy and full of flavor. Any ice cream lover would be hard pressed to pass on the many concoctions on the menu.

Too stuffed to move, we sat and chatted about our great meals and took in the bustling atmo-sphere around us. As we got up to leave, we passed some children devouring their very own delicious concrete mixers. Those looking for a quick, quality meal with family or friends should head to Culver’s. This large, clean restaurant is great for kids and adults alike.

24 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

dining Submit ideas to [email protected]

Culver’s food pleases adults and kids alike

A warm and toasty sandwich and fries are perfect for a chilly evening.

By Elaine Lenz

Quality in a hurry

Culver’s8660 Plum Drive(515) 270-8699Hours:10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

The Radish Dining & Catering to Limit Service Hours; Put Family First

December 1, 2012

GRIMES, Iowa – In less than five years, The Radish Dining & Catering has become a community mainstay and destination restaurant. Located along Highway 44 in Grimes, Iowa, the business has succeeded in a location where others had failed. This success can be directly attributed to years of experience in the industry and a lot of hours on the job. While the experience is still ongoing, the McGuigans hope to reduce the number of hours spent at work, on their feet, overseeing the daily operations of the busi-ness. Instead, they would like to spend more time enjoying precious time fulfilling the role of grandparents. According to Mike McGuigan “I’m watching my grandkids grow up and I just don’t get to spend enough time with them. It’s time for me to get my priorities in line. I love the work, but my body and my mind are telling me to take it a little bit easy due to ongoing health concerns.” In order to accomplish these personal goals, the McGuigans have decided to cut back the number of hours they will be open, beginning January 1, 2013. New busi-ness hours will be 5–11 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. “Although we have a dedicated lunch crowd, eliminating those service hours will allow us to achieve some of our personal goals” says McGuigan. “We hope that our customers will understand that this isn’t a financial decision; the business is doing fine, but rather a personal decision. When we’re open, we’ll continue to offer the best service and food possible to the many customers who have also become our friends over the years.” The restaurant also plans to continue offering catering – a service that has been very well received by the community. More information about The Radish Dining & Catering can be found at the restaurant’s website: www.theradish-dining.com. The facility is located at 721 E 1st Street in Grimes, Iowa.

Page 25: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living 25

out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected]

Jack Sparrow, aka Jeremy Chirc, at the Yost Family Chiropractic Halloween Event on Oct. 29.

Olive Oyl and Popeye, aka Dr Heather Yost and Ben Yost, at the Yost Family Chiropractic

Halloween Event on Oct 29.

Ghostbuster Cade Ramsey at the Yost Family Chiropractic Halloween Event on Oct. 29.

Scott Arnberg and Suzy Landis at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

held Oct. 17.

Jeff Ellis and Joshua Hood at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

held Oct. 17.

Janell Rudy and David Turner at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

held Oct. 17.

Craig Johansen and Don Brush at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

held Oct. 17.

Jamie Lasher and Kyle Ellensohn at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

held Oct. 17.

Kris Winter and Jerry Tormey at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

held Oct. 17.

Mark Goodrich and Rhonda Marx at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Membership

Luncheon held Oct. 17.

The Yost Family Chiropractic team — Dr. Heather Yost, Dr. Jessa Kane, Meghan Lonergan, Katie Ramsey and Kristen Kraemer at their Halloween Event on Oct. 29

See more photos online at www.iowalivingmagazines.com

Page 26: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

26 Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

REACH 2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! Do you have a product, service, or business that would be helped by reaching over 2 million households throughout Iowa and the surrounding states? The Midwest Classified Network will allow you to reach these poten-tial customers quickly and inexpen-sively. For more information con-cerning a creative classified ad call this publication or Midwest Free Community Papers at 800-248-4061 or get information online at www.mcn-ads.com

SEARCH THOUSANDS OF CLASSIFIED ADS FROM AROUND THE MIDWEST! Give it a try! Go to http://www.mw-ads.com. Ads from Free Papers offer you great bargains.

WANT TO ADVERTISE TO THE MIDWEST? Place your classi-fied ads in the Midwest Classified Network anytime online at www.midwestfreeclassifieds.com

TO INVESTIGATE OTHER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call PaperChain at 931-922-0484 or e-mail [email protected]

DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL - 888-543-6232

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-757-6941 ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA

SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-705-4795

CANADA DRUG CENTER is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 per-cent on all your medication needs. Call Today 866-983-1784 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

EVER CONSIDER A REVERSE MORTGAGE? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 866-215-9894

GOLD AND SILVER Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888-488-2921

HIGHSPEED INTERNET EVERYWHERE By Satellite! Speeds up to 12mbps! (200x faster than dial-up.) Starting at $49.95/mo. CALL NOW & GO FAST! 1-877-789-9086

MUSIC LESSONS for All Ages! Find a music teacher! TakeLessons offers affordable, safe, guaranteed music lessons with teachers in your area. Our prescreened teachers specialize in singing, guitar, piano, drums, violin and more. Call 1- 888-687-0049!

classifieds

WRAP UP your Holiday Shopping with 100 percent guaranteed, deliv-ered–to- the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 68 percent PLUS 2 FREE GIFTS - 26 Gourmet Favorites ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1- 866-414-8037 use code 45102AMD or www.OmahaSteaks.com/hgc96

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 800-401-2385 www.CenturaOnline.com

HELP WANTED!!! Make $1000 a week mailing brochures from home! FREE Supplies! Helping Home-Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.mailingcentral.com

WORK ON JET ENGINES - Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-231-7177.

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT Cash Now!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates Apply Now By Phone! 1-800-568-8321. www.law-capital.com

W A N T E D : A L L MOTORCYCLES - Pre 1980. Any Condition, running or not. Cash Paid. 845-389-3239

$8000+ FOR ENVELOPES! Receive $6-$8 for every envelope stuffed with our sales brochures: Guaranteed! Postage, supplies fur-nished. 1-800-538-7420

MISC AUTOS: CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not Sell your Car or Truck TODAY Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3805

AUTOS WANTED: CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid.

We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-888-417-1382

NOW HIRING: Companies Desperately Need Employees to Assemble Products at Home. No Selling, Any Hours. $500 Weekly Potential. Info. 1-985-646-1700 Dept. MW-501

TAKE VIAGRA/CIALIS? Save $500.00! 60x 100mg pills $149.00! Plus 8 Bonus pills. Visa/Mastercard Accepted. Order Now! 1-347-753-8138 PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call Us First! Living expenses, Housing, Medical and con-tinued support afterwards. Choose Adoptive Family of Your Choice. Call 24/7. ADOPT CONNECT 1-866-743-9212

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED - Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies! One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com

A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, LET US HELP! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial Assistance, Housing, Relocation and More. Giving the Gift of Life? You Deserve the Best. Call Us First! 1-888-637-8200. 24HR Hotline.

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? A childless, success-ful, 40 yr. old single woman seeks to adopt. Financial security. Will be hands-on mom. Expenses paid. Wendy. Please call 1-888-990-0282

TRAILER SALE! “New” 6’ x 10’x 72” Enclosed Cargo $2095, “New” 6’ x 12’ x 72” Enclosed Cargo – ramp door $2399, “New” 16’ – 7000# Car Hauler, brakes, ramps, LED’s, $1999, “New” 18’ – 7000# Heavy Duty tilt bed – brakes, LED’s, treated floor $2499. ZACK SHACK 6’ x 10’, 6-hole ice house $4699. Road Dog & Aluma pull-behind Motorcycle Trailers. Aluminum Snowmobile Trailers 2-place, 3-place, & 4-place! 515-972-4554 www.fortdodgetrailerworld.com

Loving, professional Pet Care

in your home

Curt’s Creature Comfort

Serving Northwestern Polk County, Zip Codes:

50021, 50023, 50111, 50131, 50310, 50311, 50312, 50313, 50322

BONDED AND INSURED

943-2301 [email protected]

Page 27: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale Urbandale Living DECEMBER | 2012

Page 28: MORE NEWS AT ......wishes for Christmas. With a helping hand from Ashley Mobley, who teaches first graders at Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, we asked each one of her students

DECEMBER | 2012 Urbandale Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale

Call Patty at 727-5927 or visit www.ReserveOnWalnutCreek.com

The Reserve is endorsed by Iowa Health and features a community that becomes family. Our residents enjoy the convenience of many amenities including a fully

equipped woodshop, creative studio, coffee shop, scheduled transportation, optional dining, plus enrichment classes and social opportunities. The Reserve’s location is

close to shopping, dining, recreation, and healthcare services, yet quietly tucked along the Urbandale walking trail where you can enjoy nature and wildlife. Let us help you

plan your retirement future with the many lifestyle choices offered at The Reserve!

Celebrating Senior Living Designed Just for You!

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY PRICING

Reserve your new home at