November - Iowa Living Magazines
Transcription
November - Iowa Living Magazines
SIGN UP FOR A SNEAK PREVIEW AT WWW.IOWALIVINGMAGAZINES.COM Living Altoona november 2013 50009 magazine Holiday feasting RESIDENTS SHARE CHERISHED CHRISTMAS-TIME RECIPES AND TRADITIONS A TANGO FOR TWO GARAGE BIG GREEN UMBRELLA 414 61st Street Des Moines, IA 50312 MEET TAMARA FISCHER POSTAL CUSTOMER EDUCATION BIG GREEN UMBRELLA PAID U.S. POSTAGE PERFECT SPACE PRSRT STD ECRWSS WHERE WE LIVE www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 and s o i d u t S Seasons Greetings! STOP IN TODAY TO FILL UP THEIR STOCKINGS... MEET OUR NEW STYLIST KASSIE CHEERS GIFT PACKS! $9.99 SPRAY TAN GIFT CARD HAIRCUT with Kassie. New clients only. Expires 12/24/13. MASSAGE GIFT PEDI CARD GIFT CARD OUR STUDIOS ARE NOW OPEN! MANI GIFT CARD LEASING SPACE AVAILABLE for Hair Stylists, Massage Therapist and Estheticians 616 - 8th STREET SW ALTOONA 515.967.4787 NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Like us on welcome By Shane Goodman, [email protected] Nothing says Christmas like Spamwiches M y mother was the youngest in her family, as was my father in his. I, too, was the youngest in my family. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Holiday memories for my older siblings consist of time at our grandparents’ or our aunts’ and uncles’ homes, spending time with cousins and enjoying the season — playing games, watching football and eating everything in sight. My brothers and sister continue to share those recollections each time we all get together. And, of course, they ask me if I remember. And, of course, I don’t. I was 2 years old, for Pete’s sake. By the time I was old enough to recall the holidays, the extended family traditions were over. My grandparents had passed on by then, and my much older cousins were out of their homes and on their own. So growing up as the youngest, I missed out on much of these family times. Ironically, my wife, Jolene, was raised in a similar way. So what do you do when you don’t have traditions to recall? You make them up, and that’s exactly what we have done. My mother makes the trek from Algona to our home each Christmas. She has become an integral part of our family tradition for the past 15 years, and we are thankful she makes the commitment to do this. On Christmas Eve, Jolene cooks up what has become a tradition for us — Spamwiches. Yes, a sandwich consisting of the famous Hormel Foods canned meat. And, yes, I thought what you are thinking, but they are actually quite good. Diced up with cheese and baked on hamburger buns in the oven, this specialty with roots dating back to 1937 has become a nice complement to the potato and broccoli cheese soups we have before Santa shows up. Throw in a bottle or two of sparkling grape juice, and you have the Goodman Family Christmas Eve meal. And you thought we didn’t know how to celebrate. In fairness to my wife who works diligently preparing the holiday meals, we also fill our bellies with the traditional ham on Christmas day with all the fixings, but this just doesn’t seem to stick out in my memory like the Spamwiches do. Give it a try, and enjoy the holiday season! And, as always, thanks for reading. Q Shane Goodman Publisher Darren Tromblay Editor 515-953-4822 ext. 304 [email protected] Brooke Pulliam Advertising 515-988-7257 [email protected] Iowa Living magazines REAL ESTATE GROUP 515-208-8132 [email protected] www.PeggyHarmeyer.com Licensed in the State of Iowa 932 N Shadyview Blvd., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 What sets us apart from most other builders? t We are a 3rd generation building contractor t We use 2” x 6” exterior walls for increased strength and insulation properties t Our standard is most builders upgrade t We take pride in each and every home we build t We will provide as many references as you would like t We frame, roof, install siding, gutters, windows and perform many other tasks in house MIKE HARMEYER t RON HARMEYER 515-967-3602 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 3 inside Visit Valley West Mall Santa’s Winter Wonderland Experience some magic this holiday season! Ride the train! Take your picture with Santa! Pick up a new coloring book and crayons! 5 Holiday feasting 9 Now–December 23 MON–SAT 10am–8pm SUN 11am–5pm Garage A tango for two 10 Where we live Perfect space 11 Page 5 Faith A joyful season 12 Calendar A comprehensive list 15 SANTA’S HOURS Cover story Fitness Show your body some thanks 16 Senior living Thanking our veterans 24 Page 10 Education Meet Tamara Fischer 27 Health Q & A Advice from professionals 28 Dining Poulos’ Sugar Shack 32 Page 24 Chamber News of local events On the cover: Tina Mowrey Hadden and Caleb Hadden. By Dan Hodges. PUBLISHER: EDITOR: SALES MANAGER: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: www.ValleyWestMall.com 1551 Valley West Drives West Des Moines 4 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Shane Goodman Darren Tromblay Jolene Goodman Brooke Pulliam Julie Downing Dan Juffer Pete Gardner Wendy Goodale Jen Reed KK O’Neill Christina Anderson Jodi Gilson-Schrage Debra Prentice ADDRESS: 414 61st Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 PHONE: 515.953.4822 EDITORIAL: ext.304 ADVERTISING: ext.319 DISTRIBUTION: ext.301 DESIGN: ext.313 ACCOUNTING: ext.301 FAX: 515.953.1394 WEB: www.iowalivingmagazines.com DESIGN MANAGER: GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: CONTRIBUTORS: BUSINESS OFFICE MGR: DISTRIBUTION: DIGITAL: Celeste Jones Karen Ericson Tyler Nash Kathleen Summy Dawn Sagario Pauls Jeff Pitts Marci Clark Rainey Cook Amber Williams Dan Hodges Brent Antisdel Brent Antisdel Lindsey Woody Circulation and readership audited by Altoona 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. Altoona Living magazine is mailed free of charge to every household and business in the 50009 zip code. Others may subscribe for $18 annually. Copies of past issues, as available, may be purchased for $3 each (plus shipping if required). Submit story ideas to [email protected] Photo by Dan Hodges feature Holiday feasting RESIDENTS SHARE CHERISHED CHRISTMAS-TIME RECIPES AND TRADITIONS By Dawn Sagario Pauls C hristmastime is synonymous with food. It’s the huge gathering of the family for the feast on Christmas Eve; the warm, cozy breakfast on Christmas morning; and the visit to Grandma’s for that special, annual, homecooked meal, made the way only Granny can. But often that food is more than just food — around it, family and friends bond, and memories are made. Food is a way for us to connect. Sometimes recipes are steeped in tradition, lovingly handed down from one generation to the next. Some become an important part of a young family trying to establish its own Christmas customs. Many times, food becomes a way to share the joy of the season with others. Altoona residents shared some of their favorite Christmas recipes, cooking traditions and memories. More than just sugar cookies For as long as she can remember, Tina Mowry Hadden has been making her Great Aunt Mae’s Sugar Cookies at Christmastime. It’s a family tradition that Mowry Hadden, the youngest of five kids, has fond memories of. “We would sit and decorate cookies for hours and just talk and laugh,” she reminisces. Now she’s passing on the tradition to her son, Caleb Hadden, 7. The two have been making the cookies since Caleb was 1. Those childhood times Mowry Hadden spent around the kitchen table making cookies have become more poignant for her the last several years, following the death of her mother, LaVonne Mowry, in January 2010. Tina Mowry Hadden and her son, Caleb, bake up a batch of “Caleb’s Sugar Cookies.” www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 5 feature Submit story ideas to [email protected] Photo by Dawn Sagario Pauls “I think about her every time I get the recipe out,” Mowry Hadden says. “And I think about her every time I make them. I think I have perfected them where they almost taste as good as hers.” Great Aunt Mae was Mowry Hadden’s father’s aunt. She passed the recipe down to Mowry Hadden’s mother, who handed it down to her. “I hope whomever my son marries will want to carry on the tradition,” Mowry Hadden says. Her earliest memory of making the cookies with her mom was before she was in kindergarten, sitting at the kitchen table. “She was making the cookies, and she would sit a bowl of frosting in front of you, and would separate it out so that each child had a certain amount of frosting,” she says. Her mom always rolled out the cookie dough and baked the For years, Marla Carr has been making this simple and quick fruit salad with berries cookies. She was particular about and Jell-O for Christmas dinner dessert. She places the dessert in Christmas goblets. how the dough was rolled out to ensure using as much of the dough Residential Independent Living Assisted Living Apartments Rehabilitation & Health Care WITH NO ENTRANCE FEE Prairie Vista VILLAGE Personal Washer/Dryer, Full Kitchens with Dishwasher Garage Parking, Walk-in Closets, Activities,Weekly Housekeeping, Emergency Call, Concierge Service, and more. 6 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 as possible. Mowry Hadden would decorate them. Their Christmastime cookie-making continued as she got older — while she was home for Christmas from the University of Iowa, after college graduation and into her 20s and early 30s. Later, mother and daughter would expand their cookie-making to other holidays. The family recipe continues to be passed on, with her siblings sharing it with their children, Mowry Hadden says. What makes it so special is the time spent with family, cultivating the tradition, sharing laughter, talking with one another and teaching their children how to make something. “It’s more than just a sugar cookie recipe,” she says. “It’s taking time to be in the moment and to really learn how to watch your child and understand what he or she is doing or saying.” Growing up, the time spent around the kitchen table making the sugar cookies and doing other Call Today (515)967-8700 www.PrairieVistaVillage.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Submit story ideas to [email protected] projects was important to her mom. “It wasn’t just where you had meals; it was where traditions were started,” she says. With the holidays approaching, memories of her mom make her wish she was still here. Every time she starts to make the cookies, Mowry Hadden says, she gets a little sad. “By the time we have finished, I am smiling with all kinds of special memories that have made me laugh,” she says. “And, Caleb gets to hear them all.” Crazy for cupcakes Emily Warren loves everything about cupcakes. She loves trying out different recipes and eating the batter. But it’s really all about the frosting for the Altoona resident, who loves making it, putting it on and eating it. “The frosting is the best part,” says Warren, who has a sweet tooth and loves to bake. “Cupcakes are kind of my favorite thing to bake because I like to frost them.” If it’s a holiday, Warren will likely be making cupcakes. The last couple of years for Christmas she’s made two types: eggnog and vanilla peppermint. At Thanksgiving, she whips up pumpkin-flavored cupcakes. For Mother’s Day last year, she made vanilla lemon. She likes making cupcakes because they’re simpler than making a whole cake, and they “always look so cute,” she says. Warren found the recipes for the eggnog and vanilla peppermint confections online. A fan of eggnog, why not make a cupcake and frosting with eggnog in both, she reasoned? She loves Sprinkles Cupcakes, a gourmet cupcakery, so she searched until she found the vanilla peppermint recipe created by Sprinkles’ owner. Warren says both recipes are pretty straightforward and aren’t tough to make. Sometimes she’ll add red, green and white sprinkles for a fun holiday touch. When it comes to the frosting, she’s a “frosting snob,” Warren says, and always makes her own for her cupcakes. She’s learned a few things through trial and error. “I think the key to frosting is having the butter at room temperature,” she explains. Also, real butter is the way to go, she claims. Then, there’s frosting the cupcake, which Warren really enjoys doing. There’s an art to it, she explains. First, a big dollop is placed in the middle, which is spread flat on top then worked along the sides of the thick frosting pointing people to Jesus. ... if you are looking for a gospel Come and centered church, we invite you to join us this come check us out this Sunday, 10 am, at Willowbrook Elementary Sunday I80 Hu b Willowbrook Elementary For the past couple of years, Emily Warren has been baking two types of cupcakes for Christmas — one with eggnog, the other vanilla peppermint. Here, she shows us how to make vanilla peppermint cupcakes. Craft & Vendor Show Saturday, December 14 10am–3pm Willowbrook Elementary 300 - 17th Ave. SW in Altoona 17th Ave 5 Y6 HW be ll Adventureland Drive Photo by Dawn Sagario Pauls feature SW 4th St Broadway s 80+ crafters/vendors s Santa doing readings and photos for more information, check us out on the web highpointealtoona.com Sponsored by the Willowbrook PTA NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona 7 feature Submit story ideas to [email protected] topping. Finish with a swirl on the top, she says. Last Christmas, she made 72 cupcakes — three dozen of each. She took half of them to her workplace and some to family gatherings. For Warren, who describes herself as a “people pleaser,” she gets a lot of joy out of seeing others happily eat her cupcakes. She may not be the best cook, Warren says, “but I can make a mean cupcake.” Steak and Christmas Jell-O Forget the turkey; forget the ham. For the Carr family of Altoona, Christmas dinner requires the grill. Their holiday feast has been steak for at least 30 years along with homemade mashed potatoes and corn, says Marla Carr. She doesn’t know how they came up with the idea, but steak was something she and her husband, Jerry Carr, both liked, and Marla had grown up on a farm, where many times they had their own beef. “We just thought it would be good to have something different,” she says of the meal for her immediate family. The couple shares many of the meal preparation responsibilities, with Jerry grilling and sometimes making the potatoes. The weather dictates where Jerry will have to cook the steaks. “Sometimes it’s nice,” Marla says, “and sometimes we’ve had to have the grill in the garage.” For dessert, they have a fruit salad made with frozen strawberries and raspberries, cherry pie filling and raspberry and strawberry Jell-O. Marla has been making it the past 20 or 25 years and got the recipe from a friend. The meal is made extra special by being served on Marla’s Christmas dishes, settings that she’s used for about two decades, she says. She puts the dessert in special Christmas goblets. But Marla’s holiday culinary passion has nothing to do with their family dinner. She is a baking powerhouse, for years whipping up different breads and bars and peanut clusters. Most of what she makes she gives away. She’ll send her hus8 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 band and sons off to work with plates full of goodies. She also hosts a holiday party where she gives away bags filled with baked treats. When it comes to the bars, the two she makes most often are oatmeal chocolate and one with almond paste (flavor wise, think Dutch Lletter-esque). The recipe for the former came from either a neighbor or church cookbook, she says, while the latter was from a student teacher she had worked with. Marla also makes a lot of bread. The retired seventh-grade English teacher with the Southeast Polk Community School District would give them to her co-workers as gifts. Baking is a habit that’s been hard to break. Every year, Carr vows to skip all of it. And every year, despite how busy things get, she caves. “I still enjoy it, and I like being able to give something to people that has a homemade touch to it,” she says. Recipes CHRISTMAS JELL-O MADE BY MARLA CARR Ingredients: One 3-ounce package raspberry Jell-O (Carr uses sugar free) One 3-ounce of strawberry Jell-O (Carr uses sugar free) 1 can cherry pie filling ( Carr uses the light variety) 1 package frozen, sliced strawberries (no sugar) 1 package frozen raspberries (no sugar) Directions: Dissolve Jell-O in two cups of boiling water. Add frozen strawberries and raspberries. Fold in cherry pie filling. Put in a 9-by-13-inch pan or a two-quart dish. Carr likes to put it in Christmas goblets and top with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona VANILLA PEPPERMINT CUPCAKES Recipe created by Candace Nelson, owner of Sprinkles Cupcakes. Makes one dozen cupcakes. Made by Emily Warren Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. coarse salt 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 tsp. peppermint extract 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 2 large egg whites, room temperature 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, firm but not cold 1/8 tsp. salt 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract 1/2 tsp. milk Directions: To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk and extracts; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended. With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing. To make frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat the butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until incorporated. Add the extracts and milk and beat until smooth and creamy. Do not overmix or the frosting will incorporate too much air; it should be creamy and dense, like ice cream. Add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if frosting does not have a spreadable consistency. To frost: Scoop a generous amount of frosting on top of a cooled cupcake. Hold the cupcake in one hand and with the other hand use a small offset spatula to smooth the frosting over the entire top of the cupcake. To achieve the Sprinkles look, use the length of the spatula to create large swirls around the circumference of the cupcake. Or for a more homespun and rustic quality, use the tip of the spatula to create small ridges and waves in the frosting. Be careful to handle the cupcake with care and not grip it too tightly, which can crush the delicate cake. In general, the less the cupcake is handled, the better. An experienced Sprinkles froster can frost a cupcake with only a few turns of the spatula! Top with crushed candy canes! GREAT AUNT MAE’S SUGAR COOKIES MADE BY TINA MOWRY HADDEN Ingredients: 3/4 cup shortening 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 egg 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1tsp. lemon juice (secret ingredient) 2 1/2 cups flour (last 1/2 used for rolling) Directions: Mix together. Roll out on hard surface. Cut out. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Use powdered sugar, shortening and hot water to make frosting. Add colors for the season. Q Fill the Giving Tree! Photo by Jeff Pitts what’s in your garage? Keystone Savings Bank has set up a Giving Tree in our lobby with names of local families in need of a brighter holiday. Please stop in, pick a tag from the tree and return a gift back to the bank. These gifts will be distributed to the families in our community who are in need. Thank you! Phil and Kathy Ladd with their restored “his and hers’ pickup trucks. Phil has a 1948 and Kathy’s is a 1947 Studebaker. A tango for two Ladds have unusual set of “his and hers” items By Jeff Pitts ou may have heard of “his and hers” slippers or maybe even “his and hers” key chains. But Phil and Kathy Ladd have taken the “his and hers” idea a bit further, and people all around Altoona are checking out their “his and hers” classic cars. Of course, that’s completely understandable to Phil. After all, if he saw a 1947 Studebaker pickup that was painted like Kathy’s “dreamsicle orange and chocolate malt brown,” he’d be sure to elbow the person next to him in the ribs and point it out also. Likewise, Kathy would be sure point out a neon green 1948 Chevy pickup that featured “all the goodies” and was lit up like a Christmas tree. (This one is his.) The Chevy is mostly all “homebuilt” by Phil, meaning he collected the parts and put them together himself. He’s installed lighting all up and down the rig, and everywhere he goes, he’s quite the spectacle. “He’s a real big hit at the ice cream shop,” adds his wife, Kathy, with a smile. “I drive this everywhere. It’s my daily driver. It just buzzes along,” says Phil says of his pet project. The other truck, Kathy’s orange and brown Studebaker, gets its share of stares and pointed Y fingers also. “That engine runs like a sewing machine,” says Phil, beaming with pride. The Studebaker’s old engine has more get-up-and-go than you might expect. “It goes about 50 (mph), but the brakes are only good to about 40,” says Phil. The Studebaker was a work truck in its day. So by the time the Ladds found it, it was in sad shape. “It was a mice condo,” says Kathy. After the Ladds took ownership of the truck, the mice were evicted. “(Phil) took it all apart and put it all back together again,” Kathy continues. The old truck doesn’t have seatbelts, power brakes or power steering, but that’s OK with the Ladds because they want to keep it in its original condition. And besides, when they want to cruise around in style, they have the green one. Local onlookers aren’t the only ones who elbow and point at the Ladd’s trucks. Apparently, people are doing that all over the world. Phil says he’s gotten more than 100,000 views on his YouTube videos about the trucks and his efforts at restoration. Q Contact Darren at 953-4822 ext. 304 or [email protected] to recommend someone for an upcoming issue of “What’s In Your Garage?” 6871 NE 12th Avenue Pleasant Hill (515) 266-6900 www.ksbiowa.com SNOW & ICE CONTROL KEEP YOUR BUSINESS’ DRIVEWAY AND SIDEWALK SNOW-FREE THIS WINTER. BOOK YOUR SLOT NOW! CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE SERVICE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION 967-3020 PROUDLY SERVING CENTRAL IOWA SINCE 1978 For more information, visit www.facebook.com/HawkeyeLawnCare www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 9 Spend $25 or more and get $ 500 OFF $ 299 Expires 12/24/13 DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL Monday 1/2 OFF Kids Eat Free entrée with purchase of entrée with adult entrée Expires 12/24/13 Expires 12/24/13 jhmgo\F(\Z??\(0u(]G\?N\RRP4 515.967.5033 hh4OhgXORP(4\uhh4OpXO(]P 4ZZe]\b4GN4;N?y Altoona Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Betsy Simonsen Success Story Following a fall at my home in which I fractured my pelvis, I came to Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation for physical therapy. During my stay here, I got to meet so many new and interesting people. The staff treated me and my daughter with the upmost respect and dignity. I got to enjoy activities such as music, trivia and, once I was strong enough, outdoor walks with therapy. While my stay here was wonderful, I am looking forward to going home and sitting in my own chair and sleeping in my own bed! The thing I will miss the most is having all my new friends to visit with. Upon leaving, I would recommend this place to anyone in need of help of any kind. Thank you, Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation! Physical TherapyOccupational TherapySpeech Therapy 24 Hour Nursing CarePhysician Services Long Term Placement Salon Services Scheduled Activities Short Term In-Patient Rehabilitation Call today for a tour! 515-729-3206 200 - 7th Ave. SW Altoona www.altoonanursing-rehab.com 10 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 Submit ideas to [email protected] 12-oz. Lime Margarita Thursday Special Expires 12/24/13 Monday–Saturday 11am–3pm where we live Photos by Rainey Cook NOW OPEN! www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Angie and Chad Agans and their family show their football pride at their home on 19th Street S.W. Perfect space Agan family home is the place for celebrations By Rainey Cook here are many things Chad and Angie Agans love about their 2008 Hubble home. Their pride of homeownership shows firsthand on the outside and once again as you step inside. The front lawn is impeccably manicured. Pumpkins and fall décor almost overshadow the love of football on the front porch. Or is it the other way around? Inside the décor is clean, homey and welcoming. The couple love that they have more room now than they’ve had before. They like the location and that this home is close to Chad’s work and the school system of their choice. The two-story lifestyle is exactly what they were looking for when they had the opportunity to build in 2008. The appreciation they have for their home started early. The couple enjoyed the process of having a home built. They have impressive and positive remarks for the Hubble team that did the work. The progression was interesting and fun for them and even their marriage. Now have a wonderful home to entertain guests, and entertain they do. “If it’s a holiday, it’s here,” Angie says. “We’ll have 10 to 12 people for Thanksgiving, and T we’ll have Christmas here as well. Holidays are the best!” Once the pumpkin season is over, the seven-foot lighted Christmas tree will go up on the front porch, including extra-large presents and decorations. The family will add lights on the house, deck and fence. They are also known to have Easter egg hunts in the backyard, birthday parties, Fourth of July gatherings, football festivities and driveway rallies. “We’re very kid-friendly,” Angie says. “We even have slip and slides and trampolines in the summer, too.” And rightly so — on one block alone of 19th Street S.W. in Altoona, there are approximately 22 kids. It really is a dreamy street to drive down. Its beauty radiates on seasonal front porch decorations, nicely manicured lawns and outside toys temporarily left behind by otherwise occupied children. “I like this street because everyone looks out for you,” Chad says. “It’s a great family-friendly neighborhood.” The memories Chad and Angie are making for their children, family and friends will be cherished for many years, whether a holiday or not. Q faith Submit story ideas to [email protected] The Altoona United Methodist Church is located at 602 Fifth Ave. S.W. A joyful season Altoona UMC observes Christmas traditions By Amber Williams he Altoona Methodist Church is up to its steeple in Christmastime traditions and charities, including the Joy Boxes food pantry donations and poinsettia sales. But the stars of the season are the children, as they have been working hard since early November to bring Christmas celebration attendees two special musical performances this year on Dec. 15 and Dec. 24. “Here at AUMC we look forward to celebrating the upcoming season with the good news that Christ came to be with us, to understand us and bring joy to the world,” says Steve McLellan in the November church newsletter. For more information on any music ministry, contact McLellan at [email protected] or 9672991. The church is also offering kids an opportunity to help other kids this season of giving by participating in a collection of items needed for Hope Ministries. Items to be collected include facial tissue, laundry/dish soap, paper towels, Pre-K workbooks, elementary reading prizes (i.e. toys, puzzles, games), Christian CDs, molding clay or jewelry-making kits for teens All donations can be dropped off in Sunday school/midweek classrooms or the office by Dec. 8. T As mentioned, Joy Boxes are charitable Christmastime traditions among the AUMC family. They are given to the local food pantry, Caring Hands, to be distributed to those in need during the holiday season. Spread the Word Have an upcoming event or church news you would like to announce? Send information to [email protected]. This year, the program is being extended by request as a new Easter practice, too, due to bare shelves brought by spring awakenings. The Easter season Joy Boxes will still be wrapped in Christmas paper, as the birth and resurrection of Christ are connected. Empty Joy Boxes will be available for volunteers to fill in early March 2014. Nothing says the holiday season quite like poinsettias. The AUMC is selling them for $8 each in hopes to have a Christmas Eve service filled to the red-velvety brim. Envelope order forms are available at the Welcome Center and may be deposited with cash or checks (payable to AUMC) in the designation box. They may be picked up after the Christmas Eve Service. Q CANTATA december 7 – 5:30pm december 8 – 8:30am & 11am be christmas to your family Children-led worship gatherings december 15 – 8:30am & 11am christmas eve services december 24 3pm, 5:30pm and 11pm 1701 8th street sw s altoona 515-967-4818 s www.lccaltoona.org www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 11 calendar Submit event information to [email protected] Friday, Nov. 29 Q Hanukkah Q No School - SEP Q Altoona Public Library Closed Q SEP 9/JV/V Girls Basketball vs. Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 4:45/6/7:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Q SEP 8 Girls Basketball vs. Urbandale, 4:30 p.m. Q SEP 8 Wrestling at Johnston, 4:30 p.m. Q SEP 9 Boys Basketball at Johnston, 6:30 p.m. Q SEP JV Boys Basketball at Valley, 7 p.m. Q Baby Storytime, ages 0 - 24 months, 10 and 10:45 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Lego Club, 4 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Friday, Dec. 6 Q Cityview’s Des Moines Sexiest Party, starts at 6 p.m., event attendees will vote to determine who wins from top 16, winner revealed at 9 p.m., The Keg Stand, West Des Moines. Q A Christmas Carol, 7 p.m., Class Act Productions Theatre. Tuesday, Dec. 3 Saturday, Nov. 30 Q Hanukkah Sunday, Dec. 1 Q Hanukkah Q Hanukkah Q Al-Anon Meeting, 7 p.m., support group for family and friends of those struggling with alcohol, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 Eighth St. Q Alateen, 7 p.m., support group for family and friends of a those who struggle with alcohol, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 Eighth St. Q Chamber Noon Networking, 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fireside Grille. Q SEP 8 Wrestling Meet, 4:30 p.m. Q SEP 9/10/V Boys Basketball vs. DM East, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV/V Girls Basketball vs. DM East, 4:45/6:15/7:56 p.m. Q SEP Vocal Music Concert, 6:30 p.m., HS Auditorium. Monday, Dec. 2 Q Hanukkah Q Bedtime Stories, 6 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Q SEP JV/V Bowling at DM East, Wednesday, Dec. 4 Q Hanukkah Q Preschool Storytime, 4-6 years old, 11 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Thursday, Dec. 5 Q Hanukkah Q SEP JV/V Bowling vs. Urbandale, 3:30 p.m. Q SEP 8 Girls Basketball at Valley, 6:30/7:30 p.m. Q SEP 9 Girls/Boys Basketball at Dowling, 7/8 p.m. Q SEP JV/V Wrestling vs. Johnston, 6:30/7:30 p.m. Q Toddler Storytime, 2-4 years old, 11 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Skype with a Real Kids Author, Skype with Tom Angleberger, author of “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda”, registration required, 1 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Tech Lab, come see us with PC problems, 10 a.m. - noon, Altoona Public Library. Saturday, Dec. 7 Q A Christmas Carol, 2:30 and 7 p.m., Class Act Productions Theatre. Q SEP V Wrestling at Gardner Edgerton, 9 a.m. Q SEP 10 Wrestling at Winterset, 9:30 a.m. Q SEP V Boys Swimming at Boone, 10 a.m. Q SEP JV/V Girls Basketball at Iowa City, 1/2:30 p.m. Q SEP 9/10/V Boys Basketball vs. DCG, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Winter Wonderland in Webster City Nov. 23-24 Dec. 7 Dec. 7-8 Dec. 11-25 Dec. 13 12 Festival of Trees and Chili Cook-off Iowa Central – Share What You Wear Webster City Community Chorus Annual Holiday Concert Lighted Drive at Briggs Woods Campground Guys Night Out and Kids on Kampus Dec. 14 Dec. 16 & 23 Dec. 17 Dec. 21 Christmas at the Bridge, Jane Young House Tours, Santa’s Workshop and International Holiday Festival Supper with Santa A Christmas Carol (one man show) at the library Blue Christmas DETAILS ARE ON THE EVENTS PAGE AT WWW.VISITWEBSTERCITYIOWA.COM Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona calendar Submit event information to [email protected] Q Gingerbread House Decorating, supplies provided, please pre-register, 10 a.m. - noon, Altoona Public Library. Sunday, Dec. 8 Q A Christmas Carol, 2:30 p.m., Class Act Productions Theatre. Q Holiday Crafternoon, make a homemade book-inspired gift, 3-5 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Monday, Dec. 9 Q Bedtime Stories, 6 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Baby Storytime, ages 0 - 24 months, 10 and 10:45 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q SEP V Girls/Boys Bowling at Mason City, 3 p.m. Q SEP 8 Wrestling at Ankeny Centennial, 4:30 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV Boys Basketball at DCG, 6/7:30 p.m. Q Altoona Lions Meeting, contact Jen Brooks at 205-4475 with questions, Lions Park Shelter House, 507 13th Ave. Q Mrs. Claus Visit, read stories and tell what life is like at the North Pole, 6:30 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Tuesday, Dec. 10 Q Al-Anon Meeting, 7 p.m., support group for family and friends those who struggle with alcohol, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 Eighth St. Q Alateen, 7 p.m., support group for family and friends of those who struggle with alcohol, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 Eighth St. Q SEP 8 Girls Basketball at Marshalltown, 4:30 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV/V Girls Basketball at Mason City, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q SEP 9/10/V Boys Basketball at Mason City, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q SEP JV/V Boys Swimming vs. DM Roosevelt, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 Q Preschool Storytime, 4-6 years old, 11 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Kids Movie, “Planes,” 3:30 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Thursday, Dec. 12 Monday, Dec. 16 Q Toddler Storytime, 2-4 years old, 11 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Cookie Decorating Class, grades 3 and up, 6 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Friday, Dec. 13 Q A Christmas Carol, 7 p.m., Class Act Productions Theatre. Q SEP 9/10/V Boys Basketball at Ankeny, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q SEP 9/10/V Boys Basketball at Ankeny, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Bedtime Stories, 6 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Baby Storytime, ages 0- 24 months, 10 and 10:45 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q SEP JV/V Bowling vs. Mason City, 3 p.m. Q SEP 8 Girls Basketball vs. Ames, 4:30 p.m. Q SEP 9 Girls/Boys Basketball at Ankeny, 7/8 p.m. Q SEP JV Boys Basketball vs. Ankeny, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 Q Craft and Vendor Show, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 80+ crafters/vendors, Santa doing readings and photos, Willowbrooke Elementary, 300 17th Ave. S.W. Q A Christmas Carol, 2:30 and 7 p.m., Class Act Productions Theatre. Q SEP V Wrestling at Oskaloosa, 9 a.m. Q SEP JV Wrestling Tournament, 9 a.m. Q SEP 10/V Boys Basketball vs. LinnMar, 3/4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 Q SEP Sr. Financial Aid Night, 7 p.m., HS Auditorium. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Tuesday, Dec. 17 Q Al-Anon Meeting, 7 p.m., support group for family and friends of those who struggle with alcohol, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 Eighth St. Q Alateen, 7 p.m., support group for family and friends of a those NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 13 calendar Submit event information to [email protected] who struggle with alcohol, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 Eighth St. Q Chamber Noon Networking, 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fireside Grille. Q SEP 9/10/V Boys Basketball vs. Valley, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV/V Girls Basketball vs. Valley, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q SEP JV/V Boys Swimming at DM Lincoln, 5:30 p.m. Valley, 5:30 p.m. Q SEP JV/V Wrestling at Ames, 6:30/7:30 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV Boys Basketball vs. Waukee, 7/8 p.m. 13th Ave Q Holiday Movie Marathon, noon6 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Thursday, Dec. 26 Q Q Q 11 Kwanzaa No School - SEP Toddler Storytime, 2-4 years old, a.m., Altoona Public Library. Friday, Dec. 20 Q SEP JV Wrestling at Indianola, TBD. Q SEP 9/JV/V Girls Basketball at Waukee, 4:45/6:15 p.m. Q SEP 9/10/V Boys Basketball at Waukee, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 Wednesday, Dec. 18 Q Preschool Storytime, 4-6 years old, 11 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Teen Dinner & A Movie, “Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” (PG-13), 5 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Thursday, Dec. 19 Q Toddler Storytime, 2-4 years old, 11 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q SEP JV/V Boys Swimming vs. Q First day of winter Q MadCAP Teen Improv, for grades 7-12, $5/student, 7-9 p.m., Class Act Productions Theatre. Q SEP V Wrestling Tournament, 9 a.m. Q Musical Storytime, Kris Kringle’s brother, Hugo, shares stories of Santa’s childhood, 3 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Monday, Dec. 23 Q No School- SEP Q Bedtime Stories, 6 p.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Baby Storytime, ages 0- 24 months, 10 and 10:45 a.m., Altoona Public Library. Q Altoona Lions Meeting, contact Jen Brooks at 205-4475 with questions, Lions Park Shelter House, 507 HEAD START FREE SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM for children ages 3 and 4 OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE! www.drakeheadstart.org 515-271-1854 or 1-800-44-DRAKE Locations on the East side of Des Moines Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 Q Q Q Q Christmas Eve No School -SEP Altoona Public Library Closed City Offices Closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 Q Q Q Q Friday, Dec. 27 Q No School-SEP Q Just Dance Wii Party, 11 a.m. 1 p.m., Altoona Public library. Christmas Day No School -SEP Altoona Public Library Closed City Offices Closed View events and happenings from this community and others at www.iowalivingmagazines.com HEATING AIR CONDITIONING PLUMBING Residential Sevice Repair ALTOONA AREA/ For application details, please visit: 14 Tuesday, Dec. 24 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona CONKLING SERVICES 967-3974 Mike Bird fitness By David Charleston, The Orange Planet Show your body some thanks N TURER A AF OV W LE NE Volleyball, Basketball, Football and Strength/Weight loss By David Charleston, director/founder, The Orange Planet an you say you give thanks in all things? That is not easy all the time. However, the season gives us time to reflect on thankfulness in all things. I am most thankful for family, faith and the ability to contribute to society by running a small business. I am thankful for thousands who have come through The Orange Planet allowing us the ability to partner with them in their goals. I am thankful for member Aaron A. who has faithfully served our country and is hopefully coming home early December. What are you thankful for? Are you in good health or poor health? One thing about this body of ours is you only get one and must show it thankfulness. You must take care of it. There are many ways to show your body that you are thankful. Showing one’s body thanks starts with getting proper sleep. Give yourself permission to sleep. It will refresh you. It will make a difference in recovering from your day and your workout. Some folks think exercise is painful and compounds more problems, but exercise actually shows your body thanks. Choose exercise that fits your needs at the moment. Even a little activity has a huge impact on your life. If you don’t take time for exercise, start now. Next, eat properly. If you eat poorly you haven’t had the chance to allow your body to respond to good foods. Trust me, it will scream thankfulness. Think through why you really eat. Is it C just out of boredom? Are you a social eater? Are you filling a need from a deep pain? All those are top reasons why most eat and involve comfort in some form. Eating well allows the body an opportunity to manage its own system. It doesn’t have to start with “all or nothing.” It can start with swapping out a cup of coffee for water. It can start with simply deciding to follow a plan instead of randomly eating. I have found if I have a specific guide to follow each day, I eat healthier and am more aware of what I put into my mouth. Take time and relish the food you do eat. Pay attention to the smells and texture. Find replacements that stimulate similar feelings. For example, if you love ice cream for the coolness and texture, try sugar-free gelatin with fruit cut up in it. I am convinced in our fast pace world we need to slow down. We have even sped up the eating process. We eat on the run. The dollar menu is quick, but rubbish. You will suffer if you continue to neglect your body and don’t slow down eating. It is true you have many choices, but those choices come with consequences. You can choose your behavior, but not always the consequence that comes with that behavior. So this day, choose to show your body some thanks. Keeping your body in shape is a discipline. It is not just a few pounds here and there. You are worth caring for you. You are valuable. Show some love and thanksgiving to your body by treating it right. Q Training Services in Authentic. Affordable. Call 261.0030 or visit TheOrangePlanet.com 5650 Metro East Dr. P.H. IA Call for free consultation with our trainers Written by David Charleston, owner/founder The Orange Planet Athletic Club, 5650 Metro Business Drive, Pleasant Hill, [email protected]. ate riv nd p oup ll gr Sma F F O trai 15% www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona IRUÀ for ab vail a ning ga in train ow le n U PH VWWL NOVEMBER | 2013 FOLH QWV Altoona Living 15 senior living By Shelly Charter Veterans Day — a time to be thankful We honor those who fought for our country By Shelly Charter, Valley View Village ’ve always thought that it was appropriate that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving were in the same month. As we gather with family and friends, giving thanks to our veterans should be at the top of our list. I In doing some research, I discovered that we haven’t always celebrated this special day in November. The day originally was called Armistice Day to commemorate the ceasing of fighting between the Allied Nations and Germany during World War I on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month – Nov. 11, 1918. (I’m sure I learned all of this in history classes, but online research brought back clarity and details of this historical event.) In 1954 President Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Then in 1968, Congress moved celebrating this day to the fourth Monday in October. The law went into effect in 1971, but in 1975 President Ford returned Veterans Day back to its rightful day — Nov. 11. He did this because of the historical meaning of that date, which was the “Great War” coming to an end. cent of all living veterans: 7.8 million. s6ETERANS WHO SERVED DURING the Gulf War (representing service from Aug. 2, 1990, to present): 5.2 million. s6ETERANS WHO SERVED DURING World War II (1941-1945): 2.6 million. s6ETERANS WHO SERVED DURING the Korean War (1950-1953): 2.8 million. s3IXMILLIONVETERANSSERVEDIN peacetime. * Information from http://www. history.com/topics/veterans-dayfacts. As we count our many blessings, let’s count our veterans as one of them. Thank you, vets, for your service and your many sacrifices. Q Let’s celebrate and honor the more than 23 million Veterans in the United States. Let’s see how that breaks down*: s6ETERANS OLDER THAN million. s6ETERANS YOUNGER THAN 1.9 million. s6ETERANS WHO ARE WOMEN 1.8 million. s6ETERANS WHO SERVED DUR- Information provided by Shelly ing the Vietnam War era (1964 Charter, Valley View Village, 2571 - 1975), which represents 33 per- Guthrie Ave., Des Moines, 265-2571. +++thank you, veterans, for your service! +++ 16 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona CITY HALL 407 8th Street SE Altoona, IA 50009 Phone: 515-967-5136 FAX: 515-967-0842 Open 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday CITY OF ALTOONA – HOLIDAY HOURS THANKSGIVING CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S City Offices – Thursday, November 28 – CLOSED Friday, November 29 – CLOSED City Offices Monday, December 23 – Close @ 1:30pm Tuesday, December 24 - CLOSED Wednesday, December 25 - CLOSED Wednesday, January 1 - CLOSED Altoona Public Library Wednesday, November 27 – Close @ 5:30pm Thursday, November 28 – CLOSED Friday, November 29 – CLOSED Mayor JM Skip Conkling 515-967-5136 City Council Members Mike Harmeyer 515-208-8131 Kyle Mertz 515-954-8470 Gerald Nolin 515-967-2773 Dean O’Connor 515-967-3895 Michelle Sloan 515-967-1570 City Administrator 515-967-5136 Altoona Public Library Tuesday, December 24 – CLOSED Wednesday, December 25 – CLOSED Tuesday, December 31 – Close @ 3:00pm Wednesday, January 1 – CLOSED ASPHALT MILLINGS AVAILABLE The City of Altoona has asphalt millings which they have accumulated from projects. The millings are available for the general public on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Streets Supervisor Rob Taylor at 515-967-2734 to arrange a time to pick up the millings. FOOD PANTRY ITEMS City Clerk 515-967-5136 The City of Altoona is collecting food pantry items for the Caring Hands Outreach Center. You can drop your donations off at the Altoona Public Library located at 700 8th St. SW during their hours of operation. Items will be collected through December 23rd. Police Chief 515-967-5132 The Caring Hands Outreach Center is located at 201 9th St NE in Altoona. The center provides a helping hand to people in need, and network and partner with organizations to use existing resources and develop new programs. They help people move forward by providing resources to help them succeed, help them meet their basic needs, enable them to be successful, enable them to take care of their families and themselves. The center welcomes volunteers. You can contact the Caring Hands Outreach Center at 515-967-4533 or email at [email protected]. You can also visit their website at http://caringhandsoutreachcenter.com/. Fire Chief 515-967-2216 Library Director 515-967-3881 Fax: 515-967-6934 Community Services Director 515-967-5136 Water Billing 515-967-5136 Building Department/ Code Enforcement 515-967-5138 Building Official 515-967-5138 Planning & Zoning Department 515-967-5136 Utilities Superintendent 515-967-5136 Public Works Superintendent 515-967-5136 Please only donate non-expired foods. The food pantry can't distribute items that are past their "best by" date. 1. Peanut Butter 2. Pancake Mix & Syrup 3. Macaroni & Cheese Dinners 4. Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce 5. Soups (all kinds) 6. Canned Vegetables 7. Canned Tuna/Chicken/Salmon 8. Canned Fruit 9. Canned Juices (all kinds) 10. Pasta, Noodles, Macaroni, Rice *Food is distributed by weight. Recipients prefer "regular" size cans or jars to "jumbo" because they are able to choose more variety. Also - Personal Hygiene Items t 4PBQ t 4IBNQPP t %FPEPSBOU t 5PPUIQBTUF t %JBQFST t %JTI4PBQ t 4BOJUBSZ/BQLJOT t -BVOESZ4PBQ City of Altoona Y407 8th Street SE Y Altoona, IA 50009 Y515-967-5136 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 17 SE POLK VARSITY SPORT SCHEDULES BOWLING – BOYS AND GIRLS DATE 12-02-13 12-05-13 12-09-13 12-12-13 12-16-13 01-06-14 01-16-14 01-21-14 01-23-14 02-04-14 02-10-14 02-13-14 TIME 3:30PM 3:30PM 3:00PM 3:30PM 3:00PM 3:00PM 3:30PM 3:00PM 3:30PM 3:30PM 3:30PM 12:30PM OPPONENT DM East Urbandale Multiple Ankeny Mason City Multiple Waukee Multiple WDM Valley Marshalltown Dowling Catholic Multiple LOCATION Des Moines East Premiere Bowling Mystic Lanes Plaza Lanes Premiere Bowling Premiere Bowling Premiere Bowling Premiere Bowling Premiere Bowling Marshalltown Premiere Bowling Plaza Lanes BOYS/GIRLS Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls Boys and Girls WRESTLING DATE 12-05-13 12-07-13 12-12-13 12-14-13 12-19-13 12-21-13 01-03-14 01-04-14 01-09-14 01-11-14 01-16-14 01-18-14 01-23-14 01-25-14 01-31-14 02-06-14 TIME 7:30PM 9:00AM 5:30PM 9:00AM 7:30PM 9:00AM 5:00PM TBD 7:30PM 10:00AM 7:30PM 9:00AM 7:30PM 10:00AM 4:00PM 7:30PM OPPONENT Johnston Gardner Edgerton Multiple Oskaloosa Ames Multiple Schools TBD TBA DM Lincoln Multiple Ankeny WDM Valley Waukee Urbandale Multiple Ankeny Centennial LOCATION Home Away Away Away Away Home Away Away Away Away Away Away Home Away Home Home SWIMMING – BOYS DATE 11-26-13 12-03-13 12-07-13 12-10-13 12-12-13 12-17-13 12-19-13 01-06-14 01-09-14 01-16-14 01-18-14 01-25-14 TIME 5:30PM 5:30PM 10:00AM 5:30PM 6:00PM 5:30PM 5:30PM 5:30PM 5:30PM 5:30PM 10:00AM 12:00PM OPPONENT Newton Johnston Boone DM Roosevelt Mason City DM Lincoln WDM Valley Marshalltown Ankeny Waukee Multiple Multiple LOCATION Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away For more information and to see all sport schedules, call 641.357.5235 or visit www.se-polk.k12.ia.us SE Polk HS is located at 7945 NE University Avenue in Pleasant Hill Good Luck Rams from That’s homemade Italian! 2437 Adventureland Dr. s Altoona º.%ºTHº!VEºhº0LEASANTº(ILL (515) 266-6900 WWWKSBIOWACOM 18 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 www.bianchiboys.com 957-0807 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona 2116 - 3rd Avenue SE Altoona $184,000 This beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath has wonderful kitchen, finished lower level with daylight windows, big deck, fenced yard overlooking the bike trail and pond in the neighborhood! indy etge CM Cindy Metge, Agent 515-669-3003 www.cindymetge.com [email protected] An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated. HIGH SCHOOL – WINTER 2013 BASKETBALL – GIRLS DATE 11-23-13 11-26-13 11-29-13 12-03-13 12-07-13 12-10-13 12-13-13 12-17-13 12-20-13 01-03-14 01-07-14 01-14-14 01-17-14 01-18-14 01-24-14 01-25-14 01-28-14 02-01-14 02-04-14 02-07-14 02-11-14 02-14-14 TIME 4:05PM 7:45PM 7:30PM 6:15PM 2:30PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 3:30PM 6:15PM 5:00PM 6:15PM 4:30PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:15PM OPPONENT Indianola DM Lincoln CR Jefferson DM East Iowa City Mason City Ankeny HS WDM Valley Waukee Marshalltown Dowling Catholic Urbandale Ames Sioux City B-H Ankeny Centennial Assumption Johnston Ankeny HS Fort Dodge Waukee DM Hoover Ankeny Centennial LOCATION Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Away BASKETBALL – BOYS DATE 11-17-12 11-27-12 11-30-12 12-04-12 12-07-12 12-11-12 12-14-12 12-18-12 12-21-12 01-04-13 01-08-13 01-11-13 01-19-13 01-22-13 01-25-13 01-29-13 02-01-13 02-05-13 02-09-13 02-12-13 02-15-13 TIME 9:20AM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 6:30PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 7:45PM 6:30PM 7:45PM 7:45PM CHEER THE RAMS ON TO VICTORY! OPPONENT WDM Valley DM East Ottumwa Mason City Ankeny WDM Valley Waukee Marshalltown Dowling Catholic DM North Urbandale Ames Prairie Johnston Ankeny Fort Dodge Waukee DM Hoover Johnston DM Lincoln Fort Dodge LOCATION WDM Valley DM East Southeast Polk Southeast Polk Southeast Polk WDM Valley Southeast Polk Marshalltown Southeast Polk Southeast Polk Southeast Polk Ames Southeast Polk HS Johnston Ankeny Southeast Polk Waukee DM Hoover Southeast Polk Southeast Polk Fort Dodge GO RAMS! We support you! CALL BROOKE PULLIAM 515.988.7257 [email protected] Order DIRECTV today. Enjoy the ultimate TV experience tomorrow. FREE next-day installation. CALL TODAY. ROCKSTAR SATELLITE 515-262-7827 515-262-STAR Your Local Authorized DIRECTV Dealer Hardware and programming available separately. Subject to Availability. ©2013 DIRECTV Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design Logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 19 9,+<*,+ (--69+()3,:;69@ 211 21st St. SW, Altoona. 3 BR, 2.5 BA. $234,000 515-577-5099 [email protected] www.todd4homes.com RE/MAX REAL ESTATE GROUP creative play + education! developmentally appropriate programs 6 week old to 12 year old trained staff Q secured front door video surveillance system Altoona 8th Street Child Care MONDAY–FRIDAY 6:15am–6:00pm 907 - 8th Street SW | Altoona 515.967.5363 [email protected] www.altoona8thstreetchildcare.com Hey Mom, Help me KIDS 6+ No Prescription Required! Fight FLU Thanks! Get your Flu Shot at Medicap Pharmacy. Protect your family from the flu bug this season. No Appointment Necessary! WK$YH6:$OWRRQD Call Us: 515-957-0001 Hours: M-F 8-6 Sat 9-1:30 20 Altoona Living Altoona Library, 967-3881 ),(<;0-<39(5*//64, 1523 5th Ave. SW, Venbury, Altoona. 4 BR, 2 BA. $215,000 Todd Omundson CRS Broker Associate NO team. NO partner! the library news NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Flurries of fun Special holiday programs at the Altoona Library By Dave Wanamaker, Altoona Public Library his is going to be a hectic holiday season for everyone, but with a little planning you can enhance your entire family’s enjoyment by attending the Altoona Public Library’s programs and activities. T Children’s programs Mrs. Claus will be here Come say “hello” to Mrs. Claus on Monday night, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. She will read a story and talk to us about what it’s like to live at the North Pole with Santa Claus. Kids’ movie Kids are invited to come watch the movie “Planes” at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Musical storytime Kris Kringle’s brother, Hugo, shares stories of Santa’s childhood at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. Skype with a real kids’ author Homeschoolers please mark your calendars for Thursday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. We will Skype with author Tom Angleberger who wrote “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.” Everyone is invited, please register. Gingerbread house decorating program Our children’s librarian, Jenny, will hold a program on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, if you’d like to build a gingerbread house right here at the library. Enter your house or do it just for fun. Please sign up for the program. Supplies will be provided. Cookie decorating Children in third grade and up are invited to take part in our cookie decorating class at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. Holiday movie marathon Get your kids ready for the holidays with a six-hour holiday kids’ movie marathon on Monday, Dec. 23, from noon to 6 p.m. Shows start at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Teen programs “Holiday crafternoon” Come to our “Holiday Crafternoon” session and learn how to create a book-inspired gift from 3 - 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8. Just Dance party Dance in a Wii Just Dance Party on Friday, Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a Wii dance competition. Enjoy food, fun and more. Teen Dinner and a Movie Teens are invited to unwind with “Dinner and a Movie” on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. This month’s movie is “Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” rated PG-13. The movie is for sixth grade and older only. Those younger than 13 will require a signed, parental-permission form. Multiple ages Iowa Wild reading challenge Kids in kindergarten through 12th grade can read three books through Dec. 1 and earn an Iowa Wild ticket with discounts for your family. Tickets are for games on either Dec. 21 or Dec. 29. Holiday closings The library will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. We will be closed, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.Q out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected] Bruce Mason and Joe Riding at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Shelley Charter and Briann Bianchi at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Bill Stearns and RaeNeal McKim at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. John Neldeberg, Blake Neldeberg and Ellen Fitzpatrick at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Tara Cox and Liz Price at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Allon Cady, Meredith Davis, Stacy Lybarger and Desiree Nuckolls at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. How does your mortgage stack up? 6I½RERGMRK]SYVQSVXKEKI[MXL&ERO-S[EMWIEW]ERH GSYPHWEZI]SYQSRI]'SRXEGXSRISJSYVQSVXKEKI PIRHMRKSJ½GIVWXSHE]XS½RHSYXMJ]SYGSYPHFIRI½XJVSQ VI½RERGMRK]SYVLSQISVZMWMXSYVSRPMRILSQIPSERGIRXIV XSGLIGOVEXIWYWISYVQSVXKEKIGEPGYPEXSVWSVETTP]SRPMRI at bankiowabanks.com/homeloancenter. LIVE IOWA. WORK IOWA. BANK IOWA. Altoona 515.967.7283 / Johnston 515.727.4484 West Des Moines 515.225.0710 / bankiowabanks.com 1IQFIV*(-' Home Loan Center www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 21 finance GREAT RATES A time to be AVAILABLE thankful ARE YOU READY TO BUY? SELL? REFINANCE? CALL ME TODAY! WE MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE LORI SLINGS 515-967-4700 515-975-8240 160 Adventureland Drive Altoona YOUR TRUSTED MORTGAGE LENDER We Give Thanks for our Wonderful Clients! Building Clients for Life! JAEMI PONCY Remax Real Estate Group 932 N. Shadeview Blvd. Pleasant Hill, IA 515-556-2313 Get answers to YOUR questions about buying or selling a home and search available properties in your area at www.JaemiPoncyRealEstate.com 421 Becky Lynn Pleasant Hill $145,000 909 7th Ave. #5 Altoona $89,900 22 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona By Lori Slings Holidays are a time to prepare for future plans By Lori Slings, mortgage consultant, Valley Bank, Altoona s you read this month’s column, you are preparing for a big meal, recovering from a big meal and just hoping for a nap, or perhaps even spending the next few days enjoying many of the leftovers from your wonderful holiday meal. My family loves the holiday season as it brings us all together around one table for a time before the hustle and bustle of everyday life spreads us out again for another year of activities. Thanksgiving is known as the kickoff for a couple of busy months of parties, shopping, Christmas cards, white elephant gifts, stocking stuffers and sales. On your mark, get set, go! Have fun doing all the things in your holidays you normally do to prepare and enjoy time with family and friends. I will take a few minutes to tell you that if you are thinking about refinancing your home or preparing your home to sell and purchase a new home for the holidays, then give your mortgage consultant a call and let him or her take some of your stress out of the holidays. Mortgage consultants are trained to simplify the process and answer questions that are floating around in your head you don’t even have time to think about right now. Now is the time to begin preparing for changes you plan to make in 2014. Contact a qualified mortgage consultant today and take that stress out of your holiday season, or at least some of it. Thank you to all those out there for the business this year. I always reflect this time of the year on the many families being helped to purchase a home or refinance a home or who answered many A questions about repairing credit so we can get them in a new home in 2014. The past year has been a wonderfully thankful one. We have made new friends and helped old ones. We have welcomed new members to your family and said farewell to others. Our business thrives from the referrals of all of you to your friends and family. Thank you for those referrals every day. Our network of friends continues to expand, and I am feeling very blessed as I begin preparing for the holiday season for my family. Without all of you sharing mortgage consultant names with friends and family we would not be able to help more and more people into the home they dream of for their family. Now I am doing what you are doing right now, preparing my family’s holiday meal. Rifling through holiday sale ads hoping for that special deal. Listening to grown children playing jokes on each other before we sit down for a festive holiday table. May your holidays be everything you dream of surrounded by your friends and family. You have made my 2013 a wonderful year, and for that I am most thankful. Happy Thanksgiving. Start planning today. Q Information provided by Lori Slings, Valley Bank, 160 Adventureland Drive, Suite H, Altoona, (515) 967-4700, [email protected]. Q. How can I tell if my child has suffered a concussion? to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a concussion A. isAccording any injury to the brain that disrupts normal brain function on a temporary or permanent basis. A concussion can occur when your child takes a hit to or a fall on the head. A child may suffer a concussion if injured during a sporting event, such as football, rugby, hockey, soccer or basketball. Concussions may also occur if a child falls off a bike or skateboard. Symptoms of concussion may include, but are not limited to, the following: t t t t Headache Nausea or vomiting Double or blurry vision Feeling mentally “foggy” t Dizziness or balance problems t Confusion t Drowsiness Following an injury, symptoms of concussion are usually visible immediately; however, it may take several hours before your child displays any sign of concussion. It is important to monitor your child carefully and to call your doctor if you suspect your child has suffered a concussion. Any child who has a head injury or concussion should refrain from physical activity until he or she is examined and released from a doctor’s care. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 23 education You can give her a Merrier Christmas! Meet Tamara Fischer Please give generously to the Red Kettle campaign. Iowa is the perfect fit for ESL instructor By Marci Clark indy etge CM Cindy Metge, Agent Runnells 5 minutes from SE Polk High School! Paved roads, water & electric at the street. 1 to 2 acres available. Bring your own builder. 515-669-3003 www.cindymetge.com [email protected] An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated. Health Wellness Relaxation Rejuvenation Tranquil Kneads Massage Exceptional Savings this Holiday Season! Now through December 1 hour massage JLIWFHUWLÀFDWH { $45 ($60 value) 2 - 1 hour massage JLIWFHUWLÀFDWHV { $85 ($120 value) 3 - 1 hour massage JLIWFHUWLÀFDWHV { $120 ($180 value) Photos by Marci Clark in Des Moines $25,000 amara Fischer has been with Altoona Elementary for the last three years. Right now, she splits her time as an English as a second language teacher and a reading specialist. While it may not be traditional, she loves splitting her time between the two. “I love my ESL families and learning other cultures and becoming part of their lives, and I love teaching reading,” she says. “They are both equally fun.” One question Fischer gets a lot about teaching ESL is if she needs to know a second language. Thankfully, she says, she doesn’t. “I’d have to know like five languages,” she laughs. “I’m teaching them English, so it’s just like teaching a baby; it’s lots of pictures, lots of animation.” Fischer says she encourages the families to utilize their native language at home so the students don’t lose that connection to their cultures. For reading, she often works with students for a few weeks at a time just to help them catch up, and then she cycles those students out and gets to work with new students. “That’s fun for me because I get to meet a lot of kiddos on a different level than in the classroom,” she says. Before coming to Altoona, Fischer taught for 13 years in Kansas. She moved here with her T THE SALVATION ARMY GET BUILDING TODAY! 3017 SE Jarvis Ln Submit story ideas to [email protected] Tamara Fischer enjoys splitting her time between teaching English as a second language and being a reading specialist. family several years ago after seeking out a better community to raise her kids: Kylie, 13; Kyler, 11; and Kash, 4. “Iowa seemed like the perfect fit,” Fischer says. Fischer decided to become a teacher after growing up with a mom who did daycare. She says she was always around kids and really enjoys it. “My first grade teacher would always let me come and help her clean up before summer,” Fischer says. “My first year teaching was the year she retired.” Fischer says the best part about working at Altoona Elementary is her co-workers. “They love the kids, you can tell that they absolutely love their jobs,” she says. “They are always trying to improve on what they do.” Q What do you like best about your teacher? Jennifer Schweers, LMT 515-419-5188 827 - 17th Ave. SW Altoona Located inside Ambition Physique Next to Breadeaux Pizza Formerly Special 24 Altoona Living Kneads Massage Therapy NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Chloe Summy: “She has a nice smile and is always happy.” Hayden Myers: “She’s nice.” Memorie Ioanis: “She’s funny.” Joe Barboza: “She does fun stuff.” recipe Submit ideas to [email protected] Sausage and corn chowder Tasty soup is a cold weather favorite By Marchelle Walter Brown A Since that time it’s become a favorite at our house, and I’ve passed the recipe along to many friends and family. My husband, who isn’t normally a “soup guy,” starts making requests for this as soon as cooler weather starts moving in, and I’ve made a couple of pots full already this fall. This version of sausage and corn chowder gets an A+ on all accounts: It’s super flavorful, uses common ingredients and is quick and easy to throw together. Additionally, you can easily double the recipe if needed, you can transfer it to a slow cooker and transport it for a potluck dinner, and it also warms up even better the next day. What’s not to love? Q 9:30 Sunday Morning beginning December 1 Classes for children are also available! BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES What do Baptists believe? DEPENDENCE IN THE WILDERNESS Dealing with Pain and Suffering PORTRAIT OF A STRUGGLE Why is there so much hurt in the world? TACTICS Navigating conversations effectively WAR OF WORDS The gift (and danger) of our words ALTOONA REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH 8th Street SW Prairie Heritage Civic Plaza 1st Avenue S few years ago a friend of mine was dining out in a restaurant in the Kansas City area and had, what she felt, was one of the best bowls of soup she’d ever tasted. She made note of what ingredients she could and then went home and set out to try to duplicate the flavor. After some trial and error, she finally came up with a homemade bowl of chowder she felt adequately replicated what she had experienced. While her mother was visiting, she made the chowder for her and then passed the recipe along, and that’s how it ended up in my hands. NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 803 - 3rd AVENUE SW ALTOONA 515-967-2434 Sausage and corn chowder Ingredients 1 lb. sausage (seasoned, but not Italian) 1 onion (chopped) 4 large potatoes (sliced) 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. basil ½ tsp black pepper 2-1/2 cups water 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn (do not drain) 1 can evaporated milk Directions 1. Cook sausage and onion together and drain the grease off. 2. Stir in the potatoes, water and spices, then cover and simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are just tender. (You can add a little more water if it’s necessary to have enough liquid to cook potatoes.) 3. Stir in both cans of corn and the evaporated milk. Cover again and heat to almost boiling. Marchelle Walter Brown enjoys cooking for her family and using her mother’s recipes. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 25 Increase Immune System Function health Q&A Q: How can I strengthen my immune system naturally? Promote Self-Healing Swain Chiropractic 410 Center Place SW Altoona 515.967.9300 www.SwainChiropractic.com Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family Board Certified Pediatric Specialists SHOPPING SPREE GIVEAWAY! Every new comprehensive patient and anyone that refers a new patient will be eligible to WIN A $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Jordan Creek Mall! Gentle, Caring & Friendly Staff Modern Facility Convenient Location 967-3046 t www.altoonasmiles.com Dr. Eric Forsberg, DDS Dr. Nicole Brummel, DDS 26 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona A: The symptoms of a cold or flu are our body’s natural response to eliminate the germ. By allowing our body to express symptoms naturally, we exercise and strengthen our immune system so it can fight off the other multitude of germs we are exposed to every day. We need a strong immune system. Germs are smart. When we do not allow our bodies to fight off germs naturally, germs change their identity so they can survive. We actually cause the germs to strengthen and create “super and deadly strains.” The only way that we can win is to work on building up our own immune systems by being as healthy as we can be. Below are the essentials for building a healthy immune system naturally. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Get adequate rest. Eat a wholesome diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially foods containing vitamin D (such as cod liver oil). Avoid grains and sugar. These decrease the function of your immune system almost immediately. Eat garlic regularly. It’s antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. You should be eating it every day. Spend a few minutes a day in sunlight to help your body make and store vitamin D. Supplement with vitamin D. Wash your hands with soap (not anti-bacterial) and water. Exercise regularly when you are well. Manage your stress. Lower stress through meditation and other healthy lifestyle changes. Get adjusted regularly. Chiropractic adjustments boost the immune system and are a safe, natural option for healing and maintaining health. Q Information provided by Dr. Kari Swain, Swain Chiropractic, 410 Center Place S.W., 967-9300. Q: What are dental sealants, and why do dentists recommend them? A: Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. Thorough brushing and flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to remove food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food. Sealants are easy and painless for your dentist to apply. The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and may last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary. The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well. Ask your dentist about whether sealants can help prevent cavities in your mouth. Q Information provided by Dr. Eric Forsberg, DDS, Altoona Smiles, 950 28th Ave. S.W., Altoona, 515-967-3046. out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected] Joe McChurch, Craig Long and Mary Simon at Hair Fx Studio’s ribbon cutting on Nov. 15. Loral Rainey and Beth Van Ryswyk at Hair Fx Studio’s ribbon cutting on Nov. 15. Dr. Kari Swain at Hair Fx Studio’s ribbon cutting on Nov. 15. Kassie Cheers and Meaghan Kay at Hair Fx Salon and Spas for their open house for clients and new Studios on Nov. 14. John Karnes, Kathy Karnes and Sunny Fenton at Hair Fx Salon and Spas for their open house for clients and new Studios on Nov. 14. Darrick and Jo Worrall at Hair Fx Salon and Spas for their open house for clients and new Studios on Nov. 14. Member FDIC At Bankers Trust we believe the foundation for a solid future starts by choosing a strong ¿QDQFLDOSDUWQHU. Consider banking with Bankers Trust. Bankers Trust Altoona Branch 3820 8th St. S.W., Altoona, IA 50009 Your Financial Future Starts Here www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona (515) 957-8989 BankersTrust.com NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 27 out & about Submit photos to [email protected] dining Submit ideas to [email protected] Jen Holschlag, Phyllis Johansen and Jo Worrall at Hair Fx Salon and Spas for their open house for clients and new Studios on Nov. 14. The gyro made a tasty lunch at Poulo’s Sugar Shack. Todd Smith and Darrick Worrall at Hair Fx Salon and Spas for their open house for clients and new Studios on Nov. 14. New chapter Altoona’s Sugar Shack changes hands By Kathleen Summy W Poulos’ Sugar Shack nr s ts Now serving BREAKFAST every day! FOOD sMUSIC sFUN Buy a $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE & get a $5 GIFT CERTIFICATE Poulos’ FREE! off % 20 Poulos’ your dining ticket with your purchase of 2 entrees, 2 sides and 2 drinks. Expires 12/24/13. Sugar Sugar Shack Shack 100 - 8th Street Expires 12/24/13. 28 967-2527 s Altoona Altoona Living hen a restaurant that has become an institution in its community changes hands, its customers are filled with questions. NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Will the new owners keep favorite dishes on the menu? Will the food taste the same? Will the atmosphere be the same? Will there be new items, and will they be good? Change is just downright unsettling. Fans of the Sugar Shack in Altoona need not worry. After 25 years, Duane Seiberling decided to put the business up for sale, and it was purchased by Mark Poulos. My dining companion and I had lunch there recently to see what, if anything had changed. The ’50s diner theme has remained intact. Checkerboard floor, red vinyl, chrome and a soda fountain — they’re all there. And the menu is still classic American short order fare — burgers, hot sandwiches, deli sandwiches, onion rings, fries and ice cream treats including a variety of tempting sundaes and parfaits. What’s new is breakfast. Omelets, bacon, sausage, chicken-fried steak, pancakes and country potatoes and more are all available. Poulo’s Sugar Shack 100 Eighth St. S.E. (515) 967-2527 Hours: Sunday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon. - Sat.: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Alas, we were too late for breakfast, so we looked over the lunch menu. My companion ordered a gyro ($6.99) and I chose the chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy ($7.25). My companion was well pleased with his gyro. The strips of lamb were cooked nicely and not too spicy. The pita was soft and there were plenty of onions and tomato. My lunch hit the spot as well. I was impressed that everything on the plate was hot as well as tasty. Lukewarm gravy just isn’t very appealing. Knowing it’s good, basic food at a decent price, I may have to come back for breakfast. Q Read past reviews at www.iowalivingmagazines.com out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected] Jill Meyer and Adam Kline at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. JoAnne Mangold prepares beef burgers at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Amanda Caffrey and Kensie Wilson at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Lori Slings and Jon Aldrich at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Jeff, Kaity and Nicole Essink at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Craig Long and Scott Wheeler at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Adam and Ryen McRoberts at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Julie Cullinan and Peyton Ballard of Sugarplums, contestants in Cake Wars at Taste of Altoona at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Sarah LeClaire and Connie Baker of Lulu’s Cakes and Confections, contestants in Cake Wars at Taste of Altoona at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Michelle and Angel Lindell of Sweet to Eat Cakes, contestants in Cake Wars at Taste of Altoona at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Jordyn Compton and Marta McAulay at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Julie Fiala at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. See more photos online at www.iowalivingmagazines.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 29 out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected] Ryan Edsen, Bonnie Fox, Kendra Foster and Tori Court at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Scott Pickens and Chris Brennick at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Michelle Knowles and Kendra Bowman at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Henry Clevenger and Dr. Alicia Clevenger at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Dr. Kari Swain and Kristen Ingle at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Mike Horton at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Celeste Jones and Scott Tilton at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Barb Rozenboom, Beth Van Ryswyk, Bonnie Ehlers and Hallie Ehlers at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Linda Holt, Rob Walker and Heather Lloyd at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Lynette Kooker and Melissa Horton at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. Cindy Metge, Rachel Metge and Kathy Havel at the Nippy Hippie 5K at Spring Creek sports complex on Nov. 9. See more photos online at www.iowalivingmagazines.com 30 Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected] Natalie Carroll, photo bomber Joe Carroll and Pennie Carroll at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Quentin and Tracy Childs at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Bob Eisenlauer and John Eisenlauer at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Myrna Eisenlauer, Tera Baccam and Megan McKibben at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Dustin, Kim and Don Wipf at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. John, Mark and Claire Poulos at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Loral Rainy and Dr. Alicia Clevenger at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Chris Brennick with his Halloween twin at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. Derek Forsythe, Emily Forsythe and Shelana Laing at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 17. The Team from Coldwell Banker was ready for Business Safe Trick or Treat on Oct. 25. Michelle Sloan and Christina Paterson at Taste of Altoona hosted by The Altoona Chamber at Prairie Meadows on Oct 17. See more photos online at www.iowalivingmagazines.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 31 &KULVWPDV2QWKH3OD]D )ULGD\'HFHPEHUඵSP 6DQWDWKH0D\RU/LJKWWKH&RPPXQLW\7UHH &DUROLQJE\WKH6(3%RQGXUDQW*LUO6FRXWV \RXFDQVLQJDORQJWRR &UDIWVIRU.LGVZLWK&KULVWWKH.LQJ/XWKHUDQ&KXUFK +RUVH'UDZQ&DUULDJH5LGHV Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce +ROLGD\2SHQ+RXVH Tuesday, December 10 ඵ Noon-5:00pm Come sit for a spell and enjoy cider & sweets! NOVEMBER | 2013 Visits from Santa and open houses planned By Melissa Horton, executive vice president, Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce A Altoona Living Chamber of Commerce, 967-3366 Holiday excitement is in the air s the weather gets colder, the days become darker earlier and the excitement of the holidays are all a buzz, we want to take some time to be thankful. The Altoona Chamber would love to thank all our members for their wonderful support of the Chamber this past year. The Nippy Hippie 5K held Saturday, Nov. 9, was a huge success. More than 275 runners and walkers participated in the event. The success of this event gave the Chamber the opportunity to donate $2,000 to our local “Shop with a Cop” program through the Altoona and Pleasant Hill Police Departments. Thank you to all of our sponsors and all who joined in on this event. We hope to see another fantastic crowd next year. +RW&RFRD&RRNLHV 6RXS6DQGZLFK6SHFLDOVIURP+\9HH 32 chamber news www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Chamber holiday open house Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce, 119 Second St. S.E. Tuesday, Dec. 10, noon-5 p.m. Stop in, say “hi” and find out a little more about your local Chamber and how you can get involved. Santa’s Wonderland Bass Pro Shops, 1000 Bass Pro Drive Saturday, Nov. 9 - Tuesday, Dec. 24 Help welcome the jolly guy in red starting at 5 p.m. There are free photos with Santa from 6 - 8 p.m. Kids can also do a free craft. The first 125 children receive a Santa backpack clip. Caring Hands Food Pantry This is a wonderful time a year to make a special effort to give to this fantastic program. Christmas in Altoona at The Civic Plaza (west of Hy-Vee) Friday, Dec. 6, 6 - 7 p.m. Santa and the mayor will roll into town on a lighted horse-drawn carriage. Together they light the community Christmas tree, officially kicking off the holiday season. There will be carriage rides and crafts for the kids provided by Christ the King Lutheran Church. Come listen to a special performance by the SEP and Bondurant Girl Scouts as they share their musical talents for this event. Hy-Vee will again host a soup and sandwich special to warm your insides, and there will be cocoa and cookies for purchase as well. Q out & about Submit your photos and captions to [email protected] Jennifer Larsen, Jenny Bauer and Kevin Farrell at Clay Elementary for the East Coast Tae Kwon Do community service project on Nov. 7. Mike Deon and Kelly Corkran at Clay Elementary for the East Coast Tae Kwon Do community service project on Nov. 7. Emilio Morales does roundhouse kicks at the community service project from East Coast Tae Kwon Do at Clay Elementary on Nov. 7. Jack Larsen at the community service project from East Coast Tae Kwon Do at Clay Elementary on Nov. 7. Gage Beirman with counter Roger Beirman at the community service project from East Coast Tae Kwon Do at Clay elementary on Nov. 7. Brady Martin does jumping jacks at the community service project from East Coast Tae Kwon Do at Clay Elementary on Nov. 7. Eli Hanson with counter Eric Hanson does swats at the community service project from East Coast Tae Kwon Do at Clay Elementary on Nov. 7. Andrew Bauer executes swats at the community service project from East Coast Tae Kwon Do at Clay Clementary on Nov. 7. A ribbon cutting ceremony for Poulos’ Sugar Shack was held on Oct. 25. A ribbon cutting ceremony for Game Time Financial Services was held on Nov. 8. Jeff Bianchi at the Bianchi Boys Pizza and Pasta ribbon cutting on Nov. 8. Jeremy Boka, Dr. Kari Swain and Darren Huinker at the Bianchi Boys Pizza and Pasta ribbon cutting on Nov. 8. See more photos online at www.iowalivingmagazines.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living 33 classifieds To place an ad, call 515-953-4822, ext. 302 MINNEAPOLIS BASED COMPANY EXPANDING ACROSS THE NATION. We need sales reps with an excellent opportunity to move up into sales management. Excellent commissions. We train. Ag or construction experience a plus. Call 1-866958-2969 MAKE UP TO $1000 A WEEK mailing our brochures from home! Genuine Opportunity! Helping home workers since 2001! No experience required. Start Immediately! www. LocalMailersNeeded.com WE’RE GROWING! McFarland Truck Lines, Inc. We need company/ drivers and owner/operators. Great pay and benefits package. 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FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL, COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1-800-390-3140 CUT YOUR STUDENT LOAN payments in HALF or More Even if Late or in Default. Get Relief FAST, Much LOWER Payments. Call Student Hotline at 1-855-387-3305 GUARANTEED INCOME for Your Retirement - Avoid Market Risk & Get Guaranteed Income in Retirement! CALL for FREE copy of our SAFE MONEY GUIDE Plus Annuity Quotes from A-Rated Companies! 1-800-599-8308 REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers, SO CALL NOW 1-855-237-7524 SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB: Alert for Seniors: Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less than 4” Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 888744-2329 for $750 Off STRUGGLING WITH YOUR MORTGAGE and Worried about Foreclosure? Reduce Your Mortgage & Save Money. Legal Loan Modification Services. Free Consultation. Call Preferred Law 1-800-558-0848 HAVE PAYDAY LOAN$? Want to GET RID of Payday Loan$? Get Payday companies out of your pocket now! Call Now! No obligation. 1-800971-6210 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 potential customers quickly and inexpensively. For more information concerning 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 TO INVESTIGATE OTHER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call PaperChain at 931-922-0484 or e-mail [email protected] Experience the Shores Life! Independent Living ÷ Assisted Living Memory Care We are so thankful to be a part of this growing community. As we look back over the past seven years, we must give thanks to those who have supported us along the way. To the City of Pleasant Hill and surrounding communities– thank you for welcoming us by advocating for our causes, volunteering, participating in events and receiving our residents into your businesses. To the Pleasant Hill Police and Fire Departments – thank you for your hands-on help with fire drills, resident safety and education and for gifting equipment that meets fire code. To the family members of our residents – thank you for sharing your loved ones with us; they are truly a part of our family as are you. To past, present and future residents – Our Community is built and characterized by each and every one of you. Thank you for choosing The Shores to call home. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and look forward to 2014, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, especially the new family members we will welcome into our home. Our future is bright because of those who have helped us along the way. We give thanks to all of you. Happy Thanksgiving! The Shores at Pleasant Hill Staff community s courtesy s creativity TH E S H O R E S AT PLEASANT H I LL TH E1500 S HEdg O Rewater E S AT PLEASANT H I LL Drive s Pleasant Hill 1500 Edg ewater Drive s Pleasant Hill 515.262.4444 515.262.4444 www.TheShoresLife.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona Altoona Living NOVEMBER | 2013 SOaLyDs! 5d 1908 - 3rd Avenue SW ALTOONA 501 Stonegate Court SW ALTOONA 2831 Ashland Court ALTOONA 1042 Lake Shore Drive ALTOONA 800 Scenic View Drive ALTOONA 920 - 10th Ave Place SE ALTOONA $300,000 $265,000 $134,900 $239,900 $264,900 $209,000 SOLaD ys! SOLyDs! 25 d 4 da 8927 NE 38th Avenue ALTOONA 1709 - 34th Avenue SW ALTOONA 913 - 9th Avenue NW ALTOONA 825 - 10th Street NW ALTOONA 1223 - 12th Avenue SW ALTOONA 907 - 7th Avenue SE ALTOONA $659,000 $105,000 $129,900 $139,900 $449,000 $92,400 SOLD! 1112 NE 31st Street ANKENY 506 SE Wanda Drive ANKENY 1002 NE 23rd Court ANKENY 11230 NE 23rd Avenue MITCHELLVILLE 314 - 2nd Street NE MITCHELLVILLE 505 - 6th Street NE MITCHELLVILLE $339,000 $215,000 $989,500 $425,000 $250,000 $199,000 2310 E 47th Street WOODS OF COPPER CREEK 2313 E 47th Street WOODS OF COPPER CREEK 3617 E 43rd Street DMNE 2204 E. 42nd Street DMNE 1711 E 29th Street DMNE 3202 E 26th Street DMNE $249,900 $224,900 $154,900 $119,500 $119,900 $109,000 LAND NEW COMMUNITY 7213 Maple Drive URBANDALE 3616 - 80th Street URBANDALE Broadway Avenue POLK CITY 4151 NW 163rd Circle CLIVE 200 Lincoln Street SE BONDURANT 1322 9thSchools Avenue SE SE Polk ALTOONA TAX ABATEMENT $149,900 $239,900 $875,500 $435,000 $115,000 $189,900per lot $45,000 185 Last Year TUNE IN! Saturdays at noon Real Estate Radio 98.3 FM NOVEMBER | 2013 Altoona Living CELL #ENTER0LACE373TE&s!LTOONA www.iowalivingmagazines.com/altoona