Downtown - Iowa Living Magazines
Transcription
Downtown - Iowa Living Magazines
Living Downtown july 2015 des moines 50309 magazine Old Town REVIVAL FROM DES MOINES’ EARLY DAYS, COURT AVENUE HAS THRIVED AS AN ENTERTAINMENT HUB GETTING CREATIVE BIG GREEN UMBRELLA MEDIA 5619 N.W. 86th St., # 600 Johnston, Iowa 50131 WHERE WE LIVE GREEK YOGURT MUFFINS POSTAL CUSTOMER BIG GREEN UMBRELLA MEDIA RECIPE PAID U.S. POSTAGE DINING www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown PRSRT STD ECRWSS MARGARITA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Downtown Des Moines Living JULY | 2015 MOBILE BANKING... with REMOTE DEPOSIT! Anywhere. Anytime. DOWNLOAD OUR NEW APP ON >> REMOTE DEPOSIT. >> ACCOUNT ACCESS. >> TRANSFER MONEY. ASK ABOUT OUR RATE MATCH GUARANTEE! Cornerstone Community Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Cornerstone Community Credit Union NEED ? N A LOITA ’S stone Corner Community Focused since 1931 515-274-2343 > www.cornerstonecreditunion.com > 414 - 61st Street, Des Moines >> Auto >> Personal >> Real Estate >> Home Equity >> Business JULY | 2015 Downtown Des Moines Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown WELCOME Appreciate the Looking for more history I spend more time now on Court Avenue than I did 26 years ago when I first moved to town. Today, at age 47, my wife and our friends enjoy a number of downtown establishments. We also frequently will take our kids out for dinner or to age-appropriate activities. Our company hosts a number of events on Court Avenue, and I am proud to consider many of the proprietors as not only customers but friends. But just a few decades ago, that was far from the case. As a young man of 21 years old, my friends and I would have never considered living downtown, and we frequently fled the city when the sun set. Back in 1990, I was one of a growing number of young people who worked downtown and would frequent the Seniom Sed events on Friday after 5 p.m. and occasional Iowa Cubs games. But that was about it. When the evening hours hit, most everyone I knew headed out of Des Moines, and for good reason. Des Moines’ downtown area was improving, but it continued to hold a stigma of being unkept and unsafe. Organizers of various festivals and events like the Des Moines Grand Prix worked diligently to pull people into the city, but disasters like the flood of 1993 pushed them right back out. Looking back, those waters may have provided some of the cleansing the city needed. My career choice took me out of state for several years, but I returned about 10 years ago and was pleasantly surprised to see a true resurgence in downtown, and specifically on Court Avenue. Young people were not only choosing to stay downtown in the evenings, they were also seeking out places to live here. And the real estate developers responded accordingly. Since you are reading this column, you are likely one of the many who made the choice to live or run a business in the heart of Des Moines. To you, we all owe our gratitude, as our city is cleaner, safer and more progressive than it has been in decades. What has been accomplished makes everyone in the metro proud to call Des Moines home. But to truly appreciate what has happened, one must fully understand the roots of the community, and, specifically, the history of Court Avenue. In this month’s cover story, we share details on the historical significance of many of the buildings and how their tenants impacted what we know today as the historic Court District. Thanks for reading. Q Living? More photos. More events. More news. More of everything you are looking for from your community and beyond. You enjoy receiving your local Iowa Living magazine in your mailbox each month. Now you can access news and information from all of our 24 Iowa Living magazines at one convenient site. You will find community blogs, obituaries, photo galleries, calendars and other information you won’t find in our print editions. Check it out now! www.iowalivingmagazines.com Shane Goodman Publisher Darren Tromblay Editor 515-953-4822 ext. 304 [email protected] Shelli Pulley Advertising 515-490-0473 [email protected] Living Iowa magazines www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Downtown Living 3 FEATURE Old Town REVIVAL FROM DES MOINES’ EARLY DAYS, COURT AVENUE HAS THRIVED AS AN ENTERTAINMENT HUB By Melissa Walker es Moines’ oldest area of the city, which though the years fell into disarray, has reinvented itself into the city’s entertainment and restaurant area. To better understand how the Court Avenue district — the area between the Polk County Courthouse and the Des Moines River — has become the destination it is today, bustling with restaurant-goers, night-time entertainment, the popular Downtown Farmers Market, and multiple apartment and condo buildings, one must go back more than 170 years. Capt. James Allen landed a steamboat on May 20, 1843, at the site where the west end of the Court Avenue Bridge is today. Thus, the early Des Moines, then given the name Fort Des Moines, was laid out along two blocks parallel to the river. By 1846, settlers had claimed the surrounding area, more streets were plotted, there was a public square and the railroad had come to town. Transportation continued to grow as the population flourished. Commercial buildings and manufacturing took the place of residences in the area. The Des Moines Street Railway Co. installed tracks along Court Avenue in 1867, the same year rail became a reliable mode of transportation to Des Moines. By 1880, 38 passenger trains were arriving and departing from Des Moines each day, according to “A Self-Guided Tour of the Court Avenue District,” a brochure produced for the Des Moines Public Library. Most businesses sprung up on surrounding streets, but Court Avenue and its surrounding area were home to a barbed wire manufacturer, pottery works, carriage factories, grain and feed mills, saddlery companies, dry goods businesses, D 4 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 The Court Avenue district has revitalized from its time as Des Moines’ early settlement to become an entertainment and restaurant destination that is home to the popular Des Moines Farmers Market. Photo by Melissa Walker. furniture manufacturers, hat makers and wholesale and retail groceries and businesses related to the food industry, according to “Court Avenue Historic Study Area.” The Court Avenue area also served farmers and mechanics. A.F. Dicks’ hardware store was at the corner of Third Street and Court Avenue, and many prominent larger companies had small- www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown er operations in Des Moines, including Deere & Co. and McCormick Harvesting Machine Co. By the 1880s, Court Avenue was a bustling district for transit with the nearby railroad, but it was far from the “best” area of town. It had saloons and “female boarding houses,” some of which were brothels. The air was a mixture of smells that became unpleasant from the variety FEATURE of manufacturing and production in the area, according to a Des Moines Skywalker article from 1987 that took a 100-year look back at the area. Structures with architectural features spring up on Court Avenue Des Moines experienced a building boom by 1881: 37 business blocks and 715 residences were built that year. During the 1880s, 14 new buildings were constructed along Court Avenue to replace smaller shops, according to the study area. The study, conducted in 1983, looked at 49 buildings constructed along Court Avenue and its surrounding streets. Thirty-five of these buildings were built between 1880 and 1925. Today, these are the historic buildings that still exist along Court Avenue: The Kurtz Warehouse, built in the early 1900s at 100 Court Ave., is now an office building. It’s considered one of Des Moines’ finest examples of early 1900 warehouse construction. The Chevalier Wright & Co. building, at 208 Court Ave. Records indicate it was built in 1880, but it’s possible the building dates back to the 1860s, according to a hand-drawn map and an 1866 city directory. A number of businesses were located at the site. Presently, it is the restaurant RoCA. The exterior of the building was changed in the 1970s, so it retains little of its original character. Its importance lies in the fact that it is one of only a few remaining 22-footwide storefronts that were common in the late 1800s and early 1900s, according to the historic study of the area. The A.H. Walker building, formerly home of Judge Roy Bean’s, was a retail hardware store. The building, located at 210 Court Ave., was built in 1880. A 1980s remodel removed any historical characteristics from the inside of the building. It is now the bar Tonic. The C.C. Taft & Company wholesale grocers building at 216 Court Ave. It is now the site of Court Center, Legends restaurant and several night clubs. The building was originally constructed as three separate buildings that were remodeled in 1922 to form one. It was the home of McCormick Harvesting Co. and later a wholesale tinware house, a seed and florist business, fruit and vegetable merchant, bailed hay dealer, peanut roaster manufacturer, saloon keeper and druggist. The Des Moines Saddlery Co. building, 309 Court Ave., built in 1887. The building was vacant from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s. It took in 19 feet of water during the flood of 1993 and was vacant until Court Avenue Brewing Co. moved into it in 1996. It now has several offices on the upper floor. The Kaplan Hat Factory building at 307 Court, constructed in 1887, is part of the This image shows Court Avenue from the late 1800s/early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the Des Moines Public Library. site. The Lederer, Strauss & Co., now The Old Spaghetti Works and Johnny’s Hall of Fame building, at 300-310 Court Ave. It was built in 1889 and has been renovated to have condos on the upper floors. The building at 319 Court Ave. has been home to numerous themed night clubs and restaurants, most recently The Surf Shack. The building was constructed in 1890, and its early use dates back to the Onyx Saloon in the early 1900s. The second floor was usually used as a hotel or rooming house. Present day, the exterior has been painted to go along with the bar’s theme. The Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Depot, the west section built in 1905 and the east section in 1910, was renovated in 1986. It is known for its larger half-circle windows and the arch that spans Fourth Street and connects the two buildings. It houses Business Publications Corp. and the Des Moines Business Record in the western half and Hessen Haus bar in the east section. The Randolph Hotel, located at the northwest corner of Fourth Street and Court. It was built in 1910 and through the years served as a hotel with a barber shop and other commercial spaces to its most recent use as an apartment building with a bail bondsman office below. The building is undergoing a complete renovation. Directly west of the Randolph Hotel is the Redhead & Wellslager building. The original use was a wholesale and retail book and paper products store. It had a range of tenants that included a carpet store and a wholesale china business. The building was mostly vacant in the 1960s and 1970s, and is now part of the Randolph Hotel renovation. Preservationists fight to save buildings, retain history By the mid-1960s and 1970s, Court Avenue had www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Downtown Living 5 FEATURE become worn down as businesses shuttered or moved elsewhere. A 1982 Des Moines Tribune article described the area as “slightly disheveled, even a little seedy.” Later articles in The Des Moines Register referred to it as a red-light district where people did not want to walk after dark or be seen. City officials and preservationists in the late 1970s and early 1980s hired consultants and considered plans and ideas to revitalize the area and to come up with ways to keep people in downtown Des Moines after work hours. Ideas were tossed around: Create an indoor-outdoor market shopping mall. Utilize the proximity to the riverfront to create more shopping opportunities. Those ideas fell through, but, quietly, developers grew interested in the idea of converting older buildings into retail and restaurants. Omaha-based The Old Spaghetti Works converted the ground floor of the former Lederer, Strauss & Co. warehouse into a restaurant in 1978. Co-owner at the time Nick Hermann was quoted in a June 7, 1979, article in The Des Moines Tribune as saying owners knew the restaurant was about two years before its time when it opened, but business was better than was expected. “We figured the potential of the area was worth a year or two of not-so-good business, but it didn’t work out that way,” he said in the article. Other plans at the time called for proposed luxury housing closer to the riverfront and a renovation of the Rock Island and Pacific Depot into shops, bars and restaurants. Those plans fell flat, as did a plan to reconstruct a fountain on the west end of Court Avenue near the Polk County Courthouse. Old photographs show a fountain, though it is not known when or why the fountain was removed. The first step to the success of revitalizing the area was to have it placed on the National Register of Historic Places, which allowed property owners to receive tax credits to rehabilitate their properties. Piece by piece, building by building, change came. First, with the Old Spaghetti Works building. Then the Kurtz building was converted into office space. More restaurants settled into the area, as old warehouse buildings found new life. New period lighting and landscaping were added to the streetfronts as part of a $1.8 million project to repair the street in 1986. Restaurants brought the action outside with outdoor patios. Throughout the revitalization of the area, preservationists worked to ensure the old buildings remained and new uses were found for them. Anytime a developer suggested tearing down a building and constructing a new one, there was an outcry, as was the case with the Lederer, Strauss & Co. building in 1987. That building was saved, but its neighbor was demolished. The building at 312 Court Ave., formerly F. Brody & Sons clothing manufacturers, was razed. It was built in 1906. Residential development takes hold, continues with recent projects By the mid-1980s, developers thought adding residential to the mix would create an interesting dynamic and draw even more people to the area. Some scoffed at the idea, but today residential development remains strong in the Court Avenue district. Fourth and Court Condominiums were built on the former site of the Brody & Sons building. The Hotel Randolph, at the corner of Fourth Street and Court, is undergoing a $19 million renovation into apartments and first-floor retail space. The building had previously sat empty for almost a year, but prior to that had been home to about 100 low-income and disabled people. Developers also have shown interest in converting parking space across the street along Court into more mixed-use space with a combination of residential and retail. Q SUMMER SIDEWALK SALE! FRIDAY, JULY 17 through SUNDAY, JULY 19 www.ValleyWestMall.com 6 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown TAX-FREE Back to School SHOPPING! Friday–Saturday AUGUST 7-8 WELLNESS Diabetic foot care Recognize early signs to prevent potential problems By Des Moines University D iabetes is a complicated disease that leads to a host of secondary complications. Some of the most common problems occur in a strange place: your feet. An estimated 15 percent of all diabetics will develop a serious foot condition in their lifetime — some with little or no warning. “Diabetic patients may not notice any early symptoms. A lot of times, they’re not going to complain of pain because they have nerve damage,” says John Bennett, D.P.M., FACFAS, Des Moines University Foot and Ankle clinician and associate professor in the DMU College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. “Understanding what you should and shouldn’t be looking for really helps prevent complications from occurring.” A daily visual inspection of the feet is critical to managing your health. Diabetes weakens the immune system, so your body may not respond to infection the same as someone who’s not diabetic. By the time you do see symptoms, the problem is probably much worse than you think. Bennett recommends looking for these signs of foot problems in your daily examination: 'LERKIW MR WOMR GSPSV Redness in the skin may be a sign of infection, darkened skin may mean that tissue has died, and blue skin may mean poor blood flow. (VEMREKI FPIIHMRK SV SHSV White or yellow fluid, blood and odor are sure signs of infection. 7[IPPMRK%W[SPPIRJSSXQE] be infected; it can also mean a fracture, which can lead to more serious conditions. 8SIREMP MRJIGXMSRW % HEVOened, flaking or distorted toenail can mean you have a fungal infection. Toenails that are ingrown or too long or pointed can damage the surrounding skin, opening the door for bacteria to creep in. 8IQTIVEXYVI GLERKIW 4SSV blood flow can cause cool spots on your skin. Warm spots are yet another possible sign of infection. 'LERKIW MR JIIPMRK Numbness, burning or tingling may signal nerve damage. (V] SV GVEGOIH WOMR (V] skin easily cracks, allowing germs to enter. High blood glucose feeds the germs, making the infection worse. Dry skin may also occur because your nerves are not getting the message to keep your skin soft and moist. “A lot of diabetics do end up with ulcerations and infections. Some of the organisms present in these infections are devastating, leading to the loss of soft tissue and, in some cases, a limb,” says Bennett. “These are things we like to prevent from occurring. If you see these signs or think you have an infection, it’s important to seek medical care.” Q Information provided by Des Moines University Clinic, 3200 Grand Ave., 271-1700. )RRW&DUH for your whole family 7KHERDUGFHUWLÀHGVSHFLDOLVWVDW'08&OLQLF SURYLGHFRPSUHKHQVLYHFDUHRIWKHIRRWDQGDQNOH :KHWKHU\RXKDYHDFKURQLFFRQGLWLRQRUVSRUWVLQMXU\ '08)RRWDQG$QNOHZLOOJHW\RXEDFNRQ\RXUIHHW Treatment of common foot and ankle conditions Foot and ankle surgery and deformity correction Prevention and treatment of diabetic-related foot problems Sports and running related injuries Custom orthotic (inserts) and prosthetic management Comprehensive ulcer and wound management Skin and nail conditions 3200 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Foot and Ankle 515-271-1731 www.dmuclinic.org www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Downtown Living 7 CALENDAR Thursday July 16 Q Preschool Storytime, 9:15 and 10:15 a.m., Central Library Q Al-Anon and Alateen, Free Childcare. 8 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Q Summer Sustainable Series, 6-7:15 p.m., Forest Ave Outreach Cooperative Garden Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Percy Jackson and the Olympians Party, stations throughout the Children’s Area. 4-5 p.m., Central Library Friday July 17 Q Toddler Storytime, 10:15 p.m., Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Belin Quartet Summer Series, 12:15 p.m., Cowles Commons Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 5 p.m., Principal Riverwalk Q Nitefall on the River Presents: Grace Potter, 6:30 p.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Q Iowa Cubs vs. Memphis, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Q Rodgers & Hamerstein’s “Cinderella,” 7:30 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center Saturday July 18 Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 7 a.m., Riverwalk Hub Q Downtown Farmers’ Market, 7 a.m. - noon, Court Avenue District Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Iowa Cubs vs. Memphis, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Q Rodgers & Hamerstein’s “Cinderella,” 2 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center Q Parks & Recreation Bridge Event, 7 a.m., Court Avenue Bridge Sunday July 19 Q Sunday Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Rodgers & Hamerstein’s “Cinderella,” 1 and 6:30 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center Q Iowa Cubs vs. Memphis, 1:08 p.m., Principal Park Monday July 20 Q Maker Mondays, ages 3-10. Supplies are limited. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Central Library Q Play, Grow, Learn!, 10-11 a.m., Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Iowa State Fair: Looking Past and Present, This year’s fair invites you to “Find a New Path”; Kathie plans to amble down Memory Lane, sharing short stories from the past. 12-1 p.m., Central Library Q Ask-a-Pro Job Assistance, 1:30-3 p.m., Central Library Q Microsoft Excel Computer Class, 3-5 p.m., Central Library Q Iowa Cubs vs. Round Rock, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Tuesday July 21 Q Team Trivia, free. 7:30 p.m., The Basement at the Des Moines Social Club Q Family Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m., Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Ask-a-Pro Job Assistance, 1:30-3 p.m., Central Library Q Microsoft Excel Computer Class, 3-5 p.m., Central Library Q Iowa Cubs vs. Round Rock, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Wednesday July 22 Q Baby Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m. Central Library Q Evening Bridge Club, 6 p.m. Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Yoga at the Plaza, free. 11:30 a.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Q Ask-a-Pro Job Assistance, 1:30-3 p.m., Central Library Q Microsoft Excel Computer Class, 3-5 p.m., Central Library Q Iowa Cubs vs. Round Rock, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 6 p.m., Ashfield Park Thursday July 23 Q Preschool Storytime, 9:15 and 10:15 a.m., Central Library Q Al-Anon and Alateen, Free Childcare. 8 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Q Summer Sustainable Series, 6-7:15 p.m., Forest Ave Outreach Cooperative Garden Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Iowa Cubs vs. Round Rock, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Q Dan Wardell’s Reading Road Trip, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Central Library Q Nitefall on the River Presents: The Ting Tings, $17.50 - $20.00. 6 p.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Friday July 24 Q Toddler Storytime, 10:15 p.m., Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Jazz Happy Hour, 5:30-7:30 p.m., The Basement @ Des Moines Social Club Q Belin Quartet Summer Series, 12:15 p.m., Cowles Commons Q Italian American Heritage Festival, 10 a.m., Western Gateway Park Q Jewel City Sound Presents: Under the Bridge, free, 9 p.m., Des Moines NOW ENROLLING 2, 3, AND 4 YEAR OLDS! -PULHY[ZLTWOHZPZ 7YV]PKLJHYLMVYJOPSKYLUMYVT 5(,@*Z[HUKHYKZ ;OL+V^U[V^U:JOVVS :LY]LJOPSKYLU¶`LHYZVMHNL : THSSJSHZZZPaLZ^P[OHUHKKP[PVUHS[LHJOLY 7YLZJOVVS^P[OM\SS[PTLJOPSKJHYL PULHJOJSHZZYVVT *YLH[P]LTV]LTLU[WYVNYHT PUJS\KPUNT\ZPJTV]LTLU[ :WHUPZOHUKKHUJLJSHZZLZ 4LU[PVU[OPZHKHUK^L^PSS ^HP]L[OLYLNPZ[YH[PVUMLL *YLH[P]L*LU[LY MVY@V\UN*OPSKYLU SPACE IS LIMITED! SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY MONDAY–FRIDAY 6:30AM–6PM 8 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown >LHYLUV^LUYVSSPUNWYLZJOVVSLYZMVY[OL-HSS ^^^JYLH[P]LJLU[LYMVY`V\UNJOPSKYLUVYN +6>5;6>505;/,-09:;<50;,+4,;/6+0:;*/<9*/ 7SLHZHU[:[YLL[ CALENDAR Social Club - The Basement Saturday July 25 Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 7 a.m., Riverwalk Hub Q Downtown Farmers’ Market, 7 a.m. - noon, Court Avenue District Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Italian American Heritage Festival, 10 a.m., Western Gateway Park Q String ’em up - Old-time Music Hangout, $7 at the door. 2 p.m., Java Joe’s 4th Street Theatre Q Nitefall on the River Presents: Blackberry Smoke, $27 - $32. 7 p.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Q Summer Music Camp Performance, Free. 7 p.m., Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater Sunday July 26 Q Sunday Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Monday July 27 Q Maker Mondays, ages 3-10. Supplies are limited. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Central Library Q Play, Grow, Learn!, 10-11 a.m., Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q City Council Meeting, 4:30 p.m. Des Moines City Hall Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 5:30 p.m., Brody School Park or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Wednesday July 29 Q Baby Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m. Central Library Q Evening Bridge Club, 6 p.m. Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Yoga at the Plaza, Free. 11:30 a.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Q Stuck in the Middle with Dave Price. free, 6 p.m., Des Moines Social Club - The Basement Thursday July 30 Q Preschool Storytime, 9:15 and 10:15 a.m., Central Library Q Al-Anon and Alateen, free Childcare. 8 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Q Summer Sustainable Series, 6-7:15 p.m., Forest Ave Outreach Cooperative Garden Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Friday July 31 Q Toddler Storytime, 10:15 p.m., Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Q Belin Quartet Summer Series, 12:15 p.m., Downtown Library Lawn Q Plexus Health and Wealth Event, RSVP. https://plexusdesmoines. eventbrite.com. 6-8 p.m., Willis Lexus Tuesday July 28 Saturday Aug. 1 Q Team Trivia, 7:30 p.m., The Basement at the Des Moines Social Club Q Family Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m., Central Library Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 7 a.m., Riverwalk Hub Q Downtown Farmers Market, 7 a.m. - noon, Court Avenue District Q Call for Iowa Master Gardener Artists, No entry fee. For Applications or Questions - contact Patricia Reeves: [email protected] Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Sunday Aug. 2 Eric Hutchinson, $15.00 - $17.00. 6:00 p.m., Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater Q Iowa Cubs vs Omaha, 7 p.m., Principal Park Q Sunday Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Central Library Thursday Aug. 6 Monday Aug. 3 Q Play, Grow, Learn!, 10-11 a.m., Central Library Q Writers’ Workshop, 5-7 p.m., Central Library Tuesday Aug. 4 Q Team Trivia, 7:30 p.m., The Basement at the Des Moines Social Club Q Family Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m., Central Library Q 40 Years of Resettlement: The Vietnamese American Community in Iowa, noon - 1 p.m., Central Library Q Iowa International Center, Monthly Forum. noon - 1 p.m., Central Library Wednesday Aug. 5 Q Baby Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m. Central Library Q Evening Bridge Club, 6 p.m. Central Library Q Furry Tales, Kids! Stop by the Central Children’s Area and read a book to Percy, the reading therapy dog! 6-7 p.m., Central Library Q Yoga at the Plaza, Free, 11:30 a.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Q Nitefall on the River Presents: Q Preschool Storytime, 9:15 and 10:15 a.m., Central Library Q Al-Anon and Alateen, Free Childcare. 8 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Q Summer Sustainable Series, 6-7:15 p.m., Forest Ave Outreach Cooperative Garden Q Iowa Cubs vs Omaha, 7 p.m., Principal Park Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 6 p.m., Good Park Q Shania “Rock This Country” Tour, $46-$136. 7:30 p.m., Wells Fargo Arena Friday Aug. 7 Q Toddler Storytime, 10:15 p.m., Central Library Q Iowa Cubs vs Omaha, 7 p.m., Principal Park Saturday Aug. 8 Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 7 a.m., Riverwalk Hub Q Downtown Farmers Market, 7 a.m. - noon, Court Avenue District Q Iowa Cubs vs Omaha, 7 p.m., Principal Park ,!1%%',%$m2*6#3%./132/3 3.-$612i Voted BEST CHIROPRACTOR in Des Moines by Cityview Readers! 201 5 Mention this ad and receive a FREE packet of BioFreeze. 300 E. Locust | Suite 140 | Downtown DSM 515-288-8058 CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE EAST VILLAGE! www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Dr. Braxton Pulley Downtown Living 9 CALENDAR OUT AND ABOUT Sunday Aug. 9 Saturday Aug. 15 Q Sunday Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Central Library Q Yoga, Join Power Life Yoga and Exile Brewing Co. for a free 60-minute community yoga class. Stay after class for a free beer, on us! 1-4 p.m., Exile Brewing Company Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 7 a.m., Riverwalk Hub Q Downtown Farmers Market, 7 a.m. - noon, Court Avenue District Monday Aug. 10 Q Play, Grow, Learn!, 10-11 a.m., Central Library Sunday Aug. 16 Q Sunday Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Central Library Q The Urban Assault Ride, $55 $65 per person. 9 a.m., Mullets Monday Aug. 17 Tuesday Aug. 11 Q Team Trivia, free. 7:30 p.m., The Basement at the Des Moines Social Club Q Family Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m., Central Library Wednesday Aug. 12 Q Baby Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m. Central Library Q Evening Bridge Club, 6 p.m. Central Library Q Yoga at the Plaza, free, 11:30 a.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Q Iowa State Fair Parade, free, 6:15 p.m., Downtown Q Iowa Cubs vs. Nashville, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Thursday Aug. 13 Q Preschool Storytime, 9:15 and 10:15 a.m., Central Library Q Al-Anon and Alateen, Free Childcare. 8 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Q Summer Sustainable Series, 6-7:15 p.m., Forest Ave Outreach Cooperative Garden Q Iowa Cubs vs. Nashville, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Stacey McDonald and Dr. Chris LoRang at the Business After Hours held at Blo Blow Dry Bar on June 25. Q Play, Grow, Learn! 10-11 a.m., Central Library Tuesday Aug. 18 Q Team Trivia, free. 7:30 p.m., The Basement at the Des Moines Social Club Q Family Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m., Central Library Q Pop Up Yoga DSM, 5:30 p.m., Columbus Park Christopher Maharry, Marc Hollander and Emilee Richardson at Development Insights Group on June 30. Wednesday Aug. 19 Q Baby Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m. Central Library Q Evening Bridge Club, 6 p.m. Central Library Q Yoga at the Plaza, Free, 11:30 a.m., Brenton Skating Plaza Thursday Aug. 20 Q Preschool Storytime, 9:15 and 10:15 a.m., Central Library Q Al-Anon and Alateen, Free Childcare. 8 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Q Summer Sustainable Series, 6-7:15 p.m., Forest Ave Outreach Cooperative Garden Elena Baas, Madi Linkenmeyer and Luke Elzinga at Development Insights Group on June 30. Friday Aug. 14 Q Toddler Storytime, 10:15 p.m., Central Library Q Iowa Cubs vs. Nashville, 7:08 p.m., Principal Park Q Jazz Happy Hour, 5:30-7:30 p.m., The Basement @ Des Moines Social Club Promote your event! Have a calendar entry for the next issue of Downtown Living? Send your information to: [email protected]. Phillip Delafield, Monte Berg and Mike Ludwig at the Veridian ribbon cutting on June 23. 10 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown FAITH Summer’s joys and sorrows All lives truly do matter equally By Pastor Rachel Thorson Mithelman, St. John’s Lutheran I n the midst of a beautiful summer, we have stumbled into a situation of great sorrow as well as great division. And to those who think that the church should keep its mouth shut on issues of racism and equality, I would kindly suggest that they take another look at their Bible. Again and again, Jesus spoke to his disciples and to the crowds the good news that God loves all that God has made. Christians are called to reflect that love, to live and act in such a way that the world sees that all lives truly do equally matter. I recently read what I would call a “screed” addressed to an anonymous Christian, full of accusations because of what the writer (a gay man) assumed the Christian thought of him. It was ugly, uninformed and offensive. At about the same time, I read a statement by the Presiding Bishop of our church, the ELCA, regarding the Supreme Court decision giving equal access to marriage for same gender couples. It was life-giving. You see, the ELCA has been talking about human sexuality for decades, and finally in 2009 our church changed guidelines that had asked gay clergy to remain celibate to allow gay clergy to know the joys of loving partnerships. But not everyone agreed to that change, so we have also learned how to live together while not being “of the same mind.” It isn’t easy, but as our Presiding Bishop reminds us, we are a community held together not by our opinions or even our interpretation of Scripture, but by Christ’s love for us all. She writes, “We seek to see our differences as a gift to be celebrated as we live out that which unites us: the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ who leads us in mission… in the world.” To fan a flame of mistrust, ridicule and hatred of anybody does not reflect the good news that all lives matter to God. It cannot be our witness. All lives do matter, including those lost at Mother Emmanuel AME in Charleston, South Carolina a few weeks ago — and the life of the young man who took them. Because every single life matters, we cannot sit silently by, tolerating the racism that we know exists in ourselves, our churches and our communities. I support Bishop Eaton’s urgent call that we talk, and we listen to one another on the topic of racism. And we also need to act. “No stereotype or racial slur is justified. Speak out against inequity. Look with newly opened eyes at the many subtle and overt ways that we and our communities see people of color as being of less worth. Above all pray — for insight, for forgiveness, for courage.”* Yes, it’s summer in Iowa — not a long season and one we want to enjoy to the fullest. But we want to enjoy it together in respectful relationships that bring life to our community. * Bishop Elizabeth’s Eaton’s statements in recent weeks may be found at www.elca.org under the news and events tab. Q Information provided by Pastor Rachel Thorson Mithelman, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 Sixth Ave., 243-7691. WORSHIP SATURDAY 5PM + SUNDAY 8AM +10AM COFFEE + FELLOWSHIP 8:30AM IN WEERTZ 11AM IN THE FIRESIDE LOUNGE 600 - 6th AVENUE 515.243.7691 stjohnsdsm.org EMAIL : [email protected] FACEBOOK : stjohnsdsm TWITTER : @stjohnsdsm Join us this Sunday! 8:15 am Early Worship 9:00 am Vietnamese Worship 10:30 am Traditional Worship 1st Sunday each month Praise Band 10:30am Nuer South Sudanese worship service Nu 2nd Sunday every month Nursery Available Diverse. Urban. Historic. D To know Christ and to make Christ known. Services throughout Lent on Wednesdays at 12:05pm and 6:30pm Capitol Hill Lutheran 511 Des Moines St. - 244-8913 www.chlcdesmoines.org www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Downtown Living 11 RECIPE LIBRARY NEWS Read a romance Celebrate August with a summertime beach read Greek yogurt muffins By Amy McDowell, Central Library assistant A ugust is National Read-aRomance Month. Find the perfect summertime beach Breakfast treats pack plenty of protein read in the Des Moines Public Library’s new romance collection. By Jan Allen We’ve created genre-specific collecappy summer, everyone! My husband and I are now in the tions for both romance and inspirachicken “business.” We have 25 laying hens (although we have tional books, so it’s easy to find lots a few “laying slackers”). We consume quite a few eggs and try of books you’ll love. to share with our kids when we can. Chickens are interesting creatures. Two of our grandchildren came to stay at Grandma and Grandpa’s Assistance for job searchers a couple of weeks ago. They love to bake with me and usually ask for The Central Library is offering pancakes for breakfast. This time our 5-year-old granddaughter had computer classes and open comdefinite ideas about the breakfast menu on Sunday morning. She decided puter lab hours for job searchers. that banana muffins were in order, and her 3-year-old brother agreed. I This popular program, hosted by was on the hunt for a banana muffin recipe that would be on the healthy the Goodwill Career Connection side and worthy to serve these precious grandbabies. I found a perfect Center, is growing, and we’re recipe that uses plain Greek yogurt, oatmeal, bananas, our farm-fresh beginning to see success among the eggs and blueberries. They have very little refined sugar, which is some- people who attend. Classes have thing I liked about this recipe as well. (You could replace the brown sugar included Computer Basics for Job with honey if you wish.) They loved them. I sent the remainder of the 12 Searchers, Microsoft Excel, Make muffins home with them, and I think there were only four or five in the Your Resume Shine and Ask-a-Pro Job Assistance. To see what’s availcare package that was sent home. Q able this month, give us a call at 283-4152, extension 3, or search for Ingredients may want to spray cupcake liners with Event Type: Job Assistance on our events calendar at www.dmpl.org. 1 cup plain Greek yogurt spray so they don’t stick to the liners). H Banana oat Greek yogurt muffins 2 ripe bananas 2 eggs 2 cups rolled oats 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup brown sugar blueberries Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prepare muffin pan by spraying with cooking spray or lining with cupcake liners. (You 2. Put all ingredients except blueberries into a blender or food processor and process on high until oats are broken down and it becomes a smooth and creamy batter. 3. Pour batter into prepared muffin tins. Push 5 or 6 blueberries into each filled muffin cavity and bake for 15-20 minutes until tops are set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let muffins set 5-10 minutes before removing and placing on a cooling rack. Makes 12. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or baggie. Overdrive: new e-book and e-audiobook service The Des Moines Public Library’s new Overdrive e-collection features nearly 8,000 e-books and e-audiobooks. And just like our print book collection, we’re adding new titles all the time. If you need assistance with Overdrive, attend one of our Free Advice for Your Device classes or contact our Virtual Library staff at 283-4152, extension 3 or [email protected]. Let librarians do your research With Des Moines Public Library’s Premier Research Service, our staff can find the information you seek. 12 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown If you want copies of obituaries or news stories that were published long ago, the Des Moines Public Library staff can do your research for you. We have professional researchers to search and provide paper or emailed copies of your special requests. We charge a fee for our Premier Research Service, but these resources are free for those who come to the library. The following are a few of the many resources we may search: (IW 1SMRIW 6IKMWXIV JVSQ 1871 to present. (IW 1SMRIW 8VMFYRI JVSQ 1907 to 1982. 'MX]HMVIGXSVMIWJVSQXS present. *IHIVEP'IRWYWVIGSVHWJVSQ 1790-1930. 6IZSPYXMSREV] ;EV HSGYments. 7ERFSVR1ETWSJ-S[EGSZIVing more than 360 Iowa towns from the 1870s to the 1920s. Central Library +VERH%ZI Mon. - Wed.: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thur. - Fri.: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: Closed Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Pick-up window hours: Mon. - Fri.: 4-6 p.m. Renew your driver’s license at DOT kiosk The Iowa Department of Transportation installed a kiosk at the Central Library, a convenient location for people who need to renew or replace their driver’s licenses. Find the kiosk on the second floor in the newly-created Business and Career section. Q HEALTH Chronic migraines How is the condition identified and treated? By Dr. Wendy Zadah C hronic migraine is often a difficult and debilitating condition. A neurologist can help determine if you have migraines that are occasional or migraines that meet the criteria of chronic migraine. Chronic migraine is a condition that affects an estimated 3.2 million sufferers in the U.S., and many people remain undiagnosed. Chronic migraine is a neurological condition. Treatment options are available including oral medications or Botox® injections. In practical terms, “15-4-8” is a simplified way to identify if you suffer from chronic migraine: If you have 15 or more headache days per month, with headaches lasting four hours or longer and experience eight or more of these headaches, you likely meet the criteria of a chronic migraine condition. Diagnosing chronic migraine accurately allows for an appropriate treatment plan to be identified. When patients use a headache diary to document their symptoms, it can assist doctors in establishing a diagnosis. The neurology webpage for Broadlawns Medical Center includes a link for a chronic migraine screener. Created by a team of headache experts, this is a useful form that patients can fill out and share with their doctor to determine if they have chronic migraine. When a patient is diagnosed with chronic migraine, Botox® injections may be an option for preventive treatment. Botox® is the first and only preventive treatment approved by the FDA for adults with chronic migraine. Chronic migraine patients receive Botox® injections every 12 weeks in the doctor’s office. Patients may experience temporary and mild discomfort during the treatment. Patients experience little to no down time after an appointment. Side effects such as neck pain or temporary slight changes in brow expression may occur. With successful Botox® treatment, patients experience fewer headache days each month, sometimes becoming headache free with continued treatment. Most insurance plans offer coverage for patients with chronic migraine with varying outof-pocket expense based upon your insurance plan. Botox® treatment for chronic migraine is performed at Broadlawns Neurology Clinic. Q Information provided by Dr. Wendy Zadah, Broadlawns Neurology Clinic, 1801 Hickman Road, 282-2463. $UHPLJUDLQHVWDNLQJRYHU\RXUGDLO\OLIH" Our Neurology Clinic specializes in the treatment of chronic migraine, stroke and epilepsy. We also treat patients with conditions related to seizures, tremors, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease. There are several oral preventive treatments available for chronic migraines and a newer preventive injectable treatment, Botox®. (ICKMAN2OADs$ES-OINES www.broadlawns.org 515-282-2463 Wendy Zadeh, MD Chad Quist, PA-C www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Downtown Living 13 HEALTH WHERE WE LIVE Q: Can foot posture cause back, hip, knee or foot pain? A: The answer is yes. If you’re a pronator, your arch collapses when your foot strikes (and you probably have flat feet when standing), and if you’re a supinator, you have really high arches and tend to put all your weight out to the lateral (outside) edges of your feet. Being a pronator or supinator causes one to get out of neutral and throws off the “arthrokinematics” (which is a fancy word for “the way a joint moves”) of all your joints. Being a supinator or a pronator means you Angie Motz says downtown Des Moines will not be able to move with correct arthrokineinspires her to draw something new every day. Photo by Chris Kelley. matics. If your arthrokinematics are “off” your hip joints are also not moving properly. If your hip joints are not moving properly, your ability to absorb impact from walking and running is severely reduced which puts extra strain in the feet, knees and back. To get true pain relief you need to retrain muscles all up and down your body to restore proper strength, length and firing patterns. Motz finds inspiration in downtown Des Moines Reprogramming your body in this way means you’ll be healthier and happier and won’t continue to develop back, hip, knee or foot pain with By Chris Kelley increased summer exercise and activities. Q he’s a lot like many young self to this day. “I love to paint, I love to design 20-somethings living in Information provided by Tate Van Houten, DPT, PRC, downtown Des Moines. She and draw at work, but there’s Integrated Physical Therapy, 1515 Linden St. Suite 101, sometimes scrapes by to pay rent. something exciting about being in 288-0569. She complains about parking. She charge of your own place and setblames her empty wallet on the ting it up exactly the way you want bars and restaurants that surround to,” she says. Angie’s describes her aparther apartment. But the one thing that sets her apart from some is ment décor as a combination of her love for painting, designing and her love for artwork, plant life and animals. drawing. “It really helps me be creative Angie Motz’s family first had an inkling of her creativity when she to be surrounded by so many differused squeezable ketchup and mus- ent, interesting and unique things,” tard bottles to decorate the kitch- she says. It’s a sentiment that goes en as a child. While she admitted beyond the walls of her apartment. “There’s a good vibe in the they weren’t impressed with her SPORTS MEDICINE sWOMEN’S HEALTH sCUSTOM ORTHOTICS final product, they were impressed downtown neighborhood of Des when they finally bought her an Moines,” Angie says. Her friends and neighbors include writers, phoeasel and some brushes. “I think my family really started tographers, designers and broadLeisyl Holladay, PTA taking me seriously when I painted casters. Tate Van Houten, DPT, PRC a portrait of my baby brother at “From the people to the unique the time,” Angie says. The most little stores, shops and restaurants, I ,AURIE%ICKHOFF$04 surprising part of the story? “I was have to say it’s a rush to walk down 9. It hangs above my grandparents’ Court Avenue and take it all in,” she says. “It’s a good way to reset the fireplace to this day.” Annie Massop, DPT years creative juices.” The Motzes were quick to Rodney Lahodny, DPT practicing on Angie said she finds herself parenroll their daughter in as many Matt Zirretta, DPT Alli Christy, PTA Ingersoll Ave. art classes as she could muster, ticularly unique for her apartment and Angie quickly found success in complex for a few reasons. “Yes, there’s a few artists here,” some local art contests and competitions. Her lucky strokes carried she says. “But I will admit I am the her through design school in Ames only one I know that almost got and brought her to the downtown kicked out for channeling my inner apartment she uses to express her- Picasso on my apartment door.” Q Getting creative S 10 + 1515 LINDEN STREET Suite 101sDes Moines *USTNORTHOF)NGERSOLL!VEs.7CORNEROFTH3T)NGERSOLL!VE OPEN MONDAY–FRIDAY 7am to 6pm 14 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 Would you like your home featured in this column in an upcoming issue of Downtown Living? If so, email Darren Tromblay at [email protected]. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Downtown Living 15 DINING Above: The chimichanga topped with cheese sauce — crispy outside meets savory inside. Right: The frozen strawberry daiquiri was blended to perfection and packed a punch from start to finish. Photos by Marc Bailey. South of the border downtown Margarita’s serves traditional Mexican-American fare By Marc Bailey D owntown plays host to a variety of Mexican cuisine options. Landmarks such as Dos Rios, Malo and Tacopocalypse are bringing unique interpretations on south of the border dishes; but if it’s traditional Mexican-American fare you seek, head to Margarita. Opened in February of 2015, Margarita Mexican Restaurant and Cantina delivers exactly what you would expect from a Mexican restaurant. Entering via its spacious deckpatio, brightly painted walls, modern Spanish music and festive décor greeted this food expedition. A “seat yourself” policy gave us options of booth, high-top table or bar seating. We slid into a booth and set about the first task: drink selection. With the word “margarita” in its name, it is a given that frozen drinks lead the pack from behind the bar. Also in the race are a long list of cocktails, beer and nonalcoholic options. A frozen strawberry daiquiri was settled upon and the order 16 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 was placed, while we munched on the warm chips and refreshing salsa brought to our table. The menu is chock-full of the typical burrito, taco and enchilada options, but also offers some house specialties that draw interest. Happy Chicken, Carne Margarita and Pollo Hawaiano are some of the titles that piqued my curiosity. To test the waters, I decided on trying both sides of the spectrum: for a traditional approach, the chimichanga, and for a nontraditional pick, the Costillas de Puerco. To round out the order, a soft shell taco was also requested. It wasn’t long after the order was placed that our frozen strawberry daiquiri arrived, and it quickly drew gazes from across the room. A massive glass topped with whipped cream and cherries made our booth a little brighter. From the first sip to the last, it was anything but a weak blended drink. At this point the aromas flooding from the kitchen were hinting at the meal to come, and in moments the plates arrived. First was the Chimichanga, a Margarita Mexican Restaurant and Cantina 400 S.E. Sixth St. Hours: Mon. - Thurs.: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Fri. - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. flour tortilla filled with seasoned shredded beef and then fried crisp. It was topped with a cheese sauce and served alongside rice, beans and a host of toppings including lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and tomatoes. The crisp outer shell was a great complement to the shredded beef inside, which contained the occasional minced onion, adding to the great flavor profile. The cheese sauce brought the shell and beef together, acting as the missing link of the dish. Next, the Costillas de Puerco, translated as pork ribs. The small cuts of pork are slow cooked with a light tomatillo sauce, green peppers, onions and spices. They are also served with beans and rice www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown but include warm tortillas for you to fill as desired. The green tomatillo sauce was the star of the show, bringing a sweet and subtle spicy component. Smokey and rich, it made the pork ribs shine. I’m certain I would eat an old boot if it were served with the tomatillo sauce on top. I’m a stickler for beans and rice. Oftentimes at a Mexican restaurant the rice will be dry and the beans will resemble a jar of paste that I used in the third grade, but at Margarita they were outstanding. The rice was moist and wellseasoned, and the beans were a perfect consistency. The soft shell taco was surprisingly amazing, because as soft shell tacos go, it’s hard to outshine the normal. The meat was liberally seasoned and the Monterrey cheese melted to make a gooey delight. If traditional MexicanAmerican food is screaming for your attention, no need to leave the downtown area, head to Margarita Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. Q OUT AND ABOUT Networking over chocolate The Chocolate Connection Networking Event was held at In the Bag headquarters on June 29. Blair Rosenberg and Sonia Sledge Barb Osier Breeser Wendy Chapman and Lyra Halsten LuGene Isleman Carlene Hinds Kelly Bell Amy Marek and Joan Ellis Jordan Riggenbach and Katie Ruby Heather Boustead Tiffany Brotherson Teresa Bechtel www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown JULY | 2015 Downtown Living 17 OUT AND ABOUT Jill Philby, Katy Philby and EJ Philby at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Amy Croll and Shirley Green at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Amy Jennings and Loretta Sieman at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Jen Robinson, Courtney Francis and Ontario Caudill at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Julia Ramsey and Caroline Ramsey at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Cara Kennedy-Ode and Amanda Bakeris at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Jeremy Weiss and David Croll at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Cassandra Pudenz, Carrie Clogg and Karen Karr at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Jonathan Rosenbloom and Julie Cackler at the Community Youth Concepts ribbon cutting on June 11. Stacey McDonald and April Myers at the Business After Hours held at Blo Blow Dry Bar on June 25. Leslie Jasper and Jennifer Chittenden at the Business After Hours held at Blo Blow Dry Bar on June 25. Jen Morrow and Kristin Broers at the Business After Hours held at Blo Blow Dry Bar on June 25. 18 Downtown Living JULY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown Downtown Des Moines Living JULY | 2015 Experience The Shores Life Independent Living t Assisted Living Memory Care Set on beautiful Copper Creek Lake, the 1.25 mile walking path is accessible right off our spacious patio. You are sure to catch fish in the stocked lake and, when you do, lunch is on us! community s courtesy s creativity Experience The Shores Life Schedule your private tour at 515.262.4444 THE SHORES AT PLEASANT HILL 1500 Edgewater Drive s Pleasant Hill 515.262.4444 www.theshoreslife.com JULY | 2015 Downtown Des Moines Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/downtown