January - Iowa Living Magazines
Transcription
January - Iowa Living Magazines
Living Urbandale january 2015 50322/50323 magazine TEEN tips PARENTS SHARE ADVICE FOR RAISING TODAY’S TEENAGER BIG GREEN UMBRELLA MEDIA 5619 N.W. 86th St., # 600 Johnston, Iowa 50131 PAID PRSRT STD ECRWSS WHERE WE LIVE U.S. POSTAGE MAKING MEMORIES BIG GREEN UMBRELLA MEDIA EDUCATION POSTAL CUSTOMER MEET AMY BROWN-LUKE Re-think Banking Cornerstone is better for you and your family because... 3Higher interest rates 3Lower loan rates 3Lower credit card rates 3Lower fees 3Relationship banking 3Personalized service 3Satisfaction always Cornerstone Community Credit Union Building YOURÀQDQFLDOVXFFHVVRQHPHPEHUDWDWLPHVLQFH1931! 414 - 61st StreetQDes Moines 515.274.2343 Qwww.cornerstonecreditunion.com Urbandale Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 WELCOME WWW.IOWALIVINGMAGAZINES.COM Trial by fire y wife and I have the privilege of raising three daughters who will turn 17, 15 and 13 in a matter of months. Yes, that’s three teenagers. And, yes, I am outnumbered. Even so, I enjoy every minute of it. OK, most every minute. M Each year has brought new challenges, from cell phones, to social media, to boyfriends, to cars. Like most parents, my wife and I have learned how to raise our kids in a trial by fire method. Sure, we received lots of parenting advice from others, but we had to learn on our own — and we have been far from perfect. One of our first mistakes was in thinking our two oldest daughters could share a cell phone. That didn’t work so well. Little did we realize that they would use two minutes of voice calls each month and 5,000 text messages. Each seemed to have a problem with the other viewing her texts. Duh. Then there was social media. After years of using Facebook, my wife and I both decided to simplify our lives and delete our accounts, freeing us from the hourly meal choice updates from our friends and family. We told our kids that they were not allowed to have Facebook accounts, either. They obliged and then quickly opened Twitter and Instagram accounts. As a result, we had to get back into the social media world to keep an eye on things. In terms of boyfriends, I have become a bit more accepting — but it hasn’t been easy. My daughters tell me that some of the boys are scared of me, and they have good reason to be. And then there’s the car. It’s only metal and rubber, I know, but there’s a lot of danger in those four wheels. In fact, the car doesn’t even have to operate at high speed or even make its way out of the garage. I learned this firsthand when one of the girls backed over the snowblower that I parked behind the car. And then, just a few weeks later, the garage door seemed to get in the way of that same vehicle. Ever seen a garage door dangle from only a few wheels on the track? It wasn’t pretty. If these are the greatest challenges I have raising teenagers, then I know I will be a very fortunate father. The truth is that I am still learning how to be a dad, and this month’s cover story provided me with even more valuable lessons. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy parenting, and thanks for reading. Q Now with Ś Ś Ś Ś Ś Ś Ś MORE! MORE web exclusives MORE out and about photos MORE obituaries MORE things to do Easier to navigate Full digital editions Archives of past issues Sign up for a FREE weekly news update via email at www.iowalivingmagazines.com Shane Goodman Publisher Darren Tromblay Editor 515-953-4822 ext. 304 darrenatdmcityview.com Julie Downing Advertising 515-681-5378 julieatdmcityview.com Iowa Living magazines Iowa Living magazines.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 3 FEATURE TEEN tips PARENTS SHARE ADVICE FOR RAISING TODAY’S TEENAGER By Patti Stockdale emember the days when you could make your kids laugh by playing peek-a-boo, bribe them with candy and punish them with a timeout session? Now that they are teens, those simpler days are long gone. R The teenage years are a time of intense growth and confusion for many families. Teens start to form their own opinions, styles, ideas and values. They begin to separate from Dad and Mom, becoming more independent. While this emotional separation is normal and helps teens become well-adjusted adults, it’s often a bumpy ride for the whole family. To gather tips and advice on how to deal with the often turbulent teenage years, we talked to two Urbandale families and a school counselor. Open the lines of communication According to Ann Abbott Lewis, Urbandale Middle School counselor, a lot of adolescents live in a world where they are talked at — by teachers, friends and parents. So a good way to open up the lines of communication might be to just listen. Over the years, Eileen Mueller has learned the importance of stepping back and listening to her girls, instead of swooping in and trying to fix their problems. She and her husband, Steven, have two daughters: Jessica, 18, and Kathryn, 13. The girls From left: Jessica, Steve, Kathryn and Eileen Mueller. Photo by Dan Hodges. differ in how and when they like to talk to their parents about personal 4 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale FEATURE issues. Jessica likes to address them head on, and Kathryn prefers to ponder them first. “My youngest says to me ‘I don’t want you to fix it for me,’ ” states Eileen. “I just want you to listen.’ Then, I know — maybe days later — we can go back and talk about the problem.” While there is no recipe for improving communication between you and your teen, a good first step is spending time together. “It will feel, at times, like you are not being listened to,” Abbott Lewis says. “Talk to your teen anyway. It will feel, at times, like you are being annoying. Spend time with your teen anyway. Find ways to laugh together. Find time to spend together. “You don’t have to always have the right answers. You don’t have to say the perfect thing. Just listen. Eventually, once that trust has been established, I think kids will be more open to a dialogue and open communication. It might take patience, but give your kids some wait time. Use open-ended statements, such as ‘That’s interesting. Tell me more.’ ” Jessica encourages parents to schedule family time each week. She looks forward to movie nights with the whole family and going out to eat to catch up on what’s happening in each other’s lives. “Try to learn something new from your child every day,” she suggests. Setting boundaries Some degree of conflict is inevitable when people with differing views live under the same roof. However, ongoing disagreements can undermine a relationship between parents and teens, which is why each family should design rules that make sense. Parents and teens can work together to set the rules and consequences. By enforcing consequences, parents gain credibility. “Even though it’s hard, parents need to follow through with punishment,” Jessica says. While her family doesn’t have a lot of rules, Jessica considers two valuable — she and her sister have to complete their chores before they can go out, and if someone gets upset in the family, they need to cool down before articulating what upset them. She believes these rules have helped their family grow and mature together. Urbandale mom Sue Egger drew on helpful advice from her mother when she “Even though it’s hard, parents need to follow through with punishment.” — Jessica Mueller s Nun n i n e l G RESIDENT since 2005 OPTIMIST & ADVENTURER AT DEERFIELD “It’s MORE of what I want,” Glenis says about Deerfield. That means MORE laughter and lively conversation, MORE friends, and MORE activity. It also means getting MORE out of life today, with a Life Care plan for her future. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” she says, smiling. “And I’m still having a wonderful life.” GET MORE. 1.888.997.5988 13731 Hickman Rd. Urbandale, IA 50323 LifeAtDeerfield.com Deerfield is a Lifespace community, and Lifespace Communities, Inc. has been awarded an “A” from Fitch Ratings. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 5 FEATURE online, never bully, never text while driving, never plagiarize and always tell a parent if someone posts something that makes them uncomfortable. “We have talked to our kids about things that are appropriate, things that aren’t appropriate and made them delete certain posts or whatever,” Egger says. “It’s hard to do, but you just need to be really vigilant. I still say to them, not as often anymore, but don’t post anything you don’t want your grandma to see.” and husband, Carl, set boundaries for their three kids: 17-year-old Brody and their two older daughters, Brittany, 23, and Bailey, 20. “I remember my mom gave me great advice when my kids were little,” Egger says. “She said, ‘If you tell them ahead of time your expectations, and then follow through, it makes all the difference in the world,’ and it has. We set boundaries, and the kids knew they couldn’t cross certain lines.” Another struggle for many parents of teens is finding the right balance between granting them too much freedom and not enough. “Finding that balance was big, but I need to trust that the girls are going to make the right choices,” Eileen says. “We’ve taught them the difference between right and wrong. They have the foundation. I know they have what it takes to make good decisions. That doesn’t mean they aren’t going to make mistakes along the way. Everyone does.” Under pressure Studies reveal that teens are increasingly aware of their peers. Just like adults, they want to fit in — they want to belong. Sometimes belonging can mean succumbing to peer pressure. Abbott Lewis explains that teens are not yet adults and still need a place where they feel safe. She feels that one step in helping teens deal with negative peer pressure is establishing a safe place at home with the parent(s). It gives the teen the message, “I love you all the time. No matter what happens, that will never change.” Parents should talk to their teens about their feelings and reassure them that things Ann Abbott Lewis 6 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 According to Urbandale mom Sue Egger (left), keeping perspective is key when it comes to raising teens. She is pictured with son, Brody (center) and husband Carl. Photo submitted. will improve. “It is often hard to choose between doing what you know your parents will approve of or trying to fit in with friends,” says Jessica. “As young children, you don’t always realize how much your actions and words affect your parents. Now that I am a bit older, I have the desire to make my parents proud of me.” “Both my girls know that I’ll be their scapegoat if they need me to,” adds Eileen. “If someone wants them to do something they know they shouldn’t, they’ll say, ‘I can’t do that because my mom or dad won’t let me.’ ” Many kids change friends when they become teenagers. Sometimes that’s a good thing, and sometimes is isn’t. A positive step for many is joining extracurricular activities, where teens can meet like-minded peers who share similar interests. “Make sure your kids are involved in something,” states Egger. “I feel that if they have a peer group they can relate to, it’s so key for teenagers. It can be a sports group, music group or whatever makes them happy.” What would Grandma say? For many teens, Facebook is old news. They’ve moved on to Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, Whisper and Yik Yak. Parents don’t need to know all the specifics of these “hot” apps and websites, but they probably should learn the basics. Why are they popular? What problems can they create? “The social media thing is huge, and it’s not something we ever had to deal with, or our parents had to deal with, so it’s unchartered territory,” says Egger. Cyber safety is a big deal and something parents need to stay on top of by making sure their kids never share personal information www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale A help line The teen years can be a time of experimentation, which might include risky behavior. Red flags to watch for include extreme weight loss or gain, sleep problems, drastic personality changes, skipping school, failing grades, talk of suicide, substance abuse and criminal activity. So where do you turn if you need a little extra help? A great place to start is at the Urbandale schools. All students who attend Urbandale schools are eligible to receive five free counseling sessions with the Student Assistance Program through Employee Family Resources (EFR). The EFR works with parents to find affordable options for additional counseling when needed. Additionally, all Urbandale schools employ a Facilitator of Family Outreach (FFO), who is well-versed in community resources. Parents can contact the FFO at their child’s school to learn more. Make a pact If raising teens makes your head spin, take a deep breath and draw on these tips: keep communication lines open, set boundaries, know the apps your teens use, talk to them about cybersafety, seek help if you need it and be respectful. Finally, if it isn’t too late, make a pact with your teens to never knowingly be unkind to them, and they can never knowingly be unkind to you. Post it on the fridge, write it on the wall or put it away for safekeeping. If all else fails, remember that this, too, shall pass. Q RECIPE A healthy recipe for the new year Parmesan chicken bake Add variety to menu regulars By Jan Allen appy New Year everyone! The hope and promise of a new year is here, along with a desire for most of us to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I am no different, and I’m always on the lookout for new and different ways to cook some of our staple foods. H Chicken is one of those foods... we eat it several times a week, but tend to get in a rut with the way to prepare it. I came across this recipe and it sounded perfect. I buy lots of Greek yogurt every week. I use it in some of the baking that I do, but most often use it as a “go to” snack as it has lots of protein but not many carbs. This recipe combines the yogurt with Parmesan cheese and a couple of other ingredients. It’s not weighted down with high fat sour cream (although I think Greek yogurt tastes much like sour cream) and the Parmesan cheese gives it a yummy, distinctive flavor. You do have the option to use light mayonnaise if you prefer. Serve this with steamed broccoli and cauliflower, green beans or a nice green salad. I hope you like this recipe as much as we do, and best wishes for a healthy, happy new year. Q Ingredients 4 - 6 chicken breasts 1 cup Greek yogurt or light mayo (or combination of each) 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese (plus more for the top) 1-1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (NOT regular table salt....a mixture of seasonings) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Place chicken breasts in a baking www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale dish. Combine the Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and seasonings in a bowl. Slather the chicken with the mixture. (I also put mine on the bottoms of the breasts). 3. Sprinkle the tops of the coated chicken with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. 4. Bake at 350 degrees for a little over an hour, or until the chicken breasts are nicely browned and chicken is done on the inside. Enjoy! JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 7 NEWS BRIEFS LIBRARY NEWS Special election to be held Feb. 3 The Urbandale Community School District will hold a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) special election on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The PPEL is a voter-approved levy that serves as one of the primary revenue sources for funding school infrastructure. If passed, the Board of Directors will match the PPEL with a bond refinance in order to keep the facilities property tax flat. Some of the proposed improvements the revenue would be used for include a remodel of elementary buildings, an increase of classroom space to be consistent throughout K-5 schools, the construction of gymnasiums at two elementary buildings and the construction of a fitness center at Urbandale High School. The PPEL is projected to provide $10.7 million to $14.5 million over its 10-year span. For more information, see www. UrbandaleSchools.com/PPEL. Urbandale announces Stilwell’s retirement On Dec. 12, the Urbandale Community School District (UCSD) Board of Directors announced the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Doug Stilwell effective June 30, 2015. Throughout his 10 years in Urbandale, Stilwell served as director of human resources, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Prior to joining the UCSD, Stilwell served as a principal and teacher within the West Des Moines Community School District, having also taught in the Storm Lake and Estherville Community Districts. “To say that we are grateful for the leadership Dr. Stilwell has provided our district over the past 10 years, 35 total years in public education, is an understatement,” says Chris Gunnare, president of the Board of Directors. “Of all the roles he has served in our district, his greatest role has always been that of a true leader. Dr. Stilwell used his influence to empower others to be successful — to become even more than they thought possible.” Under Stilwell’s guidance, UCSD has taken profound steps toward transforming education in order to re-engage learners and help them feel a greater sense of purpose in their learning. He has been instrumental in the implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan that guides the district’s work in order to improve student achievement and increase joy in learning, teaching, and leading. Stilwell’s dedication and leadership of Quality and Continual Improvement has resulted in more than 90 percent of staff implementing continuous improvement practices, a graduation rate of more than 98 percent and the highest achievement scores the district has seen for over a decade. “It has been a true honor and pleasure to serve as Superintendent of the Urbandale Community School District,” says Stilwell. “From parents to staff to school board, high-quality and meaningful learning are a top priority.” One of the top priorities for the Board of Directors is to conduct an extensive search for Stilwell’s replacement. Stilwell has set the bar high and the Board will ensure the baton is passed to a candidate that will help the district continue to accomplish high levels of student and staff achievement. The Board will be working diligently to ensure a seamless transition for students, staff, and families. Q 8 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 Time to read Library offers programs for adults and kids By Urbandale Public Library staff hew, we made it through the holidays! Now you have time to relax and read a few good books. We’ll even reward you for doing so. Sign up for a Winter Reading Program at the library, and you might just win an awesome prize just for reading. W Winter Reading Programs We Mustache You to Read: Winter Reading Program for adults Don’t let the winter months get hairy this year — spice them up by participating in the adult winter reading program, “We Mustache You to Read.” All you have to do is read or listen to some good books. Pick up a reading packet at any library service desk starting on Jan. 19 and start reading. Reading must be completed by Feb. 28. All who participate are eligible for small prizes. “Frozen:” Winter Reading Program for kids Let the snow, ice and cold go this winter as you snuggle up with a good book. The youth winter reading program, “Frozen,” begins on Sunday, Jan. 18 and ends on Saturday, Feb. 28. Complete three weeks of the winter reading program and earn a snowman and a prize. Complete all six weeks, decorate your snowman and earn more prizes. Kids ages 2 to 11, can pick up their book bag and “Frozen” reading log at the youth services desk beginning on Saturday, Jan. 17. Join us for a fun, interactive www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale movie to kick off the Winter Reading Program. Families are invited to sing, dance and interact with a movie about two sisters and a snowman on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. in the library meeting rooms. We’ll have props, free popcorn, and lots of fun. Registration is not required. Urbandale Public Library 3520 86th St. 278-3945 Hours: Mon.-Thur.: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: Food for Fines Help the Urbandale Food Pantry by paying off your library fines on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 19, with food. Bring in a personal care item or non-perishable food item and we will remove a dollar per item from your fines — no limit. Items most in need are new personal care items (unopened shampoo/ conditioner, bars of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, TP, laundry soap, sanitary products, large-size diapers). The “Imagine Enough for Everyone” event will also take place on Jan. 19 in the library meeting rooms from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You are invited to stop by to donate, knit, color or pledge action. Details about the event can be found at www.imagineenough. com. Q CREDIT UNION GET THAT PICTURE PERFECT SMILE! Tips for doing your own taxes Be aware of potential pitfalls By Holly Bernal, CCUFC, Midland Credit Union ot everybody can afford to hire a professional to do their taxes. In fact, most people are now doing it themselves for a fraction of the price via tax software programs. However, for all the praise this do-it-yourself tax software has earned, it is not 100 percent perfect, which is why you need to be aware of some potential pitfalls that you could easily fall into. Let’s take a closer look at some of the mistakes Americans make when preparing their taxes. N Don’t let the government keep your money Here’s a statement that is going to surprise you: getting a refund is a bad thing. Why? Because it means that you allowed the federal government to hold onto a portion of money you overpaid — interest free. Rather than overpaying each year so you can get a refund, it is better to actually underpay by a few hundred dollars. By doing this, you will have enjoyed accruing interest on this money for the year. In addition, paying the balance won’t feel like such a horrible blow to the wallet. So, when you prepare your taxes this year, don’t apply any of your refund to next year’s taxes. Instead, put that money in a dividend-bearing account at the credit union and focus on not overpaying on your taxes in the coming year. Don’t file an extension Filing an extension does not mean you don’t have to pay any owed tax for six months. It only means that you don’t have to finish filing. You still have to pay any owed tax by April 15. This can make it dif- We offer a wide variety of dental services s Cleanings s Whitening s Fillings and Veneers s Implant Restoration s Crown and Bridgework s Dentures and Partials s Endodontics s Periodontal Therapy and More! Dwight Rastetter, DDS 515.270.6809 s 6128 Douglas Avenue s Des Moines ficult to figure out what you owe, and, if you calculate it incorrectly, you could be looking at penalties from the IRS. You still have time to get your taxes filed on time. Don’t put it off. Do pay your taxes Believe it or not, there are still people who argue that the government has no right to levy taxes. However, this is an argument that was settled years ago. Failure to pay taxes can result in jail time and stiff financial penalties. After all, this was the only way the Feds were able to catch Al Capone, the crime king of Chicago during the Depression. Those individuals who even take the time to argue it before a court will generally find themselves on the losing end — with a $25,000 fine to pay for wasting the court’s time. Paying taxes is a fact of life. Procrastinating is never advisable, and, by filing on time, you won’t have additional penalties. In the end, it is best to be prepared to file and pay your taxes in a timely and efficient manner. Q www.douglasdentaldesmoines.com Urbandale 2891 - 106th Street Pleasant Hill 1225 Copper Creek Drive Suite M Is it time to get your FREE Financial Check-Up? Information by Holly Bernal, CCUFC, Chief Operations Officer at Midland Credit Union, 2891 106th St., Urbandale, 515-278-1994.www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale www.midlandcu.org JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 9 CALENDAR Q Story Time, 9:30/10:15 a.m. Urbandale Library. Saturday Jan. 3 Q 9 Boys Basketball vs. Ankeny Centennial, 9 a.m. Q JV Wrestling at DM North, 9 a.m. Q Hockey: Youngstown Phantoms at Des Moines Buccaneers, 7:05 p.m. Buccaneer Arena. Sunday Jan. 4 Q Soup Supper/Program, 6/7 p.m., Urbandale Historical Society. Q Vitality Choreography Camp, 12-5 p.m., Vitality Dress Rehearsal, 5 p.m. Q Hockey: Youngstown Phantoms at Des Moines Buccaneers, 7:05 p.m. Buccaneer Arena. Monday Jan. 5 Q Bowling: JV/V vs. SE Polk, 3:45 p.m. Q Swimming: JV/V vs. Waukee, 5:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/JV vs. Waukee, 7/8 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Q Minecraft, 4 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Tuesday Jan. 6 Q DMCS 9/V Boys/Girls Basketball vs. WCV, 4:30/6/7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs. Ames, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Q Family Story Time, 7 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Wednesday Jan. 7 Q DMCS Lego League Meeting, 3:30 p.m. 10 Urbandale Living Thursday Jan. 8 Q JH Girls Basketball vs Madrid, 4 p.m. Q 9th Grade and JV Boys Basketball vs Des Moines North, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Q Swimming: JV/V vs. Mason City, 5:30 p.m. Q Wrestling: JV/V Match vs. Roosevelt, 6:30/7:30 p.m. Q Story Time, 9:30/10:15 a.m. Urbandale Library. Friday Jan. 9 Q 9th Grade Boys Basketball vs. Van Meter, 4:30 p.m. Q V Girls and Boys Basketball vs. Van Meter, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs., Roosevelt, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Science Sleuths, 10:30 a.m. Urbandale Public Library. Saturday Jan. 10 Q 9th Grade Boys Basketball at Carlisle, Carlisle HS, 9 a.m. Q JH Boys Basketball at Pella Christian, Pella Christian Grade School, Pella, 9 a.m. Q JV Girls Basketball vs Carlisle, 9 a.m. Q JV Boys Basketball vs Carlisle, Carlisle HS, Carlisle, 10:30 a.m. Q Show Choir Showcase Fundraiser, 7 p.m. Q Wrestling: Varsity Tournament, 9:30 a.m. Q Swimming: Boys Varsity Invitational, 11 a.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/V/JV vs. Lincoln, 11:30/1/2:30/4/5:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 11 Q 7th grade Boys Basketball at Madrid, Madrid JH, 4 p.m. JANUARY | 2015 Q 8th grade Boys Basketball at Home vs Madrid, 4 p.m. Q JV Girls and Boys at Earlham, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Board of Directors Prayer, 6 p.m. Q Board of Directors Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Q Honduras Mission Trip Chaperones Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Q Play: Map of My Kingdom, $10 per person, 2 p.m. Living History Farms. Monday Jan. 12 Q Bowling: JV/V vs. North, 3:45 p.m., Basketball: 9/JV vs. SE Polk, 7/8:15 p.m. Q 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Q Minecraft, 4 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Tuesday Jan. 13 Q DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball vs. Panorama, Panorama HS, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs. Ankeny, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, 10:30 a.m. Q Teen Knitting, Urbandale Public Library, 5:30 p.m. Q Booked For Dinner, Urbandale Public Library, 6 p.m. Q Family Story Time, 7 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Wednesday Jan. 14 Q DMCS Lego League Meeting, 3:30 p.m. Q Story Time, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30/10:15 a.m. Q Teen Book Club, 6:30 p.m. Urbandale Library. Thursday Jan. 15 Q DMCS Sports, JH Boys Basketball www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale CALENDAR at Home vs I-35, 4 p.m. Q JH Girls Basketball at I-35, Interstate 35 Middle School, 4 p.m. Q Bowling: JV/V, Clarke vs. Dowling, 3:45 p.m. Q Basketball: Boys 8th vs. Waukee, 4:30 p.m. Q Basketball: Boys 9th vs. WDM Valley, 6 p.m. Q Swimming: JV/V, Johnston vs. Ankeny, 5:30 p.m. Q Wrestling: JV/V vs. Johnston, 6:30/7:30 p.m. Q 5th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m. Urbandale HS. Q Story Time Urbandale Public Library, 9:30/10:15 a.m. Q Tax Impacts of the Affordable Healthcare Act, 6:30 p.m. Urbandale Library. Saturday Jan. 17 Tuesday Jan. 20 Q HS Show Choirs, Salt Co. and Light, Inc, at West Branch Competition, all day Q JV Girls and Boys Basketball at Pella Christian, Pella Christian HS, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Q V Girls and Boys Basketball at Pella Christian, Pella Christian HS, 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Q Basketball: 9th vs. Dallas CenterGrimes, 9 a.m. Q Wrestling: JV/V Invitational, 9 a.m. Q Debbie Doo Wop and Dynamite Dan, Urbandale Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Q DMCS Sports, 7th grade Girls and Boys Basketball at Oskaloosa Christian, 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Q 9th grade Boys Basketball at Home vs Ogden, 4:30 p.m. Q V Girls and Boys Basketball a vs Ogden, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: Boys 8th vs. South East Polk, 4:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs. North, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Q Family Story Time, 7 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Friday Jan. 16 Q No School for K-12 and No HalfDay Preschool Classes Q Teacher Inservice Committee Meetings, TBD Q JV Girls and Boys Basketball at Guthrie Center, Guthrie Center HS, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q ABC (Athletic Booster Club) Meeting, 7 p.m. Q Bowling: JV/V vs. Hoover, 3:45 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/JV vs. Indianola, 7/8 p.m. Q MLK Day, Urbandale Public Library, 9 a.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Q Minecraft, 4 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Q DMCS Sports JH Show Choir, Destination Excellence, at West Branch Competition, TBD Q 9th grade Boys Basketball at Woodward-Granger, WoodwardGranger HS, 4:30 p.m. Q V Girls and Boys Basketball at Woodward-Granger, WoodwardGranger HS, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs. Mason City, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Bingo Night, 7-9 p.m. Valerius Elementary. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, 10 a.m. Urbandale Public Library. Q Hockey: Sioux City Musketeers at Des Moines Buccaneers, 7:05 p.m. Buccaneer Arena Monday Jan. 19 Wednesday Jan. 21 Q DMCS Lego League Meeting 3:30 p.m. Q Story Time, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30/10:15 a.m. Q Teen Book Club, Urbandale Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Q On the Same Page, 7:30 a.m. Urbandale Library. Thursday Jan. 22 Q DMCS Sports. JH Boys Basketball at Colfax-Mingo, Colfax-Mingo Middle School, 4 p.m. Q JH Girls Basketball at Pella Christian, Pella Christian Grade School, 4:15 p.m. Q Alzheimer’s Association Have an EVENT coming up? Submit your calendar items online at www.iowalivingmagazines.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 11 CALENDAR Community Education Program “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters”, 2 p.m. Northside Des Moines Public Library. Q Urbandale Lions Monthly Dinner Meeting Q Program: Adam Obrecht will update us on the Urbandale Schools Facilities Plan, 6:30 p.m. Lions Park Shelter House. Q Bowling: Varsity vs. Mason City, 3:45 p.m. Q Basketball: Boys 8th vs. Northview Middle School, 4:30 p.m. Q Swimming: JV/V vs. Fort Dodge, 5:30 p.m. Q Basketball: Boys 9th vs. Ankeny, 6 p.m. Q Wrestling: JV/V vs. Dowling Catholic, 6:30/7:30 p.m. Q Story Time, Urbandale Public Library, 9:30/10:15 a.m. Q Thursday Night Movie, Urbandale Public Library, 6 p.m. Q Reading Pals, 7 p.m. Urbandale Public Library Q Wrestling: JV/V Invitational, 9 a.m. Q Swimming: Boys Varsity, 11 a.m. Q Frozen Interactive Movie, Urbandale Public Library 10 a.m. Q Cabin Fever: Farms Uncorked 3-6 p.m. Living History Farms’ Visitor Center. Friday Jan. 23 Q DMCS V Girls/Boys Basketball vs. Guthrie Center, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs. Johnston, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library 10 a.m. Q Lego Club 4 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Q Talk with Officials, 10:30 a.m. Urbandale Chamber RODAN Board Room. Q DMCS Sports/Events: 7th grade Girls and Boys Basketball at Grandview Christian, Orange Planet Gym, 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Q JV Girls Basketball at Grandview Christian, Orange Planet Gym, 6:15 p.m. Q JV and V Boys Basketball at Woodward Academy, Woodward Academy, 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs. Dowling, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, 10 a.m. Urbandale Public Library. Saturday Jan. 24 Q DMCS Sports/Events, HS Show Choirs, Salt Co. and Light, Inc., at Dallas Center-Grimes Take Two Competition, Dallas Center-Grimes HS, all day Q Explore ACT Testing, 8 a.m. Q JV Girls Basketball Triangular at Home, 9 a.m. Q JV Boys Basketball at Panorama, TBA 12 Urbandale Living Monday Jan. 26 Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library 10:30 a.m. Q Minecraft, 4 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Q DMCS Sports/Events: JH Girls Q Story Time, Urbandale Public Library 9:30/10:15 a.m. Q Brown Bag Book Club, 11:30 a.m. Urbandale Library. Friday Jan. 30 Saturday Jan. 31 Q DMCS Sports/Events: HS Jazz Band at State Jazz Band Festival Q 9th grade Boys Basketball at Home vs. Winterset, 10 a.m. Q JV Girls and Boys Basketball at Home vs. Winterset, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday Feb. 1 Q Open House, 2-4 p.m., Urbdandale Historical Society. JANUARY | 2015 Monday Feb. 2 Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library 10:30 a.m. Q Minecraft, 4 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Q Program, 7 p.m., Urbdandale Historical Society. Q DMCS Sports/Events: Board of Directors Prayer, 6 p.m. Q Board of Directors Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Q JV Girls/Boys Basketball vs. West Central Valley, West Central Valley HS, Stuart, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/JV vs. Johnston, 7/8 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 3 Q DMCS Sports/Events: K-6 Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:20 p.m. Q 7-12 Early Dismissal for ParentTeacher Conferences, 1:30 p.m. Q Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m. Q 9th grade Boys Basketball at Madrid, Madrid HS, 4:30 p.m. Q V Girls/Boys Basketball at Madrid, Madrid HS, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Q Bowling: JV/V vs. Marshalltown, 3:45 p.m. Q Basketball: Boys 8th vs. Fort Dodge, 4:30 p.m. Q Basketball: 9/10/JV/V vs. Marshalltown, 4:45/6:15/7:45 p.m. Q Book Babies, Urbandale Public Library 9:30 a.m. Q Toddler Time, Urbandale Public Library 10 a.m. Q Mothers and Others, Urbandale Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Q Family Story Time, 7 p.m. Urbandale Public Library. Wednesday Feb. 4 Q DMCS Lego League Meeting, 3:30 p.m. Q Story Time, 9:30/10:15 a.m. Urbandale Library. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale PET HEALTH FAMILIAR FACES at a Healthy weight NEW LOCATION! for your pets Too many pounds are harmful to dogs and cats By Kristin DeVries, DVM, Pet Medical Center s we look forward to a new year, many of us set goals related to weight loss. Unfortunately, many of our pets would benefit from shedding some excess pounds as well. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Some common disorders associated with excess weight are diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure and many will help you determine the ideal forms of cancer. Overweight pets weight for your pet and can make have a shorter life expectancy dietary recommendations based on your pet’s individual needs. due to these complications. Exercise is also essential for The first step in pet weight loss is a visit to your vet. Pets healthy weight. Dogs often enjoy should be screened for diseases walks, structured play time and that can lead to weight problems. visits to parks. In winter weather Your vet will weigh your pet and conditions, dogs may prefer a help devise a treatment plan for walk around pet-friendly stores, weight loss. Weight loss can be an indoor play date or activities achieved through diet modifica- at a local training facility. Cats tions and exercise in many cases. can also be trained to exercise. Altering the amount of food or If your cat prefers not to walk treats may be enough. However, on a leash, instigating strenuous some pets need a different diet play with a variety of toys can for results. For example, a typical help if done consistently every kibble of cat food contains two day. For cats that resist exercise, to three calories. Cats in the try moving food bowls to inconwild usually eat eight to 10 small venient areas of the house or set meals daily, and mice average up multiple feeding stations in 30-35 calories each. Using this which daily rations are randomly formula, cats can only eat about rotated. This encourages cats to 10-15 pieces of kibble each day. walk around the house to find Switching to a higher protein food. Managing your pet’s weight and lower carbohydrate diet may help relieve the wave of punish- can be challenging. If weight loss ment your cat will inflict upon is part of your New Year’s resoyou if you reduce their ration lution, be sure to include your to this degree, and help avoid pets. Your efforts may help your nutritional deficiencies. Your vet goals as well. Q A Information provided by Kristin DeVries, DVM, Pet Medical Center, 4450 128th St., Urbandale, 515-331-9035. Dr. Kristin DeVries invites you and your pets to visit her team at “I am so excited to offer our patients the same great care at my new location in Urbandale. Stop by or schedule an appointment today!” – Dr. Kristin DeVries, DVM We provide care for your dogs and cats t t t t t Wellness Care Vaccinations Laser Surgery Dentistry Essential Oil Options t t t t t Pain Management Flea/Tick Control Digital Radiology Dentistry Dietary Management of Diseases MONDAY,TUESDAY, FRIDAY 7am–6pm :('1(6'$<DP±SP7+856'$<DP±SP 6$785'$<DP±SP 515.331.9035 4450 128th Street t Urbandale Corner of 128th Street and Meredith Drive, behind Casey’s www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 13 REAL ESTATE Internet home search JUST LISTED Online sites make shopping easier By Jon Smith, Iowa Realty hen I started in 1985 at Iowa Realty, we had a Kaypro II to search for homes. There were no photos until we received our weekly catalogues with only the front elevation. I would literally have some people want to view 30 homes before they could make a decision. To get home basic information on the home, agents had to pay $2 for a copy of building card for each property. Now we go to 2015 where more than 90 percent of buyers are doing research off the Internet. People can go through your home virtually without even knocking. Almost half of that traffic is now off of mobile phones. W %!',%2)$'%$2s*/(.34/. $800,000 Search for current homes online 24-Hour Open House - Scan QR Code JON SMITH, CRB, CRS, GRI, SRES 515.240.2692 [email protected] GIVE THIS AD TO A LOVED ONE WHO NEEDS TREATMENT! – Stephen Thies, DDS DENTAL TREATMENT Have bad teeth? Can’t eat? Can’t chew? Worried or anxious about dental treatment? Need teeth removed? Need denture treatment? DENTISTRY Q Q including Dentures Tooth extractions Q Q Sedation for anxiety Denture treatment 276-0202 Conveniently located in the Sherwood Forest Shopping Center across from KMart 7506 HICKMAN ROAD DES MOINES Since 1978 Marketing sites When searching for a property today with either phone or computer you will have a number of marketing sites that pop up when you type in your address. You can get your Zestimate from Zillow. Trulia can show upcoming foreclosures, affordability and even average rental prices. These sites are very informational, but contain a lot of paid advertising. Most of the time you will need to still contact a real estate agent to view the property or see if it is still available. Government sites Depending on what county you live in, you can get your property information online. The U.S. Census Bureau gives you current statistics for your area. City web- sites let you know current happenings and building construction currently going on. Realtors sites Our Des Moines Area Association of Realtors shares information with its members to sell properties. Whenever you search one of our member sites you will find current properties available for sale today. When using my laptop — which is much lighter than the 26-pound Kaypro II — I can show homes in my car, your home or compare others while showing. The new year will be a good year for purchasing your first or next home. Inventory will be challenging for buyers because of the low inventory. Call your real estate agent and get prepared. Q Information provided by Jon Smith, Iowa Realty Beaverdale office, 3521 Beaver Ave., 240-2692. CARE CREDIT AVAILABLE www.sedationdentistdesmoines.com MONDAY–THURSDAY 8am–5pm Q ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 8am–noon 14 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale LEGAL BRIEFS Alternate decision-making URBANDALE’S LAW FIRM SINCE 1987 Options for facing family challenges By Ross Barnett, attorney, Abendroth and Russell Law Firm ur firm specializes in issues of alternate decision-making. Our clients often assist family members with decision-making. Whether is it is an aging parent or a child with a disability, these informal arrangements are common. However, sometimes a more formal legal solution is necessary. If the person’s mental capacity is in question or if a bank or nursing home requires legal paperwork, the family must seek out an expert in the field. There are two major options for a family facing personal care or financial challenges. The first is a durable financial power of attorney, which is a written document that gives an agent broad power to act. The power of attorney must be executed when the person is competent. If the disabled person never planned for incapacity or if the incapacity came about very quickly (through a brain injury or stroke, for example), a court order appointing a guardian or conservator is needed. A guardianship and a conservatorship are each separate legal entities that are established by court order. They are court-authorized relationships whereby one person assumes responsibility for the care, property, and finances of another. A guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate when a person’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that the person is unable to care for his or her own personal safety or to provide for his or her necessities. A conservator is responsible for managing the ward’s finances. The conservator takes control of the ward’s assets and uses them on behalf of the ward. The conservator must pay bills and balance the O ward’s checkbook. The conservator may have to sell a house or liquidate a major asset to pay for long-term care. A guardian is responsible for the ward’s needs other than financial matters. The guardian can direct where the ward will live and whether the ward needs to move to a more restrictive environment. The guardian makes decisions about medical treatment, educational or vocational services, and personal care. Although the judicial system is involved, the entire proceeding is more collaborative than adversarial. Generally, it is a fairly straightforward process to demonstrate incapacity and appoint a guardian or conservator. However, guardianships and conservatorships completely take away or severely limit the ward’s decision-making authority. They are also more timeconsuming and costly than alternative methods, because the court requires annual reporting and prior approval for expenditures. Because of this, guardianships and conservatorships should only be used when there are no other options. Q Information provided by Ross Barnett, attorney for Abendroth and Russell Law Firm, 2560 73rd St., Urbandale, 278-0623, www.ARPCLaw.com. Top Row: Joe Wallace, Chris Low, Mark Abendroth, Ross Barnett Bottom Row: Laurie Heron McCown, David Russell Wills and Trusts Estate Planning Probate Powers of Attorney Real Estate Transactions Small Business Representation Abendroth and Russell Law Firm 2560 - 73rd Street Urbandale 515.278.0623 www.ARPCLaw.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 15 Tiny Treasures Christian, nurturing environment. Lutheran Preschool Open House Monday, January 12, 2015 - 6:00-7:00 p.m. Come join us! Classes for 2 ½ to 5-year-olds Tiny Treasures Lutheran Preschool is a National Lutheran Schools’ Accredited Preschool dedicated to bringing Jesus Christ to your preschooler. We are a unique atmosphere that will nurture the spiritual, social, physical, and cognitive development of your child. Registration for 2015-2016 begins Tuesday, January 13, 2015. I-80 11:00 – Sunday School Meredith Dr. for all ages (English) 86th St. 9:30 – English Worship UMS Aurora Ave. UHCC 75th St. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 8301 Aurora Ave. | Urbandale www.gloriadeionline.com Contact Jo Lynn Yeutsy with any questions. 777-3902 11:00 – Swahili Worship Winter Series: “Embracing Jesus: What Every Apprentice Needs to Know” Pastors: Rev. Alan Johnson, Todd Asper (Youth), Eugene Kiruhura (Swahili leader) 7605 Aurora Avenue | Urbandale | 515.278.1371 FAITH Sleeping on spruce boughs in winter God speaks to us clearly in nature By Pastor Alan Johnson, Urban Heights Covenant Church ack in the day, four of us college guys were home for Christmas and decided to go camping on New Year’s Eve. It was already dark when we headed into our northern Minnesota woods, and by moonlight we plodded through a foot of snow, staying in each other’s footsteps. After quite some time my friend suddenly announced, “Oh no, we forgot the tent!” One of the guys collapsed to his back in laughter, and we asked, “Are you laughing because we forgot the tent?” When he caught his breath he answered, “No, but the mosquitoes are going to eat us alive.” We eventually constructed a shelter from spruce boughs and banked snow to reflect the campfire’s heat as the temperature dropped to zero. We sat around a catalytic heater playing cards, but our little heater was not the solution to tent-less winter camping, so two of us decided to take a hike. We eventually came to a resort filled with festive New Year’s revelers, and I said to my friend, “Of all these people, we’re the only ones planning to sleep in the woods on spruce boughs tonight.” Before long, we backtracked to our primitive campsite. By luck I had brought two foam pads, not considering their insulation value against the frozen ground. Two of us slept — the other two froze — and at sunrise I saw the shadowy figure of my brother running through the trees — his seventh run of the night. Jesus and his disciples also B desmoineschurch.org 16 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale camped — for three years — and someone said that their still believing in Jesus proves his divinity. Seriously, though, nature is where we encounter God when our world gets too noisy. God is everywhere, but we often hear him best in nature. I once faced a huge decision and went camping alone. For five days I prayed and fasted in solitude and rediscovered that although alone, God was there. Though fasting, he fed me; and though silent, he spoke, and gave me the direction I needed. Jesus also loved spending time in nature — in fasting and solitude — and is our example for how we can experience God’s presence and hear him speaking. So, as we move into this new year, I encourage you to set aside times to step back, spend time in nature, and reconnect with the One who loves us. Q FITNESS PROBLEMS WITH DENTURES? Defining priorities Unable to eat what you want? Dentures shift, tilt, wander? Tired of messy denture adhesive? Gums sore? “Mini Dental Implants” for denture stabilization. “Mini Dental Implants” are the size of toothpicks and placed within the jaw for denture stabilization. A one stage in-office procedure is performed to place the mini implants. “Mini Dental Implants” are less costly than traditional implants. Eat and feel good again with “Mini Dental Implants”. Find the joy in fitness for success this year By Julie Bautista t’s a new year. You tell yourself that it’s time to start. This year’s New Year’s resolution is different. You’re actually going to do it. Join a gym, lose weight, get in shape, eat only the right foods and force your body into obedience. But that’s what you did last year and the year before, and the year before that and nothing changed… I’ve found that Newton’s first law of physics is generally true for me: “A body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.” Unbalanced forces? Oh, yeah! Life happens. Work. Kids. Family. Friends. Responsibilities. Deadlines. Stresses. They can all make you want to hide or sit in front of the TV and eat a bag of potato chips. So how do you make fitness a priority? By redefining it. There are many definitions of health and physical fitness out there. But mine is a little different than what you might expect from a fitness studio owner or find in the dictionary. My definition of physical fitness is joy. Joy in movement. Joy in doing something you weren’t even sure you were capable of doing before. Joy in camaraderie and working out with other like-minded people. When you consistently exercise with people who are focused and goal oriented, it pushes you I 515-276-0202 For a free consultation. DR. STEPHEN THIES 7506 HICKMAN RD DES MOINES CARE CREDIT AVAILABLE www.sedationdentistdesmoines.com MONDAY–THURSDAY 8am–5pm Q ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 8am–noon a little farther, a little faster, and it’s fun. So how do you get moving? Focus on what feels good. Finding something that makes you want to move more than you want to sit still. To push you a little harder. To make you a little stronger. To move you from your comfortable space to a place of possibility. Joy in improving and reshaping your body, your mind and your spirit. You’ll be amazed at the results if you really start paying attention to how your body feels after working out. Where do I find joy? In movement and fitness. I would love to meet you and share the joy of health and fitness with you in this new year. Q Information provided by Julie Bautista of Orange Theory Fitness, 2171 N.W. 111th St., Clive, 515-207-3430. AnyTown, Clive FL 2171 NW 111th Address line 1 St. City, IA FL 50325 00000 Clive, Next to -------111th & Hickman next to AAA (515) 207-3430 000.000.0000 www.orangetheoryfitness.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 17 It’s that time of year... SENIOR LIVING Look for the good this year Don’t set yourself up for failure By Susan Ray, executive director, The Reserve es, it’s that time of year again. The time of year when we feel as though we have to turn over a new leaf. Traditionally, New Year’s Day has been tagged as the ideal time to kick start a new phase in your life and the time when we must make your all important new year’s resolution. Each January, roughly one in three Americans resolve to better themselves in some way. A much smaller percentage of people actually make good on those resolutions. While about 75 percent of people stick to their goals for at least a week, less than half (46 percent) are still on target six months later, a 2002 study found. However, it’s important to remember that the new year isn’t meant to serve as a stimulus for enormous character changes. It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes. Y New Year’s Resolution Resolve to live your very best URBANDALE AN URBAN OASIS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING Call Today – Travel Tomorrow Receive a gift when you tour before January 31 2727 82nd Place Just East of 86th Street and North of Hickman Road www.ReserveOnWalnutCreek.com 515-727-5927 [email protected] Proudly sponsored by 18 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 Don’t set yourself up for failure. Start small. Don’t have your list of New Year’s resolutions be as long as your holiday shopping list. This only creates stress before you even get started. Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If you want to set of goal of more exercise, begin with three or four days rather than seven. Don’t beat yourself up for the little slips. Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor set -backs when reaching your goals are completely normal. It happens to most of us. I recently came across a poem titled “Look for the Good.” I would challenge you to put looking for the good at the top of your list for New Years’ resolutions. Look for the Good By Joanna Fuchs In the New Year, let’s resolve To get less stressed, upset, anxious About things over which we have no control. Let’s have a narrower focus on our lives, loving and helping our family and friends, making our community a better place to live, to create peace and contentment. In the New Year, let’s resolve to pay less attention to depressing stories on TV, in magazines and newspapers, and to stop focusing on what we want that we haven’t got, instead of appreciating the many blessings we do have. In the New Years, let’s look for the good. We may have to search Through a mass of negative media, But the good is there All around us. I wish for you a New Year filled with good, engulfed in serenity and happiness! Q Information provided by Susan Ray, The Reserve, 2727 82nd Place, Urbandale, 515-727-5927. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale WHERE WE LIVE ant your photos! w e W Iowa Living magazines Nathan and Calli Tuggle moved to Urbandale from Ames to start their family. Making memories Celebrating a big birthday, anniversary or other milestone? Send us your milestone announcements with a picture and we’ll publish them for FREE! Tuggle family grows in their Karen Acres home By Megan Flynn hen the Tuggles moved to Urbandale, they were looking for a home with an open floor plan, close to their jobs and a place where they could start a family. Prior to moving, the couple had lived in Ames while they attended Iowa State University and then relocated to a rental property in Urbandale to be closer to their jobs while they saved for a new home. They found their new home just a few blocks away from the space they were renting in a beautiful community — Karen Acres. “We chose our home because it matched all of our wants and fit our budget,” Calli explains. “We wanted 3-plus bedrooms, 2-plus car garage, large backyard, poured concrete basement and some original features like hardwood floors.” The home they found was in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood, conveniently located, with the space they wanted to grow their family. The Tuggles have certainly grown into their new home with Calli, her husband, Nathan, and their two children (2 years old and 6 months) rounding out their family. While the home is fairly new, the Tuggles are already creating amazing memories in it with their children. The most recent memory that the family loves to share is the birth of W their youngest son. “Our youngest son was a planned homebirth in our upstairs office,” Calli explains, “I was surrounding by books and artwork that mean a lot to me.” Such a magical moment that the family will treasure forever, and now they can reflect on that memory every time they enter the office. In addition to the amazing memories, Calli loves the open layout of her home that allows her to “be in the kitchen and still keep an eye on our busy toddler,” a very important design when you have young children. In addition to the large open space for running and playing, another layout feature that drew the Tuggles to the home is view of the backyard from the dining room. “I love the dining room and having it overlook the backyard from the sliding glass door,” Calli smiles. While layout is important, the Tuggles were also looking for a neighborhood that was, “in close proximity to everything we need yet doesn’t have a lot of traffic noise,” a perfect find in Karen Acres, Calli explains, “Plus, we love our neighbors!” With the amazing new memories in this beautiful new home and the wonderful neighbors and neighborhood, Karen Acres is an ideal fit for this wonderful, growing family. Q Contact Darren Tromblay at 953-4822 ext. 304 or darren@ dmcityview.com to be featured in a future “Where We Live” column of Urbandale Living. Send your announcements to [email protected] www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 19 HEALTH EDUCATION Q: Do you have some weight Meet Amy Brown-Luke Instructor prepares students for the future loss tips? A: Your goal must be clear and well defined. Make sure it’s realistic, attainable, and has a deadline. Also, make sure to write down why it’s important to you. s#REATEAPLAN. This step is often skipped in the process of setting weight loss goals, but it is so important. You’ll never reach your goal if you don’t have a plan. Create a realistic plan for yourself that is centered on a healthy diet and regular exercise. Include in your plan when you will exercise and what you will do if temptations arise and put your diet at risk. s&INDAPARTNER Most people find it’s so much easier to stay on track if you have a partner to motivate you, plus its more fun! s +EEP A JOURNAL By logging your food and exercise, you will be able to easily monitor your progress. This will also keep you from overindulging or skipping the gym if you have to admit it to yourself through writing it down. s ,EARN MORE ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS Come and find out how to transform your body with the 30-Day Yoli Better Body Transformation System. Every Monday at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dr. Heather leads 30-minute classes at Yost Family Chiropractic. Call to save your seat — (515) 278-9678. Q Information submitted by Dr. Heather Yost, DC, DACCP, Yost Family Chiropractic, 3993 100th St., Urbandale. By Morgan Parkhurst rbandale is home to Amy Brown-Luke. Not only do her children attend school in Urbandale, but she was once a student in the district who has since returned, this time as a teacher at Urbandale High School. Now teaching a variety of social studies courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) psychology, AP U.S. history, sociology and psychology, it wasn’t always her first choice to teach secondary education. “I actually didn’t want to be a high school teacher,” says BrownLuke. “I knew in the second grade that I wanted to be a teacher, and, until I went to college, I had planned to be an elementary teacher. Then I had my first practicum experience and came to realize that it wasn’t where I belonged.” At the encouragement of her supervisor, she switched directions and focused on secondary education. Brown-Luke earned a bachelor of arts in secondary education from Grand View University, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. “I have not regretted it one bit,” she says of her decision to focus on middle and high school education. Teaching high school students has been a great fit for Brown-Luke. “I like to have high school students because it’s the end of their education before going out into the world. They are old enough to be independent but they still turn to you for answers about what’s to come.” One area students get to U Amy Brown-Luke teaches social studies courses at Urbandale High School. Photos by Morgan Parkhurst. explore in social studies is post-secondary education. As an AP social studies teacher, Brown-Luke guides students during this process. “The AP path in social studies is rigorous and gives students the opportunity to see what college courses might be like,” she says. Furthermore, students have the opportunity through AP coursework to earn college credits while still in high school. A goal of the social studies department is for students to become involved with their community while still in high school. Student Senate provides that opportunity. Brown-Luke is one of two sponsors for the program, overseeing student activities. Activities include homecoming, prom and graduation. Students also support philanthropic efforts, including the Winter Warmth Drive, a program to gather warm clothes to be given to those in need. “We want students to know who they are, where they come from, and where the future might be,” she says. Q What do you like best about class? Logan Vance: “She is fun to be with.” 20 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale Emily Mefford: “It’s a fun environment.” Keegan Perez: “She plans a lot of activities for us.” OUT AND ABOUT AND FULL CATERING for 10 to 1,000! FRUIT & CHEESE Ï VEGGIE Ï SANDWICH Ï WRAPS Ï PINWHEELS 222.9338 ordered delivery scheduled inthebag-lunches.com A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for WineShop at Home at the Urbandale Chamber office on Nov. 10. Winter Weekend Getaway BOREDOM BUSTING FUN! Jan. 24 & 25th Four classes available: sPine Needle Baskets sWelded Garden Sculptures sQuilt Making sWood Carving Webster City, IA Sign up on our website: l e g a cy l e a r n i n g b r v. o r g Dave Russell and Tiffany Tokarz at the ribbon cutting for WineShop at Home at the Urbandale Chamber office on Nov. 10. Resolve to Get Your Financial Life in Shape This Year! Schedule a complimentary coaching session with Frank. FRANK MOKOSAK * Financial Coach 515-223-5404 Emily Meng, Sherry Ryan and Jessica Marcantel at the Urbandale Chamber luncheon at the Sheraton West Des Moines on Dec. 17. [email protected] What kind of investor are you? Take a FREE quiz on our website. Ashland Point Bldg. | 2900 100th St., Ste. 102 in Urbandale www.MokosakAdvisoryGroup.com | 515.223.5404 * Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Brian Hilgenberg, Brenna Young and Katie Wheeler at the Urbandale Chamber luncheon Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. &DPEULGJHDQG0RNRVDN$GYLVRU\*URXSDUHQRWDIÀOLDWHG at the Sheraton West Des Moines on Dec. 17. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 21 OUT AND ABOUT Business After Hours The Urbandale Chamber’s High 5 Business After Hours was sponsored by Midland Credit Union at Friedrich’s Coffee on Nov. 13. Steve Olejniczak, Adam Tolander and Trevin Quandt Daniel Meyer and Matthew Kenny Susan Dunn and Michele Reeves Denise Boring and Emily Meng Randy Pelham and Chandler Faldet Gary Meyer and Dave Russell Daniel, Gary and Colleen Meyer Mary Russell and Tim Hintz Lacey Gilles, Dan Halstead, Tony Rvordan and CC Shivvers 22 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale HOME PLANS Pineville raftsman-style windows and a trio of gables give the compact Pineville an inviting front facade. Its covered porch makes an ideal location for an old-fashioned porch swing. Inside and out, the entire right side of the cottage is devoted to the enjoyment of food-related activities, guaranteed to be popular in any family. Its large sunny nook is up front, just to the right of the entry. Light washes in through windows on two sides. A pocket door opens into the step-saving kitchen, where appliances, cabinets and counters wrap around four sides. This room, in turn, is open to the dining area at the rear, across a long peninsular counter rimmed by a raised eating bar. Plenty of natural light brightens the dining area as well. It has a wide side window plus sliding glass doors at the back that lead out onto yet another possible eating venue. The partially covered patio could be outfitted for warm-weather dining. Private spaces fill out the left side of the home. These include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a utility room that links with the two-car garage. A storage closet and a coat closet line the hallway into this area. If the front bedroom/study is used as a home office, the addition of an exterior door could allow direct access from the porch. Visit AssociatedDesigns.com for more information or to search our home plans. A review plan of the Pineville 30-937, including floor plans, elevations, section, and artist’s conception, can be purchased for $25. Q C www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 23 OUT AND ABOUT A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzeria in Urbandale on Nov. 5. Megan Tell, Mason Tell, Evan Tell, Brett Tell and Dave Russell at the ribbon cutting for Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzeria in Urbandale on Nov. 5. AJ Johnson and Mayor Bob Andeweg at the ribbon cutting for Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzeria in Urbandale on Nov. 5. John Irving, Dave Russell, HA Gross, Susan Bonnicksen and Michele Reeves at the ribbon cutting for Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzeria in Urbandale on Nov. 5. Joleen Mahaffey and Megan Tell at the ribbon cutting for Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzeria in Urbandale on Nov. 5. Rhonda and CJ Marx at the ribbon cutting for Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzeria in Urbandale on Nov. 5. Greg Nolan and Ben Buenzow at the ribbon cutting for Sam & Louie’s New York Pizzeria in Urbandale on Nov. 5. Bob Beckman, Jack Jones and Harold Bergman at the Veteran’s Day program held at The Reserve in Urbandale on Nov. 11. Dick Ledding, Al Nielsen and Lee Roy at the Veteran’s Day program held at The Reserve in Urbandale on Nov. 11. Emery Bottelson and Lynn Feaster at the Veteran’s Day program held at The Reserve in Urbandale on Nov. 11. Tiffany Tokarz and Kathy Wetrich at the ribbon cutting for WineShop at Home at the Urbandale Chamber office on Nov. 10. 24 Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale OUT AND ABOUT Chamber luncheon The Urbandale Chamber held its monthly luncheon at the Sheraton West Des Moines on Dec. 17. Drake’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Ray Giacoletti and Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Jennie Baranczyk spoke to the group about leadership. David Russell and Bill Grund Stephanie Gerleman and Karen Lantz Ryan Harris and Aimee Schmidt David Nesbit and Brenda Mullane Sharon Bauer and Lori Taschner Dean Burtch and Jodi Valentine Katie Wheeler and Scott Arnburg Mike Veigulis and Lisa Hanrahan Karen Shattuck and Blake Wernimont Michael Wieskamp and Gary Hull Shelby Jacobs and Elizabeth Presutti www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living 25 CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT SALE, Mon., Jan. 19, 2015 at 9 A.M. Consign early by Jan. 5, 2015 for complete advertising. No Small Items, Tires or Pallet Items Accepted After Friday, Jan. 9. Gilbert’s Sale Yard, LLC, 641-398-2218. 2 Mi. N. of Floyd, IA On Hwy. 218. Tractor House Internet Bidding Available. www.gilbertsaleyard.com HORSE SALE: Belle Plaine Western Exchange, Belle Plaine, IA. Next Scheduled Sale: Saturday, January 10, 2015. Tack 10 a.m., Horses immediately following. Sale 2nd Saturday of every month. 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I’m glad they’re in the neighborhood and I look forward to working with them whenever I can.” Hwy. 141 SHADE TREE AUTO + SE Miehe Dr. Customer-focused service SE 37th St. I-80/35 -Mike Vaughn, BDI Signs 515.986.5241 3%-IEHE$Rs'RIMES WWW3HADE4REE!UTOBIZs3ERVICE 3HADE4REE!UTOBIZ /PEN-ONDAY&RIDAYAMPM YEARMILEWARRANTY 2012 & 2013 AAA “Top Shop” Award Recipient www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale Urbandale Living JANUARY | 2015 Happy New Year! FROM THE AREA’S LARGEST RESIDENTIAL SALES TEAM Local Market Stats by Ted Grandquist Johnston/Urbandale Managing Broker CAN YOU AFFORD A HOME? Contact me to help you find out! [email protected] I’d like to introduce myself! I am the managing broker here at Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group, REALTORS Northpark office. We are a fun and ambitious group and work hard for our clients. In fact, our listings are selling for 97% of asking price thanks to our great group of agents! Give us a call and see if we can help you sell your home! Johnston Total sold in 2014 : 386* Average sale price : $263,056* Average days on market : 80* Average price per sq ft : $139.69* Katina Gass Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS# 488050 Office 515-224-3065 Cell 515-490-9879 Urbandale Total sold in 2014 : 879* Average sale price : $253,368* Average days on market : 73* Average price per sq ft : $138.13* *MLS data for Dallas, Polk and Warren Counties URBANDALE & JOHNSTON’S LARGEST RESIDENTIAL SALES TEAM 515-224-5252 8825 Northpark Ct., Johnston www.cbdsm.com JANUARY | 2015 Urbandale Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/urbandale