The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) held its November 2019, regular, monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Perhaps the most interesting portion of the meeting was a presentation from Steve Nelson-Vaux, a volunteer historian, with a passion for Des Moines parks.
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Steve Nelson-Vaux, a volunteer passionate about history and parks
presents on Chamberlain Park history November 19, 2019 |
Nelson-Vaux took meeting attendees on quite a journey from the glaciers that covered parts of Iowa, to early settlement, and decisions to set aside green space around the city instead of creating one, central park. Besides the many pictures and resources he shared at the meeting, Nelson-Vaux recommended a history presentation about Chamberlain Park (created in 2016) that can be found online at the city's website (
link here).
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Welcome Wagon presents on progress made and future
ideas during the WHO meeting Nov. 19, 2019 |
The night's other presentation was from the Welcome Wagon (Welcome Committee) about the work they have made so far this year. Highlights included: conversations and direction the group has gone, initiatives that have already been implemented, upcoming plans for new outreach, and what it means to be a welcoming group. An immediate step will be taken next month at the December WHO meeting (12/17/19) where there will be a workshop/activity neighbors and attendees can participate in around the idea of group-norms and best-practices for being welcoming, inclusive, and productive.
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NBSD officer, Sgt. Yanira Scarlett updates the WHO at
the November, 19, 2019 meeting |
As usual, Sgt. Scarlett of the Des Moines Police Department (a Neighborhood Based Service Delivery officer) shared the latest monthly statistics and crime and prevention updates with neighbors. Woodland Heights is 1 of the 10 neighborhoods under Sgt. Scarlett's purview.
Other business at the Nov. meeting included passing 6 of the 8 proposed bylaw amendments.
At the end of the meeting, neighbors wished each other a Happy Thanksgiving and left the meeting with quite a bit of knowledge about the past and present of Woodland Heights.
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This post typed by Phil.
The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.
Nice job on this post, Phil! Especially appreciated comments on the excellent presentation by Steve Nelson-Vaux and on the Welcome Wagon presentation by Paula Connolly.
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