Woodland Heights Organization

Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Free tax preparation!

2012-01-18T08:21:00.000-06:00

If you earned $50,000 or less in 2011, you can receive FREE tax preparation. You also may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This is your money to keep and save. Call 2-1-1 for more information. 2-1-1 is free and available 24/7.

What to bring:

Proof of identification
Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security
Administration
Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
Current year’s tax package if you received one
Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

Where to go:

Des Moines:

Park Fair Mall at 100 East Euclid, Lower Level (Des Moines Housing office)
Starts March 1st
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-3:30
Open March and April only

DMACC:

Urban and Ankeny Campus
By appointment only . Call 2-1-1 for location information and to schedule an appointment.

This list is subject to change. Please call 2-1-1 for the most current information.

Refund:
If you made $50,000 or less, you may be eligible for....

$5,666: Maximum amount, with three or more qualifying children
$5,036: Maximum amount, with two qualifying children.
$3,050: Maximum amount, with one qualifying child.
$457: Maximum amount, with no children.
$1,491: The average refund amount in 2011!

7:00 p.m. meeting tonight

2012-01-17T12:53:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to attend the January meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization at Callanan Middle School tonight, Tuesday, January 17th at 7 pm.
We will be discussing plans for the Woodland Heights and Ingersoll Revitalization.

Please attend and bring your ideas.

See you Tuesday at 7 pm.

Holiday Party, A Smashing Success

2011-12-16T09:40:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the Woodland Heights Christmas Party this week.

We had a great time playing BINGO, eating LOTS of great food and catching up. A special thanks to Councilman Skip Moore and Officer Vincent Valdez for attending the festivities.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone.

11/21 - City Council Meeting Tonight at 4:30 p.m.

2011-11-21T14:21:00.002-06:00

The decision regarding the Neighborhood Revitalization Project which Woodland Heights has been recommended for, will go to the City Council for a vote THIS AFTERNOON, Monday, Nov 21st. The Council meeting begins at 4:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 400 Robert D Ray Drive.

We need WOODLAND HEIGHTS residents all who will all benefit from a portion of the $2 million we are hoping to receive to attend this afternoon / evening session of the Des Moines City Council. Our presence needs to influence the city council that we care enough to show up and be counted!!!

Reminder: Neighborhood Selection Dates

2011-11-15T11:36:00.000-06:00

From Neighborhood Development Division -

Just a reminder that the decision regarding neighborhood selection will go to City Council on Monday, Nov 21st. The Council meeting begins at 4:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 400 Robert D Ray Drive.

The Polk County Board of Supervisors will also vote to approve neighborhood selection. I will give a presentation at their workshop on Wednesday, Nov 16 at 9:30 am. The vote will take place on Tuesday, Nov 29 at 9:30 am. Both meetings are held in the County Admin Building at 111 Court Ave, Room 120.

I would encourage all neighborhoods to send representatives to these meetings, particularly if you are being recommended for selection. There may be an opportunity for you to comment, and it is always good for the elected officials to see neighborhood groups out in support of the recommendation.

Meeting Tonight!

2011-11-15T06:30:00.000-06:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312).

Hope to see you there!

Our President, Doug on Channel Five

2011-11-04T13:32:00.001-05:00

Check out the news story that featured our very own Doug McBride. Woodland Heights is going to be an exciting place to live in during the next few years -- and BEYOND! Beginning mid-2012, the neighborhood will begin working with an ISU graduate student to chart out projects to enhance our neighborhood (because we were selected for the grant!!). Items that we identified during the grant application process to tackle include (but is not limited to

Woodland Heights Cemetary fence
Chamberlain Park enhancements
Gateway beautification
Bike trails
Linden Street enhancements
Much, much more!

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Here's a note from Doug:
Congratulations to all of us who put together the presentation that lead the way to our being accepted into the Neighborhood Revitalization Program.

I want to recognize the following residents for their efforts to lead the way to the revitalization of Woodland Heights. The neighborhood owes these people a great debt of gratitude for their tremendous amount of hard work and commitment.

Lyla Dozier
Barry Tofteland
Laura Tofteland
Doug McBride
Carol Lewis
Dan Robbins

Also, thank you to the city of Des Moines and the NRB for all their work in putting together this opportunity for the selected neighborhoods. When we all work together, revitalization works.

Meeting Tonight!

2011-10-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312).

Hope to see you there!

Next Steps - Grant Money

2011-10-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Come out and support the neighborhood!

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Thank you all for your excellent presentations to the Neighborhood Revitalization Board (NRB). We appreciate the time and effort that you have put into this application process. It is clear that each of you has a strong commitment to improving your neighborhood…which makes our decision a tough one!

Now that the presentations are complete, Neighborhood Development staff will prepare a recommendation to present to the NRB that will take into consideration City and other resources available, as well as the strength of the applications and neighborhood groups. The contacts for each neighborhood will receive a copy of this recommendation around the end of October.

The NRB will discuss the staff recommendation and make a decision about which neighborhoods to select at their regular meeting on November 2nd. This meeting begins at 5:00 pm in the St Etienne Conference room of the Armory building (the same room where presentations were held). Neighborhood representatives are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting.

After the NRB makes a decision, their recommendation will be forwarded on to the City Council and Polk County Board of Supervisors for their review and approval. Again, neighborhoods are welcome to attend. The dates and times are tentatively scheduled for:

Monday, Nov 21, 4:00 pm – City Council (Council Chambers, City Hall, 400 Robert D Ray Drive)
Tuesday, Nov 29, 9:30 am – Polk County Board of Supervisors (County Administration Building, 111 Court Ave Room 120)

As always, please let any of our staff know if you have questions.

Amber Lynch
City Planner
Neighborhood Development Division
City of Des Moines
602 Robert D. Ray Drive
515-283-4223 (phone)
amlynch@dmgov.org

10/13 - IMPORTANT MEETING TONIGHT FOR GRANT $

2011-10-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Our presentation begins at 7:40 pm this evening at the Armory Building 602 Robert D Ray Drive, St. Etienne Conference Room (basement level)

The presentation is Powerpoint and will be given by Barry Tofteland.

Laura Tofteland, Barry Tofteland, Dan Robbins, Carol Lewis, Lyla Dozier and Doug McBride did all the research and work to make this a very informative and incredible presentation.

Try to be there by 7:30 if at all possible. This will help determine how much and if we get a share of the two million dollars available to us.

The more Woodland Heights residents that show up, the better chance we have at receiving the grant money for our neighborhood.

If you have ever cared at all about what happens to our neighborhood, you will be there to support everyone in Woodland Heights.

We will see you tonight!

--------------------------------
Neighborhood leaders:

Thank you for your interest and application to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program! Please read the information below carefully.

The next step in the process is for each neighborhood to make a presentation to the Neighborhood Revitalization Board (NRB) and City staff. The NRB is a citizen board that oversees our program and advises City Council. Instructions for the presentation are as follows:

Date: Thursday, October 13, 2011

Time: 5:30-8:30 pm – SEE ATTACHED FOR YOUR SPECIFIC TIME.
Location: Armory Building 602 Robert D Ray Drive, St. Etienne Conference Room (basement level)
Other Instructions:
- Please plan to arrive and be ready to present at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Presentations should be limited to 10 minutes so that there is time for questions. The presentation should explain how your neighborhood has changed and why you would like to update your plan, how your neighborhood organization will engage other stakeholders in the process, and demonstrate how your neighborhood organization will take a leading role in plan implementation. (Basically a summary of your application.)
- You may bring as many members of your neighborhood as you would like. Just please limit the presentation to about 10 minutes.
- A laptop and projector will be available for those that would like to use it. A power point is not required. If you do plan to use a power point or pdf presentation, you must bring it on a USB/flash drive.
- Copies of your application have already been provided to the NRB members. You do not need to bring additional copies. Other handouts are not necessary.

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Amber Lynch

City Planner
Neighborhood Development Division
City of Des Moines
602 Robert D. Ray Drive
515-283-4223 (phone)
amlynch@dmgov.org

Meeting Tonight!

2011-09-20T06:30:00.001-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312) in their cafeteria.

We will be discussing our upcoming presentation to Community Development concerning our new Neighborhood Plan.This plan concerns every aspect of Woodland Heights over the next 20 years.

Please attend and help us construct a new plan that will benefit every resident of Woodland Heights.

Tell your neighbors and bring them with you, this is very important.

Hope to see you there!

9/20; 7:00 p.m. IMPORTANT MEETING TO ATTEND

2011-09-15T10:56:00.000-05:00

PLEASE ATTEND…

… the September meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization. We will be meeting at Callanan Middle School in their lunchroom cafeteria.

The meeting is this coming TUESDAY, September 20th and begins at 7:00 pm.

We will be discussing our upcoming presentation to Community Development concerning our new Neighborhood Plan.

This plan concerns every aspect of Woodland Heights over the next 20 years.

Please attend and help us construct a new plan that will benefit every resident of Woodland Heights.

Tell your neighbors and bring them with you, this is very important.

DON'T FORGET TO GO … SEE YOU THERE !!!!

Discount Available for Shade Trees

2011-09-13T14:49:00.002-05:00

The Plant Some Shade Tree Distribution Program takes place on October 8, 2011. Please visit http://www.greatoutdoorsfund.org/shadetree.html if you are interested.

You may also call Polk County Conservation (323-5300) or email Matt Brewer at Matt.Brewer@dnr.iowa.gov.

Minutes from August 16 2011 Meeting

2011-09-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

Woodland Heights Organization - Regular Meeting
August 16, 2011

Meeting called to order my President Doug McBride 7:02pm.

All present introduced themselves.

Present was Ted Irvine, owner of The Mansion located at 2801 Ingersoll Ave and member of Restoration Ingersoll Board. Ingersoll District borders seven neighborhoods. Their focus is on beautifying street curb to buildings. Working on establishing TIF district to include Ingersoll and Grand Avenue as well as commercial property including apartment buildings north of Ingersoll. They anticipate an approximately $20 million total project. Also working with DART for a high-frequency bus route from down-town to new depot and downtown which would be a $40 million project.

Lyla Dosier was elected by the members present to represent the WHO with the Restoration Ingersoll Board.

Parks representative gave brochures promoting Des Moines’ new dog park. They spent $25,000 on restoration of monuments at Woodland Cemetery during the last year. Unleashed dogs and owners that don’t clean up after their dogs at Woodland Cemetery was discussed.

The members present discussed information to include on the neighborhoods application for the Neighborhood Revitalization Program.

Brain-stormed answers to application questions are summarized:

1) Why does your neighborhood organization want to participate in the Pilot Charter Neighborhoods Program? Please list specific goals or outcomes that you would like to achieve.

Answers: Improve aesthetics. Collaborate with existing and future projects. Landscaping. Address corridors such as Ingersoll, 28th Street, Woodland Avenue, MLK Avenue. Make MLK more pedestrian/bike friendly. Fence along Woodland Avenue cemetery.

2) How has your neighborhood changed over the past ten years, or since the original plan was completed?

Answers: Improving housing stock from 65% needing rehab to 35% needing improvement. Chamberlain Park is new. 17 Row houses are new. 32 brand new homes in-filled architectural style. MLK Avenue improvements. Ingersoll improvements. Three historic districts were recognized. Non-owner occupied property cut in half. New sewer, street, etc.

3) Do you feel the majority of your original neighborhood plan objectives have been accomplished?

Answer: Yes. Bike trail does not traverse neighborhood is one exception.

4) Are there parts of your original neighborhood plan that you want to update, and why?

Answers: Linden Street needs restoration. Want reduce apathetic landlords and neglected property. Make Chamberlain Park more conducive to public gatherings. Perhaps utilize public works property for parking on the south side of the park. Flowers, shrubs, etc. could be planted to beautify the park as well as brick flowerbeds.

5) What new opportunities for improvement or areas of concern would you like to work on through this process?

Answer: Work with HUD and banks on foreclosed homes that are currently vacant in the neighborhood due to the recent recession.

6)What have been the major accomplishments of your organization? What are you most proud of achieving?

Answers: Historic district designation. In-fill housing. Reduction of crime. (We need to get statistics from police department.) Rawlins street and Pleasant St paving.

7) What are the challenges facing your neighborhood that you believe the neighborhood organization is unable to resolve on its own? Why?

Answers: Linden Street revitalization. Pleasant Street 26th to 28th sidewalks need to be installed. Trees on public property and parking. Why: Funding.

8) How will your neighborhood organization take a leadership role in this process?

For example, involving residents and stakeholders in the process, providing regular communication updates.

Answer: Email, neighborhood meetings, newsletter. Collaborating with Restoration Ingersoll Board, other neighborhoods, police, parks board, etc.

After brainstorming session Lyla Dozier moved to apply for grant and application for new neighborhood plan which was seconded by Dan Robbins. Motion approved unanimously by all present.

Forty-seven dollars was donated by members present to the WHO via the donation box at the meeting.

Meeting was adjourned 8:58 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Barry M. Tofteland, treasurer

9/11 - FREE Des Moines Art Center Event (Rose Garden and Kids Activities)

2011-09-01T12:48:00.000-05:00

The City of Des Moines Park and Recreation Department invites you to gather your family and friends to enjoy a special Grand Parent’s Day at Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden on September 11.

The event will be held from 1pm to 4pm and will feature kids’ crafts and activities, live music, refreshments available to purchase from Caio Catering, informational facts about the garden, croquet, local artists and much more! The Art Center will be open throughout the event, and we encourage participants to visit the displays. The center also offers a Family Fun Time station that encourages family interaction as you learn about the Art Center and its galleries. The station is located in the lobby.

There is no admission for this event to visit the Des Moines Art Center. Participants are encouraged to park at the rose garden entrance.

If you have any questions concerning the event, contact Kyra Romig (515-283-4294) or Tim Smith (515-248-6314).

Meeting Tonight!

2011-08-16T06:30:00.001-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Dahl's cafeteria on Ingersoll.

Hope to see you there!

Emergency meeting tonight - 7:00 p.m.

2011-08-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to join us!

A large amount of money has been made available to Des Moines neighborhoods based on a grant the city received. The Department of Community Development asks that interested neighborhoods create a Neighborhood Plan focusing on issues in their neighborhood. Three or four neighborhoods in Des Moines will get accepted into this program.

We have three weeks to create a committee, discuss what needs attention in Woodland Heights and put together a 15 minute presentation.

We are meeting tonight (Friday, August 5th) at the cafeteria in Dahl's on Ingersoll at 7:00 p.m.

Anyone and everyone who wants to attend is encouraged to do so, as long as you reside and/or work in the Woodland Heights Neighborhood.

8/5 - Emergency Meeting Planned (7:00 p.m.)

2011-08-04T17:31:00.000-05:00

A large amount of money has been made available to Des Moines neighborhoods based on a grant the city received. The Department of Community Development asks that interested neighborhoods create a Neighborhood Plan focusing on issues in their neighborhood. Three or four neighborhoods in Des Moines will get accepted into this program.

We have three weeks to create a committee, discuss what needs attention in Woodland Heights and put together a 15 minute presentation.

We are calling an emergency board meeting for Friday, August 5th at the cafeteria in Dahl's on Ingersoll at 7:00 p.m.

We will assemble a committee and take suggestions for items to be included in our new Neighborhood Plan.

Anyone and everyone who wants to attend is encouraged to do so, as long as you reside and/or work in the Woodland Heights Neighborhood.

Neighborhood Party is Tonight

2011-08-02T07:05:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to join us for National Night Out! It's a great opporunity to grab dinner and socialize with your neighbors.

Time: 5 pm to 8 pm.
Where: Covered shelter at Chamberlain Park corner of M L King and Woodland Avenue.

Dinner is provided - hot dogs, chips, salads, cookies and cold beverages. New playground equipment for children of all ages. Live music, door prizes and it's all FREE !!

High Street Neighbors: Be Advised

2011-08-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

Water Valves = Tripping Hazard = Homeowner Responsibility/Liability

Lyla Dozier (WHO Board Member) walked the entire length of High Street with two city engineers and Bill Stwoe, Director of Public Works this past week (7/25). The primary reason for the walk was the issue of protruding water shut off valves and caps that have been set into the concrete sidewalks. When they were set into the concrete late last fall they were set at or slightly below sidewalk grade level, but due to "frost heave" some of the valves and caps are now protruding above the sidewalk in excess of half and inch. City code states that there cannot be a deflection in excess of three quarters of an inch.

In general, it is the homeowners responsibility to:

Make sure that the sidewalk in front of their home is a safe and viable surface.
Have these water shut off valves set at the proper level.

During the walk, when possible, one of the city engineers pounded down the protruding valves. In the cases where the value could not be pounded down, the city will come out and cut the concrete to alow the valve to be set at or slightly below the sidewalk. They will only do this once.

Most of the water shut off connections are in the sodded parking area between the steet and the sidewalk. When the homeowner didn't have a sound, viable water pipe to connect to (e.g. old pipe that is corroded), the valves needed to be set in into the sidewalk. This was so the installer could cut back the old pipe and make a more solid, sound connection. Please note: the water service from the "stopbox" or water shut off valve to the house is the homeowner's responsibility.

Tree Selection
The homeowners on High Street will see that additional work will be done as far as these sidewalk issues. Tree replanting is also an issue, the city will be recommending what types of trees will be replanted and where they should be replanted. The homeowners on High Street need to be part of this process. When the city meets with the Woodland Heights Organization to decide what trees and where they will go, homeowners should come to that meeting to express their wants and desires for the replanting.

Tuesday, August 2nd - Free Dinner (National Night Out!)

2011-08-01T11:29:00.000-05:00

National Night Out celebration is being held at Chamberlain Park at the corner of 22nd and Woodland Avenue, one block West of M L King on Woodland Avenue. Start time is 5 pm and lasts to 8 pm.

PLEASE ATTEND!!!

There will be plenty of food and drink for all the Woodland Heights neighbors who attend. There is a playgrond for children and a drawing for door prizes. Please come and visit with your neighbors this Tuesday night, August 2nd at Chamberlain Park!!!

FOOD DONATIONS PROVIDED BY THESE WONDERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES….

Ted's Coney Island
Scotish Rite
Hy Vee Fleur Drive
Hy Vee Winsor Heights
Old Dutch Potato Chips
Great Harvest Bakery
Dahl's Foods Ingersoll
Gateway Market
Doug McBride PhotoCinema

Please support our local businesses that support us!

Meeting Tonight

2011-07-19T06:30:00.002-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

We'll be we'll be at Dahl's cafeteria on Ingersoll from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Special guests will be:

Sgt. Joe Gonzales: Head of the Des Moines Police NBSD Division
Vincent Valdez: The new Woodland Heights NBSD Police Officer
Deanna Clausen: The representative from Parks & Recreation newly assigned to our neighborhood

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, 8/2 - National Night Out

2011-07-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars for National Night Out! It's a great opporunity to grab dinner and socialize with your neighbors.

Date: Tuesday, 8/2
Time: 5 pm to 8 pm.
Where: Covered shelter at Chamberlain Park corner of M L King and Woodland Avenue.
Dinner is provided - hot dogs, chips, salads, cookies and cold beverages. New playground equipment for children of all ages. Live music, door prizes and it's all FREE !!

Hope to see you there!

Review DART’s proposed new transit system

2011-07-09T13:30:00.000-05:00

Below is a message from Elizabeth Presutti, DART General Manager

***************
DART is on the verge of great change – a complete redesign of the transit system in Greater Des Moines.

We hope you will take the time to review the proposed improvements, detailed in the DART Forward 2035 Recommendations, at one of nine public meetings this month. A schedule is below.

We heard from many of you at public meetings and in an online survey this spring, when you gave us your input on what you thought public transit needed to be over the next 25 years. Three investment strategies stood out: You want DART to serve more places, you want quicker travel times, and you want more frequent service.

We kept this in mind in drafting the DART Forward 2035 Recommendations. Now, we want to know what you think of the proposed new transit system. In addition, we’ve identified five transit corridors for possible enhanced transit service. We’d like your feedback on those, as well.

Please join us at one of the upcoming public meetings. Language and transportation services are available upon request by calling DART Schedule Information at 515-283-8100.

If you are unable to attend one of the public meetings, please send us your comments by email (dartforward2035@ridedart.com), fax (515-283-8135) or mail (DART, Attn: DART Forward 2035, 1100 DART Way, Des Moines, IA 50309).

More details about the DART Forward 2035 Recommendations will be available online at www.ridedart.com/dart-forward-2035.cfm starting Monday, July 18th.

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you at the meetings.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Presutti
DART General Manager

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JULY PUBLIC MEETINGS – DART Forward 2035

MONDAY, JULY 18

• 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines
• 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Kirkendall Public Library, 1210 NW Prairie Ridge Drive, Ankeny

TUESDAY, JULY 19

• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines
• 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Des Moines South Side Library, 1111 Porter Avenue, Des Moines

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

• 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Northside Senior Center, Park Fair Mall, 100 East Euclid Avenue, Suite 107, Des Moines
• 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Merle Hay Mall, 3850 Merle Hay Road, Northside Meeting Room, Des Moines

THURSDAY, JULY 21

• 11:30 p.m. – 1 p.m., Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines
• 5 p.m. – 6 :30 p.m., West Des Moines Community Center, South Dining Room, 217 5th Street, West Des Moines
• 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th Street, Urbandale

New Officer for Neighborhood

2011-07-08T13:59:00.000-05:00

Please help us welcome our new neighborhood police officer, Sergeant Vincent Valdez. You can contact him directly with concerns or issues in the neighborhood.

Office 515 283-4966
Cell 515-971-0786

Julye 26, Jazz Concert on Terrace Hill's Front Lawn

2011-07-07T13:27:00.000-05:00

Bring a blanket, picnic basket, and refreshments and listen to “hot jazz” of the 1910’s and 1920’s on Terrace Hill’s front lawn! Park on Forest Dr. or Iowa Lottery ParkingTuesday, July 26
6:00 p.m.

Freaturing: Ballyhoo Foxtrot Orchestra

Be careful, watch for suspicious activity

2011-07-06T13:26:00.000-05:00

There have there have been break-ins and attempted break-ins in our area. The police are aware of it and ask that all neighbors be vigilant and keep an eye out and please call 911 if anyone sees anything suspicious.

ALSO: Sgt. Joe Gonzales of the NBSD called to say that Robin Sprafka (our current neighborhood officer) retired yesterday.

We do not have an officer currently assigned to our neighborhood, but patrols are still being made by other officers.

Sgt. Gonzales will speak at out July meeting at 7 pm on July 19th at Dahl's on Ingersoll cafeteria.

If you have any questions concerning our neighborhood in particular, contact me by email or phone and I will forward the information to the appropriate department. Thank you.

Doug McBride, President
515-279-7633

Don't Forget: Mayor speaking TONIGHT at Mickle Center

2011-06-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

Mayor Frank Cownie will be Des Moines Neighbors' speaker 7 PM on June 23rd. The mayor was asked to present his vision of how Des Moines Neighbors and local neighborhoods can impact the quality of living in Des Moines. Topics will cover ways neighborhood associations can have greater influence on decisions made by the City Council, activities in the neighborhoods that contribute to Des Moines, and resources that may be available to neighborhoods.

The meeting will be at the Bob Mickle Center 1620 Pleasant Street.

Meeting Tonight

2011-06-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Dahls on Ingersoll for the summer months.

Hope to see you there!

This Thursday (6/23): Mayor Cownie to Speak at DSM Neighbors' Meeting

2011-06-20T17:30:00.000-05:00

Cindy Christian Chair
Jeff Johannsen Treasurer
Don Vines donvines_mondamin@msn.com At-Large
Marty Mauk Vice Chair
William Schoenenberger At-Large

For more information about Des Moines Neighbors, go to: http://dmneighbors.org/.

Dahls on Ingersoll = New Meeting Spot

2011-06-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

For at least the summer months, (June, July and August) our meetings will be held in the Dahls cafeteria.

Meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

Betty Duncan, Neighbor and Dynamic Woman of the Year

2011-05-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

Betty Duncan, a resident of Woodland Heights, was honored on May 12th by being named Dynamic Woman of the Year by friends of the Forest Avenue Library.

Betty graduated from Drake University and taught at Des Moines schools before working for Meredith Corp which she retired from.

Betty has been a great asset to the Woodland Heights neighborhood and we are honored to know her.

Betty said she learned the art of volunteering from Evelyn Davis. Congratulations to Betty Duncan for all her years of volunteering to groups in the Des Moines area.

Source: Des Moines Register West Edition.

Meeting Tonight

2011-05-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312).

Hope to see you there!

Tour d'Ingersoll (Bike Ride) - Tuesday May 24th

2011-05-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

Tour d'Ingersoll is coming up, 10 am to 2 pm May 24th. The ride is sold out with 17 individuals partcipating.

About Ingersoll Ave
Ingersoll Avenue, the an established neighborhood business district and thoroughfare to the west of downtown Des Moines, is named for Ebenezer Jared Ingersoll, the president of Hawkeye Insurance Company, the State Savings Bank, and the Board of Trade, all in Des Moines. He somehow found time to operate several farms and raise thoroughbred stock. During her research, historian Kaye Sanchez found this description of Ingersoll: “Person of athletic build, nervous, lymphatic temperament, brusque and plain of speech, often using vigorous swearwords, but his purse was always open to people in need.” “He was known for his tenderness and sympathetic nature.”

The safe, affordable, convenient, tree-lined neighborhoods along Ingersoll remain popular today due to their close proximity to shops, restaurants, downtown, the bus line, well-established churches, quality schools, and historic architecture.

Preserving homes and businesses near Ingersoll is important because it provides needed housing stock, avoids having empty lots dot our streets, and maintains a consistent residential appearance representative of our historical neighborhoods.

Since 1998, over $10 million in Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC) loans have been given out to North of Grand residents, another important financial tool to spruce up neighborhoods and curb blight and crime. The NFC is a non-profit mortgage banker that finances the purchase and/or improvements of single and multi-family housing within designated neighborhoods (like repairs to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roof, foundation, siding, windows, doors, garage, sidewalk, driveway, water and erosion control, etc.). The NFC helps by delivering funds from financial institutions, Polk County, and the City of Des Moines to individual homeowners, homebuyers and developers.

Many individuals and leaders have made major investments on Ingersoll Avenue. Generous corporate support, city and state funding, grants and private donations (about $3.4 million) funded the first phase of Restoration Ingersoll. During our lunch stop at Palmer’s, check out the revitalized section between 28th and 31st Streets. Note updated decorative street lighting, widened pedestrian sidewalks, expanded on-street parking, new street trees, benches, bicycle racks, planter urns and flower beds.

Residential and commercial interests along Ingersoll are interdependent. Ingersoll is a mixed-use neighborhood business district in what could be described as an ideal Main Street community, in that it is, according to the Main Street Web site, a place “of shared memory where people still come together to live, work, and play.”

Ingersoll is comprised of many invaluable and irreplaceable historic, cultural and architectural resources. Stakeholders along the Ingersoll corridor are identifying these assets and creating opportunities to engage visitors and residents so these treasures will be around to enhance Des Moines’ west side for several more decades.

About Biking

Iowans are serious about biking. The 37th annual RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, will take place July 24-30, 2011. It is the world’s oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event. http://ragbrai.com. In Des Moines, the 24th Mayor’s Annual Ride for Trails took place a few weeks ago. This popular spring event has raised more than $100,000 for area trail improvements over the past 10 years. http://www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/MAR2011.aspx

Fuel costs and obesity rates are rising, yet most automobile trips are less than 2 miles. Des Moines leaders accept the bicycle as a legitimate form of recreation and transportation. In 2007, the City Council approved goals to become a bicycle-friendly community by adopting complete streets policy, like on Ingersoll Avenue.

Ingersoll, roughly 60 feet wide, with parking on both sides, is an important bus and commuter route. The corridor serves 12,000-17,000 vehicles daily. In 2010, Ingersoll went from four lanes (two in either direction) to one lane in each direction, with a center left-turn lane and bike lanes on both sides of the street, in an effort to improve safety and traffic calming.

According to Livable Streets Coalition, “The goal of traffic calming is to encourage multiple types of transportation (car, bike, walk, and bus) and improve the safety and livability of a neighborhood for all users. What sometimes gets overlooked is that safe, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods are also the types of places where people want to shop, dine-out and own a home. In short, traffic calming improves the economic bottom line for local businesses.”

Des Moines is also building a bike-able community by funding a bicycle and trail master planning effort to improve the community’s bike environment. City park planner Mindy Moore and Des Moines Bicycle Collective (DMBC) president Carl Voss have been invited to ride along with us, and can answer your questions about the Bicycle and Trail Master Plan’s short- and long-term strategies to make cycling a safe, convenient, and attractive travel mode. Read more about the list of recommended bicycle infrastructure projects in the area by going to: http://www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/dmbikeplan/about.

The DMBC is a non-profit organization and vital partner in promoting bicycle use in the area. The DMBC recycles and refurbishes good used bikes, offers classes on bike repair, provides bike safety outreach and training for youth, produces regional trail maps, and promotes cycling as a fun, healthy and sustainable way to get around town. http://www.dsmbikecollective.org/home

In September 2010, Des Moines implemented a pilot project bike rental program called Des Moines B-Cycle. Produced by Trek, these sturdy bikes have a front basket, 3 gears, fenders and an adjustable seat. Outside of Tour d’Ingersoll, anyone may rent B-Cycles at four kiosks. Learn more at http://desmoines.bcycle.com/home.aspx

Read more about bike sharing programs worldwide, at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_sharing_system

SCRUB DAY - SAT JUNE 18th!

2011-05-13T14:47:00.001-05:00

Spring Cleanup to Remove Urban Blight (SCRUB) is coming soon to our neighborhood.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

7:00 a.m. to Noon

Central Presbyterian Church - 39th and Grand Parking Lot

Below are guidelines to be followed (found here):

Proof of Residency Required
Bring Photo ID or Current Utility Bill
No Commercial Haulers Allowed; Commercial Haulers are to use Landfill

SCRUB Items Allowed

Trash containers
General trash including furniture
Lawn mowers without fluids
Televisions, computers
Tires (any size on or off rim)
Appliances - no charge Air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, dehumidifiers, furnaces, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, etc.

ALL Yard Waste needs to be hauled to the MWA Metro Compost Center at 1601 Harriett St. Yard waste is NOT accepted at the neighborhood SCRUB sites. The following yard waste is accepted at the MWA Compost Center:

Brush, tree limbs 24” diameter or less; maximum length 10’
Prunings
Loose leaves
Loose grass clippings
Straw, hay

SCRUB Items Not Allowed

Car batteries
Propane tanks
Toxic liquids such as oil, paint, etc.; toxic or hazardous chemicals - Call Metro Waste Authority’s Regional Collection Center for Household Hazardous Waste at 967-5512 to dispose of these items.

Unloading Procedure

Ask where to unload
Plan to unload your own vehicle within 15 minutes
Place all items in dumpsters or compactors as directed
Clean up your own mess

Vehicle Size - Pickup (Maximum 4’ sideboards), car or small trailer (unless hauler sponsored by a neighborhood).

And, don't forget to stop by our neighborhood bash to enjoy MUSIC. FOOD. FUN that afternoon. Please feel free to bring food or beverages to share

MUSIC! FOOD! FUN!

2011-05-06T14:48:00.001-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and enjoy music, food and fun!!

Saturday, June 18th from 2 to 5 pm
Chamberlain Park at Woodland Avenue and 22nd St.

Woodland Heights Organization invites you and your family to drop by Chamberlain Park on Saturday afternoon, June 18, to meet your Woodland Heights neighbors. Between 2 and 5 PM, we’ll offer live music and eats. Bring the kids along to the playground—they’ll love it. You also can sign up to be placed on the email list for announcements and news about your Woodland Heights neighborhood. Please feel free to bring food or beverages to share.

Chamberlain Park is located at Woodland Avenue and 22nd Street. Parking may be available at the Freedom Financial Bank lot on the corner.

Even if you are not able to come on June 18, you can email our WHO president anytime at WHO@mediacombb.net to be placed on the email list. You also can go to the Woodland Heights Organization website, whodesmoines.blogspot.com, for news and information about your neighborhood.

If you would like to help with preparations for the get-together, or if you have ideas or suggestions, email Jeanne Astor at astor3@earthlink.net.

Meeting Tonight

2011-04-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312).

Hope to see you there!

Meet Our New Officer

2011-03-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

Our new neighborhood Sergeant is: Sgt. Robin Sprafka.

If you notice anything suspisous or have a police-related concern, please contact her:

(515)208-6211
rasprafka@dmgov.org

Notice: No March Meeting

2011-03-14T11:38:00.002-05:00

Since the Des Moines school district will be on Spring Break on March 15th, there will be no Woodland Heights March meeting.

We normally meet at Callanan Middle School lunchroom, but the school will be closed this Tuesday.

Plan on attending the next Woodland Heights meeting on April 19th at 7:00 pm.

See you then.

Meeting Tonight

2011-02-15T06:30:00.001-06:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312).

Hope to see you there!

Meeting Tonight

2011-01-18T06:30:00.001-06:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312).

Hope to see you there!

Woodland Heights Christmas Party - 12/14!

2010-12-13T15:11:00.000-06:00

Don't forget the Woodland Heights Christmas Party is this coming Tuesday December 14th at the Mickle Center located at 1620 Pleasant Street.

This is in the Sherman Hill District, just across M L King Parkway from our neighborhood.

PLEASE RSVP to Maxine Watkins at 282-4244 as soon as possible so we can make plans for everyone who attends.

Doors open at 5 pm and the Pot Luck Dinner begins at 6 pm. There are some fantastic prizes being given away also.

We really want to see a lot of our neighbors at the party. This is a great opportunity to spend some time with the people that live in your neighborhood.

We all have a lot of ideas of what should be happening to our neighborhood, this is a great time to share those ideas.

The weather has been perfect for traveling (even a few blocks) so getting there should not be a problem.

If anyone needs a ride call Maxine and we will make arrangements to get you there and back.

Please plan on having a great meal and a wonderful time with all your friends from the Woodland Heights neighborhood.

EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!

BE THERE :)

Call Maxine now at 282-4244

Meeting Tonight

2010-11-16T06:30:00.001-06:00

Get to know your neighbors and attend our monthly meeting tonight!

From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. we'll be at Callahan Elementary School (3010 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312).

Hope to see you there!

City Selling used Computer Equipment

2010-10-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

The City of Des Moines has begun selling its used computer equipment to the public. The prices for availabile equipment are listed below. Not all equipment may be available at any given time. Desktop PC's will include mouse and keyboard. All desktop and laptops for sale have Ubuntu 9.04 (a free version of Linux operating system) installed.

Desktop PC: $50
Laptops: $100
Monitors: $50
Printers: $50

All sales are final, as is, and without warranty / support. To learn more about this offering, go to the Des Moines City website.

Ingersoll Theater is coming back to life in Cuban/Caribbean style

2010-10-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

From the Des Moines Register .... Blog post by Joanne Boeckman • jboeckman@dmreg.com • October 1, 2010

The old Ingersoll Dinner Theater at 3711 Ingersoll Ave. is emerging from its cocoon with a new life as a Caribbean/Cuban restaurant and lounge.

Refurbishing the place has taken almost a year longer than the developers and owners expected, but the wait will be over Oct. 11 when it opens as the Copa Cavana. (Now try to get the melody of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” out of your head.)

The walls of the Copa Cavana have been decorated with wall murals and paintings that give it a tropical feel.

The owners are Americans who have a broad international mix of backgrounds, and include Ankur Amin, Katintha Mwanza, Faisal Samara and Belefia Parks. The chef is Alejandro Alvarado and the bar manager is Dustin Doran. Their goal is to create “the soul of the Caribbean in the heart of Des Moines,” and to create an environment that makes people feel like they’re on vacation, Amin said.

The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner, with a mix of tropical appetizers, such as spicy jerk shrimp, chips with mango salsa, and mariquitas con mojo sauce — sliced, fried plantains with a citrus-based sauce. Cuban sandwiches with a choice of sides will be offered, as will a variety of entrees such as pork, chicken, fish and vegetables.

Lunch prices will range from $8 to $11, and full dinners run up to $16. Sandwiches also will be available in the evening, and a kids’ menu will be offered. Daily lunch and dinner specials not found on the menu will be offered.

A VIP area with a bar has been created in the upstairs balcony area. A house specialty is POG Tai, a creation of light and dark rum, mai tai mix and passion fruit, orange and guava juices.

Total capacity for the place is 393.

About two weeks after the restaurant and bar open, the owners hope to add entertainment that will range from live bands or DJs to plays and musicals. Amin said he is looking for entertainment now.

There is a dance floor in front of the stage. On Sundays, free salsa, tango and merengue lessons will be offered.

Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and the bar is open until 2 a.m. those days.

The facility will be available for rent for special and private events.

The phone number will be 515-277-8000.

Share Your Opinon

2010-09-27T10:03:00.000-05:00

The City currently has the 6-month “follow-up” survey available for the Ingersoll Avenue Restriping project. Click here or access the survey at the City of Des Moines homepage: www.dmgov.org. There is a link under the “Quick Links” section, and it will be available until Sunday, October 4, 2010.

Holiday Greenery

2010-09-17T14:04:00.001-05:00

Decorate this holiday season with FRESH pine and evergreens.

All money raised goes directly to the Woodland Heights Organization to help fund neighborhood efforts, such as beautification, community newsletters, events and much more! Order your holiday decorations by Monday, Nov. 8th and we’ll deliver it to your door before Thanksgiving.

You can help support the neighborhood and have a beautiful decoration for the holidays for as little as $15.00.

Watch for your order form in the next neighborhood newsletter.

Des Moines Marathon Coming Soon

2010-08-17T17:26:00.000-05:00

The Des Moines Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2010 and the route is near our neighborhood. Be sure to watch for road closings the day of the event. Also, consider going out and cheering the racers on. The committee noted at our last neighborhood meeting, that one of the best places to view the event will be at the Drake Stadium.

About the event
"If you like friendly people, fun activities and well organized events, come to the IMT Des Moines Marathon. It should be on every marathoner's to do list," Jeff Galloway, U.S. Olympian and Runner's World editor/columnist.

Race day features the IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon, Bankers Trust Marathon Relay, Principal Financial Group 5K Road Race and Bankers Trust Kids Run presented by Iowa Kidstrong.

Some quick links:

Meeting - 8/17 Moved to Palmers on Ingersoll

2010-08-16T13:26:00.002-05:00

Our monthly meeting for Tuesday, August 17th is moving to Palmers on Ingersoll. The meeting is from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

Don't Miss a Post

2010-07-21T09:14:00.000-05:00

Don't feel like you "need" to check the WHO 'website' to get your information. You can subscribe to the site's RSS Feed and get the information delivered directly to you.

Some more information ....
What is an RSS Feed?
RSS is a method for collecting and distributing news and information.

What is an RSS Reader?
You can read the feeds you subscribe to by using a tool called an aggregate feeder or reader. There are a variety of RSS readers available:
Bloglines
NewsGator
Google Reader
Shrook (for Mac users)

Click on one of the above RSS reader links and set-up an account. Then start subscribing to our feed!

Meeting Tonight - 7/20

2010-07-20T13:15:00.000-05:00

Join us for our monthly meeting at Freedom Financial Bank (corner of Woodland Ave and Martin Luther King) from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

House Project? Consider ReStore.

2010-07-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

ReStore is the place to start all your home improvement projects

It's located at 2341 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA. And, it's hours are:

Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 8am-4pm
Closed Sunday & Monday

A little bit about ReStore - you can shop or donate!

Shop!

ReStore sells new and gently used home improvement materials to the public at discount prices.

All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.
We are proud to provide affordable home improvement materials and be environmentally responsible by promoting reuse.

Donate!

Most materials sold at ReStore are donated from manufacturers, contractors, retailers and homeowners.

Donations accepted during store hours.
Check our web site or call (515-309-0224) for:

- items we accept as donations.
- information about scheduling a donation pickup.
- ways your business can work with ReStore.

Donation receipts are issued for your tax records.

Information taken directly from the ReStore website.

Yard Waste

2010-07-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

If these storms are kicking up some additional yard waste in your yard, consider subscribing to the city's "Premium Yard Waste Program."

This convenient program allows you to collect your yard waste in a 96 or 64 gallon cart similar to the cart used for garbage and recycling. Yard waste is collected year-round in the City on your regular collection day. The monthly cost for a 96 gallon cart is only $10.42 or a 64 gallon cart is only $8.34 and this service is conveniently billed monthly on your Water Works bill.

Think of the savings of this option versus using yard bags and stickers. For more information about this service, read here.

To enroll in the Premium Yard Waste Program or if you have additional questions, you can contact the Public Works 24-Hour Customer Service Center at 283-4950.

Information taken from the Des Moines City Website.

Getting Bitten?

2010-07-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

If you notice too many mosquitos buzzing around, consider contacting the city and requsting the area be sprayed.

There are two ways you can do this:

Completing the online form
Calling the Mosquito Hotline at 515-248-6609 during regular business hours

For more information about standing water issues and mosquitos, go to the Des Moines city website.

Rest Your Car

2010-07-07T13:19:00.003-05:00

Rest Your Car is an incentive program sponsored by the Transportation Management Association (TMA) to encourage commuters to carpool, vanpool, ride the bus, bike, or walk to work a few times a month instead of driving alone. Commuters who participate in the program and use an alternate commute option at least four times per month are eligible for prizes such as $1,000 VISA gift cards - two (2) given away each quarter - and monthly drawings for $75 or $20 Downtown Gift Cards.

Commuters who take part in this program are also eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home.

Go to the Rest Your Car website to enroll and for more information!

Information taken directly from the Rest Your Car website.

Fun at Gray's Lake

2010-07-01T09:47:00.001-05:00

There are a variety of fun classes being held at Gray's Lake, Check them out! And, if you're really up for it, take a walk from our neighborhood over to the lake.

Canoe Lessons

When: Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 10:00:00 AM - Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 10:00:00 AM
Where: Gray's Lake Park
What: $20/class

A full schedule, description of Canoe lessons and registration information can be found at http://www.dmps-adulted.org/classes.html

Intro to Sailing

When: Monday, June 07, 2010 at 10:00:00 AM - Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 10:00:00 AM
Where: Gray's Lake Park
What: Every Monday of the month

A full schedule, description of Sailing lessons and registration information can be found at http://www.dmps-adulted.org/classes.html

Yoga in the Park

When: Every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. from June 5 thru September 25
What: Yoga in the Park
Where: Peninsula Area at Gray's Lake Park

Information found at the City of Des Moines website, (July 1, 2010).

We need your help!

2010-06-16T10:56:00.000-05:00

The Woodland Heights Organization is trying to do its part to continue making Des Moines a wonderful place to live and work. We need your help! We rely strictly on donations and grants to make our neighborhood beautiful and safe for residents and visitors. We’re always looking for donations of any kind! Some examples include:

Monetary Donations. Due to budgeting issues, we can no longer afford to send residents a monthly newsletter. We’d love to re-establish this newsletter and communicate with our neighbors! Your donations could help go towards printing and postage costs. Montary donations can be mailed to: Woodland Heights Organization at P.O. Box 12104, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Advertisements. Promote your local business or service through an ad in our newsletter or on our blog.
Event Donations. Throughout the year we enjoy holding “neighborhood events” to increase loyalty to the area. These types of events could benefit from monetary donations, food donations, prize donations … the list is endless!
Volunteer time. We regularly have activities that require the assistance of everyone, such as landscaping, scrub day activities, grant writing and much, much more!

In order to keep the Woodland Heights neighborhood growing in the right direction, we need the help of our neighbors! Please consider making a donation of any kind.