Chamberlain Park history featured at Nov. meeting

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.

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). 

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.

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.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

WHO featured in local magazine

The Woodland Heights Organization received local media coverage for its newly completed monument sign.

Clip of the November 2019 edition of the
Des Moines Westside Living Magazine

Page 18 of the November 2019 edition of the monthly, Des Moines Westside Living Magazine featured a full-page story on the newly constructed neighborhood sign. 

Read the full edition online here
http://www.dmcityview.com/DesMoinesWestNovember2019/html5/index.html?page=1&noflash

Tammy Pearson's feature recounted the years of planning and executing the project, the sponsorships, and the October 2019 celebration at the sign.  2 pictures are included.



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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.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Sign dedicated, big meeting held, and history supported in October

The Woodland Heights Organization held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the new, neighborhood monument sign on October 9, 2019

Woodland Heights Neighborhood sign ribbon cutting
near MLK & Cottage Grove Oct. 9, 2019

Representatives from the neighborhood, the city, police, business, and community were in attendance to celebrate and show support. Several businesses donated food for a social lunch following the dedication and ribbon cutting. The duration of the project was over 3 years, with final completion occurring in June 2019.

Many people, businesses, and bodies were thanked during the dedicating remarks. This dream would not have become reality without Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Polk County Board of Supervisors (particularly former supervisor, John Mauro); Christine Hensley, retired Des Moines City Council Member; Chris Johansen, city Community Development Director; Alan VanGundy, Simonson Architects; Jensen Builders, General Contractor; Jim Bouma, Fast Signs; Gabe Kauffman, Landscape Lighting Design; and Doug McBride, Woodland Heights Organization project champion and supervisor.

The WHO October monthly meeting was held Tuesday, October 15, 2019. A few things of note occurred at the meeting including hearing from city council and mayoral candidates, a bonus during the NBSD report, and time with a state legislator.

State Senator, Claire Celsi on her pre-legislative-session-listening-tour
at the Woodland Heights Org. monthly meeting Oct. 15, 2019

State Senator, Claire Celsi was a scheduled guest at the meeting, speaking with and listening to Woodland Heights neighbors as part of her district listening tour ahead of the 2020 legislative session which begins in January at the capitol.

DMPD's Sgt. Paul Parizek shares info about WatchDSM with
Sgt. Yanira Scarlett during the WHO meeting Oct. 15, 2019

DMPD Public Information Officer, Sgt. Paul Parizek joined Sgt. Scarlett during the NBSD report at the October meeting. Parezek brought information about the WatchDSM program. This is a community camera program where neighbors can volunteer their camera systems and footage for police review. Parizek stressed that the program is voluntary, protects privacy, and neighbors can turn down video requests at any time. DMPD will not have access to cameras, only registrants’ contact information to inquire about any useful video. Learn more at (dsm.city/watchdsm).

Sgt. Scarlett addressed crime reports, but noted that multiple burglaries that showed up on the crime map did not end up becoming true burglary cases.

Information from Des Moines Historical Society and Des Moines Screetcar Friends

Earlier this month the WHO Board voted to support community efforts to obtain a historic designation for the Des Moines Streetcar turnaround site near 49th Street and University Avenue. This location is not in Woodland Heights, but the board recognized the historical significance streetcars played in the creation and vibrancy of our neighborhood. A trolley barn was previously a prominent feature of the neighborhood at Ingersoll and 24th.





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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.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Inspections, neighborhood projects, and muni candidates at September WHO meeting

The September monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization featured many guests and several exciting announcements and updates.

Woodland Heights Neighborhood monument sign on MLK
near Cottage grove after completion in June 2019

Wednesday, October 9 at 12:15 pm will be the ribbon cutting event, celebrating the completion of the neighborhood monument sign. The sign is located near the intersection of MLK and Cottage Grove. Event parking available in the St. Ambrose Cemetery (enter Woodland Cemetery at entrance and drive North) and on Olive Street.

The monthly WHO meeting, held September 17 at Scottish Rite Park started with the regular welcome and updates from the Welcome Wagon Committee. Then Doug shared info about the monument sign ribbon cutting, Chamberlain Park project, and working with the city on reconstructing the flower garden at 24th and Center St.

City of Des Moines, Neighborhood Inspections Supervisor, Chris Heilskov
speaks to the WHO members September 17, 2019

City of Des Moines Neighborhood Inspections Supervisor, Chris Heilskov brought data to update the WHO on inspections cases open, ongoing, and closed within the neighborhood. There has been some notable progress and we should see some more soon (including removal of gravel and parking in right-of-way area). More hires will be made soon within the inspections department as the budget has increased with new LOSST dollars.

2019 is an election year. Municipal elections in Iowa take place on Tuesday, November 5. Eleven candidates have filed to run for either DM Mayor or an At-Large seat on the DM City Council. Candidates have been invited to introduce themselves to the WHO. Four candidates did that on September 17: candidate for Mayor, Joe Grandanette, and 3 candidates for the At-Large seat: Carl Voss, Shelia Knoploh-Odole, and Ethan Standard. Expect to meet additional candidates at the October monthly WHO meeting 10/15.

Also in attendance in September was sitting DM City Council member, Connie Boesen. To close the meeting should shared updates about the Zoning Code changes and took a couple questions from meeting attendees.

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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.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Schooled at August 2019 WHO meeting

Attendees to the August 20, 2019 Woodland Heights Organization monthly meeting were taken to class.

Callanan Middle School Associate Principal, Ryan Daugherty
speaks to the Woodland Heights Organization August 20, 2019

The meeting's featured guest was one of the Associate Principals from Callanan Middle School, a prominent structure in the Woodland Heights Neighborhood.  Associate Principal, Ryan Daugherty is starting his 6th year as an administrator at Callanan.  He's seen growth in the student population every school year.  Mr. Daugherty shared some of the practices they've implemented at the school, their focus on teaching for jobs that have yet to be envisioned, and things like conative learning (thinking about the 'why' and being purposeful).  Mr. Daugherty also shared some logistical things like dealing with after-school traffic congestion between 3:25 and 3:40 pm.
For more information on Callanan you can visit their website.
All volunteer information is centrally located at the Volunteer page of the DMPS website. 

WHO Board Member William Strong shares
Safety & Inspections Committee update August 20, 2019

Other business conducted during the August meeting included a recap of National Night Out, including feedback for how to improve the event in future years.  A reimbursement request was passed for some of the supplies purchased for the event.

Welcome Wagon Committee's Kirsten
shares welcome and updates August 20, 2019

There were a couple new things that occurred during the August WHO monthly meeting, including using a different side of the meeting room than typical, and starting the meeting with a welcome and update from the Welcome Wagon.

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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.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

2019 NNO event a great success

The Woodland Heights Organization hosted one of many National Night Out events throughout the city of Des Moines, the metro, and the nation on Tuesday, August 6, 2019.  These nation-wide events are held on the first Tuesday in August and is a "... community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.  National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.  Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances." (source: https://natw.org/about/)

Woodland Heights National Night Out @ Chamberlain Park
Tue. August 6, 2019

Thank you to the generous business sponsored who donated much of the food and drink for the evening picnic:
Price Chopper – 3425 Ingersoll Ave.
Gateway Market – 2002 Woodland Ave.
Hy-Vee – 4605 Fleur Dr.
Subway – 3030 Ingersoll Ave.
Bauder’s Ice Cream – 3802 Ingersoll Ave.
Palmer’s Deli & Market – 2843 Ingersoll Ave.
Scottish Rite Park – 2909 Woodland Ave.
Easy Go Conoco – 2723 Grand Ave.
Doug McBride PhotoCinema – 716 26th St.
Teddy Maroon’s – 2301 Ingersoll Ave.

And thank you to the numerous neighborhood volunteers who made the event happen.

More photos can be found at the WHO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/whodesmoines/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2440471862668205

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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.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

2019 National Night Out, Tue. Aug. 6

The 2019 Woodland Heights National Night Out event will be Tuesday, August 6.

This annual tradition occurs the first Tuesday in August.
The WHO event this year will be:
Tue. Aug. 6
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Chamberlain Park (2150 Woodland Ave.)

Free parking available at Freedom Financial Bank (corner of Woodland & MLK)
The Woodland Heights Organization will be grilling hot dogs and be providing side dishes and dessert.  Come hungry.  Feel free to bring your own lawn chair and picnic blanket.  Bring the kids.  This family-friendly event will feature sidewalk chalk and several other activities for children to enjoy.  Adults can take part in a raffle drawing for a gift card to a local business.  DMPD Officers and Des Moines Fire Department Firefighters and equipment have been invited and plan to participate (as they are able).

NNO is a great opportunity for neighbors to interact with local police and fire fighters in a positive, community-building setting.

FB event link