the sidewalk - typepadfrom an accordion, clarinet, three trumpets, snare drum, bass and mandolin....

Summer Issue Beaverdale Neighborhood Association 2007

BNA BOARD MEETINGS BNA Board meetings are normally held the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Calvin Community, 4210 Hickman Road on the Garden Level. The upcoming meeting schedule is Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4 and Nov. 1. Board minutes are published on the BNA Web site at www.beaverdale.org.

BNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Miller, President 255-2489 or [email protected]

Delos Swanson, Vice President 276-5668 or [email protected]

Carolyn Wissler, Treasurer276-8670 or [email protected]

Theresa Graziano, Secretary274-3720 or [email protected]

Roy Cacek 279-0984 or [email protected]

Kevin Currie 279-9251 or [email protected]

Emily Lawson778-3042 or [email protected]

Pam Nagel 277-8228 or [email protected]

Holly Olson 988-0800 or [email protected]

Cindy Smith 279-4600 or [email protected]

Neal Westin 279-2462 or [email protected]

BNA MISSIONTHE BEAVERDALE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION IS NEIGHBORS WORKING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THE SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE BEAVERDALE AREA BY BRINGING ABOUT CIVIC BETTER-MENT AND SOCIAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE COMMON GOOD AND GEN-ERAL WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY.

THE BNA IS A 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. YOUR MEMBERSHIP MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND COULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A MATCHING GIFT FROM YOUR EMPLOYER.

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Sidewalk

BEAVERDALE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

THE SIDEWALK IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, FOUR TIMES A YEAR, BY BEAVERDALE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 30175, DES MOINES, IOWA 50310EMAIL: [email protected] WEB SITE: WWW.BEAVERDALE.ORG

Dear friends and neighbors,

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the BNA. By the time summer turns into fall, the BNA will have presented or worked with others to present two home improvement seminars, the Easter Egg Hunt, Grass Seats Cinema, SCRUB, the Garden Walk, Jazz in July, and National Night Out. These neighborhood activities will have been attended by around two thousand (2000!) of our neighbors — and our neighbors from around the metro — giv-ing all the opportunity to learn something new, loll in our parks while taking in some sights and sounds, observe the beauty of our homes and gardens, enjoy some fun and safe activities (and cheap ice cream cones) together, and generally just be neighborly.

Of course, these activities are not accom-plished on their own. Each is the result of the very hard work of a dedicated corps of BNA volunteers under the guidance of our commit-tee chairs or other leaders and the eleven-mem-ber BNA Board of Directors. All deserve our

recognition and appreciation; thank you to all! In every issue of The Sidewalk, we include an “Appreciations” section to recognize those who are freely giving their time to better our neigh-borhood. If you know someone mentioned in the Appreciations section, please be sure to stop and tell him or her “thank you!” Beaverdale would not be Beaverdale without their efforts.

New recruits to our corps of volunteers are always welcome. If Beaverdale is important to you, what better way to show it than to help plan and execute an event for your neighbors? Or plant flowers to contribute to our neigh-borhood’s beauty? Or write an article for The Sidewalk, our official neighborhood newslet-ter? Or . . . well, the list of opportunities goes on and on! If you would like to get involved, please contact any member of the BNA Board of Directors, listed on the left side of this page, and ask how you can contribute.

See you around the neighborhood,

Bill

BEAVERDALE FALL FESTIVAL SEPT. 21-23, 2007The annual Beaverdale Fall Festival offers fun for the whole

family, with a parade, carnival rides, fireworks, live music and much more. This year’s festival will again feature crowd favorites including the famous Saturday morning parade along Beaver Avenue , Friday night fireworks at the former Byron Rice School site and live music and entertainment outside several Beaverdale restaurants during the entire festival.

The Fall Festival schedule will be printed in the Des Moines Register and programs will be available at local busi-nesses. As the festival approaches, go to our web site, www.fallfestival.org for the most up-to-date schedule of events, history of the festival, parade map and much more. Please contact Fall Festival President Theresa Graziano with ques-tions at [email protected].

Beaverdale Neighborhood Association Summer 2007 Issue 1, Vol. 2

GARDEN WALK 2007By Nancy Dunbar

The Beaverdale Garden Walk attracted over 170 visitors to our six delightful gardens this year despite being hampered by the untimely closing of Hickman Road on the day of the walk. While we are all delighted by the smooth new asphalt surface, it made getting to the gardens a challenge. Mother Nature helped us out by providing perfect temperatures for enjoying a stroll through our neighborhood.

Highlights of the walk included an opportunity to enjoy a charming English-style conservatory; a professionally land-scaped lot that makes the most of its small size with eye-catching focal points; a quiet courtyard perfect for a family gathering or contemplation of nature; a garden that instantly changed from shade to sun; a yard that makes creative reuse of everyday objects from worms to bowling balls, and a beau-tiful cottage garden with old-fashioned plants, picket fence and garden shed.

Many thanks to our gardeners Mary Anne Brekke, Julie & Kevin Currie, Art & Betty McGlothlen, Diana & John Ronk, Kelly Schuler & Rod Snavely, as well as Ann Scallon and the residents of Calvin Community for sharing their gardens with all of us.

We would also like to thank the owners and employees of A Kinder Touch, Backcountry Outfitters, Beaverdale Books, Boesen’s the Florist, and Grounds for Celebration for their assistance with ticket sales and special promotions they provided to help make our Beaverdale Garden Walk a success. Their generosity and support, as well as our great vol-unteers, make our neighborhood one of the best in the city.

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By Kelly Moore

When a bunch of teenagers go at a brick wall with paint, the results aren’t typically positive. But when young men from the PACE Juvenile Center and the Children & Family Urban Ministries (CFUM) let their imaginations fly on the northern most exterior wall of Uptempo Music this summer, the fin-ished product was far from graffiti.

Organized by pARTners Unlimited – a non-profit that provides experiential learning through the arts for people who are at risk of delinquency or criminal behavior – the mural project was led by two artists, Mikiel Williams and Robert Shulte.

In concert with the artists, staff from PACE and CFUM worked with at risk youth to develop the design for the mural, drum up support from the community and solicit donations – most important of which was the future site of the mural, a brick wall donated by Uptempo Music owner Dave Kouri.

After 80 hours of planning, work began on the mural. Battling hot temperatures and torrential rain showers, the painters completed the mural in less than a month.

“We had the best turn out at the mural celebration we’ve ever had,” said Kelly Boon, founder and executive director of pARTners Unlimited. “It was such a rich mix of cultures and a wonderful neighborhood feeling.”

The mural project was funded by the Polk County Board of Supervisors and the Polk County Fostering Male Involvement Initiative through a grant provided by Iowa Department of Human Services.

UPTEMPO MURAL: A PICTURE OF PHILANTHROPY

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By Roy Cacek

Apollo, the Greek god of music, must have been looking after the kickoff event for the 2007 Metro Arts Jazz in July. The sun was shining, the breeze was softly blowing and the temperature was in the mid-80’s. What could go wrong?

The bands arrived early to set up and the food and bever-age vendors were ready to go by three o’clock. The audience began to arrive with their lawn chairs and picnic baskets in tow, preparing for the four o’clock event. Everything was fall-ing into place, except for the fact that the bands had nowhere to play, as the stage had not been delivered. Everyone involved was getting worried. Then, promptly at three thirty, the stage arrived and was set up twenty minutes later, giving the bands ten minutes to unload their gear, set up and do a sound check for the four o’clock start. The hectic rush of musicians and crew created a buzz throughout the park, many wondering not only would the event start on time but also would it even start at all.

To expedite matters, the opening band graciously offered to perform on the ground while the headliners set up on stage. All they need was electricity to amplify the standup bass and mandolin. After plugging into the electrical outlet it was readily apparent that we had no electricity at all. It appeared that the previous week’s thunderstorms had downed a century old oak tree that had fallen on the electrical wires coming into the park.

Now the real scramble was on. How do we amplify the sound of two jazz bands so that the entire park can hear? As the bands discussed how to perform without electricity, a few phone calls were made and two gas generators magically appeared to save the day.

The Java Jews started at four fifteen leading the crowd audi-bly to mid-century Europe with a plethora of sounds coming from an accordion, clarinet, three trumpets, snare drum, bass and mandolin. Not only were the Java Jews adept at playing the traditional tunes they could also bring it into the twentieth cen-tury, improvising classic Miles Davis as well. The last song of their set was played while walking amongst the crowd, getting a roaring ovation.

After a short intermission The One Nite Stand jumped into the act with one of their numerous covers of David Sanborn. Playing some of the more familiar tunes by the jazz giant, the band used a well-amplified sound and virtuosity at each instru-ment to interpret the great saxophone player’s work. The ninety minute set ended with an extended improvised song, sending neighbors home on a wonderful upbeat note.

While Apollo may have left us for a bit in the middle of our day, he came back in time to make a glorious event sound wonderful. Hopefully next year’s event will be less dramatic.

Many thanks go out for making the 2007 Beaverdale ver-sion of Jazz in July very successful. Thanks to: The One Nite Stand and Java Jews for being accommodating in less than perfect conditions; former Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels for emceeing this year’s event and Tracy Levine from Metro Arts Alliance; B&B Restaurant, Hy-Vee and Kaleidoscoops for the food and beverages; Craig Kelso and the Yacht Club for use of their generator; and to the much appreciated volun-teers: David Stecher, Luann Johnson, Kevin Currie, Bill Miller and Delos Swanson.

BEAVERDALE HOSTS 25TH ANNIVERSARYJAZZ IN JULY KICK OFF EVENT

We invite you to join usat First Federated Church to fill your tank

with life-giving energy that won’t run out.

Sunday MorningsSunday School for all ages | 9:00amWorship & Celebration | 10:30amNursery Provided

Wednesday Evenings(during the school year)

Wednesday Night Family Meal 5:00-6:15pmFirst time guests eat free

Bible classes & Activities for all ages 6:30-8:00pmNursery Provided

FULL God offers a full life … a life of energy, passion, and excitement.First Federated Church

4801 Franklin Avenue | Des Moines, Iowa 50310515.255.2122 | www.FirstFederated.org

RUNNING ON

Is your emotional tank dry?Is life giving you more questions than you can answer?Have your relationships reached a dry spell?

By Delos Swanson

The 2007 SCRUB was held at the new Polk County Office complex on Euclid (the former Target parking lot) on Saturday, June 16. The event was sponsored by the Des Moines Public Works Department along with the Lower Beaver and Beaverdale Neighborhood associations.

This year 640 cars passed through the line and we filled thirty-two 40-yard dumpsters with trash and one 20-yard dumpster with tires. Appliances were also collected for a $10 fee. The number of appliances collected and the total tonnage of trash is unknown at this time.

We would like to thank Angela Connolly and the Polk County Supervisors for letting us use their parking lot to hold the SCRUB and Donna MacNeir Planning Specialist for Polk County for working with us the make sure the construction equipment was not in the way. Also, all the numerous volun-teers from the Lower Beaver and Beaverdale Neighborhoods that worked so hard to make this SCRUB event a success.

BEAVERDALE SCRUB DAY


BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTAryana Restaurant3620 Beaver Avenue279-5807

By David Slinker

What do Afghanistan, China, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, and the United Sates have in common? These are country’s cuisines we can choose from, right here in Beaverdale.

Aryana is a newer restaurant that has opened at 3620 Beaver Avenue (former location of India Star) and is one of the very few Afghan restaurants between Chicago and Denver.

I have to admit, I was a little timid about dining at an Afghani restaurant, since I really didn’t know much about the food, region, or culture. I was pleasantly surprised. When I entered the doorway, I was greeted with a won-derful, rich aroma of spices.

The hostess seated us for the lunch buffet at one of the 12 tables and I was instantly transported into another world. The walls were painted with deep earth tones and the floor had a stone appearance. There were several Afghan prints framed on the walls. The most familiar was the 1985 cover shot from National Geographic of the 12-year-old Afghani girl draped in a red head covering, staring at the camera with haunting green eyes.

The food is wonderful. It could best be described as a cross between Mediterranean and Indian. The main courses on the buffet offer a variety, including lamb, chicken, and vegetable dishes. The Qeema Kebab is marinated lamb with several spices that gave the dish a little kick. Qorma Chicken is layered with turmeric, coriander, ginger, garlic and yogurt and is a very delicious, boneless chicken dish. The vegetable dishes on the buffet included Sabzi, a stir-fried spinach, and Bademjan Borani, an eggplant and yogurt dish.

The side dishes are delicious, too. Naan bread, Bolani, a filo-style dough with a vegetable filling, Garden Salad with a yogurt and citrus dressing, and the Chicken Soup with chick peas, and cumin which tasted very similar to a white chili.

The desert offers a rice pudding, Shir-Berinj, which was very rich and creamy with a vanilla flavor topped with pistachios.

The food is colorful and the flavors are equally intense. Several of the dishes had a great blast of flavor you could savor and then be gently reminded that the cuisine has a little burn. None of the flavors were overwhelming and often com-plimented each other. The hot and spicy mixed with the cool and creamy had me ready for more.

The buffet was $6.95, which included a Chai tea, and dinners run up to $13.95. For a little variety in dining out, this is a great place for Beaverdale to call its own. The dinner menu listed over 20 dishes to choose from as well as several side dishes.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTMidwest Contracting and Construction www.midwest-cc.com664-7194

By Jay Lettow

When Dave Adickes moved to Beaverdale in January to be closer to friends and family, Adickes brought a real asset to the neighborhood with his independent subcontracting company, Midwest Contracting and Construction (MCC).

MCC is a diversified independent subcontracting com-pany located out of owner/operator Dave Adickes, Beaverdale home. Dave contracts with general contractors, builders, and individual homeowners to do residential constructions for almost any need.

On the side of the MCC trailer that carries all of the tools of the trade it gives the company name and the contact infor-mation says, “Ask for Dave.” It is that personable and profes-sional friendliness that separate MCC and Dave from others. Recently recognized by the Des Moines Business Record as “Des Moines’ Fittest Exec.” Dave’s hard work, attention to detail and professional appearance keep his customers happy.

In planning a project, MCC and Dave will work with the homeowner to make sure to discuss specifics so he is able to meet their exact needs. Dave stated that he likes to keep an open line of communication with the homeowner while working on a project so they are comfortable with the change and can better understand the process.

Dave is also willing to work with homeowners while the project is being completed. He says, “If the homeowner wants to learn a new skill while I am completing the project, I will teach them and allow them to work with me.”

MCC can help the homeowner that needs assistance com-pleting a large project that has grown too big. Dave will work along side the homeowners to help complete those projects and is willing to allow them to use his tools to help finish the job.

In the area MCC has added a deck to a home, a full remodel on a kitchen and bath, and added a fence to a back-yard among many others. What will be the first project you call and “Ask for Dave?”

MCC is licensed and insured and a member of the Home Builders Association.

BEAVERDALE HISTORIC DRIVING TOURBy David Johns

Enjoy a relaxing cruise through Beaverdale while you listen to the stories behind some of our neighborhood’s most interesting people, locations and events.

Visit us at the History Committee table during the Fall Festival or see the BNA website in late August for more information (www.beaverdale.org).

The BNA History Committee meets monthly to discuss the history of the neighborhood. We are always looking for neighbors to share memories and artifacts related to life in Beaverdale. Contact committee chair, David Johns at [email protected] for more information.


BEAVERDALE REVITALIZATIONHELP US PLAN BEAVERDALE’S FUTUREBy Bill Nolan, member, MSI Design Committee

We all know that Beaverdale is a good place to live, work, and do business. But we also know that our neighborhood is bound to change as the metro area grows and changes. Will Beaverdale remain a good place to live, work, and do business, regardless of how much things change? That depends largely on our ability to get out in front of the changes and make them work for, rather than against, us. To do that, we need a plan — a vision of what our neighborhood could become, and a skeleton framework to guide us as we encounter the many opportunities for improvement and revitalization that are likely to arise.

Crafting such a plan is one of the tasks that the Beaverdale Revitalization Board has given to the MSI Design Committee, but the Committee can’t accomplish this task alone. In order to come up with a plan that all of us will want to support, the Committee needs your input — your ideas, suggestions, insight, experience, common sense, and gut instincts about what Beaverdale should become during the next half century.

Your turn to get involvedThe Committee has taken a first stab at this task, and has

shared its ideas with some of the neighborhood’s major stake-holders — business leaders and owners of property in our com-mercial districts. The photo and drawings on this page represent

a sampling of the myriad ideas that have been incorporated in the plan thus far. Now it’s your turn to provide input, by react-ing to these ideas and by offering some of your own. Members of the Design Committee have donated professional services and many hours of precious free time to get the ball rolling, but the work has really just begun. Developing a viable and com-prehensive master plan needs to be a community-wide effort; it needs to take shape gradually, and to evolve and adapt as people step forward to offer their viewpoints and suggestions—people like you who live in the neighborhood and appreciate its unique features and advantages.

During the coming weeks, you’ll have numerous opportu-nities to participate directly in the planning process. Below is a list of the public meetings that have been scheduled specifi-cally to familiarize you with the current draft of the plan and obtain your input as to how it should be revised. If you decide to attend one or more of these meetings, think about what changes are likely to impact our neighborhood during the coming decades, and how we can make those changes work in our favor while preserving and enhancing the things that already make Beaverdale so special.

Join us and share the excitement of making Beaverdale a great neighborhood now and for many years to come!

Schedule of public meetings at Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave.

8/21/07 6:30 p.m.8/23/07 6:30 p.m.8/27/07 6:30 p.m.

A new look for the north commercial zone (Beaver at Douglas)A pedestrian-friendly future is envisioned for the north end of Beaver: storefronts bordering wide sidewalks, with passages leading between buildings to rear park-ing lots. A new crosswalk would link businesses on each side of Beaver.

Ramp parking in the core commercial zone (Beaver and Urbandale Avenues)A two-level ramp behind the Rice Bowl restaurant would provide some of the extra parking spaces that will be needed as the core zone adds new businesses.

A hub for the metro-area recreational trail systemExpanding the trail system has become a high priority for Des Moines and its suburbs. As the trails become more accessible and interconnected, Beaverdale’s central location will make our neighborhood a hub for hiking, biking, and two-wheel commuting.

New buildings that fit right inLike this new storefront on 6th Avenue in Des Moines, new or remodeled struc-tures in Beaverdale’s three commercial zones would be designed to blend harmo-niously with existing ones, preserving the rich character of the neighborhood and creating a unified look.

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PLANT AMEMORIAL TREEBy Carolyn Wissler

The Beaverdale Neighborhood Association has funds available, thanks to a grant from the Polk County Board of Supervisors, to assist residents with the costs of planting memorial trees. The BNA Beautification committee coordinates this project and maintains records of trees planted in the neighborhood in honor of loved ones and friends. Trees have been planted in the parks and median as part of a continuing effort to maintain the canopy of trees in Beaverdale. A record of memorial trees and more information on how to plant your memorial tree can be found on the Beautification Committee page at www.beaverdale.org.

Beaverdale kids (and parents) we’d love to share photos and a small description of what you did this summer in the winter edi-tion of this newsletter and on our website, www.beaverdale.org.

If you’ve taken a fun picture during your summer break that you’d like to share, email it in .jpg format to Molly Pigneri at [email protected]. We won’t print your last name to protect the innocent.

HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION

We watched the goliath groupers in the six million gallon tank at the Georgia Aquarium.

You may have noticed this tree on the median of the 4300 block of Urbandale Avenue. It was planted in 2006 in memory of Gil Hans. Hans played a major role in the original tree-planting project along the Urbandale Avenue medians.

By Ann Defenbaugh

The Beaverdale VFW has risen from the ashes. What was reduced to smoke stained walls, ceiling, charred furnishings, and memorabilia late the evening of Oct. 28, 2006, is now a wonderful gathering place for our veterans. The long remodeling could not have happened without the help of a multitude of workers, volunteers, and donations from Beaverdale and other communities. While some artifacts of historical and sentimental value were destroyed, the remaining needed the soot, scorch marks, and smoke stains removed.

An open house was held July 14. An appreciation dinner for all contributors was July 21. All veterans are invited to join. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month. The public is welcome to support our veterans with lunch on Saturday from 12-2 p.m. and dinner on Friday from 5-7 p.m.

BEAVERDALE VFW REOPENS

Above: The entire kitchen, point of the fire’s origin, was rebuilt from the ground up. Left: The downstairs dining area was redesigned with a vibrant new color scheme and furniture.


COMMUNITY CALENDAR

First Federated Church (4801 Franklin) – OngoingWednesday Night Meal – 4:45 p.m. WednesdaysChildren (2-12) $2, adults $3; family $10MOPS – 9 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. second and fourth TuesdaysMOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers -- is for mothers of infants through kindergarten. Moms enjoy breakfast; time to socialize with other moms, speakers, small group time and crafts. MOPS will meet at First Federated Church during the school yearSunday School – 9 a.m. Sunday for all ages.Worship – 10:30 a.m. Sunday

Acanthus Lodge #632 – OngoingMembers meet every Monday evening at 6 p.m. for dinner at the Acanthus Lodge (4133 Urbandale Ave.) Dinners are open to any man over the age of 18 who is interested in exploring membership. If you have questions or would like to rent the Lodge for a func-tion, please call the Acanthus Lodge at 255-6105.

Beaverdale VFW Post #9127 – OngoingClub Open Hours:1 – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday11 a.m. – 3 p.m. SaturdayVFW is now remodeled and fully open. Beautiful entertainment and party rooms are available. Contact Betty at 255-9804. Auxiliary Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

DSM Public Library Story Time – OngoingFranklin Library (5000 Franklin Ave.)Preschoolers (age 3 to 5): Mondays at 10:15 a.m.Lapsit Stories and Songs (ages 0-18 months): Tuesdays at 10:15Toddlers (ages 2 to 3): Wednesdays at 10:15

Central Library (1000 Grand Ave)Toddlers (age 18 mos. to 3): Thursdays at 10:45 a.m.Preschoolers (age 3 to 5): Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – AUG. 76:30 – 8:30 pm at Beaver Bend Businesses. See back cover of this newsletter for details on this fun-filled family event. Hope to see you there!

BNA QUARTERLY PUBLIC MEMBERSHIP MEETING – AUG. 147 p.m. - Northwest Community Center (5110 Franklin Ave.) See back cover of this newsletter for agenda.

Middle Schoolers, come hear Christy Vilsack talk about books from her online book discussion site – Aug. 141:30 p.m. Preregister. Franklin Avenue Library

Tweens & Teens Knitting Club – Aug. 144 p.m. Bring your project and socialize. Franklin Avenue Library

Tweens & Teens Knitting Club – Aug. 144 p.m. Bring your project and socialize. Franklin Avenue Library

DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) for Teens – Aug. 172 p.m. Play some games, snacks provided. Franklin Avenue Library.

Adult Book Discussion of Pomegranate Soup: a Novel by Marsha Mehran – Sept. 61 p.m. Ask at the desk for a copy of the book. Franklin Avenue Library

Adult Book Discussion of Beneath a Marble Sky, by John Shors – Sept. 116:30 p.m. Ask at the desk for a copy of the book. Franklin Avenue Library

Alpha Course – Starts Aug. 20Mondays, 6-8:30 p.m. Join us for an interesting and challenging discussion about faith and life. Alpha can provide you with a practi-cal introduction to the Christian faith. These gatherings give you a chance to explore the true meaning of life in an open and friendly environment with a variety of people. If you have questions about your beliefs or ours, check us out. Besides, supper is on us! Free course held at First Federated Church, 4801 Franklin Ave, www.FirstFederated.org. Call 255.2122 to register.

Federated Family Nights – Starts Sept. 5Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Midweek activities for all ages this fall at First Federated Church, 4801 Franklin Ave. Clubs for kids include Bible Buddies for preschoolers, AWANA for K-4th graders, and Xtreme for 5th and 6th graders. Make new friends, enjoy games and crafts and learn important Bible lessons from caring adult leaders. A variety of classes and activities are available for teens and adults as well. Call 255.2122 for additional information.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) – Starts Sept. 119-11:15 a.m. Kick off the new school year at the first MOPS meet-ing on Tuesday, September 11. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at First Federated Church, 4801 Franklin Ave. Moms enjoy a nice breakfast as well as time together with other mothers of preschoolers. The MOPPETS program is ready to provide your children with a fun

Storyteller at Flarah’s.

morning of activities. Questions? Contact Jayme at 957-9326 or Jenni at 981-5383.

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion Group – Sept. 20Daughters in grade 5 and up. We will be reading The Green Glass

Sea, by Ellen Klages. Ask at the information desk for a copy of the book. Franklin Avenue Library.

Learn to use the Internet Class – Sept. 219:00 a.m. Preregister. Franklin Avenue Library

BEAVERDALE FALL FESTIVAL – SEPT. 21-23 This year’s festival will again feature crowd favorites including the famous Saturday morning parade along Beaver Avenue , Friday night fireworks at the former Byron Rice School site and live music and entertainment. The Fall Festival schedule will be printed in the Des Moines Register and programs will be avail-able at local businesses. As the festival approaches, go to our web site, www.fallfestival.org for the most up-to-date schedule of events, parade map and much more.

Westminster Church “Going, Going Green” Open House – Sept. 22

Visit Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., for these “Eco-Justice” Events during Beaverdale Fall Festival.

Door Prizes – beginning at 11 a.m.Free “Going, Going Green” Door Prizes to the first 50 families

to visit the Open House.

Art Exhibit – 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.The Westminster Fine Arts Series will sponsor an art exhibit in the Sanctuary focusing on the theme “Stewardship of the Earth.” (The exhibit will continue through Oct. 31.)

World of Hope Fair Trade Gift Shop Open – 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Beautiful gifts, jewelry, food items, chocolate, coffee, and other Fair-Trade items from around the world will be on sale in our gift shop located in the church library. Proceeds benefit produc-ers and artisans in developing nations.

Handbell and Organ Rehearsals – immediately follow-ing the end of the paradeHear Westminster’s award-winning handbell choir directed by Randy Buikema, and listen to Westminster’s magnificent Dobson tracker organ, played by organist Ruth Harris.

Additional activities – 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Food for sale on the church lawn, free Fair-Trade Coffee in the Java Jive Coffee Bar in the library, earth-friendly children’s crafts, and more! Visit our website at www.westpres.org.

Free Movie – 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Join us for a free showing of a movie about global warming and caring for the earth (title to be announced).

A “Blessing of the Animals” – 5 p.m.Bring your pets for this annual favorite worship service on the church lawn! We bless all animals present – dogs, cats, hamsters, bunnies, goldfish. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, if you wish.

Anchor Coffee House with Denice Franke – Sept. 29Doors open at 6:30, show time 7 p.m.; Live music from singer/songwriter Denice Franke from Houston, Texas; at Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of Beaver & Franklin; tickets are $10 in advance at the church or Uptempo Music in Beaverdale, or $12 at the door. Call 274-1534 or on-line at www.westpres.org.

Westminster Fine Arts Series “Hoot & Howl” Concert – Oct. 26Join us at 7 p.m. for this annual Halloween favorite, featuring spooky organ music and drama. Bring the kids and come in costume if you wish! Free admission.

Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library meeting – Sept. 252 p.m. New members welcome. Franklin Avenue Library.

Teen Advisory Group – Sept. 264 p.m. New group forming. Grades 6-12. Franklin Avenue Library

After School Book Discussion Group – Sept. 274 p.m. For grades 3 to 5. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix will be discussed. A copy of the book may be picked up at the information desk. Franklin Avenue Library.

Men’s Retreat – Sept. 28-30Join with other men for some R & R at the YMCA Camp in Boone, IA. At this retreat, based on the Wild at Heart Boot Camp, you can be refreshed and renewed as you grasp the depth of the Rescue & Redemption God offers. You will also have ample opportunity to recreate and relax during this powerful weekend. Cost is only $75. Call 255-2122 x129 to register.

Anchor Coffee House with Denice Franke – Sept. 29Doors open at 6:30, showtime 7:00 p.m.; Live music from singer/songwriter Denice Franke from Houston, Texas; at Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of Beaver & Franklin; tickets are $10 in advance at the church or Uptempo Music in Beaverdale, or $12 at

the door. Call 274-1534 or on-line at www.westpres.org.

Adult Book Discussion of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See – Oct. 41 p.m. Ask at the library for a copy of the book. Franklin Avenue Library

Adult Book Discussion of Suite Francaise, by Irene Nemirovsky – Oct. 96:30 p.m. Ask at the library for a copy of the book. Franklin Avenue Library

Anchor Coffee House with Chris McCallum – Nov. 3Doors open at 6:30, showtime 7 p.m.; Live music from singer/songwriter/guitarist Chris McCallum from Golden, Colorado; at Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of Beaver & Franklin; tickets are $8 in advance at the church or Uptempo Music in Beaverdale, or $10 at the door. Call 274-1534 or on-line at www.westpres.org.


BNA COMMITTEE MEETINGSPublic Affairs – meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Michael’s Restaurant. Contact Holly Olson at 988-0800 or [email protected].

Beautification & Parks – meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., Calvin Community, Garden Level. Contacting Nancy Dunbar at 255-2671 or [email protected].

Communication – meet quarterly to plan upcoming newsletter content. This committee is looking for volunteers to assist with all aspects of communication. Contact Emily Lawson at 778-3042 or [email protected].

History – researches and documents Beaverdale’s rich history. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Locations vary. Contact David Johns at 974-9376 or [email protected].

Membership – looking for creative ways to grow BNA member-ship. Contact Cindy Smith 279-4600 or [email protected] with ideas, suggestions or interest in volunteering.

The BNA expresses appreciation to the following volunteers and contributors:

APPRECIATIONSBNA would like to thank these people for their contributions to the neighborhood:

Beautification Committee Plantings • City of Des Moines• Kinder Touch• Nancy Dunbar• Barb Hans

May Quarterly Meeting• Pizza from Nathan's Pizza • Gift certificates from Beaverdale Books• Greek Food Fair ticket from Tom Vlassis

Easter Egg Hunt• Candy from Dahl’s and HyVee• Prizes from Walmart• Photography by Holtorf Photography• Air horn from Dunham’s• Coffee from Grounds for Celebration• Coupons from Plaza Lanes and Farrell’s• Donations from Ace Carver Hardware, Wells

Fargo and Benson Family Foundation

Jazz in July• Donation from Tom and Sophie Vlassis

Scrub Day• Special thank you to Bill Darby, Chairman, and

Delos Swanson, Co-Chair, for organizing this event on behalf of Beaverdale.

WANT TO BE PART OF THE SIDEWALK?If you would like to contribute article ideas, event listings or place advertising, contact Molly Pigneri at [email protected] or 277-4212.

COMMUNITY BETTERMENT GRANT AWARDED

By Carolyn Wissler

Beaverdale received a Community Betterment Grant from Polk County in the amount of $4,000. The grant is to design and purchase bike racks for the neighborhood. Look for more information about this in the coming months. Thank you to Polk County for this opportunity to improve our neighborhood.

Angela Connolly, Polk County Supervisor, presented the grant at the BNA May Quarterly meeting.

graphic design

515.710.1657 [email protected]

Graphic Design & Portrait Illustration

BNA MEMBERSHIPThe membership expiration date is listed above your name on the ad-dress label of this newsletter. If your annual membership is past due for renewal or if you are not currently a member, please complete and mail in this form. We also offer an on-line form and accept payment via PayPal for new / renewed memberships at the www.beaverdale.org. If you have questions about your membership, you may contact Cindy Smith at 279-4600 or [email protected]

New Member Renewal

NAME

STREET

CITY, STATE, ZIP

HOME PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

All personal information will be used only for BNA purposes and will not be shared with any third parties. All mass emails will be sent as blind copies.

Membership levels (per household):

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP $15.00

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP $25.00

PATRON: member wishing to donate an extra amount for the membership $50.00

BUSINESS: business participation in this community is vital and important. $50.00

PREMIER: member wishing to make a contribution in any amount greater than those listed $_______

Note: The Beaverdale Neighborhood Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3). Your membership may be tax deductible and could be eligible for a matching gift from your employer.

Please indicate areas of interest:

Public Affairs Special Events Beautification and Parks Membership Communication Revitalization History Other skills/interests you can offer: ______________

Please send your check payable to:

Beaverdale Neighborhood AssociationPO Box 30175Des Moines, IA 50310

P.O. Box 30175Des Moines, Iowa 50310

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDES MOINES, IA

PERMIT NO. 5671

Please notify Cindy Smith, at 279-4600 or [email protected], if your address is incorrect or you’d like to be removed from our mailing list. Please include your name and address in your message.

BNA QUARTERLY MEETING

Join your friends and neighbors at the Beaverdale neighbor-hood quarterly public meeting. The BNA History Committee has been doing a lot of research over the past few years, and will present some highlights of their efforts at this meeting. Their findings are very interesting and you will not want to miss this.

Be sure to come hungry. Aryana, the new Afghan restau-rant on Beaver Ave., will be providing refreshments. If you have not been to Aryana yet, their food is excellent. (See the review in Business Spotlight section of this newsletter.)

We are hoping that the Des Moines Police Department can provide us with a crime update during the meeting, too. Please come out and talk with neighbors, eat some great food, and learn more about the past and present in Beaverdale.

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 14Time: 7 p.m.Location Northwest Community Center,

5110 Franklin Ave.

Meeting is free and open to the public. Remember to bring your old cell phones and/or printer cartridges to the meeting and drop them in the box provided. These will be turned into Des Moines Neighbors and they will send them in to be recycled.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT = FAMILY FUN

Beaverdale will host another fun-filled National Night Out event. There will be more attractions for kids of all ages. Remember to bring your camera.

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 7Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.Location Beaver Bend businesses (Snookies,

Flarah’s, Chefs and Nathan’s Pizza)

Snookies Malt Shop Juggle Bob and Nick Lasse 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Face painting from Deb Smith and crew throughout the evening. Chef’s Kitchen Coloring contest inside the restaurant 6:30 – 8 p.m. Flarah’s Maureen Korte, renowned storyteller, inside 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Nathan’s Pizza & Pub Mickey Mouse Bounce House, parking lot 5:30 – 9 p.m.

We also are hoping the horse patrol, McGruff the Crime Dog, and a fire truck will stop by.

Special thanks to Mosier Dental and Westminster Presbyterian Church for their continued support of this event. Please call Holly Olson at 988-0800 if you have any questions.

the sidewalk - typepadfrom an accordion, clarinet, three trumpets, snare drum, bass and mandolin....

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