DES MOINES ARTS FESTIVAL PARTNERS WITH PRAIRIE MEADOWS RACETRACK & CASINO FOR NON-PROFIT PROGRAM

The Des Moines Arts Festival is currently accepting applications for Polk County-based non-profit organizations to participate in the Festival on June 27-29, 2008, in downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park through the Prairie Meadows Non-Profit Program.

This great program is an easy way for Polk County-based non-profit organizations to market and promote their programs to 200,000 Festival guests. There are three ways to get involved, and two of the options are free!

“As a fellow non-profit organization, the Des Moines Arts Festival understands the significance of offering a program that provides options for local groups to share their mission to a wide audience at no charge,” Stephen King, Des Moines Arts Festival Executive Director said. “These organizations are an integral part of the Des Moines community and we’re pleased to partner with Prairie Meadows to offer this opportunity.”

There are three ways for non-profits to participate at the Festival, and all require organizations to submit an official application by Friday, March 21, 2008. Applications and complete guidelines are available online at www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/nonprofit.

The first option for participation is to provide an on-site interactive arts-related activity and volunteer staff to manage your organization’s tent during the three days of the Festival. This option is absolutely free and non-profits are permitted to display marketing collateral and distribute information about their organization.

Another free option is to provide 16 volunteers for one entire day of the Festival. Organizations choosing this option are permitted to utilize a community booth for one day to display marketing collateral and distribute information, and provided volunteers will assist the Festival in on-site volunteer duties. This option works well for organizations that are only able to provide staffing for one day.

Organizations also have the option of renting booth space for $450 to display marketing collateral and distribute information during the weekend of the Festival.

All participating non-profit organizations will be promoted in Festival marketing materials, on the official Festival Web site, and in the official Festival guide distributed in The Des Moines Register on Sunday, June 22, 2008.

For questions regarding the Non-Profit Program, please contact Kelley Crosbie at Kelley.Crosbie@desmoinesartsfestival.org. To learn more about the Des Moines Arts Festival, click here.

PINK IN THE RINK

The Iowa Stars invite you to “Pink in the Rink” a benefit for the John Stoddard Cancer Center.  Come watch the Stars in action as they host their West Division rival, the Quad City Flames on Saturday, March 15, 2008. Let's pack Wells Fargo Arena with co-workers, friends and family for a great cause. The ice will be pink and Stars players will be wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned after the game to raise money for the John Stoddard Cancer Center.  A few of the great items that will also be up for bid in our silent sports memorabilia auction include:
Peyton Manning autographed 8x10
Dick Butkus autographed football
Seneca Wallace autographed iowa state 8x10
Dan Ellis autographed 8x10
Chicago Cubs poker chip set
Marty Turco autographed 8x10
Autographed Brett Favre jersey

Take advantage of this special offer: Tickets are $9.50 and include a hot dog, soda, and chips!  There is no limit on tickets!

To purchase tickets, please call  Meghan Comer at 515-564-8059.

MPO RELEASES FIRST VEHICLE OCCUPANCY STUDY

The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) released findings from their first vehicle occupancy study of the metro region.  Vehicle occupancy represents the average number of persons per vehicle and indicates the number of person trips per vehicle trip.  DMAMPO staff conducted studies at ten locations within the Des Moines metro area at both AM and PM peak traffic times.  The study found that the average vehicle occupancy was 1.16, meaning that nearly 90% of vehicles observed had only one occupant - the driver. 
Increased vehicle occupancy and, therefore, increased passenger miles traveled per vehicle, is a source of substantial fuel savings, cost savings, and reduction in air pollution and congestion.  For these and other reasons, the DMAMPO has asked the Transportation Management Association (TMA) to take the lead on finding methods for achieving a 10% reduction in vehicle occupancy over the next year. 
“It’s going to be a challenge, no doubt,” said TMA Director Nathan Treloar.  “We have a commuter culture that wants to jump into their cars and go without slowing down to consider alternatives.” 
The TMA would like to ask the recipients of this update to become part of the solution by setting up a carpool at your office, taking the bus at least once a week, or go to www.ridedart.com to find out if a Rideshare van is available in your community. 
(The entire DMAMPO Vehicle Occupancy Study can be downloaded from their website, www.dmampo.org.)

DOWNTOWN CLEAN-SWEEP

Operation Downtown (OD) needs your help for a clean-sweep day on Saturday, March 29 in Western Gateway Park. OD is working to recruit up to 100 volunteers to pick up trash along Martin Luther King Boulevard, Grand Avenue and Locust Street between Gateway West starting at Meredith Corporation working east to the State Capitol Building.  

The Winter months create a challenge for trash pick up and policing.   Litter gets caught in ice and snow banks and as the snow melts, the litter becomes a real problem.  This effort will provide a fresh start to the spring season and corresponds with other events associated with Earth Day observances in April.

Volunteers will be provided work gloves, garbage bags and maps.  Cold water will be provided.  Sign-up will begin at 9 a.m. near the large mound in Gateway West Park.  Grab your co-workers, friends and family and come out and help us spruce up our downtown. For more information call 286-4943.

NOW OPEN!

Alba
A new American cuisine restaurant has opened in the East Village.  Alba, located at East 6th and Des Moines Street, opened in late February, serving dinner and drinks.  Owner Jason Simon, originally from Parkersburg, is chef.  Jason studied in Portland, Oregon and has cooked in New Orleans and Cleveland.  Capacity for the restaurant is 65, with the bar seating another 35.  Alba is open Tuesday through Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to close.  Simon plans to add lunchtime dining hours later in the spring. Call 244-0261.

Smokey D's BBQ
A new  BBQ resturant has opened in the skywalk in Downtown. Located in the Ruan Center at 601 Locust, suite 200 this new eatery has more to offer than just a chopped pork sandwich. A great variety of sandwiches, ribs, soups, salads even a portabella & boursin wrap are part of the menu. Hours are Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Call 245-3800 or visit the website www.smokeydsbbq.com.
 

HOUSING SPOTLIGHT - INGERSOLL SQUARE

Ingersoll Square offers renters Euro-style warehouse lofts in a wide variety of styles and sizes ranging from 765-1400 square feet.  The lofts, located at the corner of Ingersoll Avenue and Martin Luther King Parkway, were developed by High Land Company to offer the residential lofts along with street-level retail stores.

Residents enjoy stylish new urban living with views of downtown Des Moines.  Each loft features 10-foot ceilings with 8-foot floor-to-ceiling windows.  A brick and block exterior, concrete floors and exposed duct work evoke an urban feel while concrete counters and stainless steel appliances accent beautiful kitchen areas. 

Each unit contains a washer and dryer and is prewired for DishTV, telephones and wireless internet.  Residents can relax on their own galvanized steel deck and feel secure thanks to a secured entry, deadbolt locks and plenty of exterior lighting.  Ingersoll Square also offers closet storage units and underground parking to protect you and your car from the elements.

Whether you’re looking to work out or lay out, Ingersoll Square can accommodate your lifestyle.  Residents have access to a work-out room, in-ground pool and hot tub, as well as “The Square”, a gathering room with a gourmet kitchen and big-screen plasma TV.

The location offers the best of downtown living with convenient access to I-235 and other major traffic arteries.  Residents are within walking distance of many neighborhood restaurants, lounges and retail shops.  Gray’s Lake is accessible by walking or biking as are popular venues such as Principal Park, Wells Fargo Arena, East Village, the Downtown Farmers’ Market and the Principal Riverwalk.

Ingersoll Square offers renters a unique blend of the residential and commercial that is common to urban areas in major cities around the country.  Take a close look at Ingersoll Square and we think you’ll agree that its combination of convenient location and modern urban style make it a great option for renters looking for the best downtown-living experience.

Ingersoll Square currently has rent specials available.  An on-site property manager is available to show furnished models Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by appointment on weekends by calling (515) 224-7212. For more information or a virtual tour, go to  www.KLC.Propertyware.com.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - SCHAFFER'S DESIGN SHOP

Welcome (back) to Downtown!

We talked with Kari Smith of Schaffer's Design Shop to learn more about her new venture in Downtown's hottest shopping district, the East Village.
 

Where is Schaffer’s Design Shop located?
We are located at 505 East Locust in the East Village. Street parking is available.

What are your hours?
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, Noon-4 p.m.

What is Schaffer’s Design Shop?
We are a specialty retail store focusing on party wear, especially prom dresses and unique clothing and gifts. After prom season, our inventory will expand to ready-to-wear unique clothing along with design and alteration.

How long have you been in the East Village?
We opened the Design Shop in January this year.  Schaffer’s had been downtown since 1950 and were formally located at Eighth and Walnut and then in the East Village.  In 2007, we relocated to West Glen where we carry our bridal wear and tuxedoes.

What types of services/apparel do you offer?
Schaffer’s Design Shop offers a unique experience when searching for the perfect attire.  The atmosphere is fun and entertaining and the staff is committed to giving customers full service.  We always try to carry products that are exclusive to our store and are not available elsewhere in Iowa. 

Why did you choose downtown?
We have been committed to downtown since 1950.  We enjoy the unique environment the East Village has to offer. We truly believe the East Village is the heart of the city with opportunity for growth.  We like being a part of downtown and all it has to offer.  

http://www.schaffers.com/
 

RAILROAD FREIGHT HOUSE TO BAR ASSOCIATION HOME

The 134 year old Iowa State Bar Association, the oldest voluntary bar association in the nation, moved to its new location in the East Village at 625 East Court in January.  The association purchased the first building in its history, for its convenient location to local, state and federal offices and courts and abundance of parking.  A staff of 17 from the Iowa State Bar Association and 2 members of the Polk County Bar Association who lease a portion of the lower level of the building, comprise the workforce.

A 3.4 million dollar renovation, funded by the association’s “Raising the Bar” campaign to its members, was done to the building and was spearheaded by architect Greg Wattier.  The updated facility has a mix of old and new.  Exposed brick walls recall days of the past when it was originally built in 1903 as a railroad freight house.  Two unique conference tables feature legs made from timber taken from the basement and 3 inch thick poured concrete tops with a steel bar association logo in the center.  Glass and ironwork throughout the building give a more contemporary feel, while state of the art geothermal heating, double-paned windows for energy efficiency and high tech wiring add to the appeal and practicality of the association’s new home. 

Lisa Hanson, Meeting Planner for the Iowa State Bar Association, said that since moving in, they have seen “quite a bit of foot traffic”.  Interest in seeing the building’s updates has been high. She said “We’re very happy to be in the East Village and love the openness of our new building”.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES WINS AWARDS

The Downtown Community Alliance won five silver ADDY awards for the “Find Your City Side” marketing campaign. Winning components of the campaign included the new DowntownDesMoines.com website, “Brick Wall” newspaper campaign, “Brew Fest” partial page ad, “Your Loft” full page color print ad, and the downtown skyline photography series. ZLR Ignition along with the DCA marketing committee created the new branding campaign for Downtown Des Moines.

The American Advertising Federation of Des Moines honors Central Iowa’s best creative work each year with our local ADDY competition. This year more than 500 entries were judged.
 

BILL COSBY TO APPEAR AT CIVIC CENTER

Legendary comedian, writer and actor Bill Cosby is coming to the Civic Center in downtown for a limited two show engagement on Saturday, May 17 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Tickets go on sale Monday, March 17 and are $52 and $47.  Best known for a wide variety of enterprises and his family friendly, insightful and frequently hilarious observations about human nature, this American icon takes the stage for two shows only.  Bill Cosby represents the voice of a vast, ordinary world. He points out the humor in our lives, and in doing so, he touches our hearts. Because of this, his appeal is not restricted to any specific group. His qualities have endeared him to people from all walks of life. Tickets are available at www.civiccenter.org.
 

MEET JUDY SIX - OPERATION DOWNTOWN

Judy Six is an Operation Downtown (OD) cleaning ambassador.  She is on the clean and safe team and her main duties include cleaning outside and inside on the skywalk  Judy has been with OD since 2002 and really enjoys working at special events and helping people. Some of her favorite things to do Downtown when she is not working include: going to the Civic Center, concerts at Wells Fargo arena, baseball games at Principal Park and even a little shopping.

URBAN PIONEER - NEELY AWTRY

Neely Awtry grew up in Sioux City and after college spent the past eight years in Arizona, but decided she wanted to be closer to her family in Iowa so she began searching for a job in Des Moines. 

After a Friday afternoon interview with Saxton, a downtown commercial furniture interiors firm, Neely was shocked to see the streets full of young professionals enjoying the unique, fun entertainment venues prevalent throughout downtown.  This was definitely something she wanted to be a part of.

Neely got the job and entertained thoughts of living in the ‘burbs’, but she knew deep down that she craved something more unique – more ‘urban’.  Soon, she found a downtown apartment that she felt fit her personality and lifestyle.  The urban look of raw concrete floors and large windows that offered great views while filling the apartment in natural light were features that appealed to her unique sense of style.

She quickly fell in love with her new job as well as her new surroundings.  Neely is captivated by the unique architecture and history of the buildings that inhabit downtown Des Moines. Gray’s Lake is a favorite recreational venue that can be accessed by walking or biking one of the numerous trails that run throughout downtown. 

A healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle is an added benefit that Neely enjoys.  She finds that she walks much more and spends much less on gas for her car.  With everything she needs within walking distance, she now keeps her car near where she works since she uses it there more often.  While she prefers to walk outdoors, the downtown skywalk allows her to walk to most of her favorite downtown destinations when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Neely immersed herself in the downtown lifestyle, joining the YPC Impact Downtown Group, Young Variety and the Court Avenue Association.  She enjoys the unique entertainment venues that inhabit downtown and frequents such places as Court Avenue Brewing Company, Java Joe’s, Gateway Market, Thai Flavors, High Life Lounge and El Bait Shop.  So many great options demand great willpower, so Neely takes advantage of Gym FX, a first-class fitness center located in the 418 Liberty building.

With so much going on now in downtown Des Moines, Neely Awtry believes she couldn’t have picked a better time to move back to Iowa.