April - Iowa Living Magazines
Transcription
April - Iowa Living Magazines
Living Pleasant Hill april 2012 50327 magazine Preparing for COLLEGE TIPS TO O HELP PLAN FOR YO YOUR OUR CHILD’S SECONDARY EDUCATION CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES RECIPE BIG GREEN UMBRELLA 414 61st Street Des Moines, IA 50312 FUN AND FRIENDLY POSTAL CUSTOMER WHERE WE LIVE BIG GREEN UMBRELLA PAID U.S. POSTAGE MEET MARY MASON PRSRT STD ECRWSS EDUCATION www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 REAL ESTATE GROUP PLEASANT HILL SERVING ALL OF EASTERN POLK COUNTY $151,900 2828 SENECA COURT SW Altoona Mary Hamilton-Ross 515-979-7359 $275,000 215 SE WILDFLOWER COURT Pleasant Hill Ryan Mathews 515-202-1019 $130,000 9 LACONA AVENUE Des Moines Terry Anderson 515-771-6601 $212,000 411 - 30th STREET SW Altoona Stacey Carpenter 515-202-2803 $170,000 2101 - 3rd AVENUE SE Altoona Peggy Harmeyer 515-208-8132 $299,900 1527 PINEWOOD COURT SW Altoona Bill Eisenlauer 515-770-2455 $134,900 1021 - 6th STREET Altoona Sheena Cochran-Foster 515-401-8398 $175,000 5202 WINDSOR COURT Pleasant Hill Bob Eisenlauer 515-979-2883 $225,000 6025 ROBIN ROAD Pleasant Hill Brian Burgett 515-473-0962 $264,000 545 CHRISTIE LANE Pleasant Hill Jeanie Jones 515-979-4080 $112,900 1510 THOMPSON STREET Des Moines Rex Deckard 515-988-6732 $90,000 2810 WISCONSIN AVENUE Des Moines Jaemi Poncy 515-556-2313 $183,500 105 - 1st STREET NW Bondurant Todd Omundson 515-577-5099 $269,900 2721 NW 84th AVENUE Ankeny Dave Avery 515-468-1328 $150,000 102 ROLLING PRAIRIE DRIVE Runnells Gary Garvis 515-229-3061 932 N. SHADYVIEW BLVD. – PLEASANT HILL 515-265-7200 Each office independently owned and operated APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill welcome Let your taste buds rejoice! NOW OPEN! By Shane Goodman, shane@dmcityview.com ‘You just wait’ y wife, Jolene, and I have three wonderful daughters, ages 14, 12 and 9. They have, for the most part, been relatively easy to raise so far. But, as our friends keep telling us, “You just wait.” Yes, those teenage years are staring us in the face, and we are told this is the time when girls can be more challenging than boys. Aside from those unmentionables, there are the costs: cell phones, clothes, cars, activities and the biggest one — college. Yes, the reality of putting three girls through college — potentially all at once — is extremely daunting. I can’t imagine the stress parents must feel when sending their children off to school, let alone determining how to pay for it all. But before that first day of college arrives, a number of important decisions must be made, decisions that will impact a child’s future immensely. We will need to start reviewing options for our children soon, as they grow into young adults and decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Many of you are in the same boat as Jolene and me. Others of you have already dealt with these decisions in raising your children. But regardless of your personal situation, we can all relate to the process of trying to determine what to do after high school. These are not decisions that should be taken lightly, so we offer a bit of guidance from area residents who have recently been through the process as this month’s cover story. And as for raising teenage girls, I guess the “you just wait” will soon be here. Thanks for reading. Q M CELEBRATE MOM AND YOUR SPECIAL GRADUATES WITH OVER THE TOP GIFT CARDS! CENTRAL IOWA’S BEST HOMEMADE ICE CREAM! 1 OFF $ ANY ICE CREAM ITEM Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Exp. 5/6/12. 955 NE 56th Street Q Pleasant Hill Just south of Wells Fargo at the corner of University Avenue and NE 56th Street www.overthetopiowa.com Q 515-266-3313 facebook.com/overthetopicecream Dress Up YOUR Landscape >0336>*9,,27(=,9: =,9:(362>(33:@:;,4: (5+5(;<9(3:;65, >LYLU[)VIJH[2\IV[H>HJRLY! (LYH[VYZ7V^LY9HRLZ;PSSLYZ3PM[Z (\NLYZ4PUP,_JH]H[VYZ:RPK3VHKLYZ ;YLUJOLY*VTWHJ[PVU,X\PWTLU[HUK469, Shane Goodman Publisher Landscape Material Provider Bulk & “Mulch, Bagged Rock, Compost & More...To Your Door” 56>(;6<95,>,?7(5+,+36*(;065 /NEBLOCK7%34OFOLDLOCATION.ORTHSIDEOF(ICKMAN Darren Tromblay Editor 515-953-4822 ext. 304 darren@dmcityview.com Brooke Pulliam Advertising 515-988-7257 brooke@iowalivingmagazines.com Iowa Living magazines Mulchmart. Mulch. Rock. Compost & More...To Your Door. 125 N. 10th Street, Waukee 50263 (corner of 10th and Hickman Rd.) sWWWMULCHMARTOlOWACOM www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 3 inside 5 Cover story Preparing for college 9 Where we live Fun and friendly 11 Education Meet Mary Mason 12 Page 5 Finance Exciting world of mortgages 14 Calendar A comprehensive list 18 Real estate Pleasant Hill sales 20 Senior living Putting empathy into action Page 11 550 36th Ave SW, SUITE K | ALTOONA, IA 50009 | 515.967.1888 21 Faith Spring into action 25 Recipes Chocolate chip cookies bikes for your family! 28 Advice from professionals 32 Iowa Living magazines and Bike World would like to give you the opportunity to win up to $2,000 in bikes! 414 - 61st Street Des Moines, Iowa 50312 PUBLISHER: EDITOR: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: OR drop off at one of Bike World’s 3 locations: West Des Moines 5950 Village View Drive s 515.222.1880 Urbandale 6600 Douglas Avenue s 515.255.7047 Ames 126 S. 3rd Street s 515.232.3669 www.iowalivingmagazines.com www.bikeworldiowa.com HURRY! The drawing will take place on June 1, 2012 Name ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________ City ____________________________________State _____ Telephone _______________________________ 4 Pleasant Hill Living Chamber On the cover: Whitney Blakemore and Rylee Ames. Photo by Dan Hodges. and Big Green Umbrella Media Page 25 News of local events Sponsored by Fill out the form and mail to: Health Q & A APRIL | 2012 DESIGN MANAGER: Shane Goodman Darren Tromblay Brooke Pulliam Julie Downing Michelle Haupts Dan Juffer Jolene Goodman Pete Gardner Christi Adams Wendy Goodale Rachel Wilson Celeste Jones ADDRESS: 414 61st Street Des Moines, Iowa 50312 PHONE: 515.953.4822 EDITORIAL: ext.304 DISTRIBUTION: ext.301 DESIGN: ext.313 ACCOUNTING: ext.301 FAX: 515.953.1394 WEB: www.iowalivingmagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: CONTRIBUTORS: BUSINESS OFFICE MGR: DISTRIBUTION: Karen Ericson Lindy Vorrie Kathleen Summy Marci Clark Amber Williams Dan Hodges Becky Hammar Rainey Cook Alan Cross Brent Antisdel Brent Antisdel Circulation and readership audited by Pleasant Hill Living magazine is a monthly publication of Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., an Iowa corporation. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without permission of the publisher. Pleasant Hill Living magazine is mailed free of charge to every household and business in the 50317 ZIP code and the Pleasant Hill portion of 50327. Others may subscribe for $18 annually. Copies of past issues, as available, may be purchased for $3 each (plus shipping if required). www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill Submit story ideas to darren@dmcityview.com Preparing for COLLEGE PLANNING YOUR CHILD’S SECONDARY EDUCATION Photo by Dan Hodges feature By Marci Clark or Southeast Polk High School students, the road to college begins on the first day of ninth grade. Everything they do from that day forward — grades, volunteerism, course selection — all adds to the foundation of furthering their education. F One of the first steps the school takes in assisting students is Ninth Grade Career Seminar. This class helps students narrow down interests so they can choose a career and start making choices to help them prepare for the proper training. Lanny Brand, guidance counselor at Southeast Polk, says some kids walk in the door and know what they want to do and have a goal from day one. However, it’s not that way for everyone. “Take the college prep route,” Rosemary Freel, also a school guidance counselor, says. This includes four years of English, science, social science and foreign language. Freel suggests this route for most students because by the time they reach high school graduation, their chosen path could change. The school also interviews seniors within the first few weeks of school to again ask them what they are planning to do. This helps them reassess and make sure they are still on the right path. Brand says this isn’t just to prepare students for college, but it also gets them ready to start interviewing if they don’t plan to continue Southeast Polk students Whitney Blakemore and Rylee Ames look at college information in the school’s guidance office. this night, parents are prepared for starting the there.” their education. Both Brand and Freel state the importance college application process. Southeast Polk offers a variety of post secThe guidance counselors will help students ondary classes that will help students be a step of doing college visits and job shadowing. This, ahead when they head to college. These classes they say, helps a student get a much better idea fill out college applications, but say they feel it is important for the students to try it on their count as college courses, eliminating many of of what the reality of their choices will be. “We’ve got kids who think they’ve always own first. The school offers a financial aid night the core requirements that take up so much of wanted to be a teacher,” Brand says, “and then in December. the first year at university. “That kind of gets the ball rolling for most “We try to keep it a little broad so they they spend a day with 25 second graders, and people,” Brand says. “Now we’re talking money. don’t get too focused on one thing,” Brand they say they don’t want to do this.” Brand says the big push to get students That’s when they really start thinking about it.” says. “Obviously, if they like a certain area, we During that night, they discuss grants and do what we can, but we don’t want them to ready to apply for colleges comes at parent’s over focus and forget there are other things out night during the student’s junior year. During scholarships, as well as Free Application for www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 5 Submit story ideas to darren@dmcityview.com Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Brand says a common misconception is that families don’t need to file the FAFSA if they have a higher income. “To get some of the government loans at the low interest rate, if they need one, they have to file the FAFSA,” Brand says. Southeast Polk offers ACT testing in June and October. Freel says the test should be taken during junior year. When the test is taken, students should list the schools they plan to apply to so the ACT can send the test to the schools. Otherwise, Freel says, the student has to pay a small fee every time he or she wants test scores sent to a college or university. Brand and Freel say that more colleges are looking beyond the ACT score and more at the classes students take during high school and volunteer work they were involved in. Grand View University freshman admissions counselor Katie Heither says the university looks Photo by Marci Clark feature Southeast Polk High School guidance counselors Lanny Brand and Rosemary Freel work with students as early as ninth grade to prepare them for life after high school. at many aspects when considering a student. “We don’t have a black and white admissions criteria as far as minimum GPA or ACTs,” she says. “We’ll typically call a guidance counselor to get a recommendation. One of the things I really like about our admissions process is that it is individualized.” She says they look at each per- son individually and take his or her circumstances into consideration during the application process. Heither reinforces that students need to be aware of their high school performance as early as ninth grade. “When I review their high school transcript, I’m looking at all four years.” Recommended for admission SIGN UP FEE FOR THE PRICE OF THE DATE! at GVU is four years of English, three years of math, science and social sciences, as well as two years of a foreign language. High school transcripts and official ACT or SAT scores are required. Heither also looks for post secondary courses. She recommends that the math courses be sequential to assure they cover the college requirements. She also suggests that students look into taking Advanced Placement and post secondary classes such as Finite Math or Statistics. “Southeast Polk has an awesome post secondary enrollment at their schools,” Heither says. “They do a really great job of getting those opportunities to their high school students and almost all have at least one college class.” Many students opt to go to community college to finish required core classes before moving on to a four-year school. Students making that move into Grand View University are likely to work with Luanne Knudsen, WHY ANYTIME FITNESS? 24 HOUR ACCESS No crowds, no kids, no waiting! STATE-OF-THE-ART SECURITY SYSTEM COMFORTABLE ATMOSPHERE where everyone fits in ONE MEMBERSHIP = 1,800 CLUBS EXAMPLE: JOIN ON MAY 5 AND YOUR SIGN UP FEE IS $5.00 JOIN ON MAY 19 AND YOUR SIGN UP FEE IS $19.00 Offer is good for the month of May, 2012. PARK RIGHT UP FRONT Get in, get out! 24 HOUR TANNING BRAND NEW CLUB AND EQUIPMENT! www.anytimefitness.com 4490 East University Avenue s Pleasant Hill s 515.266.6040 6 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill Submit story ideas to darren@dmcityview.com assistant director of transfer admissions. “For transfer admissions, I like to see a minimum grade point average of 2.2,” Knudsen says. “We look at less, obviously, because there are always extenuating circumstances. We’re looking for someone who will be successful at the college level.” They also look for students who have proven leadership skills or community involvement. “We’ll consider a provisional acceptance,” Knudsen says of students who may not have a high GPA but have experience in volunteerism. “Usually they do really well because they are persistent, and we like to see that.” Knudsen recommends that families plan ahead and begin applying for financial aid during the student’s junior year of high school. “There are a lot of good opportunities out there, but students have to come in and talk to us,” she says. “That’s really important.” Knudsen also warns that it isn’t always cheaper or faster to go to a two-year school before transferring to a four-year college. She recommends students talk to the admissions office of the fouryear school they plan to attend to assure that attending community college first won’t create bigger challenges. Knudsen also says that if students are planning to attend a private college, they should apply for the Iowa Tuition Grant, which can pay up to $4,000 per year toward tuition. Knudsen says that the applications are online now, making it easier to apply. She also refers people to Iowa College Access Network, which has an office near Jordan Creek Mall. Colleges will then send out an award letter to accepted students notifying them of grants for which they have qualified. For other scholarships, Heither suggests students check with guidance counselors at the beginning of their senior Photo by Marci Clark feature Grand View University admissions counselors Katie Heither and Luanne Knudsen work hands-on with students during the application process to the university. year for scholarship information sent to the high schools. “I encourage students to continue to apply even when they think a scholarship is small — maybe it’s $200 or $500 — but if you get four of those, it adds up,” Heither says. “At our school, we match up to $500 of a Dollars for Scholars Scholarship, and that $500 all of a sudden turns into $1,000.” Heither points out that many of the national scholarships are very specific, so not many people qualify. If students take the time to look at the scholarships, they may find that they are eligible for more than they think. “If they’ve been active or involved in anything, whether it’s a national organization or a local organization, they need to look $ & $2 SHOE RENTAL 2 GAME Monday–Thursday 11am–5pm $15 LAZER BOWLING FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS Starting at 9pm Includes 2 hours & shoes CRUISE NIGHT Ask about our Group Rates & Birthday Parties! starting in May 5pm–8pm with Haywire performing KARAOKE or BANDS FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS Party Room seats up to 90 people > Striker’s SPORTS BAR 655 NE 56th Street | Pleasant Hill | 515.263.1700 Mon-Thur 11-Midnight | Friday 11am - 2am | Saturday 9am – 2am | Sunday 9am – Midnight www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 7 feature Submit story ideas to darren@dmcityview.com back and make sure they’re exhausting all of their options,” Heither says. “There is a lot of money every year that goes unused.” Beyond money and majors, Knudsen says the students have to feel comfortable with their college. She urges students to visit campus when it is full of students rather than over the summer when it is quiet. “One question I always ask,” she says, “is can you see yourself here?” Crunch time Several Southeast Polk students nearing graduation have spent the last few years paving the way toward college with scholarship searches and campus visits. All have taken Advanced Placement classes that count as college courses and have been conscious of their grades and activities as they worked their way through their time at Southeast Polk. Whitney Blakemore will be going to the University of Iowa in the fall. She spent the last four years focusing on her grades and studied hard for the SATs to get into the school of her choice. She’ll be majoring in journalism and mass communications. She’s also hoping to make the dance team. To help with her goals she took a role in the school newspaper, debate and broadcasting. “The hardest part is knowing that some people aren’t going to accept you,” Blakemore says. She managed to get into the top seven for a major scholarship she’d applied for, but in the end, didn’t get it. She says that was a big lesson for her. Rylee Ames says she took a lot of classes to try to find what she wanted to do. She finally decided to major in animal science at University of Iowa. She’s also been focused on other activities to help prepare her for applying for colleges. For her, the biggest challenge has been filling out scholarship applications. “They ask all these questions about you that are kind of personal,” Ames says, “and you don’t know who’s reading it.” Ashley Armantrout is going to University of Northern Iowa. “I took a lot of different types of classes just to figure out what my interests were, and I realized I had strengths in science,” she says. Armantrout is planning to major in biology and hoping to get a job in the medical field. She narrowed down her colleges by checking out the sizes of the school and location and also learned to deal with the rejection for scholarships. “It’s hard to swallow, but I think it’s made me a little bit tougher,” she says. Colton Mienke says high school has been a “bit different.” “I have Tourette Syndrome.” This has encouraged Mienke to study the disease in college. He’s going to Wake Forest University in North Carolina to study neuroscience. He says the process was overwhelming at first, but he decided the best way for him to get through it was to pick something and focus on it. “You have to make a decision if you’re going to do a lot of scholarships and kind of rush through them or if you’re going to take your time and do it right but not get as many filled out,” Mienke says. No matter what the challenges, these Southeast Polk students all agree that they are ready to leave the high school nest and spread their wings in college. Guidance counselor Freel says the anticipation is normal but also sometimes the most difficult part of the entire process for the students. “I don’t think they realize how much their life is going to change.” Q LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? The 2012 Golf Season is Here! CALL JAEMI TODAY! NEW E PRIC Are you ready for some fun at Terrace Hills Golf Course? GREAT GREEN FEE DEALS! IRU0RQGD\V – 10am to 2pm 3UDLULH0HDGRZV*ROG&OXE&DUG 6SHFLDO:HGQHVGD\V – 10am to 2pm &RXSOHV*ROI'LVFRXQW3URJUDP Couple save 20% on Daily Green and Cart Fees Room New Banquet Room for 2012 Terrace Hills is a great place for your golf outing or non-golf event TerraceHillsGC@aol.com www.Golf Thills.com 8 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 5207 SE 31st St. t Des Moines $199,500 921 - 10th St. t Altoona $125,000 2810 Wisconsin Ave. t Des Moines $90,000 JAEMI PONCY Remax Real Estate Group 932 N. Shadeview Blvd. Pleasant Hill, IA 8700 NE 46th AvenueAltoona 515-967-2932 418 Arthur Dr. t Runnells $230,000 515-556-2313 When your financing choice is with Jaemi Poncy Real Estate and the Iowa Finance Authority, your family may benefit from variety of affordable home financing advantages, including: > An affordable fixed interest rate > Down payment and closing cost assistance > A free Title Guaranty Owner’s Certificate to protect you against most title defects www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill Submit ideas to darren@dmcityview.com BECAUSE YOUR SMILE IS YOU! Photos by Rainey Cook where we live Food Drive winners of the $50 Target Gift Cards: Ruth Campbell, Raelyn Parrott, and Gail Ingram. Hours: Mon: 10:30am-7pm Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-5pm WHITENING SPECIAL $129.00 through May 31, 2012 Our next drawing will be for a Free Office Lunch! Drop off your business card at your next appointment! Mike and Patty Richardson love to entertain at their home on Copper Creek Drive. Fun and friendly Richardson home is family gathering spot By Rainey Cook ot only do Mike and Patty Richardson have the location of their 1999 home decidedly perfect — out the front door is Cooper Creek’s ninth hole and out the back door is a seclusion of mature trees — but the inside is filled with warmth and creativity. Once you step inside their tastefully decorated home, you feel its lifestyle — one of charming art pieces, calculated design and decorative accessories. The living room is a warm mocha color with a wonderfully large antique map of Italy. Two large sconces are placed on either side. Soft throw blankets cover a cozy couch. It’s beautifully decorated, ideal for entertaining and equally functional, as laptops and legal pads sneak their way into the couple’s weekend. A “kindness matters” accessory adorns the fireplace coupled with another long-stemmed candle and unique mirror. “I decorate my home so people come in as friends and leave as family,” says Patty. She uses different textures and styles to get this feel. She likes antiques to traditional. She enjoys using leathers, Vanier flooring, wood and rattan. Her style is classy, chic and very friendly. The living room is open to N t Personalized attention from a caring team t Modern dentistry in a comfortable setting t Insurance accepted and filed for you t We love new patients of all ages CALL US TODAY AND ENJOY YOUR SMILE! the kitchen, which is fit for a culinary king. Superb cookery damage could be mastered here. The dark cupboards, bits of brick and a black buffet surround the kitchen table, which is set in the middle of the room. The sunroom is off the kitchen, making this entire area the gathering spot for all family and friend dinners. The Fourth of July is a big “party at Patty’s.” They will open the pool out back and serve a potluck-style dinner. “The more the merrier,” says Patty. “We don’t want anyone left out — at times we just have an open house-style party, and people come and go all day.” The burn pit and two extra patios make for easy entertaining in the summer. “My favorite thing we added, is the remote control awning,” says Mike. Another favorite part of their locale is their neighbors. “Our neighbors we’ve met here in the last 12 years have become some of our best friends,” Patty says. Being Italian, Patty’s family is large, and no one is more than 15 miles away. “Our grandkids are in this neighborhood,” she smiles. And that’s the real fun and fashion of this family — when all 60 of them are gathered around Mike and Patty’s dining room table together. Q Dr. Eric Forsberg, D.D.S. 950 - 28th Avenue SWt Altoona 967-3046 t www.altoonasmiles.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 9 10 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill education DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS! Submit story ideas to darren@dmcityview.com Meet Mary Mason By Becky Hammar ary Mason’s journey to a Four Mile Elementary kindergarten classroom had its beginnings in the cotton fields of Oklahoma. Mason grew up there, picking cotton and taking care of her family farm. “Oklahoma was a lot like Iowa, but we grew lots of cotton,” she says. “I had to pick up the cotton after the machines went through. It was hot, hard work. My grandmother taught me that you have to work hard for what you have.” Mason’s years on the farm helped her decide what she didn’t want to do with her life. “I had a lot of chores on the farm; I had to churn milk, feed the chickens and gather eggs,” she says. “I was really afraid of the chickens because they would peck you. I knew that I didn’t want to grow up and be a farm wife.” To prepare herself for life off the farm, Mason decided to attend college and received a degree in political science. She married and moved to Iowa. “I like Iowa because of the four seasons and viewing the farm land — as long as I don’t have farm chores,” she says. Instead of raising chickens, she stayed home and raised four boys. “It was always an adventure. Just when you think you’ve seen MONDAY Beef & Noodles over Mashed Potatoes & Garlic Toast Photos by Becky Hammar From cotton to kindergarten M TUESDAY Chili Cheese Dog & FF $6.99 WEDNESDAY each THURSDAY Tuesday CRUISE NIGHTS beginning in May Mary Mason teaches kindergarten at Four Mile Elementary. everything, they surprise you,” she says. When her sons were grown and established in their careers, Mason started working in a school and found it to suit her. That eventually led her to Four Mile. “I ended up teaching at the age of 50,” she says. I fell into this job. Teaching kindergarten has really been a learning experience for me. I am really proud of (the students’) achievements. It is never a dull moment. The last day of school, all of the teachers go outside and wave goodbye to all the students. I want to be remembered as someone who cares about their kids.” Mason lives in Knoxville with her husband, Jerry, and her garden of pet rocks. They plan on traveling this summer; Mason hopes to visit the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys reading, playing with her grandchildren, white water rafting, camping, zip lining and parasailing. Mason dreams of volunteering at national parks, participating in an archeological dig and helping Habitat for Humanity. Q Hot Beef Cavatelli & Garlic Toast FRIDAY Chicken & Noodles over Mashed Potatoes & Garlic Toast open 7 days a week at 7am 5015 E. University Avenue Pleasant Hill + 262-1711 8nlRFN the PRtential RI \RuU %usiness Zith .e\stRne 6avinJs %anN¶s 6uite RI %usiness PURGuFts &ash 0anaJePent %usiness &UeGit &aUGs EleFtURniF &heFN &RlleFtiRn ETuiSPent )inanFinJ 2SeUatinJ /ines RI &UeGit &RPPeUFial 5eal Estate /Rans What do you like best about Mrs. Mason? Jaxson Thomas: “She reads books to us.” Ivy Glendening: “She lets us do crafts.” Anna Dodson: “She taught me how to read!” Addison Whipple: “She lets me read a book.” Locally owned since 1935 6871 NE 12th Avenue Pleasant Hill 1 2666 ZZZNsEiRZaFRP www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 11 QUALIFIED ADVICE FOR YOUR MORTGAGE LOANS WHEN THE NEED ARISES! finance By Lori Slings Exciting world of mortgages No two home loans are the same LORI SLINGS 515-967-4700 515-975-8240 160 Adventureland Drive ALTOONA YOUR TRUSTED MORTGAGE LENDER For more information, visit www.dmcityview.com/brewfest Xk SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, JULY 14 Advance tickets available at www.tikly.co 12 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 By Lori Slings, mortgage consultant, Valley Bank, Altoona here is nothing more exciting than talking about mortgages. I know this! When I start talking about my job and the great, exciting work that I do with mortgages, people usually lean in to listen and their knuckles turn white as they hold on tightly. Honestly, people are just wanting to hear where the interest rates are. Other than interest rates, when I start talking in mortgage tongue people’s eyes glaze over and their head falls forward. Yes, I can talk for days on end about the mortgage topic. There are so many ins and outs and small details about every person’s scenarios that one variable can change the entire direction that we are headed with a mortgage. It really is like a puzzle, but more exciting then a puzzle on the dining room table; it is the mortgage Rubik’s Cube. One change in color and the entire path we are headed must change. Each time you are working to get all the colors to line up, but you run into a brick wall, you must stop and re-adjust. No two loans are the same — that alone is exiciting. I come in to work each day to come up against one brick wall after another, and how we climb over or under or just walk around the brick wall is exciting. What is the point of all this? Enlightenment. When your co-worker tells you that he or she did this and that, and his or her interest rate is this, well, I must remind you that no two mortgage loans are the same. I create a mortgage that specifically meets T your goals, your time frame, your payment, your debt to income and loan to value and your credit score. Why do I build a loan that fits what you need? This is the exciting part. Because you need your mortgage to fit your lifestyle, your family and be the terms that work for your paycheck, but still allow you to live your life in the way that you plan to live it. So the next time you drive by Valley Bank you should stop in, because it is more than likely the most exciting place in town with all kinds of CSI wheels turning. I am engaged in deep thinking and contemplation, and my problemsolving skills are at their peak while I work to make sure that customers are getting the mortgage that they need to keep them safe, happy and comfortable in their home. Stop by any time, and I can make time to sit down with you and your scenario. I can guarantee excitement. Call with questions or drop by for a cup of coffee. Let’s talk. Q Information provided by Lori Slings, Valley Bank, 160 Adventureland Drive, Suite H, Altoona, (515) 967-4700 lslings@valleyb.com. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill calendar Submit event information to kathy@dmcityview.com Wells Fargo Arena, 7:05 p.m. Friday, April 27 Q Sunday, April 29 Arbor Day Q Drake Relays Q Showcase 2012, The Orange Q Planet, 6 p.m. Q Iowa Cubs vs. Nashville at Principal Park, 1:05 p.m. Iowa Cubs vs. Nashville at p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Q Q SEP JV/V boys tennis vs. Dowling Indianola, 4:45 p.m. Q Q EHS JV/V boys tennis vs. 6 p.m. Q Q EHS JV/V boys soccer at Fort Dodge, 6 p.m. SEP Jazz Spectacular Concert, 7 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV boys soccer vs. Pella, Wednesday, May 2 4:45 p.m. SEP JV/V boys soccer at Indianola, Roosevelt, 4:15 p.m. Principal Park, 7:05 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV/V girls soccer vs. Catholic, 4:15 p.m. EHS JV/V girls tennis vs. Ottumwa, 4:15 p.m. Q EHS JV/V boys and girls track at Hoover, 4:30 p.m. Q Q Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public EHS 9/JV/V boys soccer vs. Library, 10 a.m. Lincoln, 4:45 p.m. Q Q Creative Kids Craft, Pleasant Hill Public Library, 4 p.m. Q EHS JV/V girls soccer vs. Lincoln, 6 p.m. Prayer Group, Rising Sun Church of Christ, 6390 N.E. Rising Sun Drive, 5:30 p.m. Q Woodland Hills Church of Christ Youth Group meeting, 2484 S.E. 68th St., 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 30 Q Saturday, April 28 Q Drake Relays Q Teen Advisory Board meeting, SEP JV/V girls soccer vs. SEP JV/V boys soccer at Ottumwa, 5:30 p.m. Q Q Club, Village Inn, 3410 Eighth St. S.W., EHS JV/V girls soccer vs. Fort Dodge, 4:45 p.m. Ave. S., Altoona, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Q Iowa Cubs vs. Nashville at Principal Park, 7:05 p.m. Q Q Arbor Day Celebration, Enabling Garden, just south of Hy-Vee on First Iowa Barnstormers vs. San Jose, Eastern Polk Co. Conservative Altoona, 7 a.m. Pleasant Hill Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Haywire performs. Striker’s Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3 Ottumwa, 6 p.m. Q Q Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public Friday, May 4 Library, 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 1 Q High Voltage Toastmasters meet- ing, East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Q Iowa Cubs vs. New Orleans at Q May Day Ave., 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. Principal Park, 7:05 p.m. Q Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay Q Q Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 SEP JV/V girls golf vs. Dowling Catholic at Copper Creek, 3:30 p.m. FIREWORKS EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT! SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! THURSDAY, APRIL 26 VS.ASHVILLEsPM MUG CLUB/IOWA CUBS UNPLUGGED FRIDAY, APRIL 27 vs. .ASHVILLEsPM FIREWORKS SATURDAY, APRIL 28 vs. NashvillesPM CUBBIE GARDEN STATUE NIGHT SUNDAY, APRIL 29 vs. NashvillesPM IOWA OAKS THROWBACK DAY/JERSEY SHIRT FRIDAY, MAY 4 VS.EW/RLEANSsPM FIREWORKS/MAGNET SCHEDULES SATURDAY, MAY 5 vs. New OrleanssPM CINCO DE MAYO/MAGNET SCHEDULES &IRSTFANS SUNDAY, MAY 6 VS.EW/RLEANSsPM. $/,,!2$/'3(/4$/'3 MONDAY, MAY 7 VS.EW/RLEANSsPM TAKE A LONG LUNCH & ENJOY THE GAME Complete schedule online at iowacubs.com CALL 515.243.6111 OR VISIT &IRSTFANS UPCOMING HOME GAMES MAY 17–20 Salt Lake Bees 21–24 Tacoma Rainiers JUNE 7–10 Nashville 11–13 Omaha 14–17 Albuquerque Isotopes 23–26 Round Rock Express 27–29 Oklahoma City EVERY SUNDAY IS twitter.com/IowaCubs s facebook.com/icubs CASEY'S FAMILY DAY PIZZASLICESTICKETS #OKESCAPSFOR TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 13 calendar Q Submit event information to kathy@dmcityview.com SEP 9 girls and boys soccer vs. Ankeny, 5:30 p.m. Dodge, 6 p.m. Youth Group meeting, 2484 S.E. 68th Altoona Hy-Vee Club Room, $10 - Q St., 6:30 p.m. $15, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Waukee, 4:45 p.m. Q Q Q Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m. EHS 9/JV/V boys soccer vs. EHS 9/JV/V girls soccer at Haywire performs. Striker’s Q Waukee, 4:45 p.m. Thursday, May 10 SEP 9/JV/V boys soccer at A nkeny, 4:45 p.m. SEP 9/JV/V girls soccer vs. Ankeny, 4:45 p.m. Q EHS JV/V boys soccer at Ottumwa, 5:30 p.m. Q Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public Library, 10 a.m. Q Q EHS JV/V girls soccer vs. Ottumwa, 6 p.m. High Voltage Toastmasters meet- ing, East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Ave., 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. Q Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Q Saturday, May 5 Commission meeting, 6 p.m. Q Q Cinco de Mayo Q Lip Balms for Kids, ages 8 and up, Tuesday, May 8 Pleasant Hill Public Library, $20, 1 - 3 p.m. Q Q ing, 6:30 p.m. Amanda the Panda Charity Pleasant Hill Park & Rec Pleasant Hill City Council meet- SEP JV girls soccer at Dowling Catholic, 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 11 Q Healing,” Capital Square, 400 Locust Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 Dowling Catholic, 4:45 p.m. St., DM, $40 per person, register p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., Q online at amandathepanda.org, 6 p.m. adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Roosevelt, 4:45 p.m. Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 Q Q Q p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., Iowa Cubs vs. New Orleans at Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay SEP JV/V boys tennis vs. Johnston, Q Tuesday, May 15 Auction, “A Night for Hope and SEP 9/JV/V boys soccer vs. EHS 9/JV/V boys soccer vs. East High Double Decade Q Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay Principal Park, 7:05 p.m. 4:15 p.m. Reunion, classes from 1960 - 1979, adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Q Q $10. Hy-Vee Community Center, E. Q 25th and Euclid, 6 - 10 p.m. Ankeny, 4:45 p.m. State Large Group Band Festival SEP 9/JV girls soccer vs. Valley, 5 p.m. Q Sunday, May 6 4:15 p.m. Q Q Iowa Cubs vs. New Orleans at EHS JV/V girls soccer vs. Saturday, May 12 Roosevelt, 4:45 p.m. Q Principal Park, 1:05 p.m. Monday, May 7 Wednesday, May 9 Q National School Nurse Day Q SEP Schools 2 hour late start Q Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public Q Library, 10 a.m. Pleasant Hill Planning & Zoning Iowa Cubs vs. New Orleans at Iowa Barnstormers vs. Kansas Principal Park, 12:05 p.m. Q Q Creative Kids Craft, Pleasant Hill Varsity girls golf tournament at Grandview, 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 16 City, Wells Fargo Arena, 7:05 p.m. Q SEP 9 girls and boys soccer vs. Ames, 9 a.m. Commission meeting, 5:30 p.m. Q Q EHS JV/V boys tennis vs. North, SEP 9 girls and boys soccer at Q Q Sunday, May 13 Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public Library, 10 a.m. Creative Kids Craft, Pleasant Hill Public Library, 4 p.m. Q Prayer Group, Rising Sun Church of Christ, 6390 N.E. Rising Sun Drive, Q Mother’s Day 5:30 p.m. Public Library, 4 p.m. Q Adventureland, 6:30 p.m. Q Youth Group meeting, 2484 S.E. 68th Q of Christ, 6390 N.E. Rising Sun Drive, DM Big Band performs, SEP 9/JV/V boys soccer vs. Fort Prayer Group, Rising Sun Church Dodge, 4:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Q SEP JV/V girls soccer at Fort Q 14 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 Woodland Hills Church of Christ Monday, May 14 Q www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill Congressman Boswell Reception, Woodland Hills Church of Christ St., 6:30 p.m. calendar Submit event information to kathy@dmcityview.com Thursday, May 17 Sunday, May 20 Wednesday, May 23 Q Southeast Polk Commencement Q Library, 10 a.m. Q Iowa Cubs vs. Salt Lake City at of God Church, 8:45 a.m. Q Principal Park, 1:05 p.m. High Voltage Toastmasters meet- Q TOPS meeting, Berean Assembly Congressman Latham Reception, ing, East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Altoona Hy-Vee Club Room, $10 - Ave., 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. $15, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Q Q Regional After Hours, Copper Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public Creek Golf Club, 5 - 7 p.m. Library, 10 a.m. Q Q Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay Creative Kids Craft, Pleasant Hill Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 Public Library, 4 p.m. p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., Q adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. of Christ, 6390 N.E. Rising Sun Drive, Q 5:30 p.m. Iowa Cubs vs. Salt Lake City at Prayer Group, Rising Sun Church Principal Park, 6:35 p.m. Q Q Youth Group meeting, 2484 S.E. 68th SEP 9/JV/V girls soccer at Woodland Hills Church of Christ Johnston, 4:45 p.m. St., 6:30 p.m. Q Q EHS varsity girls soccer at North, 6 p.m. Haywire performs. Striker’s 1:30 p.m. Q Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Q Iowa Cubs vs. Tacoma at Principal Park, 12:05 p.m. Q SEP JV/V softball at Waukee, 4:15 p.m. Q SEP 9/JV/V girls soccer at Marshalltown, 4:45 p.m. Q SEP 10 baseball vs. Waukee, 5:30 p.m. Q SEP varsity baseball at Waukee, 5:30 p.m. Iowa Cubs vs. Tacoma at Principal Park, 12:05 p.m. Monday, May 21 Q SEP JV/V softball at Boone, 6 p.m. Q EHS varsity baseball vs. Johnston, Q State track tournament at Drake Q Q Iowa Cubs vs. Salt Lake City at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 Q Eighth St. S.W., Altoona, 7 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Q Q Principal Park, 7:05 p.m. between Locust and Walnut, Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m. Q Friday, May 18 Greater Des Moines Garden Club, Tour the World Food Prize Building and Garden, Second Ave., Q Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public Q Eastern Polk Quilt Guild meeting, Iowa Cubs vs. Tacoma at Principal Park, 6:35 p.m. Q 3:30 p.m. EHS 9/JV/V softball vs. Johnston, EHS 9/10 baseball at Johnston, 5:30 p.m. SEP varsity baseball vs. Carlisle, 5:30 p.m. Q SEP JV/V girls soccer vs. Lincoln, 6 p.m. Q Saturday, May 19 EHS JV/V girls soccer vs. Marshalltown, 6 p.m. Friday, May 25 Tuesday, May 22 Q Q Pleasant Hill City Council meet- ing, 6:30 p.m. Q Tae Kwon Do Classes, Clay Q Armed Forces Day Elementary, ages 5 - 7 from 5:30 - 6 Q State track tournament at Drake p.m., ages 7 and up from 6 - 6:30 p.m., Q Adventureland Park opens for adults from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Thursday, May 24 season at 10 a.m. Q Q Principal Park, 12:05 p.m. Q SEP last day of classes Community Theatre, Altoona, $5, Q Q Story Time, Pleasant Hill Public 7 - 9 p.m. 6 p.m. Library, 10 a.m. Q Q EHS 9 baseball vs. Ankeny, 4 p.m. Q Q EHS 10 baseball at Ankeny, ing, East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Madcap! Teen Improv, CAP Iowa Cubs vs. Salt Lake City at Principal Park, 7:05 p.m. Iowa Barnstormers vs. Spokane, Wells Fargo Arena, 7:05 p.m. Iowa Cubs vs. Tacoma at SEP JV/V softball vs. Oskaloosa, 5:30 p.m. High Voltage Toastmasters meet- It’s free! Submit calendar items for your school, church, business, organization or family to darren@dmcityview.com. Ave., 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 15 GO RAMS! SE POLK HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY SPORT SCHEDULES – BASEBALL 3131 - 8th Street SW s 967.7979 1 block east of Walmart That’s homemade Italian! 104 - 3rd Street SE s Altoona www.bianchiboys.com 957-0807 Date Monday, May 21st Thursday, May 24th Tuesday, May 29th Wednesday, May 30th Saturday, June 2nd Monday, June 4th Friday, June 8th Monday, June 11th Thursday, June 14th Friday, June 15th Monday, June 18th Thursday, June 21st Monday, June 25th Tuesday, June 26th Thursday, June 28th Friday, June 29th Monday, July 2nd Thursday, July 5th Monday, July 9th Tuesday, July 10th We are SE Polk Ram fans! Your trusted mortgage lender. Sugar Shack WK6W6(6WH( $OWRRQD Lori Slings 160 Adventureland Dr. 515-967-4700 or 515-975-8240 Home/Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Opponent Carlisle Waukee Roosevelt DM East Multiple Johnston DM North Indianola Dowling WDM Valley Ankeny Johnston Urbandale DM Lincoln Indianola TBD Dowling Ankeny Ames DM Hoover Time 5:30pm 5:30pm 7:30pm 3:30pm 10:00am 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 7:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 10:00am 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WITH FLOWERS! MOTHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, MAY 13 515.967.0773 800.880.0773 Ï cell 515.490.9439 509 Eighth Street SEÏAltoona www.altoonafloral.com SE Polk HS is located at 7945 NE University Avenue ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff :-8)1::-6-?:-+A+4- 5 OFF 10% OFF WHEN YOU BRING IN AN EMPTY BOTTLE TO RECYCLE Expires 5/31/12 ANY MATRIX PRODUCT Expires 5/31/12 $ 616 - 8th STREET SW ALTOONA 515.967.4787 16 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 REPAIR TREATMENT www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill SUMMER 2012 SOFTBALL Date Tuesday, May 22nd Wednesday, May 23rd Thursday, May 24th Tuesday, May 29th Wednesday, May 30th Thursday, May 31st Saturday, June 2nd Monday, June 4th Tuesday, June 5th Thursday, June 7th Friday, June 8th Saturday, June 9th Monday, June 11th Thursday, June 14th Monday, June 18th Tuesday, June 19th Thursday, June 21st Friday, June 22nd Monday, June 25th Thursday, June 28th Friday, June 29th Tuesday, July 3rd Home/Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Away Away Away Away Home Away Away Opponent Oskaloosa Boone Waukee DM Roosevelt Dallas Center-Grimes Ankeny WDM Valley Johnston DM East Urbandale CR Jefferson CR Jefferson Indianola Dowling Ankeny Ames Johnston Urbandale Urbandale Indianola Ottumwa Dowling Time 7:30pm 7:30pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 7:30pm 6:15pm 11:15am 6:15pm 7:30pm 6:15pm TBD TBD 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 7:30pm 6:15pm 1:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm TBD 6:15pm %BJMZ-VODI#VČFUtBNQN All-You-Can-Eat for $6.60 4VOEBZ#VČFUtBNQN $8.95 with a drink UITU48t"MUPPOB 515-957-9391 XXXZBOOJTHSJMMPSH Good Luck Rams from CHEER THE RAMS ON TO VICTORY! For more information and to see all sport schedules, ff ff f call 641.357.5235 or visit www.se-polk.k12.ia.us THE MIDWEST'S FINEST FUND RAISING COMPANY º.%ºTHº!VEºhº0LEASANTº(ILL (515) 266-6900 WWWKSBIOWACOM Helping Groups Raise Money Since 1970 Go Rams! Des Moines’ Largest Pre-Owned Inventory Over 350 In-Stock! Contact us to see how we can help you! 1505 North Ave. t Norwalk t 515.981.5118 www.4sns.com DEERY BROTHERS CHEVROLET OF PLEASANT HILL 6000 E. University Ave. Pleasant Hill 285-1000 www.godeery.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 17 Altoona Nursing & Rehabilitation Center After a brief hospital stay, I found myself needing treatment and strengthening. I was nervous to go to rehabilitation at a facility because I am in my early 50’s. I spoke with Admissions Director, Angela Boyd, and decided to choose Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation for a short-term stay. It didn’t take me long to realize I made the right choice. I am so glad I didn’t go anywhere else. I would definitely recommend this facility to others. The staff is wonderful, caring, and personable. They truly believe in what they do. Monica Metzger, featured at the bottom left, is the Director of Rehabilitation, at Altoona. She played a huge role in getting me home. From the moment I entered the building, she had a plan to get me home, and we stuck to it. She really motivated me during my therapy sessions to work hard so I could return to my home and family. I had a great experience at Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation. Thank you for taking care of me emotionally and physically. real estate Pleasant Hill sales from March 2 - April 5 SPIDELL, CLYDE A., to IOWA SAVINGS BANK OF CARROLL, IA, $120,000 4870 WINDSOR CIRCLE, from ARAFA, TAREK, to LETO CUSTOM HOMES, INC., $34,000 5290 Windsor Court 5290 WINDSOR COURT, from COPPER CREEK VILLAS, LLC, to MEIER, RANDY L., $192,500 468 N. Walnut Blvd. – Kelly Hollissinger Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy 24 Hour Nursing Care Physician Services Long Term Placement Short Term In-Patient Rehabilitation Memory Care Unit Salon Services Scheduled Activities 400 S. Pleasant Hill Blvd. 468 N. WALNUT BLVD., from DEITRICK, RONALD J., to ROBINSON, REX A., SR., $157,000 400 S. PLEASANT HILL BLVD., from EVANS, DAVID J., to RUNGEE, SAMULE, $160,000 Call today for a tour! 515-729-3206 200 - 7th Ave. SW Altoona www.altoonanursing-rehab.com Enjoy your job? You will this one! We are Iowa Living magazines, and we publish 21 lifestyle publications that reach a total of nearly 270,000 Iowans every month. You are reading this lifestyle magazine, so you know the strength of our readership. If you can help turn that readership into results for local businesses, we want you to work for us! 5191 Windsor Court 5885 Vandalia Road 5885 VANDALIA ROAD, from DEARDEN, JAMES P. to PARNELL, KELLY G., $227,000 6612 S.E. SUNSPLASH DRIVE, from RISING SUN DEVELOPMENT, LLC, to TEAM HOMES, LLC, $34,900 260 N.E. 72nd St. 2XUQLQHDGYHUWLVLQJVDOHVUHSUHVHQWDWLYHVZRUNLQWKH¿HOG across this state, helping customers of all kinds to achieve their business goals. We are ready to hire more good people. 260 N.E. 72ND ST., from CHAPLIN, KYLE, to FUDGE, CARL D., $205,000 We offer an aggressive commission plan, a guaranteed VWDUWXSVDODU\H[SHQVHDFFRXQWDQGIXOOEHQH¿WVLQFOXGLQJ health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance… and fun! Prior newspaper or magazine advertising sales experience would be helpful, but it is not required. If you are frustrated working behind a desk and want to be part of a growing media company, apply with us. You will be glad you did! Living Email resume and cover letter to: humanresources@dmcityview.com or fax to 515-953-1394 APRIL | 2012 220 LINDEN BLVD., from BALLANTYNE, GENE A., to TILUS, BENJAMIN D., $145,900 455 RIDGEWOOD BLVD., from LUNDBERG, KEVIN L., to BELL, DONALD J., $152,500 magazines Pleasant Hill Living 220 Linden Blvd. 380 N.E. 56TH ST., from MORSE, GREGORY V., to DENMAN, JUSTIN R., $203,000 Iowa 18 5191 WINDSOR COURT, from ALTMAN, CONSTANCE E., to SAHR, SHERYL M., $213,000 4420 CAMERON SWING, from www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill 6609 S.E. Sundancer Swing 6609 S.E. SUNDANCER SWING, from KAUTZ, COREY, to TOUNSLEY, NATHAN J., $182,000 Q out & about Submit photos to darren@dmcityview.com health Q&A Q: What is hospice? A: Often when people hear the word hospice, they think of a quiet, home-like facility where the very sick go to die. While many communities have a hospice facility, hospice is not a place. Hospice is a kind of health care that provides relief from physical symptoms such as pain, anxiety or shortness of breath and provides emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their loved ones. Most people prefer to remain at home Hudson Bethards, Gracie Bethards, Kinley Bethards and Rylie Roberts at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. during the last months of their life. Hospice care was designed to provide care in the patient’s own home, wherever they call home. Home might be their house, the house of a loved one caring for them, an assisted living facility or even a nursing facility. With the support of the hospice team of nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care counselors and volunteers, patients receive the best care possible in their own homes surrounded by people they know and love. Very importantly, hospice care is not just for the last few days of life. Hospice focuses on comfort, so the patient and the family can focus on living, making the very most of the time that they have. Q Information provided by Patti Cutler, Hospice Director, WesleyLife, 944 18th St., Des Moines, 515-271-5121, www.WesleyLife.org. Tom Terrific, Myrna Eisenlauer, Sparkle Sophie Haage and Bob Eisenlauer at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. Living Life to Its Fullest MEALS ON WHEELS Nutritious meals delivered to your home for short term and permanent needs. HOME HEALTH Personalized services range from help with daily activities to skilled nursing care. Jenna Van Wyke and Abby Van Wyk at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. HOSPICE Our holistic approach addresses mind, body, and spirit, to foster personal choice and enrich lives. ADULT DAY SERVICES Community wellness and preventative health programs can elevate quality of life. 944 18th Street Des Moines 515.699.3244 www.WesleyLife.org The WesleyLife Family of Services Retirement Living | Healthcare and Rehabilitation | In-Home Health Hospice Care Public Health | Meals on Wheels | Adult Day Centers Maci and Jerzi Bice at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 19 senior living By Shelly Charter Putting empathy into action Imagine yourself in someone else’s situation By Shelly Charter, Valley View Village e talked last month about respecting our elders, and perhaps as a society we all need to make a conscious decision to do just that. I think something that may help us with developing that respect might be learning the art of empathy. The dictionary defines empathy as the power of understanding and imaginatively entering into another person's feelings. W I think we can relate to this best if we’ve ever heard the saying “Don’t judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” Perhaps that best defines empathy down to its simplest definition. Some of us have to really imagine growing older; for others we can see it on the horizon, and some of us are currently living in that reality. Of course “older” is a relative term. I’ve met 90-year-olds who look and feel like they are in their 60s and vice versa. So how can we learn the art of empathy? Start by thinking of your top five favorite things you enjoy. Perhaps it’s eating, reading, exercising, shopping and biking. Whatever those things are, think about what it would be like if suddenly you weren’t able to do any of these things because of physical limitations. What then? How do you fill your time? What do you find your enjoyment in then? Couple this with not hearing, seeing or feeling well, and it shouldn’t take long for a sense of empathy to kick in. Once that happens, we should begin understanding and appreciating exactly what our elders might be experiencing, and hopefully this will help us respect and understand their situation. The dictionary classifies empathy as a noun — if you ask me I think it needs to be a verb. How can we begin doing this today? Q Information provided by Shelly Charter, Valley View Village, 2571 Guthrie Ave., Des Moines, 265-2571. SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT VALLEY VIEW VILLAGE! Valley View Village offers: Skilled Care Long Term Care Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Proudly serving seniors and their families in Christian love for over 45 years! 20 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill No endowment or buy in. Worry free living! Valley View Village offers a complete continuum of care and a community full of friendly faces! 265.2571 *XWKULH$YH'HV0RLQHV www.elimcare.org faith Submit story ideas to darren@dmcityview.com Check out new line of flip flops, jewelry and accessories, gifts and cards just for Mom! Don’t forget your Grad! 120 - 8th Street SE Q Altoona Q:PUJL 515.967.4213 Q toll-free 800.350.4213 Q www.healingtouchbookbible.com Oakwood United Methodist Church welcomes elementary students to vacation Bible camp this summer. HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY 8:30am–7pm Q SATURDAY 9am–4pm Q SUNDAY CLOSED Spring into action Local churches plan a variety of activities By Amber Williams he cold winter has warmed to an unpredictable spring filled with high temperatures, blustery winds and buckets of rain. But that’s as God’s grace commands. Pleasant Hill congregations are gearing up for a spring and summer filled with activities, outings and other amazing things to keep people busy and their spirits lifted. Vacation Bible camps are a great way to enjoy grace, fellowship, community and sometimes the great outdoors all while worshiping the Lord. Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 N.E. 56th St., is inviting kids from second to fifth grades to join in the Summer Games Junior Vacation Bible Camp from Sunday, July 29 to Wednesday, Aug. 1. Activities include outdoor games, horseback riding, swimming, low ropes and more at Wesley Woods. Contact Judy or Tania for more information at 262-6007, or go to www.summergamesuniversity.org to learn more. The 15th Annual Seniors in the Ozarks Conference will be held in Branson, Mo., from June 4 - 7 and June 11 - 14. Rising Sun Church of Christ leaders hope all its seniors get a chance to attend this year. This is a vacation with a purpose, and it’s only for people age 55 and older. Brochures are available at the OWLS table, or Lois at the church can also answer questions. Stop T in at 6390 N.E. Rising Sun Drive, call 265-7393, or search online at www.risingsunchurch.org for more information. Also, join the church for its Junior Choir Musical at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, featuring additional music and drama from the Cherub Choir and Junior High Choir. Spread the Word Have an upcoming event or church news you would like to announce? Send information to darren@dmcityview.com. NewLife Church, 6036 N.E. 12th St., is hosting an “Answers in Genesis” Conference with Dr. Tommy Mitchell, from April 29 - 30. As a scientist, a physician and a father, Mitchell considers it his duty to provide solid answers from the Bible to better equip people for surviving personal tragedy and “popular evolutionary misinformation.” To learn more about this event, contact Max VandeLune at 299-5433, or send him an email at maxvan@prairieinet.net. Learn more about Dr. Mitchell by following the links provided online at www.newlifedsm.com, where there is also information available about the church and its many activities. Or, call the church at 299-5433. Q www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 21 tax advice By Tim Tarbell I owe the IRS how much? What to do when you get the dreaded letter By Tim Tarbell, Tarbell & Company magine for a moment that you pick up your mail one day, and there is a letter from the IRS. Immediately your heart skips a beat and your palms become sweaty. I hate getting letters from the IRS as much as anyone. Now imagine that when you open that letter it says that you owe the IRS $915,000. Think about how you might react. Some would faint, panic, get angry, or perhaps you would start laughing because you know that it is not possible for you to owe that amount. Whatever your response may be, there are a few things that you should know. s4HIS SCENARIO ACTUALLY happened to one of your fellow Pleasant Hill residents in February 2012. I am sharing their story with permission. When I received the call I could tell that something was definitely wrong. As we talked over the phone, it became clear what had happened. The taxpayer had prepared the tax return for the year in question but had inadvertently left off some key information. The IRS only had one part of the story on which they based the tax assessment. You must remember that with the IRS you owe the tax until you can prove that you don’t owe the tax. We were able to file an amended tax return, and the taxpayer actually ended up receiving a refund of a few hundred dollars once all of the information was available. s$ONTPANIC In my experience over the last 23 years, it is very typical that the letters from I Serving a diverse group of businesses, individuals, associations and organizations – large and small – t t t t t t t t Financial Statement Preparation Auditing and Review Services Payroll Preparation Income Tax Preparation and Planning Small Business Acquisition, Expansion Dissolution and Buy-out Planning Cash Flow Projections and Financing Arrangements Retirement Planning Divorce Litigation Support ;PT>;HYILSSWHY[ULY 2130 Grand AvenueDes Moines 515.282.0200 22 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 the IRS showing tax due are incorrect about 50 percent of the time. This is not necessarily the fault of the IRS, because often they are dealing with incomplete information. Also, if penalties and interest apply to a situation, it is often in your best interest to ask forgiveness for the penalties. Sometimes the penalties cannot be reduced by law, but there are other times when the penalties can and will be forgiven. It never hurts to ask the IRS to remove the penalties. The worst they can do is say, “No!” It must be done respectfully and with a plausible explanation. Emotion should not play a role in a response to the IRS. s#ONTACT A TAX PROFES sional to assist you with your response. There are things that should be made known to the IRS to get the desired outcome. At the same time, there are things that may go better left unsaid. Knowing the proper information to include is critical. Unless you deal with the IRS on a regular basis you may cause yourself some unintended headaches. Please contact us if we can be of assistance. Q Information provided by Tim Tarbell, CPA MBA, Tarbell & Company PLC, 2130 Grand Ave., Des Moines, 515-282-0200. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill East High School Varsity Sport Schedules SPRING 2012 BASEBALL Date 05-23-12 05-29-12 06-04-12 06-07-12 06-08-12 06-11-12 06-14-12 06-15-12 06-18-12 06-21-12 06-25-12 06-28-12 07-02-12 07-05-12 Time 3:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 3:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 5:30pm Home/Host DM East Urbandale DM East DM East DM East DM Lincoln DM East DM East Ottumwa DM North DM Hoover DM East DM Roosevelt DM East Opponent Johnston Urbandale DM North DM Hoover WDM Valley DM Lincoln DM Roosevelt Ames Ottumwa DM North DM Hoover DM Lincoln DM Roosevelt Ottumwa Location DM East HS East High School Lincoln Legion Field & Staggs Court DM East HS DM Roosevelt HS SOFTBALL WE DELIVER! Pleasant Hill, Altoona and East Des Moines Runnells, Bondurant, Carlisle and Mitchellville ORDER ONLINE: www.RoyalChinaOnline.com .BQMF%SJWFt1MFBTBOU)JMM Across the street from Hy-Vee 262-8880 Date 05-24-12 05-29-12 06-04-12 06-07-12 06-11-12 06-14-12 06-18-12 06-19-12 06-21-12 06-25-12 06-26-12 06-28-12 07-03-12 Time 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 4:45pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 4:45pm Home/Host DM East Urbandale DM East DM East DM Lincoln DM East Ottumwa DM East DM East DM Hoover DM East DM East DM Roosevelt Opponent Johnston Urbandale DM North DM Hoover DM Lincoln DM East HS Ottumwa Ankeny DM North DM Hoover Ottumwa DM Lincoln DM Roosevelt Location Huston Field, Wildwood School Hoover High School DM East HS - East Softball Field DM Roosevelt HS Des Moines’ Largest Pre-Owned Inventory Over 350 In-Stock! DEERY BROTHERS CHEVROLET OF PLEASANT HILL 6000 E. University Ave. Pleasant Hill 285-1000 www.godeery.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 23 Let us help map your future! we have personalized solutions WRDOORI\RXUÀQDQFLDOQHHGV Pleasant Hill 1225 copper creek drive suite m 278.5333 Urbandale 2891 - 106th street 278.1994 banking By Brenda Reicherts Where’s the money going? Take steps to get your finances under control By Brenda Reicherts, branch manager, Midland Credit Union customer recently asked “I know my spending is out of control, but I am not sure where the problems are. I mean, there is no money left at the end of the month, and I have no idea where it went. Whatever you advise, please do not tell me to use a budget. I am just not that kind of person.” Congratulations on reaching the point where you know something has to change, we replied. This is truly something to be proud of. Many people realize $10,000. their spending is out of control Having said that, here are but do nothing about it. Instead, three alternatives for getting your Submit photos to darren@dmcityview.com they hope the problem will resolve finances under control: itself. However, inheritances and s $ECIDE IN ADVANCE HOW lotteries aside, it never does. much you want to dedicate to As in every area in life, you savings and how much goes need a solution that works for toward your bills. When each you. If you feel constrained by a paycheck arrives, put the desigbudget, as many people do, there nated savings amount directly into are other ways to get a handle on an account you can’t touch. (Come your money. But before you write into Midland Credit Union to disoff budgeting as something that cuss your saving options). Do the would cramp your style, give it same for bills. This is known as some honest thought. “paying yourself first.” Provided What is the problem with a you are not using credit cards, this budget? If the tracking and paper- system will keep you from spendwork seem too overwhelming, and ing the money you would rather The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the The We-List you would like a system that is be saving. Store on April 13. easier to maintain, I can unders!SECONDOPTIONISIMPLE stand that. But if you do not like menting a spending plan. No, the thought of having to make this is not a budget by another decisions on what you will and will name. A spending plan gets you not be able to purchase because organized, and lets you know how Iowa there is not an infinite amount of much you have for each category money to work with, it is time of spending, not how little. Celebrating a big for a reality check. Any system s)FALLELSEFAILSWORKWITH birthday, anniversary will do the same thing because cash. When it is gone, there is no or other milestone? the fact is this: Everyone has only more discretionary spending until Send us your milestone a limited amount of money to next month. This is a last resort, announcements with spend, whether that limit is $10 or but it always works. Q a picture and we’ll publish them for FREE! Information provided by Brenda Reicherts, branch manager, 1225 Copper Send your announcements to darren@dmcityview.com Creek Drive, Suite M, Pleasant Hill, 515-278-5333. A www.midlandcu.org out & about ant your photos! We w Living magazines 24 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill library news recipe By John Lerdal Submit ideas to darren@dmcityview.com Chocolate chip cookies Sign up for summer reading R Traditional favorite can be varied many ways By Beth McDonald Programs scheduled for adults and childen By John Lerdal, Library Director et set for the summer reading program at the library. All ages are invited to participate. For the kids, there will be plenty of great activities. Adults are urged to sign up as well. Stay cool this summer, come to the library. The library will be closed on the following days: Sunday, May 13, for Mother’s Day and Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day. G Anniversary year The library opened in January of 1982. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year. Stop in and share your remembrances! For information on all of the library’s programs and events, check out our website: www.ci.pleasanthill.ia.us/library. And check out the library’s Facebook page. NEW BOOKS Fiction “Calico Joe” by John Grisham “Capitol Murder” by Phillip Margolin “Elegy for Eddie” by Jacqueline Winspear Nonfiction “Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making” by Jennifer May “Driving Mr. Yogi: Yogi Berra, Ron Guidry, and Baseball’s Greatest Gift” by Harvey Araton Books on CD “Monsters, Gods, and Heroes” by Professor Timothy B. Shutt “Behold the Mighty Dinosaur” by Professor John Kricher Juvenile/Children “Oh No, George!” by Chris Haughton “Z is for Moose (That’s Me!)” by Kelly Bingham “Pugs in a Bug” by Carolyn Crimi “Mr. Burke is Berserk!” by Dan Gutman Many more new items are also available. Story times are held on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10 and 10:30 a.m. Crafts are held every Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. Pleasant Hill Public Library 5151 Maple Drive, 266-7815 Hours: Sunday: 1 - 4 p.m. Mon. - Thur.: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Download books on WILBOR WILBOR now has e-books available. WILBOR is an online site accessible through the library’s website. Downloadable audio books are also available WILBOR including titles for IPod use. Kindle users, access is now available. You’ll need your library patron number to access the WILBOR website. There is a link at the library’s website, www.ci.pleasanthill.ia.us/library. Q ecently we were on a family vacation, and since it was a car trip it was easy for me to pack some treats for us to snack on along the way. I usually make sure we have trail mix, granola bars and chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are easy to make and travel well. They will easily stay fresh for a week at room temperature in a sealed container. Chocolate chip cookies are something you can adapt with a variety of different ingredients; peanut butter, dark chocolate chips or M & M’s. If you are going to use peanut butter you need to use a half-cup of peanut butter and a half-cup of butter or Crisco. This trip I just made the traditional cookies, but I frequently make them with peanut butter. There is a great debate between chewy cookies vs. crunchy cookies. My family prefers soft cookies, and this recipe is one that looks crunchy but is still soft. My tip is to use the butter-flavored Crisco vs. butter. If you use butter, be sure it is at room temperature because your cookies will turn out better if it is. I also use a cookie scoop. This helps to make sure each cookie is the same size and shape. By having the cookies the same size, they will cook evenly. Q Chocolate chip cookies Ingredients 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened ( I use 1 cup butter-flavored Crisco) 1-1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. 3. In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add to batter. Once mixed add the chocolate chips. 4. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until golden brown. Beth McDonald is a wife and mother and works full time in Des Moines. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 25 Dedicated to Detection PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE WITH A PASSION FOR PEOPLE In partnership with At Iowa Radiology our commitment is to provide you state of the art technology, professional expertise, and patient focused care. Expect a personal approach with convenient scheduling and locations and comfortable outpatient settings. Our team of radiologists are respected for their compassion and communication skills with patients and referring physicians. We also have a number of physicians with specialties or fellowships in breast imaging, body imaging, interventional, musculoskeletal, pediatric and neurological radiology for the most precise interpretation. All radiologists are board certified and all equipment is ACR (American College of Radiology) accredited. We are proud to serve you. SERVICES RADIOLOGISTS MRI - Open Bore & Closed CT Scan Ultrasound Bone Density Virtual Colonoscopy Fluoroscopy General X-ray General Diagnostic Radiology Lindsey Grandbois, D.O., R.Ph William Heggen, M.D. Stuart Lehr, M.D. Christopher Waddell, D.O. Breast Imaging Gopika Myneni, M.D. Jill Westercamp, M.D. Women’s Imaging: Digital Mammography Breast Biopsy Breast MRI OB & Breast Ultrasound Musculoskeletal James Choi, M.D. Neuroradiology Charles DePena, M.D. Gerard Waggenspack, M.D. Body Imaging Paul Keller, M.S., M.D. Brad King, D.O. Robert McCleeary, M.D. John Rizzi, M.D. Marvin Walker, D.O. Pediatric Amy Dahl, M.D. Clive Ankeny Lakeview Downtown 12368 Stratford Drive, Suite 300 Clive, IA 50325 1105 N. Ankeny Blvd., Suite 200 Ankeny, IA 50023 6000 University Avenue, Suite 150 West Des Moines, IA 50266 Methodist Office Building III 1221 Pleasant Street, Suite 350 Des Moines, IA 50309 WWW.IOWARADIOLOGY.COM 26 Angiography and Interventional Olaf Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D David Lacey, M.D. Andrew Nish, M.D. Pamela Sigmund, PA-C Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill | 515-226-9810 fitness By David Charleston, The Orange Planet Triumph over defeat An Easter lesson in victory By David Charleston, director/founder of The Orange Planet T he meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ’s victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. It also verifies all that Jesus preached and taught during His three-year ministry. It announced victory over death. Victory signifies more than just a conquest. Victory signifies unity, discipline and faith in something. If you have ever tasted victory, you know the feeling it brings. If you ever watch sports competition, you have seen what kinds of feelings are brought out when victory comes. It is exhilarating. It is payoff for all the hard work. People identify with winners. Even people who have never played competitive sports are moved to great emotion when they witness victory. I even think at times I could will my way to a victory. Victory in the area of health and fitness comes from discipline. That is not a popular word these days, but it is the truth. When you hit the gym five days a week and discipline your body to consume foods that are good for you, victory is sure to follow. There are certain victory steps you must take in order to rise above defeat and win. We highly recommend five days a week being in the gym, raising your heart rate to your maximum level. When sustaining that heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes at a time you are sure to tone and drop unwanted fat. Adding weight training to your routine three days a week builds muscle which also prevents osteoporosis. Other benefits include increased lung capacity, protection against heart disease, balance of energy and weight loss, building muscle strength and stamina, enhancing metabolism, increasing bone density, fighting off cancer and depression and improving cognition and memory. The increase of heart-lung fitness is essential to seeing victory. How well do your heart and lungs handle physical activity challenges? In studies reported in medical journals, participants with the best heart rate recovery after exercise had much less chance (up to four times) of dying in the years of follow-up. If you want victory in your life, it will cost you something. Decide what you’ll pay to taste victory. If you struggle from defeat, today you can put it behind you and start again. Don’t give up in the struggle. Spoil the naysayer’s negative comments. Be an overcomer. Victory is close at hand. Soon you’ll delight in the fruits of your labor. To a happy Easter and victory in your life. Thank you for reading. Q Article by David Charleston, founder of The Orange Planet, 5650 Metro East Drive, Pleasant Hill. FitPlay Summer Camp taking registrations now at www.theorangeplanet.com. )PPQ"DBEFNZt'*51MBZ4VNNFS$BNQ,t 'JUOFTT$FOUFSt#BTLFUCBMM-FBHVFTt 1SJWBUF*OTUSVDUJPOt"DBEFNJD5VUPSJOH t t www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 27 health Q&A Q: What is the safest way to remove a tick? A: The warm weather has been great. Plants and insects are thriving. Ticks are out and about, so it is a good time to review how to handle those little critters. They can be found in low brush and grass and live in warm, wooded areas. It is easy to remove one that is moving across your body — get a tissue, grab the tick and flush it down the toilet. However once the tick is attached, its removal becomes more of a challenge. The biggest problem in removing a tick is the possible spread of germs causing disease. Any method that makes the tick spit out blood or saliva might spread disease. Some common methods of tick removal can cause this, such as touching a hot match head to the tick or painting the tick to smother it. Spreading Vaseline on it will prolong the exposure time, causing the tick to eject more infectious germs into the body. These methods should not be used. Using tweezers, flip the tick on its back. Grasp with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible and gently pull it out. Wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water. Monitor the area for a month or so for any sign of a lesion in the area. If you become ill after a tick bite see your health care provider. Simply keep ticks off of the body by covering exposed skin, and use repellants. Wearing light-colored clothing helps by making it easier to see the ticks. Q Information provided by Alice Kerr, ARNP, Pleasant Hill Family Physicians, P.C., 1205 Copper Creek Drive, Pleasant Hill, 266-1199. 9RWHG %HVWRI(DVW 3RON&RXQW\ ,W·V\RXUIXWXUHEHWKHUHKHDOWK\ 515.967.9300 &HQWHU3ODFH6:$OWRRQD ZZZ6ZDLQ&KLURSUDFWLFFRP 28 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 Q: How can chiropractic care relieve my spring allergies? A: Spring is here. Unfortunately for many, springtime means allergy time. When exposed to an allergen, the body triggers the immune system to go into action. The immune system releases histamine that attaches to receptors in blood vessels causing them to enlarge. Histamine binds to receptors causing redness, swelling and itching. Over-the-counter allergy medications are focused only on relieving the symptoms. These medications do not get to the source of the symptoms, and they come with many side-effects. While treating the symptoms may seem easiest, it’s important to understand that the side-effects of these chemicals increase in severity with long-term usage and may even eventually worsen the symptoms. One of the primary causes of allergies is an impaired immune system, which substantially increases the risk of allergic reactions. The immune system becomes stressed due to an overload of toxins. To improve immune system function and reduce allergic reactions, avoid sugar as it overtaxes the body during digestion. Avoid dairy products as they increase the production of mucus and can mimic allergic reactions. Eat only whole foods. Healthy foods build the immune system and actually help to alleviate allergic reactions. Chiropractors recognize the important role a healthy nervous system plays in a healthier immune system. Most over-the-counter and prescription allergy treatments adversely affect the nervous system, which means that they will adversely affect your overall health and wellness. Chiropractic adjustments remove interferences to the nervous system and improve immune system functioning. Many people report allergies improve with regular chiropractic care. Q Information from The Wellness Family, provided by Dr. Kari Swain, Swain Chiropractic, 410 Center Place S.W., Altoona, 967-9300. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill health Q&A Des Moines Dental Group Q: What does gum disease have to do with cardiovascular health? A: Treating gum disease, which is bacterial infection of the gums, may reduce the risk of cardiovasculas disease — disease of the heart and the body’s arterial system. The most common types of cardiocascular disease are stroke, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, which includes heart attack and chest pain known as angina pectoris and heart failure. Research has shown that periodontal disease increases the risk of developing the blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke. The danger with gum disease is that the oral bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of the body. Endocarditis, for example, is the name of a potentially fatal infection that occurs in the vessels of the heart. Gum disease has also been linked to diabetes. Researchers have found that blood sugar levels in diabetics with gum disease were lowered when the gum disease was treated. A study also found that women who suffered from moderate to severe gum disease were twice as likely to give birth prematurely. Keep your gums healthy by brushing and flossing daily and by visiting your dentist regularly. Q Information provided by Des Moines Dental Group, 708 First Ave S., 967-6611. is a full service dental facility offering the finest in preventative and restoration services for the entire family! We offer... Q Preventative Dentistry Q Root Canals Q Dentures – partial and complete Q Crowns and Bridges Q Treatment of Gum Disease Q Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Foster Hawkins, D.D.S. 708 – 1st Ave. S. (behind Kum & Go) 967-6611 www. dmdent al group.c om N ew patients are alw ays w elcom e ! Q: What’s normal regarding memory loss, and what’s not? A: You begin to lose brain cells starting in your 20s. Thus, the older you are, the more your memory is affected. Aging changes both the way information is stored and your ability to recall the information. Some things to help with memory impairment include keeping lists, following a routine, repeating names when you meet new people and keeping important objects such as keys in a consistent place. Many things other than aging can also affect memory. These include dementia, depression, medications, strokes, head injury and alcohol abuse. Memory problems are a concern if they affect your daily living significantly. If you sometimes forget names, you shouldn’t be concerned. But you may have a more serious problem if you can’t remember how to do things that you’ve done many times or you have trouble doing tasks that require following steps (such as a recipe). A major difference between normal and “serious” memory loss is progression. If it’s dementia, it usually gets worse over time. Additional things not part of “normal” aging are repeating stories in the same conversation, not being able to keep track of what happens each day and having trouble making choices. It may be difficult to really know if you have a significant problem or not, so talk to your doctor about any concerns that you have. Once brain cells are dead, they cannot be replaced, but if the diagnosis is dementia, it can sometimes be treated to stop or slow the progression. Q Jennifer Abler, D.O. Illa Chandani, M.D. Casey Clor, M.D. John Rhodes, M.D. Joseph McGargill, M.D. Priscilla Ruhe M.D. Steven Strang, D.O. Reagan Barry, PA-C Sally Bennett, PA-C Stacy Davis, PA-C Information from www.familydoctor.org, provided by Sally Bennett, PA-C, Mercy East Family Practice, 5900 E. University Ave., Suite 200, 643-2400. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill Amy Lamberti, PA-C 5900 E. University Ave. Pleasant Hill 643-2400 CLINIC HOURS: Family Practice Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Urgent Care Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–4 p.m. APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 29 YOUR TIMING WON’T BE OFF investment WHEN YOU INVEST REGULARLY. By Karl Ritland Can you turn ‘Be a Millionaire Day’ into reality? Steps for meeting your investment goal By Karl Ritland, financial advisor, Edward Jones ou can find many obscure holidays, but few of them To learn how investing on a regular basis can help you capture people’s interest reach your financial goals, call or visit your local financial as much as Be a Millionaire Day, advisor today. May 20. Most of us would like to Karl P. Rittland, AAMS® someday attain “millionaire” staFinancial Advisor tus. While there are no perfect 1100 N. Hickory Blvd., Suite 201 formulas, here are some steps to Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 515-266-8188 consider when working toward any investment goal: www.edwardjones.com s 0UT TIME ON YOUR SIDE Member SIPC The earlier you begin saving and investing, the better your chances of reaching your financial goal. Submit photos to darren@dmcityview.com You can’t expect to “strike it rich” immediately with any single investment, but by investing year in and year out, and by choosing quality investment vehicles, you have the opportunity to achieve growth over time. s 0AY YOURSELF FIRST If you wait until you “have a little extra money lying around” before you invest, you may well never invest. Instead, try to “pay yourself first.” Each month, move some money automatically from a checking or savings account into an investMelissa Smith and Rusty Smith at the Pleasant Hill Chamber Lunch Club at Strikers ment. When you’re first starting on March 22. out in the working world, you might not be able to afford much, but as you advance in your career, you can increase your contributions. s #ONTROL YOUR DEBTS It’s easier said than done, but if you can keep a lid on your debt payments, you’ll have more money with which to invest. Y out & about Becca Squiers and Tammy Haugen at the Pleasant Hill Chamber Lunch Club at Strikers on March 22. 30 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 s "UILD SHARE OWNERSHIP As an investor, one of the best things you can do to build your wealth is to increase the number of shares you own in your investments. So, look for buying opportunities, especially when prices are low. Also, consider reinvesting any dividends or distributions you may receive from your investments. s $ONTBEOVERLYCAUTIOUS For your money to grow, you need to put a portion of your investment dollars in growth-oriented vehicles, such as stocks. It is certainly true that stock prices will always fluctuate, sometimes quite sharply, and you may receive more or less than your original investment when sold. But if you avoid stocks entirely in favor of more stable vehicles, you run the risk of earning returns that may not keep you ahead of inflation. As you approach retirement, and even during retirement, your portfolio will probably still need some growth poetential. Work with your financial advisor to determine the appropriate approach for you. s 4HINK LONG TERM By creating a long-term investment strategy and sticking to it, you’ll be less likely to take a “timeout” from investing in response to perceived negative news, such as market downturns and political crises. Following these suggestions may someday allow you to reach the point when your financial goals become a reality for you. Q Information provided by Karl Ritland, Edward Jones, 1100 N. Hickory Blvd., Suite 201, Pleasant Hill, 266-8188, www.edwardjones.com. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill auto TED’S By Adam McRoberts Gas-saving tips BODY SHOP, INC. What really works, and how well By Adam McRoberts, Ted’s Body Shop Inc. W TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING! Information from Edmunds.com, provided by Adam McRoberts, Ted’s Body Shop Inc., 5571 N.W. Second St., Des Moines, 280-6500. $150 WE CLEAN IT ALL! Engine detail, interior and exterior All Makes and Models. Call for appointment. Allow for 6–8 hours minimum. Expires 5/25/12. COUPON way to save gas. Cold Hard Facts: Up to 14-percent savings, average savings of 7 percent. Recommendation: If you’ve got it, use it. Test No. 4: A/C on, windows up vs. A/C off, windows down. Result: Nice in theory; not true in practice. Cold Hard Facts: No measurable difference (unless you open the sunroof, too!) Recommendation: Please, make yourself comfortable. Test No. 5: Check your tire pressure. Result: Important for safety and to reduce tire wear. Cold Hard Facts: No measurable effect on the vehicles we tested. Recommendation: Check your tire pressure often but don’t expect a big savings. Test No. 6: Avoid excessive idling. Result: More important than we assumed. Cold Hard Facts: Avoiding excessive idling can save up to 19 percent. Recommendation: Stopping longer than a minute? Shut ’er down. Conclusions: The good news is that you can drastically improve your gas mileage. The caveat is that you have to change your driving habits. If you are willing to change, you’ll find many related benefits, too: no speeding tickets, greater safety, reduced stress and lower repair bills for tires and brake pads. In the long run this will save you money. And who knows? You might like the new you. Q ith gas prices so high, the media is awash with lists of gas-saving tips. Well, how’s this for a tip? If you listen to us, you can see hybrid-type savings without having to buy a new car. By changing your driving habits, you can improve fuel economy up to 37 percent right away (depending on how you drive). Combine several tips and perform routine maintenance and you will save real dollars, not just pennies. A miracle? All we did was take several of the most common tips out there and put them to the test over a remote 55-mile route in the high desert of California. Some of them worked like a charm. Some of them didn’t work at all. We’ll give you the breakdown. These tests were done under real-world conditions — not in a government lab somewhere. Our results can be matched by anyone — even you. The wonderful part about what we found is that improving your car’s mileage is just a matter of changing your habits. Stack a few of these winners together and we’ll bet that you’ll see a substantial savings at the pump — without the need for a new car. Test No. 1: Aggressive driving vs. moderate driving. Result: Major savings potential. The Cold Hard Facts: Up to 37 percent savings, average savings of 31 percent. Recommendation: Stop driving like a maniac. Test No. 2: Lower speeds save gas. Result: Substantial savings on a long trip. Cold Hard Facts: Up to 14 percent savings, average savings of 12 percent. Recommendation: Drive the speed limit. Test No. 3: Use cruise control. Result: Surprisingly effective COLLISION REPAIR and UNIBODY SPECIALIST All makes and models DUZMOR PRECISION BODY SQUARING & ALIGNMENT 515-280-6500 5571 NW 2nd STREETtDES MOINES www.tedsbodyshop.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 31 Pleasant Hill Chamber (515) 261-0466 MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! CHILL ON THE HILL Every Friday in June 6-9pm at Copper Creek Lake Park BANDS BEER WINE chamber news Chamber, 261-0466 Calling all volunteers Give your time to support your community By Cher Brown, president Admission $8 includes 2 drink tickets! olunteering has always been a passion of mine because I love giving back. Since joining the Chamber and the board of directors, I have had the opportunity to embellish on that passion by volunteering my time helping organize and work many of the events we have put on as a Chamber. Now it is your turn. Through my experience with the Chamber, I have heard from other members who wished they had more financial resources to provide for our many sponsorship opportunities, but just don’t. Well, my solution — volunteer your time in lieu of money and reap in the benefits. What benefits, you ask? Well, first off you have the opportunity to meet more fellow Chamber members as well as those in the community. Secondly, you set how much or how little time you can offer. Third, free marketing for you and your business. Finally, build lasting relationships that may just turn into future business opportunities. We are currently calling for volunteers to help with our upcoming Chill on the Hill events which will be taking place every Friday this June. We need support V (21 years & older) Platinum Sponsors: Elder Corporation ROCKSTAR satellite JUNE 1 COLD FILTERED Nightly sponsor: REMAX5HDO(VWDWH*URXS3OHDVDQW+LOO2IÀFH JUNE 8 DOUBLE BARREL Nightly sponsors: Pleasant Hill Living Magazine & Omg Midwest JUNE 15 DECOY Nightly sponsors: Caseys & Valley Bank JUNE 22 BEN2K Nightly sponsors: Anytime Fitness & Okoboji Grill JUNE 29 GIMMIK 1LJKWO\VSRQVRUV&RPPXQLFDWLRQ,QQRYDWRUV&RPPXQLW\6WDWH%DQN GOLF OUTING Friday, June 22 Copper Creek 4825 Copper Creek Dr. Pleasant Hill This year’s golf outing starts at 12:00pm Lunch and Business to Business networking 1:00pm Tee Off $75 includes admission to Chill on the Hill Saturday, July 28 Watch for more information to come! with our ticket sales, ID checking, beer serving, set up and clean up, etc. Volunteers will be asked to wear their company shirts to help promote their business. Please contact Cathy Jensen at the Chamber office to have your name put on our list as well as to discuss your possible date requests. Due to the popularity of volunteerism for this event, I would recommend you call earlier rather than later so we can try to accommodate everyone who is willing to help out. I want to thank you all in advance for giving your time, and I look forward to seeing each of you soon. Until then... Grow. Play. Live. Q Volunteer your time in lieu of money and reap in the benefits. 32 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill out & about Submit your photos and captions to darren@dmcityview.com Ashley Williams and Tate Williams at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. Jon Weist and Bill Eisenlauer at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. Sylvia Hageman at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. Anna, Olivia and Myrna Eisenlauer at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. Harold Otis and Creighton Otis at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. Kamen Carico at the Eisenlauer Egg Hunt on April 7 at Sunrise Park. Marta McCauley and Claudia Hoskins at the Pleasant Hill Chamber Lunch Club at Strikers on March 22. Layne Brown and Cher Brown at the Pleasant Hill Chamber Lunch Club at Strikers on March 22. Tim Tarbell and Archie Webb at the Pleasant Hill Chamber Lunch Club at Strikers on March 22. Janelle Reese and Ron Patterson at the Kraze Outfitters ribbon cutting on March 30. Len Murray and Jill Meyer at the Kraze Outfitters ribbon cutting on March 30. Nicci Baker and Christine D’Amico at the Kraze Outfitters ribbon cutting on March 30. www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living 33 out & about Submit photos to darren@dmcityview.com classifieds To place an ad, call 515-953-4822, ext. 302 ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 1-888-737-9930 DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL - 888-543-6232 DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-757-6941 ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-705-4795 Chad Robbins, Niki Robbins, Kim Dorn and Kendra Robbins from Kraze Outfitters hosted the Pleasant Hill Chamber for their ribbon cutting on March 30. MANTIS DELUXE TILLER. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE. One-Year Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book! 866-542-5009 CANADA DRUG CENTER is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 866-983-1784 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. WIN or Pay Nothing! Start Your Application In Under 60 Seconds. Call Today! Contact Disability Group, Inc. Licensed Attorneys & BBB Accredited. Call 888-835-8412 EVER CONSIDER a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 866-215-9894 Pennie Carroll and Marta McCarty at the Kraze Outfitters ribbon cutting on March 30. ADOPTION: A financially secure, childless couple (37-41) seek to adopt. Together 18 years. Flexible work schedules. Expenses paid. Rich & Tim. 1-800-494-4533. SAVE ON YOU NEW HOME- Quality energy-efficient home for $75-$100 per square foot with basement package and HVAC, 26 years experience. CENTURY HOMES OF OSKALOOSA 1-877-241-3621. 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For more information call 319-465-5916 CAMP COURAGEOUS is seeking a dependable, dedicated, hardworking individual to work in its dietary dept. for a summer, May 21, 2012 thru Aug 24, 2012. Counselor hours 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Friday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meals and housing in a dormitory setting (general ages of residents 19-26) furnished. Please apply online at campcourageous.org or send a cover letter and resume to: Chef Dennis Bayne, Dietary Director, Camp Courageous, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA. 52310-0418 The Pleasant Hill Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting for Kraze Outfitters on March 30. 34 Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 WANTED UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS UP TO $26/BOX. PRE PAID SHIPPING LABELS. HABLAMOS ESPANOL! 1-800-266- www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill 0702 www.SellDiabeticStrips.com TAKE VIAGRA/ CIALIS? Save $500.00! 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Call Patti at 855-578-7477 or visit us at www.TestStripSearch.com www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill Pleasant Hill Living APRIL | 2012 391 Becky Lynn Boulevard PLEASANT HILL 4560 Parkridge Avenue PLEASANT HILL 4900 Copper Creek Drive PLEASANT HILL 6334 Little Leaf Lane PLEASANT HILL 5200 Copper Creek Drive PLEASANT HILL 5186 Windsor Court PLEASANT HILL $174,900 $129,900 $249,900 $99,500 $279,900 $164,900 PLEASANT RIDGE LAND 6045 E Oakwood Drive PLEASANT HILL 1625 Waters Edge Drive PLEASANT HILL Townhomes/Singles PLEASANT HILL 5335 Jordan Boulevard PLEASANT HILL 787 SE 61st Street PLEASANT HILL 509 W 4th Avenue INDIANOLA $229,000 $169,900 Custom Build $334,900 $28,000 $103,900 5250 Jordan Blvd. PLEASANT HILL 1820 Andrew PLEASANT HILL 5380 Pleasant Ridge PLEASANT HILL 4448 Independence PLEASANT HILL 5381 Pleasant Ridge PLEASANT HILL 6510 Sundancer Swing PLEASANT HILL $339,000 $269,900 $205,000 $149,900 $180,000 $189,900 LAND 300 W Hancock Street RUNNELLS 7280 SE 32nd Avenue RUNNELLS 157 - 25th Place RUNNELLS 3099 – 3243 SE 116th RUNNELLS 301 McKinney Street RUNNELLS 1476 SE 78th Street RUNNELLS $149,000 $219,900 $174,900 $125,000 $89,900 $324,900 433 6th Street WEST DES MOINES 1033 Green Hills NORWALK 2205 E. 12th Street DES MOINES NE 3901 11th Street DES MOINES NE 1509 Thompson Avenue DES MOINES NE 725 SE 27th Street DES MOINES E $124,900 $193,900 $124,900 $144,900 $89,700 $49,500 APRIL | 2012 Pleasant Hill Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/pleasanthill