Windsor Heights - Iowa Living Magazines

Living 

magazine 

Windsor Heights 

january 2012 

50324 

A place to 

GATHER 

PUBLIC EMBRACES 

NEW WINDSOR HEIGHTS 

COMMUNITY AND EVENTS CENTER 

LASTING LOVE 

FAITH 

CHEESECAKE 

RECIPE 

FUNCTIONAL SPACE 

GARAGE 

BIG GREEN UMBRELLA 

414 61st Street 

Des Moines, IA 50312 

POSTAL CUSTOMER 

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BIG GREEN UMBRELLA 

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights Windsor Heights Living JANUARY | 2012

(515)251-IOWA(4692) 

JANUARY | 2012 Windsor Heights Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights 

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welcome By Shane Goodman, publisher 

A Windsor 

Heights gem 

Although it is true that people make a community, having a place 

to gather is also an important factor. When a community lacks 

a place to bring people together, it is clearly noticed. And, as 

such, residents look outside the community to rent facilities to hold 

their events. 

Leaders in Windsor Heights recognized this need and appropriately 

pushed for a community center as 

a solution. I assume that many of you 

reading this have had the opportunity to 

see the facility, which opened last year. It 

truly is a gem in the community, and its 

use by residents and non-residents alike 

has far exceeded the original projections. 

I have attended two completely different 

events at the appropriately-named 

Windsor Heights Community and Events 

Center, and I was greatly impressed by its 

versatility to comfortably accommodate a 

dozen people to 200. 

From weddings, bridal showers, 

anniversaries and graduation ceremonies to reunions, birthdays, 

photo shoots and corporate outings, this facility has been an answer 

to so many needs. Throw in community events like Oktoberfest, 

Windsor Wonderland, Music in the Park and Fourth of July festivities, 

and one wonders how Windsor Heights ever survived without this 

3,000-square-foot gathering center. 

We share the story of the community center with its original 

plans and recent successes from the eyes of many who were involved 

in its implementation. Like most successful projects, it was a team 

effort with public and private funds helping to ensure this dream 

became a reality. If you haven’t checked it out yet, we hope this story 

encourages you to do so. 

Thanks for reading. � 

Shane Goodman 

Publisher 

Darren Tromblay 

Editor 

515-953-4822 5 

ext. 304 

darren@dmcityview.com 

d 

Living 

magazines 

Iowa 

Mindi Sudman 

Advertising 

515-556-2591 

mindi@iowalivingmagazines.com 

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights JANUARY | 2012 Windsor Heights Living 3

feature Submit story ideas to darren@dmcityview.com 

Parks and Special Events 

Coordinator Tracy Levine 

says the response to the 

newly constructed, $2.5 

million Windsor Heights 

Community and Events 

Center in Colby Park has 

been “amazing.” 

By Michael Swanger 

Approximately eight years ago, Windsor 

Heights residents polled in a citywide 

survey told city leaders that they 

wanted a place to gather locally for public and 

private special events. Now, six months after 

the opening of the newly constructed, $2.5 million 

Windsor Heights Community and Events 

Center in Colby Park, it appears that demand 

for the venue on weekends is exceeding the 

expectations of city leaders. 

“Every Saturday in 2012, except one, is 

booked,” says Tracy Levine, Parks and Special 

Events Coordinator, noting that most of the 

reservations are for wedding receptions. “The 

response has been amazing. Brides love our 

pricing and the fact that they can use the 

caterer of their choice here.” 

When city leaders cut a celebratory rib- 

4 Windsor Heights Living JANUARY | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights 

A place to 

GATHER 

PUBLIC EMBRACES 

NEW WINDSOR HEIGHTS 

COMMUNITY AND 

EVENTS CENTER 

bon in July 2011 at the opening ceremony 

for the Windsor Heights Community and 

Events Center, 69th and School streets, they 

envisioned local residents and organizations 

utilizing the facility for events including weddings, 

bridal showers, anniversaries, graduation 

ceremonies, reunions, birthdays, photo shoots, 

bar and bat-mitzvahs, proms and retreats. 

They also anticipated businesses and non-prof- 

Photo by Michael Swanger


it groups renting it for corporate 

meetings, holiday parties, conventions, 

seminars and training and citizens 

enjoying it during Oktoberfest, 

Windsor Wonderland, Music in the 

Park and Fourth of July festivities. 

“Colby Park was an area residents 

identified as a top priority 

in terms of adding a performance 

pavilion, ball fields and a community 

center. Everybody was in agreement 

to that,” says Mayor Jerry Sullivan. 

“There was an old shelter house 

here, but it was more of an outdoor 

venue that outlived its purpose. We 

needed a gathering place for the 

whole community. That was very 

important.” 

Yet city leaders and residents 

alike could not have predicted the 

favorable response the new community 

and events center has garnered 

since it opened last summer, 

hosting wedding receptions, chamber 

and city events, yoga classes and 

swing dance lessons in an area that 

houses more than 3,000 square feet 

and seats 200 guests. City leaders 

projected that the venue would 

generate $46,000 in revenue during 

its first fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), 

but now expect to nearly double 

that, projecting $80,000 in earnings 

by the end of June 2012. Thus far, 

city leaders say more than 14,000 

people have attended events there. 

“My wife, Christy, says it is the 

best thing to happen to Windsor 

Heights,” says Sullivan, now in his 

sixth year as mayor. “I think she’s 

right.” 

Levine concurs, adding that the 

public perceives a community and 

events center in a more positive 

light than they do a shelter, and that 

subsequently it bolsters attendance 

at special events. 

“I think it puts us on the map,” 

she says. “We are getting visited 

by other municipalities, and we 

are becoming a destination now. 

Our attendance at special events 

proves that. We’re seeing bigger 

crowds for events like ‘Movies in 

the Park’ because we can use the 

kitchen and concession areas to 

sell food and drinks, which in turn 

adds revenue for special events 

for the community to enjoy. The 

purpose wasn’t to make a huge 

amount of money, but to fill a 

need.” 

The Windsor Heights Community and Events Center opened in July 2011. 

Windsor Heights Community 

and Events Center 

Seating: 200 people 

Size: More than 3,000 square feet 

Amenities: Tables, chairs, full and commercial grade kitchens, 

floor-to-ceiling refrigeration, ice maker, concession 

kitchen and window, drop down screen and projector, sound 

system and wireless mics, sliding room dividers, nearby parking, 

access to adjoining park, ball field, pavilion and bike trail. 

Caterers: Renter’s choice. 

Rental times: Sunday-Friday (2 hour minimum), Saturday (5 

hour minimum, November-March; 10 hour minimum April- 

October) 

Fees: One-third of room $35 per hour; two-thirds of room 

$50 per hour; full room $75 per hour. 

Concession kitchen: $25, accompanying building rental; 

$75 stand alone rental. 

Catering kitchen: $25 with rental 

Administrative fee: $25 

Discounts: Windsor Heights and members of the Windsor 

Heights Chamber of Commerce receive 20 percent discount 

during the week and weekends; non-profit groups receive 20 

percent discount during weekdays. 

Reservations: Contact Tracy Levine, 645-6821 or email 

tlevine@windsorheights.org 

Website: www.windsorheights.org/communitycenter.html 

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights JANUARY | 2012 Windsor Heights Living 5 

Photos by Michael Swanger


A community effort 

The opening of the Windsor 

Heights Community and Events 

Center last summer marked 

the conclusion of a $4.5 million, 

three-phase project at Colby 

Park that included construction 

of the community center, 

pavilion and ballfields, as well as 

resurfacing existing tennis courts. 

Construction of the community 

center was about $1.8 million, but 

an additional $700,000 was spent 

for the demolition of the old 

shelter house, grading, landscaping 

and furniture for the new building. 

Prostruct was contracted for the 

project, which was designed by 

the Baldwin & White architecture 

firm and lead architect Vassil 

Petrov. 

“The reaction from people 

when they saw it for the first time 

at the ribbon cutting ceremony 

was ‘Wow!’ ” says Sullivan. “It not 

only looks great and is a friendly, 

open space, but it is also designed 

very well in that it includes dividers, 

full and commercially graded 

kitchens, a walk-up concession 

window, green technology, a quality 

audio and video system and 

easy access to parking.” 

City officials say that a variety 

of entities helped to fund the project, 

including Polk County, I-JOBS, 

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and 

Casino, Walmart, Sam’s Club, 

Mid American Energy, the Carol 

Sorenson Estate, Windsor Heights 

Foundation, Windsor Heights 

Chamber of Commerce, Keep 

Windsor Heights Beautiful, Lions 

Club of Windsor Heights, Windsor 

Heights Neighborhood Association 

and a citizen’s planning committee. 

City officials also sought advice 

from West Des Moines Parks and 

Recreation regarding planning, 

pricing and staffing. 

“It was a team effort,” says 

Sullivan. “We could not have done 

it without Polk County and Angela 

Connolly and the other supervisors 

and the I-JOBs grant of 

$640,000. Everyone had a hand in 

it. We even got advice from Sam 

Bernabe at the Iowa Cubs on how 

to reposition the ballfields. He was 

instrumental in helping us with 

that portion of the project.” 

The ball field was particu- 

larly interesting to the mayor, 

who grew up in neighboring Des 

Moines and played baseball games 

at Colby Park as a child. 

“I’ve always had a soft spot 

in my heart for the park and the 

ball field. I played a lot of baseball 

here,” he says. 

City officials also sought the 

creative talents of David Dahlquist, 

a local public artist, teacher and 

leader of RDG Dahlquist Art 

Studio, to design the building’s 

placard and outdoor lighting, as 

well as signature leaves artwork 

found throughout Colby Park. 

“The leaves help brand it all 

and emphasize the natural elements 

and woodwork in the community 

center and pavilion,” says 

Levine, whose office is located in 

the new community and events 

building that looks like a lodge. 

Old paving bricks gathered 

from cities across the country are 

also used to enhance the community 

center’s aesthetic appeal 

and are placed in short columns 

in pillars and walls throughout the 

building. The bricks were donated 

by local resident Drew Tillotson. 

“Drew’s collection of bricks 

is very valuable, and he generously 

donated them to the project,” 

Levine says. “The architect 

thought to add the bricks to the 

brick being used to construct the 

building and they look amazing.” 

Naming rights 

Though business is booming on 

weekends, Levine says city officials 

continue to seek renters for 

weekday events. 

“We’d like to see it booked 

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 

to 5 p.m. We’re targeting more 

businesses to accomplish that. We 

think once the corporate community 

learns about it, they’ll love it,” 

she says. 

To help pay for the cost to 

operate the community and events 

center, Levine says that the city 

hopes to sell the naming rights to 

the building for $250,000. 

“We haven’t been open very 

long, so right now we’re entertaining 

offers,” she says. “We think 

once people see how amazing the 

building is they will want to be 

associated with it.” � 


where we live Submit ideas to darren@dmcityview.com 

The 1962 brick house on Washington Avenue is the 

perfect home for the Laura and Wes Schieber and 

children Paige and Mason. 

Updating the ’60s 

Brick house is solid family home for Schiebers 

By Rainey Cook 

A 

well-built, 1962 brick 

Windsor Heights home 

has withstood the test of 

time. Fifty years later, it still stands 

as a good-looking, solid family 

home for the Schieber family. 

Living here since July 2010, 

Wes and Laura were not only sold 

on the location of the home, but 

the large, spacious fenced back 

yard that would be perfect for 

family fun and entertaining. Plus, 

this home had something they 

weren’t finding in newer housing 

developments — mature trees. 

“We also liked the layout of 

the inside of the house,” says 

Laura. “The good-sized living 

room and dining room are perfect 

for guests.” 

Not to mention their son 

Mason, 2, loves the circle running 

path he’s established. 

In the short time they have 

lived here, Wes and Laura have 

made a couple of home improvements 

to “bring the house up to 

date,” smiles Laura. 

Wes took out the wall of brick 

that surrounded the fireplace in 

the living room and added white 

built-in shelves that made an ideal 

home for the flat screen TV, now 

above the fireplace and between 

the new shelves. 

The laundry room received a 

few updates as well. 

Photo by Marci Clark 

The couple has given a loving, 

welcoming touch to their new 

home. Both of their extended 

families live out of state, so overnight 

guests and entertaining are 

very much part of their schedules. 

They rang in the new year 

with friends, dinner and playing 

cards. 

Washington Avenue in 

Windsor Heights is blessed with a 

mix of families — retired couples 

and couples with young children. 

“The longer we live here, the 

more we are finding other toddlers 

and babies,” says Laura. “It’s also 

nice to get to know the retired 

neighbors — it’s a great mix.” 

Another reason they chose 

Windsor Heights is the community 

involvement. They look forward 

to the summer activities in Colby 

Park, Oktoberfest and Santa on 

the fire truck. Shopping is easy and 

convenient. 

In their spare time, the 

Schiebers like to camp, hike and 

ride bike on the trails not too far 

from their home. “We like to be 

outside and do anything with the 

kids,” says Wes. 

For this family of four — they 

also have a daughter, Paige, 8 

months — Washington Avenue 

in Windsor Heights is the place 

to be, now and for many years to 

come. �

legal briefs By Ross Barnett 

Last will and 

testament 

Insure your estate is divided as you planned 

By Ross Barnett, attorney, 

Abendroth and Russell Law Firm 

Occasionally, clients believe 

that they do not need a 

last will and testament. 

Reasons for this vary, including 

the assumption that the person’s 

family knows how assets are to 

be distributed or the belief that 

verbal instructions or written lists 

are sufficient. Without a formal 

will, however, assets must pass 

according to a statute. 

If you die without a will, the 

probate court will appoint an 

administrator for your estate. The 

court’s choice may not be the individual 

you would have selected. 

The court-appointed administrator 

will distribute your property 

according to the state intestacy 

laws. These laws may differ from 

your desires. 

In Iowa, if you die without a 

will (intestate), and if you have 

no children or children only from 

your current marriage, your entire 

estate will pass to your surviving 

spouse. However, if you have children 

from another marriage, your 

surviving spouse will receive either 

one-half of your estate or the first 

$50,000, whichever is greater. All 

of your children will share equally 

in the remaining portion of your 

estate. Iowa law also gives your 

surviving spouse the right to select 

which property will comprise this 

share, and the share will almost 

always include the principal residence 

(homestead). 

If you have no surviving 

spouse, your estate will be divided 

equally among all of your surviving 

children. While this includes 

children adopted by you, it does 

not include stepchildren. If you 

have no surviving spouse and no 

children, the rules of inheritance 

follow a strict pattern to your 

parents, then to your siblings (the 

children of your parents), then 

to your grandparents and the 

children of your grandparents. In 

the absence of surviving family 

members, your entire estate could 

revert to the state of Iowa. 

As you can see, these rules 

assume that you want all of your 

immediate relatives to share 

equally in your estate. You may 

not want your siblings or cousins 

to share in your estate. These 

rules also do not account for gifts 

you may want to make to friends 

or charities. In a legally-executed 

and properly drafted written 

document — your last will and 

testament — you can nominate 

the representative of your estate 

and set out a plan for the division 

of your assets. The major benefit 

of a will is that it allows you to 

direct the distribution of your 

estate according to your wishes, 

rather than according to the rules 

of inheritance. � 

CELEBRATING 

25 YEARS 

URBANDALE’S 

LAW FIRM 

SINCE 1987 

Top Row: 

Joe Wallace, Thomas Sherzan 

Bottom Row: 

Mark Abendroth, Dave Russell, Ross Barnett, Chris Low 

Wills and Trusts 

Estate Planning 

Probate 

Powers of Attorney 

Real Estate Transactions 

Small Business 

Representation 

Abendroth 

and Russell 

Law Firm 

2560 - 73rd Street Des Moines 

515.278.0623 

www.ARPCLaw.com 

Information provided by Ross Barnett, attorney for Abendroth and Russell Law 

Firm, 2560 73rd St., Urbandale, 278-0623, www.ARPCLaw.com. 


what’s in your garage? 

When Tim Kopella, with wife Nancy, took on the task of remodeling his garage, he 

turned it into the ultimate functional space with a television for sports, a stereo to 

broadcast the game throughout the entire house, a commercial grade refrigerator and 

heat to assure the cold of winter doesn’t take away from his guy time. 

Functional space 

Tim Kopella turns garage into perfect man cave 

By Marci Clark 

When Tim Kopella took 

on the cracked floors 

and walls of his garage 

five years ago, he wasn’t messing 

around. 

Tim transformed the space into 

an insulated, cedar-sided man cave 

complete with heating, hot and cold 

water faucets and a flat screen television 

to watch his favorite sporting 

events. With the space being heated, 

it melts the snow off the cars in 

winter, so Tim added a trench drain 

to keep the water from accumulating 

in the garage. 

Tim designed the area himself, 

but a friend who is an accomplished 

carpenter helped him with 

the finished product. 

“It would still be undone if I 

was doing it,” Tim laughs. 

The room was been finished 

off with a commercial grade stainless 

steel refrigerator and cabinets 

to store supplies. 

“I have a golf cabinet, a motorcycle 

cabinet and one for cleaning 

supplies,” Tim says. 

He also added an air compressor 

that he says is intended 

to blow up tires but was put to 

a different use at their last get 

together. 

“The girls were using it to 

By Rainey Cook 

Contact Darren Tromblay at 953-4822 ext. 304 or darren@dmcityview.com 

to recommend someone for an upcoming issue of What’s In Your Garage? 


Photo by Marci Clark 

blow back their hair and act like 

models,” Nancy laughs. 

Tim points out that they “sustained 

a little damage” at the last 

party. 

“Someone got carried away 

and bent the water handles out of 

alignment,” Tim says. There were 

also dents in the trashcan and 

scratches on his shelves. 

Even so, one can’t help but 

admire the space. Nancy says that 

every man who ventures into the 

garage is in awe of the space. 

It isn’t just the men who 

appreciate the area, too. Because 

it is right off the kitchen, it makes 

hosting events easy, and Nancy 

says they get a lot of compliments 

on how convenient the 

layout is. 

When they aren’t hosting parties 

and large family dinners, Tim 

uses the space to smoke cigars 

and play poker with the guys. 

“It’s another living space,” Tim 

says. “In the winter when it’s 10 

degrees out, I can still be out here.” 

With all the improvements, 

it’s still a garage, and now that 

their daughters are no longer living 

there, Tim says he’s looking 

forward to parking his SUV in 

there this winter. � 

education Submit ideas to | darren@dmcityview.com 

Meet Karen Schuster 

Always reading 

children’s books 

Karen Schuster is the perfect 

person to direct you to the 

children’s book you may be 

looking for. 

Having been an elementary 

school librarian, she just can’t get 

it out of her system. 

“I love to read, and I love to 

read to children,” she explains. 

Schuster has been part of the 

teaching staff at Grace Kids Care 

Center at Grace Lutheran Church 

for more than a year. With slightly 

more than 50 kids in the program, 

she enjoys the family-friendly environment 

of the staff and the small 

groups of 2-, 3- and 4-year-old 

children. 

“It’s nice that the kids wave 

at you in the hall, even when you 

aren’t their teacher,” she smiles. 

She also shares that she is 

fascinated by the fact that children 

learn most of what they will use 

for the rest of their lives between 

the ages of 1 and 5. The best thing 

about this age is seeing their eyes 

light up with interest. 

“They are so impressionable,” 

Schuster says. 

She grins as she admits she 

likes watching “The Nanny” on 

TV. Any new ideas to steer this 

age group into the right “sharing” 

direction is helpful. 

As the Christmas storybooks 

Karen Schuster, a former elementary 

librarian, enjoys working with the children 

at Grace Kids Care Center. 

will now be put back on the 

shelves, the staff plans to start 

a new wildlife unit in January. 

This includes books on tape. And 

for good behavior motivation, the 

children get the chance to sit in 

the teacher’s chair and hold the 

book. 

Another wonderful part of 

Grace Kids Care Center is the 

parent board. The staff provided 

four hours of child care so the 

parents could Christmas shop last 

month. The donations provided 

were a reflection of supportive 

parents. 

In her spare time, Schuster 

enjoys antique shopping and reading 

from her Kindle. She has three 

grown children and four grandchildren, 

plus one on the way. 

To no surprise, she and her husband 

thoroughly enjoyed giving 

the recordable children’s books 

as gifts to their grandchildren last 

month. � 

What do you like best about Mrs. Schuster? 

Greta Bahnsen: 

“I like that she 

takes care of us.” 

Landon 

Willoughby: 

“I like it when 

she rubs my back 

to go to sleep.” 

Vaun DeGeest: 

“I like when she 

helps me with 

crafts.” 

Photos by Rainey Cook 

Nora King: 

“She likes to take 

me to the 

pumpkin patch.”

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights JANUARY | 2012 Windsor Heights Living 9 

WHL 

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WINDSOR HEIGHTS VALUES 

SUSTAINABILITY 

As a community completely surrounded by other cities, we 

simply cannot grow our borders to expand our city. Instead, we have 

to improve everything we have. An important step towards a healthy, 

sustainable community is educating our citizens on the efforts the city 

has undertaken to become more green. In addition, individuals can do a 

tremendous amount themselves to make their own home more green. We 

will continue our series in February. 

3E (Electrical Engineering and Equipment Company) based in 

Windsor Heights, will be presenting on different types of lighting, 

occupancy sensors, etc available and how evolving technology can be 

used in a person’s residential home to save electrical costs and help the 

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join us at 6 p.m. in the Community and Events Center of February 16th 

for this informative presentation. 

WANT YOUR SHARE OF $150,000? 

The S.O.S. (Save Our Sewers) program offers partially forgivable 

loans to property owners who need to make upgrades and replace their 

sanitary sewer lines. If this money is not used, it may not be available in the 

future. The loans are up to 50 percent forgivable, depending on property 

owners’ income levels. We are excited to be able to offer this to residents, 

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Windsor Heights Sanitary Sewer District and the Neighborhood Finance 

Corporation. However, there is limited amount of funding available to 

provide the forgivable portion of the loan. In other words, future funding 

levels for the S.O.S. program are uncertain so this may be available for a 

limited time only, meaning it is important to act quickly. 

Visit www.windsorheights.org for more information. For more 

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Finance Corporation at 515-246-0010. As always, feel free to call City 

Hall at 515-279-3662 if you have any additional questions. 

DON’T FORGET TO LICENSE YOUR PETS 

It is the time of year when dog and cat owners are reminded to have 

their pets licensed and tagged. This allows the City to quickly notify 

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animals have proper rabies vaccinations. Licenses cost $10 for altered 

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is not licensed prior to April 1, so license your pet as soon as possible. 

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Registration forms will are on the city website or you can stop into city 

hall and license your pet today! 


JANUARY 2012 

City of 


1133 66th Street 

Windsor Heights, IA 50324 

(515) 279-3662 

www.windsorheights.org 

EMERGENCY ACCESS 

When recovering from a major snowfall, it’s easy to forget emergency 

responders not only need access to your front door, but to the equipment 

that will help save your home in the event of an emergency. The Windsor 

Heights Fire Department is recommending citizens clear a three foot 

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water hose to the hydrant from the street. 

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WINDSOR WAVE EMAIL NEWSLETTER 

It is easier than ever to get updates and news from the City of Windsor 

Heights. In addition to our monthly newsletters found in the water bill 

and the Windsor Heights Living Magazine, you can sign up to get email 

updates, known as the Windsor Wave, sent directly to you. This is the 

best way to get up-to-date updates on things like special events, council 

meetings, etc. In addition, emails are sent out when things like the snow 

ordinance goes into effect. You can sign up for the Windsor Wave at 

www.windsorheights.org/emailsignup.htm. 

In addition, you can get updates from the city by following us at 

Twitter or visiting our Facebook page. Windsor Heights has one of the 

most comprehensive and up-to-date open communications with our 

citizens and businesses and we appreciate everyone who participates in 

this open process. 

START YOUR TRAINING! 

Windsor Heights Mini-Marathon will be here before you know it! 

Runners and walkers alike are invited to participate in this year’s 

Windsor Heights Annual Mini-Marathon (WHAMM) on Saturday, May 

19th at 8 a.m. Whether you’re novice running and want to run the 5k or 

are training for the Dam to Dam race and want to run the 10k, the run is 

both challenging and rewarding alike. Registration for the run will open 

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the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

CITIZEN BUDGET INFORMATION MEETING 

March is almost here again, which means the City of Windsor Heights 

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budget gets approved every year in March and is effective the following July 

1. The budget process also includes approving the city’s capital improvement 

plan, which dictates what major projects, like water line replacement, road 

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Help Windsor Heights Keep Walnut Creek Clean. 

Please help Windsor Heights ensure that Walnut Creek 

is clean by choosing ice and snow removal products 

that do not contain harmful chemicals. 

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Council committees are currently reviewing staff suggestions for the next 

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the Council meeting. Additionally, on February 25 at 9 a.m. in the Council 

Chambers, the city will have a public information meeting where the City 

Administrator will walk through the budget with citizens and answer 

questions. There will also be a formal public hearing tentatively scheduled 

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at www.windsorheights.org or join the City’s email distribution list at http:// 

www.windsorheights.org/emailsignup.htm so you receive notices regarding 

the public input and public hearings. 

BEST PRACTICE ALERT: STREET SWEEPING 

� �� 

of an agreement with the City of West Des Moines for street sweeping. 

The City previously contracted for street sweeping services with a 

private contractor and the average annual cost to approximately $18,151. 

Staff worked with the City of West Des Moines staff to develop a 

28E agreement for street sweeping services. The City of West Des 

Moines has newer equipment than was used by the private contractor 

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by stormwater fees as the items removed from the street help keep our 

stormwater lines clear and freely operating. 

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JOIN THE WINDSOR HEIGHTS 

SPECIAL EVENTS GROUP! 

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requires a full range of skills including organization, communication, 

following a budget, implementing a plan – all important. We value your 

input as a member of the Windsor Heights Special Events Committee. In 

addition to the events, the Community & Event Center is directly under 

the auspices of this Committee...as is the marketing. So, don’t delay. 

Should you be interested, the Committee meets monthly on the 2nd 

Monday from 5:15 – 6:30 pm. Give Tracy a call at 645-6821 or e-mail 

her at tlevine@windsorheights.org 

SAVE THE DATE FOR A 

VERY FUN ELEAPEST PARTY! 

Since Leap Year comes around every four years, we are going to 

celebrate at the Windsor Heights Community Center. Save the evening 

of February 29 for dinner and activities. Reasonable cost. 

Anyone with a February 29 birthday, please contact Tracy at 645- 

6821 or tlevine@windsorheights.org. We are trying to round up everyone 

who shares this special Leap Year birthday. 

MISS WONDERLAND WINNERS 

�� 

Miss: Jeena Lynch of Jessup, sponsored by Jay Lynch 

�� 

�� 


All Pregnant Women Should Read This! 

If you are pregnant and suffering from neck or back pain, you need to look at 

chiropractic. Chiropractic can be the right alternative to living in pain or masking 

your discomfort with medication. 

Pregnant women should consider chiropractic care. The body changes and 

forward weight bearing stress on the neck and back can especially be improved 

with chiropractic treatments. Sometimes all you need is an adjustment to bring 

better balance to your body, reduce pain symptoms without the need for drugs 

and allow your developing baby to grow into your future beautiful, healthy child. 

FOR QUALITY CHIROPRACTIC CARE 

for the entire family, please contact 

Balance Chiropractic & Wellness 

6611 University Avenue, Suite 103 


515-255-5330 

www.balancechiroandwellness.com 

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. 

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 

health Q&A 

Q: What is sciatica? 

Submit questions to | darren@dmcityview.com 

A: Sciatica is generally described as pain that begins in the lower back 

and travels into the buttocks and down the back of the leg. The pain can 

be dull to sharp and shooting. 

The sciatic nerve is compromised of the five nerves that exit out of 

the lumbar spine (lower back). Sciatic-related pain can occur as a result 

of misalignments to one of the five lumbar vertebrae or misalignments 

to the sacrum (tailbone) or pelvis. Sciatic pain can also be a result of a 

bulge of the discs in between the spinal segments that place pressure on 

the nerves, thus causing the pain. 

Chiropractic care can help relieve sciatic pain by removing the pressure 

off the nerves and correcting the misalignments in the spine. If you 

are experiencing low back pain that travels down into the leg and any of 

the following, you may have sciatica. 

� �� 

� �� 

� �� 

� �� 

� �� 

Contact Dr. Jennifer Rahe-Thompson at Balance Chiropractic & 

Wellness to see if chiropractic care can help your sciatic symptoms. � 

Information provided by Dr. Jennifer Rahe-Thompson, Balance Chiropractic 

and Wellness, 6611 University Ave., Suite 103, Windsor Heights, 255-5330 

Q: Do I have a choice in home 

health care providers when 

going home from the hospital? 

A: Yes. Medicare requires that hospitals provide 

patients with a choice of post-hospital providers 

including home health agencies that can deliver 

Medicare services and that serve the area where 

the patient lives. Often the hospital discharge 

planner or social worker provides information on 

home healthcare options to the patient. Patients 

should ask the hospital for a list of home health 

care agencies in the community in which they live 

in so they are aware of all options available to them. 

There are many things to consider when choosing a home health 

care provider. Does the agency serve my community? For how long? 

Who owns the agency? Who are they affiliated with? Is the agency 

approved or certified to provide services to Medicare patients? What 

kind of training does the agency provide to its caregivers? Does the 

agency provide or can they help find other community resources like 

home delivered meals, medical equipment, or homemaker services? How 

quickly will I be admitted after I get home from the hospital? 

If being able to receive the health services you need, in your home, 

from the agency you prefer is what you want, then understanding your 

options is especially important. Exercise your rights as a patient and a 

consumer and when planning your discharge with hospital staff, ask for a 

list of providers in your area. � 

Public Health | Meals on Wheels | Adult Day Centers 

Answer provided by Angie Krull, WesleyLife Home Health Director, 699-3259. 

12 Windsor Heights Living JANUARY | 2012 www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights

faith Submit faith story ideas to | darren@dmcityview.com 

Lasting love 

Upcoming conference helps tune up marriages 

By Amber Williams 

Russ Cross of the Walnut 

Creek Community Church 

in Windsor Heights says, 

“Just like a car needs a tuneup 

every year, so does a marriage,” 

which is why the upcoming 

Marriage Conference with Dr. 

Gary Chapman is an event he and 

his wife of 29 years, JoDee, are 

excited about. 

“Our lifestyles are so fast and 

furious these days,” Cross says. 

“Marriage is extremely important, 

and we think families need encouraging. 

It’s just very, very important 

that a husband and wife take time 

out to communicate with each 

other about what’s going on in 

their marriage and family.” 

“My husband and I got 

involved because we believe in 

marriage and the sanctity of marriage,” 

JoDee says. 

Russ and JoDee Cross, along 

with their pastor, Tim Rude, have 

spear-headed this event, which 

will be held at the downtown 

location, 323 E. Locust St., where 

there is more seating. 

“We’re promoting it all over 

the state, and we already have 

people registered from out of 

state,” Russ says. “This has drawn 

people from all over.” 

Spread the Word 

Have an upcoming event or 

church news you would like to 

announce? Send information to 

darren@dmcityview.com. 

The conference will be on 

Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. 

to 3:30 p.m. The cost for the 

conference is $100 at the door, 

but tickets are also on sale at 

the Walnut Creek Community 

Church in Windsor Heights. 

Both married and engaged 

couples are encouraged to “invest 

“The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted 

Conference,” with Dr. Gary Chapman, 

will be held at the Walnut Creek 

Community Church’s downtown location 

on Feb. 18. 

in their marriage” by attending 

“The Marriage You Always 

Wanted Conference,” led by Dr. 

Gary Chapman, author of the 

best-selling book “The Five Love 

Languages.” 

“This conference is not a 

dry, formal marriage seminar but 

rather a time of fun and discovery 

that can help you build the 

love relationship of your dreams,” 

Russ says. “Whether you’re getting 

married in six months or have 

been married 60 years, you’ll learn 

solutions you can use. With biblical 

advice and a healthy dose of 

laughter, Dr. Chapman gives valuable 

tips on breaking unhealthy 

patterns and choosing to a develop 

God-honoring, marriage.” 

Sessions include 

Communication 101, Rekindling 

Love/The Five Love Languages, 

Initiating Positive Change in a 

Marriage, Making Sex a Mutual 

Joy, and How to Share the Things 

that Bug You. 

For more information, contact 

event coordinators Russ or JoDee 

Cross at 326-0872 or 326-0873, 

or go online to http://walnutcreekcc.org. 

� 

recipe Submit ideas to darren@dmcityview.com 

Cheesecake 

Vary the recipe with different flavors, fruit 

By Beth McDonald 

Now that the holidays are behind 

us and the winter season is setting 

in, it is a good time to 

stretch your baking skills to new levels. 

If you love cheesecake but have not 

tried to make it, now is the perfect time 

to give it a try. While cheesecake goes 

together easily, I would consider it to be 

more on the intermediate level of baking 

because there are some key details 

that you need to know to be successful. 

First, when you are mixing the 

cheesecake together, avoid over-mixing it so that it doesn’t crack. 

Second, bake the cheesecake in a water bath to help it bake more evenly. 

Bake the cheesecake in a spring form pan and allow it to cool before 

serving. As you can see, there’s a little bit of prior planning needed to 

serve cheesecake for dessert. 

There are several variations to cheesecake as well. Most recipes 

call for cream cheese; you can also use ricotta or mascarpone. New 

York cheesecake uses heavy cream while others will have sour cream 

mixed in. You can also make a wide range of flavors from traditional, 

to chocolate, pumpkin or any flavor combination. I like to make a classic 

cheesecake and offer a wide range of toppings. Cheesecake is great 

topped with fresh fruit. � 

Cheesecake 

Crust 

2 cups of graham cracker crumbs 

½ teaspoon of cinnamon 

¼ teaspoon of nutmeg 

½ cup of butter melted (1 stick) 

Combine these ingredients in a bowl 

and once they are sticking together 

place them in lightly greased 8-inch 

spring form pan. Be sure to push the 

crust together on the bottom and 

sides. Refrigerate until you are ready 

to add the filling. 

Filling 

1 pound of cream cheese 

3 eggs 

1 cup of sugar 

2 cups sour cream 

1 lemon, zested 

¼ teaspoon of vanilla 

Pre-heat your oven to 325. In the 

mixer beat the cream cheese on 

low speed until smooth and free of 

lumps. Now add the eggs one at a 

time until combined. Gradually add 

in the sugar and beat until creamy. 

This may take up to two minutes. 

Add the sour cream, lemon zest and 

vanilla. Once it is mixed pour the 

filling into the crust-lined pan. 

Now set the cheesecake on 

large pieces of foil to wrap the pan 

to prevent water seeping into the 

pan while it is baking in the water 

bath. Place the cheesecake in a 

roasting pan and add boiling water 

so the pan is half full. Bake for 45 

minutes at 325. When it is done the 

top should be set and there should 

be a slight jiggle to the cheesecake. 

Once you take it out of the 

oven let it remain in the water bath 

for 30 minutes then transfer it to 

the refrigerator lightly covered. The 

cheesecake needs to chill for at least 

four hours. 

Beth McDonald is a wife, mother and works full time in Des Moines. 


calendar 

Friday, Jan. 20 

� Rock the River w/live DJ, Brenton 

Skating Plaza, 8 p.m. 

� Fun Fridays, Kangaroo Boo for 

preschoolers/kindergartners, 415 Fifth 

St., kangarooboo.com, 10 a.m. 

� RHS 10/V boys and varsity girls 

BB vs. Lincoln, 4:45 p.m. 

� VHS 10 boys and JV girls BB vs. 

Marshalltown, 6 p.m. 

Saturday, Jan. 21 

� VHS JV WR at Dowling, 9 a.m. 

� VHS varsity WR at Iowa City, 

9 a.m. 

� VHS varsity SW at Marshalltown, 

12:30 p.m. 

� VHS varsity girls and boys BB vs. 

Marshalltown, 3 p.m. 

� RHS 9 girls and boys BB vs. 

Ankeny, 9 a.m. 

� RHS varsity WR at Urbandale, 

10 a.m. 

� RHS varsity girls and boys BB vs. 

Norwalk, 5:30 p.m. 

Sunday, Jan. 22 

� Worship Service, Windsor 

Presbyterian Church, 6301 University 

Ave., 10:30 a.m. 

� Worship Service, Windsor United 

Methodist Church, 6222 University 

Ave., 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 

10:40 a.m. 

� Alcoholics Anonymous/Al-Anon/ 

Al-Ateen/Al-Akid meetings, Lutheran 

Church of Hope, 5 - 6 p.m. 

Monday, Jan. 23 

� VHS 9 girls and boys BB vs. SEP, 

4:45 p.m. 

� VHS JV boys BB vs. Waukee, 7 p.m. 

� RHS 10 boys BB at Ankeny, 

6:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, Jan. 24 

Submit event information to | kathy@dmcityview.com 

Lutheran Church, 1115 Grand Ave., 

Room 104A, 8 p.m. 

� VHS JV/V girls BB at SEP, 4 

:45 p.m. 

� VHS 10/V boys BB at SEP, 

4:45 p.m. 

� RHS JV/V SW meet, 5:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, Jan. 25 

� Windsor Heights Planning & 

Zoning Commission meeting, City 

Hall, 4:30 p.m. 

� Al-Anon meeting, 939 Office Park 

Road, #113, noon 

Thursday, Jan. 26 

� Greater Des Moines Garden Club 

meeting: Protecting Iowa’s Natural 

Resources, Westminster Presbyterian 

Church, Beaver & Franklin, 1 p.m. 

� TOPS meeting, Windsor 

Presbyterian Church, weigh-in 9:15 - 

9:45 a.m., meeting at 10 a.m. 

� VHS JV girls and 10 boys BB at 

Ankeny, 6:30 p.m. 

� VHS JV/V WR at Waukee, 

6:30 p.m. 


Ottumwa, 5:30 p.m. 

� RHS JV/V WR at East, 6:30 p.m. 

Friday, Jan. 27 

� Van & Bonnie’s Chocolate 

Breakfast, Hy-Vee Conference 

Center, 5 - 9 a.m. 




� First Notes at Faith, child and 

parent music class for ages 6 mo. - 

5 years, Faith Lutheran Church, 

10395 University Ave., free, email 

acneuman@yahoo.com to enroll, 

9:30 - 10 a.m. 



� VHS Vocal Jazz Choir Summit 

� VHS 10/V boys BB at Ames, 

4:45 p.m. 


BB at Ottumwa, 4:45 p.m. 

Saturday, Jan. 28 

� Legislative Coffee, 3E Conference 

Cener, 953 73rd St., 9 - 10:30 a.m. 

� Community Coffee Club, 

Grounds for Celebration, 

9 - 10:30 a.m. 

� VHS Vocal Jazz Choir Summit 

� VHS 9 girls and boys BB vs. 

Ames, 9 a.m. 

� VHS JV WR Invite, 9 a.m. 

� VHS Winter Dance at Val Air 

Ballroom, 8 p.m. 

� RHS varsity WR at Woodbury 

Central, TBA 

� RHS JV/V SW at East, 12:30 p.m. 

Sunday, Jan. 29 



Ave., 10:30 a.m. 




10:40 a.m. 




� RHS JV WR at Valley, 9 a.m. 

Monday, Jan. 30 

� VHS 9 girls and boys BB at 

Lincoln, 4:45 p.m. 

� RHS 9 girls and boys BB at 

Ankeny, 6:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, Jan. 31 

� Al-Anon meeting, St. Marks 


Room 104A, 8 p.m. 

� VHS 10/V boys BB vs. Lincoln, 

4:45 p.m. 

� VHS JV/V girls BB vs. Lincoln, 

4:45 p.m. 



� VHS JV/V girls BB at Ames, 

4:45 p.m. 

BB vs. Ankeny, 4:45 p.m. 


Wednesday, Feb. 1 



Thursday, Feb. 2 

� Groundhog Day 




� Franklin Toastmasters meeting, 

Northwest Community Center, 

5110 Franklin Ave., http://franklinclub. 

freetoasthost.com, 6 p.m. 


Waukee, 4:45 p.m. 

� RHS 9 girls and boys BB at East, 

6:30 p.m. 

Friday, Feb. 3 






� VHS Debate at Kearney, NE 

� VHS JV/V WR at SEP, 3 p.m. 

� VHS 10/V boys BB vs. Waukee, 

4:45 p.m. 

� VHS JV/V girls BB vs. Waukee, 

4:45 p.m. 

� RHS varsity WR at SEP, 3:30 p.m. 


BB vs. East, 4:45 p.m. 

Saturday, Feb. 4 

� VHS 9 girls BB vs. DMCS, 10 a.m. 

� VHS JV WR at Mason City, 

10 a.m. 

� RHS varsity SW tournament, 

12:30 p.m. 

� RHS Winter Formal, Drake 

Olmsted Center, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. 

Sunday, Feb. 5 



Ave., 10:30 a.m.

calendar 




10:40 a.m. 




Monday, Feb. 6 

� Windsor Heights City Council, 

City Hall, 1133 66th St., 6 p.m. 


Indianola, 4:45 p.m. 

� VHS JV boys BB vs. Ames, 7 p.m. 

� VHS Drama Boosters, 7 p.m. 


Urbandale, 6:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, Feb. 7 

� DM School Board meeting, 

Central Campus, 1800 Grand Ave., 

2nd floor, 6 p.m. 



Room 104A, 8 p.m. 

� VHS JV/V girls BB at Indianola, 

4:45 p.m. 

� VHS 10/V boys BB at Indianola, 

4:45 p.m. 


BB at Urbandale, 4:45 p.m. 








� VHS PTO meeting, 7 p.m. 

� RHS JV WR at Boone, 5:30 p.m. 

� RHS 9 boys BB vs. North, 

6:30 p.m. 



Submit event information to | kathy@dmcityview.com 

preschoolers/kindergarteners, 415 

Fifth St., kangarooboo.com, 10 a.m. 

� First Notes at Faith, child and 

parent music class for ages 6 mo. - 

5 years, Faith Lutheran Church, 

10395 University Ave., free, email 

acneuman@yahoo.com to enroll, 

9:30 - 10 a.m. 



� VHS 9/10/V boys BB at Mason 

City, 4:45 p.m. 

� VHS 9/JV/V boys BB at Mason 

City, 4:45 p.m. 

� Kids BB Tournament at RHS 


BB at North, 4:45 p.m. 

Saturday, Feb. 11 

� SCIBA District Band Contest at 

Norwalk 

� VHS Vocal Music at Choralation 

to Benton Touch of Class Show Choir 

Competition, Van Horne, IA 

� VHS varsity WR at Dowling 

Catholic, noon 

� VHS varsity SW at Marshalltown, 

12:30 p.m. 

� Kids BB Tournament at RHS 

� RHS SW at Marshalltown, 

12:30 p.m. 

Sunday, Feb. 12 

� Sunday Breakfast, WDM Elks 

Lodge 2752, 7400 Hickman Road, 

$3.50 - $7, 8 a.m. - noon 



Ave., 10:30 a.m. 




10:40 a.m. 




� Kids BB tournament at RHS 

Monday, Feb. 13 

4:30 p.m. 

� VHS Valley Voices meeting, 

6 p.m. 

� VHS 9 boys BB at Urbandale, 

6:30 p.m. 

� VHS JV boys BB at Fort Dodge, 

7 p.m. 

Tuesday, Feb. 14 

� Valentine’s Day 

� VHS Sweetheart Vocal Music 

Show, 7 p.m. 

� VHS 8 boys BB vs. Waukee, 

4:30 p.m. 

� VHS 10/V boys BB at Urbandale, 

6:15 p.m. 

� RHS 9/10/V boys BB vs. Waukee, 

4:45 p.m. 


� DMPS Elementary conferences, 

4 - 8 p.m. 

� Varsity girls BB regional tournament, 

TBA 

� Varsity WR state tournament at 

Wells Fargo Arena 


� Joint Regional Breakfast, 

Community & Events Center at Colby 

Park, TBA 

� Residential Lighting Program 

presented by 3E Electrical Engineering 

Co., Windsor Heights Community 

and Events Center, 6 p.m. 




� VHS Sweetheart Vocal Music 

Show, noon and 7:30 p.m. 

� VHS 8 boys BB at SEP, 4:30 p.m. 




� WDM Schools no classes 






� VHS Debate at Harvard and UC 

Berkeley 

� IHSSA All State Large Group 

Festival at Ames 

� VHS Ignition Show Choir at 

Indianola 



� VHS 9/10/V boys BB vs. Hoover, 

4:45 p.m. 

� RHS 9/10/V boys BB at Fort 

Dodge, 4:45 p.m. 

It’s free! 

Submit calendar items for 

your school, church, business, 

organization or family to 

darren@dmcityview.com. 

birthday Savings! 

$25 OFF 

any Cool Cat 

or Unlimited 

Birthday Party 

Package. 

Advanced booking and 

10 or more guests 

required. Cannot be 

combined with other 

discounts or offers. 

Not valid on 

Birthday Bash party. 

Expires 2/25/12. 

� VHS Track practice begins 3799 NW 86th Street � Urbandale 

� VHS 8 boys BB at Ankeny, 

276.1472 � www.ipcparty.com 


out & about Submit your photos and captions to darren@dmcityview.com 

Mike and Linda Faber’s huge, lighted evergreen 

at 7004 Bellaire received a special award in the 

Windsor Heights holiday lighting contest. 

Darren and Dena Fife, 1007 68th St., won the 

District 6 award in the Windsor Heights holiday 

lighting contest. 

Jamie Spellman, 2026 64th St., won the 

District 3 award in the Windsor Heights holiday 

lighting contest. 

Gerrit Ahr, Mayson Umsted, Kelly Ahr and Hannah 

Ahr at the Winter Wonderland festivities at the new 

Windsor Heights Community Center on Dec. 3. 

Ryan and Mollie Martens, 6803 Forest Court, won 

the District 5 award in the Windsor Heights 

holiday lighting contest. 

Best of All — a special award this year — went 

to Fred and Peggy Frye, 1233 70th St., in the 

Windsor Heights holiday lighting contest. 

Jackoby Stevens and Kathy Stevens at the Winter 

Wonderland festivities at the new Windsor Heights 

Community Center on Dec. 3. 

Hannah McCabe and Jacob Stevens at the Winter 




Raul A. DeAnda, 1521 68th St., won the 

District 4 award in the Windsor Heights 

holiday lighting contest. 

Donald and Anita Schwenneker, 7212 Wilshire 

Blvd., won the District 2 award in the Windsor 

Heights holiday lighting contest. 

Scott Eichacher and Cole Eichacher at the Winter 



Mason Bery, Carson Boffeli and Maddy Pendergraft 

at the Winter Wonderland festivities at the new 

Windsor Heights Community Center on Dec. 3.

finance By Matt Kneifl 

Financial focus 

Investors can learn from Super Bowl teams 

By Matt Kneifl, financial advisor, Edward Jones 

It’s Super Bowl time again. And 

whether you’re a sports fan 

or not, you can probably learn 

something from the Super Bowl 

teams that you can apply to other 

endeavors — such as investing. 

What might these lessons be? 

Take a look: 

� �� 

Super Bowl teams don’t usually 

get there out of luck; they’ve 

made it in part because they have 

carefully chosen their players. To 

potentially achieve success as an 

investor, you need carefully chosen 

“players” — investments that 

are chosen for your situation. 

� �� 

of players. Not only do Super 

Bowl teams have good players, 

but they have good ones at many 

different positions. As an investor, 

you should own a variety of 

investments with different capabilities 

— such as stocks for growth 

and bonds for income — and your 

various investments should complement 

one another. Diversifying 

your holdings may help reduce the 

effects of market volatility. 

� �� 

Super Bowl teams are skilled at 

creating game plans designed to 

maximize their own strengths and 

exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. 

When you invest, you also 

can benefit from a game plan. This 

strategy may incorporate several 

elements, such as taking full advantage 

of your Individual Retirement 

Account (IRA) and your 401(k), 

pursuing new investment opportunities 

as they arise and reviewing 

your portfolio regularly. 

� �� 

goals. Virtually all Super Bowl 

teams have had to overcome 

obstacles, but through persistence 

and a constant devotion, they per- 

severe. As an investor, you’ll face 

some challenges too. But if you 

own a diversified mix of quality 

investments and follow a longterm 

strategy that’s tailored to 

your objectives, time horizon and 

risk tolerance, you can keep moving 

forward, despite the “bumps in 

the road.” 

� �� Super 

Bowl teams typically are wellcoached, 

with disciplined head 

coaches and innovative offensive 

and defensive coordinators. As 

your “head coach,” you might 

choose a financial professional — 

someone who can help you identify 

your goals and recommend an 

appropriate investment strategy. 

And your financial professional 

can coordinate activities with your 

other “coaches,” such as your tax 

and legal advisors. Unless you’re 

a professional football player, you 

won’t ever experience what it’s 

like to play in the Super Bowl. 

Achieving your financial goals can 

be a fairly big event in your life, 

you can take a few tips from the 

teams that have made it to the Big 

Game. � 

YOUR TIMING 

WON’T BE OFF 

WHEN YOU INVEST REGULARLY 

If one of your worries is whether you're investing at the right time, it 

shouldn’t be. By investing a set amount of money regularly, you establish 

a simple routine that can help you make your financial goals a reality. 

In addition, investing regularly can: 

�� it possible to use market fluctuations to your advantage 

�� potential growth and diversification to your portfolio 

��eep your long-term financial goals in focus 

Investing a set amount of money on a regular basis does not ensure a profit and does not protect 

against loss in declining markets. Such a plan involves continual investment in securities 

regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities. You should consider your financial 

ability to continue the purchases through periods of low price levels. 

To learn how investing on a regular basis can help you reach your 

financial goals, call or visit your local financial advisor today. 

Matt Kneifl, CFP®, AAMS® 

Financial Advisor 

. 

1100 73rd Street 

Windsor Heights, IA 50324 

515-279-2219 

Information provided by Matt Kneifl, financial advisor, Edward Jones, 1100 

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC 

73rd, Windsor Heights, 279-2219. 


FOCUS ON 

HEALTHY 

LIVING. 

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AND MORE! 

�� 

�� 

NO JOINING FEE UNTIL 

�� 

A savings of $50 

�� 

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WALNUT CREEK 

FAMILY YMCA 

Mon-Fri: 5am to 10pm 

Sat: 6am to 6pm 

Sun: 9am to 7pm 


chamber news Call 279-3662 

Resolve to join 

the Chamber 

Get involved in the business community 

By Betty Ridout, president, Windsor Heights 

Chamber of Commerce 

Happy New Year! January 

is typically the month for 

resolutions. Make a resolution 

for your business this year 

to become more involved within 

the Chamber. 

The Windsor Heights 

Chamber of Commerce offers 

many opportunities to play a part 

in our business community. In 

2012, we will continue our member 

lunches every other month 

beginning Jan. 17. We have also 

added several joint Chamber 

events, like the Feb. 16 Regional 

Breakfast Before Business, cohosted 

by the Clive Chamber of 

Commerce. 

In April, join us for a Regional 

Lunch with the Urbandale, Clive 

and Grimes chambers. We hope 

these joint events offer you even 

more networking possibilities, and 

as always, we are open to suggestions 

for speakers and events. 

Our mission is to promote 

and support members, local businesses 

and organizations through 

advocacy, publicity and education, 

chamber calendar Call 279-3662 

January 

28: Legislative Coffee, 3E Conference, 

953 73rd St., 9 - 10:30 a.m. 

February 

16: Regional Breakfast Before 

Business, Community Center at Colby 

Park, 7 - 8:30 a.m. 

while working to promote the 

growth of our members, economic 

development and the quality of 

life in Windsor Heights. 

Join us to be included in 

the 2012 Greater Des Moines 

Partnership Regional Directory. 

We must receive your application 

and dues by Feb. 15 to ensure 

your business listing in this printed 

directory. � 

17: Bowling, Val Lanes, 100 

Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, 

6 - 9 p.m. 

March 

8: Annual Spaghetti Dinner, 

Community Center at Colby Park, 

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. �

Q What is Whooping Cough? 

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing. 

The coughing can make it hard to breathe. A deep “whooping” sound is often heard when the 

patient tries to take a breath. Alternative Names: Whooping cough 

A 

Causes: Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an upper respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella 

pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis bacteria. It is a serious disease that can cause permanent 

disability in infants, and even death. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, tiny 

droplets containing the bacteria move through the air, and the disease is easily spread from 

person to person. The infection usually lasts 6 weeks. 

Whooping cough can affect people of any age. Before vaccines were widely available, the 

disease was most common in infants and young children. Now that most children are immunized before 

entering school, the higher percentage of cases is seen among adolescents and adults. 

Symptoms: Initial symptoms, similar to the common cold, usually develop about a week after exposure to 

the bacteria. 

Severe episodes of coughing start about 10 to 12 days later. In children, the coughing often ends with a 

“whoop” noise. The sound is produced when the patient tries to take a breath. The whoop noise is rare in 

patients under 6 months of age and in adults. 

Coughing spells may lead to vomiting or a short loss of consciousness. Pertussis should always be considered 

when vomiting occurs with coughing. In infants, choking spells are common. 

Other Pertussis symptoms include: runny nose, slight fever (102 °F or lower), Diarrhea 

Tests and diagnosis: The initial diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms. However, when the symptoms 

are not obvious, pertussis may be difficult to diagnose. In very young infants, the symptoms may be caused 

by pneumonia instead. 

To know for sure, the health care provider may take a sample of mucus from the nasal secretions and send 

it to a lab, which tests it for pertussis. While this can offer an accurate diagnosis, the test takes some time, and 

treatment is usually started before the results are ready. 

Some patients may have a complete blood count that shows large numbers of lymphocytes. 

Treatment: If started early enough, antibiotics such as erythromycin can make the symptoms go away 

more quickly. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed too late, when antibiotics aren’t very effective. 

However, the medicines can help reduce the patient’s ability to spread the disease to others. 

Infants younger than 18 months need constant supervision because their breathing may temporarily stop 

during coughing spells. Infants with severe cases should be hospitalized. 

An oxygen tent with high humidity may be used. 

Fluids may be given through a vein if coughing spells are severe enough to prevent the person from drinking 

enough fluids. 

Sedatives (medicines to make you sleepy) may be prescribed for young children. Cough mixtures. 

PEDIATRIC 

EXCELLENCE 

RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD 

At Mercy Pediatric Clinics, your child’s health is a priority. 

The physicians and staff provide convenient, caring healthcare services 

for your child’s needs. 

We offer a wide range of services, 

including: 

■ Well Child exams 

■ Immunizations 

■ Acute illness treatment 

■ School physicals 

■ Sports physicals 

Our Central Pediatric Clinic location also offers 

convenient evening and weekend hours. 

Extended hours at Central, call (515) 643-8611. 

CENTRAL 

Mercy Central Pediatric Clinic 

330 Laurel Street, Suite 2100 

Des Moines ■ (515) 643-8611 

WEST 

Mercy West Pediatric Clinic 

1601 NW 114th Street, Suite 345 

Clive ■ (515) 222-7337 

EAST 

Mercy East Pediatric Clinic 

5900 East University Avenue, Suite 300 

Pleasant Hill ■ (515) 643-2600 

JOHNSTON 

Mercy Johnston Pediatric Clinic 

5615 NW 86th Street 

Johnston ■ (515) 643-6090 

NORTH 

Mercy North Pediatric Clinic 

800 East 1st Street, Suite 1200 

Ankeny ■ (515) 643-9000 

JORDAN CREEK 

Mercy Jordan Creek Pediatric Clinic 

1055 Jordan Creek Pkwy., Suite 102 

West Des Moines ■ (515) 643-9550 

www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights Windsor Heights Living JANUARY | 2012

JANUARY | 2012 Windsor Heights Living www.iowalivingmagazines.com/windsorheights

Windsor Heights - Iowa Living Magazines

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