Drake Neighborhood News
Volume 26, Issue 4July/August 2005
Membership Quarterly Meeting
Saturday, August 6, at
6:00 pm at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
We will be voting on by-law
revisions.
Bring a dish to share and your own table service. Beverages provided.
President’s Message. . .
We had our second quarterly meeting of the year on May 7th, and the topic for discussion was: "Should the Drake Neighborhood Association
file for tax-exempt, 501c3, status?" (The topic of the next quarterly meeting, on August 6, will be DNA by-law revisions). Marion Wissler, the president of the Beaverdale Neighborhood association, and two other BNA Board members were kind enough to come to do a presentation. They explained how the BNA switched to 501c3 status in 2001, and what the ramifications have been. The upside, for the BNA, was that they
experienced an increase in membership, perhaps because membership is now tax-free. Also they now have access to many more grant opportunities, as well as matching funds from local businesses. The
largest of these has been a "Main Street USA" grant, which has allowed for significant improvements along Beaver Ave. At the same time, the new paperwork requirements have placed a significant burden on BNA volunteers, and they suggested that no neighborhood should go tax-exempt until they have figured out who would be doing the work.
One of the major concerns that the DNA has had in the past was that this status would limit our ability to petition political bodies on important neighborhood issues, but the BNA members indicated that this had not been a real problem for them. While it is important to speak with a lawyer to get a good understanding of what a tax-exempt
association can and cannot do, they indicated that they were mostly forbidden from taking part in political campaigns, which they never really wanted to do anyway.
If the DNA were to become tax-exempt, it would probably cost the association $1000-$2000 in lawyers fees to do the filing, as well as require the extra work discussed above. If you have any thoughts on whether this would be a good direction for us to go, please send them to David Courard-Hauri. Thanks!
Orchard in DrakePark
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Teva Dawson, a grant received by the City Parks Department, and some DNA lobbying, we have planted Des Moines' first neighborhood orchard in DrakePark! About twenty volunteers turned out to the newly-added south end of the park in April to plant apples,peaches, pears, plums, cherries, and filberts; 30
trees in all. It will be some time before they bear fruit (up to five years for some of them), but before we know it this community investment will be paying all kinds of dividends. Free, healthy fruit
is perhaps the most obvious, but we can also use the orchard as a focus for neighborhood events (a fall cider pressing party, anyone?) and education.
Not too long ago, backyard fruits and berries could be found by most homes in Iowa, but in time those have been replaced by lawns and ornamentals. Some folks don't even realize how easy fruit trees are to grow and care for, and that is another of the benefits of our orchard. For example, we hope to hold a pruning workshop on a warm weekend in
February where novices can learn the tricks from experienced pruners. Also, sometimes the greatest benefit of public edibles is just the wow factor, as in "Wow, I didn't know you could grow that here!" Along those lines, we still hope to add paw-paws and persimmons to our orchard in the near future.
While some people are concerned that much of the fruit will be eaten by passers-by (which isn't really a bad thing), with luck the demonstration/education value alone will help to encourage Drake Neighborhood residents to plant edibles in their own yards. Whether public or private, fresh, local fruit has multiple benefits. Fruit may lose nutrients as it sits on the shelves or in transit, so the closer
you are to your fruit source the better from a health perspective.
Also, it has been estimated that the average fruit travels about 2000 miles from orchard to you, leading to significant ecological costs in terms fuel use. And fruit right off the tree usually tastes better, of course. Eat fresh, eat local: eat at Drake!
While orchards are easy, they are not care-free. We are still looking to line up folks to water the trees up until the ground freezes this winter. We are asking people to take responsibility for a month, and if
it doesn't rain about an inch in any given week, to do the watering. We have hoses, watering wands, and a meter for the fire hydrant, so it doesn't take as much time as you might think. If you would be willing to help out, call David Courard-Hauri (see contactinfo on side panel). Also, it is important that we keep the orchard neat in the fall when fruit begins to drop, as we don't want to attract bees or encourage kids to use old fruits in non-constructive ways. This won't be an issue for a few years, but if you're willing to be on clean-up patrol, keep us in mind!
Drake Neighborhood Association Tour of Historic Homes
It was a beautiful weekend in the Drake Neighborhood and hundreds of visitors enjoyed the Tour of Historic Homes and the Greek Food Fair June 4th. and 5th. The tour went off with out a hitch except for the one on the beautiful horse and buggy rig. House tour host, Vicki Cameron and Brian Lenz took a break during to tour to enjoy a ride down the tree lined boulevard.
We would like to thank all the home owners, sponsors and volunteers that make this one of the most anticipated events of the year.
If you would like to get involved in the planning of next years house tour or if you would like to offer up your home or know of another home that you would like to see us feature please call Marty Schmitt at 255-9293 or e-mail at . Planning for next years tour starts now.
Volunteers needed:
Saturday, July 9th has been chosen as the work day for the MichaelThomasMemorialGarden. Lots of volunteers are needed to sort and stack bricks.
9am - Saturday, July 9th.
Carpenter Square: 25thStreet-Cottage Grove Avenue-Kingman Boulevard.
Bring work gloves.
Contact Lauri Hilgemann for details at
Anyone willing to donate snacks and/or lunch for the volunteers? Contact Marty Schmitt at 255-9293 or e-mail at .
Drake Neighborhood News
Volume 26, No. 4 – July/August 2005
Published by the Drake Neighborhood Association
Subscription is free to members. Annual membership rates:
$20/household, $30 business or organization
President
David Courard-Hauri
277-6885 ~
Vice-President
Carl McPherson
243-5914 ~
Secretary
Bill Lahay
277-6848 ~
Treasurer
Trisha Davis
255-3416 ~
Board Members
Dean Blum
279-5364 ~
Joachim Jonassen
246-0462
Dan Koenig
681-5683 ~
Jen Lawler
255-6592 ~
Patti McKee
255-7316
Dolph Pulliam
271-3084 ~
Eddie Robinson
255-5630
Jennifer Sayers
255-4880 ~
Tony Schmitt
255-9293 ~
Heidi Wessels
440-5620 ~
The Drake Neighborhood Association,
Des Moines, Iowa, includes the area withinI-235, 42nd Street, Franklin Avenue and M.L. King, Jr. Parkway. Purposes of the association are: to gain awareness and instill pride in our neighborhood; to make our neighbors feel secure in their persons and belongings; to preserve and beautify our neighborhood; to promote a healthy business climate for area businesses; to encourage a self-help attitude in our neighborhood.
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DNA Meeting Minutes: none submitted
Freeway Special for DNA Members . . .by Roger Munns
With business so bad, George Hans says he might have considered relocating the Pear Tree gift shop if it weren't for Perkins. Not Perkins school. Perkins the 13-year-old black lab who lives at the store on 35th street just south of the freeway.
"I can't have dogs where I live so she lives here," said Hans. "She's too old to move, and I guess I am, too."
Even in the best of times, Hans and Perkins have to fight for customers.
They and Pat Bartlett, owner of Bartlett's Antiques, are the main tenants the cozy but isolated Saint George's Square brick building that has hosted everything from a grocer to a guitar shop over the last century.
But this is the worst of times. The main artery serving their business, 35th Street, is closed because of I-235 construction. It was also closed much of last year. It will open briefly when the south span is completed, but it will close again soon and won't reopen until about Thanksgiving time.
"Or so we're told. They always underestimate the time it takes for these projects," said Bartlett.
The only direct connection to the freeway at that location, the eastbound exit, is also closed, never to reopen. Hans said that's OK with him. Most of the drivers getting off there were in a hurry to go elsewhere, sometimes in such a hurry that they ran into each other, he said.
But the loss of 35th Street has been staggering for their businesses. Hans has been here for nine years; Bartlett, for twice that long. Their trade has slowed to a trickle.
"Last month was bad but this month is worse," said Bartlett. "I think we made enough to pay rent, but that's about it. We knew it would be a poor year, and in fairness, part of the reason is the economy. I don't sell things that people really need, you know, food and clothing, and when the economy is bad, people aren't as willing to part with their money to pay for collectibles.
"But the construction made a bad year worse. People haven't forgotten how to get here, it's just too difficult. If you work hard all day and you have to go 20 minutes out of your way to come here, forget about it. Life is too short," she said.
Hans said the same thing. "I'd say we're doing pretty close to half our regular business. I had to put quite a bit of my own money into it last year and it looks like the same again this year," said Hans, a retired RooseveltHigh School art teacher. He sells an eclectic collection of garden statuary, lotions, jewelry, stationary and candles at the Pear Tree.
"The good thing about this, our loyal customers are coming in trying to help. I've got one little lady so worried that we won't make it, she comes in to buy a little something. That keeps your energy going," he said. But it doesn't do much for the bottom line.
Both proprietors said they appreciate business from neighbors. To make it worth your time, anybody bringing in a copy of this newsletter with your mailing label will receive a 15 percent discount on everything in either store except for consigned quilts and pottery at Bartlett's.The offer is good for a week after publication.
Building Strong bodies, Strong Minds and Strong Character-
The Des Moines Police Westide Boxing Club
With the mission of 'providing an opportunity for young people and adults to participate and compete in a safe and positive environment, to learn the sport of boxing and basic physical fitness, to develop personal growth, respect, character building skills, respect for the community and a positive relationship with law enforcement' the revitalized Des Moines Police Westide Boxing Club has reopened!
The center, located at 611 Forest Avenue, has a history rich in tradition. For 25 years, The Club was owned and operated by Edgar Young, head trainer and sometimes a father figure to many neighborhood children. Edgar steered many kids away from the streets and into the gym. He trained many young fighters to become Iowa Golden Glove Champions. In 2002, Edgar lost his fight to cancer.His legacy, spirit of competition and youth
This 3,280 sf facility has a boxing ring, speed bag stations, heavy bags, Olympic weights, treadmills and stationary bikes for members use. The re-opening came as a joint partnership between the United Way, Urban Dreams and the Des Moines Police Department. The DMPD manages the gym and acts as trainers and mentors to members.
Membership is free and open to the public. Hours of operation in the summer are noon-6PM; hours during the school year are 3-7:30 PM.
If you have interest in joining orknow a child who could benefit from the program, please contact the Club at 515-288-9159.
Please note, children must be at least 12 years old to join. A parent or guardian must be present at registration to complete a Waiver of Liability form prior participation in the programs.
stewardshiplives on at the revitalized Boxing Club.
Jazzed Up In July!!!!!♫♪♫♪
The DNA is participating in 2 great Jazz in July events this summer... be sure to join the fun-
Tina Haase Findlay and Friends perform the music of Jazz Great- Fats Waller!
Part of the Giants in Jazz Series
Presented by Metro Arts Alliance and Hosted by The Des Moines Playhouse, Des Moines Neighborhood Association and The Shops of Roosevelt
When: July 8th
Time: 7PM
Location: Shops of Roosevelt new Boardwalk! Rain location- The Des Moines Playhouse
DrakeUniversity and the DNA team up for
Andrew Classen, Director of the Jazz Studies Program at DU and his band:
Thelonius Assault
When: July 18th
Time: 7 PM
Location: DrakeUniversity
GraceUnitedMethodistChurch, 3700 Cottage Grove Avenue, will host Jazz in July on Monday, July 25at 7:00 p.m. Weather permitting, it will be held on the west lawn, otherwise it will be in the ActivityCenter in the lower level of the church.
Hope to see you there!
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE DES MOINES PLAYHOUSE
Keep up-to-date on all The Playhouse news and volunteer opportunities by visiting our website frequently:
TALE AS OLD AS TIME
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
July 14-Aug. 7, 2005
Thursday & Friday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday @ 2:00 PM
Sunday @ 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM (Sunday, Aug. 7, at 1:00 PM only)
Tickets $30 Thursday/Friday/Saturday Adults, $28 Sunday Adults; $1 discount for Seniors (62+); $17 for Students
Tickets on sale now.
Group tickets (groups of 15+) on sale now by phone at 515-255-3741 ext. 211
The musical is under the direction of Robin McKercher (Forever Plaid), with music direction by Brenton Brown and choreography by Alison Shafer (Seussical the Musical). The Playhouse cast of 27 features newcomer Alison Beaird as Belle, Jeremy Jorgenson (Children of Eden) as the Beast, Robby Petersen (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Gaston, Brett Spahr (Annie) as Lumiere, John Busbee (The Wizard of Oz) as Cogsworth, Frances Paterik (Me and My Girl) as Mrs. Potts and Amanda Bartlett (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Chip.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Join your friends on Saturday, July 23, at 6:00 PM, as we celebrate the time and talents of The Playhouse's more than 1,000 onstage, backstage and front-of-house volunteers. Details will be sent closer to the date, but save the date now!
THE COMEDY WHERE EVERY NIGHT A MURDER IS COMMITTED
Shear Madness
Opening Sept. 16, 2006 at The Temple for Performing Arts
Thursday @ 7:30 PM
Friday @ 8:00 PM
Saturday @ 8:00 PM
Sunday @ 3:00 PM
Tickets: $37.50 adults/seniors (62+), $30.00 students
SPECIAL TICKET OFFER: Purchase your tickets by July 18 for just $30.00 per person. This offer available by phone and online.
Group tickets: $30.00 per person through July 18; after July 18, $32.50 for groups of 15+, $34.50 for groups of 10-14
Group tickets on sale now by phone at 515-255-3741 ext. 211
When flamboyant concert pianist Isabel Czerny is murdered in her quarters above the Shear Madness hair salon, you, the audience becomes part of the police investigation, pointing out clues, corroborating testimony, and occasionally heckling the inept detectives at the appropriate moments. Discover firsthand why this hilarious mystery romp, now in its 23rd year, remains the longest-running non-musical play in American theatre history.
For up-to-date audition information, visit The Playhouse website at or contact The Playhouse at 515-255-3741.
DNA Quarterly Meeting/Potluck
Saturday, August 6, 2005 6 pmSt. Luke’s Episcopal Churchon Forest Ave. at Beaver
Bring a dish to share.Table service and beverages provided.
By-laws will be reviewed and discussed.
April & MayNeighborhood House Sales
Compiled by Phoebe Bubendorfer from the PolkCounty Assessor’s Office website at
Address / Sale Date / Sale Price / Year Built / Total Sq. Ft.1418 21st St. / 04/04/05 / 63,000 / 1925 / 816
1325 22nd St. / 04/13/05 / 26,000 / 1911 / 1714
1347 23rd St. / 04/07/05 / 28,000 / 1907 / 1536
1603 23rd St. / 04/27/05 / 15,000 / N/A / N/A
1119 23rd St. / 04/04/05 / 32,000 / 1901 / 1367
1321 24th St. / 04/07/05 / 70,900 / 1908 / 2722
998 25th St. / 04/29/05 / 85,000 / 1910 / 1128
1544 28th St. / 04/24/05 / 61,100 / 1924 / 764
1085 28th St. / 04/07/05 / 104,900 / 1900 / 1029
1534 31st St. / 04/15/05 / 92,000 / 1910 / 1728
1605 33rd St. / 04/14/05 / 63,000 / 1920 / 768
1427 34th St. / 04/01/05 / 55,750 / 1917 / 701
937 37th St. / 04/26/05 / 125,000 / 1924 / 1018
920 37th St. / 04/18/05 / 110,000 / 1924 / 832
1026 37th St. / 04/14/05 / 157,000 / 1925 / 1566
1333 39th St. / 04/29/05 / 125,000 / 1913 / 1411
3714 Carpenter Ave. / 04/29/05 / 115,300 / 1922 / 1152
3407 Clark St. / 04/21/05 / 65,000 / 1924 / 1100
2750 Cottage Grove Ave. / 04/29/05 / 229,910 / 1900 / 2731
1721 Marella Trl. / 04/05/05 / 185,000 / 1933 / 1634
1802 M L King Jr Pkwy. / 04/27/05 / 60,000 / 1930 / 1020
2701 Mondamin Ave. / 04/27/05 / 61,000 / 1901 / 1122
4102 Plainview Dr. / 04/07/05 / 120,500 / 1921 / 1450
1549 20th Pl. / 05/09/05 / 30,000 / 1924 / 720
1630 22nd St. / 05/11/05 / 30,000 / 1911 / 1008
1503 23rd St. / 05/13/05 / 18,000 / 1895 / 2576
1325 24th St. / 05/04/05 / 55,000 / 1882 / 2238
1005 25th St. / 05/26/05 / 71,500 / 1910 / 728
922 28th St. / 05/18/05 / 55,500 / 1921 / 773
931 30th St. / 05/05/05 / 45,000 / 1919 / 889
1506 32nd St. / 05/18/05 / 138,500 / 1910 / 1576
918 36th St. / 05/24/05 / 151,500 / 1922 / 1450
1001 38th St. / 05/31/05 / 97,500 / 1925 / 756
1145 38th St. / 05/26/05 / 106,500 / 1920 / 960
905 39th St. / 05/25/05 / 112,000 / 1949 / 945
1718 41st St. / 05/31/05 / 160,000 / 1923 / 1566
915 42nd St. / 05/18/05 / 119,900 / 1917 / 1661
1626 Northwest Dr. / 05/26/05 / 118,500 / 1938 / 831
2808 School St. / 05/31/05 / 89,500 / 1924 / 1320
4019 School St. / 05/25/05 / 115,500 / 1914 / 1390
3817 Washington Ave. / 05/23/05 / 110,000 / 1967 / 1323
3729 Kingman Blvd. / 05/10/05 / 124,900 / 1923 / 1845
4101 Kingman Blvd. / 05/13/05 / 135,000 / 1914 / 1258
4116 Forest Ave. / 05/11/05 / 158,250 / 1923 / 1722
4125 Northwest Dr. / 05/10/05 / 147,500 / 1940 / 1612
2221 Carpenter Ave. / 05/04/05 / 15,000 / 1907 / 992
1736 Marella Trl. / 05/04/05 / 175,900 / 1933 / 1807
2422 Drake Park Ave. / 05/03/05 / 123,000 / 1908 / 1946
3410 University Ave. / 05/19/05 / 50,000 / 1900 / 768
3827 University Ave. / 05/13/05 / 116,500 / 1923 / 1813
2421 Franklin Ave. / 05/16/05 / 75,360 / 1910 / 744
1916 M L King Jr Pkwy. / 05/18/05 / 25,000 / 1922 / 912
2417 Clark St. / 05/22/05 / 79,900 / 1918 / 1134
1402 Forestdale Dr. / 05/18/05 / 229,900 / 1923 / 2151
P.O. Box 41128
Des Moines, IA 50311-0503