Des Moines’ top dog
The beloved face of Drake University has a protruding jaw, wrinkly scowl and sad eyes. George, whose official title is Griff II, is the latest in a growing line of [...]
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Posted April 05, 2023in Your Neighbors
Posted March 01, 2023in Your Neighbors
Meet Tone the MoveMaker
Turning struggles into strength Antonio Roddy is dedicated to progressing. Raised on the south side of Chicago, he grew up in the shadow of skyscrapers and yachts along the affluent [...]
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Posted February 01, 2023in Your Neighbors
1,200 missions complete
Iowa State Captain shares experiences with Patriot Guard Riders. For those who wish to join the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), the only prerequisite is respect. There are no membership dues, [...]
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Posted January 04, 2023in Your Neighbors
Popinjay makes it a family affair
Customizing children’s books for modern family dynamics. In 2023, the average family structure can look different from the typical nuclear family of years past. Non-traditional families often struggle to find [...]
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Posted November 30, 2022in Your Neighbors
Supporting a cultural icon
Husband-wife duo are longtime volunteers at the Des Moines Playhouse. Kim and Steve Blakesley have welcomed thousands of guests into the Des Moines Playhouse. They’ve volunteered for nearly every production [...]
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Posted November 02, 2022in Your Neighbors
Coffee beans, buffalo and a pug
Coffee roaster delivers joy via bicycle. Keep a sharp eye out around the metro, and you might spot an unusual sight: Chris James delivering coffee beans on his bike, with [...]
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Posted October 05, 2022in Your Neighbors
Advocacy as a way of life
Isabel Martinez Santos serves as a bi-lingual Department of Justice representative and co-director of the legal clinic at the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence. But, she said, “I am more [...]
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Posted August 31, 2022in Your Neighbors
Retiring doesn’t mean retreating
Most senior citizens pushing a century might prefer to take it easy, but not Iris Swanson. At 91 years old, she’s busier than ever before. “Whatever needs to be done [...]
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Posted August 03, 2022in Your Neighbors
Serving up history at the Iowa State Fair
Long before the days of funnel cake and deep-fried Twinkies, church-run dining halls dished out home-cooked meals at the Iowa State Fair. The West Des Moines United Methodist Church began [...]
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Posted July 06, 2022in Your Neighbors
Promoting diverse arts and dance in Des Moines
When Penny Thomas arrived in Des Moines to study at Drake University, she thought she’d return home to India after earning her pharmacy degree. Sixty-six years later, she is still [...]
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