Posted April 05, 2023in Your Neighbors
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 live mascots serving the school. It began in 1910. Until then, the university mascot had been the Drakes (a male
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Posted March 01, 2023in Your Neighbors
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 Lake Shore Drive. He wondered: Where was the divide? “Coming from that, it always inspired the vibe to better myself,
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Posted February 01, 2023in Your Neighbors
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, no monthly meetings, no background requirements. Only a desire to honor veterans, first responders and members of the military who
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Posted January 04, 2023in Your Neighbors
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 themselves reflected in pop culture and media, particularly children’s books. April Pearson-Decklever resolved to change that with her progressive publishing
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Posted November 30, 2022in Your Neighbors
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 for the last 15 years. It started when Kim’s mother, who regularly volunteered with her best friend, invited her daughter
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Posted November 02, 2022in Your Neighbors
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 his beloved pug strapped in the backseat — helmet, goggles and all. His canine companion only ventures outside when the
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Posted October 05, 2022in Your Neighbors
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 than my work.” Her mother, fleeing violence and seeking safety and a better future, immigrated to the United States from
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Posted August 31, 2022in Your Neighbors
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 that day, I just get up and thank God I’ve got the day, and let’s get on with it,” she
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Posted August 03, 2022in Your Neighbors
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 its food stand in 1949 and is now the last remaining vendor in the Fair’s historic “Church Row.” For the
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Posted July 06, 2022in Your Neighbors
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 here. Even the capital of Iowa couldn’t hold a candle to the bustling streets of her hometown. “At the time,
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