DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET - WINTER SEASON
The Downtown Farmers’ Market has extended the season with two additional markets called the Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Season. 
The Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Season will be held the Saturdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas on Nov. 22 and Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. located inside Capital Square and outdoors at Nollen Plaza, 400 Locust Street in Downtown Des Moines. The location for the Winter Season is only half a block north of the current farmers’ market location. This is the third year for the additional markets to be offered.
New this year will be a Friday lunch hour preview. On Friday, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, the Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Season will be open to the public from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The lunch hour preview will offer a sneak peak of the market with lots of food and shopping. Prepared Market favorites will also be available for the lunch crowd.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Season is a perfect opportunity to stock up for holiday meals, parties, and gift giving. More than 120 vendors will be present. Farmers will be selling a variety of locally raised products including eggs, beef, pork, duck, turkeys, holiday hams, and, of course, produce - there will be a variety of late season and greenhouse produce available. Shoppers can also expect to find an abundance of fresh homemade products including locally produced honey, jams, salsa, wine, cheese, soy nuts, homemade noodles, baked breads, pies and cinnamon rolls. Market patrons will also find beautiful winter flowers such as poinsettias, fresh cut Christmas trees, hand-made holiday ornaments and home decorations at these festive farmers markets.
“The two additional winter season markets proved to be very successful for our vendors and patrons for the past two years. They provide an opportunity for farmers and specialty food vendors, as well as local artist and crafters, to continue to sell their local product directly to enthusiastic farmers’ market customers beyond the normal farmers’ market season,” explains Kelly Foss, director of the Downtown Farmers’ Market. “We are excited to offer the Friday preview to downtown workers. Seventy five Farmers Market vendors will be present on Friday, offering an impressive taste of the full market on Saturday.”
Here's a special incentive to get you to go outside during the Friday market - make a purchase from one of the 25 outdoor Market Vendors located on Nollen Plaza during the Friday lunch time Markets and receive a free “Live Green. Shop Local.” reusable Downtown Farmers Market shopping bag, sponsored in part by Waste Management and Downtown Community Alliance.
The heart of the Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Season is a celebration of local food. Patrons will also enjoy the market ambiance created especially to celebrate harvest, winter, and the holiday season. The farmers’ markets will features a wide variety of holiday activities for the entire family, including musicians playing holiday music, strolling carolers, and artist demonstrations, kids’ activities and more.
For more information about the Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter season, visit www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
RING IN THE SEASON AT HOLIDAY LIGHTS DES MOINES
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Welcome the holiday season to downtown as we Flip the Switch at Holiday Lights Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Brenton Skating Plaza, bringing together the sights and sounds of the season.
Holiday Lights Des Moines will feature live performances from musicians and choirs, a horse-drawn carriage, specialty food vendors, face painting, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus from 4-7 p.m. on the evening after Thanksgiving! At 6:28 p.m. we will light up the night sky as Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie flips the switch on a beautiful lighted tree!
Brenton Skating Plaza will also be open for public skating from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Adult admission to skate is $3, admission for children 12 and under is $2, and skate rental is $2.50.
Following the lighting, join us for another special community event under the stars at Festival of Trees and Lights at the Polk County Convention Complex. Admission to Festival of Trees and Lights is free from 6:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 28, but goodwill donations will be accepted.
Holiday Lights Des Moines is sponsored by MidAmerican Energy, Operation Downtown, City of Des Moines, Brenton Skating Plaza, Des Moines Radio Group, and produced by Downtown Events Group.
Stop by Brenton Skating Plaza to view the lighted tree throughout the winter season, and enjoy the holiday offerings from downtown businesses, restaurants and retailers.
Admission to Holiday Lights Des Moines on Nov. 28 is free. For more information visit www.holidaylightsdsm.org.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS DOWNTOWN
Downtown will look festive and alive as plans are underway for decorating and lighting our beautiful downtown this holiday season. We hope that your family’s downtown plans include shopping in our downtown stores, purchasing downtown gift cards and dinning and entertaining in downtown restaurants and clubs. Don’t forget to make the Brenton Skating Plaza on the Principal Riverwalk part of your holiday tradition.
ONE CARD. 101 CHOICES.
It's the hottest gift this season - the new Downtown gift card. Good at more than 100 businesses downtown, from your favorite restaurants and clubs, the Civic Center and Science Center, Wells Fargo Arena, The Iowa Cubs - Chops, Energy and Barnstormers - even the City parking garages. Think of the fun they will have spending it and how easy your shopping will be. For a complete list of participating businesses, click here.
Gift cards can be purchased on line at www.downtowndesmoines.com, in person at 700 Locust, Ste. 100, Downtown Des Moines or on the phone at 515-286-4950. Look for us in our skywalk location during the month of December. Our holiday store is located in the Kaleidoscope Mall at 665 Walnut Street across from Palmer's Deli. Check back to the web site for more information on store hours.
For more information, contact Amy Baker at 515-286-4919.
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CROWS RETURN TO DOWNTOWN
Colder weather has arrived and that means the crows have found their way back to downtown. The cluster of buildings downtown provides a warmth that the crows enjoy in the cold weather. In an effort to persuade the crows to find a different place to roost, Operation Downtown has launched a task force to move the crows out of downtown. The crew uses different movement tactics like red laser lights and pyrotechnics to get the birds to leave downtown during the early morning hours and late into evening. If you have any questions, please call Operation Downtown at 282-0378.
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TIS THE SEASON - FOR ICE SKATING!
Winter is almost here and that means ice skating season is just around the corner. Ice skating at the Brenton Skating Plaza offers days of figure eights, hot cocoa, and unforgettable moments. The official opening day for the Skating plaza is Friday, Nov. 21 in conjunction with the East Village Holiday Promenade. The plaza will also be offering lessons, public skating, broomball leagues, adult hockey lunch and learns, parties and events and private rentals throughout the winter season. The Brenton Skating Plaza, the areas only open-air skating rink, is located on the Principal Riverwalk at East First and Locust Streets.
Public skating hours:
Monday, Noon - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday, Noon - 9 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m.
www.brentonplaza.com
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - BRILLIANT SKY TOYS AND BOOKS
We spoke with Kelly Sharp, Vice President of Retail Operations for Hubbell about the newest addition at the Kaleidoscope Mall in Downtown Des Moines.
What is Brilliant Sky Toys and Books?
Brilliant Sky Toys & Books is a specialty toy store that emphasizes unique toys that cater to the physical, emotional and cognitive development of children and families of our community. We offer great products and great prices just in time for the holidays, and we are here year round to catch all of the other gift giving events like birthdays, baby showers, Valentine’s Day and Easter.
Where are you located?
You can find us at
What are the store hours?
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
What types of products/services does Brilliant Sky offer?
From open ended learning toys, to interactive and fun games, puzzles, dolls and science we are sure you will find the perfect toy or book for children of all ages. Some of the brands we offer are Play Mobil, Think Fun Games for All Ages, Melissa and Doug, Learning Curve, and Ertle. We also have great products for new babies that are perfect for baby showers! Free gift wrapping is also available.
Why did you choose to open downtown?
Downtown is a great market for this type of business. Seventy-seven thousand people come downtown to work everyday and they are looking for convenient and quick shopping options. Brilliant Sky Toys and Books can provide that.
Any upcoming events at the store?
A ribbon cutting celebration will be held on Nov. 6 at 10:30 am. Be on the lookout that day for a juggler and balloon animal artist over the lunch hour to get you in the toy shopping mood. Stop by every day that week to enter drawings for free toys and to pick up your holiday catalog.
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"I WOULD, BUT I'M BUSY." BY JOE TEWELL
The majority of us didn’t exist when the Titanic sank back in April of 1912. However, this epic tale continues to haunt our minds and spark our imaginations through stories of that cold and fateful night.
By all accounts, barely a sliver of vibration was felt as the side of the ship was slit wide open by a submerged iceberg. Unaware of the turmoil happening beneath them, the passengers and crew on the upper decks continued dining and dancing while chaos ensued below. It didn’t take long; however, for everyone to notice the tilt in the floor and for panic to reign as horrific events began to happen in violent succession. Conditions worsened and, ultimately, over 1,500 people resigned their lives as the great “unsinkable” ship sank to a cold and watery grave.
It is no secret that small leaks can sink large ships; and, the same could be said regarding so many areas of our lives . . . especially, when it comes to our health. You see, in most cases, poor health is not a result of bad luck. It is a consequence of the choices we make daily (over eating, inactivity, smoking, drinking, bad food choices, etc.). Ask yourself, “am I, like the ship’s captain, forging through the daily grind without truly giving thought to what hazards may be lurking ahead? What can I do TODAY to take control of my health, my independence, my stability, and ensure my TOMORROW?”
The titanic analogy is extreme, but very accurate in terms of how people view their health. We assume all is well until that iceberg delivers a rude awakening. It may just be a “little weight problem” that in time becomes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer…or if fortunate, could be as harmless as fatigue, low self-image, low motivation, anxiety, or social depression.
These are the issues I’ve seen in my clientele over the past 20 years. As my clients reflect on their conditions, many times they realize preventative measures could have been taken with planning and accountability.
The problem with planning and accountability begins in the organizations that should provide the solutions. The medical industry and the fitness industry have failed miserably to get people healthy. Both have focused more on financial gain versus legitimate curriculum to change people’s behaviors and attitudes towards healthy living. Want proof? How many of you reading this, take a daily dosage of ibuprofen over a multi-vitamin? How many of you drink a red bull, but occasionally will settle for water? Hmm! We need to wake up and look at ourselves. We need to quit buying memberships, joining support groups, and buying programs! We need to change our behaviors first!!!
As fall turns towards winter, many of you begin to notice the damage that tailgate weekends and cookouts have caused on your waist lines. This becomes the time of self discovery and personal reflection. On January 1st, many of you will absolutely get serious and do something about it this time…? So we go and do the new fad diet and join the new trendy class in the best health club money can buy. Unfortunately, 86% of all persons who join a fitness program fail to get results. Of that 86%, 64% will give up with in 10 weeks. So why is the new trend in fitness a 10 week program to lifetime of health? How ironic! Years and years of lifestyle flaws can be fixed in only 10 weeks?
Let’s make this simple people. Fitness is not a program, it is a daily walk; a relationship with ones self; a perpetual commitment; a focused energy. There are 5 EXACT components one must hold on to and nurture for success. They are all the same from the science perspective, complex to an individual practice. The components are: Food Intake; Cardio Respiratory Conditioning; Nutritional Supplementation; Resistance Training; Life Application/Strategy.
So as you read this and find yourself scratching your head, knowing you must do something, feel free to call me personally and I will be happy to explain the components of fitness in detail. Gym F/X is a unique facility. Not because of our equipment or our location. It is because we provide solutions to people who get in their own way, people who have struggled for years to look and feel their best. The LivFit training system is an EXACT curriculum designed around people, NOT programs. Call for a free consultation at 288-1111!
Yours in health,
-Joe Tewell, Owner – Gym F/X
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE GROUP EMPLOYEE WINS WITH REST YOUR CAR
Martha Hawkins, an employee of American Enterprise Group, Inc., is the winner of the Rest Your Car program’s Third Quarter Trip Giveaway. With her $2,500 trip voucher, Martha can choose her destination! Martha lives in Monroe and uses a vanpool to get to her job, which is located in Des Moines. As a result, Martha rested her car for a total of 720 miles in the month of September alone! Click here to view all of September's Rest Your Car winners.
The Rest Your Car program is sponsored by the Transportation Management Association and designed to encourage commuters to use alternative commute options. Commuters who actively participate in the program and use an alternative commute option at least four times a month are eligible for monthly prizes such as $150 and $20 Downtown Gift Cards. Additionally, every quarter one lucky Rest Your Car member is rewarded with a travel voucher valued at $2,500! For more information on the Rest Your Car program, please go to www.drivetimedesmoines.org.
EAST VILLAGE OPEN SUNDAYS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
With the holidays just around the corner, several businesses in the East Village are giving you an extra day to shop! The following businesses will be open Sundays from Noon to 4 p.m. through Christmas.
Beginning Nov. 2
Eden
Pure Paper
Beginning Nov. 16
Accenti
Arte
Beginning Nov. 23
Kitchen Collage
Beginning Nov. 30
Smash
Velvet Coat
Colores
Gong Fu Tea
Dornink
Check with your favorite East Village retailers for their participation and hours.
FOLLOW DOWNTOWN DES MOINES ON TWITTER
Now you can follow us on Twitter to find out the latest news on Downtown. Get the scoop on the best places for lunch and events happening as well as ticket give aways. This month we will be giving away tickets for the Iowa Chops games. Follow us at Downtown50309.
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS
Thinking about moving Downtown, but not sure if the time is right? Here is an incentive for first-time home buyers that might give you that push you need to make the leap from renter to buyer. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 has authorized a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. In addition, a downtown home also offers a 10 year tax abatement.
Time is of the essence for buyers who want to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity. Not sure how these incentives will affect your monthly payment? Take a look at this break down provided by Hubbell Homes.
To learn more about this tax credit, visit http://hubbellhomes.com/financing/tax_credit.asp.
To explore the different living options in downtown, click here.
BECOME A 2009 SKYWALK GOLF TEE SPONSOR
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Fall is here and 2008 is flying by - 2009 will be here before you know it, making it time for the 24th-Annual Skywalk Open Golf Tournament! The Downtown Events Group invites you to take part in this great wintertime tradition on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, by becoming a Tee Sponsor.
Tee Sponsorships are a fun and affordable way to get your staff interacting on a one-to-one level with potential clients while showcasing your company in a creative and unique way. The fee for becoming a Tee Sponsor is only $250 and a few hours of your time on Feb. 7.
Contact Kris Rives at (515) 286-4904 or KRives@downtowneventsgroup.org for complete sponsor details and any questions. Two of the Skywalk Golf courses are already full, so act quickly to reserve your tee today before the remaining courses are full. Payment is not required with your sponsor registration form, but will be due on Jan. 7, 2009.
URBAN PIONEER – DALE STARK
A traffic-free two minute commute is one of the reasons why Urban Pioneer Dale Stark likes living downtown. Dale lives across the street from the Civic Center where he works as a public relations manager. “My home is closer to work than most of my co-workers parking spots,” he explains. But a short commute isn’t the only reason why Dale enjoys living Downtown. “There’s an energy downtown that you can’t find in the suburbs. There is always something going on.”
Dale has lived downtown now for the past seven years and in that time he has witnessed significant change and growth. He likes seeing people out at all hours and on weekends instead of just during the normal business hours – like it was about 10 years ago. In addition to all of the new restaurants and entertainment hot spots, the increase in living options have really brought more people downtown – to live, work and play.
“I feel like I’m in the middle of everything,” says Dale. “Plus, it’s a cool place to be. People don’t look at me with surprise anymore when I tell them I live downtown.”
When Dale isn't working at the Civic Center - which is rare - you can find him rollerblading to Gray's Lake. He also considers Centro, Zen and Dos Rios an extension of his dining room. Dale has a blog downtowndale.blogspot.com and you can follow him on twitter at downtowndale.
If you’re thinking about moving downtown, Dale says, “Do it! I’ll even help you move!”
