Not So Boring 3rd Quarter

Leslie Jasper
Group Sales Manger
Des Moines Performing Arts

It’s IOWA STATE FAIR time! 

And, although “Nothing Compares”… really, nothing does… I am here to remind us of all the great happenings as we wrap-up the remaining summer months, in addition our beloved Iowa State Fair.  Just in case someone wants to load their August calendar with something other than the Butter Cow or Porkchop-On-A-Stick!

If the Iowa State Fair really DOES occupy most of your August days/nights, be sure to check out these awesome places and events that make our community and state not so boring after the fair, too! 

“Not So Boring” Happenings

(Find past happenings here and here)

I-Cubs

“Dog Day” August 12, bring your dog to the park for a game and enjoy dollar hot dogs!

www.MILB.com/index.jsp?sid=t451

Fridays at the Fountain

Free live music Friday nights at the West Glen Center in West Des Moines.  Family friendly.

August 9 and August 23

www.WestGlenTownCenter.com

Nightfall on the River

Nitefall on the River, presented by Veridian Credit Union, is an annual summer music series at the picturesque Simon Estes Amphitheater.  All Ages Shows, tickets $22-$31.

Final two shows of the summer!

Owl City, August 9 and Hanson, August 28

www.NightfallDSM.com

Des Moines Social Club

Fireball is back in a big way. It’s the ball of all balls. This year they’ve got sizzling sets by The Envy Corps and The Olympics, pair that with a fire-tastic performance by Chicago’s Pyrotechniq — all happening at the beautiful Simon Estes Amphitheater.

August 15, 7:30p.  Advance tickets $15 or $25 at the door.

www.DesMoinesSocialClub.org

Science Center of Iowa

Don’t miss the Science Center of Iowa’s 15th Annual Fundraising Event & Auction, one of the most talked about celebrations in Des Moines! With amazing live and silent auctions, delectable cuisine and cocktails and live music, the event is an exciting celebration of SCI and our commitment to informal learning.

August 23, 6p.

www.SCIowa.org

“Dancing on the Lake”

It’s the last one of the season!  Every Thursday night, come out and learn to dance social dances like salsa, swing, line dancing or contra dancing. Lessons start on the Overlook Terrace at 7:30 and the dancing begins at 8:00.Each week (June – August 22 ) will feature a different kind of dancing and music.

www.DMGov.org

Iowa Wineries

Did you know Iowa has over 70 wineries to explore?  During the remaining warm months, plan a road trip to visit these beautiful destinations and sample their delicious wines!

For a complete list of Iowa wineries:

www.CatchWine.com/wineries/iowa/

www.TravelIowa.com/attractions/wineries

Principal Riverwalk

Check out one of downtown’s hottest attractions, the newly finished riverwalk, starting at Walnut and Court Street in Des Moines.  Featuring a new “rest stop” that offers drinks, food, and a gorgeous view, The Riverwalk Hub Spot.

Ewing Park STAR Party

Bring your picnic blanket and come to Ewing Park to view the Perseid meteor shower! SCI and Des Moines Astronomical Society (DMAS) will have telescopes set up for you to experience this annual cosmic event. The action in the sky doesn’t get started until later, but the fun starts at 6:00 pm with activities in the park. August 10

www.DMGov.org

Parks and Recreation

There are only a few weeks left to take advantage of the pools and outdoor water fun!  Most pools close for the season September 2.

Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Gray’s Lake Bike Rental and water sports

www.DMGov.org

Big Creek Marina

www.BigCreekMarina.com   

Windsor Heights Parks and Recreation

www.WindsorHeights.org/index.htm

Waukee Parks and Recreation

www.Waukee.org/parksandrecreationdepartment.html

Polk County Conservation

www.PolkCountyIowa.gov/conservation

Knoxville Raceway

The biggest sprint car race in the world with the top drivers in the sport.  Join us for Knoxville Nationals, A four-day racing extravaganza that includes music, food, camping, expo and more that ends each night with some of the most exciting racing you can ever experience.

August 7 – 10

www.KnoxvilleRaceway.com/Event/53rd-Annual-Knoxville-Nationals

Blank Park Zoo

Last month of Zoo Brew!  Every Wednesday in August, starting at 5:30p.

www.BlankParkZoo.com

National Running Day

Chris Burch
Director of Racing and Events
IMT Des Moines Marathon

Did you know that our nation recently celebrated National Running Day? Running in the United States is becoming more and more popular and my guess is that you are noticing it. From what was considered a man's sport some 40 years ago, running is attracting more than just the high school cross country or track standout these days. Woman are buying more running shoes and signing up for more races than men these days. Many of them are taking the family on vacation and spending hundreds of dollars at expos. Races today are more like events that provide destination experiences and platforms for fundraising and awareness than who can cross the finish line first competitions.

Running is following such a popular trend that even local events such as Dam to Dam, which has been around for more than 30 years, sells out in a number of days and the Living History Farms Cross Country Race in hours. Want to be a part of the Farms race? Don’t leave your computer when online registration opens. First time national events saw huge numbers of participants in Des Moines last year including more than 20, 000 in the Color Run and 12,000 in the Glow Run alone. Let alone mud and obstacles.

What may have been described as a cult sport some twenty years ago, running is now as main stream as it gets. Name a magazine advertisement or television commercial that focused on running. You probably can. Five years ago. No way. So what is causing the surge in popularity? For starters the sport is accessible at a time when many things in the daily grind are becoming less and less accessible. There is minimal equipment to buy. There aren't any membership requirements, rental fees or contracts to sign. And many runners start and finish their run from the front door. No getting stuck in traffic just trying o get to your workout.

Running provides opportunities to exercise control in a number of different ways. It provides an opportunity for goals and objectives to be met and set; a time for personal reflection, imagination, and the chance to sort out the day’s events. Running provides for the theater of competition. Personal improvement, self satisfaction, and enjoyment in a sport that offers many personal returns only add to the physical and well being benefits of regular exercise.

Perhaps it is the collective energy and spirit of those ideals that is making running so popular. More and more people are discovering the sport and celebrating it with others at running events from the church on the corner 5K to ultramarathons and 100 mile races. Des Moines was recently named the Outstanding Runner Friendly Community of the Year in 2012. If you seem to notice more people out running over the lunch hour or through the neighborhood on your commute home for work, perhaps instead of asking yourself what you think those people are thinking, you should ask yourself why aren’t you thinking like them.

Not So Boring April - June

Leslie Jasper
Group Sales Manger
Des Moines Performing Arts

We’ve all heard and/or said the rhyme at some point of our lives:  April showers bring May flowers. 

As Midwesterners, we’ve been trained by the sometimes-unpredictable weather patterns, to talk about what Mother Nature is offering us and, due to that, this old saying has maintained its popularity for hundreds of years.  Since it’s origination in the mid-1500’s – beginning as “Sweet April showers do spring May flowers” in a collection of writings by Thomas Tusser – it has continually served as a great reminder that with even the most unpleasant, we must be patient and something beautiful will always follow. 

Considering most of our most recent “showers” have been snow showers, for most of us, the spring flowers can’t come soon enough.  We’ve been patient for months, getting through the deep winter freeze, so it’s time for the May beauty promised to us by this age-old rhyme.  Along with the flowers however, come some things that may be even better than a colorful spring bloom.  Warm sunshine, grills and firepits, patio dinners, and of course, outdoor activities.

And so, to all you patient it’s-been-gloomy-too-long-I’m-ready-for-flipflops Iowans:  It’s time to celebrate spring’s arrival and Thomas Tusser’s famous words (hoping that April showers really do spring us some May flowers)!

“Not So Boring” Happenings

I-Cubs

Home Opener April 12!

www.MILB.com/index.jsp?sid=t451

Valle Drive-In Theater

Opens April 19, come visit Iowa’s oldest running drive-in theater. Open Friday-Monday.

www.ValleDrive-in.com/default.asp

Farmers Markets:

Valley Junction Music in the Junction, Opens May 2

www.ValleyJunction.com

Downtown Des Moines, Opens May 4

www.DesMoinesFarmersMarket.com

Drake Farmers Market, Opens June 5

www.DrakeFarmersMarket.com

Tulip Time

The most colorful Dutch celebration in Iowa!

May 2 - 4

www.PellaTulipTime.com

Temple Theater

Sit outside at Centro’s patio for dinner/drinks and attend Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, an award-winning improvised musical comedy, May 1 – 12.

www.DesMoinesPerformingArts.org

www.CentroDining.com

Science Center of Iowa

Bring your picnic blanket, grab some popcorn, and attend Cinema Under the Stars, May 11!

Jurassic Park will be playing, beginning at dusk.  Free to attend (will be held inside if bad weather).

www.SCIowa.org

Habitat for Humanity

Spring volunteer opportunities available (get outside and BUILD)!

www.GDMHabitat.org/

Jasper Winery

Summer Concert Series begins May 16.

www.JasperWinery.com

Parks and Recreation:

Check your local parks and recreation website for pool dates, park shelter info, and sports leagues.

Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Gray’s Lake Bike Rental, Begins April 14

www.DMGov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/BicycleRentalProgram.aspx

West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
RUNzing 5k and 10k, May 18

www.WDM.Iowa.gov/index.aspx?page=197

Windsor Heights Parks and Recreation

Curbside Spring Clean-Up, May 9

www.WindsorHeights.org/index.htm

Waukee Parks and Recreation

Sign-up for summer programs now!

www.Waukee.org/parksandrecreationdepartment.html

Sports Events:

Des Moines and surrounding communities offer a wide variety of special sports activities throughout the year – check out these great spring/summer events!

Glow Run

April 20 (register now through April 18)

www.GlowRun5k.com/dm.html

Drake Relays

April 25 – 28

www.GoDrakeBulldogs.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=8142&SPSID=71588

Gladiator Challenge

May 18 – 19 (register now through May 15)

www.Gladiatorassaultchallenge.com/

Dam to Dam

June 1 (20k almost full, register soon)

www.damtodam.com

Electric Run

June 15 (Register now through June 6)

www.ElectricRun.com/desmoines

Not So Boring...



Leslie Jasper
Group Sales Manager
Des Moines Performing Arts

I still remember the final drive of my move, from Minneapolis to Des Moines, like it was yesterday.  I was literally giving myself a pep talk as I crossed the Minnesota/Iowa border, reminding myself I can take as many weekend trips to the cities as I want and I’d see all my friends “at least once a month.”  I remember how I wanted to leave some of my things in Minnesota, in storage, just to have some sort of roots still there; to have some of my identity still within a mile of the places I once called my home.

Well, that was just over two years ago and it’s bittersweet to admit, those trips to Minneapolis have never exceeded once every three, to six, months.  I didn’t leave any belongings there (thanks to everyone who convinced me not to) and every day since that drive, I’m grateful I brought with me here, every bit of my identity that I possibly could.  It’s not that I don’t love my friends up North, it’s not that I don’t miss my Mall of America shopping trips, and not like it doesn’t cross my mind to head-up for a random day in the summer, just to lay in my favorite spot by the lakes.  It’s just that I’m busy here!  Almost immediately I was able to find new places every bit of my identity could connect with in this wonderful city, within this wonderful state, that’s become my wonderful home.  Even two years later, I feel so lucky to tell my Minneapolis friends when they ask where I’ve been, “Guess what, they weren’t joking – Des Moines is NOT boring!”

Since the early days of my move, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some wonderfully-connected (and social) people, build a career which has me exploring this city’s dynamic arts and culture scene daily, and be heavily involved on several committees that work with local businesses and entertainment venues.  All of those things combined, in addition to being a frequent user of social media, a reader of the various city guides, and a member of Iowa tourism networks, is why I couldn’t be happier writing this today. I want to remind us of – or introduce to us to – some of what’s going on, what’s worth checking out, and what activities you can fill your calendar with, so you too will find yourself one day saying (if you haven’t already), “Guess what, they weren’t joking, Des Moines is NOT boring!”

“Not so Boring” Happenings:
Because we all could use some fun activities to get us through the final days of winter!

Science Center of Iowa
A T. Rex Named Sue, through May
Mixology Night March 1st, for the 21+ crowd
www.sciowa.org

Wells Fargo Arena/Iowa Events Center
Iowa Energy and Barnstormers, Ongoing
Harlem Globetrotters, April 7
Bon Jovi, April 14
www.iowaeventscenter.com

Hoyt Sherman Place
Tracy Sherman, March 15
www.hoyshermanplace.org

Jasper Winery
Fun events weekly, check website for updates
www.jasperwinery.com

Funny Bone Comedy Club
Ongoing shows
www.funnybonecentral.com

Brenton Skating Plaza
Hurry, season ends in March!
www.brentonplaza.com

The Social Canvas
Ongoing “Paint and Drink” Classes, no experience required!
www.thesocialcanvas.com

Skyzone
Indoor Trampoline Park, Fitness Classes and Open Jump for all ages!
www.skyzone.com/DesMoines

Des Moines Art Center
Transparencies, February 22 – May 22
www.desmoinesartcenter.org

Temple Theater
The Second City, February 20 – March 3
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, May 1 – 12
www.DesMoinesPerformingArts.org

Living History Farms
Sample over 20 different kinds of micro-brewed beer at Beer ‘n’ Bread, March 9
www.lhf.org

Summerset Winery
Monthly events, including “Scrapbook and Vino” and “Sunday Tunes”
www.summersetwine.com

Val Air Ballroom
Kick-Off Colon Cancer Awareness Month with “Bottoms-Up Blues Fest”, March 2
www.valairballroom.com

Climb Iowa
Indoor rock climbing for all skill levels
www.climbiowa.com

Des Moines Playhouse
9 To 5: The Musical, March 22 – April 21
www.dmplayhouse.com

Des Moines Social Club
Always something fun going on for everyone!
www.desmoinessocialclub.org

 Des Moines Performing Arts
Jekyll and Hyde the Musical, March 5 – 10
Million Dollar Quartet, March 19 – 24
www.DesMoinesPerformingArts.org

Need to know where to find all the local “happenings”?

www.CatchDesMoines.com
www.DesMoinesMetroMix.com
www.DMJuice.com
www.DesMoinesIsNotBoring.com
www.BusinessRecord.com

And, of course, all your favorite social media pages, friends, and event listings!

Some Words from our Vice Chair



Kristen George - Audit Supervisor,
McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith



It’s hard to believe it is already 2013!  I am looking forward to a great year for New View as the Vice-Chair of the New View Board for 2013.  We have so many great activities planned with many different speakers, panel discussions, casual and structured networking, and a chance to learn more about our sponsors.

As I write this it is my second day back to work at McGowen, Hurst, Clark and Smith after a 10 week maternity leave.  I am a supervisor in the audit department and it is going to be a busy few weeks getting ready for all of our year end audits.  While coming back to work is an adjustment I am grateful that I work for an employer that allows me the flexibility to take such a long maternity leave and also to allow me to continue to do the things that help me not only to grow as a professional, but also as a person.

One of those important things in my life that has developed over the last few years is New View.  It has been a lot of fun getting to know the other board members, both new and old, and to work with them in planning events and finding new ways to promote our name in the community.  It has also been a great way to meet new people as they come and go from our monthly events and spend time volunteering their time and expertise on our committees. 

New View is a fantastic way to network with other young professionals especially if you are new to networking.  It provides a structured environment to meet new people with a very casual and laid back attitude.  We have many returning faces each month but also new ones with many different professional backgrounds and career paths.  New View is also flexible in the timing of its events to hopefully allow everyone a chance to join us.  Alternating lunch and after hours events make it easy to get to several events throughout the year – especially for a new mom who will not always be able to make it to after work events I will always know I can make the lunches. 

Whether you are new to our group or attending for the first time please feel free to come discuss any suggestions or ideas to improve our events this coming year with me or with any of the board members.  Also, we are always looking for fresh ideas and new people to join our committees.  If you are at all interested please let me know and I will get you more information.  I am looking forward to an exciting year for New View in 2013.  I hope you are too!

Par-TEE for a Great Cause!

Link Associates, local non-profit in West Des Moines serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, invites you on Saturday, August 25^th, to the most UNIQUE Par-TEE around! 

The Barley Par-TEE (www.barleypartee.com) is Link’s annual fundraising event.  The event combines a sampling of a large variety of micro brewed beers from Olde Main, Millstream, Twisted Vine, and Peace Tree, with an amusing twist on golf involving the use of tennis balls, golf clubs, and themed “holes” played on the pasturelands of Living History Farms called “Pasture Golf,” along with a tantalizing BBQ meal provided by the Iowa Barbeque Society AND live music.

Two of the most well-liked golf holes from past years will be available for guests (who missed the golf registration deadline) to try for the low, low price of $5 each.  Beer enthusiasts pay only $25 for a sampler mug to try the great selections.  BBQ lovers will enjoy a meal of pulled pork, beans, chips and drink for $8.  The live music is free for all to enjoy and is provided by local band The Eldorados.  For those dreaming of owning an iPad3 (16g, WiFi), here’s your chance to win one for as little as $10!  Raffle tickets are available in advance or at the event: 1 for $10, 3 for $25, or 10 for $75.

We are still seeking business sponsors (levels $250 - $1,000) and volunteers, especially to assist with tear down of the golf course at dusk.  Other volunteer opportunities are available as well.

The Par-TEE starts at 6:30pm and lasts until 11pm; plenty of time to enjoy beer, food, music, friends, and “golf.”  ALL proceeds from this event go directly to the Link Foundation, which helps us achieve our mission to “provide people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to achieve their personal goals.”

See our ad in the Business Record, “LIKE” us on Facebook and check out our Event page, “Follow” us on Twitter, and check out the Barley Par-TEE website for more information!  We look forward to seeing you Saturday, August 25^th!

Justin Bogers

Marketing Manager

Link Associates

jbogers@linkassociates.org

Habitat Young Professionals to Host Benefit Concert

Most people are familiar with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit that provides affordable housing to low-income families in the community. What you may not know is that they recently started a new group just for young professionals – Habitat Young Professionals (HYP). The organization started in June of 2011 and we work to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity and get younger people more involved in the organization.

We host monthly meetings to network and learn more about Habitat. We also have volunteer events each month; volunteers do everything from working on homes to helping out at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Networking can be intimidating, but our volunteer events provide a more intimate setting where it is easier to connect as everyone is working together on a project.

On Feb. 11, HYP and local band Bella Soul will host Deacon’s Day VI, a concert featuring local bands to benefit Habitat for Humanity. We hope you will join us for this great night to support local music and Habitat for Humanity, and find out more about HYP.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 at People’s Court. The concert portion of the night will last until about 10:30, followed by a live jam session for the rest of the night. You can buy tickets in advance for $15 (on MidwestTix) or pay $20 at the door. HYP members get in for $10. The jam session will cost $5.

If you have questions about becoming involved in HYP, please feel free to email me. For more info on Deacon’s Day, check out our Facebook event. Hope to see you there!

Alyssa Cashman

VP of Communications for Habitat Young Professionals

E-mail:  alyssa.cashman@gmail.com

Follow HYP on social media!

Twitter: @GDMHabitat_HYP

Facebook

LinkedIn

The Civic Center’s “Blind Date”

Looking for a good laugh, fun night out, and reasonably-priced entertainment?  Well, the folks at Civic Center of Greater Des Moines have just what these cold Iowa nights need right now… a HILARIOUS, quirky, and talented woman, “Mimi” taking us through 90-minutes of a blind date, where you just never know what’s going to happen next!  Playing at the Temple Theater, Blind Date will be pleasing audiences of all ages through January 22nd.  It offers an improvised comedy show where Mimi and one other guest – plucked right from the audience – have everyone laughing and cheering them on as they get to know each other, “fall in love”, and even get into some mishaps along the way. 

I have attended this show twice; once on a weekday, when the audience member picked was a divorced 40-year old, and once during the weekend, when the audience member was a married 30-something (who just may have had a couple cocktails prior to his performance).  Both times, the Blind Date performer and her “date” had me, and my group, laughing so hard we cried.  Rebecca Northan, who plays Mimi, must have an incredible judge of character because the guys she “casted” (by mingling in the lobby beforehand) were perfect for the role.  Wednesday’s date was a little more shy and took a bit to open-up, but just watching her talk with him and get him comfortable was entertainment!  She wears a clown nose, has a French accent, and has a wonderful ability to make even deeper topics (on Wednesday, they talked about the recent death of her date’s mother) light-hearted and engaging.

This show is definitely one of Temple Theater’s best comedy acts and earns a great-big “MUST SEE”!  Once you go, you may even find yourself interested in going back… since the show changes every time.  Her “date” greatly influences the direction of the show, along with the audience, who she does talk with as the night goes on, getting feedback on what they’d like to see next.

Chamber members get a 15% discount, as part of the Civic Center Discount Program, so make sure to take advantage of that.  Click here to get started.  

Enter Pass Code: Chamber

Click on ‘Blind Date’ and then ‘Find Tickets’

Enter Special Offer Code: Best

Create an account to complete purchase

Check out this review for more great Blind Date commentary!

Leslie Jasper

Group Sales Manager

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

515-246-2369

ljasper@civiccenter.org

Healthy Tips to Start Off The New Year

I know many of you make your New Year’s resolution to be healthier or to lose that extra weight gained during the goodie-filled holiday season, or maybe you just want to create more balance in your life.  Most of us try to continue our new year’s resolution(s) all the way through the year, but let’s face it, come mid-February or March, most of us have gone back to our old unhealthy habits. No matter what your new year’s resolutions are; there are some very simple ways to start off your 2012-year on the right foot and keep it that way. 

It actually takes 21 days to develop a habit.  And we are habit-forming creatures; this is how we create routines in our daily lives.  Anyone can do something for 21 days if they really want to change.  So try it and stick with it! That habit could be working out, or eating more vegetables, or a daily affirmation or meditation. Be patient, it may take a week or two to start seeing the results you want – 21 days is all it takes.  Keep a calendar on the fridge or something that you look at every day and cross off the days as they pass.

Everyone should have on his or her list of goals for 2012 to become an overall healthier person.  This starts with providing your body with the proper fuel to perform at its optimal levels.  The fuel our bodies crave is vegetables and fruits.  Most people do not eat enough fruits and veggies to meet the nutritional needs the body requires.  A simple start to add fruits and veggies into your diet is to first start to keep a food diary.  Many people are “unconscious eaters” and don’t realize the amount of junk and toxic food they put into our bodies.  We are what we eat, and if we constantly eat junk food or empty calorie foods, our body gets toxic and will cause ailments, aches, pains, digestion issues, and disease.  So write down EVERYTHING you eat (even gum and mints) and keep track of how you feel – maybe you get a headache, or feel tired – it is amazing the correlations you can create when you see them on paper.  Your body will give you warning signs that it does not like certain foods.  After a few days of keeping your food diary, make a point to eat a fresh fruit and/or vegetable with every meal, even your snacks.  This will provide more nutrients your body needs, and if you eat your vegetable or fruit first, you will not eat as much junk after because your body will be more satisfied.  A nutritious diet consists mostly of vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts and seeds.  These foods are nutrient-packed foods that your body will love. 

Daily exercise is another important aspect of living a healthy well-balanced life.  You have all heard this before – the key is to find the right exercise that works well for you and fits into your schedule.  Exercise helps to get toxins out of your body and keeps everything moving properly.  It helps decrease stress, increases circulation, improves mental clarity, and increases energy.  So find a 30-90 minute window in your schedule to start moving.  Sometimes the hardest part is putting on those shoes and getting out that door – again, it takes 21 days to develop that habit. 

Thinking positive thoughts is also something that often gets overlooked.  The power of what your head can do to create peace or chaos in the body is very influential of how we live our daily life.  If we walk around grumpy all day, we are stressed, we make bad choices, and it creates stress and strain on our entire body.  If we choose to be happy, to pick our battles, and think positive thoughts our body will create more energy and work more efficiently.  Get a little calendar book with daily positive affirmations to read every morning, or look in the mirror every day and tell yourself something positive.  “Every thought we think is creating our future,” Louise L. Hay.

And lastly, something I can’t leave out since it is my passion, get regular chiropractic adjustments.  Our nervous system controls everything our body does.  It controls how we think, how we absorb our nutrients we put into our body, how we move, and how we function.  Our spine houses and protects our nervous system with 24 moveable vertebrae.  If one or several of these vertebrae are out of place causing a misalignment, also called a subluxation, it will cause pressure on the nervous system, decreasing function.  A chiropractor will find these misalignments and take pressure off the nervous system and allow the body to work at optimal levels, increasing overall health and energy. 

So let’s start off 2012 right! A habit takes 21 days to develop, so create the positive and healthy habits and get rid of the old ones.  Eat well; keep a food diary and add a fresh fruit and/or vegetable with every single meal.  Move well; find an exercise routine that works well for you.  Think well; start off your day with a positive affirmation.  And finally, get regular chiropractic adjustments so your nervous system is working properly and your body can work at its highest, healthiest levels. Let’s make 2012 your happiest, healthiest year yet!

Dr. Angie Monthei

Complete Wellness Chiropractic

3408 Woodland Avenue, Suite 501

West Des Moines, IA 50266

http://www.iowacompletewellness.com/

515-440-3066

drangiem@gmail.com



Come hear more from Dr. Angie at the Jan. 5th luncheon.  RSVP by clicking here.

New View partners with Des Moines Young Variety

New View Event – Benefitting Young Variety
Thursday, October 6^th

Cabaret West Glen
5-8pm

Young Variety is thrilled to partner with New View for this great event!

Not only because we really like the people.....but even more, we like what they stand for.  It’s a natural fit for us, as both groups are made up of motivated young professionals who are philanthropic-minded.  We’re all working to better the lives of community members and children in Iowa, and we have fun doing it!

It’s a true win-win.

From all of us at YV, we appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this event, and look forward to working hand-in-hand with New View members to raise big bucks for Iowa’s children in need. We hope anyone and everyone can join us on Thursday, October 6th for cocktails, raffle items, and more!

Learn More About Des Moines Young Variety. (LINK: www.yviowa.org)

Susan R. Hatten
Young Variety President, 2011/2012Senior Business Development Executive
Sigler Companies | Innova :: Sigler :: Signify
A Global Approach to Marketing Communicationssusan.hatten@sigler.com

The only networking tip you really need...

I know this a lofty statement, but I really believe it.  It relates back to any and every tip you’ve ever read, heard or practiced:

***BE MEMORABLE***

If I could emphasize that more, I would (but I’m limited in print). It stifles me.

Honestly, I feel being memorable is more a piece of life advice than specific to networking (But let’s make this work for the blog, eh?) (I’m not Canadian whatsoever, but my old roommate swears I had the accent sometimes).

Many articles and professionals talk about the importance of having a great handshake.  I don’t really have one of those – I won’t go into the analysis I’ve done on my own handshake, but let’s just say it’s not great.  However, you can bounce back from a less than impressive handshake.

Of course the first step is to go to networking events.  That’s a given.  But say it’s an event with a speaker and/or presentation and not a lot of actual networking.  In that case, think of questions during the presentation.  I’ve never been to a presentation that didn’t end with the speaker asking if there are any questions.  Be one of those people who gets involved and wants to know more (or the only one – that sort of depends on how awesome the audience is).  Asking a question, even if you might not think it’s a great question, is making yourself stick out.  Don’t just go to the events, really participate during them.

If you’re not really the public speaking type and can’t fathom raising your hand and asking a question in front of a room of other audience members, then maybe seek out one of the presenters before she/he leaves.  Practice your handshake first, then introduce yourself –– and then ask your question.   In fact, that speaker may remember you even more since you took the time to come up to him/her after the presentation.

If even that is too much, or the opportunity just didn’t arise to walk up to the presenter…then do some stalking.  Yep, stalking.  Nothing dangerous or illegal, don’t get too nutty.  I mean stalking in the least inappropriate way. (Don’t use me as an excuse for harassment).  I’m just encouraging you to find out who organized the event or go home and Google the speaker. 

Thanks to Google, you can pretty much find anyone’s email address.  So shoot the speaker an email with a nice comment about their performance and your question.  It’s definitely a start and maybe it can help motivate you to raise your hand next time.  People generally love feedback – especially when it’s positive or inquisitive.

If the event is casual networking, don’t be afraid to just hop into a conversation.  Chances are the people chatting are there for the same reason you are and would have no problem including you.   Be excited or show some passion about something:  ideally your work, but anything will do for a start.  That’s what will truly make you memorable.  Get in on the conversation and then really contribute to it.  Don’t be the weird wo/man who stood quietly (read: creepy!) outside of a circle of people the whole night.  It will make you memorable, but for all of the wrong reasons.

Moral of the story:  Be memorable (but not creepy)

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.