October 2011
The Windsor Wave
Windsor Heights
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Reblooming Iris Bulbs for Sale
These are bearded irises that bloom again in late summer or fall.
$8.00 for 6 bulbs.


EXCELLENT PRICE. (regular price is $76 for 6!)
Below is the info:
Stop by the Windsor Heights Community & Events Center from 9 am - 5:00 pm by Friday, October 28
They are from the bhg collection  below:
http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/mm83216-product.html 

Proceeds go to planting bulbs at the Windsor Heights Dog Park
 

 

Citizen of the Year Reception: The Citizen of the Year award has been given annually since 1987 for exemplary volunteer efforts demonstrating commitment, support, leadership, outreach, and a desire to make a positive impact in the city.

 

Since that time, noted Windsor Heights residents have been honored. For her distinguished service and far-reaching contributions to the Windsor Heights community, this year's award goes to Sylvia Owens.

 

Sylvia is a standout in the volunteer world. She got hooked when she first offered to help at the July 4 Celebration seven years ago. Sylvia says, "I wanted to know more about my community. I have seen the need and positive impact of volunteerism throughout Iowa starting with my position at the Iowa Civil Rights Commission where I have worked for over ten years. At the commission we use the AmeriCorp Vista program. These volunteers have made positive contributions to our agency."

 

Through Sylvia's dedicated efforts with the Special Events Committee, the Neighborhood Association and the Neighborhood Watch, thousands, both residents and non-residents alike, have benefitted.

 

There will be a reception honoring Sylvia on November at 7, at the Windsor Heights Community and Event Center at 5 p.m. prior to the City Council Meeting, which will also be in the Community Center. Heartfelt congratulations go to Sylvia for this prestigious and well deserved honor.

 

Fun Budget Facts!  Outside grant funding has created a better Windsor Heights.
It is that time of year again that city leaders are working on developing the budget year that will begin July 1, 2012.  The City has been extremely successful in receiving grants and other outside funding.  Since 2001, the City has received more than $7.4 million in grants.  Outside funding has been used on a variety of projects.  Some of the largest outside funding sources have been used to improve the roads we all drive on almost every day.    The road work currently being completed at 63rd Street and Hickman Road has received over $2.2 million dollars.  A combination of state, local and federal dollars made this much need improvement possible.  Past grants have gone to the new Community and Events Center at Colby Park, which received over $640,000 from an I-Jobs grant.  Federal Stimulus funds worth $537,640 helped pay for the 73rd Street Resurfacing project in 2009.  Smaller grants from Metro Waste Authority have been used to purchase recycling bins and rain barrels at Colby Park.  MidAmerican Energy grants have been used to purchase trees at Colby Park.  The Windsor Heights Foundation regularly supports events like July 4th and helps purchase items like the new podium in the Community and Events Center.  Next year, the city will begin traffic improvements at 73rd and Hickman Road with a $388,000 grant from the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program.  Additional federal stimulus dollars are currently being utilized to make the city more energy efficient, with LED traffic lights and crosswalk lights.  The city regularly applies for grants and has been extremely successful in receiving outside funds to improve and make our city a better community. 

The City's current budget, along with many other pertinent financial documents, is available on the website at:  http://www.windsorheights.org/financial.htm

 
 

Ever had your toilet not flush?

If your toilet has ever not flushed due to a clog in your sewer pipes from roots or a collapsing line, it is time to fix your sewer line. Effective September 1, 2011 the S.O.S. (Save Our Sewers) program offers partially forgivable loans to property owners who need to make upgrades and replace their sewer lines. The loans are up to 50 percent forgivable, depending on property owners' income levels. We are excited to be able to offer this to residents, thanks to the partnership and support with Polk County, the Urbandale-Windsor Heights Sanitary Sewer District and the Neighborhood Finance Corporation. However, there is limited amount of funding available to provide the forgivable portion of the loan. In other words, future funding levels for the S.O.S. program are uncertain so this may be available for a limited time only, meaning it is important to act quickly.

 

Visit www.windsorheights.org for more information.   For more details about the financing your repairs, you can call the Neighborhood Finance Corporation at 515-246-0010. As always, feel free to call City Hall at 515-279-3662 if you have any additional questions.

 

 

Beggar's Night

Children will make the rounds to go trick or treating this year on Sunday, October 30, from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Turn your porch light on if you want to host little visitors and if you are out driving please take special care during this time.

 

waste

Windsor Heights residents can schedule collection of household hazardous waste just outside their door

Windsor Heights residents can easily dispose of their household hazardous waste (HHW) just outside their door. The City of Windsor Heights has teamed with Metro Waste Authority (MWA) for a new collection program for items such as lead and oil-based paints (not latex*), chemicals such as insecticides, poisons and solvents, lawn products, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), sharps and cleaners.

 

Windsor Heights residents can sign up on an as-needed basis at City Hall, where they must pick up 18-gallon bins, specific handling instructions and a list of accepted and not accepted items. The cost of collection is $25 for up to two bins.

 

Once residents fill their bins, they call MWA to schedule collection. MWA collects on the second Friday of each month, starting November 11. The collected material is taken back to MWA's Regional Collection Center in Bondurant where it is recycled or safely disposed. 

 

Emptied bins are returned to City Hall for future "check-outs" by residents.

 

City Council Election

The city council election is on Tuesday, November 8th. Windsor Heights has three voting districts designated as WH1, WH2, and WH3. WH1 residents vote at the Windsor Lutheran Church, 1240 66th Street. WH2 residents vote at City Hall, 1133 66th St. WH3 residents vote at the Walnut Creek Community Church, 900 64th St. Election time is a popular time for temporary and civic signs. Many people choose to participate in the process by showing their support through such a sign.
 

Temporary signs for non-profit civic campaigns or events are permitted in any zoning district. Please note, however, the maximum size sign is 10 square feet when located in a residential district. When placing the sign in your yard, choose a place that will not obstruct the clear view of vehicles and pedestrians. The signs may not be placed in the City's right-of-way. If you have any questions or need information on how to register or where to vote, please call City Hall at 279-3662.

 

 

 

 

 

CALL for ENTRIES

Windsor Heights Special Events Committee presents:

Miss Wonderland Pageant

 

What do Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, Halle Berry, and Sharon Stone all have in common?  Each of these accomplished women is a former pageant winner!

 

If you have ever dreamed of entering a pageant and have not known how to get started or if you are a pageant contestant who enjoys the thrill of the spotlight, Miss Wonderland is the pageant for you.

 

On Thursday, December 1, beginning at 6:30 pm, the Windsor Heights Special Events Committee is hosting a pageant, open to anyone between the ages 3 - 21.  Prior experience is not required.  In fact, first timers are encouraged and each contestant has an equal chance of winning.  From the experience, pageant contestants gain valuable skill sets, such as poise and public speaking.  It can help build confidence that will serve you well always.

 

To enter, there are three age categories.

Little Miss (3-7)

Jr. Miss (8-14)

Miss Wonderland (15-21). 

 

Sponsor fees are $25, $50 and $75 respectively.  These fees cover all areas of the competition.

 

Jr. Miss and Miss Contestants will compete in evening gown, creative theme-wear and on-stage question categories.  Contestants will also be judged on a résumé that is filled out prior to the pageant.  Little Miss Contestants will give a personal introduction on-stage in a holiday party dress or evening gown and a name will be drawn at the end of the night to determine the winner.

 

The winners in each category will receive a crown, banner and trophy.  Each candidate will receive a rose on stage and a goody bag.  The first runners up in the Jr. Miss and Miss categories will receive a trophy. 

 

 If you have never been in a pageant before, there is an optional training class presented by one of the pageant sponsors, Kelly's Pageant Coaching.  The two-hour class will be held on November 30th and is offered for $25.00.

 

All events will take place in the Windsor Heights Community and Events Center, located at 69th and School Street in Colby Park.

 

A full set of rules and application can be found on the City's website at www.windsorheights.org. Completed applications are due Monday, November 14.  For additional information or questions, call 645-6821.