|
Network News
Keeping you in the know in Urbandale! |
UCAN Declares November 5
Human Services Day in Urbandale
Urbandale Mayor Robert Andeweg will also issue a city proclamation declaring November 5 as Human Services Day in Urbandale during the November 1 City Council Meeting.
The day's events will include:
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Volunteers will gather to provide yard services to elderly residents as part of the Urbandale Caring Corps Annual Fall Clean-Up. A continental breakfast will be served to volunteers at 8:00am. (Volunteers may call the Caring Corps office to volunteer, 278-3999.)
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Open House at the Urbandale Food Pantry, 7611 Douglas Avenue, Suite 34/35. Residents can enjoy refreshments, win prizes, and learn about human service providers in Urbandale.
"We are hosting this event on November 5 to bring awareness to services available to all residents in a time of need," said Bruce Bernard, UCAN president and co-chair of the UCAN Human Services Committee. "Individuals and families from all income levels need a little help from time-to-time. Whether it's clothing, food, medical services or utility assistance, residents need to know they may access these and other services," said Bernard.
 | | Food Pantry Shelves - Food ready to go |
The UCAN Human Services Committee has worked for a year to build partnerships with organizations to bring new services to the community and strengthen existing partnerships. They are distributing a flyer listing available services, times and dates. The Urbandale Food Pantry has increased its hours of operation and is hosting a Polk County Health Department medical clinic each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Residents may also apply for EBT cards each Thursday from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Pantry. Families in need of clothing may access the Urbandale Clothes Closet at Urbandale High School. For a complete list of services, residents should visit the UCAN web site at www.urbandalenetwork.org or call the UCAN office at 515-278-3936.
 | | Neighbors helping Neighbors |
|
|
|
"Life in a Second Language"
The Urbandale Community School District & UCAN invite residents to a unique, interactive experience to learn what life is like living in a community where they do not speak the native language. "Life in a Second Language" will take place on Monday, October 24th at 6:30pm at Webster Elementary School (12955 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale).
Participants will be assigned fictional roles depicting actual scenarios that Urbandale residents face in our community. The simulation will last approximately 2 hours and include an introduction, information about the simulation, completing the activities and then a time for participants to share what they have learned through the experience.
Registration is required and the deadline to register is Friday, October 21th at 12:00 noon. To register, contact Jan Stewart in the Administration Office of the Urbandale Community School District at 457-5050. Additional questions may be directed to Brenda Auxier-Mailey, Director of Student Services at 457-5004 or auxiermaileyb@urbandale.k12.ia.us.
|
|
Young Residents Invited to the Fall Fun Frenzy
The Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN) invites all school-age children, grades K-8th , to two Halloween Party events on October 29 at the Lion's Park Shelter House. Admission for both events is a donation of a food or toiletry item for the Urbandale Food Pantry.
Grades K-5 will meet from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for games, food, face painting, crafts and a costume contest. Parents or an older sibling must stay with their child during the event.
Grades 6th - 8th will meet from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for food, games, prizes and a Halloween dance with music provided by "DJ Scott Gardner's Dreams Unlimited." A costume contest will also be part of the activities. Attendees will be released only to a parent or an adult.
The UCAN Events Committee is sponsoring the event to provide another safe and fun alternative for children celebrating this annual holiday. The committee is seeking event volunteers and those interested may contact the UCAN office at 278-3936.
|
 Urbandale Neighborhood Networks UCAN's Strengthening Neighborhoods Committee kicked off the start of recognizing formalized Neighborhood Networks. This follows a Proclamation by the Mayor and City Council endorsing this project. On September 21, 2011, the Committee met with representatives from the first four "pilot" neighborhoods, Sylvan Ridge, 82nd Street, Bristol Cove and DUNA (Downtown Urbandale Neighborhood Assoc.). These representatives will take the idea back to their neighborhood groups and start the formalization process. On completion, each Neighborhood Network group will be formally recognized by the Mayor and City Council. This is a process of building neighborhoods in partnership with UCAN to increase the livability of our community by bringing neighbors together within their neighborhoods and across our community. We are excited to be taking the first steps in this partnership to connect neighborhoods that will result in a strong foundation for the future of Urbandale. More information on this project and how to become a part of it can be obtained from Urbandale Community Action Network at 278-3936. 
|
|
"Lawn of the Month" Program
The inaugural Friends of the Parks Lawn of the Month program has been a success. From May through October, 14 awards were made, with winners from each of the six "zones" within the community.
In addition to bragging rights for a month, a Yard of the Month sign was displayed in each winner's yard and each received a $25 gift certificate compliments of Shane Miller, President of Iowa Outdoor Products.
Thanks to Yard of the Month Committee members Bruce Bernard, Bob Kollmorgen, Craig Orr and Mary Polson for their efforts in coordinating the program.
Our goal is to have six winners per month in 2012. Stay tuned, nominees for next year will be accepted beginning in April for the month of May.
To learn more about the Lawn of the Month program e-mail info@urbandalenetwork.org
or call 278-3936.
Congratulations to the October Yard of the MonthWinner!!
 | | The Dusenbery Residence |
|
Fall TOUR de TRAIL
and
Mayor's Walk
In keeping with the Friends of the Parks Committee's goal of introducing the community to trails in different parts of the City, Tour de Trail 3 was held on Sunday, October 9th at the Walnut Creek Regional Park.
Thirty two walkers lead by Mayor Bob Andeweg enjoyed a 2.5 mile round trip journey through scenic woodlands. Walnut Creek Regional Park is a 195 Acre park in western Urbandale, roughly bounded on the east by 142nd street, the west by 156th street, the north by Meredith Drive and the south by Douglas Avenue. Future plans include an additional trail, the Bob Layton Trail, as well as the potential for a nature center, an amphitheater and additional playgrounds and shelters.
Please mark your calendar for Tour de Trail 4 and Mayor's Walk which will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012, beginning at the Winter Park and traveling through the Northview Estates Wetlands.
The Tour De Trail Event is sponsored by the Urbandale Friends of the Parks Committee, a project team of the Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN).
For more information, contact Urbandale Parks and Recreation at 278-3963 or visit www.UrbandaleParksAndRec.org. |
|
What's Coming Up...
Click for City of Urbandale & Urbandale Library Events
Click for Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Events |
|
How U CAN Get Involved...
UCAN is on the move and looking for residents to join us in making Urbandale the #1 Best Mid-sized City to Live In,
(as designated by CNN/Money Magazine),
by the time we turn 100 in 2017!!!
Click here to join our mission in 2011!
Let us help you find your NICHE through participation in our committees:
Neighborhoods, 3rd Wednesday, 5:30 PM - UCAN Office/ Lions Park
Infrastructure, Meets as needed, call 278-3936 for details
Communications, 4th Thursday, 7:00 PM - City Hall
Human Services, 1st Tuesday, 5:30 PM - City Hall
Events & Activities, 4th Monday, 5:30 PM - UCAN Office/Lions Park
Caring Corps, 2nd Tuesday, 5:30 PM - UCAN Offfice/Lions Park
Friends of the Parks, 2nd Wednesday, 7:15 AM, City Hall
Food Pantry, 3rd Monday, 7:30 - Food Pantry
Fund Raising, 3rd Thursday, 7:30 AM - UCAN Office/Lions Park
Executive Board Meeting, 1st Wednesday, 5:30 PM -
Lion's Park
Administrative Board Meeting, 3rd Tuesday, 5:30 PM -
Lion's Park
For more information, call 278-3936, visit www.urbandalenetwork.org, become a fan on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter. |
|
|
|
Spotlight Volunteer
St. Stephen Lutheran
Church
 | | Packing the Backpacks! |
The Urbandale Community Action Network's Spotlight Volunteer Award goes to Pastor LeAnn Stubbs, and the staff and congregation of St. Stephan's Lutheran Church for its work in partnering with the Food Bank of Iowa and Karen Acres Elementary to make the Back Pack Buddies program a reality.
Through the congregation's efforts and the support of the Food Bank of Iowa, fifty children receive nutritious food for the weekend every Friday. St. Stephan's has a long history of addressing the social needs of the Urbandale community through the good work of its social ministry committee.
Mary Polson, UCAN Program Coordinator noted that the success of the program at Karen Acres has inspired the UCAN Human Services Committee to explore the possibility of establishing Back Pack Buddy programs at other elementary schools in the Urbandale School District. Sue Koch, a member of the St. Stephan's social ministry committee and a UCAN volunteer is leading that effort.
Congratulations to St. Stephan's Church UCAN's Spotlight Volunteer Award winner for October.
.
Nominator: Bruce Bernard
Know another great volunteer?
Click here
for a nomination form and let us know. |
|
UCAN
City of Urbandale
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
Urbandale Public Schools
Urbandale Police Department
Urbandale Fire Department
Urbandale Parks & Recreation
Urbandale School District Map
Dallas-Center Grimes Schools
Des Moines Public Schools
Johnston Public Schools
Urbandale Public Schools
Waukee Public Schools
West Des Moines Public Schools
Des Moines Christian School
Dowling Catholic High School
Find Your Elected Officials
Dallas County
Polk County
Urbandale Food Pantry/Adopt-a-Family Program
Sponsors are needed for the 2011 Holiday Adopt-a-Family program to provide a holiday meal and presents to residents in Urbandale and Windsor Heights who qualify for utility assistance (LIHEAP). Last year, sponsors assisted 106 families during the holiday season.
Participants must first qualify for the low-income energy assistance program administered by West Des Moines Human Services Department or through Red Rock Human Services.
To volunteer as a sponsor or for more information, call the Urbandale Food Pantry at 251-6688.
The Urbandale Food Pantry accepts donations during its hours of operation:
M,W,F 10 AM - 2 PM
Monday 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Personal Care Items are Always Appreciated.
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Soap
- Toilet Paper
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
|
|
