Dash, genial pal of Melanie Sadeghpour, rescues a stick from the Des Moines River.

ON THE WATERFRONT

As public officials ponder plans for local rivers and streams, many Central Iowans are diving in. We spoke with several about how they use and appreciate our waterways in this article from the interesting and satisfying new July/August issue of dsm magazine. To read the entire issue, click here.

Final Loft Transformation: Industrial Greets Nature!

Part 3 of this Project in Progress - photos of this unique downtown Des Moines loft remodel featuring stainless steel, birch and a silver maple tree!
Read More ť

There are things among us that cannot be explained. Fortunately, some are entertaining.

MASKED CRUSADERS & A PIE FIGHT

The curiously masked storyteller known as Satyrus Jeering, popular among kids and playful adults, brings his performance troupe to the State Historical Museum for a free show Wednesday, July 13, at 11 a.m. The 45-minute show features oddball antics, unusual props, sound effects and music to tell the story of three masked characters who try to read a fairy tale in the midst of wacky distractions, including a pie fight and a man-eating chicken. Honest. See for yourself!

"Raisin in the Sun" director Tiffany Johnson wraps her arms around actors Kamillah Camp-Bey, Wanda Everage and Davida Williams. Photo: Justice Simpson.

PYRAMID COMES TO A POINT: ITS FIRST SHOW

The compelling drama "A Raisin in the Sun" is the debut production for Des Moines' new Pyramid Theatre Company, with performances Friday through Sunday, July 8-10 and July 15-17, in the Harmon Fine Arts Center at Drake University, 2505 Carpenter Ave. The play depicts three generations of a Chicago family, wrestling with hopes and dreams challenged by racially charged tensions and prejudice. Pyramid Theatre is dedicated to productions that illuminate the African-American experience for diverse, general audiences. Friday and Saturday curtains rise at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Prices range from $10 to $30. Get tickets and more information here. To find out more about the company and one if its founders, Ken-Matt Martin, read this story in the new issue of dsm.

Jenny Lawson chronicles the curious joy of a misfit life and is coming to tel us about it.

AH, THE CHEEKY SIDE OF ANXIETY

Jenny Lawson, author of "Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things," will speak Thursday, July 7, at 7 p.m. at Des Moines University, 3200 Grand Ave., as part of the public library's ongoing AViD series (Authors Visiting in Des Moines).

In "Furiously Happy," Lawson explores her battles with depression and anxiety in the hysterical style that has endeared her to so many fans. Her memoir, "Let's Pretend This Never Happened," became a best-seller, and her blog, thebloggess.com, has been nominated for multiple awards. She has described her writing as "irreverent humor for intellectual misfits." That got our attention, as did this: "I am a very strange but entertaining woman who will make you feel better about yourself by comparison." OK, Jenny, we'll be there.

Her presentation Thursday is scheduled for one hour. Admission is free. Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Colorful Saturday fun plus a charity boost for kids? Who wouldn't want to do this?

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS

The largest 5K event series in the world, the Color Run, bursts into Des Moines Saturday, July 9. The Color Run's festive "Tropicolor World Tour" kicks off at 9 a.m. on the state Capitol grounds.

Runners get showered in tropical colors and island scents as they dash through the shade of palm trees and inflatable arches to the sounds of island-style music. Expect to be splashed with vivid hues every kilometer along the course. At the end, a Finish Festival awaits at Rainbow Beach -- an interactive island featuring music, dancing, photo opportunities and massive color throws.

The Des Moines run benefits Variety - The Children's Charity, dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children. Information and entry details are available online.

Plans for Waterworks Park got a $250,000 bboost from the Community Foundation.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BACKS 4 GROUPS

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines recently committed to supporting four organizations with grants totaling $385,000:

* Water Works Park Foundation: $250,000 for park improvements, including a Fleur Avenue underpass to Gray's Lake, an amphitheater and enhanced trails.

* Orchard Place: $50,000 to help develop a master plan for the structure and implementation of children's mental health services.

* Partnership for a Hunger Free Polk County: $50,000 to fight hunger by expanding pantry facilities and services.

* Capital Crossroads: $35,000 to support planning for Capital Crossroads 2.0, a community vision for Central Iowa.

CONTACT DSM

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515-288-3336

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Christine Riccelli

dsmeditor@bpcdm.com

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Kris Maggard, x220

krismaggard@bpcdm.com

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