As a follow-up to a post I wrote a few months ago about the founding of the Des Moines European Heritage Association, I’m pleased to announce that we received our tax exempt designation from the IRS!
A few days ago, I received a notice from the IRS (delivered in a hand-written-addressed envelope!), informing me that the non-profit Carrie Gosnell, Theresa Edman and I have been working on for about 6 months has been determined to be “exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3.” We’ve come such a long way in one year!
Des Moines European Heritage Association has also been classified as a public charity. We’ll take it!
While we continue to spend a significant amount of time solidifying our Board structure and internal policies, we now feel confident that Christkindlmarket Des Moines WILL happen and we can begin planning the fun stuff!
Hope you can join us during the first weekend in December, 2016!
A few weeks ago, I was selected to the 2015 class of Forty under 40. It means so much to be recognized for my efforts over the past six years in the Des Moines community.
Being laid off six years ago was really a blessing in disguise; I needed that time to reflect on what I wanted out of my personal and professional life. I needed to meet people who earned a living without having a job. I needed to become comfortable being uncomfortable. I needed to realize that what I wanted out of this life was my choice.
I’m not the typical business professional upon which The Business Record bestows this honor and believe me, this fact has made a significant impression on me and makes this recognition that much more powerful.
Thank you to the the individual who nominated me for this distinction, to those who wrote letters of recommendation and to all of the amazing people I’ve met over the past six years. You’ve helped shape me into the professional I am today!
Meredith Digital’s powerful brands deliver experiences around home, food, family and lifestyle for 55 million women. Meredith leverages content from their brands and social communities. Meredith empowers women to connect through online, mobile, video and social platforms. Meredith Digital engages women at every life stage.
Find out how Meredith Corporation brands Better Homes & Gardens, Fitness and Divine Caroline are targeting women through digital and social media.
Panelists Include:
- Kenzie Kramer – Better Homes & Gardens
- Katelyn Herlein – Divine Caroline
- Karla Walsh – Fitness Magazine and Parents Magazine
Moderator: Jenny Singh
5:30-6pm – networking / wine & appetizers will be served
6-7pm – panel
RSVP required, get your tickets
here!
Early bird tickets are $10 ($5 students) and available through January 28.
It’s been years since I haven’t finished a book. I felt a little guilty not making it through this book, but alas, my time was better spent elsewhere with this one…
The author maintains that, “All it takes to make creativity a part of your life is the willingness to make it a habit. It is the product of preparation and effort, and is within reach of everyone.” This book provides the reader with 32 practical exercises on the lessons Twyla Tharp has learned during her long career.
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As part of my participation with the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) this year, I took a bus tour of Des Moines with the Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF).
Eric Burmeister, Executive Director, PCHTF, along with leaders of various Des Moines-based housing agencies, gave us an overview of their projects as we drove through Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Capitol Park, Capitol East, River Bend, Royal View Manor and Oakridge Neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are located in the poorest areas and make up the Urban Core of the City of Des Moines.
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My Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) small group had the opportunity to serve with Joppa a few months ago.
What Joppa does:
- Express Christ’s unconditional love
- Build relationships & visit often
- Help people stay warm, dry and healthy
- Provide food, supplies & care
- Respond to needs & emergencies
- Be a voice, advocate & link to resources
- Encourage positive steps forward
- Provide aftercare once off the streets
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Last week, Stammtisch – Des Moines German Club was hosted to a private dinner at Strudl Haus. Since Strudl Haus isn’t open to the public on Wednesday nights, we had the entire place to ourselves!
While not extremely large, our group of 30 fit extremely well in the cozy restaurant. Many attendees purchased their dessert to go before they even ordered dinner!
We ordered off of a special menu prepared for us by Chef/Owner Michael Leo. Michael prides himself on utilizing authentic ingredients preparation methods. Everything looked and tasted delicious.
