Author Archive Suzanne Hull

The Des Moines Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization with the goal of opening the first children’s museum in the Des Moines metro.

“We will provide a fun, safe, and educational environment for young children and their families to explore the arts, nature, and the world around them. We will provide hands-on exhibitions and programs to encourage a love of learning, and be a positive resource for parents, children, and the surrounding community,” states the website.

The Des Moines Children’s Museum has already moved beyond a “museum without walls” to a temporary winter space at Valley West Mall.

If you are interested in seeing this temporary museum become a permanent reality, come bid on their “Little Prince” themed Christmas Tree December 1^st-3^rd at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction in Cowles Commons

For more information, please visit the Des Moines Children’s Museum website.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Scandinavians began immigrating to Iowa as early as the 1830s and 1840s where they settled mostly in central and northern Iowa. Eva Nansen Lodge 46 became the first Iowa lodge to bear the name Daughters of Norway on November 5, 2006 with forty-six charter members representing Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ancestries. Membership is available not only to Norwegians, but women with Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic connections.

“Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 is proud to continue the legacy of Nordic heritage throughout Iowa with cultural arts, history, and traditions that our ancestors brought to America to share among today’s children and women of all ages,” explained representative, Sandy Hansen. “The Lodge Sisters pride themselves in offering educational and festive events, cultural programs and activities, and social gatherings. Lifelong Nordic friendships have developed while sharing common interests.”

The Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 will be using “The Fun Side of Harvest” theme to decorate their tree this year. The tree will be adorned with wheat weaving Christmas décor, pine cones, etc. representing Scandinavian culture.

Please visit Des Moines Christkindlmarket December 1^st-3^rd to bid on the tree and support this organization.

For more information on the Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46, visit their website.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Mutter Chaos is the only flyball team based out of Des Moines and gives dogs an outlet for their abundant energy while having fun.

“We strive for each handler and dog to perform at the best of their ability. We do not limit membership to those dogs who have the greatest potential but prefer to provide an outlet to dogs of all breeds and skill levels. The goal is to build a stronger relationship between handler and dog,” expressed Carol Freeman, Mutter Chaos member.

But, what is flyball?

“It is essentially a relay race for dogs. The dogs run in teams of four. Each dog, in order, jumps over four low hurdles while running to the flyball box. When the dog reaches the end he or she jumps on the box, much in the way a swimmer turns against the wall during a swim meet. As the dog jumps on the box, a spring-loaded ball is released. The dog catches the ball and runs back over the four hurdles to their handler, passing the next dog on the team near the start/finish line on the way back.” Explained Freeman

As a returning organization to the Silent Tree Auction, they have changed their theme slightly from last year, but kept it in the canine family.

“We love our dogs and we love playing flyball with our dogs. Thus, we could not resist creating a dog themed tree! Our tree includes many dog themed ornaments and decorations hand made by the human members of the Mutter Chaos team.” Freeman jokes, “Our dogs tried to help but as you can tell from our name, that generated some interesting results!”

Mutter Chaos and 13 other trees will be available to bid on and take home December 1^st-3^rd at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

The Iowa Genealogical Society (IGS) was founded in 1965 by a small group of dedicated genealogists with a mission to help preserve the past and enrich the future. Today, members are located all over the world, with a book collection that would span the length of more than 5 football fields! IGS is a 501(c)(3) corporation that operates solely through grants, yearly membership renewals, the ongoing sales of duplicate books, and personal donations. They do not receive financial support from any federal, state, or local government. The IGS library is located at 628 E. Grand Ave. in the East Village, and it is open 6 days a week.

Consider supporting the Iowa Genealoical Society by bidding on their tree at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction December 1^st-3^rd at Cowles Commons.

For more information, please visit the IGS website.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

“Belle E Forti Le Donne Italo Americane” (Beautiful Strong Italian American Women)

This is the motto of the Italian American Women of Iowa. They work to revive, promote and preserve the Italian heritage of its members. The club is made up of 97 women from ages 18-102 and give back to the community by volunteering or collecting items for other charitable organizations.

Lisa Cruchelow, a member of the Italian American Women, explained different ways they have been able to lend a hand. “Our group gives 90% of the money we raise back to the community like: Orchard Place, Ronald McDonald, YESS, Ken Eaton Foundation, Northern Warren Fire Dept., Wounded Warriors, Variety Club, St. Catherine’s, make dinners for Drake students, and in the past, we helped 5 families have a Merry Christmas.”

The Italian Women of Iowa are excited to bring some Italian flair to Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction.  If you are interested in bidding on their tree and supporting the work done by Italian American Women of Iowa, come to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 December 1st-3rd.

Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) are farmers, veterans, agri-business professional, educators, and other service providers dedicated to empowering veterans to thrive in Iowa agriculture. They provide three main programs/resources to help fulfill their mission statement: The Veterans in Agriculture Network, VIA Resource Guide, Rural America Hiring Heroes, and Find a Farmer Veteran.

“Most people are not aware that 46% of our military comes from rural America, while only about 15% of our overall population is from that same demographic. Many of those that are from rural areas have some type of agricultural background,” explained Beth Grabau, former board member. “VIA empowers veterans to thrive in agriculture by either connecting them to the needed resources to be successful in farm businesses, or by linking veterans to agricultural employers for successful careers. This is done through workshops, mentoring, and other classes.”

“Given the work VIA does helping returning military, this year the theme of our tree will be a reference to ‘all roads lead home,’” shares Grabau. They will also use red, silver, and blue ornaments and include “Welcome Home” ornaments featuring each branch of the military.

“All roads lead home and we welcome all those that are returning.”

Veterans In Agriculture are a returning participant to our Silent Tree Auction. Please come to Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd to make your bid and support this organization.

For more information on Veterans In Agriculture, please visit their website.

The Waukee High School German Department aids in creating well-rounded and cultured students. “We are dedicated to optimizing each individual’s learning and potential for success in a global community by providing students with opportunities to immerse in the culture and language of their choice of foreign language study,” explained Tia Anissa Pezzetti, a representative for the department.

“This organization supports students enrolled in a foreign language the opportunity to travel and study abroad while enhancing their language and cultural experiences through immersion and interaction with host families through a fifteen year partnership with a German school in Dortmund.”  Waukee High School German Department Waukee High School German DepartmentWaukee

Come to the 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd to bid on the Waukee High School German Department’s festive tree. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction goes back to the participating organizations.

The Pet Project Midwest began in 2009 with a mission to keep pets in their loving homes and out of shelters. The run four main programs: Pet Pantry, AniMeals, Paws for Life, and Iowa Pet Alert.

“Our first program,” explained Kim Hanlon, a member of the Board, “was Iowa Pet Alert, which continues to reunite lost pets throughout the state of Iowa. Soon after, the Pantry was born. The Pantry has been providing food and supplies to Metro families since 2010. The Pantry was designed as a temporary program to assist families who found themselves dealing with a loss of income due to job loss, illness, under employment or whatever situation put their family at risk of surrendering their family pet to one of the many shelters in the community. The Pantry gives those folks 6 months of breathing room to get things back on track while keeping the family whole.”

“In just 8 years, The Pet Project Midwest has helped thousands of families stay together. What’s more remarkable is The Pet Project Midwest has done so with 100% volunteer help and a working Board of Directors. The Pet Project Midwest is funded by grants and community donations. In fact, over 70% of our funding has come from people in the community who share our passion for pets but who also know a pets’ importance to the family.”

They are always looking for ways to add to their mission including: aiding people with veterinary care and assistance with spay/neuter. Unfortunately, current funding has prohibited this type of support. They are currently partnering with other animal organizations in the area to help families find assistance.

“Because our mission is to keep families together, our tree theme will be the family,” said Hanlon. “We will incorporate all aspects of the family including those with fur, feathers or in some cases scales.

To bid on this tree and support the work of The Pet Project Midwest, please visit our 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd.

For more information on The Pet Project Midwest, please visit their website.