Christmas in July Full Moon Ride Wrap Up
Des Moines European Heritage Association (DMEHA) partnered with Flat Tire Lounge, Nite Hawk Bar & Grill, and Whistlin’ Donkey Sports Bar and Grill for an evening ride along the High Trestle Trail on July 8 from 8pm – midnight.
Riding in either direction, riders stopped at each of these participating bars to enjoy live music, European games, Christmas decorations and a costume contest!
Donations to participate in the European games, will support DMEHA’s production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017.
DMEHA at Des Moines Arts Festival – Wrap up!
As you might have noticed from our posts lately, there is a lot to do this summer in Des Moines. We’ve already visited the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market and we’ll be celebrating Christmas in July with a moonlight bike ride on July 8.
Check out the photos below from our booth at the Des Moines Arts Festival. The Prairie Meadows Community Outreach Program allows non-profit organizations to connect with the public. Both children and adults had a fun time making a ornaments and jewelry and learning more about Des Moines European Heritage Association and Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
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.
Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 Study
Over the last 16 months, Bravo Greater Des Moines and more than 65 non-profit arts, culture and heritage organizations in Central Iowa have been participating in the Americans for the Arts Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 study. The final report is complete and Bravo proudly shared Greater Des Moines’ results last night. This data clearly show that the arts mean business for our region:
- $185 million in spending
- $71.9 million by the organizations
- $113.1 million by audiences
- 5,677 full-time equivalent jobs employed by the sector
- $16.8 million in government revenue
- $7.46 million – local
- $9.31 million – state
Click here for a full copy of Greater Des Moines’ report and for more information on the national study results and details.
- This study lays to rest a common misconception that investment in the arts comes at the expense of economic development. Rather, this study shows that the arts are a vital industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, is a cornerstone of tourism and economic development, and drives a creativity-based economy.
- Beyond the intrinsic value of the arts to inspire creativity and engage hearts and minds, arts organizations are also businesses, employing people locally, purchasing goods and services within the community, and supporting the regional economy.
- When communities support the arts, they not only enhance quality of life but also invest in economic well-being. The arts are not “nice to have” amenities but are “need to have” economic engines.
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.
DMEHA Part of Wellmark BluesCare Giving Program
We’re proud to announce that Des Moines European Heritage Association has been accepted into Wellmark’s BluesCare Giving Program.
The employees of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield participate in determining where charitable contributions are distributed in Iowa and South Dakota through this signature initiative of The Wellmark Foundation.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 Radio Spot!
Listen to the 30-second radio spot I recorded yesterday with Ross Peterson at iHeart Radio to promote Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017. Who’s ready for the holidays to be here already?
Feel free to share with your friends and listen for the spot on select iHeart Radio stations as we get closer to Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
iHeartRadio is an Internet radio platform owned by iHeartMedia, Inc. Founded in April 2008 as the website iheartmusic.com, as of 2015 iHeartRadio functions both as a music recommender system and as a radio network that aggregates audio content from over 800 local iHeartMedia radio stations across the United States, as well as from hundreds of other stations and from various other media (with companies such as Cumulus Media, Cox Radio and Beasley Broadcast Group also utilizing this service). iHeartRadio is available online, via mobile devices, and on select video-game consoles.
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.
Prairie Products | #CDM2017 Vendor
Tell us about your business.
Hi, my name is Tom Hubbell and I live in Ankeny, Iowa. I am a registered nurse by profession and specialize in Pediatric Nursing. My company was just started this year and is called Prairie Products (which doesn’t sound very European, but I had to find a name to register). Prairie Products specializes in imported, German, handmade Christmas items of wood and glass.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?
I became interested in starting my business after speaking with Suzanne Hull about the Des Moines European Heritage Association. After a great deal of thought, I felt that this business venture would be the best way for me to support the Association, as well as opening up opportunities for me to expand my horizons.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?
Prairie Products will be selling wooden nutcrackers (Nussknackers) from a variety of artisans, as well wooden pyramids of different sizes. The pyramids use candle heat to make the blades at the top spin which turns an axle down the center with carved figurines; these are very traditional and common in German homes. There will also be glass ornaments, wooden ornaments, tree toppers, curled wooden stars, and smokers (Rauchmannchen) of different sizes and themes. I am also hoping to have some traditional paper napkins from Germany for decorating your Christmas party table.
Anything else you’d like to share?
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.
Follow-Up | DMEHA at Downtown Farmers Market
One of the best parts of living in Des Moines during the summer months is the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Is there a better way to spend a Saturday morning than grabbing a breakfast sandwich or burrito and browsing the local produce offerings? Add some great weather and live music and it can’t be beat.
The great opportunities don’t stop there. Did you know you can learn more about what’s happening in Des Moines at the Downtown Farmer’s Market? Each week the market gives non-profit and charitable organizations the opportunity to connect with the community and create awareness for their causes.
On June 3, Des Moines European Heritage Association was at the Downtown Farmer’s Market at the community corner to share our mission with market goers. We made candy cane ornaments at our stall for people to take home.
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.
Heartland Youth Choir | #CDM2017 Performer
Tell us about your group.
Heartland Youth Choir is a nonprofit organization that provides a performance-based program focused on music literacy, character development, and community engagement for central Iowa singers in grades K – 12. Students who love to sing can explore that passion beyond the school setting with highly skilled and experienced choral instructors. Heartland Youth Choir, with offices in Windsor Heights, is in its 15 th year of service to central Iowa youth.
Cantilena Choir, which will perform at Christkindlmarket, is one of six ensembles that comprise Heartland Youth Choir. The majority of Cantilena singers are in grades 3 and 4. The group performs at a number of concerts and collaborations throughout the year. And each spring, Cantilena hits the road for a regional choir tour.
What inspired you to get involved as a performer at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?
Heartland Youth Choir sang at the first Christkindlmarket in 2016, and the group is delighted to return for 2017. Public performances are an important component of HYC’s teaching philosophy. Rehearsals help students learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership, as well as build confidence and creative thinking skills. The only thing more fun than singing songs with your friends is singing holiday songs with your friends!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Conductor of the Cantilena Choir is Sandy Miller, who also teaches music at Timber Ridge Elementary in Johnston. The accompanist is Mary Bartemes, the assistant director of choral music at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines.
Heartland Youth Choir ensembles deliver 40 performances a year. In addition to their own concerts, HYC also seeks collaborations with professional musicians and organizations. A few examples: the Des Moines Metro Opera, the Des Moines Playhouse, the Canadian Brass, Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, the Des Moines Symphony, Mannheim Steamroller, and Simon Estes.
Heartland Youth Choir’s reputation for excellence includes a gold rating in the World Choir Games and an invitation to the International Choral Festival (the first Iowa choir to receive that honor).
Local jazz musician Max Wellman is a Heartland Youth Choir alum.
New members are always welcome at Heartland Youth Choir. For information, visit joinhyc.org.
DMEHA Offers Beginning German Language Classes for Adults
Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to explore the German language during this 10-week beginning German language course for adults (starting Wednesday, August 2, 2017).
During each 90-minute session, you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics while focusing on grammar and vocabulary.
There will be assigned homework and studying required each week. A textbook and workbook will need to be purchased by the student prior to the beginning of the course in addition to the course fee of $120. These materials will cost approximately $40 and are due at the first class.
This is a non-credit course.
Click here to Register
We will meet at the Grand View University. You may park in the parking lot directly south of the Student Center (Y on the map). Click here for a campus map.
Deadline to register: July 1, 2017
About the Instructor: Steffi Schryver received her Master’s Degree in German and English Education in 2010 from the University of Regensburg in southern Germany. Since then, she has enjoyed working with many types of students teaching both languages. She recently moved to Iowa with her husband and enjoys spending time with him, horses and her dog.
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.
TeaGschwendner | #CDM2017 Vendor
Tell us about your business
TeaGschwendner offers over 250 premium loose leaf teas sourced directly from tea gardens around the world. Our products are sugar free, natural, pure, organic and pesticide free.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?
We enjoy reaching out to customers outside Chicago as well as meeting online customers in person. We had a great time last year in Des Moines and happy to come back again.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?
Our Christmas collection offer over 10 teas that are only available during the holidays. The teas are spicy, warm and smooth – perfect for Christmas time. One of the top sellers is Christmas tea-black tea with vanilla, cloves and orange peels that really smells like Christmas. Others are Snowman tea, White Christmas, Rooibush Eggnog, Winter magic and more. Our collection will also include all tea accessories: teapots, mugs, infusers and tins.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Since 2008 we have been rewarded for the best quality tea in the world, as well as voted/named the Best Tea Shop in Chicago.
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.