☕📰Dumbbells, Diplomas & Development

Good morning Ankeny! Youth sports have gone too far. A group of New Jersey hockey moms made custom jackets with their team’s branding to wear to their sons’ games. Then the team owner went viral for an email claiming it was an “egregious” trademark violation and that he’d bench their kids until they paid a 15% royalty. These kids are ten, mind you.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

Planet Fitness Is Equipping the People Who Show Up For Us

Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the fire service — not flames, not falling structures. Planet Fitness Ankeny is doing something about it by donating 12 pieces of fitness equipment to the Ankeny Fire Department, including dumbbell racks, barbells, weight benches, and TRX systems. The goal is straightforward: stronger firefighters are safer firefighters, and regular fitness training directly reduces the cardiac risk that kills more first responders than anything else on the job. Ankeny firefighters even train in their gear to build the endurance needed for real emergencies.

A Head Start on a Career

DMACC and the Ankeny Community School District have teamed up to bring early childhood education courses directly to high school students — in person, on site at Terrace Learning Center, which is home to the district’s preschool program. Students who enroll in the Introduction to Early Childhood Education or Childhood Health, Safety and Nutrition courses will be taught by a DMACC instructor alongside current college students, and will have opportunities to complete observation and hands-on clinical work with actual preschoolers. The goal is for students to earn a certificate in early childhood education — 13 credits worth — before they even get their diploma. That certificate also satisfies the education requirement for the Child Development Associate credential.

Parks Are Wrapping Up for Winter

Ankeny’s parks are shifting into winter mode. Splash pads are already closed, and restrooms at Sunrise and Sunset parks are shut down. Permanent restrooms at Glenbrooke Park, the Northwestern Trailhead, and Miracle Park close October 19th. Portable restrooms come out the week of October 26th, and drinking fountains will be off by October 23rd. All parks stay open year-round from sunrise to sunset — just plan ahead on the facilities. Full parks list at ankenyiowa.gov/parks.

DJ Trivia @ Yankee Clipper - Put your knowledge to the test at DJ Trivia. Great music, fun questions, and prizes up for grabs for the team that brings their A game! 8-9:30pm

Bingo Night @ Uptown Garage - A fun evening of bingo, cold craft beers, and good company! 6-8pm

Bingo Night @ Firetrucker Brewery- A fun night of bingo and cold craft beers with good company and great pints guaranteed! 7pm

Outdoor Yoga @ The Standard - Roll out your mat and join the YogaSix crew for a free outdoor yoga session. Beginner-friendly, open to all levels, and the perfect way to stretch, breathe, and soak up the fresh air! 5:30-6:30pm

Trivia Night @ Uptown Garage - Grab your crew, order a round, and see who really knows their stuff! 6-8pm

Karaoke Thursday @ The Cabaret - Come sing your heart out. Whether you're a shower singer or a stage hog, all are welcome. 8pm

Truckin’ Trivia @ Firetrucker Brewery - Grab a pint, gather your crew, and see who really knows their stuff! 7pm

Outdoor Cinema: Halloweentown @ Porch Light Coffeehouse - Grab a blanket and settle into the Porch Light Coffeehouse & Uptown Garage Brewing Co. Backyard for a Friday night outdoor movie series featuring spooky favorites from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Chairs and blankets welcome, no outside alcohol please. 7:30pm 

Haunted Waters Halloween Bash @ 2750 NW 82nd Pl - Step into a spooky glowing wonderland at the 3rd Annual Haunted Waters Halloween Bash. Eerie pond décor, shimmering lights, snacks, drinks, and family-friendly Halloween fun, all completely free! Costumes encouraged, kids welcome, and don’t miss the photo ops among the haunted waters after dark. 7-9pm (info)  

Trunk or Treat @ Heritage Elementary School - Pop your trunk, load up the candy, and join us for a Trunk or Treat and Dance Party. Halloween fun for the whole family with treats, costumes, and dancing! 4:30pm (info)  

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who drives their kid way too far to play hockey.

Stay classy, Ankeny.