The July Issue

Good morning Ankeny. The issue with July is sometimes it’s 93° and humid. I have discovered another form of hot yoga. It’s called getting into my car after it’s been sitting all day and buckling the seat belt.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

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Sequence of returns, taxes on withdrawals, healthcare costs, and whether the 4% rule still applies all play a role.

Fiduciary advisors created a breakdown showing what drives sustainable income and why the same $1.5M can produce very different outcomes.

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Learn More

K-5 classrooms across Iowa, Ankeny included, are trading a little screen time for some old fashioned four square. A new law passed by Iowa lawmakers caps digital instruction at 60 minutes per school day, with exceptions for things like IEPs, state assessments, teacher led lessons, and computer science. Parents who want even less screen time for their kid can request it.

The cap is one piece of a much larger health focused bill signed into law this past May, and Ankeny's own Rep. Heather Matson co-sponsored the original version, saying it's about putting human connection back at the center of learning. Consider it a permission slip to unplug, whether the kids like it or not. (more)

If you've got back-to-school supplies to spare, Foster SQUAD has a good use for them. The Ankeny-based organization is collecting backpacks, notebooks, calculators, and pencils for kids in the foster care system through the end of July. Drop off at their NE 14th Street location Monday through Thursday, 9:30am to 3pm. An Amazon Wish List is also available if you'd rather ship directly. (more)

Rally Complex has become such a pickleball hotspot that even the courts need a breather. Our beloved pickleball spot just east of The District began warranty maintenance work yesterday, and it's expected to take about two weeks. The good news: only a couple of courts will be closed at a time on a rotating basis, with the goal of keeping as many open as possible.

Given how packed those 12 courts get most evenings, a rotating closure is basically the only way to fix anything without shutting the whole place down. Check the city's site before you head over, and maybe pack a little patience if your favorite court is the one getting worked on.

SE Magazine Road is getting a facelift, so if it's part of your regular route, expect a small detour for the next few weeks. The road closed to through traffic Monday, July 13, while crews resurface the pavement and repaint the lines between North Ankeny Boulevard and SE Cortina Drive. Head south on Shurfine to get around it.

Give it about three weeks before things are back to normal. Deliveries, garbage, and businesses won’t skip a beat. (more)

Art Camp @ AR Workshop - Kids ages 7-12 can get their holiday spirit way ahead of schedule with the Holi-DIY Series this summer, working through five different projects that mix Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and more into one crafty lineup. Plenty of masterpieces to bring home by the end of it. 9:30-12pm (info)  

Brushes, Botanicals & Bingo @ Glazed Expressions - Come paint pottery, win plants, and play bingo. $10 gets you a seat, then you pick and pay for whatever planter you want to paint that night. Space is limited, so grab your spot soon! 6-8:30pm (info)

Summer Reading Challenge @ Praire Trail Elementary - Kids can log their reading, rack up points, and meet up at the Prairie Trail playground for prizes and playtime. Bring your reading cards, swap some books with friends, and grab a spot on the playground – pizza coupons, kids meals, and other prizes are up for grabs. 11am-12pm or 5:30-6:30pm (info)  

Community Band Performance @ Ankeny Bandshell - The band will rehearse on-site from 5:45-7:15pm, with the concert kicking off at 7:30pm. 

DJ Bingo @ The Other Place - Free, weekly bingo with… A DJ! 7pm (info)

Beats & Eats @ Market & Pavilion - Food trucks, drinks, live music, and activities for all ages. Major Blues is on the music lineup, plus a petting zoo from Hovick Farms, face painting and spin art, a visit from the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, and parkour with Paul Hubbard. 5-7:30pm (info)  

Outdoor Yoga @ Power Life - Attendance is free for everyone, just bring your own mat, water, and a sweat towel, and you're set. 5:30pm (info)  

🎸Robbie Michael @ Trailside Tap - 7pm

Karaoke Thursday @ Cabaret - Come sing your heart out. Whether you're a shower singer or a stage hog, all are welcome. Enjoy food & drink specials all night long. 8pm (info)

Sips & Songs @ The District - Levi Smith and Dueling Pianos for a night that'll have everyone singing along. Gates open at 5:30pm, it's free, all ages are welcome, and takeout from The District restaurants is fair game if you're hungry. 

Movies Under the Stars @ Wagner Park - Grab a blanket and head outside for a free showing of Hoppers. Bring your lawn chair, pack your snacks, and settle in as the movie starts at dusk! 8:45-11pm (info)  

Puzzle-Palooza @ Public Library - Grab up to 3 friends and put your puzzling skills to the test. Teams get two hours to finish a 500-piece puzzle, and whoever finishes first (or gets closest) wins prizes, with runner-up prizes too. You get to keep the puzzle after. Only the team captain needs to register, it's BYOB, feel free to bring snacks, and this one's 18+ only. 5:30pm (info)  

🎸NHE @ The Soggy Frog - 6pm

Post Malone & Jelly Roll Trolley - Post Malone & Jelly Roll at Jack Trice. Skip the parking nightmare and let the Whiskey River trolley handle it. Pickup is 5pm with return after the show, $60 round trip. BYOB welcome (21+), ice and water provided, no food on board. Just know your concert ticket isn't included and seats are final once booked. (info)

Roses & Rye @ Talons Of Tuscany - Variety's summer fundraiser has a new name and a new home: Roses & Rye, presented by Sammons Financial. Expect a garden-party evening with community leaders and supporters, all in support of Iowa's kids. 4pm (info)  

Summer Throwback Party @ Uptown Garage Brewing - Dust off your best retro outfit for a summer vacation throwback party. Expect vendors swapping games, toys, and nostalgic swag, old-school music and cartoons, contests and giveaways (including best retro style), and trivia kicking. 10am - streetlights come on. (info)  

🎸Willi Vanilli @ The Soggy Frog - 2pm

🎸Encore Legends @ The Soggy Frog - 7pm

Fitness in the Park @ The District - Start your Saturday with a free outdoor yoga class open to every experience level, whether you're a regular or trying it for the first time. Just bring your mat, water, and maybe a friend for a peaceful morning of movement. 9am (info)  

Farmers Market - Vendors selling fresh produce, locally raised meat and eggs, homemade goods, and handmade crafts. Come hungry, come early, and bring cash for the good stuff that sells out fast. 8am-12pm

Bridges & Bubbles - Check-in 10:30am, wheels rolling at 11am from Whiskey River, $50 a ticket. Stops hit Madison County Winery, Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset Cidery, and Dosaage Winery, with return to Whiskey River by 5pm. It's 21+, alcohol's allowed onboard, a light snack's provided at check-in, and outside drinks aren't allowed inside the venues. (tickets)

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who went (or is going) to a National Park for vacation this summer.

See you next week.