What's new in Ankeny (Spoiler: It's not Spring)

Good morning Ankeny! Well, fake spring didn’t last long. We got around seven inches of snow this week, which was nature’s way of laughing at anyone who put away their shovel. I’m back to keeping my expectations low and my coat handy. 

Here’s a fun fact for your morning! The last time the US won Olympic gold in men’s hockey, a dozen eggs cost $0.84, Meryl Streep was about to win her first Oscar, and Tom Brady hadn’t even started preschool.

Here’s what’s happening this week.

Lets get started.

— Chance McCollom

LVL Construction specializes in trim work and detailed carpentry that makes a home feel finished. From baseboards and door casings to custom carpentry and remodels. If you care about the details, and want it done once; LVL Construction is a name worth knowing. Check out their website here.

The City of Ankeny Parks and Rec has open registration for a limited amount of time. Get your kids out there and let them have some fun! Learn more here. The programs included are:

E-Sports Game Night | March 6th | Ages 7-9 | Is your kid a gamer? He would for sure love E-sports night!

Babysitting Basics | March 13th | 5th & 6th Graders | For the kids interested in babysitting. They’ll learn all the essentials.

Nature Club | March 16th | Ages 3-17 | Learn about wildlife in your backyard. It is outside so dress accordingly.

Magicamp | March 17-19 | Ages 7-15 | Learn magic tricks from a professional magician!

The Uptown Ankeny Association is looking for volunteers to help keep Ankeny's original neighborhood thriving. Opportunities include community events, seasonal celebrations, and beautification projects throughout the district. Whether you can help with one event or become a regular volunteer, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Sign up at uptownankeny.org/volunteer.

If you’ve been reading this newsletter long enough, you’ve probably noticed AR Workshop pop up in the events section pretty regularly. I’ve always thought that their craft nights looked like a fun night out and figured most of you would think the same.

After years of hosting birthdays, bachelorette parties, team events, and plenty of creative nights out, Shawn & Terri passing the business to new ownership. They said the decision was bittersweet but thanked everyone who supported them over the years. Good news if you're a regular: nothing's changing. Workshops and private parties continue as normal, the team is staying, and they will remain at the same location.

Latest City Council Zoning

A new water tower is coming to southwest Ankeny… assuming it gets approved. Gotcha. Really though; the city wants to build a 180-foot tower near SW Ordnance Road and the High Trestle Trail to hold 2.5 million gallons of water. That's way taller than the usual 45-foot building limit, which is why they need a variance. The reasoning: water pressure and future growth. If it moves forward, expect temporary trail detours and construction in the area.

Kris Karr @ Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille | 🕰️8PM

Sean Sullivan @ Firetrucker Brewery | 🕰️6-9PM

Nick Hermann @ B&B Theaters | 🕰️6:30-9:30PM

Royce John’s & Co. @ 36th Street Tavern | 🕰️7-10PM

Luke Williams @ Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille | 🕰️9PM

❤️Love After Marriage @ Nothing Hidden Ministries | 🕰️6PM | Learn how to restore, maintain and deepen connection in your marriage. (Details)

🎲Trivia Night @ Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille | 🕰️7-9PM | Another laid back trivia night with fun competition, drinks and prizes. (Details) 

🎲DJ Bingo @ The Other Place | 🕰️7PM | Free bingo with… A DJ! (Details)

🧘Yin Yoga @ The Tight Club | 🕰️5:45PM | Relax and breathe with a $15 investment towards your health. (Details)

Thursday

🎲Puzzle Night @ 36th Street Tavern | 🕰️7PM | 5 spots available. Gather a team of 4 to win money off your tab at the end of the night. (Details)

🧘Pinball Tournament @ The Operating Room | 🕰️6:30PM | $6 entry fee. Flip, compete and chase the high score. All skills welcome. Top three places get 50/30/20 percent payout. (Details) 

Friday

🐕Krave Gym & ARL @ Optional Location | 🕰️1-4PM | RSVP to volunteer at the local Animal Rescue League and Humane Society. Help with cleaning, organizing, and animal care. Open to everyone! (Details)

🎷Instrumental Intro Session @ Passion Studios | 🕰️6:30PM | 45 minute session to tour studio, meet staff, learn about lessons and ask questions. (Details) 

Saturday

🥞All You Can Eat Pancakes @ Hyvee | 🕰️7-11AM | Celebrate National pancake day with all you can eat pancakes for $5. (Details) 

🎭Comedy For Charity @ Ankeny Community Theatre | 🕰️7PM | Enjoy local comedians and support the Families Forward organization for $10. (Details) 

I appreciate you reading this weeks digest. If you found it interesting send it to someone who still has a rotary phone.

See you next week,

Chance