West Side Stories

West Side Stories has been on a bit of a hiatus the last couple months, but it's back, featuring the many great things happening in West Des Moines. In the 13th episode of the podcast, Allison is joined by two new staff members of the Parks and Rec Department. Marnie Strate and Shayne Ratcliff, along with Department Director Sally Ortgies, discuss their new roles in the department, their job “to-do” lists, and what excites them about their new positions. They also divulge lots of information about the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater [https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/Admin/Components/Page/EditDesign?navid=2814]and the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex [http://www.midamericanrecplex.com/] which are both currently being built in West Des Moines. So sit back, listen and enjoy this episode titled, “New Faces. New Places.” GUEST BIOS Marnie Strate - Arts, Culture and Enrichment Coordinator After growing up in Des Moines and graduating from Roosevelt High School, Marnie attended Drake University where she earned her BFA in Theatre. She has been a Video Producer (Screenscape Studios), Education Director and Events & Volunteer Coordinator (Des Moines Social Club), and Assistant Guest Services Manager (Des Moines Performing Arts). Marnie began working for the City of West Des Moines on December 31, 2019. She resides in Des Moines with her husband, 8-month-old son, and terrier dog. Shayne Ratcliff - MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex General Manager Shayne grew up in Mankato, Minnesota, and graduated from Minnesota State University in Mankato where he earned a degree in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services. Shayne has been an Arena Manager in Lakeville, MN, an ice arena General Manager in Orono, MN, and  an Athletic Facilities & Equipment Manager at Lake Forest College. He joined the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department in November of 2019. Shayne lives in Waukee with his wife and two young sons. Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband and MinPin dog. Their daughter lives in Des Moines.

Guest Bios Lynnae Hentzen - Friends of WDM Parks and Rec Board Member After growing up in LeMars, Iowa, Lynnae attended Silliman University in the Philippines, Iowa State University, and Keller Grad School of Management. Lynnae earned her BA in Sociology and also has a MBA. She has held positions in her career as a business analyst, yoga instructor, nonprofit co-founder and Executive Director, and a property manager. Lynnae resides in West Des Moines and has four children and one daughter-in-law. Eric Tabor - Friends of WDM Parks and Rec Board President Eric grew up in Baldwin, Iowa, and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Juris Doctor degree. Eric also attended Harvard and was a farmer for 11 years. Eric has served as the Chief of Staff and is the current Chief Deputy in the Iowa Attorney General's Office. He also is Legislative Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives. Eric lives in West Des Moines with his husband and has a 32 year old son.

In this fun episode, Allison once again invites Sally Ortgies, Director of the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, to join her in talking about the top 10 reasons they love West Des Moines. Both are residents of West Des Moines, have raised or are raising children in West Des Moines Community Schools, and serve on various West Des Moines nonprofit organizations' boards. Needless to say, they love West Des Moines! Listen in to hear Allison and Sally discuss the following top 10 reasons they love West Des Moines: 1. Parks and Trails                                                            6.  Safety 2. Recreation Program and Events                       7.  Great Neighborhoods 3. Shopping and Dining                                                8.  City Services 4. Schools                                                                             9.  City Planning 5. West Des Moines History                                      10.  Arts and Culture

In the tenth episode of West Side Stories, Allison visits with Sally Ortgies and David Sadler to discuss the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department's role in the management of the Jordan Cemetery and Huston Cemetery. Each cemetery has a rich history that most West Des Moines residents may not be aware of. Listen in as they discuss how each cemetery came to be, who maintains the grounds, and what operational logistics are involved with the management of both. Guest Bios Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband and MinPin dog. Their daughter lives in Des Moines. David Sadler - Parks Superintendent David Sadler earned is Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and his Masters of Public Administration from Drake University. David has worked as a Park Planner for the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, a Landscape Architect for a private firm, and a Contract and Purchasing Manager for National Home Builder. In 1999 David was hired as a Landscape Architect in the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. David became Parks Superintendent in 2016. He lives in West Des Moines with his wife and three children.

In the ninth episode of West Side Stories, Allison sits down with Kevin Conn and Jodie Weeks to discuss the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater and Illumifest. The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater will be constructed between September 2019 and September 2020 on the WDM City Campus at 4200 Mills Civic Parkway. Illumifest, West Des Moines' annual city celebration, will once again be held in September on the City Campus. Episode Guests Jodie Weeks - Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor Jodie grew up in Osage, IA, and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Leisure Services. She has been a Recreation Program Supervisor for the South Suburban Park District in Littleton, CO, and a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. For nearly 20 years, Jodie has been a Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor in the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She supervises the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, Archery Facility, and Dog Park. She also coordinates the department's travel programs, several special events, and various classes and camps. Jodie lives in Ankeny with her husband, two daughters, and their Australian Labradoodle puppy. Kevin Conn - Landscape Architect Kevin's hometown is Keokuk, Iowa. He also attended and received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree for Iowa State University. Kevin worked many years in the private sector as a Landscape Architect. He was employed by Civil Engineering Consultants, Crose Gardner and Associates, BBS Architects/Engineers, Simonson and Associates, and OPN Architects. Kevin was hired in 2017 as the Landscape Architect for the City of West Des Moines. He lives in Beaverdale with his wife and two sons.