Civility & Politics: An Oxymoron or a Possibility?
Loretta Sieman spoke about her deep-seated convictions towards kindness, respect, and tolerance towards those with opposing viewpoints. Using many personal experiences from her decades of public service in education, local government, and human services, Loretta stressed the need in today's society for us to come to the table for discussion and understanding. After her talk, participants gathered at tables to discuss how to practice self-restraint when discussions get heated. A speaker from each group shared highlights from each table. Loretta provided additional civility insight for WCI's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/The Wallace Centers of Iowa.

Farm to Table Dinner Celebrates Iowa's Harvest
WCI's first annual Celebrate the Harvest dinner featured thirteen fruits, vegetables, and herbs during a four-course meal at the Wallace House in Des Moines. "The food was WONDERFUL," said Deb Copeland of Des Moines. "We had such a great time."
The historic home was decked out in glowing candles, garlands of fall leaves, and plump pumpkins and gourds. Guests gathered on the front porch to enjoy the beautiful fall weather before being seated inside. Live piano music was provided by Kate Boonstra of Clive. More than 50 people were served during the evening.

Mental Health: A Mother's Story
Joan Becker of Parkersburg, IA spoke eloquently about her son Mark’s struggle with paranoid schizophrenia at the Country Life Center on September 8. Most in the audience were individuals affected by mental health issues in some way--persons coping with an illness, family, friends, mental health workers, court-appointed advocates, magistrates, social workers, and other professionals. Joan shared her family’s painful experience in the belief that it will help others. Her presentation was followed by several questions and personal accounts from those in the audience.

Real Soil, Real Food A Real Success
Seven high school students piloted an exciting new program in June: Real Soil, Real Food, A Real Difference. During the five day intensive session, the students studied local and global concerns such as food insecurity and hunger, food safety, biotechnology, and how the environment is affected by food production. In addition to studying food issues, the students worked with each other during team building activities, gardening, meal preparation, and project planning. Field trips to relevant sites such as the Creston Farmers Market, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, and the Neely-Kinyon Research Farm enhanced the course materials. Each day concluded with time for reflection and dialogue.

After this initial seminar, students will be implementing a related independent project that involves their peers. Under the guidance of WCI staff, each student has about a year to complete his or her project and present the findings at the next Real Soil, Real Food, A Real Difference program in 2012. 

The seven participants included Alexandra Brennan, West Des Moines; Brittany Firch, Fontanelle; Tyler Ford, Bridgewater; Emily Huntington, Orient; Sarah Mack, Greenfield; Ben Mullin, Creston; and Max Wallace, Watseka, Illinois.  
 
Dr. Deb Hall of Adair County Extension developed the curriculum. She was assisted in teaching the program by WCI staff Diane Weiland, Lisa Swanson, and Ann Taylor. Guest speakers included Rich Hall, Southwest Iowa Egg Co-op; Stephanie Claussen, Adair County Home Care; Brian Zachary, Creston Farmers Market; Bill Freese, Iowa Dept. of Human Services; Gwen Varley, former World Food Prize intern; Beth Baudler and Kelsie Cass, past Hoover Uncommon Students; Tori Bailey, David Tegeder, and Karen Varley, Pioneer Hi-Bred; Jill Burkhart, Picket Fence Creamery; staff from the Neely-Kinyon Research Farm, and staff from Adair County Soil and Water Conservation District.  
 
Feedback from this first class of students indicated that the program helped develop leadership and problem solving skills and increased their knowledge base for potential careers in agriculture, food science, health and wellness, social services, environmental studies, and others.  
 The program development and pilot effort was funded, in part, by a grant from the Wallace Global Fund. We very much appreciate this assistance.

Girls Become Pioneers for a Day at Little House on the Iowa Prairie
The life and times of a pioneer girl became a little more real recently for several girls from Adair County and surrounding area. Twenty-five girls ages 8 to 11 participated in “Little House on the Iowa Prairie,” a day-long program sponsored by The Wallace Centers of Iowa. Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic tale of pioneer life, the program combined crafts, nature exploration, garden work, games, and food for a full day of fun and learning. Lunch was a traditional farm dinner of chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, apple fritters, and lemonade. In keeping with the pioneer theme, the girls drank water during breaks instead of soda or juice. Old-fashioned games such as checkers, hopscotch, cat’s cradle, and tops added to the fun. Each girl took home a bag full of goodies she made herself: a quilt block to complete at home, beaded bracelet, heart-shaped cakes and recipe, popcorn, and paper dolls.
This year was the first time the program was offered at the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center. “We wanted to develop a fun educational program for a new audience that would use our existing resources: the ten acres of restored prairie, produce gardens, and Gathering Barn,” said Diane Weiland, CEO and Program Developer. “Subject-matter instructors from the community rounded out the day of learning.”
Instructors and assistants included Diane Weiland, Laura Marnin, Hannah Siglin, Becca Siglin, and Bonnie Stalder, all of Greenfield; Lisa Swanson of Orient; Deb Irving of Redfield; and Liz Lundy of Fontanelle.

Garden Gate Experts Spring into Gardening
Corporate Gardener Marcia Leeper and Senior Editor Stephanie Polsley Bruner of Garden Gate magazine share the "thriller, filler, and spiller" technique of plant selection during the Spring into Gardening workshop at the Wallace House on May 4. Thirty gardeners took copious notes on the merits of different types of containers, potting mix, fertilizer and plant selection after enjoying a light supper. After the question and answer session, attendees were able to browse from a great selection of plants at the Front Porch Plant Sale.

The Wallace Centers of Iowa Winner of the 2011 Better Together Award
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines announced The Wallace Centers of Iowa this year’s winner of its Better Together Award for organizations at the foundation’s annual luncheon on Wednesday. The award is given to one organization and one individual in the Des Moines area who are building social capital in the community. Bruce Bernard, President of the Urbandale Community Action Network, received the individual honor.

The Wallace Centers of Iowa received the award because of its efforts to continue the work of the Better Together—Creating Community through Civility speaker series. WCI hosted five Civility Dialogue Lunches that built on an earlier lecture in Des Moines by Dr. P.M. Forni, author of “Choosing Civility.” The lunches included a community speaker who focused on Forni’s 25 Rules for Considerate Conduct and allowed for in-depth discussion about civility among dialogue participants. Participants were asked to share civility experiences, sign a Pledge of Civility, and adopt the principles into everyday life. WCI also developed “Everyday Civility,” a new two-hour seminar promoting civility in the workplace.

“This recognition is a humbling honor in light of the other three finalists, but all of us are addressing the basic issues related to treating our neighbors, friends, co-workers, family and strangers with respect, dignity, and kindness. This is the Wallace family legacy that The Wallace Centers of Iowa is privileged to move forward,” said Diane Weiland, President & CEO. The award includes a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation to advance WCI’s civility efforts.

Other organization finalists included AMOS—A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, and Meals from the Heartland. Individual Finalists included Barb Allen, Board President of Partnership for a Healthy Community; Mark Heppner, Executive Director of Salisbury House & Gardens; and Matt McGarvey, Director of The Wellmark Foundation.

On hand to accept the Better Together Award at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines luncheon were WCI board secretary Marion James of Creston, board treasurer Christine Halbrook of Des Moines, board chair Willard Olesen of Greenfield, WCI founder Ann Wallace Fleming of Des Moines, President & CEO Diane Weiland of Greenfield, and Wallace family members Jim Fleming and Allison Fleming of Des Moines.

2011 Garden Workshop Full of Good Ideas
"Gardening with a Purpose" was the day's theme as more than 60 gardeners from central and southwest Iowa filled the Gathering Barn to learn the latest gardening tips and trends. Local experts shared their experience and training on a wide variety of topics. Betty Mathers of Adel showed us the versatility of scented geraniums in landscaping, cooking, and crafting. Sheila O'Riley of Lenox explained about the right mix of ingredients that will turn into compost, and demonstrated how easily available materials can make a beautiful water feature. Deb Groth of Winterset explained why vegetable container gardening is appealing to so many gardeners and gave tips for the best results. Dixie Lee Moore and Donna Miller, both of Orient, showed their beautiful leaf castings creations and how to make them. Lisa Swanson of Orient encouraged us to try the new trend of miniature hostas. In between sessions, attendees had a chance to win door prizes from Garden Gate magazine, Walmart, ISU Extension, Lisa Swanson, and The Wallace Centers of Iowa gift shop.