Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
A CSA program joins subscribers in sharing the risk and bounty of the growing season by purchasing a share in WCI's fruit and vegetable production. Participants will receive a weekly box of farm-fresh produce for 20 weeks. At least five different varieties of fruits and vegetables will be in each box, along with a newsletter with easy recipes and storage tips. The boxes will be delivered on Wednesday afternoons to three locations in central and southwest Iowa: at the Wallace House in Des Moines, at the Weiland home in Greenfield and at the James Law Office in Creston. At the end of January, the program has reached more than 94% of its goal of 35 subscribers, with a capacity of 40 families. For more information about the CSA program, contact the Country Life Center at 641-337-5019 or email dianeweiland@wallace.org.

Dialogue Dinners
Community experts, members and guests gather around the dinner table for facilitated conversations about current issues. Most programs are offered at both the Wallace House and the Country Life Center, resulting in a diverse audience of both urban and rural perspectives. Past topics include the Iowa caucus, food and fuel, public health, civil discourse, and Iowa's wealth transfer. A total of eleven dinners are expected for 2010, with these community experts committed:

• Dr. Robert Bender, geriatric and Alzheimer specialist, will discuss dementia and Alzheimer’s on Tuesday, March 23 at the Wallace House in Des Moines, and on Thursday, March 25 at the Country Life Center near Orient.

• Dr. Neil Harl, professor emeritus of economics at Iowa State University will present “The Deadly Combination: Concentration and Vertical Integration” on Thursday, April 15 at the Country Life Center only. His presentation and discussion will explore the risks of two troubling practices in agriculture today.

All Dialogue Dinners begin at 6 pm, and the cost per person is $12. Reservations can be made by calling the Wallace House at 515-243-7063 or the Country Life Center at 641-337-5019.

Community Success
A long-term strategic vision and action planning program for communities and non-profit organizations. Using a unique model and process, Community Success fosters civil dialogue; shapes a broad, grass roots-supported vision; and translates that vision into action to bring about positive results and continuing progress. Community Success (CS) is different from traditional planning and development programs in several ways:
-CS is a long-term program with a holistic model that supports long-term success,
-CS involves the grassroots which identifies and energizes new leaders,
-CS builds a real business plan with action strategies that generate results,
-the experienced team of consultants is on board for the duration of the project.
Communities and non-profits can expect stakeholder consensus, more volunteer involvement, a vision for the future, an actionable business plan, new leaders, and measurable success. Call Kent Zimmerman at 515-243-7063 for a free consultation about your needs.

Group Tours
Groups are welcome to visit the Country Life Center, the birthplace farmstead of Henry A. Wallace, named "Most Influential Iowan of the 20th Century." Customized tours of the 40-acre historic site are available for $3.00 to $5.00 per person, depending upon the group's interests. For an additional charge, groups of 15 or more can experience seasonal cooking with a meal, dessert, or snack made from fresh organic fruits and vegetables from the garden. For reservations, please call 641-337-5019 or email dianeweiland@wallace.org. The farmstead is open to the public Monday - Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Tours of the restored Wallace House in Des Moines gives a glimpse into the life of "the first family of American agriculture." The modest Victorian house contains family artifacts from the worlds of business, publishing, and politics. Guided tours of about 45 minutes are $2 per person. Another option for groups of 12 to 28 is the 90 minute "Hearts and Homes" historic teas for $18 per person. For reservations, please call 515-243-7063 or email janfalk@wallace.org. The house is open Tuesday - Friday from 9 am to 2 pm or by appointment.

School Tours
Tours of the Country Life Center are available during April, May, June, September, and October for $2 per student. Chaperones and drivers are admitted free.There is no charge for Iowa history classes or for classes that want to complete a service learning project at the Center. Service learning projects are pre-arranged with the teacher, students, and the Center's program staff. Projects can vary from lawn and trail maintenance to garden planting to special event mailings. Contact the Center at 641-337-5019 or email dianeweiland@wallace.org.

School tours at the Wallace House focus on "Uncle Henry" Wallace and his influence on Des Moines, agriculture, and farm journalism. We also discuss his famous son and grandson, Henry C. Wallace and Henry A. Wallace, who were both U.S. secretaries of agriculture at turning points in our nation's history. Classes should be divided into 20 students or fewer. Recommended for grades 3 and up. $2 per student; chaperones and drivers admitted free. Contact Janis Falk at 515-243-7063 to make arrangements or email janfalk@wallace.org.

Hearts & Homes Historic Teas: High tea & history
From her home at 756 16th Street in Des Moines, Nancy Cantwell Wallace edited the women’s department of the Wallaces’ Farmer agricultural journal called “Hearts and Homes.” Not just receipts and housekeeping advice, this section was a popular sounding board for women, men, girls and boys as they accepted Mrs. Wallace’s invitation to submit “contributions on all topics of interest.” Enjoy tea and a delicious lunch, and join in the conversations started 100 years ago in the house where it all began. This program is perfect for book clubs, Questers, women’s groups, and any other group that likes to eat, chat and learn. Cost is $18 per person, with a minimum of 12 participants and a maximum of 28. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 515-243-7063.

Annual Garden Workshop
The Annual Garden Workshop at the Country Life Center has quite a following from area gardeners who want to learn about the latest gardening trends and helpful tips. The day-long workshop includes lunch, a morning snack, and door prizes. Area experts have presented information on attracting butterflies, turning your gardening hobby into a successful business, gardening as therapy, and delicious ways to prepare fresh vegetables. The 2010 workshop will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 9 am to 3 pm. Topics include Victory Gardens, containers, and hostas. Cost is $22 per person. Registrations are due by March 17 by calling 641-337-5019.

Corn Belt Leaders
This traveling exhibit reaches businesses, museums, and organizations across Iowa about the policies and politics of the four U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture who came from Iowa. Free, but the borrower must make arrangements and assume any expenses for the exhibit's pick-up and return. Call the Wallace House at 515-243-7063 to reserve the exhibit.