FAAI Gives a Helping Hand and Makes a Difference! Fil-Am Assoc

FAAI gives a helping hand and makes a difference! Fil-Am Assoc. of Iowa Calendar of Events Annual Christmas Party December 14,2013 Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Ankeny ,IA

FAAI 30th Valentine’s Party February 15, 2014 Prairie Meadows Events Cen- ter, Altoona

“Christmas in July” Camp- out and Picnic with Fil-Am of Omaha July 19-20, 2013 Lake Anita State Park Anita, IA

One of those families affected by the typhoon that you all helped in Baybay, Leyte . INSIDE PAGE Piestang Pinoy 2 President’s Corner 3 A Day To Be Asian 4 Honoring The Graduates 5 Piestang Pinoy Cont. 6 A Day To Be Asian Cont. 6 “ChristmasCORDILLERA in DAYJuly” 47 Phil Independence 8 Jane Foundation Event 8 New U.S Citizens 9 Achievers and Champions 9 in our Community Editorial/Contributors 10

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Piestang Pampamilya by Eugene Matibag

Photo by Rutchie Heiring Lechon, Pancit, Leche flan, Ginataan, Menudo, Lumpia, dents of Barongan Martial Arts demonstrated the moves of Bagoong—all that lutong pinoy, ang sarap sarap, fin- Arnis and Escrima. It is self-defense mixed with a little show- ished off with a fruity Halo-halo! Like this favorite icy- manship and a lot of comedy! Professor A. Bobby Barongan, cold dessert, the Annual FAAI Pigroast Picnic turned out who recently received the International Hall of Fame Kenpo a real “mix-mix” of foods and flavors, a fabulous feast of Award, played the hapless target of martial arts kicks and music and singing, dance and martial arts, games and blows, but then transforms into true master of the Filipino prizes that made you appreciate the joy of being a part of martial arts. the Filipino-American community in Iowa. And the beat goes on! BACHATAVida de IOWA, instructor On the perfectly breezy afternoon of August 3, 2013, Annalyn Vida, showed us basics of Bachata dance, a real ex- around 275 members, friends and family came together ample of “Pinoys Got Talent.” DJ IVAN Cortes keeps the at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. President music flowing, gets the action going with his electronic turnta- Al Snyder brightened up the already sunny day with his ble of all-time hits. welcoming remarks, Father Vincent Bete gave the blessing. After we ate, Dr. Ramon Reyes III advised us about Chance favored the lucky winners of BINGO and door prizes “Working on Healthy Habits” and encouraged us to visit which were donated by Chocolate Storybook, Alma Reed, the Health and Wellness Station where RN Maria Astra Dolly Silverio, Bob & Zen Vida, Wally & Chit Marantal, and Fecundo can take Blood Pressure measurements. Filipi- the Reyeses. (Is it true that Filipinos love gambling? Maybe nos (okay, not all Filipinos) may tend to overindulge in we needed a table for mahjong and hueteng!) Christa Eribal foods a bit too sweet, fatty and salty. Instead, we can led the kids’ activities and the PABITIN was a hit, a game choose from a colorful variety of salads and mga gulay where they reached out for gifts hanging from a traditional on the picnic tables. wooden frame. As my father would say, it’s “just like in the old country.” Next, it’s time to get our bodies moving. The HAPA Filipino Folk Dancers, led by Julie Rullan Hayes, per- Filipinos of Eastern and Central Iowa did not go without rep- formed the graceful Kuratsa. Then out came the tinikling resentation at this year’s pigroast. President Lyn Velosi-Pretz poles and everyone was welcome to join in the dance. Be of the Filipino American Association of Cedar Rapids and careful not to let your heels get rapped by the bamboo President Eugenio Matibag of the Iowa State University Filipi- poles! Zumba instructors Kat Joseph, Nicole Edmonds no Association, enjoyed bringing the kababayan spirit of their and Olga Dobbins taught us how we can dance to the groups to the FAAI . (Turn to page 6) music while getting a work-out. But that’s not all! Stu- 2 3Lahi Newsletter Fall 2013 Page 3

President’s Corner Al Snyder

As this year comes to an end, I would like to thank our If you made a donation and you need a receipt, officers: VP Joy Stachura, Business Manager Dr. Rosa please don’t hesitate to contact me. Reyes, Treasurer Jim Foster and Secretary Do- We will also be focusing on our community’s ry Taylor and the many health with free health screenings and infor- volunteers who have mation at some of our events by Dr Ramon made this year’s FAAI Reyes. To get you moving and keep you moving events a smashing suc- and having fun, Jhun Edejer will be planning a cess. These include the sports fest (Barrio Fiesta League/ Intramurals) Valentine’s Party, Cele- for this summer. If you would like to help out, brAsian Festival, please contact Jhun or myself. “Christmas in July” at Lake Anita State Park We are truly blessed to have so many caring with the Fil-Am of Oma- members who unselfishly give their time, skills, ha, Annual Hog Roast at resources and support to the Filipino-American Raccoon River Park, new Association of Iowa, allowing such good works community members to be possible! “Welcoming Party”, Zumbathon, Halloween Party, Parol -Making at the Science Center, and our Annual Christ- From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and mas Party Happy New Year!

I am very proud of our community’s tireless efforts to Salamat Po, provide humanitarian relief to our brothers and sisters in the Philippines after sever flooding, earthquakes and the Al Snyder strongest typhoon ever recorded hit the Philippines caus- [email protected] ing catastrophic damage and loss of life. I am happy to 515.240.7856 report that from the two fundraising events that we had, we were able to raise approximately $14,000.00 for our “Helping Hands” fund, allowing our association to provide relief goods and direct financial support to a dozen of community members ’ families whose homes were destroyed or damaged from the typhoon. It also allows us On behalf of the Filipino–American Association of to directly support 10 different relief services in the Phil- Iowa, we extend our sympathy and condolences to ippines. We are currently planning a follow-up fundrais- the family of our senior member, Victoria (Nanay ing event in February. Let us look forward to a great year Vickie) Friemel’s daughter, Cindee Garner-Floro with our friends. who passed away from a tragic automo- In addition to our regular events, we are planning the fol- bile/pedestrian lowing events for this year--our first FAAI Annual Camp accident on No- -out and Picnic and our 2nd annual “Christmas in July” vember 24, 2013 Camp-out and Picnic with the Fil-Am of Omaha at Lake in Colorado. Anita State Park on July 19 & 20, 2014. (Photo credit to Michael To meet our goal of increasing our scholarship offerings Garner) and starting a community center fund, we will be holding several fundraising events this year. Thank you to all who have given generously to FAAI. Remember that all monetary donations to the association are tax-deductible.

3 Page4 24 Filipino Filipino-American-American Association Association of of Iowa Iowa Calendar of Events A Day To Be Asian by Linda Hurley It is a beautiful windy spring day. The trees are covered with purple blossoms. After working overnight, I start heading to the Capitol building by 6 am where the volunteers for Cele- brAsian are getting ready to set up. This is the 11th Annual Asian Heritage Festival in Des Moines, where everything Asian from cultural, food, history, arts & crafts, live music, family and children activities is continuously in display. I would not miss it for the world! I look forward to this event year after year. It is where we share the jewels of Asia. Peo- ple across the Midwest experience all the wonderful colors of the diverse culture of Asian Americans in Iowa.

The village where my heart belongs to is the Filipino Village. This is where old friends and new friends come together, to make the best representation of our shared history and culture. An army of Filipino volunteers come to lend a helping hand. From setting-up, cooking, serving the native food, to exhibit- ing their individual talents in the performances, fashion show, lage earned an A+ rating from the food inspector. Ms. Alma Reed, FAAI Board Member and past President introduced current President Mr. Al Snyder to all the other village leaders.

Our cultural performers from the Phil. Dance Troupe of Quad Cities, Igorots of Iowa and HAPA Filipino Fork Dancers displayed their unique talents in the native Filipino dances from the different provinces of the Philippines. If one has never tried dancing in between 2 moving bamboo sticks without their leg being caught, the Filipino village is the place to try that dance called the tinikling. Our fashion show models ranged from the very young ones to our young-at-heart seniors.

For 11 years, I have been coming to the Asian Festival and never has it failed to amaze me and witness the very diverse culture of the continent… (turn to page 6) cooking demonstration, and cleaning-up. It is very impressive to watch people working together for a common goal.

All the hard work the FAAI officers and volunteers put together made it possible for the Filipino village to garner awards this year. For the first time in history, we took home the 3rd place award for our Cultural exhibit. Dr. Rosa Reyes and her team of dedicated volunteers made us proud. The turon (Banana rolls) was also a big hit in the cooking demo tent ob- taining 3rd place. Thanks to our wonderful cooks, Joy Stachura and Nene Eribal, who gave the food samplers a taste of happi- ness. Our chefs: Mrs. Ly Foster and Ms. Dory Taylor kept the supply of good food flowing all day long. With the watch- ful eye of Mr. Jim Foster, our village team leader, everything were well-stocked, maintained and served properly. Our vil-

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Honoring Our Graduates of 2013 by Rosa Inciong-Reyes MD

Year after year, the weekends of May and June are earned Academic, Iowa Advantage and Multicultural filled with open house parties for graduates of high school scholarships as she moved on to University of Iowa for a and college. In our Filipino community, this year was no degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. different! Congratulations to these hard-working students and their parents! Colleen Tanyag, eldest daughter of Edwin and Tanya Tanyag graduated from Truman State University as Jean Pauline Robles, eldest daughter of Ike & Amy Robles Summa Cum Laude with Bachelor of Arts in Psycholo- graduated from Waukee High School and is the recipient of gy in 3 years. She graduated 2nd out of 300+ students the 2013 FAAI Scholarship Grant. She was the President of from Southeast Polk High School just a few years back. the Waukee High School International Club, a State Speech She was awarded a scholarship in Graduate Assistance recipient for Original Oratory and Group Radio, volunteered Program in counseling and is now attending graduate at CelebrAsian, Meals from the Heartland, St. Francis and school at the University of Northern Iowa to become a St. Boniface events. She also garnered awards for Varsity High School counselor. Letter award in Tennis, Silver Cord and a historian of the National Honor Society. At the Surgery Center of Des Cris Houlihan, son of Bryan Houlihan & Cathy Casilla- Moines, she was an intern from 2012-2013. She is now at Grossman graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Uni- Iowa State University taking B.S. Biology for her Pre-Med versity of Northern Iowa. He is now working at Cotting- studies. ham and Butler in Dubuque.

Stephen Laughrun, eldest son of Dr. David & Linda Direc- Angelia Peralta, daughter of Drs. Francis & Cecille to Laughrun graduated from Dowling Catholic High School. Peralta graduated from DePaul University in Chicago He is now studying in Sedona Film School in Sedona, AZ. with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema & Media studies and PR & Advertising. She now resides in Coral- Emily Tuazon, eldest daughter of Tony & Jean Tuazon ville, IA while pursuing post-baccalaureate pre-med graduated from Dowling Catholic High School where she studies at the University of Iowa. was the pride of the swim team. She is now in DMACC for Kinesiology. Our littlest graduates are Richelle Dolores, daughter of Icy & Reggie Dolores and Bayani ‘Dos’ Nery, son of Briana Houlihan, daughter of Cathy Casilla-Grossman & Bayani+ and Ivy Nery who both received recognition Bryan Houlihan graduated from Carroll High School, during their Kindergarten graduation from Capitol View Elementary school. Our Achievers… (from page 9) Jun Siasoco, PD Legaspi, Drs. Larry Rabang and Josie Domingo-Diedrichs, only started running last march. Amer Enriquez, participated in the RAGBRAI this year. st Her 1 race was the Drake relay (10K) in April, then she There are no limitations to what you can achieve. These did the 20K Dam to Dam in June. She ran a couple of 5Ks men went out of their comfort zones to pursue a personal in between then Midnight Madness 10k. This month, she milestone on fitness. You too can challenge yourself! st ran 10 miles in Minneapolis to get ready for her 1 half of the Des Moines marathon. For her, running is a good ad- Maryen Angela Snyder, the daughter of Al a diction because it keeps her going. She feels very sluggish & Aireen Snyder received the “ Optimist International” when she does not put in about 20 miles /wk and do it 3-4 award on November 13, 2013 in recognition of her times a week. She just turned 50 this month and states works in upholding the dignity of youth, for showing “LIFE definitely begins at 50…” sincere devotion to the welfare of others, and for her generous and unselfish contributions to society. Each Dr. Ruben Rullan, former FAAI President will not make high school in Iowa had a boy and a girl recipients of this his age stop him from attaining his goals. He completed award and she was chosen the girl awardee of her the 4mile Earth day run in WDM, a 10K run in Windsor school. Maryen, a HS senior will be going to the Univer- Heights and Dam to Dam 5Krun. At the Iowa Senior sity of Iowa to take up B.S. in Biology next year. Olympics, he participated in track and field, 5K run and swimming. At the Iowa Games in Ames, just swimming Each and every one of us, no matter how young or old, but he is also registered for the upcoming IMT race on Oc- can make a difference. Let’s inspire each other and cele- tober 20. He keeps on going and going… just like an EN- brate along the way. Mabuhay! ERGIZER. 5 Page6 6 Filipino-American Association of Iowa

Piestang Pinoy (from page 2) A Day To Be Asian (from page 4) It was an event to spread joy to the extended family of the I came Iowa Filipinos. Ruby Uy received a surprise 75th birthday from. greeting from his son and the whole audience. Awarded the Each FAAI 2013 Scholarship Grant was Jean Pauline Robles, the village daughter of Ike and Amy Robles of Waukee. We are proud has its of her, as we are of all our progress and accomplishments. unique Congratulations to all our generations of folk for a great quality, showing of “Iowa Filipino Spirit” and for celebrating the beauty rich double heritage of the “Lupang Hinirang.” and so A warm, heartfelt thanks to all the other volunteers and con- much tributors! history. For the LECHON, donated by: Flora Underwood, Maria Each Fecundo, Carmen Hamm, Sheena Pike, Ana Johnston, An- one has naLou Ruth, Nonna Antiquisa, Jessa Chiodo & Mariz Em- so many ery. wonderful things to share. Why does it matter that our adapted country HALO-HALO ingredients donated by the Eribal and Cor- gain understanding to the uniqueness of our Asian culture? dell Family COMMITTEES: Because maybe, just maybe, if we share enough good things REGISTRATION: Dory Taylor, Christa Eribal, Hannelore we have from our motherland, our adapted country will ab- Reed, Lawrence Anthony, Aireen Snyder and Jim Foster sorb, learn tolerance and gain understanding. It is the diversity FOOD: Nene Eribal, Linda Hurley, Lando Puzon, Wally that makes this country of ours better. With understanding Marantal, Nora Fernandez, Patricia Vogel and friend Sue comes knowledge and acceptance that our cultural differences GAMES: Christa Eribal and Hannelore Reed is what makes this country unique and beautiful. Spreading SCHOLARSHIP: Rosa Reyes, Chit Marantal and Dolly hope is not such a bad goal to have. So watch out for next Silverio. year’s date for CelebrAsian and pencil it in your calendars as a ‘must attend’ event for the year. You will not be disappointed. Why not get more involved and volunteer? Experience it first hand, what it takes to put something big and wonderful like this is. Join in the fun! As the saying goes, “a country is made better by enough people who chose to do what is good and right.” Let us be that person. Proud to be Pinoy! Mabuhay!!! .

FAAI partnered up with Zumba Instructors- Kat Joseph, Soldier Boy Jacques Walden, Larissa Flyn,Brenda and the Bhangra guru, Monia Bhosle- to raise funds for the Scholarship grant/Educational Aid Fund of the Associa- tion on September 19 at the Lotus Events Center on 2135 East Grand in Des Moines, IA.

Advertise in the LAHI If you would like to advertise your business in the LAHI, the ads are $25 per quarter or $75 per year. email your request to - Newsletter Editor Aireen Snyder at [email protected] Check us out on: https://www.facebook.com/faai1975?ref=hl www,filamofiowa.org L-R: Dory Taylor, Aireen,Angelica & Al Snyder, Rosie Lane, Joy Stachura, and Rosa & Ramon Reyes at the fundraising event. 6 7Lahi Newsletter - Fall 2013 Page 7

FAAI and Fil-Am of Omaha Celebrate “Christmas in July” by Dory Taylor & Lawrence Anthony

Photos taken by Linda Hurley

Friday, July 19,2013, the Fil-Am Association of Iowa of the shelter. headed by our president Al Snyder and the other officers– We hope to see many new faces next year as this is ex- Joy Stachura, Jim Foster, Dory Taylor and Rosa Reyes pected to be an annual event of the FAAI and Fil-Am of traveled west to meet up with the Fil-Am of Omaha mem- Omaha. bers led by their president, Daryl Rose and his wife Lilith at Lake Anita State Park. FAAI is selling the Des Moines Best Coupon The hog to be roasted was placed over the coals at 6:00 Books for $25. Proceeds of the sales will go to the o’clock in the morning and the fun began. The American Scholarship fund. Purchase it at the Filipino and Philippine flags were proudly displayed side-by-side at store or contact Rosa Reyes or any of the offic- the campgrounds. ers.

The activities included walking around the park, swimming Manila Market at the beach, lunch potluck with a variety of Filipino as Working For You well as American foods, tug-of-war, karaoke, and of course picture-taking. We sell Filipino Foods and Pick up ForeX Boxes Santa rode in on a Harley and was immediately surrounded by beautiful Filipina women wanting a photo opportunity. Call: Jim and Ly Foster Our special thanks goes out to all the volunteers who (515) 419-8793/ 999-2751/314-2383 helped with the hog roast (lechon), setup and cleanup of

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CONGRATULATIONS to our new U.S citizens!

Aireen & Maryen Snyder (2nd and 3rd from left) obtained their U. S. citizenship on Octo- ber 23,2013– a day before Maryen turned 18. Some FAAI members participated in the Jane Foundation’s fund- (Isn’t that a BIG blessing?-editor) raising activity dubbed as “September Fair” at the Corinthian Bap- tist Church last September.

Fairfield Hosts Philippine Independence Celebration by Vilma Thorn FAIRFIELD, IA: The Filipino American community Dance troupes from Cedar Rapids and Des Moines performed Fili- from all over Iowa and Illinois travelled to Fairfield pino dances and a choral group from Iowa City performed a patri- on June 8 at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center otic musical number. to celebrate the 115th Philippine Independence Day. Donning Filipino costumes called terno and barong tagalog, the All over the event was a true showcase of Filipino art- US , Filipinos istry. Mayor Ed Malloy of Fairfield, Iowa gather and cele- was the event’s special guest. brate the Philip- Vilma Kintanar Thorn, a Fairfield resident pine Independ- for over 27 years, has been hosting this ence Day to event in her backyard for the last 20 years. create cultural The popularity of the event has caused a awareness to remarkable increase in the number of at- the next genera- tendees so the venue was moved this year tion and to re- to the Fairfield Arts and Convention Cen- kindle their ter. roots and heritage . The Philippine Independence Day on June On Friday, June 12,1898 is one of the most significant dates 8, more than in the Philippine history because it marks 200 Filipino the nation's independence from 333 years Americans of Spanish rule. Filipinos celebrate it annu- waved Philippine flags alongside the American flag ally on June 12. and feasted on their traditional roast pig, adobo, Next year , it is expected that there will be more people participat- pansit, egg rolls, and several other native delicacies. ing in this big historical event. 8 9Lahi Newsletter - Fall 2013 page 9

Our Achievers and Champions in the Community by Rosa Inciong-Reyes MD How does one measure success? It can be perceived in these low-income Filipinos formed the association and many different ways and levels. Only oneself can decide ex- successfully negotiated to buy from a local bank for actly what it means. Upon interviewing a group of people in P250 per month small parcels of land on which they have built or could build their homes. The mission was our FAAI community lately, I have gathered a set of different in cooperation with 2 Filipino churches and a Fil-Am successes from people of different ages and different inter- group in the U.S. Jade encouraged voluntary donations ests. Some of them have gone beyond the boundaries of our of canned goods and cash instead of concert pay- state and even back to the Philippines, to which I am very ment. Abundance in generosity of the audience permit- proud of. Congratulations to our Achievers, our Champions ted them to distribute bags of food to about 43 families and thank you for all you do! and start a garden project within the community. Her mission of inspiring the youth to be bold in serving the

Lord and sharing your talents will continue on. William T. Glazier, son of Dr. John & Ofe Obias Glazier, was recognized as the First Ever “Emergency Medical Re- Charles Wandag was invited to be a Guest Speaker at sponder of the Month” at the University of San Francisco for the Honors House at Finger Lakes Community College demonstrating exceptional leadership to the USF EMR ser- in Canandaigua, NY last September to talk about his art vice. He was a US Army Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regi- st and music. His presentation culminated with a little ment, 1 Battalion as Special Operations Combat Medic, and workshop about how to play gongs and dance to its mu- was deployed twice: Iraq in 2010 and Afghanistan in 2011. sic. He opened an exhibit of his art the next day at the He is in the Dean’s Honor Roll list, serves as VP and team Culture Shack Art Gallery in New York that showcased leader for the squad, conducts exceptional CPR and First Aid his creations for two months. Last December, as the training classes and has been well commended for his bril- Visiting Artist brought by the Art Department of Way- liant teaching abilities and organizational skills. Way to go, land-Cohocton School District in Upstate New York, he Bill! shared his work with more than 600 students and staff. July was spent travelling to 3 different states in the East Richelle Manuel, daughter of Marlene & Ruel Manuel, qual- Coast to give workshops on Kalinga Traditional music ified for the Tournament of Champions for Public Forum De- and exhibit his recent works. From photography to bate. She is the Debate Captain and the first Ankeny Centen- painting, to music and performing arts, there are no nial High School student to double qualify in IHSSA All- boundaries to his creativity! State tournament for Acting and Expository. Last July, she participated in the Rotary Club sponsored Youth Leadership Dr. Bobby Borromeo and son, Jude participated in the Conference in Wartburg College. Walking Stations of the Cross this past Lenten season and were featured in the Des Moines Register while car- Jolene Gamez, daughter of Freddie & Debbie Gamez, is dnc- rying the cross. ing as a Doll and one of the Arabian dancers in the Nutcrack- er on Dec. 7-8 at the Civic Center. She has been taking ballet Al Snyder, our President has been reelected as Grand lessons for 8 yrs and is a student of Pointe Academy. Knight of Council 644 Basilica of Saint John. His council has won the “Double Star Council Award” for 2012- Danielle Reyes, daughter of Drs. Ramon & Rosa Reyes rep- 2013. resents Polk County at the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council and belongs to the Education Committee. She was at th Alma Agunod-Reed was elected as Assistant Treasurer the State Capitol again last September 26 to attend their of the NaFFAA Illinois chapter during the regional con- quarterly meeting. This summer, she was at the National ference in Ohio last month. She continues to make waves High School Institute for Debate at the Northwestern Univer- for the FAAI. sity in Evanston, Illinois. She was awarded the “Most Ag- gressive Novice Debater” of the Valley Debate team and was Jimenez McGonigal continues to make us proud in the invited to compete at the St. Mark’s debate competition in athletic field. She won 2nd place at the Elite Division of Dallas, TX in October. IA Games in DSM, 1st place in her age group at the Cy- Man Triathlon in Bondurant, 1st place women’s overall Jade Miller, daughter of Chip & Daffy Miller, had a piano in the Hubbard 5K run. She placed 10th in her age group concert in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental to benefit the during the HyVee Triathlon and represented Iowa at the Purity Housing Association residents. It was called Keys for USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Cans. Instead of illegally squatting on other people’s lands, Milwaukee, WI. (Turn to page 5) 9 10Filipino -American Association of Iowa Editorial Staff and Contributors OFFICERS Editor-in-Chief -Aireen N. Snyder

Managing Editor– Tonee Sinsay-Carpio President……………Al Snyder Contributors Eugene Matibag Vice President……….Joy Stachura Linda Hurley , Rosa Inciong-Reyes, Dory Taylor Secretary……………..Dory Taylor Lawrence Anthony , Vilma Thorn & Al Snyder Treasurer……………..Jim Foster *The editor reserves the right to publish or not to Business Manager…. Rosa Inciong-Reyes publish an article/s submitted and to edit

Questions or Comments? Call Al Snyder at (515) 240-7856

Aireen Snyder, Editor 4027 Dean Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50317