⚡️Spark for the Day

Embrace each moment with thankfulness and recognize the beauty in life's simple blessings. Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

💭TRIVIA CORNER

Question: What prominent institution was established in Ames in 1870 and is now known as Iowa State University?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

What is Flag Day? The Annual Commemoration Falls on Friday

Flag Day, observed on June 14, marks the anniversary of the Continental Congress's adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777. The original flag featured 13 stars and 13 stripes, representing the 13 colonies. The day commemorates this significant historical event and highlights the flag's evolution over time.

The origins of Flag Day observance are debated, with several states claiming to have initiated the tradition. New York's 1889 observance is the most recognized, where a principal organized a school ceremony. Flag Day became a national observance in 1949 when President Harry Truman signed it into law.

Today, the U.S. flag, which now has 50 stars representing the states and 13 stripes for the original colonies, flies over all public buildings. Flag Day is not a federal holiday but is celebrated with parades, essay contests, and various ceremonies across the country.

The Legacy of William T. Kerr, a Pittsburgh Native and ‘Father of Flag Day’

William T. Kerr, known as the "Father of Flag Day," was instrumental in making Flag Day a national holiday. Born in Pittsburgh, Kerr passionately lobbied politicians and presidents for this cause. His efforts culminated in 1949 when he stood beside President Truman as Flag Day was officially designated.

Kerr founded the American Flag Day Association and served as its president for 50 years. He dedicated his life to promoting patriotism and the significance of the American flag. The Heinz History Center will honor Kerr's legacy with a flag-folding ceremony on the 75th anniversary of Flag Day, part of The Civic Season initiative to engage young Americans in civics and history.

Kerr's dedication to spreading patriotic pride through the flag remains a significant part of American history, with his efforts ensuring the flag serves as a symbol of unity and national pride.

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Board of Regents Approving $50K-a-Year Rental Agreement Between McFarland and CYTown.

The Iowa Board of Regents has approved a 30-year lease agreement between Iowa State University and McFarland Clinic for a new facility in CYTown. The clinic will occupy 30,000 square feet between Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum, with an initial annual rent of $50,000, increasing by $5,000 each year.

McFarland Clinic, the first tenant of CYTown, will fund the construction of the facility, which Iowa State will own and lease back to McFarland. The clinic will offer various medical services, benefiting ISU athletes, students, and staff with enhanced access to healthcare.

CYTown is a 40-acre development project that includes retail, residential, office, and medical spaces. The first construction phase is expected to be completed by August 2025. McFarland Clinic’s new multi-level facility will anchor the development.

Additionally, the Board of Regents authorized Iowa State to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Ames. This MOU establishes a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) system, where a portion of the revenue from CYTown will fund renovations of the Iowa State Center buildings. The city and university see this as an innovative financing method.

There have been concerns about the agreement potentially violating Iowa Code Chapter 23A, which restricts state agencies from offering services that private enterprises also provide. However, the Board of Regents is confident that CYTown operates within legal boundaries after consulting with legal counsel.

Iowa State University

Did you know that on campus, many buildings are named in honor of sorority and fraternity alumni? One such example is the Marvin J. Walter and Alpha Gamma Rho Arena within the Hansen Agriculture Building, named after Marvin J. Walter, an Iowa State University alumnus and member of Alpha Gamma Rho. Walter graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1962 and a master's degree in the same field in 1964. Alongside his business partner, he has successfully launched 18 new business ventures from the ground up. His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including Iowa Small Business Person of the Year, Iowa Innovation Advocate from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Iowa Supporter of Entrepreneurship of the Year from Ernst & Young and Inc. magazine. Walter is also a recipient of the National Cattlemen's Association Vision Award and the Angus Award from the National Association of Meat Purveyors. He holds a place in the Iowa Cattlemen's Association Hall of Fame and the National Association of Meat Purveyors Hall of Fame.

June 14th (Friday)

Softball: Ankeny vs Ames (Level 5)9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Ames High Baseball & Softball

Baseball: Roland-Story vs Ames (Level 5)10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Brookside Park - Ames

Baseball: Indianola vs Ames (Level 3)10:00 AM - 2:00 PMAmes High Baseball & Softball

Softball: Ankeny vs Ames (Level 5)11:00 AM - 1:00 PMAmes High Baseball & Softball

Baseball: Roland-Story vs Ames (Level 5)12:00 PM - 2:00 PMBrookside Park - Ames

Iowa State Women's Basketball

We’re Back!!!

David Carr received his third Iowa State Male Athlete of the Year honor, while Kaimele Willits was named the Celia Barquin Arozamena Female Athlete of the Year.

Ames vs DM Roosevelt high School baseball in Ames

Ames’ Tobias Martinez (25) hits the ball for a single against Des Moines Roosevelt during the fifth inning in the first game of a doubleheader at Ames Baseball Complex on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.

Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune

Ames’ first baseman Jameson Webber (9) catches the ball as Des Moines Roosevelt's Gus Christensen (9) safely reaches the first base after hitting the ball during the seven inning in the first game of a doubleheader at Ames Baseball Complex on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.

Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune

Iowa State Wrestling Welcomes Christian Carroll

Iowa State head wrestling coach Kevin Dresser announced the addition of Christian Carroll, the No. 2 pound-for-pound wrestler in the class of 2023 by MatScouts. Carroll, a transfer from Oklahoma State who redshirted in 2023-24, will have four years of eligibility. Carroll, known for his high-energy wrestling style, will begin training with Iowa State this summer.

Carroll competed at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and placed third in the 92 kg bracket at U23 Nationals. He has Freestyle wins over multiple-time NCAA All-Americans and has been a national champion in both U20 Freestyle and U.S. Open. As a high school athlete from Elkhart, Indiana, Carroll was a two-time Super 32 champ and Indiana Class 2A state champion. He is projected to compete at 197 pounds for the Cyclones.

Ames on the Half Shell prepares for the 2024 season

Ames on the Half Shell, hosted by the Ames Jaycees, is back for 2024. Enjoy Friday concerts from 5-8 p.m. in June at Durham Bandshell Park (Corner of Duff Avenue and Sixth Street). There's a $5 cover charge supporting local projects. Each concert partners with a nonprofit, and food trucks offer refreshments for purchase. More info at amesjaycees.com.

Upcoming June Events at Ames on the Half Shell 2024 Schedule

• June 14: Burnin’ Sensations. All Aboard for Kids is the community partner. Sandwich Studio and Smokin’ Big Dawgs are the food trucks.

• June 21: Kinda Petty. The community partner is Bailing Out Benji. Food trucks are Hungry Boys Taqueria and Smokin’ Big Dawgs.

• June 28: Stranger Than Fiction. Friendship Ark is the community partner. Carlos Quesadillas and Sandwich Studio are the food trucks.

Ames Municipal Band guest soloists for 2024

• June 20: Ames City Council Night. Narrator, Simon Estes.

• June 27: Vocal soloist Dean Landhuis.

• July 4: Patriotic Concert and Veterans’ Recognition. Vocal soloist Aaron Lott.

• July 11: Vocal soloist Katharine Hensley.

• July 18: Vocal soloist Chad Sonka.

• July 25: Featuring the 1812 Overture. Vocal soloist Sophia Pike.

A summertime tradition continues

Roosevelt Summer Sundays, celebrating its 21st season, offers free outdoor concerts at Roosevelt Park from June to August at 7 p.m. The park, formerly Roosevelt Elementary School's playground, hosts the events organized by Friends of Roosevelt Park. Attendees can bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, but alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products are prohibited. Diego's Paletas will provide frozen treats. In case of rain, concerts move to The Annex at 130 S. Sheldon, with updates posted on the event's Facebook page by 5:30 p.m. Address: Corner of Ninth Street and Roosevelt Avenue. More details at summersundays.org.

Roosevelt Summer Sundays lineup 2004

• June 16: Vinyl Vagabonds, R&B/roots/soul

• June 23: Ducharme-Jones Band, Americana/roots

• June 30: The Get Down-DSM, soul/jazz/funk

• July 7: Avey Grouws Band, blues/rock/soul

• July 14: Buckmiller | Schwager Band, blues

• July 21: NOLA Jazz Band, New Orleans jazz

• July 28: Eleven Moons, psych rock

• Aug. 4: Brother Trucker, Americana/roots/rock

• Aug. 11: The Cherrypickers, 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s

• Aug. 18: Haymakers, bluegrass/country

• Aug. 25: Southbound, A Tribute To The Allman Brothers Band

Ready to showcase your property to potential buyers? Share your upcoming open house details with us at [email protected] and we'll help spread the word in our newsletter!

Ames, IA Recently Sold Properties

221 16th St Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $246,135; Date Sold: June 13, 2024

2601 White Oak Dr Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $385,000; Date Sold: June 13, 2024

2200 Hamilton Dr #208 Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $200,000; Date Sold: June 13, 2024

717 7th St Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $325,000; Date Sold: June 13, 2024

2836 Torrey Pines Rd Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $537,000; Date Sold: June 12, 2024

3607 Fletcher Blvd Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $474,900; Date Sold: June 11, 2024

2832 Weston Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $500,000; Date Sold: June 11, 2024

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Lutheran Church of Hope Events

Summer HopeKids - Sunday, June 16, 23 & 30 | 9:30 am | Ames City Auditorium | City Hall Gymnasium

Christ Community Church Events

Summer FM 2024 - June 12, 19 & 26, 2024 | 6pm – 8pm (CDT) | Christ Community Church Ames 5501 George Washington Carver Ave. Ames, IA 50010

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Ames, IA in the coming week. Outdoor events may be subject to change due to weather.

June 14th (Friday)

AMES ON THE HALF SHELL: BURNIN’ SENSATIONS Bandshell Park. 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

MIDDLE SATTRE / EXTRAVISION @ ALLUVIAL Alluvial Brewing. 7:00 pm

June 15th (Friday)

JUNETEENTH Bandshell Park. 12:30 pm - 5:00pm

AMES MAIN STREET FARMERS’ MARKET Downtown Ames. 8:00 am - 12:30 pm

PET WELLNESS EVENT Treats on a Leash. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

IOWA ROSE SOCIETY’S ANNUAL ROSE SHOW Reiman Gardens. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

LIVE @ THE RAILYARD WITH FRED LOVE & THE BAKERSFIELD BRAWL Cornbred BBQ. 7:00 pm

Say hello to Rocky, a lively 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who is always up for an adventure. Rocky enjoys digging in the garden, chasing after squirrels, and playing fetch with his favorite ball. His boundless energy and cheerful spirit make him a beloved companion.

Let's hear it for Rocky!

If you have a canine companion who deserves a moment in the spotlight, don't hesitate to reach out to us at allaboutames.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

Today’s Affirmation

"Today, I affirm that I am grateful for all that I have and all that is yet to come. I choose to see the positive in every situation and appreciate the journey I am on."

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Densmore Insurance Strategies, Inc. Bondurant, IA

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All About Ames - Be Part of Our Story

The Answer to the Trivia Corner Question  👇👇👇

Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm was established in Ames in 1870. It was founded as a Land-Grant College under the Morrill Act of 1862, aimed at promoting agricultural and mechanical education. Over the years, it expanded its academic offerings and research initiatives, eventually evolving into Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU), a renowned public research university with a diverse student body and extensive academic programs. Today, ISU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping education, research, and innovation in Iowa and beyond.