In Today’s All About Ames Issue…

📰 Coping with Finals: Iowa State's Mental Health Resources

🕊️ In Loving Memory - Victoria "Vicki" Harker

🏅 Kurtis Brondyke Promoted to Associate Head Coach at Iowa State

🗓️ Calendar of Events

👮‍♂️ Ames Police Department

🏡 Real Estate Update

🐕 Dog of the Day

⚡️Spark for the Day

The Nutcracker Ballet Returns to Stephens Auditorium

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker Ballet on Dec. 14 (1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 15 (1 p.m.) at Stephens Auditorium. This beloved holiday tradition, featuring over 150 local dancers and professional stars Tanya Trombly and Mauricio Vera, brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life. Don’t miss the enchanting tale of a young girl, a heroic prince, and their fantastical dream.

Winter Wonderscape: A Holiday Light Show

Explore the enchanting Winter Wonderscape at the 17-acre outdoor gardens, featuring vibrant light installations like colorful tunnels, laser-lit disco balls, a mushroom forest, and dancing light strands. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in December, including Dec. 23. Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online—an unmissable holiday tradition in central Iowa!

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Study @ the Museum: A Unique Finals Prep Spot

Tired of typical study spaces? The Christian Petersen Art Museum (1017 Morrill Hall) offers extended study hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Thursday. Enjoy a calming, creative environment with activities like coloring pages and curated playlists. This initiative combines academics and the arts to inspire focused study time. No RSVP needed—just take the stairs or elevator to the first floor of Morrill Hall.

Coping with Finals: Iowa State's Mental Health Resources

With finals week approaching, Iowa State offers various resources to help students manage the challenges of academic stress and mental well-being. The Student Counseling Services provides individual and group counseling, telecounseling, and access to the Therapy Assistance Online program. The Academic Success Center offers academic coaching, while the Exam Accommodations Center ensures personalized support for students. Parks Library will extend its hours to operate 24/7 from Dec. 16 to 19, creating a distraction-free study environment, and will also host "Barks@Parks," where students can destress with therapy dogs during prep week. Additionally, Cy’s Finals Frenzy returns with three days of activities designed to help students unwind and balance their preparation for exams. These resources are readily accessible, encouraging students to prioritize their well-being alongside academic success

Victoria "Vicki" Harker
(1948-2024)

Kurtis Brondyke Promoted to Associate Head Coach at Iowa State

Iowa State’s Jeremy Sudbury has promoted Kurtis Brondyke to Associate Head Coach after three years of exceptional leadership. Since joining in 2022, Brondyke has elevated the program, coaching athletes to NCAA and Big 12 titles, five All-America honors, and 27 All-Big 12 placements.

Notable achievements under his guidance include Sydney Willits' NCAA indoor long jump title and Rachel Joseph’s multiple school records and Olympic Trials qualifications. Brondyke's dedication and coaching expertise have set new standards for the Cyclones' track and field program.

Cyclones Dominate Big 12 Weekly Awards

Iowa State’s Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson swept the Big 12 men’s basketball weekly honors following a standout 2-0 week.

Gilbert, named Big 12 Player of the Week, averaged 20.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. He led the Cyclones with 24 points and seven assists in a victory over No. 5 Marquette and added 16 points in a blowout against Jackson State.

Jefferson earned Newcomer of the Week with back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 12.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. He contributed 15 points and 12 boards against Marquette and followed with a 10-point, 13-rebound performance versus Jackson State.

No. 3 Iowa State next faces the Hawkeyes in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series on Thursday.

Sanele Masondo Named Cyclone Club Athlete of the Week

Sanele Masondo earned Cyclone Club Athlete of the Week honors after a stellar showing at the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener. Masondo shattered his personal best in the 5000m by over 13 seconds, clocking 13:20.30—the second-fastest time in Iowa State history.

The Cyclones will host the ISU Holiday Invite at Lied Recreation on Dec. 13-14.

Thursday, December 12th

Ames Human Relations Commission Meeting | Ames City Hall | Thu Dec 12 5:30

Friday, December 13th

Luminary Walk | McFarland Park | 6:00 pm

The Nutcracker | Stephens Auditorium | 6:00 pm

Buckmiller Schwagger | Della Viti | 8:00 pm

Saturday, December 14th

Co-op Winter Kickoff Party | Wheatsfield Co-op | 10:00 am

Wreaths Across America | Ames Municipal Cemetery | 11:00 am

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

4103 Ontario St, Ames, IA 50014. 3 Beds, 2 Baths. $155,000. Last Sold: December 6, 2024.

1203 Maxwell Ave, Ames, IA 50010 (Sunrise Addition). 2 Beds, 1 Bath. $153,500. Last Sold: December 6, 2024.

1013 Yuma Ave, Ames, IA 50014. 4 Beds, 2 Baths. $245,000. Last Sold: December 6, 2024.

Ames, IA Available Properties For Sale

2817 Roxboro Dr Ames, IA 50010 (3 Beds, 3 Baths); $355,000

4207 Harris St Ames, IA 50014 (4 Beds, 2 Baths); $270,000

3970 N Dakota Ave Ames, IA 50014 (3 Beds, 2 Baths); $750,000

Meet Rosie, a delightful 1-year-old Dachshund who loves digging in the yard and playing with her favorite chew toys. Rosie enjoys exploring new places, curling up in cozy blankets, and showering her family with affection. Her curious and playful nature makes her a joy to have around. Celebrate Rosie today!

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

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