Where to Volunteer in Ames This Festive Season

December 13, 2024

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In Today’s All About Ames Issue…

🗓️ Calendar of Events

🐕 Dog of the Day

⚡️Spark for the Day

Make a Difference: Where to Volunteer in Ames

The holiday season is a time for giving back, and Ames offers plenty of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re passionate about animal welfare, fighting hunger, or supporting mental health, there’s a place for you to lend a hand. Check out these local organizations ready for your support this season:

Ames Animal Shelter
📍 325 Billy Sunday Rd, Ames, IA
📞 515-239-5530
🌐 cityofames.org

Bailing Out Benji
📍 PO Box 203, Ames, IA
📧 [email protected]
🌐 bailingoutbenji.com

Food at First
📍 611 Clark Ave, West Entrance, Ames, IA
📞 515-344-HELP (4357)
🌐 foodatfirst.com

Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa
📍 3504 Grand Ave, Ames, IA
📞 515-232-8815
🌐 hfhci.org

NAMI Central Iowa
📍 424 5th St, Ames, IA
📞 515-292-9400
🌐 namicentraliowa.org

United Way of Story County
📍 315 Clark Ave, Ames, IA
📞 515-268-5142
🌐 uwstory.org

Each of these organizations provides unique ways to contribute. Contact them directly to learn how you can help this holiday season. Let's make a difference together!

StuGov Semester Recap: $159K in Funding, Concert Plans Stalled

Iowa State’s Student Government allocated $159,755.95 this semester to fund campus organizations and initiatives. Notable expenditures included $19,494.62 for the Big XII Conference, $5,187.56 for a parking ticket relief program, and $99,512 for student engagement.

Key programs launched include the food insecurity task force and “Message to the Mayor.” However, no progress was made on free campus concerts, a campaign goal of President Martin Hursh.

The Senate resumes Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Union.

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ISU Spring Theatre: Spelling Bee, Shakespeare, and Student Showcases

ISU Theatre’s spring lineup includes three diverse productions:

  • The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (March 6-9): A comedic musical with audience participation, directed by renowned vocal coach Mary Jo DuPrey.

  • Fixing Troilus and Cressida (April 17-29): A modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s Trojan War tale, led by Assistant Professor Cason Murphy.

  • Student Fringe Festival (May 2-4): A showcase of student-created works, from short plays to musical theater reviews.

Student admission is free; tickets for the public are available at Stephens Auditorium or Ticketmaster.

ISU Advertising Students Collaborate with Italian Client

Iowa State advertising students presented semester-long projects for Italian resort Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo. Two teams, Golden Heritage Agency and Global Summit Agency, developed integrated marketing plans after extensive research and collaboration despite time zone challenges.

The client praised the students' professionalism and insights into Italian customer behavior, while faculty highlighted the value of real-world, international experience. Dean Benjamin Withers commended the students' dedication and the faculty's efforts in securing such unique opportunities. Both teams expressed pride in their work and enjoyed the rewarding experience of working with a global client.

K-Pop Club Community at Iowa State

Iowa State's K-pop Club offers more than just a love for music—it’s a space for connection, self-expression, and belonging. President Elizabeth Schmidt revived the club to ensure students could find the same camaraderie she experienced during the pandemic.

For members like Faith Nguyen and Hannah Lynch, K-pop represents visibility, creativity, and a shared passion. The club hosts weekly activities, from dance meetups to photocard decorating, fostering an inclusive environment for all. With plans to expand through events like ISU After Dark, the club invites everyone to join and experience the unifying power of music.

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Dynamic Duo: The Frost Twins Elevate Iowa State Wrestling

Evan and Jacob Frost, identical twins from Louisiana, have become standout figures in Iowa State wrestling. Introduced to the sport by their older brother and mother, they’ve grown from high school champions to key players on the Cyclone roster. The twins wrestle in different weight classes—Evan at 133 and Jacob at 141—but share an inseparable bond on and off the mat.

After flipping their commitment from Columbia to Iowa State for its renowned mechanical engineering program, the Frosts have thrived academically and athletically. Both secured starting lineup spots this season, marking a historic first for identical twins in Iowa State wrestling. Their journey exemplifies dedication, teamwork, and a relentless drive to succeed together.

Cyclones Rally Late to Defeat Rival Hawkeyes

No. 3 Iowa State pulled off a thrilling comeback to defeat in-state rival Iowa, 89-80, in their first road test of the season. The Cyclones overcame a 13-point deficit as the Hawkeyes dominated early, shooting 53.8% from beyond the arc in the first half.

Led by Curtis Jones' 23 points and Joshua Jefferson's 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, Iowa State turned the tide in the second half. A 7-0 run tied the game, and Jones’ clutch three-pointer with under two minutes sealed the victory. The Cyclones outscored Iowa 20-8 in the final six minutes, silencing the Carver-Hawkeye crowd.

Cyclones Gear Up for Cy-Hawk Swim Meet

The Iowa State swimming and diving team heads to Iowa City for the Cy-Hawk rivalry meet on Friday. Both teams enter the matchup with 2-1 records, following their performances at the Hawkeye Invitational.

Iowa State had standout showings from senior Madi Dohrn in the 200 backstroke and junior divers Ally Blumenfeld and Kate Mitchell. Iowa, however, holds a 28-12 all-time edge in the series and boasts recent wins over Northern Iowa and Nebraska.

The meet begins at 6 p.m., with diving expected to play a pivotal role in Iowa State’s chances of securing a victory.

Explore the stories that shape Ames—from local businesses to historic landmarks and everyday people making an impact. "Traction Stories" highlights what makes our town unique, celebrating its past and present.

David Spalding: Driving Innovation at Iowa State University

Iowa State University (ISU) was recently named the #1 Entrepreneurial University of the Year for the Americas by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities. At the forefront of this achievement is David P. Spalding, Dean of the Ivy College of Business and Interim Vice President for Economic Development and Industry Relations.

Under Spalding’s leadership, Ivy College’s enrollment has grown by 33%, and the university has launched innovative programs tailored to industry needs. His commitment to entrepreneurship has helped ISU earn national and international accolades, including the Nasdaq Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.

Spalding's initiatives extend beyond academics, fostering economic growth through ISU’s Research Park, Small Business Development Center, and Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. These efforts have generated billions in economic impact, reinforcing ISU’s reputation as a global leader in innovation.

Want to feature your local business and reach thousands of Ames area residents in the next issue of All About Ames? Send us an email here.

Ames Police Department - Arrests between 12/08/2024 06:05AM and 12/12/2024 06:05AM

Download Full Report Here

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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

Girl Scout Movie Premiere: Moana 2 (Ames) | Cinemark Ames Movies 12 | 10:00 am

Conversation Circles: French | Ames Public Library | 3:00 pm

Study Space | Ames Public Library | 9:00 am

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

Ames, IA Recently Sold Properties

308 N Russell Ave, Ames, IA 50010 (Oak-Riverside). 4 Beds, 3 Baths. $241,500. Last Sold: December 12, 2024.

3604 Grand Ave, Ames, IA 50010. 4 Beds, 3 Baths. $430,000. Last Sold: December 11, 2024.

3206 Aspen Rd, Ames, IA 50014 (Northridge). 4 Beds, 4 Baths. $455,000. Last Sold: December 10, 2024.

Ames, IA Available Properties For Sale

609 Ridgewood Ave Ames, IA 50010Brookside (3 Beds, 2 Baths); $255,000

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

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

Introducing Milo, a cheerful 2-year-old Australian Shepherd who loves running through open fields and solving puzzle toys. Milo enjoys agility training, playing with his favorite ball, and spending time with his family. His smart and energetic nature makes him an incredible companion. Celebrate Milo 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!

Today’s Affirmation

"Today, I celebrate my achievements and embrace the possibilities ahead. I am strong, fearless, and ready to enjoy the fruits of my labor."

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Highlight Your Local Business!

Want to feature your local business and reach thousands of Ames area residents in the next issue of All About Ames? Apply here. Not a business owner, but have a favorite local business? Share it with us – send us an email at [email protected]

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