River Bend Neighborhood

Rowers and crew fans from all over the country will converge on the River Bend Neighborhood this weekend for the Head of the Des Moines Regatta, hosted by the Des Moines Rowing Club. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the regatta, slated for Saturday, September 27. The event runs all day, from 8:30 am - 5 pm.

Races on the Des Moines River run between Prospect Park (entrance on north side of Hickman Road, around 1100 block), and and the Botanical Center downtown. A map of the course is here. More than fifty races will be rowed throughout the day.

Admission is free for all spectators, and there will be children’s activities in addition to the races. Live music will be provided by local favorite, Mr. Babers’ Neighbors.

The Des Moines Rowing Club (DMRC) was founded in 1983 and hosted its first regatta that year. It now consists of around 200 members and draws participants from throughout central Iowa. The club boasts several River Bend residents among its membership, including Julia Martinusen and novice rower Jacob Lewin.

6^th Avenue Revitalization Planning Meeting
Monday, July 21, 2008 at 7:00pm
Salvation Army Building, 1330 6^th Ave

Please plan to attend this meeting to learn about plans for the 6^th Avenue commercial corridor and to provide input for its improvement.  Citizens’ and business owners’ suggestions will be incorporated into vision for a revitalized 6^th Avenue and a concrete plan for its improvement.

It’s imperative that a cross-section of the local community is present to ensure that all voices and perspectives are heard.  We need to show the City that we are committed and ready to improve the safety, aesthetics, and investment potential of River Bend’s commercial center.

In addition, the River Bend Neighborhood Association will also be sponsoring an ice cream social at the meeting.  We hope you can make it!

If you have questions, please contact one of the meeting organizers:
Aaron Todd  515.720.1765
Brian Douglas  515.708.1189
Jeanne Johnson  515.883.2940

No, those aren’t unidentified flying objects; they’re juggling clubs whizzing past the head of six year-old Catherine Lewin. On an unseasonably warm November morning, we spied veteran juggler Bill Petsche (right in photo) and his son, Jack, practicing their 2-man juggling routine. When we asked whether we could take their picture for the neighborhood blog, Bill agreed, on the condition that Catherine would “volunteer” to be part of the photo. To my great relief, Catherine stood stock still, and Jack and Bill struck up a flawless throw-and-catch rhythm.

Woodchucks are becoming a common sight in the River Bend Neighorhood.

This woodchuck was sighted in the 1300 block of 8th Street.

Diana Rezac and Lori Helleso have planned a River Bend Neighborhood Barbecue and Potluck for October 8th, before the regular neighborhood meeting. Come meet your neighbors and share in the food!

Monday, October 8, 2007
5:30 Social time
6:00 Potluck
7:00 Neighborhood Meeting

Location:

Salvation Amy Building (Map)
1330 6th Avenue
North Door

The Friends of the Forest Avenue Library are holding a garage and book sale Saturday, September 8, to clear out extras from their recent remodeling. The garage is accessible from 13th Street Place and will be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Featured items include:
Lots of oak chairs
Small tables
Oak book bins
Glass display case
MANY children’s books

Many items are reasonably priced and could make a good addition to any college dorm room or help expand a child’s home library.

Rower Jill Emmert informs us that the 24th Annual Head of the Des Moines Regatta, one of the oldest rowing competitions in the Midwest, is coming up September 29.

Hosted by the Des Moines Rowing Club, more than 600 competitors will compete in 60 races along the Des Moines River. The three-mile course runs from the Botanical Center up to Prospect Park.

Club, high school and university-level teams from all around the Midwest will race in eight-person shells (special rowing boats), four-person shells, doubles, pairs and singles.

Watch the fast finishes from the shore of Prospect Park or cheer the rowers along the bike trail near Birdland Marina.

Races run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on this free event or to learn more about the Des Moines Rowing Club, visit www.desmoinesrowing.org .