׉?4ׁB!בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://mcv8Jn297SKtCLO3fCzvnuDiLnSPQ8y1XikD8g0gYbQq`׉ 7cassandra://bMzGLrHUBBxo4i6wpf0aTeq3Cwtnl5L3XIsTB6FF4RMe[`s׉ 7cassandra://Gn2JPcJzrdcmXuVRwFREyDQERG18KbFXldt-LBQMots'`f4Gט(u׈ҷf׈Ef4׉EApril 2024 THIS EDITION OF URBAN EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE IS SPONSORED BY: Roman Banks as ‘MJ’ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour. Photo by: Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade 1 ׉ 7cassandra://Gn2JPcJzrdcmXuVRwFREyDQERG18KbFXldt-LBQMots'`f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://LXL6gT-zssCSyKAYEAAX3DvydjrPYOKsSwxUf2jV03Y`iq׉ 7cassandra://vfxh5Xh_X90fVSsSZziVzOH7-_6GQo7c7I1KBb8dwyAR`׉ 7cassandra://bpnYR7vDCrJZ46_hLmTfN-09JdH8U-69zW6aDfe_9osB`f4Jנf4M؁T 9ׁHhttp://LosRos.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EWRITERS & STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Donnetta Austin Debra Carr Courageous Fire Celeste Lawson Gary Lawson Caleb Thomas Lenore Metrick-Chen Gianni Berry Editor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley Creative Director Nikki Goldman LosRos Graphix LosRos.com Bert Moody Lori Young MAGAZINE OUTLETS Ankeny Kirkendall Library 1250 SW District Drive Ankeny, Iowa 50023 Altoona Public Library 700 Eighth Street SW Altoona, Iowa 50009 Central Library 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 DMACC Urban Campus 1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314 Eastside Library 2559 Hubbell Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50317 Evelyn Davis Center 801 Suite #3, University Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Forest Library 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 Franklin Library 5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50310 Johnston Library 6700 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, Iowa 50131 Northside Library 3516 5th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Neighborhood Finance 4908 Franklin Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50310 Senior Polk County 2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Slow Down Coffee Co. 3613 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Southside Library 1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50315 The Playhouse 831 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 The Zone of Comfort - Life Balance Center 3829 71st Street B-1, Urbandale, Iowa 50322 Urbandale Public Library 3520 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322 West Des Moines Library 4000 Mills Clive Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa 50365 Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home 3500 6th Avenue Des Moines. Iowa 50313 ׉ 7cassandra://bpnYR7vDCrJZ46_hLmTfN-09JdH8U-69zW6aDfe_9osB`f4׉EISUMMARY 4 EDITORS MESSAGE 6 SPRING FORWARD 10 GODS UNCHANGING HAND 12 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 16 THE POWER & PURPOSE OF FAITH IN THE FIRE 7 12 37 *PHOTO CREDIT FOR STOCK PHOTOS THROUGHOUT THE PUBLICATION - PEXELS AND FREEPIK 3 22 WALK THIS WAY - OR ANY WAY TO BETTER HEALTH 36 ALZHEIMER'S REPORT 38 WHAT'S LEADING WOMEN TO THE POLLS f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://9T33Ft9Bf8puZff0r49NrEETBapoIFi3e8ArJqd16VY `iq׉ 7cassandra://624jkGyOvwD2aeWaRJLtW8SQSIXXUzoMB5Xm3n8l-0k=`׉ 7cassandra://BT4Kf8p4iLVQIhqMwT3YUBPaGuJAOwiNqr1PTt8aJ54Y`f4N׉EqGET THE URBAN EXPERIENCE I’ve mentioned this before, but I have a fascination with the Queen of England. Her life story intrigues me, and I couldn’t imagine taking over a country at the age of 25. I could only imagine the stress of life she dealt with while having to follow the traditions of the monarch. I’ve watched The Crown on Netflix three times now, and I decided to watch The Queen. We won’t talk about the fact this movie came out approximately 13 years ago, and I’m just watching. The movie highlights the death of Princess Diana and how Tony Blair (Prime Minister at the time) and the Queen handled this event. While watching this movie I was moved by the lives that Princess Diana touched, and many didn’t know her in a personal way. It wasn’t like she had connections to the millions who mourned her death, but there was something about her that made everyone feel like they knew her. While watching the movie I was reminded by what Maya Angelou stated, “People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” There is something powerful about that statement. The way in which you made someone feel. When someone makes us feel something it’s normally a feeling that we never forget because it makes an imprint on our heart. I realized while watching the movie that many felt they could relate to Princess Diana. She made statements while conducting interviews that made her relatable to people. She seemed to be truthful in her speech and I believe this is what gave her the title of the People’s Princess. I was challenged by this movie to make sure I’m making people feel a certain way. I must be truthful in my speech, take the time to listen to others, volunteer and help when I can and in some small way make a difference in this world. People want to know that someone will stand up for them and while watching the movie I saw the idea of this being displayed. I didn’t plan to reflect on a 13-year-old movie, but I hope you take the time to look at your life and think, was there someone who made you feel a certain way by doing, saying, or speaking up ׉ 7cassandra://BT4Kf8p4iLVQIhqMwT3YUBPaGuJAOwiNqr1PTt8aJ54Y`f4׉Eat something that you connected with. How do you treat others? I know we are living in some interesting times but think of the direction we could move the world if we thought about how we treated others. How we treat others matters, the way we interact with other matters. Take time to know others and learn who they are before you blast them on social media because of their actions. I will do my very best to call you in before I call you out. Life is short, which is evident by the movie. I encourage you to make an impact on the lives of others and remember people want to know that you care and that you will be there for them. Blessings, Dwana Bradley 5 f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://PeYA3qzXhz6Y5mtc1sqfa4Ho3G3AzX5MbtNmK9zeL34`iq׉ 7cassandra://U4fKxgFXRmeiF9ac0dG21GzpXPIj4q7GEnP69eS9Egoӯ`׉ 7cassandra://J_6DkMz5CNEJdpEgBMgqUj7oepggxGTId_QguzfnwnkC`f4Q׉E SPRING FORWARD Mental Health: Written by: Caleb Thomas, M.A. LMHC Happy April to our Urban Experience Readers! Can you believe we have passed the first quarter of the year? I am so excited to be a part of this great team that helps provide such powerful and informative information to the community. I want to give a “Great Big Shout Out” to Dwana for receiving the prestigious award as Runner-up in this year’s 2024 FuseDSM award. It has been a blessing to write for this magazine and I want to thank all the contributors, we are a team which makes The Urban Experience magazine a success. Most importantly, there would not be a magazine if there were no readers, so I want to personally thank all of you who read the magazine. Please continue to like and share this magazine with your friends, family, employers, and co-workers. We can also take delight in daylight savings time, it’s nice to see sunlight past 5pm. I think we all can use a little more sunlight; it does wonders for our mental health. That little bit of extra sunlight gives us a boost. We look and feel better, we tend to look through lenses that help us take stock of what our true meaning and purpose in life is all about. In this magazine we cover important and relevant topics to help our readers become “the best you”, God has created you to be. The first key point I want to talk to you about is balance. As a Mental Health Counselor, I realize I must have a healthy balance. I’ll use myself as an example; balance for me is having God in my life which means spending time with Him by getting into His word and hearing His voice. This enables me to go out and do the work of the ministry He has called me to do, which includes witnessing and telling people that Jesus loves them and Jesus saves. For you it may be going out and volunteering in the community etc. I encourage individuals to do something they enjoy or always wanted to do but have no time to do it, living a very busy life. Making time for yourself is very important. Staying healthy is important this can include working out a couple of times a week, doing a few laps around the block, gardening is another good work out, plus you have the enjoyment of seeing your garden grow with vegetables or flowers. You can get involved in your neighborhood planning for summer events. Stay active, go swimming, go golfing or learn how to golf. Don’t neglect yourself as you may tend to take care of everyone else. As you spring ahead, it’s important to socialize, why because God didn’t make us an island to ourselves, He created us to live in a community with others. I encourage people to get involved with a church they feel comfortable with. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 Nor forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner ׉ 7cassandra://J_6DkMz5CNEJdpEgBMgqUj7oepggxGTId_QguzfnwnkC`f4 ׉E7 f4 f4 (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://lEfFhjBS00ezhhK3fOg1H0FMQn-26KST6W2CFffvUDYM`iq׉ 7cassandra://bOdoP4HiazzlSyCYxgMT-MufxiWonWNhH-yDlv_Q1zA`׉ 7cassandra://vBOY80yfzYlS1hztt0Ih-Ccq4uwe6xuW4Mq_MkgH7uoVJ`f4Sנf4W2?"9ׁHmailto:iaurbanmedia18@gmail.comׁ ׁ Јנf4V́̄9ׁHhttp://thomasacc.comׁ ׁ Јנf4U9ׁHmailto:caleb@thomasacc.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E׉ 7cassandra://vBOY80yfzYlS1hztt0Ih-Ccq4uwe6xuW4Mq_MkgH7uoVJ`f4 ׉Eof some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We will never forget 2020, our first epidemic/ pandemic in years. Covid captured everyone’s attention and we all experienced isolation of some form. Isolation vs socialization had such an impact, there was an increase in depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. So please interact with others, friends, family, and your community. Don’t forget to live, love, laugh, as tomorrow is never promised, it is a gift. Another important thing to consider as you spring forward is don’t forget to treat yourself. We know there are some occupations that require, putting others first such as Pastors and Therapists. We also know burn out can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter your career field or ministry, set boundaries for yourself. Have a schedule, it may fluctuate but do your best to stick to it. Your schedule should include personal time for you, whether it’s going to see your therapist, going to the spa, a date night, or a date day with your spouse, incorporate it into your calendar each month. Most importantly, know your limits. The enemy will try to deceive you by telling you just one more client, one more business deal, one more house to sell, and before you know it, you’re burnt out. As you spring ahead this April develop a healthy balance for your life, if you need support in this area, please know we’re just a phone call away Blessings, Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC 319 206-0651 caleb@thomasacc.com thomasacc.com Thomas & Associates Counseling & ConsultingCounseling with a God given purpose! Do you want to be on the cover or centerfold? Sponsor an edition of Urban Experience MaGazine! Contact us today: iaurbanmedia18@gmail.com 9 f4 f4 (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ghSy1ifraV_8vXGuBMXfPWc3pTTAAeIKBM22jSAAT_s6`iq׉ 7cassandra://IWC5ot9uBclyO66TejzxfFx0CdBvro7UkLJCyT4dG3U͖`׉ 7cassandra://crVnfd5o8QkhAM37Rxkxn7nPhLxVtcqepBvQ90kLNew0`f4X׉E>Spirituality Gods Unchanging Hand Written By: Donnetta Austin ׉ 7cassandra://crVnfd5o8QkhAM37Rxkxn7nPhLxVtcqepBvQ90kLNew0`f4 ׉EThy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. psalms 119:105 If you have a feeling of being disconnected or detached know that in Psalms 119:105 we are reminded that the word of God in the NIV Bible says as follows; “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”. You don’t have to walk in darkness. There is a light that shines brightly ahead. The narrow path leads to an open gate of endless possibilities. When one door shuts, another one opens. The hardship you have been dealt with is not meant to harm you but, to strengthen you as you are given the resources to conquer new levels, a new season. It will not be because of your own ability but, the grace of God who has kept you and will never leave you. Hold onto God’s unchanging hand. 11 f4f4 (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://tIY6bh1OD_Dw7kt42kI-M7EbYI2JS8dW1Qi3hXgIpwIv-`iq׉ 7cassandra://CbeSmfPnMIUFiPLpgzsh15lHKS5km2qZtBY2yLQxXvQĤ`׉ 7cassandra://8Hq2Hh3wPdfGs0VV6-qktFv9u7Hvm5biOK4AVgXbdDAB`f4Z׉ECommunity Spotlight Linda Phillips Metro Kids and 21CCLC Program Manager Selected as an Afterschool Alliance 2024 Afterschool Ambassado Photo and Article Credit: Des Moines Public School ׉ 7cassandra://8Hq2Hh3wPdfGs0VV6-qktFv9u7Hvm5biOK4AVgXbdDAB`f4׉E Congratulations to Metro Kids and 21CCLC program manager Linda Phillips on her selection as an Afterschool Alliance 2024 Afterschool Ambassador. Linda is the only Iowan to be selected, and one of just 15 people honored nationwide. As the AA news release says, Linda is a champion for students in Des Moines Public Schools afterschool programs. Below is the press release from the Afterschool Alliance announcing Linda’s recognition. The Afterschool Alliance announced today that it has selected Linda Phillips, After School Program manager at the 21CCLC and Metro Kids, to serve as a 2024 Afterschool Ambassador. She is one of just 15 leaders in the country chosen for the honor this year. Afterschool Ambassadors continue working with local afterschool programs while serving a one-year Afterschool Ambassador term, working with community leaders and policy makers, organizing events, and in other ways growing support for the afterschool and summer learning programs families rely on. “We are thrilled that Linda Phillips is serving as a 2024 Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance,” said Jodi Grant, Afterschool Alliance executive director. “This is a challenging time for the country’s students and families, and afterschool and summer learning programs are uniquely positioned to help. But there aren’t nearly enough programs to meet the need, and programs are facing significant challenges including funding shortfalls as the pandemic relief tapers off, staff shortages, and more. Now more than ever, we need leaders to spread the word that afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give parents peace of mind that their children are safe and supervised after the school day ends. Phillips is exactly the kind of champion we need.” “I am delighted to have the chance to work with the Afterschool Alliance to increase awareness and support for afterschool and summer learning programs this year,” said Phillips. “I’ve seen firsthand the many ways these programs help students and families overcome challenges. That’s especially important now. Many of our students have ground to make up and afterschool programs can help them do that. I’m so proud to be part of the afterschool movement and to be a 2024 Afterschool Ambassador.” Des Moines Public School’s 21CCLC programs served over 1,500 kids at 15 sites in the 2022-2023 school year. Programs meet daily 13 Spotlight f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://MeUKgPzF6oo36Qaa5_uTrai5-aTwC7jZIWT3n9f39wE"D`iq׉ 7cassandra://K9moJLPkl_OW3FRzoYTAF3ia0ORbF2Na3geaR0oJ70Y`׉ 7cassandra://BTE41LjQ-4w68tyMo_alN9VCOHC1X7zRfTqg0Wyz1_YU`f4`נf4\ b<9׉Hhttp://www.iowajuneteenth.orgGׁ ׁ rנf4]6,'9׉Hhttp://www.iowajuneteenth.orgGׁ ׁ rנf4^ׁ%9׉Hhttp://www.iowajuneteenth.orgGׁ ׁ rנf4_i9׉H+https://www.veridiancu.org/belong/inclusionGׁ ׁ rנf4bj9ׁHhttp://veridiancu.org/inclusionׁ ׁ Ј׉E 4after school until 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. Children receive a daily snack and participate in reading, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, and math), music, language and service-learning. Programs are tailored to student needs and provide necessary skill building opportunities for students to gain 21st century workforce, academic and social emotional skills. Other activities include cooking, global arts, and physical fitness. There are 22 Metro Kids locations at elementary schools in Des Moines Public Schools. The Department of Human Service licensed daycare centers currently serve over 1,000 children and families. Metro Kids services are offered after school until 5:30pm Monday through Friday. Metro Kids offers childcare on non-school attending days, holidays and breaks. Children in Metro Kids receive a daily snack and participate in creative, recreational and interactive opportunities in a safe, nurturing, challenging, fun environment. Each Ambassador will organize a major event for Lights On Afterschool, the Afterschool Alliance’s annual rally for afterschool. Committed to diversity and inclusion. We support our communities by providing services to all people, and by treating each member as an individual to meet their specific financial needs. We help members work towards financial stability with Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), financial education programs and through our work with Habitat for Humanity. Some 24.7 million U.S. children not in an afterschool program would be enrolled, if a program were available to them, according to a survey of nearly 1,500 parents commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and conducted by Edge Research in May and June of 2022. That is the highest number ever recorded. Unmet demand for afterschool programs is significantly higher among Latino and Black children (at 60% and 54% respectively) than among children overall (49%). Cost is the top barrier to enroll, cited by 57% of parents as a reason for not enrolling their child. Ninety percent of parents rate the quality of the program their child attends as excellent (51%) or very good (39%). A large and powerful body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance, behavior and more among children who participate in afterschool programs. Researchers have also found that students in afterschool programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning and develop critical work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communications. Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at veridiancu.org/inclusion ׉ 7cassandra://BTE41LjQ-4w68tyMo_alN9VCOHC1X7zRfTqg0Wyz1_YU`f4׉EIOWA JUNETEENTH OBSERVANCE 15 f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://6The1M1QKcer2MvtsH9TZGXUSkp-ikhyAtxsJf7Kp0M$`iq׉ 7cassandra://EeMKV-dCCpfzfZMXzWWGL2lY18MEnKI4iuVxBW0-EzU`׉ 7cassandra://1DwdI2x0Tcofe4cdRIvkImeTdB3DEPc889db3XR9vjsG'`f4c׉E uCLERGY CORNER The Power & Purpose of Faith in the Fire WRITTEN BY: PASTOR STEPHANEY MOODY One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible that I quote often is Revelation 12:11 (AMP) which says “And they overcame and conquered him (the devil) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.” This scripture, along with many others, has carried me through some of the toughest trials and tribulations. Today, I would like to share my testimony with you of how I overcame a difficult trial in 2018 by having faith in the fire. In Christianity, we are taught to memorize and quote scriptures, but oftentimes we don’t have the revelation of what that scripture means until we are in a situation where we have to live out what we speak out. It’s only after you have applied what you know that it becomes wisdom and part of your foundation. The Word of God is life! I pray that as you read my testimony today, that it encourages you to fight the good fight of faith and never quit! Every year at New Beginnings Discipleship Ministries, we proclaim our focus for the year and our sermons support how we live out our declaration. In 2018, our theme was “Faithful”, and the supporting scripture was 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. The interesting thing about any declaration is that it is not valid unless it has been tested. When you watch a Crest Toothpaste commercial, their claim is that it is the best for oral health and has been validated by 9 out of 10 dentists. This is an example of something having validity and has been tested by a professional to see if the proclamation is true. It’s the same with us in the Body of Christ. The tempter tests us to see if we really believe what we are declaring, decreeing, singing, preaching, and praying. He tries to see if we will live out what we are confessing. His hope is to disprove our belief in God and the word of God! We see this with Jesus in Luke 3:22 when John baptized Jesus. Scripture says the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” In verse 23, we are told that after this declaration was made that Jesus began His ministry. After His genealogy was listed, we see in Chapter 4, that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness where he would be tempted for a period. That word tempted is the Greek word peirazō (Strong's G3985) which is defined as to try, to be tested, or to test one’s faith to see how he/she will behave ׉ 7cassandra://1DwdI2x0Tcofe4cdRIvkImeTdB3DEPc889db3XR9vjsG'`f4׉E :himself. WOW!!! You mean to tell me that the tests and trials we go through are because of what the Lord has called us to do? The answer to that question is unequivocally YES!!!! Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and to those who are called according to his purpose. ALL means ALL, no matter what language you speak it in. So here we are as a Body of Believers, making the declaration that we are going to be FAITHFULL! That meant that we would be faithful to the Lord, to what He has called us to do individually and collectively, and full of faith as we do it. We expected that the enemy would try and distract us, but we had listed out an arsenal of scriptures to use against the enemy of our soul. We decided that we would do just as Jesus did in Luke 4. Every attempt the devil made, Jesus reminded him of what was written, and he stood on what the Father said. It was through His faith in what His Father said that He was able to defeat the devil in the wilderness and we can do the same if we follow His blueprint. As a Body, and even individually, we were doing well until one day as I was assisting our cleaning crew at one of the theaters we contract with. The crew was short staffed, so I went in to be helpful. I was returning items to the janitor’s closet and didn’t notice the floor was still wet. I promise I looked just like Fred Flintstone when he would use his feet to make his car go. There was nothing to grab on to and I fell face down on the ceramic tile and it knocked the wind out of me. I was panicking because I couldn’t breathe and didn’t have enough wind to get up or to call for help. I finally calmed down enough and was able to catch my breath and get myself off the floor. I finished storing the items in the closet and went home pretty sore. Two days later, my chest was still hurting from the fall. I had been taking ibuprofen, but it wasn’t relieving the pain. My concern was that I had broken something when I fell. I went into the restroom to see if there was any bruising but didn’t see anything. I put my hand on my chest and could feel something about the size of a small pea. I checked the other side but didn’t feel it on the opposite side. I asked my husband if he could feel it and he said, yes, but to call the Dr and just have them to look at it. I made an appointment, and they were able to get me in right away for a mammogram. The morning of the mammogram, I remember praying and decreeing several scriptures. I was believing the Lord for a good report from the mammogram. I walked in with a confidence knowing that God has my back, and this was simply a result of the impact from the fall. The tech asked if I had noticed any difference in my breast since the last mammogram. I shared what had brought me in and asked if she could feel it. She was 17 f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ZM5-3xqCNIFPplEwq9KqPkr0SIRtkjgBOD_hmZXX1rk`iq׉ 7cassandra://Glo_krhVc4lQUvfAF8HUhzZSBdMGY9vGbu2G5J7262c`׉ 7cassandra://_BMZOycmZXD31_sJq8diPebunep2iPkLM9nx_GowdCoC`f4e׉Eable to feel it as well and proceeded to do the mammogram. I was asked to wait until the pictures were reviewed by the Dr. and they would let me know if any further pictures were needed. I sat comfortably knowing that everything was going to be fine and waiting for them to tell me I could leave. I waited for what felt like an hour and finally they called my name. I was asked to go back to meet with the Dr to discuss my results immediately. That had never happened before. It was at that point that I began to get nervous. It almost felt like my faith was leaking out of my feet as I was walking back to the Dr’s office. I walked in and she introduced herself. We discussed what she was seeing and the concern she had with the difference between this picture versus the mammogram from last. She asked if I was able to do an ultrasound immediately and it confirmed the suspicion. There was a small mass in my breast that was less than a centimeter and asked me to schedule a biopsy for the following week. While I was driving home, I kept praying and believing that everything was going to be fine. I only shared it with a few people that I was close to because there are times where people just don’t know what to say, nor do they know how to pray you through what you are experiencing. As the pastor of an amazing group of people, I wanted to be an example and chose not to tell them until I knew what I was facing. I didn’t want them to be fearful. I knew I had to continue to have faith and remain faithful as I went through my fiery trial, and we all have differing levels of faith (Romans 12:3). One thing about me is that I have a solid relationship with Jesus and when I face difficulties in life, I come to Him and honestly share my thoughts. He already knows what I’m thinking and feeling anyways, so I choose to be honest with Him. I flat out asked Him “What is going on Lord?” As much as I was trying to have faith in the fire, I knew there was something more going on. I WILL NEVER NOR FORS ׉ 7cassandra://_BMZOycmZXD31_sJq8diPebunep2iPkLM9nx_GowdCoC`f4׉EThe Lord knows me better than I know myself and He knows I don’t like surprises. When He answered I heard Him say the following words: “What you are experiencing in your natural body is what I see in my Body, the church. Something foreign has invaded your body and is trying to destroy it; Just as foreign things have invaded my body and are trying to destroy it. You recognize it as foreign, identified it, and you will eradicate it! Immediately, I wrote down what I heard and looked up the definition of the word eradicate. To eradicate something means to: remove, to utterly destroy, to pull it up by the roots, to obliterate, to exterminate, and to annihilate! This let me know that I was in for a fight but as I read the definition, it gave me peace to know that I was going to win the battle! Over the next few days, I couldn’t help but ponder what the Lord had shared about the Body of Christ. This revelation helped me to define my destiny. R LEAVE YOU, SAKE YOU I went for the biopsy that following week filled with faith. The woman who checked me in was somber and you could feel the spirit of fear in the waiting room. There were men and women waiting for their names to be called to go through the same procedure I was there for. As she checked me in, I asked how her day was going and she made a comment like I should be asking how your day is going with what you are facing. I looked at her and smiled and said, “Sweetheart…I am doing AWESOME! REGARDLESS OF WHAT I AM FACING, I KNOW MY GOD IS WITH ME. So, everything in my life is great!” She said, “I just got chills when you said that!” We began to talk a little more about me and my role in the community and in the nations that I am called to. I told her to look me up on Facebook and to send a friend request so that she could watch what the Lord does through this situation. WOW!!! The Lord was using me even in the midst of going through my own trial. This helped me to better understand 1 Peter 19 f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://4OKsKbMFNgyeEm_gYPKw4szYitPqqTI9YBrO5-1pqEE*`iq׉ 7cassandra://6idvU532sxH-ANt-OIcPFQOP1XfGoDCym3mLsaAug8w V`׉ 7cassandra://XFLQ6YWyD5VH1fgAqqowyfkE_T7QHk_7uk6TjB6d5IgC`f4g׉E h3:15 which says to always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. When I went back for my procedure, I was hoping that my husband would be able to go back with me. Unfortunately, he wasn’t allowed to go, and I can remember hearing these words and the feeling that accompanied it. You are ALL ALONE! It shook me for a minute because my plan was to pray together before the procedure because I know the scripture says that where two or three are gathered touching and agreeing God is in the midst. In order for me to shake the feeling of fear and remain in faith, I had to remember that even if Vince wasn’t there with me, GOD said, I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU, NOR FORSAKE YOU. I had to remember that Jesus is seated on the throne praying for me. I found comfort in the Word again and got back in the position of faith while walking through this fire. I followed the nurse back to the room for the biopsy in faith again and they prepped me to complete the biopsy. During the procedure, I kept my earbuds in and listened to praise and worship. I could feel the presence of God and I knew I was not alone! Every time they asked me how I was feeling, my response was, “I’m good because God is with me!” That was my testimony, and I was sticking to it!!! I was overcoming because I knew He was with me. It took about an hour to complete the procedure and they told me that I would have results the following week. I couldn’t do anything during this time, so I had a lot of alone time. The enemy was trying his best to make me fearful of the pending results and I kept reciting the word audibly over and over. I spoke out scripture like, God has not given me the spirit of fear, but he has given me power, love, and a sound mind. I even personalized by adding my name to it when I quoted it by proclaiming, “Stephaney shall be kept in perfect peace because her mind is stayed on the Lord!” I decreed; I don’t agree with the enemies lies…I am in agreement with the word of God. On Friday morning during my prayer time, I shared with the Lord that regardless of the results, I KNOW I AM GOOD! I KNOW THAT HE IS WITH ME! I planned lunch with my sister for that afternoon and reassured them that I was ok because I knew that the Lord would see me through this trial. My friend called to check on me and I told her the same thing, I AM GOOD because the Lord will see me through this! Next my Aunt called to tell me that my Uncle was being moved to hospice because there is nothing else the Dr’s can do regarding the cancer he is battling. In my spirit I said, “Get behind me Satan! I will not change my confession!” But out of my mouth flowed these words. Auntie, I am GOOD because God is with me. The phone rang as soon as I released those words, and it was the Dr. I went upstairs to receive the results with my husband. They said the lump was identified as ׉ 7cassandra://XFLQ6YWyD5VH1fgAqqowyfkE_T7QHk_7uk6TjB6d5IgC`f4׉E cancerous and she gave it a name, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was battling to stay present because what the Lord had spoken to me in our alone time was now making sense. I recognized there was something foreign to my Body, went to the Dr to identify the foreign thing (invasive ductal carcinoma) and now the next step is to eradicate it! I refused to fall apart because I chose to stand in the confidence of what God had spoken to me. He can do anything but fail! We planned a time to tell our children together. My husband didn’t say much while we were receiving the results, but what He said to me was so powerful. He said, “Jesus is name above all names and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma is just another name!” It is by the stripes of Jesus Christ that YOU ARE Healed! Sickness and Disease is not your Portion! Our God desires that you would prosper in your health just as your soul prospers. This is yet another opportunity to glorify God and show the world who God is for us, in us, and through us! WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS! We went through this battle in faith! I went through seven months of chemo and radiation therapy. We never lost anything, nor were we without food while I was not working. God truly sustained us proving that if we remain in Him, His promises are yes and amen! I am currently six years cancer free and counting. During this time, we learned how to stand in faith while walking through the fire. We learned to not allow the Word of the Lord to depart from our mouths. We came to recognize the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who are willing to pray for you and not prey on you. God’s Word is true! Lastly, we recognized that our trials are meant to build others in the faith. Just like the thief on the cross, his heart and faith was changed by the way Jesus endured His cross. We have that same power to impact and affect others as we have faith in the fire. This was only a small part of our testimony of the power of God, and I pray it encourages someone who is reading it today. Know that you too are an overcomer and more than a conqueror. Regardless of what you may face, remember that: ✚ The Lord will never leave us - Joshua 1:9 ✚ There is purpose in your pain - John 12:27 ✚ God has the final say! - Proverbs 16:1 (CEV) ✚ God does not give us the spirit of fear - 2 Timothy 1:7 ✚ Fear - False Evidence Appearing Real (Fear is a liar) ✚ Be the light for others even in your darkest hour. - Luke 23:34 ✚ Watch your thoughts because they lead your emotions - Philippians 4:6-9 21 f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://pzDLj-BMF9u1L-rLvKTW_4rdV0X6IT2eVI3YaZij5sQ`U`iq׉ 7cassandra://UJzXoKl-cGqO1ttJTz1HWnMB_anIW1eTz9R2ryBdoEE]`׉ 7cassandra://U9whqdKN1OfaPQvh3DkxaVbh5nqUDgeMIYgwNVZjq5wH`f4j׉E*AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Walk this way - or any way - to better health By: American Heart Association News When it comes to simple ways to be healthy, walking is all the rage. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood or a power-walk in the park, taking part in physical activity is one of the best ways to manage stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and boost your mood. Research has shown that walking at a brisk pace at least 150 minutes a week has significant health benefits. Improved blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increased energy and stamina and improved mental and emotional well-being are among the benefits. Walking at least 150 minutes per week also has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several types of cancer. If 150 minutes sounds like a lot, remember that even short activity sessions can be added up over the week to reach this goal. And it’s easy to fit in a few minutes of walking several times a day. This could be 10 minutes of brisk walking after breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Walking is a great way to improve your health and your mental outlook, and it doesn’t take a lot of expensive sporting equipment to do it,” said Donna K. Arnett, M.S.P.H., Ph.D., B.S.N., a past president of the American Heart Association (2012-2013) and the dean and a professor in the department of epidemiology of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health in Lexington. “Put on a good pair of shoes and grab a water bottle and you’re ready to go.” ׉ 7cassandra://U9whqdKN1OfaPQvh3DkxaVbh5nqUDgeMIYgwNVZjq5wH`f4׉E|Walking indoors at home, in a gym or even a mall can be easy ways to get beneficial physical activity. However, research shows that being outdoors in areas rich with trees, shrubs and grass may help reduce the risk of dying from heart disease. “It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you walk, the important thing is to get moving. Counting steps doesn’t have to be part of a structured exercise program,” Arnett said. “Increasing your everyday activity, like parking slightly further from your destination, doing some extra housework or yardwork and even walking your dog can all add up to more steps and better health.” 23 f4f4(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://tPlbGIGTsg3eBi-eMh9gpUXn7b9mYkfbwolWyKovqkk7`iq׉ 7cassandra://hoe5P6-Cy18GMIeRWHN4FWv2TKouSwo70XfG6SPSUSg`׉ 7cassandra://JIV02MEBHuhq780eArhYeNgOuAx9DfImK1Dp-TvYH9wA`f4mנf4l @*9׉H"https://www.heart.org/DSMheartwalkGׁ ׁ rנf4p&E9ׁHhttp://heart.org/DSMHeartWalkׁ ׁ Ј׉ERHOW TO WALK FOR FITNESS! • • • • • • • • Gear up. All you need to get started are comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Shoes designed for walking or running are best, but not required. Just make sure you have a little wiggle room – about half an inch – between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Easy does it. If you’re out of shape, begin with short distances. Start with a stroll that feels comfortable and gradually increase your time or distance. If it’s easier on your body and your schedule, stick with a couple of 10- to 20-minute walks a day instead of one long walk. Focus on form. Keep your head lifted, abs engaged and shoulders relaxed. Swing your arms naturally. Avoid carrying heavy items or hand weights because they can put extra stress on your elbows and shoulders – try a backpack instead. Stick to a comfortable, natural stride. Breathe. If you can’t talk or catch your breath while walking, slow down. At first, forget about speed. Just get out there and walk! Pick up the pace. To warm up, walk at an easy pace for the first several minutes. Then gradually increase your speed. Add variety and challenge. Try brisk intervals. For example, walk one block fast, two blocks slow and repeat several times. Over time you’ll be able to add more fast intervals with shorter recovery periods. Walking hills or stairs is a great way to increase muscle strength and burn more calories. Stretch. The end of your walk is a great time to stretch as your body is warmed up. Stretch your hamstrings, calves, chest, shoulders and back. Hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Track your progress. Fit walking into your schedule whenever you can. That may mean several short walks a day. When you can fit it in, longer walks will help you improve your stamina. Just remember your overall goal is at least 150 minutes each week. ׉ 7cassandra://JIV02MEBHuhq780eArhYeNgOuAx9DfImK1Dp-TvYH9wA`f4 ׉EI WALK TO SAvE LIVEs Central Iowa Heart Walk Iowa State Capitol May 18, 2024 | 9 a.m. heart.org/DSMHeartWalk I walk to live a happier, healthier life. 25 f4!f4 (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://IKSLOodfuie3SQlQyEGuXRULxV-SFbSb01I42zQ5GPow7`iq׉ 7cassandra://o77aBPDFKHyPBSwaNppFompWAdeo551DBCvzhOvK0jo z`׉ 7cassandra://yrqzarWOAvxPc0uQmclYksThtkpE7_cgqRbhW3tXprMR`f4qנf4w̞9ׁHhttp://DMPA.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E QThe Road from the Midwest to MJ Iowa’s own Josh A. Dawson returns to the Des Moines stage By Lori Blachford W hen Josh A. Dawson arrives at the Des Moines Civic Center in April as part of the Broadway musical MJ, it won’t be his first time performing in Iowa. That happened almost 30 years ago in Cedar Rapids. “I did my first musical (Stone Soup) at the age of 6,” Dawson says. “And I’ve pretty much done a musical every year of my life since then, which is wild.” which he sang the Emmy Award-nominated song “Maybe Monica.” • Making his Broadway debut in 2018 with the cast of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. • Singing on tour with musician Wynton Marsalis. • Joining national touring productions of the musicals Beautiful (his first appearance on the Des Moines Civic Center stage), Hamilton, and now MJ. • Serving as music director and keyboardist for the band Britton & the Sting. • He’s even writing a book. “I’m always looking for chances to learn and grow,” Josh A. Dawson He was well-prepared for that debut, thanks to his father’s church, which gave him opportunities to sing in the choir, to play piano and drums. “There was even a dance class,” says Dawson. “I got started very early singing and acting, dancing, and playing music. And then I went to a performing arts middle school.” There, he discovered the joys of musical theater and show choir. He was Jud Fry in Oklahoma! and Danny Zuko in Grease. “Those were the formative years,” says Dawson. “Then when we moved to Dallas, it continued.” After high school in Texas, he was off to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, which became his training ground. “I think you can only really learn by doing,” he says. “It provided a space for me to do it. It gave me a chance to stretch myself.” At the end of his junior year of college, Dawson booked a show and his ticket to New York. From there, his career path has been a wild ride, covering all 50 states and a whopping 32 countries, and expanding his talents in all directions. Here are just a few of the highlights: • Acting as a young Harry Belafonte on the TV comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, in Dawson says. “That is something that Iowa taught me: If you work hard, you can do anything in life. I’m so thankful that I have that as part of my history.” In the musical MJ, Dawson plays two roles: Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones. He has discovered an especially deep connection to Jones, who started his career as a musician and spent time in Europe working and exploring new ideas. After the MJ tour ends, Dawson is planning a move to London. “The music just makes you want to move your body ... We have people dancing in the aisles. It’s not a traditional musical, where you sit in the audience and follow a story. It feels more like a rock concert.” – Josh A. Dawson ׉ 7cassandra://yrqzarWOAvxPc0uQmclYksThtkpE7_cgqRbhW3tXprMR`f4"׉E“I’m in sort of a Quincy Jones Era in my life,” he says. “It all just feels connected in some way and very authentic to my journey right now. At the end of every show, I feel like I have given every ounce of energy that I can possibly give, and I still want to give more.” Audiences are noticing. Dawson says the show has sold out, or nearly sold out, in every city it has visited. He credits the power of Michael Jackson’s music and the way it continues to connect with people. “The music just makes you want to move your body,” Dawson says. “We have people dancing in the aisles. It’s not a traditional musical, where you sit in the audience and follow a story. It feels more like a rock concert.” Dawson takes great pleasure in having an Iowa stop on this tour. He has friends and family all around the Midwest, and he’s looking forward to seeing them. But he’s also hoping to inspire some Iowans he’s never met. “I know what it’s like to be in the middle of the Midwest and have Broadway come to you,” he says. “That is what inspired me to do it full-time, to see that I could have a career. There were people that looked like me; I could do what they do. I just want to be able to inspire people like that. For me, at this time in my career, it’s the most important thing.” Josh A. Dawson and the rest of the MJ cast can be seen live at the Des Moines Civic Center as part of the Willis Broadway Series April 30-May 5, 2024. Tickets are available at DMPA.org. Josh A. Dawson as ‘Tito Jackson’ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour. Photo by: Matthew Murphy 27 Josh A. Dawson as ‘Quincy Jones’. Photo by: Matthew Murphy f4#f4"(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://WZlXG0pQnaMMJ54PZ4vqwSkbDk65yFVrFvBfSzcmk_g`iq׉ 7cassandra://qp9cNWaIgbjMWZCZWo-mUC3uzFYq8Ah61AcezIQNO_A`׉ 7cassandra://S5JE_7twAolQE_LpoRIeXp44JgtNXuBton7R4zA6crs^`f4s׉E:“A RIVETING ADRENALINE RUSH!” – The Washington Post ׉ 7cassandra://S5JE_7twAolQE_LpoRIeXp44JgtNXuBton7R4zA6crs^`f4$׉E\He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Des Moines Civic Center April 30-May 5! ARE YOU READY FOR THE SHOW? How many MJ trivia questions can you get right? (answers on the bottom of the next page) 1. HOW MANY MICHAEL JACKSON SONGS DOES MJ FEATURE? 2. MJ TAKES PLACE DURING REHEARSALS FOR MICHAEL’S DANGEROUS WORLD TOUR WHICH INCLUDED HOW MANY DATES? 3. MJ STAR ROMAN BANKS WAS PREVIOUSLY IN WHICH BROADWAY SHOW? 5. MJ CREATIVE MEMBERS RICH + TONE TALAUEGA WORKED WITH MICHAEL JACKSON DOING WHAT? Photos by: Matthew Murphy 29 4. MJ’s CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON WON A 2022 TONY ® AWARD IN WHICH CATEGORY? 6. HOW MANY 2022 TONY AWARDS WAS MJ NOMINATED FOR? f4%f4$(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://SXRN-PcvzSkHf8jEmrTv0HqbZpb0MbjBShOed1lInZ0>]`iq׉ 7cassandra://o9rN6tQZu0udT7IzzSQygfY_RxK4Tj_l4lBR5B_rABk͠`׉ 7cassandra://BPGqd0tGzwdYMJzRyf0kDJiPN-wcT4gBAg5_EwFrDLc7`f4xנf4uUKY9׉H$https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/Gׁ ׁ rנf4v69׉H$https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/Gׁ ׁ rנf4{i^9ׁHhttp://DMPA.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EApril 30 - May 5 | DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER DMPA.org · (515) 246-2300 · Civic Center Ticket Office Trivia answers from previous page: 1) More than 25, 2) 69, 3) Dear Evan Hansen, 4) Best Choreography, 5) Dancing, 6) 10. ׉ 7cassandra://BPGqd0tGzwdYMJzRyf0kDJiPN-wcT4gBAg5_EwFrDLc7`f4(׉EOur house is your house. All are welcome to experience the joy and inspiration of the performing arts. You belong here. CIVIC CENTER • TEMPLE THEATER • STONER THEATER • COWLES COMMONS 31 f4)f4((בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://cJkrB4WKc6W4liSAHGjmbRpQhNnRnPkKAOyvmwxUtPM`iq׉ 7cassandra://22ivGrpDc9HVAEyJ8dOC0D3Mp_bpS-2lomDH11gRfIU)`׉ 7cassandra://F2XI3-g-6sFjktW9Ck9UFONOjB2MDukfP7l7lK4Hzbk]V`f4|נf4z,=9׉H$https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/Gׁ ׁ rנf4m̖9ׁHhttp://DMPA.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EAN EVENING WITH Renée Elise Goldsberry FEATURING THE Des Moines Symphony “Hearing Hamilton star Renée Elise Goldsberry with the Des Moines Symphony will be magical. This once-in-a-lifetime event will feature Broadway favorites, jazz classics and gospel music. It will be a night to remember!” - Joseph Giunta, Music Director & Conductor, Des Moines Symphony Saturday, April 27 • 7:30 p.m. DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER DMPA.org • 515-246-2300 • Civic Center Ticket Office ׉ 7cassandra://F2XI3-g-6sFjktW9Ck9UFONOjB2MDukfP7l7lK4Hzbk]V`f4+׉EQ & A with Renée Elise Goldsberry Renée Elise Goldsberry will add another Iowa performance to her vast resumé on April 27, when she sings with the Des Moines Symphony at the Des Moines Civic Center. A singer, actress, songwriter, and so much more, Goldsberry portrayed Angelica Schuyler in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, earning both a Tony Award and a Grammy Award. Other Broadway credits include The Lion King, Rent, The Color Purple, and Good People. She received two Daytime Emmy nominations for her role as Evangeline Williamson in “One Life to Live.” Her list of television and film work is long, and varied, and includes the musical comedy “Girls5eva,” which she calls a “joy bomb.” Her debut album will be released later this year. The Des Moines Performing Arts team caught up with Goldsberry on March 14, the day Season 3 of “Girls5eva” premiered on Netflix. This will be your second time performing with the Des Moines Symphony. (The first was in July 2019 at Water Works Park.) What can the audience expect from the show? A good friend once referred to my show as a “gumbo of music.” I love to steal that phrase, because it really speaks to the diversity of the music. There’s jazz and pop, folk and blues, country and gospel, Broadway tunes, and at least one original song from my upcoming album. The overarching theme is a celebration of love in all its forms. Expect a beautifully curated 90 minutes of music. Just Renée – and an entire symphony orchestra? Yes! I love it when I’m with a symphony, because I think people have ideas of what symphony music sounds like. They don’t realize that this extraordinary group of musicians and fabulous conductor can play anything. There’s nothing better than a blues song performed with a symphony orchestra. And my band will be on stage, too. They are genius, and it’s wonderful to have them combine with the orchestra. All that talent on stage makes me feel like I’m being lifted by such an awesome power. You’ve delivered so many special performances in your career. How do these concerts compare? I’m not on stage playing a character; I get to really be myself. I get to share stories of a long and pretty fun career. One of the greatest gifts from Hamilton is that I get to travel across the country and play in some of the most beautiful venues in the world. I want people to leave the show feeling like they spent that time in my family room hanging out with me. The stories I tell are as important to me as the songs. Talk more about the role Hamilton has played in your life and career. All of the musicals I’ve ever done are magical; every family I’ve made during those shows is forever family. What was so special about Hamilton is that I could be there from the beginning as part of the company that first launched that masterpiece into the world. That is every performer’s dream. All three seasons of the musical comedy “Girls5eva” are now available on Netflix. How was it working alongside Paula Pell, Busy Philipps, and Sara Bareilles? You know we started that series right in the middle of COVID. It was so healing to laugh with these incredibly powerful and ridiculously funny women. We play a one-hit-wonder girl group from the ’90s, who discover their one hit has been sampled by a current-day rapper. So, of course, they decide they are “back.” They come out of the various holes they find themselves in 20 years later and go on an incredible journey to be pop stars again. It’s a beautiful show because it really gives license to all of us to dream. And it is the funniest thing I’ve been involved in. “If you haven’t heard your favorite style of music at my concert, wait two songs.” – Renée Elise Goldsberry 33 f4,f4+(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://L_IskoZRuqdBi9DkiO5cU5zsya6bMG93WcEsUqLHihY`iq׉ 7cassandra://RthjTQLWrOdIqwz1TxZ5J5qdp9i3AVxcU8q7nPb-wWo,:`׉ 7cassandra://Ai8mxqHpNrNYaPKCVF4ClRHZBh_5kFSvVzZ0BVJCGvIh`f4נf4~. D9׉H$https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/Gׁ ׁ rנf439ׁHhttp://DMPA.org/Broadwayׁ ׁ Ј׉E2024 OUTDOOR FAMILY EVENTS COMING TO A PARK NEAR YOU! For times & locations, visit DMPA.org/outdoor MAY 16-17  JUNE 12-15  JULY 10-13  AUGUST 9-11 Actuaciones selectas en español. APRIL-AUGUST ALL EVENTS BELOW ARE HELD AT COWLES COMMONS IN DOWNTOWN DES MOINES. IMPULSE YOGA, 8AM APRIL 19 – MAY 19 Presented in partnership with Operation Downtown. Wednesdays: • June 5, July 3, Aug. 7 STORYTIME, 10AM Wednesdays: • June 12 & June 26 • July 10 & July 24 • Aug. 14 & Aug. 28 Saturdays: • June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 Media Partner:  A food truck will be at certain events. See DMPA.org/outdoor for details. DANCING, 9AM • Sunday, June 30 • Sunday, Aug. 25 ׉ 7cassandra://Ai8mxqHpNrNYaPKCVF4ClRHZBh_5kFSvVzZ0BVJCGvIh`f4.׉EsPackage Add-On Productions DMPA.org/Broadway 515-246-2300 *Applies to Price Level C, while inventory is available. f4/f4.(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://4z4oiA5-JFoV7loE6ebqAofafmTSEmsJR003rpoP0iI;F`iq׉ 7cassandra://jUns1cHqaK4yAKkRnb_1Mv5Glch8hzxZCQqG0Xco_C8 `׉ 7cassandra://8wJs5bmVBD68GTZprrCv1XmbDTCk60forn4DjTBJALUI%`f4נf4b9ׁHhttp://alz.org/iowaׁ ׁ Јנf4ցh9ׁHhttp://alz.org/factsׁ ׁ Ј׉E ALZHEIMER ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: IOWA CHAPTER New Alzheimer’s Association Report Reveals Top Stressors for Caregivers and Lack of Care Navigation Support and Resources By Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report reveals that both dementia caregivers and health care workers report difficulties in navigating dementia care within the U.S. health care system. The new report estimates that nearly 7 million people age 65 and older in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s dementia and over 11 million loved ones are providing care. In Iowa, over 62,000 people are living with the disease, and there are nearly 100,000 caregivers. This year the cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to reach $360 billion — a $15 billion increase from a year ago. This does not include unpaid care provided by family caregivers and friends. Last year in Iowa family caregivers provided 125 million hours of unpaid care valued at $2.284 billion. Part of the report looks provides a comprehensive look into dementia care navigation by surveying dementia caregivers and health care workers on their experiences, challenges, awareness and perceptions of care navigation in dementia care. Dementia care navigation provides clinical and nonclinical support to people living with dementia and their caregivers. A dementia care navigation program can include support to address barriers related to medical, legal, financial and emotional stress and questions, helping finding and accessing medical care and local resources and more. The report reveals that, unsurprisingly, a majority of caregivers (70%) find that coordination of care is stressful, and more than half of the caregivers surveyed said that navigating health care was difficult. Two thirds also have difficulty finding resources and support for their needs. Dementia caregivers said that the top five areas that cause the most stress are the cost of care and how to pay for it, coordinating with multiple doctors and securing appointments, finding help to take a break for themselves and finding the right doctors. In Iowa, finding specialists like geriatricians and neurologists is especially difficult because there is a severe lack of doctors for the amount of people living with the disease, particularly in rural areas of the state. Despite coordinating care and scheduling being top stressors for caregivers, only half of the caregivers surveyed have ever talked with a health care professional about challenges finding their way through the health care system or asked for help with dementia care. Black and Hispanic caregivers report managing care more on a daily basis compared to White caregivers. The vast majority of dementia caregivers say that they would find navigation services helpful, like a 24/7 Helpline and help coordinating care, communicating between different specialists and getting help understanding their loved one’s condition. When it comes to healthcare workers, 60% surveyed believe that the U.S. healthcare ׉ 7cassandra://8wJs5bmVBD68GTZprrCv1XmbDTCk60forn4DjTBJALUI%`f40׉Esystem is not effectively helping patients and their families navigate dementia care. Nearly half say that their organizations do not have a clearly defined process for care coordination and clinical pathways for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is involved in efforts across the nation to implement and improve dementia care navigation programs so families facing this devastating disease aren’t burdened with additional stress from being unable to easily navigate care. In Iowa, the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter is advocating state lawmakers for funding for a Dementia Service Specialist program which would help families with many of the dementia care navigation needs including finding doctors and local resources and support. You can find the whole report at alz.org/facts, and if you’re a dementia caregiver looking for support and local resources, contact the free Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. You can talk with a trained specialist to ask any question you have about the disease, navigating care for yourself or your loved one and find local support groups and education programs. Visit alz.org/iowa for more local information and to get involved. 37 f41f40(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://McBZaa-z81MAFxaUn9glfY-DSfRqTA74IAKZ9MicLl8z`iq׉ 7cassandra://plKwMJL_wS61m_LrJf2oda2JKWz-8fW-hI-7dr0U7bcͱ`׉ 7cassandra://mh8Y_gk_ArDjcB0yr-qKVxIuLkXY-1QNUGZWEl94w7w4J`f4׉EEMS CONTRIBUTOR What’s Leading Women to the Polls? Written By: Selen Ozturk As women head to the polls this fall, abuse in office, domestic workers’ rights, reproductive rights and gun control are forefront concerns. ׉ 7cassandra://mh8Y_gk_ArDjcB0yr-qKVxIuLkXY-1QNUGZWEl94w7w4J`f42׉E SWomen Voting As women voters head to the polls this fall, domestic workers’ rights, reproductive rights, gun control and violence against officeholder and election official women are forefront concerns. Abuse in office This violence is a pervasive threat for those on the ballots — and a national Brennan Center for Justice report found that abuse of local elected officials and election workers disproportionately impacts women. Among over 350 state legislators surveyed, over 40% had experienced threats or attacks in the past several years, while nearly 20% of local officeholders had. Furthermore, 8% of state legislators said they were explicitly intimidated by a member of the public carrying a weapon — which is allowed in legislative chambers in many states. “When you take into account less severe forms of abuse, like harassment, assaults, and stalking, almost 90% of state legislators and over half of local officeholders had experienced some form of abuse,” said Maya Kornberg, research fellow on the Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Center at a Friday, March 8 Ethnic Media Services briefing on issues guiding women at the polls. Maya Kornberg, Research Fellow on the Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, explains the impact violence and threats of violence have on political leadership and ultimately our democracy. Women and people of color not only experienced more abuse than their male and white counterparts, but different kinds. “They were likely to tell us that they were subjected to identity-based abusive language about their children and their families, romantic life, appearance, age, race or gender,” continued Kornberg. “Women serving in state legislatures were nearly four times as likely as men to experience abuse of a sexual nature.” “This is not only a threat to the safety of our officeholders, but also to our democracy,” she said. 40% of local and 20% of state officeholders said this abuse made them “more reluctant to engage with their constituents, either online or in public … Half of women in local office said it was deterring them from running for reelection.” The threat extends behind the polls, as a previous Brennan Center report found that one in three U.S. election officials — of which over 80% are women — were being harassed, threatened or abused because of their job. To curb this abuse, Kornberg recommended extending to the state level already-existent federal measures like campaign security, Reproductive rights Another issue ever-more urgent to women’s concerns is reproductive rights, especially since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate the constitutional right to abortion. “Reproductive justice includes the human right to have the children that we want; raise our children in safe communities; to be able to prevent or have pregnancies without shame and with dignity; and our human right to make our own decisions about our bodies, our families and our futures,” said Monica Simpson, executive director at Sister Song. Monica Simpson, Executive Director, Sister Song, 39 f43f42(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://8BzvuXuOTvq_pPfU2PdMZbNe849cSF5RR4anzknsvAwN`iq׉ 7cassandra://xIgmgvZzbmi39p9TRhhxEcLAmKUhtWdvmOrsr5x-L54u`׉ 7cassandra://xzsEPhpvoD6jiIJbfegVVUZvYAkkc85f4hFQTQ7XovEE`f4׉Efexplains how the attacks on reproductive rights impact black women more severely. Increasing U.S. abortion bans after the Dobbs decision have worsened “a maternal health crisis in this country,” she continued. “Even having the legal right to something does not grant access. Before Dobbs, we had areas or states like Mississippi that only had one abortion clinic, and the Hyde Amendment” banning federal funding through Medicaid to cover almost all abortions. In the first half of 2023, nearly one in five patients were traveling out of state for abortion care, compared with one in 10 in 2020. “This is a crisis worsened by additional barriers like contraception deserts, inequitable access to sex education, law enforcement brutality, and preventing Medicaid expansion in states with abortion bans,” said Simpson. To chart a way forward is to reduce the stigma around abortion, and to do so “we have to be willing to say the word abortion,” she continued. At last week’s State of the Union, “the President could not even say it — though he said the fight would continue in his leadership. We have to not think that this is a bad word. Abortion care is health care, and all that’s on the table for us across our reproductive lives.” Domestic work “In the U.S. every day, 10,000 children are born and approximately 10,000 people turn 65. We’re living longer than ever before, and so we need more care than ever,” said Ai-Jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. “Yet, we don’t have a national affordable child care program, a federal paid family and medical leave program or a long-term care benefit.” Ai-Jen Poo, President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, discusses the dire need for care workers in the United States, and our over-reliance on women to fill gap. “What we have is 53 million overstretched family caregivers who are mostly women, and over 7 million care workers who are underpaid and are overwhelmingly women — about 90% women, and mostly women of color,” she continued. The median annual income for a U.S. homecare worker is $23,000 per year. “It’s hard to picture supporting yourself and raising a family in this country on poverty wages without benefits, health insurance, child care and paid time off, which is why expanded care access is so urgent,” Poo said. “The 11 million women in the U.S. who are in the generation sandwiched between caring for young children and caring for aging parents are especially feeling the brunt of this.” “These are jobs that can’t be automated or outsourced, at least anytime soon; they’ll be a large share of jobs in the future,” she added. “The pandemic exposed our epidemic of low-wage work — how women struggling to make ends meet are essential workers for our health and society. Now, we need to value them as essential.” Gun control The national epidemic of gun violence, too, is motivating women to vote for a safer future. “In America, there’s a gun for every man, woman, child and dog. There are more guns than people and more gun dealers than all Starbucks and McDonald’s combined,” said Shikha Hamilton, Vice President of Organizing at Brady. “It’s not a mental health or domestic violence issue. The problem is easy access.” In California in the past 30 years, for example, legislation restricting this access has reduced gun death by 50%. If the rest of the country would follow, 19,000 lives would be saved. Shikha Hamilton, Vice President of Organizing at Brady, says the Million Mom March, one of the largest protests on guns, illustrates the enormous impact women can have on politics and legislation. ׉ 7cassandra://xzsEPhpvoD6jiIJbfegVVUZvYAkkc85f4hFQTQ7XovEE`f44׉EIn 2000, Brady first held a Million Mom March — the largest gun protest at the National Mall in U.S. history at the time, with over 750,000 people there and thousands more nationwide in 78 cities calling for an end to gun violence. The impact was nearly immediate, said Hamilton: “stalled gun safety legislation sailed through state houses that November including a referendum to close the gun show loophole, organizers led thousands on another march to the polls, and NRA stalwarts were voted out of Congress in 2000 in two states.” “Our calls for change more recently have led to the passage of the bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the creation of the nation’s first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention — which was led by a woman, Vice President Kamala Harris,” she continued. Despite partisan rhetoric, this issue “unites women across the aisle.” 90% of all Americans in 2019, for instance, supported background checks on all gun sales. A historical record 48,830 gun deaths in 2021 reflected a 23% rise since then, while gun deaths among children and teens rose 50% in those two years — from 1,732 in 2019 to 2,590 in 2021. “Women continue to lead this movement because we’re horrified to see what this epidemic is doing to us and our children,” Hamilton added. “Women from all walks of life will continue to fight this epidemic until we have created a safer future for the next generation by freeing America from gun violence.” 41 f45f44(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://FyQAi6yL9Xz2bAVPzFPxxEWYDHDzR8fBPPX8q-Jc3Gw̻`iq׉ 7cassandra://eRyykky2ayM-6LNOt9-kfwweGh4nKUtkUW1xJmYf8wkʱ`׉ 7cassandra://iYEwFMfisUnd4rpxSjMAy5JWCyE7pxkAMBRC42Xl4X0LN`f4נf4^BA9׉H https://www.rubybskitchen.com/#/Gׁ ׁ rנf4ށ 9׉Hhttps://www.dmplayhouse.com/Gׁ ׁ rנf4t9ׁHhttp://DMMO.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׉EG We d CONTACT US TODAY! 515-770-2271 • Her songs. Her life. April 5–21, 2024 831 42nd Street | Des Moines | 515.277.6261 TICKETS AT: DMPlayhouse.com ׉ 7cassandra://iYEwFMfisUnd4rpxSjMAy5JWCyE7pxkAMBRC42Xl4X0LN`f48׉EkWORLD PREMIERE AMERICAN APOLLO DAMIEN GETER AND LILA PALMER 2024 FESTIVAL SEASON June 28 - July 21 THE BARBER OF SEVILLE by Gioachino Rossini SALOME by Richard Strauss PELLÉAS & MÉLISANDE by Claude Debussy AMERICAN APOLLO by Damien Geter and Lila Palmer Justin Austin (pictured) as Thomas Eugene McKeller FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO: DMMO.ORG / (515) 209-3257 43 f49f48(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://6B0gEqPL8POmbku2oy0SIATm7n-EFXtR1Lu-o7p3Yx4h`iq׉ 7cassandra://bsFZG6D5T2rgvv2ko707lG-55g1Yq_50qh01qberQEU`׉ 7cassandra://TR9pxx2GSykz7QTs6xb6NqlZMJgASicYWNYvBNyrfbQQ`f4׉E׉ 7cassandra://TR9pxx2GSykz7QTs6xb6NqlZMJgASicYWNYvBNyrfbQQ`f4:׉Egr aphix g LosRos INF O@LOSROS. C OM • LOSROS. C OM Servic es Pho t o E diting Appar el Design M emorial Pho t os L og o & Br anding Mag azine Design C ust om Design 45 f4;f4:(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://S7eOPW0t7pAcZrAfxYnY3Tsrw0wIjIuHKDLBO51ZJdsw`iq׉ 7cassandra://87J49dQvMgVSCTAWIIav9LqmtKahOxs51QSwhkXqL84Б`׉ 7cassandra://IRVsC53BbONVfjixdLejH-WCz3JIeS8bMTrEZdxZzGsM`f4נf489׉Hhttp://www.iowajuneteenth.orgGׁ ׁ r׉EDo you want to be on the cover or centerfold? Sponsor an edition of Urban Experience MaGazine! Contact us today: iaurbanmedia18@gmail. com ׉ 7cassandra://IRVsC53BbONVfjixdLejH-WCz3JIeS8bMTrEZdxZzGsM`f4=׉E47 f4>f4=(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://WKRPzLKrAyxpXg3rUbjOy9H--wTZbX0pE6VRcN_KN_s`iq׉ 7cassandra://vqiodobyYy6ySF_XpIC9KJ_7uVnd_E3BNF6smEN7dXw`׉ 7cassandra://PRba0mnAqj8KbRQVsQOvnuOasywlAYdjyObhCu6Jw1sT`f4נf4ځ#9׉Hhttps://www.greenstate.org/Gׁ ׁ rנf4̝́9ׁHhttp://DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORGׁ ׁ Ј׉EAs a financial cooperative, GreenState’s cooperative structure benefits everyone. Through competitive pricing and low fees, millions of dollars each year goes back into the pockets of members. Even non-members benefit from the competitive financial services landscape in our state. Rewards Checking • CDs & IRAs • Money Markets Insurance • Home / Auto Loans • Credit Cards Investments & Trust Services • Business Loans FINANCIAL INSTITUTION GreenState has consistently ranked in the top 1% nationally for returning earnings to members in the form of better rates on loans and deposits. GreenState US Bank Chase Wells Fargo (9,414 U.S. Institutions) RANK 21 5,323 5,520 7,704 *Data provided by Callahan and Associates 9/30/23 800-397-3790 GreenState.org ׉ 7cassandra://PRba0mnAqj8KbRQVsQOvnuOasywlAYdjyObhCu6Jw1sT`f4@׉E We can stop HIV, Iowa— by protecting our sexual health through talk, test, treat. talk Talk with your partner before having sex. Talk about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together. Talk to your healthcare provider about your sex life & ask what STI tests you should be getting and how often. test Get tested! It’s the only way to know for sure if you have an STI or HIV. Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so you could have one and not know. If you’re not comfortable asking your regular provider for an STI or HIV test, find a clinic that provides confidential testing that is free or low cost. n treat All STIs, including HIV, are treatable. If you test positive for an STI, work with your healthcare provider to get the right treatment. Ask about partner services to get your partner tested and treated. Avoid having sex until you and your sex partner both complete treatment. If you test positive for HIV, your healthcare provider or testing location will help connect you to treatment and resources! STI Awareness Week is April 14–20—but taking care of your sexual health is something you can do all year! STIs can cause long-term health issues when left untreated. They can also increase your chances of acquiring HIV. Getting tested for all sexually-transmitted infections is the best way to protect your own health and help to stop HIV in Iowa! o FEBRUARY 10 – MAY 12, 2024 ANNA K. MEREDITH GALLERY CURATED BY FITSUM SHEBESHE ORGANIZED BY INDEPENDENT CURATORS INTERNATIONAL OPENING CELEBRATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 | 5–7 PM DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG States of Becoming is a traveling exhibition curated by Fitsum Shebeshe and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), New York. Lead funding is provided by the Hartfield Foundation as part of an initiative to support ICI’s commitment to new curatorial voices who will shape the future of the field, and ICI’s Curatorial Intensive alumni as they move through the stages of their career. States of Becoming is made possible with the generous support of ICI’s Board of Trustees and International Forum. Crozier Fine Arts is the Preferred Art Logistics Partner. Exhibition graphics by Untitled Agency, Marrakech. Additional support for the Des Moines presentation provided by The Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Art Center Fund. IMAGE: Gabriel C. Amadi-Emina | Fade Catcher, 2021 Diptych photographic print on museo silver rag adhered flat on wooden panel | Collection of the artist 49 s t r o a p t h a n i v g i t w . o r y n g F o i d e e s i u : f4Af4@(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://jFkk1GWH8K9jqbei7rw39Yz2U4bEJF1A6UZBFMzZMD0`iq׉ 7cassandra://LKzcbz2GZIkyWa7XASqbdhn7ZUrtrudJP6hBNSWI7nER`׉ 7cassandra://u4Xf1twuTqW14prqBd7ZFkRhDj-QgYwRobrMJ7Hxxe8S<`f4נf4~G9ׁHhttp://unitedwaydm.org/united55ׁ ׁ Јנf4sׁG9ׁH$mailto:lynne.melssen@unitedwaydm.orgׁ ׁ Јנf4N[9ׁH'https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/ׁ ׁ Јנf4Nn9ׁH https://www.unitedwaydm.org/hopeׁ ׁ Ј׉EBE INFORMED BE AN ADVOCATE SURVIVE Everyone has a heart: Take Care of Yours & Live Your Best Life! Why is Cardiovascular Genetic Screening Important? ! ! More than 1 in every 200 people have an inherited heart disease. Inherited heart diseases are the leading causes of sudden death in young people. Benefits of Genetic & Clinical Screening Detect heart disease that did not show up in routine health exams. Early detection may prevent heart complications. Make informed decisions about heart health, including treament options. Help identify the cause of a heart condition or other health issues. Educate family members who may be at risk of heart disease. Learn about the chance that a pregnancy will lead to genetic condition. ! Inherited gene abnormality does not automatically result in heart disease. Knowing your risk can help you understand and manage your health. Learn your risk for heart disease If any family member experienced heart disease or any of the below health issues, consider genetic and clinical screening. Heart failure (younger than 60 years old) Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker implant (younger than 50 years old) Heart transplant (younger than 60 years old) Unexplained seizures or seizures with normal neurological evaluation Unexplained cardiac arrest(s) or sudden death Exercise intolerance Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Untreated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) known as bad cholesterol ≥ 190 Multiple family members with congenital heart defects West African Ancestry in your family Diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome The average cost of genetic testing is $250 This work was supported through the MIHF HealthConnect Fellowship. The average out-of-pocket cost is $100 ׉ 7cassandra://u4Xf1twuTqW14prqBd7ZFkRhDj-QgYwRobrMJ7Hxxe8S<`f4B׉E8JOIN UNITED 55+ Many believe that a meaningful life is not complete without the fulfillment that comes from helping others. If you're ready to take your commitment to the community to the next level, while meeting new people and gaining new experiences, UNITED 55+ is for you! Current & Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities Book Buddy A reading program that pairs volunteers with preschoolers for regular reading. The caring adult reads in person to the student at a local childcare center. You may pair up with a friend to share this weekly volunteer opportunity. Orientation & training provided. Power Read Volunteer reading mentors are matched one-to-one with a student for about an hour each week and together they read and engage in conversation. Programs take place during the student’s lunch period at various Des Moines elementary schools. Orientation & training provided. Not New Shop Charity shop volunteers needed to Sort, size, and mark donated items according to suggested price list, using good judgment regarding discards. Assist customers with purchases, ring up sales, keep shop in order. Training provided. HOPE for the Holidays Donation Drive The holidays are upon us! We are collecting cleaning products and gift cards for HOPE for Stable Families. This program works with families to set goals, remove barriers, and use available community resources to create long-term financial stability for them and their children. For information about the program or how to donate, visit https://www.unitedwaydm.org/hope-for-the-holidays Holiday Helping Hand Looking for ways to give back this holiday season? Check out United Way of Central Iowa’s Volunteer hub. Head to the Holiday Helping Hand Guide tab to see opportunities around Central Iowa. Check back often as opportunities will continually be added through the end of the year. Visit https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/ for more information. Contact, Lynne Melssen AmeriCorps Seniors Program Director at lynne.melssen@unitedwaydm.org or 515-246-6544 To register, scan the QR code or visit: unitedwaydm.org/united55 51 LIVE UNITED f4Cf4B(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://hNvQROLQgrgCdxA0JQB1FyXl43LjwsZwbmnKddanDR0`׉ 7cassandra://A4AN8Zhx0kJorka7qI9E6MJdrdbzAIAcxo-NKp0PCBw͇`s׉ 7cassandra://KLiI-8GiC3rWiJ-MAxGsZna9HQucUfxlKNv3UbzX3RA/N`f4נf4H]'9׉H&https://www.hendersonsfuneralcare.com/Gׁ ׁ rנf4qB9ׁHmailto:family@hendersonshp.comׁ ׁ Јנf4MM9ׁH http://hendersonsfuneralcare.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EWE’RE FAMILY! YOU CAN COUNT ON US TO HELP YOU PLAN A PERSONAL, LASTING TRIBUTE TO YOUR LOVED ONE. 3500 6TH AVE | DES MOINES, IA 50313 hendersonsfuneralcare.com | 515-309-6550 | family@hendersonshp.com ׉ 7cassandra://KLiI-8GiC3rWiJ-MAxGsZna9HQucUfxlKNv3UbzX3RA/N`f4E׈Ef4Ff4E(,UEM April 2024 editionCheck out the April edition of Urban Experience Magazine. We want to thank Des Moines Performing Arts for being the sponsor of the April edition. Check out their shows for the 2024-2025 season and make sure you get your tickets for MJ and an evening with Renee Elise Goldberry. fҷfȦ