Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“It's been probably 30-plus years since I quit smoking (Smoking disparities, Nov. 20, 2024). My becoming winded in physical activities was the final reason I quit. I was one of those who thought it was cool originally. Speaking just to the tribal communities, they should stop selling cigarettes at tax-free discounted prices through their reservation outlets to both their members and outsiders. High visibility and respected members of all ethnic and racial groups should be enlisted to take the cool out of smoking.” - John

Sounds cool to me. Wait, wasn’t Kool a cigarette brand? - Shane

“Thank you for your veteran salute in Urbandale Living magazine. Thank you for the ‘Looking back on the Pope's visit’ article and picture in Urbandale Living magazine.” - George

You are welcome, George. Keep on reading! - Shane

“Shane, I'm sure you will be inundated with ideas for the day you decide to adopt a new dog, but I must share a suggestion (Dogless, Nov. 25, 2024). Greyhounds are a calm, gentle and beautiful addition to any home. We have had four over the years, and they are much like a big cat. They don't need or even want to race... they've had enough of that on the track. A big fluffy bed, a blanket and some toys are all they require. Add love and a few walks each day and they will be totally happy. But be prepared to remain second choice. All of ours have loved and cherished Diane over me! Heartland Greyhound Adoption is headquartered in Bondurant but Altoona (our previous home) has many advocates and greyhound owners. They have a website with pics of available pets. Greys are often an afterthought... if ever thought of at all. But once you experience them in your home, well, you can discover that for yourself, if you give them a chance. Best wishes to you, your family and the new arrival as well!” - John

Thank you, John. Maybe someday. For now, we are going to try the dog-free lifestyle. - Shane

“My wife and I were expecting our first kid. We also had a Shih Tzu (Dogless, Nov. 25, 2024). So we tested the dog by treating a teddy bear as a baby — holding it, talking to it, putting it in a bassinet. That little dog jumped right into the bassinet! And snuggled with it. We kept the dog. She loved our boys, and was protective. Whenever anyone besides us entered a room where the baby was, she got between that person and the baby.” - Brad

It could have been the bacon you stuffed inside that teddy bear. - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's past columns here.

YOUR NEIGHBORS
Hillis Elementary ‘lunch lady’ has fed generations

By Cyote Williams

If someone you know walked through the hallways at Moore or Hillis Elementary, there’s a good chance Vickie Obraza served them a hot meal. Obraza has a total of 25 years working in food service between her time at the two Des Moines Public Schools locations, and she says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“One thing I realized yesterday is that parents and families are so busy, and groceries are so expensive, that being able to help just a little by feeding these children breakfast and lunch is a small thing I can do to help. And that is very rewarding,” Obraza said.

Meet Carl Larson

By Jackie Wilson

Carl Larson of West Des Moines is one of only about 66,000 living U.S. World War II veterans, out of the 16 million U.S. veterans who served. Larson recalls the day in basic training camp when he was trained to kill. As an 18-year-old, it was a “rude awakening” to grow up quicker than he ever imagined. He shares his World War II experience and stories in this exclusive interview with Iowa Living Magazines.

...

Monday, Dec. 2: E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, from E 19th Street to E 20th Court will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for railroad crossing repair. Detour will be posted using E 18th Street, Dean Avenue, and E 26th Street.

Monday, Dec. 2 - Friday, Dec. 6: Eastbound Guthrie Avenue, Des Moines, from E 17th Street to Moss Drive will be closed for utility work. Detour will be posted using Dixon Street, Euclid Avenue, and Delaware Avenue. Westbound traffic will be maintained. Expect delays.

Monday, Dec. 2 - Thursday, Dec. 5: Water Street, Des Moines, from Court Avenue to Vine Street will be closed for utility work. Expect Delays

Monday, Dec. 2, lasting for three years: E 38th Street from Sage Street to NE 54th Avenue will be closed for the next three years for bridge reconstruction. A detour will be posted using NE 54th Avenue, NE 29th Street, and E Broadway Avenue.

Happy Birthday: Judy Anderson Nov. 29; Emily Tomlinson Nov. 30; Chris J Williams Nov. 30 and Maria Jordan Nov. 30.

These celebrities were born on this date: Anna Faris, Howie Mandel, Don Cheadle, Gemma Chan, John Milhiser, The Game, James Fortune, Brian Baumgartner, Crowder, Jonathan Knight, Tom Sizemore, Chuck Mangione

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to the last riddle: When does Thanksgiving bread rise? When you yeast expect it to! Other answers from William Snyder and Rex Post.

Today's riddle: What language does Postman Pat use when delivering to Hogwarts?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or West Des Moines/Jordan Creek, Waukee or Norwalk  Living magazines, contact:

Martha Munro
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 314
Mobile: 515-321-5246
martha@iowalivingmagazines.com

©Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., all rights reserved.
www.biggreenumbrellamedia.com.

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