Many people don’t know that Iowa was the first state in the U.S. to officially integrate its public schools in 1868, just three years after the Civil War ended. Join the African American Museum of Iowa to uncover more stories of Black Iowans throughout history at Endless Possibilities. Starting with the Lewis and Clark expedition and into the present day, we will see how Black Americans have shaped Iowa’s culture, economy, and laws.

Sydney O’Hare is the museum educator at the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids. She’s a life-long Midwesterner who earned her BA in History from DePaul University and her MA in History from the University of Iowa.

She is excited to team up with other Iowa institutions to showcase Black history around the state. Free program is sponsored by Community 1st Credit Union and hosted by Indianola Parks & Recreation.
 

Join Greater Des Moines Partnership to learn best practices and to receive resources that will help you inspire trust, promote unity, and create a sense of stability, even when facing the most trying of situations. This program is beneficial for government leaders such as mayors, city council members, administrators, clerks, and chamber officials. 

Experience the warmth and energy of a gathering fire, built by hand and ignited without matches. Allow the flames to illuminate your mind and heart as you share and process your experiences. We will take a forest therapy walk through the woods to explore nature using all your senses. This is casual wander that focuses on being in the present moment. There will hot tea and snacks to savor by the fire. This walk is in partnership with Forest Spirit LLC and IADNR.

On December 9^th during the Home for the Holidays event on the Indianola Downtown Square, the Indianola Chamber is hosting the annual Holiday Lighted Parade. We want to make this the best lighted parade ever! We are asking YOU to sign your organization up to be a part of the parade! Here are the details for the event:

• Parade Time: The parade will kick off at 7:30, participants should start lining up at 7:00pm to ensure a smooth start
• Float Requirements: Participants provide a parade entry, we encourage floats, vehicles, and even decorated people! The only requirement is that your entry is creatively decorated with lights to illuminate the parade route.
• Candy and Treat: Feel free to bring your own candy or treats to distribute to the excited onlookers. It’s a great way to spread holiday joy!
• Competition: To add an extra element of fun, there will be prizes for various categories. Let your creativity shine and you might be the winner!

Let’s come together to make the “Home for the Holidays” a memorable event for our community! 

Register for this event to ensure you have a spot in the parade!

• Senator Mike Bousselot (R - Polk)
• Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum (D - Dubuque)
• House Assistant Majority Leader David Young (R - Dallas)
• House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst (D - Polk)

Vocalist Gina Gedler and keyboardist Ben Hagen return to the Activity Center for a Christmas show that brings holiday cheer featuring classic songs...some with a twist....  and some with the audience singing along!

The free concert is hosted by Indianola Parks & Recreation and sponsored by MediGold|MercyOne, with dessert provided by Indianola Hy-Vee.

The energy of the Winter Solstice is deeply reflective. The Winter Solstice marks a return to light from darkness that we experience within ourselves and in nature during the cold winter months. Yoga helps us move through this season and more deeply align with the energy of the changing seasons, and release unwanted darkness that no longer serves us.

Join Bethany with Begin Again Yoga for a 75-minute yoga class that will move through postures that are held for longer periods of time in a restorative manner, paired with meditation techniques to relax both the body and mind. This class will focus on letting go of what is no longer serving us and explore the depth of postures to bring new opportunities. 

Bethany approaches her yoga classes with all levels of yogis in mind, so all are welcome to this practice. A yoga mat, layered clothing, and water bottle are encouraged for this class.

Join Bethany with Begin Again Yoga for community yoga at West Hill Brewing Company. Enjoy a 60-minute yoga class and beer fellowship following. This class is catered to all levels of yogis with a variety of poses for all to enjoy.

A $20 admission gets you yoga plus one complimentary beer, hard cider, or non-alcoholic beverage before the taproom is open to the public. Taproom doors open prior to class at 10:30 a.m.

Proven to reduce stress and anxiety, Yoga Nidra is a form of meditation and a mind-body therapy. It is a systematic form of guided relaxation that typically is done for 30 to 40 minutes at a time, leaving you feel relaxed and refreshed for the rest of your evening.