{First, a brief update: The Great March for Climate Action is off and running . . . okay, walking. Please "like" our Facebook Page, and keep abreast of new developments as they occur . . . there's at least one newsworthy item to share each day.}
A big "CONGRATULATIONS!" to Tom Ahart for being selected as the next superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools. A "rose" to four of seven School Board members for "shopping local" and going with a known quantity who's already proven himself. A "thistle" to the entire board for cloaking the process in secrecy.
Not that secrecy is uncommon in government anymore. Officials at all levels are acting with greater disregard for public input and observation. This is not a good thing for those of us partial to democracy, freedom and an open society.
Monday, Des Moines attorney Alfredo Parrish discusses racial disparity in Iowa's prisons. And yeah, it's bad. Read Alfredo's recent opinion piece in the Des Moines Register for a primer on just how bad - and why. Also today, we discuss several aspects of the climate crisis, including the linchpin upon which all eyes rest: the Keystone Pipeline. We also talk about Tom Ahart's selection as Des Moines Public Schools' new superintendent, and the issue of government secrecy.
Tuesday, I'm still hammering out the details, but we start the conversation with Guns, God, and Gays. That should bring my right-wing audience out of the woodwork.
Wednesday, Charlie Bruner, executive director of Iowa Family and Policy Center, and Anne Kinzel, former coordinator of Iowa Legislative Health Care Coverage Commission, discuss Medicaid and IowaCare. With the issue front and center at the Statehouse, and with Governor Branstad digging in his heels against expanding Medicaid, this is an important conversation. Check out Charlie's recent opinion piece here and Anne's here.
Thursday, State Rep Dan Kelley provides us our weekly inside look at the Iowa Statehouse. And Nakisha Phillips charts her journey through pregnancy with a doula and a midwife.
Friday, Aaron Todd discusses the tremendous progress made on revitalizing one of Des Moines most blighted corridors: Sixth Avenue. Also, Heather Ryan joins us for another weekly feature: "Ryan's Rants."
So, Monday-Friday, join the conversation online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call-in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077 and add your voice to the dialogue. If you miss a show, video and audio-only podcasts are available later in the day. Thanks!
Ed
EVENTS
March 11 - Public Talk on Reiki (West Des Moines)
Free introductory conversation about Reiki with practitioner Diane Sweet, at the West Des Moines Public Library, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. Contact Dustin at (515) 333-7891 or teachingtheagelesswisdoms@
March 13 - Max Wellman & His String Quartet (Des Moines)
Max Wellman, in conjunction with Civic Music Association's Backstage Social Group, presents an evening of jazz and standards brought to you by a classically-trained string quartet. Max and Sam Wells perform the art songs by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and others through a classical medium. It's at the Fourth Street Theater, 214 4th St. at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10. Contact Max at (515) 490-5497 or max@maxwellmanmusic.com.
March 14 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.
March 15-17 - Reiki First Degree (Des Moines)
Two-day Reiki training session. Cost is $150. Contact Dustin at (515) 333-7891 or teachingtheagelesswisdoms@
March 23 - Max Wellman and His Big Band (Des Moines)
At Hoyt Sherman Place, 15th and Woodland, 8:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of arrangements by Des Moines trumpeter/composer Dave Rezek. The band is made up of several of Des Moines' finest up-and-coming jazz musicians, including several members of the popular Uplift Quintet. Tina Haase Findlay of Bella Soul will also perform. Tickets are $20. Contact Max at (515) 490-5497 or max@maxwellmanmusic.com.
March 24 - Ecumenical Processional for Peace (Des Moines)
Processional begins at 3:00 on the west steps of the State Capitol and ends at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 815 High Street for a 3:45 service. This year's event commemorates the anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Contact Chet Guinn at (515) 282-8054 or Eloise Cranke at ecranke@mchsi.com.
March 27 - An Evening with Rachel Reynolds (Des Moines)
Rachel Reynolds, a local nursing instructor and human rights advocate, speaks about human rights, her experience with child soldiers in Uganda, and her impressions of the "Lord's Resistance Army." The event is sponsored by Amnesty International at Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting House, lower level, 4211 Grand Ave. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served. Contact Mike at (515) 238-1782 or mikecollet4@aol.com.
March 28 - Equal Justice After Hours (Des Moines)
Annual fundraising event supporting Iowa Legal Aid and its work to provide access to justice for low-income Iowans. At Temple for Performing Arts, 1011 Locust St, program includes remarks by Georgetown University law professor Peter Edelman and induction of Robert C. Oberbillig into the Iowa Legal Aid Hall of Fame. Reception at 5:30 pm, program at 6:30. Tickets are $50, or $150 to be a sponsor (sponsors may attend a special reception with Mr. Edelman from 5:00-6:30). Contact Terri Bennett at (515) 243-2980 (x1611) or tbennett@iowalaw.org.
March 28 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join excellent conversation about energy and the environment over food and drink at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave from 5:30-7:30 pm. For more details, see www.greendrinks.org.
