City of Ames’ Podcasts

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting. The Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 14, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. A meeting of the Ames Conference Board will be held earlier that evening at 5:30 p.m. in the same location. This agenda includes a number of items for Council consideration, and while this episode does not cover every topic, it highlights several discussions that may be of particular interest to residents and the community. This podcast is designed to help listeners better understand what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to consider, and how those discussions may impact Ames. In this episode, we discuss: Key highlights from the April 14 City Council agenda Proclamations The Planning department's workplan presentaion Temporary changes to the nuisance and towing ordinances Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public. Have a question or topic you would like covered? Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil Important note City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording. From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Jehan Faisal, Volunteer Coordinator at the Ames Public Library, and dedicated library volunteer Dana Eaton. Together, they explore how volunteers help bring the library to life, from organizing book sales to supporting daily operations and community programs. Jehan shares how she found her way into library work and what it takes to coordinate a diverse and passionate volunteer base. Dana offers a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to give back through service, along with a few memorable moments from her time at the library. Whether you're a lifelong reader or just looking for a way to get involved in the community, this conversation highlights the meaningful impact of volunteering and why the library remains such a vital part of Ames. ✨ Episode Highlights How Jehan Faisal became Volunteer Coordinator at the Ames Public Library The wide range of volunteer opportunities available, from shelving to events Who volunteers at the library and why it’s open to everyone Dana Eaton’s personal experience and favorite moments as a volunteer The real impact volunteers have on staff, patrons, and the broader community Behind the scenes of the upcoming Library Book Sale How to get started as a volunteer, including training and onboarding Quick rapid fire book and library favorites from both guests 📖 Get Involved Interested in volunteering or checking out the upcoming book sale? Visit AmesPublicLibrary.org to learn more about opportunities, events, and ways to support your local library. Volunteering at the library isn’t just about books. It’s about building connections, supporting learning, and strengthening the community one story at a time.

Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate all contain caffeine, but how much do we really know about it? In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield explore the ins and outs of caffeine. The bottom line: enjoy your caffeine fix (because Kacie and Bailey definitely will), but stay informed about how it affects your body. Episode Highlights What Is Caffeine? A look at caffeine as a natural stimulant produced by plants that affects the brain, nervous system, muscles, and heart. Where Caffeine Comes From Plants such as coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao, and others naturally produce caffeine. The episode explores how these sources end up in everyday foods and drinks. How Much Caffeine Is in Common Foods and Drinks A comparison of caffeine levels in coffee, soda, energy drinks, tea, and chocolate, and why the amounts can vary. The Benefits and Downsides The hosts discuss both the potential positives of caffeine, such as alertness and focus, and the possible negative side effects including sleep disruption, anxiety, and overconsumption. Research on Caffeine and Health Kacie and Bailey explore recent studies that examine how caffeine interacts with the body and what research suggests about long term health outcomes. How to Check Your Caffeine Intake Listeners can look up caffeine content in common foods and drinks through resources available at CSPI. Resources https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772417424000104 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2844764 https://www.delish.com/food-news/a70300713/caffeinated-coffee-tea-lower-dementia-risk-study/ https://CSPI.org https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10459237/ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast? Send suggestions to [email protected]

The City of Ames is getting ready to open the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, and it is safe to say this is the kind of place kids will never want to leave. In this episode, Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham joins host Bill Gebhart to share what residents can expect, from pools and programs to year-round recreation opportunities. With an anticipated opening in April 2026, the facility is designed to serve swimmers of all ages, from early morning lap swimmers to kids who keep asking for just one more trip down the slide. What You’ll Learn What the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is and how it fits into Ames’ parks and recreation system Key features of the facility, including lap, recreation, and wellness pools, plus a water slide Additional amenities like multipurpose spaces, walking areas, and classrooms Programming options for all ages, including open swim, lap swim, aqua fitness, and adaptive programs Fitness offerings such as group classes and specialty programs Admission options, including daily rates and membership passes How the new indoor center will complement the seasonal Furman Aquatic Center Accessibility features designed to welcome all users Opportunities for rentals, parties, and special events Key Highlights Opening timeline: Anticipated April 2026 Year-round access to aquatic recreation and fitness Flexible programming for families, individuals, and groups Designed to complement the Furman Aquatic Center during summer months Memorable Moments Keith shares his path into parks and recreation and what brought him to Ames A preview of the facility’s features and how they will serve the community Reflections on what he is most excited for residents to experience Rapid-fire answers on favorite swim times and unexpected aquatic favorites Learn More For updates on amenities, programming, and passes, visit: www.CityofAmes.org/Aquatics Closing Thought The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is built for everyday moments, whether that is a quick swim, a fitness class, or a kid asking for one more turn down the slide. It is a space designed to bring people together all year long.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, March 24 Ames City Council meeting. Their conversation highlights several important topics that impact City operations, community services, and future planning efforts. Susan and Mayor Haila break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions connect to the day to day lives of Ames residents. In this episode, we discuss: • The job description and recruitment process for Ames’ next City Attorney • Updates and actions related to Parks and Recreation projects and services • The value of resident feedback and how it helps shape Council decisions • The award of contracts for the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames. Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public. Get involved: Watch meetings live or on demand on the City’s YouTube View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected] From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer to talk about two important federal funding programs that support housing and neighborhood development in Ames: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME. They break down what these programs are, how they’re funded, and the types of local projects they support, from housing rehabilitation to community services. The conversation also highlights the importance of public input and how residents can help shape funding decisions at the upcoming public forums. Whether you're a resident, part of a local organization, or just curious how these decisions get made, this episode offers a clear and approachable look at how these programs impact Ames. 🔑 Episode Highlights What CDBG and HOME funding programs are and how they work How federal funding from HUD supports local housing initiatives Examples of projects funded in Ames, including housing rehabilitation and community services Why public input is a critical part of the funding process What to expect at the March 25 public forums How residents and organizations can participate, even if they cannot attend in person 📅 Important Dates CDBG and HOME Public Forums 🗓 Tomorrow, March 25 🕚 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. 📍 Ames City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave These forums are open to residents, organizations, and anyone interested in learning more or sharing input on how funding should be used. 💡 Why It Matters CDBG and HOME funding play a key role in maintaining and improving housing options, supporting vulnerable populations, and strengthening neighborhoods. Community input helps ensure these resources are used in ways that reflect local needs and priorities. 🔗 Learn More Learn more on the City’s website on the Housing page. 🎧 Closing Note Have ideas about future topics or guests? Let us know. We would love to hear from you as we continue highlighting the people and programs shaping Ames.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting. The Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 24, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. A special Ames City Council meeting will be held earlier that evening at 5:15 p.m., providing an opportunity for public input on the proposed 2026–2027 City budget and Tax Levy. This agenda includes a number of items for Council consideration, and while this episode does not cover every topic, it highlights several discussions that may be of particular interest to residents and the community. This podcast is designed to help listeners better understand what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to consider, and how those discussions may impact Ames. In this episode, we discuss: Key highlights from the March 24 City Council agenda The purpose and importance of the public input session on the proposed budget and Tax Levy What selected items mean for residents and the community How to follow the meeting and stay engaged in local government Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public. Have a question or topic you would like covered? Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil Important note City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording. From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield are joined by Nancy Shaw, Wellness Program Manager for the City of Ames. Nancy reflects on her journey into the wellness field and the path that eventually led her to the City of Ames. Throughout the conversation, she shares insights from her long career helping people improve their health and well being. The discussion explores how fitness and wellness trends have evolved over the years, common misconceptions people have about working out, and the many ways that well being can look different for each person. Nancy also talks about how our approach to wellness often changes as we age and why finding balance is an important part of maintaining lifelong health. As Nancy prepares for her upcoming retirement, the conversation also highlights the impact she has had on wellness programming and the many people she has supported along the way. Episode Highlights Nancy’s Path to Wellness Nancy shares how she became interested in fitness and wellness and what led her to a career focused on helping others live healthier lives. How Fitness Has Changed Over the Years From workout trends to changing perspectives on health, Nancy reflects on how the wellness industry has evolved during her career. Breaking Common Wellness Myths The conversation addresses misconceptions about exercise and well being, and why wellness is about more than intense workouts or strict routines. Wellness Through Different Stages of Life Nancy discusses how our needs and goals change as we age and how people can continue prioritizing wellness at every stage of life. Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast? Send suggestions to [email protected]