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Jul 21, 2022Liked by Julie Gammack

I’m keeping busy as the “community expert” for the new Des Moines International Airport terminal design; coordinating a new Iowa Climate Assessment with the infamous Gene Takle from ISU as the lead author; and chairing a new Economic Vitality Committee for the City of Clive, where I’ve been on the council since 2013. Lots of other things, but those feel like making a long-term difference. Thanks for recording the Monday Zooms as I keep having to miss with all that’s on my plate.

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this all sounds quite interesting. I was surprised when I moved back to Des Moines to discover the old entrance road had been altered. Do you know what went into that decision? Just curious.

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Nutrition 4 Young Children became a 501(c)(3) 4 years ago. Our mission is to educate and connect families to maximize the health and well-being of children pre-birth through age 5 in Polk County, IA. We work in partnership with Polk County Extension and Outreach holding Healthy Baby Showers in both English and Spanish. We stay connected with the HBS participants through Facebook, an e-newsletter published twice a month, and our website. Several non-profits support our efforts including Polk County, WIC, EveryStep, Count the Kicks, ACEs 360, and several others. Our passion and commitment came from learning that 80% of a baby's brain is developed in the first 1,000 days beginning before birth to age 2. Ninety percent of a child's brain is developed before they enter kindergarten at age 5. Adequate and good nutrition is foundational in maximizing brain development. We continue to work with Polk County Extension through their Buy, Eat, Live Healthy classes, and their several reading opportunities. Prior to the pandemic we were holding monthly parent cafes in both Spanish and English. We hope to again when it is safe to meet in groups that include small children. Check out our website nutrition4youngchildren.org.

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What a fabulous program. This was what I was hoping for by asking folks to share what they are supporting. This sounds like a terrific program. Julie

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Thank you. We are quite excited about it.

Diana

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Nutrition 4 Young Children focuses on pre-birth to age 5 and the importance of adequate and good nutrition to build healthy brains and bodies; eliminating lead pipes from Des Moines and Polk County; a group of 80+ year olds who belong to Eighty and Energetic are healthy and interested in aging well. Three of my missions. Thanks for asking. Diana Sickles, Des Moines.

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That’s wonderful. Say more about the nutrition program?

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Jul 20, 2022Liked by Julie Gammack

It appears that we collectively have an opportunity to grow the political support for Pres. Biden to ask the Nat'l Archivist to sign and publish the ERA. See https://lyz.substack.com/p/sign-era?utm_source=email.

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Thanks, Judy!

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Jul 20, 2022Liked by Julie Gammack

You have such great ideas!

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Thanks! I’m really psyched about the collaborative. I think it’s a way to generate financial support for some great folks.

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