Learn how to recycle right and meet our new neighborhood police officer when the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association meets at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18 at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave.

We expect to be joined by a rep from the City of Des Moines, who will share do’s and dont’s about recycling, and provide details about how you can go for the gold—gold lid, that is. The city offers gold recycling cart lids for “super recyclers” who pass a spot check on the contents of their bin. We all need to be more environmentally conscious and this is an opportunity to learn how we can all keep more recyclable goods out of the landfill. We’ll also hear from Des Moines Police Officer Trudy Paulson, who was recently assigned to our neighborhood.

There will be neighborhood news, a preview of our events calendar for the rest of 2018, and perhaps most importantly, T-R-E-A-T-S. Please mark your calendar and spread the word among your neighbors. Attending MHNA’s quarterly meetings is a great way to learn how you can get involved and make a difference right where you live!

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will host its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. We expect to be joined by Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, followed by a rep from Midwest Basement Systems. We also plan to have public safety updates, neighborhood news, and a discussion about neighborhood goals for 2019. The meeting will conclude with officer and board elections. Please join us!

Please join the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association for our annual supper at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. We’ll have a variety of soups, sides, and desserts. If you would like to contribute something for the supper, please contact April at 515-707-6386.

After supper, we’ll hear from Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly, who will provide an update on county business. We’ll also hear from the local developer who plans to convert the former Franklin Junior High/First Federated Church building at 4801 Franklin Avenue into a mixed-use commercial property with a boutique hotel, restaurant, office space, and other possible uses. The new property owner plans to file for rezoning soon, and MHNA’s October 18 quarterly meeting will allow residents and other stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback.

The meeting portion will include public safety updates, neighborhood news, and a look ahead to 2019. Please mark your calendars and invite a neighbor. We look forward to having a great turnout!