Support MHNA’s Keep the Kids Warm program

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The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association is once again collecting new clothing and monetary donations for elementary school children through our Keep the Kids Warm program. 

This year, we are collecting winter clothing for students at Hillis Elementary School. Donations of NEW coats, boots, stocking hats, gloves, snow pants, and mittens are welcome, or you can donate money and we’ll purchase the needed items. The following sizes are needed:

  • Coats & snow pants- (boys and girls): 6/6x, 7/8, 10/12, 14/16.
  • Boots (boys and girls): 1, 2, and 3, 4
  • Mittens or Gloves (boys and girls): S, M, L & XL

Our cutoff time is November 11, so we can get items to the kids before Thanksgiving break.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated! We also want to thank Applebee’s Grill + Bar on Merle Hay Road for donating a portion of their orders on Oct. 29! 

Your help is greatly appreciated! If you have questions or would like more information about donating, please contact Kathy Battles on her cell at (515) 865-3040, or by email at kmbattles@msn.com.

MHNA Quarterly Meeting + Annual Supper on Thursday, October 17

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The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will hold its next meeting and annual supper on Thursday, October 17, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. The supper will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the quarterly membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. We expect to hear updates from Moore and Hillis elementary schools, Des Moines Parks & Recreation, and the Des Moines Police Department’s Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Unit.

We will also have neighborhood news, committee updates, and information on how you can get involved in supporting our neighborhood and city.

If you would like to bring a soup, side, or dessert, please contact April at (515) 707-6386.

MHNA Quarterly Meeting on July 18

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Please join us for the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association’s next quarterly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. Here is a snapshot of what we have planned:

• Business Spotlight: Pam Lowe with IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, 3990 Merle Hay Road
• Reimagine Education Initiative: Des Moines Public Schools
• Ward 1 City Council Member: Chris Coleman

We also expect to receive a Des Moines Parks & Recreation update from Mike Bahl, along with neighborhood news, committee reports, and public safety updates from Officer Trudy Paulson with the Des Moines Police Department’s Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Unit.

Refreshments will be provided. Please join us and bring your neighbors. All are welcome!

CANCELLED: Open House re: Merle Hay Road changes on April 30

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NOTE: This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather in the forecast. City officials plan to schedule a Zoom meeting in its place on a date to be determined. We will share the Zoom meeting information when it is available. Another open house will be held on Tuesday, June 4, at the Franklin Avenue Library. We will share more information as it becomes available.

Merle Hay Road between Douglas Avenue and Aurora Avenue will be reduced by one lane on the west side of the street. The change in road layout will include the addition of a sidewalk, creating opportunities for further dialogue about placemaking and neighborhood partnerships. A public open house will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 on Tuesday, April 30, in the community room at Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Ave. to share design concepts and hear comments and feedback on the project.

Improving sidewalk access, connections, and safety have been among the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association’s top priorities for our commercial corridors and the neighborhood as a whole. The coming sidewalk project on Merle Hay Road is a great step toward the broader goal of expanded sidewalk access and pedestrian safety across the neighborhood! Please join us on April 30 to learn more and share your ideas!