Category Archives: Events

Quarterly Meeting on July 20 & National Night Out on Aug. 1

Here are details for MHNA’s upcoming events this summer. Please make plans to join us. All are welcome!

MHNA Quarterly Meeting on July 20 – Our Namesake’s Birthday!

Please join MHNA for our next quarterly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20 at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. The meeting happens to fall on the birthdate of Pvt. Merle D. Hay, the first Iowan killed in World War I. We can think of no better way to honor Merle Hay’s service, sacrifice, and legacy than to come together to work on ways to make our neighborhood and city stronger and better for everyone.

We are still working out details, but we plan to spotlight a neighborhood business. We also plan to provide updates on the recently completed Merle Hay Corridor Plan.

As always, we will have public safety updates, neighborhood news, committee updates, and information on how you can help out around the neighborhood. And don’t forget, we’ll have REFRESHMENTS!

National Night Out on August 1

Please join the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association for our annual observance of National Night Out, America’s night out against crime, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1 at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave.

There will be games and crafts for kids, family-friendly entertainment, door prizes, and great tips and information from public safety personnel about how to safeguard you, your loved ones, and your property. Cold refreshments and snacks will be provided!

National Night Out is a great way to meet your neighbors and learn more about safety within your home and while you’re out and about. Please help spread the word! We look forward to having a great turnout. Contact April Wyss at 515-707-6386 to volunteer, donate, or have a booth. We can always use more helping hands, so please consider volunteering!

MHNA Meeting on April 20

MHNA’s quarterly meeting is this Thursday (April 20) at 6:30 p.m. at the Northwest Community Center on Franklin Avenue. Here is some of what’s slated:

-Business spotlight: University Vacuum (formerly Windsor Vacuum)
-Updates from Hillis Elementary School staff
-Polk County Treasurer Mary Wells
-Merle Hay Corridor Plan update from Chris Albrecht of Bolton & Menk
-Public safety updates from MHNA’s Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Officer

Please join us and bring a neighbor!

SCRUB on April 15

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association (MHNA) will once again partner with Des Moines Public Works to host the annual Spring Clean Up to Reduce Urban Blight (SCRUB) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 in the parking lot behind the ramp on the north side of Merle Hay Mall. Please note the new location!

SCRUB allows Des Moines residents to discard unwanted items including furniture, televisions, appliances, tires, hazardous waste, and other materials for free.

This is a largely volunteer-driven event and MHNA welcomes your help. Volunteers primarily help answer questions and direct traffic.

If you would like to volunteer, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c48aca82daafcce9-scrub#/

Yard and tree debris can be dropped off at the Des Moines Compost Site at 1601 Harriett St. For complete SCRUB program details, visit the Des Moines Public Works webpage at dsm.city/publicworks or call 283-4950.