The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, at the Northwest Community Center, located at 5110 Franklin Ave. We will have our annual report, neighborhood news, public safety updates, Des Moines Parks & Recreation news, refreshments, and more. We also expect to hear from Anawim Housing with an update on their Monarch Apartments project. The meeting will conclude with the election of officers and board members for 2025.

Looking ahead, please note that MHNA ALWAYS meets on the third Thursday in January, April, July, and October at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. In 2025, MHNA will host its quarterly membership meetings on January 16, April 17, July 17, and October 16.

Unless otherwise noted, the meetings start at 6:30 p.m. Our October gathering includes our annual supper, which starts at 6 p.m., followed by the membership meeting at 6:30.

Please save the dates! Our ability to send out paper newsletters depends on annual revenue and grant support, which varies from year to year.

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.

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!