A Course of Courage: How American Lake Veterans Golf Course Is Helping Veterans Heal Through Golf There are golf courses where people go to lower their handicap. And then there is American Lake Veterans Golf Course, where the game of golf can be part of something much bigger: healing, rehabilitation, camaraderie and finding a renewed sense of purpose. Located on the grounds of the VA Medical Center in Lakewood, the 18-hole course has become a remarkable resource for veter

From D-Day to Hollywood: What Mac Macdonald Taught Rotary About Service, Leadership and Showing Up What do Apocalypse Now, The Longest Day, Saving Private Ryan and Boys in the Boat have to do with Rotary? As it turns out, quite a lot. When Mac Macdonald recently joined the Rotary Club of Des Moines-Normandy Park, he brought an unusual combination of history, leadership, volunteerism and Hollywood stories to the podium—and challenged Rotarians to think differently about what

Neighbors Helping Neighbors One bowl at a time... With many communities across our state experiencing a state of emergency due to wildfires, here at Duke's, we've been huddled up, trying to formulate some way to help. Our first thought was, "send clam chowder and sourdough bread!" because we've always believed that food is healing, food brings people together, and food is love. And who doesn't appreciate a hearty bowl of yummy, award-winning clam chowder? But we quickly r

Des Moines is getting ready to celebrate one of its most treasured summer traditions as the 2026 Des Moines Waterland Festival and Parade brings together families, businesses, community organizations, and visitors for a weekend filled with hometown pride, entertainment, and connection. The celebration begins on Friday, July 17, with the 2026 Waterland Children’s Festival, presented by the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, followed by the Des Moines Waterland Festival and Parade

Powering the Future — and Honoring the Past: How Kyle Murray Is Transforming Collision Repair and Supporting Veterans at American Lake