"Spread Joy with The Sunny Side Project: Share Your Positive News with Iowa Public Radio AND US!"

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Spread Joy with The Sunny Side Project: Share Your Positive News with Iowa Public Radio AND US! Get involved in tropical terrarium workshops, celebrate milestones with Families Forward, combat food insecurity with the Iowa Donation Garden Network, and more! Share your positive news with us now.

David with the Hello Media team

Nov 4, 2025

Joke Of The Day

Why did the scarecrow win an award in Des Moines?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

Spread Joy with The Sunny Side Project: Share Your Positive News with Iowa Public Radio AND US. Please send your information to us by responding to your subscription email.

The Sunny Side Project collects and shares good news stories to spread joy.

Send your positive news via video, audio, or email to be featured on Iowa Public Radio.

Record a message in the IPR app or email sunnyside@iowapublicradio.org.

Leave a voicemail at 515.725.1711 with your sunny story.

Your good news will be shared on air, social media, or in the daily newsletter.

Share moments of joy, stories, and victories to brighten the day of IPR listeners and readers.

Follow the script provided to help get started!

"Tropical Terrarium Workshop at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on November 6, 2025"

Create your own tropical terrarium at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on November 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Learn how to design and care for these miniature worlds with all materials provided.

Registration is required for ages 12+.

Hosted in the Historic East Village, this event is priced at $42.50 for members and $50 for non-members.

For more information and to register, contact Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden at marketing@dmbotanicalgarden.com.

list for booth availability.

The expo will feature a variety of tattoo artists showcasing their work, as well as live tattooing, piercing, entertainment, contests, and vendors.

This event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the door.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience the world of tattoos and body art!

Families Forward Celebration: Honoring Milestones and Looking Towards the Future

The Families Forward organization is celebrating a significant milestone with their inaugural event, the Families Forward Celebration, on November 6, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Following the merger of Bidwell Riverside and Hawthorn Hill in 2023, Families Forward has strengthened their ability to serve families in need.

The event will feature curated appetizers and cocktails, as well as highlights from their various programs.

Guests can expect an evening of connection and celebration, honoring the families, partners, and supporters who make their mission possible.

The event will kick off a new era of fundraising, leading up to their biggest campaign yet in 2026.

Introducing the Iowa Donation Garden Network: Empowering and Connecting Community Gardens to Combat Food Insecurity.

A new statewide initiative is being launched to support community gardens that donate fresh produce.

The Iowa Donation Garden Network aims to connect garden organizers through education, resources, and programming.

The goal is to empower and connect donation gardens across Iowa to combat food insecurity.

The network will collect annual reporting metrics to create a statewide map of impact.

Funding for SNAP-Ed is ending, making the network a critical support for donation gardens.

Informational Zoom sessions will be held tomorrow at multiple times to introduce the network.

To register, visit the provided link.

Secret Little Hack

Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for a peaceful escape from the city hustle and bustle.

"Get Involved: Volunteer, Sponsor, and Sip & Stroll at the Botanical Garden"

Interested in volunteering at an event?

Fill out an application to get involved!

Want to sponsor a special event?

Email giving@dmbotanicalgarden.com for more information.

SIP & STROLL event allows guests to enjoy a glass of wine while exploring the Botanical Garden with updates on what is in bloom from our Director of Horticulture.

This event is for ages 21 and older, with registration required.

Cost is $17 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and classes.

Southwest Iowa Rural Summit Emphasizes Collaboration and Resilience for Rural Community Growth

Pottawattamie County leaders, community partners, and development professionals gathered at the Southwest Iowa Rural Summit in Oakland.

The event focused on collaboration, recovery, and creativity driving growth in rural communities.

Seth Watkins emphasized rural resilience through decentralized livestock and diversified landscapes.

Dr.

Morgan Vogel discussed population dynamics and retention strategies in western Iowa.

Bethany Wilcoxon shared the success story of Minden's recovery after a devastating tornado.

David Schmitz highlighted arts programs for economic impact.

A panel of funders stressed the importance of clear strategies and cross-sector partnerships.

Overall, the event underscored the importance of collaboration for the growth of vibrant communities in Southwest Iowa.

"Unwrap the Magic of the Des Moines Holiday Boutique: Unique Gifts, Girls Night Out, and Year-Round Holiday Spirit!"

The Des Moines Holiday Boutique at EMC Expo Center features artisan vendors with unique, custom-made gifts.

Girls Night Out on Friday offers music, drinks, and shopping from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M.

Tips for keeping the holiday spirit alive year-round include celebrating with loved ones.

10 Christmas gift ideas for garden lovers are also available for finding the perfect gift this holiday season.

Tip of The Day

Explore the Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturdays for fresh produce, unique gifts, and delicious street food!