City of Ames’ Podcasts

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Jehan Faisal, Volunteer Coordinator at the Ames Public Library, and dedicated library volunteer Dana Eaton. Together, they explore how volunteers help bring the library to life, from organizing book sales to supporting daily operations and community programs.

Jehan shares how she found her way into library work and what it takes to coordinate a diverse and passionate volunteer base. Dana offers a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to give back through service, along with a few memorable moments from her time at the library.

Whether you're a lifelong reader or just looking for a way to get involved in the community, this conversation highlights the meaningful impact of volunteering and why the library remains such a vital part of Ames.

✨ Episode Highlights

How Jehan Faisal became Volunteer Coordinator at the Ames Public Library

The wide range of volunteer opportunities available, from shelving to events

Who volunteers at the library and why it’s open to everyone

Dana Eaton’s personal experience and favorite moments as a volunteer

The real impact volunteers have on staff, patrons, and the broader community

Behind the scenes of the upcoming Library Book Sale

How to get started as a volunteer, including training and onboarding

Quick rapid fire book and library favorites from both guests

📖 Get Involved
Interested in volunteering or checking out the upcoming book sale?
Visit AmesPublicLibrary.org to learn more about opportunities, events, and ways to support your local library.

Volunteering at the library isn’t just about books. It’s about building connections, supporting learning, and strengthening the community one story at a time.

Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate all contain caffeine, but how much do we really know about it? In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield explore the ins and outs of caffeine.

The bottom line: enjoy your caffeine fix (because Kacie and Bailey definitely will), but stay informed about how it affects your body.

Episode Highlights

What Is Caffeine?
A look at caffeine as a natural stimulant produced by plants that affects the brain, nervous system, muscles, and heart.

Where Caffeine Comes From
Plants such as coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao, and others naturally produce caffeine. The episode explores how these sources end up in everyday foods and drinks.

How Much Caffeine Is in Common Foods and Drinks
A comparison of caffeine levels in coffee, soda, energy drinks, tea, and chocolate, and why the amounts can vary.

The Benefits and Downsides
The hosts discuss both the potential positives of caffeine, such as alertness and focus, and the possible negative side effects including sleep disruption, anxiety, and overconsumption.

Research on Caffeine and Health
Kacie and Bailey explore recent studies that examine how caffeine interacts with the body and what research suggests about long term health outcomes.

How to Check Your Caffeine Intake
Listeners can look up caffeine content in common foods and drinks through resources available at CSPI.

Resources

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772417424000104

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2844764

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a70300713/caffeinated-coffee-tea-lower-dementia-risk-study/

https://CSPI.org

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10459237/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to [email protected]

The City of Ames is getting ready to open the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, and it is safe to say this is the kind of place kids will never want to leave. In this episode, Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham joins host Bill Gebhart to share what residents can expect, from pools and programs to year-round recreation opportunities. With an anticipated opening in April 2026, the facility is designed to serve swimmers of all ages, from early morning lap swimmers to kids who keep asking for just one more trip down the slide.

What You’ll Learn

What the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is and how it fits into Ames’ parks and recreation system

Key features of the facility, including lap, recreation, and wellness pools, plus a water slide

Additional amenities like multipurpose spaces, walking areas, and classrooms

Programming options for all ages, including open swim, lap swim, aqua fitness, and adaptive programs

Fitness offerings such as group classes and specialty programs

Admission options, including daily rates and membership passes

How the new indoor center will complement the seasonal Furman Aquatic Center

Accessibility features designed to welcome all users

Opportunities for rentals, parties, and special events

Key Highlights

Opening timeline: Anticipated April 2026

Year-round access to aquatic recreation and fitness

Flexible programming for families, individuals, and groups

Designed to complement the Furman Aquatic Center during summer months

Memorable Moments

Keith shares his path into parks and recreation and what brought him to Ames

A preview of the facility’s features and how they will serve the community

Reflections on what he is most excited for residents to experience

Rapid-fire answers on favorite swim times and unexpected aquatic favorites

Learn More
For updates on amenities, programming, and passes, visit:
www.CityofAmes.org/Aquatics

Closing Thought
The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is built for everyday moments, whether that is a quick swim, a fitness class, or a kid asking for one more turn down the slide. It is a space designed to bring people together all year long.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, March 24 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation highlights several important topics that impact City operations, community services, and future planning efforts. Susan and Mayor Haila break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions connect to the day to day lives of Ames residents.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The job description and recruitment process for Ames’ next City Attorney
• Updates and actions related to Parks and Recreation projects and services
• The value of resident feedback and how it helps shape Council decisions
• The award of contracts for the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus

From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames.

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Get involved:

Watch meetings live or on demand on the City’s YouTube
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?
Email [email protected]

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer to talk about two important federal funding programs that support housing and neighborhood development in Ames: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME.

They break down what these programs are, how they’re funded, and the types of local projects they support, from housing rehabilitation to community services. The conversation also highlights the importance of public input and how residents can help shape funding decisions at the upcoming public forums.

Whether you're a resident, part of a local organization, or just curious how these decisions get made, this episode offers a clear and approachable look at how these programs impact Ames.

🔑 Episode Highlights

What CDBG and HOME funding programs are and how they work

How federal funding from HUD supports local housing initiatives

Examples of projects funded in Ames, including housing rehabilitation and community services

Why public input is a critical part of the funding process

What to expect at the March 25 public forums

How residents and organizations can participate, even if they cannot attend in person

📅 Important Dates
CDBG and HOME Public Forums
🗓 Tomorrow, March 25
🕚 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
📍 Ames City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave

These forums are open to residents, organizations, and anyone interested in learning more or sharing input on how funding should be used.

💡 Why It Matters
CDBG and HOME funding play a key role in maintaining and improving housing options, supporting vulnerable populations, and strengthening neighborhoods. Community input helps ensure these resources are used in ways that reflect local needs and priorities.

🔗 Learn More
Learn more on the City’s website on the Housing page.

🎧 Closing Note
Have ideas about future topics or guests? Let us know. We would love to hear from you as we continue highlighting the people and programs shaping Ames.