Latest news with #TriforaCause
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Families explore thousands of reptiles at Iowa Reptile Show
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Families gathered to learn about thousands of reptiles and amphibians during the Iowa Reptile Show. The sixth annual Iowa Reptile Show was held Sunday at the Hilton Hotel in West Des Moines, and Jason Cruse, Founder and Co-Owner of the Iowa Reptile Show, said he was glad to see so many people interested in reptiles. Through the show Cruse hopes to change people's view of the often side-eyed creatures, saying they're a pretty great pet. 'Reptiles are actually a really good animal, neat animal that you can have, you can interact with,' said Cruse. 'And if you want to go out of town, you can go out of town and not have to have a sitter come over every day.' Cruse says this show is special because it allows families to explore reptiles and amphibians from around the world and learn about what makes them unique. Tri for a Cause event helps support girls' athletics 'You'll find stuff from Africa, you'll find animals from Australia, you'll find animals from South America. Everything's here,' said Cruse. 'You'll be able to see it up close and personal and talk to the people who actually produce them.' For those considering bringing home a new companion or just interested in learning more, the show allows you to learn best practices and unique information. 'The good thing about coming to a show like this, you're talking to the people who actually produce it and have actually taken care of these animals,' said Cruse. 'You're getting firsthand advice instead of something that you're reading about.' Families who attended were also able to explore various cages, tanks, bedding, toys, and decorative items. Cold Blooded Expo, the host of the show, plans to hold more shows in Iowa later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DSM gamers spend weekend designing games for Global Game Jam
DES MOINES, Iowa — Gamers from around the metro gathered to design a game, but they only had 48 hours. This weekend gamers of all varieties gathered at Gravitate for a weekend of creativity and design as they worked to create analog or digital games based off of a surprise theme. The competition began on Friday at 5 p.m., when the theme was announced, from there teams broke away and began composing their game. 'The goal is that by 2 p.m. on Sunday, you have something to present to the whole group, whether it's a video game or a board game. You know, every year we have folks put together all sorts of interesting themes,' said Joe Roth the owner of the Dealt Hand. This year's theme is 'Bubble' and Roth says the variety of interpretations has been amazing. Tri for a Cause event helps support girls' athletics 'We've got a lot of games doing different takes on what a bubble might be,' said Roth. 'A lot of fun, like kind of like a cryptocurrency manipulation game that folks are working on, there's a game about like people kind of like creating and running around by pop of bubbles.' While some might feel the pressure of the event, Roth says it creates an atmosphere that is focused on gaming and where no idea is a bad one. 'What's really fun is that making a game feels really intimidating sometimes and being here, you're able to dedicate a 48-hour window to working with folks who also want to do that,' said Roth. 'There's no right or wrong answers in games as long as you make something that you're proud of and you had fun with it.' The competition comes to a close at 2 p.m. on Sunday when the groups present their games to the other participants. Once the games are presented the groups converse and talk about their ideas, how it was possible, and pick favorites. While no award is given, the favorite games are uploaded to the Global Game Jam organization so others can view the work. RAGBRAI 52 announces 2025 route Roth and several others helped bring back the Game Jam three years ago, in an attempt to bring together people in a creative outlet after the effects of COVID 19. 'Well, let's go ahead and do that. Make sure this Jam happens, gives folks a space to be creative and get together for the weekend, and then go on their merry way,' said Roth. Those looking to learn more about game design in a more relaxed setting are invited to attend the game design meetings held on the last Tuesday of each month at Gravitate from 6 to 9 p.m. To learn more about the Global Game Jam and read about some of games designed click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tri for a Cause event helps support girls' athletics
DES MOINES, Iowa — Families looking to stay active and have some fun gathered at the YMCA Sunday morning to participate in Tri for a Cause. Tri for a Cause is held every year by Girls on the Run, which helps provide funding for school age girls to participate in athletics programs. Participants either work in groups or go solo to swim, bike, and run several miles for the fundraiser. 'Tri for a Cause is fundraising for Girls on the Run of central Iowa, and our mission is for girls to become more joyful, healthy, and confident,' said Jordan McCormick, Council Director for Girls on the Run. While the goal of the fundraiser is to have fun and encourage physical activity, McCormick say participants definitely got a workout. 'We start with the swim; participants do a 400-yard swim or 200-yard for 12 and under. Then they do a bike portion seven miles or half that distance for 12 and under. Then the run, which is two miles or one mile,' said McCormick. Vial of Life program aims to improve Bondurant EMS care The cold weather causes families and children to become stagnant, McCormick says Tri for the Cause is a reminder that you can visit indoor facilities and do a variety of activities. 'There's very few opportunities to do so and it's fun because it builds, you know, momentum through the seasons where it's cold outside,' said McCormick. 'It keeps people involved and this is an event for all ages, so family members do it and teams and individuals.' According to the Girls on the Run website, more than 13,000 girls have been supported in central Iowa since 2007. Adaline, a fourth grader from Van Meter, participated in Sunday's race with one goal in mind. 'I was just excited to, like, finish my goal, to beat my mom or be done the same time as her,' said Adaline. Al Roker visits DSM patients ahead Rally Against Cancer benefit And beat her mom she did. This her second year participating and she says she wants to keep coming back. McCormick says seeing kids and their families show up to get active and support each other is why she does it. 'This is fun because all ages can participate, all abilities, and so it's a really encouraging environment. Just like our programs are,' said McCormick. 'It's really fun to see all ages, everyone come out and support each other.' Girls on the Run Central Iowa is excited to host a 5K this spring on May 18, with registration opening February 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
