Big as a Barn News: November 2023

WCI at Winter Market

WCI is taking the goodness of the farm to the people! For the very first time, WCI will have a booth at the Des Moines Winter Market: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 17-19 at Hy-Vee Hall.

Hours are 11 am - 5 pm Friday, 9 am - 6 pm Saturday and 9 am - 1 pm Sunday. Find us in the end of a row in the "Gourd Grove" section. About 150 vendors will be at this year's market.

All your favorites will be there including Whiskey Apple Butter, Tomato Compote, Smoked Garlic Salt and Lavender Sugar. And just in time for holiday giving, some products will be packaged in gift sets and gift baskets. Stop by to say hi!

Open House for Lisa

After more than 20 years of service, Wallace Farm Site/Gift Shop Manager Lisa Swanson is retiring.

You're invited to an Open House celebration for Lisa at the Wallace Farm on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 3 - 7 pm.

To honor Lisa's love of flowers and plants, we've set up a Floral Garden Maintenance & Improvement Fund for the Wallace Farm on WCI's website. Gifts of any amount can be made securely with a debit or credit card. Checks can be brought to the celebration or mailed to the Wallace Farm, 2773 290th Street, Orient, IA 50858.

Farm to Table announcement

WCI is pausing Farm to Table Thursdays for the remainder of 2023.

Farm to table dining in Des Moines has expanded & changed dramatically since we started Farm to Table Thursday dinners in 2014. In light of that, our staff and board need to take some time to research and reflect on what are the best ways for our food programs to be strong, sustainable, engaging and fit within the current landscape.

Your support is deeply appreciated during this transition and we look forward to welcoming folks back to the Wallace House in 2024.

3 Board Members ending terms

At the October meeting, WCI's board of directors recognized three members ending their board service at the end of 2023: (l to r) Nicholas Devereux of Alexandria, Virginia; Jay Howe of Greenfield, Iowa and Jeff Wallace of Trabuco Canyon, California. Nicholas and Jeff are Wallace family members.

"We thank Jay, Jeff and Nicholas for their dedication to WCI's mission" commented Deb Houghtaling, President & CEO. "Jay was one of a dedicated group of volunteers that saved the Wallace Farm, while Jeff and Nicholas have helped us strengthen relationships with Wallace family members. Their many years of service and support are much appreciated."

Grant from Farm Credit Services

Farm Credit Services of America awarded WCI a $3,310 Working Here Fund grant for the new geothermal greenhouse at the Wallace Farm.

"This grant will help us write age-appropriate education plans, develop hands-on activities, and experiment with different plant material," noted Deb Houghtaling, President & CEO.

“We're proud to support organizations like WCI because of their passion to educate our communities about the importance of the ag industry,” said Erin Carney, regional vice president of retail operations at FCSAmerica’s Red Oak office. WCI is one of 88 groups to receive a 2023 grant in the 3rd quarter.

Giving Tuesday - Give Early!

Giving Tuesday is officially Tuesday, November 28, but there's no reason you have to wait to show your support. We accept contributions at any time of the year.

A gift from you of $50, $100, $250 or more will help WCI remain vibrant and strong. It's easy to make a secure online gift with a credit or debit card. Just click below and make amazing things happen!

Connect with us!

Visit us online at wallace.org

The Wallace Centers of Iowa

Wallace House: 756 16th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50314

Wallace Farm: 2773 290th Street, Orient, Iowa 50858