Most of you who are reading this newsletter are doing so through a free daily email that is sent to you each weekday morning. That has been our primary focus in building our readership.

Others of you are visiting www.thedailyumbrella.com and viewing the content online.

Some of you connect with us via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram from our CITYVIEW or Iowa Living magazines social media accounts.

And an increasing number of you are reading via my posts on LinkedIn.

We are now also working on a text messaging option for those who prefer to receive access to the Daily Umbrella in that fashion. More to come on this soon.

The bottom line is that we have to try a lot harder to reach people today, as the communication methods are aplenty and varied. Gone are the days when the majority of residents simply read the daily newspaper each morning or watched one of three TV stations each night.

If you are a regular reader of this column, you know about my reservations to put too much trust (or personal data) in the Big Tech companies. Unfortunately, they are a necessary evil in the process, at least until Congress reins them in.

Meanwhile, I am asking a favor. If you enjoy this newsletter, would you please share it with five or more of your friends or family members through one of the aforementioned mediums? Be sure to tell them that they can unsubscribe at any time, and that we don’t collect or sell their personal data… ever.

I appreciate your help as we continue to grow and improve the Daily Umbrella and our communication methods. And if you have a suggestion on another way we should be sharing this newsletter, please let me know.

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

Friday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 14
“Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”
At: Des Moines Community Playhouse
Info: Will Junie B. teach Tattletale May a lesson? Or will the spirit of Christmas inspire her to do the right thing? An unforgettable family holiday comedy that will have you saying, “Wowie wow wow!” Children’s Theatre at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, located in Des Moines at 831 42nd St. www.dmplayhouse.com.

NFL: Dolphins upset Ravens 22-10

Nearly 14,000 votes were cast in the 2021 CITYVIEW Best Of Des Moines readers' poll.

Best Local Thai Food
1. Cool Basil
2.Thai Flavors
3, Lucky Lotus

[...]

Waukee’s 130-year-old home: Neighbors admire Wonders’ new porch

By Jackie Wilson

Pete and Mary Wonders have witnessed many changes in Waukee since moving to their century-old-home 33 years ago. The 130-year-old house is located in “old” Waukee, and they’ve kept most décor original. But this year was different.

They tore out the front porch since the foundation was crumbling. The new wraparound porch keeps the charm of the original home. The Wonders wanted to make sure the porch blended with the home’s age while using long-lasting materials.

A maintenance-free porch made of composite wood means no yearly staining. The original was made of tounge and groove. Pete even found square nails embedded into the old wood.

As they considered their space, 5 feet of deck was added onto the 20-foot porch. Storm doors of an unusual size are back ordered. When they began the project in January, lumber prices shot up 300 percent.

[...]

Happy Birthday to Kathy Summy Saturday and Darren Tromblay Sunday!

Happy Birthday to these celebrities: Anne Hathaway, Ryan Gosling, Russell Westbrook, Neil Young, Nadia Comăneci, Gustaf Skarsgård, Cote de Pablo, Megan Mullally, Sammy Sosa, Al Michaels, Jason Day

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to:tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com