The key word in this event is fun – it’s not just for serious runners. Walkers and joggers are welcome for this two-mile run around Des Moines’ scenic Gray’s Lake. Gray’s Lake Park is an urban gem drawing people looking for a place of peaceful retreat and outdoor recreation, and provides a beautiful gateway to downtown Des
Moines. The activity is named for Joe Marks, a former ACE member and president, who was a dedicated runner.
- 7 a.m. – Shuttle from Embassy to Grays Lake
- 7:10/7:15 – Fun Run/Walk 2 mile route around the lake
- 8 a.m. – Shuttle from Grays Lake to Embassy
Reception Honoring Jim Evans
Ag Communications, University of Illinois
Monday, June 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The University of Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and College of Media are hosting a reception in honor of Jim Evans, one of ACE’s most recognized and distinguished members. A life member of ACE, Jim’s career in teaching and research spanned 33 years. He was an internationally recognized leader in agricultural communications education. He retired from the university in 1995 and has remained active in the Agricultural Communications Documentation Center. Please plan to stop by to greet Jim, have some refreshments and learn more in a brief program at 7 p.m. on University of Illinois’ efforts to honor Jim through establishment of an endowed chair in agricultural communications.
Mixed Reality Mixer--Party With the Metaverse!
Monday, June 8, 8:00-9:30 pm
Some serious monkey business at a social mashup of real life and virtual reality. Join eXtension colleagues from around the country partying together with you live from the Monkeyshines Pub in Second Life. Your entertainment starts in Des Moines with DJ Jen Noel and special live musical guests streaming their show into Second Life. We will project the show on a big screen so you can see it all. Then reality shifts, and live musicians from across the country play for you via Second Life. Snacks, door prizes, cash bar. No avatar required!
Evening Out-State Historical Building
Tuesday, June 9, 7:00-10:00 pm
The final evening of the conference features relaxation, exploration and conversation at the State Historical Building in downtown Des Moines, just a few blocks from conference headquarters at the Marriott. This premier attraction houses Iowa’s historical treasures in a granite and glass structure near the foot of the State Capitol. Unique permanent and temporary exhibits explore people, places and events from Iowa’s distant and recent past.
A buffet-style meal and beverages, and a cash bar invite you to relax on the Grand Terrace. Enjoy this view of downtown while you unwind with friends and colleagues.
Inside the museum, a variety of themed galleries and collection exhibits await your exploration. From small displays to the main galleries to temporary exhibits, you’ll find out more about our state and our people. For those who like to bring home mementos, we’ve made arrangements for the main floor gift shop to be open during the early part of the evening. Visit their website(http://www.iowahistory.org/museum/museum-exhibits/main-galleries.html) for main galleries information, and museum exhibits.
Optional vault tours are available with pre-registration. This walking tour explores the museum’s “vault,” an underground climate-controlled storage area that is home to more than 100,000 artifacts. Only about 10 percent of the museum’s collection is on display in public exhibits at any given time. As new exhibits are developed, curators rotate artifacts into and out of this in-house conservation laboratory.
Music with Pianopalooza (http://www.pianopalooza.com/) will be on the outdoors Café Terrace. Part of the attraction of this Iowa-based “dueling pianos” group is audience interaction. In the words of performer Tony Bohnenkamp, “Not only do we encourage audience participation, we almost REQUIRE it! That's what makes the show!” So, talk with Tony and fellow performer Jared Hall if you like, dance to the music or simply enjoy the atmosphere. A cash bar also will be available here. In addition to seeing the state capital building with its golden dome to the east, you can watch the sun set over the Des Moines skyline to the west.
If oral history is more to your liking, take a seat in the state-of-the-art auditorium and listen as Gary Hermance speaker Paxton Williams presents his George Washington Carver play.
Buses will provide transportation between the Marriott and the State Historical Building. In case of inclement weather, arrangements are in place for all outdoor activities to take place in the lovely three-story atrium. The auditorium, vault entrance, small displays and gift shop are located in or near the atrium.