dsmWeekly: June 5, 2018

The 2018 Sages Over 70 will find themselves among some august names from past years.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 'SAGES OVER 70'

Reward the local mentors, civic leaders and role models who have influenced you by nominating them to be honored as Sages Over 70. Through their creativity, talent and vigor, such people have helped our community grow and flourish.

At dsm, we honor these remarkable achievers every November in print and in ceremonies with our annual Sages Over 70 designation. And we want your help in choosing them. To nominate a leader you know, return this nomination form by July 1. The nominee needs to be age 70 or older and should meet the spirit of these criteria:

Has demonstrated leadership through decades.

Has contributed and still contributes to the betterment of the community.

Has been a role model and mentor to others.

Sages honored in previous years: James A. Autry, Chuck Betts, Margo and Don Blumenthal, Richard "Red" Brannen, J.C. "Buz" Brenton, Joe Brick, Donald Brush, Robert Burnett, Mary Campos, Joyce Chapman, Monroe Colston, Judith Conlin, Roxanne Conlin, Joy Corning, Patty and Jim Cownie, Paul Danforth, Johnny Danos, Phil Dorweiler, Elaine Graham Estes, Michael Gartner, Nolden Gentry, E.J. Giovannetti, Willie Stevenson Glanton, Barbara Graham, Edgar Hansell, H. Lynn Horak, David Hurd, Vernon Johnson, Gary Kirke, William Knapp, Mary Kramer, Elizabeth Kruidenier, Robert Larsen, Elvin McDonald, Polly Moore, R.W. and Mary Nelson, Kenneth Quinn, Robert Ray, Stan and Jody Reynolds, Stephen W. Roberts, Loretta Sieman, Neal Smith, Tom Urban, Jack Wahlig, Fred Weitz, Alan Zuckert.

Fleming's has a flair for beef, whether it's a fine steak entree or, in this case, a filet mignon sandwich served in the bar or on the deck.

DINE HIGH OR LOW ... BY THE WATER

By Wini Moranville

I'll never say no to a table by the water. While Des Moines offers neither an ocean nor an abundance of lakeside tables, we do have a river as well as a pleasant man-made pond that will do just fine--especially when you consider what's on the menu. These two spots are at opposite extremes of the dining spectrum, but both are worth the attention of any fan of alfresco dining.

• Captain Roy's at Birdland Marina: If you work downtown, consider biking to this good-natured bar-grill for lunch. Snag some wheels at the B-cycle station at Brenton Skating Plaza, and you could get there in about 15 minutes (Captain Roy's is just off of the Neal Smith bike trail). Enjoy a satisfying burger-and-curly-fries kind of lunch on a deck that overlooks the Des Moines River. Captain Roy's is at 1900 Saylor Road, 615-631-2223; Facebook: captainroys1

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse: Recently, Fleming's unveiled a new Bar la Carte menu, with extravagant delights such as a filet mignon sandwich ($28), prime burger ($14), lobster croquettes ($12), lamb chops ($29) and a sliced filet mignon and potato waffle ($28). Here's some more great news: This bar menu is served not only in the lounge, but also on the patio (which overlooks the lake at Jordan Creek Town Center). Fleming's Prime Steak House is at 150 S. Jordan Creek Parkway; 515-457-2916; flemingssteakhouse.com.

The guy in silhouette appears to be a ticket scalper with one seat available. But he looks shifty. You can still buy at the ticket office.

HAMILTON SOLD OUT? NOT BY A LONG … SHOT!

Desperate to see "Hamilton" when it comes to Des Moines later this month? Before you turn to inflated-price ticket resale brokers, here's news that caught us by surprise: The shows aren't sold out. Far from it. We were snooping around as we often do on the Civic Center's website (dmpa.org) and discovered that pricey seats ($300+) are still available for most shows. Sure, that's very expensive for most of us, but they're original, genuine tickets with no after-market markup by a broker or dubious online seller. Something to consider if you want to be in the room where it happens.

Want to trust your luck? Des Moines Performing Arts will have a ticket lottery daily during the show's run. Put up a few bucks and take your chances. We'll provide details later. But you might get the best deal in the house.

Romance, sorrow and some messy confusion come to life (and death) next week in "Romeo and Juliet."

'A PLAGUE ON BOTH YOUR HOUSES?' TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Shakespeare's star-crossed young lovers will cast their longing glances across the terrace and lawn of Salisbury House next week, when Iowa Stage Theatre Co. presents "Romeo and Juliet" Wednesday through Sunday, June 13–17. The show is a production of the popular June series Shakespeare on the Lawn.

The grounds open to each evening's audience at 6 p.m. with performances from 7:30 to 10 p.m. You can bring blankets to sit on or use folding chairs provided by Salisbury House. Vendors will have food, snacks and beverages for sale. Tickets are $30 (discounted for children, students and members). For tickets and additional information, click here.

A portion of the charcoal image "Trauerendes Paar (Mourning Couple)" by German artist Käthe Kollwitz, from the Noun collection.

LOUISE NOUN FOCUS OF NEW ART EXHIBITION

An art exhibition honoring the legacy of philanthropist Louise Rosenfield Noun (1908-2002) opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the Des Moines Art Center.

Noun was a feminist, civic activist and skilled collector of art. At the Art Center, she was as an influential member of the acquisitions committee and the board of directors. In addition, she bequeathed to the Art Center her collection of more than 200 works by female artists, including early 20th-century women who were little known at the time she acquired their work and have since become prominent in the history of art.

The exhibition "In the Spirit of Louise Noun" does not exclusively feature work from Noun’s collection but also includes works that amplify the subjects and themes found in her collection. Also that evening, an exhibit of works by acclaimed ceramics artist Sterling Ruby opens in the I.M. Pei wing.

To read a dsm magazine story about Noun, the two exhibitions and related events, click here. For details about the exhibit, the reception and reservations, click here.

This is an exciting time for reflection and expansion in downtown Des Moines. (Photo: Christopher Maharry)

WHAT'S NEXT FOR DOWNTOWN DES MOINES?

Our 15th anniversary special issue of dsm magazine celebrated historic achievements but also looked forward, pondering what developments are beyond the horizon. It's a fitting time for this analysis. As legendary developer Bill Knapp recently said: "I have never seen a time when downtown is on a growth spurt like it is now." Knapp, who turns 92 this summer, cited several reasons, including the fact that nearly 100,000 people work downtown and 10,000 live there. Click here to learn what the insiders are anticipating in years to come.

The band Asphalt and Stained Glass performs later today at the Beaverdale Farmers Market.

BEAVERDALE JOINS IN THE FARMERS MARKET FUN

Beaverdale's farmers market opens its 2018 season today, June 5, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Urbandale and Beaver avenues. More than 40 local farmers, bakers and artisans are expected to offer Iowa-grown produce, meats, eggs and honey, plus baked goods and personal items. Vendors will have a variety of foods and beverages prepared on site, plus ice cream and desserts. Add in live music and kids' activities, and you have quite an event to be repeated every Tuesday through Sept. 11. For more information, including lists of vendors and musicians, click here.