It’s Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Now through Monday morning, if you get too drunk and don’t want to drive your car home, AAA’s Tow to Go program will take you and your car home up to 10 miles away.

It’s free and you don’t have to be a Triple-A member. For more details, click here. 

Hey folks, it’s Amie. From all of us at Iowa Starting Line, happy Thanksgiving!

I like to cook from scratch—it’s like doing science experiments that end in a full belly!—so Thanksgiving is my jam.

This year, I’m making a staple of mine: sweet corn mac and cheese, based off of an old recipe of my late grandmother’s. I’m also trying something new to me, but definitely traditional: sweet potato pie.

If you’re looking for some unique ideas this Thanksgiving, check out our list of nontraditional dishes Iowans love. And if you don’t want your leftovers (and are in Central Iowa), help your neighbors by dropping them off at one of these community fridges.

The Des Moines Fire Department gave Starting Line’s Nikoel some tips and a demonstration video on how to NOT deep-fat fry that turkey! 

And if you’re starting your Christmas shopping this weekend, spend money on your neighbors and in your community when you can.

I saved a couple of business cards while browsing through the booths at the Iowa State Fair this summer, just because I knew they’d make great and unique Iowa-made gifts later. (I’d tell you the specific vendors, but my dad gets this email and one of the gifts is for him!)

But if you didn’t do that, might we recommend a gift certificate from a place Iowans told us are the best places to go this year?

• For bookworms: Iowans’ favorite independent bookstores;
• For your sauciest relatives: one of these Iowa BBQ restaurants;
• For those with a sweet tooth: Iowans’ favorite ice cream parlors;
• For the beer snob: the best Iowa breweries. (And if you’re looking for a place to unwind after Thanksgiving dinner, how about an iconic dive bar?);
• Of course, we have to mention our own merch (made by Iowa- and union-made RAYGUN!).

On a personal note, I wanted to say I’m thankful this year for everyone who reads this newsletter, particularly if you’ve ever emailed me back.

I received many kind messages after last week’s newsletter, and had to share (with her permission) this poem written by a Northeast Iowa nun. Whether you’re the higher-power type or not, to me this is a lovely reminder to be grateful for ourselves so we can show up for others:

Thankful for you all,

Remembering—and supporting—transgender Iowans🙋

Transgender Day of Remembrance, founded in 1999 and falling on every Nov. 20, has a straightforward goal of remembering and mourning the trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people who have died because of anti-trans violence and hatred—including at least one Iowan, a University of Northern Iowa graduate student.

Looking for ways to help? From mutual aid funds to gender-affirming clothing nonprofits to advocacy and more, Nikoel put together a list of resources for transgender Iowans and allies alike.

What’s your go-to activity AFTER the Thanksgiving feast?

Add your own serious (and non-serious) answers here.

Want a kitty that’ll talk Chiefs football with you (among other topics)? How about a chill pup that just wants to snack during the game?

Check out Gareth or Buddy in Cedar Rapids.

We’re rebooting our popular People of Waterloo series!

In this installment, meet Kimberley Kemp, the founder and owner of Safe Care Learning Center and Daycare—a 24-hour childcare center—and learn why she believes it’s important to provide child care for all.

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