Announcements, relocations and grand openings

Good vibes only

A new gift shop in West Des Moines’ Valley Junction is now open. Bing’s specializes in “one-of-a-kind” gifts and unique items for the home and garden, including candles, books, coasters, garden art, jewelry, patches, cards, T-shirts and other locally crafted products, gifts and accessories. The new venture is a mother-daughter operation consisting of Val Veiock and Victoria Veiock — Victoria is the retired owner of Wicker & the Works and Gallery V. Bing’s motto is “Good Vibes Only!” The new shop is located at 204 1/2 Fifth St. in West Des Moines. Call 515-279-3141 for more details. The store’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays during the summer; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and Bing is closed on Sundays unless Valley Junction is hosting a special event.

It’s a herf!

No one seems to know exactly how the term “herf” originated, but it’s said to signify a “cigar party” or a way of saying “let’s get together and smoke cigars,” “let’s herf.” Wherever it originated, West Des Moines’ new Club Herf bills itself as “your premier cigar destination.” Offering boutique cigars and cigar accessories, including specialty brands and mainstream varieties of rolled tobacco. Herf is said to offer the largest boutique-cigar selection in the city or surrounding area. The 3,500 square foot lounge at Club Herf was set up to allow cigar smoking without interrupting the business day or while taking a break. The lounge is equipped with TVs, 40 leather chairs, a cigar-cutting station with cedar spills, matches and lighters. Outside food and beverages is allowed and encouraged at Herf as are hosting events and functions. Herf’s indoor golf simulators allow patrons the opportunity to play 132 different courses. Visit Herf at 9500 University Ave., Suite 1101 in West Des Moines. Or learn more by visiting www.clubherf. com or calling 802-734-1045.The lounge’s hours are Monday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

New bank in Waukee

Central Bank in Waukee held its ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its opening on June 20. The new bank is located at 300 E. Hickman Road in Waukee. Call 515-987-2299, email central@centralbankonline. com or visit them online at www.centralbankonline. com. Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Drive-up hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Rattle-rattle-thunder-clap

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and Car-X Tire & Auto broke ground on the automotive franchise’s Waukee location earlier this month. The ceremony was held on the site where the new auto repair shop will be located, 595 S.E. Alice’s Road in Waukee at the southeast corner of Alice’s Road and Olson Drive next to Autumn Ridge Apartments.

Can you hear me now?

In case you haven’t heard, Verizon has a new location in Waukee, and it held a ribbon cutting on June 9 to celebrate the event. The new store is a one-stop shop for phone and wireless service needs and offers smart phones, tablets, dish and cable service and home Internet. Visit the new location at 9250 University Ave. in West Des Moines, or get more information by calling 515-987-2677 or by visiting them online at www. tccrocks.com.

Waukee Leadership Institute completes veterans memorial

The Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2017 recently completed its Waukee Veterans Memorial. Pillars were dedicated on June 22 to the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Waukee Fire and Police during a ceremony at the Waukee Community Center. Visit www.waukeeleadership.org for more information.

DMS acqires Socialize Events

Diversified Management Services (DMS) recently announced that it acquired Socialize Events, a local events management company founded by Kelly Sparks. Sparks will join DMS as vice president of meetings and events. DMS is a full service association management company that also provides consulting services in the meetings and events arena.

“I am excited about the opportunities ahead with Kelly joining the DMS leadership team,” said Kate Banasiak, CEO of DMS. “Kelly brings a level of professionalism, energy and creativity that will further elevate the events we produce and allow us to better serve our current and future client partners.”

Collectively, DMS and Socialize Events have 40 years of experience facilitating national, local and regional meetings and events. Annually the two companies oversee more than 30 events for groups ranging in size from 50 to 50,000 attendees.

$22,000 donated to Dorothy’s House to help teen victims

The employees, customers and vendors at R&R Realty Group joined forces to make a difference in the lives of children by donating $22,765.25 to Dorothy’s House — a safe place for children, especially teen girls, who have been victims of severe sexual abuse, assault and sex trafficking. R&R’s volunteer committee raised the money during a five-week span via a variety of events including a soup and chili cook-off, an Easter egg hunt and a live auction.

R&R Realty Group is a family-owned, full-service real estate company that was founded in 1985. ♦