Featuring Appearances by
Larry Hassman
Larry Hassman is a lifelong Iowan. Raised on a farm in Bremer County, he helped his parents on a Jersey dairy farm and showed at county and state fairs. His earned a business degree from Truman State University and spent his career in financials. He and his wife raised their family at Traer, moving to West Des Moines this past year. His daily goal is to make the world a happier place, one person at a time.
Cyndy Erickson
Cyndy Erickson is a lifelong Des Moines resident (go, North Polar Bears and Drake Bulldogs!) and the owner of CE Consulting. She provides grant writing and evaluation services to nonprofit organizations, teaches conversation skills and facilitates group conversations. She believes in the power of storytelling to build personal connections.
John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas
John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas is the State 4-H youth development program director, the first Latino in the country to be appointed to the position. He's been nationally recognized for his work with under-served youth. Originally from Guatemala, as a young adult Chaisson-Cardenas worked in meatpacking to put himself through school, and it was there that he began his work as an advocate, community organizer and educator.
Laurie Johns
Laurie Johns grew up on a Wright County hog farm. A writer, runner, artist and mother, she's an (exhausted) caretaker to five shelter pets. She works in public relations, helping Iowa farmers share their stories. But despite being out of the "news biz" for 13 years, most people still recognize her as former news anchor (Laurie Groves) from WHO in Des Moines.
Agenda
August 13, 2016
Animal Kingdom: Larry Hassman - 'The colt with no name'
With a dream of owning a Colorado horse ranch one day, Larry Hassman starts with the purchase of an Appaloosa colt in Iowa. Never mind that he's never broken a horse before.
August 13, 2016
Animal Kingdom: Cyndy Erickson 'Cedric the special needs dog'
After her springer spaniel is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Cyndy is at her wits end. But everything changes after Cedric runs away.
August 13, 2016
Animal Kingdom: John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas - 'The legend of the Humming Bird'
After immigrating to the United States, John Paul confronts challenges at school. But as he grows, he begins to draw meaning from a story his grandmother used to tell, the Mayan legend of the humming bird.
August 13, 2016
Animal Kingdom: Laurie Johns - 'The cat whisperer'
When rabies spreads to the cats on her childhood farm, Laurie is heartbroken but determined. A once shy girl, she sets out to save the farm’s kittens.