UFF DA! CHANGE THE FILTER!

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Sept. 6-12, 2024

After a weekend away from home, Jolene and I returned to an 85-degree house on Sunday evening. It was toasty. “We must have turned the AC off,” Jolene said, adding “Uff da!” Neither of us are Norwegian, but I knew exactly what she meant.

I checked the thermostat, and the AC was on and set at 75. I noticed an alert that said the batteries needed replaced, so I did that. An hour later, it was still 85.

So before I called for service repair, I decided to avoid the potential embarrassment and check the furnace filter. Uff da! That filter was totally clogged. It looked like a flattened cat, and we don’t even have a cat. On my way to haul that thing out to the garbage can on the curb, I held it up to the sky to see if any light would shine through. None. It was like one of those really good room-darkening shades.

I returned to the furnace and put in a new filter, and the temperature inside started dropping about a degree every 15 minutes. Problem solved. By bedtime, it was nice and cool inside.

Generally, I am quite good at making lists and getting things done on time. But, for whatever reason, I can’t seem to remember to change the furnace filter each month. I even labeled the filters by writing the month on each one. It doesn’t seem to matter, as I forget this task way too often.

I used to have a similar problem in remembering to put the garbage and recycling bins out on the curb on Sunday evenings. To address that forgetfulness, I put a reminder alert on my phone for every Sunday at 10 p.m., and I have not missed it since. Sure, I have had to crawl out of bed a few times and grumble and mumble my way to the curb, but I get it done. So, why have I never done the same thing with the furnace filter? I don't have a good answer, but this morning I added an alert on my phone, and I expect to have this situation resolved. No more 85-degree nights. And no more cats in the filter. Uff da!

How about you? How do you remind yourself to do ongoing tasks like these? Send me a note and let me know.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

Sponsors and donations sought for gala

The Polk City Community Foundation is planning its annual Winter Wonderland Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The gala will include a program, dinner and live auction. Proceeds will benefit Polk City and the foundation’s nonprofit partnerships in the area.

Polk City Community Foundation (PCCF) was formed in 2008 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The Foundation was formed to assist in improving the quality of life in Polk City and surrounding communities through philanthropy. PCCF provides an opportunity for donors to direct their donations to the projects that are important to them. They do this by raising money through donations, planned giving, grants and fundraising. This year, the Foundation has a big goal — to raise $150,000.

The foundation encourages the public to support the event as an attendee, sponsor or donor. Donations can be made by credit card online at http://getmeregistered.com/PCCFWinterGal a or by check mailed to Polk City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Polk City, IA 50226.

Fall Festival bazaar and bake sale

The Sheldahl United Women in Faith invites the public to stop in at their Fall Festival bazaar and bake sale Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon, at Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Frozen quarts and pints of homemade chicken and noodles will be available, as well as a large inventory of denim rugs, nuts, cards, baked goods and craft items. Enjoy the coffee corner while there.

Big Red Barn featured on state barn tour

On Sept. 14 and 15, the Iowa State Barn Tour will include the Big Red Barn a mile east of Polk City on 118th Street. The barn was built by Adam Schaal, the same man who built the Museum on the Square. The museum will be open both days from 1-4 p.m. Roxana Currie, who is spearheading the hunt for other Schaal buildings, will be available to answer questions. For information on the barn tour, visit https://iowabarnfoundation.org/barns/1876-moeckly-barn .

Polk City Museum on the Square hosts re-enactor

The Polk City Museum, 116 S. Third St., on the west side of the Square, is open on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. during farmers market.

Steve Holmes, a Civil War re-enactor, will share the history of Polk City’s own Civil War soldiers on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Polk City Museum on the Square. Letters, pictures, family stories held in the Museum collection plus his extensive knowledge will make this program come alive.

Library offers Junior Librarian opportunity

Explore the field of librarianship through the Polk City Public Library’s Junior Librarian program for students in grades 3-6. Are you interested in understanding the duties of a librarian? Every month throughout the academic year, Miss Nicole will pick one student to be a junior librarian. If selected, you can shadow a librarian for an afternoon and assist with tasks such as choosing new books, arranging displays or recommending books. Applications are available at the circulation desk. Applications are due Sept. 21.

Polk City Community Library offers variety of activities

Polk City Community Library, 1500 W. Broadway St., 515-984-6119, www.polkcityia.gov/library.

Puzzle Master Competition, Sept. 8, 2 p.m., Tournament Club of Iowa. The Friends of the Library Puzzle Master events are back this fall on the second Sunday of each month at various locations in town. September has special back-to-school pricing at $40 per team of four. Watch our website and Facebook for more information.

Friends of the Library Book Sale, Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m. to noon. Purchase a bag for $5 and fill it with books, DVDs and books on CD. No donations are accepted for this book sale.

Crafternoon: Canning Ring Sunflowers, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting. We’ll be making easy canning ring sunflowers that can be placed in your garden or hung on your door. Ages 17 and older, registration required at polkcitylibrary.org.

Fall Mushroom Foraging with ISU Extension, Thursday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m. Learn how to safely identify the mushrooms coming up around Iowa in the fall. Registration recommended at polkcitylibrary.org but not required.

Comets Kids Club, K-5th graders, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m., “Taxidermied” Stuffed Animals. Participants will “mount” a head using their stuffed animal. With craft materials and a bit of creativity, each child will transform their stuffed friend into a one-of-a-kind display piece. Registration required at polkcitylibrary.org.

Stories and more offered by Polk County Conservation

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

Story Tellebration, Jester Park Nature Center, Wednesday, Sept. 18, Very Busy Squirrel; Wednesday, Oct. 16, Leaves are Falling. Join volunteer storyteller Carmen Epstein for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 and older that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity. No registration required for this free event.

Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center, Thursday, Oct. 3, Falling Leaves; Wednesday, Nov. 6, Turkeys; and Thursday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., Rocks. Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time! Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft. No registration required for this free event for ages 2 and older.

Homeschool Programs, Jester Park Nature Center, Friday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Wetlands (1.5 hours); Friday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Archer (one hour); Friday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Prairies (1.5 hours). This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is specially designed for homeschool students. These programs will immerse children and parents in the natural world and drive us to learn, discover and appreciate our environment. Registration is due two days before the event. The program is free and recommended for grades K-5.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Multicultural Pow Wow
Sept. 20-22
Jester Park near Granger
This year will mark the 25th year of the Multicultural Pow Wow. The event will not only showcase some staples of Native American heritage, but other customs as well. Finding common ground among all people is something we should all strive for, says organizer Ralph Moisa. For more information and schedule of events, visit www.whiteeaglepowwow.com.

Vintage & Made Fair
Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dallas County Fairgrounds, 28057 Fairgrounds Road, Adel
This indoor/outdoor market celebrates the handmade and vintage community. You will find antiques, vintage, home décor, jewelry, handcrafted goods, seasonal flora, food and beverage trucks, live local music and everything you need to create a vintage and handmade lifestyle. Admission is $10 with 12 and younger free.

Paint Madison County, a Plein Air Festival
Sunday, Sept. 22
The public can watch artists at work at various sites around Madison County from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A reception and sale will be from 4-7 p.m. at Covered Bridges Winery, 2207 170th Trail, Winterset. New this year is a youth division for participants with prizes awarded. For more information, visit www.madisoncounty.com.

Other events:

Sept. 14: Norwalk Music Fest. All participating musicians are from central Iowa. The fest will have food vendors, games, beer tent and activities. Norwalk City Park, 907 North Ave., Norwalk. www.norwalkhometownpride.org/home
Sept. 20-21: Beaverdale Fall Festival. A community festival featuring food, drinks, art, commercial vendors and plenty of entertainment. Downtown Beaverdale. www.fallfestival.org
Sept. 20-22: Pufferbilly Days 2024. More than 30 different events happen during the Pufferbilly Days celebration. Everything from spelling bees to concerts, pet shows, car shows and more. Downtown Boone, 903 Story St. www.boonecountychamber.com
Sept. 21-22: Latino Heritage Festival. An action-packed weekend for the largest celebration of Latino heritage in Iowa. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.latinoheritagefestival.org
Sept. 26-27: Third Annual "Ron Don" Cigar, Bourbon & Brew Bash. The fun is in the name: cigars, bourbon and brews, with a pheasant hunt on day one. Country Lane Lodge, 29300 Prospect Circle, Adel. www.rmhdesmoines.org
Sept. 26-28: Des Moines Area Quilt Guild Quilt Show. You’ll be hard pressed to find something more comfortable to keep you warm than a homemade quilt. Luckily, this show has you covered. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. www.woodsidequilting.com/dmaqg-quilt-show.htm
Sept. 27-28: Oktoberfest. To no one's surprise, there will be a lot of beer. However, there’s plenty of fun to go around the entire weekend with food, music and competitions. Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway. www.oktoberfestdsm.com

An easy, cheesy spud sidedish

(Family Features) The main course at family dinners may be the main event, but that doesn’t mean you should have to settle for bland, boring sides. Fret not. There is a better way to pair favorite proteins with tasty potatoes.

Try these Parmesan potato wedges that are boiled before they’re baked for a moist middle and crispy exterior that’s perfect alongside favorite meals.

Parmesan potato wedges
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

5 golden potatoes
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 cup oil, for drizzling

Boil whole potatoes 20 minutes. Remove from water and slice into wedges.

Heat oven to 375 F.

In medium bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Dip wedges in Parmesan mixture, covering potatoes well. Place on cookie sheet drizzled in oil then drizzle oil on wedges. Bake 15 minutes then turn wedges over and bake 15 minutes.

From your North Polk Living magazine

Mailed to all residents of Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl the third Thursday of each month.

This month's cover story:

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

Residents share their experiences as beekeepers

While the Iowa DNR reports the number of native bees in Iowa continues to decline, more and more apiarists (beekeepers) are emerging to nurture the bee population. As of Jan. 1 of last year, Iowa boasted 36,000 bee colonies for operations with five or more colonies, according to the USDA. That’s a big uptick from the prior year’s 26,000 colonies and the 15,500 colonies the year before that. But who are these beekeepers, and what drives their passion? Some local apiarists share their stories.

[...]

Read this month's issue

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