Aug. 9-15, 2024

Kiwanis of Polk City donated $500 to the Polk City Fire Department, enabling them to purchase youth activity books and kids firefighter helmets. These materials support their engagement and positive interactions with youth in the Polk City Community. Kiwanis continues to support the children of the Polk City Community and make an impact on the Polk City Community youth.

2024 Special Census

Polk City is growing. The Mayor and City Council have decided to take the steps necessary for a special census. As of 2020, the population was 5,543 residents. Officials estimate it has grown more than 1,000 residents since March of 2020. Polk City receives road use tax money based on the official census. The additional money Polk City can receive in road use tax will significantly offset the cost of the special census. The special census is scheduled for Sept. 16. All residents will receive information in the mail beginning in August. City officials encourage everyone to participate, as the additional road use tax funds help to reduce the property tax burden on residents. 

There is also a need for U.S. Census Bureau workers to help Polk City with this year's Special Census. Earn extra income, enjoy flexible hours, and serve your community well. For information on the Field Representative Position, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/752213900. All are welcome to apply, including retirees, college students, people looking for temporary employment, people looking for a second job and people available to work flexible hours.

Polk City Museum on the Square events

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. 

• The Polk City Museum on the Square will be showing its video of the "History of the Saylorville and Big Creek Lakes" on Aug. 8, at 4:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. The film, a documentary made by the Big Creek Historical Society, includes what was lost as water covered the farms and cemeteries now underneath the lakes. The video is approximately 45 minutes long.
• Steve Holmes, a Civil War Reenactor, 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.

Polk City Farmers Market

The farmers market is held in the heart of the town square every Thursday from 4-8 p.m. running through Sept. 5. It's a gathering of local farmers, artisans and vendors showcasing produce, handmade crafts and artisanal goods. With a lively atmosphere and a variety of offerings, it's the perfect place to support local growers and artisans while enjoying the community spirit. Don't miss out on this weekly celebration of fresh flavors and local talent.

Bike Nights

Enjoy Bike Night in Elkhart, sponsored by Mean Machine Cycles, 462 W. Walnut, Elkhart. Enjoy food, music, prizes, bikes and more Fridays, July 26 and Aug. 23.

City meetings

• City Council work session, Aug. 12, 5 p.m.
• City Council meeting, Aug. 12, 6 p.m.

Polk City Community Library News

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

• Ruth Suckow Traveling Exhibit, Aug. 11 – Sept. 8. A traveling exhibition celebrating the life and work of Iowa novelist and short story writer Ruth Suckow, who lived from 1892-1960, will be on display at the library.
• Coloring Night at Fenders Brewing, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 4-9 p.m. Come for a night of relaxation and fun with friends at Fenders Brewing.
• Monday Book Club, Monday, Aug. 19, 2 p.m. Join us for a discussion of “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides. Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. One evening, her husband, Gabriel, returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face and then never speaks another word.
• Adult Coloring, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 5 p.m. Join us for a relaxing evening of coloring on the third Tuesday of the month. Colored pencils and gel pens will be provided. You are also welcome to bring your own. Ages 17 and older.
  Men’s Friday Coffee, 10 a.m. to noon.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• Hike For Health at Brown’s Woods, Monday, Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m. Why walk the mall when you can enjoy the great outdoors? Hike along with this friendly group of nature lovers who walk the trails each month for exercise and fun. Registration required by Aug. 18. The event is free and for ages 10 and older.
• Sunset Yoga, Mondays, Aug. 19, 7 p.m., and Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center. Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the outdoor plaza or the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center. The class will begin with a short nature hike to give participants a chance de-stress and enjoy the beauty of nature. The yoga class is perfect for beginners. The focus is on creating a mind and body nature connection as the sunsets. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint. Items to bring: yoga mat and blocks, hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, water bottle. Cost is $15 for this event for ages 12 and older. Registration is required two days in advance.
• Women in the Woods with Wine - Prairie Ponderings, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7-9 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center. Tall grass prairie once covered 85% of Iowa's landscape. Most of this unique habitat has long since vanished; however, life on the prairie still lives today. During the program, we will stroll through the prairie to learn about the unique plants and animals that live there. This program is for women ages 21 and older who want to become more comfortable and knowledgeable about the natural world by joining other women interested in getting outside. Registration due by Aug. 18. Cost is $15.

Events in the area

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Aug. 23-25: World Food and Music Festival. The award-winning festival brings together two of life’s greatest offerings from all sides of the globe. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival
 

Aug. 9-11: Mustangs at the Crossroads. A celebration of 60 years of the classic American muscle car, the Mustang. Holiday Inn, 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines. www.mustangsatthecrossroads.org
 
Aug. 23-24: Huxley Prairie Festival. “The prairiest festival around.” Railroad Park, Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, Huxley. www.huxleyprairiefest.com
 

Aug. 24: Ingersoll Live. The annual block party returns to host vendors of all kinds, live music and plenty of family-friendly fun. From 3-10 p.m. along 2300 Ingersoll Ave. www.theavenuesdsm.com
 
Aug. 24: Wine and Cider Festival. Get a taste of Iowa's grape and apple harvest from more than 20 Iowa wineries and cideries. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. www.jasperwinery.com

Aug. 31 - Sept. 2, 7-8, 14-15: Fall Faire Renaissance Faire. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow returns. The park changes to immerse attendees into the olden days for two weekends full of fun. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines. www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com
 
Sept. 6: Savannah Bananas. The Bananas bring their bananas style of baseball back to Des Moines. They tweak the rules of America’s favorite pastime, get the crowd involved and have tons of fun doing it. Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines. www.thesavannahbananas.com
 
Sept. 6: Marc Maron. Maron has been an icon in the standup comedian and podcast scene for more than a decade. Starting at 8 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. www.hoytsherman.org
 
Sept. 14: Applefest. Celebrate and sink your teeth into the apple harvest season. A full day of family fun and entertainment at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.lhf.org
 
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 coincide 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
 

(Family Features) How you start your morning can impact the rest of your day. If you’re looking to incorporate healthier choices into your morning routine, try a concept known as “habit stacking.” Building tiny, healthier habits into routines you already have, like enjoying a morning beverage or breakfast before you check your email instead of jumping right into the day’s tasks, can make it easier to stick to a new habit when it’s built into an existing routine.

If you already enjoy the routine of breakfast to start the day, consider swapping sugary drinks for beverages without added sugars like unsweetened green or black tea. When incorporated as part of an overall healthy diet, unsweetened tea can help support heart health.

If you need help getting started, Lipton, a proud national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, created this easy-to-make, better-for-you tea recipe.

For a little morning refreshment, simple Sparkling Green Tea Cranberry Spritzers offer a solution with 0 grams of added sugars.

Discover more ways to improve daily routines at Heart.org/eatsmart.

Sparkling Green Tea Cranberry Spritzers
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association
Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups per serving)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 4 single-serving green tea bags
• 1 cup 100% cranberry juice or 100% cranberry-pomegranate juice
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1/2 cup seltzer (flavored or plain) or low-sodium club soda, chilled
• 4 orange slices or lime wedges (optional)

Directions:

In small saucepan over high heat, bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat. Submerge tea bags. Steep 4 minutes. Discard tea bags. Let tea mixture cool 30 minutes. Pour into pitcher. Stir in cranberry juice. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled.

At serving time, put ice cubes in four glasses. Pour tea mixture into glasses. Top each serving with seltzer. Garnish with orange slices.

Tip: To create cranberry-flavored ice cubes, fill ice cube tray with 100% cranberry juice and freeze.

Nutritional information per serving: 32 calories: 0 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 4 mg sodium; 8 mg carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 8 g total sugars (0 g added sugars); 1 g protein.

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