Nov. 15-21, 2024

The Polk City Kiwanis Club named Ali Lundgren as one of its five Seniors of the Month for November.

“I enjoy taking journalism classes, reading, baking and playing tennis and pickleball with friends and family,” Lundgren says. “I love to travel. One place I definitely plan on going to is Ireland. I enjoy going to church, and I love Jesus. My future plans are to build a career that is centered around helping others.”

Lundgren’s parents are Jake and Tara Lundgren of Polk City, and her sibling is Coby. Her favorite school subjects are broadcasting/journalism and English. She is involved in Key Club, Principal’s Council and tennis. She is a member of the National Art Honor Society. She volunteers at her church, attends youth group, participates in Key Club and works at Jester Park Nature Center. She plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa.

The Polk City Kiwanis Club named Logan Bakken as one of its five Seniors of the Month for November.

“A summary of who I am is a student who is trying to achieve high standards, especially within topics of STEM,” Bakken says. “I participate within co-curricular activities such as multiple optional bands and robotics club, in which I spend most of my time working. Within robotics, I attempt to make the team and robot the best they can be, and it can be through my work in software. I plan on working in software engineering upon entering college at Iowa State, in which I have made steps to get there through participating in technology competitions and robotics competitions. I overall wish to make an impact through working with software.”

His parents are Michelle Bakken and Michael Bakken, and his siblings are Lucas and Evan.

His honors include three consecutive second placements at robotics regionals, Innovation in Software for robotics, and two Purple Ribbon Awards for the ITEC Tech Fair.

Bake Sale, White Elephants and Dinner

Polk City O.E.S. Chapter 361 will host a bake sale, white elephants and dinner on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 106 Third St., Polk City. Dinner of beef and noodles with mashed potatoes, vegetable, roll and dessert, is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-10, and free for kids 4 and younger. Carryouts will be available. The bake sale features homemade mincemeat and apple butter, cashews, pecan halves, mixed nuts, butter toffee peanuts, chocolate amaretto pecans and chocolate-covered peanuts.

Breakfast with Santa

You are invited to a pancake breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m., at The Wing at the Polk City United Methodist Church, 1421 W. Broadway St. Decorate cookies and visit with Santa. New this year is Santa’s Workshop. Children are invited to “shop” for and wrap Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

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 at 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway 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/PCCFWinterGala or by check mailed to Polk City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Polk City, IA 50226.

Coming up at the Polk City Library

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

• Monday Book Club, Monday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. “One Summer in Savannah” by Tarah Shelton Harris. It's been eight years since Sara Lancaster left her home in Savannah, Georgia. Eight years since her daughter, Alana, came into this world, following a terrifying sexual assault that left deep emotional wounds Sara would do anything to forget. But when Sara's father falls ill, she's forced to return home and face the ghosts of her past. Pick up a free copy at the library’s front desk.
• Comets Kids Club K-5th graders, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4 p.m. We meet monthly for craft or activity. For November, create a fall centerpiece to showcase for the holidays. Registration required.
• Adult Coloring, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m. Ages 17 and older.
• Book Club (K-third grade). There is no Book Club Meeting this month due to the holidays.
• Adult Evening DIY: Snowman Flowerpots, Thursday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. Join us for a fun evening of crafting, This month, we’ll be painting flowerpots to look like sweet snowmen. This craft is an adaptation of our September 2024 Scarecrow Flowerpots, back by popular demand. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Holiday Promenade
Fridays, Nov. 22 - Dec. 20
Historic East Village
The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association will spread holiday cheer during the Holiday Promenade, an exciting, free celebration full of holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. A number of activities will be scheduled throughout the five Fridays including tree lighting, a scavenger hunt, ice skating and more. During the Holiday Promenade dates, Historic East Village retailers are encouraged to remain open until 8 p.m. while restaurants and attractions are open later. 

Christmas in Olde Town
S.E. Second St., downtown Altoona
Saturday, Nov. 30
Once a year, downtown Altoona transforms into a bustling winter wonderland for Christmas in Olde Town — a celebration of the community and the holiday season. Load up your sleigh with family and friends and enjoy live music, walking tours, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a light show, and a special appearance from the Big Guy himself! Family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. https://altoonahistory.org/christmas/

Winterset Festival of Lights
Nov. 29, 5-8 p.m.
Winterset Courthouse, 112 S. John Wayne Drive
Come to Winterset’s courthouse retail district for a holiday experience like none other. At 5 p.m., the whole family will enjoy food, live and lighted window displays, free horse-drawn wagon rides, extended shopping hours, roaming carolers, and interactions with Santa, all around the Madison County courthouse. A lighted parade gets underway at 7:15 pm. This year's theme is A Toyland Christmas.www.madisoncounty.com/special-events

Festival of Trees and Lights
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Iowa Events Center, 833 Fifth Ave., Des Moines
Expertly decorated trees, local musicians, dance groups and a visit from Santa himself, all in the name of supporting Blank Children's Hospital. Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.unitypoint.org/giving/blank-childrens-hospital-foundation/ways-to-give/events/festival-of-trees-and-lights
 
Holiday Hullabaloo
Nov. 29 - Dec. 29
Horizon Events Center, 10320 Hickman Road, Clive
The 2024 Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests this holiday season. Enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment and festivities that will allow you to create some fun holiday hullabaloo and memories. www.holidayhullabaloo.com

A Night Under the Lights 2024
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Waukee Centennial Park
Enjoy food, vendors and fun all day long. The third annual light parade will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at https://forms.gle/xU1df2YtqAYgn7wh9.

Christmas Open House
Sundays, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.
Olmsted-Urban House, 4010 70th St., Urbandale
Enjoy a Christmas Open House at the Urbandale Historical Society’s Olmsted/ Urban House. A variety of activities will be held at the decorated house both Sundays.

Light Up Polk City
Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m.
Polk City town square
This event, hosted by Go Polk City and Polk City Parks & Recreation, is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Watch as town square is illuminated with holiday cheer. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, holiday music, seasonal eats and drinks, fire pits for keeping warm and s’mores. You’ll also have the chance to talk with Santa and let him know if you’ve been good this year.  Other special winter guests will be in attendance as well. 
 
Christkindlmarket
Dec. 5-8
Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
Christkindlmarket features regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls, lively performances of polka music, traditional dance and choirs in Yuletide Hall; children's activities; Glühwein (warm, mulled wine) and European beer. www.christkindlmarketdsm.com
 
Family Christmas at Living History Farms
Saturday, Dec. 7, noon to 3 p.m.
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Hear the sounds, see the sights, and smell the smells of a 19th-century Christmas.
Enjoy carolers, old fashioned demonstration, a craft, stories, and a visit with old St. Nick. Tickets are $9 for ages 2 and older ($8 for members). Buildings are heated. Bundle up for wagon rides. Tickets are available at https://marketplace.lhf.org/Events.aspx. www.lhf.org

(Family Features) Your guests won’t be able to have just one of these sweet and savory poppers. With a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper, and sweetness from brown sugar, you’re almost sure to watch them quickly disappear.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Recipe courtesy of Bob Evans
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 40

Ingredients:

• 2 packages Bob Evans Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon, slices cut in half
• 1 package Bob Evans White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
• 1 package garlic herb cheese spread
• 20 jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded with membranes removed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Directions:

• Heat oven to 400° F. Set bacon out to thaw to room temperature so it is pliable.

• In mixing bowl, use rubber spatula to combine mashed potatoes and garlic herb cheese. Stir until incorporated. Spread 1 teaspoon mashed potato mixture in each jalapeno half; level each with butter knife or spatula.

• Wrap each jalapeno with bacon; use three half slices for large jalapenos or two halves for smaller sizes. Be sure bacon is wrapped sealing in mashed potato mixture tightly.

• In small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Generously sprinkle over bacon and pat gently to make it stick.

• Line cookie sheet with piece of parchment paper so sugar does not burn to pan. Bake until bacon reaches desired crispiness, around 25-35 minutes.

• Let peppers cool slightly before serving, about 5 minutes.

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