‘Long-haired freaky people’

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Sept. 20-26, 2024

“Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin’ out the scenery. Breakin’ my mind. Do this, don’t do that. Can’t you read the sign?”

Those were the words of Five Man Electrical Band in 1971. I was more familiar with the version by Tesla (the band, not the car-maker) in 1990, but the message is the same. The lyrics made sense to a lot of people then, and they still do today.

On my admittedly short 2.2-mile, 6-minute commute to work yesterday morning, I counted 148 signs, not including any on vehicles. I surely missed some, but you get the idea. That’s a lot of signs. Stop signs. Street signs. No parking signs. Traffic signs. Election signs. Road closed signs.

We have all these signs to show us where we are and what we are to do (and not do), but we still get lost and do the wrong things. You have heard the phrase, “Sometimes, you have to spell it out for people.” That’s exactly what signs do, yet, we struggle. Don’t think so? Ask a police officer how many citations are issued to people who ignore what is posted on signs. Better yet, ask how often these violations happen and citations are not issued.

We created an entire generation of people who can’t read a paper map. Granted, most all of us struggle to fold them back together, but to not be able to read a map? What have we done? Most map-illiterates rely on GPS software on their phones or in their cars for directions. I appreciate these as well. They work. Until they don’t. Then I pull out a paper map. My friend Jeff says schools should teach kids how to read maps. Good idea. Maybe signs, too.

Some locales far different than ours here in Iowa have problems with lighted signs disorienting seabirds and turtles. Government entities implemented restrictions on these signs to address the problems. I was on an island several years ago where neon signs were banned. Actually, the lack of these signs was quite nice. Pigs in confinement buildings are apparently not bothered by neon signs. Whew.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to ban signs, not even neon ones. That would impact way too many country music songs.

My friend Mike runs a business that makes signs. He has made several for me, and he does a great job. We need people like Mike, and we need signs. But what we need more than signs are people to actually read signs and do what they say. Everyone. Even “long-haired freaky people.”

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

Enjoy BiketoberFEST Oct. 12

Polk City Friends of the Parks is hosting its third annual BiketoberFEST on Oct. 12, starting in the beautiful town square of Polk City. Check-in is from 11 a.m. to noon at Fender's. After the ride, stay to enjoy Polk City's Fall Fest, where there will be live music, kids activities and overall fun for the whole family. Register online at www.polkcityfriendsoftheparks.com/biketoberfest.

Donate blood on Oct. 18

Polk City Eastern Star is hosting a LifeServe Blood Drive Friday, Oct. 18, 1-4 p.m., at the parking lot on the corner of West Broadway Street and S. Fourth Street, Polk City. Sign up on LifeServe’s website, www.lifeservebloodcenter.org, or by calling LifeServe at 800-287-4903.

Civil War reenactor shares history Sept. 24

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, 116 S. Third St. Letters, pictures, family stories held in the museum collection plus his extensive knowledge will make this program come alive.

Radio play explores historic murders

“Murder!” a radio play, will be presented Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. by the Big Creek Historical Society. The play is about the 1882 and 1883 murders that arguably changed the course of Polk City’s history. The town lost two leading citizens and devastated other local lives. This is storytelling at its best, just in time for Halloween.

Deadline for Junior Librarian opportunity is Sept. 21

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.

Get your frozen chicken and noodles and more

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.

Polk City Community Library offers variety of activities

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

Comet Kids STEM Book Club, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 4 p.m. Meeting monthly for a book discussion and related STEM experiment. Our September meeting will vote on the October book and get messy with a STEM based experiment. Designed for grades K-3. Registration required online at polkcitylibrary.org.

Choose Your Own Adventure Club (new program this fall), Wednesday, Sept. 25, 4 p.m. Part Book Club - Part Game Club. All Adventure. Embark adventures where you decide the outcome. CYOA dives into a different interactive story where the group's choices shape the plot. Unravel endless possibilities, share your favorite paths, and discover new endings together. Designed for grades 4-8. Registration required at polkcitylibrary.org.

Storytime Explorers: Little Authors Storytime, new this fall, Thursday, Sept. 26, 4 p.m. Imagination knows no bounds in our DIY storytime — an interactive storytelling experience. Children become the authors of their own stories, shaping the plot, characters, and settings with their vivid imaginations. Designed for ages 4-5 Registration required online at polkcitylibrary.org.

Adult DIY: Flowerpot Scarecrows, Thursday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m. Join us for a relaxing evening of crafts. We’ll be making adorable flowerpot scarecrows. Ages 17 and older, registration required online at polkcitylibrary.org one month in advance of the program.

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, 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, 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

The Des Moines Playhouse classes
Registration is now open for fall classes at The Des Moines Playhouse. Saturday morning classes are offered for students in preschool through tenth grade. New this year, classes for home schooled students K-7 will be held Wednesday mornings. Camps will also be offered over winter break. Class sizes are limited and registration is first-come, first served. Learn more about classes and registration at www.dmplayhouse.com/education/classes-and-camps.
Students 8 and older can also audition for roles in upcoming productions. Information on auditions for the Kate Goldman Family Series and Signature Series is available at www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2.

Multicultural Pow Wow
Sept. 20-22
Jester Park, Granger
This year will mark the 25th year of the Pow Wow. The event will not only showcase some staples of Native American heritage, but other cultures’ customs as well. Vendors and a variety of activities are featured. 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.

Christian Authors Fair
Saturday, Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m.
The Church at Union Park, 821 Arthur Ave., Des Moines.
The Des Moines chapter of Word Weavers International is hosting a Christian authors fair with the following authors participating: Angie Dicken (romance, historial fiction), David Burrier (children’s), Dawn Ford (young adult fiction), Derek Dunnagan (biblical fiction), Diane Holmes (historical fiction, memoir), Glenda Mathes (nonfiction, middle-grade fiction), Jolene Philo (nonfiction, mystery), Kathleen Bird (speculative fiction), Kenan Bresnan (nonfiction), Lois Kennis (contemporary novel), Patricia Tiffany Morris (poetry), Sherry Kubalski (children’s), and Susan R. Lawrence (historical and contemporary fiction, middle-grade fiction, devotionals). For additional information, enter Iowa Christian Author Fair in Facebook search. With chapters across the country, Word Weavers meets monthly to critique each other's work and provide a forum to encourage writers and help them develop their craft. Local writers — aspiring or published — are welcome to join. For more information, contact Judy Hagey, judy.hagey@gmail.com, or Susan Lawrence, srlauthor@mchsi.com.

Blue Believers Run/Walk
Saturday, Sept. 21, 7:30 a.m.; run/walk event 8:45 a.m.
Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
Blue Believers, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer, is holding a run/walk event in collaboration with Team Blue Iowa. Included is a 1-mile walk, 5K walk, timed 5K run and kids fun run. The theme is superheroes and participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero. Live local music will be featured throughout the day and a survivor recognition ceremony will be held. A moment of remembrance will also be held. Proceeds will be donated locally to support Iowa men and families affected by prostate cancer. Register at www.teamblueiowa.com.

Halfway to St. Pat’s Charity Car Show
Sept. 22
Charlie’s Filling Station, 305 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
www.friendlysonsiowa.com
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are holding a fundraising car show to benefit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bring your classic or unique vehicle. Registration is 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m.

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

A comforting crumble

(Family Features) Don’t let hectic schedules and summer’s fade get you down; this warm apple crumble is perfect to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces. Visit Culinary.net for more comforting treats all year long.

Apple crumble

Ingredients:

1 can (20 ounces) apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 1/2 butter sticks, melted
vanilla ice cream or whipped cream topping (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 F.
In baking dish, spread apple pie filling across bottom. Mix cake mix with pecans, if desired, then evenly cover apple pie filling.
Cover cake mix with melted butter. Do not mix. If butter pools in one spot, pick dish up and move from side to side until covered evenly.
Bake 30 minutes until crust is brown.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream topping, if desired.

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:

NEW AGAIN

Residents share their home renovation experiences

For many homeowners, the day comes, sooner or later, when they look around their abode and wonder when the carpet was ever stylish, the wall color ever stunning and the layout ever functional. They realize new curtains, throw pillows and artwork won’t be enough to freshen things up, and the only solution to the weary look of their home is to bite the bullet and invest in some major improvements. And, when the work is done, their home — and enthusiasm for it — feels new.

[...]

Read this month's issue

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