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Oct. 11-17, 2024

 
 
Were you a pinball wizard?
 

“Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve played the silver ball.”

Of course, those are the opening lines of The Who’s 1969 classic, “Pinball Wizard.”

I was just a year old when the song was originally released for the rock opera “Tommy,” but it has lived on for generations of players like me who grew up dropping coins in pinball machines. Many of us simply couldn’t resist the challenge of those bumpers, buzzers, lights, bells, flippers — and the silver ball.

Yes, kids and adults alike were mesmerized by these simple games throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but pinball was around for decades prior.

It seemed to start with British inventor Montague Redgrave, who was granted a patent for his “Improvements in Bagatelle” in 1871. Bagatelle was a game invented in France that used a table and balls like a miniature version of billiards. Redgrave’s changes included adding a coiled spring and a plunger, making the game smaller, replacing the large bagatelle balls with marbles, and adding the inclined playfield, according to a story published at thoughtco.com. As most of you know, these all became features of the later game of pinball.

The story states how pinball machines appeared in the 1930s as counter-top machines (without legs) and featured the characteristics created by Redgrave. In 1932, manufacturers began adding legs. The tilt mechanism was invented in 1934 as a solution to the problem of players physically lifting and shaking the games. Also in 1934, machines were redesigned to be used with electrical outlets, which allowed for new types of sounds, music and lights.

By the early 1950s, pinball machines began to use separate lights behind the glass scoreboard to show scores. The 1950s also introduced the first two-player games. If you want to dig deeper on the history — and I know you do — check out the ThoughtCo story.

I was introduced to the pinball machine at our local roller skating rink in the 1970s. I would pull myself up by my outstretched fingers to take a look at the big kids playing, only to be told to back off so I wouldn’t tilt it. And when letting go, I would tilt it.

My friend Ian had a pinball machine in his basement. Now that was cool. He became quite the pinball wizard with those “crazy flipper fingers,” as I recall. I am certain it was because he had “such a supple wrist.”

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

 
 
NP Homecoming
 

Queen Mia Doonan and King Rocky Bartheman at the North Polk Homecoming Parade Oct. 4 in Alleman.

 

Happening this weekend

Celebrate the season at Polk City Fall Fest Oct. 12
Join Polk City Parks and Recreation and Go Polk City Saturday, Oct. 12, 2-6 p.m. at the Town Square to celebrate all things fall. Kids activities will include pumpkin painting, face painting, inflatables, character appearances and more. Seasonal vendors will be selling their best fall treats and food. Fenders Brewing will be holding its Fenders-Fest as well.

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.
 
Get your frozen chicken and noodles and more Oct. 12
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.
 
Don’t miss Trunk or Treat Oct. 13
Go Polk City is hosting Trunk or Treat Oct. 13, 4-6 p.m. at the West Elementary Parking Lot. Wear you costumes and have some fun.

 

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 South Fourth Street, Polk City. Sign up on LifeServe’s website, www.lifeservebloodcenter.org, or by calling LifeServe at 800-287-4903.

 

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.

 

Babysitting Basics

Become a better babysitter with Iowa State University Extension. Participants ages 10-18 will learn about the responsibilities of a babysitter, what employers expect, and how to care for infants and toddlers. Youth learn about age-appropriate toys and activities, safety and basic first aid. Participants receive a book filled with information about childcare as well as a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 18, and the class is Friday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miller Park. Cost is $45. There is no school that day for North Polk. Register online at https://www.polkcityia.gov/parks-and-recreation/pages/online-registration.

 

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. 

 

Coming up at the Polk City Library

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

Messy Munchkins (toddlers and preschoolers), third Thursday of the month, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. Remember to dress your child in clothes that can get dirty.

Morbid Mocktails, Thursday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m. Get ready to be the most haunting host for your ghastly gatherings this month by learning recipes for three Halloween-themed mocktails, then create your favorite to sip while you add ghosts and other creepy details to thrifted paintings. If you have allergy concerns, please contact the library ahead of time for recipes. All materials provided. Registration required, ages 17 and older.

 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Hoyt Sherman Place shows
1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
hoytsherman.org
• Oct. 29: Theory of a Dream at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Vitamin String Quartet at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 12: A Motown Christmas at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 15: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Elton John’s “Madman Across the Water” at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 16: Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 23: Liverpool Legends Beatles Experience! at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 25: Michael W. Smith - Every Christmas at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 5: Christmas with Lorie Line at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 22: In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra at 7 p.m.
 
Trick or Treat at The Learning Post & Toys
Oct. 31, 4-7 p.m.
The Learning Post & Toys, 2761 100th St., Urbandale
The public is invited to a free Trick or Treat event at the store. Wear your costume, get your photo taken with Dino-Mite, the giant T-Rex, grab a treat and enter to win a grand prize.

Des Moines Community Orchestra concerts
The Des Moines Community Orchestra has announced its concert dates for the 2024/2025 concert season. Admission is free. Concerts start at 2 p.m. with pre-concert talks at 1 p.m. For more information, visit desmoinescommunityorchestra.org. Concerts are:
• Sunday, Oct. 27, Halloween Costume Concert, Sheslow Auditorium.
• Sunday, Dec. 8, Celebrate & Sing Handel’s Messiah, Grace United Methodist Church.
• Sunday, Feb. 23, Winter Concert and Past Audience Favorites, Sheslow Auditorium.
• Sunday, May 11, Spring Concert, Carl’s Favorite Finales, Sheslow Auditorium.

Iowa Wind Ensemble, A Sousa Spectacular
Sunday, Oct. 27. 3 p.m.
Franklin Jr. High Events Center, Small Auditorium
Get ready to march to the beat of American history as the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents A Sousa Spectacular, an exciting tribute to the timeless legacy of John Philip Sousa, the “March King,” and the golden age of American marches. This dynamic concert will transport audiences to a patriotic realm filled with grandeur, pride and musical excellence. For tickets, visit www.ciwe.org/sousa.

Des Moines Performing Arts shows
Des Moines Civic Center, Cowles Commons, Stoner Theater, Temple Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org
• Oct. 11-12: Taylor Tomlinson: Save Me Tour
• Oct. 15-20: “Back To The Future: The Musical”
• Oct. 29 - Nov. 3: The Second City 65th Anniversary Tour
 
Wells Fargo Arena shows
Wells Fargo Arena, 223 Center St., Des Moines
iowaeventscenter.com
Oct. 19: Alabama “Roll on 2 North America Tour” at 7 p.m.
Oct. 24: P!nk Live 2024 at 7 p.m.

Covered Bridge Festival
Oct. 12-13
Winterset and Madison County
Celebrate Madison County’s history while also taking in its iconic covered bridges alongside food and art vendors, a car show, a parade and more. Starting at 9 a.m. at the Winterset Square, Winterset. For schedule and more, visit www.madisoncounty.com/covered-bridge-festival-2.

Spirit Seekers Fair
Oct. 18
Unity of Des Moines, 414 31st St., Des Moines
www.unitydesmoines.com
Vendors featuring healing arts, intuitive readers, gifts, stones, jewelry and more. Experience a welcoming environment to sample Iowa’s rich spiritual community. For more information, visit www.unitydesmoines.com.

Family Halloween fun at Living History Farms
Oct. 18-20, 25-27
Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Enjoy Family Halloween Fun. Go online for start times. Enjoy a Halloween event designed for families. Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill; enjoy storytellers, demonstrations and crafts; and join a hayrack ride. Cost is $9 for ages 2 and older, $8 for members. For more information, visit lhf.org/event/halloween.

Edgewater Holiday Mart
Nov. 2
9225 Cascade Ave., West Des Moines
Thirty-five local artists and vendors offering their personal creations — carved Santas, wine bottle stoppers, wooden pens, kaleidoscopes, wooden boxes, paintings, fused and stained glass, photographs, cards, fiber arts, pottery, ceramics, clocks,  jewelry, decorated felt bags, scarves, cutting boards, woven baskets, embroidered dish towels, knitted socks, crocheted animals, painted rocks, Petosky stones, goat soaps and lotions, candy wreaths, Iowa gouda cheese, fudge and peanut brittle, gourmet popcorn and nuts, jams and jellies, and baked goods.

 
Homemade meals to tackle takeout cravings
 

(Family Features) Many busy weeknights come down to one decision for frazzled families: cook at home or give in to takeout cravings. Instead of stressing over a decision, enjoy the best of both worlds and make Asian-inspired dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen.

For a quick and delicious solution that may just become a family go-to, these Teriyaki Tofu Bowls are jam-packed with flavor, noodles and fresh veggies.

These homemade favorites feature a delicious blend of broccoli, red and green cabbage, kale, shredded carrots, radish and green onions in Fresh Express’s Hot or Cold Teriyaki Salad and Noodle Meal Kit. The vegetable blend is tossed with pre-cooked Udon noodles, white sesame seeds and crunchy wontons then finished with a gourmet teriyaki dressing sauce for familiar Asian flavor.

Teriyaki Tofu Bowls

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons white pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil
  • 1 package (16 ounces) extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 bag (16.9 ounces) Fresh Express Teriyaki Hot or Cold Salad and Noodle Meal Kit

Directions:

  • In bowl, whisk vinegar, dark soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, white pepper and Chinese five-spice until combined.

  • Slowly pour oil into mixture while whisking vigorously. Place cut tofu in mixture and allow to sit 15 minutes.

  • Bring large saute pan to medium-high heat and place tofu in, turning when crust forms.

  • When tofu is finished, set aside and prepare hot or cold salad and noodle meal kit.

  • Serve with tofu on top of hot or cold salad and noodle meal kit.

 
 
 
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
 

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have friends or coworkers who you think would enjoy Polk City Living Weekly, share this email with them and they can subscribe by CLICKING HERE.

 

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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