Polk City Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and more in this week's issue!

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

March 6-12, 2026

Who needs 19 cupholders in a car?

When my wife and I go for a drive in my truck, it all starts with a race for the cupholders. It works out fine if we each have one cup, but for a reason I still don’t understand, Jolene sometimes brings multiples. Then, it becomes a musical chairs of sorts to see who gets their cup(s) in the holders. The odd cup out usually ends up in the pop-out cupholder in the back seat. Sure, there are cupholders in the lower storage areas in the doors, but that’s just asking for trouble when the doors open and shut. After all, who wants hot coffee on their pant legs?

I do appreciate the cupholders, and I can’t imagine vehicles without them now. Operating a vehicle used to be much more complicated, and sipping a latte while focusing on the road wasn’t on the minds of the early engineers — and for good reason.

Today, I have at least six cupholders in my truck, maybe more. That seems like overkill. Meanwhile, vehicles with the most cupholders today are the Subaru Ascent with 19, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade with 18, and the Volkswagen Atlas with 17. Seriously.

Do you remember the first vehicle with a cupholder? If you guessed the Dodge Caravan of the 1980s like I did, you would be wrong. The correct answer may surprise you. It was the 1977 Chevrolet Blazer and Pickup. Both offered an optional plastic center console with molded cupholders — and not those flimsy plastic ones with slipped in the window crevice. These were built into the original design.

If you did guess the minivan, you weren’t totally wrong. The 1983 Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager had cupholders that became more widely recognized in today's mass-produced vehicles.

And, if you pointed out that cars in the 1930s-1940s had factory-installed cupholders as shallow indents in the glove compartments, you would be correct, too. But, you didn’t want to drive down the road with your glass bottle of Pepsi balancing on one of these.

When we were in high school in the 1980s, my friend Johnny and I used to drive around in his dad’s old pickup, which had a red and yellow plastic coffee cup from Casey’s General Store stuck to the dash. It had a removable top for refills and a flat bottom that would slide into the piece that was glued to the dash. His dad used it every day, as was apparent by the coffee-stained yellow plastic. Rinsed out on occasion but never washed, that nasty cup was a futuristic look at how we would be storing our drinks in our vehicles in years to come — all 19 of them.

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

Kiwanis Senior of the Month

Rylie Campbell has been named a Kiwanis Senior of the Month.

“I like spending time with friends and family and staying involved in activities that matter to me. I’m part of band, tennis, speech, 4-H and FFA, which have helped me build confidence, responsibility and teamwork skills. I enjoy learning new things, taking on challenges, and improving over time. I’m motivated, reliable and always open to new experiences and opportunities to grow.”

Rylie is the daughter of Darwin and Julie Campbell of Cambridge and sister to Allie and Asa. Science and anatomy are her favorite classes. She has earned her Iowa FFA Degree, and is on the Gold Honor Roll and DMACC President’s List. She is in the National Honor Society and has earned an academic letter and letter in band and tennis. She is a State 4-H Council and Polk County 4-H Youth Council member. She is involved in youth group and works at Scooters Coffee in Huxley. After graduation, the plans to major in animal science on the pre-vet track for large animal/livestock at Iowa State University.

Pancake Breakfast

Polk City Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast is Saturday, March 28, 8-11 a.m. at Lakeside Fellowship Church, 1121 West Bridge Road. The Easter Egg Hunt is at 11 a.m. on the Lakeside Soccer Fields. Support your Kiwanis Club at their legendary, yummy pancake breakfast and watch or participate in the hunt for eggs. Bring a friend or two. The breakfast is a free will donation event. All proceeds go toward three North Polk senior scholarships awarded at the May award banquet.

Polk City Public Library news

1500 W. Broadway | 515-984-6119 | www.polkcitylibrary.org

Spring break special kids programming:

Spring Break Bingo Challenge. Complete activities anytime during Spring Break. Pick up your BINGO card starting the week of March 9. Complete activities on your own to earn a BINGO. Cards with a completed BINGO may be entered into a prize drawing.
Drop-In Craft. Tuesday, March 17, 2-4 p.m. Drop in and work on a craft with your family. We will set up the craft and the supplies, and you just need to bring your creativity. All ages are welcome. Parents and guardians are required to stay with their children.
Family Bingo. Wednesday, March 18 from 2-3 p.m. Who doesn’t love BINGO or winning prizes. Registration is required.
Teen D.I.Y. Thursday, March 20, 2-3 p.m. Pop in to create a beaded plant that brings a touch of nature indoors — no watering required. Registration is required. Ages 10 and older.

Other events:

Babble and Brew. Thursday, March 6, 10 a.m. Playtime for them, coffee and conversation for you.
Lego Club. Monday, March 9, 4 p.m. Registration is required, Register online at polkcitylibrary.org. Grades K-7.
Monday Book Club. Monday, March 16, 2 p.m. “The Women” by Kristen Hannah. In 1965, nursing student Frankie McGrath, after hearing the words: “Women can be heroes, too,” impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows her brother to Vietnam where she is overwhelmed by the destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed and politically divided America.
Messy Munchkins. Thursday, March 20, 10 a.m.
Mah Jongg. Thursday, March 26, 5-8 p.m. Calling all tile titans and newbies alike. Join us for our inaugural Mah Jongg extravaganza at the library. The Dealt Hand will bring their Mah Jongg magic, teaching us the ropes. Registration is a must and is open to ages 17 and older.
Pre-K Playday. Friday, March 27, 9-11 a.m. at City Hall. For children up to age 5. Full of sensory toys, fun structures and musical instruments. Parent/caregiver attendance is required.

Recurring events at the Polk City Public Library

1500 W. Broadway | 515-984-6119 | www.polkcitylibrary.org

Geri-Fit® Strength Training Workouts. Mondays 9 a.m. Ages 50 and over. Stretch bands and a Zoom link are available upon request.
STEAM Storytime. Mondays 10:15 a.m. Designed for ages 3-5.
Chair Yoga. Tuesdays, 9 a.m., cancelled for March 10. Join the zoom meeting on our website at polkcitylibrary.org.
Tiny Tots Storytime. Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. Designed for ages 3 and younger.
Qigong/Tai Chi. Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Tailored to ages 50 and older.
Ladies’ Wednesday Coffee. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon.
Sit N’ Stitch. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
Zumba/Low-Impact Dance. Fridays, 9 a.m. Workouts tailored to 50 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.

Knee-High Naturalists. Wednesday, March 11, 10-11 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun. As naturalists we will hike, investigate, and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Please come dressed to be outside. Registration required by the day before.
Spring Break Discovery Hike. Friday, March 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger, 1-2 p.m. at Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter 3, 7200 S.E. 5th St., Des Moines. Start your spring break with an adventure. Join Polk County Conservation on the first day of vacation for a refreshing, family-friendly hike designed to shake off the last of the winter blues and welcome the beauty of spring.
Global Migrations - Northern Elephant Seals. Saturday, March 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Enjoy a family-friendly program focused on the migrations of an amazing animal. Travel around the world together as you learn animal facts and how climate change is affecting this species. The program will involve a presentation and hands-on fun. Stop by Critter Club afterward to meet one of the Nature Center’s amazing animals.
Critter Club. Saturday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come and visit with Jester Park Nature Center’s resident animals up close. One or two ambassador animals will be out to teach what special role they play in education. You may even get to touch them. This is an open house program, so come and go anytime during the hour. Attend the Global Migrations program beforehand to be an animal champion.
Rain Barrel Workshop. Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. This workshop will begin with a short discussion about water quality, water conservation, and the benefits of using a rain barrel. Afterwards you will begin constructing your own barrel. Step by step instruction, tool safety, safety glasses, one 55-gallon barrel, and all construction materials will be provided. Be prepared to take your barrel home after the workshop. They will fit in most standard SUVs. Registration required by one week prior.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Pre-Party and Parade
March 14 and March 17
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is back with its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Join them on Saturday, March 14, from 2-6 p.m. at The Shop DSM, 901 Cherry St., Des Moines, for a Pre-Paddy Party, featuring live music from Fat Tuesday, a live auction, food trucks and cash bar for an at-will donation. The parade is on Tuesday, March 17, and begins at noon. Participants will proceed from E. First Street, west on Grand Avenue to Eighth Street, with the parade officially ending at Eighth and Grand Avenue. The after party will be in the Des Moines Marriott Downtown Hotel. Visit www.friendlysonsiowa.com for more information.

St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
Saturday, March 14
Iowa State Capitol, East Locust Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Des Moines
Celebrate 10 years of the Des Moines St. Paddy’s Race. A new 2026 finisher pint glass will be waiting at the finish line. Finisher medal provided for all marathon and half marathon runners. More information: https://iowaruns.com/desmoinesstpaddys5k#acc-rqya205-0.

Elks Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Saturday, March 14, 5:30 p.m.
West Des Moines Elks No. 2752, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
The Elks St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will begin with the Foy School of Irish Dancers performing at 5:30 p.m. They will perform for about 20 minutes, followed by the Elks’ famous St. Paddy’s Day corn beef and cabbage with Irish potatoes, $12 per serving.

The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
www.theingersoll.com

Church Basement Ladies: March 26–29, April 2–5 and April 9–12. Matinee performances will have dining at 11 a.m., and the show beginning at 1 p.m. Evening performances will have dining at 5:30 p.m., and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Classic Stones Live: Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16. Widely recognized as the most premier Rolling Stones tribute in the world, this eight-piece band recreates the raw energy, swagger and sound of The Stones in their legendary prime. From iconic saxophone lines to unforgettable backing vocals, every detail is meticulously performed in original tunings. Dining begins at 5:30 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m. both nights.
“Isn’t She Lovely,” a Mother’s Day Music Show starring Patricia Holly: May 8 and May 10, offering both an evening and matinee option for families celebrating together. On May 8, dining will be at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. On May 10, Dining is at 11 a.m. and show is at 1 p.m.
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience - 90’s Country: Two performances June 6. Matinee: Dining at 11 a.m. Show at 1 p.m. Evening: Dining at 5:30 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at www.theingersoll.com/events or at Ticketmaster.com/TheIngersoll.

Iowa Home Expo
Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15
Iowa State Fairgrounds Jacobson Center, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof, the Iowa Home Expo is the spot to find all local remodeling experts. The Iowa Home Expo hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. Hours are: Friday, March 13, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information available at https://iowahomeexpo.com/.

A hearty stew to celebrate St. Pat’s

A hearty stew to celebrate St. Pat’s

(Family Impact) Green beer and decor may get all the attention, but for hosts looking to wow their St. Patrick’s Day guests or astound their loved ones, a traditional Irish recipe can become an annual tradition. Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with this St. Patrick’s Day Stew, a hearty, beefy meal loaded with chuck stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions and, of course, stout beer. To find more recipes that put tradition center stage, visit Culinary.net.

St. Patrick’s Day stew
Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 1/4 pounds marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef stock
2 cups water
1 cup extra stout beer
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
4 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Sprinkle beef chunks with 1 teaspoon salt. In large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
Pat beef dry with paper towels and add to pot, working in batches to avoid crowding pot. Cook until browned on one side then flip and brown.
Add garlic cloves to pot with beef and saute 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add beef stock, water, beer, wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir.
Bring mixture to simmer then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
In separate pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots; saute until golden, about 15 minutes.
After beef mixture simmers 1 hour, add onions, carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer uncovered until beef and vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves and spoon excess fat.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff receivers speakers guitar amp etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

'I do"

Residents share their marriage proposal stories

Couples often celebrate the milestones of their relationships: the day they met, their wedding, anniversaries … And the date of their engagement is often a highlight: an event often given much thought and planning. An occasion of romance, joy and anticipation of the journey ahead.

[...]

Read the full digital 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 the subscribe tab at IowaLivingMagazines.com

This email was sent to: beckhammiller1@icloud.com

Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc.
8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131

Edit Profile

Unsubscribe

Report as Spam