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Aug. 14-20, 2026

 
 
Parenting is a responsibility and a privilege
 

Parenting is the only job that has expectations that we know everything before we know anything. The hospital sends us home with a tiny human, a stack of paperwork and no instruction manual. We become responsible for keeping another person alive, teaching right from wrong, and helping with fourth-grade math. No pressure.

My first lesson of parenting was realizing just how enormous this responsibility really was. Jolene and I were not simply raising children. We were raising someone's future spouse, co-worker, neighbor, employer or employee. Most every lesson we taught our kids would surely show up decades later in someone else's life. That’s enough to make any parent lose sleep. Of course, toddlers usually take care of that part anyway.

The second lesson for me was that rules and consequences cannot be optional. Children need boundaries. They need to hear the word “no.” They need to understand that actions have consequences. A parent’s primary job is not to make the children happy every minute of every day. It is to prepare them for adulthood, where the boss will not accept, “I just wasn't feeling it today,” and the police officer will not overlook speeding because they had a rough morning. Children test limits. If parents do not establish those limits, the world eventually will, and the world is far less patient than Mom and Dad. That doesn’t mean parenting should resemble a boot camp. Hopefully, we laugh often. We continue to hug our kids. We celebrate their victories. But, we should also remember that saying “yes” all the time may be easy today but makes things more difficult tomorrow.

Then came the biggest lesson of all: Parenting never ends. When our children become adults, we imagine our work is finished. Instead, our roles simply change. We become a sounding board, a babysitter, a financial adviser who is ignored and an unpaid technician when the furnace quits working. We stop telling them when to be home but start worrying whether they made it home safely. We stop packing lunches but start praying they pack common sense. The sleepless nights become fewer, but the concerns never disappear.

Parenting is not measured by the years our children live under our roofs. It is measured by the lifetime they carry our love, our lessons and, if we did our jobs well, the little voices in their heads reminding them that someone is always cheering them on — and expecting them to make good choices.

That is certainly a responsibility and a privilege. And, unlike every other job in the world, it doesn’t comes with a retirement party.

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

 
 

Farmers market

The Polk City Farmers Market from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. 24 at the Polk City Square features local produce, products and pastries while supporting local. You might find your new favorite bakery, some one-of-a-kind home decor, fresh produce for that recipe you've been wanting to try, fresh flowers for the kitchen table, and delicious treats to snack on. Also included are food trucks and live entertainment. The market is dog-friendly. Have your furry companion on a 6-foot leash. To keep up to date with weekly food trucks, live entertainment, vendor highlights and market updates, follow them on Facebook.

 

Live music Aug. 15 in Alleman

The public is invited to a concert by the William Lawsome Band from 6-8 p.m., rain or shine, on Aug. 15 at the Salem United Church of Christ, 320 N.E. 141st Ave., Alleman. Enjoy an evening of country and bluegrass music on the church lawn. Women’s Fellowship will provide food as part of the fiundraiser. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and favorite beverage. A free will donation will be accepted for the band.

 

Polk City Public Library news

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

  • Announcements: The library will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.
  • Youth Advisory Group: Middle and high school students are invited to join and help decide what books and materials the library purchases, plan programs, give feedback on social media and share ideas to improve the library for young people. Meetings are low commitment and will be held one to two times each semester. Members will help choose meeting dates and times. High school students can earn Silver Cord volunteer hours for participating.
  • Mah Jongg Open Play: Thursday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m. Open play for all skill levels. Learn the game or enjoy casual play. One set will be available; participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible. No registration required. Ages 17 and older. Not instructor led.
  • Monday Book Club: Monday, Aug. 17, 2 p.m. “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson. Set in 1930s Kentucky, this novel follows a Pack Horse librarian delivering books through Appalachia while facing prejudice and hardship.
  • Adult DIY: Paint-by-Number Sunflower Canvas. Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m. Create your own sunflower masterpiece. Registration required. Ages 17 and older.
  • Tiny Tots Storytime: Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m., beginning Sept. 8. Designed for ages 3 and younger with a caregiver. Includes songs, rhymes and stories. All are welcome.
  • Tiny Tot Playdate: Thursdays, 10 a.m. First Thursday: Gross motor play; Second Thursday: Process art; Third Thursday: No session in September; Fourth Thursday: Sensory stations
 
 

Ice Cream Smorgasbord and Auction

Sheldahl United Methodist Church, 609 Sixth St., Sheldahl, is holding its annual Ice Cream Smorgasbord and Auction Sunday, Aug. 30. Homemade ice cream, toppings and goodies are $8 a bowl, two for $15, at 4:30 p.m., with the auction starting at 5 p.m. featuring baked goods, garden produce, craft items and more.

 

Public meetings

  • Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Aug. 17, 6 p.m.
  • City Council Meeting, Aug. 24, 6 p.m.
  • City Offices Closed - Labor Day, Sept. 7
  • Parks Commission Meeting, Sept. 7, 6 p.m.
  • City Council Work Session, Sept. 14, 5 p.m.
  • City Council Meeting, Sept. 14, 6 p.m.
  • Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Sept. 21, 6 p.m.
  • City Council Meeting, Sept. 28, 6 p.m.
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Women in the Woods with Wine - Stick Hike: 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, Jester Park Nature Center. Go back to the basics as the group will play with sticks. After a refreshing walk, each participant will decorate a custom hiking stick. This program is for women ages 21 and older who are interested in getting outside. Become more comfortable and knowledgeable about the natural world as you unwind and have fun. Registration required by Aug. 16. Cost is $15.
  • Women in the Woods with Wine - Stick Hike: 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, Jester Park Nature Center. Go back to the basics as the group will play with sticks. After a refreshing walk, each participant will decorate a custom hiking stick. This program is for women ages 21 and older who are interested in getting outside. Become more comfortable and knowledgeable about the natural world as you unwind and have fun. Registration required by Aug. 16. Cost is $15.
  • Restorative Hike at Jester Park: Thursday, Aug, 27, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center. Take a moment to step away from the hubbub of regular life and join other adults each month this summer season for a guided hike. We’ll breathe in the fresh air, get in some healthy movement, and explore what beautiful parks Polk County has to offer. We will be hiking more than 2 miles on uneven surfaces, up and down hills, on shaded and unshaded trails. *Must be able to keep pace with minimal accommodation. Free, no registration required, ages 18 and older.
  • Full Moon Forest Bathing: Friday, Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center. Join us at Jester Park for a guided forest bathing experience timed with the full moon. This program will offer participants a chance to slow down and observe the natural transition from day to night. During this session, you’ll take part in simple, sensory-based invitations designed to help you notice your surroundings. No prior experience is needed, just comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an openness to slowing down. Ages 18 and older, registration required by Aug. 24.
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Autumn at the Amphitheater
Sunday evenings, 5-7 p.m.
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Unwind in a picturesque natural setting while listening to talented local musicians. Food trucks will be available and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, blankets, family and friends. Admission is free. The lineup includes:

  • Aug. 16: Nola Jazz Band\
  • Aug. 23: Day Ashworth
  • Aug. 30: Andrew Hoyt
  • Sept. 6: The Carousel
  • Sept. 13: The Juan and Only
  • Sept. 20: Joshua Sinclair
  • Sept. 27: The Lamplighters
  • Oct. 4: Weary Ramblers
  • Oct. 11: Standing Hampton

Shrimp and Bingo!
Saturday, Aug. 29, 5:30-9 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
A Shrimp and Bingo Scholarship Fundraiser will be held to support scholarships for the DMACC Water Environmental Technology Program. Casual dinner, bingo games, raffles and more. Proceeds from the event benefit programs and initiatives that help remove barriers for students and strengthen access to education, workforce training and student support services. Cost is $100. Register at www.dmacc.edu/foundation/bingo.html.

Craft for Paws: Painting with a Twist
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2-5 p.m.
Painting with a Twist, 3743 86th St., Urbandale
Join the ARL at Painting with a Twist for a creative evening benefiting animals in need. Paint your own one-of-a-kind pet portrait, while enjoying a fun, relaxed atmosphere surrounded by fellow animal lovers. Once you are done, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a Pink Poodle strawberry lemonade and champagne cocktail (available to participants 21 and older) or strawberry lemonade and snuggle with adorable, adoptable kittens. Buy tickets at https://arl-iowa.org/event/events/craft-for-paws-august/.

Stargazing nights at Simpson College

Last Friday of every month after dusk

Blank Performing Arts Center parking lot, corner of D Street and Detroit Avenue, Indianola

Join for stargazing on the last Friday of each month after dusk. Event is canceled if it rains.

Heartland For Kids benefit concert for Mary’s Meals
Thursday, Aug. 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Heartland For Kids presents a benefit concert for Mary’s Meals. Enjoy a family-fun evening with Nashville musicians Phoenix Mendoza, Josh Leo and Kitty Steadman. Any monetary donation will help the world's most vulnerable children receive an education and provide them with enough to eat. Fun activities will be available for the kids. Food, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, will be available for a free will donation. To donate online, visit www.marysmealsusa.org.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series
Sunday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham
Music: XOLEX, Bone People. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Pho Wheels and Sushi, Street Sweets.

World Food and Music Festival
Friday, Aug. 28, to Sunday, Aug. 30
Downtown Des Moines
The free three-day festival will feature food from local vendors representing countries from around the world. Headlining Main Stage performances include The Pork Tornadoes on Friday, Aug. 28, and Parranderos Latin Combo on Saturday, Aug. 29. A highlight of this year’s festival will be a naturalization ceremony where approximately 50-60 individuals will become United States citizens.

In addition to food and music, festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment on the Cultural Stage, cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Discovery Pavilion and cultural activities in the Cultural Activity Pavilion, along with a Fruit Adventure, the Veridian Activity Zone, Spark DSM Vendors, global beverages and interactive experiences throughout the festival grounds. Festival hours are: Friday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 
 
Nutrition without skimping on flavor
 

(Feature Impact) In busy seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don't skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups — like the new Veggie Stir-Fry — you can enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait. You can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in one minute. You won't even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey or pork
  • 1 cup coleslaw mix
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup fried wonton strips
  • 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce

Directions:

  • Heat rice according to package directions.
  • In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
  • Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.
  • Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.
 
 
 

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

DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING SERVICES: Overwhelmed by clutter? Let me help you create a calm, organized home for a healthier, happier living space. Services include home organization, decluttering, and tailored packages. Call Jennifer at (515) 991-2511 to book your consultation!

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ Lowe Suncruiser BIMINI 214 pontoon boat. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000 or best offer. Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

 
 
 

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

PLAYGROUND ADVENTURES

Unique play spaces spark local kids’ imaginations

Kids of all ages require space to explore, romp, play and let their imaginations soar. Yet not all homes or apartments come with backyard spaces for play — and not all pocketbooks can afford equipment for climbing, sliding and make believe. However, with West Des Moines’ ample park system, playgrounds offer opportunities for fun and adventure for all.

[...]

 
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

 

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

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