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Sept. 12-18, 2025

 
 
‘Some people are simply allergic to other people’
 

The words in the above headline are the most simple yet most insightful advice I have ever received. They came to me several years ago from the director of an industry association I belonged to when I was struggling to work with a publisher in another market on a planning committee.

The association director was trying to help me understand that the world isn’t black and white, and that just because a person isn’t a lot like me doesn't mean that person is right or wrong. Just different. Those differences, though, can make both people irritated, annoyed and even sick. Yes, people allergies. Who would have guessed?

But, much like the allergies we may have to dust or pollen or onions, these people allergies can change over our lifetimes, too. Many of us seem to develop allergies as we age, and we wonder why we didn't have them when we were younger. Our people allergies are much the same.

In our younger years, we may have been able to better tolerate people who fixated on politics or faith or money or family or diet or sports or travel or whatever else they want to continually talk to others about. We were more open to learning… and listening.

As the years went by, though, we lost our ability — or our willingness — to deal with these things. Instead, we now migrate to others we are similar to, whether we realize it or not. Our core principles and values come into play. Our upbringings become apparent. Our interests narrow. We can change this, of course, but it takes work and, often times, an exposure to those difficult and challenging people allergies.

The people who we seem allergic to today change as well. We may have once had much in common with them and got along so well, and now we do all we can to avoid each other. Or, we may have found that those who used to make us sick are now people we choose to spend time with. Weird. But true.

So, how do we deal with these allergies we have to other people, especially when they are friends or neighbors or even family? The answer is simple: take lots of medications. OK, that was a joke, although it is an unfortunate solution many seek as the answer. We have better choices that the association director taught me: We either totally avoid the people we are allergic to, or we take them in small doses, or we simply deal with the ill feelings they give us. And, we should also remember that one person does not have to be wrong for another person to be right.

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

 
 
Girl Scout donation
 

The North Polk Middle School Girl Scout troop presented a donation to the Big Creek Historical Society and Museum.

 

Upcoming in North Polk Living magazine

  • Costume Creations: Halloween fun is quickly approaching! If you forgo the off-the-rack costumes for something more creative, we want to hear from you. Tell us about your costume creations and the fun you had making them. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com with your stories.
 

Craft and Vendor Fair

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elkhart Christian Church, 252 N.W. Washington Ave., Elkhart. There will be more than 20 vendors and a concession stand with a to-go option.

 

Fall Festival Bazaar and Bake Sale

The Sheldahl United Women In Faith invite you to stop into the Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to noon. Homemade chicken and noodles, rugs, nuts, cards, baked goods and craft items will be for sale.

 

Drive Thru Cavatelli Lunch

This fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Elkhart Christian Church, 252 N.W. Washington Ave., Elkhart. Drive up, place your order, and the cavatelli is brought to your car for a freewill donation. 

 

Brews in the Barn

Polk City Friends of the Parks is hosting Brews in the Barn, one of its annual fundraisers, Sept. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Moeckly Barn, 4395 N.W. 118th Ave., Polk City. The public is invited for a fun-filled night of live music with Ben Puttman, delicious dinner by Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ, beer from Fenders Brewing, wine from the Cellar Winery and a silent auction. The group is raising money to replace the playground on the square. Cost is $50 per person. Tickets are available at www.polkcityfriendsoftheparks.com/brews-in-the-barn.

 

Polk City Farmers Market

Enjoy the Polk City Farmers Market on Thursdays, through Sept. 25, 4:30-8 p.m., at the Town Square. The weekly Farmers Market brings local produce, handmade goods, food trucks and live music to the heart of Polk City. Come stroll the square, meet vendors and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming vibe for the final events of the season.

 
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

Story Tellebration: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 10-10:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join volunteer storyteller Carmen Epstein for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity.

Sunset Seed Harvest: Thursday, Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m., Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, 8700 N.E. 126 Ave., Maxwell. Join staff on select evenings this fall and gather native prairie seed ready to harvest in restored tallgrass prairie habitat. Seed harvesting is both a relaxing and rewarding volunteer experience that directly benefits Iowa’s critically endangered tall-grass prairie ecosystem. Registration required by noon the day prior online at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events/sunset-seed-harvest.

Prairie Seed Harvest: Friday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 11204 N.E. 118th Ave., Maxwell. Join naturalists for a hands-on day restoring Iowa’s natural solution to current water quality issues: Iowa’s tall grass prairie habitat. Once covering nearly the entire state, this critically endangered habitat now survives on 0.01% of its original range. Its loss is a significant factor in the serious environmental issues threatening our lands and waterways today. Registration required by noon the day prior at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events/prairie-seed-harvest.

Monarch Tagging: Saturday, Sept. 20, 1-2:30 p.m., Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Come learn about one of the world’s most talked about butterflies and what makes them so unique. We will also try our hand at catching and tagging monarchs as they migrate to their winter home in Mexico. Come prepared to move around and have some fun.

What do Insects do After Dark? Saturday, Sept. 20, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Wetland Shelter, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Have you ever wondered what insects do when we go to sleep? What insects do during the day that we don’t see? Do insects sleep at all? Come have your questions answered by a naturalist while taking an insect-focused night hike around Jester Park. 

 

Polk City Community Library news

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

Crafternoon - Paperback Pumpkins: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m. All supplies will be provided. Ages 17 and older. Online registration is required via our website event calendar and opens one month in advance of the event date. Visit polkcitylibrary.org.

Alzheimer’s Dementia Caregiving with Greg Woods: Thursday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.
Greg Woods, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Program Coordinator, from Iowa Health & Human Services, will be sharing some valuable caregiver tips with us. Registration requested but not required.

Adult DIY Card Crafting: Monday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. Join Jane and Kim in making handmade cards that are fun to create and treasured by the recipients. Make two cards each of four different designs using numerous techniques. There will be a $5 material fee payable that night. Ages 17 and older. Online registration is required via our website event calendar and opens one month in advance of the event date. Visit polkcitylibrary.org.

 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center
CITYVIEW is bringing Martini Fest back to West Glen Town Center. For a ticket price of $25 (tickets will be $35 at the event), attendees will receive 10 tickets that can be redeemed at each participating martini stop for a sample-size martini. Locations include nightclubs and restaurants at West Glen Town Center. Reserve your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cityview-martini-fest-2025-tickets-1291852588869 now so you can avoid registration lines at the event.

Oktoberfest in The District
Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27
The District at Prairie Trail, S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
Raise your steins and don your lederhosen for two unforgettable days of festive fun at the 21st Annual Oktoberfest, now at The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. Experience the heart of Bavarian tradition with authentic German food, lively polka music, traditional beer hall games, and, of course, plenty of beer to go around. This two-day celebration offers something for everyone, from classic stein-holding contests and live music to delicious bratwursts and pretzels straight from the grill. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/21st-annual-des-moines-oktoberfest-tickets-1488793063129?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration
Sept. 20, 4-7 p.m.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge Freedom Center, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston
On behalf of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum on Camp Dodge, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) extends their invitation to attend the Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration. All members of the public are invited to attend. Visitors can expect refreshments, historic military vehicles, reenactors and displays of period uniforms, museum experts, the Iowa Military Veterans Band, and more.

‘Blithe Spirit’
Oct. 3-12
Ankeny Community Theatre, 1932 S.W. Third St., Ankeny
“Blithe Spirit,” by Noël Coward, will be presented by Ankeny Community Theatre. This comedy is perfect for the Halloween season. When a group of friends hosts a seance that goes wrong, Charles’ first wife comes back to haunt him and his new wife with hysterical results. Tickets available at ankenycommunitytheatre.com.

Archives Across America: Unlocking Genealogy Resources
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.
Iowa Genealogical Society Library, 628 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
The Iowa Genealogical Society will host this one-day conference at the IGS Library and via Zoom. Featured speaker Tina Beaird will present on the Library of Congress, the National Personnel Records Center, the U.S. National Archives, and Midwest repositories. Registration is $70 for members and $90 for non-members. Details at www.iowagenealogy.org.

15th Annual Healthiest State Walk
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Making a healthier future for Iowa will take all of us from Sioux City to Dubuque to Des Moines. #StartSomewhere with us and thousands of Iowans across the state by walking at your workplace, school, child care site, or in your community any time on Oct. 1 for the 15th Annual Healthiest State Walk presented by Delta Dental of Iowa. More information and register at www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk.

 
Summer veggies meet fall flavor
 

(Family Features) When September arrives, it’s finally time to dust off those fall recipes. This zucchini chicken bake is a perfect blend of summer veggies and warm, fall flavor, ideal for those hot days that turn into chilly evenings. Visit Culinary.net to find more family recipe inspiration.

Zucchini chicken bake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 2-3 tomatoes
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • avocado oil
  • 1-1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  • Heat oven to 375 F.
  • Cut zucchinis, tomatoes and chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place in 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with minced onion, Italian seasoning and paprika then drizzle with avocado oil.
  • Mix well with spoon.
  • Cover with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes.
 
 

HOUSE FOR SALE: Immaculate Missouri Valley, IA. MOVE IN READY. 1992 MH on 0.42 acre sold as a unit, clear title/deed. 2/1 bath, senior owners, cleaned daily. W/D, appliances, walk in shower, updated windows. Lennox AC, clothesline, apple tree. Shed and detached garage. Too much to list $130,000 no renting or owner financing. Call 972-674-9170. Photos available.

 
 

In the July issue of North Polk Living magazine:

CAMPING IN STYLE

Residents share the joy of traveling with the conveniences.

Sitting around a campfire, toasting s’mores, telling stories and visiting with friends and family after a day of enjoying nature and exploring the big outdoors. Ah, the joys of camping! And you don’t have to hike into the woods, covered in bug spray, to pitch a tent to partake in the fun. Those who prefer to make the trip with a camper share why they like to have some of the conveniences of home — bed, bathroom, air conditioner and more — on the trip with them.

[...]

 
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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