Nov. 22-28, 2024

The Polk City Kiwanis Club named Olivia Madison as one of its five Seniors of the Month for November.

“I am a senior at North Polk High School and am highly involved in the band program, which includes the marching band, concert band, pep band, jazz band, show band and musical pit band. In addition to the band program, I am also a member of my school’s National Honor Society and Math Honor Society. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with friends, working a part-time job and volunteering within my community. I plan to continue my musical career through music education or performance in college.”

Olivia’s parents are Holly Madison and Jason Madison of Polk City, and siblings are Sydney and Harper. Honors include Karl King Band Award and High Letter Points Award for Band.

The Polk City Kiwanis Club named Lucas Bakken as one of its five Seniors of the Month for November.

“My name is Lucas Bakken. I am 18 years old. I am a student at North Polk High School and an employee at the Polk City Community Library. My two core passions are writing and acting. Ever since my freshman year, I have been involved with both the broadcasting class and speech teams respectively. I hope to pursue my passions by getting a degree at the University of Iowa, which is known for having the best journalism and film programs in the state. I feel it is important to mention that I am also an animal lover with a plethora of different pets. In my free time, I like to work on scripts and short stories and relax by playing some video games with my friends.”

Lucas’ parents are Michelle and Michael Bakken, and his siblings are Logan and Evan. Honors include Speech All-State Nominee for Improv. Lucas has also participated in ACTORS (Ames Community Theatre).

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.

Breakfast with Santa

You are invited to a pancake breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m., at The Wing at the Polk City United Methodist Church, 1421 W. Broadway St. Decorate cookies and visit with Santa. New this year is Santa’s Workshop. Children are invited to “shop” for and wrap Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

Sponsors and donations sought for gala

The Polk City Community Foundation is planning its annual Winter Wonderland Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the FFA Enrichment Center at 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway in Ankeny. The gala will include a program, dinner and live auction. Proceeds will benefit Polk City and the foundation’s nonprofit partnerships in the area.

Polk City Community Foundation (PCCF) was formed in 2008 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The foundation was formed to assist in improving the quality of life in Polk City and surrounding communities through philanthropy. PCCF provides an opportunity for donors to direct their donations to the projects that are important to them. They do this by raising money through donations, planned giving, grants and fundraising. This year, the Foundation has a big goal — to raise $150,000.

The foundation encourages the public to support the event as an attendee, sponsor or donor. Donations can be made by credit card online at http://getmeregistered.com/PCCFWinterGala or by check mailed to Polk City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Polk City, IA 50226.

Coming up at the Polk City Library

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

• Closings: The library will be closed for the holidays all day Dec. 24-25 and all day Jan. 1, plus closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31.
• Giving Tree: Blank Children’s Hospital, until Dec. 13. We are partnering with a Polk City second-grade Cub Scout troop to collect items for Blank Children’s Hospital Child Life Specialists. The most needed donations include: doll clothes (including Barbie), action figures, craft supplies, diamond paint art kits, bead bracelet kits, Paw Patrol toys, Little People toys, notebooks, card stock, copy paper, children’s underwear, solid colored T-shirts, solid colored sweat pants, and AA batteries. Unwrapped donations may be left under the tree in the library’s foyer.
• Adult DIY Card Crafting: Monday, Nov. 25, 6 p.m. Join Jane and Kim in making handmade cards. $5 material fee payable that night. Ages 17 and older. Register at polkcitylibrary.org one month in advance.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Christkindlmarket
Dec. 5-8
Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
Christkindlmarket features regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls, lively performances of polka music, traditional dance and choirs in Yuletide Hall; children's activities; Glühwein (warm, mulled wine) and European beer. www.christkindlmarketdsm.com
 
Family Christmas at Living History Farms
Saturday, Dec. 7, noon to 3 p.m.
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Hear the sounds, see the sights, and smell the smells of a 19th-century Christmas.
Enjoy carolers, old fashioned demonstration, a craft, stories, and a visit with old St. Nick. Tickets are $9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members). Buildings are heated. Bundle up for wagon rides. Tickets are available at https://marketplace.lhf.org/Events.aspx. www.lhf.org

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
Staplin Performing Arts Center at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines
The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble (CIWE) welcomes audiences to its new performance home for a heartwarming holiday concert. In addition to celebrating the season through music, CIWE is honored to partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa to bring the joy of music to youth across the community. For tickets, visit www.ciwe.org/deck-the-halls-dsm.

Holiday Ho Ho Home Tour
Dec. 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Around Ankeny
Tour several Ankeny homes decked out for the holidays. Each features its own unique decorations, style and appetizers. All donations benefit the Wiedenman Family Foundation, wch was formed to undertake projects that will enhance Ankeny and the surrounding community. Tickets are $25. For tickets, visit www.hohohometour.org/event-details/tickets.

Des Moines Concert Handbells Winter Concerts
Various dates and locations
Des Moines Concert Handbells will present three winter concerts with a variety of music. Bring your family and friends. Concerts are at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Howard St., Indianola, on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.; Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8301 Aurora Ave., Urbandale, on Dec.13 at 7 p.m.; and at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. A freewill donation will be accepted.

Festival of Trees and Lights
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Iowa Events Center, 833 Fifth Ave., Des Moines
Expertly decorated trees, local musicians, dance groups and a visit from Santa himself, all in the name of supporting Blank Children's Hospital. Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.unitypoint.org/giving/blank-childrens-hospital-foundation/ways-to-give/events/festival-of-trees-and-lights
 
Holiday Hullabaloo
Nov. 29 - Dec. 29
Horizon Events Center, 10320 Hickman Road, Clive
The 2024 Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests this holiday season. Enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment and festivities that will allow you to create some fun holiday hullabaloo and memories. www.holidayhullabaloo.com

(Family Features) Rally the family together to make and eat these bite-sized versions of corn dogs for an enjoyable, kid-friendly activity and snack. Parents will enjoy them, too, because they’re easy to make, easy to eat and clean up is a snap.

Mini Corn Dog Bites

Recipe courtesy of Bob Evans
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 40

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 package all-beef bun-length hot dogs
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs

Dipping sauce:

• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

• Heat oven 375°F.

• Prepare muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

• Cut each hot dog into six pieces.

• In large bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder.

• In medium bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, sour cream and eggs. Combine butter mixture with flour mixture.

• Fill each muffin cavity halfway with batter. Place one hot dog piece in center of each cavity.

• Bake 14-16 minutes. Cool completely.

• To make dipping sauce: In small bowl, stir sour cream, mustard and honey. Serve with corn dogs.

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