Nov. 1-7, 2024

The Kiwanis Club of Polk City has announced its October seniors of the month are Claire Nefzger, Addison Happ and Ruth Marie Turczynski. Claire and Addison have been featured, and Ruth is featured in this issue of the Polk City Weekly.

Ruth Marie Turczynski
“As you can probably tell from the long list of activities, I have been involved in quite a few things during my time in high school. However, speech and youth group have probably been my favorite activities. As a middle schooler and freshman, I was a bit socially awkward, and speech helped me to break out of my shell a bit and allowed me to make more friends. Now, I enjoy being able to talk with different people. Being involved in youth group allowed me to grow in my faith, and I have been able to make new friends who share the same religion as me. After I graduate high school, I plan to attend Iowa State University to major in software engineering. I choose to pursue this major because of my love of problem solving, programming, and inspiration from my older brother, Luke. Luke has obtained a degree in software engineering, and he was the one who first introduced me to coding.”

Ruth is the daughter of Anita Turczynski of Ankeny. She has two siblings, Luke and Max. Honors include National Honor Society, gold honor roll, and ITEC Fair purple ribbon winner. Her community activities include piano, youth group, CORE (church leadership group), music ministry, and lector.

Polk City Municipal Park vote is Nov. 5

A trio of local Polk City nonprofit organizations are urging the public to support the “Vote YES” campaign for the upcoming bond referendum to fund construction of a new municipal park in Polk City. The partnership of Polk City Friends of the Parks (PCFP), North Polk United Soccer (NPUS) and Polk City Little League is organizing volunteers who are working to get out the word about the upcoming referendum and the project this will fund.

“We are so encouraged by the response of the community to date,” said Jessica Faue, PCFP president. “We are excited about the opportunities the new park will provide for users of all ages in our community.”

The new park, to be built on 57 acres on the northeast side of Polk City, will include a splash pad, softball fields, baseball fields, soccer fields, playgrounds, concession stands, restrooms, ponds, walking and bicycling trails, pickleball and tennis courts and open greenspace.

“This plan is a reflection of what we have heard from our community throughout the planning process,” said Melissa Keys of NPUS. “This is needed right now for the more than 7,000 residents calling Polk City home and the additional 3,000 or more new residents anticipated during the next decade.”

The referendum vote on Nov. 5 will authorize the city to borrow $10 million in support of the construction of the park. The total budget for the project is $12 million with the balance of revenue to include existing city funds, philanthropic support and grants.
The cost of the bond to households is $90/$100,000 of valuation. This is based on the current total tax base of the city. With more than 1,500 new homes anticipated throughout the next 10 years, this amount will be more widely distributed over time.

Volunteers are attending events throughout the community in an effort to ensure all voters have accurate information. Voters can learn more about the project by visiting the project website at www.polkcityfriendsoftheparks.com/voteyes.

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.

Joint Legislative Lunch

The Grimes, Johnston, Ankeny, Polk City and Urbandale Chamber of Commerce invite the public to attend their Joint Legislative Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hear from area state representatives, state senators and county supervisors ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session. The event will be at Holiday Inn & Suites DM Northwest, 4800 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale. All elected officials representing Ankeny, Johnston, Grimes and Urbandale have been invited to participate. Cost is $29 for members and $30 for non-members. Register through the Urbandale Chamber website, https://uniquelyurbandale.com, under events.

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 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.

• Adult Crafternoon: Paintbrush Gnomes, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m. This month we’ll be creating a cute gnome-themed door hanger out of paintbrushes. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
• Wednesday Book Club, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes. Together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it's too late? Pick up a free copy at the library’s front desk.
• LEGO Club, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 3:45 p.m. Meets monthly. For ages 8-16. Registration required, register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
• All-Abilities Club (for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities), Wednesday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. In this story and craft hour for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families and caregivers, we’ll read stories, make crafts, and play games together. For a list of activities, reach out to the library ahead of the program. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.

Stories and more offered by Polk County Conservation

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

• Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center, Nov. 6, Turkeys; and Thursday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., Rocks. Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft. No registration required for this free event for ages 2 and older.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Sale
Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parkview, Prairie Ridge and Southview Middle Schools, Ankeny
The Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Sale annual fundraiser for the Ankeny Art Center has been an Ankeny tradition for 43 years. Featuring handcrafted items from artists and crafters all over the Midwest, this one-day shopping event provides a fun day for more than 3,500 eager shoppers.

Edgewater Holiday Mart
Saturday, 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.
 
Fall Craft Show
Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ZaGaZig Shrine Temple, 1100 Shriners Parkway, Altoona 
The Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a ZaGaZig Shrine Ladies Auxiliary Fall Craft Show with more than 45 crafters and vendors. A bake sale will also be held and lunch will be served. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook event page.

North Pole Craft and Vendor Show
Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Adventureland Inn, 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
Enjoy a variety of vendors. Admission is $1 or one non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Vincent De Paul Society of Des Moines.

Des Moines Holiday Boutique
Friday - Sunday, Nov. 15-17
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
More than 200 vendors come together to create a fun, unique environment with the chance to purchase jewelry, gifts, food and more. www.desmoinesholidayboutique.com

Fall Makers Market
Sunday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger
Shop for gifts or goods just in time for the holiday season. This year’s event has expanded from the Jester Park Nature Center and Outdoor Recreation buildings to include the Jester Park Lodge. With more than 60 local makers, artisans, and handcrafters, you are bound to find something for everyone on your list. Admission is free. Pho Wheels, Miss Casey’s Donut Delights, and Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck will be onsite. www.jesterparknaturecenter.com/calendar-events/fall-makers-market

(Family Features) If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner.

Pumpkin spice bundt cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 8-12

Bundt Cake:

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 2 eggs

Topping:

• 3 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts of choice

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F. Grease Bundt pan.

• In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, pumpkin, butter and eggs well then pour into Bundt pan.

• Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted in middle comes out cleanly. Let cool in pan 5 minutes then remove from pan and let cool completely on rack.

• Once cooled, mix caramel sauce and powdered sugar; drizzle over Bundt cake. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

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