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March 13-19, 2026

 
 
Summarizing lives in words
 

I have written, edited or proofed thousands of obituaries in my lifetime. And, in what some of you may find strange, I enjoy it. I certainly don’t relish in the deaths of those whose lives are summarized in words, but I do find myself smiling as I join others in strolling and scrolling down these memory lanes.

I don't personally know most of the people featured in the obituaries I read, but I am surprised how that is changing as my own years add up. I now find myself saying, “She was Bob’s mother” or “He was Nancy’s cousin” or “I think I went to high school with his son.”

Years ago, when I published paid subscription newspapers in Nebraska, a good friend and advertising customer told me the main reason he subscribed to the paper was to see if any of his customers died. He wasn’t alone. The local radio station read the funeral announcements, but it wasn't the same as reading printed obituaries.

Obituaries are the best short stories with the beginning, middle and end all neatly wrapped up in just a few paragraphs. Usually accompanied with one carefully chosen photo, they are not only news items but are keepsakes for family members today and for generations to come.

Many of you who attend funerals leave with a program that includes the obituary. I often struggle on what to do with that piece of paper when I get home. Many times, I find it still in the suit jacket pocket the next time I wear it — which is often at the next funeral I attend. I will set it on the kitchen counter and look at it multiple times. I just don't feel right throwing it away, but I eventually do. A final closure, you might say.

I am fascinated with a website called www.findagrave.com, the largest compilation of gravesites in the world. It started in 1995 when founder Jim Tipton built it to share his hobby of visiting the graves of famous people. He found that many others shared this interest, and he opened the site for all with a mission to find, record and present burial and final disposition information worldwide. Since then, millions of volunteers like me have entered memorials, photos, biographies and obituaries to this free site. I have read the obituaries of many of my ancestors here, and it reinforces to me how important these words — which were often written in a matter of minutes — are for future generations.

I hope you think about all this the next time you read an obituary, whether that be in one of our publications, other newspapers, online or in a funeral program. Those tributes are written not only to honor the people who died, but to help the rest of us reflect, shed a tear and, hopefully, smile for a moment, too.

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

 
 

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:

  • 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:
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • Amphibians in Springtime. Monday, March 16, 10-11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come and learn about the amazing world of amphibians and what they do when the temperatures outside start to warm up. We'll explore what makes an amphibian an amphibian, what importance they play in our environment, and even get to meet a few, too.
  • Reading and Reptiles. Tuesday, March 17, 9-11 a.m., Sleepy Hollows Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines. Iowa is home to a wide variety of reptiles. Join us as we explore this fascinating group of animals and learn more about these scaly creatures. A live reptile will be used. Storytime will follow the program.
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The Iowa Files: A History Series
Various dates, 3 p.m.
Online and in-person at the Community Room of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway
This joint West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library program is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of West Des Moines Historical Society members, Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Friends Foundation of the West Des Moines Library. All programs are streamed on the WDMHS Facebook page and YouTube channel.

  • March 15: The Monuments Men and the Saving of Culture. The Monuments Men (and Women) had a seemingly impossible job: save some of the world’s most precious cultural artifacts and art from the Nazis, who treated Europe as their private looting grounds. Presenter Ruth Ehler’s grandfather, Ralph Hammett, was one of the men. Ruth will recount stories of the amazing and frantic work that saved and returned treasures to their rightful owners and institutions.

Bright Nights and Green Sights
Various dates
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Explore ways to “find your true nature” at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. For tickets visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

  • Dome After Dark: Friday evenings through March 27, 6-10 p.m. Extra evenings Saturday, March 14, and Tuesday through Thursday, March 17-19. Experience the Botanical Garden in a whole new light. Explore the warm tropical conservatory and renovated Gardeners Show House, illuminated for a magical after-hours escape.
  • NEW to Dome After Dark: Igloo Experience: Cozy up with up to five guests for an enchanting igloo experience, complete with admission to the event and Flora concessions. Perfect for friends, family or date night. Visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com to reserve an igloo.
  • Friday Dinner at Flora: Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. Reserve your spot now for a delicious three-course dinner at Flora, including admission to Dome After Dark. Each week a new, enticing menu showcases a variety of cuisines. Reserve a table online, https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.
  • Botanical Blues: Sundays through March 29, noon to 4 p.m. Performances begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Your favorite Sunday Blues in Des Moines is here to keep away your winter blues every week. Each set lasts one hour, with a one-hour intermission in between. Settle in, grab a drink, and soak up the sound in Iowa’s only tropical music venue. Flora serves Sunday brunch beginning at 10 a.m. — perfect before the music starts. Concerts are held live in the conservatory, and guests are welcome to wander the indoor gardens during the show. Ticket info and lineups available at https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

“Church Basement Ladies”
March 26-29, April 2-5 and April 9-12.
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
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.

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 local remodeling experts. The Iowa Home Expo hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. You’ll save both time and money attending the Iowa Home Expo. 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/.

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.

Caregiver Support Workshop
Thursday, March 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
Ramsey Village Continuing Care, 1611 27th St., Des Moines
Learn practical resources, tips for caregiver burnout, dementia care and connect with other caregivers. Presenters: Aging Resources of Central Iowa and Dementia Friendly DSM / Homecare Assistance. Refreshments and pastries will be served. Receive a caregiver gift bag. RSVP to Kelly, 515-802-0822, or Kelly.Baughman@ramseyvillage.org.

 
A delightful bite for a bit o’ luck
 

(Feature Impact) Going green for St. Patrick’s Day can stretch beyond beer, clothes and decor — it can even make its way to the dessert table. With a classic recipe and a dash of green food coloring, these Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes offer a sweet-tooth-satisfying bite as you gather friends and family for the festivities.

Find more holiday-worthy nibbles and noshes throughout the year at Culinary.net.

Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from Delish
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • green food coloring

Directions:

  • To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F and arrange rack in center of oven. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  • In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add sour cream and beat until combined.
  • Add half of dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Beat on low until incorporated. Add milk and beat to combine. Add remaining dry ingredients and beat until combined.
    Add batter to liners until three-quarters full. Bake 19-22 minutes, until slightly golden on top.
  • Remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely.
  • To make frosting: In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add heavy cream, vanilla and salt; beat until combined. Mix in green food coloring.
  • Transfer frosting to piping bag and pipe frosting onto cupcakes.

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

 

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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