Celebrate North Polk, Memorial Day Ceremony and Music Through the Years

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Put your head down and plow forward

Just put your head down and plow forward. That was the advice I got from my eighth-grade football coach, Keith Christie. I didn't get the opportunity to run with the football very often, and when I did, I apparently tried to get too fancy with half-hearted jukes and uninspiring spin moves that didn’t result in much positive yardage. Barry Sanders, I was not.

So, Coach Christie made it simple for me. He said I needed to quit trying to sidestep the defensive players and instead just run them over. That’s what my teammates Todd and Tommy did, and that’s why Coach Christie opted for plays with them running the ball and me blocking for them.

Coach Christie’s advice made sense on the gridiron, but it applies to a lot more than football. We too often try to avoid our challenges in life by sidestepping, spinning and juking. And then those challenges catch up to us and tackle us to the ground. We get up, shake them off and get ready for the next play. Then we do the same things again and wonder why the same results keep happening. It’s maddening.

Instead, what if we took my eighth-grade coach’s advice, put our heads down and plowed forward? What if we took our challenges on with complete confidence and ran right over them? What if we realized that moving side to side or backwards to avoid those challenges doesn't get us ahead?

Of course, if we do this too often, we may end up with the proverbial brain concussion. That’s why we need those around us — our teammates — to also run the ball by putting their heads down and plowing forward. Sharing the load, you might say.

I didn't take Coach Christie’s advice as a teenager. I wanted the ball, but I wasn’t delivering the expected results — and I was not willing to change. Instead of staying out for football and working to improve, I ran cross country. I still had to learn to move forward, though. Juking, spinning and side-stepping made even less sense on the cross country course.

Today, though, more than four decades later, I take Coach Christie’s advice to heart, and I try to lower my head and plow forward in most everything I do. It doesn’t always result in touchdowns — and it creates a few headaches — but it does ensure that I am moving forward and making progress. I would guess that Coach Christie, who just passed away a few weeks ago at age 94, would have approved.

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

Memorial Day Ceremony

This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on what this day truly means for our community. Through words, traditions and tribute, the Polk City American Legion Post 232 will honor our fallen heroes and the values they fought to protect at a Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 26, 9-11 a.m. at the Polk City Square. The ceremony will be followed by refreshments at the Legion. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Legion, 114 W. Broadway. For more information, visit the Polk City Iowa American Legion Post 232 on Facebook.

Celebrate North Polk

Celebrate North Polk is the biggest event of the year that raises money for all the additional expenses North Polk Community School has and creates opportunities for students, athletes and the arts. CNP distributes funds equally among Fine Arts Boosters, Athletic Booster Club and North Polk Foundation. This year's event will be held Saturday, May 31, 5-11:30 p.m. at the FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway in Ankeny. To purchase tickets, visit www.celebratenorthpolk.org.

Garage sale, free will donations, and bake sale

The Sheldahl United Methodist Church, 609 6th St., Sheldahl, will host its garage sale and bake sale on Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free coffee and bottled water. Visit Slater Main Street from 7:30-11:30 a.m. for the Vendor Market and Junk in the Trunk.

Music Through the Years

Musician Dennis Kain will present a brief history of music at the Big Creek Schoolhouse Museum, 116 S. 3rd St., Polk City, on Thursday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m.

Pianos and math, the Industrial Revolution and mass production, Polk City’s Bandstand and the Boys Band: Kain, a musician and collector of things musical, will connect the dots in a fast-paced rendition of how we got from there to here.

Upcoming events

Polk City Farmers Market, Thursdays, through June 27, 4:30-8 p.m., 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 each Thursday evening.

Citywide Garage Sale, June 6-7. Get ready to hunt for treasures or clean out your garage. This community-wide sale is a great way to recycle, reuse and connect with neighbors.

Summer Kick-Off with Polk City Police, Friday, June 6, 6-8 p.m., location TBA. Join the Polk City Police Officers Association for a family-friendly evening to welcome summer with fun activities and community spirit.

Polk City Classic Golf Tournament, Thursday, June 27, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spend the day on the greens supporting local efforts while enjoying camaraderie and competition.

Four Seasons Festival, June 28–29, at the Town Square. Cap off the season with Polk City's biggest celebration, featuring live entertainment, food, kids activities and more.

Vacation Bible School Road Trip

Come join Polk City United Methodist Church, 1421 W Broadway St., from Sunday, June 22, to Wednesday, June 25, 6-8 p.m., for a week with fun, games, and learning about God. With our road trip theme, we will be creating some cars to race on our final night and have a surprise food truck come and visit. Our mission focus this year is to collect clothes for area shelters that are low on their supplies. To register, go to https://polkcityumc.breezechms.com/form/4b64f5605735 or go to the church's website.

LifeServe Blood Drive

Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Parking lot corner of West Broadway St. and South 4th St., Polk City
Sponsored by Polk City Eastern Star. Sign up at LifeServe’s website: https://www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or by calling LifeServe at 1-800-287-4903

Coming up at the Polk City Community Library

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

Announcements:

The library will be closed May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
There are no youth activities in May as we prepare for summer reading.

Summer Reading Registration at the Farmer’s Market, Thursday, May 29, 4-8 p.m. Get signed up for our 2025 Summer Reading Program and have fun as a family. Registration will begin at the library on Friday, May 30.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, Tuesday, June 3, 11 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. There are many ways that homeowners can keep our watersheds healthier. By using conservation practices in strategic locations at our homes and in our community, called “Rainscaping,” we can bring back the landscape’s ability to soak up stormwater, improving local flooding problems and water quality. These conservation practices can also help fix problems such as poor lawn health, ponding and drainage issues at home, improve local habitat, and more. Some solutions include soil quality restoration, rain gardens, and rain barrels. Join The Rain Campaign to learn more about these practices, as well as rebate programs available for these practices across the Des Moines metro.
Sunset Yoga at Easter Lake. Tuesday, June 3, 7:30-9 p.m. Easter Lake Park, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the beach at Easter Lake. This gentle yoga class will focus on creating a mind and body nature connection as the sun sets. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with Unity Point. Items to bring: yoga mat and block, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Registration required, deadline is one day ahead. $15 cost. https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2MDcxNTc=
Toddler Tales, Thursday, June 5, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 NW 128th St, Granger. 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. Theme is Frogs.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

RAP Carousel Day
Saturday, May 31, 4-6 p.m.
Union Park, 725 Thompson Ave., Des Moines
This annual Real Advantage Partners event welcomes spring and brings families and neighbors together at beautiful Union Park (home of the famous Rocket Slide) in Des Moines for free rides on the historic carousel. Attendees also enjoy games and refreshments provided by RAP team members.

Workshops With Master Drummer Bolokada Conde
Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Unity Center, 414 31st St., Des Moines
Bolokada Conde, lead soloist of Les Percussions de Guinée (Guinea's National Ballet) for more than a decade, will be conducting workshops in traditional Malinke rhythms. Cost is $35 per session or $120 for all four. Bolokada has taught drumming internationally for decades, including at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he was a full-time visiting artist from 2008 to 2011. For more information, contact Linda Foster at 515-669-5820 or Bob Miller at 641-472-2479.

Earlham concert series
Every Sunday from June 1 to Aug. 10, except July 6, 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham
The Levitt Amp Earlham Music Series starts with an opening act around 6 p.m. and a headliner around 7:15 p.m. Lots of kids activities and food trucks will be offered as well. The concerts are free.

June 1: The Black Moods, Lani
June 8: Gallivant, Kerry Koberg
June 15: Denita, Ultra Violet Fever
June 22: Hector Anchondo, Weary Ramblers
June 29: Olivia Fox, Iowa Military Veterans Band
July 13: Summer Dean, 10 Watt Robot
July 20: Mae Simpson, Yubu
July 27: Blame Not the Bard, Day’s Live Music
Aug. 3: Larry and Joe, Sun Centauri
Aug. 10: Dessa and The 29:11 South African Choir, Nella Thomas

Music Under the Stars
Sundays, June 8 to July 6
Music Under the Stars unveils its 2025 summer concert series, featuring the return of Music Director and Conductor Vince Kenney and a lineup of talented guest soloists and vocalists. Concerts are free to the public, inviting music lovers of all ages to gather and enjoy live concert and jazz band performances under the stars.

June 8: Pirate Songs and Love Songs. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. Set sail on an enchanting musical voyage with guest soloist Will Baker, bass trombonist with the Chicago Lyric Opera, and jazz vocalist Marisa Cravero.
June 15: Once Upon a Father’s Day: Music for Dads and Their Princesses. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. Celebrate fatherhood and fairy tales with the soaring soprano of Abby Kate Boeschen and the beloved vocals of Gina Gedler.
June 22: Historic Hoyt Sherman Place. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. A night of classics and nostalgia featuring trumpet virtuoso Andy Classen and powerhouse vocalist Tina Haase-Findlay.
June 29: Let Freedom Ring. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. Kick off Independence Day festivities with stirring patriotic music. Enjoy featured oboe soloist Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg and rising star Napoleon Douglas.
July 6: 78 RPM. Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. A retro-inspired evening channeling vintage vibes with horn soloist Kristen Ronning and the classic big band stylings of vocalist Max Wellman.

Playhouse Summer Classes
Various dates
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Des Moines Playhouse offers students from kindergarten through high school more than 30 different classes and camps this June through August to fill the long summer days and keep minds active. A complete list of classes and registration is available at dmplayhouse.com. Theatre arts education at The Playhouse provides students with the opportunity to explore, create, imagine and express themselves, all within a safe, nurturing environment. Every class at The Playhouse is unique and led by the theatre's professional teaching artists. For more information on summer theatre camps and other Playhouse educational offerings, contact The Playhouse education department at 515-974-5365.

Field Daze Music
Friday, June 6, 6:30 p.m.
Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Whiskey Myers returns to Water Works Park this summer to kick off the Field Daze Music Series at the Lauridsen Amphitheater with their “What We Were Born To Do” tour, featuring special guests Bayker Blankenship and Pony Bradshaw. For information and ticket link, visit www.waterworkspark.org/event-calendar.

Raccoon River Palooza
Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
Join the fun at the 5th Annual Raccoon River Palooza presented by Superstorm Restoration. This year will feature boats, bands, beers, food trucks, a family fun zone and more. Grab your family, friends, neighbors and furry companions and bring them along to rally with you. The schedule includes:

8 a.m.: Business Expo and yoga in the park.
9 a.m.: Family Fun Zone presented by Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, Touch-A-Truck, free boat rentals, free bike rodeo, food trucks serving breakfast and coffee, and The Dan Medeiros Project will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
10 a.m.: Beverage tent, alcohol sales open and mascots.
11 a.m.: Food trucks will be serving lunch and dinner, sandcastle building, and Sara Routh will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
1 p.m.: Cardboard boat races and sandcastle awards.
2 p.m.: Boat races.
3 p.m.: Boat race awards, and Brian Congdon will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
4 p.m.: Cornhole Zone opens.
5 p.m.: Chip Albright will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
6 p.m.: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will perform.

Show your love with a special sweet dessert

(Family Features) Because this time of year can be crazy busy, drive-thru meals can easily become the norm. While fast-food burgers may do the trick once in a while, they can get old quick if your family is eating them every other night. This quick and easy Baked Spaghetti can bring everybody back to the table and it won’t break the bank either. Find more weeknight dinner inspiration at Culinary.net.

Baked spaghetti
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound spaghetti noodles
1 jar (16 ounces) alfredo sauce
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheese
French bread or breadsticks, for serving

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 F.
Brown and drain ground beef. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain noodles; add alfredo sauce and mix well.
Add marinara sauce, garlic powder and onion powder to ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Place noodles in 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spoon beef mixture on top but do not mix in.
Cover with shredded cheese then cover with foil and bake 30-40 minutes.
Serve with French bread or breadsticks.

From your North Polk Living magazine

Mailed to residential home addresses in Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl the third Thursday of each month.

This month's cover story:

PAMPERED PETS

Residents share how they go the extra mile to spoil their critters

Many pet owners view their animal companions as part of the family — deserving of the best care, lots of attention, and at least a few perks. Besides the usual walks, pet beds and toys, some of these pampered pets get extra special treatment: pup cups from drive-throughs, birthday parties, paw soaks and a special place in those important days of their owners’ lives — as well as in their hearts.

[...]

Read this month's issue

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