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March 20-26, 2026

 
 
Learning to drive a stick shift
 

Five gears. Reverse. Neutral. And a clutch. Easy enough. At least that’s what I thought when I first tried to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission.

The early stages of my learning process were not so pretty, much like many of you who also learned to drive a “stick shift.” Lots of chugs and restarts, as I recall. But I eventually caught on and actually learned to enjoy shifting by hand. Still do.

I first learned to shift gears manually on a motorcycle. One down. Four up. And many chugs and restarts, too. But that Suzuki 185 purred like a kitten once I figured it out.

Then came the end-loader tractors on the farms I worked on. The stress was less, as there weren’t many others around to laugh while I learned.

In the years after that, I drove 16 different cars and trucks. All but two had automatic transmissions. As it turns out, that’s quite common.

According to homegrail.com, 66% of drivers know how to operate a stick shift, but only 13% of the cars sold in the U.S. today even offer a manual transmission. This is a significant drop from the 37% recorded more than a decade ago. Even so, 55% admitted they have owned or rented a manual at some point in their lives, and 27% still have a strong preference for manual transmission.

But wait. There’s more. Even though we Americans prefer our automatic transmissions, that’s not as true in other parts of the world, as 80% of manuals produced globally end up in either Asia or Europe. Unfortunately, our hands are used for other seemingly important tasks like holding coffee cups and cell phones.

Are vehicles with manual transmissions cheaper and more fuel efficient? The answer, according to homegrail.com, is yes. And yes. Manuals are $800 to $1,000 cheaper than their automatic counterparts, and gas mileage improves by two to five mpg with a manual transmission.

Maybe not surprisingly, most of the people who lease or own manual cars are 55 years or older. Much like writing in cursive or memorizing phone numbers, knowing how to operate a stick shift may have become a lost art — but manually shifting gears still makes me feel like Mario Andretti.

How about you? When and how did you learn to drive a manual transmission, if ever? Send me a note and let me know.

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

 
 
Kiwanis Seniors of the Month
 

Amelia Growdon has been named a Kiwanis Senior of the Month. She is the daughter of Scott Growdon and Jill Zwagerman and sibling of Hattie Growdon and Leo Growdon.

“As a highly driven student passionate about science and foreign languages, I have balanced a demanding schedule of varsity athletics, earning letters in volleyball, soccer, and state contending basketball, with intense musical involvement, including All-State Choir, band, and musicals. My commitment to excellence extends to the classroom and community, where I serve through the Student Council, multiple National Honor Societies, and tutoring in STEM subjects. Following graduation, I plan to pursue a pre-med track majoring in biology to become an orthopedic surgeon, while also minoring in music and aiming to continue to play club sports at a collegiate level.”

Amelia’s honors include: All-State Choir, Varsity letter in all three sports, Soccer Academic All-state, Soccer Honorable Mention, best drum major award for marching band, State semifinalist Basketball 2024, State runner-up Basketball 2025, State Quarter-finalist Basketball 2026, State Runner-Up Soccer 2024, Conference Champions Basketball 2023-2024, and 2024-2025, Conference Champions Soccer 2024, and 2025.

 

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:

  • 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.
  • Wednesday Adult Book Club and Lunch and Learn. Wednesday, April 1, 7 p.m. “Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America” by Beth Hoffman. In her late 40s, Beth Hoffman decided to upend her comfortable life as a professor and journalist to move to her husband's family ranch in Iowa — all for the dream of becoming a farmer. There was just one problem: money. “Bet the Farm” is a first-hand account of the perils of farming today and a personal exploration of more just and sustainable ways of producing food. This book club includes a live visit and presentation from the author. Registration is only required if you plan to join for the meal prior to the presentation. Serving will begin at 6:30 p.m.
  • Library Giving Day. Wednesday, April 1, Library Giving Day is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. And, in turn, that support will go toward the incredible programs, services and materials provided by local libraries all over the country.
 
 

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 older. 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., 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.

  • Sunset Restorative Yoga at Jester. Monday, March 23, 7-8 p.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take time to unwind as the sun sets inside the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center with instructor Dennis Kelly. This slow-paced, reflective 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 UnityPoint Health. Items to bring: yoga mat, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Registration required by the day before.
  • Story Tellebration. Wednesday, March 25, 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. Free, ages 2 and older. March topic: Spring Has Sprung.
  • Introduction to Water Color. Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. This class is for those who may have never painted a day in their life or may have dabbled a little with watercolor but would like to learn more. We will start with the basics, discussing paints, brushes, paper and technique before moving on to painting our first work of art. Class includes supplies. Pack a sack lunch, as we will take a short lunch break half way through the class. Registration required by March 28. Ages. 16 and older.
  • Trail Construction. Friday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Join us for a day of teamwork, conservation and community as we finish building a new and improved trail at Easter Lake Park. This is an excellent opportunity for trail enthusiasts to gain entry-level trail construction skills while make a meaningful impact on our local trails. The event begins with a brief training session, followed by hands‑on building activities, and is well‑suited for both first‑time and experienced trail‑building volunteers. Registration required by noon the day prior.
  • Wake Up with Spring. Wednesdays in April, 2-3:30 p.m. Jester Park Wetland Shelter, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join ISU Polk County Extension and Polk County Conservation this walking series. Polk County Conservation naturalists will lead participants on a walk through the park while discussing a new nature theme each week. Themes are: April 1: Phenology; April 8: Birds; April 15: Spring Ephemerals; April 22: Critters; April 29: Trees.
    Free, ages 16 and older, no registration required, but RSVP appreciated here: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9Onxnuc7QSqVVk.
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Des Moines Art Center Museum Highlights Tour
Saturdays, 1-2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections during the Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through the galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures and more. Join knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques and inspirations behind the art on view, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages. Free to all, no registration required.

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.

  • April 12: Colfax, the Spring City. In the 1870s, underground mineral water, which was a cure-all health craze at the time, was discovered in Colfax. The water sparked health resort and bottling industries which made Colfax a world famous destination at the turn of the 20th Century. Kevin Williams, Cofax Historical Society’s board president, will share information and pictures about this little-known boom in Colfax.

Capital City Card Convention
Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
Iowa's largest sports card show features 240-plus tables of action. More information available at www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/capital-city-card-convention-8.

Unmasking the Singer
Saturday, March 28
Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
The Salvation Army’s Unmasking the Singer will feature round-table seating for the main area — offering a more social atmosphere for the audience. Val Air also has a main stage as well as the old side stage, allowing for a set-up more similar to that of "The Masked Singer" on FOX. Tickets are $35. Light snacks will be provided, and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.bit.ly/UMTS2026.

Scam Prevention Seminar
Thursday, April 16, 10 a.m.
Ramsey Village Continuing Care, 1611 27th St., Des Moines
Every day someone becomes a victim of fraud. Learn common scam tactics, prevention tips and how to report scams. The presenter is the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Refreshments and pastries will be served. RSVP to Kelly, 515-802-0822, or Kelly.Baughman@ramseyvillage.org.

Mini Golf Tournament fundraiser
Friday, April 24, 3-7 p.m.
RecPlex 6500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
Join Can Play plus the 2026 West Des Moines Leadership Academy for a fun, small-format golf outing supporting accessible outdoor recreation and youth programming. Golfers will play through a creative course designed by community members and local businesses, built entirely from non-perishable food items to benefit Can Play’s programming. All proceeds will benefit Can Play, whose mission is to bring adapted and no cost recreational programs to by removing barriers to play. Register and donate online at https://givebutter.com/WDMLA.

 
Have a ‘hoppy’ Easter with a holiday ham
 

(Feature Impact) When your kitchen is full of colorful eggs, candy baskets, tempting sweets and all that comes with Easter, sometimes a holiday classic is just the answer for simplifying the season. Perfect for pairing with deviled eggs, potato salad and a traditional Sunday feast, this maple-glazed Easter Ham provides a hands-off approach to the main dish.

With an easily prepared glaze and your oven doing most of the work, you can keep your attention on time spent with loved ones. Visit Culinary.net to find more seasonal favorites, both classic and contemporary.

Maple-Glazed Easter Ham
Recipe adapted from Southern Living
Total time: 3 hours
Servings: 10

Ingredients:

  • 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (8-9 pounds)
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) bourbon
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • orange slices and wedges, for garnish
  • fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place ham in large roasting pan and fill with 1/2 inch of water. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake about two hours, basting every 30 minutes with juices from pan, until meat registers 120 F at thickest portion.
  • In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, ginger and cinnamon; bring to boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover to keep warm and set aside.
  • Remove ham from oven and discard foil. Increase oven temperature to 400 F. Using pastry brush, glaze ham with 1/3 cup maple-bourbon mixture.
  • Bake ham about 30 minutes until top is lightly caramelized and meat registers 145 F at thickest portion, brushing with remaining glaze every 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and transfer ham to serving platter. Let rest 15 minutes and garnish with orange slices, orange wedges and rosemary sprigs.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 
 

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:

A ‘fur-ever’ home

Residents share stories about the animals they rescued

Abandoned. Abused. Neglected. The world is full of animals — big and small — that don’t know the comfort of a full belly, a warm place to sleep, and the love of a caring owner. Some people seek out these needy animals when looking to add a pet to their family. Others come across them unexpectedly and are moved to rescue them. Whatever the case, rescued pets often give their humans as much love as they receive.

[...]

 
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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