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Feb. 28 - March 6, 2025

 
 
‘Sure is weather we are having’
 

The phrase in the above headline comes from my friend Ian. It is his go-to comment, regardless of the weather at hand. Snow. Wind. Rain. Heat. It doesn’t matter. It sure is weather we are having. Yes, Ian, it sure is.

I was out of the state for a few days during the winter weather we were recently having here in Iowa, and I was sad I missed it. As many of you know, I love the snow. It is part of Iowa weather. The change of seasons is refreshing to me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. To be honest, I couldn’t wait to get home to the cold temps and fresh snow. I put my long johns on now, and I was enjoying it. And now, of course, the snow is gone.

I realize many of you don’t share my fondness for Iowa’s winters. Some of you pull the blinds, lock the doors and hibernate for the season, only venturing out when you have to. You are told by the weather forecasters that it is “treacherous” out there, so you stay home. For some of you, that makes sense. If you are 83 years old and are worried about slipping on the sidewalk and breaking a hip, by all means, stay home. But if you feel young and are healthy and can operate a snow shovel, disregard the scare tactics of the local media and get to work. Many of you have read my rants on this before, but I have a new suggestion, and it starts with an FCC fine of $5,000 each time a weather forecaster unnecessarily uses the word “treacherous.” A few inches of snow is not treacherous. It is Iowa winter conditions, and it happens.

So, what is treacherous? Let’s start with the official definitions:

1. Guilty of or characterized by betrayal of confidence or trust; perfidious.

2. Characterized by unforeseen or hidden hazards; dangerous or deceptive.

3. Like a traitor; involving treachery; violating allegiance or faith pledged; traitorous to the state or sovereign; perfidious in private life; betraying a trust; faithless.

I don’t see anything in there about a few inches of snow being treacherous. A poisonous snake under your bedsheet is treacherous. An F4 tornado heading toward your home is treacherous. A faulty brake line on your car is treacherous. And, by definition, those who betray our confidence or trust are treacherous. At least in my world, weather forecasters who continually use the word treacherous seem to be treacherous.

Yes, each one of our situations is different, and we all have to use our own common sense when dealing with winter weather in Iowa. In the meantime, I encourage you to put a smile on your face and enjoy all of the elements, because it sure is weather we are having.

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

 
 

Museum program: The Mormon Connection

The Mormon Connection will be the program presented March 4, 7 p.m., at The Museum on the Square. Two people important to the founding of Nauvoo, Illinois, were early Polk City residents: George Beebe, town founder, and Dr. John C. Bennett, fascinating scoundrel. This year is the 150th anniversary of Polk City’s incorporation. Celebrate by learning about these powerful men who impacted the small town’s future. Speculate on the connection that brought them both here. Bennett was an assistant to Joseph Smith the Prophet for a period of time then was excommunicated. Beebe owned land in Nauvoo across the road from Smith and remained faithful. 

 

Celebrate North Polk

Celebrate North Polk (CNP), 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

 

Coming up at the Polk City Community Library

  • Adult Crafternoon: Floral Lanterns, Tuesday, March 4, 2 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting. Make a beautifully simply floral lantern with dried flowers. All supplies will be provided. 17 and older, registration required.
  • Babble and Brew, Thursday, March 6, 10 a.m. Playtime for them, coffee and conversation for you. Longing for grown-up conversation? We will have coffee for you and exciting, age-appropriate toys for the kiddos.
  • Lego Club, Tuesday, March 11, 3:45 p.m. grades K-2; 4:45 p.m. grades 3 and up. Engage in learning through stacking and building with these deceptively simple bricks. You can enhance your problem-solving skills and teamwork. For ages, 8-16. Registration is required online at polkcitylibrary.org.
  • Nutrition for Heart Health Lunch and Learn Series with AHA HeartCorps, Wednesdays March 12, March 26, April 9, April 23, 11:30 a.m. Join us for this free lunch and learn series presented by the American Heart Association’s HeartCorps! We’ll be learning about the ways our diet can shape our heart health while enjoying a simple heart-healthy lunch prepared by the library. Aimed at adults, registration required. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Pressed Flower Bookmarks Workshop, Saturday, March 1, 1 p.m., Athene North Shore Recreation Area Event Building, Easter Lake. Registration due by Feb. 27. Cost is $5. Program for ages 10 and older. Celebrate Read Across America and discover the beauty of nature through art. Participants will learn how to press and preserve flowers, then create stunning bookmarks. At the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a beautiful, handcrafted bookmark perfect for spring reading.
  • Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, Tuesday, March 4, 11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center. Ruby-throated hummingbirds help us mark the changing of the seasons in Iowa as they arrive in spring and depart in fall. Learn some amazing facts about these small, but mighty, feathered friends. Focus will be placed on their annual migration as well as the ever-increasing impacts of climate change on their survival. Looking for an excuse to get out of the house, make some new friends, and learn about the exciting world of nature? These programs are held the first Tuesday of each month. This free program is for ages 12 and older. No registration required.
  • Story Tellebration, Wednesdays at 10 a.m., March 19, Spring is Sprung; April 23, It’s Raining. 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. No registration required for this free event.
 

Book club meetings

  • Wednesday Book Club, “Solito” by Javier Zamora, Wednesday March 5, 7 p.m. At 9 years old, all Javier can imagine is rushing into his parents’ arms and living under the same roof again. He cannot foresee the perilous boat trips, relentless desert treks, pointed guns, arrests and deceptions that await him.
  • Graphic Novel Book Club, Monday, March 10, 4 p.m. Kids in grades 4-7 can dive into the world of colorful stories, amazing characters and thrilling adventures. Each month, we'll read a different graphic novel and discuss the art, plot and our favorite moments. Whether you're a comic book expert or new to graphic novels, everyone is welcome to join the fun. March: Create Your Own Graphic Novel. Join us for a special book club where we share the graphic novels YOU created! Stop by the library for your CYO kit. Registration required.
  • PCCL Homeschool Book Club, Wednesday, March 12, 2 p.m. This monthly book club is designed for homeschooling families with children reading levels 4.5-7. After completing your registration, visit the library to collect your copy of the book club book. March book: “I Survived: The American Revolution, 1776.” Registration required online at polkcitylibrary.org.
  • Monday Book Club, The Little Liar,” by Mitch Albom. Monday, March 24, 2 p.m. Eleven-year-old Nico Krispis has never told a lie. His schoolmate, Fannie, loves him because of it. Nico’s older brother, Sebastian, resents him for both these facts When their young lives are torn apart during the war, it will take them decades to find each other. Stop by the library ahead of the meeting for a free copy of the book.
 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Spring Arts and Crafts Show
March 7-9
Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
More than 250 talented exhibitors from eight different states will be selling thousands of unique, handmade products. Admission is $7 for anyone older than 10. Kids 10 and younger are free. Hours are 5-9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, find the event Facebook page by searching "Callahan Promotions, Inc., Iowa's Largest Arts & Crafts Shows.”

CAP Theatre presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR”
Through March 2
CAP Theatre, 201 First Ave. S., Altoona
Featuring 28 youth actors on the Melissa Grooters Stage, CAP Theatre presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR.” Friday shows begin at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $10 for students. Class Act Productions (CAP) Theatre is a children’s community theatre in Altoona that strives to give young people, regardless of experience, the opportunity to be part of and appreciate live theatre.


Women’s Club Art Exhibit
Sunday, March 2 - Saturday, March 8
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
The Des Moines Women’s Club is hosting its 117th Annual Art Exhibition. Central Iowa artists will again display their original art for the viewing pleasure of the public. Admittance is free, and some items will be available for purchase. This year’s judge is Diane Kunzler. The opening reception and awards presentation is 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Art exhibition gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Gallery Night is 5-7 p.m., Friday, March 7. Open to the public. Refreshments and light appetizers will be served.
The Des Moines Women’s Club was established in 1885, and its primary objective was to develop and maintain a free public art gallery in Des Moines. The Hoyt Sherman Place Gallery is home to a large collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and classical sculptures. Twelve paintings from the original DMWC collection can be seen in the Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery today.

Elks Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Saturday, March 15, 5:30 p.m.
West Des Moines Elks No. 2752, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
The Elks Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will begin with the Foy School of Irish Dancers performing at 5:45 p.m.  They will perform for about 20 minutes, followed by the Elks’ famous St. Paddy’s Day corn beef and cabbage with Irish potatoes meal for $12 per serving.

2025 Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Pre-Party and Parade
March 15 and March 17
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is back with its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Join them on Saturday, March 15, from 2-6 p.m. at The Shop DSM, 901 Cherry St., Des Moines, for a Pre-Paddy Party, featuring live music from Black Dirt Ramblers, a food truck and cash bar for an at-will donation. The parade is on Monday, 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.

DSM Book Festival
Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Franklin Event Center, 4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines
Readers and book lovers in central Iowa will be thrilled to find an outstanding array of authors appearing at this free, fun-filled event, presented by Beaverdale Books and Beaverdale Neighborhood Association. In addition to author programs, panels, workshops and children’s activities, the event will offer attendees the opportunity to have their books signed, visit with publishers, and enjoy mingling with fellow book lovers. For the complete schedule, visit https://beaverdalebooks.com/dsmbookfestival/. Four headlining presentations will be offered in the venue’s large theater, including fiction writer Claire Lombardo, historian Alexis Coe, award-winning Hanif Abdurraqib and AViD author C.J. Box.

 
A loaded casserole that’s quick and comforting
 

(Family Features) It’s tough to beat an easy dinner that’s equal parts comforting, convenient and delicious. This loaded hamburger potato casserole is no exception. Just brown ground beef then mix in a casserole dish with potatoes, bacon, cheese and more before baking for an hour.

Loaded hamburger potato casserole
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground hamburger
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) tri-colored baby potatoes
  • 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup fried onions (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 1/2 ounces bacon pieces
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • chives or green onions, for topping

Directions:

  • Heat oven to 375 F.

  • In skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with garlic powder; drain and set aside.

  • Cut potatoes into small pieces. In casserole dish, mix beef; potatoes; soup; sour cream; milk; fried onions, if desired; cheese; and bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake, covered, 50 minutes then uncover and bake 10 minutes.

  • Top with chives or green onions. 

 
 
 
From your North Polk Living magazine
 

Mailed to all residents of Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl the third Thursday of each month.

This month's cover story:

A SPECIAL BOND

Local grandparents share why living close to their grandkids is so important to them.

These days, kids often grow up, move away and start family and careers far from where they grew up. Siblings are often scattered across the country and even the globe. Dinners with the extended family is now regulated to the holidays, when those who are able make the trip “back home.” But there is something about grandkids that brings about another family shift. Many young families decide their kids would benefit from having family close by, and many grandparents find retirement is the perfect time for making a move closer to family. Some of those grandparents who live close to their grandkids share what it means to them to form the special bonds that come from time spent together.

[...]

 
Read this month's 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 HERE.

 

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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