Oct. 18-24, 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 is featured this week and Addison, and Ruth will be featured in upcoming issues of the Polk City Weekly.

Claire Nefzger
“Hi! I’m Claire Nefzger, and I live in Alleman with my parents, Jeremy and Teresa, and my two younger sisters, Olivia and Evelyn. Throughout high school, I have participated in marching band, concert band, jazz band, pep band, show choir band, musical pit band, speech and student council. I also serve as an IAStuCo Central District Officer and am a part of National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society and the Gold Honor Roll. Outside of school, I’m in church youth group and church youth council, and I love reading, creative writing and having movie nights with my family. After high school, I plan on attending Iowa State University to major in biomedical engineering or biochemistry.”

Babysitting Basics registration due today, Oct. 18

Become a better babysitter with Iowa State University Extension. Participants ages 10-18 will learn about the responsibilities of a babysitter, what employers expect, and how to care for infants and toddlers. Youth learn about age-appropriate toys and activities, safety and basic first aid. Participants receive a book filled with information about childcare as well as a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 18, and the class is Friday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miller Park. Cost is $45. There is no school that day for North Polk. Register online at https://www.polkcityia.gov/parks-and-recreation/pages/online-registration.

Radio play explores historic murders

“Murder!” a radio play, will be presented Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. by the Big Creek Historical Society. The play is about the 1882 and 1883 murders that arguably changed the course of Polk City’s history. The town lost two leading citizens and devastated other local lives. This is storytelling at its best, just in time for Halloween. 

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.

• Monday Book Club, Oct. 21, 2 p.m., “The Whole Town’s Talking” by Fannie Flagg. Elmwood Springs, Missouri, is a small town like any other, but something strange is happening at the cemetery. Still Meadows, as it’s called, is anything but still. Copies of the book are available for check out at the library's front desk.
• Early Out Crafternoon, Jr., Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Choose Your Own Adventure Club, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 4 p.m., grades 4-8. CYOA dives into a different interactive story where the group's choices shape the plot. Registration required.
• Storytime Explorers: Little Authors Storytime, Thursday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m., ages 4-5. Children become the authors of their own stories, shaping the plot, characters, and settings with their vivid imaginations. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org
• Early Out Cinema, Thursday, Oct. 24, 1:30 p.m. Watch our website and social media for the title of the movie.
• Adult DIY: Book Witches, Thursday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. Join us for a relaxing evening of crafts. We’ll be making cute witches out of old library books. Ages 17 and older, registration required at polkcitylibrary.org.
• Comet Kids STEM Book Club, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m., grades K-3. Registration for the book club opens two weeks before the event. Once registered, remember to visit the library to pick up the book for the October book club. 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.
• Homeschool Programs, Jester Park Nature Center, Friday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Prairies (1.5 hours). This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is specially designed for homeschool students. These programs will immerse children and parents in the natural world and drive us to learn, discover and appreciate our environment. Registration is due two days before the event. The program is free and recommended for grades K-5.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

“Anastasia: The Musical - Youth Edition”
Oct. 25 - Nov. 10, Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
CAP Theatre, 201 First Ave. S., Altoona
CAP Theatre presents “Anastasia: The Musical - Youth Edition,” a musical inspired by the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox film. This hour-long adaptation of the 2017 Broadway show brings audiences to 1920s Soviet Russia as a young woman goes on an adventure to find her past and her future. The show features iconic songs from the original film and Broadway musical, like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.” Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $10 for students. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Pumpkin Walk
Oct. 27, 2-5 p.m.
Valley Junction, West Des Moines
Pumpkin Walk in Valley Junction is a delightful Halloween celebration held in the heart of Historic Valley Junction. This family-friendly event features activities that cater to all ages. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating along the 100-300 blocks of Fifth Street; hayrack rides start at 1st National Bank at 301 Fifth St.; various activities are set up throughout the district to keep the little ones entertained; and enjoy a variety of food and drink options from local vendors. The Betty Hill Dancers will perform, adding to the festive atmosphere. Free pumpkins are available for attendees to take home for the holiday while supplies last. The event is a perfect opportunity to dress up in your favorite costumes and enjoy a wholesome Halloween tradition with your community.

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.

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.

Veterans Day Celebration
Nov. 11, 11 a.m.
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel
The Veterans Day Celebration will feature remarks from military personnel, live music, military displays, free lunch and more.

Bricker Price Block Senior Speaker Series
Fridays through mid-November, 10 a.m.
105 S. Chestnut Ave., Earlham.
Enjoy these free, educational, historical and/or cultural presentations in the upstairs of the historic Bricker Price Block event venue. Programs are:

• Nov. 1: What is A.I. and How Can I Use It? Cory Houghton
• Nov. 8: Madison County in World War I, Linda Griffith Smith
• Nov. 15: Iowa in WWII, Michael Vogt, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
• Nov. 22: Our World, Our Stories: International Students Share Their Heritage, Emilijia Rajic of Serbia and Vladilena Vetrova of Moldova.

A Night Under the Lights 2024
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Waukee Centennial Park
Enjoy food, vendors and fun all day long. The third annual light parade will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at https://forms.gle/xU1df2YtqAYgn7wh9.

Christmas Open House
Sundays, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.
Olmsted-Urban House, 4010 70th St., Urbandale
Enjoy a Christmas Open House at the Urbandale Historical Society’s Olmsted/ Urban House. A variety of activities will be held at the decorated house both Sundays.

Hoyt Sherman Place shows
1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
hoytsherman.org

• Oct. 29: Theory of a Dream at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Vitamin String Quartet at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 12: A Motown Christmas at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 15: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Elton John’s “Madman Across the Water” at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 16: Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 23: Liverpool Legends Beatles Experience! at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 25: Michael W. Smith - Every Christmas at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 5: Christmas with Lorie Line at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 22: In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra at 7 p.m.
  

Trick or Treat at The Learning Post & Toys
Oct. 31, 4-7 p.m.
The Learning Post & Toys, 2761 100th St., Urbandale
The public is invited to a free Trick or Treat event at the store. Wear your costume, get your photo taken with Dino-Mite, the giant T-Rex, grab a treat and enter to win a grand prize.

Des Moines Community Orchestra concerts
The Des Moines Community Orchestra has announced its concert dates for the 2024/2025 concert season. Admission is free. Concerts start at 2 p.m. with pre-concert talks at 1 p.m. For more information, visit desmoinescommunityorchestra.org. Concerts are:

• Sunday, Oct. 27, Halloween Costume Concert, Sheslow Auditorium.
• Sunday, Dec. 8, Celebrate & Sing Handel’s Messiah, Grace United Methodist Church.
• Sunday, Feb. 23, Winter Concert and Past Audience Favorites, Sheslow Auditorium.
• Sunday, May 11, Spring Concert, Carl’s Favorite Finales, Sheslow Auditorium.

Iowa Wind Ensemble, A Sousa Spectacular
Sunday, Oct. 27. 3 p.m.
Franklin Jr. High Events Center, Small Auditorium
Get ready to march to the beat of American history as the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents A Sousa Spectacular, an exciting tribute to the timeless legacy of John Philip Sousa, the “March King,” and the golden age of American marches. This dynamic concert will transport audiences to a patriotic realm filled with grandeur, pride and musical excellence. For tickets, visit www.ciwe.org/sousa.

Des Moines Performing Arts shows
Des Moines Civic Center, Cowles Commons, Stoner Theater, Temple Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org

• Oct. 29 - Nov. 3: The Second City 65th Anniversary Tour

Wells Fargo Arena shows
Wells Fargo Arena, 223 Center St., Des Moines
iowaeventscenter.com

• Oct. 19: Alabama “Roll on 2 North America Tour” at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 24: P!nk Live 2024 at 7 p.m.

Family Halloween fun at Living History Farms
Oct. 18-20, 25-27
Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Enjoy Family Halloween Fun. Go online for start times. Enjoy a Halloween event designed for families. Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill; enjoy storytellers, demonstrations and crafts; and join a hayrack ride. Cost is $9 for ages 2 and older, $8 for members. For more information, visit lhf.org/event/halloween.

Edgewater Holiday Mart
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.

(Family Features) With a powerful influence across the United States, Latino food has become a regular feature of family dinners. Bring your family to the table for a true fiesta with this Mexican lasagna, a hearty solution that’s both filling and easy to make.

Mexican lasagna

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

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
• 1 can (4 ounces) chiles
• 2 cans (14 ounces each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, divided
• 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 6 cups shredded cheese
• 18 taco-sized tortillas of choice
• fresh cilantro, for garnish
• sour cream, for serving

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F.

• In large skillet, brown ground beef; drain grease. Add black beans, chiles with juices, 1 can tomatoes with juices, drained corn, garlic powder, onion powder and taco seasoning.

• Open remaining can of tomatoes; take out half and set aside. Add remaining half with juices to beef mixture. Mix well and turn off heat.

• In 9-by-13-inch pan, line bottom with six tortillas, slightly overlapping. Cover with 1/3 of beef mixture and top with 2 cups shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients then top with reserved tomatoes.

• Cover pan with foil and bake 30-40 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream.

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