Fall Fest coming up — This and more in this week's issue of Polk City Living Weekly!

Sept. 26 – Oct. 2, 2025

Have no fear. Undershirts are here!

There are two types of men in this world: those who wear undershirts and those who don’t. I have been both.

As a youth, I never understood the need to wear one shirt underneath another shirt. Seemed silly. Too many layers. Too hot. And too much laundry.

My dad always wore an undershirt. White. Crew neck. And 100% cotton. He should have been featured in a Fruit of the Loom commercial. The weather or the outerwear of the day didn’t matter. Dad wore an undershirt. Always. We once had a conversation about long john underwear, and he stated how, once you start wearing them, you feel naked without them. He must have applied that same logic — and to an even greater degree — with undershirts.

As a young adult, I began to understand the undershirt code. It could have been a rite of manhood, or something like that. For me, it began when I started regularly wearing button-down dress shirts and had a desire to have a layer between me and that costly shirt. I rationalized that I could have armpit stains in my undershirt, but I didn’t want them on my dress shirts. That extra layer helps avoid the transparency issue that happens with some shirts, too.

Apparently, there are other reasons to wear an undershirt, too. The Tommy John website says you should do so because they absorb sweat, they protect your dress shirts, they keep you warm in winter, they hide body hair, they provide support, they help with body odor, they can be stylish, they are comfortable, they are easy to care for, and they are affordable. Fair enough.

My mother had a fascination with bleach, and our undershirts were soaked in it. If a white piece of laundry was being washed, bleach was used. It kept the whites white, she said. And our undershirts needed all the brightening they could get.

So, I wear undershirts, and I use bleach. When my white undershirts begin to turn a shade of grey, I buy a package or two of new ones. For some odd reason, I really look forward to those purchases.

I realize I am in the minority with this undershirt obsession, but I am not alone. Studies show that about 30% of men in the United States wear undershirts regularly to “enhance comfort” and “maintain a polished appearance.” Or, more than likely, because their dad wore them.

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

Fall Fest coming up

Join Polk City Parks & Rec and Go Polk City to celebrate all things fall on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2-6 p.m. at the Town Square. Kids activities will include pumpkin painting, face painting, inflatables, train rides, character appearances and more. Seasonal vendors will be selling their best fall treats and some delicious eating options as well. Enjoy live entertainment and more.

Fall Festival Bazaar and Bake Sale

The Sheldahl United Women In Faith invite you to stop into the Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to noon. Homemade chicken and noodles, rugs, nuts, cards, baked goods and craft items will be for sale.

Drive-thru Cavatelli Lunch

This fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Elkhart Christian Church, 252 N.W. Washington Ave., Elkhart. Drive up, place your order, and the cavatelli is brought to your car for a freewill donation.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Celebrate National Public Lands Day. Saturday, Sept. 27, 9-11 a.m. Brown’s Woods, 465 S.E. Brown's Woods Drive, West Des Moines. Come hike with us on National Public Lands Day. This national event creates kinship among those using America’s public lands for education, recreation, and overall physical and mental health.

Creekology. Sunday, Sept. 28, 1-3 p.m., Mally’s Park, 5792 N.E. Berwick Drive, Berwick. Join a naturalist as they lead a hike down Four Mile Creek. Explore the many sciences a creek walk offers, like geology, archaeology, paleontology, limnology and biology, to name just a few. Not sure what all those “ologies” are about? Then join in to find out. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots that can get wet for hiking in the creek.

Glowing Nature. Friday, Oct. 3, 7-8 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. From glowing mushrooms to bioluminescent water, join this evening of learning about creatures that light up the night. A presentation will be followed by a short “glow and seek” search outside.

Geocache Pumpkin Hunt. Saturday, Oct. 4, 1:30-3 p.m., Easter Lake Park Shelter No. 3, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Learn how to use a GPS, then search the park to find some pumpkins, collecting candy along the way. Space is limited, so register early. Registration required by Oct. 1.

Polk City Community Library news

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

Adult DIY Card Crafting: Monday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. Join Jane and Kim in making handmade cards that are fun to create and treasured by the recipients. Make two cards each of four different designs using numerous techniques. There will be a $5 material fee payable that night. Ages 17 and older. Online registration is required via our website event calendar and opens one month in advance of the event date. Visit polkcitylibrary.org.

FallFest Mini-Golf: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2-4 p.m. Join us at FallFest on the Polk City Square for a fun mini-golf course sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Un-Schooled: School’s out — fun’s ON! Monday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m. Join us each month for a special activity on Monday teacher in-service days when North Polk Schools are out. Get in the Halloween spirit with a Halloween-themed movie and craft.

Wednesday Book Club: Oct. 8, 7 p.m. (Date change applies to October only). “James” by Percival Everett. When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft on the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
Copies of the book are available for check-out at the library's front desk.

Crafternoon - Beaded Spiders: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2 p.m. Online registration is required via our website event calendar at polkcitylibrary.org.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Civic Center, Cowles Commons, Stoner Theater, Temple Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
www.dmpa.org
• Oct. 14-19: “Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy”
• Oct. 21-26: “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical”

Madison County Covered Bridges Festival
Oct. 11-12
Winterset Square, Winterset
www.exploremadisoncounty.com
Discover Madison County's rich history and iconic covered bridges. Enjoy food and art vendors, a car show, a parade and more. Starting at 9 a.m. in Winterset Square, Winterset.

Archives Across America: Unlocking Genealogy Resources
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.
Iowa Genealogical Society Library, 628 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
The Iowa Genealogical Society will host this one-day conference at the IGS Library and via Zoom. Featured speaker Tina Beaird will present on the Library of Congress, the National Personnel Records Center, the U.S. National Archives, and Midwest repositories. Registration is $70 for members and $90 for non-members. Details at www.iowagenealogy.org.

Great Iowa Pet Expo
Oct. 18-19
2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive
www.greatiowapetexpo.com
This expo has what you need for you pet, including trade show, education and entertainment.

IMT Des Moines Marathon
Oct. 19
1001 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
www.desmoinesmarathon.com
Since 2002, the annual marathon has been taking participants on a run throughout Iowa’s Capital.

Dedication of addition to Revolutionary War Monument
Saturday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m.
State of Iowa Capitol Grounds, 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
As our country makes plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Iowa Society, Sons of the American Revolution has announced a unique kick-off event. At the Revolutionary War Monument, the public is invited to join in a recognition of the 41st name, Matrom Elmore, being added to the monument.

Harvest and Handmade Fair
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Held in conjunction with Vintage in the Valley, this event offers one-of-a-kind handmade crafts and rare finds, entertainment, food vendors and, of course, the biergarten.

Add real flavor, simplicity to busy season meals

Keep students energized and engaged with sweet watermelon snacks

(Family Features) Make a smooth shift into the fall busy season with this loaded Philly cheesesteak baked potato. It takes a traditional side dish and delivers an easy meal full of flavor and nutrients from California dairy foods.

When life is busy, add this dish both kids and adults will love to your weekly meal-planning list. The real California sour cream, milk, butter and cheese offer real flavor, real protein, real simplicity and real convenience, plus they are made with sustainably sourced milk from dairy farm families. Look for the Real California Milk seal on your favorite dairy foods at the grocery store.

Find more recipes at realcaliforniamilk.com/recipes.

Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Baked Potato
Recipe courtesy of Real California Milk
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 11 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, washed
1 cup Real California sour cream
1-2 tablespoons Real California whole milk
1/4 cup Real California unsalted butter, divided
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound fresh shaved sirloin steak
2 cups shredded Real California provolone cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 F and line baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Prick potatoes all over with fork. Bake until potatoes are tender and fork inserted easily comes out, 45 minutes-1 hour. Split tops of potatoes open with knife and fluff potato flesh with fork. Set aside.
In small bowl, combine sour cream and milk, adding more milk as needed, until sour cream is pourable. Set aside.
In large skillet or on griddle over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon butter. Add peppers and onions; cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to plate and set aside.
Clean skillet then melt remaining butter. Add steak and cook until fully cooked and lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Return vegetables to skillet and toss to combine.
Evenly top each potato with 1 tablespoon butter, steak mixture and cheese. Transfer to oven and bake until cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with sour cream and serve.

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In this month's issue of North Polk Living magazine:

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Residents share their home renovation experiences

Live in a home for a while, and one is likely to start thinking, “If only….” If only the bathroom had a walk-in shower…. If only the kitchen had new cabinets.… If only the old flooring could be replaced.… If only the basement was finished…. If only a room could be added…. If only that longed-for home improvement project could be completed … then the house would be just right. Residents who have taken the leap from thinking about it to tackling their dream projects share their experiences.

[...]

Read the full digital issue

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