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Oct. 17-23, 2025

 
 
Will landline phones return?
 

It was avocado green. Two pieces. A 10-foot-long, straggly cord connecting them. And it was mounted on the wall in the kitchen of my childhood home.

That landline phone was a memorable part of my childhood. And when it rang, we answered it — without even knowing who was on the other end of the line. There were no robocalls. No telemarketing. No scams. Or, at least, none that I was aware of. I not only remember the phone; I remember our home phone number, too. It is cemented in my brain along with other vital stuff like my junior high gym locker combination.

If I recall, I don’t think my parents even owned our phone. It was the property of Ma Bell, and Mom and Dad paid for it as part of their monthly fee.

If I really dig deep into the memory bank, I could probably name every phone we had in our homes through the years. There weren’t that many. Of course, the rotary dial phone was eventually replaced by the push-button model, which was later replaced by the cordless phone with the giant antennae, and, eventually, those smaller handheld rechargeable ones.

If I was challenged to name the cell phones I personally have had throughout my adult years, the struggle would be greater. I really don’t know how many I owned. I know I started with one of those Motorola brick phones in the early 1990s. I had another one mounted in my car at one point. Many flip phones. A Blackberry or two. A Palm Treo, which was my favorite. And buckets of expensive iPhones.

Imagine if, like in my parents’ days, the phone companies provided these modern phones as part of our monthly package. And sent a repair person to our homes to fix them. All for a modest fee — and without the concern of being tracked by Big Tech every minute of the day or the fear of getting brain cancer from the devices.

We have all seen trends come and go… and then come back again. One has to wonder if the landline phone may reappear as a matter of necessity or, more likely, as a vintage or retro return. In avocado green. Harvest gold. Burnt orange.

No robocalls. No telemarketing. No scams. It sounds kind of nice. The 10-foot-long, straggly cord? Admittedly, not so much.

But, who knows? If those phones returned, we might even start answering them again.

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
 

The Polk City Kiwanis Club has named sisters Jenna Manock and Jocelyn Manock as its October Seniors of the Month.

Jenna Manock:

“Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and traveling. Some of my favorite memories from high school are my junior golf season, taking Peer Helper PE and prom.”

Jenna’s parents are Julianne and Michael Manock and siblings are Hunter, Colton and Jocelyn. She has been involved in student council, Principal’s Council, golf, basketball, cross country and National Honor Society. She has been on the Gold Honor Roll, DMACC Dean’s List and part of National STEM Honors Society. She works as a CNA at a nursing home and at Plato’s Closet. After graduation, she plans to attend DMACC and study nursing.

Jocelyn Manock:

“I am a very involved person in our school and community. I participate in cross country, basketball and track. Along with that, I have received many honors. In my free time I help to volunteer with the clubs I am in and work as a CNA in a nursing home. This work has helped me find my passion for helping others. In the future, I will be attending UNI to major in nursing to later become a nurse practitioner and continue to help others in many different ways.”

Jocelyn’s parents are Julianne and Michael Manock and siblings are Hunter, Colton and Jenna. In addition to the activities mentioned, she is also involved in Science Club and Principal’s Council. She has been honored with the Gold Honor Roll, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, DMACC Dean’s List and DMACC Presidents List.

 

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. 

 

Bake Sale and Dinner

Come to the Polk City O.E.S. Chapter No. 361 Masonic Temple, 106 Third St., Polk City, on Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a bake sale and dinner. Homemade mincemeat and apple butter nuts are featured. Dinner will be served at 11 a.m. Prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-10, younger than 5 free. Carryout will be available.

 
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

Nature Center After Dark: Fall Spooktacular: Friday, Oct. 24, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Here’s your chance to visit the Jester Park Nature Center after dark. The time will include storytelling, crafts, open Nature Center exhibits, and a short program on the theme of the night. This October, feel free to come in costume. Free and all ages welcome.

Bats: Sunday, Oct. 26, 1-2 p.m., Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines. Are they blind? Do they really suck blood and turn into vampires? Come learn the truth about this “grossly" misunderstood animal. Learn how to deal with them when they become an unwanted houseguest and find out what you can do to help protect this beneficial species. Free and all ages welcome.

Wizards in the Wild: Saturday, Nov. 1, 6:30-8 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Transport yourself into the wizarding world of nature. Make nature wands, mix potions, sort yourself into your wizard house and more. Wizard attire is welcome. Registration required by Oct. 27.

Wait, Where Am I?: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. If you were truly lost, do you know how to get someplace safe? Learn how to use a map and compass and read a topographic map in this hands-on class. Some activities will take place outdoors. Registration required by Nov. 6.

Trash: Where Does it Come From, Where Does it Go: Saturday, Nov. 8, 1-2 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Trash. We know that we don't like it, but we just keep making it. Learn from and discuss with a naturalist about our trash, its lifecycle, and why we have so much of it. If you have ever wondered, why does my trash fill up so fast, what really happens after I put a can in the recycling, or why do people compost, then this is the place for you.

 

Polk City Community Library news

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

Monday Book Club: Oct. 20, 2 p.m. “The Choice” by Dr. Edith Eva Eger. At the age of 16, Edith Eger was sent to Auschwitz. Hours after her parents were killed, Nazi officer Dr. Josef Mengele forced Edie to dance for his amusement and her survival. Thirty-five years after the war ended, she returned to Auschwitz and was finally able to fully heal and forgive the one person she’d been unable to forgive — herself. Copies of the book are available for check-out at the library's front desk.

Puzzle Swap: Drop off: Oct. 20-31. Swap: Nov. 1 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring in puzzles that you would like to trade. You will receive one ticket for each puzzle you bring in. On Nov. 1, use your tickets to “purchase” new puzzles

 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Scarecrow Festival
Recurring daily through Nov. 2
Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge
www.centergroveorchard.com
A farm-wide celebration filled with colorful displays, playful scarecrows, and the warm spirit of the season. See website for more details and admission costs.

Family Halloween at Living History Farms
Oct. 24-26
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
www.lhf.org/event/halloween
Enjoy Halloween festivities in a historic setting. See website for more details and admission costs.

Phantom Fall Festival
Every weekend through Oct. 26
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
www.adventurelandresort.com/discover-adventureland-resort/Phantom-Fall-Fest
Adventureland hosts its fall festival with several haunted houses, ghosts, ghouls, goblins and more. See website for more details and admission costs.

Pumpkin Walk
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2-5 p.m.
Fifth Street in Valley Junction
The Historic Valley Junction Foundation announces the return of the annual Pumpkin Walk, a Halloween-themed, family-friendly event in the heart of West Des Moines. Enjoy trick-or-treating at locally owned small businesses, hayrides through the district, thrilling magic from Mikayla Oz, dance performances by the Betty Hill Dancers, performances from Cirque Wonderland, kids activities and free pumpkins available while supplies last.

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.

Prairie Meadows Casino Free Shows
1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona
• The Unfortunate Sons: Saturday, Oct. 25, 8-11 p.m.
• Kenny Frette & the Country Classics: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Back to Vinyl: Friday, Oct. 31, 8-11 p.m.

 
Have a happy, hearty holiday meal
 

(Family Features) The holiday season is about celebrating with friends and family over warm, memorable meals, and few things make those gatherings more special than serving dishes made at home.

To elevate your menu, consider a versatile, beginner-friendly ingredient like Wild Caught Texas Shrimp for your next occasion. For a luxurious Italian dish, try creamy Shrimp Risotto with arborio rice.

For cooking tips and fresh seafood recipes, visit WildCaughtTXShrimp.com.

Shrimp Risotto
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Wild Caught Texas Shrimp
  • 2 cups arborio rice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 8 cups broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 white onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • Italian parsley, for garnish

Directions:

  • Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on. Rinse, pat dry and set aside.
    Heat oven to 375 F.
  • Season shrimp with paprika, salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil then toss to combine.
  • Lay shrimp in single layer on baking sheet and refrigerate.
  • Heat medium saucepan over medium-low heat and add broth.
  • In separate deep, heavy-bottom pot, melt butter. Chop onion and garlic then add to pot and cook until soft and browning. Add arborio rice and stir to incorporate. Cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
  • Add wine and cook, stirring, until alcohol smell evaporates. Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring consistently. Do not add another ladle until liquid from previous ladle is mostly soaked up by rice.
  • Risotto has finished cooking when rice is chewy with consistency of thick oatmeal.
  • Roast shrimp until cooked through.
  • Remove risotto from heat and stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
  • Scoop into bowls and lay roasted shrimp on top.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
 
 
 

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

COSTUME CREATIONS

Residents share how they add their own touches to Halloween garbs

When it comes to Halloween, some people like to pull out all the stops. They turn their yards into haunted or cartoon landscapes. They carve pumpkins, bob for apples, and offer the best treats to their trick-or-treaters. And, they put their energy and holiday spirit into making sure their costumes — or their kids’ — make others “ooh” and “aah” … and perhaps shudder.

[...]

 
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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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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