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July 3-9, 2026

 
 
Impossible shots
 

When was the last time you played a good old-fashioned game of HORSE?

Two players. One basketball. One hoop. That was it. No $200 basketball shoes. No weeklong summer camp. No personal trainer. No referee. No smartphone app tracking your shooting percentage. Just a ball, a hoop and enough daylight left before your mother called you home. Anyone could play. Trust me, I was living proof.

If you have never heard of HORSE, today is your lucky day. The rules are simple. One player makes a shot, and the other players have to duplicate it. Miss the shot, and you earn a letter. Keep missing, and eventually you spell H-O-R-S-E. On the final letter, most of us got two chances to avoid elimination.

If time was short or curfew was looming, we switched to PIG. Same concept. Fewer letters. Faster heartbreak.

We played in our driveway on a plywood backboard bolted to the front of the garage. The rim was slightly bent, and the net's existence depended entirely on the season and how many winters it had survived.

The driveway had its challenges. We had to shoot over a power line, avoid breaking windows and be prepared to sprint after the ball when it rolled into the street.

As for basketballs, we had exactly one. It was a hand-me-down from my oldest brother — a red, white and blue model that fit perfectly with America's bicentennial spirit in 1976.

Even as a kid, it was obvious I was destined to spend more time on a wrestling mat than a basketball court. My jump shot looked less like Michael Jordan and more like a shot put competition. That meant I relied heavily on trick shots for HORSE. There was the underhand granny shot. The bounce shot off the pavement. Left-handed layups. And my personal specialty: the 25-foot hook shot.

Many of you remember Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his famous skyhook. I borrowed the concept and launched it from well beyond any reasonable distance. Somehow, it worked. The shot looked more like something from Meadowlark Lemon than an actual basketball game, but style points were never part of the scorecard.

One day in high school gym class, our P.E. teacher, Howie Stephenson, watched me sink one of those ridiculous hook shots.

“Goodman, you could never do that again in a million years,” he said.

My friend Ian tossed me the ball. I launched another hook. Swish. Mr. Stephenson stared at the hoop, shook his head and walked away.

I never became a basketball star. Not even close. But, for one glorious moment, I had a shot nobody could explain — including me. And that may be the real beauty of games like HORSE. They remind us that sometimes the most memorable victories are not the planned ones. They are the impossible shots, the lucky bounces and the stories that still make us smile long after the final letter is earned.

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

 
 

Elkhart citywide garage sale

Elkhart is having a citywide garage sale on July 25. Enjoy an opportunity to visit multiple sales on the same day.

 

Ice cream at the July 4 Celebration in Slater

The Sheldahl and Slater United Methodist Churches will be selling soft serve ice cream at the July 4 celebration in Nelson Park, 305 Benton St., Slater, on Saturday, July 4. Serving will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue until sold out.  Find them south of the grandstand.

 
 

Polk City Public Library news

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

Summer reading fun continues through July 31:

The last day to log reading is Thursday, July 31. Enter tickets for prizes by Saturday, Aug. 8. Grand prize winners will be announced Monday, Aug. 10. Prizes must be claimed by Aug. 31.

Holiday closure:

The library will be closed Friday, July 3, and will remain closed through the July 4 weekend.

Activities:

  • Movie Mondays, July 6, 13 and 20, 10 a.m. Each Monday, a family-friendly movie will be shown in the library’s multipurpose room. July 6: “Zootopia 2”; July 13: “The Croods”; July 20: “Aladdin.”
  • Tiny Tot Storytime (ages 5 and younger), July 7, 14 and 21, 10 a.m. Enjoy a storytime designed for young listeners with books, songs and movement activities. The program concludes with bubbles. This 20-minute session helps build early literacy skills.
  • Tuesday Playdate, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Stay after storytime or drop in for a relaxed, creative play session with simple art and sensory activities.
    Comets Kids Club (K–fifth grade), Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. Hands-on arts and crafts activities. Registration opens the Wednesday prior. Walk-ins welcome as space allows. July 8: Mummies; July 15: Grammatology; July 23: Geology.
  • Thursday Summer Performers Series: July 9, 10 a.m., Luana Bank Community Room (north entrance). Robison Reptiles presents a hands-on reptile experience. Sponsored by Polk City Veterinary Hospital. July 16, 10 a.m., Luana Bank Community Room (north entrance). A Mesozoic Adventure with Professor Wobblebottom, featuring interactive dinosaur-themed learning. July 23, 6 p.m., city lot south of City Hall. Absolute Science Mega Foam Blaster. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Goggles, a towel and water-safe shoes recommended.
  • “Hamilton” Movie Watch, July 2, 2 p.m. Screening of “Hamilton.” Rated PG-13. Ages 14 and older or with a guardian.
  • Adult Crafternoon, July 7, 2 p.m. Make essential oil-based bug repellent and linen sprays. Ages 17 and older. Registration required.
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Prairie Stomp at Sleepy Hollow: Thursday, July 2, 6-8 p.m., Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines. Join the 2026 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series. Each month through August, a local Iowa band will kick off the evening with live music at the Jester Park Nature Center, Easter Lake Event Center or Sleepy Hollow. Picket Fence Creamery ice cream will be onsite for purchase. The Easter Lake Event Center and Sleepy Hollow locations will also have their standard concessions available for purchase. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets, camp chairs, your friends and family and enjoy a summer evening.
  • July Summer Skills: Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Summer is about having fun and playing outside. Join PCC naturalists as they introduce your child to some fun outdoor activities that can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Come to one or sign-up for an entire series. All equipment will be provided. Registration required by two days prior to the class. Classes are: July 7 Paddling, July 9 Fishing, July 14 Air Rifle, July 16 Geocaching, July 21 Archery, July 23 Outdoor Survival.
  • Nature Hike at Thomas Mitchell: Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot, Tuesday, July 7, 2-3:30 p.m. Lace up your boots and let’s take a hike. Join a naturalist for a leisurely stroll through this historic park. Learn about flora, fauna, history and more. Bring a filled water bottle and wear some sturdy shoes. The hike is about 1.5 miles on a soft surface trail, with a few hills, and will take about 1.5 hours including  several stops along the way. Free, all ages welcome.
 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Music Under The Stars
Various dates and locations
This summer, Iowa's professional musicians perform a series of free, outdoor concerts at Water Works Park and Jasper Winery at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings.

  • July 5: Stars, Stripes, and Celebration. Dana Slater, clarinet. Marisa Cravero, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
  • July 12: Bourbon Street Parade. NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer. Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m., Killinger Community Series.

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MusicUnderTheStarsIowa/events. Learn more at: www.musicunderthestars.org.

2026 National Balloon Classic
July 31 - Aug. 8
Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave., Indianola
More than 100 hot air balloons suspended over the horizon, skilled pilots from around the world, roaring burners creating a whoosh that is both heard and felt. All of this and so much more can be found at this year’s National Balloon Classic in Indianola. For tickets, schedule and information, visit https://nationalballoonclassic.com.

Music In The Garden
Thursdays, through Aug. 20, doors open at 6 p.m., concerts are 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Music in the Garden is one of Des Moines' premier outdoor concert series, offering a truly unique atmosphere. Set within the naturally beautiful surroundings of the Garden, each evening blends live music, nature and community into an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax, get up and dance, or simply soak in the scenery, you'll enjoy great music surrounded by the beauty of the Garden. For information and tickets, visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stir
Friday, July 31
Des Moines East Village
CITYVIEW’s traveling cocktail party returns. For $25 advance ticket, sample 10 summer cocktails at East Village bars and restaurants. Cost is $35 at the door. For information and tickets, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series 2026 Food n’ Drink Lineup
Sundays at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham

  • July 12: Music: The Elders, Banjokat. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Street Sweets.
  • July 19: Music: BYOBrass, Beth and Brandon. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Pho Wheels & Sushi, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
  • Aug. 2: Music: Leon Timbo, Carol Montag Music. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Sabores De Mexico, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
  • Aug. 9: Music: Newfound Road, Cedar County Cobras. Food trucks: Karam’s Grill, Hotsy Totsy, C’est La Crepe.
  • Aug. 16: Music: XOLEX, Bone People. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Pho Wheels & Sushi, Street Sweets.

The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Spanning world-class traditional music and beloved musical theater, the lineup of shows at The Ingersoll promises unforgettable moments of live entertainment in the heart of the community.

  • Jen Kober Comedy: July 10 with dining at 5:30 p.m. and showtime at 7:30 p.m. Jen Kober is one of the top LGBTQ comedians working today and a rotating headliner in MAD APPLE by Cirque du Soleil. Opening the evening is returning favorite Dante Powell, who has previously performed at The Ingersoll. Powell’s comedy blends smart observations with a warm, conversational style.
  • A Brother’s Revival: An Allman Brothers Legacy: July 11 and 12. July 11 dining begins at 6 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. showtime. July 12 dining begins at 5 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. showtime. Formed in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band, A Brother’s Revival brings an unmatched level of authenticity to the stage.
  • George Michael Reborn: July 17 and 18, dinner at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. This high-energy tribute stars Robert Bartko, whose live vocals and striking resemblance to George Michael recreate the magic of the artist’s career from the 1980s and 1990s.
  • TINA: A Tribute to the Queen of Rock and Roll: July 24 and 25, with dining at 6 p.m. and shows at 7:30 p.m. both evenings. This electrifying tribute stars internationally acclaimed performer Cookie Watkins, whose dynamic portrayal of Tina Turner goes far beyond impersonation. With a career rooted in music from an early age, including recognition from Duke Ellington himself, Watkins channels the spirit, power and voice of the Queen of Rock & Roll.

Tickets are available at www.theingersoll.com/events or at Ticketmaster.com/TheIngersoll.

 
 
Elevate summer hosting with health in mind
 

(Feature Impact) Once temperatures climb, summer entertaining tends to look a little different. Heavy comfort foods give way to lighter fare, tables move outdoors and hosts are on the hunt for dishes that feel effortless without sacrificing flavor. It’s a season for skewers, salads and small bites that are easily shared on a patio among friends and loved ones.

Fresh ingredients, simple preparation and naturally hydrating foods can be the staples of your next summer soiree, especially when your goal is to spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table with guests. Crisp, juicy, colorful grapes from California are a natural fit as their sweetness can brighten savory dishes while balancing salty, smoky flavors off the grill.

To discover more ways to both elevate and simplify gatherings throughout the season, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
  • 4 precooked chicken Italian sausages
  • 6 skewers (10 inches)
  • 30 green, black and red Grapes from California
  • 24 squares (1 inch each) red onion
  • snipped fresh basil (optional)

Directions:

  • In small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian herb seasoning; set aside.
  • Cut each sausage into six slices. Thread on skewers, alternating with grapes and onion.
  • Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
  • Place oiled piece of foil on grill and top with skewers. Grill 5 minutes, or until grapes are softened and sausage and vegetables are lightly browned, turning and basting with balsamic vinegar mixture occasionally.
  • Transfer to platter and garnish with snipped fresh basil, if desired.
  • Note: If using bamboo skewers, soak at least 1 hour in water to avoid burning.
  • Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 9 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 10 g fat (53% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (13% calories from saturated fat); 55 mg cholesterol; 470 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.
 
 

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ Lowe Suncruiser BIMINI 214 pontoon boat. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000 or best offer Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

FOR SALE: 2018 Coachmen Mirada 25BK. Sleeps 8 (king bed, drop down front bed, queen sofa bed, dinette), 37’ ( bike rack not included), stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator with ice, two roof AC units, heat pump, gas furnace, outdoor kitchen, two slide outs, power awnings, 5500 watt Onan generator, 2000 watt inverter, lithium house batteries, auto leveling, insulated battery storage and wet bay. 55,000 miles, new tires, engine and generator serviced in March 2026. Asking $64,200. Message or text Dave Milburn at 515-240-4672. More photos at https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/5040136236

 
 

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

FOUR SEASONS FESTIVAL

Parks and Recreation builds on a cherished tradition.

When the Four Seasons Festival rolls around, it brings the Polk City community together for a weekend of entertainment and hometown pride. Whether you have lived in town for 20 years or just moved here last year, the festival has become an annual tradition for many residents.

[...]

 
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

 

This email was sent to: beckhamgmiller@hotmail.com

Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc.
8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131

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