Garage sale, free will donations, and bake sale — This and more in this week's issue!

May 9-15, 2025

A pineapple pizza preference

Want to know how to identify a clear division in a group of people? It only takes one question, and it has nothing to do with gun ownership. Or immigration. Or transgenders in sports. It is about something many people tend to be much more passionate about — pizza. That’s right, pizza. Or, more specifically, pizza toppings.

Don’t believe me? Try to order pizza for a group and ask what toppings they prefer. Get ready for a debate.

I prefer loads of meat on my pizza. Sausage. Pepperoni. Canadian bacon. All of it.

My wife wants a fungus on hers. She says you can’t even taste the mushrooms, which leads me to two questions: How does she know what I can taste? And, if she is correct, why pay to put a topping on a pizza that you can’t taste?

According to research shared in a Huffington Post story, 52% of Americans say pepperoni is one of their three favorite pizza toppings, 34% include sausage, and 31% list mushrooms. Bacon and plain/mozzarella cheese each were named top-three picks by 20% of respondents.

But what about the least favorite toppings? According to the same research, 49% selected anchovies as one of their three least favorite pizza toppings. Also at the bottom were eggplant (disliked by 30%), pineapple (24%) and artichokes (24%).

Speaking of pineapple, which I truly enjoy when combined with Canadian bacon, it is clearly one of the most divisive choices. Where you live and how old you are tend to be the factors. According to the data, people living in the western states are more likely to choose pineapple as a favorite pizza topping, and people 18 to 34 years old also tend to be more into it. Meanwhile, only 9% of Americans 55 or older chose pineapple as a favorite topping, and 28% count it among their least favorites. Those of you who don’t like pineapple on pizza should take a little advice from Time For Timer and “put a little on your plate.”

One may wonder why pizza toppings create such divisive debates. Keep in mind that 73% of Americans say they eat pizza at least monthly, and 21% opt for it at least weekly. As such, pizza is something we frequently associate ourselves with, and that often tends to become personal.

Now, about those pizza crusts…

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 Club of Polk City Senior of the Month

Reis Estey has been named a Kiwanis Club Senior of the Month.

“Hi! My name is Reis Estey, and I am a senior at North Polk. Throughout high school, I have participated in Student Council, Key Club, Environmental Club, National Honor Society, tennis and Mock Trial. In my free time, I love playing Uno with my family, watching sports with my friends, and am always looking to try new things. In the summers, I am a volunteer camp counselor for Childhood Cancer Connection (and they are always looking for extra help). This coming fall, I will be attending the University of Iowa and majoring in biochemistry.”

Reis’ parents are Andrew and Amanda Estey of Elkhart. Reis has one sibling, Maverick.

Memorial Day Ceremony

This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on what this day truly means for our community. Through words, traditions and tribute, the Polk City American Legion Post 232 will honor our fallen heroes and the values they fought to protect at a Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 26, 9-11 a.m. at the Polk City Square. The ceremony will be followed by refreshments at the Legion. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Legion, 114 W. Broadway. For more information, visit the Polk City Iowa American Legion Post 232 on Facebook.

Garage sale, free will donations, and bake sale

The Sheldahl United Methodist Church, 609 Sixth St., Sheldahl, will host its garage sale and bake sale on Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free coffee and bottled water. Visit Slater Main Street from 7:30-11:30 a.m. for the Vendor Market and Junk in the Trunk.

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.

Upcoming events

Polk City Farmers Market, Thursdays, May 16 – June 27, 4:30-8 p.m., Town Square. The weekly Farmers Market brings local produce, handmade goods, food trucks and live music to the heart of Polk City. Come stroll the square, meet vendors and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming vibe each Thursday evening.

Cops and Bobbers, Saturday, May 18, 8:30-10 a.m., Big Creek Lake. Hosted by the Polk City Police Department and Iowa DNR, this event invites North Polk youth to fish alongside local officers — building relationships and making memories in the great outdoors.

Firefighters Deliver Pizza, Tuesday, May 21, 5-8 p.m., Papa’s Pizzeria. Order your favorite pizza and get a special delivery from a Polk City firefighter. All tips go directly to support the fire department. It’s a fun and tasty way to give back.

Citywide Garage Sale, June 6-7. Get ready to hunt for treasures or clean out your garage. This community-wide sale is a great way to recycle, reuse and connect with neighbors.

Summer Kick-Off with Polk City Police, Friday, June 6, 6-8 p.m., location TBA. Join the Polk City Police Officers Association for a family-friendly evening to welcome summer with fun activities and community spirit.

Polk City Classic Golf Tournament, Thursday, June 27, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spend the day on the greens supporting local efforts while enjoying camaraderie and competition.

Four Seasons Festival, June 28–29, at the Town Square. Cap off the season with Polk City's biggest celebration, featuring live entertainment, food, kids activities and more.

Summer odd-even lawn watering schedule

Lawn watering uses a high volume of water, particularly during the warmer months of the year. Automated, in-ground lawn sprinkler systems need regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Even the most properly maintained system can be operated unwisely, wasting gallons of water. 

City of Polk City and Des Moines Water Works, in partnership with Central Iowa Water Works, encourages central Iowa homeowners and businesses to Use Water Wisely, a recommended schedule aimed at smart summer lawn watering. By improving the efficiency of irrigation practices, homeowners and businesses can reduce consumption, save money and reduce the peak load on water facilities.

Recommended schedule: The recommended outdoor watering schedule applies to all spray irrigation systems for homes and businesses: 

Watering is not recommended on Mondays .
Watering is not recommended during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
Even-numbered addresses are encouraged to water on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. 
Odd-numbered addresses are encouraged to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

Curbside yard waste collection underway

Easily dispose of leaves, grass clippings and more right at your curb. Yard waste curbside collection in Polk City occurs on Friday, the regular garbage collection day. You can set out a variety of yard waste for curbside collection, including: twigs and branches, leaves, grass clippings and garden vegetation (such as spoiled vegetables on the vine or wilted flowers from landscaping).

Items that are not accepted include: dirt, mulch, rocks, food or pet waste.

You have two options for curbside collection with Metro Waste Authority:

Bags and Stickers: Place yard waste in Compost it! bags or store-brand bags with a green Compost It! sticker attached. Set bags at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day. Bags and stickers are available at many local retailers.
Cart Service: If you have a lot of yard waste, consider a Compost It! cart. Just fill the 96-gallon cart and place it at the curb on your regular collection day each week.

Logs, stumps, large branches, rocks and dirt are not accepted in the curbside Compost It! program, but they can be self-hauled to Metro Park East Landfill where yard waste is accepted year-round.

Once collected, your lawn and garden debris is taken to Metro Compost Center at Metro Park East Landfill. There, Metro Waste Authority’s team turns and maintains the yard waste for four to nine months as it decomposes. The final product is Grow Gold Compost, a natural soil enhancer available for purchase for your home, garden or landscaping projects.

Have questions about yard waste or the Compost It! program? Visit www.WhereItShouldGo.com/YardWaste, or give Metro Waste Authority a call at 515-244-0021.

Mary Lou Wilcox Doak

Mary Lou Wilcox Doak, 83, died on April 21, 2025. She grew up in Mt. Pleasant.

She enjoyed working with horses, training dogs and judging dog shows. She was regularly hired to judge AKC obedience trials throughout the Midwest. She spent several summers writing reviews of horse shows for The Des Moines Register.

However, her real life’s focus was her family, including daughters: Jennifer (Dan) Webster of Johnston, Mary Lyn (Pete) Sailor of Ames, Amy (Greg) Moore of Newton and Danielle (Zac) Christensen of Grimes, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She learned a new profession, accounting, and went to work to pay for the kids’ college. Mary Lou was a founding member of St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir for 50 years. As a volunteer, she served on the Johnston Park Board, Johnston Board of Adjustment and an advisory committee for Des Moines Area Education Agency.

Mary Lou met her husband, Richard, when they were students at Iowa State University. They enjoyed 64 years together.

A funeral mass was held Friday, April 25, at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary of Nazareth Church Choir. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements were by Iles Westover Chapel.

Coming up at the Polk City Community Library

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

Announcements:

The library will be closed May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
There are no youth activities in May as we prepare for summer reading.

Fareway Round-up Week: Friends of the Library, May 12-17. When you are shopping at Fareway, choose to round-up your total to the nearest dollar and support library programs. The Friends of the Library provide funds for library programs and the Adventure Pass, which lets patrons visit area attractions free of charge.

All-Abilities Club (for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities), Wednesday May 14, 11 a.m. In this story and craft hour for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers, we’ll read stories, make crafts and play games together. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.

Adult Coloring, Tuesday, May 20, 5 p.m. Join us for a relaxing evening of coloring. Colored pencils and gel pens will be provided. You are also welcome to bring your own. For ages 17 and older.

Summer Reading Registration at the Farmer’s Market, Thursday, May 29, 4-8 p.m. Get signed up for our 2025 Summer Reading Program and have fun as a family. Registration will begin at the library on Friday, May 30.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Endangered Species Awareness, Friday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Every year on the third Friday in May, people around the world join together to celebrate, learn about, and take action to protect threatened and endangered species. This program will identify the factors that cause animals to become endangered and learn how you can help them. You will also meet Indigo, a short-eared owl that is an Iowa endangered species.
Nature Play Day at Thomas Mitchell Park, Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon. Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th st., Mitchellville. Gather your family together to spend a morning taking part in nature play. Explore Iowa’s habitats through interactive play as you visit some of the highlights of Thomas Mitchell Park. It’ll be a simple and fun day that will get your family learning together without even knowing it. The walk will be a little more than 1 mile on bumpy, uneven trails with some hills. Feel free to bring a snack or two along for your family to eat part way through the program. Registration required: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2MDI4OTk=
Sunset Yoga, Monday, May 19, 8-9 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the outdoor plaza or inside the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center. This gentle yoga class will focus on creating a mind and body nature connection as the sun sets. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint. Items to bring: yoga mat and block, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Registration required: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2MDI5MDk

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

'Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa'
Through Sunday, Sept. 7
Des Moines Art Center, A.H. Blank Gallery, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
This exhibition explores the vibrant diversity of Haitian artwork, featuring paintings, metalwork, sculpture and drapos (beaded and sequined banners). The exhibition is accompanied by a complementary 16-page gallery guide, featuring colorful artworks, a history of the WCA’s Haitian art collection, and a description of the themes and symbols often depicted in Haitian artwork. The gallery guide has been translated into Haitian Kreyòl, the first language of nearly 11 million people worldwide.

Bands, Brews and Bikes
Every Sunday, through October, 1-3 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Bike, family and pet-friendly, Bands, Brews and Bikes returns to the biergarten this summer. Ride your bike, grab a cold brew and enjoy live music.

'Alice in Wonderland'
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, through May 18. Fridays 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Kate Goldman Family Series at The Des Moines Playhouse presents “Alice in Wonderland.” Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515-277-6261. “Alice in Wonderland” is presented in the Studio Theatre and is sponsored by Nationwide.

Iowa Craft Brew Festival
Saturday, June 7, 1-4 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Iowa Brewers Guild announces the return of the annual Iowa Craft Brew Festival. Each festival ticket includes unlimited samples, a commemorative tasting glass and access to the spacious festival grounds with shade tents, vendors, yard games and a variety of Iowa-based food trucks. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival features the best in Iowa beer but will also highlight craft cideries and a growing offering of Iowa-produced non-alcoholic beverages. One hundred percent of the festival’s revenue goes to help support Iowa’s craft beer industry and IBG’s Brewed in Iowa campaign that helps raise awareness about the local impact of breweries in Iowa communities. Information and links to purchase tickets are available at www.iowacraftbrewfestival.com.

Vendor Market
Saturday, June 7 and 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 315, Altoona
Each show has a variety of vendors from Avon, essential oils, Tupperware, Freeze Dried Candies, honey, 3D, Tastefully Simple, Gems & Crystals, Scentsy plus others. Come check out the vendors and buy local. If interested in being a vendor, email k2marketplacemagic@gmail.com.

Vietnam War Living History Event
Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston
Discover what life was like for U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War. Meet knowledgeable historians, explore historically accurate campsites, and see period military vehicles.

Make family barbecues a breeze

(Family Features) When it’s time for some fun in the sun, you probably don’t want to waste too much time in the kitchen. This creamy potato salad is ideal for making quickly at home before heading off to your next barbecue.

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

Ingredients:

3 pounds potatoes
4 boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
2 dill pickles
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons mustard
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
smoked paprika, for garnish

Directions:

Coarsely chop potatoes. In Dutch oven, boil until fork tender. Drain then add coarsely chopped eggs and pickles.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, bacon pieces, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.
Transfer to large bowl and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Garnish with smoked paprika.

From your North Polk Living magazine

Mailed to residential home addresses in Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl the third Thursday of each month.

This month's cover story:

RESIDENTS' CHOICE AWARDS

Ankeny/Northern Polk County residents share their favorites.

Residents of Ankeny/Northern Polk County have again weighed in on their favorite businesses, people, events and places in the latest Residents’ Choice poll. The poll results share residents’ top three choices in dozens of categories, many of which are extremely competitive with a handful of votes separating the winner from the runners up. Consequently, we view them all as winners. They have captured the favor of people who live in the area and who know the businesses, people, events and places of the area best.

[...]

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. or under the subscribe tab at IowaLivingMagazines.com

This email was sent to: beckhammiller1@icloud.com

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

Edit Profile

Unsubscribe

Report as Spam