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Nov. 7-13, 2025

 
 
Check out our Digital Gift Guide
 

I fondly recall the Sears Christmas catalogs from my youth, and I was reminded of them recently when the Amazon Toy Catalog arrived in the mail. The catalog is about shopping, and it is also about using the power of print to rev up the economic engine. It worked decades ago, and it continues to work today.

Of course, consumers are making more and more purchases online each year, and that is negatively impacting our brick and mortar stores, the ones that pay the property taxes so we can enjoy many of the public amenities we have — things like police cars, fire protection, city streets and public schools. It is creating a dilemma that will undoubtedly end up with homeowners picking up the tab in the form of hefty increases in residential property taxes, but that’s a column for another day.

Fortunately, the power of print and the immediacy of the internet can work together to accommodate the shopping needs of today’s consumers. This year, we launched our first Digital Gift Guide, packed with 21 pages that highlight 160 local items for sale complete with photos and descriptions. From clothing to jewelry to TVs to games, you will certainly find something for everyone on your shopping list. And, the best part is that you will be buying from local stores that give back to our communities each and every day. The guide is only available in the digital format, but we are promoting it in all of our publications and our digital offerings with links to it.

Is it the Sears catalog? Heavens no. It’s not even the much-smaller Amazon Toy Catalog. But, it is our modest effort to help promote the goods and services of local businesses and to provide some wonderful gift ideas for each of you in an easy-to-read format. We will keep working with local businesses on this project in years to come to make buying their products and services even easier, and I welcome your feedback.

As in years past, we will also publish a similar effort in our November print and digital editions of CITYVIEW magazine, which will be on racks and online Nov. 5.

Check out both of these efforts and the stores that support them and join me in making an effort to shop at area businesses this holiday season — and every day throughout the year. Happy shopping!

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

 
 
Chamber lunch
 

The Go Polk City Chamber Lunch on Oct. 22 was held at Tournament Club of Iowa. Among those attending were Sara Wilson, Emily Mitchel and Jim Foreman.

 

Bake Sale and Dinner

Come to the Polk City O.E.S. Chapter 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, apple butter and nuts will be featured. Dinner is served starting at 11 a.m., $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-10, younger than 5 free. Carryout 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.

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.

Date Night at the ORWC: Friday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Bring a loved one for a fun night of archery, axe throwing and bouldering. Instructions, equipment and light refreshments will be provided. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Willow Holiday Wreath: Sunday, Nov. 16, noon to 3 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join artists Pam Dennis and Ryk Weiss with Flock 9 Studios to learn how to craft a beautiful wreath using natural native willow. This renewable resource will be harvested and ready for you to use. After your wreath is completed, materials will be available to decorate your wreath and give it a little holiday flare. Participants will need to bring a hammer, anvil shears, small wire cutters and needle nose pliers. Instruction, creative guidance, willow, nails, and decorations provided. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Nov. 7.

Family Fun Night: Friday, Nov. 21, 6-8 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Gather your friends and family together for a low-cost night of fun at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. Opportunities will be available for bouldering (age 4-plus) and archery (10-plus), playing a variety of family games and puzzles, and enjoying time outdoors, or in, by the fire making s’mores. Light snacks will be provided. Pay cash (preferred) or card at the door for this open-house style event. $5 per person, children younger than 4 are free.

 
 

Polk City Community Library news

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

Card Crafting with Jane and Kim: Monday, Nov. 24, 6-8 p.m. Join Jane and Kim in making Anything But Christmas Cards (but still with a Christmas theme). There will be a $5 material fee payable that night. Beginners are welcome. Prepare to have a good time. Ages 17 and older. Register at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5576472?method=embed.

Adult Crafternoon: Mosaic Tile Feathers: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2-4 p.m. Join a fun afternoon of crafting mosaic tile feathers. All supplies will be provided. Ages 17 and older. Register at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5567134?method=embed.

 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The Iowa Files: Over the Hill to the Poor Farm
Nov. 16
Community Room of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway
This joint West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library program is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of West Des Moines Historical Society members, Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Friends Foundation of the West Des Moines Library. All programs are streamed on the WDMHS Facebook page and YouTube channel. Poor farms were residential institutions, often operated by counties, that provided basic social services and housing for the poor, disabled and elderly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Gayla Harkin was a long time administrator of the poor farm in Boone, and will share her stories about the programs and residents.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th St., Des Moines
Many crafters with a variety of creative items that are perfect for the holidays. Free admission. Close-up parking, lunch available to purchase.

Tinseltown in the Park
Nov. 22 - Dec. 20
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Mark your calendars for Tinseltown in the Park, featuring live Christmas tree sales, biergarten specials, food trucks, entertainers, unique visits from holiday A-listers, photo opportunities, and more to celebrate the holiday season in the park.

The Christkindlmarket
The weekends of Dec. 4-7, and 11-14
Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
www.christkindlmarketdsm.com
Experience a German-inspired Christmas Market. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of the holidays as you participate in a 750-year-old tradition. Shop regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls; enjoy lively performances of polka music, traditional dance and choirs in Yuletide Hall; participate in children's activities; sip Glühwein (warm, mulled wine) and savor European beer.

Square Dance Lessons
Sunday nights starting Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church, 4601 Douglas Ave., Des Moines
Ankeny Square Dance Club is sponsoring Square Dance Lessons. Cost is $20 per person for the entire session accepted at the third lesson. Attend with or without a dance partner. You'll learn the calls, one at a time, taught by a caller (instructor) and volunteers. For more information call Sandy Townsend, 515-294-2624, or visit www.ankenysquares.com.

 
Savor the season with fresh, roasted pork
 

(Family Features) If this year’s holiday menu is in need of an upgrade, look no further than the main course. A twist on tradition may be all that’s necessary to take seasonal meals up a level for a fresh way to savor the season and celebration. Find more holiday recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.

Stuffed Boneless Pork Loin Roast
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 95 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 Coleman Natural boneless pork roast (3-4 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 2 cups cubed fresh bread, crust removed
  • 1 apple, diced
  • gravy, for serving

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Butterfly roast.
  • In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and butter. Add celery, carrots and onions; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • While vegetables are cooking, whisk eggs; milk; salt, to taste; and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Mince sage and rosemary.
  • In large bowl, combine bread, vegetable mixture, liquid ingredients, apples, sage and rosemary. Gently toss until bread absorbs most of the liquid.
  • Cut three pieces of butcher’s twine about 4 inches longer than the longest side of butterflied roast. Lay string on cutting board horizontally and lay roast on top of string to cover.
  • Place half of the stuffing mixture onto butterflied pork loin and press down firmly. Roll roast up and tie with butcher’s twine to hold it together, taking care not to tie too tightly, and press any stuffing that comes loose back into ends of roast.
  • Place stuffed and tied roast, fat cap up, on rack over baking sheet. Season liberally with salt and pepper; roast until meat thermometer inserted into roast registers 140 F, 75-90 minutes.
  • Place remaining stuffing in a small ovenproof casserole dish and cover with foil. After roasting 30 minutes, place extra stuffing in oven to cook alongside roast.
  • Remove foil from extra stuffing and remove roast from oven. Let rest for 10 minutes then remove the extra stuffing from oven.
  • Cut twine from roast and discard. Cut roast into six thick slices, taking care not to lose stuffing. Serve with extra stuffing and gravy.
 
 
 

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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