North Polk Community Trunk or Treat participating businesses needed

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Oct. 24-30, 2025

The great pumpkin appeared

In “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the 1966 animated Halloween television special based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown’s friend, Linus, was convinced the Great Pumpkin would show up at the pumpkin patch on Halloween. Prior to the holiday, Linus even crafted a letter to it. Of course, the Great Pumpkin never appeared.

I get it. I waited for the Great Pumpkin, too. We didn’t do much pumpkin carving when I was a kid, as there was “too much pumpkin smashing going on in the neighborhood,” or at least that’s what Mom told us.

That all changed when I married, as Jolene insisted we carve pumpkins. When our kids were born, the effort multiplied.

Carving pumpkins was messy, which I am convinced was the real reason my mother never wanted to do it. Our first efforts were messy, too. I should rephrase that: My first efforts were messy. Jolene’s were works of art. She could freehand the designs and do wonders with a steak knife on her pumpkins. Mine looked like they came out of the blender.

But, I was determined to improve on this craft. So, each year, I studied the tricks of the trade. It all starts with the right pumpkin, I learned. The right shape. The right size. The right stage. That part was relatively easy.

Then, I learned the value of patterns. Yes, some of you pumpkin purists may call that cheating, but they served as guides for me to get the right looks. I bought some pattern packets in the check-out lane of a grocery store and then later printed them from websites.

Most importantly, I discovered that I needed the right tools for the job. I sought efficiency in the early years, and my electric handheld jigsaw cut up my pumpkin in seconds. And, yes, it looked like I carved it in seconds. Then, I discovered those tiny, jagged knives that were made for carving pumpkins. Those changed everything, as I could now follow the patterns with exact precision.

And then, it happened — the Great Pumpkin appeared, or at least my Great Pumpkin did. Mom would have been disgusted by the mess I made, but Linus would have certainly been proud of me. Most importantly, my wife and our kids had a great time and created wonderful memories. I did, too. How about you? Do you have some great pumpkin-carving stories? Send me a note and let me know.

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

North Polk Community Trunk or Treat participating businesses needed

Looking for a sweet way to get your business name in front of hundreds of local families? Sign up for the North Polk Community Trunk or Treat, happening on Sunday, Oct. 26, 4-6 p.m., on the Polk City Square. It’s a spooktacular chance to hand out candy, decorate your trunk and connect face to face with parents, kids, and community members — all at no cost to you. Businesses on the square can decorate their storefronts, and everyone else can host a trunk spot. Bring your creativity, your candy, and your community spirit. Register at https://forms.gle/gnpNY51MhPaxuWTu6.

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.

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.

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.

Polk City Community Library news

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

Iowa Scenic Views by Foot: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 6-7 p.m. Join an engaging session with author, poet and runner Tyler Sullivan, as he unveils hidden treasures of Iowa from his journey on foot. He has explored 97 counties, 1,298 cities, and more than 500 museums throughout the state. A free, complimentary meal will be served for the speaker and attendees beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tyler's presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Registration required if you plan to join the meal. Register at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5536768?method=embed.

Adult DIY No-Sew Christmas Trees: Thursday, Nov. 6, 6-8 p.m. Join a fun evening of crafting making no-sew Christmas trees. All supplies will be provided. Ages 17 and older. Registration is required at https://polkcity-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5537803?method=embed.

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

Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame Gala
Saturday, Oct. 26
Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines, 1326 Walnut, Des Moines
www.cjc-dsm.org
Hall of Fame honors for 2025 will be awarded to trombonist/educator/arranger Paul McKee and guitarist Willie Shay, with other honors presented throughout the night.

Edgewater Holiday Mart
Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
9225 Cascade Ave., West Des Moines
Local artists and vendors offer their personal creations — carved Santas, wine bottle stoppers, wooden pens and toys, kaleidoscopes, goodie boxes, paintings, paper quilling, linoleum block prints, blown and fused glass, photographs, cards, fiber arts, pottery and ceramics, clocks, jewelry, decorated felt bags, quilted bags, cutting boards, woven baskets, embroidered dish towels, knitted socks, crocheted animals, painted rocks, goat soaps and lotions, breads, fudge and peanut brittle, honey, vanilla, gourmet popcorn and nuts, jams and jellies, and baked goods.

Día de los Muertos Festivities
Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
The Art Center invites all for a free, family-friendly day with Día de los Muertos activities. Enjoy live music and dance performances, food and art vendors, hands-on activities, a Catrina costume showcase, a short documentary film tribute, and our annual community ofrenda (on view through Nov. 16).  Free Mexican hot cocoa and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) will be available while supplies last. Visitors may take advantage of a free shuttle from Merrill Middle School, which will run continuously during the event. 

Savor Iowa’s Culinary History
Thursday, Nov. 13, 5 p.m.
Terrace Hill Historic Site Drawing Room, 2300 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Savor Iowa's amazing food heritage. Iowa’s delectable cuisine is quintessentially Midwestern, grounded in its rich farming heritage and spiced with diverse ethnic influences. In this Ask the Expert, dig in as we serve up Iowa's tastiest traditions. From the chili and cinnamon rolls phenomenon to Maid-Rites, discover the remarkable stories behind Iowa's classics and savor a smorgasbord of other unique Iowa food traditions. Pull up a chair, gain a few cooking tips and relish what you missed in history class in this fascinating presentation by Darcy Maulsby, author, farmer, speaker and avid home cook. This program is based on Darcy's book, “A Culinary History of Iowa: Sweet Corn, Pork Tenderloins, Maid-Rites and More.” This is a free program, but advanced registration is required as space is limited. Register online at https://thsavoriowasculinaryhistory.eventbrite.com or contact Allison Wergeland at allison.wergeland@governor.iowa.gov or 515-281-7205.

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.

Take on dinnertime with tasty taco cups

(Family Features) Take Taco Tuesday up a notch with these easy taco cups that save room on your plate for dips, salsa and sides. Whether you like them mild or spicy, lightly topped or fully loaded, they’re a perfect solution for weeknight family dinners or weekend get-togethers. Find more Cookin’ Savvy creations at Culinary.net.

Taco cups
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 package (8 count) flour tortillas
shredded cheese
lettuce
cilantro
sour cream
salsa
guacamole (optional)
black olives (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 F.
Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.
Cut tortillas in half then in half again, making four pieces. Place two pieces in each hole of muffin tin. Place browned ground beef in each hole then top with shredded cheese.
Bake 15 minutes, or until tortillas reach desired crispiness.
Using knife, shred lettuce and cilantro. Top each cup with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and cilantro, as desired. Add guacamole and olives, if desired.

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

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