KIWANIS SENIORS OF THE MONTH and more in this week's issue!

Jan. 9-15, 2026

6 reasons to smile

You shouldn’t need a reason to smile today, but here are a few, just in case you do.

“Smile. It makes people wonder what you’re up to.” This quote is attributed to Sean Keogh, author of “Bottoms up: a Cheeky Look at Life.” My sister had a similar version as a painting that was hung in her bedroom in our childhood home. I read it hundreds of times as a kid, and I always smiled. She did, too. I hope you are as well.

“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” Dolly Parton has been known to share this quote, along with a great big smile. In fact, I can’t envision Dolly not smiling. Wouldn’t it be great if people said that about each one of us?

“You are never fully dressed without a smile.” These beautiful words are from the song “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from the Broadway musical “Annie,” written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. So many people put so much time and money into their appearance, yet the greatest improvement we can all make to how we look is to simply add a smile — and it’s free!

“Life is like a mirror. Smile and it smiles back at you.” You have likely heard that when one person yawns, another soon will. The same is true for smiles. In fact, they multiply. A lot.

“Be the reason someone smiles today.” My friend Susan used to take her finger and press it against my forehead each time I would frown. “You are going to get a permanent wrinkle there,” she would say. “You should smile instead.” That was great advice. It still is, which I am reminded of each time I look at that wrinkle.

“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” I had a friend who ran a car dealership who would say, “Buying a car shouldn’t be like going to the dentist.” And, he made car-buying fun. My dentist took offense to that comment, though, and would frequently say, “Going to the dentist should be fun.” And, at her office, it is. Meanwhile, there is still something heart-warming about a person without teeth offering an ear-to-ear smile.

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

Drew Charles Fausch has been named one of the Kiwanis Seniors of the Month. He and his parents, Jim and Lisa Fausch, and siblings, Mason and Ryan, live in Alleman.

“My name is Drew Fausch, and I am a senior at North Polk. I am involved in baseball, tennis, FFA and National Honor Society. In my free time, I enjoy working on the farm, restoring a tractor and spending time with my family and friends.”

Drew plans to major in agronomy next fall at Iowa State University.

“One of my favorite high school memories was going to Indianapolis with my friends for the FFA National Convention.”

Drew’s favorite classes are science, agriculture and history. He has earned the Iowa FFA Degree, is this year’s FFA president, has been on Gold Honor Roll all four years and on the DMACC President’s List and was homecoming king.

Polk City Public Library news

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

Announcements: The library will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, for staff training, and Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Check the library’s calendar and social media for extra activities on Feb. 23, 26 and 27.
Lunch & Learn: Scam Prevention and Other Area Agency on Aging Resources
Thursday, Jan. 15, noon. Learn about the treasure trove of free resources and hidden gems Polk County’s Area Agency on Agency offers to ages 60 and older, caretakers and individuals with disabilities of any age. Registration required by Jan. 14 if joining for lunch. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
Beat the Winter Blues Eight-Week Challenge (adults), through Feb. 27: Join library staff for an exciting Health and Wellness Challenge throughout January and February. Each week will feature a different theme, along with a list of enjoyable activities for you to choose from. You can participate from the comfort of your home or while you’re on the go. To participate, pick up a paper copy of the challenge at the front desk, then complete at least one of the themed challenges each week. If you complete all eight weeks, celebrate your accomplishment by turning in your challenge sheet at the front desk to enter a prize drawing.
Lego Club: Monday, Jan. 12, 4 p.m. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
National Rubber Ducky Day: Jan. 13. Waddle on over to the library for a special scavenger hunt to celebrate National Rubber Duck Day.
Comets Kids Club: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 4-4:45 p.m. Turing Tumble! Kids can explore coding the hands-on way with a mechanical game that uses marbles, ramps and gears to solve logic puzzles. Registration required. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
Friends of the Library Meeting: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Messy Munchkins: Thursday, Jan. 15, 10-11 a.m.
NEW Toddler & Preschool LEGO DUPLO Free Play: Thursday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.
Adult Evening DIY: Snowflake Paper Quilling: Thursday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m. Ages 17 and older. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
Pre-K Playday: Friday, Jan. 23, 9-11 a.m. at City Hall for children up to age 5. Full of sensory toys, fun structures and musical instruments. Parent/caregiver attendance is required.
Game Night with The Dealt Hand: Friday, Jan. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Polk City Community Room (new city hall). Drop in at any time for a fun evening playing games. The Dealt Hand will provide more than 200 games for your enjoyment. Play one of your favorites or learn something new. You are welcome to bring your dinner and eat while playing. The Friends of the Library will provide popcorn and a hot cocoa bar. Any and all ages are welcome.
Monday Adult Book Club: “The Shadow of War” by Jeff Shaara. Monday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m.
Adult DIY Card Crafting: Monday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. There will be a $5 material fee payable that night. Ages 17 and older. Register by clicking on the calendar event on the library’s website, polkcitylibrary.org.
NEW Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m.
Adult Bingo: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1-2:30 p.m.

Polk City Arbor League Tree ID and Pruning Workshops

Sunday, Jan. 11: 1-3 p.m. Lost Lakes Park, 504 N. Broadway, Polk City.
Sunday, Jan. 25: 1-3 p.m. Miller Park, 401 Booth St., Polk City.
Saturday, Jan. 31: 1-3 p.m. Leonard Park, 413 Parker Blvd., Polk City.

Each event will start with a pruning demonstration followed by a short hike around the park with winter tree ID tips and tricks. Participants are encouraged to RSVP to the Facebook event and bring their own pruners to have an opportunity for some hands-on practice. The event will be cancelled if temperatures are below zero.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Family Fun Night: Friday, Jan. 9, 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.
Winter Forest Bathing: Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Slow down and reconnect with nature during this peaceful winter forest bathing experience at Jester Park. Guided by a certified nature and forest therapy guide, participants will explore mindfulness in the outdoors through quiet observation, intentional movement and sensory awareness — all set against the serene backdrop of Iowa’s winter woods. After the walk, warm up by the fire with a cup of locally sourced tea and reflect on the restorative power of the season. No prior experience needed — just dress warmly and come ready to unwind. Registration required by Jan. 5.
Grandparent and Me: Monday, Jan. 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Bring an adult who is special to you to the nature center. Explore how animals survive in winter by reading a story, exploring outside and doing a science experiment. Come dressed for a brief outdoor exploration. Registration required by Jan. 11. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Knee-High Naturalists: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 10-11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun. As naturalists, we will hike, investigate and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Come dressed to be outside. January’s topic is: Pine Tree Discoveries. Registration required by the day before, All ages welcome but recommended ages 3-6.
Out in Nature at Easter Lake: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 10-11 a.m., Easter Lake Event Center, Easter Lake Park, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Come on out to Easter Lake with a sense of adventure. We’ll learn how to observe and study changes in nature as we explore, play and investigate. The program will meet at the Event Center but will be mostly outdoors. Come prepared for the weather. Adults are expected to stay and actively participate with their children/students. Free and all ages welcome.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW's Fire and Ice
Saturday, Jan. 24, 1-4 p.m.
Valley Junction
CITYVIEW brings back its legendary Valley Junction area pub crawl. Fire and Ice is a hockey-themed liquor sampling event that will be sure to warm up your winter blues. With your event ticket, you will receive 10 individual drink tickets to sample some of the best winter cocktails from establishments in the Valley Junction area. Bring your friends, try new drinks and shop local in Valley Junction. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Follow the QR code for tickets. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-cityview-fire-ice-a-winter-pub-crawl-tickets-1873604273819

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.

Botanical Blues is Back
Every Sunday now through March 29, brunch at 10 a.m., concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Winter doesn’t stand a chance when there’s live music at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Botanical Blues has long been the go-to Sunday afternoon escape for warm vibes, local talent and a laid-back atmosphere. Each set lasts one hour, with a one-hour intermission in between. Concerts are held live in the conservatory, and guests are welcome to wander the indoor gardens during the show. This year’s lineup blends favorite performers from the past two decades with exciting new voices. https://dmbotanicalgarden.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a409387a566ec58d66ccc3b2a&id=060d6db58d&e=2fcad2ff9e

Chewbocka Fest 2026
Jan. 17
Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines
Confluence Brewing Company challenges any and all Star Wars fans to harness their inner Wookiee and get transported into this themed festival at the southside brewery. Practice your roars and get ready for a day full of fun activities. More information available at www.confluencebrewing.com.

Comedian Charlie Berens
Jan. 24
Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
Charlie Berens brings his Midwest-style comedy to Des Moines, much to the delight of comedy fans in central Iowa. More information available at www.desmoinesperformingarts.org.

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.

Healthy everyday recipes for real life

(Family Features) When planning meals, particularly breakfasts, there are a few critical factors many families consider: taste, simplicity and nutrition. Eating healthier doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach. With the right inspiration, healthy food can be delicious, nutritious and convenient.

By choosing ingredients like eggs, which are easy to use and versatile, you can make healthy living fit into your life at the breakfast table as part of a balanced diet. For example, these egg-inspired recipes are part of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best.

To find more healthy eating tips and recipes that help you eat smart, move more and live healthier, visit Heart.org.

Turkey bacon and spinach quiche with sweet potato crust
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support from Eggland’s Best
Servings: 5

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
1 medium sweet potato, peeled
1 teaspoon canola or corn oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 slices uncured, nitrate-free turkey bacon, thinly sliced
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
3/4 teaspoon dried dillweed, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 large egg whites
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 1/2 tablespoons fat-free feta cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In medium bowl, using box grater, grate sweet potato. Measure out 2 cups. Gently press sweet potato on bottom and up sides of pan, forming crust. Sweet potato will be loose but will hold together once cooked.
Bake 20 minutes, or until crust is cooked. Remove from oven. Let stand to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F.
In medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 6 minutes, or until almost translucent, stirring frequently. Add turkey bacon. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until onion and bacon begin to brown, stirring frequently. Add spinach, dillweed, salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until water from spinach is released. Remove from heat. Transfer mixture into sweet potato crust.
In medium bowl, whisk egg whites, eggs and milk. Pour over mixture in crust. Sprinkle feta over top.
Bake 35-40 minutes, or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Transfer to cooling rack. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

Handmade for the holidays

Residents share the joy of gifts from the heart

The quilt from a beloved aunt. Knitted sweaters from Grandma. A child’s table and chairs crafted in a relative’s workshop. A personalized ornament. Handmade gifts are unique, but, more than that, they are gifts of time spent in the crafting, imagination in their design and love in their giving.

[...]

Read the full digital issue

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