‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
View as Web Page
Forward Email

May 29 - June 4, 2026

 
 
The gym divider, the jock strap and Mrs. Claude
 

I received a letter a few months ago from Mrs. Karilyn Claude, who was a middle school physical education teacher in my hometown of Algona. She said she reads my Daily Umbrella columns when they publish in the Kossuth County Advance, and she also picks up CITYVIEW magazine when in Des Moines. She wondered if I remembered her. Of course, I do.

Back in the early 1980s, gym class was divided with military precision. Boys on one side. Girls on the other. Between us draped a giant red chain-operated divider that looked capable of containing a prison riot — or at least a herd of unruly sixth graders.

The boys were under the command of Mr. Keith Christie, a stern man armed with a whistle, a clipboard and the warmth of an overdue tax notice. The girls had Mrs. Claude, who was upbeat, smiling and somehow able to convince middle schoolers that exercise could actually be fun. To say they were different is like saying Iowa winters are a little chilly. This wasn’t Coke vs. Pepsi. This was black coffee vs. strawberry lemonade. Somehow, though, it worked, at least from the perspective of a scrawny 12-year-old whose primary goal was avoiding a dodgeball to the face.

For reasons I still don’t understand, the girls had to wear gym uniforms. The boys didn’t. Instead, we were introduced to a horrifying piece of athletic equipment known as the jock strap. Nothing humbled a sixth-grade boy faster than standing in a sporting goods store with his mother while shopping for an “athletic supporter.” My friends and I all shuffled into Hutzell’s Sporting Goods and bought the smallest sizes available, which still fit like circus tents. Apparently, manufacturers in 1980 had not anticipated this need for 80-pound boys. It didn’t matter. Rules were rules. And nobody wanted to ask Mr. Christie any follow-up questions.

Occasionally, the boys and girls combined classes for activities like ping pong. That big divider rolled open, tables appeared, and O.B. Laing Middle School suddenly sounded like a casino operated by squirrels on espresso shots. Ping pong balls flew everywhere — off walls, paddles and unsuspecting students. It probably drove Mr. Christie to the brink of retirement. Mrs. Claude loved every second of it. She handed out certificates to the winners, and my buddy Ian and I won the doubles championship. The awards were printed on blue paper from the school mimeograph machine, back when every school document smelled faintly of ink and industrial chemicals. Believe it or not, Mrs. Claude, I still have that certificate stuffed in a drawer somewhere. The jock strap, though, is long gone. Thank goodness.

When not in gym class, I often wore bib overalls. I have no explanation for this because I was not a farm kid. I just liked overalls. If they were good enough for Grandpa, they were good enough for me. Mrs. Claude once told me they were cute, which guaranteed I wore them even more. In sixth grade, “cute” was a compliment. By seventh grade, it was social quicksand.

Mrs. Claude’s comments and kindness made a lot of us smile back then. Her letter made me smile again today. Thank you, Mrs. Claude — for the note, the memories and for making gym class even more enjoyable.

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 golf tournament

The Polk City Area Chamber of Commerce golf tournament is Friday, June 26 at Tournament Club of Iowa with check in at 8 a.m. and shotgun start at 9 a.m. Proceeds will assist in giving back to the community. Cost is $600 per team for members and $650 for non-members. Contact admin@polkcitychamber.com for information and registration.

 

Free Field Day at the Watershed Mitigation Farm

Practical  Farmers of Iowa is hosting a free Field Day at the Watershed Mitigation Farm, 3989 N.W. 94th Ave., Polk City, on Friday, June 5, 10 a.m. to noon. Polk County NRCS received an award for using CRP and EQIP to establish multipurpose wetlands to intercept high nitrate field tiles and upland runoff.  This provides free high nitrate water and phosphates to rapid soil restoration (recent soil tested at 13.2% organic matter). Data collected shows this can boost table  food production 250%. NRCS has switched the fields from commodity crops to high value perennial food cropping. PFI is planning on hosting a second Field Day related to on-farm hands-on STEM in the trades for farming.  

 

Garage Sale and Bake Sale

The Sheldahl United Women in Faith are having a garage sale and bake sale on Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheldahl United Metbodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Features denim rag rugs, free coffee and bottled water.

 

Elkhart citywide garage sale

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

 

Historical Society programs

Big Creek Historical Society, 116 S. 3rd St., Polk City • www.polkcityhistory.org

  • The Dragoon Trail as Hiked by Kevin Mason: June 4, 6 p.m. Presented by Assistant Professor of History at UNI Kevin Mason. The story begins with the 1835 expedition of the First U.S. Dragoons. With archival records, maps, indigenous histories and ecological data, Mason will explore how Iowa's prairies and wetlands gave way to farms, towns and transportation networks. 
 

Polk City Public Library news

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

2026 Summer Reading Program

The 2026 Summer Reading Program has begun. This year’s theme is “UnEarth a Story.” Programs are available for children, teens and adults. The registration kickoff event is May 28 at the Polk City Farmers Market.

Kids and teens: June 1 – July 31


Stop by the library for participation details, free events and prize opportunities. Offerings include Movies on Mondays, storytime on Tuesdays, Comets Kids Club on Wednesdays (grades K-5), and the performers series on Thursdays. Teen events are also planned. Programming runs June 8–July 24, with reading logs beginning June 1.

Adults: June 1 – July 31


Participants can earn tickets toward grand prizes by reading and attending programs. The schedule includes DIY workshops, author visits and a Laura Ingalls Wilder program.

Activities

  • Movie Mondays. June 8, 15 and 22, 10 a.m. Family-friendly movies will be shown in the library multipurpose room. Popcorn is provided. June 8 — “Goat”; June 15 — “The Land Before Time”; June 22 — “Mulan”
  • Thursday Summer Performers Series. 10 a.m., Luana Bank Community Room (north entrance). June 12 — University of Iowa Archaeology: Games and Toys; June 18 — “Dinosaurs Are Loose” with Kelly Crull; June 25 — Skippy the Human Drum Machine.
  • Adult Coloring. Wednesday, June 3, 1 p.m. Relaxed coloring session. Supplies provided; ages 17 and older.
  • Wednesday Book Club. Wednesday, June 3, 7 p.m. Book: “Acceptance: A Memoir,” by Emi Nietfeld.
  • Tiny Tweaks, Happy Life with Erin Port. Thursday, June 4, 6 p.m. A workshop focused on small, sustainable lifestyle changes. Registration not required.
  • Mah Jongg Open Play. Monday, June 8, 1 p.m. Drop-in play; beginners welcome. Ages 17 and older.
  • Adult Apron Adventures: Martha Stewart’s Oatcakes. Tuesday, June 9, 2 p.m.
A tea-themed baking program. Registration required; ages 17 and older.
  • Welcome to Medicare. Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m. A free seminar presented by Iowa SHIIP. Registration required.
  • Teen Hangout: Relax, Create and Connect. June 12 and 19, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Drop-in program for grades 6–12.
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Wildflower Pressing and Identification Workshop. Sunday, June 7, 2-3:30 p.m. Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Learn how to identify, harvest and preserve beautiful wildflowers to create lasting works of art. We will go on a flower identification hike where you will learn about Iowa’s native prairie plants, followed by harvesting and pressing your favorite flowers. Leave with a framable piece of art. Ages 12 and older, registration required by June 3.
  • June Summer Skills. Tuesdays and Thursdays of June beginning June 9, 10 a.m. to noon, 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 which can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Come to one or sign up for an entire series. All equipment will be provided. Ages 10-16. Registration required by two days ahead of class. Classes are as follows: June 9 Paddling, June 11 Fishing, June 16 Air Rifle, June 18 Geocaching, June 23 Archery, and June 25 Outdoor Survival.
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW Midday Mixer
Saturday, May 30, 1-4 p.m.
The District at Prairie Trail, S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
Enjoy summer cocktails to kick off the season. Check in is at El Presidenté, 1465 S.W. Park Square Drive,  Suite 102, Ankeny. Cost is $25 for advance tickets, $35 at the door. For tickets, click here.

Beyond The Summit
Thursday, June 11, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ITA Group, 7000 Vista Drive, West Des Moines
Beyond the Summit is a one-day conference created for cancer survivors and caregivers seeking practical tools, inspiration and connection during and after the cancer journey. Through expert-led sessions, attendees will explore whole-person approaches to healing that support the body, mind, and spirit. Sessions include: The Arts as Medicine; FOOD: What You Eat Matters; Strength in Motion, Clarity in Mind; and Living with Uncertainty and Change. Whether you are a survivor or a caregiver, Beyond the Summit offers education, encouragement and community — meeting you where you are and helping you move forward in your cancer journey. Register as https://pro.gofundme.com/event/beyond-the-summit-2026/e761738. Vendor space is available for nonprofits and more. Visit the registration page for more information.

Arts For All
Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to bring free, world-class performances to parks and neighborhoods across the metro, meeting people where they are with joyful experiences that inspire and unite. DMPA’s partnership with Hy-Vee is what transforms a vision for accessible arts into something the entire community gets to share.

  • FLIP Fabrique: Summer Break. Do you remember your summer camp, the bus ride away from your parents, the smell of campfires, the coldness of the lake in the morning? FLIP Fabrique does, and they built a circus experience for audiences to jump into nostalgia. Bring your popcorn and marshmallows and hop on the Vacation Bus.
    •. Saturday, June 13, 10 and 11:30 a.m., Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
    •. Sunday, June 14, 5:30 p.m., Ankeny Bandshell, 410 W. First St., Ankeny.
    •. Monday, June 15, 6 p.m., Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines.
  • Polyglot Theatre’s Bees. Bees is a joyful, hands-on experience where children don't just watch — they become part of it. They'll enter a humming hive of activity, transforming into bees themselves as they play alongside three human-sized Bee performers, and find themselves welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder and imagination.
    •  Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Ashby Park, 3200 38th St., Des Moines.
    •  Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m., Polk City Town Square, Polk City.
    •. Thursday, July 16, 11 a.m., The Station, 100 Main St. N.E., Bondurant. 6 p.m., Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights.
    •  Friday, July 17, 4:30 and 7 p.m., Walker Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas Ave., Urbandale.
  • Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid. You know that deeply satisfying feeling of setting off a chain reaction? This is that, but bigger. Domino Effect fills Cowles Commons with oversized luminous dominoes, each one humming with its own musical atmosphere. You push them over. That's the whole point. It's playful, it's communal and it's oddly irresistible for every age. Aug. 29 to Sept. 30.
  • Storytime Under the Green Umbrella. Des Moines Performing Arts education partners will lead a playful sharing of songs and stories for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary-aged youth accompanied by their fun-loving grown-ups.
    Wednesdays: June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, Aug. 5 and 19, 10:30 a.m., Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
  • Dance Fitness with Tony Zika. Des Moines Performing Arts invites you to join our annual outdoor dance parties with Tony Zika! MixxedFit is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance moves with body weight toning, while focusing on positivity, self-love and community. This class will get you charged up while you get down to your new favorite songs. Bring some water and some friends and prepare to sweat, laugh and spread some joy. Sundays: June 28, July 26 and Aug. 23, 9 a.m., Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
A season overview, including show descriptions and assets for each engagement, is available online at https://dmpa.app.box.com/s/l4v8qwpiq32wy1dc4h2u5yjjbwuqe25r.
 
 
Find comfort in creamy, hearty family meals
 

(Feature Impact) Simmering soups offer easy, flavorful ways to satisfy the appetite — especially during busy weeknights when time is at a premium. Savor those precious seconds spent around the table rather than watching time escape in the kitchen with comfort food classics that don’t waste a moment.

With solutions like Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, a Mediterranean-style pasta that cooks in under seven minutes, you can turn tried-and-true meals into instant favorites. Made with high-quality semolina wheat, it provides a nutty flavor that absorbs the taste of soups and salads while retaining its density and chewy texture.

To discover more comforting meal ideas fit for your family, visit SuccessRice.com.

Creamy chicken pearl couscous soup
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag Success Pearl Couscous
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Directions:

  • Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.
    In large pot, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Slowly stir in chicken broth then add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer 10 minutes.
  • Stir in chicken, milk and pearl couscous. Simmer 5 minutes until hot. Garnish with parsley.
  • For creamier soup, stir in heavy cream just before serving.
 
 

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

HELP WANTED: River Valley Golf Course is hiring for ProShop. Must be over 21 to be considered, 25-40 hours available per week, combination of weekday & weekend shifts, competitive pay based on experience and FREE GOLF! We'd love to have you be a part of our family! Call 515-993-4029 for more details.

 
 

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

RESIDENTS' CHOICE AWARDS

Ankeny/Northern Polk County residents share their favorites

Once again, residents in the Ankeny/North Polk area have given kudos to the people, places, events and businesses that help make living in the area a pleasure and a breeze. Quality services, products, amenities and more are close to home, and those who live in the area tipped their hats to them by choosing their favorites in our annual Residents’ Choice Poll.

[...]

 
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: beckhammiller1@icloud.com

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

Edit Profile

Unsubscribe

Report as Spam

Logo