Aug. 29 - Sept. 4, 2025

Iowa Secretary of Sate Paul Pate, pictured with Staci Allen, executive director of the Go Polk City chamber, spoke at the chamber lunch at City Hall on Aug. 27. 

Upcoming in North Polk Living magazine

• Home Improvement: Our annual Home Improvement issue in which we share residents’ stories about their remodeling projects is coming up. Please share your stories about the work you have done on your home and how it has changed your use of the space and enjoyment of your home. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com with your stories.
• Costume Creations: Halloween fun is quickly approaching! If you forgo the off-the-rack costumes for something more creative, we want to hear from you. Tell us about your costume creations and the fun you had making them. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com with your stories.

‘Khrushchev and Corn’

Liz Garst, granddaughter of Roswell and Elizabeth Garst, will recount the history of agricultural development in Iowa and how it came to pass that Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and his family visited the Garst family in 1959. “Khrushchev and Corn” will be presented Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Big Creek Museum, 116 S. Third St., Polk City.

Many will remember the motorcade through Ankeny as Khrushchev traveled from Iowa State University to the John Deere works. This program is a presentation of the Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau programming.

RVTV

Celebrate the big game a day early with live broadcasts, tailgating fun, and a night full of community spirit as Channel 13 brings RVTV to the Polk City Town Square on Friday, Sept. 5, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Party with Channel 13 before they broadcast the North Polk football game live on NBC. There will be a beer garden and big screen for viewing of the game and live music from Gut Feeling. Register your tailgate at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRyn_S3VKhU1fbtvwfbwCyUdCkyNXZTrrxfpet58Gj7JIerA/viewform.

Ice Cream Smorgasbord

Enjoy homemade ice cream, toppings and goodies, followed by the annual auction at the Ice Cream Smorgasbord on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Ice cream will be served starting at 4:30 p.m. The auction starts at 5 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults or two for $15. The three-legged stool, baked goods, homemade pickles, garden produce, handmade articles, and much more will be featured. Bring your lawn chairs.

Brews in the Barn

Polk City Friends of the Parks is hosting Brews in the Barn, one of its annual fundraisers, Sept. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Moeckly Barn, 4395 N.W. 118th Ave., Polk City. The public is invited for a fun-filled night of live music with Ben Puttman, delicious dinner by Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ, beer from Fenders Brewing, wine from the Cellar Winery and a silent auction. The group is raising money to replace the playground on the square. Cost is $50 per person. Tickets are available at www.polkcityfriendsoftheparks.com/brews-in-the-barn.

Polk City Farmers Market

Enjoy the Polk City Farmers Market on Thursdays, through Sept. 25, 4:30-8 p.m., at the 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.

North Polk Schools Superintendent Michael Kline and Home State Bank President and CEO Bob Allen recognize the update to the gym floor. Home State Bank made a large donation to the North Polk activities department, earning the recognition. 

Polk County Conservation events

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

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Trees & Climate Change. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Once upon a time, the Earth's climate changed at a glacial pace. Now, in the Holocene, aka the age of man, our climate is fluctuating widely and wildly with the undeniable, persistent and problematic trend of getting steadily hotter. In the olden days — like really, really olden prehistoric days — it took a millennium or more for the Earth's temperature to change by a degree in either direction, allowing plants multiple generations to evolve adaptations or "move" to more accommodating regions. But now, thanks to shifts in the atmosphere that have been sped up by human activity, temperatures are changing much faster than plants with long lifespans can adapt to. In this program, learn how climate change is affecting tree populations around the world and what conservationists are doing to try to stay a step ahead. We'll also learn how we can use trees to help combat climate change in our own backyards. 

Toddler Tales. Thursday, Sept. 4, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft.

Full Moon Hike. Sunday, Sept. 7, 8-9:30 p.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Join a naturalist for an evening hike to discover the sights, sounds and wildlife that come alive after dark. While walking through the forest and open prairies, learn about nocturnal animals, night vision adaptations, and the fascinating role of the moon in nature. This guided hike offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the park in a whole new light. Free to attend, all ages welcome.

DIY - Elderberry Syrup. Thursday, Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join this hands-on class where you'll discover the wonders of elderberry and create your own elderberry syrup to take home. In the workshop, you'll learn about the medicinal properties and benefits of elderberries, how to properly identify and harvest them, and the process of making elderberry syrup from scratch. Take home your very own handmade elderberry syrup, perfect for boosting your immune system and adding a delicious touch to your favorite recipes. Registration required by Sept. 8. $10 cost, ages 16 and older.

Polk City Community Library news

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

Wednesday Book Club: Sept. 3, 7 p.m., “Sold,” by Patricia McCormick. When she is tricked by her stepfather and sold into prostitution, 13-year-old Lakshmi becomes submerged in a nightmare where her only comfort is the friendship she forms with the other girls, which helps her survive — and eventually escape. Ages 19 and older. Stop by the library for a free-to-keep copy of the book while supplies last.

Your Grandpa & Grandma’s Farm with Rich Tyler: Thursday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m.). Join Rich Tyler as he shares the story of Joshua Secrest, an Iowa farmer who established a successful livestock farm and constructed a remarkable octagonal barn in 1883 — a barn that Rich later restored himself. Attendees will have the opportunity to test their knowledge about various old farm tools that will be on hand. Free luncheon to follow. Registration is required and opens one month prior to the event date. Please register online or let the library know you plan to attend by stopping by the front desk or calling 515-984-6119.

RVTV-The Dealt Hand: Friday, Sept. 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Come enjoy playing a large selection of board games. You can even bring your dinner! We are hoping to have the North Polk game on beginning at 7 p.m.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center
CITYVIEW is bringing Martini Fest back to West Glen Town Center. For a ticket price of $25 (tickets will be $35 at the event), attendees will receive 10 tickets that can be redeemed at each participating martini stop for a sample-size martini. Locations include nightclubs and restaurants at West Glen Town Center. Enjoy live music and all that West Glen has to offer. Reserve your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cityview-martini-fest-2025-tickets-1291852588869 now so you can avoid registration lines at the event.

Des Moines Art Center Events
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines

• Museum Highlights Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. 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 the 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.
• “Firelei Báez” Exhibition Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. Step into the intricate and thought-provoking world of “Firelei Báez” with a guided tour of the exhibition. Organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, this exhibition is the first North American survey dedicated to the richly layered work of artist Firelei Báez. Over the past 20 years, she has made work that explores the multilayered legacy of colonial histories and the African diaspora in the Caribbean and beyond. Free to all, no registration required.
• “Life Mask: A Celebration of Gifts from the Dale Jansen Estate” Exhibition Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. until Aug. 31, in the John Brady Print Gallery. This exhibition pays tribute to the late philanthropist, collector and longtime Des Moines Art Center supporter Dale Jansen. Its title is borrowed from Bruce Nauman’s 1981 lithograph “Life Mask,” one of 65 artworks that were donated to the Art Center by Jansen through his estate.

Prairie Meadows Casino Free Shows
1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona

• Scott Kirkhart: Friday, Aug. 29, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Mike Walsh Band: Saturday, Aug. 30, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Clarksville Station: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Hideaway Honey: Friday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Andrew Hoyt: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Kowboy Kix: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Iowa Barn Foundation All-State Barn Tour
Saturday, Sept. 13
The Iowa Barn Foundation will be holding its annual All-State Barn Tour featuring a record 103 stops across the state. The self-guided tour is free and open to the public, and barns are open for touring inside and out. For more information, visit the IBF Website: https://iowabarnfoundation.org/. Or, visit the IBF Fall 2025 interactive tour guide: https://iowabarnfoundation.org/barn-tour/2025-fall-all-state-barn-tour-sept-13-14/.

Square Dance Lessons
Sunday nights starting Sept. 14, 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.

‘The Hippies & Cowboys Tour’
Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Cody Jinks brings “The Hippies and Cowboys Tour” to Water Works Park this summer, along with rising star Tanner Usrey, for a night under the stars of quality country music and compelling lyrics from his new album. For tickets, visit www.axs.com/events/766169/cody-jinks-the-hippies-and-cowboys-tour-tickets.

(Family Features) Turn hectic weeknights into simple, enjoyable evenings at the dinner table with a secret weapon: rotisserie chicken. Versatile, delicious and likely to leave leftovers for later in the week, it’s a perfect solution for rotisserie chicken ravioli to keep your loved ones on schedule during the school year. Find more family dinner ideas from Cookin’ Savvy at Culinary.net.

Rotisserie chicken ravioli
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 package (25 ounces) cheese ravioli
• 1 rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken
• 1 head broccoli
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1-2 cups chicken broth
• 1 jar alfredo sauce

Directions:

• Cook ravioli according to package instructions and set aside.
• Cut up rotisserie chicken, using as much as desired. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces or smaller.
• In pan over medium heat, heat chicken through. Add garlic powder and onion powder.
• Deglaze pan with 1 cup chicken broth then add alfredo sauce and broccoli.
• Pour in remaining broth if sauce is too thick. Stir in cooked ravioli and heat through 2-3 minutes.

HOUSE FOR SALE: Immaculate Missouri Valley, IA. MOVE IN READY. 1992 MH on 0.42 acre sold as a unit, clear title/deed. 2/1 bath, senior owners, cleaned daily. W/D, appliances, walk in shower, updated windows. Lennox AC, clothesline, apple tree. Shed and detached garage. Too much to list $130,000 no renting or owner financing. Call 972-674-9170. Photos available.

FREE: 2 teacup yorkies and an 8-year-old dapple gray percheron gelding horse need a new home. Email mildor2dorene@gmail.com if interested.

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