Sept. 13-19, 2024

Madelyn Jacobus and Hattie Growdon, members of the North Polk Junior High Cross County team, run at the meet held at Johnston High School on Sept. 5.

LifeServe Blood Drive is Oct. 18

Polk City Eastern Star is hosting a LifeServe Blood Drive Friday, Oct. 18, 1-4 p.m., at the parking lot on the corner of West Broadway Street and S. Fourth Street, Polk City. Sign up on LifeServe’s website, www.lifeservebloodcenter.org, or by calling LIfeServe at 800-287-4903. 

Sponsors and donations sought for gala

The Polk City Community Foundation is planning its annual Winter Wonderland Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The gala will include a program, dinner and live auction. Proceeds will benefit Polk City and the foundation’s nonprofit partnerships in the area.

Polk City Community Foundation (PCCF) was formed in 2008 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The Foundation was formed to assist in improving the quality of life in Polk City and surrounding communities through philanthropy. PCCF provides an opportunity for donors to direct their donations to the projects that are important to them. They do this by raising money through donations, planned giving, grants and fundraising. This year, the Foundation has a big goal — to raise $150,000.

The foundation encourages the public to support the event as an attendee, sponsor or donor. Donations can be made by credit card online at http://getmeregistered.com/PCCFWinterGala or by check mailed to Polk City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Polk City, IA 50226.

Fall Festival bazaar and bake sale

The Sheldahl United Women in Faith invites the public to stop in at their Fall Festival bazaar and bake sale Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon, at Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Frozen quarts and pints of homemade chicken and noodles will be available, as well as a large inventory of denim rugs, nuts, cards, baked goods and craft items. Enjoy the coffee corner while there.

Big Red Barn featured on state barn tour

On Sept. 14 and 15, the Iowa State Barn Tour will include the Big Red Barn a mile east of Polk City on 118th Street. The barn was built by Adam Schaal, the same man who built the Museum on the Square. The museum will be open both days from 1-4 p.m. Roxana Currie, who is spearheading the hunt for other Schaal buildings, will be available to answer questions. For information on the barn tour, visit https://iowabarnfoundation.org/barns/1876-moeckly-barn.

Polk City Museum on the Square events

The Polk City Museum, 116 S. Third St., on the west side of the Square, is hosting two upcoming events. 

• Steve Holmes, a Civil War reenactor, will share the history of Polk City’s own Civil War soldiers on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Polk City Museum on the Square. Letters, pictures, family stories held in the museum collection plus his extensive knowledge will make this program come alive.
• Murder! a radio play, will be presented Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. by the Big Creek Historical Society. The play is about the 1882 and 1883 murders that arguably changed the course of Polk City’s history. The town lost two leading citizens and devastated other local lives. This is storytelling at its best, just in time for Halloween. 

Library offers Junior Librarian opportunity

Explore the field of librarianship through the Polk City Public Library’s Junior Librarian program for students in grades 3-6. Are you interested in understanding the duties of a librarian? Every month throughout the academic year, Miss Nicole will pick one student to be a junior librarian. If selected, you can shadow a librarian for an afternoon and assist with tasks such as choosing new books, arranging displays or recommending books. Applications are available at the circulation desk. Applications are due Sept. 21.

Polk City Community Library offers variety of activities

Polk City Community Library, 1500 W. Broadway St., 515-984-6119, www.polkcityia.gov/library.

Comets Kids Club, K-5th graders, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m., “Taxidermied” Stuffed Animals. Participants will “mount” a head using their stuffed animal. With craft materials and a bit of creativity, each child will transform their stuffed friend into a one-of-a-kind display piece. Registration required at polkcitylibrary.org.

Iowa’s Role in the Civil War with John Liepa, Thursday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m. This presentation tells the story of how Iowa events and changing attitudes from 1830-1861 influenced its Civil War roles; the evolution and changing status of laws affecting black Iowans; the role played by Iowants during the war, including key individuals and battles; the home front; and, finally, the immediate and long-term impact on Iowa history. Registration requested but not required.

Comet Kids STEM Book Club, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 4 p.m. Meeting monthly for a book discussion and related STEM experiment. Our September meeting will vote on the October book and get messy with a STEM based experiment. Designed for grades K-3. Registration required online at polkcitylibrary.org.

Stories and more offered by Polk County Conservation

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

Story Tellebration, Jester Park Nature Center, Wednesday, Oct. 16, Leaves are Falling. Join volunteer storyteller Carmen Epstein for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 and older that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity. No registration required for this free event.

Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center, Thursday, Oct. 3, Falling Leaves; Wednesday, Nov. 6, Turkeys; and Thursday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., Rocks. 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. No registration required for this free event for ages 2 and older.

Homeschool Programs, Jester Park Nature Center, Friday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Archer (one hour); Friday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Prairies (1.5 hours). This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is specially designed for homeschool students. These programs will immerse children and parents in the natural world and drive us to learn, discover and appreciate our environment. Registration is due two days before the event. The program is free and recommended for grades K-5.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

• Sept. 14: Norwalk Music Fest. All participating musicians are from central Iowa. The fest will have food vendors, games, beer tent and activities. Norwalk City Park, 907 North Ave., Norwalk. www.norwalkhometownpride.org/home
• Sept. 20-21: Beaverdale Fall Festival. A community festival featuring food, drinks, art, commercial vendors and plenty of entertainment. Downtown Beaverdale. www.fallfestival.org
• Sept. 20-22: Pufferbilly Days 2024. More than 30 different events happen during the Pufferbilly Days celebration. Everything from spelling bees to concerts, pet shows, car shows and more. Downtown Boone, 903 Story St. www.boonecountychamber.com
• Sept. 21-22: Latino Heritage Festival. An action-packed weekend for the largest celebration of Latino heritage in Iowa. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.latinoheritagefestival.org
• Sept. 26-27: Third Annual "Ron Don" Cigar, Bourbon & Brew Bash. The fun is in the name: cigars, bourbon and brews, with a pheasant hunt on day one. Country Lane Lodge, 29300 Prospect Circle, Adel. www.rmhdesmoines.org
• Sept. 26-28: Des Moines Area Quilt Guild Quilt Show. You’ll be hard pressed to find something more comfortable to keep you warm than a homemade quilt. Luckily, this show has you covered. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. www.woodsidequilting.com/dmaqg-quilt-show.htm
• Sept. 27-28: Oktoberfest. To no one's surprise, there will be a lot of beer. However, there’s plenty of fun to go around the entire weekend with food, music and competitions. Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway. www.oktoberfestdsm.com
• Oct. 5: Flannel Fest. Local vendors inside the Dogpatch Urban Gardens will be stocked with all things autumn. Dogpatch Urban Gardens, 4600 N.W. 51st St., Des Moines; www.dogpatchurbangardens.com
• Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20: Apple and Pumpkin Festival. Wagon rides, corn maze, corn pool and, of course, apple and pumpkin picking. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays at Wills Family Orchard, 33130 Panther Creek Road, Adel; willsfamilyorchard.com/apple-pumpkin-fest
• Oct. 5: Middlebrook Fall Festival. Food trucks, free face painting, farmers market and adult beverages. Middlebrook Farm, 4300 Cumming Ave., Cumming; www.middlebrookfarm.com
• Oct. 5: Worldwide Food Truck Tour. This food-filled tour stops in Des Moines with a wide range of food trucks and entertainment for the whole family. Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines; worldwidefoodtrucktours.com
• Oct. 5: Wauketoberfest. Put on by the Waukee Area Historical Society, this day full of fun features live music, delicious German food, beer and an exciting stein-holding contest. Don’t forget to wear traditional attire if you can. Downtown Waukee Triangle, Ashworth Drive and Sixth Street; www.waukeechamber.com
• Oct. 7, 14: Zoo Brew. Have a brew at the zoo. Blank Park Zoo, 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines; www.blankparkzoo.com
• Oct. 11: Preseason NBA game. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers. Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines; www.iowa.gleague.nba.com/preseason24
• Oct. 11-13: Capital City Gaming Con. Back with a new name is Des Moines’ very own board game convention. Buy, play, test and enjoy board games of all types. Hilton Garden Inn, 205 S. 64 St., West Des Moines; www.cardboardcaucus.com
• Oct. 12: Indigenous Iowans Day. Explore the early cultures that shaped Iowa. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; www.lhf.org
• Oct. 13, 26: 5K Fun Run. The 2024 Iowa Brewery Running series continues through the fall at various breweries in central Iowa. All beginning at noon; www.breweryrunningseries.com
• Oct. 12-13: Madison County Covered Bridge Festival. Celebrate Madison County’s history while also taking in its iconic covered bridges alongside food and art vendors, a car show, a parade and more. Starting at 9 a.m. at the Winterset Square, Winterset; www.madisoncounty.com/covered-bridge-festival-2
• Oct. 18-20, 25-27: Living History Farms hosts a Family Halloween event. Various start times, at 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; lhf.org/event/halloween
• Oct. 19-20: Great Iowa Pet Expo. Adopt, shop, learn and contests for all pet lovers to enjoy. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. 2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive; www.greatiowapetexpo.com
• Oct. 20: IMT Des Moines Marathon. Since 2002, the annual marathon has been taking participants on a run through Iowa’s capital. 1001 Grand Ave., West Des Moines; desmoinesmarathon.com
• Oct. 26-27: Des Moines Comic and Toy Show. This Halloween-themed event starts at 10 a.m. at Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines; www.quadcitycon.com
• Oct. 27: Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame Gala. Celebrate some of the city’s jazz heroes from over the years, including John Krantz, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines, 1326 Walnut, Des Moines; www.cjc-dsm.org
• Weekends in October: Phantom Fall Festival. Every weekend in October, Adventureland hosts its fall festival with several haunted houses, ghosts, ghouls, goblins and more. 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona; www.adventurelandresort.com/discover-adventureland-resort/Phantom-Fall-Fest

(Family Features)

When you’re looking for recipe inspiration, don’t be afraid to take things back to your childhood with a little home cooking. Even better, now you can enjoy those kid favorites as the main course (with an adult touch, to boot) in this baked broccoli mac.
It’s a warm, cozy solution that pairs with bread and a salad for dinner or can be halved and served as a side.
Visit Culinary.net for more ways to turn childhood classics into family dinners.

Baked Broccoli Mac
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 box (1 pound) pasta noodles, such as cellentani, elbow or penne
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups mozzarella
• 1/2 block pasteurized cheese product, cubed
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Topping:

• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F.
• In large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well then add broccoli, chicken broth, cream, mozzarella, pasteurized cheese product, garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.
• To make topping: In bowl, mix breadcrumbs, butter and Parmesan cheese.
• Pour macaroni mixture into large baking dish then sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture. Bake 30 minutes.

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