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Nov. 21-27, 2025

 
 
Penalty for delay
 

Lawyers have defined what penalty for delay means with a clause that establishes a financial consequence for parties that fail to meet agreed-upon contractual deadlines or milestones. Construction companies are quite familiar with this.

Typically, a penalty for delay clause specifies a fixed amount — or a percentage of the contract value — to be paid for each day or week the completion is delayed. The purposes are to reward timely performance and to penalize delays by compensating the non-breaching party for losses.

Estimating construction timelines is no easy task, as hiccups in the process certainly happen — many beyond the contractor’s control. Even so, it is amazing how the work is mostly completed on time — or with very short delays — when additional financial costs hit the company.

With all the media coverage, frustrations and political theater involved in what was the longest government shutdown in history, one has to wonder if a “penalty for delay” clause should be in order — and not one that lawmakers simply pass on to the American citizens. We need a true penalty, one that affects our elected officials personally, in their own pocketbooks.

One may argue that any financial penalty will simply be offset by payments from big donors through fundraising, and that is likely true. So, the better solution may be to also have our lawmakers be held to the same standard most of us are in our jobs: do what you are hired to do or be replaced by someone else who will.

Of course, the devil is in the details, but most of us would pay for a special election to vote in replacements who would do the job they were elected to do without simply placing blame on the opposing side.

The reality is that this shutdown may not have directly impacted all of us, but it did affect millions of Americans, including federal workers who went without paychecks and airline passengers who had their trips delayed or canceled. More importantly, the interruption in nutrition assistance programs created long lines at food banks and added emotional stress for many as we head into the holidays.

Ultimately, our elected officials worked things out, much like the construction companies that eventually finish the projects. Timeliness is the problem, and it shouldn’t be. A penalty for delay, in one form or another, could fix that. What’s the harm?

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

 
 

Help requested: Double your impact on local families in need

Thanks to the public’s past support of the Polk City Community Foundation, the community continues to thrive, and, today, the Foundation is asking for support to help meet an urgent need.

The North Polk Comet Cupboard, the local pantry serving students and families in the North Polk School District, is running low on essential supplies. A cash donation today will help restock quickly and efficiently, and, thanks to two generous matching partners, the gift will go twice as far.

Double your donation:

  • The Polk City Community Foundation will match donations up to $5,000.
  • Home State Bank will also match donations up to $5,000.

That means $50 becomes $100; $250 becomes $500. The Foundation aims to raise $20,000 to keep the Comet Cupboard stocked with food, hygiene items and household essentials for families who need it most.

To donate:

  • North Polk Comet Cupboard VENMO @COMETCUPBOARD-NOCC
  • Send a check to Polk City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Polk City, IA 50226.

Your generosity helps ensure no child goes to school hungry and no family feels forgotten.

Thank you for being part of a community that cares deeply and acts boldly.

 

Small Business Saturday

Go Polk City is hosting a Small Business Saturday celebration and wants to feature local businesses in a big way. Whether your business is on the Square, off the Square, home-based, service-based, retail or creative, the chamber invites you to participate. Register your business at https://forms.gle/tobdg3fqFutm4GVW6.

 
 

Light Up Polk City

It is almost time for one of Polk City’s most loved traditions, Light Up Polk City. If Polk City ever had a Hallmark movie moment, this truly is it. Imagine the Square filled with holiday lights and families gathering together. The fifth-grade band is playing. The mayor leads the countdown to turn on the Christmas lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck. Christmas carols fill the air. Anna and Elsa greet children. Perhaps even the Grinch makes an appearance. There are live reindeer for families to visit, a horse-drawn carriage ride around the square, warm smiles, hot cocoa, and children in mittens and sparkling lights everywhere. It is pure magic. And you get to be part of it.

Businesses not located on the square can set up a table and tent to connect with the community. Share a festive drink or holiday treat. Offer a giveaway. Create a small activity. Highlight who you are and what you do.

Businesses can sign up to participate at https://forms.gle/bSkeMjaQoNFFzk7k9. Sponsorships are available as well. Contact Go Polk City for information.

 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Makers Market: Sunday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Get started on that holiday shopping at the Fall Makers Market. Shop locally grown, hand-made products from more than 60 vendors located in the Jester Park Nature Center, Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, and the new addition to Makers Market, the Jester Park Lodge.
  • The Great Gnome Home Build Off: Friday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Who needs a gingerbread house when you can start a new tradition by tapping into your creativity and connecting with nature. Using bark, twigs, moss and other natural treasures, join us to craft a gnome home in this engaging workshop that will give us a closer look at nature's myths and legends. All materials will be provided. Registration required by Nov. 28. Ages 16 and older.
  • Tea with Trees: Saturday, Dec. 6, 10-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Step into the quiet beauty of the winter forest and embrace the season’s stillness with a guided forest therapy walk, followed by a cozy tea ceremony. This experience offers a perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect and nourish both body and mind in the heart of the season. Registration required by Dec. 1. Ages 16 and older.
  • Sustainability at home: Saturday, Dec. 6, 1-2 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Do you want to be more eco-friendly at home but don’t know where to start? Whether you are a compost-connoisseur or are overwhelmed by green-living, come learn about resources, strategies and easy starting points to make a difference in your own home. Ages 18 and older.
  • 3D Needle Felting: Saturday, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Learn the art of needle-felting. You'll learn techniques to create beautiful felted wool art using just wool and a needle in this beginner-friendly workshop. Fiber artist Megan Hammer will teach the basics before you create an adorable 3-D songbird. Registration includes step-by-step and creative guidance, tools and supplies for use during the workshop, and a 3-D needle felted song bird created by you. Registration required by Nov. 28. Ages 10 and older with an adult.
 
 

Polk City Community Library news

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

 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Sunday, Dec. 14, 8 a.m. to noon
West Des Moines Elks Lodge, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be giving out goody bags, talking with children and providing photo opportunities. The breakfast buffet includes biscuits and gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties, cheesy potatoes, and, of course all-you-can-eat pancakes (including blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes), orange juice, milk and coffee. Enjoy a Bloody Mary or mimosa for $3.50. Serving is from 8 a.m. till noon. Cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. There will also be a Christmas bake sale. The Elks hold a breakfast the second Sunday of the month. Proceeds support the Elks’ Hoop Shoot Program, other youth activities, veterans and community charities.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Saturday Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th St., Des Moines
The Extravaganza features many crafters with a variety of creative items that are perfect for the holidays. Free admission. Close-up parking and lunch available to purchase.

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. Visit www.waterworkspark.org/tinseltown-in-water-works-park/ for schedule of events.

The Christkindlmarket
The weekends of Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 11-14
Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
Experience a German-inspired Christmas Market. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of the holidays as you participate in a 750-year-old tradition. Shop regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls; enjoy lively performances of polka music, traditional dance and choirs in Yuletide Hall; participate in children's activities; sip Glühwein (warm, mulled wine); and savor European beer. More information available at http://www.christkindlmarketdsm.com.

Shop and Dine Along The Peppermint Trail
Saturday, Dec. 13
The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand
Celebrate the season with your favorite local businesses on The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand and the Roosevelt Cultural District. The Peppermint Trail, presented by Veridian Credit Union, returns with shopping and dining specials happening all day at local shops and restaurants, plus a line-up of holiday festivities, including trolley rides, ice carving, photos with Santa, carolers and more. The “Bee-Merry-Line” trolley will travel on a loop from noon to 4 p.m. with multiple stops along Ingersoll Avenue and at the Shops At Roosevelt. See a route map on the event website, as well as list of businesses’ specials and times for special activities. www.theavenuesdsm.com/peppermint-trail.

 
Balance fall comfort foods with a lighter bite
 

(Family Features) Before turning your attention to the comfort of filling soups and slow-cooked meals, give warmer weather one last hurrah. If you have any garden veggies leftover, this cucumber and tomato salad offers a light, tasty dish that’s perfect for packing to the office. Discover more recipe ideas for any season at Culinary.net.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingedients:

  • 3 medium or large cucumbers
  • 2-3 vine tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion (optional)

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced dill
  • 1 tablespoon mayo
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  • Peel and slice cucumbers. Deseed, if desired. Coarsely chop into bite-size pieces. Slice and chop tomatoes. Place cucumbers and tomatoes in large bowl with chopped onions, if desired.
  • To make dressing: In separate bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, dill and mayo. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour over cucumber mixture and mix well.
  • Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve.
 
 
 

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS

Residents prepare to enjoy the festivities

The calendar page has turned to November and thoughts to the holiday season. A chill is in the air, and the aroma of pies, cookies and turkey dinners waft from the kitchen. Halls are being decked, mantles decorated and mistletoe hung. Indeed, the holiday season is upon us, and how better to celebrate than with family gatherings and hometown festivities?

[...]

 
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

 

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