Welcome to the Friday mailbag, where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter. They are edited for space and clarity.

“Nice column on the library fines — or rather no more library fines (Library fines, July 13, 2022). Sheesh. Mr. Bookman, the library cop on ‘Seinfeld,’ died recently. That spinning sound must be Bookman rolling over in his grave.” - John

Or maybe that sound is taxpayer coins clinking in the coffers to pay for all the unreturned (stolen) books. Thanks for the Mr. Bookman reference. You made me smile. - Shane

“I read with interest your thoughts about the new policy at the Clive Library (Library fines, July 13, 2022). It is also not possible to check out new materials once an item has a hold placed on it and is overdue. I found out that is really enforced this week when I went to renew a copy of ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ and was told I couldn’t renew an item upon which a hold was placed and wouldn’t be able to check anything else out until it was returned. That was a motivator for me! I share your concerns and was hesitant to vote in support of the policy. I think the Des Moines Library may have the right approach in waiving fees for child and young adult materials, but keeping fines in place for adult items. But it seemed worth a try to follow staff’s recommendation in implementing this policy. We expect to watch it closely to ensure inculcation isn’t negatively impacted.” - Susan Judkins (Clive City Council)

I appreciate your note, Susan, and I appreciate the motivation from the library staff. Unfortunately, more often than not, rules without consequences are merely suggestions. - Shane

“I, like you, grew up with mostly carpet (Carpet, July 14, 2022). I have it wall to wall today. I am needing to replace, but I am procrastinating, big time. I would not trade it for a wood floor, for most rooms. It’s amazing the advances in quality and care every time we shop.”

Just look out for the watermelon seeds. - Shane

“I am assuming and hoping that your day today will go a lot  better than yesterday (Yard work mishaps, July 18, 2022). If you haven’t already done so, stop and have a cup of tea. That will both relax you and give you a pick-me-up at the same time. Your article reminds me that it is not just me to whom those crazy types of things happen.” - Randy

Darn it, Randy. You are right again. Pass the tea. - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

Your Clear Mortgage forecast from Jason Parkin

Rain chances continue through the morning hours today before diminishing and leaving us with more hot temperatures. The heat builds even more on Saturday, then rain chances kick in Saturday night into Sunday morning. It gets cooler after that. Next rain chances come late Wednesday into Thursday.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Jason at parkin.mortgage

CITYVIEW announced its 2022 Best Of Des Moines readers' choices Feb.1. You can find all the results from the poll in the February issue of CITYVIEW magazine!

Best Local Irish Pub
1. Sully’s Irish Pub
2. Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery
3. Cooney’s Tavern

Meet Kellie Shoning

“Lunch lady” offers fresh food

By Jackie Wilson

For kids to stay healthy and active during school, it’s important to start with a belly full of nutritional food. That’s where North Polk Schools cook Kellie Shoning comes in.

Shoning has been the head cook at West Elementary for three years. She started out as a dishwasher and worked her way up. She says she wanted to work in the school district because of the benefits and opportunity to work with kids.

Food for all the schools is made at the high school. The head cooks for each school transport the product to the other buildings and batch cook as the kids come through the line.

... Read More From the July issue of North Polk Living.

Happy Birthday on Sunday Celeste Tilton!

Happy Birthday to these celebrities: Selena Gomez, Willem Dafoe, David Spade, Prince George of Cambridge, John Leguizamo, Danny Glover, Madison Pettis, A. J. Cook, Skyler Gisondo, Don Henley, Clive Standen, Ezekiel Elliott, Keegan Allen

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to:tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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