It's time once again for trendsetters, trailblazers and torchbearers to celebrate the creativity found in Des Moines--and have plenty of fun, too. Join us as we unveil the September/October 2014 issue of dsm today from 5 to 7 p.m. (comments at 6 p.m.) at Silent Rivers Design + Build, 9205 Swanson Blvd. in Clive. Valet parking, art, music and more await. See you there!

By Belle Du Chene

Refresh your look and give your style a chic smooth-down this fall. Jenna Dickinson of Sahar's Salon and Day Spa (4100 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines) sat down with us to share her forecasts for the new season's hair trends.

Women: Overall, hairstyles are mimicking the fashion trends of softer and more subtle looks, a complete 180-degree turn from last year's response to the harder use of leather and chunky heels. Now, it's all about having a polished yet "undone" look that's wispy yet structured. The color trends are also more subdued and have a warmer tone. "We are blending colors smoother this year than we did last year to keep it from looking so drastic," Dickinson says. "We are referring to this style as 'sombré' because we want our guests to look as though they were subtly kissed by the sun."

Men: The popular TV series "Mad Men" has a solid hold on men's hairstyles for fall. The sloppy, beach hair that was in for the summer months is being replaced by an executive look that is reminiscent of the 1950s, with tight sides, a sharp part and long-on-the-top cut. The use of products give it an almost wet, slicked-back finish (think Cary Grant meets James Dean). The 20-somethings are wearing a more severe version, the 30-somethings want more structure, and the 40- and 50-somethings are combed and polished with shorter hair around the ears. "There is a level of exactness that is to be achieved by men this year," Dickinson says.

It's that time of year when those of us in the food media offer our annual odes to homegrown tomatoes. While I definitely sing that tune, I'm equally thrilled about Iowa-grown green beans. There's just no comparing frozen (or trucked-in) beans to what you can get at farmers markets and select supermarkets right now (I got mine at Dahl's Foods on 35th Street).

Why not combine the two--homegrown tomatoes and green beans--in my late-summer vegetable platter? Here's my recipe:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Caprese (see note)
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Cook the green beans in boiling salted water for 5 to 10 minutes or until barely tender. Drain well, then sauté the beans in 2 tablespoons olive oil with the garlic and green onions until crisp tender. Serve with Caprese salad, and season all to taste.

Note: You probably don't need a recipe for Caprese salad, but allow me to remind you that it's all about the best ingredients you can find. I suggest layering heirloom tomatoes with house-made fresh mozzarella (both from Gateway Market). Drizzle with a great olive oil, such as Agora extra-virgin olive oil from Vom Fass. Sprinkle with fresh herbs (basil is traditional, though I also enjoy any great fresh herb on this).

Enjoy the late-summer bounty!

It all started in 1831, when French statesman Alexis Charles-Henri de Tocqueville traveled through North America, recording his observations of society and Americans' philanthropic bent. Through his published works, readings and discussions, he brought attention to people's desire to promote the common good.

In 1984, Des Moines became one of five cities (the others being Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati and Nashville) to honor donors who contribute $10,000 or more annually to United Way. Thirty years later, the Tocqueville Society of Central Iowa has grown to 343 members, including the addition of 41 new members and a total of about $5.5 million raised during last year's campaign.

The society will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates Sept 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Members and their guests are asked to RSVP by Aug. 29 by phone at 246-6571 or email at rsvp@unitedwaydm.org. For more information, contact Bergetta Beardsley at 246-2510 or bbeardsley@unitedwaydm.org.

Here's what Rich Willis, 2014 Tocqueville Society campaign co-chair (his wife, Kim, is his fellow co-chair), had to say during a little Q&A:

What is a major accomplishment the society has earned over the past 30 years and one that makes you most proud?
In 2013, Tocqueville Society members contributed more than $5.5 million, and in the past 30 years have raised cumulatively more than $47 million.

If you could sit down with Alexis de Tocqueville today, what do you think he would say of the society's efforts?
I think he would be amazed at how a few generous people can come together for the common good. We would make him proud to associate his name with our work, and how Tocqueville Society members contribute their financial resources (and) their volunteer service and influence to improve our community.

What are you looking forward to most at the celebration?
Being able to thank and honor all past and present Tocqueville members, as well as recognize those founding members we still have with us today--Bill and Susan Knapp, Bob and Gloria Burnett, Owen and Doris Jean Newlin, Katie Meredith, and Dick and Jeanne Levitt.  We will also remember Maddie Levitt who, as a founding member, was a driving force in the growth of (the society). -B.D.