Business Publications Corp. Inc. (BPC) Chair Connie Wimer presents a check for $8,000 to Kristi Knouse, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. At left is Kris Maggard, magazine manager; at right is Publisher Janette Larken.

$8,000 TO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FUND

We at dsm magazine were pleased to present a check for $8,000 to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines last Thursday. The money, raised from the recent Sages Over 70 event, will go to the Sages Over 70 Fund at the Community Foundation to benefit programs that address some of our city's most pressing needs. We appreciate how the Sages Over 70 honorees and the foundation serve our community.

Going 'Home' for the Holidays
No matter if you are staying or going home, it's the time of year to embrace the simple comforts of being there. ... Read More ť

A trio of treats: the Angry Momma microwave cleaner, a spicy hot chocolate kit and assorted candies that have been treasured for generations.

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR FOOD LOVERS

By Wini Moranville

Fill Christmas stockings with a few off-the-beaten-path finds from local shops:

* The "Angry Momma" microwave cleaner at Kitchen Collage: Pour water and vinegar into this clever $20 gadget. Then, heat her in the microwave, and soon she'll be steamin'--literally, steaming away odors while softening grunge for easy cleanup. It's perfect for a college student or others who mostly cook with microwaves. (430 E. Locust St.; 515-270-8202.)

* Goodies from Allspice: Allspice Culinarium sells dozens of unique spice blends that will handily nestle inside a Christmas stocking. Better yet, choose one of the themed gift packages, such as the Triple Ginger Cookie Kit ($12.50), Beef-Lover's Seasoning ($24) or a Hot Chocolate Kit ($12). (400 E. Locust St.; 515-868-0808).

* Vintage candy from Beaverdale Confections: After packing in a few choice gifts, fill out the stocking with old-fashioned candy. The Beaverdale shop purveys charming sweets your grandparents likely cherished, such as Root Beer Barrels, Bit-O-Honeys, Slo Pokes, Necco Wafers, Black Cows, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mary Janes and Lemonheads. (2641 Beaver Ave.; 515-279-0553.)

Wini Moranville is a freelance writer who covers the food and dining scene for dsm. Follow her at All Things Food - DSM Wini Moranville.

The Dead Line String Band jams Wednesday at the Des Moines Yacht Club.

GIFT-BAG OF MUSIC ON THE EVE OF THE EVE

Sure, you have commitments Thursday and Friday. Want to loosen up tomorrow (Wednesday)? Here's help, with details at the links provided:

* Gas Lamp: Jimmy the Weasel at 8 p.m.

* Des Moines Social Club: Tighten Up Band at 9 p.m.
* Star Bar: Johnny Novacaine at 9 p.m.

* Des Moines Yacht Club: the Dead Line String Band at 9 p.m.

Cowles Commons has a new splash of color, from the 8,000 changing LED lights on Swirl.

MEET 'SWIRL'

The new illuminated sculpture in Cowles Commons downtown has a name: Swirl. The christening was announced yesterday by Des Moines Performing Arts, which manages Cowles Commons. Swirl is the creation of San Francisco artist Jim Campbell.

The sculpture--28 feet tall, 28 feet wide and 94 feet long--supports more than 8,000 LED lights that give it a dazzling nighttime presence. The first official lighting will take place in January.

Swirl is the latest addition in the $12 million development of Cowles Commons, the site west of the Des Moines Civic Center that was previously known as Nollen Plaza. Click here for more information.

The forecast looks good for entertaining holiday guests at the skating rink downtown.

HOLIDAY ON ICE

Word to the wise: If you need to get guests out of the house on Christmas Day, Brenton Skating Plaza will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. They'll have fun; so will you, even if you don't go along. The rink is at 520 Robert D. Ray Drive. Rental skates are $4, admission $7 ($5 for kids and seniors).

Whatever holiday you celebrate, we hope you'll share it with people you love and that the event will bring you peace, joy and treasured memories. Best wishes to our readers, from the dsm team.