Weekend Pick: Planning To Be Merry and Safe

Local meteorologists are warning about winter weather this weekend. How much of the precipitation will fall as rain, ice, and snow is still uncertain, as is the timing of any hazardous conditions in the Des Moines area. Be prepared for whatever comes down and remember to allow extra time for traveling. If you can, try riding a local bus instead of putting another car on the road, or in the ditch, and let somebody else scrape the windows.

I realize it is the winter holiday season, that cabin fever already is starting to set in, and that there are gifts to buy and friends to greet. I accept that this is Iowa. I know people will be driving when it might be more prudent not to be on the roads. A major snow event is not in the forecast for this weekend, but with icy conditions expected a few road safety reminders are appropriate:

*Do not follow closely behind snow plows. *Make sure all of your vehicle’s windows are clear of snow and ice. *Knock excess snow off the top of your vehicle. *Remember school children and other pedestrians are bundled up against the cold and wind so their vision and hearing is impaired. *Remember stopping on ice is a whole lot different than passing over a slick patch in four-wheel drive. *Find a web site about driving in winter conditions and refresh your memory of how to deal with spin control.

With several forums featuring presidential candidates being held this weekend, there should be plenty of political entertainment. For people still trying to decide for whom to caucus, there are a few opportunities to see candidates in smaller venues. For instance, Joe Biden is scheduled to be at a forum hosted by A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy (AMOS) on Sunday, December 2nd, at Central Presbyterian Church (3829 Grand Avenue) at 1:00 p.m. It needs to be noted for people wanting to check out the caucus exhibit at the State Historical Building (6th Street & East Locust) that the building will be closed on Tuesday, December 4th for a presidential debate hosted by Radio Iowa and National Public Radio.

A few holiday activities are planned for this weekend, including the Waterbury Holiday Home Tour. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on Saturday and Sunday. Plus, the Polar Express movie returns to the at the Science Center starting December 1st. People who saw this in a prior year told me it was very good on the IMAX screen but it can still be disturbing for younger children. Tickets are around $8 if purchased only for the theater. A Christmas Potpourri (gifts, baked goods, and lunch) can be enjoyed on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Basilica of St. John (1915 University Avenue).

“The Culture Buzz” on KFMG (99.1 FM) made a recommendation for the Birds show at the Olson-Larsen Gallery in Valley Junction. The opening reception is on Friday, November 30th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.