The High Life Lounge celebrates its sixth anniversary on Groundhog Day, with an early-morning party beginning at 6 a.m. At about 7:30 a.m., Polk County Paula (Des Moines' resident groundhog) will look for her shadow. Free Miller High Life from 6-8 a.m. Breakfast is served all morning (biscuts and gravy, quiche, $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes) drink specials all day and night. Live music by Mr. Baber's Neighbors begins at 5 p.m.

Looking for an excuse to get out of the house, make some new friends, enjoy a good meal and learn about the exciting world of nature? Then join us! These programs are held the first Tuesday of each month. The nature program will start at 11:00 a.m. at the Jester Park Lodge. An optional luncheon follows the program at noon in which pre-registration is required. The cost of the catered lunch is $7.00 and pre-registration is required. To register for lunch go to mycountyparks.com. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990. Its mission is to re-construct tallgrass prairie and restore oak savanna on 8,654 acres of the Walnut Creek watershed and to provide a major environmental education facility focusing on prairie, oak savanna, and human interaction. Join refuge manager Cheryl Groom as she talks about this fantastic reconstruction project. Luncheon registration deadline is January 29.

“The Dolls of Japan: Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love is sponsored by The Japan Foundation. Japanese dolls reflect the customs of Japan and the aspirations of its people, possess distinctive regional attributes, and over the centuries have developed in many diverse forms. Dolls also provide a showcase for traditional Japanese craft products, such as textiles. In “The Dolls of Japan,” dolls are grouped according to particular events in the Japanese calendar, their method of manufacture, their design and regional characteristics. Included are Japan’s representative dolls, including Hina ningyo (Girls’ Festival dolls) and Gogatsu ningyo (Boys’ Day dolls), which have their origins in ancient customs; dolls connected to traditional performing arts like noh, bunraku and kabuki; regional dolls from throughout the country; and “creative dolls” produced by contemporary craftspeople.

Described as a “Village Gathering,” the AAIG meets the first Tuesday of each month. Learn more about your African roots with other dedicated researchers and historians. Newcomers welcome!

Iowa is known for its hogs, but there is more than one kind of "hog" in Iowa. Come get "hog wild" with a Polk County conservation naturalist as we discuss the ground hog. All ages welcome!

Largest indoor farm show in the upper midwest, showcasing the latest in agriculture products & services. Tickets are $6 for adults and children 12 & under are free. Register online at www.iowapowershow.com and save $3 off your admission!

The setting is April 23, 1961, when a 38-year old Judy Garland performed at Carnegie Hall in what the New York Times called "the concert of the century". Woven into her concert performance are memories from her past. Her family, husbands, friends, costars & critics appear in flashbacks, bringing the star's story to vivid life. Each of the show's 25 songs map Judy's journey from poverty in Minnesota to Hollywood stardom.

The exhibit traces the history of ACT, Inc. – originally known as American College Testing Program – to a meeting of co-founders E.F. Lindquist, a University of Iowa professor and national expert in educational measurement; Ted McCarrel, UI Director of Admissions and Registrar; and 16 state representatives who met in Iowa’s Old Capitol on the University of Iowa campus on Aug. 21, 1959. That event founded the American College Testing Program, now known as ACT, Inc. The display includes a timeline of major events in ACT history and artifacts from ACT’s past including test documents and components from early test scoring machines. Visitors can also view an audio-video display with recordings from early leaders describing how the organization evolved.

Do you have an active toddler & looking for an outlet for them to burn off some energy? Do you want your child to learn the essential components of life-long fitness at an early age? Fitness Fun for Me! is a NEW program designed to introduce your child to the benefits of learning motor skills; gaining muscular & cardiovascular endurance; and increasing flexibility, strength, coordination & balance. Not only will your child learn aspects of fitness that will help them later in sports, but they will also learn social skills! Date(s): Wednesdays, January 13-February 17 Time(s): 10:30-11:30am Location: WDM Community Center Ballroom Ages: 2-4 with at least one adult Fee: $40 Program #: 10681 PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

The Toast of Broadway classes at the Des Moineso Playhouse teaches kids in grades 3-6 Broadway tunes that come alive with choreography and acting techniques. During the final class kids can perform for their family and friends. Children in grades 1-2 can join the Broadway Babies classes, 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 6., to learn Broadway tunes and add beginning dance moves in a playful atmosphere.

The only Christian Fitness and Meditation classes in the Des Moines Area. Zoe classes are a fusion of Yoga and Pilates. You will leave feeling recharged and refreshed. The long term result is a healthier body, mind and spirit.