Welcome to another edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“I recently read your column (Johnston Living magazine, June 2025). I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed your perfect summarization of the festivals around Iowa. I remember my parents watching ‘Seinfeld,’ but I never did. Your article touched my heart strings because my husband and I are now the proud owners of my father's handmade Festivus pole. During the first Christmas after my mother passed away, the doorbell rang and Dad came in gleaming with this ‘thing’ and a bell-dressed leather banner that read: ‘Festivus.’ We set it up by the tree and listened while he explained, ‘You can shake the pole and ring the bells to air your grievances, but you must be careful when it comes to the feats of strength.’ Everyone erupted in laughter and took their turns airing their grievances. From there on out, the Festivus pole made an appearance every Christmas Eve. My father passed away in 2024, and we are now the proud owners of his epic, perfectly made Festivus pole.” - Cassie

I knew I wasn’t alone. Thanks for sharing this, Cassie. - Shane

“Thank you so much for sharing that great story (No left turns, June 13, 2025). Wow! No left turns! Wish I had learned that earlier. I have survived to total two cars on left turns. I now only make left turns at lights. Think of the money I would have saved and the trouble I wouldn’t have caused for other drivers. Wow! What a story. Happy Father’s Day.” - Donna

What would travel be like if all left turns were illegal? - Shane

“Oh, wow. I'd love to learn Michael Gartner's whole family tree from far back in order to see from where both his parents got that intelligence and great sense of humor passed down (No left turns, June 13, 2025). Inspirational read for us here.” - Margaret

Both parents were wonderful people. Carl Gartner once said he taught Michael how to dangle his participle. - Shane

“Being patriotic has no party (The American Flag, June 16, 2025). I am so proud of our flag and what it represents — freedom and liberty for all! God bless the USA!” - Marilyn

Sweet land of liberty! And those who don’t love it certainly have options. - Shane

“Four people were recently attacked in their homes in Minnesota. As I watched the reports, I knew President Trump would somehow be blamed for it. What disappointed me was the politicians who blamed Gov. Walz's rhetoric for the attacks. In this sharply divided political atmosphere, and so little known if this killer had any miniscule lucid reasoning for his actions, the race to be the first accuser was on. I may have tuned in too late to see President Trump accused first. Your piece (The American Flag, June 16, 2025) explains the fear we experience in displaying symbols of pride such as the flag. As you wrote, I'm concerned a flag sticker on a car window might incite someone to smash said window. So, after a weekend of thought, I'm prepared to blame the media for its enthusiasm to get two sides at each other's throats producing mostly peaceful videos in the upcoming ‘summer of love.’ ” - John

One has to wonder, what changed? The “media” certainly has, most noticeably as “social media,” the unbridled, unregulated and mostly unnecessary bastion of fire that so much gasoline is poured into. Disagreements are fine and even healthy. Hatred is not. - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

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

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

Best New Local Bar

1. HiFi Brew Lounge

2. Ta’Chido Cantina

3. The Lamp

DES MOINES FORGOTTEN
Mike Pace

By Kristian Day

In 2009, I was an arrogant 24-year-old who was cutting my teeth in the film industry and getting to know the lay of the land in the Des Moines market. One name that came up constantly was Mike Pace. I even saw his name on a building that read “Mike Pace Enterprises,” which he would later tell me was just a desk and a telephone. He was the only name I knew of prior to moving to Des Moines in 2007 because of the Iowa Lottery and Powerball broadcasts I would see back in the 1990s when I lived in the Quad Cities.

Pace graduated from Norwalk High School and attended Iowa State University during a time when 50,000 people were getting drafted to serve in the Vietnam war. Like other soldiers of the day, he attended basic training but then went to music school.  ...

Surviving and thriving
Local cancer survivors share their stories of strength and resilience.

By Ashley Rullestad

As has been widely reported in recent months, Iowa continues to have the second highest age-adjusted rate of new cancers in the U.S. and is one of only two states — the other being Kentucky — with a rising rate, according to the Cancer in Iowa Report produced by the Iowa Cancer Registry (see full report here). An estimated 21,200 Iowans will be diagnosed with new, invasive cancers this year. Yet, with cancer screenings and improved treatment methods, more Iowans are joining the estimated 171,535 cancer survivors living in the state now.

Kid warrior
Landon Russell went to his 3-year well-child checkup with his pediatrician just a few days after his birthday. His doctor felt something unusual in his abdomen and referred him immediately to Blank Children’s Hospital for an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 nephroblastoma, a form of kidney cancer.
Due to the high blood pressure caused by the tumor, Landon was admitted the ICU. He underwent a nephrectomy to remove his entire left kidney and ureter, then started radiation treatments at John Stoddard Cancer Center and six months of chemotherapy at Blank.   ...

The price of regular unleaded gasoline dropped 3 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $3.03 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 28 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.23, up 4 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 12 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.60. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.51 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 12 cents lower than the national average of $3.72.

Natural gas prices were down 35 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.61 MMbtu.

Cheapest gas in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com

Sam's Club in Windsor Heights (1101 73rd St.) - $2.74

Costco in West Des Moines (7205 Mills Civic Parkway) - $2.79

Numerous Casey's in Ankeny, Fleet Farm in Ankeny and Sam's Club in Ankeny - $2.86

Happy birthday, Gary Walljasper!

These celebrities were born on this date: Ariana Grande, Jacob Elordi, Jennette McCurdy, King Bach, Mikey Williams, Aubrey Plaza, Derek Jeter, Indila, Cristian Llama, Iman Shumpert, Shannon Sharpe, Michael Vick, Ryan Tedder, Rudy Gobert, Nick Offerman

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

The answer to the last riddle: Where would an astronaut park his space ship? A PARKING METEOR!

Today's riddle: What did the driver do when unable to pull out of a parking spot?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Johnston Living magazine, contact:

Andrea Hodapp
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 322
Mobile: 515-883-0523
andrea@iowalivingmagazines.com

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to get it delivered to your inbox for FREE!