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March 11-17, 2025

Yes, I have a box of wires

I have often poked fun at my wife for making me transport the same bag of rocks in three different house moves over the years. “They are to put in the bottom of flower pots,” she insistently told me. “I can find new rocks when you need them,” I insistently replied. I did not move them a fourth time.

Jolene has a similar criticism for me about a certain box of wires that I have had for a few decades and continue to hang on to. Stereo speaker wires. Cable TV wires. Patch wires for old stereo components. But not just wires. Cables and cords, too. Computer monitor cables. TV electrical cords. iPad charging cords. In that box, as well, are floppy disk and zip drive players — and their related cables and cords.

Jolene even felt a need to take a Sharpie and write “WIRES” on the outside of the box. Like I didn’t know what was in there?

I know I am not alone with this collections of wires. Many of you men who are reading this can certainly relate, and your wives will attest to it.

Stand-up comedian Nina Tarr recently busted us men on this seemingly odd collection. In an Instagram video titled “Men Love Wires,” she explains how men are obsessed with keeping a box of random cables at all times. The video has more than 2 million views. If you click through and watch it, beware, as it is a bit salty. Here is an edited excerpt:

“Every man here has a box of wires and cables that travels with him from place to place, from apartment to apartment,” Tarr said, looking at her audience. She pointed to a man in the crowd and asked if he kept a box of wires. He apparently nodded, and she then apparently pointed to his female companion and said, “And you’re like, ‘You gotta get rid of these!’ And he’s like ‘Babe, what if someone comes over and needs a Nokia charger from 1998?’ ”

Tarr also pointed out how men hoard these wires and cables while not keeping things they need — like Band-Aids. Then she mocked us men again — for having firewire cables instead.

As much as I hate to admit it, Tarr may be right. I will probably never need anything from that box of wires. Even so, I refuse to get rid of it. And, keep in mind, if we ever move again, that box of wires weighs a lot less than a bag of rocks.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

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

Chamber Awards

The 2025 Johnston Chamber "The Jackpot" award was presented to Charter Bank at the annual dinner March 6. Pictured are Mike Straub, Brien Scandridge, Sharm Sisler, Matt Morris, Samantha Winebrenner and Dan Fitzgerald.

Johnston Police Department warns about scam

The Johnston Police Department received reports from metro area residents regarding a scammer impersonating a police officer. This scammer falsely claims that individuals have outstanding warrants and threatens to arrest them within 72 hours if they do not pay $2,000 in Bitcoin via an Allpoint ATM. The calls are reportedly coming from the Johnston Police Department's non-emergency number, 515-278-2345.

The Johnston Police Department offers these tips to avoid imposter scams:

Don’t trust caller ID readings — scammers often spoof names and numbers to make them appear like a local caller.
Police agencies will not call the subject of a warrant demanding monetary payment to avoid arrest. If you receive a call like this, it is likely a scam call.
Let numbers you do not recognize go directly to voicemail. And do not call unknown numbers back.
Hang up on anyone who threatens you with arrest, legal action, or seizure of your accounts
Do not converse with anyone you do not know online, and certainly do not share personal information.
Hang up if anyone directs you to pay using store gift cards, money wires, or mailed cash. These are often used because they are difficult to trace

If you receive a scam phone call, contact the Johnston Police Department at 515-278-2345.

Scholarship program awards college funds

Forty-three Iowa high school and college students have each received $1,000 for college as part of the ISL Education Lending Scholarship.

Local winners include: parent/guardian Hichem Bouguerra and high school student Claire Holub of Johnston.

In its second year, the program has now awarded $123,000 as college savings deposits for Iowa students. The winners were chosen from among more than 11,000 registrations from Iowa parents, high school students and college students during the fall 2024 registration period. While registering, the parents and students were able to view and interact with relevant financial literacy tips to learn more about paying for college.

Awarding ISave 529 deposits allows the winners to use the money for education expenses when it’s most suitable for them. In addition, the information provided to parents and guardians and to students helps them plan for future college financing. For more information, visit www.IowaStudentLoan.org.

Chamber Luncheon

Stacey Shuurmann and Catherine Goranson were among the attendees at the Johnston Chamber Luncheon on Feb. 25 at City Hall.

Lent at St. Mary of Nazareth

The Lent schedule at St. Mary of Nazareth, 4600 Meredith Drive in Des Moines, includes Lenten Fish Dinners, 5-6:30 p.m. on March 14, 28 and April 4 and 11; Stations of the Cross, 5:30 p.m. on March 14, 21, 28 and April 4 and 11; Communal Penance, 2 p.m. on March 23.

Lions Club Breakfast

The Johnston Lions Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast is Saturday, April 19, 7-11 a.m., at the Johnston Middle School cafeteria, 6501 N.W. 62nd Ave. Breakfast features pancakes (including gluten-free pancakes), sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids 5 and younger are free. Proceeds will benefit the Lions Club service projects.

Volunteers sought for Kites on the Green

Johnston Kites on the Green will be held Saturday, May 3, and volunteers are being sought. Come help at this annual kite festival, which includes public kite flying, professional kite flyers demonstrations, kids kite building, music and more. Lots of help is needed to make this event successful, and multiple shifts are available. Among other things, volunteers may be asked to help kids/families build kites, assist at special activities, staff information or donation booths, etc. Johnston Kite’s on the Green is organized by the City of Johnston and the Johnston Public Library Foundation, which is an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Sign up at https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/222356076083/false#/invitation.

Johnston Partnership needs

The Johnston Partnership provides food and personal hygiene products to those in need, as well as children’s seasonal clothing. The Partnership also has a Friday food bag program. They are currently delivering around more than 800 bags per month to all nine Johnston schools. This program supplements food insecurity over the weekend when school breakfast and lunch aren’t available and is open to any family at any time (just contact the school office). Items needed are individual packages or cups of peanut butter; individual shelf stable milk; fruit and applesauce cups; granola bars; easy Mac and ramen noodles.

The Partnership is open normal hours during spring break for families needing extra food assistance.

Donations can be dropped off at 5870 Merle Hay Road, Suite C, Johnston, during open hours. For more information, visit https://johnstonpartnership.org/donate/.

Community greetings

Johnston Community Greetings would like to welcome anyone new to Johnston with a welcome bag including discounts at local businesses and city information. Contact Missy Shepherd by phone, text or email at 515-991-5014 or mshepherdgreetings@gmail.com.

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

Story Tellebration, Wednesdays at 10 a.m., March 19, Spring is Sprung; April 23, It’s Raining. Join volunteer storyteller Carmen Epstein for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity. No registration required for this free event.

Dennis Michael Dunphy

Dennis Michael Dunphy, 91, was born Dec. 27, 1933, in Des Moines and died on Feb. 23, 2025. He graduated from Dowling High School in 1951.
Dennis was a highly skilled house painter and worked in and around Des Moines for years before moving to California. He lived in Santa Monica for several years, often going back and forth to Des Moines during this time before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and then eventually back to Iowa.

He was an avid walker, often walking several miles, multiple times a day, no matter the weather. He read the paper cover to cover daily and finished every crossword puzzle, jumble and sudoku he could get his hands on. He was a steadfast Iowa Hawkeyes fan, L.A. Dodgers fan, enjoyed horse racing, golf and watching westerns. He was an incredible storyteller and a keeper of memories — the person in the family we all knew could answer any question, recount any event, and remember every detail.

While Dennis never married or had children of his own, he was a much beloved uncle and integral presence in the lives of his many nieces and nephews over the years.

Survivors include sister Mary Jean Dunley of Urbandale, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by sister Ann Marie Lundy and three brothers, George, Lawrence and Joseph Dunphy.

According to his wishes, Dennis was cremated. At this time a date has not been set for a celebration of life mass.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

African Violet Show and Sale
March 28 and 29
Wesleyan Church, 2025 Lower Beaver Road, Des Moines
The Evening African Violet Club of Des Moines invites the public to its 2025 African Violet Show and Sale. This is a nationally sanctioned show and sale that will have judges from the African Violet Society of America. Club members’ plants and supplies will be available. The sale hours are Friday, March 28, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, March 29, noon to 5 p.m. The judging of violets, gesneriads and floral design will take place on Saturday 10 a.m. to noon. Educational exhibits and AVSA promotional information will also be displayed. The Evening African Violet Club of Des Moines meets monthly from February to November on the third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Debra Heights Wesleyan Church. The public is invited.

Playhouse Summer Classes
Various dates
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Des Moines Playhouse offers students from kindergarten through high school more than 30 different classes and camps this June-August to fill the long summer days and keep minds active. A complete list of classes and registration is available at dmplayhouse.com. Theatre arts education at The Playhouse provides students with the opportunity to explore, create, imagine and express themselves, all within a safe, nurturing environment. Every class at The Playhouse is unique and led by the theatre's professional teaching artists. For more information on summer theatre camps and other Playhouse educational offerings, contact The Playhouse education department at 515-974-5365.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”
Through March 23
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Des Moines Playhouse presents the Broadway musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515-277-6261. “Jesus Christ Superstar” tells the story of Jesus in the final days leading up to his crucifixion. Loosely based on the Gospels, Superstar focuses on the conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the people of Israel, and the leadership of Rome. Told by his wavering disciple and ultimate betrayer, Judas, the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice features such songs as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.” Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $29.

Iowa Deer Classic
March 21-23
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
iowaeventscenter.com
The latest in archery equipment, hunting gear, accessories, clothing, blinds, tree stands and lots more. Bring your antlers for official measuring, bring your bow for their 300 and 3D shoots, attend seminars and more.

DSM Book Festival
Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Franklin Event Center, 4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines
Readers and book lovers in central Iowa will be thrilled to find an outstanding array of authors appearing at this free, fun-filled event, presented by Beaverdale Books and Beaverdale Neighborhood Association. In addition to author programs, panels, workshops and children’s activities, the event will offer attendees the opportunity to have their books signed, visit with publishers, and enjoy mingling with fellow book lovers. For the complete schedule, visit https://beaverdalebooks.com/dsmbookfestival/. Four headlining presentations will be offered in the venue’s large theater, including fiction writer Claire Lombardo, historian Alexis Coe, award-winning Hanif Abdurraqib and AViD author C.J. Box.

Savory favorite to make St. Patrick’s Day Special

(Family Features) While some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations call for green beer and large gatherings, you may instead opt for a cozy evening at home with comforting foods and close friends. Whether your shamrock spirit leads you out for a local parade or you’re more of a stay-at-home leprechaun, there is one tradition all can agree on: delicious Irish food.

Perfect for serving as a sweet complement to coffee or tea, or all on its own as a nightcap nibble, Irish Sweet Soda Bread comes together in a snap so you can let it bake while enjoying the main course. Offering an easy way to participate in the festivities, it might just become a household favorite to be savored year-round.

Irish Sweet Soda Bread
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
4 cups self-rising flour
1 cup currants (Raisins can be used in place of currants)
2 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional)
coffee or tea, for serving (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 F.
Mix melted butter and sugar then add buttermilk. Mix in flour and currants.
Flour hands and counter. Add sanding sugar to dough, if desired, and knead into ball.
Grease small Dutch oven or pie plate and bake 40 minutes. Serve with coffee or tea, if desired, or as a dessert.

From your Johnston Living magazine

Mailed to all residents of Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl the third Thursday of each month.

This month's cover story:

A WEDDING TO REMEMBER

Couple shares how they made their day special.

Few milestones are as momentous as a wedding. Family and friends often gather from near and far, the preparations may take months, and every detail is given thought. From the wedding attire to the decorations, music and venue, the couple makes countless decisions with one goal in mind: for theirs to be a wedding to remember. This month, one couple shares the scrupulous planning they did so their special day would be exactly as they envisioned. If a wedding is in your future, we hope you find inspiration from their story. Or, perhaps, their journey will spark memories of your own.

[...]

Read this month's issue

Dragon Scholarship Fund makes impact

Supporting students who need it most

By Lindsey Giardino

The Johnston Dragon Scholarship Fund is gearing up for its biggest annual fundraiser: an online auction. Running from March 2-8, this event is a critical source of funding for senior scholarships. This year’s auction features 150 packages valued at more than $35,000 and can be accessed at dragonsf.org/auction-1.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward scholarships, providing deserving students with meaningful financial support for their future.

An act of pure kindness

Johnston family working to ensure locals have necessities

By Darren Tromblay

PureKindness Foundation is a nonprofit founded by two youngsters from Johnston whose mission is simple: to help.

Millie and Krish Sethi have been collecting, packing, and delivering first aid kits to families in need across central Iowa to ensure that people have the essentials in case of an emergency.

In just one year, the brother and sister team have distributed over 700 first aid kits to families across the Des Moines area, Ames, Iowa City and Marshalltown.

Each kit includes items such as assorted bandages, antiseptics, gauze, gloves, and icepacks. After packing, the kits are delivered to those who need them most.

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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