Lions Club swears in four new members — This and more in this week's issue!

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April 28 - May 4, 2026

That noisy little clock with bells

I received my first alarm clock as a kid in the 1970s. I am quite sure it came from Mom, as did most gifts, regardless of whose name was on the tag.

It was the classic model: round face, two bells on top and a metal hammer that sounded like it was trying to escape. When it went off, it didn’t wake me up so much as accuse me of something. Of course, this only worked if I remembered to wind it, which was a big “if” for a 5-year-old.

This raises a fair question: Why did a 5-year-old even need an alarm clock? I had nowhere to be. And on the rare occasion I did, Mom handled the wake-up call just fine — no bells required. The only real accomplishment of that clock was jolting everyone else in the house while I played with it and giggled.

It also ticked loudly. Not a gentle, soothing tick. More like the kind of ticking you hear right before something explodes in an old TV show. Eventually, it spent most of its life unwound and buried in my toy box where it could do no harm.

A few years later, I inherited an electric clock. This one had a buzzer — because apparently bells weren’t irritating enough — and a dim glow that made it feel futuristic. It also had a snooze button, which seemed like a great idea in theory and a terrible idea in practice. Let’s be honest. The snooze button is not there to help you wake up. It is there to help you negotiate with reality.

Later, I went all-in with technology and bought an alarm clock with a radio. I could wake up to music instead of mechanical panic. Civilization had arrived. I still have one of those clocks today. The radio never comes on, and the alarm rarely goes off. These days, my internal clock wakes me up well before I need it to. No snooze button. No negotiation. No mercy. I do still use it, though. Mostly to check how many hours of sleep I’m not getting.

Ever wonder who started all this? You could give some credit to the rooster, of course. But the Seth Thomas Clock Co. received an official patent for a bedside alarm clock in 1876, and things escalated from there. By 1931, Westclox introduced the chime alarm with the comforting slogan, “First he whispers, then he shouts.” Because what everyone wants at 6 a.m. is a device that eases into yelling. In 1949 came the Moonbeam, which flashed a light before buzzing — like a tiny sunrise followed immediately by regret. Then in 1956, General Electric rolled out the snooze alarm, giving humanity a whole new way to be late.

Today, of course, many of us use our phones as alarm clocks. They work great — right up until when the battery dies overnight, and suddenly it is 10 a.m. and we are inventing excuses.

So, yes, I’ve come a long way from that noisy little clock with the bells. But, in the end, I rely on my built-in alarm that doesn’t need batteries, doesn’t have a snooze button and apparently thinks sleep is optional.

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

New Lions

The Johnston Lions Club swore in four new members at its April 13 meeting. From left: member MaryJane Paez, new member Amber Barz, sponsor Ron Lower, Kurt Barz, new member Paulette Dyson and sponsor Sandy Briggs. Karla Lower also joined but was not in attendance.

Kites on the Green Festival

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and come to Johnston Commons Park, 6700 Merle Hay Road. Get ready for a day full of free, family-friendly activities and fun. This year, new activities and performances have been added, including two magic shows and balloon animals by Jonathan May, stilt walking, mesmerizing sway pole performances, and water balloon tricks by Laura Ernst with Kinetic Entertainment. There will also be an obstacle bounce house and numerous other exciting, free activities for your family to enjoy. Learn more here.

Museum open

The Johnston Historical Society 1902 Simpson House Museum at 6161 Northglenn Drive in Johnston will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. through December. Guided tours will be available. The museum is also open during Johnston Commons park events, including Kites on the Green on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Sign up for the Iowa Hero Academy

The Iowa Hero Academy provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young women 16-18 in central Iowa to explore careers in firefighting, policing and the military. The academy will take place July 26-31 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. The Iowa Hero Academy is a six-day, overnight camp designed to encourage young women to reach their potential by developing leadership skills, teamwork and self-confidence. From the moment campers check in to the moment they complete graduation, Iowa Hero Academy will engage participants through hands-on activities led by local female first responders passionate about making a difference in their careers. Learn more and sign up today here.

Bike to SingleSpeed

On Sunday, May 3 at 11 a.m., the public is invited to Backpocket Pin and Pixel, 6205 Merle Hay Road, Suite 100, Johnston, for a Bike to SingleSpeed event. Rendezvous at Backpocket where riders will depart at 11 a.m. on a roundtrip ride between there and SingleSpeed, approximately 10 miles away (20 roundtrip). Backpocket will open at 10 a.m. Both locations will have food and drink specials. This is a self-guided ride, and the first qualified 50 registrants will receive one free beer (choice limited) at the halfway point and at the end. Register here.

Farmers Markets vendor applications are now open

Applications are open for the Farmers Market through April 30. Approved applications are valid for one year, and vendor pricing is based on single- or double-space pricing. Spaces are limited, so apply early and include a brief description of your products. This year’s market will feature live music and community events to enhance the experience. Apply here.

Johnston Public Library spring events

Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, 515-278-5233

Looking to recharge your parenting perspective? Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m., “The Best Thing: Finding Joy and Purpose in Parenting a Child With Special Needs” will be held. Drawing from her book, Dawn Schneider will share insights on how parents can transform challenges into inspiration.

More information about events and resources at the Johnston Public Library are available at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling 515-278-5233.

Sign up to be a Kites on the Green volunteer

Kites on the Green returns on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is organized by community volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the day, with full and partial shifts available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours, including silver cord hours for students. Learn more here.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov

Free Docent-Led Museum Tours: Offered on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.

Johnston Historical Society Simpson Restoration Program

Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
The Johnston Historical Society will give a program at the Johnston Library. The story of the acquisition, moving, and restoration of the Simpson house, Simpson barn, and the windmill will be told. The house has become a museum. The barn has been gifted to the City in “turn key” condition. The windmill completes the farmyard.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Full Moon Night Hike. Friday, May 1, 8:30-10 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join us for an evening hike where we’ll discover the sights, sounds and wildlife that come alive after dark under the light of a full moon. Afterwards we will gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Registration required by April 30.
World Migratory Bird Day. Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Ready to spread your wings? Join the Iowa DNR and Polk County Conservation for a high-flying celebration of World Migratory Bird Day at Jester Park Nature Center. This is not just for the experts — it is a morning of hands-on family fun. Get up close with majestic birds at our live raptor programs, sharpen your eagle eyes on a guided nature walk, and use binoculars to spot travelers stopping by the park. From interactive migration games for the kids to inspiring success stories for the grown-ups, you’ll discover the incredible superpowers these birds use to travel thousands of miles. Come find out how your family can help them thrive right in your own backyard. Free, all ages welcome.
Creekology Hike. Saturday, May 9, 1-2 p.m., Mally’s Park, 5792 N.E. Berwick Drive, Berwick. Join a naturalist as they lead a hike down Four Mile Creek. Explore the many sciences a creek walk offers, like geology, archaeology, paleontology, limnology and biology, to name just a few. Not sure what all those “ologies” are about? Then join us to find out. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots that can get wet as we’ll be hiking in the creek/water. Free, all ages welcome.
Native Plant Sale. Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Polk County Conservation, Prairie Landscape of Iowa and Plant Iowa LLC are teaming up to offer two native plant sales this spring/summer. All plant species for sale are native to Iowa and, once established, require minimal care while providing numerous benefits to local wildlife and landscapes.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Mothers Day Breakfast Buffet and Bake Sale
Sunday, May 10, 8 a.m. until noon
West Des Moines Elks Lodge, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day breakfast, which includes biscuits and gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties, cheesy potatoes, and all-you-can-eat pancakes (including blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes), orange juice, milk and coffee. Cost is $11, $5 for children younger than 10. Enjoy a bloody mary or mimosa for $3.50. Proceeds support the Elks Hoop Shoot Program, other youth activities and veteran activities.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Spring Programs
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines

Summer Camp Registration: Give your child a summer of discovery, creativity and outdoor adventure. These nature-based camps combine science, art, exploration and play in a safe, inspiring environment led by experienced educators. Perfect for students entering grades 1–5. Register at https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.
Spring Garden Market Preview: Thursday, May 7, 5:30-8 p.m. Be the first to shop the Spring Garden Market during this exclusive sip-and-shop event featuring early plant access, a signature drink, hors d’oeuvres, expert guidance from horticulture staff and door prizes. Upgrade to the Cultivator Ticket to demonstrate your support of the garden’s missions and for early entry, special recognition and exclusive perks. Register at https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.
Flora Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch: Sunday, May 10, Seatings at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch in a beautiful garden setting. Reservations required: flora@dmbotanicalgarden.com or at 515-323-6288.

Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Walk
Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy a guided walk along the half-mile Oak Savanna loop trail and search for some of the earliest blooming wildflowers of the season. Breathe in the fresh spring air, enjoy vibrant blossoms, and keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and welcome the new season. Meet at the Oak Savanna Trail parking lot, located approximately a quarter mile east of the refuge visitor center along Pacific Street. Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes, dress in pants and bring insect repellent and drinking water. Contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400 for information and to register.

Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market
Saturday, May 2 to Oct. 31, 7 a.m. to noon, 8 a.m. to noon in October
Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines
The 2026 season will feature 305 vendors, including 43 new participants, with 75 produce and agriculture vendors highlighting the region’s strong farming community. Vendors represent 74 cities across 42 Iowa counties, spanning 12 city blocks from Water Street to Fifth Street. For more information visit www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket.

Give Life 5K
Saturday, May 2, 8:30 a.m.
Raccoon River Park, West Des Moines
Iowa Donor Network honors those who have given the gift of life, celebrates the lives of organ and tissue recipients, and recognizes those who continue to wait for a life-saving transplant at the annual Give Life 5K. This is a family-friendly event so, no matter your skill level, the event is open to everyone. Join in to honor and support those who have been impacted by organ and tissue donation and celebrate the gift of life by registering for the Give Life 5K today. Visit GiveLife5K.com.

Middle River Arts Festival
Saturday, May 2
Madison County Conservation Center, 2508 Pammel Park Trail, Winterset
The Middle River Arts Festival will take place at the Madison County Conservation Center in Pammel Park, hosted by the Winterset Art Center. This event is scheduled for one day and is free of charge.

A sweet beverage for picnics and more

(Feature Impact) Salty snacks and savory sandwiches may fill you up at your next springtime picnic, but no family trip to the park is complete without a sweet, refreshing drink to wash it all down. Stay cool and keep the fun going with a light sip that showcases the taste of the season.

This Picnic Cherry Limeade is easy to make from the comfort of home before being transported (in a non-spill container, of course) to the picnic table or blanket. Just don’t forget the cups and ice.

Find more refreshing beverage ideas by visiting Culinary.net.

Picnic Cherry Limeade
Recipe adapted from “Southern Living”
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:

1 jar (10 ounces) whole red maraschino cherries, chilled
6 limes, divided
1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled
1/2 cup tart cherry juice, chilled

Directions:

Drain maraschino cherries, reserving syrup. Set whole cherries aside.
Juice four limes to yield 1/2 cup juice; thinly slice remaining limes.
In large pitcher, stir cherry syrup, lime juice, soda and tart cherry juice. Add lime slices.
Transfer to container with tight-fitting lid for transport. Serve over ice and garnish with reserved whole cherries.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

HELP WANTED: Looking for someone to weed my flower beds and rid them of leaves. Call 515-321-0301 or email gronwoldb@yahoo.com.

HELP WANTED: River Valley Golf Course is hiring for ProShop. Must be over 21 to be considered, 25-40 hours available per week, combination of weekday & weekend shifts, competitive pay based on experience and FREE GOLF! We'd love to have you be a part of our family! Call 515-993-4029 for more details.

From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

CELEBRATING HERITAGE

Residents reflect on the traditions that connect them to home

From multigenerational farm families to recent immigrants, the stories of local residents reveal how heritage shapes identity in deeply personal ways. Whether tracing roots to Austria, South Africa or early American settlers, each story reflects a blend of tradition, resilience and adaptation passed down through generations.

[...]

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