Volunteers sought for Kites on the Green — This and more in this week's issue!

March 18-24, 2025

'I'm eighteen and I like it!'

“I’m a boy and I’m a man — I’m eighteen and I like it!” Those are the words from the Alice Cooper band’s 1970 rock hit entitled, “I’m Eighteen.” I can hear the music coming from my brother’s 8-track home stereo like it was yesterday. The song details the anxiety that comes with being in the midst of childhood and adulthood that most any 18-year-old boy can relate to.

But, why 18? What’s so special about that number that makes it the determining age for many activities? And, if it truly is a special number, then why isn’t it used uniformly for every other age-requirement? In this time of most everyone being a victim, 18-year-olds clearly need to cry out.

Most of us know that a person must be 18 to vote in elections. Fair enough.

We also know that males at age 18 can be drafted into the Armed Forces. So, in today’s world, this is not only age discrimination but sex discrimination, too?

In Iowa, one must be 18 to legally marry. Although, with parental consent and judicial approval, a person can marry at 16.

Iowans must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo without parental consent.

If you are following along, our 18-year-olds can vote, be drafted, marry and get a tattoo.

How about getting a license to drive? Well, that can be done a few years earlier than 18. Sixteen, officially, and even younger to obtain learners permits. You just can’t be 16 and drive with a tattoo.

Lots of things change at age 21, though. Three years apparently makes quite a difference in the mental growth of young people during that time. A 21-year-old can now legally purchase and consume alcohol and can also purchase or use tobacco products. That includes vaping. People this age can also legally rent a car that they were able to legally drive for five years prior — but they will have to pay higher fees than those age 25 or older. Yes, car rental companies (and insurance companies) can discriminate based on age, but they only do so for younger people. Ninety-five-year-old drivers are not a risk, apparently.

But what if you are an 18-year-old and want to run for president of the United States? Sorry, you will have to wait until you nearly double your life span, as the president must be 35 years old.

The Alice Cooper band continues: “I got a baby's brain and an old man's heart. Took eighteen years to get this far. Don't always know what I'm talkin' about. Feels like I'm livin' in the middle of doubt.”

With all the age disparity in our local, state and federal rules and regulations, can you blame them?

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

Dan Fitzgerald and Sam Winebrenner present the 2025 Johnston Chamber "The Jewel" award to Nancy Brown, owner of Charlie Rae's in Johnston, at the annual dinner March 6.

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.

Vendor applications open for farmers’ market

Applications are now open for the Johnston Farmers’ Market. Vendor applications will be accepted through April 30, so apply today to be part of another great season. The market runs from June 3 through Sept. 30 at the Johnston Town Center, located at 6245 Merle Hay Road. It is held on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. For information, visit www.cityofjohnston.com/865/Farmers-Market

Register for Johnston Parks and Recreation activities

Johnston Parks and Recreation activities, events, and facility rentals are now open for registration at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Home.

Chamber awards

Sam Winebrenner and Dan Fitzgerald present the 2025 Johnston Chamber "The Jetsetter" award to owners Tricia and Leif Gustafson of The Cork 50131 in Johnston, at the annual dinner March 6.

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 28 and April 4 and 11; Stations of the Cross, 5:30 p.m. on March 21 and 28 and April 4 and 11; Communal Penance, 2 p.m. on March 23.

Curbside yard waste collection resumes week of March 31

The Compost It! program’s curbside yard waste collection will begin for the season on Monday, March 31. To ensure collection, set your Compost It! bags, yard waste bags with a Compost It! sticker, and Compost It! carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day.

Accepted yard waste: twigs and branches, leaves, grass clippings, and garden vegetation (such as spoiled vegetables on the vine or wilted flowers from landscaping).

Items that are not accepted include: dirt, mulch, rocks, food and pet waste. For more information, visit www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/yard-waste/news/compost-it-season-begins/.

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.

Annual Tree Sale

The city of Johnston’s annual Tree Sale kicks off on Tuesday, April 8, at 8 a.m. Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to set up your RecDesk account at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Member/Signup in advance for a smoother ordering process. Limit of one tree per household at a reduced price of $75. Pickup will be Saturday, May 10, 8-10 a.m. at the north side of City Hall. For more information, visit www.cityofjohnston.com/1436/Tree-Sale.

Electronics recycling day

The city of Johnston is partnering with Electronic Asset Security to keep electronics out of the landfill. Drop off your items on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the east side of City Hall, in the parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road.

Accepted at no cost: Laptops, desktop computers, monitors, speakers, printers, CDs, phones and more. Fee-based items include: CRT TVs/monitors under 19 inches – $10; CRT TVs/monitors 20-27 inches – $15; CRT TVs/monitors over 27 inches – $25; LCD and Plasma TVs (any size) – $15; rear projection/console TVs – $35. For more information, visit https://electronicassetsecurity.com/events/.

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.

History

Jeanne Beardsley, a Johnston resident, found this treasure and decided to donate it to the Johnston Station Historical Society. On the pedestal, the words “Polk County Runner Up 1935. On the base, it says Johnston High. Ninety years ago, girls and women didn’t get much chance to compete in athletics.

The Johnston High School two-time State Champions would likely agree that girls basketball skills have come a long way. In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act was signed by President Nixon. It was enacted that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Capital City Card Convention
March 28-30
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
iowaeventscenter.com
Iowa's largest card convention spans three days with thousands in attendance. There will be 224 tables of dealers from across the country offering cards, memorabilia and collectibles. JSA, an authentication company, will be available during show hours.

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.

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.

Dome After Dark
Fridays through March, 6-10 p.m.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
dmbotanicalgarden.com
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s lush tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House are colorfully illuminated for Dome After Dark. Flora, the botanical garden’s restaurant, serves food and drinks till 9 p.m.

Easter apps made easy

(Family Features) If you’ll be hosting friends and family for Easter this year, opting for an array of appetizers can help keep hungry people out of the kitchen until the main course is ready. Featuring easy prep and short cook times, these apps from “Cookin’ Savvy” can let you spend more time creating memories with loved ones.

Deviled eggs
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Yield: 16 deviled eggs

Ingredients:

8 boiled eggs
1/2-3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
smoked paprika, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Slice each egg and place whites on plate and yolks in bowl.
In bowl of yolks, add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, bacon pieces, garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper, to taste. With fork or hand mixer, blend until smooth. Add more mayonnaise until mixture reaches desired smoothness.
Spoon or pipe mixture into egg whites. Garnish with smoked paprika, if desired.
Note: Deviled eggs can be made day before and kept covered in refrigerator until needed.

LOOKING TO BUY GOLF CLUBS / BAGS: Looking for a new home for those GOLF CLUBS/bags cluttering up the garage or basement. Sell or Donate them. I’ll happily pick them up. CLUBS BAGS BALLS. I also do some trade ins. Located in Johnston. Call Paul at 515-350-4333.

SERVICE: Quality home cleaning by insured individual. Call 515.675.8144.

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

Are over-the-counter hearing aids for me?

By Janis Van Ahn

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have become a game changer in the world of hearing healthcare, providing an accessible and affordable option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices are designed to be sold directly to consumers without requiring a prescription or a visit to an audiologist. The availability of OTC hearing aids has been a significant shift in the hearing aid industry, making these devices more accessible to a wider range of people who need them.

The main difference between OTC hearing aids and traditional hearing aids is that OTC devices do not require a professional fitting.

[...]

How about a Roth IRA?

By Daniel Rundahl

As a financial advisor for over 20 years, there are many questions that we get from our clients about retirement, about saving, and about insurance. One of the most common questions that I receive pertains to whether a Roth IRA is a good choice as an investment and how can it be used to improve a retirement income platform. Here are five reasons we share with our clients.

• Access. A Roth IRA gives you the ability to access your contributions without incurring any type of penalty or income tax. You have already paid tax on those contributions, so pulling them back out, without accessing your gains, will allow you to utilize the benefit of its value immediately, regardless of your age.

[...]

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have friends or coworkers who you think would enjoy Johnston Living Weekly, share this email with them and they can subscribe by CLICKING HERE.

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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