Dec. 2-8, 2025

Grinnell State Bank held a 100-Year Celebration Oct. 23. Front row: Mollie Ehlert, Caitlyn Fisher, Erika Van Sickle; second row: Brianna Christianson, Reyna Myott; and, back row: Matthew Formanek, John Smith, Carson Jones, Rusty Jones, Kyle Wilcox and Adam Rinehart.

Sign up to receive snow emergency notifications this winter

Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes the four-letter word: snow. The Public Works Department wants to help you prepare for winter by keeping you informed when a snow emergency parking ban is put into place. You can receive alerts via email and/or text message to stay updated. Sign up to receive the snow emergency notifications at https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regioniD=1615.

Holidays at the Town Center

Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4-6 p.m.
6245 Merle Hay Road

Watch Santa’s arrival in a police car at 4 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 5 p.m. A multitude of activities will entertain the entire family, including free carriage rides around the Town Center (for a bag of non-perishable food donations for the food pantry), the Mayor's Run for Food, a visit with reindeer, chatting with Santa in The Yard, and free ice skating. Johnston Public Library will provide a special craft for children, and local businesses will offer children’s activities. Bill Gordish will be demonstrating his famous ice-sculpting skills, and, for a sweet treat, you can participate in free cookie decorating with Northpoint Church. Several food trucks will offer tasty options during the event, or visit the concession stand for chips, candy, popcorn, pretzels and beverages.

Johnston Partnership needs fall and winter clothing

The Johnston Partnership provides food and personal hygiene products to those in need, as well as children’s seasonal clothing. The organization is ramping up its collection of fall/ winter clothing items, especially winter coats that are new or in great used condition. It can also accept snow pants, boots and warm socks in new packages. Most needed sizes are toddler and youth, but the group will likely need about 2,000 coats to make it through the winter season, so all sizes are welcome. 

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

Cooking For One class on Dec. 16

Enjoy a Cooking for One class on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to create delicious meals tailored just for you. This hands-on session covers smart shopping tips, easy recipes and waste reduction techniques. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to simplify their cooking routine, you'll build confidence in the kitchen. Come hungry and leave inspired. Register at www.cityofjohnston.com/1577/55-Education.

'Through My Grandfather’s Eyes' exhibit

"Through My Grandfather’s Eyes" is an exhibit featured at the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, through December that invites viewers to explore the beauty, resilience and humanity of a bygone era through the perspective of a soldier who found beauty wherever he went. It serves as both a tribute and a heartfelt thank you to all those who have served. This exhibit is a reminder that behind every uniform is a story worth remembering.

Support the Johnston High School Varsity Marching Band

The Johnston High School Varsity Marching Band brings pride, energy and music to the community at football games, parades and competitions. The band’s 15-year-old uniforms are past their lifespan, and the band parents are fundraising with a goal of $150,000 by year’s end to outfit students in new uniforms for the 2026-2027 season. Your support also fuels music programs for fifth- through ninth-graders, nurturing the next generation of Johnston musicians.

Whether you’re a business or an individual, your donation powers students to march with confidence. No amount is too small — every gift counts. For more information, contact jbandparents@gmail.com.

Payment by check is available. Make check payable to Johnston Band Parents Association and mail to:
Johnston Band Parents Association
P.O. Box 1361
Johnston, IA, 50131

Sign up to receive the monthly Parks and Recreation newsletter

The Parks and Recreation Department sends monthly newsletters about upcoming programs and information related to park projects. Sign up today to stay informed. Sign up for the Parks and Recreation newletter at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/hdCa4ou?source_id=1813648c-0ff0-44cf-beee-7d0770b4069f&source_type=em&c=-YR7-KtGpkmOrylY42_OTDYOomZ1MimZfV-uLEHv7UqJyG8SeoEiyQ==

Abominable Snowman Fundraiser

Woof Pack Resort and Spa, 5700 West Parkway, Johnston

Join this photoshoot fundraiser for Forever Home Dog Rescue on Sunday, Dec. 14, noon to 3 p.m. at the Woof Pack Resort and Spa, 5700 West Parkway, Johnston. Enter through single door and exit through double doors.

Community Greetings

Johnston Community Greetings welcomes 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.

Coffee with a Cop and Breakfast with Santa

Join the Johnston Police officers for Breakfast with Santa and Coffee with a Cop at your Johnston Hy-Vee, 5750 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 8-10 a.m. Enjoy complimentary donuts, coffee and juice. If you prefer a warm breakfast, you can purchase one from the Hy-Vee café. Learn more at https://www.cityofjohnston.com/calendar.aspx?EID=4009.

Holiday Open House

Join the Johnston Historical Society, 6161 Northglenn Drive, Johnston, for a holiday open house on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m. Enjoy the museum decorated for the holidays.

Saint James Lutheran Church events

5665 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

• Giving Tree will be up Nov. 15 to Dec. 16: This year’s gift will be donated to Trinity Center at Luther Park, ChildServe and Johnston Partnership.
• Advent Holden Evening Prayer: Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Soup Supper, 5:45 p.m., worship 6:30 p.m.
• Christmas Eve Services: Monday, Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Zumba classes

Get moving and have fun with the Zumba class for ages 16 and older. This high-energy workout blends Latin-inspired dance with upbeat music to boost your cardio, coordination and mood. No dance experience needed, just bring your energy and your smile. Register at www.cityofjohnston.com/1572/16-Adult-Fitness.

Merry Market

Join Edencrest at Green Meadows, 6750 Corporate Drive, Johnston, for a holly jolly morning Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. Enjoy breakfast with Santa for $10 per person, then browse the Merry Market featuring local vendors, holiday gifts and festive treats. Bring your family, shop local and get in the Christmas spirit. RSVP with Danielle at 515-204-7467.

Johnston Public Library happenings

Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

Thinking about decking the halls of your first home? Mortgage Loan Officer Matt Nolan and Realtor Pete Jones will walk you through the process of buying a home and answer all your questions during their First-Time Homebuyer Class. Registration is appreciated but not required for this no-pressure event on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.

If you want to protect yourself against scams during the holiday season and all year round, let Fraud Fighters help. On Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 1-2 p.m., volunteers with United Way of Central Iowa’s AmeriCorps Seniors program will present information that will help you identify and avoid common types of fraud.

Get your holiday photos taken at JPL. Local photographer Leah Heagy will be at the library from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, to take pictures with holiday/winter-themed backdrops. Registration for Family Picture Day will be in person beginning at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event and will be limited to the first 30 families. Each family will receive free digital copies of their photos for printing.

Winter break begins on Monday, Dec. 22. Teens in grades six and up can hang out during the library’s Extended Teen Space Hours from 1-6 p.m. that day. The fun will begin with the movie “Elf” and Shrinky Dinks ornaments followed by Jingle Bingo and Random Reasons to Party Kahoot! Trivia.

For teens looking to party into the new year, we have two exciting events. On Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m., kids in sixth grade and above can attend The Last Party of the Year: Multiverse Villains Murder Mystery where they’ll swap secrets, interrogate guests and use their wits to solve the crime of the year. Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, teens can celebrate the end of the year at our Disney New Year’s Eve Spectacular event, featuring the movie “Lilo and Stitch,” a Disney puzzle race, Disney Music Bingo, and Disney Kahoot! Trivia.

Have kids who can't make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve? We’ll be dropping the ball at noon at JPL. At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, kids in preschool through fifth grade can join us for Noon Year’s Eve fun as we welcome in the new year at the library.

More information about all events and resources at Johnston Public Library can be found online at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling the library at 515-278-5233.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston

• Gold Star Mothers - Christmas Trees: These beautiful trees will be featured at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum throughout the holiday season. The purpose of these trees is to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They also honor those who served and are no longer with us. If you interested in submitting a request for an ornament to represent your loved one, forms will be available at the museum.
• Discussion of War Correspondent Jack Shelley, WWII Journalist for WHO Radio and WHO-TV, Presented by Mr. Jay Olson: Jack Shelley of WHO Radio was an accredited war correspondent with the First Army in Belgium just as the Battle of the Bulge began on Dec. 16, 1944.   He reported on the battle but could not reveal his location to listeners. Jay Olson has researched his reports and unit journals to determine which units he visited and where he traveled in December 1944 and January 1945. Presentation is Saturday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• Sustainability at home: Saturday, Dec. 6, 1-2 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Do you want to be more eco-friendly at home but don’t know where to start? Whether you are a compost-connoisseur or are overwhelmed by green living, come learn about resources, strategies and easy starting points to make a difference in your own home. Ages 18 and older.
• Knee-High Naturalists: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 10-11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Are you ready to get outside and explore? Hear a story followed by some outdoor fun. Hike, investigate and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Come dressed to be outside. December’s topic is Rocks and Fossils. Registration required by the day before.
• Plant Swap and Propagation Party: Thursday, Dec. 11, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join a fun and interactive gathering where plant lovers can swap, share and learn. Whether you're a seasoned indoor gardener or just getting started, this event is a great way to exchange plants, trade cuttings and gain hands-on tips for keeping houseplants healthy. Bring plants to propagate, swap with fellow participants, and explore new ways to help your greenery thrive. Come ready to connect, trade and grow your plant collection. Registration required by Dec. 5. Ages 18 and older.
• Winter Holiday Nature Connections: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Santa Lucia Day, Christmas and more. Pick up your passport at the door and travel the Nature Center as you visit different winter holidays celebrated right here in Iowa. At each stop you will learn more about the holidays’ origins, how they’re celebrated in Iowa, and the ways in which nature plays a key role in these traditions. There will be crafts, simple activities, stories, a few tasty treats and more. This is an open house-style event, so come and go at your leisure. No registration required, free to participate, all ages welcome.
• Hike and Hot Cocoa: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1-2:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. A cold December day is the perfect time to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy National Cocoa Day. We’ll start the program with a brisk walk around Discovery Pond and end by enjoying a mug of hot cocoa around a fire.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Tinseltown in the Park
Through Dec. 20
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Mark your calendars for Tinseltown in the Park, featuring live Christmas tree sales, biergarten specials, food trucks, entertainers, unique visits from holiday A-listers, photo opportunities, and more to celebrate the holiday season in the park. Visit www.waterworkspark.org/tinseltown-in-water-works-park/ for schedule of events.

The Christkindlmarket
Dec. 11-14
Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
Experience a German-inspired Christmas Market. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of the holidays as you participate in a 750-year-old tradition. Shop regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls; enjoy lively performances of polka music, traditional dance and choirs in Yuletide Hall; participate in children's activities; sip Glühwein (warm, mulled wine); and savor European beer. More information available at www.christkindlmarketdsm.com.

Shop and Dine Along The Peppermint Trail
Saturday, Dec. 13
The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand
Celebrate the season with your favorite local businesses on The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and the Roosevelt Cultural District. The Peppermint Trail, presented by Veridian Credit Union, returns with shopping and dining specials happening all day at local shops and restaurants, plus a line-up of holiday festivities, including trolley rides, ice carving, photos with Santa, carolers and more. The “Bee-Merry-Line” trolley will travel on a loop from noon to 4 p.m. with multiple stops along Ingersoll Avenue and at the Shops At Roosevelt. See a route map on the event website, as well as list of businesses’ specials and times for special activities. www.theavenuesdsm.com/peppermint-trail

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Sunday, Dec. 14, 8 a.m. to noon
West Des Moines Elks Lodge, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be giving out goody bags, talking with the children and providing photo opportunities. The breakfast buffet includes: biscuits and gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties, cheesy potatoes and, of course, all you can eat pancakes (including blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes), orange juice, milk and coffee. Enjoy a Bloody Mary or mimosa for $3.50. Serving is from 8 a.m. till noon. Cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Breakfasts are held the second Sunday of the month. There will also be a Christmas bake sale. Proceeds support the Elks’ Hoop Shoot Program, other youth activities, veterans and community charities.

Stories With St. Nicholas
Sunday, Dec. 14, 4-8 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Immerse yourself in a special presentation from St. Nicholas and his reindeer, along with the Top Hat Carolers. St Nicholas will read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" along with a reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" from none other than the Grinch himself.

Square Dance Lessons
Sunday nights starting Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church, 4601 Douglas Ave., Des Moines
Ankeny Square Dance Club is sponsoring Square Dance Lessons. Cost is $20 per person for the entire session accepted at the third lesson.  Attend with or without a dance partner.  You'll learn the calls, one at a time, taught by a caller (instructor) and volunteers. For more information, call Sandy Townsend, 515-294-2624, or visit www.ankenysquares.com.

(Family Features) When spicy dips and saucy wings sound a little too overwhelming for your next game day gathering, turn to a simple yet still delicious solution. These Simple Salami Sliders can make game day planning a breeze with pregame ease and just a few everyday ingredients for the perfect snack at kickoff. Find more tailgating and homegating recipes at Culinary.net.

Simple Salami Sliders
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingedients:

• 1 package slider buns
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices salami
• 8 slices ham or other deli meat
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Everything Bagel seasoning (optional)

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F.
• Halve slider buns, creating top and bottom portions. Set top portion aside, leaving bottom portion in original container. Place bottom portion and container in baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Layer Swiss cheese, salami and ham then cover with top buns.
• Mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Parmesan cheese, onion powder and garlic powder. Pour over sliders.
• Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes then remove foil, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired, and bake, uncovered, 10 minutes.

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