Blessing of the Pets — This and more in this week's issue!

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Oct. 21-27, 2025

The great pumpkin appeared

In “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the 1966 animated Halloween television special based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown’s friend, Linus, was convinced the Great Pumpkin would show up at the pumpkin patch on Halloween. Prior to the holiday, Linus even crafted a letter to it. Of course, the Great Pumpkin never appeared.

I get it. I waited for the Great Pumpkin, too. We didn’t do much pumpkin carving when I was a kid, as there was “too much pumpkin smashing going on in the neighborhood,” or at least that’s what Mom told us.

That all changed when I married, as Jolene insisted we carve pumpkins. When our kids were born, the effort multiplied.

Carving pumpkins was messy, which I am convinced was the real reason my mother never wanted to do it. Our first efforts were messy, too. I should rephrase that: My first efforts were messy. Jolene’s were works of art. She could freehand the designs and do wonders with a steak knife on her pumpkins. Mine looked like they came out of the blender.

But, I was determined to improve on this craft. So, each year, I studied the tricks of the trade. It all starts with the right pumpkin, I learned. The right shape. The right size. The right stage. That part was relatively easy.

Then, I learned the value of patterns. Yes, some of you pumpkin purists may call that cheating, but they served as guides for me to get the right looks. I bought some pattern packets in the check-out lane of a grocery store and then later printed them from websites.

Most importantly, I discovered that I needed the right tools for the job. I sought efficiency in the early years, and my electric handheld jigsaw cut up my pumpkin in seconds. And, yes, it looked like I carved it in seconds. Then, I discovered those tiny, jagged knives that were made for carving pumpkins. Those changed everything, as I could now follow the patterns with exact precision.

And then, it happened — the Great Pumpkin appeared, or at least my Great Pumpkin did. Mom would have been disgusted by the mess I made, but Linus would have certainly been proud of me. Most importantly, my wife and our kids had a great time and created wonderful memories. I did, too. How about you? Do you have some great pumpkin-carving stories? Send me a note and let me know.

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

Blessing of the Pets

On Oct. 3, McAuley Terrace Independent Living was filled with wagging tails, gentle purrs and lots of love as they celebrated their annual Blessing of the Pets. Father Guthrie Dolan is pictured with Pat Jarnigan and Honeybee, a corgi. Residents, staff and their furry friends gathered for a joyful ceremony honoring the special bond shared with animal companions. Each pet received a blessing for health, happiness and the unconditional love they bring into our lives.

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

Iowa Blue Star Moms seek hands and hearts

The Iowa Blue Star Mothers are asking for the help of Iowans across the state to assist them in the final phase of their year-long project to send 2,700 care packages to Iowans serving in all military branches, active duty, National Guard and Reserves, across the United States and the world who can not come home to Iowa this holiday season.

For 10 months, the Iowa Blue Star Mothers have been gathering donated items for these boxes of love from Iowa and fundraising tirelessly to raise money for the $80,450 shipping fees. Nov. 6-8 will culminate their hard work and planning as they end this year-long labor of love by
packing, sealing and mailing 2,700 care packages. The Iowa Blue Star Mothers invite the public to come help in this endeavor by contacting them to volunteer. This event will be located at Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion, 6101-6143 N.W. 78 Ave., Johnston. Food and drinks will be
provided at every shift for volunteers. Contact April Conway, vice president, Iowa Blue Star Mothers at 515-494-3723 to sign up.

Johnston Lions Club bingo

Join the Johnston Lions Club for bingo with prizes on the second Thursday of November at the Lions Club, 6501 Merle Hay Road, Johnston. Date is Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m.

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.

Anniversary celebrated

Woof Pack celebrated its 1-year anniversary on Oct. 11. Picture are Emma Miller, Rachel Lesley and Stephanie Wintermote with Tilly the puppy.

Bark’n Bingo at the Barn

Oh My Dog Rescue invites dog lovers and community supporters to Bark’n Bingo at the Barn, an evening of bingo, prizes and fundraising for Oh My Dog Rescue at The Simpson Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, in Johnston. The event, to be held Friday, Oct. 24, will feature multiple rounds of bingo, a silent auction, food, drinks and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow dog enthusiasts. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; bingo play will continue through the evening so come as you are able, late entry allowed.

Tickets are $30 and include entry with five bingo cards. Additional cards available for purchase on site. All proceeds from the evening will support Oh My Dog Rescue’s mission to rescue, foster, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need across Iowa. The organization is also leading the charge to get 24/7 microchip scanning stations installed all over Iowa. Oh My Dog Rescue is entirely volunteer-led and relies on community support to continue life-saving work.

Sign up for the 55-plus Craft Class, Days for Girls

Join a group of volunteers for Days for Girls and create sustainable menstrual health solutions by sewing and assembling reusable hygiene kits. Help empower girls and women globally with essential resources and education while making a lasting impact and connecting with like-minded individuals. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon, at Crown Point Community Center, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston. Register at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=148.

Free Bingo Fridays

Enjoy free bingo at Crown Point Community Center, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston every Friday. Enjoy a fun and lively afternoon filled with friendly competition, great prizes and lots of laughs. All skill levels are welcome. Try your luck and make new friends in a welcoming community atmosphere. Dates are Fridays, Oct. 24 and 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26; 5-7:30 p.m.

Trick-or-Treat with first responders

Join community members on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30-7 p.m. at Fire Station 38, 10225 N.W. 62nd Ave., and go trick-or-treating with first responders from the police and fire departments. They will be handing out treats, and you can also explore the fire engine, ambulance and a squad car. The Bridge will organize fun activities for the kids and hand out candy.

Trick-or-Treat in Johnston is Oct. 31

Last year, Johnston, along with several other metropolitan communities, reviewed the Beggars Night tradition and decided that Halloween will be celebrated on Oct. 31 from now on. This year, Halloween falls on a Friday evening. Families can go trick-or-treating from 6-8 p.m.

Tree Branch and Limb Drop Off

Every fall, the City of Johnston gives residents a chance to get rid of branches and limbs for free. You can drop off these materials at the Public Works Facility located at 6400 N.W. Beaver Drive from Nov. 13-15. Drop-off hours are Thursday, Nov. 13: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 14: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 15: 7 a.m. to noon.

55-plus Fall Party

Celebrate the season at the 55-plus Fall Party with Urban Grill on Friday, Nov. 7, 5-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a delicious menu featuring cavatelli, creamy Parmesan salad, garlic bread and rich bread pudding. Live music will set the perfect autumn mood as you mingle and make memories with friends and neighbors. Join us for an evening full of great food, music and fall fun. Visit the RecDesk website to register by Friday, Oct. 24: https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=168.

Drug Take Back Day

Unused or unwanted prescription drugs can be dropped off at the Johnston Public Safety Building, located at 6373 Merle Hay Road, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 25. Please note that liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, other sharps and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

Frightfully Fun Night

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m. at Edencrest at Green Meadows, 6750 Corporate Drive, for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun at Green Meadows. Kids are invited to trick-or-treat with residents, enjoy festive games, and sip on warm apple cider. Bring the whole family and celebrate the season with the senior community. Costumes encouraged.

Trunk or Treat

The Johnston Lions invite the public to the club’s trunk-or-treat event. On Friday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the Johnston Lions Club, 6501 Merle Hay Road, enjoy a family-friendly trick or treating event. See kid-themed trunks and collect some sweet treats from community partners.

Belgian Waffle Fundraiser

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Belgian waffles breakfast with sausage links, flavored syrups, butter, non-dairy whipped topping, coffee and juice sponsored by the Johnston Band Parent Association on Saturday, Nov. 8, 8-11 a.m., at Johnston High School Commons, 6500 N.W. 100th St., Johnston. Cost is $10 per person in advance and $12 per person at the door. Kids 5 and younger eat free. Tickets are available at the Johnston Fareway in the morning Oct. 25 or Nov. 1.

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.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The Iowa Files: A History Series
Various dates, 3 p.m.
Community Room of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway
The Iowa Files, an educational history lecture series, returns for its seventh year in 2025/2026. This joint West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library program is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of West Des Moines Historical Society members, Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Friends Foundation of the West Des Moines Library. All programs are streamed on the WDMHS Facebook page and YouTube channel.
• Nov. 16: Over the Hill to the Poor Farm. Poor farms were residential institutions, often operated by counties, that provided basic social services and housing for the poor, disabled and elderly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Gayla Harkin was a long time administrator of the poor farm in Boone, and will share her stories about the programs and residents.

Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame Gala
Saturday, Oct. 26
Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines, 1326 Walnut, Des Moines
www.cjc-dsm.org
Hall of Fame honors for 2025 will be awarded to trombonist/educator/arranger Paul McKee and guitarist Willie Shay, with other honors presented throughout the night.

Edgewater Holiday Mart
Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
9225 Cascade Ave., West Des Moines
Local artists and vendors offer their personal creations — carved Santas, wine bottle stoppers, wooden pens and toys, kaleidoscopes, goodie boxes, paintings, paper quilling, linoleum block prints, blown and fused glass, photographs, cards, fiber arts, pottery and ceramics, clocks, jewelry, decorated felt bags, quilted bags, cutting boards, woven baskets, embroidered dish towels, knitted socks, crocheted animals, painted rocks, goat soaps and lotions, breads, fudge and peanut brittle, honey, vanilla, gourmet popcorn and nuts, jams and jellies, and baked goods.

Día de los Muertos Festivities
Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
The Art Center invites all for a free, family-friendly day with Día de los Muertos activities. Enjoy live music and dance performances, food and art vendors, hands-on activities, a Catrina costume showcase, a short documentary film tribute, and our annual community ofrenda (on view through Nov. 16). 
Free Mexican hot cocoa and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) will be available while supplies last. Visitors may take advantage of a free shuttle from Merrill Middle School, which will run continuously during the event. 

Savor Iowa’s Culinary History
Thursday, Nov. 13, 5 p.m.
Terrace Hill Historic Site Drawing Room, 2300 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Savor Iowa's amazing food heritage. Iowa’s delectable cuisine is quintessentially Midwestern, grounded in its rich farming heritage and spiced with diverse ethnic influences. In this Ask the Expert, dig in as we serve up Iowa's tastiest traditions. From the chili and cinnamon rolls phenomenon to Maid-Rites, discover the remarkable stories behind Iowa's classics and savor a smorgasbord of other unique Iowa food traditions. Pull up a chair, gain a few cooking tips and relish what you missed in history class in this fascinating presentation by Darcy Maulsby, author, farmer, speaker and avid home cook. This program is based on Darcy's book, “A Culinary History of Iowa: Sweet Corn, Pork Tenderloins, Maid-Rites and More.”
This is a free program, but advanced registration is required as space is limited. Register online at https://thsavoriowasculinaryhistory.eventbrite.com or contact Allison Wergeland at allison.wergeland@governor.iowa.gov or 515-281-7205.

Tinseltown in the Park
Nov. 22 - 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.

Take on dinnertime with tasty taco cups

(Family Features) Take Taco Tuesday up a notch with these easy taco cups that save room on your plate for dips, salsa and sides. Whether you like them mild or spicy, lightly topped or fully loaded, they’re a perfect solution for weeknight family dinners or weekend get-togethers. Find more Cookin’ Savvy creations at Culinary.net.

Taco cups
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 package (8 count) flour tortillas
shredded cheese
lettuce
cilantro
sour cream
salsa
guacamole (optional)
black olives (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 F.
Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.
Cut tortillas in half then in half again, making four pieces. Place two pieces in each hole of muffin tin. Place browned ground beef in each hole then top with shredded cheese. Bake 15 minutes, or until tortillas reach desired crispiness.
Using knife, shred lettuce and cilantro. Top each cup with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and cilantro, as desired. Add guacamole and olives, if desired.

From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

RESIDENTS' CHOICE AWARDS

Northwest Metro residents share their favorites

Residents in the Northwest Metro communities of Grimes, Dallas Center, Johnston, Urbandale and Clive have again weighed in on their favorite businesses, people, events and places in the latest Residents’ Choice poll. The poll results share residents’ top three choices in dozens of categories, many of which are extremely competitive with only a handful of votes separating the winner from the runners up. Consequently, we view them all as winners. They have captured the favor of people who live in the Northwest Metro area and who know the businesses, people, events and places of the area best.

[...]

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