Sept. 8-14, 2026

First Midwest Walk for FTD

On Saturday, Sept. 19, families from across Iowa and the Midwest will gather at Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, for the first-ever Walk for FTD Des Moines Area — A New Path. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the program starts at 10:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Mayor Paula Dierenfeld will have signed a proclamation recognizing and declaring National FTD Awareness Week, Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, and it will be celebrated during the walk festivities. FTD stands for frontotemporal dementia, a group of rare brain disorders that mainly affects behavior, personality, language and movement rather than memory, and it usually strikes people at a younger age (between 40 and 65) than other types of dementia. For more information or to register, visit theaftd.org/walk-for-ftd or call 515-720-3331.

100 Years of Pioneer

Learn how Pioneer became a worldwide leader in seed development and production and the key role it has played in the history of Johnston. Dean Podlich and David Bowen, the coauthors of the book, “100 Years of Pioneer - 1926 to 2026,” will be presenting an overview of that history on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Johnston Public Library, large meeting room, 6700 Merle Hay Road. The event is presented by the Johnston Station Historical Society. 

Electronics recycling day

On Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the city of Johnston is working with Electronic Asset Security to provide electronics recycling to help ensure these items stay out of the landfill. Drop off your old or unwanted electronics at the east side parking lot of City Hall, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Most general electronics are free to recycle, but fees apply to certain items, including CRT monitors, televisions and some batteries. Cash and credit cards are accepted. If you require a certificate of destruction (legal proof that data was destroyed), Electronic Asset Security can provide one for $10. This is typically not necessary for home users. All data-containing devices are securely wiped or physically destroyed before leaving the facility, whether or not a certificate is purchased.

Mayor’s Run for the Trails

Mayor’s Run for the Trails will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, starting at Terra Park Amphitheater. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. (Skip the line by picking up your packet Friday, Oct. 9, 4-6 p.m. at Crown Point Community Center). Racers should be at the start line by 9 a.m. The kids' 100-meter dash goes first, followed by the kids' 0.62-mile race, then 5K walkers, with 5K runners starting at 9:30 a.m. T-shirts and finisher medals are included with registration by Sept. 21 to guarantee your shirt (medals will still be given out after that date while supplies last). Bagels, water and fruit will be available post-race, and 5K runners are eligible for age-group awards.

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 by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Movies on the Yard

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and bring your favorite people along for a fun outdoor movie night on Thursday, Sept. 10 at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The event is free, so everyone in the community can join in on the summer fun. The movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

The final concert in The Yard Summer Concert Series presented by The Cork 50131. Concerts is Saturday, Oct. 3, from 7-10 p.m. at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Pork Tornadoes will perform.

Tunes at Twilight Concert Series

The final Tunes at Twilight, presented by The Cork 50131, will be held Thursday, Sept. 24  from 6:30-9 p.m. featuring two acts. Admission is free, and no tickets are required for this event, held at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Bands will be The Sheet and Damon Dotson.

Johnston Lions Club BINGO night

The Johnston Lions Club will host BINGO games on Sept. 17, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the Johnston Lions Club, 6501 Merle Hay Road. Fundraising from this activity is used for other community enrichment programs. Braille BINGO cards are available.

Johnston Farmers Market

The 2026 Johnston Farmers Market is held every Tuesday until Sept. 29, 4-7 p.m,
Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Sales begin promptly at 4 p.m., and live performances from several local musicians truly make the market the place to be.

Upcoming in Johnston Living magazine

• Blood donors: Are you a blood donor? Have you had a personal experience with someone who needed a blood donation? Have you volunteered at blood drives? If you have been involved in any way, we would like to hear from you. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com and include your name and town you live in.
• Veterans salutes: Submit your Veterans Profiles to Tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com. Include photo, name, town where you live, military branch, rank, enlistment dates and answer to: “What would you like others to know about serving your country?”

Johnston Public Library news

Are you ready to vote in the November elections? If not, register to vote at the library on National Voter Registration Day. Volunteers will be at the library Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 4-7 p.m. to help people register or update their current registration.

Retired seniors or those nearing retirement can go back to school this month at Retirement University: Social Security, Retirement Income and Tax Planning. Presenters from the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA) will educate participants on strategies for maximizing retirement income. This program will be offered twice: Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please register for the session of your choice.

If you’re looking for a new craft to help you unwind this fall, join us for Learn to Crochet Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. This beginner-friendly class is the perfect way to get hooked on a new hobby. Registration is required so supplies can be provided.

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.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Halfway to St. Pat’s Charity Car Show
Sunday, Sept. 20
Charlie’s Filling Station, 305 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are holding a fundraising car show to benefit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bring your classic or unique vehicle. Registration is 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. Vendors and food will be available.

CITYVIEW’s Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 25, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center, 5465 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Enjoy CITYVIEW’s Martini Fest, featuring 10 tickets for sample-size martinis at participating stops for $25 ($35 at the event). Visit https://martinifest.dmcityview.com/ for more information and to purchase tickets.

Iowa Barn Foundation All-State Barn Tour
Sept. 19-20
The Iowa Barn Foundation is hosting the largest barn tour with a record 108 stops.  The tour is free and open to the public, made possible by member donors. The tour will run both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Iowa Barn Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit committed to preserving Iowa's rural heritage one barn at a time.

Des Moines Area Quilters Guild Quilt Show
Sept. 24-26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Iowa State Fairgrounds 4-H Building, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
More than 600 quilts will be on display. Dozens of vendors will be displaying and selling their goods. Free demonstrations, quilt turnings and classes will be offered daily. There will be a raffle quilt and a Quilt Maker's Market. Admission is $12 at the door or $10 in advance; children 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit dmaqg.org or follow Des Moines Area Quilters Guild on Facebook. 

2026 Des Moines Concours
Sunday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Western Gateway, Des Moines
The Des Moines Concours showcases carefully selected vintage, classic, exotic, motorcycle and special-interest vehicles that highlight the remarkable evolution of transportation design and engineering. Special featured classes for 2026 include a celebration of Pontiac's 100th Anniversary and a unique showcase of vehicles that inspired the beloved characters from Pixar's “Cars” movies. Guests can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, interactive exhibits, LEGO displays, radio-controlled car racing, educational presentations, photo opportunities and hands-on activities throughout the day.

Social Saturday: Great Outdoors
Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Join the Des Moines Art Center’s September Social Saturday event: Great Outdoors! Enjoy crafts in the Art School studios, a scavenger hunt, a guided tour, storytime, treats in the Art Center Café, and so much more. The full schedule of events can be found at: https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/social-saturday-great-outdoors/.

Hoyt Sherman Place celebrates American Independence
Sunday, Sept. 13
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation is the recipient of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for “Celebrating the Nation’s 250th Birthday with Music from U.S. Military Bands.” With the $15,000 grant, the foundation will partner with the 34th Army Band of the Iowa National Guard to present a free, outdoor public event. For more information, visit https://hoytsherman.org/.

(Feature Impact) Peanut butter and jelly is a childhood favorite for a reason. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet fruit has been familiar, comforting and easy to enjoy for generations.

Think beyond the traditional sandwich by turning those flavors into these snackable Peanut Butter and Jelly Oat Bars. With a texture somewhere between baked oatmeal and a soft granola bar, the bars are moist but hold together well, making them a tasty, healthy option to take on the go.

Decorate the bars — and add a little extra sweetness — by drizzling on a Greek yogurt glaze and sprinkling colorful dried berries over the top.

Find more recipes for your family to enjoy throughout the school year at Culinary.net.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oat Bars
Recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large)
• ½ cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned whole oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• raspberry or strawberry jam, to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on sides to easily remove bars from pan. Set aside.
• In large bowl or stand mixer, mash bananas. On medium speed, whisk in peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, milk, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Batter should be thick but still pourable.
• Pour mixture into prepared pan and use spoon or knife to swirl jam into batter. Bake 25-28 minutes, or until center is set.
• Remove from oven and cool at room temperature 30-60 minutes then refrigerate pan until chilled, about 1 hour.
• Lift parchment paper to remove bars from pan then cut into 16 equal squares.
• To make optional yogurt topping: In bowl, whisk yogurt, vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before drizzling on bars. Add dried fruits, as desired.
• Store leftover bars in airtight container and refrigerate up to 10 days.
• Notes: Egg can be replaced with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Bars are difficult to cut before chilling.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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

DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZING SERVICES – FIND YOUR PEACE: Overwhelmed by clutter? Let me help you create a calm, organized home for a healthier, happier living space. Services include home organization, decluttering, and tailored packages. Call Jennifer at (515) 991-2511 to book your consultation!

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