Nov. 4-10, 2025

Breakfast with the Brave

The public is invited on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 9-10 a.m., to Edencrest at Green Meadows, 6750 Corporate Drive, Johnston, for a special morning of gratitude as they honor their veterans and local law enforcement. Enjoy a light breakfast, coffee and heartfelt conversation and take time to recognize the courage, dedication and service of those who protect and serve our community.

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

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.

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.

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, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26; 5-7:30 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.

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.

A cornucopia of events at the Johnston Public Library

Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

• Wicked Sing Along: Friday, Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m. Watch the movie “Wicked” and enjoy Oz-themed snacks and crafts. Teens in grades 6-12 who prefer Spider-Man to Glinda and Elphaba can drop by for School’s Out: Extended Teen Space Hours from 1-5:30 p.m. to watch “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” create Marvel-inspired Perler bead art, and play video games. 
• Book Bites: Monday, Nov. 17 from 4:30-5 p.m. In this yummy story time, kids in grades K-5 will taste test breads from different cultures and ethnicities and listen to stories about how they are made and the role they play in their communities.
• School’s Out - Extended Teen Space Hours: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1-5 p.m., grades 6 and up. Watch the movie “Ratatouille,” make miniature clay food creations, and participate in video game tournaments.
• Write All Night (5:30 p.m. to midnight): Friday, Nov. 7. Central Iowa Authors will host timed writing sprints for those who’d like to join them. Otherwise, you’re welcome to find your own cozy corner of the library to write.
• Lois Carpenter will present Holiday Quick Breads on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m. This is an adults program. Lois will demonstrate two simple recipes for quick breads that are big on flavor and perfect for gift giving or holiday guests. Baking experience is not required, but registration for this tasty event is.

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

• Military Records Clinic: Looking for military records for family members? Have you
  always wanted to learn how to interpret military records? Come join Museum Curator Mike Vogt, State Archivist Anthony Jahn and researcher Jay Olson on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. as they teach the basics of state and federal military records research and learn about military records available at the State Historical Library and Archive of Des Moines.
• Gold Star Mothers - Christmas Trees: These beautiful trees will be featured at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum starting Tuesday, Nov. 15, 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.

Wait, Where Am I? Saturday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. If you were truly lost, do you know how to get someplace safe? Learn how to use a map compass and read a topographic map in this hands-on class. Some activities will take place outdoors. Registration required by Nov. 6.

Trash - Where Does it Come From, Where Does it Go: Saturday, Nov. 8, 1-2 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Trash. We know that we don't like it, but we just keep making it. Learn from and discuss with a naturalist about our trash, its lifecycle, and why we have so much of it. If you have ever wondered, why does my trash fill up so fast, what really happens after I put a can in the recycling, or why do people compost, then this is the place for you. 

Date Night at the ORWC: Friday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Bring a loved one for a fun night of archery, axe throwing and bouldering. Instructions, equipment and light refreshments will be provided. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Willow Holiday Wreath: Sunday, November 16, noon to 3 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join artists Pam Dennis and Ryk Weiss with Flock 9 Studios to learn how to craft a beautiful wreath using natural native willow. This renewable resource will be harvested and ready for you to use. After your wreath is completed, materials will be available to decorate your wreath and give it a little holiday flare. Participants will need to bring a hammer, anvil shears, small wire cutters and needle nose pliers. Instruction, creative guidance, willow, nails, and decorations provided. Ages 18+. Registration required by November 7.

Family Fun Night: Friday, November 21, 6-8 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Gather your friends and family together for a low-cost night of fun at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. Opportunities will be available for bouldering (age 4+) and archery (10+), playing a variety of family games and puzzles, and enjoying time outdoors, or in, by the fire making s’mores. Light snacks will be provided. Pay cash (preferred) or card at the door for this open-house style event. $5 per person, children under 4 are free.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

(Family Features) If this year’s holiday menu is in need of an upgrade, look no further than the main course. A twist on tradition may be all that’s necessary to take seasonal meals up a level for a fresh way to savor the season and celebration. Find more holiday recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.

Stuffed Boneless Pork Loin Roast
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 95 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 Coleman Natural boneless pork roast (3-4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 2 cups cubed fresh bread, crust removed
• 1 apple, diced
• gravy, for serving

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 F.
• Butterfly roast.
• In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and butter. Add celery, carrots and onions; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• While vegetables are cooking, whisk eggs; milk; salt, to taste; and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Mince sage and rosemary.
• In large bowl, combine bread, vegetable mixture, liquid ingredients, apples, sage and rosemary. Gently toss until bread absorbs most of the liquid.
• Cut three pieces of butcher’s twine about 4 inches longer than the longest side of butterflied roast. Lay string on cutting board horizontally and lay roast on top of string to cover.
• Place half of the stuffing mixture onto butterflied pork loin and press down firmly. Roll roast up and tie with butcher’s twine to hold it together, taking care not to tie too tightly, and press any stuffing that comes loose back into ends of roast.
• Place stuffed and tied roast, fat cap up, on rack over baking sheet. Season liberally with salt and pepper; roast until meat thermometer inserted into roast registers 140 F, 75-90 minutes.
• Place remaining stuffing in a small ovenproof casserole dish and cover with foil. After roasting 30 minutes, place extra stuffing in oven to cook alongside roast.
• Remove foil from extra stuffing and remove roast from oven. Let rest for 10 minutes then remove the extra stuffing from oven.
• Cut twine from roast and discard. Cut roast into six thick slices, taking care not to lose stuffing. Serve with extra stuffing and gravy.

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