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Sept. 16-22, 2025

 
 
Can this wait until later?
 

Distractions. They sure are distracting. If I could find ways to eliminate or reduce them, I might get more done. Can you relate?

In today’s world, distractions are growing at a rate we have never seen before. Most of us can’t seem to find uninterrupted time to finish things without a barrage of phone calls, text messages, voicemails, emails, social media alerts and app notifications — and that’s just on the technology side. With many of us involved in a growing number of functions and activities today, we seem to get pulled in multiple directions at once. And, as much as we want to be like Stretch Armstong, we simply can’t do it all.

In my quest to find ways to eliminate or reduce distractions so I can accomplish what is expected of me — and, more importantly, what I expect of myself — I gathered the following:

Tell others, “I am working now; can this wait until later?” It is vital that we communicate our availability — and our unavailability — to others. That includes our co-workers, our spouses, our children, our parents and even our bosses. Once they hear this comment a few times, the interruptions reduce. Of course, this goes both ways. When my kids were younger, I would continually tell them this. Now, as they are in the adult world, they spring the comment on me when I reach out to them during the day. Touché.

Turn off the beeps. Not too many years ago, someone using a cellular phone at a restaurant was considered rude. Now, it is commonplace. Somehow, generations before us survived without dozens of minute-by-minute text messages, email alerts, app notifications and social media updates. We simply have to turn off these notifications on our devices or silent them. Another good idea is to establish certain times or areas where technology is not allowed — like at a restaurant.

Create a task list and use a calendar. We should all have a to-do list. I have often said that if we can remember and complete all our daily tasks without writing them down, then we simply don’t have enough to do. To-do lists and calendars help develop a plan that keeps us focused and makes the most of our time.

Practice time management. Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It is simple yet effective. It works like this: Set time to work on a project (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break (e.g., 5 minutes). This helps keep us focused and prevents burnout.

Manage your space. Being organized and clutter-free seems to always be a good idea. That goes for our workspaces, too. Proper lighting and a comfortable temperature enhance focus. And a hot cup of coffee seems to help as well.

How about you? How do you avoid the distractions in your life? 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

 
 
Johnston Police Officer Landis sworn in
 

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Police Officer Landis was officially sworn in by Mayor Paula Dierenfeld during the City Council meeting. He joined the Johnston Police Department in February 2025 and graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, Aug. 22.

Growing up on the west side of Des Moines, Officer Landis graduated from Roosevelt High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism. Prior to his law enforcement career, he worked as a graphic designer at Gannett, all while completing two master’s degrees at Drake University in Communication Leadership and Business Analytics. 

Driven by a passion for community engagement, Officer Landis expresses gratitude for the support he has received throughout his journey. He is dedicated to making a positive impact while serving the Johnston community. 

 

Have you been counted in the Special Census?

The city is halfway through Johnston’s Special Census, but have you responded? Every household counts toward the funding the community needs for road repairs, emergency services and parks.

If you’ve already responded, city officials say, thank you, and ask you to encourage neighbors, friends and family to do the same. Learn more about the Special Census at www.cityofjohnston.com/Faq.aspx?TID=43.

 

Women and Money

Join Financial Planner Shalini Babu from Prudential Advisors on Thursday, Sept. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road. This empowering session focuses on financial literacy for women. With a passion for encouraging confidence through education and intentional conversations, Shalini is dedicated to helping women take control of their financial futures by promoting financial wellness as a path to making informed decisions and reaching goals with clarity and purpose. Registration is appreciated at https://johnston.librarycalendar.com/event/women-and-money.

 

Johnston Lions Club bingo

Join the Johnston Lions Club for bingo with prizes on the second Thursday of October and November at the Lions Club, 6501 Merle Hay Road, Johnston. Dates are Oct. 9 and 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 our 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/

 
 

Johnston Homecoming Parade

The Johnston Community School District’s homecoming parade will be Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. The northbound lane of Pioneer Parkway will be closed from 4-8 p.m. from Greendale Road to N.W. 62nd Avenue. Access to Hy-Vee along Greendale Road will be limited during staging until the parade route has passed. However, southbound traffic on Pioneer Parkway will remain open.

 

Craft and Rummage Sale canceled

The Johnston Women’s Social Connection rummage sale has been canceled.

 

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.

 

Electronics Recycling Day

A free electronics recycling day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Johnston City Hall east parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road. All general electronics are accepted, but CRTs, televisions and some batteries may have fees. For details on pricing and accepted items, visit Electronic Asset Security’s website, https://electronicassetsecurity.com.

 
 

Lessons on the Holocaust

The public is invited Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. to the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, to hear educator Brad Wilkening share historical accounts and survivors’ stories of the Holocaust to show why the genocide of World War II is more relevant than ever and how this terrible period in human history should be used to build a more compassionate and kind world today. Registration is appreciated online at https://johnston.librarycalendar.com/event/lessons-holocaust.

 

First-time homebuyer class

Thinking about buying your first home? Join Mortgage Loan Officer Matt Nolan from Community Choice Credit Union and Realtor Pete Jones for a first-time homebuyer class on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road. Matt and Brad will walk you through the process from financing to closing and answer your home-buying questions. Registration is appreciated at https://johnston.librarycalendar.com/event/first-time-homebuyer-class-20717.

 

Storybook Bingo

Are you looking for something fun to do on a day with no school? Join in on Monday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, for an exciting event. Bring your friends and family for bingo at the library. Find famous book characters in the correct places on your card, and you could be a winner. This event is recommended for kids in grades K-6. 

 
 

Medication Safety and Trivia Course

Discover the pros and cons of living in a time when prescriptions are handed out more than ever. Join this course Thursday, Sept. 25, 1-2 p.m., at the Crown Point Community Center, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, and learn why it's important to be your own health advocate, how to use medications safely, and the risks that come with misusing drugs. Learn how you can take charge of your health and make informed choices about your medications. The registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 18. Register at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=94.

 

Last Sounds of Summer Concert

Enjoy an exciting concert featuring The Pork Tornadoes at the Yard Summer Concert Series Saturday, Sept. 27, 7-10 p.m. at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Outside coolers are not allowed.

 

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.

 

Gold Star Military Museum events

The public is invited to upcoming events at the Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston.

  • The museum will host a U.S. Military 250th Birthday Celebration at the Freedom Center, Building S-70, Saturday, Sept. 20, 4-7 p.m. Visitors can expect refreshments, historic military vehicles, reenactors and displays of period uniforms, museum experts, the Iowa Military Veterans Band, and more.
  • Author Jeff Kluever will discuss his new book, “Marching Home,” Saturday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m. at the museum.
  • The “Liberator” Exhibit will be on display at the museum from Sept. 23 through Oct. 11. Known as the “Liberator” in World War II Europe, the Harley Davidson WLA military motorcycle was often the first vehicle to enter towns liberated from German occupation. Used for convoy escort, reconnaissance, message delivery and military police patrols, 70,000 were produced during the war.
 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center
CITYVIEW is bringing Martini Fest back to West Glen Town Center. For a ticket price of $25 (tickets will be $35 at the event), attendees will receive 10 tickets that can be redeemed at each participating martini stop for a sample-size martini. Locations include nightclubs and restaurants at West Glen Town Center. Reserve your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cityview-martini-fest-2025-tickets-1291852588869 now so you can avoid registration lines at the event.

Oktoberfest in The District
Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27
The District at Prairie Trail, S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
Raise your steins and don your lederhosen for two unforgettable days of festive fun at the 21st Annual Oktoberfest, now at The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. Experience the heart of Bavarian tradition with authentic German food, lively polka music, traditional beer hall games, and, of course, plenty of beer to go around. This two-day celebration offers something for everyone, from classic stein-holding contests and live music to delicious bratwursts and pretzels straight from the grill. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/21st-annual-des-moines-oktoberfest-tickets-1488793063129?aff=oddtdtcreator.

‘Blithe Spirit’
Oct. 3-12
Ankeny Community Theatre, 1932 S.W. Third St., Ankeny
“Blithe Spirit,” by Noël Coward, will be presented by Ankeny Community Theatre. This comedy is perfect for the Halloween season. When a group of friends hosts a seance that goes wrong, Charles’ first wife comes back to haunt him and his new wife with hysterical results. Tickets available at ankenycommunitytheatre.com.

Archives Across America: Unlocking Genealogy Resources
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.
Iowa Genealogical Society Library, 628 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
The Iowa Genealogical Society will host this one-day conference at the IGS Library and via Zoom. Featured speaker Tina Beaird will present on the Library of Congress, the National Personnel Records Center, the U.S. National Archives, and Midwest repositories. Registration is $70 for members and $90 for non-members. Details at www.iowagenealogy.org.

Fire Up the Mic
Friday, Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m.
Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Under the stars, Fire Up the Mic will ignite. Poets and singers lifting hearts through the night. Rhythms of culture, voices that rise. Stories and soul beneath open skies. Hosted by Dapper Donnie, a gathering divine. Where word meets music and spirits align. Food, art, and flavor, the city will unite. More information available at www.facebook.com/events/795476310088314.

Guided Tour: Blue Star Welcome Week
Saturday, Sept. 27, 1-2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
In celebration of Blue Star Welcome Week, the Art Center is offering a free guided tour titled “Sailor, Soldier, Airman, Artist.” This themed tour asks the question, “How did the military experience influence mid-century modern artists?” with artist features such as Ellsworth Kelly (WWII), Sam Francis (WWII), or b. Robert Moore (son of a Vietnam veteran). The Des Moines Art Center is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission every day to everyone. Hosting this guided tour during Blue Star Welcome Week, seeks to build support for the 600,000 military families who move to new communities each year. All military personnel and family members are invited to attend, whether new to the Des Moines community or not, to enjoy an afternoon at the Art Center.

NAMIWalks Iowa
Saturday, Sept. 27, check-in at 8:30 a.m., program at 10 a.m, walk at 10:30 a.m.
Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston
If you care about moving the needle of mental wellness in our community and beyond, you are welcome to NAMIWalks. NAMI Iowa provides free, top-rated programs, life-saving support, education, guidance and the power to turn up the volume on advocacy and awareness. Register at www.namiwalks.org/iowa?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=a4c96b4c-4f4b-464a-a588-4b0dbf463d5e&language=en.

 
 
Fruity fuel for school
 

Keep students energized and engaged with sweet watermelon snacks

(Family Features) School days bring excitement for students with classroom fun, exploration of new subjects, time with friends and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. They also mean hectic schedules for families, especially parents looking to keep nutrition top of mind despite jam-packed weeknight calendars.

Help your kiddos stay energized for each school day (including those dreaded homework hours) with nutritious snacks that prioritize hydration. As a satisfying sweet treat thanks to its taste and nutritional value, watermelon provides a year-round solution to rehydrate as part of simple, kid-friendly meals and snacks.

Sweet watermelon, salty cottage cheese and pops of berries make this watermelon berry fruit salad with cottage cheese hard to top after a long day in the classroom. A sprinkle of fresh mint is a perfect final addition to this after-school treat.

Find more school year snacks and meals by visiting Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Berry Fruit Salad with Cottage Cheese
Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Ingredients:

  • Watermelon
  • 1 package raspberries
  • 1 package strawberries
  • 1 package blueberries
  • 1 package blackberries
  • 1 container cottage cheese
  • 1 bunch mint leaves
  • honey, to taste (optional)

Directions:

  • Cut watermelon with star-shaped cookie cutter or into cubes.
  • In large bowl, mix watermelon with raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Add dollops of cream cheese on top of fruit.
  • Garnish with mint leaves and drizzle with honey, to taste, if desired, prior to serving.
 
 
 
 
 
From your Johnston Living magazine
 

This month's cover story:

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Residents share their home renovation experiences

Live in a home for a while, and one is likely to start thinking, “If only….” If only the bathroom had a walk-in shower…. If only the kitchen had new cabinets.… If only the old flooring could be replaced.… If only the basement was finished…. If only a room could be added…. If only that longed-for home improvement project could be completed … then the house would be just right. Residents who have taken the leap from thinking about it to tackling their dream projects share their experiences.

[...]

 
Read more
 
 

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