Operation Frequent Wind — This and more in this week's issue!

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Put your head down and plow forward

Just put your head down and plow forward. That was the advice I got from my eighth-grade football coach, Keith Christie. I didn't get the opportunity to run with the football very often, and when I did, I apparently tried to get too fancy with half-hearted jukes and uninspiring spin moves that didn’t result in much positive yardage. Barry Sanders, I was not.

So, Coach Christie made it simple for me. He said I needed to quit trying to sidestep the defensive players and instead just run them over. That’s what my teammates Todd and Tommy did, and that’s why Coach Christie opted for plays with them running the ball and me blocking for them.

Coach Christie’s advice made sense on the gridiron, but it applies to a lot more than football. We too often try to avoid our challenges in life by sidestepping, spinning and juking. And then those challenges catch up to us and tackle us to the ground. We get up, shake them off and get ready for the next play. Then we do the same things again and wonder why the same results keep happening. It’s maddening.

Instead, what if we took my eighth-grade coach’s advice, put our heads down and plowed forward? What if we took our challenges on with complete confidence and ran right over them? What if we realized that moving side to side or backwards to avoid those challenges doesn't get us ahead?

Of course, if we do this too often, we may end up with the proverbial brain concussion. That’s why we need those around us — our teammates — to also run the ball by putting their heads down and plowing forward. Sharing the load, you might say.

I didn't take Coach Christie’s advice as a teenager. I wanted the ball, but I wasn’t delivering the expected results — and I was not willing to change. Instead of staying out for football and working to improve, I ran cross country. I still had to learn to move forward, though. Juking, spinning and side-stepping made even less sense on the cross country course.

Today, though, more than four decades later, I take Coach Christie’s advice to heart, and I try to lower my head and plow forward in most everything I do. It doesn’t always result in touchdowns — and it creates a few headaches — but it does ensure that I am moving forward and making progress. I would guess that Coach Christie, who just passed away a few weeks ago at age 94, would have approved.

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

Operation Frequent Wind

Fifty years ago, on April 29, 1975, as North Vietnamese forces closed in on Saigon, the United States launched Operation Frequent Wind — the largest helicopter evacuation in military history. Among the Marine Corps pilots who flew into danger that day was Iowa native Captain Gerry Berry whose CH-46 helicopter, “Lady Ace 09,” carried U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin out of Saigon, marking the final chapter of America’s presence in Vietnam. Now retired Colonel Berry shared his experiences as a guest speaker at Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. He is pictured with Michael J. Harris, Colonel (Ret).

Celebrate end of school and start of summer reading

Celebrate the end of the school year by swinging through Johnston Public Library’s Summer Reading Drive-Thru on the last day of school, Friday, May 30, to pick up your summer reading materials. Library staff will be in the parking lot from 2-5:30 p.m. with to-go bags for all ages so you can get a head start on a summer full of amazing programs and reading incentives that will keep you engaged and plugged in all summer long.

Join library staff to celebrate the freedom to read and create — and kick off Summer Reading — at the Library Love Drop-In Print Party on Saturday, May 31, from 1-5 p.m. Make your own zines, design custom buttons and screen print shirts or bags with one of four bold, library-loving designs. Printing will be with white ink, so bring a dark-colored shirt or tote bag. A limited number of bags will be available if you don’t have your own. 

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.

Rotary Club golf fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Johnston is hosting its annual golf fundraiser on Monday, June 2, at the Hyperion Field Club, 7390 N.W. Beaver Drive, Johnston. Register your foursome now. Cost of $1,600 includes 18 holes of golf, raffle with more than 50 prizes, a chance to shoot the golf cannon, meals and a swag bag. The event benefits Johnston Partnership, Dorothy’s House and Johnston Rotary. Register at https://4th-annual-johnston-rotary-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com.

Vietnam War Living History Event

Discover what life was like for the U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War. Meet knowledgeable historians, explore historically accurate campsites, and see period military vehicles at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave, Johnston, on Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Movies on the Yard

Experience the magic of summer evenings at Movies on the Yard. Prepare for a lineup of popular films under the stars at 6245 Merle Hay Road. Mark your calendars for the Fridays of May 23, July 18 and Aug. 29. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and gather your loved ones for an outdoor movie experience. Snacks and drinks are welcome, making it the perfect picnic opportunity. Admission to Movies on the Yard is free, ensuring everyone in the community can enjoy this summer's entertainment. Screenings begin around 8 p.m.

Tunes at Twilight

Experience live music in the Yard. Concerts will be from 7:30-9 p.m. on the Thursdays of May 29, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11 at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The lineup includes: May 29, The Squares; July 10, Jordan Beem; Aug. 7, The Sons of Gladys Kravitz; Sept. 11, Damon Dotson.

Johnston Partnership needs

The Johnston Partnership provides food and personal hygiene products to those in need, as well as children’s seasonal clothing. The Partnership also has a Friday food bag program. They are currently delivering around more than 800 bags per month to all nine Johnston schools. This program supplements food insecurity over the weekend when school breakfast and lunch aren’t available and is open to any family at any time (contact the school office). Items needed are individual packages or cups of peanut butter; individual shelf stable milk; fruit and applesauce cups; granola bars; easy Mac and ramen noodles.

The Partnership is open normal hours during spring break for families needing extra food assistance.

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

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.

Curbside yard waste collection is underway

The Compost It! program’s curbside yard waste collection has begun. To ensure collection, set your Compost It! bags, yard waste bags with a Compost It! sticker, and Compost It! carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day.

Accepted yard waste: twigs and branches, leaves, grass clippings and garden vegetation (such as spoiled vegetables on the vine or wilted flowers from landscaping).

Items that are not accepted include: dirt, mulch, rocks, food and pet waste. For more information, visit www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/yard-waste/news/compost-it-season-begins/.

Zenith Chamber Music in Johnston

The Zenith Chamber Music Festival will return this June for its 11th season, presenting a week-long festival packed with an outstanding lineup of musicians in venues across central Iowa. The June 5 performance — saxophonist Damani Phillips — will be at the Simpson Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, Johnston.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Story Tellebration, Wednesday, May 21, 10-10:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join volunteer storyteller, Carmen Epstein, for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity. Topic: Born to be Wild.
Nature Center: Extended Hours, Thursday, May 22, 4-7 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come to hang out at the Jester Park Nature Center on a summer evening while we keep our doors open a few hours extra. A naturalist will be on-site offering a unique educational touch table and a simple themed activity, plus our regular exhibit offerings. Bring a picnic dinner to eat out on the patio and add in a short hike by trails nearby to make a family evening come alive.
Horse Whispers in the Woods, Thursday, May 22, 6 p.m., Jester Park Equestrian Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. A women’s circle of self-discovery through the intuitive and healing power of horses. This on-the-ground workshop provides a real-time experience in relationship skills and increased emotional intelligence through a partnership with the horse. Registration required, deadline is 24 hours prior to the event, $40 cost. Sign up: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jesterparkec/items/?flow=19203&full-items=yes
Pony Tales, Friday, May 23, 11:30 a.m., Jester Park Equestrian Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Enjoy listening to a pony-themed story while the ponies of the Equestrian Center are listening nearby. A pony meet and greet will follow. Sign up: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jesterparkec/items/?flow=19203?full-items=yes&flow=no&full-items=yes

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

RAP Carousel Day
Saturday, May 31, 4-6 p.m.
Union Park, 725 Thompson Ave., Des Moines
This annual Real Advantage Partners event welcomes spring and brings families and neighbors together at beautiful Union Park (home of the famous Rocket Slide) in Des Moines for free rides on the historic carousel. Attendees also enjoy games and refreshments provided by RAP team members.

Workshops With Master Drummer Bolokada Conde
Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Unity Center, 414 31st St., Des Moines
Bolokada Conde, lead soloist of Les Percussions de Guinée (Guinea's National Ballet) for more than a decade, will be conducting workshops in traditional Malinke rhythms. Cost is $35 per session or $120 for all four. Bolokada has taught drumming internationally for decades, including at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he was a full-time visiting artist from 2008 to 2011. For more information, contact Linda Foster at 515-669-5820 or Bob Miller at 641-472-2479.

Earlham concert series
Every Sunday from June 1 to Aug. 10, except July 6, 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham
The Levitt Amp Earlham Music Series starts with an opening act around 6 p.m. and a headliner around 7:15 p.m. Lots of kids activities and food trucks will be offered as well. The concerts are free.

June 1: The Black Moods, Lani
June 8: Gallivant, Kerry Koberg
June 15: Denita, Ultra Violet Fever
June 22: Hector Anchondo, Weary Ramblers
June 29: Olivia Fox, Iowa Military Veterans Band
July 13: Summer Dean, 10 Watt Robot
July 20: Mae Simpson, Yubu
July 27: Blame Not the Bard, Day’s Live Music
Aug. 3: Larry and Joe, Sun Centauri
Aug. 10: Dessa and The 29:11 South African Choir, Nella Thomas

Music Under the Stars
Sundays, June 8 to July 6
Music Under the Stars unveils its 2025 summer concert series, featuring the return of Music Director and Conductor Vince Kenney and a lineup of talented guest soloists and vocalists. Concerts are free to the public, inviting music lovers of all ages to gather and enjoy live concert and jazz band performances under the stars.

June 8: Pirate Songs and Love Songs. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. Set sail on an enchanting musical voyage with guest soloist Will Baker, bass trombonist with the Chicago Lyric Opera, and jazz vocalist Marisa Cravero.
June 15: Once Upon a Father’s Day: Music for Dads and Their Princesses. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. Celebrate fatherhood and fairy tales with the soaring soprano of Abby Kate Boeschen and the beloved vocals of Gina Gedler.
June 22: Historic Hoyt Sherman Place. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. A night of classics and nostalgia featuring trumpet virtuoso Andy Classen and powerhouse vocalist Tina Haase-Findlay.
June 29: Let Freedom Ring. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. Kick off Independence Day festivities with stirring patriotic music. Enjoy featured oboe soloist Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg and rising star Napoleon Douglas.
July 6: 78 RPM. Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. A retro-inspired evening channeling vintage vibes with horn soloist Kristen Ronning and the classic big band stylings of vocalist Max Wellman.

Playhouse Summer Classes
Various dates
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Des Moines Playhouse offers students from kindergarten through high school more than 30 different classes and camps this June through August to fill the long summer days and keep minds active. A complete list of classes and registration is available at dmplayhouse.com. Theatre arts education at The Playhouse provides students with the opportunity to explore, create, imagine and express themselves, all within a safe, nurturing environment. Every class at The Playhouse is unique and led by the theatre's professional teaching artists. For more information on summer theatre camps and other Playhouse educational offerings, contact The Playhouse education department at 515-974-5365.

Field Daze Music
Friday, June 6, 6:30 p.m.
Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Whiskey Myers returns to Water Works Park this summer to kick off the Field Daze Music Series at the Lauridsen Amphitheater with their “What We Were Born To Do” tour, featuring special guests Bayker Blankenship and Pony Bradshaw. For information and ticket link, visit www.waterworkspark.org/event-calendar.

Raccoon River Palooza
Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
Join the fun at the 5th Annual Raccoon River Palooza presented by Superstorm Restoration. This year will feature boats, bands, beers, food trucks, a family fun zone and more. Grab your family, friends, neighbors and furry companions and bring them along to rally with you. The schedule includes:

8 a.m.: Business Expo and yoga in the park.
9 a.m.: Family Fun Zone presented by Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, Touch-A-Truck, free boat rentals, free bike rodeo, food trucks serving breakfast and coffee, and The Dan Medeiros Project will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
10 a.m.: Beverage tent, alcohol sales open and mascots.
11 a.m.: Food trucks will be serving lunch and dinner, sandcastle building, and Sara Routh will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
1 p.m.: Cardboard boat races and sandcastle awards.
2 p.m.: Boat races.
3 p.m.: Boat race awards, and Brian Congdon will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
4 p.m.: Cornhole Zone opens.
5 p.m.: Chip Albright will perform on the Microsoft Stage.
6 p.m.: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will perform.

A savvy weeknight family meal

(Family Features) Because this time of year can be crazy busy, drive-thru meals can easily become the norm. While fast-food burgers may do the trick once in a while, they can get old quick if your family is eating them every other night. This quick and easy Baked Spaghetti can bring everybody back to the table and it won’t break the bank either. Find more weeknight dinner inspiration at Culinary.net.

Baked spaghetti
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound spaghetti noodles
1 jar (16 ounces) alfredo sauce
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheese
French bread or breadsticks, for serving

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 F.
Brown and drain ground beef. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain noodles; add alfredo sauce and mix well.
Add marinara sauce, garlic powder and onion powder to ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Place noodles in 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spoon beef mixture on top but do not mix in. Cover with shredded cheese then cover with foil and bake 30-40 minutes.
Serve with French bread or breadsticks.

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From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

PAMPERED PETS

Residents share how they go the extra mile to spoil their critters.

Many pet owners view their animal companions as part of the family — deserving of the best care, lots of attention, and at least a few perks. Besides the usual walks, pet beds and toys, some of these pampered pets get extra special treatment: pup cups from drive-throughs, birthday parties, paw soaks and a special place in those important days of their owners’ lives — as well as in their hearts.

[...]

Read this month's issue

From high school to headliners

Johnston grads form band, “The Squares.”

By Lindsey Giardino

Frederick “Fred” Jensen (Johnston High School class of 2023) didn’t plan to start a band when he got to college, but that’s exactly what happened. Today, he’s the drummer for The Squares, a group of six, four of whom are Johnston High School graduates.

The band, which also includes Jackson Zimmerman (class of 2024), Cameron Capalbo (2023), Jake Gragg (2024), Sasha Wemmie and Charlie Richards, has been performing regularly in Iowa City while they attend the University of Iowa. But, later this spring, they’ll return to Johnston for a hometown show.

“The Squares” will perform at the Johnston Town Center for Tunes at Twilight on Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m.

[...]

Celebrating mom with purpose and preparedness

By Daniel Rundahl

Mother’s Day is a time to honor the incredible women who nurture, support and guide us through life. While there are traditional gifts of appreciation, this special day also offers an ideal moment to reflect on a more lasting gift: financial security and empowerment for moms and families alike.

Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or an adult child looking to support your mother’s well-being, incorporating financial planning into the Mother’s Day conversation can have long-term benefits.

[...]

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