June 16-22, 2026

JP Pearson and Suzie Pearson were named the 2026 Johnston Green Days King and Queen of Green. The coronation was held Friday evening at the festival in Terra Park.

Stage 3 mandatory water warning in effect

On Monday, the Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) Board of Trustees initiated Stage 3 of its Water Use Plan, implementing a mandatory lawn watering ban for residential, business and government customers across the region. 

This action is necessary to preserve the region’s drinking water supply as water treatment facilities continue to manage elevated nitrate levels in source waters. While drinking water remains safe and meets all state and federal standards, the regional water system is operating at the limits of its available treatment resources. 

Effective immediately throughout the CIWW service area: 

• Lawn watering is prohibited except for newly installed sod or seed placed during the current growing season. Watering should be limited to the minimum amount necessary for establishment. 
• Sports fields and golf courses may be irrigated only to the minimum necessary for safety and plant preservation. 
• Decorative water features that do not recirculate water should be turned off. 
• Customers should immediately discontinue all unnecessary outdoor water use.

On June 6, a retirement reception was held at the Dodge House for Col. Michael Harris, installation officer-in-charge/state quartermaster with the Iowa National Guard/Department of Public Defense. Pictured: First Sgt. Daniel Aguirre, Col. Michael Harris, Lt. Col. Brian Tekippe, Command Sgt. Major Matthew Strasser and Command Sgt. Major David Bailey.

Public meetings

• Thursday, June 18: Library Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 18: Board of Adjustments Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 24: Tree Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 24: Park Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Monday, June 29: Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m.

Blood donations needed

LifeServe Blood Center is urging all eligible blood donors to schedule a donation as soon as possible to ensure patients and hospitals have access to the blood products they need to save lives. Throughout spring, LifeServe saw an alarming drop in blood donations, which has led to concerns about the blood supply at local hospitals going into the summer and “trauma season.” LifeServe supplies blood to more than 170 hospitals, so donating blood with LifeServe is how to ensure your blood stays in your community to treat local patients. 

Increasing donations in the next few weeks will be critical to ensuring the local blood supply remains strong this summer. 

To help with this, LifeServe Blood Center is hosting Blood Donor Days. Throughout the month of June, LifeServe blood donors at any mobile drive or donor center will not only walk away from donating knowing they saved or impacted up to three lives, but they'll also get an exclusive Blood Donor Days summer T-shirt and be automatically entered to win a weekly summer-themed prize package. Those donors can also enter to win a grand prize. Two lucky donors will each win a pair of four-day passes to Hinterland Music Festival, happening July 30 to Aug. 2 in St. Charles and featuring music acts like Katseye, Lorde, Mumford and Sons and more. 

You can learn more about Blood Donor Days and schedule your next blood donation at lifeserve.info/donorvibes. 

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 during Johnston Commons park events, including Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Senior Fun Night at Crown Point Community Center

June’s Senior Fun Night is happening Thursday, June 18, from 3-6 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Crown Point Community Center. Learn more at https://cityofjohnston.com/1580/55-Events.

Johnston Farmers Market

The Johnston Farmers Market runs every Tuesday through Sept. 29 from 4-7 p.m. at Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Sales begin promptly at 4 p.m. and live performances from several local musicians truly makes the market the place to be. Learn more at https://www.cityofjohnston.com/865/Farmers-Market.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• June Summer Skills. Tuesdays and Thursdays of June beginning June 9, 10 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Summer is about having fun and playing outside. Join PCC naturalists as they introduce your child to some fun outdoor activities which can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Come to one or sign-up for an entire series. All equipment will be provided. Ages 10-16. Registration required by two days ahead of class. Classes are as follows: June 9 Paddling, June 11 Fishing, June 16 Air Rifle, June 18 Geocaching, June 23 Archery, and June 25 Outdoor Survival.
• Hike for Health at Thomas Mitchell Park. Monday, June 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at the pond parking lot. Why walk the mall when you can enjoy the great outdoors? Hike along with this friendly group of nature lovers who walk the trails each month for exercise and fun. Enjoy the camaraderie and explore some new trails. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by June 14.
• Princess Adventures. Thursday, June 18, 10-11 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Do you know a child who loves princesses? Want to encourage them to dress up and have fun exploring the outdoors at the same time? Children ages 4-6 are invited to the park in “princess attire,” (whatever that means to them.) We will learn about a courageous woman from the past, participate in a nature activity and have a tea party with a snack. Registration required by June 16.
• Picnic with the Turtles. Thursday, June 18, 11 a.m. to noon. Easter Lake Event Center, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Meet our naturalist at Easter Lake Park for a fun and educational afternoon with our resident box turtles. You’re invited to pack a picnic lunch while our naturalist introduces you to these fascinating creatures, sharing interesting facts about their habitat, diet and behavior. Get up close and personal with our box turtles as they enjoy their own lunch! Observe these gentle animals as they roam and forage and learn about their unique characteristics. Free, all ages welcome.
• BioBlitz. Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come participate in a BioBlitz at Jester Park with other nature enthusiasts. Polk County Conservation and the Science Center of Iowa are teaming up to try and document as many species as possible using the inaturalist app. Conservationists and trained volunteers will take you on guided walk to explore the park to see what you can find. All ages welcome. Registration required by June 18.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

2026 National Balloon Classic
July 31 - Aug. 8
Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave., Indianola
More than 100 hot air balloons suspended over the horizon, skilled pilots from around the world, roaring burners creating a whoosh that is both heard and felt. All of this and so much more can be found at this year’s National Balloon Classic in Indianola.
For tickets, schedule and information, visit https://nationalballoonclassic.com.

Juneteenth Neighbor's Day Celebration
Saturday, June 20, noon to 6 p.m.
Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Everyone is invited to the free Neighbor’s Day Celebration. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, the entire family and friends for a day of live music, great food, small business shopping, health connections and community resources. A children’s play area full of fun activities will be featured. For more information, visit www.iowajuneteenth.org/neighbors-day.html.

Art on The Avenues
June 21-26
The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand
Art on The Avenues, a weeklong celebration of local art, creativity and community returns June 21-26 to The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand. This event transforms the Ingersoll and Grand Avenue corridor and the surrounding neighborhoods into vibrant spaces showcasing the talents of local artists through interactive events, performances and culinary collaborations.

All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

• Sunday, June 21 – Inger-Solstice at the Woodland Realm: Mark the Summer Solstice from 1-4 p.m. at the Woodland Realm (24th and High Streets) with family-friendly activities, food and music in an urban garden setting. This event is supported by InvestDSM.
• Monday, June 22 – Rumble Walls: This live, high-energy improvised paint battle brings artists together, puts 90 minutes on the clock and lets the crowd decide the winner. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. in the Vogue Vision (2405 Ingersoll) parking lot and will also include a dedication of the new mural “History Has Eyes On You” by Mollie Wallace. This event is supported by InvestDSM.
• Tuesday, June 23 – Art is Rad! Art Night: You don’t need to be an artist to make rad art. Come make a free coaster craft and enjoy a treat from 3-5 p.m. on the Palmer’s Deli patio (2843 Ingersoll) with Art is Rad.
• Tuesday, June 23 – Sidewalk Tunes on the City Sounds piano: Enjoy a live piano performance by local musician Tony Bohnenkamp from 5-7 p.m. in front of Ted’s Coney Island (3020 Ingersoll).
• Wednesday, June 24 – Mural Celebration at Star Lofts: Celebrate the corridor’s newest mural project “Nothing But Flowers" by Cat Rocketship and Dani Awesome from 5-7 p.m. at Star Lofts (2701 Ingersoll) with a special sidewalk chalk activity, remarks from the artists and refreshments.
• Thursday, June 25 – Stamp It! with the Des Moines Art Center: Join a free, family-friendly crafting event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chamberlain Park (2134 Woodland Ave). Create your own nature-inspired postcards using blank postcards, stamps, ink and natural materials gathered from the world around us.
• Thursday, June 25 – DART Art Shelter Ribbon Cutting: Welcome the newest DART bus shelters to the corridor with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., remarks from artist Karen Strohbeen at the shelter located at 2510 Ingersoll and reception to follow at Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design (2921 Ingersoll).
• All Week Long – A Feast For Your Eyes: Experience a fusion of culinary and visual arts as local chefs, baristas and mixologists partner with artists to create art-inspired menu items for purchase at various Ingersoll bars and restaurants. This event is made possible by Elevator.

In addition to the events listed above, attendees are encouraged to visit the corridor’s other cultural venues including the Des Moines Art Center, The Ingersoll, Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design and Moberg Gallery.

For more information and the latest updates, visit: www.theavenuesdsm.com/art-on-the-avenues-2026/.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stirs

• Friday, June 26, Downtown Des Moines
• Friday, July 31, Des Moines East Village

CITYVIEW’s traveling cocktail parties return in 2026. With a $25 advance ticket, sample 10 summer cocktails at downtown bars and restaurants. Cost is $35 at the door. For information and tickets, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

(Feature Impact) While spring and summer may be a season of fresh starts, your reset doesn’t have to include a closet clean-out or juice cleanse. Sometimes the easiest upgrade is simply adding something new, fresh and unexpectedly delicious to your plate —and when something as unique and exciting as a red kiwi hits stores, it’s the kind of spring discovery you have to try.

Enter Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit, the berry-sweet seasonal fruit dietitians are already excited about.

With its naturally vibrant ruby-red center and sweet flavor that tastes like a cross between a kiwi and berries, it is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about fruits in the produce aisle. Beyond its striking color, it delivers antioxidant vitamin C along with anthocyanins — the beneficial plant nutrients that naturally give red fruits their signature hue.

For a quick breakfast or snack, try layering sliced kiwi into a yogurt parfait with Greek yogurt and granola. The berry-sweet flavor pairs perfectly with creamy textures and adds a refreshing seasonal twist.

Visit Zespri.com/RubyRed to find a store near you and explore more recipes before the season ends.

Red Kiwi Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 2 Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup nutty granola

Directions:

• Dice one kiwi and thinly slice one.
• In the bottom of a tall glass, layer 1/4 cup yogurt, kiwi and granola. Continue layering with remaining ingredients.

FOR SALE: 2018 Coachman Mirada 25BK. Sleeps 8 (king bed, drop down front bed, queen sofa bed, dinette), 37’ ( bike rack not included), stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator with ice, two roof AC units, heat pump, gas furnace, outdoor kitchen, two slide outs, power awnings, 5500 watt Onan generator, 2000 watt inverter, lithium house batteries, auto leveling, insulated battery storage and wet bay. 55,000 miles, new tires, engine and generator serviced in March 2026. Asking $64,200. Message or text Dave Milburn at 515-240-4672. More photos at https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/5040136236

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ LOWE SUNCRUISER BIMINI 214 PONTOON BOAT. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000/best offer. Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

FREE BLACK DIRT: We started a big project in our back yard and have a need to give away a huge pile of our great Iowa black dirt. Call or text 515-721-1296.

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

HELP WANTED: Looking for someone to weed my flower beds and rid them of leaves. Call 515-321-0301 or email gronwoldb@yahoo.com.

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have a friend or coworker that you think would enjoy weekly highlights of any of our Iowa Living magazines or The Daily Umbrella, please share this email with them and they can subscribe by clicking the subscribe tab at IowaLivingMagazines.com.