May 12-18, 2026

Johnston Postmaster Leigh Zantow was installed by regional and district officers April 7.

American flag take back event June 13

Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston
Iowa Veterans' Perspective is hosting an American flag take back event at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum on Saturday, June 13. This is a community collection drive where worn, tattered or damaged American flags are gathered for proper, dignified disposal. 

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 Kites on the Green on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 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.

Program about Simpson Restoration Program

Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
The Johnston Historical Society will give a program at the Johnston Library.  The story of the acquisition, moving and restoration of the Simpson house, Simpson barn and the windmill will be shared. The house has become a museum, and the barn was gifted to the city in “turn key” condition.  The windmill completes the farmyard.

Sign up for the Iowa Hero Academy

The Iowa Hero Academy provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young women 16-18 in central Iowa to explore careers in firefighting, policing and the military. The academy will take place July 26-31 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. The Iowa Hero Academy is a six-day, overnight camp designed to encourage young women to reach their potential by developing leadership skills, teamwork and self-confidence. From the moment campers check in to the moment they complete graduation, Iowa Hero Academy will engage participants through hands-on activities led by local female first responders passionate about making a difference in their careers. Learn more and sign up today here.

LifeServe and MercyOne Air Med Blood Drive

Blood donors can help fuel the flight at LifeServe Blood Center’s annual blood drive with MercyOne Air Med. The blood drive will take place on Friday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, 1111 Sixth Ave. Two bloodmobile buses will be parked on the northwest side of MercyOne near the Helipad.

All donors will receive an exclusive “Fuel the Flight” T-shirt as a token of appreciation. Plus, Magoo’s Pizza will be selling food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donation slots will fill up quickly. Make your lifesaving appointment at lifeserve.info/DSMmercy26 or by calling 800-287-4903.

Johnston Farmers Market Opening June 2

Every Tuesday, June 2 until Sept. 29, 4-7 p.m,
Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road
The 2026 Johnston Farmers Market will open Tuesday, June 2. 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.

Participate in public meetings

Residents are welcome to attend public meetings to learn more about upcoming projects and the city’s strategic direction. These meetings are a great way to stay informed and see how decisions are made. You can choose to receive information via email or text. By signing up, you will be able to view upcoming meetings and receive agendas as soon as they are published. Learn more here.

Upcoming public meetings

• Monday, May 18: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 21: Library Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov

• Free Docent-Led Museum Tours: Offered on Saturdays at 11:30 a.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.

• Native Plant Sale. Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Polk County Conservation, Prairie Landscape of Iowa and Plant Iowa LLC are teaming up to offer two native plant sales this spring/summer. All plant species for sale are native to Iowa and, once established, require minimal care while providing numerous benefits to local wildlife and landscapes.
• Summer Hike with Nature Play. Saturday, May 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Gather your family together for an evening of nature play. Explore Iowa’s habitats through interactive play as you visit some of the highlights of Jester Park. It will be a simple and fun evening that will get your family learning together without even knowing it. Free, all ages welcome.
• Hike for Health at Fort Des Moines. Monday, May 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter 1, 7200 S.E. Fifth St., Des Moines. Why walk the mall when you can enjoy the great outdoors? Hike 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. Free, ages 12 and older. Registration required by May 17.
• Pony Tales. Thursday, May 21, 11:30 a.m. Jester Park Equestrian Center, 11171 N.W. 103rd Court, 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. Registration required.
• Butterfly/Bee Bath Workshop. Saturday, May 30, 10-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Give your local pollinators a helping hand by creating a beautiful, functional bee and butterfly water bowl to take home. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn why shallow water sources are essential for pollinator health during warmer months. All materials will be provided, and our naturalist will share tips for placement and maintenance. Ages 16 and older. Registration required by May 25.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Summer Camp
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Give your child a summer of discovery, creativity and outdoor adventure. These nature-based camps combine science, art, exploration and play in a safe, inspiring environment led by experienced educators. Perfect for students entering grades 1–5. Register at https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market
Saturdays through Oct. 31, 7 a.m. to noon
Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines
The 2026 season will feature 305 vendors, including 43 new participants, with 75 produce and agriculture vendors highlighting the region’s strong farming community. Vendors represent 74 cities across 42 Iowa counties, spanning 12 city blocks from Water Street to Fifth Street. For more information, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket.

NAMI Iowa’s Beautiful Minds
Thursday, May 21, 6-8:30 p.m.
The Tea Room, 713 Walnut St., Unit 600, Des Moines
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI Iowa will host a dinner and live entertainment fundraiser dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. This inspiring evening features powerful storytelling and performances that highlight the lived experiences of individuals navigating mental health challenges. Proceeds from this event directly support NAMI Iowa's education, advocacy and support programs serving communities across the state. Purchase tickets here.

CITYVIEW Midday Mixer
Saturday, May 30, 1-4 p.m.
The District at Prairie Trail, S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
Enjoy summer cocktails to kick off the season. Check in is at El Presidenté, 1465 SW Park Square Dr Suite 102, Ankeny. Cost is $25 for advance tickets, $35 at the door. For tickets, click here.

Hoover on the Road Exhibit
Through May 31
Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Designed to introduce audiences across Iowa to the life and legacy of President Herbert Hoover, the exhibit highlights Hoover's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Iowa to the presidency, along with his lasting humanitarian impact around the world.

Iowa Craft Brew Festival
Saturday, June 6, noon to 4 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
The Iowa Brewers Guild Iowa Craft Brew Festival encourages attendees to log off, raise a glass and enjoy an afternoon together in a relaxed outdoor setting. Each festival ticket includes unlimited samples, a commemorative tasting glass and access to the festival grounds featuring shade tents, vendors, yard games and a variety of Iowa-based food trucks. The festival highlights the best in Iowa craft beer while also featuring Iowa craft cideries, wineries, distilleries and a growing selection of Iowa-produced non-alcoholic beverages. One hundred percent of festival revenue supports Iowa’s craft beverage industry and the Iowa Brewers Guild Brewed in Iowa campaign, which raises awareness about the economic and community impact of local breweries across the state. Tickets available at www.iowacraftbrewfestival.com.

Beyond The Summit
Thursday, June 11, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ITA Group, 7000 Vista Drive, West Des Moines
Beyond the Summit is a one-day conference created for cancer survivors and caregivers seeking practical tools, inspiration and connection during and after the cancer journey. Through expert-led sessions, attendees will explore whole-person approaches to healing that support the body, mind and spirit. Sessions include: The Arts as Medicine; FOOD: What You Eat Matters; Strength in Motion, Clarity in Mind; and Living with Uncertainty and Change. Whether you are a survivor or a caregiver, Beyond the Summit offers education, encouragement and community — meeting you where you are and helping you move forward in your cancer journey. Register at https://pro.gofundme.com/event/beyond-the-summit-2026/e761738. Vendor space is available for nonprofits and more. Visit the registration page for more information.

(Feature Impact) Enjoying meals al fresco this summer starts with one simple trick: Head outside before the sun reaches its peak to beat the heat. A summer brunch offers a special way to fuel up before all the adventures and activities a bright, sunny day may bring.

For a light, refreshing bite, Summer Berry Panzanella Salad combines bagel “croutons” and a bushel of berries for a nutritious dose of deliciousness.

This brunch favorite is powered by limited-edition Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels, which deliver sweet, summery organic goodness with raspberry, blueberry, cranberry and strawberry. Every bite can delight your taste buds, and, with 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber in each serving, your body will thank you, too. Available nationwide through July, now’s the time to enjoy them before summer passes by.

To find more summer brunch inspiration, visit DavesKillerBread.com.

Summer Berry Panzanella Salad
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Bagel “croutons:”

• 3 Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt

Berry salad:

• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced (reserve 1/2 cup for dressing)
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Berry Ddressing:

• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt

Serving:

• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• fresh mint (optional)

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F.
• To make bagel croutons: Cut bagels into 3/4-inch cubes. In bowl, melt butter; stir in brown sugar and salt. Toss bagel cubes in butter mixture. Spread on baking sheet and bake 15-18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Let cool.
• To make berry salad: In large bowl, combine sliced strawberries; blueberries; raspberries, if desired; lemon zest; and lemon juice. Toss gently.
• To make berry dressing: Place reserved strawberries in bowl. Add brown sugar and salt. Using fork or potato masher, mash until juicy and chunky.
• To assemble panzanella salad: Add cooled bagel cubes to berry salad. Pour in mashed strawberry dressing. Toss slightly so bread absorbs juice. Let sit 5-10 minutes so bagel pieces soften while staying textured. Serve in bowls with yogurt, poppy seeds and mint leaves, if desired.

FOR SALE: 2018 Coachmen 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

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.

HELP WANTED: River Valley Golf Course is hiring for ProShop. Must be over 21 to be considered, 25-40 hours available per week, combination of weekday & weekend shifts, competitive pay based on experience and FREE GOLF! We'd love to have you be a part of our family! Call 515-993-4029 for more details.

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