July 14-20, 2026

Stretch Your Body and Mind at Yoga in the Park this Summer

Enjoy the serenity of a lakeside, one-hour yoga session led by instructor Natalie Henricksen every Saturday in July at the Terra Park amphitheater, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston. Enhance your well-being in a tranquil outdoor setting from 8-9 a.m. Register in advance to be informed of any location changes or cancelations due to weather. Learn more at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=340.

Learn to Kayak at Terra Park

Kayaking can be a great way to enjoy nature and get a little exercise. If you’ve been wanting to hit the lake, stream or other body of water, then join us to learn the basics of kayaking in this beginner-friendly program covering paddle strokes, safety and on-water skills. There are four sessions available Friday, July 17, starting at 9 a.m. at Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston. Participants gain confidence as they explore calm waters with guidance from experienced instructors. All equipment provided. Open to ages 8 and older. Learn more at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=391.

Sundae in the Park

Sundae in the Park is back. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, at Johnston Commons Park at the intersection Merle Hay Road and Northglenn Drive. Join this sweet summer evening the whole family will enjoy. Grab a free ice cream sundae, explore hands-on activities and connect with local school and city leaders before the start of the school year. It’s the perfect way to cool down, have fun and celebrate the community.

Movies on the Yard

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and bring your favorite people along for a fun outdoor movie night, offered Thursdays, July 9, July 30, Aug. 20 and Sept. 10 at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road.

Movies on The Yard is free, so everyone in the community can join in on the summer fun. Movies will begin at 6:30 p.m. Featured are:

• July 30: “Wicked: For Good”
• Aug. 20: “Cars 3”
• Sept. 10: TBD

Johnston Basketball Club tryouts

The Johnston Basketball Club girls and boys tryouts are set for Sunday, Aug. 9, at Johnston High School, 6500 N.W. 100th St. Grades eligible for tryouts are first through eighth (grade they will be attending in the fall of 2026). Check the JBC website, johnstonbasketballclub.com, to register for tryouts in July. Specific times for tryouts per grade will be communicated in early August.  

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.

Featured entertainment at Johnston Farmers Market

The Johnston Farmers Market is 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Johnston Town Center. Along with locally grown produce, fresh baked goods and unique arts and crafts, enjoy an incredible slate of entertainment. Here’s a look at the acts performing in the weeks ahead:

• July 21: Maraya Nicole
• July 28: The Bumps
• Aug. 4: Jenn Garman Music

Tunes at Twilight Concert Series

Tunes at Twilight, presented by The Cork 50131, will be held Thursdays, Aug. 13 and Sept. 24, from 6:30-9 p.m. featuring two acts each night. Admission is free, and no tickets are required for this event, held at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road.  Bands featured are:

• Aug. 13: Suede and Sons of Gladys Kravitz
• Sept. 24: The Sheet and Damon Dotson

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Come and be part of an exciting summer of music at The Yard Summer Concert Series presented by The Cork 50131. Concerts are Saturdays, July 25, Aug. 29 and Oct. 3, from 7-10 p.m. at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Featured are:

• July 25: The Trip
• Aug. 29: Not Quite Brothers
• Oct. 3: Pork Tornadoes

Public meetings

• Thursday, July 16: Board of Adjustment Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 16: Library Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church celebrates 175 years

The First Baptist Church of Johnston is celebrating its 175th anniversary with special events this year. An all-church birthday party was held in May and wedding memories were shared in June. On July 15, the church is holding a dessert contest featuring recipes from First Baptist Church cookbooks. In August, date to be determined, a bicycle ride is being held. Sept. 19 is the church’s The Gathering Heritage Dinner, and Sept. 20 is the worship service celebrating 175 years of God’s blessings.

Upcoming in Johnston Living magazine

Hobby photographers: Do you enjoy the hobby of photography? Perhaps you take wildlife photos or capture scenic views. Maybe you enter your photos in the county or state fair. Maybe you have taken a photography class. Tell us why you enjoy the hobby and share some of your favorite shots. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com.

Home improvement: Have you undertaken a renovation that has transformed a room — or more — in your house? Whether you have modernized a bathroom or kitchen or given an entire story much needed updates that make you smile whenever you see the new look, we want to hear from you. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com.

Events at Johnston Public Library

• If you haven’t made it to Pop-Up Library in the Park yet, your last chance is Tuesday, July 14, from 10-11 a.m. at Dewey Park. Weather permitting, the library will bring activities for kids to enjoy outdoors.
• Gods behaving badly. Demigods caught in chaos. One dead god or goddess. Teen sleuths can choose a side — Olympus or Camp Half-Blood — and see if they can survive the drama at An Epic Greek Gods Murder Mystery at Camp Half-Blood on Tuesday, July 14, from 4:30-6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a Nectar and Ambrosia Bar while trying to solve a mythological murder.
• Register your team to race against the clock — and other teams — to complete a 400-piece jigsaw puzzle at the Family Puzzle Competition on Saturday, July 25, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The first team to finish will take home a prize.
• More information about events and resources at the Johnston Public Library is available at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling 515-278-5233.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• July Summer Skills: 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. Registration required by two days prior to the class. Classes are: July 16 Geocaching, July 21 Archery, July 23 Outdoor Survival.
• Cooling Off with Nature: Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thomas Mitchell Park, Shelter No. 2, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville. Beat the summer heat the natural way! Join us at Thomas Mitchell Park for a refreshing, hands-on adventure exploring how animals stay cool when temperatures rise. This playful science-rich program invites kids to splash through the creek, make discoveries along the water’s edge, and learn how wildlife, from frogs to foxes, use shade, water and clever adaptations to survive the hottest days of the year. Free, all ages welcome.
• World Snake Day: Thursday, July 16, 2-3:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Celebrate World Snake Day with us at the Jester Park Nature Center. Learn about our slithering, scaly friends and why they are important to Iowa’s ecosystem via a guided hike, meeting a live snake, and a craft/activity. Free, all ages welcome.
• Sunset Inclusive Yoga: Thursday, July 16, 8-9 p.m., Easter Lake Event Center, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Take time to unwind as the sun sets at Athene North Shore with instructor Dr. Stacey Huffman, OT/L. This mixed-level class welcomes every body and meets you where you are, with chair-supported and standing options offered throughout so you can move in the way that feels best. Every posture is an invitation, never a requirement; you are always the expert on your own body. Drawing on Stacey’s background as an occupational therapist with over 600 hours of training in yoga, trauma-informed yoga, and Nature and Forest Therapy guiding, the class blends gentle movement, breath awareness, and nervous system regulation to help you settle into the natural rhythm of the closing day. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint Health. Items to bring: yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and water bottle. Class will be held on the beach or inside the Event Center dependent on weather conditions. Registration required by one day before program. Ages 12 and older.

Carol Elaine Miller

Carol Elaine Miller of Johnston died at home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Born Dec. 3, 1944, in Nyack, New York, to parents Daniel and Annastasia (Doyle) Pedersen, she grew up in New City, New York. She graduated from Clarkstown High School, attended Nyack Missionary College, and received degrees from Iowa Central Community College and Buena Vista College.

Carol spent her working career in fundraising, marketing and events planning, retiring from Blank Park Zoo. She was married to John Miller for nearly 25 years prior to his passing in 2020. Carol enjoyed collecting and refinishing antiques, quilting, her Red Hats group, Book Club at the Johnston Public Library, and family gatherings.

Carol is survived by her sons, Joel (Mary) Werley and Andrew Werley (Allie Seager); grandchildren, Elizabeth (Nathan) Merical, Jacklynn Smith, Kurtis (Catherine) Smith, Kendra (Bradley) Evans, Eddie (Cindy) Miller, Caden and Soloman Werley; great-grandchildren, John Harvey, Tyler, Katherine, Ryan and Isabella Merical, Jace and Jake Dean, Madison and Aubree Evans, Iziah, Jack, Ayla, Ayro, Rwyn and Theo Smith, and Jensen Miller; her sister, Doris Eck; and several nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, John Miller, and brothers, Art and Eddie Pedersen.

Her memorial service was June 26 at Iles Dunn’s Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the North High School Polar Bear Scholarship Fund, 501 Holcomb St., Des Moines, IA 50313. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements through Iles Dunn’s Chapel.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Urbandale Summer Concert Series 
Various dates
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Gardens, 3400 86th St., Urbandale
Summer sounds better in Urbandale. Make the most of your summer evenings with free, live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. The 2026 Summer Concert Series brings a variety of artists and genres to Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, creating the perfect opportunity to relax, connect and enjoy the season with friends and family. Each concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and offers a unique style of music, so there is always something new to experience:

• Tuesday, July 21: Kinda Petty
• Sunday, July 26: Pullin’ Strings
• Tuesday, Aug. 11: Richie Lee

Stargazing Nights at Simpson College

Last Friday of every month after dusk

Blank Performing Arts Center parking lot, corner of D Street and Detroit Avenue.
 Join for stargazing on the last Friday of every month after dusk. Canceled if raining.

Friday Night Live Concert
Friday, July 17, 7-10 p.m.
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
The Friday Night Live series at the scenic Jamie Hurd Amphitheater offers a unique combo: live music and outdoor movies. Through August, enjoy electrifying band concerts on the third Friday of the month, followed by great outdoor movies on the fourth Friday of each month. The July concert features Suede. Enjoy food starting at 7 p.m. and music starting at 8 p.m.

Friday Night Live Movie
Friday, July 24, 7-10 p.m.
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
The July 24 movie will be “Jurassic World Rebirth.” Enjoy food starting at 7 p.m. and the movie starting at 8 p.m.

Granny Basketball National Tournament
July 17-19
Prairie Trail Sports Complex, 2250 S.W. Vintage Parkway, Ankeny
The Iowa Gold Stars and the Ankeny Honey Bees will be hosting the 2026 National Granny Basketball Tournament at the Prairie Trail Sports Complex in Ankeny, July 17-19.
This national tournament will attract approximately 30 teams to compete in six-on-six women’s basketball, similar to the Iowa girls high school rules in 1920 including the 1920 uniform. More than 350 Granny Basketball players and nearly 100 volunteers will be coming from Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, California, Ontario (Toronto) and across the state of Iowa. For more information, visit www.grannybasketball.com.

‘August: Osage County’
Aug. 7-16, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
Ankeny Community Theatre, 1932 S.W. Third St., Ankeny
“August: Osage County” by Tracy Letts will be performed at the Ankeny Community Theatre. A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Add in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a show that unflinchingly — and uproariously — exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family. Order tickets online at https://tickets.midwestix.com/events/22086/tag/website.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stir
Friday, July 31

Des Moines East Village
Sample summer cocktails at downtown bars and restaurants. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. For details, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series 2026

Sundays at 6 p.m.

Earlham City Park, Earlham

• July 19: BYOBrass; Beth and Brandon

• Aug. 2: Leon Timbo; Carol Montag

• Aug. 9: Newfound Road; Cedar County Cobras

• Aug. 16: XOLEX; Bone People

Food trucks will be available at each event.

(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game, too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.

Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.

A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.

For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-4

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Success Sticky Rice
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• toasted coconut, for garnish

Caramelized Banana:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 banana, sliced into coins
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

• Prepare rice according to package directions.
• Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
• In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
• To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
• Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.

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.

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

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