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March 24-30, 2026

 
 
Is your refrigerator running?
 

There are some things many of us did as kids that today’s youth simply can’t understand. One of them is the fine art — if you can call it that — of the prank phone call.

Now, before any of you get too judgmental, let’s remember this was a different time. And even though prank calls may not have been considered funny by everyone — either then or now — many of us still took part in them and giggled our way through the experience.

You know the classics: “Is your refrigerator running?” “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” “Can I speak to Al?”

If those lines sound familiar, it’s probably because you either delivered them yourself or stood nearby while a sibling or friend did the honors. Either way, you remember how it went. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance you’re smiling right now. Maybe even cringing a little. Prank calls might have been more of a boy thing. I’m not entirely sure about that. But I do know what happened when kids were left unsupervised for an hour with access to a telephone.

Of course, this was back when telephones were attached to the kitchen wall by a cord that could stretch halfway across the room. It was also a time before caller ID, which meant you truly had no idea who might be on the other end of the line. That uncertainty made prank calls possible.

There was always a small fear of somehow being tracked down, though, so the calls had to be quick. Efficiency mattered. You delivered the line, waited for the response and tried — with varying levels of success — to keep a straight face. That was the real challenge.

No matter how many times we rehearsed beforehand, the moment the person answered the phone, the giggles started. The brave soul holding the receiver would attempt to power through the joke while the rest of us collapsed into silent laughter nearby.

And when it inevitably fell apart, the line of retreat was always the same.

“Sorry, wrong number.” Click.

Of course, the person receiving the call often had a pretty good idea what was going on. Sometimes they even guessed exactly who was on the other end of the line. Nothing ended a prank call faster than hearing your own name.

I doubt my kids ever made a prank phone call. And I’m fairly certain my parents never did either. But during those years from the late 1960s through the late 1980s, prank calls were a fairly common form of entertainment. In fact, the comedy group The Jerky Boys eventually turned prank telephone calls into a full-blown career, which proves that sometimes even the most juvenile ideas can have surprising staying power.

Yes, prank phone calls were ridiculous. And yes, they were juvenile. They still are. But every now and then, when someone mentions a refrigerator running, a lot of us of a certain age still have the same instinctive response: “Well, you’d better go catch it.”

And somewhere, deep down, the giggles return.

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 Chamber Annual Reception
 

The Johnston Chamber Annual Reception was held March 5 at Hyperion Field Club. Awards were presented to Dan Fitzgerald, past president; Leif Gustafson and Tricia Gustafson of The Cork 50131, Jackpot Award; Paula Bierle of Purple Poppy Boutique, Jewel Award; and Julia Bradshaw of Styled by JJ Boutique, Jetsetter Award.

 

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. Contact them at johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or by calling 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

 

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 here.

 

Brunch and Bowling with the Easter Bunny

Join Backpocket in Johnston for Brunch and Bowling with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 4. There will be face-painting and Easter Bunny for the kids, as well as half-price bowling for all. Cost for ages 13 and older is $20 per person and $15 for kids younger than 13 (smaller kid-sized portions). Tickets include one breakfast entree and one beverage from a special menu. Reservations required with seating times every 15 minutes from 9:45-10:45 a.m. See the event page here. Make reservations here.

 

Johnston Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, April 18, the Johnston Lions Club is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast. The location this year is the Johnston Middle School cafeteria, 6501 N.W. 62nd Ave. Hours are 7-11 a.m., and the breakfast features pancakes (including gluten-free pancakes), sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids 5 and younger are free. Proceeds will benefit the Lions Club service projects.

 
 

Spring Cleanup is April 20-23

Spring cleanup in Johnston will take place April 20-23. Residents living west of N.W. 86th Street are scheduled for cleanup on April 20 and 21, while those living east of N.W. 86th Street will have their cleanup on April 22 and 23. As winter comes to a close, it's a great time to think about your own spring cleaning tasks. Learn more here.

 

Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

Join the Johnston-Grimes Firefighters Foundation for a pancake breakfast at the new Public Safety Center, 2001 S.W. Sixth St., Grimes, on Saturday, April 25, from 7-11 a.m.

 

Electronics recycling event is April 18

Are you looking to dispose of your old electronics but unsure how to do it? The city is offering an electronics recycling day on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall east parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road. This event takes place on the Saturday before spring cleanup. Most electronics can be recycled for free.

 

Farmers Markets vendor applications are now open

Applications are open for the Farmers Market through April 30. Approved applications are valid for one year, and vendor pricing is based on single- or double-space pricing. Spaces are limited, so apply early and include a brief description of your products. This year’s market will feature live music and community events to enhance the experience. For more details, please contact us. Apply here.

 

Public meetings

  • Wednesday, March 25: Tree Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 25: Park Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
  • Monday, March 30: Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m.
  • Monday, April 6: City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
  • Monday, April 6: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
  • Monday, April 13: Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 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.
 

Sign up to be a Kites on the Green volunteer

Kites on the Green returns on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is organized by community volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the day with full and partial shifts available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours, including silver cord hours for students. Learn more here.

 

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, March 25, 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. Free, ages 2 and older. March topic: Spring Has Sprung.
  • Introduction to Water Color. Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. This class is for those who may have never painted a day in their life or may have dabbled a little with watercolor but would like to learn more. We will start with the basics, discussing paints, brushes, paper and technique before moving on to painting our first work of art. Class includes instructor, paints, brushes, spray bottle, paper and art board. Pack a sack lunch, as we will take a short lunch break half way through the class. Registration required by March 28. Ages 16 and older.
  • Trail Construction. Friday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Join us for a day of teamwork, conservation and community as we finish building a new and improved trail at Easter Lake Park. This is an excellent opportunity for trail enthusiasts to gain entry-level trail construction skills while make a meaningful impact on our local trails. The event begins with a brief training session, followed by hands‑on building activities, and is well‑suited for both first‑time and experienced trail‑building volunteers. Registration required by noon the day prior.
  • Wake Up with Spring. Wednesdays in April, 2-3:30 p.m. Jester Park Wetland Shelter, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join ISU Polk County Extension and Polk County Conservation this April for a Wake Up With Spring walking series. Meet at the Jester Park's Wetland Shelter Wednesdays in April at 2 p.m. Polk County Conservation naturalists will lead participants on a walk through the park discussing a new nature theme each week. Walk with us this April to see how Iowa's landscape awakens during the spring months. Themes are as follows: April 1: Phenology; April 8: Birds; April 15: Spring Ephemerals; April 22: Critters; April 29: Trees. Free, ages 16 and older. No registration required, but RSVP appreciated here. For more information, contact Laura Fraser at lafraser@iastate.edu or 515-957-5785.
 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Can Play Fore All Golf Outing
Friday, April 24, 3-7 p.m.
MidAmerican Energey Company RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
Join Can Play and the 2026 West Des Moines Leadership Academy for a fun, small-format golf outing supporting accessible outdoor recreation and youth programming. Golfers will play through a creative course designed by community members and local businesses, built entirely from non-perishable food items to benefit Can Play’s programming. All proceeds will benefit Can Play, whose mission is to bring adapted and no cost recreational programs to our communities by removing barriers to play. Register and donate online at https://givebutter.com/WDMLA. 

WDM Elks Spring Style Show Fundraiser
Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
West Des Moines Elks Lodge No. 2752, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Tickets for the Spring Style Show are $15 each or reserve a table for eight for $140 or a table for four for $70. Doors open at 10 a.m., with the style show starting at 11 a.m. and a salad luncheon to follow. Many vendors will be present, including Purple Poppy, Salon Classic and others. Funds raised will benefit Veterans’ Children’s Christmas and other Elks charities and outreach.

Des Moines Community Orchestra Spring Concert
Sunday, May 10, 2 p.m.
Drake University Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines
Enjoy the Des Moines Community Orchestra in concert with guest conductor Kara Mather and featured soloist Dr. Kevin Allemagne on the clarinet.

The Evening African Violet Club Sale and Show
Friday and Saturday, April 24-25
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 33, 2501 Bell Ave., Des Moines
The Evening African Violet Club of Des Moines invites the public to its 2026 African Violet Show and Sale, “Music in Bloom.” Members of area garden clubs and plant societies are especially welcome as club members share many interests in indoor and outdoor gardening with them. This is a nationally sanctioned show and sale that will have judges from the African Violet Society of America. Hours are Friday, April 24, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Judging of Violets, Gesneriads and Floral Design will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hours follow from noon to 5 p.m. for sales. Only members of EAVC are eligible to enter plants and designs in the show.

Tori’s Angels 2026
Thursday, April 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Glen Oaks Country Club, 1401 Glen Oaks Drive, West Des Moines
Celebrate 15 years of hope, helping Iowa children with life threatening illnesses by funding vital medical and travel expenses not covered by insurance, allowing them to pursue life-saving treatments and cures. For more information, contact Patty Reeve at 515-238-3829 or patty@torisangels.org. www.TorisAngels.org

Made In The Midwest: The Lubben Brothers
Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m.
Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines
Des Moines Performing Arts announces the return of Made in the Midwest at the Temple Theater for an exciting new season. The Lubben Brothers perform traditional/contemporary folk music. Opener is Courtney Krause. To purchase tickets, visit DMPA.org, call 515-246-2300, or stop by the Civic Center Ticket Office at 221 Walnut Street. Night-of tickets will be available for purchase at the Temple Theater Ticket Office two hours before the performance.

Give Life 5K
Saturday, May 2, 8:30 a.m.
Raccoon River Park, West Des Moines
Iowa Donor Network honors those who have given the gift of life, celebrates the lives of organ and tissue recipients, and recognizes those who continue to wait for a life-saving transplant at the annual Give Life 5K. This is a family-friendly event so, no matter your skill level, the event is open to everyone. Join us to honor and support those who have been impacted by organ and tissue donation and celebrate the gift of life by registering for the Give Life 5K today. Visit GiveLife5K.com.

 
Creative cupcakes to complete your Easter feast
 

(Feature Impact) Once the Easter baskets are put away and the main course is cleared from the kitchen, you can liven up the dessert table or send guests off with a thoughtful treat thanks to these Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes. Moist cake, creamy frosting and chocolate-coated candies combine for a seasonal sweet that’s sure to impress.

To find more dessert ideas that satisfy chocolate lovers — and all your loved ones — visit Culinary.net.

Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from A Classic Twist
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened and cubed
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2-3 drops brown food coloring
  • egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies

To make cupcakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • In bowl of electric mixer, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  • In medium bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, water, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
  • Mix dry ingredients on low speed 1 minute. Add wet ingredients. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Mix 1 minute on medium speed.
  • Divide evenly among cupcake liners.
  • Bake 12-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.
  • Cool cupcakes on wire rack.

To make frosting:

  • Using paddle attachment of electric mixer, whip butter 8 minutes on medium speed until pale and creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and salt; mix on low speed 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix 6 minutes until frosting is light, creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring and whip 1 minute.
  • Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and top with egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

 

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

 
 
 
 
From your Johnston Living magazine
 

This month's cover story:

A ‘fur-ever’ home

Residents share stories about the animals they rescued

Abandoned. Abused. Neglected. The world is full of animals — big and small — that don’t know the comfort of a full belly, a warm place to sleep, and the love of a caring owner. Some people seek out these needy animals when looking to add a pet to their family. Others come across them unexpectedly and are moved to rescue them. 

[...]

 
Read more
 

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