Chief Clark honored on retirement — This and more in this week's issue!

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Remembering 'Jaws' and that ominous theme music

Have you ever seen the movie, “Jaws”? If so, have you watched it again lately?

I watched it many years ago. It certainly wasn’t at the theater, as I would have been 6 years old when it was released in 1975. But, somewhere along the line, I did see it. More than likely, it was a few years later in the made-for-TV version. I may have also rented a VHS tape or saw it on HBO at a friend’s house. I’m not sure. Regardless, even with an ocean nowhere near by, that film caused me to cautiously enter any body of water for years to come.

If you don’t know by now, “Jaws” was released 50 years ago, and some fans of the movie have been celebrating the anniversary with watch parties and nostalgic events related to the summer blockbuster film of its day. Interest in the original 1974 book by Peter Benchley has also experienced a surge. Keep in mind, “Jaws” was the highest-grossing film of all time until the release of “Star Wars” two years later.

Although I may not have seen the film at its release, I do remember the classic movie poster with the giant shark nosing its way up in the ocean toward a naked woman swimming. Even at 6 years old, that caught my attention. I remember that poster image on T-shirts seemingly everywhere at the time, too. Roger Kastel created the iconic poster, as well as the one for “The Empire Strikes Back.” Take the movie title off of the “Jaws” poster and most everyone could still name the film. Try that with any other movie poster, especially today.
Of course, the movie title was ingenious, too. What other single word could summarize the fear of sharks better and make millions of people think twice before dipping their toes in the ocean — or any water? Yes, director Steven Spielberg was, and at age 78 still is, a movie-making master.

But maybe the most identifiable aspect of the “Jaws” movie is the music score of only two notes by the illustrious John Williams. The score apparently was not well received by Spielberg, who initially thought it was a joke. Williams then explained to him, “The sophisticated approach you would like me to take isn't the approach you took with the film I just experienced.” Spielberg eventually agreed, and Williams earned an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Even for people today who never saw the movie, that ominous two-note ostinato clearly signifies approaching danger.

“Jaws” had a budget of $9 million and box office sales alone of $477.9 million. It was clearly a phenomenal success. Unfortunately, it had three awful sequels, including “Jaws 3-D” that I did see in a theater in 1983. I won’t be seeking out that film, but I am going to catch the original again and may even read the book. And, for at least a few years, I will likely be avoiding the ocean.

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

Chief Clark honored on retirement

Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District Chief Jim Clark is retiring after more than eight years of service in the role. For Clark, it's also the end of 42 years in fire service. A retirement party was held at Crown Point on Thursday, June 26, in his honor.

Summer Reading at the JPL

Summer Reading programs for kids

If you have animal lovers at your house, bring them to the library to meet some small animal friends at Zoo to You with the Blank Park Zoo on Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m. Then help them bring their own stuffed animal friends to Critter Camp at JPL. Kids can drop off their critters any time during open hours on Monday, July 14. After a fun-filled week at camp, you can pick them up on Friday, July 18, and find out what they did while away at camp.

Summer Reading programs for teens

Teens can travel back in time to the 1990’s Mario Movie Night: “So Bad It’s Super” on Tuesday, July 8, from 4:30-6:15 p.m. Registered moviegoers will check out the original Super Mario Bros. Movie, chat about it on-screen using MuVChat, and munch on Mario-themed snacks.
Think your teens have what it takes to conquer the ultimate snack showdown? Then sign them up for Snack Boss Battle: Level Up Your Taste Buds on Tuesday, July 15, from 5-6 p.m. Participants will face off against a series of wild food challenges in this boss-level snack competition.

Summer Reading programs for adults and families

Need a break from the chaos of summer? Then join us for Painted Pots on Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. for a relaxing art program just for adults. Crafters will decorate their own terracotta flower pot and choose a succulent to plant in it. All supplies will be provided for registered participants. Just bring your imagination and a willingness to get a little messy.
If you’re looking for some easy summer desserts to impress your family, food expert Lois Carpenter will demonstrate three seasonal favorites at Sweet Summer Desserts on Saturday, July 19, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Registration is required for this tasty event.

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.

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 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 July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11 at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The lineup includes: July 10, Jordan Beem; Aug. 7, The Sons of Gladys Kravitz; and Sept. 11, Damon Dotson.

The Mayor’s Run for the Trails 5K + Kids Fun Runs

The Mayor's Run for the Trails 5K + Kids Fun Run will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Parkway. The registration fee includes a short-sleeve (performance blend) shirt, post-race refreshments and raffle prizes. If you register after July 11, your shirt size is not guaranteed. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/IA/Johnston/MayorsRunfortheTrails2022KidsFunRun.

Farmers Market

Stop by Tuesdays for the 2025 Farmers Market at the Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The vendors will be open on the south side of the Town Center from 4-7 p.m.

Yoga by the Lake

Join another fun-filled summer of Yoga by the Lake. On Saturday mornings, you can relax and unwind at the Terra Lake Amphitheater, located at 6300 Pioneer Parkway, for a free hour of outdoor yoga from 8-9 a.m. IGNIT brings certified yoga instructor Natalie Henriksen for each session. Come and enjoy the benefits of yoga while taking in the beauty of nature. Register at http://www.cityofjohnston.com/1268/Yoga-by-the-Lake.

Community greetings

Johnston Community Greetings welcomes 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.

Dr. Randall James Ruisch

Dr. Randall James Ruisch, 76, died Friday, June 27, 2025, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Valley Church in West Des Moines where funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. A private family burial will be at Glendale Cemetery.

Randy was born Dec. 25, 1948, in Le Mars. He grew up in Maurice and was a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. After 46 years of practicing dentistry, Randy retired in 2022. He was a faithful follower of Jesus, a devoted husband, and he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Patti; children, Kimberly (Marc) Welge, Ryan (Jennifer) Ruisch and Lindsay (Jimmy) Binnie; grandchildren, Ana, Mitchell, Thea, Skyler, Elyse, Raelyn, Jimmy and Jada; siblings, Connie Ripley, Cindy (Robert) Lewis, Rachel (Tim) Gray and Jana (Chris) Smolenski; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to International Cooperating Ministries (icm.org) or Okoboji Bible Conference.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements are by Iles Westover Chapel.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Dutch Oven Cooking, Tuesday, July 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thomas Mitchell Park Shelter No. 1, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville. From basic cobblers to layered dinners and decadent desserts, a Dutch oven is the perfect addition to any outdoor cook's collection. Whether at the campsite or in the backyard, Dutch ovens help you create mouth-watering, delicious slow-cooked meals. Bring your appetite as we cook and sample a variety of foods. Ages 14 and older. Registration required by July 6 at https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2MDM5MDE=.
Horse Whispers in the Woods, Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m., Jester Park Nature 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 24 hours prior to event: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jesterparkec/items/?flow=19203&full-items=yes.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Magic of the Night Parade and Market
Friday, July 11
Drake neighborhood, Kingman Boulevard and 28th Street, Des Moines
www.dna.wildapricot.org/Art-night
The Drake neighborhood in Des Moines creates creatures of the night puppets to participate in the parade. The evening will also feature another Night Market with an eclectic mix of vendors, culinary delights and captivating entertainment, culminating in a mesmerizing lantern puppet parade down Kingsman Boulevard.

Des Moines Botanical Garden Music in the Garden Series
909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
www.dmbotanicalgarden.com
Enjoy live music in the beautiful setting of the Des Moines Botanical Garden. Upcoming concerts are: July 17: Flash in a Pan; July 24: The Crowfoot Rakes; July 31: Mango Soul.

Goodguys 34th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals
Friday, July 4 to Monday, July 7
Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.good-guys.com
A weekend with more than 5,000 of the Midwest’s finest 1999 and older hot rods, trucks, customs, muscle cars and classics.

Ankeny Summerfest
Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13
The District at Prairie Trail, 1500 S.W. Main St., Ankeny
www.ankenysummerfest.com
Activities at Ankeny’s community celebration include carnival rides, parade, live entertainment, fireworks show and plenty more. The weekend is packed full of musical performances that the entire family can enjoy.

National Balloon Classic
July 25 to Aug. 2
Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave., Indianola
www.nationalballoonclassic.com
Enjoy morning and evening balloon launches and the sight of colorful hot air balloons floating in the sky. Watch the competition and enjoy a variety of entertainment offered during The Classic.

Waukee Arts Festival
July 18-19
Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee
Visit 140 vendor booths in the largest Waukee Arts Festival to date. Food and beverage trucks, The Waukee Fine Arts Footrace and numerous live bands are planned. For a full schedule of events, list of artists and festival updates, visit www.waukeeartsfestival.org.

Clive Festival
Friday, July 18, to Saturday, July 19
Greenbelt near the Aquatic Center
Mark your calendars for Clive's biggest (and best) community event. Enjoy free live music, Thunder Over Clive Fireworks, bounce houses, activities for kids, food trucks, Kids Art Expo, the Clive Running Festival, Clive Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Touch a Truck, Cardboard Boat Regatta at Clive Aquatic Center, and more. Check the Clive Festival Facebook page for details.

Cheesy, comforting chicken

(Culinary.net) A quick and easy way to get comfort food on your dinner table is this recipe for cheesy baked mushroom chicken. Add some green beans and mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded meal for your family.

For more comfort food recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Cheesy baked mushroom chicken

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup flour
4 tablespoons butter
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 F. Prepare baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cut each chicken breast in half. Place flour in resealable bag. Place chicken in resealable bag with flour; toss to coat.
In large skillet, melt butter. Add chicken to skillet; brown all sides. Transfer chicken from skillet to 11-by-7-inch baking dish.
In skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms in remaining butter until softened. Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to boil, then cook 5 minutes. Spoon over chicken.
Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and green onions. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

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