Feb. 17-23, 2026

Johnston Lions Club presented Eagle Scout Caleb Bowman with a check for $250 for his project building beds for kids who don’t have a bed. The organization and the volunteers from Sleep in Heavenly Peace provide beds, mattresses and linens. Caleb is helping raise funds and helping build 10 beds. Bowman is pictured with Lions President Ron Lower and Lion Jerry Kielsmeier.

Johnston Lions Club annual 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 at 6501 N.W. 62nd Ave. in Johnston. 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.

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.

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.

New Johnston Historical Society website includes online collection access 

With an eye toward the future, the Johnston (Station) Historical Society’s website now has a fresh new look, added content and easier functionality. This new website is also easier to navigate, while providing online access to Johnston history. 

More than 2,000 digital artifacts bring museum content directly to those who may not be local or are unable to visit the Simpson House museum in person. Digital content is available 24/7 and is easily searchable to find specific items of interest.   

As an entirely volunteer-run organization, modern website development is not something the current board is equipped for. That’s where Johnston High School student Syon Aggarwal stepped in. His ability to shepherd the Johnston Historical Society through the modernization process was essential to the overall success of the project, making their online vision a reality. 

Aggarwal has a passion for helping nonprofit organizations create a modern online presence and has received multiple awards, including the 2023 Congressional App Challenge and 2025 National Technology Student Association recognition.   

"His willingness to use his technical and interpersonal skills to assist the Johnston Historical Society and other local nonprofits with website creation and improvements is a real service to our community” John Brown, president of the Johnston Historical Society, said. 

The public is encouraged to visit the new website at www.johnstoniowahistorical.org to learn more about the origin of the city of Johnston. You can also view how you can help preserve access to Johnston history through volunteering your time and talent or by providing financial support for ongoing operating costs of the Simpson House Museum.

Apply to serve on a board or commission

The City of Johnston is accepting applications for volunteer positions on the Board of Adjustment, Park Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and Library Board. These opportunities allow residents to influence community development and the opportunities available for residents. Learn more about the roles and current vacancies. Terms range from three to six years. Learn more here.

Dragon Scholarship Fund Online Auction

Feb. 22-28. Get ready to support Johnston High School seniors and your community during the Dragon Scholarship Fund Auction. Kicking off at 9 a.m. Feb. 22 and closing at 9 p.m. on Feb. 28, the Dragon Scholarship Fund Online Auction returns bigger and better than ever with hundreds of packages available to bid on. The auction raises funds for scholarships awarded to graduating Johnston High School seniors. Every bid helps support students as they take their next step beyond high school. Shop, bid and make an impact. In 2025, the Dragon Scholarship Fund awarded more than 250 scholarships totaling $99,000. Auction items will continue to be added until Feb. 22. Sign up at dragonsf2026.ggo.bid.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston

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

Edencrest at Green Meadows events

Edencrest at Green Meadows, 6750 Corporate Drive, Johnston

• Dementia Awareness and Education Session with Kailee Bonebrake: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1-2:30 p.m. The public is invited to an educational and supportive session led by Kailee Bonebrake, regional director of Memory Care. Learn about dementia, early signs, care approaches and resources available for families and caregivers. This informative event is open to anyone seeking guidance or understanding.
• Rooted in Care Social Workers Luncheon: Tuesday, March 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local social workers are invited for a special appreciation lunch to connect, collaborate and honor the vital role they play in the community. Enjoy a delicious meal, network with peers, and learn more about the support and services offered at our community.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• Out in Nature at Easter Lake: Friday, Feb. 20, 10-11 a.m., Easter Lake Event Center, Easter Lake Park, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Come to Easter Lake with a sense of adventure. Learn how to observe and study changes in nature as we explore, play and investigate. The program will meet at the Event Center but will be mostly outdoors. Come prepared for the weather. Adults are expected to stay and actively participate with their children/students. Free, no registration required.
• Winter Hike at Jester Park: Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to noon and 1-2 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Bundle up and head outdoors to hike the trail around the pond. Learn how animals survive the long cold winter as we try to stay warm ourselves. Dress for being outdoors. Free, all ages welcome.
• Chinese New Year: Sunday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-2 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come join us for this popular celebration of the Chinese New Year. It’s the year of the horse. During this program, learn all about the history of the Chinese New Year, similarities between Chinese zodiac and western astrology, and, of course, horses. Shadow Fist Kung Fu will be back again for a live lion dance and kung fu demonstration. Registration required by Feb. 21.
• Sunset Flow Yoga: Monday, Feb. 23, 6-7 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take time to unwind as the sun sets inside the Great Hall or patio (in summer months) of the Jester Park Nature Center with instructor Deanna Black. This all-levels yoga class that flows from one posture to another enhancing strength and balance then finishes with holding positions for flexibility and relaxation. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with Unity Point Health. Items to bring: yoga mat, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Ages 12+ Registration required by the day before.
• Story Tellebration: Wednesday, Feb. 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, no registration required. February topic: Owl Moon.

Find something to love at Johnston Public Library

Whether you love books, puzzles, crafts, information or volunteering, the Johnston Public Library has something for you this February. Read on for more details.

Show your heartfelt support for local authors at our fourth annual Read Local Author Fair on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2-4 p.m. Mix and mingle with authors, check out their books, and register for prizes at this open-house 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.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Des Moines Community Orchestra Winter Concert
Sunday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m.
Staplin Performing Arts Center, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines
Enjoy the Des Moines Community Orchestra’s Winter Concert featuring guest conductor Joshua Barlage and featured soloist Curtis Barr, cello.

Des Moines Art Center Museum Highlights Tour
Saturdays, 1-2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections during the Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through the galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures and more. Join knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques and inspirations behind the art on view, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages. Free to all, no registration required.

Tea and Talk Series
Saturdays, Feb. 21, 28 and March 7, 2 p.m.
Terrace Hill Drawing Room, 2300 Grand Ave., Des Moines
The Terrace Hill Partnership presents the Tea and Talk series. Guests will hear from local speakers who will cover topics centered around arts and culture, conservation and gardening, historic architecture, and book publishing and illustration. Speakers will give short presentations in Terrace Hill’s Drawing Room. Tickets are $10 per program or $35 for a season pass. The speakers are donating their time, and all proceeds will benefit the gardens of Terrace Hill. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://thteatalkseries2026.eventbrite.com or by calling the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Feb. 21: Aaron Harpold, director of horticulture, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, A Stroll Through the Seasons at The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
• Feb. 28: Scott Allen, historic practice leader, OPN Architects, Terrace Hill - B.F. Allen Greenhouse Reconstruction.
• March 7: Susan Schmid and Tara Gartin, author and illustrator of No Company for Christmas, Turning Terrace Hill into a Book.

2026 CITYVIEW Chocolate Walk at West Glen
Friday, Feb. 27, 5-9 p.m.
The Breakfast Club, 5525 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 100, West Des Moines
Like chocolate? Like chocolate drinks? Then you’ll love this event. CITYVIEW and West Glen Town Center again bring the Chocolate Walk to West Glen Town Center. For a ticket price of $25 ($35 at the door), attendees will receive 10 drink tickets that can be redeemed for sample cocktails at participating venues and will receive chocolate treat samples. Make it a date night or a night out with friends. Look for more details at chocolatewalk.dmcityview.com.

Lionel Bart’s “Oliver! JR.”
Weekends from Feb. 20 to March 8, Fridays 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m.
CAP Theatre, 201 First Ave. S., Altoona
The streets of Victorian England will come to life when CAP Theatre presents the musical “Oliver! JR.,” based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens and adapted from the full-length musical by Lionel Bart — who wrote the book, music and lyrics.This beloved production follows a trusting young orphan named Oliver Twist as he searches for a place where he truly belongs. Ticket prices range from $12–$18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.captheatre.org.

2026 MS Moments Orange Gala
Saturday, Feb. 28, 4:45 p.m.
Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Parkway, Waukee
The Orange Gala is MS Moment's premier event dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for MS Moments, a 100% volunteer-led organization committed to supporting Iowa families affected by multiple sclerosis. This impactful evening brings together influencers, philanthropists and advocates for an unforgettable experience. The evening will feature speakers, inspiring stories, delicious food and exclusive entertainment, creating a memorable and meaningful celebration of community and support. More information available at www.catchdesmoines.com/event/2026-ms-moments-orange-gala/54873/.

(Family Features) If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. Mac and cheese is a staple in households across the country, and this version with made-from-scratch sauce will leave your loved ones asking for more.

To make it a full-blown meal, pair simple skillet mac and cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.

Visit Culinary.net to find more comfort food classics.

Simple skillet mac and cheese
Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk, divided
• 12 ounces pasta shells
• salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
• ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

• In nonstick skillet over high heat, bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk and shells to simmer. Season with salt, to taste. Cook, stirring, until pasta is tender and liquid thickens, 9-12 minutes.
• In small bowl, whisk remaining evaporated milk, cornstarch and dry mustard. Stir into skillet. Continue simmering until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
• Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in batches, adding water to adjust consistency. Stir in butter then season with salt and pepper, to taste.

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.

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