Applications open for Entrepreneurial Venture Competition — This and more in this week's issue!

April 1-7, 2025

The little black book

If you were watching TV in the 1970s, then you certainly have heard of Arthur Fonzarelli. And, if you remember the Fonz, then you likely also remember Richie Cunningham. And if you recall the Fonz and Richie, then you surely can recollect Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney.

These four were introduced to us, and to each other, in a 1975 “Happy Days” episode called “A Date with Fonzie,” in which the Fonz summons two girls from his “little black book” to go on a double-date with him and Richie.

Yes, a little black book. Or, in the Fonz’s case, a not-so-little black book. Most of you have likely heard the term, but, in case you haven’t, here’s the gist: A little black book is typically a personal notebook of contacts or a journal of secrets. It may also refer to an address book containing the names of past or potential romantic or sexual partners.

The phrase was first used in the mid-1400s, and it referred to a list of people who had committed crimes or fallen out of favor with leaders. King Henry VIII kept a black book with the names of people who were sinful. The phrase is sometimes still used today to mean a list of people who are in trouble with someone else. But, more often, it is referenced as a list of romantic partners.

Beyond “Happy Days,” the little black book has been part of our culture in other ways. Belinda Carlisle sang a 1992 song called “Little Black Book,” and so did Jimmy Dean in 1962. Brittany Murphy, Holly Hunter, Ron Livingston, Julianne Nicholson and Kathy Bates starred in a 2004 comedy film with the same name. And "The Little Black Book: Part 1" and "Part 2" was a 1968 two-part episode of one of my other favorite TV shows, “Get Smart.”

Although not a little black book, my college roommate and I had names of people we frequently called in the student directory highlighted. The resident director of the dormitory we lived in found it to be an interesting read.

Do you ever wonder what happened to all of the little black books? What’s left of them are likely gathering dust in an attic somewhere. Meanwhile, today’s smart phones have become the storage spot for many people’s list of lovers and other private contacts. Coincidentally, or maybe not, both would fit in the inside pocket of the Fonz’s leather jacket. Ayyyyyy!

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

JumpStart sponsored by Walter Roofing

Johnston Chamber JumpStart, sponsored by Walter Roofing, was held March 20 at Johnston Public Library. Chris and BJ with Walter Roofing spoke about residential and commercial roofing.

Applications open for Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

The 2025 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The 20th annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

The $100,000 in seed funding includes a $50,000 contribution from John Pappajohn, matched by $50,000 from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The goal of this competition is to support Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by assisting entrepreneurs.  

Iowa businesses that have been in operation for four years or less, or are not yet cash flow positive, are eligible to apply. This competition is open to businesses including, but not limited to, technology, bio-technology, green technologies, medical, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, engineering and education industries.

The deadline for first round submissions is May 12, second round submissions for select applicants is July 14, with the final round pitch taking place on Aug. 22. Winners will be announced that day. 

Participants will be judged first on their written submissions; those who advance to the final round of the competition will give a formal presentation to a panel of judges. First place will be awarded $40,000, second place $25,000, and third place $15,000. Awards for other honorable mention categories will total up to $20,000. 

The competition is a collaborative program among the Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers located at Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. The Iowa Economic Development Authority provides funding to bring the total prize package to $100,000.

For additional information about the competition or to apply, visit www.pappajohncompetition.com.

Coyote Awareness Workshop is April 19

Join Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Andy Kellner for a free "Living with Nature: Being Coyote Aware In and Out of the City" workshop at the Urbandale Public Library on Saturday, April 19, from 1-2 p.m. in Meeting Room A/B. Learn about coyote history, ecology and tips for avoiding human-wildlife conflict. This informative session will cover coyotes' adaptability to urban and rural environments. Registration is required and closes at noon on the day of the event. This program is designed for adults. To register visit https://urbandale.librarycalendar.com/event/UrbanCoyotesDNR.

Volunteers sought for Kites on the Green

Johnston Kites on the Green will be held Saturday, May 3, and volunteers are being sought. Come help at this annual kite festival, which includes public kite flying, professional kite flyers demonstrations, kids kite building, music and more. Lots of help is needed to make this event successful, and multiple shifts are available. Among other things, volunteers may be asked to help kids/families build kites, assist at special activities, staff information or donation booths, etc. Johnston Kite’s on the Green is organized by the City of Johnston and the Johnston Public Library Foundation, which is an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Sign up at https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/222356076083/false#/invitation.

Vendor applications open for farmers’ market

Applications are now open for the Johnston Farmers’ Market. Vendor applications will be accepted through April 30, so apply today to be part of another great season. The market runs from June 3 through Sept. 30 at the Johnston Town Center, located at 6245 Merle Hay Road. It is held on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. For information, visit www.cityofjohnston.com/865/Farmers-Market

Register for Johnston Parks and Recreation activities

Johnston Parks and Recreation activities, events, and facility rentals are now open for registration at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Home.

Lions Club Breakfast

The Johnston Lions Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast is Saturday, April 19, 7-11 a.m., at the Johnston Middle School cafeteria, 6501 N.W. 62nd Ave. 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.

Lent at St. Mary of Nazareth

The Lent schedule at St. Mary of Nazareth, 4600 Meredith Drive in Des Moines, includes Lenten Fish Dinners, 5-6:30 p.m. on April 4 and 11; Stations of the Cross, 5:30 p.m. on April 4 and 11.

Curbside yard waste collection is now underway

The Compost It! program’s curbside yard waste collection has begun. To ensure collection, set your Compost It! bags, yard waste bags with a Compost It! sticker, and Compost It! carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day.

Accepted yard waste: twigs and branches, leaves, grass clippings, and garden vegetation (such as spoiled vegetables on the vine or wilted flowers from landscaping).

Items that are not accepted include: dirt, mulch, rocks, food and pet waste. For more information, visit www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/yard-waste/news/compost-it-season-begins/.

Upcoming 55+ Activities

Senior Fun Night: Join us on Thursday, April 17, from 3-6 p.m. at Johnston City Hall for an evening of fun. Play board games and cards while enjoying a delicious meal featuring cavatelli, garlic bread, salad with creamy parmesan and bread pudding from Urban Grill. Cost is $10. Register by Thursday, April 10.

Annual Tree Sale

The city of Johnston’s annual Tree Sale kicks off on Tuesday, April 8, at 8 a.m. Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to set up your RecDesk account at https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Member/Signup in advance for a smoother ordering process. Limit of one tree per household at a reduced price of $75. Pickup will be Saturday, May 10, 8-10 a.m. at the north side of City Hall. For more information, visit www.cityofjohnston.com/1436/Tree-Sale.

Electronics recycling day

The city of Johnston is partnering with Electronic Asset Security to keep electronics out of the landfill. Drop off your items on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the east side of City Hall, in the parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road.

Accepted at no cost: Laptops, desktop computers, monitors, speakers, printers, CDs, phones and more. Fee-based items include: CRT TVs/monitors under 19 inches – $10; CRT TVs/monitors 20-27 inches – $15; CRT TVs/monitors over 27 inches – $25; LCD and Plasma TVs (any size) – $15; rear projection/console TVs – $35. For more information, visit https://electronicassetsecurity.com/events/.

Johnston Partnership needs

The Johnston Partnership provides food and personal hygiene products to those in need, as well as children’s seasonal clothing. The Partnership also has a Friday food bag program. They are currently delivering around more than 800 bags per month to all nine Johnston schools. This program supplements food insecurity over the weekend when school breakfast and lunch aren’t available and is open to any family at any time (just contact the school office). Items needed are individual packages or cups of peanut butter; individual shelf stable milk; fruit and applesauce cups; granola bars; easy Mac and ramen noodles.

The Partnership is open normal hours during spring break for families needing extra food assistance.

Donations can be dropped off at 5870 Merle Hay Road, Suite C, Johnston, during open hours. For more information, visit https://johnstonpartnership.org/donate/.

Community greetings

Johnston Community Greetings would like to welcome 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.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Safe in the Sun 5K/10K Run
Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Ave. Ames
The Central Iowa community is coming together for the third year to raise awareness and funds for melanoma research with the Safe in the Sun 5K/10K Run, hosted by the Cancer Bucket Foundation. Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or a supporter of the cause, the Safe in the Sun Run offers a meaningful opportunity to help in the fight against melanoma and skin cancer. To register, visit cancerbucket.org/events.

Elks Pancake Breakfast Buffet, Bake Sale and the Easter Bunny
Sunday, April 13, 8 a.m. to noon
West Des Moines Elks Lodge, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Yes, the Easter Bunny will be at the breakfast to greet the children and have treats to share. The breakfast buffet includes biscuits and gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties, cheesy potatoes, and, of course, all you can eat pancakes (including blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes), orange juice, milk and coffee. Enjoy a bloody Mary or mimosa for $3.50. Cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Proceeds support the Elks Hoop Shoot Program, other youth activities and veteran support activities.

WDM Elks Spring Style Show Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
West Des Moines Elks Lodge No. 2752, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Tickets are $15 each or reserve a table for eight for $130 or a table for four for $70. The Style Show starts at 11 a.m. with a salad luncheon at 12:30 p.m. and door prize drawing at 2 p.m. Many fantastic vendors including K.A.B.E. & Co clothes and accessories will be available. Funds raised will benefit Veterans Children’s Christmas and other Elks approved charities and outreach.

Furry Friends Refuge “chilli” cookoff
Saturday, April 12
Tonic Bar, 5535 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
furryfriendsrefuge.org
Chili, free drinks and excellent prizes will be at this “chilli” cookoff that raises funds for animals at Furry Friends Refuge. With your ticket comes one free Confluence Brewing Company beer, chili tasting, prizes and giveaways.

Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention
Friday - Sunday, April 4-6
EMC Expo Center, Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
middleofthemaptattoo.com
Live tattooing, live music and prizes for more than 25 tattoo competitions. Miss Middle of the Map 2025 will be crowned in the Des Moines Premier Pinup Competition. The ink extravaganza will feature nearly 300 of the best tattoo artists from around the country, with many Inkmaster alum, including winners DJ Tabme and Bobby Johnson.

Des Moines Performing Arts
Various dates
Des Moines Civic Center, Cowles Commons, Stoner Theater, Temple Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
desmoinesperformingarts.org
April 5-6: Des Moines Symphony, “O Fortuna - Carmina Burana”
April 11-13: “Hadestown”
April 17: Chicago Tap Theatre
April 23: Neil Degrasse Tyson: “An Astrophysicist Goes To The Movies”
April 26: Des Moines Symphony, “Music From Final Fantasy”
April 27: 360 ALLSTARS
April 30: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Monster Jam
Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13
Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines
monsterjam.com/en-us
Combining three distinct competitions — Racing, Two-Wheel Skills and Freestyle — into one incredible package, the Monster Jam offers a little something of everything to entertain monster truck fans.

Easter apps made easy

(Family Features) If you’ll be hosting friends and family for Easter this year, opting for an array of appetizers can help keep hungry people out of the kitchen until the main course is ready. Featuring easy prep and short cook times, these apps from “Cookin’ Savvy” can let you spend more time creating memories with loved ones.

Spinach bites
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Yield: 24 spinach bites

Ingredients:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup thawed frozen spinach
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry

Directions:

With hand mixer, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, spinach, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, bacon pieces, garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper, to taste.
Heat oven to 400 F.
Thaw and roll out puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 12 squares. Place each puff pastry square into hole in muffin pan then spoon spinach mixture into each square and pinch corners together. Bake 15 minutes and serve warm.
Notes: Spinach mixture can be made in advance and kept in refrigerator up to five days before using. Recipe can be halved or doubled depending on needs.

LOOKING TO BUY GOLF CLUBS / BAGS: Looking for a new home for those GOLF CLUBS/bags cluttering up the garage or basement. Sell or Donate them. I’ll happily pick them up. CLUBS BAGS BALLS. I also do some trade ins. Located in Johnston. Call Paul at 515-350-4333.

SERVICE: Quality home cleaning by insured individual. Call 515-675-8144.

From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

A WEDDING TO REMEMBER

Couple shares how they made their day special.

Few milestones are as momentous as a wedding. Family and friends often gather from near and far, the preparations may take months, and every detail is given thought. From the wedding attire to the decorations, music and venue, the couple makes countless decisions with one goal in mind: for theirs to be a wedding to remember. This month, one couple shares the scrupulous planning they did so their special day would be exactly as they envisioned. If a wedding is in your future, we hope you find inspiration from their story. Or, perhaps, their journey will spark memories of your own.

[...]

Read this month's issue

Dive into spring cleaning with these tips

By Joleen Roskamp

Now that we have gotten through the winter season, it is time for spring. And what better time to spring clean. Embrace spring by giving your home a thorough spring cleaning and touch up the exterior. Here is a guide that may help you tackle the cleaning and organizing with ease and efficiency.

Make a list. It feels less stressful when you have a list that you can check off as you go through your spring clean. Write down every space you want to work on and what you may need for organizational purposes. This will help you stay focused and accomplished.

[...]

Palliative care: An option for someone you love?

By Aaron Wheeler

Q. My husband’s doctor suggested we look into palliative care. This is not a term that’s familiar to me. My husband lives with a chronic health condition. Thankfully, the illness is not immediately life-threatening, but my husband’s quality of life isn’t what we’d like it to be. What can palliative care do for him?

A. I'm sorry to hear about your spouse’s health condition, but it’s great that you're exploring palliative care — a specialized form of care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness, rather than trying to cure the illness itself.

[...]

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have friends or coworkers who you think would enjoy Johnston Living Weekly, share this email with them and they can subscribe by CLICKING HERE.

This email was sent to: beckhamgmiller@hotmail.com

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