Senior trip to see 'Hamilton' with Johnston Parks and Recreation

May 6-12, 2025

A pineapple pizza preference

Want to know how to identify a clear division in a group of people? It only takes one question, and it has nothing to do with gun ownership. Or immigration. Or transgenders in sports. It is about something many people tend to be much more passionate about — pizza. That’s right, pizza. Or, more specifically, pizza toppings.

Don’t believe me? Try to order pizza for a group and ask what toppings they prefer. Get ready for a debate.

I prefer loads of meat on my pizza. Sausage. Pepperoni. Canadian bacon. All of it.

My wife wants a fungus on hers. She says you can’t even taste the mushrooms, which leads me to two questions: How does she know what I can taste? And, if she is correct, why pay to put a topping on a pizza that you can’t taste?

According to research shared in a Huffington Post story, 52% of Americans say pepperoni is one of their three favorite pizza toppings, 34% include sausage, and 31% list mushrooms. Bacon and plain/mozzarella cheese each were named top-three picks by 20% of respondents.

But what about the least favorite toppings? According to the same research, 49% selected anchovies as one of their three least favorite pizza toppings. Also at the bottom were eggplant (disliked by 30%), pineapple (24%) and artichokes (24%).

Speaking of pineapple, which I truly enjoy when combined with Canadian bacon, it is clearly one of the most divisive choices. Where you live and how old you are tend to be the factors. According to the data, people living in the western states are more likely to choose pineapple as a favorite pizza topping, and people 18 to 34 years old also tend to be more into it. Meanwhile, only 9% of Americans 55 or older chose pineapple as a favorite topping, and 28% count it among their least favorites. Those of you who don’t like pineapple on pizza should take a little advice from Time For Timer and “put a little on your plate.”

One may wonder why pizza toppings create such divisive debates. Keep in mind that 73% of Americans say they eat pizza at least monthly, and 21% opt for it at least weekly. As such, pizza is something we frequently associate ourselves with, and that often tends to become personal.

Now, about those pizza crusts…

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

Senior trip to see 'Hamilton' with Johnston Parks and Recreation

Johnston seniors have the chance to see the Broadway smash hit “Hamilton” at the Civic Center on Thursday, June 12, with transportation included. Choose from two group options: enjoy lunch at Hessen Haus before the show or head to The Stuffed Olive for dinner afterward. Both options include a shuttle to and from the Crown Point Community Center. Space is limited, and the registration deadline is May 12. The cost is $95 per person, which includes transportation and your show ticket. Learn more: https://johnston.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=30.

Streetscape beautification questionnaire

Provide Input to the Brief Questionnaire on Streetscape Beautification The City of Johnston is excited to share updates on the beautification framework plan, which draws inspiration from our unique urban tree canopy and natural landscape. A big part of this plan includes designing attractive entry monuments and markers that reflect our community’s identity as a tree loving city. The monuments will feature modern laser-cut designs of leaves and trees, and at night, accent lighting will make them stand out. We’re also focusing on improving areas like roundabouts and intersections with landscaping and decorative pavement to make our streets more inviting and easier to maintain. Plus, we’re planning pedestrian-friendly spots with landscaping, seating, and special paving in busier areas to enhance walkability. To learn more about the progress of our beautification efforts, check out our interactive update here: https://bit.ly/JohnstonStreetscape

Vietnam War Living History Event

Discover what life was like for the U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War. Meet knowledgeable historians, explore historically accurate campsites, and see period military vehicles at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave, Johnston, on Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Food drive on May 17

A food drive is being held by VFW Post 9668 of Urbandale/Johnston, Urbandale American Legion 663, Boy Scout Troops 43 and 98 and Urbandale Food Pantry on May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The American Legion, 6805 Douglas Ave., Urbandale. There will be curbside drop off. Monetary support is also appreciated. Checks can be made to Urbandale Food Pantry. The greatest need is for personal hygiene items, such as toilet paper, shampoo, laundry detergent, body wash and soap, toothpaste, deodorant, diapers and wipes, and cash. Food needed includes meals in a can, canned fruit, peanut butter, tuna and canned meats, cereal, canned vegetables and pasta sauce.

Rotary Club golf Ffundraiser

The Rotary Club of Johnston is hosting its annual golf fundraiser on Monday, June 2, at the Hyperion Field Club, 7390 N.W. Beaver Drive, Johnston. Register your foursome now. Cost of $1,600 includes 18 holes of golf, raffle with more than 50 prizes, a chance to shoot the golf cannon, meals and a swag bag. The event benefits Johnston Partnership, Dorothy’s House and Johnston Rotary. Register at https://4th-annual-johnston-rotary-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com.

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 May 23, 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.

Yoga by the lake

Join fellow yoga enthusiasts every Saturday at 8 a.m. from May 10 through Oct. 11 for an hour of yoga led by Ignit Yoga Instructor Natalie Henricksen. Experience the tranquility of the as you enhance your well-being in a serene outdoor setting. Classes will be at Terra Lake, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, by the amphitheater. Be sure to bring a yoga mat, water bottle and any additional items to ensure your comfort during the class.

Tunes at Twilight

Experience live music in the Yard. Concerts will be from 7:30-9 p.m. on the Thursdays of May 29, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11 at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The lineup includes: May 29, The Squares; July 10, Jordan Beem; Aug. 7, The Sons of Gladys Kravitz; Sept. 11, Damon Dotson.

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.

Curbside yard waste collection is 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/.

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 (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/.

Zenith Chamber Music Festival

The Zenith Chamber Music Festival will return this June for its 11th season, presenting a week-long festival packed with an outstanding lineup of musicians in venues across central Iowa. The public is invited from Tuesday, June 3, through Saturday, June 7, for five free performances.

June 3: Violin and piano duo Yang and Olivia, Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Ave., Des Moines
June 4: Oleg Timofeyev and Dan Caraway “Seven-String Guitar Museum on Wheels,” Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines
June 5: Saxophonist Damani Phillips, The Simpsons Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, Johnston
June 6: Indianapolis Quartet, Iowa Theater, 121 N. John Wayne Drive, Winterset
June 7: Indianapolis Quartet joined by students from the Zenith Virtuosi Young Artist Festival, Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines

Polk County Conservation events

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

Endangered Species Awareness, Friday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Every year on the third Friday in May, people around the world join together to celebrate, learn about, and take action to protect threatened and endangered species. This program will identify the factors that cause animals to become endangered and provide information on how you can help them. You will also meet Indigo, a short-eared owl, an Iowa endangered species.
Nature Play Day at Thomas Mitchell Park, Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon. Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th st., Mitchellville. Gather your family together to spend a morning taking part in nature play. We’ll explore Iowa’s habitats through interactive play as we visit some of the highlights of Thomas Mitchell Park. It’ll be a simple and fun day that will get your family learning together without even knowing it. We’ll be walking a little over 1 mile on bumpy, uneven trails with some hills. Feel free to bring a snack or two along for your family to eat part way through the program. Registration required: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2MDI4OTk=.
Sunset Yoga, Monday, May 19, 8-9 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the outdoor plaza or inside the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center. This gentle yoga class will focus on creating a mind and body nature connection as the sun sets. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint. Items to bring: yoga mat and block, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Registration required: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

DMPA Free Outdoor Family Events
Various dates and parks
Des Moines Performing Arts announced the engagements headed to Des Moines as part of its 2025 Free Outdoor Family Events series. These free presentations are designed to engage new audiences and performing arts enthusiasts alike, while also removing the barrier of cost.

Through May 26: OPTIK, Cowles Commons
June 14-17: Bindlestiff Family Circus, parks across the metro
July 21-22: Dupont Brass, parks across the metro
June 11, July 9, Aug. 13: Storytime Under the Green Umbrella, Cowles Commons
June 21, July 12, Aug. 23: Dancing on Cowles Commons

For more information including times and park locations, visit www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/series/free-outdoor-family-events.

'Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa'
Through Sunday, Sept. 7
Des Moines Art Center, A.H. Blank Gallery, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
This exhibition explores the vibrant diversity of Haitian artwork, featuring paintings, metalwork, sculpture and drapos (beaded and sequined banners). The exhibition is accompanied by a complementary 16-page gallery guide, featuring colorful artworks, a history of the WCA’s Haitian art collection, and a description of the themes and symbols often depicted in Haitian artwork. The gallery guide has been translated into Haitian Kreyòl, the first language of nearly 11 million people worldwide.

Bands, Brews and Bikes
Every Sunday, through October, 1-3 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Bike, family and pet-friendly, Bands, Brews and Bikes returns to the biergarten this summer. Ride your bike, grab a cold brew and enjoy live music.

'Alice in Wonderland'
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, through May 18. Fridays 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Kate Goldman Family Series at The Des Moines Playhouse presents “Alice in Wonderland.” Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515-277-6261. “Alice in Wonderland” is presented in the Studio Theatre and is sponsored by Nationwide.

Iowa Craft Brew Festival
Saturday, June 7, 1-4 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Iowa Brewers Guild announces the return of the annual Iowa Craft Brew Festival. Each festival ticket includes unlimited samples, a commemorative tasting glass and access to the spacious festival grounds with shade tents, vendors, yard games and a variety of Iowa-based food trucks. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival features the best in Iowa beer but will also highlight craft cideries and a growing offering of Iowa-produced non-alcoholic beverages. One hundred percent of the festival’s revenue goes to help support Iowa’s craft beer industry and IBG’s Brewed in Iowa campaign that helps raise awareness about the local impact of breweries in Iowa communities. Information and links to purchase tickets are available at www.iowacraftbrewfestival.com.

Vendor Market
Saturday, June 7 and 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 315, Altoona
Each show has a variety of vendors from Avon, essential oils, Tupperware, Freeze Dried Candies, honey, 3D, Tastefully Simple, Gems & Crystals, Scentsy plus others. Come check out the vendors and buy local. If interested in being a vendor, email k2marketplacemagic@gmail.com.

Make family barbecues a breeze

(Family Features) When it’s time for some fun in the sun, you probably don’t want to waste too much time in the kitchen. This creamy potato salad is ideal for making quickly at home before heading off to your next barbecue.

Potato salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

3 pounds potatoes
4 boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
2 dill pickles
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons mustard
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
smoked paprika, for garnish

Directions:

Coarsely chop potatoes. In Dutch oven, boil until fork tender. Drain then add coarsely chopped eggs and pickles.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, bacon pieces, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.
Transfer to large bowl and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Garnish with smoked paprika.

BLUSH BOOT CAMP: BLUSH Boot Camp is a women-only gym dedicated to empowering women through strength training, bootcamp sessions, and cardio sessions. We offer brand-new 50-minute sessions every day, so you’ll never repeat a workout! Perks include free babysitting, professional nutritional guidance, and monthly one-on-one BLUSH Balance Meetings to help you reach your full potential. At BLUSH, we also offer personal training for women to help build strength, reduce stress, and achieve your fitness goals. Join our welcoming community for women of all ages and fitness levels and experience the BLUSH difference! Take your fitness journey to the next level with our womens bootcamp and energizing cardio workout classes. Whether you're looking to build strength, boost endurance, or find a supportive community, BLUSH Boot Camp is here for you. Join us today! https://blushbootcamp.com/waukee-ia/

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.

To submit a classified ad, click HERE.

From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

PAMPERED PETS

Residents share how they go the extra mile to spoil their critters.

Many pet owners view their animal companions as part of the family — deserving of the best care, lots of attention, and at least a few perks. Besides the usual walks, pet beds and toys, some of these pampered pets get extra special treatment: pup cups from drive-throughs, birthday parties, paw soaks and a special place in those important days of their owners’ lives — as well as in their hearts.

[...]

Read this month's issue

Meet Sheri Pender

Following a lifelong calling

By Lindsey Giardino

Sheri Pender, a second-grade teacher at Lawson Elementary, knew she wanted to be a teacher as early as kindergarten. When her teacher faced health issues, young Pender stepped in as a classroom “assistant.”

“I would run errands to the office and help other students in the classroom,” she recalls. “After that year, it seemed to be a good fit for me to be a teacher.”

After earning her degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, Pender began her teaching career in Nebraska.

[...]

First time buying

By Jenna Borcherding

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming, especially in a diverse and vibrant real estate market like the Des Moines Metro. I've gathered some essential tips to guide you through the process smoothly and confidently.

Understand your budget: Before you start looking at houses, it's crucial to know how much you can afford. Assess your financial situation by considering your savings, income and any outstanding debts. Whether you’re going to buy in a week or a year, talking to a lender helps to have a clear understanding of your budget.

[...]

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

Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc.
8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131

Edit Profile

Unsubscribe

Report as Spam