Johnston Green Days, June 11-13 — This and more in this week's issue!

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The circle of life continues

Sunrise. Sunset. Those two words make up the title of one of the most memorable songs from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” The lyrics reflect on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of life, particularly as parents watch their children grow up, leave home and begin families of their own. The song captures feelings of nostalgia and the inevitability of change, blending joy and sorrow while reminding us how quickly life's moments pass.

I was reminded of that song recently when I attended both a funeral and a wedding on the same day. The funeral was for the mother of a good friend. The wedding was for a young woman who has been a close friend of our youngest daughter for many years.

I do not believe I have ever attended a funeral and a wedding on the same day before. It was an emotional roller coaster and a powerful reminder of how quickly the years can pass. One event marked the end of a life well lived. The other celebrated the beginning of a new chapter. Together, they illustrated the full spectrum of life's journey.

The experience also brought back memories of a time in my own life when I experienced an even more personal blend of grief and joy. I was 33 years old when my father died. One week later, our youngest daughter was born.

Cancer had finally caught up with Dad. During his final days, I spent as much time with him as I could. The last time I saw him alive, he was no longer able to speak. Still, words were unnecessary. He looked deeply into my eyes, and we both cried. It was a moment filled with love, sadness and acceptance.

Just days later, I found myself holding my newborn daughter in my arms. She looked into my eyes with the same intensity but with the innocence only a child can possess. And, once again, there were tears. This time they were tears of joy, gratitude and hope.

In the span of a week, I experienced both profound loss and incredible blessing. One life ended. Another began.

For years, I have thought about how closely those two events were linked. At the time, it felt overwhelming. Looking back, it feels comforting. It reminded me that life is not simply a series of beginnings or endings. It is a continuous cycle of both.

That is what came to mind recently as I moved from a funeral service to a wedding celebration. One gathering honored a life that had reached its conclusion. The other celebrated a future just beginning. A sunset. A sunrise. And the circle of life continues.

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 Green Days, June 11-13

Celebrate 30 years of history at Johnston Green Days, June 11-13 at Terra Park in Johnston. Everything kicks off Thursday when the carnival opens and the Tour De Green poker ride begins. Events continue Friday and wrap up with a full Saturday, including the Green Days Parade at 10 a.m., a car show at noon and fireworks at dusk. See the story in Johnston Living magazine at www.iowalivingmagazines.com.

Jane Wagner

Jane Wagner died on May 29, 2026. Although she battled chronic heart and lung disease for years, in her final months, her spirit remained sweet and patient, with a delightful dose of humor mixed in. 

Jane was born in Farnhamville and graduated high school in Gowrie. After completing her teaching degree at Iowa State Teachers College, she taught elementary school in Independence and Hampton. She met her future husband, “Bill,” in Hampton and they were married in 1954 and moved to Des Moines, where she also taught preschool.  

Jane and Bill, had three children and moved to the “small town” of Johnston in 1968. As the kids grew up, Jane was involved in many things at Johnston schools and was a huge supporter of the town of Johnston as it kept growing. 

In later years, Jane found a new career at Brenton Bank in Johnston and then Beaverdale as a bank teller. She loved her work at the bank, and excelled in customer service as she knew and greeted all of her customers by name. Still, in recent months, people approached Jane to greet her as a past customer. She was always thrilled to remember them. 

Jane was an active member of New Hope United Methodist church for more than 50 years where she and Bill made many dear and life-long friends. Most recently Jane transitioned to worship with family at Lakeside Fellowship in Polk City. 

Jane was preceded in death by her husband and grandson, Skylar Freeman. She is survived by her sister, Joyce “Jo” Hammett; her children: Brad Wagner, Scott (Angie) Wagner and Mary (Jon) Freeman; grandchildren: Dustin, Dylan (Tory), Cheyenne and Cassidy (Andrew); and one great-grandchild, Talia. 

A private graveside service for family will be held on Tuesday, June 2, at Ridgedale Cemetery, Johnston. 

Memorials are suggested to Tunnels to Towers (dogood.t2t.org), Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org) or any charity of your choice. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements are by Iles Westover Chapel.

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 Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Johnston Lions Club Book Sale

The Johnston Lions Club Book Sale is June 11-13 at 6501 Merle Hay Road. Thursday, June 11 is the preview sale, 4-8 p.m. with admission charge of $5, kids free. Friday, June 12, admission is free, and hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 8-11 a.m. is a sack sale with free admission.

American flag take back

Iowa Veterans' Perspective is hosting an American flag take back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston. This is a community collection drive where worn, tattered or damaged American flags are gathered for proper, dignified disposal.

Johnston Farmers Market

The Johnston Farmers Market runs every Tuesday through Sept. 29 from 4-7 p.m. at Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Sales begin promptly at 4 p.m. and live performances from several local musicians truly makes the market the place to be. Learn more at https://www.cityofjohnston.com/865/Farmers-Market.

Polk County Conservation events

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

June Summer Skills. Tuesdays and Thursdays of June beginning June 9, 10 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Summer is about having fun and playing outside. Join PCC naturalists as they introduce your child to some fun outdoor activities which can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Come to one or sign-up for an entire series. All equipment will be provided. Ages 10-16. Registration required by two days ahead of class. Classes are as follows: June 9 Paddling, June 11 Fishing, June 16 Air Rifle, June 18 Geocaching, June 23 Archery, and June 25 Outdoor Survival.
Hike for Health at Thomas Mitchell Park. Monday, June 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Why walk the mall when you can enjoy the great outdoors? Hike along with this friendly group of nature lovers who walk the trails each month for exercise and fun. Enjoy the camaraderie and explore some new trails. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by June 14.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Juneteenth Neighbor's Day Celebration
Saturday, June 20, noon to 6 p.m.
Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Everyone is invited to the free Neighbor’s Day Celebration. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, the entire family and friends for a day of live music, great food, small business shopping, health connections and community resources. A children’s play area full of fun activities will be featured. For more information, visit www.iowajuneteenth.org/neighbors-day.html.

Art on The Avenues
June 21-26
The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand
Art on The Avenues, a weeklong celebration of local art, creativity and community returns June 21-26 to The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand. This event transforms the Ingersoll and Grand Avenue corridor and the surrounding neighborhoods into vibrant spaces showcasing the talents of local artists through interactive events, performances and culinary collaborations.

All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Sunday, June 21 – Inger-Solstice at the Woodland Realm: Mark the Summer Solstice from 1-4 p.m. at the Woodland Realm (24th and High Streets) with family-friendly activities, food and music in an urban garden setting. This event is supported by InvestDSM.
Monday, June 22 – Rumble Walls: This live, high-energy improvised paint battle brings artists together, puts 90 minutes on the clock and lets the crowd decide the winner. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. in the Vogue Vision (2405 Ingersoll) parking lot and will also include a dedication of the new mural “History Has Eyes On You” by Mollie Wallace. This event is supported by InvestDSM.
Tuesday, June 23 – Art is Rad! Art Night: You don’t need to be an artist to make rad art. Come make a free coaster craft and enjoy a treat from 3-5 p.m. on the Palmer’s Deli patio (2843 Ingersoll) with Art is Rad.
Tuesday, June 23 – Sidewalk Tunes on the City Sounds piano: Enjoy a live piano performance by local musician Tony Bohnenkamp from 5-7 p.m. in front of Ted’s Coney Island (3020 Ingersoll).
Wednesday, June 24 – Mural Celebration at Star Lofts: Celebrate the corridor’s newest mural project “Nothing But Flowers" by Cat Rocketship and Dani Awesome from 5-7 p.m. at Star Lofts (2701 Ingersoll) with a special sidewalk chalk activity, remarks from the artists and refreshments.
Thursday, June 25 – Stamp It! with the Des Moines Art Center: Join a free, family-friendly crafting event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chamberlain Park (2134 Woodland Ave.). Create your own nature-inspired postcards using blank postcards, stamps, ink and natural materials gathered from the world around us.
Thursday, June 25 – DART Art Shelter Ribbon Cutting: Welcome the newest art bus shelters to the corridor with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., remarks from artist Karen Strohbeen at the shelter located at 2510 Ingersoll and reception to follow at Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design (2921 Ingersoll).
All Week Long – A Feast For Your Eyes: Experience a fusion of culinary and visual arts as local chefs, baristas and mixologists partner with artists to create art-inspired menu items for purchase at various Ingersoll bars and restaurants. This event is made possible by Elevator.

In addition to the events listed above, attendees are encouraged to visit the corridor’s other cultural venues including the Des Moines Art Center, The Ingersoll, Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design and Moberg Gallery.

For more information and the latest updates, visit: www.theavenuesdsm.com/art-on-the-avenues-2026/.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stirs

Friday, June 26, Downtown Des Moines
Friday, July 31, Des Moines East Village

CITYVIEW’s traveling cocktail parties return in 2026. For $25 advance ticket, sample 10 summer cocktails at downtown bars and restaurants. Cost is $35 at the door. For information and tickets, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

Music Under The Stars
Various dates and locations
This summer, Iowa's professional musicians perform a series of free, outdoor concerts at Water Works Park and Jasper Winery at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings.

June 21: Summer Songs. Andy Classen, trumpet. Napoleon Douglas, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
June 28: Heartland Horizons. James Romain, saxophone. Tina Haase-Findlay, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
July 5: Stars, Stripes, and Celebration. Dana Slater, clarinet. Marisa Cravero, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
July 12: Bourbon Street Parade. NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer. Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m., Killinger Community Series.

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MusicUnderTheStarsIowa/events. Learn more at: www.musicunderthestars.org.

Easy backyard recipes

(Feature Impact) Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, at a picnic or simply relaxing poolside to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this summer is sure to be filled with special celebrations. Throughout those 250 years, food has brought people together — and continues to do so.

From barbecues to patios, fresh foods are at the heart of American celebrations. Healthy, fresh ingredients help elevate classic recipes with sweet corn taking center stage in many iconic summer dishes. As a trusted American grower, Duda Farm Fresh Foods provides equally healthy and flavorful recipes using Dandy Sweet Corn to build the heart of your menu.

While corn on its own is a classic side dish — with Americans consuming approximately 1,400 bushels per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture — you can put a twist on tradition by serving Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, as a bold and delicious way to enjoy fresh corn at its best. Cooked to perfection then slathered in a creamy, zesty mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese and chili powder, Elote transforms a simple ear of corn into an irresistible snack or side.

Visit DudaFresh.com to find more ways to elevate your patriotic celebrations.

Easy Elote Corn
Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 Dandy Sweet Corn Tray (4 count)
1 lime, juice only (about 2 tablespoons)
1 cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
2 tablespoons Elote seasoning
1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
hot sauce or chili powder (optional)

Directions:

Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Place corn directly on grates and cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and cooked through.
While corn is still warm, squeeze lime juice on all sides. Brush or spoon mayonnaise on each ear, ensuring all sides are coated.
Evenly sprinkle Elote seasoning over coated corn. Using hands, gently press seasoning into mayo.
Arrange Elote on serving platter, sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with hot sauce or chili powder for extra heat, if desired.

FOR SALE: 2018 Coachman Mirada 25BK. Sleeps 8 (king bed, drop down front bed, queen sofa bed, dinette), 37’ ( bike rack not included), stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator with ice, two roof AC units, heat pump, gas furnace, outdoor kitchen, two slide outs, power awnings, 5500 watt Onan generator, 2000 watt inverter, lithium house batteries, auto leveling, insulated battery storage and wet bay. 55,000 miles, new tires, engine and generator serviced in March 2026. Asking $64,200. Message or text Dave Milburn at 515-240-4672. More photos at https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/5040136236

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ LOWE SUNCRUISER BIMINI 214 PONTOON BOAT. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000/best offer. Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

FREE BLACK DIRT: We started a big project in our back yard and have a need to give away a huge pile of our great Iowa black dirt. Call or text 515-721-1296.

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

HELP WANTED: Looking for someone to weed my flower beds and rid them of leaves. Call 515-321-0301 or email gronwoldb@yahoo.com.

From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

CHEERS TO THE YEARS

Green Days, June 11-13, celebrates milestones with family fun

The biggest and best community celebration in town, Green Days, returns June 11-13, with the public invited to gather at Terra Park for a weekend of family-friendly fun.

[...]

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