Jan. 13-19, 2026

On Dec. 15, the Johnston Women’s Social Connection prepared and delivered 37 Christmas bags and seven large cookie trays to both the Ellipsis Boys and Girls Homes. If you are interested in joining this card-playing, active-in-charitable-work, fun-loving senior ladies group, call Sue, 515-494-2228.

Key Club Trivia Night

The Key Club is holding a Trivia Night on Jan. 16, 5:30-6 p.m. at Summit Middle School, 9500 Windsor Parkway,  Basecamp 1, Johnston. Cost is $3. All proceeds go to Key Club’s philanthropic efforts and a family in need.

Zumba classes

Get moving and have fun with the Zumba class for ages 16 and older, offered on Mondays, 5-5:45 p.m., or Wednesdays, 6-6:45 p.m. during January, February and March. This high-energy workout blends Latin-inspired dance with upbeat music to boost your cardio, coordination and mood. No dance experience needed, just bring your energy and your smile. Register at https://www.cityofjohnston.com/1572/16-Adult-Fitness.

Upcoming public meetings

• Tuesday, Jan. 20: City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.

Sign up to receive snow emergency notifications this winter

Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes the four-letter word: snow. The Public Works Department wants to help you prepare for winter by keeping you informed when a snow emergency parking ban is put into place. You can receive alerts via email and/or text message to stay updated. Sign up to receive the snow emergency notifications at https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regioniD=1615.

Yoga classes

Build strength, improve flexibility and find your flow in this balanced yoga class for ages 16 and up. Classes are Mondays, 6-6:45 p.m., and Wednesdays, 5-5:45 p.m. Each session combines mindful movement with breathwork to help you feel strong, focused and refreshed. All levels are welcome, and modifications will be offered throughout. Bring a mat and come ready to move. Class sessions are offered January, February and March Register at https://www.cityofjohnston.com/1572/16-Adult-Fitness.

Edencrest at Green Meadows events

Edencrest at Green Meadows, 6750 Corporate Drive, Johnston

• Mugs and Mindfulness: Thursday, Jan. 15, 3-4:30 p.m. Start the new year with clarity and calm at our Mugs & Mindfulness gathering. Enjoy a warm cup from our specialty coffee bar, followed by a guided meditation designed to help you reset, refocus, and welcome 2026 with intention. A peaceful way to begin the year, open to all community members.
• Sweetheart Social Desserts + Donation Drive: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5-7 p.m. Celebrate Valentine’s season with sweet treats and even sweeter company at this Sweetheart Social. Enjoy delicious desserts, festive fun, and an opportunity to give back. Winter clothing donations will be collected for the local homeless shelter. Help spread warmth and kindness throughout the community.
• 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.

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.

Johnston Public Library events

Crafty kids in grades 3-5 can make a cozy winter project at our two-part Kids Crochet class on Thursdays, Jan. 22 and 29, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. This class will teach beginners how to crochet yarn into awesome creations. Registration will cover both sessions.

If you’re concerned about coyotes out and about in Johnston, Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Andy Kellner will present Living with Nature: Being Coyote Aware In and Out of the City on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. The presentation will include discussion on coyote history and ecology as well as tips for avoiding conflict.

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.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• Knee-High Naturalists: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 10-11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun. Hike, investigate and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Come dressed to be outside. January’s topic is: Pine Tree Discoveries. Registration required by the day before. All ages welcome but recommended ages 3-6.
• Out in Nature at Easter Lake: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 10-11 a.m., Easter Lake Event Center, Easter Lake Park, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. 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 and all ages welcome.
• Women and Girls Outdoor Skills: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. This program is for women and girls who want to learn and practice outdoor skills. Join a naturalist in developing skills in fire building (with snack), animal awareness, winter survival and more. Whether you are a casual outdoor explorer or seasoned expert, come learn, have fun, and practice your new skills with us. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by Jan. 19
• Winter Tree I.D. Hike: Saturday, Jan. 24, 1-2:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take a hike through the woods and learn a few key characteristics helpful in tree identification during winter. We’ll collect some clues to bring back to the classroom to look at under microscopes. See up-close how much diversity exists within our forests. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Jan. 18.
• Rain Barrel Workshop: Sunday, Jan. 25, 1-2:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. This workshop will begin with a short discussion about water quality, water conservation and the benefits of using a rain barrel. Afterwards you will begin constructing your own barrel. Step by step instruction, tool safety, safety glasses, one 55-gallon barrel, and all construction materials will be provided. Be prepared to take your barrel home after the workshop. They will fit in most standard SUVs. Ages 12 and older with an adult. Registration required by the week prior.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW's Fire and Ice
Saturday, Jan. 24, 1-4 p.m.
Valley Junction
CITYVIEW brings back its legendary Valley Junction area pub crawl. Fire and Ice is a hockey-themed liquor sampling event that will be sure to warm up your winter blues. With your event ticket, you will receive 10 individual drink tickets to sample some of the best winter cocktails from establishments in the Valley Junction area. Bring your friends, try new drinks and shop local in Valley Junction. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Follow the QR code for tickets.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-cityview-fire-ice-a-winter-pub-crawl-tickets-1873604273819

Waukee FamilyFest
Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to noon
Lutheran Church of Hope, 305 N.E. Dartmoor Drove, Waukee
Join Waukee Parks & Recreation for the annual FamilyFest. This family-friendly event will help kiddos burn off some energy. Check out Waukee area businesses, play games and jump on inflatables. Everything is free. No registration is required. 

Splurge: West End Salvage’s Annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate event
Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m.
West End Architectural Salvage, 22 Ninth St., Des Moines
What's better than a decadent night of wine, cheese and chocolate from local wineries, artisans and chocolatiers? Enjoy this annual downtown Des Moines event to break up the winter monotony and SPLURGE with all your favorite people. Tickets available by following the QR code. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/splurge-2026-west-end-salvages-wine-cheese-chocolate-more-event-tickets-1968765056281

Winterfest Market
Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 a.m.
EMC Expo Center, Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
Escape the post-holiday blues and treat yourself to something special at Winterfest Market — a cozy indoor shopping event featuring your favorite local makers, artisans and small businesses. Unique handmade goods and one-of-a-kind finds. Warm drinks, festive vibes and community love. More information is available at www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/winterfest-market.

Iowa Bike Expo and Banquet
Saturday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
The Iowa Bike Expo and Banquet serves as the annual celebration for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, bringing together cyclists and trail lovers, advocates, vendors, donors, supporters and partner organizations to advance the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s mission to promote safe, accessible and enjoyable cycling for everyone in Iowa. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is excited to announce both Ayesha McGowan and Connor Fields as the dynamic dual keynote speakers for the event. The Iowa Bike Expo is free and open to the public, featuring 120-plus vendors. For information, visit www.iowabikeexpo.com.

Iowa AG Expo
Tuesday, Feb. 3, to Thursday, Feb. 5
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
No need to travel far to see the latest farm equipment when the Iowa Ag Expo brings the biggest names and newest innovations to Des Moines each winter. Spanning 7.25 acres, the Iowa Ag Expo is the third-largest indoor agricultural show in the United States, hosting nearly 700 exhibitors across three buildings of the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. These companies come from around the world to display the best agriculture has to offer, from big iron, precision ag, and livestock production to autonomous equipment, electric vehicles, robotics, artificial intelligence solutions and more. To view the full Iowa Ag Expo program and list of exhibitors, visit https://iowaagexpo.com/show-program/. Buy tickets at www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/iowa-ag-expo-5.

(Family Features) Whether you can’t quite give up on the holiday treats or the festivities are continuing into 2026, these easy lemon blueberry bars offer a light, fruity bite. The melted white chocolate drizzle is just what gatherings with loved ones call for. Visit Culinary.net for more delicious desserts to enjoy this year.

Easy lemon blueberry bars
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
• 2/3 cup white chocolate chips, divided
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In bowl, combine butter, cake mix, eggs, blueberries, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips and pecans.
• Butter 7-by-11-inch pan and spread mixture evenly into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.
• Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.
• Tip: If melted white chocolate chips are too thick, add a little oil before drizzling.

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