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Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2025

 
 
A golden pathos plant, a daughter and a dad
 

Jim Stafford sang in 1973 about how Mary Lou doesn’t like spiders and snakes. Neither do I. Does anyone, really? It’s not just the insects and reptiles that give me trouble, though. I struggle to differentiate spider plants and snake plants. The same goes for a weeping fig and a ZZ plant. My thumbs simply are not green, and I have accepted that. Even so, I do appreciate a houseplant or two.

Our youngest daughter, Abby, just finished college and packed her bags for St. Louis. She was able to take most of her belongings with her, but she left a few items behind, including a small houseplant that makes me smile.

I had to do a bit of research, but I learned that this plant is a golden pothos (epipremnum aureum). Apparently, a golden pothos is easy to grow and difficult to kill, which are two important qualities for any plant I may have. I read that it also likes rock music, which may be why it is doing so well under my supervision.

I have been watering this plant, cleaning the leaves and watching it grow — much like I did with the same plant I had when I was about her age. I am not sure how I ended up with the plant I had — or even where it came from — but I looked after it as well, at least until I packed my bags and moved to Des Moines. Ironically, my golden pothos plant landed with my father, too. He watered it, cleaned its leaves and watched it grow. Probably no rock music, though. I recall being amazed at how much that plant would sprout each time I would come home to visit him.

For years, I never really understood Dad’s interest in that golden pothos. Today, I do, as each time I care for the plant I have now — or even look at it — it reminds me of Abby. That makes me smile. It may be a simple continuation of fatherhood, a gentle reminder of the relationship between a dad and his child I am guessing my plant made my dad feel a similar way, at least I hope so. He kept it for many years, and, somehow, that made me happy, too.

So, Abby’s houseplant serves multiple purposes beyond the ones the plant experts claim including reducing stress, improving air quality, helping with concentration and enhancing productivity. Her golden pothos plant makes me frequently think about her — and my father, too.

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

 
 
Ice cream social
 

The Johnston Women’s Social Connection hosted an ice cream social for the boys at Ellipsis on Aug. 13. If you would like to join this senior group, contact Sue at 515-494-2228. 

 

City offices and library closed for Labor Day

All city of Johnston office buildings, including the Johnston Public Library, will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. The City Council work session will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m., and the council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Trash and recycling are delayed by one day since the holiday falls during the week.

 

Johnston Lions Club bingo

Join the Johnston Lions Club for bingo with prizes on the second Thursday of September, October and November at the Lions Club, 6501 Merle Hay Road, Johnston. Dates are Sept. 11, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m.

 
 
PEO welcomes state treasurer
 

PEO State Treasurer Jennifer Stalder visited PEO Chapter KT at its August meeting at Nancy Ball’s Clive home. Jennifer, in her conversational style at her official state officer visit to this chapter organized in 1956, shared information about the responsibilities and duties of each office and fielded questions from members at their meeting.

As a legacy of PEO members is to uplift and support women, Chapter KT contributes to the philanthropic endeavors of Cottey College, International Peace, STAR Scholarships, Educational Loan Program, Sarah Porter Beckwith Friendship Fund, Dorothy’s House, College Student Remembrance gift package and Goodwill Food Pantry.

Chapter members participate in a pre-meeting social hour and book club. Chapter KT members outreach their support to area PEO chapter events in Ankeny and Panora. PEO Chapter KT members reside in Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Des Moines, Ankeny and Indianola.  

Contact membership chair Mary Richards at mrichards@netins.net or co-chair Mary Hunter at mary.hunter@dmgoodwill.org for information about PEO Chapter KT. 

PICTURED: In front: Jennifer Stalder, Tamara Kenworthy, Dianne Chadwick and Mary Richards; in back: Mary Hunter, Nancy Ball, Cindy Carlson, Melanie Hopke, Lisa Northup, Aimee Fisher, Amanda Muller Pfeffer, Denise Harlan, Teresa Shaw and Jeanne Mullenbach; and, inset: Megan Ball.

 

Gold Star Military Museum events

The public is invited to upcoming events at the Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston. The museum will host a U.S. Military 250th Birthday Celebration at the Freedom Center, Building S-70, Saturday, Sept. 20, 4-7 p.m. Visitors can expect refreshments, historic military vehicles, reenactors and displays of period uniforms, museum experts, the Iowa Military Veterans Band, and more.

Author Jeff Kluever will discuss his new book, “Marching Home,” Saturday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m. at the museum.

 

Final Tunes at Twilight of the season

The final Tunes at Twilight for the season will be from 7:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Damon Dotson is featured.

 

Craft and Rummage Sale

The public is invited to the Johnston Women’s Social Connection Craft and Rummage Sale on Thursday, Oct. 2, and Friday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crown Point Community Center, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, to raise funds for the Ellipsis Boys Home. Browse handmade crafts and unique treasures while supporting a great cause.

Want to sell your own items? Reserve a table online at Johnston.RecDesk.com or call Johnston Parks and Recreation. Tables are $10 for both days, cash due on day one, and all proceeds are yours. No used clothing or shoes. All table fees will help purchase winter essentials for the Ellipsis boys’ home. Last year, 26 of 50 boys couldn’t go home for the holidays; your support can help make a difference.

 
 
Carolyn Ann Doggett
 

Carolyn Ann Doggett, 83, of Johnston, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on July 10,1942, in Allerton. She graduated from Allerton High School, where she was a scrappy basketball player and homecoming queen. It was also where Carolyn made lifelong friends, many whom she remained close with until her death. After graduating in 1960, she moved to Des Moines with five of her friends. She remained in Des Moines for the rest of her life but always enjoyed going back home to Allerton. In Des Moines, Carolyn worked for Continental Western Insurance but spent the majority of her employment at Iowa Realty. She enjoyed her job of putting the ads together for the Sunday paper, and she loved all her friends who she had there.

Carolyn always felt that the greatest accomplishments in her life were her three children and four grandchildren. She was a devoted mother and ingrained in them the importance and love for family. Her grandchildren were the love of her life and brought her the most joy. Carolyn was a devoted servant of the Lord and had unshakable faith.

Carolyn’s other joys were all of her many friends and her New Hope Church. She loved being involved in everything at church, from cleaning toys in the nursery to working at the funeral dinners.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Robin (Eric) Bunce and Brian Padavich; grandchildren: Ryan Richards, Lauren Padavich, and Jordan Bunce; brother, William (Susan) Knapp; and many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carla Richards; granddaughter, Anna Richards; brother, Paul Knapp; and sister, Mary Louise Cawthorn.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale. A funeral service to celebrate her life will take place at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. A private family interment at Resthaven Mortuary follows lunch.

Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s name can be made to the New Hope Missions Fund.

 

Apply to take part in the Citizens Police Academy

Have you wondered what it's like to be a police officer? Find out by signing up to take part in the Citizens Police Academy. The upcoming academy will exclusively cover police training and commence on Sept. 11. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. until Nov. 6. There will be no session on Sept.18. Sessions will cover topics such as traffic stops, CSI and evidence, investigations, de-escalation and DT demonstration/scenario, basic firearms and simulations, the justice system, school resource officers, community policing and K9 operations. Apply to be a part of the 2025 Citizens Police Academy by visiting www.cityofjohnston.com/FormCenter/Police-Department-6/2025-Citizens-Police-Academy-Application-118. For more information, contact Sergeant Johnston at 515-278-2345.

Individuals who are 18 years or older and either reside in the city of Johnston or have business connections within the community are eligible to participate in the Citizens Police Academy. Attending the Citizens Police Academy is free. Participating in the eight-week academy requires a time commitment.

 

Polk County Health Department urges mosquito bite prevention

The Polk County Health Department is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as Iowa experiences high levels of West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes.

Statewide mosquito surveillance by Iowa State University shows the highest West Nile virus activity at this point in the summer in more than two decades. August and September are typically the peak months for West Nile Virus transmission in Iowa.

While no human cases have been confirmed in Polk County yet this year, mosquitoes in Polk County have tested positive for the virus.

West Nile virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with West Nile virus will not have symptoms, but about one in five will develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About one in 150 people will develop serious illness affecting the nervous system, which can be fatal. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of severe disease.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks when outdoors.
  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
  • Eliminate all standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
  • Mosquitoes can lay eggs in containers as small as a bottle cap.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit: cdc.gov/west-nile-virus.

 
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Stargazing. Saturday, Aug. 30, 8:30-10 p.m. Yellow Banks Park, Prairie View Shelter, 6801 S.E. 32nd Ave., Pleasant Hill. Meet our park naturalist at Yellow Banks Park for an evening of stargazing and moon-gazing. We'll start with a brief presentation about the moon's phases, mythology and fascinating facts. Then, we'll observe the full moon and constellations using telescopes and binoculars.
  • Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Trees & Climate Change: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Once upon a time, the Earth's climate changed at a glacial pace. Now, in the Holocene, aka the age of man, our climate is fluctuating widely and wildly with the undeniable, persistent and problematic trend of getting steadily hotter. In the olden days — like really, really olden prehistoric days — it took a millennium or more for the Earth's temperature to change by a degree in either direction, allowing plants multiple generations to evolve adaptations or "move" to more accommodating regions. But now, thanks to shifts in the atmosphere that have been sped up by human activity, temperatures are changing much faster than plants with long lifespans can adapt to. In this program, we will examine how climate change is affecting tree populations around the world and what conservationists are doing to try to stay a step ahead. We'll also learn how we can use trees to help combat climate change in our own backyards. 
  • Toddler Tales: Thursday, Sept. 4, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft. The theme for August is Monarch Butterflies. Ages 2 and older.
  • Natutre’s Paint Brush: Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join a short walk at Jester to find materials for your perfect all natural, hand-made paint brush. After assembling your creation, you will have the opportunity to test it out with provided paint. Registration required by Sept. 4.
 

Johnston Public Library news

6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston   |   www.johnstonlibrary.com   |   515-278-5233

As summer comes to a close, and the kids head back to school, the library has a wealth of resources and opportunities to support you.

  • Retirement University: Social Security, Retirement Income and Tax Planning. At this workshop, presented by the Society of Financial Awareness, retired seniors or those nearing retirement can learn important financial information, including 2025 Social Security changes, accounts and investments that can reduce tax burden, and smart tax strategies for maximizing retirement income. This educational program will be offered twice: Wednesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Register for the session of your choice.

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.

 
 

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/.

 

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

Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center
CITYVIEW is bringing Martini Fest back to West Glen Town Center. For a ticket price of $25 (tickets will be $35 at the event), attendees will receive 10 tickets that can be redeemed at each participating martini stop for a sample-size martini. Locations include nightclubs and restaurants at West Glen Town Center. Enjoy live music and all that West Glen has to offer. Reserve your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cityview-martini-fest-2025-tickets-1291852588869 now so you can avoid registration lines at the event.

Des Moines Art Center Events
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines

  • Museum Highlights Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. 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 the 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.
  • “Firelei Báez” Exhibition Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. Step into the intricate and thought-provoking world of “Firelei Báez” with a guided tour of the exhibition. Organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, this exhibition is the first North American survey dedicated to the richly layered work of artist Firelei Báez. Over the past 20 years, she has made work that explores the multilayered legacy of colonial histories and the African diaspora in the Caribbean and beyond. Free to all, no registration required.
  • “Life Mask: A Celebration of Gifts from the Dale Jansen Estate” Exhibition Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. until Aug. 31, in the John Brady Print Gallery. This exhibition pays tribute to the late philanthropist, collector and longtime Des Moines Art Center supporter Dale Jansen. Its title is borrowed from Bruce Nauman’s 1981 lithograph “Life Mask,” one of 65 artworks that were donated to the Art Center by Jansen through his estate.

Prairie Meadows Casino Free Shows
1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona

  • Scott Kirkhart: Friday, Aug. 29, 10 p.m. to midnight 
  • Mike Walsh Band: Saturday, Aug. 30, 10 p.m. to midnight
  • Clarksville Station: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Hideaway Honey: Friday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m. to midnight
  • Andrew Hoyt: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 p.m. to midnight
  • Kowboy Kix: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Iowa Barn Foundation All-State Barn Tour
Saturday, Sept. 13
The Iowa Barn Foundation will be holding its annual All-State Barn Tour featuring a record 103 stops across the state. The self-guided tour is free and open to the public, and barns are open for touring inside and out. For more information, visit the IBF Website: https://iowabarnfoundation.org/. Or, visit the IBF Fall 2025 interactive tour guide: https://iowabarnfoundation.org/barn-tour/2025-fall-all-state-barn-tour-sept-13-14/.

Square Dance Lessons
Sunday nights starting Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church, 4601 Douglas Ave., Des Moines
Ankeny Square Dance Club is sponsoring Square Dance Lessons. Cost is $20 per person for the entire session accepted at the third lesson. Attend with or without a dance partner. You'll learn the calls, one at a time, taught by a caller (instructor) and volunteers. For more information, call Sandy Townsend, 515-294-2624, or visit www.ankenysquares.com.

‘The Hippies & Cowboys Tour’
Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Cody Jinks brings “The Hippies and Cowboys Tour” to Water Works Park this summer, along with rising star Tanner Usrey, for a night under the stars of quality country music and compelling lyrics from his new album. For tickets, visit www.axs.com/events/766169/cody-jinks-the-hippies-and-cowboys-tour-tickets.

 
 
A secret weapon for family suppers
 

(Family Features) Turn hectic weeknights into simple, enjoyable evenings at the dinner table with a secret weapon: rotisserie chicken. Versatile, delicious and likely to leave leftovers for later in the week, it’s a perfect solution for rotisserie chicken ravioli to keep your loved ones on schedule during the school year. Find more family dinner ideas from Cookin’ Savvy at Culinary.net.

Rotisserie chicken ravioli
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (25 ounces) cheese ravioli
  • 1 rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken
  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1-2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 jar alfredo sauce

Directions:

  • Cook ravioli according to package instructions and set aside.
  • Cut up rotisserie chicken, using as much as desired. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces or smaller.
  • In pan over medium heat, heat chicken through. Add garlic powder and onion powder. Deglaze pan with 1 cup chicken broth then add alfredo sauce and broccoli.
  • Pour in remaining broth if sauce is too thick. Stir in cooked ravioli and heat through 2-3 minutes.
 
 
 
 
 
From your Johnston Living magazine
 

This month's cover story:

CAMPING IN STYLE

Residents share the joy of traveling with the conveniences

Sitting around a campfire, toasting s’mores, telling stories and visiting with friends and family after a day of enjoying nature and exploring the big outdoors. Ah, the joys of camping! And you don’t have to hike into the woods, covered in bug spray, to pitch a tent to partake in the fun. Those who prefer to make the trip with a camper share why they like to have some of the conveniences of home — bed, bathroom, air conditioner and more — on the trip with them.

[...]

 
Read more
 
 

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