N.W. Beaver Drive closures begin June 2 — This and more in this week's issue!

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Best graduation gifts

What was the best high school graduation gift you remember receiving? You might have to think about your answer for a moment, or you can take the easy way out and say “cash.” But, for the actual gifts you received, what were the most memorable ones?

I remember one thoughtful family buying me a large duffle bag, and I used it for many years until the zipper finally broke. Regardless of what a student does after high school, a duffle bag always seems to come in handy.

I was saving my cash gifts to buy a typewriter, but then my aunt gave me her manual one. It was heavy and clunky, but it worked just fine to type my college papers — and I made a few bucks typing some for my friends, too.

One of the funniest gifts I received as a high school graduation gift was a giant laundry bag with the following words sewed on it: “Hi, Mom, I’m home!” Mom likely didn’t find it as amusing, but I did jam that bag full of dirty laundry on my many trips back home.

Speaking of laundry, another great graduation gift was a roll of quarters, which came in handy for those coin-operated laundry machines. They may all be coinless now, but I have a feeling quarters will still come in handy.

I also received a certificate for an oil change. Living in a small town, I didn’t put many miles on my car. But, once I was off to college, I was amazed how quickly they racked up. I could have used a bunch of those.

You can’t go wrong with quick food ideas, and despite the growth of microwave popcorn even in my day, a good, old-fashioned popcorn popper was still a hit.

Several years ago, when we had many graduation parties to attend, my wife decided to do something different and had monogrammed bath towels made for each graduate. It seemed a bit odd to me at the time, but I have been amazed how many of those graduates told me years later that they were still using them.

How about you? What were some of the best graduation gifts you received — or gave? Send me a note and let me know.

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

EMS Appreciation

McAuley Terrace hosted lunch on May 21 and celebrated National EMS Appreciation Week by inviting EMS personnel.

N.W. Beaver Drive closures begin June 2

N.W. Beaver Drive at IA-415 will be closed starting Sunday, June 2, for approximately two months. IA-415 will remain open during this time. Be aware of several overnight ramp closures along I-235, I-80/35, IA-141 and US-65. Intermittent lane closures on IA-163 and US-69 are also occurring. Stay up to date on all current and future roadwork at 511ia.org.

Johnston Police Department conducts alcohol compliance checks

On May 14, 2025, the Johnston Police Department, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), Alcohol and Tax Compliance Division, conducted underage alcohol compliance checks to reduce and deter underage alcohol sales.

Working with plainclothes officers, underage persons entered these businesses and attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages. All eight businesses refused to sell alcohol to underage buyers.   

The eight businesses that passed the compliance checks were:

Dollar General, 5935 Merle Hay Road
Fareway, 6005 Merle Hay Road.
Kwik Star, 5608 Merle Hay Road
Casey’s, 10010 N.W. 62nd Ave.
Kum & Go, 5800 Northglenn Drive
Hy-Vee Food Store, 5750 Merle Hay Road
Walgreens, 6200 Merle Hay Road
Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh, 5902 Merle Hay Road

Compliance checks remind businesses of the importance of adhering to the law. When businesses know they will be inspected, they are more likely to adequately train their staff and take their responsibilities seriously. This leads to safer environments for customers and the public. In Iowa, the criminal penalty for an employee selling alcohol to someone underage is $645. If the illegal sale is made by the licensee or permittee, the penalty increases to $1,925 (Iowa Code 123.49(2)(h)).

“By partnering with the IDR, we aim to educate liquor-licensed employees and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community,” Captain Steve Nore said. “Our agency is committed to keeping alcohol products out of the hands of underage individuals in Iowa.”

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.

The Dancer’s Theatre Summer Camps

The Dancer's Theatre is a nonprofit youth performing arts center located in Johnston. Themed camps are offered throughout the summer for students in preschool through middle school. The theatre’s mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, educational and nurturing environment for young artists to create and thrive. Detailed information can be found at thedancerstheatre.org/camps.

June 9-10: Move Like Moana
June 12-13: Lion King
June 19-20: Snow White
June 24-26: Princess Academy
June 24-26: Dance Fundamentals
June 30-July 2: Hooray for USA!
July 7-9: Wonderfully Wicked!
July 10-11: Lilo and Stitch
July 14-17: Fairy Tail Fun
July 14-17: Dinos and Dragons
July 22-23: Broadway Bootcamp
July 24-25: Wonderfully Wicked!
July 28-31: Intro to Dance and Theatre
Aug. 7-8: Level Up! (Gamers)
Aug. 11-15: C.A.M.P. (Create a Musical Play)
Aug. 18-20: Wild Robot

Prom at Bishop Drumm

Bishop Drumm Retirement Community hosted prom. Royalty honored were Prom Queen Merle Gustafson, King Ron Gustafson, Prince Jake Kirkpatrick and Princess Betty Baule.

LifeServe Blood Drive

LifeServe Blood Center is holding its largest blood drive of the year, Blood Donor Day. On Thursday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., LifeServe will collect blood at the Johnston Donor Center, 5625 N.W. Johnston Drive, in Johnston. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 800-287-4903 or visiting lifeserve.info/beAstar.

Zenith Chamber Music in Johnston

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 June 5 performance — saxophonist Damani Phillips — will be at the Simpson Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, Johnston.

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/.

Bette J. Neil

Bette J. Neil, 101, formerly of Tama, died May 22, 2025, in Johnston. She was born in Tama on April 17, 1924. She graduated from Tama High School. Bette dated Adrian Neil in high school, and, following World War II, they were married on June 26, 1946.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband after 68 years of marriage. Bette is survived by her daughter, Ann (David) Proctor, and son, Brian Neil and Paula Rose; grandchildren, Adrienne Proctor (Lance) Stroik and David Bradley (Tricia) Proctor; and grea-grandson, Jackson Stroik; sister, Pat (Robert) McClure Conrad; and brother, Jack McClure.

In 1971 Bette and Adrian moved to Wisconsin where Adrian became president and chairman of St. Nazianz State Bank while Bette worked for Chicago Title Company. Bette enjoyed golfing and mastering new food recipes. The couple retired in 1985 and moved to Florida. Bette moved to Des Moines in 2014 and enjoyed card games, bingo and occasional outings to local restaurants.

Memorial services are private. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com

Polk County Conservation events

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

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, Tuesday, June 3, 11 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. There are many ways that homeowners can keep our watersheds healthier. By using conservation practices in strategic locations at our homes and in our community, called “Rainscaping,” we can bring back the landscape’s ability to soak up stormwater, improving local flooding problems and water quality. These conservation practices can also help fix problems such as poor lawn health, ponding and drainage issues at home, improve local habitat, and more. Some solutions include soil quality restoration, rain gardens, and rain barrels. Join The Rain Campaign to learn more about these practices, as well as rebate programs available for these practices across the Des Moines metro.
Sunset Yoga at Easter Lake. Tuesday, June 3, 7:30-9 p.m. Easter Lake Park, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the beach at Easter Lake. 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, deadline is one day ahead. $15 cost. https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2MDcxNTc=
Toddler Tales, Thursday, June 5, 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 is frogs.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Des Moines Community Band 2025 Summer Concert Series - The Music of John Williams
Various dates and locations
The Greater Des Moines Community Band announces the schedule for its 2025 summer
concert series, “The Music of John Williams.” Summer Concert selections run the gamut from movie themes to music for major athletic events.

June 9, 7 p.m.: Edencrest at Kettlestone, 805 S.E. Tallgrass Lane, Waukee
June 16, 7 p.m.: Spurgeon Manor, 1204 Linden St., Dallas Center
June 23, 7 p.m.: Walnut Ridge, 1701 Campus Drive, Clive

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.

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 complimentary 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.

Earlham concert series
Every Sunday until Aug. 10, except July 6, 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham
The Levitt Amp Earlham Music Series starts with an opening act around 6 p.m. and a headliner around 7:15 p.m. Lots of kids activities and food trucks will be offered as well. The concerts are free.

June 8: Gallivant, Kerry Koberg
June 15: Denita, Ultra Violet Fever
June 22: Hector Anchondo, Weary Ramblers

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
Saturdays, 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.

Music Under the Stars
Every Sunday from June 8 to July 6.
Music Under the Stars is thrilled to unveil its 2025 Summer concert series, featuring the return of Music Director and Conductor Vince Kenney and a lineup of talented guest soloists and vocalists. Concerts are free to the public, inviting music lovers of all ages to gather and enjoy live concert and jazz band performances under the stars.

June 8: Pirate Songs and Love Songs. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines. Set sail on an enchanting musical voyage with guest soloist Will Baker, bass trombonist with the Chicago Lyric Opera, and jazz vocalist Marisa Cravero.
June 15: Once Upon a Father’s Day: Music for Dads and Their Princesses. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines. Celebrate fatherhood and fairy tales with the soaring soprano of Abby Kate Boeschen and the beloved vocals of Gina Gedler.
June 22: Historic Hoyt Sherman Place. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines. A night of classics and nostalgia featuring trumpet virtuoso Andy Classen and powerhouse vocalist Tina Haase-Findlay.
June 29: Let Freedom Ring. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines. Kick off Independence Day festivities with stirring patriotic music. Enjoy featured oboe soloist Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg and rising star Napoleon Douglas.

Upgrade summer lunches with nutritious twists on grilled cheese

(Family Features) When the kids are home for summer break, meal-prep becomes a must for busy families to ensure nutritious foods are on the menu. This summer, give your kiddos the fuel they need for all their warm-weather activities and adventures with a healthy twist on a childhood classic.

One bite into a grilled cheese sandwich and you’re back in your childhood kitchen, bringing all the nostalgic vibes you can pass down to your little ones. Plus, with nearly endless combinations, there’s a solution for everyone from classics to creative versions.
Serve up more delicious, kid-friendly lunches this summer by visiting HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
4 slices whole-grain bread
2 slices provolone cheese
10-12 blackberries, cut in half

Directions:

Heat medium skillet over low heat.
In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and mustard; spread on one side of each slice of bread.
Place bread mayo-side-down in skillet. Top with cheese and blackberries. Add second slice of bread mayo-side-up.
Cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

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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

LLC: benefits of an operating agreement

By Charlotte Sucik

Have you recently (or even not-so-recently) decided to start a business and form a limited liability company here in the state of Iowa? If so, you may already know that the Iowa Secretary of State only requires you file a certificate of organization, letting the world know that your business entity exists. This document is publicly available and lists the name of your business, the address of your principal place of business, and the name and address of your registered agent, which may be you or another business partner, or even your business attorney.

[...]

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.

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