Feb. 24 - March 2, 2026

By Mary Jane Paez, Johnston (Station) Historical Society

Although the Simpson House is open monthly most of the year at 2 p.m. for tours on the second Sunday, it is available for tours by appointment. Just before last Christmas, a person called asking for a tour on Saturday, the 20th, at 9 a.m. I was available and said I would take care of it.  A young man arrived a little late, and I found out he had just ran 4 miles. He wanted to see the museum. I gave him the “VIP” tour, but he already knew quite a bit about Johnston. He knew about the 1993 flood that shut down the water system for the whole metro. But he didn’t know that Johnston and Pioneer worked together to attach our water system to Pioneer’s irrigation wells, and we could flush, bathe and do laundry while our neighbors were without for nearly a month. He knew about Camp Dodge and some of its history. But he didn’t know about the 18,000 soldiers who formed a living Statue of Liberty on a hot July day in 1918. He knew about the Inter-Urban streetcar/freight train that served Johnston from 1906 to 1949. But he didn’t know that Johnston got its name from John Johnston, who was the Johnston Station Supervisor for the electric streetcar. I could go on and on, but his knowledge of the area was amazing.

In learning more about Tyler Sullivan, I found he lived in North Liberty over by Iowa City where he has a good job. The past few years, he has developed an interesting hobby of visiting museums of all kinds in Iowa. This all started when he had a friend in Mason City, who he would visit regularly. On his ride through a number of northeast Iowa small towns, he wondered about their activities and history. He likes to attend festivals and compete in road races. He’s a runner!  He has been to 97 counties and 1,300 cities throughout the state. He eventually found a list of museums, including the county in which they could be found. In 2024, he visited 157 museums. In 2025, he passed his goal of going to 250 museums. He keeps track of his visits. After he completes all visits to museums within a county, he writes a poem about that adventure and creates a book with pictures. His goal is to complete all 99 counties.

To tie in his love of running, he runs though each town visited. He also studies up on each city to be ready to learn more. He told me about one visit he lined up with a small town to see their museum. When he got there, no one could remember who had the key. At another village, he met a 91-year-old man who wept when he showed the museum. The man said Tyler was the only visitor in the past three years.      

The day that Tyler came to Johnston, he had to get up at 4 a.m. to get ready for a long day. From here, he went to the Olmstead-Urban museum in Urbandale. Of course, he had to add in time for a run. In the afternoon, a visit to the Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge was planned.

The following day, he sent a message of appreciation for the tour. He said our displays were awesome. He invited anyone to follow his adventures by following Iowa Scenic Views by Foot. What an inspiration Tyler Sullivan is.

Dragon Scholarship Fund Online Auction through Feb. 28

Support Johnston High School seniors and your community during the Dragon Scholarship Fund Auction, which closes at 9 p.m. on Feb. 28. The auction returns bigger and better than ever with hundreds of packages available to bid on. The auction raises funds for scholarships awarded to graduating Johnston High School seniors. Every bid helps support students as they take their next step beyond high school. Shop, bid and make an impact. In 2025, the Dragon Scholarship Fund awarded more than 250 scholarships totaling $99,000. For more information, click here.

Spring Cleanup is April 20-23

Spring is just around the corner, and, as we look ahead, it's important to note that the spring cleanup in Johnston will take place from April 20-23. Residents living west of N.W. 86th Street are scheduled for cleanup on April 20 and 21, while those living east of N.W. 86th Street will have their cleanup on April 22 and 23. As winter comes to a close, it's a great time to think about your own spring cleaning tasks. Learn more here.

Something new is going on at Johnston’s Summit Middle School this year. For the first time in school history, Summit Middle School started a Special Olympics team. Nineteen students proudly represented the school as the Summit Superstars at this year’s West Central Special Olympics regional competition, bringing energy, determination and incredible heart to every event. The 19 athletes were scored on shooting, passing and dribbling, competing against other athletes in their age/gender division. Our athletes competed with confidence, supported one another and showed the true spirit of teamwork that defines our school community. 

From the moment they arrived, the students demonstrated resilience and joy — celebrating personal achievements, cheering for peers and embracing every challenge with a smile. Families, teachers and staff filled the stands, creating a wave of encouragement that lifted our athletes throughout the day. 

All Special Olympic athletes were awarded a medal determined by their overall score. Those that received first in their divisions are invited to the state competition being held in Coralville on March 13. 

As the weather gets warmer, the Summit Superstars will be gearing up for their next competition: track and field. These events will give these athletes another opportunity to showcase their skills at the regional level on April 15. The events range from a 100-meter walk to mini javelin throw to 4x400 relay. This event will be held at Ankeny High School and is open to the public. 

As we look forward to our next competition, we reflect on our pride for our athletes and the way they represented Summit Middle School and the Johnston Community School District. The Special Olympics allowed the athletes to experience pride from their hard work and perseverance. The Summit Superstars reminded us once again that inclusion, courage and kindness are at the heart of who we are. 

A big thank you to those that participated, coached, cheered and/or contributed funds to help these young athletes in our first ever SO team at Summit. We can’t wait to continue to expand this amazing program and are still looking for local companies to donate so the team can purchase equipment, outside practice facilities, snacks and other items that will help contribute to our success. If you have any further questions, contact Amy Eaton or Melissa Caudill at Summit Middle School. Let’s go, Summit Superstars!

Farmers Markets vendor applications are now open

Applications are open for the Farmers Market through April 30. Approved applications are valid for one year, and vendor pricing is based on single- or double-space pricing. Spaces are limited, so apply early and include a brief description of your products. This year’s market will feature live music and community events to enhance the experience. For more details, please contact us. Apply here.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov

• Free Docent-Led Museum Tours: Offered on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.

Edencrest at Green Meadows events

Edencrest at Green Meadows, 6750 Corporate Drive, Johnston, https://edencrestliving.com/green-meadows/

• 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.

Apply to serve on a board or commission

The City of Johnston is accepting applications for volunteer positions on the Board of Adjustment, Park Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and Library Board. These opportunities allow residents to influence community development and the opportunities available for residents. Learn more about the roles and current vacancies. Terms range from three to six years. Learn more here.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• Story Tellebration: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 10-10:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join volunteer storyteller, Carmen Epstein, for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity. Free, no registration required. February topic: Owl Moon.
• Owls of Iowa: Friday, Feb. 27, 1-2 p.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. What types of owls live in Iowa? Meet some of the species and get up close and personal with these amazing birds. A live owl will be used. Free, no registration required.
• Projects in the Parks at Brown’s Woods: Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-2:30 p.m. Brown’s Woods, 465 S.E. Brown's Woods Drive, West Des Moines. Ever wondered what types of conservation work PCC is doing in our parks and properties? Take a hike with PCC staff to learn more about these projects along with our mission of protecting public land for future generations. Free, no registration required.
• Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Iowa: Portrait of the Land. Tuesday, March 3, 11 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Based on Larry Stone’s award-winning Earth Year 2000 book for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, “Portrait” is a reminder to Iowans of the rich history of their natural resources, with an appeal for protecting that heritage. This program is sponsored by Humanities Iowa. Looking for an excuse to get out of the house, make some new friends, and learn about the exciting world of nature? Then join us. Free, no registration required.
• Knee-High Naturalists: Wednesday, March 11, 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. As naturalists we will hike, investigate, and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Please come dressed to be outside. Registration required by the day before.

Sign up to be a Kites on the Green volunteer

Kites on the Green returns on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is organized by community volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the day, with full and partial shifts available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours, including silver cord hours for students. Learn more here.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The Iowa Files: A History Series
Various dates, 3 p.m.
Online and in-person at the Community Room of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway
This joint West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library program is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of West Des Moines Historical Society members, Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Friends Foundation of the West Des Moines Library. All programs are streamed on the WDMHS Facebook page and YouTube channel.

• March 15: The Monuments Men and the Saving of Culture: The Monuments Men (and Women) had a seemingly impossible job: save some of the world’s most precious cultural artifacts and art from the Nazis, who treated Europe as their private looting grounds. Presenter Ruth Ehler’s grandfather, Ralph Hammett, was one of the men. Ruth will recount stories of the amazing and frantic work that saved and returned treasures to their rightful owners and institutions.

Bright Nights and Green Sights
Various dates
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Explore ways to “find your true nature” at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. For tickets visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

• Dome After Dark: Friday evenings through March 27, 6-10 p.m. Extra evenings Saturday, March 14, and Tuesday through Thursday, March 17-19. Experience the Botanical Garden in a whole new light. Explore the warm tropical conservatory and renovated Gardeners Show House, illuminated for a magical after-hours escape.
• NEW to Dome After Dark: Igloo Experience: Cozy up with up to five guests for an enchanting igloo experience, complete with admission to the event and Flora concessions. Perfect for friends, family or date night. Visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com to reserve an igloo.
• Friday Dinner at Flora: Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. Reserve your spot now for a delicious three-course dinner at Flora, including admission to Dome After Dark. Each week a new, enticing menu showcases a variety of cuisines. Reserve a table online, https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.
• Learn on Saturdays: Saturdays through Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for its weekly educational lecture series presented by experts from across the state of Iowa. Purchase tickets online, https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.
• Botanical Blues: Sundays through March 29, noon to 4 p.m. Performances begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Your favorite Sunday Blues in Des Moines is here to keep away your winter blues every week. Each set lasts one hour, with a one-hour intermission in between. Settle in, grab a drink, and soak up the sound in Iowa’s only tropical music venue. Flora serves Sunday brunch beginning at 10 a.m. — perfect before the music starts. Concerts are held live in the conservatory, and guests are welcome to wander the indoor gardens during the show. Ticket info and lineups available at https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

Wine, Food, and Beer Showcase
Friday, March 6, 6-9 p.m.
Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Sample the night away. Started in 1985, the Wine, Food and Beer Showcase is one of the oldest food and beverage events in the area and has become a yearly favorite for foodies, wine lovers and beer enthusiasts alike. Featuring 30-40 of the finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and distilleries in the area, the Wine, Food and Beer Showcase has become the premier event of its kind in Des Moines and has become Des Moines Metro Opera’s signature fundraiser. All proceeds raised throughout the evening support Des Moines Metro Opera’s award-winning education and community engagement programs. Learn more at https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/showcase/.

The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
The Ingersoll announces some exciting additions to its spring performance lineup. Spanning world-class traditional music and beloved musical theater, these new shows promise unforgettable moments of live entertainment in the heart of the community.

• Altan - 40th Anniversary Tour: March 8. Dining at 4:30 p.m., Show at 6:30 p.m.
• Acclaimed singer-songwriter Courtney Patton joins Jason Walsmith for a heartfelt evening of song, story and shared experience on Thursday, March 12. Walsmith, longtime frontman of The Nadas and now performing as Jason Walsmith Storyteller, brings decades of travel, adventure, and narrative songwriting to the stage. Together, the pair create a performance that feels less like a concert and more like a musical journey among friends. Dining begins at 5:30 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m.
• Church Basement Ladies: March 26–29, April 2–5 and April 9–12. Matinee performances will have dining at 11 a.m., and the show beginning at 1 p.m. Evening performances will have dining at 5:30 p.m., and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.theingersoll.com/events or at Ticketmaster.com/TheIngersoll.

Iowa Home Expo
Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15
Iowa State Fairgrounds Jacobson Center, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof, the Iowa Home Expo is the spot to find all local remodeling experts. The Iowa Home Expo hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. You’ll save both time and money attending the Iowa Home Expo. Hours are: Friday, March 13, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information available at https://iowahomeexpo.com/.

(Family Features) Apple and pumpkin are a couple of fruity favorites, but cranberry is another common ingredient that can be used to make a big statement. Mixed with walnuts, white chocolate chips and cake mix, these cranberry bars will leave family and friends begging for more. Because they’re so easy to make, you can easily fulfill the requests. Visit Culinary.net for more dessert ideas.

Cranberry Bars
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Ingredients:

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix\
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
• 2 cups chopped white chocolate chips, divided

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F.
• Mix cake mix, eggs, butter, cranberries, walnuts and 1 cup white chocolate chips. Spread into 7-by-11-inch baking dish and bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.

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

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have a friend or coworker that you think would enjoy weekly highlights of any of our Iowa Living magazines or The Daily Umbrella, please share this email with them and they can subscribe by clicking the subscribe tab at IowaLivingMagazines.com.