Fun for the whole family at Family Fest June 6 — This and more in this week's issue!

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May 26 - June 1, 2026

The gym divider, the jock strap and Mrs. Claude

I received a letter a few months ago from Mrs. Karilyn Claude, who was a middle school physical education teacher in my hometown of Algona. She said she reads my Daily Umbrella columns when they publish in the Kossuth County Advance, and she also picks up CITYVIEW magazine when in Des Moines. She wondered if I remembered her. Of course, I do.

Back in the early 1980s, gym class was divided with military precision. Boys on one side. Girls on the other. Between us draped a giant red chain-operated divider that looked capable of containing a prison riot — or at least a herd of unruly sixth graders.

The boys were under the command of Mr. Keith Christie, a stern man armed with a whistle, a clipboard and the warmth of an overdue tax notice. The girls had Mrs. Claude, who was upbeat, smiling and somehow able to convince middle schoolers that exercise could actually be fun. To say they were different is like saying Iowa winters are a little chilly. This wasn’t Coke vs. Pepsi. This was black coffee vs. strawberry lemonade. Somehow, though, it worked, at least from the perspective of a scrawny 12-year-old whose primary goal was avoiding a dodgeball to the face.

For reasons I still don’t understand, the girls had to wear gym uniforms. The boys didn’t. Instead, we were introduced to a horrifying piece of athletic equipment known as the jock strap. Nothing humbled a sixth-grade boy faster than standing in a sporting goods store with his mother while shopping for an “athletic supporter.” My friends and I all shuffled into Hutzell’s Sporting Goods and bought the smallest sizes available, which still fit like circus tents. Apparently, manufacturers in 1980 had not anticipated this need for 80-pound boys. It didn’t matter. Rules were rules. And nobody wanted to ask Mr. Christie any follow-up questions.

Occasionally, the boys and girls combined classes for activities like ping pong. That big divider rolled open, tables appeared, and O.B. Laing Middle School suddenly sounded like a casino operated by squirrels on espresso shots. Ping pong balls flew everywhere — off walls, paddles and unsuspecting students. It probably drove Mr. Christie to the brink of retirement. Mrs. Claude loved every second of it. She handed out certificates to the winners, and my buddy Ian and I won the doubles championship. The awards were printed on blue paper from the school mimeograph machine, back when every school document smelled faintly of ink and industrial chemicals. Believe it or not, Mrs. Claude, I still have that certificate stuffed in a drawer somewhere. The jock strap, though, is long gone. Thank goodness.

When not in gym class, I often wore bib overalls. I have no explanation for this because I was not a farm kid. I just liked overalls. If they were good enough for Grandpa, they were good enough for me. Mrs. Claude once told me they were cute, which guaranteed I wore them even more. In sixth grade, “cute” was a compliment. By seventh grade, it was social quicksand.

Mrs. Claude’s comments and kindness made a lot of us smile back then. Her letter made me smile again today. Thank you, Mrs. Claude — for the note, the memories and for making gym class even more enjoyable.

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

Sign up for the Iowa Hero Academy

The Iowa Hero Academy provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young women 16-18 in central Iowa to explore careers in firefighting, policing and the military. The academy will take place July 26-31 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. The Iowa Hero Academy is a six-day, overnight camp designed to encourage young women to reach their potential by developing leadership skills, teamwork and self-confidence. From the moment campers check in to the moment they complete graduation, Iowa Hero Academy will engage participants through hands-on activities led by local female first responders passionate about making a difference in their careers. Learn more and sign up today here.

Fun for the whole family at Family Fest June 6

Join Family Fest on Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Held at The Yard, 6221 Merle Hay Road, or the green space near the GrandStay Hotel, this event is free for the entire family. Climb on a fire engine, grab a book off the Book Bike, or enjoy a Unique Cirque Style live performance from Sam Rezz.

Johnston Green Days, June 11-13

Celebrate 30 years of history at Johnston Green Days, June 11 through June 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. For more information, go to www.johnstongreendays.com.

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 Kites on the Green on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 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

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

Johnston Farmers Market opens June 2

Every Tuesday, June 2 until Sept. 29, 4-7 p.m,
Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road
The 2026 Johnston Farmers Market will open Tuesday, June 2. 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.

Spring Awakening Forest Bathing. Sunday, May 31, 9-11 a.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Step into the gentle energy of early spring with a guided forest bathing experience. During this immersive session, you’ll be guided through a series of simple prompts designed to help you notice the subtle signs of spring. No prior experience is needed, just comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an openness to slowing down. Ages 18 and older, registration required by May 27.
Senior Fishing Day. Friday, June 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Join Polk County Senior Services for a fun day of fishing on Iowa’s Free Fishing Weekend. There will be prizes for the biggest, smallest and most fish caught. Bring your own pole if you have one. If not, Polk County Conservation will have a limited number available. Bait will be provided. Sack lunches will be provided to registered participants. Register at your normal senior meal site or call Sam at the Northwest Senior Center, 515-279-2767. Participants can fish from an accessible fishing dock or natural shoreline. Adaptive fishing equipment will be available for individuals who may have difficulties sustaining grasp of a fishing pole. Ages 60 and older. Registration required for luncheon only by May 23.
Wildflower Pressing and Identification Workshop. Sunday, June 7, 2-3:30 p.m. Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. In this workshop, you will learn how to identify, harvest and preserve beautiful wildflowers to create lasting works of art. Go on a flower identification hike where you will learn about Iowa’s native prairie plants, followed by harvesting and pressing your favorite flowers, and finally leaving with a framable piece of art. Ages 12 and older, registration required by June 3.
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.
Summer Nature Journaling. Tuesday, June 9, 6:30-8 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Nature journaling is a way to be more mindful, curious, and perceptive of the world around us. After a hike at Jester Park, we will use the art of journaling to connect with nature and capture the beauty of the season. Participants will receive a journal and materials will be available for use. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by June 3.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW Midday Mixer
Saturday, May 30, 1-4 p.m.
The District at Prairie Trail, S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
Enjoy summer cocktails to kick off the season. Check in is at El Presidenté, 1465 S.W. Park Square Drive, Suite 102, Ankeny. Cost is $25 for advance tickets, $35 at the door. For tickets, click here.

Beyond The Summit
Thursday, June 11, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ITA Group, 7000 Vista Drive, West Des Moines
Beyond the Summit is a one-day conference created for cancer survivors and caregivers seeking practical tools, inspiration and connection during and after the cancer journey. Through expert-led sessions, attendees will explore whole-person approaches to healing that support the body, mind, and spirit. Sessions include: The Arts as Medicine; FOOD: What You Eat Matters; Strength in Motion, Clarity in Mind; and Living with Uncertainty and Change. Whether you are a survivor or a caregiver, Beyond the Summit offers education, encouragement and community — meeting you where you are and helping you move forward in your cancer journey. Register as https://pro.gofundme.com/event/beyond-the-summit-2026/e761738. Vendor space is available for nonprofits and more. Visit the registration page for more information.

Arts For All
Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to bring free, world-class performances to parks and neighborhoods across the metro, meeting people where they are with joyful experiences that inspire and unite. DMPA’s partnership with Hy-Vee is what transforms a vision for accessible arts into something the entire community gets to share.

FLIP Fabrique: Summer Break. Do you remember your summer camp, the bus ride away from your parents, the smell of campfires, the coldness of the lake in the morning? FLIP Fabrique does, and they built a circus experience for audiences to jump into nostalgia. Bring your popcorn and marshmallows and hop on the Vacation Bus.
• Saturday, June 13, 10 and 11:30 a.m., Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
• Sunday, June 14, 5:30 p.m., Ankeny Bandshell, 410 W. First St., Ankeny.
• Monday, June 15, 6 p.m., Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines.
Polyglot Theatre’s Bees. Bees is a joyful, hands-on experience where children don't just watch — they become part of it. They'll enter a humming hive of activity, transforming into bees themselves as they play alongside three human-sized Bee performers, and find themselves welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder and imagination.
• Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Ashby Park, 3200 38th St., Des Moines.
• Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m., Polk City Town Square, Polk City.
• Thursday, July 16, 11 a.m., The Station, 100 Main St. N.E., Bondurant. 6 p.m., Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights.
• Friday, July 17, 4:30 and 7 p.m., Walker Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas Ave., Urbandale.
Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid. You know that deeply satisfying feeling of setting off a chain reaction? This is that, but bigger. Domino Effect fills Cowles Commons with oversized luminous dominoes, each one humming with its own musical atmosphere. You push them over. That's the whole point. It's playful, it's communal and it's oddly irresistible for every age. Aug. 29 to Sept. 30.
Storytime Under the Green Umbrella. Des Moines Performing Arts education partners will lead a playful sharing of songs and stories for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary-aged youth accompanied by their fun-loving grown-ups.
Wednesdays: June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, Aug 5 and 19, 10:30 a.m., Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
Dance Fitness with Tony Zika. Des Moines Performing Arts invites you to join our annual outdoor dance parties with Tony Zika! MixxedFit is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance moves with body weight toning, while focusing on positivity, self-love and community. This class will get you charged up while you get down to your new favorite songs. Bring some water and some friends and prepare to sweat, laugh and spread some joy. Sundays: June 28, July 26 and Aug. 23, 9 a.m., Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
A season overview, including show descriptions and assets for each engagement, is available online at https://dmpa.app.box.com/s/l4v8qwpiq32wy1dc4h2u5yjjbwuqe25r.

Find comfort in creamy, hearty family meals

(Feature Impact) Simmering soups offer easy, flavorful ways to satisfy the appetite — especially during busy weeknights when time is at a premium. Savor those precious seconds spent around the table rather than watching time escape in the kitchen with comfort food classics that don’t waste a moment.

With solutions like Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, a Mediterranean-style pasta that cooks in under seven minutes, you can turn tried-and-true meals into instant favorites. Made with high-quality semolina wheat, it provides a nutty flavor that absorbs the taste of soups and salads while retaining its density and chewy texture.

To discover more comforting meal ideas fit for your family, visit SuccessRice.com.

Creamy chicken pearl couscous soup
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 bag Success Pearl Couscous
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Directions:

Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.
In large pot, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
Slowly stir in chicken broth then add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer 10 minutes.
Stir in chicken, milk and pearl couscous. Simmer 5 minutes until hot. Garnish with parsley.
For creamier soup, stir in heavy cream just before serving.

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

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From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

FRESH FINDS

Local vendors bring flavor, passion and community to farmers markets

Longer days and warmer nights can only mean one thing — farmers market season is back. With fresh-picked produce, handcrafted goods and sweet treats, the market is a weekly gathering place for both vendors and visitors.

[...]

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