Blood donations encouraged as supply reaches critical levels

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‘Th-th-th-that’s all, folks’

The first fully electronic television system was developed by Philo Farnsworth in 1927 — nearly 100 years ago. The television became mainstream in American homes in the 1950s — about 75 years ago. About that same time, “Crusader Rabbit” was the first animated cartoon series produced for television. “Rocky and His Friends,” later known as “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends,” soon followed.

In 1960, “The Flintstones” became the first prime-time cartoon series on TV, and that’s when the cartoon world exploded. “The Flintstones” creators William Hanna and Joseph Barbera capitalized on the show’s success, launching other cartoon shows including “The Jetsons” and “Jonny Quest.” When the prime time viewership began to fizzle, Hanna-Barbera decided to focus on Saturday morning cartoons aimed at children, creating a lasting impact on generations of kids, including this one.

“Here I come to save the day”

Some of you vividly remember “Mighty Mouse” and “Atom Ant.” Others recall “The Heckle and Jeckle Cartoon Show,” “The Ruff and Reddy Show” and “The Woody Woodpecker Show.”

By the 1960s, kids were becoming hooked on cartoons. “The Huckleberry Hound Show.” “The Yogi Bear Show.” “The Magilla Gorilla Show.”

And, by the 1970s, watching Saturday morning cartoons was a weekly ritual for most every American kid. “Scooby Doo, Where Are You!” “Super Friends.” “Speed Buggy.” “Fat Albert.” “Hong Kong Phooey.” “Inch High Private Eye.” “Jabberjaw.” If you grew up in that era and were plopped down in front of the family TV eating sugary cereal like I was, you could certainly name dozens more.

“Exit, stage left”

In the 1980s, cartoons including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “The Smurfs” and “Transformers” were popular, but the trend was obvious. Faster than a speeding bullet, Saturday morning cartoons died off, and don’t blame it on those meddling kids. Well-intended government regulations and educational programming requirements were the culprits. By 1992, morning TV news shows began to replace cartoons, and that was the death knell. Despicable.

“Th-th-th-that’s all, folks”

The CW network was the last station to air Saturday morning cartoons in America, and that ended on Sept. 27, 2014. Now, all we have are the memories of our favorite cartoon shows, but if you are smarter than the average bear, you can still find many of them on YouTube. Have some memories of some of your favorites? 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

Blood donations encouraged as supply reaches critical levels

Heading into the busy end-of-summer time, the blood supply across LifeServe Blood Center’s service area has dropped to critically low levels — in some cases just a few days’ worth. Summer is often referred to as “trauma season,” and while it is ended with Monday’s Labor Day holiday, the need for blood donations is especially high right now for all blood types. LifeServe Blood Center is asking donors to come out as soon as possible to replenish supply and give the gift of life.

“If you’ve put off donating blood because it’s been such a busy summer, or been thinking about donating but haven’t gone through with it yet, now is really the time to do it,” Tim Paluch, LifeServe Blood Center PR/marketing director said. “Your communities and hospitals need you. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood, and just one donation, 30 or 40 minutes of your time, can impact or save up to three lives.”

Patients in hospitals in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Illinois are relying on loyal donors to keep a strong and stable blood supply. Without that, patients in serious situations like major accidents and traumas may be at risk.

To schedule an appointment at one of LifeServe Blood Center’s 15 donor centers or at a mobile blood drive near you, call 800-287-4903 or visit lifeserve.info/schedule.

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.

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.

Polk County Conservation events

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

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.
Full Moon Hike. Sunday, Sept. 7, 8-9:30 p.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Join a naturalist for an evening hike to discover the sights, sounds and wildlife that come alive after dark. While walking through the forest and open prairies, learn about nocturnal animals, night vision adaptations, and the fascinating role of the moon in nature. This guided hike offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the park in a whole new light. Free to attend, all ages welcome.
DIY - Elderberry Syrup. Thursday, Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join this hands-on class where you'll discover the wonders of elderberry and create your own elderberry syrup to take home. In the workshop, you'll learn about the medicinal properties and benefits of elderberries, how to properly identify and harvest them, and the process of making elderberry syrup from scratch. Take home your very own handmade elderberry syrup, perfect for boosting your immune system and adding a delicious touch to your favorite recipes. Registration required by Sept. 8. $10 cost, ages 16 and older.
Family Fun Night. Friday, Sept. 12, 6-8 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Gather your friends and family together for a low-cost night of fun at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. Opportunities will be available for bouldering (age 4-plus) and archery (10-plus), playing a variety of family games and puzzles, and enjoying time outdoors, or inside, by the fire making s’mores. Light snacks will be provided. Pay cash (preferred) or card at the door for this open-house style event. $5 per person, Children younger than 4 are free. All ages welcome.

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. Reserve your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cityview-martini-fest-2025-tickets-1291852588869 now so you can avoid registration lines at the event.

Confluence Brewing Summer Concert Series
Thursdays and Fridays through September, 6-8:30 p.m.
1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines
Enjoy live music every Thursday and Friday. Performances are held outside, weather permitting, and moved inside in case of poor weather. A food truck is also available. Entertainment includes: Patresa Hartmen Sept. 11, Black Dirt Ramblers Sept. 12, Kris Karr Sept. 18, Velvet Trio, Sept. 19, Chris Falcon Sept. 25, and TBD Sept. 26.

Wallace Centers of Iowa Summer Events
Wallace Farm, 2773 290th St., Orient
Wallace House, 756 16th St., Des Moines

Pizza on the Prairie: Every Friday until Sept. 26, 5-9 p.m., Wallace Farm. Come to the prairie at the Wallace Farm on Friday nights during the summer for brick oven pizza packed with farm-fresh veggies and local meats. This family-friendly evening is packed with good food, live music, outdoor art, and picturesque sunsets. Reservations for pizza ordering times are required at https://wallace.org/pizza-on-the-prairie/.
Picnic Theater - Agrimusic: Sunday, Sept. 21, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wallace Farm. Dive into history, music and a farm-fresh picnic meal at an outdoor performance of Agrimusic by musician and historian Seth Hedquist. $25/ticket. https://wallace.org/event/picnic-theater-agrimusic /
Fresh From the Farm: Garlic: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6-8:30 p.m., Wallace House. A three-course dinner featuring garlic in each course. $75/ticket. https://wallace.org/event/fresh-from-the-farm-6/.

2025 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance
Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Des Moines
The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance, a premier exhibition of vintage, classic and special-interest vehicles, will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Attendees can enjoy a free, family-friendly day exploring more than 150 extraordinary vehicles, live programming, and hands-on activities designed for all ages. On Sept. 6, a Charity Gala will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Stine Barn in West Des Moines. For more information: https://desmoinesconcours.com/

Vintage, Thrifted and Handmade Fair
Sunday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
100-200 blocks of Fifth St., West Des Moines
Antiques and vintage shops, along with antique and art vendor fairs, have a long history in Valley Junction. The Historic Valley Junction Foundation brings Valley Junction’s new vendor fair following in the district’s antique and vintage tradition. Valley Junction Vintage, Thrifted and Handmade is a new vendor show highlighting vintage home decor and clothing, unique thrifted finds, and local handmade items from Iowa business owners. This show includes 50-plus vendors and food trucks.

Lake Street Dive Tour
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 8 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
The Lake Street Dive tour, supporting the band's new album, "Good Together," stops in Des Moines, featuring an opening act by Lawrence. Tickets are available at www.axs.com/artists/1217/lake-street-dive-tickets?skin=lauridsen.

Des Moines Performing Arts: Made in the Midwest series
The Temple Theatre, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines
Made in the Midwest, DMPA’s newest concert series, highlights the artistry of local musicians in the intimate Temple Theater. Celebrating the talents of independent artists from across our region, guests will enjoy a unique experience where the musicians take center stage in a venue known for its unparalleled acoustic quality.

The new season will feature four artists from of all different genres:

Sept. 12: Sharane Calister and The Feel Right Band
Oct. 23: The Lubben Brothers
Nov. 4: Jordan Messerole
Dec. 13: Andrew Hoyt

Tickets are on sale starting at $22/show. You can purchase tickets by visiting DMPA.org, calling 515-246-2300, at the Civic Center Ticket Office or at the Temple Theater Ticket Office night of the show. All shows will start at 7 p.m.

Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration
Sept. 20, 4-7 p.m.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge Freedom Center
7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston
On behalf of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum on Camp Dodge, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) extends their invitation to attend the Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration. All members of the public are invited to attend. Visitors can expect refreshments, historic military vehicles, reenactors and displays of period uniforms, museum experts, the Iowa Military Veterans Band, and more.

Enjoy an easy, tasty taco salad

(Family Features) Hearty or light, spicy or mild, this Taco Salad is all imagination. Make it to your loved ones’ content and top with favorites like chopped lettuce, sour cream and shredded cheese to keep weeknights simple yet flavorful, regardless of how crazy your calendar may get. To discover more recipes fit for your family, visit Culinary.net.

Taco salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 ounces) black beans
1 can (15 ounces) corn
2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes with chilies
1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons mesquite seasoning
1 tablespoon black pepper
salt, to taste
1 lime, juice only
1 cup chopped cilantro
romaine lettuce
2-3 cups shredded cheese
1 tub (16 ounces) sour cream
crushed tortilla chips

Directions:

In pan over medium heat, brown beef until cooked through; drain. Add black beans and corn. Stir in tomatoes with juices and half-and-half. Add onion powder, garlic powder, mesquite seasoning and pepper. Season with salt, to taste. Bring to simmer.
Add lime juice; stir. Sprinkle with cilantro.
Wash and chop lettuce. Place cheese and sour cream in bowls for toppings.
On plates, top crushed tortilla chips with meat sauce, lettuce, cheese and sour cream, as desired.

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.

[...]

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