UPDATE: See new auction information at end. Time to say good-bye to another homegrown store in Cedar Rapids. Smulekoff’s Home Store, 97 Third Ave. SE, has been a downtown Cedar Rapids institution since 1889; an incredible 125-year run. The riverfront store reopened after flooding in 2008, but management decided to take a buy-out from the […]
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Month: November 2014
Buy local this holiday season, including...
I tried to get by with stringing lights on corkscrew willow branches to substitute for our Christmas tree last year. It did not go over well in our household. Even when the season seems overwhelmingly busy, it’s worth the effort to buy a real tree, if nothing else, for that inimitable scent of fresh pine, […]
Trees Forever annual event addresses nat...
Trees Forever, based in Marion, Iowa, is always on the cutting-edge of trends. I’ve attended several of their annual symposiums and always learn something about nature as it intersects with our daily lives and communities. The nonprofit has been celebrating its 25th anniversary with numerous activities throughout the year. Their symposium on Dec. 4 will […]
Indian Creek Nature Center hosts chili l...
I wouldn’t have an excellent set of cross-country skis if not for the Indian Creek Nature Center. The Nature Center holds an annual outdoor gear silent auction, along with a chili luncheon, which is where I found my great skis and of course, tried some great chili. I’m equally grateful to the Nature Center for […]
Iowa man who chased and killed bald eagl...
Sometimes you just have to wonder what motivates people. If anyone has an answer behind this Iowan’s motivations in chasing down and killing a bald eagle, please share your thoughts. Fortunately, this guy will be paying a price for his actions, though some might wonder if the sentence is severe enough. The U.S. Fish and […]
Cedar Rapids man forced to remove garden...
By Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan CEDAR RAPIDS —Even when Iowa’s harsh wintry weather ended the growing season for most gardens, the plot tended by Ed Thornton in southwest Cedar Rapids was thriving. Tender green lettuce, stocky carrots and deep magenta beets were among the vegetables Thornton was able to grow, even into November, giving away much […]
Speaking for the trees in New Bohemia
By Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan As trees are removed at a fast pace to make way for development along Edgewood Road in northeast Cedar Rapids, a different approach is being taken in one of the city’s core neighborhoods. A majestic pin oak, estimated to be at least a century old, has an added source of protection […]
A reward for Iowa’s generous farmers
I know several farmers market vendors who donate vegetables left over after markets to food pantries. Now, these charitable farmers can be rewarded for their good deeds through a new program. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, announced the following this week: FARMERS DONATING FOOD ELIGIBLE FOR TAX CREDIT
Cool coop; City Council to look at chick...
NORTH LIBERTY – The North Liberty City Council will consider readopting the town’s urban chicken ordinance at its meeting this Tuesday, Nov. 11. Just over a year ago, the council approved the ordinance, which allows residents to keep up to four hens in city limits. Roosters are not allowed. At the same time, a clause […]
Digital divide? New options battle tradi...
Just this week, Overstock introduced a nationwide, online means of ordering fresh farmers market produce that can be delivered to your door. While the Salt Lake City-based business touts its national scope, it hasn’t yet made its way to Iowa. Still, just last night, ProduceRun officially launched in Cedar Rapids and the web-based Iowa Valley […]