CEDAR RAPIDS – Czechs in Cedar Rapids are carrying on the longtime Mardi Gras-style costume ball tradition known as Šibřinky. Hosted by Sokol Cedar Rapids, the event has been celebrated the past several years at the St. Wenceslaus Church gym – including one on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 – after decades at the former Sokol […]
Photos: Demonstrators call for end to gu...
By Cindy Hadish CEDAR RAPIDS – Advocates in favor of common-sense legislation to help end gun violence staged a peaceful vigil Sunday, Feb. 18, in Greene Square Park. About 300 people braved raw winds that made it difficult to keep candles lit in memory of victims of mass shootings, including last week’s school shooting that […]
Photos: DACA supporters march in Cedar R...
By Cindy Hadish Advocates showed their love for the nation’s “Dreamers” during a Valentine’s Day march and rally in Cedar Rapids. More than 60 people walked from Coe College to the Linn County Courthouse on a relatively balmy winter day, with temperatures in the low 40s. Chanting “education not deportation” and more, the supporters made […]
Lineup announced as Czech Village Blues ...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Friends of Czech Village has been hard at work to resurrect the Riverside Roundhouse, home to farmers markets for decades. Last year, the group teamed with the Linn County Blues Society to host Czech Village Blues as a fundraiser to bring back the Roundhouse, which was dismantled following the 2008 flood that […]
Is Trump’s plan for a display of strengt
By Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan Donald Trump’s plan to stage a parade to display our nation’s military strength reminded me of the veterans I met during an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., several years ago. Most of the men and women on the one-day trip were in their 80s or 90s and were among the last […]
Rebirth of an environmental movement in ...
HIAWATHA – A “green” coalition that sparked EcoFest, a popular Earth Day celebration, is being revitalized to face watershed and water quality concerns, climate change, infill development and other environmental issues. Thirty representatives of environmental groups, students, businesses and county and city staff met last week at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha for the […]
A royal opportunity for young Czech Iowa...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Young people with Czech ancestry have a unique opportunity in Iowa. The Czech Heritage Foundation, based in Cedar Rapids, sponsors the Czech Royal Court, a group of boys and girls ages 6 to 16 who represent their Czech heritage at festivals, parades and other events throughout the year. The foundation also sponsors […]
Iowa farmer chosen for sustainability aw...
Practical Farmers of Iowa announced today that Earl Hafner was chosen for the 2018 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award, to be presented this Friday, Jan. 19, at the Scheman Building in Ames, during Practical Farmers’ 2018 annual conference. I had a great time touring the Hafner farm in western Iowa – during much warmer weather – […]
Registration opens for 2018 Winter Garde...
CEDAR RAPIDS – The 2018 Winter Gardening Fair, sponsored by the Linn County Master Gardeners, is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, at Kirkwood Community College. Attendees can choose from nearly 50 workshops and classes in four sessions, along with a keynote speech. Master gardeners and other experts will share their knowledge about ornamental grasses, native […]
Year in review: 2017 photo highlights
Some Iowans might say that 2017 was a divisive year, but there were also moments that brought us together. Here is a look back at some of the “homegrown” highlights of the good, the bad and the beautiful: Hundreds of protesters stood through a cold and cloudy afternoon in January 2017 in downtown Cedar Rapids […]