Visitors can view art in galleries, businesses and nonprofit organizations’ public spaces. It’s free, it’s fun and it’s a great way to view numerous art works by a variety of artists.

Eighteen locations will celebrate the work of artists.

Local artist, Astrid Bennett is organizer of the event.

Exhibits include:

AKAR, 257 E. Iowa Ave.;
Arts Iowa City, 103 E. College St.;
Bella Joli, 125 S. Dubuque St.;
Chait Galleries, 218 E. Washington St.;
The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St.;
Glassando, 201 S. Clinton St.;
Home Ec Workshop, 207 N. Linn St.;
Iowa Artisans Gallery, 207 E. Washington St.;
Iowa City Senior Center, 28 S. Linn St.;
Lasansky Gallery, 703 S. Clinton St.;
MC Ginsberg, 110 Washington St.;
MidWestOne Bank, 102 S. Clinton St.;
Modela, 323 E. Market St.;
RSVP, 140 N. Linn St.;
The Soap Opera, 119 E. College St.;
United Action for Youth, 355 Iowa Ave.;
US Bank, 204 E. Washington St.; and
West Bank, Dubuque and Burlington St.

A new food pantry is opening in Coralville to help support the need for local food assistance. Between the flood and faltering economy, the Coralville region is reporting a rise in need by as much as 15 percent from last year.

On February 20, 2009 from 7-10 pm join your community at the North Ridge Pavilion in Coralville for “Music for Meals” and enjoy traditional Irish music performed b The Beggarmen.   They are renowned for their fierce playing of reels and jigs as well as for their elegant, layered renditions of beautiful ballads and slow airs. Opening for The Beggarmen will be soprano Dannye Frerichs and pianist David Evans performing Irish songs.

History of the new food panrty:
For more than two years five churches in Coralville have been working together to begin the Coralville Food Pantry.  Coralville United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, New Horizons United Methodist Church, New Life Community Church, and New Song Episcopal Church have secured space in Coralville. Together, we can open the pantry doors once we collect enough funding to purchase initial food supplies and a freezer.    

For tickets contact Jana Andrews in the New Song office by calling 319-351-3577.

Nestled on the bank of the Wapsi River in Stone City, IA the General Store is a little piece of history.  It’s had many names and provided different services to the community, but the iconic building is as much a landmark in the town as the famous quarry down the street.

The menu has everything from tenderloins to homemade pizza and boasts unique names.  Like the breaded shrimp, Wapsi Walleyes.  And their appetizer sampler? The Tackle Box. And it even comes in a tackle box! But the best is the desert.  The Bait Bucket is really the children’s favorite “dirt” – remember the chocolate pudding, Oreos, and gummy worms? That’s it, and it’s served in a little styrofoam bait cup.  My five-year-old loved it.

And if you’re lucky enough to go when there is music you’ll really be impressed.   You’ll find yourself emerged in local talent from across the state, jamming together impromptu.  The first night I was there 8eithpeople crowded the stage, from fiddles and guitars to a big bass, doing covers of everything from the Allman Brothers to Bob Dylan. I think the appearance of a band on weekend nights is hit and miss, but I do know the General Store hosts open-mike night for musicians from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the large upstairs room of the restaurant.

The building itself is gorgeous, made of beautiful stone city stone. It also has two fireplaces, one on each level, which provides the warmest, coziest glow during dinner. I’ve even heard they pop popcorn and let the kids make smores in the fireplaces occasionally.

The General Store is a nice little find.  If you feel like an adventure, pack up the kids and take the short drive to Stone City.  You’ll be happy you did.

Contact information:
12612 Stone City Rd Stone City, IA
319-462-2811

More info on The General Store: http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090103/BUSINESS/701039896/1004

 posted by: heatherjoy77

Young Professionals of Iowa, or YPIowa as it’s called, believes that those of us not part of the “Brain Drain” need to show other that we are active, engaged, and sincerely care about our futures in this state. YPIowa helps connect young, smart, and creative professionals to share a mission and help Iowa become the best place grow our personal and professional lives.

 YPIowa is an organization created by young professionals for young professionals. Their goals are:

• Inform Iowa young professionals about the great potential and possibility of our state.
• Engage Iowa young professionals to become active and involved leaders in their communities.
• Educate and assist Iowa young professionals in their desire to become organized in their communities.
• Communicate to Iowa young professionals through both personal interaction at an annual leadership conference and ongoing electronic communication.
• Retain Iowa young professionals in Iowa to continue to provide a base of workforce for existing, expanding and new business.

If you think it’s time to get involved in YPIowa, here’s how.

Help Shape Cedar Rapids with the Next Generation Commission

It’s no secret that a lot of young people get their college degree in Iowa, but then leave the state to seek employment. The Next Generation Commission is here to help stop that trend and recently revealed the results of a very interesting study.  

The report “… included findings and recommendations on how Cedar Rapids can position itself to better attract and retain the next generation. The group was formed after the Flood of 2008 at the request of Cedar Rapids’ community leadership, to advise the City Council, Recovery & Reinvestment Coordinating Team and the community on specific steps needed to make the Cedar Rapids area a place for the Next Generation to live, work and play.”

If you’re a young professional in the Cedar Rapids area, The Next Generation Commission wants you to attend a Neighborhood Planning Workshop this Saturday, January 31, 2009.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to help shape the future of your community. All neighborhoods include housing, businesses, churches, community centers, parks and trails.  During this workshop, residents will meet in roundtable discussions to define a great neighborhood, analyze other city’s neighborhoods and talk about a variety of housing options.   

Neighborhood Planning Workshop

Saturday, January 31
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Grand Ballroom
Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel
350 First Avenue NE

A free lunch and child care will be provided to all pre-registered participants. Register by phone at 1-866-999-1224, or register online at www.corridorrecovery.org/neighborhoods. Parking in the Five Seasons parking ramp will be free during this workshop.

Interesting article on Next Generation Commission.

Ten years ago Access Iowa was formed as a way for young professionals to come together and make a real difference in the place they call home. From social events to civic duties, Access Iowa strives to: “… to create an environment in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City corridor area that attracts and retains young professionals.”

Access Iowa holds numerous events throughout the year to appeal to other young professionals and showcase what a fun and vibrant community we live in. In fact, the next event is to celebrate the grand reopening for “1st Avenue LIVE” (formerly 3^rd Street Live) on Jan 16, 2009 at 8:30 PM.

Join a committee!

If you feel like getting involved with Access Iowa, above and beyond the ballgames and concert events, they offer five options for committees to get involved with – Civic, Charitable, Leadership, Membership, and Social -so there’s latterly something for everyone.

From dinners at funky restaurants like Blend, to helping the community through flood relief work, Access Iowa is an important group that helps people who love the corridor get involved and make friends.

Want to learn more?

If you’d like to learn more about Access Iowa they are holding a Q&A meeting January 27, 2009 from 6:00 PM-7:00 PM at Java Creek Café 588 Boyson Rd NE, Cedar Rapids).

Upcoming Event: Celebrate the Corridor-Registration Now Open

Area young professionals, as well as those supporting the Access Iowa mission of attracting and retaining young professionals in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Corridor, are encouraged to attend Access Iowa’s 2nd Annual “Celebrate the Corridor” event Friday, January 30, 2009. This year’s event will celebrate Access Iowa’s 10th Anniversary and will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids.

The program will include a silent auction, dinner, retrospective of Access Iowa’s ten years in the Corridor, and an awards ceremony for our Corridorians of the Year (COTYs). .

Tickets are available now-$25 for Access Iowa members, $35 for non-members. Reserve your spot today! http://access-iowa.org/content.asp?ID=5179

posted by: heatherjoy77

Iowa Ranks No 6 in the nation for volunteer rates; six Iowa cities make Top 50 List

2008 was a memorable year for many reasons: The tornado, the flood and the tremendous effort of Iowa volunteers. It is another demonstration of what many in this state already know and what people who are new to the Corridor discover after arriving – Iowans are committed, caring and compassionate. Pick a topic, any topic from disasters to arts and culture, from the environment to locally-grown food – Iowans understand service and serving others for the greater good.

Recently, Governor Chet Culver announced Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Waterloo, Council Bluffs/Omaha and Davenport are among the Top 50 mid-sized cities nationwide for volunteer rates, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. Mid-sized cities include all cities with metropolitan areas having populations ranging from 100,000 to 1 million people, the report also included rankings for large metropolitan areas with populations more than 1 million.

All six Iowa cities are among the top 75 in the aggregate (large and mid-sized) rankings.

Nationally, Iowa was ranked No. 6 in state adult volunteer rates, which is the same ranking as last year. However the adult volunteer rate increased from 36.4 percent to 36.8 percent, while the national volunteer rate fell from 26.7 percent to 26.2 percent.

In the annual Volunteering in America: 2008 State and City Trends and Rankings report, four Iowa communities ranked among the top 15 cities. Utah was the only other state with multiple cities in the top 15 with two cities listed.

• Iowa City ranked No. 2 among mid-sized cities (between 100,000 & 1,000,000 in a metropolitan area) and No. 2 overall (all metropolitan areas more than 100,000) with a volunteer rate of 45.1 percent.
• Cedar Rapids is ranked No. 8 among mid-sized cities & 9th overall with a volunteer rate of 40.1 percent.
• Des Moines is ranked No. 10 among mid-sized cities and No. 11 overall with a volunteer rate of 38.8 percent.
• Waterloo is ranked No. 14 among mid-sized cities and No. 15 overall with a volunteer rate of 37.4 percent.
• Omaha/Council Bluffs is ranked No. 18 among mid-sized cities and No. 21 overall with a volunteer rate of 35.8 percent.
• Davenport is ranked No. 48 among mid-sized cities and No. 75 overall with a volunteer rate of 27.4 percent.

Gov. Culver said, “I would like to thank all Iowans who volunteer their time and talents to help their fellow citizens. I am very proud of the fact that each of Iowa’s cities large enough to qualify for the list made the top 50. These numbers really demonstrate what most Iowans already know, that what makes Iowa truly great are the people that reside here and our sense of community. This ranking is further proof that the spirit of service is alive and well in Iowa’s communities.”

This report combines the state and city reports, previously published separately. It also enhances the depth of information available, now providing information on over 150 major U.S. cities and for the first time showing volunteer rankings for mid-size cities.

Things to note for this year include a new parade route, free carriage rides, children’s train rides, huge balloons in the parade, and much more!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

ALL DAY

• Grounds for Art-Re-Launch (throughout Downtown)
• Grounds for Art will be back and on display throughout downtown!
• Re-visit these amazing outdoor sculptures representing both local and national artists!
• Ice Sculpture Design (Bankers Trust Plaza)

Starting at 2PM

• Deck the Office! Back to Business Holiday Expo (throughout Downtown)

Visit those hard working businesses that have returned downtown post-flood. Participating businesses will greet visitors with holiday décor and fun activities for all ages! Schedule of participating businesses will be available at Chili Challenge and downtown coffee shops. To register your downtown business contact Jill Wilkins at 398-0449.

2PM-5:30PM

• Children’s Holiday Train Rides (Guaranty Bank 2nd Ave. SE Parking Lot)

2PM-DUSK

• Free Carriage Rides through Downtown (Bankers Trust Plaza)

3PM-7:30PM

• Chili Challenge (Armstrong Centre Food Court 222 3rd Avenue SE)

Enjoy some friendly competition and local flavor as contestants offer their favorite chili dish! Santa will be on site to say hello!

AFTER DARK

• Hot Air Balloon Glow (3rd Avenue SE Guaranty Bank Parking Lot)

5:30PM

• Lighting of City Tree (May’s Island)

The annual lighting of the city tree will set the tone for the lighted holiday evening!

6:00PM

• 25th Annual Holiday DeLight Parade (3rd Avenue SW into Greene Square Park)

“IgNight the Spirit of our City” is the theme for our annual lighted parade! Cheer on local businesses, organizations, and individuals as they display their best lighted holiday décor!

This year will introduce a new parade route-starting along 3rd Avenue SW with a lateral route into 3rd Avenue SE to Greene Square Park. Wheelchair accessible viewing area will be set up by the judges viewing area (corner of 3rd Ave. and 1st St. SE in front of Smulekoff’s).

POST-PARADE

• Santa and Friends Meet and Greet (Smulekoff’s 97 3rd Avenue SE)

The head honcho himself, along with Mrs. Claus, elves, and live reindeer will be on site to gather those holiday wish lists!

7:30PM

• Post-Parade Fireworks (May’s Island)

Watch in awe as we light up the sky while listening to some classic holiday tunes!

Starting at 7:30PM

• Ugly Holiday Sweater Party-hosted by Access Iowa (Brick’s Bar and Grill 320 2nd Avenue SE) Time to bust out your holiday best! Join Access Iowa post parade and warm up with some holiday cheer at Bricks!

For more information on this event visit these links:

The Gazette

Freedom Festival

KCRG

http://www.access-iowa.org/

http://www.rebuilddowntowncr.org/

Hoopla isn’t about professional journalism. It isn’t about us telling you what’s cool. You know what’s hot. So tell us what rocks, where the coolest place to eat is, who makes the meanest martini.

The magazine appears to have been started by some fresh, young corridor lovers that want to help get the word out about what makes the corridor so cool. Since that’s also what we’re trying to do here at Discover the Corridor, I am excited to have another group out there telling the “why it’s great to live here” story!

According to their Web site, the magazine helps readers find out what’s going on in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and everywhere in between.

The magazine’s editor, Carly Weber is originally from Alaska and provides unique insight into what makes the Corridor so appealing. Carly and her team cover area nightlife, provide restaurant and book reviews, and profile local professionals. The publication includes a bar guide showcasing north and south corridor watering holes and their upcoming events and specials, as well as a huge events calendar.

I’ve lived in larger metro areas before and always found their community magazines fun to read. It made me feel more like a “local” – knowing where to go out on the weekend and what shows were coming to the area in the next few months. It’s about time the corridor had such a publication! Good job, guys!

So get in the know and pick up your copy today. I found mine at Casey’s – but if you can’t put your hands on one, there is a digital version on their Web site.

Posted by: heatherjoy77

In a time when unemployment rates seem to be skyrocketing and lead stories on the news tend to be about bailouts and layoffs, seeing Iowa City rated as on of the 30 best cities to find a job last week by CareerBuilder.com was a nice surprise. Especially for local job hunters!

According to the article, job seekers are much better off to look for employment in cities such as Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and our own Iowa City, Iowa than New York, Chicago or Los Angles.

Why? These cities registered some of the lowest unemployment rates in September 2008 – something very few other metro areas can say. Unemployment rates were higher in 349 of the 369 U.S. metropolitan areas surveyed, which means 92 percent of cities have seen an increase in their unemployment rates.

Here’s the lists top ten:

1. Bismarck, North Dakota
Unemployment rate 2.5

2. Casper, Wyoming
Unemployment rate 2.5

3. Logan, Utah
Unemployment rate 2.5

4. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Unemployment rate 2.5

5. Morgantown, West Virginia
Unemployment rate 2.6

6. Ames, Iowa
Unemployment rate 2.7

7. Fargo, North Dakota
Unemployment rate 2.8

8. Iowa City, Iowa
Unemployment rate 2.8

9. Rapid City, South Dakota
Unemployment rate 2.9

10. Lincoln, Nebraska
Unemployment rate 3.0

Iowa City and Ames wasn’t the only city representing our fair state – Sioux City, Iowa, with an unemployment rate 3.5 came in number 30.

The Corridor
What it is . . . why it’s important

The Technology Corridor is a multi-county region combining the culture and the commuting patterns of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City metropolitan areas and its neighbors.

From energetic cosmopolitan metro areas, friendly communities to the beauty and serenity of the University of Iowa campus, scenic vistas, gentle rolling hillsides and pastoral tranquility, the Corridor is a reflection of diverse businesses, populations and cultural communities.

The Corridor is more than a roadway, passage or route. The Corridor is the historic heart, focal point and business hub of eastern Iowa. There are extraordinary advantages, coalitions and services that make living and doing business in the Corridor compelling.

Sharing a vision for the future
The Corridor’s unique partnerships and collaborations bring powerful potential that encourage an atmosphere of innovation and advancement for every business – large or small – and every resident regardless of origin, background, age, preferences or affiliations.

One of the first examples of Corridor agreements formed the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance (ICCA). ICCA advocates for and promotes its 140-membership representing art, humanities and cultural performances and exhibits in the Johnson and Linn county region and beyond.

And, the Corridor’s public and private cooperation and partnerships exist in every government entity, community and human service organization. Our young professionals are uniquely mentored and contribute to our region’s future through remarkable volunteer leadership opportunities. Access Iowa and Base are two examples of the Corridor’s leading young professional groups.

About the surrounding area
Located along the Iowa River and nestled in the picturesque Iowa and Cedar River valleys, the Corridor offers natural beauty, an outdoor playground and activities for all ages.

The Johnson, Linn counties and the surrounding region overflows with year-round, open-air recreational opportunities for the novice and the robust – hiking, biking, swimming, boating, golfing, sledding, skiing, fishing and sport hunting in season. Indoor leagues and recreation activities flourish for all types, all ages and all seasons. Every year, Corridor communities expand and connect the region with the nature and hard-surface trails. Cedar Rapids communities are ranked as one of the nation’s best areas to raise a family.

Many regional, national and international companies are located or headquartered in the Corridor and offer thousands of professional careers and intern opportunities.

In addition, Iowa is a leader in education, representing a first-rate, skilled workforce. The Iowa City area represents the third most educated metro in the nation – 47 percent of Johnson County adults have a bachelor’s or graduate degree.

Area families enjoy some of the best public and private schools from pre-kindergarten through high school. Post-secondary options are extraordinary providing a lifetime of exceptional learning opportunities.

Iowa City is home to the Big 10 University of Iowa, the state’s largest and oldest university with an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students. The UI was the first in the nation west of the Mississippi River to admit men and women on an equal basis and the first in the world to accept creative work in theater, writing, music and art on an equal basis with academic research.

Innovative and entrepreneurial companies thrive in an atmosphere of University of Iowa’s academic research and development and new business start-ups. The IOWA Centers for Enterprise integrates economic development activities at the UI. The Centers offer a comprehensive program to promote economic development and technology transfer, provide assistance to Iowa startups and existing Iowa businesses and communities, and help the state of Iowa develop a creative, entrepreneurial workforce. The centers’ programs optimize the flow of University intellectual property into opportunities for licensing, commercialization and business development. The UI is also home to the Technology Innovation Center, a business incubator, and Oakdale Research Park, one of the largest business office parks in the region.

The University’s 11 colleges are recognized leaders with distinguished research programs in genetics, hydraulics, and speech and hearing. The UI has recorded major innovations in agricultural medicine, biocatalysis, biomedical engineering, biomedical sciences, and pharmacology education. Its graduate programs in audiology, printmaking, creative writing, speech-language pathology, and nursing service administration are first-ranked.

Kirkwood Community College, well-known for its training and the fourth largest institution of learning in the state, was named Community College of the Year and ranked among the top 30 community colleges in the U.S. A number of private institutions of higher learning are also within an easy commute for learners.

The region’s healthcare facilities and alliances represent some of the best in the nation. For the 17th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) among “America’s Best Hospitals.” Health Center USA couples the UIHC research and teaching facility with Mercy Iowa City and the Veterans Administration Medical Center for truly exceptional medical care.

With access to excellent healthcare and an abundance of activities from arts and culture to recreation and spectator sports it’s little wonder retirees flock to Iowa City making the area the No. 3 best location in the nation to retire (Money magazine 2006).

The growing Coral Ridge Mall and Cedar Rapids areas are a retail shopping destination representing a bonanza that attracts visitors from all over.

Our quality of life is extraordinary and unparalleled. Come explore!

posted by: lschreiber