As I sit at my high and dry computer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I continue to think about how lucky most of us were in the recent flood of 2008.

Yes. It was a record by a wide margin.

Thousands of people were evacuated. Homes were lost. A lot of ‘em. Businesses were lost. A lot of them, and some won’t come back. Lives were disrupted.

Cedar Rapids lost its police HQ, main fire station, city hall, main public library. The county lost its offices, sheriff’s office and jail. Cedar Rapids lost one of its two hospitals. The list is too long to recount here.

The University of Iowa had water in 20 major buildings.

Recovery will take years. Some may never recover. 

At one point, seven radio stations were either off-air or operating with emergency facilities.

Folks from around the country have written or called. I asked them, “Did you see the pictures? It’s worse than that.”

However, we are very lucky. It could have been even worse. There were no lives lost in our immediate area attributable to the flooding. There were only two looters nabbed, so not much looting. Flooded areas were heavily patrolled.

The personal loss to some is incomprehensible. House. All personal property. Car. But they survived.

Cedar Rapids community leaders had the wisdom to talk to the folks in Grand Forks, North Dakota. You remember them. In 1997 they lost 80% of their downtown to flood and fire. They have seen the devastation and they have fought back.

Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City, Palo all have the spirit to rebuild. To recommit.

To paraphrase from “The Six Million Dollar Man” (1974), “A city barely alive. We can rebuild. We have the technology. We have the capability…”

Perhaps most important, we still have the spirit!

by: Eliot Keller, president and general manager of KZIA Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The city of Cedar Rapids has changed forever.  Time will now be recorded for this city based on events before the flood and after the flood.

This quote from Cedar Rapids’ City Manager in Tuesday’s Gazette really resonated with me.  I have been searching for ways to express what I’ve seen and felt, and have come up a bit lost for words.  I am one of the lucky few whose home and place of work were unharmed.  I have watched the devastation unfold from an arm’s length, but it’s still surprising when the emotions overtake you. 

My eyes welled up when I came to a stop behind an American Red Cross Disaster Relief truck at a stop light. 

My heart ached with when I drove by people waiting in line in front of a FEMA truck.

I was overwhelmed by despair while driving down Ellis Rd….watching hundreds of people literally shovel their lives out the front door and onto their yard.

It feels like I’m watching a natural disaster unfold in a movie, or on CNN. Not just driving to work or a friend’s house. Our city will never be the same.  But this disaster has not changed who we are.  We’re hard workers with an unwavering spirit. 

This was never more apparent then yesterday in Time Check, where I found myself shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers.  They call it cleaning. Recovery.  But there wasn’t much to clean or recover.

There were tears. There were laughs. There were shared bottles of water, sandwiches, masks and chemical gloves. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, and something I never hope to experience again.

But it still moved me.

This same story is unfolding all over Cedar Rapids, Coralville and Iowa City.  Granddaughters are cleaning their grandmothers’ houses, sifting through memories covered in two inches of mud.  Brave young men and women are taking turns guarding our communities at night.  Concerned citizens are salvaging museums, searching for anything to save.  Parents are comforting children who lost everything.  Children are comforting parents who lost everything.  No one is untouched.

This flooding has taken many things from us. Its taken many homes. Its taken iconic bridges. Its taken countless possessions.  Its taken places of business that have stood here much longer than I.  It will steal months of our future that we’ll have to devote to clean up. 

But it has given us something too.  It has made us more compassionate for our neighbors, more giving to our community, and more appreciative of what we still have.

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City were, are, and will forever be an amazing place to live. 

posted by: heatherjoy77

For more information on the Flood of 2008, recovery efforts, and how you can help, please visit:

http://corridorrecovery.org/

http://grantwood-redcross.org/

http://www.flood2008.iowa.gov/

 http://www.andrealynnphoto.com/CRflood2008/  - Photos

Three of the biggest benefits to living in a state like Iowa — and Cedar Rapids in particular, flood or no flood — are:

1. It’s easy to get involved in activities you enjoy.
2. The area is conducive to strengthening your career.
3. It’s a place where you don’t have to worry about your personal safety most of the time.

Getting Involved

I can’t think of a more welcoming place than Iowa. And some of the most welcoming people are involved in nonprofit organizations. Volunteering is a great way to get to know those people who care about the same things you do. And now, with the aftermath of the Great Flood looming and many organizations and families displaced, people need your help more than ever. The Red Cross and other disaster relief orgs will likely need help for many weeks to come.

Love animals? The humane society would love your help. Love kids? Get involved in kids programs at the public library, the History Center or some other museum. The list goes on. Whether you’re passionate about finding a cure for a disease or helping persons with disabilities have a little fun (like I do at Miracles in Motion), you can easily find a way to put your skills to use and engage in a worthwhile activity.

Clubs are another way to get involved. Enthusiasts can have a great time around here! Just the few things I’m aware of are bike clubs, car clubs, service organizations, industry-specific groups (like the one I’m in — AAF:CR-IC), speaking clubs, flyball dog groups, etc. etc. The nice thing is, the commute is short, so you have time for family and yet you don’t have to give up your fun stuff.

Strengthening Your Career

Many fascinating industries populate the Corridor, from biotech to Web-related, transportation to food. They are all looking for quality individuals willing to work hard to make their products and services better. If you’re smart and dedicated, you can probably find yourself on a career track you’ll enjoy for many years.

Another career builder more readily available here is obtaining board experience. Many nonprofits and for-profits want people to help them in decisionmaking, raising capital and the like. It’s good for them to have you share your expertise and for you to have the opportunity to grow something beyond your 9 to 5.

Leave Your Worries Behind

Driving down the street at night, I rarely, if ever, worry about getting carjacked or some other crazy stuff going down. Although violent crime sometimes does strike, it is rare, and it’s even rarer that the bad guy gets away. Honestly, I have come to take for granted the freedom I have to do things like jog by myself or take a walk at night — things I wouldn’t consider doing in cities like Chicago or many areas of Minneapolis.

While I enjoy those cities during short visits, I know that the stress level of city life would take its toll at times. We have it pretty good in those respects here in Iowa.

Ruth Paarmann, owner of Paarlance Creative Writing, loves the idea of luring other former Iowans back to the state!

The Corridor is ideally located for quick weekend getaways. Recently, we each packed a bag and headed just two hours west to Des Moines.

We stayed at Adventureland Inn in Altoona because our 4-year old loves waterparks and the hotel has two pool areas with play features. If we had never left the hotel and just played in the water, he would have been satisfied.

One of our first stops was Graziano Bros., a family-run Italian grocery store just south of downtown. I remember visiting the store as a child and being smacked by the delicious aromas of oregano, garlic and olive oil as you open the door. I definitely wasn’t let down! Here, you can purchase olive oil in gallon containers. Delish!

Our son thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Science Center of Iowa. I grew up in Central Iowa and an annual elementary school road trip was taking to the older facility. The building now located in downtown Des Moines is a kid’s dream come true. Our son started on the top floor, playing games that demonstrate various principals of physics. Visitors can build and launch a paper rocket, race a car down an incline, drop an egg to see if it is sufficiently padded to protect it from the fall, among others.

We also watched, while lying on our backs, a charming little movie in which the narrator travels through the solar system in a cardboard rocket. The movie is projected onto the domed ceiling of a circular room with a great effect. During those elementary field trips, we used to see projections of the galaxy on the ceiling and when the view was rotated, we all swore that they moved the entire room. It was cool then and still is today.

Back on the ground floor, we tested our strength in an area with a variety of pulleys, levers and vacuums. Finally, we wrapped up our visit with a stroll through the Center’s traveling exhibit about dinosaurs.

Others might want to take in an IMAX movie at the center or enjoy a meal. A full day could easily be spent at the Science Center.

We wrapped up the day at Principal Park for an I-Cubs game. This is the first ballpark that I’ve been to with an eye toward its younger audience. On the concourse within the park’s gates is a huge, three-story tunnel, slide and swing system. For $5, kids get unlimited play. Our little boy loved it and was sufficiently worn out to actually watch the game when it started.

Principal Park is a beautiful minor league facility. Located on the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines, visitors are treated to a stunning view of the state capital over the outfield wall. We even had a picture taken with the I-Cubs’ mascot, Cubbie Bear.

Sadly, we were unable to visit Blank Park Zoo and the downtown farmer’s market due to rainy weather. Nonetheless, we enjoyed a quick - and inexpensive - weekend away from home.

posted by: danaengelbert

In 2007, 71 percent of all U.S. households or an estimated 82 million households participated in one or more types of lawn and garden activities.

These numbers make gardening the fourth most popular hobby and leisure activity, tied with fishing. According to Harris Interactive, the most popular activities is reading followed by watching TV.

Corridorians can view some of the regions’ best gardens to get creative ideas for landscaping, ponds and flower beds on Saturday, June 14, from The first Master Gardener’s Garden Walk will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The walk, presented by Iowa State University Extension Linn County Master Gardeners, features five diverse gardens with beds highlighting creative landscaping, ornamental grasses, conifers, vegetables, perennials, containers, and ponds.

Master Gardeners will be available at all sites to answer questions and offer advice.

The cost is $5 for adults or $10 for families. Maps and information is available at www.extension.iastate.edu/linn click on Garden Walk, or call 319.447.0647.

posted by: lschreiber

So the kids have been out of school for all of about five minutes and they’re bored. You’ll find fun for everyone at the 2008 Iowa Arts Festival in downtown Iowa City from June 6-8.

More than 115 local and regional artists will be exhibiting and selling their works. The juried show features 30 new artists this year. From the traditional to the unusual, they’ll all be here. You can even watch art being created! Artist booths are open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Bring an appetite for food and music. Food vendors will satisfy your taste buds and top-notch entertainment will fill your soul. Music gets under way Thursday evening with Boomer Bash hosted by the Senior Center. Catch a variety of acts from Friday evening through the close of the festival on Sunday.

Kids can get in the act, too. Sunday is Children’s Day at the Iowa Arts Festival! Produced by the Iowa City Public Library, Children’s Day offers free hand’s on activities for the younger set. It’s also a great time to register for ICPL’s Summer Reading Program! Activities will take place from noon – 4 p.m. on the pedestrian mall near the Library (located at Linn and College Streets). In case of rain, activities will be held in the Library.

Visit the website for a complete schedule. Bring the whole family to the 2008 Iowa Arts Festival for a great time!

posted by: danaengelbert

We’re not Napa Valley, but that doesn’t mean Eastern Iowa isn’t home to a number of amazing wineries.  I’ve had the pleasure of sampling a few and The Gazette recently unveiled a special section “A Toast to Eastern Iowa’s Wineries” which has helped me update my ever-growing list of new wineries I’d like to try. 

Daly Creek Winery and Bistro - 106 N. Ford St. Anamosa, IA

I was originally enamored by this winery when I heard stories of their fabled “Penitentiary Red” - their best selling wine which is named after the prison that also makes Anamosa its home.  After a taste test and a wonderful New Years Eve meal, I’ve decided my favorite is the Winemaker’s Reserve - (Cabernet Sauvignon) and I recommend buying a bottle to take home with you. 

Little Amana Winery - Little Amana, IA

There are a lot of great wineries in The  Amana Colonies including Sandstone Winery, Ackerman Winery, and the Village Winery, to name a few.   The Cranberry wine at Little Amana has been a favorite of mine since visiting this quaint shop many years ago.  It’s also fun - and a sometimes a little out of your comfort zone - to try their other distinct choices like dandelion wine.  The winery boasts a dozen fruit/sweet wines and eight table wines.

Tabor Home -Baldwin, IA. 

The Tabor vineyard holds the title of having Iowa’s oldest grapevines, planted in the 1860s. This multi-acre farm is a great place for picnics, vineyard strolls and even hosts family reunions.    Every other Sunday beginning June 8^th and running through Sept 21^st the winery offers live music in the vineyard from 3 to 6 pm. 

Cedar Ridge Winery - Cedar Rapids, IA.

Located in Downtown Cedar Rapids this gem offers 15 types of wine and 7 distilled spirits, including a port.  Mark your calendars for May 24^th and June 18^th - Cedar Ridge is hosting vineyard parties with tastings, music and stroll though their vineyard near Swisher.  If interested, you can event host your own parties at their vineyard!  

Fireside Winery - Marengo, IA

This one is a favorite of a friend of mine, and she warns “don’t be mistaken by their exterior.” Fireside doesn’t look like a winery from the outside, but one step through the front door and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Plan to stop by May 18^th from Noon to 5 pm for an art festival featuring Iowa artists and music performed by Cedar Rapids local Chris Miller.

Iowa Wine Trail - A beautiful day trip

Tabor Home is one of many on the Iowa Wine Trail.  The trail covers what is known as the upper Mississippi Valley wine and region of Lisbon, Baldwin, Anamosa, Bankston, Marquette, Decorah and West Branch. Stop along any of the wineries and you’ll be able to sample well-crafted wines in charming tasting rooms.  The trail weaves on and off some of our area’s most scenic byways and showcases much of the landscapes that inspired Grant Wood. 

The Iowa Wine Trail is also hosting a summer event - The Eastern Iowa Wine Festival - this July. 

Start Tasting!

I’ve been lucky enough to try a few local wines in our travels, but now that I’ve done a bit of research I realize just how much more there is to experience.  There are exquisite, award-winning wineries right here in our own backyard. So what are you waiting for? Start tasting!

posted by: heatherjoy77

Hundreds packed Marion Square Park to see vendors from throughout the Midwest. From jewelry to paintings and ceramics, there was something for everyone - including some amazing kettle corn to enjoy why you shopped. We had the opportunity to spend a couple hours at the Marion Arts Festival today, as well as visiting a few shops in downtown Marion. 

I thought I’d share some pictures.

For more pics please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26661191@N04/?saved=1

posted by: heatherjoy77

May on Mays Island, one of the many fun Year of the River events, is slated to take place this weekend.

Prepare yourself for the invasion of the Hawaiian shirts in downtown Cedar Rapids this weekend as hundreds are expected to participate in the Year of the River event May on Mays Island.

Join Parrotheads (official and unofficial!) from around the Corridor Saturday, May 17th from 5 pm - 8 pm as they join to celebrate summer Jimmy Buffet style.  The Cedar Island Band will perform and costume contests will be held. 

Tickets are $7 at the gate and you must be 21 to enter.  To learn more contact the Cedar Rapids Downtown District. 

Isle of Iowa
If you get a taste for the island life after Saturday’s event and want to learn more about embracing the island lifestyle you might want to consider joining The Isle of Iowa Parrot Head Club.  With more than 200 members the club holds monthly meetings and is always looking for an excuse to celebrate!

Looking for more to do on Mays?
Well, you won’t have to look far! Lunch on Mays Island will take place May 23rd at noon and will feature beef burgers, chips and drinks.   

Posted by: heatherjoy77

Summertime and baseball go hand-in-hand. And the Cedar Rapids Kernels know how to make it fun for the whole family. With tickets just $6 to $9, it’s also inexpensively to take in a game.

While the game is enough entertainment for most adults, those of the younger set get a little restless staying put for nine innings. A play area featuring a jumping pit, a batting cage, an inflatable version of skee-ball, and more,. is located on the concourse down the third-base line. For just $1, kids can use up extra energy jumping, playing and doing all the squirmy things kids do.

And of course, you won’t want to miss the ballpark food. Dale and Thomas Popcorn Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium, home of the Kernels, features some pretty good baseball grub. Belly-Buster Mondays offer a great opportunity to sample all the traditional eats. For just $7 (and the price of admission), you’ll be able to enjoy all of the hamburgers, hot dogs, peanuts and chips you care to eat.

The team also hosts several special events throughout the season, including fireworks nights throughout the summer. Take yourself out to the ol’ ballgame … and have a great time!

posted by: danaengelbert