Coralville Courier

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Today the US Water Alliance announced the winners of the US Water Prize, a prestigious award for outstanding work towards changing how water is viewed, valued, and managed. Awards were given in six categories to outstanding individuals and organizations that inspire us to create a more sustainable water future for all: Cross-Sector Partnership, Public Sector, Private Sector, Non-Profit, Outstanding Journalism on the Value of Water, and Outstanding Public Official.

The City of Cedar Rapids won in the Public Sector category for its leadership in the Middle Cedar Partnership Project (MCPP). The MCPP is a collaboration between downstream water users, upstream conservation entities and local farmers. Led by the City of Cedar Rapids, these groups partner to increase the implementation of nutrient-management and flood-reduction practices in targeted areas of the Middle Cedar watershed. The project’s goals are improved water quality, water quantity, and soil health.

“There is an urgent need to address increasing concentrations of nitrates and extreme flood events in the Cedar River,” said City of Cedar Rapids Utilities Director Steve Hershner. “We believe that MCPP has demonstrated a successful model for information outreach and conservation practice implementation.”

US Water Alliance CEO Radhika Fox said, “Water is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the water challenges we face are complicated. These innovative and inspiring leaders are demonstrating to the nation what is possible and how we can build a better water future for all.”

The US Water Prizes will be distributed on the evening of September 18, 2019, in Austin, Texas as part of the US Water Alliance’s One Water Summit, the premier national conference focused on sustainable water management that bringing together close to 1,000 leaders from across the country.

Hershner will receive the award on behalf of the City of Cedar Rapids. He will also participate in a panel discussion at the summit on Thursday titled, “Agriculture and Water — Stronger Together,” highlighting the stories, economics, and incentives of collaborative watershed approaches.

US Water Alliance advances policies and programs to secure a sustainable water future for all. Established in 2008, the Alliance is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that educates the nation on the true value of water, accelerates the adoption of one water policies and programs, and celebrates innovation in water management. The Alliance brings together diverse interests to identify and advance common-ground, achievable solutions to our nation's most pressing water challenges. Our membership includes water providers, public officials, business leaders, environmental organizations, community leaders, policy organizations, and more. 

Learn more about the Middle Cedar Partnership Project at www.CityofCR.com/MCPP

A National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. All ages are welcome. There will be something for both kids and adults at this celebration.… Read on

Cedar Rapids. Saturday, September 21, musicians Travis Dean and Hwy 39 band will give their all for the Linn County Freedom Rock. The Veterans Memorial Building is host to Dean’s live concert where all proceeds go towards the Linn County Freedom Rock project.

Who: Local musician, Clint Koerperich kicks off the evening at 5:30 pm, followed by local blues band, Blue Scratch.

7:00 pm headliner from Branson, Missouri: Travis Dean and Highway 39.

Bonus! Dean’s band will debut an anticipated new single at this concert. The original lyrics boast an all factual story line that Dean wrote about his Oklahoma home. Premier at the Veterans Memorial Building concert, and available for download that day.

Where: Downtown Cedar Rapids. 50 2^nd Avenue Bridge, Veterans Memorial Building, Coliseum.

When: September 21, 2019. Doors open at 5 pm.

How much: $20 for adults, $10 for youth (12 and under). Children 4 and under are free. All proceeds benefit the Linn County Freedom Rock Foundation.

Parking: Street parking on 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Avenues are free. May’s Island underground parking will be open and free to concert goers. Access the underground lot from 2^nd Avenue.

Details: Concessions including soda, beer and wine will be available for purchase on-site.

The Linn County Freedom Rock is set at the Linn County Fairgrounds, Central City. In the summer of 2020 Freedom Rock artist Bubba Sorensen will paint the Linn County image on the rock. The Foundation needs to raise $20k to bring this large-scale project to successful fruition.

Dee Elledge, who recently relocated to the Cedar Rapids area has been an integral partner for the Foundation, and especially in enticing Travis Dean to perform. Elledge, a champion for Veterans, directs a popular Branson, Missouri non-profit organization named, Veteransshow.com. Now that Elledge is living here she felt it was time to get involved locally and continue the work of giving back. In Elledge’s words, “When I heard about the Freedom Rock I couldn't have thought of a better cause to get behind for Linn County. I just love our Veterans and love what they have done for us without even knowing us.” Teri Van Dorston, Veterans Memorial Assistant Director adds, “Together, we can raise a thoughtful and symbolic memorial for Linn County Veterans.” The Linn County Freedom Rock Foundation plans to pack the Coliseum with supporters and music lovers.

Tickets available in advance online: https://linncountyfreedomrock.com/shop/, at the door, and are available at the Veterans Memorial Building, in the Commission staff office on the 3^rd floor. Call 319-286-5038 for ticket information.

Couple $50 res. $62.50 non-res. Single $35 res. $40 non-res. Couple + 1 passenger $65 res. $81.25 non-res Couple +2 passengers $80 res. $100 non-res Prepare...… Read on

The Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation is now accepting donations of handmade arts and crafts for the Seventh Annual Arts & Crafts Bazaar.

This year’s bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 7, in Meeting Room A. Proceeds from the sale support the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation to benefit Library programs and collections.

Those wishing to donate items may bring them to the Library during open hours before Wednesday, December 4. All items must be handmade and be delivered with an ICPL Arts and Crafts Bazaar donation form (available at the Library and online at icpl.org/arts-and-crafts).

For more information, contact Patty McCarthy at 319-356-5249 or patty-mccarthy@icpl.org

Find the perfect piece of artwork for your home or office, discover the talent of local artists, and celebrate art while supporting a good cause.

Community members are invited to attend the Art is Ageless exhibition and fundraising auction hosted by the Iowa City Senior Center from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019.

The auction will showcase a variety of work donated by two local artists: Linda D. Brown and the late John “Big John” Birkbeck. There will be live entertainment, a dessert bar, and complimentary beer and cider samples from Big Grove Brewery, Wilson’s Orchard, and ReUnion Brewery.

Attendance is free and open to the public, and all art auction proceeds will benefit The Center’s operational budget. This is a unique opportunity to purchase affordable artwork and celebrate the creativity of artists of all ages, all while supporting The Center as a crucial resource that helps community members stay active, curious and connected.

The Art is Ageless auction will be a hybrid combination of a sealed-bid and silent auction. The full exhibit is open to the public for viewing on weekdays between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at The Center, 28 S. Linn St. Sealed pre-bidding will open at noon on Thursday, Sept. 19 through 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. 

Some artwork will be available to view online at Center's Facebook page and sealed bids will also be accepted via email to jessi-simon@iowa-city.org or phone at 319-356-5220. The highest sealed bid for each piece will be set as the starting bid for the silent auction occurring at The Center on Friday, Sept. 27 during the Art is Ageless Auction Event. The person with the highest bid on each item at 8 p.m. will win the artwork. Participants need not be present to win.

The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center enhances quality of life by creating opportunities to support wellness, social connections community engagement and lifelong learning for a diverse and growing older adult population.

The Center is located in the heart of Iowa City at 28 South Linn Street, and has convenient parking via the attached skywalk to the Tower Place parking ramp. To learn more, view the current program guide or become a member, visit icgov.org/senior/ or call 319-356-5220.

Spend your September Sundays meeting and enjoying your neighbors during a special series presented by Party in the Park.

From 4-5:30 p.m. each Sunday, one City park will host a bevy of activities, games, entertainment and more. This year, the theme is tailgating, so families and people of all ages can enjoy free food, yard games, corn hole, sponge toss, and Hawkeye crafts.   

Below are the three remaining Sunday Party in the Park locations with a rundown of entertainment at each: 

• September 15: Brookland Park, 550 Greenwood Drive. Entertainment includes the Iowa City blues group Blue Dog Band. Food will include watermelon, chips, nuts, popcorn, and drinks. 
• September 22: North Market Square, 600 Fairchild St. The Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre will perform at 4 p.m., followed by the blues band The Tornadoes at 4:30 p.m. The Northside Neighborhood will serve sandwiches, chips, and drinks.
• September 29: Benton Hill Park, 525 W. Benton St. Eulenspiegel Puppets perform at 4 p.m.  Folk, Americana singer-songwriter musician Ryne Doughty will perform at 4:30 p.m. The Miller Orchard Neighborhood will serve pizza and pop.

These parties are being hosted in neighborhoods with larger populations of student residents, and are an opportunity for neighborhoods to kick off the school year and welcome their new neighbors. 

Bring blankets, chairs, your appetite and good weather! There is no fee to participate and all ages are welcome. 

LitFlicks is a film series for adults showing movies adapted from books. This month we are showing the movie "If Beale Street Could Talk".… Read on

Some of the most beautiful woodland views in Coralville can be found on the Coralville Woodland Singletrack Trail. At this Try It event and celebration, you can...… Read on

'It’s a Mystery' is a mystery book discussion group that has met at the Coralville Public Library for over twenty years.… Read on