Oh the weather outside is frightful, but these holiday gifts from Iowa-based businesses are so delightful. Read on for what’s on our list to give and get this holiday season.
Author: Melissa Larsen
Nonprofit of the Month: Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Standing behind the belief that all animals deserve a second chance, Des Moines-based Animal Rescue League of Iowa works to promote animal welfare, strengthen the human/animal bond and prevent the overpopulation of pets.
Nonprofit of the Month: Iowa Farm Sanctuary
Iowa Farm Sanctuary, located in Oxford, provides a safe haven to rescued farm animals in need of love and compassion. Here, Shawn Camp, executive director and co-founder, discusses Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s first-ever 5k, the challenge of aiding farm animals in an agricultural state and how the rescue positively affects humans just as much as its cows and goats.
5 Spots for Pepperoni Pizza in Cedar Rapids
Sept. 20 marks National Pepperoni Pizza Day! In order to celebrate the top dog of all pizza toppings, here are five Cedar Rapids-based favorites for pepperoni ‘za.
Nonprofit of the Month: Dogs Forever
With a commitment to saving the lives of hard-to-place and homeless dogs, Cedar Rapids-based Dogs Forever is an Adoption Guarantee shelter. Here, Lisa Carrara, secretary, and Joyce Thompson, president, discuss how the pandemic has altered Dogs Forever’s day-to-day, the nonprofit’s goals for 2021 and various fundraising events that locals can enjoy this month.
Big Grove Brewery to Open in Des Moines
With two successful locations already under its belt (one in Solon and the other in Iowa City), Big Grove Brewery has announced its newest brewery and taproom is slated to open in Des Moines in 2022. The project will be located on the eastern side of the Crescent Chevrolet Building.
Nonprofit of the Month: Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival
Each year, more than 400,000 revelers head to the three-week-long Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, taking place June 14 to July 4, to see Iowa’s largest fireworks display and enjoy dozens of family events. The nonprofit provides a vast array of entertainment and educational opportunities for those living in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area.
10 Iowa Beaches
With spring in our midst and summer right around the corner, it’s that time of the year to start planning trips to the beach to cool off in the waters and soak up the sun. Here are 10 top beaches in Iowa to help you plan the perfect warm-weather getaway.
Fabulous People: Lovar Davis Kidd
Lovar Davis Kidd (who goes by L.D.) is a poet, author, dance educator, musician and CEO of 100% OVER RACISM., which started as a protest sign combating racism and is now an apparel company that encourages people to #wearyourtruth. A portion of proceeds from 100% OVER RACISM. support Black-owned businesses in Eastern Iowa.
Fabulous People: Torey Rohde
Torey Rohde, of Iowa City’s Torey Rohde Photography, is a wedding and lifestyle photographer who takes an artistic approach to capture people being, well, people. “I love candid moments, movement and lots of laughter and play in my portraits.”