Et Cetera
The Open Book
Oh, Snap!Photography is on my mind this week for a few reasons, but mainly because my daughter just had her Senior Pictures taken. An emotional milestone to say the least! Photographs are so intwined with my most cherished memories, I often find myself wondering if I remember an event, or if I just remember that I have a photo of the event. The Open Book: Peace and Quiet
I enjoyed some quiet time weeding the library flower beds this week, and my mind started wandering. I began to mentally list some of my favorites: favorite cookbooks, soundtracks, textbooks, mystery novels, songs by female artists, whodunit movies, juvenile fiction books, movies based on books, and so on. I can confidently say I have a singular nonfiction favorite; "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. Yard and Garden: Growing and Harvesting Potatoes
Potatoes are a popular crop to grow in home vegetable gardens. However, there’s a lot to know about growing and harvesting potatoes properly. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists have tips on growing, harvesting and addressing common problems sometimes seen on potatoes.When should I harvest potatoes?Potatoes can be harvested when the tubers are small and immature, known as new potatoes, or when the crop is fully mature. 6 Things Parents Need to Know Before Helping with Education Loans
Next year's first college bills are coming out, and students and families are looking for ways to pay for any amount not covered by financial aid, savings or earnings. Many turn to private education loans at this time of year.A traditional-age student may need help from parents, either because the student needs cosigners to qualify or because the parents take out a loan in their own names to help pay the student's college expenses.
The Open Book: Strawberry Pie
Every summer for the 4th of July I make my Grandma Ketchen's strawberry pie. I've got the recipe in Grandma's handwriting, as part of a collection of many of her favorites. It starts with an oil crust, or as Grandma wrote 'liquid shortening'. The baked shell is then filled with fresh strawberries, covered in a homemade strawberry glaze. Once cooled, I top it off with homemade whipped cream and fresh strawberry garnish. The Open Book: Take a Hike
This summer I'm training for a four-day backpacking trek with my son's Boy Scout Troop. We will be covering a portion of Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail, and will be 'packing-in', meaning we will carry all of the supplies we will need on our backs. This trip is considered a High Adventure in the Scouting world, and I'm really looking forward to the trip. Michael Graduates from Mercy College of Health Sciences
Regan Michael of Norway, Iowa, was conferred an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography by Mercy College of Health Sciences, 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, on April 28, 2023. To learn more about the health science programs offered at Mercy College visit our website at www.mchs.edu. Mercy College is the only Catholic college in Central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Kirkwood Community College graduates announced
The 2023 Kirkwood Community College Commencement Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in downtown Cedar Rapids. Congratulations to all the Kirkwood graduates! Atkins, IA Julia Biery, Associate of Arts Gavin Boone, Associate of Arts Cody Bruner, Associate of Arts Samuel Gilbert,
Storey Kenworthy & Workspace Foundation for Giving Accepting Grant Applications
Storey Kenworthy & Workspace Foundation for Giving is pleased to
announce that they are now accepting grant applications from eligible non-profit organizations. The
application window remains open until August 31, 2023. A total of five grants, each amounting to
$5,000, will be awarded to non-profit organizations whose initiatives resonate with Storey Kenworthy &
Workspace’s fundamental philanthropic focuses, which include Abuse & Violence Prevention, Children &
Education, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and Mental Health Awareness & Services.
Fall Makes President's and Honors List at Iowa Central
We’re excited to announce that Cloey Fall from Vinton has made the Iowa Central President’s List and Honors List for the spring 2023 semester! President's List (4.0 GPA, minimum 6 credit hours)