The coronavirus has left us all desperate for safe activities. As our collective calendar was systematically wiped clear this spring, people turned to the outdoors as a refuge and an […]
Brian Johannesen
Posted inCOVID-19
Cedar Rapids Public Library continues to provide crucial services from a distance
If there is one small sliver of a silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that it has highlighted to our society who and what is truly essential to […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Theatre Cedar Rapids uses shut down to create positive, lasting change
Live performance venues were the first businesses to close when the coronavirus arrived in the United States, and they will likely be the last to reopen. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Oasis still dishing up their famous falafel during restricted hours of operation
Small, locally owned restaurants are a big part of what makes a community feel like home. They’re the places you stop for a quick lunch. They’re the places you take […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
FilmScene launches new app-based program to watch curated films at home
To many Iowans, fall is movie season. From Halloween slashers to the Oscar contenders released just before the holidays, a dark movie theater offers respite from the oncoming cold and […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Revival shifts focus to online shopping while retail space undergoes renovation
For 17 years Revival has been a place of escape and community. The Iowa City thrift and consignment boutique provides not only a unique array of vintage and used clothing, […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar survives the pandemic with creativity and generosity
Communities tend to display their identity in the small businesses that line their streets. When you visit a new community, you likely won’t remember the drive-thru fast food cheeseburger you […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Trumpet Blossom transforms its menu to cater to the pandemic food economy
Strong communities are built on inclusiveness. They provide spaces where members can explore new ideas, new art and new food, and that cater to a wide variety of needs and […]
Posted inCommunity/News
NCSML recovers from derecho losses, prepares a new vision for BrewNost
Since 1974 the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids has been a tourist attraction and center for education as the cornerstone of the Czech Village neighborhood. […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
CSPS uses the pandemic as an opportunity to focus on better serving artists and the community
The decision to use a space as an incubator for the arts and as a cultural gathering place for a community is often difficult, especially in a trendy neighborhood. Despite […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Public Space One gets flexible with its new spaces and online programming
Public Space One, over a variety of forms and spaces, has provided a home for art and artists in Iowa City for almost two decades. The newest chapter for the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Inside Linn County Conservation’s derecho recovery effort
The derecho that tore through the Midwest on Aug. 10 has left scars all across Iowa. Hundreds of thousands lost power, cell service and internet connection — some are still […]
