Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Twenty-two restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Marion and Swisher are set to offer special menus during Restaurant Week from Feb.

20 to Mar. 1 organized by the Metro Economic Alliance.

At a Cedar Rapids Titans game on Sunday, fans and players joined a pillow fight that collected 250 donations for Central Furniture Rescue+ a nonprofit helping families transition from homelessness across Eastern Iowa.

The funds will support families for one month.

Central Furniture Rescue has begun its search for a new executive director as founder Susan Johnston will step down at the end of 2026.

The nonprofit has helped furnish homes for thousands and Johnston will continue as an ambassador to ensure a smooth transition.

Parker Sutherland, an 18-year-old freshman tight end at the University of Northern Iowa, collapsed during a warm-up at 7:15 a.m. Thursday at the UNI Dome & was pronounced dead Saturday; Iowa City High will host a celebration of life on Feb.

22.

Firefighters responded on Monday to a grass fire that rapidly spread 400 feet near the tracks at Wilson Avenue + Rockford Road SW; the department advises caution with heat sources and smoking materials amid dry conditions.

ABBA tribute band Mania will perform classic ABBA favorites at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb.

20 at the Paramount Theatre (123 3rd Ave. SE). Ticket prices are $31, $41, and $51.

Cedar Rapids is partnering with five area farmers to test new water quality measures using nearly $1.3M in federal funds.

The three-year grant will fund natural infrastructure projects, on-farm research, and a new watershed coordinator position to boost water quality and flood mitigation efforts.

Since installing solar panels in July 2024, Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids saved ($7,219) on its utility bill over the past year, with January bills reducing from $800 to $140, and plans to use the solar garden to grow produce for local food banks and plant root vegetables soon.

A new Kingston Yard Parking Ramp opened on Feb.

6 near downtown to serve visitors of local spots like Big Grove Brewery and McGrath Amphitheatre. The five-level facility offers 450 spaces including electric car bays and is located on 2nd Ave SW with the exit on 3rd St SW — finishing touches and landscaping will complete this spring.

UNI football coach Todd Stepsis said the team is mourning Parker Sutherland’s passing and is using Panther strength (a tribute to his selfless play) while supporting his family during this difficult time.

Free Volunteer Tax Assistance

12-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free service — Get help with tax preparation and filing from caring VITA volunteers in a community-focused setting.

Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) Program

1-2:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate life and explore wellness topics in a supportive community setting.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow writers and enhance your skills in a supportive environment.

Pet Rock Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticketed event — Relive the smooth sounds of the 1970s with PetRock's captivating performance of soft rock classics.

Murder Mystery Club

6-7:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Dive into a thrilling mystery and collaborate with fellow detectives to uncover the truth at the library.

For the Love of Plants - Hiawatha Public Library Plant Club for Teens

4-5 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a supportive atmosphere for teens to learn and grow their plant knowledge.

Tai Chi for Older Adults

10-11 a.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library — Free entry — Experience a 12-week journey into the gentle art of Tai Chi, building skills week by week.

Composting for Beginners

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Discover the essentials of composting and how to get started at home.

Dungeons & Dragons for Adults

5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventures in a friendly adult setting.

Paws to Read

6:30-7 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A tale-wagging good time for all featuring reading with furry friends.