Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Old MacDonald's Farm will open May 4 on the southeast side with a daylong Chalk the Farm event at Bever Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., where visitors can enjoy chalk art, animal encounters, a new handwashing station + seasonal activities through Sept.

27.

Hy-Vee is advancing veteran support this May by inviting customers to round up purchases for donations with matching funds up to $100,000.

Veterans and active-duty personnel can enjoy free coffee on Wednesday mornings and a free breakfast on May 20 while the chain teams with the USO to distribute hygiene kits.

After nearly a year overseas, Iowa National Guard Staff Sergeant Chris Hennessy returned from Syria on Thursday, April 30 and surprised his sons at an afternoon assembly at All Saints Elementary when police escorted his family to ensure a timely homecoming, which was captured by Xavier Catholic Schools staff.

Several Iowa breweries earned nine medals at two global beer competitions in April.

Cedar Rapids’ Lion Bridge Brewing Co won gold at the World Beer Cup in Philadelphia on April 22 while breweries in Iowa City, North Liberty, Sioux City, Des Moines and Council Bluffs also received awards at the events.

Pizza Hut is reviving its long-running Book It! program to boost summer reading among children by offering a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza when reading goals are met via a new mobile app.

Enrollment opens today and the program runs from June 1 through Aug. 31.

Federal aid changes starting July 1 will reduce loan amounts for college students, as new rules limit borrowing for part-time enrollment and Parent Plus Loans.

The updated FAFSA now requires fewer questions, which may help Cedar Rapids students apply for aid more easily.

Alliant Energy filed paperwork with the Iowa Utilities Commission Wednesday for a proposed gas plant off Highway 30 & Linn Benton Road.

Locals voiced concerns about air quality from its three planned smokestacks and even launched a GoFundMe to help cover legal fees.

Fire departments in the Cedar Rapids corridor now offer a single-stop reciprocal inspection process for food trucks, making fire inspections valid across local areas and easing permit needs for vendors like Moy’s Food From the Street (which parks at multiple spots).

The change was announced on Thursday.

More than 100 Iowa National Guard soldiers returned from the Middle East to Cedar Rapids, where families welcomed them back with emotional reunions + new beginnings, including one father eager to meet his newborn daughter.

The soldiers served with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team during their mission.

NAIA Men's Volleyball Championship - Saturday

5-8 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Ticket prices vary — Witness thrilling competition as top teams battle for the championship title.

Expressive Arts: The Art of Music

4-5 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Explore the unique characteristics of various music genres in a community setting.

Dungeons & Dragons Adult Club

5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in an adventurous Dungeons & Dragons campaign tailored for adults.

Dungeons and Dragons Gathering

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into epic adventures with fellow tabletop RPG enthusiasts.

Pied Piper Concert for Young Children

9:15-9:45 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Delight in a lively brass instrument concert tailored for young children.

Mother's Day Buffet at 350 First

10 AM – 2 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — $45 per person — Celebrate mom with a delightful brunch buffet featuring chef-inspired dishes and treats.

Senior Create Hour: Painting for Fun

1-3 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free — Relax and explore painting in a friendly environment designed for older adults.

Youth Advisory Board Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Collaborate on ideas and influence future library programs.

Purrfect Pages Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Turn old books into something purr-fectly adorable!

Hiawatha Comic Book Club

7-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your favorite reads and connect with fellow comic enthusiasts.