Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of May.
Good morning, Cedar Rapids.
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation awarded over $4.9 million in grants to 350 nonprofit organizations to boost community impact—funding included competitive grants, donor-advised funds and rapid response support, with the next grant deadline on June 27.
Downtown Cedar Rapids and Big Grove Brewery will launch the 5SeasonsFit wellness week from June 22 to June 28 to offer free, family-friendly activities that promote fitness, mental well-being, nutrition, spiritual health, and community connections.
The event aims to give residents a variety of ways to stay active and engaged this summer.
Willis Dady Homeless Services in Cedar Rapids offers a mattress recycling program that turns old beds into job opportunities for people leaving homelessness and helps keep waste out of landfills.
Residents can drop off clean mattresses at 800 1st Ave NW—fees apply based on residency while payments support stable income and affordable housing.
The Cedar Boat Club announced that the July 3 fireworks display is cancelled this year—rising costs have ended the long-standing free privately funded show—and said a major display will be planned for next year to mark the semiquincentennial celebration.
The change ends a cherished summer tradition in Cedar Rapids.
Smiley’s Soup and Sandwiches—long known for its Cubanos, cheesesteak sandwiches and Kentucky Hot Browns—moved indoors to NewBo City Market on May1 and now offers a mix of classic and new menu items.
Mixologists will compete on May 27 at 7 p.m. at NewBo City Market during the annual Cocktail Classic — a music-themed event where competitors craft cocktails inspired by a legendary album using Cedar Ridge Distillery’s Bagger Vodka.
UnityPoint Health has opened enrollment for its PACE program in Hiawatha today to help eligible seniors stay in their homes by coordinating medical care, transportation, and supportive services for those 55 and older who meet nursing facility care criteria (eligibility).
Interested individuals or caregivers can call (319) 451-5000 to schedule an appointment with a PACE enrollment coordinator.
A long-empty historic home in Wellington Heights is being restored for affordable housing thanks to a partnership between Mathew 25 and St. Paul's Methodist Church — the renovation will host two local families by the end of 2025 after nearly two decades of vacancy.
Friday Night Music – Airwaves
6-9 p.m. — Cedar Ridge Distillery — Free entry — Rock out with Eastern Iowa's premier classic rock cover band, Airwaves, playing hits from the 70s to the 90s.
Virtual Tour of Thomas Grove Assisted Living
9 AM - 7 PM — Thomas Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care — Free entry — Explore the best in senior living with quality meals, exceptional care, and friendly staff.
Lake County Captains vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels
6:35-10:35 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — Prices vary — Enjoy a night of Minor League Baseball action featuring local teams.
Lake County Captains vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels
12:05 – 1:35 PM — Veterans Memorial Stadium — Resale prices available — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup featuring the Captains and the Kernels.
Wild Kratts Live
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Kratt Brothers as they bring their animated antics to life on stage.
Spokes Of Hope Bike Ride
11 AM – 3 PM — Sag Wagon — Registration fee applies — Celebrate resilience and support loved ones in the inaugural community bike ride.
TINA - The Tina Turner Musical
2-4:30 p.m. — Hancher Auditorium — $45 – $115 — Experience the electrifying journey of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, through her iconic hits.
Computer Skills Training Workshop
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free — Enhance your computer skills and earn a NorthStar Computer Literacy Certificate.
Relay For Life Walkathon
Celebrate cancer survivors and fight back against cancer with us! From 9 am - noon at Prairie High School track & field, enjoy free breakfast, family activities, and a welcoming space to remember those we have lost to cancer.
Rock the Block: Alicia Monee
6-8 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Free entry — Enjoy live music from local and national bands during this summer concert series.
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