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- Farmers' Markets
What is the point of living in an agricultural state if you cannot enjoy the fare? Click on this to read about locations, times, and dates of great markets around Cedar Rapids.
- Natural, hormone-, steroid- and antibiotic-free Pork
Denny and Lea Rehberg grow happy, Hampshire pigs in Walker, Iowa. Even vegetarian Sayde wants everyone to know about Rehberg Pork.
You can find the Rehberg's at the markets from May-October. Click here for their schedule and times.
Please contact Lea in advance at 563-920-9887 or lmrehberg@yahoo.com. Let her know what you need, also which site you’ll go to, and she'll have your order ready for pick-up.
- Grinnell Heritage Farm
www.grinnellheritagefarm.com
grinnellheritagefarm@gmail.com
641.236.4374
Now is the time to place your order for this summer's CSA shares! CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) means local, fresh, often organic, produce delivered to you each week from May-October. Cristian and I "subscribe" to Grinnell Heritage Farms, run by Andrew Dunham with the help of Melissa, Janet, Collin and a few others. If you are not sure about "investing" in a share this summer, you can try their produce at the big Cedar Rapids Downton markets this summer.
Your purchase is like buying "futures" in Grinnell Heritage Farms. It's an opportunity to subscribe to the weekly harvest, and support local. Many of Andy's seeds come from Seed Savers or his neighbors, the farm is inherited from the family and practices very eco means of production. The costs are: Spring Share (4 weeks of May) for $65, Full Share (box of food June-Oct) for $550, Half Share (bag of food June-Oct) for $300, Fall Share (box of food Aug-Oct, basically the last half of full share) for $275. Produce is delivered Wed in Cedar Rapids, Thurs in Grinnell, Sat in Iowa City.
As Diane Northway reminds us, there is risk involved, as bad harvest means lighter loads, but that was not the case this year, even with the flood. I cannot say enough good about the food...the quality, how clean it is, the really fresh, organic taste. Andy's food makes me happy to be in Cedar Rapids. Their brochure can be download on their webpage, and you can always contact them with questions or concerns. Save money and time purchasing your summer produce through the Grinnell Heritage Farm CSA.
- Free-Range Chickens and eggs
Dale and Margaret Suhr make it to the markets in Cedar Rapids from Calmar, Iowa, with frozen whole and pieced chickens, as well as free-range eggs, and lovely Norwegian desserts (lefse, kringla). Looking for their next day nearby? Call 563.382.4988, or dmsuhr@yahoo.com.
- Grass-fed Black Angus Beef, and Honey!
Ridgeview Farms, in Ely, Iowa, supplies beef that is healthy for you. They, also, sell anti-oxidant-filled honey and many varieties of kolaches. Find their products at the Mount Vernon Farmers’ Market, or call them to see where they will be next: 319.848.4833.
- Fresh Produce from Fred’s Strawberry Acres
From May-October you can find Fred at the local markets…Hiawatha, Cedar Rapids and the Downtown markets. Fred’s Strawberry Acres offers a variety of happy Iowa produce that grows to be large, colorful and crispy. Look for the man with the black Stetson, or call: 319.241.0424.
- Applecart Orchard and Farm
Visit orchard manager, Allen, his family, the cats, the land and the trees he tends to in Vinton, Iowa. In the autumn you can have a hayrack ride and bonfire or school tour, summer through winter you can find them at many of the Eastern Iowa Farmers’ Markets with their 35 varieties of apples, and preserves, pears, plums, peaches, berries, herbs (fresh or dried), peppers, tomatoes, the heavenly cider and more. All year long you can adopt a tree and reap the benefits of its fruit.
Contact them anytime at 319.472.3900, applecartorchard@aol.com, or visit them, south of Vinton at 2083 61st Street.
- Organic Dairy
On your next visit to Hy-Vee, Sam’s Club, or other grocery stores, look for Heartland Creamery’s artesian goat cheeses, goat milk, cow milk, and milk cheese. This Northern Missouri dairy supports happy cows, goats, and people with their religious mession. Their products are made from hormone-, steroid- and antibiotic-free milk. They also sell eggnog (in season) and chocolate milk that is so good Sayde’s friend calls it “liquid crack.” Read more at: www.heartlandcreamery.com.
- Nutri-Smoothie
For a healthier, energy-boosting snack head to Nutri-Smoothie right next door to Nutri-Sport at 1725 Blairs Ferry Road (strip mall next Reynaldo’s, where Marion meets Cedar Rapids). The smoothie café offers a variety of high or low fat, high energy or calming drinks. These large beverages are made with ice, milk &/or yogurt, fruit, and any added supplements that you need! Categories on the menu include: low fat, meal replacement, smart, weight gainer, power, and dessert. Not sure which addition can bring you to your best today? No problem…the staff is very knowledgeable.
Open until 8pm Mon-Sat or call with further questions: 319.447.4936.
- You are what you eat, from your head down to your feet…
And you should get to the source of what you are filling your body with. “The Center for Food Safety works to protect human health and the environment by curbing the proliferation of harmful food production technologies and by promoting organic and other forms of sustainable agriculture." Sign a petition, read the news, learn where your food comes from at: www.centerforfoodsafety.org.
- Eco Lips Organic Lip Balm
Eco Lips is run, manufactured and distributed from here in Cedar Rapids. The Hemp lip balm is the best winter balm ever; it doesn’t freeze even in the cold air! Their products are so natural that I keep one everwhere (car, bathroom, bedroom, entryway) and use them everywhere on my body that I am feeling dry. Try one of these accessories to take your lip balm with you anywhere (skiing, running, sledding, etc): Accessories Eco Leash, Eco Clip (Carabineer Clip), Eco Key-Ring, Eco Lanyard (Lip Balm Necklace).
For more, head to: www.ecolips.com. And “Notes from the Prez” will keep you up-to-date on ecoliving.
- Local Recycling
Make a richer community for you and your neighbors. Almost all of the items that you can recycle, create jobs right here in Eastern Iowa….plastic bags become carpeting and mildew-free decking material, paper is made into boxes and new paper, metal is used to create car parts and telecommunication devices… all right here in our community! Your used goods are not trucked hundreds of miles away, they are sent to our local companies and employing your neighbors. Read how to here.
Use your skills to help protect your community of people, animals and habitats. Learn the 10 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Save the Earth and 4 Simple Steps to Protect Wildlife. Provided by the World Wildlife Fund.
To learn the facts and myths about global warming, check out the Environmental Defense Action Fund and learn 21 Simple Ways to Reduce Global Warming.
- Media
For a great source of books, gift items, art prints, videos, and music related to yoga, spirituality, and Indian culture, check out Mandala Publishing at www.mandala.org
- Seamstress/Tailor/Custom Sewing
Rainbow Threads is run by Darcy VanDee out of her home in Marion. She can fix anything, and has years of experience creating everything from bridesmaid dresses to buckskin costumes. Try her after 3pm at 319.377.7408.
- Home Depot Management
Maybe you have heard me speak about my close relationship with Menards; so close, that, without it’s proximity to the tri-plex, I would have given up on remodeling. Prices are great. But big projects call for great support, and I have found the best support from the staff at Home Depot. Chris Walsh and company at the Home Depot in Cedar Rapids have fixed problems, offered design ideas, and shared smiles. I know they will support you, too.
- Breast Milk
Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa at UIHC accepts donations of excess breastmilk. Banked donor milk is available for use by premature infants, infants with Immunological defects, mothers with insufficient milk supply, mother’s whose illness requires temporary cessation of breastfeeding, and adopted babies.
Visit the Milk Bank webpage. For more on proper collection methods for donating, or to request banked milk, call 319-356-2652 or 877-891-5347 or email jean-drulis@uiowa.edu.
- Massage Therapy
Soundness With Sayde always supports ways for you to be healthier and feel better. I am often asked about whom I recommend for a massage. I only have so much first hand experience, and I am sure that there are more great therapists than I have listed. For a start, visit here.
Augusta Restaurant
101 S Augusta Avenue, Oxford, IA 52322
www.augustarestaurant.net
(319) 828-2252 OR augustarestaurant@gmail.com
HOURS: Wed & Thurs: 11 am to 9 pm, Fri & Sat: 11 am to 10 pm, Sun: 10 am to 2 pm and 4 to 8 pm, Closed: Monday and Tuesday
Ambiance: Small town, 20th Century Iowa diner meets New Orleans bar.
Experience: The food is phenomenal. You cannot go wrong with anything that you order, as almost 100% of the food is made there...from mayonnaise, buns, pickles, salad dressings, all are made to delight with the flavor of New Orleans in the guise of mid-western home cooking. Ingredients are as local as they can be, with beef and pork from Iowa and local produce in season.
Located just west of Iowa City, and an easy drive from Cedar Rapids (the roads are well-maintained even during our winter trips) this restaurant should not be missed. Read more here.
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