BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CalDiscovery//caldiscovery//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH DESCRIPTION:Cedar Rapids: community\, Thursday (Thu Sep 17\, America/Chica go). Rolling: the window moves forward every day\, so subscribe rather tha n download. Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscover y.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fro m CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. SOURCE:https://caldiscovery.com/cedar-rapids-ia/thursday-community.ics X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT12H REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT12H X-WR-CALDESC:Cedar Rapids: community\, Thursday (Thu Sep 17\, America/Chic ago). Rolling: the window moves forward every day\, so subscribe rather th an download. Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscove ry.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fr om CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. X-WR-CALNAME:Cedar Rapids · community · Thursday · CalDiscovery BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Explore the Landscape DTSTART:20260917T130000Z DTEND:20260917T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T001232Z UID:10012115-1789632000-1789660800@www.brucemore.org CATEGORIES:community,free,outdoors DESCRIPTION:The 26-acre landscape highlights a variety of experiences to e njoy throughout the year! Free and open to the public seven days a week fo r a majority of the year\, visiting the grounds offers the perfect way to immerse yourself in a historic country estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids . Stroll through the gardens\, picnic on the lawn\, birdwatch on a woodlan d path near the pond\, examine the architecture of the mansion and servant s’ village\, or take in the history of the site with interpretative pane ls scattered across the grounds. Don’t forget to take a selfie (or two) and tag us on social media! \n\n\n*Hours are subject to change seasonally or for special events\, holidays\, and other occasions.  \n\n\n\nGuidelin es for your visit\n\n\nWe love when furry friends come to visit Brucemore! Please help us keep the site clean and welcoming to everyone by keeping y our animal on lead at all times and taking any waste with you.\nWe do not have any garbage cans on the grounds as part of our approach to remove dis tractions. Please carry out anything you bring onto the site.\nParking for vehicles is available on pavement near the Carriage House or Mansion.\nPu blic restrooms are available in a building next to the Carriage House duri ng hours with vehicle access seasonally. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T001232Z LOCATION:Brucemore\, 2160 Linden Dr SE\, Cedar Rapids\, IA\, 52403\, Unite d States URL:https://www.brucemore.org/event/explore-the-landscape-7-2/2026-09-17/? utm_source=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ics&utm_campaign=cedar-rapids-ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Brucemore X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.brucemore.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Creekside Forest School Open House DTSTART:20260917T180000Z DTEND:20260917T190000Z DTSTAMP:20260908T181946Z UID:10002045-1789650000-1789653600@indiancreeknaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Skunk cabbage is one of the rare treasures you can find on the Indian Creek Nature Center trails.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Secrets You Find When You Slow Downby Trail C oordinator Nick McGrath Imagine a beautiful natural landscape here in Iowa . Is it of towering trees\, expansive prairies\, or dazzling displays of w ildflowers in bloom? These bold features can easily capture our attention but only tell part of the story.  Found singularly within the canopy\, tu cked beneath shrubs and grasses\, nestled among rocks and against tree tru nks\, or quietly growing along woodland paths are countless plants that ma ny will pass by\, unaware of their uniqueness or importance in the landsca pe. They are quite easily overlooked\, but these plants add remarkable div ersity\, beauty\, and ecological value. Spread out across Indian Creek Nat ure Center’s property are a host of unnoticed plants that serve critical roles and bring vibrancy and a sense of fullness into the natural landsca pe.  Peeking out from the woodland edge is a non-aggressive plant called purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens). Most may pass this by\, albeit s lightly puzzled\, assuming it is a common milkweed that is out of place. U pon closer inspection\, the observer will find minute differences in size\ , texture\, shape\, and color.  The purple milkweed boasts a vibrant dark fuchsia color that seems to call out\, “Hey! Look over here by the tree line!” This particular milkweed thrives in a part-shade environment and\ , unlike the common purple milkweed\, does not spread through rhizomes\, u nderground stems capable of sprouting new plants\, making it much less com petitive. On your next mid-summer hike\, take a closer look around the tra ils immediately surrounding Amazing Space\, and you just might spot this p urple milkweed! A snowy trek along the Bena Brook area of ICNC could land you in the world of skunk cabbage\, so mind your nose and watch your step! Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is part of a very small group of pl ants capable of thermogenesis\, the ability to metabolically generate heat . In late winter and early spring the interior of a skunk cabbage can be u p to twenty degrees warmer than ambient temperatures\, helping to melt the surrounding snow and emit a truly pungent smell\, fitting of its name. Th e combination of heat and odor attracts and supports all manner of early s eason pollinators. Skunk cabbage falls into the botanical family Araceae\, characterized in part by a spadix and spathe. The spadix is most similar to a stem covered in tiny flowers while the spathe is a modified leaf that surrounds the spadix. An easily recognized example of this is the inflore scence (flowering parts) of a household peace lily\, also in the family Ar aceae. Other notable family members include monstera and philodendron! Ano ther Araceae member happily calls the Nature Center home and is quite fasc inating to see in person. Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) can be found throughout the property in deep\, moist woodland shade. This small\, unique plant gets its name from the arrangement of the spadix and spathe\ , resembling a preacher inside a pulpit. If you stumble upon this plant\, it is best to look but not touch due to significant amounts of calcium oxa late crystals throughout the plant. Do\, however\, count the number of lea ves! This long-lived plant stores energy underground and decides\, based o n available energy\, whether to emerge that year as a male or female plant . A single leaf usually indicates a male plant since it takes less energy to produce pollen than fruit. Two leaves (or the presence of fruit) indica te a female plant. Typically\, Jack-in-the-pulpit will revert to a male pl ant the year after fruiting to recoup energy and start again. These plants may not always demand our attention\, but they are an important part of w hat makes Indian Creek Nature Center such a rich and diverse place to expl ore. The next time you walk the trails\, slow down\, become an observer an d take time to notice the small\, often overlooked plants around you. You may be surprised by how much life is growing right at your feet! LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T181946Z URL:https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/event/creekside-forest-school-open -house-5/?utm_source=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ics&utm_campaign=cedar-rapids -ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Indian Creek Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Game Time! DTSTART:20260917T180000Z DTEND:20260917T200000Z DTSTAMP:20260915T001156Z UID:10004156-1789650000-1789657200@www.communitycancercenter.org CATEGORIES:community,gaming DESCRIPTION:After facing breast cancer\, a Cedar Rapids woman and her moth er traveled to France to race alongside thousands of survivors from around the world \nFor years\, Abbey Lange of Cedar Rapids watched from the shor eline as her mother\, Michelle Lange of East Dubuque\, Illinois\, raced dr agon boats with fellow breast cancer survivors on the Mississippi River. \ nMichelle\, a two-time breast cancer survivor\, had spent more than two de cades paddling with Team “Hope for the Breast\,” a dragon boat team wh ere the only requirement to join is a breast cancer diagnosis. She always loved having Abbey there to cheer her on—but hoped her daughter would ne ver have a reason to join her in the boat. \nUnfortunately\, that wish did n’t last. \nIn late 2022\, Abbey was just 32-years-old when she felt a l ump in her breast. She thought she might be feeling a muscle because she w as active and worked out regularly. But knowing her mother’s history of breast cancer\, Abbey trusted her instincts and had it checked. \nThat dec ision changed her life. \nTrusting Her Instincts\nFollowing a biopsy\, Abb ey was diagnosed with breast cancer and referred to the Nassif Community C ancer Center\, where she met with care coordinator Mona Cook\, BSN\, RN\, CBCN\, to begin developing a personalized care plan. \nAbbey underwent 20 rounds of chemotherapy before deciding\, in consultation with her physicia ns\, to have a double mastectomy to minimize her risk of recurrence. She a lso underwent immediate breast reconstruction. \nThroughout treatment\, Ab bey formed close relationships with her care team and took advantage of su pportive services at the Community Cancer Center\, including genetic testi ng\, which gave her more insight into her personal cancer risk. \nDuring c hemotherapy\, Abbey also received support through the Community Cancer Cen ter’s partnership with Strands of Strength\, which helped her obtain a w ig after she lost her hair. \n“Until you go through it\, you don’t kno w what it’s like to not feel like yourself\,” Abbey said. “Getting t hat wig really made me feel like me.” \nAfter completing treatment\, Abb ey worked with cancer exercise specialist Matt Schmitz\, CSCS\, CES\, AFT\ , to rebuild her strength and prepare to join her mother in the dragon boa t. \nFrom the Shoreline to the Boat\nAbbey eventually joined her mother on Team “Hope for the Breast\,” turning years of cheering from the shore into a shared experience on the water. \nThat experience reached a milest one this summer when Michelle and Abbey traveled to Aix-les-Bains\, France \, for the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission Dragon Boat Festival. \nMore than 4\,500 breast cancer survivors from around the world gathered for the event\, creating what Michelle described as “a se a of pink.” \nFor Abbey\, the trip was her first time traveling outside the country—and a chance to experience something she never could have im agined when she was diagnosed at 32. \n“Being surrounded by 4\,500 breas t cancer survivors felt so empowering\, knowing that all of our journeys h ave led us together\, to race on beautiful blue waters and mountains surro unding us\,” Abbey said. \nShe especially enjoyed meeting women from dif ferent countries and exchanging pins representing where they came from. \n But the most memorable moment came on the boat. \n“For so many years\, I was the daughter standing on the shore watching and cheering my mom on\, but sitting just four rows behind her on the boat in France was a moment I ’ll never forget\,” Abbey said. \nWhen the race ended\, the mother and daughter learned their team had finished first in their division. \n“My mom and I locked eyes\, we hugged each other and cheered\, crying tears o f joy\,” Abbey said. “It was truly a magical moment.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \ n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michelle and Abbey in Fra nce.A flower ceremony that took place at the event.Team Hope for the Breas t on the water.Abbey Michelle and Abbey's friend Kaitlin.Team Hope for the Breast with their medals after winning their division.Team Hope for the B reast in the dragon boat.Abbe and Michelle with the water and mountains in the background.The head of the dragon boat Abbey and Michelle raced in. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Three Y ears Cancer-Free\nAbbey celebrated three years cancer-free in May. While s he continues to experience some long-term effects of treatment\, she says she feels good and plans to keep dragon boating\, staying active and enjoy ing life. \n“More than anything\, I’m just trying to enjoy life and ta ke care of myself\, and also appreciate how far I have come\,” she said. \nA Mother’s Perspective\nFor Michelle\, seeing her daughter become a b reast cancer survivor has been both difficult and deeply meaningful. \n“ It is a bittersweet experience having Abbey in the boat with me\,” Miche lle said. “Knowing your daughter had cancer\, but also knowing that she made it through this terrible disease and we are both survivors.” \nAfte r more than 20 years of dragon boating\, Michelle knows firsthand that a b reast cancer diagnosis does not define the rest of a person’s life. \n “There is so much life after breast cancer\,” she said. “In the mome nt\, that’s all you think\, live and breathe—cancer. But you get to mo ve on and live your life to the fullest.” \nToday\, Michelle and Abbey a re no longer mother and daughter separated by the shoreline. They are team mates\, survivors and friends who share memories that began with a cancer diagnosis and carried them all the way to France. \nAnd their journey cont inues. \nA Message to Women During Breast Cancer Awareness Month\nBoth Mic helle and Abbey hope their story encourages women to pay attention to thei r health and advocate for themselves. Their message is simple: Listen to y our body\, ask questions and never be afraid to speak up when something do esn’t feel right. \n“Know your body. Know your family history\, and ad vocate for yourself\,” Abbey said. “If something doesn’t feel right\ , don’t ignore it. Early detection can make such a huge difference. I wa s diagnosed young at age 32 and I never thought I would be facing breast c ancer at that age. Cancer doesn’t care how old you are.” \nExperienced Breast Cancer Care in Cedar Rapids\nThe Nassif Community Cancer Center pr ovides comprehensive cancer care and support services for patients and fam ilies throughout the cancer journey. \nTo learn more about breast cancer c are and support services\, call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercen ter.org. \nGet Your Annual Screening Mammogram\nIt’s recommended women s tart with a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-40\, then begin annu al screening mammograms at age 40\, or sooner if there’s a family histor y of breast cancer. To schedule your mammogram\, talk to your healthcare provider or call (319) 369-7216 to schedule your mammogram at one of St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health’s three convenient locations. You can a lso request a mammogram appointment online at uph.link/CR-RequestAMammogra m. St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health also offers walk-in mammograms Mon day through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.\, with a doctor’s order. LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T001156Z LOCATION:Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center URL:https://www.communitycancercenter.org/event/game-time/2026-09-17/?utm_ source=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ics&utm_campaign=cedar-rapids-ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Community Cancer Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.communitycancercenter.org/support-services/suppor t-groups END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:NAMI Family Support Group DTSTART:20260917T233000Z DTEND:20260918T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260915T060355Z UID:10028579-1789669800-1789673400@downtowniowacity.com CATEGORIES:community DESCRIPTION:NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health con dition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing s imilar experiences. \nNAMI’s support groups are unique because they foll ow a structured model\, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard a nd to get what they need. \n\nFree of cost to participants\nDesigned for a dult loved ones of people with mental health conditions\nLed by family m embers of people with mental health conditions\n60-90 minutes long and mee ts weekly\, every other week or monthly (varies by location)\nNo specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed\nConfidential LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T060355Z LOCATION:National Alliance on Mental Illness\, Johnson County (NAMIJC)\, 1 531 S Gilbert St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/event/nami-family-support-group-2/2026-09 -17/?utm_source=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ics&utm_campaign=cedar-rapids-ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa City Downtown District X-SOURCE-URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Trivia at the Den DTSTART:20260918T000000Z DTEND:20260918T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260915T060355Z UID:10045988-1789671600-1789678800@downtowniowacity.com CATEGORIES:community DESCRIPTION:Calling all brainiacs! 🤓🧠 Christopher’s Bar Exam is pa rtnering with St. Burch to host trivia in the Den every Thursday from 7-9 pm! It’s free to enter\, and first place team will be awarded a $50 St. Burch gift card. Call up your most trivia-savvy friends\, form a team\, an d we’ll see you there! LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T060355Z LOCATION:St Burch Tavern\, 127 Iowa Ave\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/event/trivia-at-the-den/2026-09-17/?utm_s ource=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ics&utm_campaign=cedar-rapids-ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa City Downtown District X-SOURCE-URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Trivia Night at Sam's Pizza DTSTART:20260918T000000Z DTEND:20260918T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260915T060355Z UID:10047358-1789671600-1789678800@downtowniowacity.com CATEGORIES:community DESCRIPTION:Everything Thursday Night From 7-9pm is Pub Trivia!Prizes for 1st\, 2nd\, & 3rd Place!! Always Free to play!! LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T060355Z LOCATION:Sam’s Pizza\, 441 S Gilbert St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, Unite d States URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/event/trivia-night-at-sams-pizza/2026-09- 17/?utm_source=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ics&utm_campaign=cedar-rapids-ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa City Downtown District X-SOURCE-URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:45 Years of Community: An Iowa City Senior Center Showcase Extrava ganza DTSTART:20260918T000000Z DTEND:20260918T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260915T060355Z UID:10047885-1789671600-1789678800@downtowniowacity.com CATEGORIES:arts,community,film,music,theater DESCRIPTION:This free community showcase features music\, movement\, theat er\, storytelling\, and a special preview of the documentary 45 Dreams: A Love\nLetter to Community. Performers include Family Folk Machine\, Ukulel e Friends\, Iowa City New Horizons Band\, Becoming Elder\, Queer Elders of Iowa City\, Original Mature Groovers\, SSRO Readers Theatre\, The Pomtast iks!\, and Voices of Experience\nMore than a look back\, this celebration highlights how ICSC continuees to support lifelong learning\, wellness\, f riendship\, self-expression\, dignity\, and belonging after 50.\nJoin us a s we honor 45 years of community and imagine what comes next. Donations in support of ICSC are welcome.\nStay for a reception with a signature drink \, meet the performers\, and learn more about ICSC programs\, membership\, and ways to get involved. LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T060355Z LOCATION:Englert Theatre\, 221 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, IA 52240\, IO WA CITY\, IA\, 52240\, United States URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/event/45-years-of-community-an-iowa-city- senior-center-showcase-extravaganza/?utm_source=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ic s&utm_campaign=cedar-rapids-ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa City Downtown District X-SOURCE-URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Christopher's Bar Exam @ Donnelly's Pub DTSTART:20260918T010000Z DTEND:20260918T030000Z DTSTAMP:20260916T060341Z UID:10046197-1789675200-1789682400@downtowniowacity.com CATEGORIES:community DESCRIPTION:Interactive pub quiz. Answer questions\, compete in challenges \, and win cash and other great team prizes! LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T060341Z LOCATION:Donnellys Pub\, 110 E College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, Unite d States URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/event/christophers-bar-exam-donnellys-pub /2026-09-17/?utm_source=caldiscovery&utm_medium=ics&utm_campaign=cedar-rap ids-ia X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa City Downtown District X-SOURCE-URL:https://downtowniowacity.com/events END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR