Neighborhood Events & Information | Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association - Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association | Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Be Prepared: Winter Storms & Cold Emergencies

11/3/2022

Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of all of us. It’s the holiday season. Go to CityofCR.com/PACT for safety tips designed to keep your family safe whether you are traveling or hosting a celebration at home.

This month’s topic, Holiday Safety Tips, includes:

Cooking Safely
Holiday Travel
Holiday Decorating
Holiday Shopping

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Community Gardens Survey

10/26/2022

The City of Cedar Rapids is undertaking an exciting community-driven planning process to add to the network of community gardens in parks across the City. They want to hear from you!

Read More from The Gazette

Take the Survey Now

Homeowners Workshop Hosted by OHJNA

10/20/2022

Our friends with the Oak Hill Jackson Neighborhood Association have partnered with Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Horizons, A Family Service Alliance, Neighborhood Finance Corporation - Cedar Rapids, and Iowa Legal Aid to create a workshop for potential home buyers and current homeowners. There is a lot of funding available to get people into a home or help existing homeowners to repair or update their home!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 28. The $10 registration fee includes lunch.

Suspended: Systemic Oppression in Our Schools Summit

10/19/2022

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission has partnered with the African American Museum of Iowa to bring the Suspended: Systemic Oppression in Our Schools Summit to the Cedar Rapids Public Library in the Whipple Auditorium in conjunction with the art exhibit Suspended: Systemic Oppression In Our Schools.

The Suspended Summit will examine the role public schools play in funneling students into the prison system due to elements of the criminal justice system having entered public schools around the country. The result of this element has led to zero tolerance policies and student policing that disproportionately impact children of color. Experts will share information about how these practices impact our community and efforts to create effective change. The Suspended Summit will also include a tour of the Suspended art exhibit showcasing artwork by youth.

The summit will showcase presentations and discussions with leaders in the community.

Schedule
• 12:30-12:45 Opening remarks, addressing Youth Justice Action Month by Jennifer Tibbetts, Civil Rights Investigator
• 12:45-1:30 Presentation by Jill Padgett, Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning- will provide information on Iowa’s data on issues such as disproportionate minority contact within the juvenile justice system and recent data regarding the use of school resource officers and youth involvement with the juvenile justice system.
• 1:30-2:30 Presentation by Lyric Sellers and Endi Montavlo-Martinez, Youth Justice Council- will share the youth-led efforts that have addressed issues concerns the juvenile justice system and the lives of youth in Iowa.
• 2:30-3:00 Tour of art exhibit Suspended: Systemic Oppression In Our Schools
• 3:00-3:45 Panel Discussion to raise awareness and move towards change with Jill Padgett, Lyric Sellers, Endi Montavlo-Martinez, Dr. Ruth White, Ana Clymer
• 3:45-4:00 Closing remarks by Jennifer Tibbetts

This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

The African American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African American History.

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission works to eliminate discrimination and disparities and increase equity by responding to the needs of the community, investigating complaints of discrimination, and providing education and outreach.

CANA October 2022 Meeting Minutes

10/18/2022

CANA October 2022 Meeting Minutes | Call to order: 7:02pm
Attendance: George Heeren, Amy Hall-Haney, Gaylon Heetland, Henrietta Mueller, Denise Klemp, Marlene Hunt, Annette Lorenz, Chief Greg Smith, Jeff Wozencraft

Treasurer's Report - Amy Hall-Haney - September balance ended in the amount of $2,222.42. We made a $250 deposit for the check from Freedom Foundation for their contribution to the Local Business Directory. We have a pending reimbursement of $436.12 for remaining safety fair expenses. Amy is submitting and will be following up on this with Jeff. Waiting on $250 contribution from Thrivent Financial/Gaylon Heetland and $250 from HyVee for Local Business Directory as well. In total, the Local Business Directory has brought in $750 for CANA this year. Nicole Schroeder (not in attendance) has been updating the website for that and including sponsors at the $250 tier in our email blasts.
CRPD/SAFE-CR Update - Annette Lorenz - Review of CRPD report.
- George Heeren inquired about police action at 118 17th St SW. There was an interaction with a young man and woman with seven squad cars on the scene.
CRFD Update - Chief Smith - Review of Neighborhood News. Discussion of Fire Safety Week. Nicole Schroeder added information to the CANA website and did a Facebook blast to share information on the CRFD Open House and Red Cross fire alarm program. Information can be found on our website.
City Update - Jeff Wozencraft - City is seeking feedback from neighbors regarding community gardens in public parks. Link to the survey online can be found on our website. The City is also still recruiting volunteers for the Snow Buddies program. It helps if volunteers can live close to the person needing the snow removed. The Parks Department has a list of to-do items for Cleveland Park, but most items will be accomplished in the spring. They have measured around the splash pad for the additional concrete. The discussion of adding parking to Cleveland Park is still in motion. The bathrooms are now closed for the winter at the Cleveland Park Pavilion.
- George Heeren inquired again about adding barbecue stands to the park. Jeff Wozencraft will be looking into this as previously discussed.
Quarterly Postcard Campaign - George Heeren - Nicole Schroeder got a quote from Allegra for postcards. The quote for black/white postcards in 5x7 size NOT including postage will be $365.89 and the quote for color postcards in 5x7 size NOT including postage will be $479.56. This is a quote for 900 postcards per mailer.
- Denise Klemp asked if CANA will be deciding as a group what information is going to be provided on the postcards. This has been discussed before that it will be a group decision and George Heeren confirmed that for her.
- Gaylon Heetland motioned to spend CANA funds on the color 5x7 postcards plus postage in our quarterly postcard campaign. Amy Hall-Haney seconded. No discussion. Motion passed. George Heeren and Amy Hall-Haney will let Nicole Schroeder know that is the decision and we can move forward on design and information for our January mailer.
Halloween - George Heeren - Citywide trick-or-treating will be on Monday, October 31st beginning at 5:30pm until 8pm. This is not a city sponsored event. Hillside Wesleyan is hosting an event on Wednesday 10/26 at 6pm. Central Church of Christ is hosting a trunk-or-treat from 3-4:30pm on Saturday 10/30. Review Halloween safety information.
Light The Neighborhood - George Heeren - Waiting on reply from McDonald’s and Kwik Star on requested donations. Responses are going to be back to us by November 15th. Amy Hall-Haney will be working with Nicole Schroeder to get the postcards ordered, mailed, and paid for.
- George made a motion to spend up to $200 on prizes, if donations cannot be secured, in addition to spending money on the postcards from Allegra to launch Light the Neighborhood in mid-November through mid-December. Gaylon Heetland seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion passed. George will work with Nicole to get things prepared for the event.
Other Business

Next Meeting: Monday, November 21st, 2022 at 7:00pm

PLAN AHEAD: There will be NO December meeting. We will resume normally scheduled CANA meetings in January.

Community Gardens Survey

October Neighborhood News

Trick-or-Treating 2022

10/14/2022

In the Cleveland Area, we observe the Cedar Rapids trick-or-treating plan. Citywide trick-or-treating is designated from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Our neighbors at Central Church of Christ will be hosting a Trunk or Treat on Oct. 30th at 3:00pm. In case of rain, the event is canceled. It will last until the candy is gone!

It's important to be safe around the Halloween holiday, especially with the kiddos in your life. Below are some Halloween safety tips and tricks from Safe Kids Linn County and Safe Kids Worldwide.

Download Safety Tips

Chasing Childhood: Documentary Screening & Discussion

10/10/2022

National Fire Prevention Week - October 9-15

10/6/2022

Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of all of us.

October is National Fire Prevention Month and fire departments around the country mark October 9-15 as National Fire Prevention Week.

Cedar Rapids Fire encourages you to PLAN AND PRACTICE your home and workplace escape plans this month and to attend their annual Open House.

Family fun, safety tips, station tours, and firefighting demonstrations will make a fun night for the whole family. For more information on how to start your fire safety plan, go to CityofCR.com/PACT.

Start your fire safety plan:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every floor of your home.
Inspect and test smoke alarms. Replace alarms every 10 years and install new batteries every year.
Sleep with doors closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in your home.
Have an escape plan and practice it with your family.
Get low and GO in a fire. Crawl to avoid smoke inhalation and get outside to the FRONT of your home. It’s easier for firefighters to account for occupants if they can see everyone.
Teach children how to call 911 and to give their address to dispatchers.

Create Your Fire Escape Plan Now

FREE Smoke Alarms

The Eastern Iowa Red Cross and its partners can conduct an in-home visit to discuss home fire risks specific to your household and provide up to three free smoke alarms. Click the button below for more information or to sign up and get your free smoke alarm installed.

Learn More & Sign Up Now

September 2022 Meeting Minutes

9/20/2022

CANA September 2022 Meeting Minutes | Call to Order: 7:02pm
Attendance: Nicole Schroeder, Amy Hall-Haney, George Heeren, Jeff Wozencraft, Lt. Matt Welsh, Chief Greg Smith, Ashley Vanorny, Maya Kehr Yoder, Denise Klemp, Annette Lorenz (virtually)

Treasurer’s Report - Amy Hall-Haney - $1,722.42 is our current account balance. We have a pending reimbursement for Herky for $250 and HyVee for $166.12. We are waiting on payment from St. Luke’s sponsorship in the amount of $500 from the Safety and Wellness Fair.
- George Heeren met with the City regarding FY23 budget. We have the full $10,000 to spend. Any Safety and Wellness Fair expenses have been billed according to the FY22 budget.
CRPD Update - Lt. Welsh - CRPD Academy is in week #16. New officers start in October. Citizens Academy begins this Fall. No major issues in the neighborhood to his knowledge after reviewing reports. Overall 885 calls for weapons and 45 firearms have been stolen from vehicles in 2022. He encourages weapon safety and safe weapon storing, due to this increase since last year
- George Heeren mentioned about the increase in burglaries in Benton County. He asked if Cedar Rapids has seen any issues with increase in burglaries from Benton County residents. Lt. Welsh shared that stolen vehicles have been the big thing because of the area of opportunity in rural communities.
- Lt. Welsh commented on the increase in public events with the good weather and improved COVID situation. Councilwoman Vanorny commented that public events will continue to happen as long as everyone is safe and organizations are willing to put them on.
CRFD Update - Chief Smith - Review of Neighborhood News. Reminder of Fall safety regarding bonfires, furnace safety, and other colder weather hazards. CRFD Citizens Academy is currently happening. CRFD is also hosting their Open House on 10/13 at the Station #1 from 6-8pm. September is P.A.C.T. (Prepare, Act, Communicate, Train) training in observation of National Preparedness Month. Neighborhood events are happening all week long. Events this week (aside from tonight) will include:
- Tuesday, September 20 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ Bender Pool, 940 14th Avenue SE
- Wednesday, September 21 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Boulevard SW
- Thursday, September 22 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Avenue NE
- Friday, September 23 | Noon-2:00 p.m. @ NW Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW
- George Heeren asked about the trailer sitting at Station #1. Chief Smith shared that SIM-IA was visiting the station. Simulation in Motion-Iowa (SIM-IA) is a unique program designed to provide simulated clinical learning opportunities in local communities across Iowa. They are built specifically for training in rural Iowa communities, especially those communities with volunteers leading their organizations. There are multiple SIM-IA trailers across Iowa through UIHC.
- George Heeren met with CRFD Public Education Specialist Sydney Wright regarding public training. Schools have an active education program and CRFD stays engaged in the neighborhood.
- Councilwoman Vanorny asked Chief Smith to share a reminder regarding carbon monoxide risks. Chief Smith shared that you can purchase battery operated detectors or wall-outlet ones. Do not place the detectors in the kitchen, furnace area, or areas with gas fireplaces. It is recommended to put it in hallways or close to bedrooms. Menards sells these at a low price.

SAFE-CR - Annette Lorenz - Not in live attendance in-person, but virtually attending. Reminder of MyCR app.
City Update - Councilwoman Vanorny - Reminder that Snow Buddies program is launching tomorrow for signup. This week is Welcome Week in Cedar Rapids! Last weekend was Latino Fest, Brewnost, and Ocktoberfest in the Downtown Cedar Rapids area. This weekend is Asian Fest. Reminder that 10/9 is the next Trees Forever tree distribution and signup begins on 9/26 at $25 per tree. Councilwoman asked that neighbors find a place for a new tree, even if maybe they didn’t have one before.
- Jeff Wozencraft reviewed the construction updates in the neighborhood. Chandler St SW is complete. 8th Ave and 6th St SW are still happening, but close to done!
  - Denise Klemp asked when the 8th Ave project was to be completed. Jeff said that he can look into a full completion date, but the cul de sac behind the stadium is complete. Lee Tippe with the City will have that information for us. The newsletter estimated at the end of September/beginning of October that it will be reopened.
Park Equipment & Parking Lot Updates - George Heeren - George met with Tyler in the Parks Department. He let us know that Cleveland Park is scheduled for ADA upgrades, including the upgrades around the splash pad. They will be installing our canopies and benches around the park. They are widening the sidewalk between the splash pad and the pavilion. The bathroom walkways/entries will also be upgraded. Tyler is working on getting new picnic tables (non-wood tables). All new installations will be color-matching to our new playground equipment. George also spoke with Mitch regarding the parking lot at Cleveland Park and the additional swings for the park. Swings should be arriving this month, and the City hopes to still install them this fall. He’s in favor of extending the lot towards 1st Ave and making some adjustments for handicap parking on the other side of the pavilion. Some parks in Cedar Rapids will have gardens installed in unused areas.
- Councilwoman Vanorny commented that she is in favor of the added gardens in city parks. Gardens are lacking in the United States. Lawns do not add a lot to our Earth. Acres of grass across the City could be used for garden areas, including flowers and vegetables. George Heeren is concerned about vegetables being harvested by youth and thrown around and damaging the park and getting the streets and sidewalks dirty. Denise Klemp is concerned about water access in the park area. Jeff Wozencraft said that the City has partnered with a consultant that is helping the City evaluate park space that would work for gardens. More information will be coming as parks are evaluated. Jeff asked that anyone with ideas, questions, or concerns regarding the project could connect with him.
- Denise Klemp asked about how many parking spots will be handicap with the parking lot changes. George Heeren guessed about 3 or 4 spots vs. the 1 single spot we have now.
Local Business Directory Fundraiser - Nicole Schroeder - Nicole developed this program in 2021 for a networking opportunity between CANA members, CANA businesses, and the public. CANA wants to show their support for neighborhood businesses through this “CANA Connect” business directory online. The feedback from last year was good overall. It was an easy fundraiser, so we will plan to do this again. Amy and Nicole will work on mailing out the letters. Nicole already has them printed.
Park Inquiry - Denise Klemp - Denise is interested in adding barbecue stands in Cleveland Park. Debris from the charcoal grills is being left in the park and making it dirty. Jeff Wozencraft is going to look into pricing for these and will report at the next meeting.
Light The Neighborhood - Nicole Schroeder - Nicole worked with Doug Elam (17th St SW) neighbor in 2021 to produce the event. Nicole would like to do it again this year with the same budget/expenses as 2021, which includes postcards and Facebook advertisements as prizes were donated by neighborhood businesses. Website, Facebook, and postcards will be prepared to launch on 11/1.
Quarterly Postcard Program - Nicole Schroeder - Nicole would like to send our neighborhood/community specific informational postcards four times per year to reach more neighbors and keep them connected to CANA outside of the internet. Nicole is asking for ideas from neighbors for information to share on the postcards.
- Amy Hall-Haney makes a motion to investigate prices/sizing for mailers 4x per year, Nicole Schroeder seconds. All in favor, none opposed. Nicole Schroeder will look into this and report at the next meeting.
Neighborhood Signs - George Heeren - George will be connecting with the City to install permanent street signs in various spots around CANA limits. Jeff Wozencraft would like to look into this and price this out for us.
Other Business
- Denise Klemp shared information on the Friday morning presentations at Veterans Memorial Building at 11am. They are presented in the Grant Wood window. The museum inside the building will be changing exhibits in the coming months. There is also an upcoming orchid sale. Information will be shared in the meeting minutes email.

Meeting adjourned: 8:06pm

Next meeting: Monday, October 17th at 7:00pm

Grant Wood Memorial Window Exhibit

Eastern Iowa Orchid Show & Sale

September is National Preparedness Month

9/17/2022

September is National Preparedness Month and City staff want you to make sure you’re ready for any emergency. Join us September 19–23 for one of our P.A.C.T. (Prepare. Act. Communicate. Train.) events at Neighborhood Resource Centers around the city.

The City will have staff on hand with emergency preparedness resources, to discuss continuing recovery efforts from Derecho 2020, current safety initiatives, and education on how to use the City's app, Mobile CR, for emergency notifications from the City.

• Monday, September 19 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ St Paul’s Methodist Church, 1340 3rd Avenue SE
• Tuesday, September 20 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ Bender Pool, 940 14th Avenue SE
• Wednesday, September 21 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Boulevard SW
• Thursday, September 22 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Avenue NE
• Friday, September 23 | Noon-2:00 p.m. @ NW Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW

Meet Cedar Rapids Firefighters at any of these events, and get a free flashlight while supplies last!

Emergency Preparedness information is available at www.CityofCR.com/PACT.

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