Kindergartners + Valentines

Reading Buddies this semester has already been a hoot.  On our first day back, we reunited with our awesome, gosh darn cute Kindergartners of Mrs. Raue's class.  Can we just say that not a thing has changed?  (It's a good thing, trust me).  There's a saying that kids are the most honest people you will ever meet.  Last week, I noticed two kindergartners, we will call them Ellie and Jack, following each other around the class room.  I could not figure out what was going on between those two.  They followed each other while we sang songs, they followed each other during dance time, and they followed each other when it was time to sit in body basics for a story.  I went to sit next to Ellie during body basics, when long a behold, Jack came over.  I think when Jack saw me sitting cross-legged (which brought back memories of my own days in elementary school) on the floor, I think he saw that as an invitation to sit on my lap.  I told him that I thought everyone had to sit in body basics, and he scurried off to sit next to Ellie.  The next thing I know, Ellie turns around to me, gives me a huge smile and says "Jack and I love each other very much!", and wraps her arms around him.  I look at Jack, and a small, but warm smile appears on his face.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe that we have just seen puppy love!

Seeing this reminded me why I love coming back to Reading Buddies.  There is never a dull moment with these kids, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  They teach us so many things, and us them.  That day, I learned that sometimes, it's okay to be an Ellie or a Jack, and just share how you feel.  Carpe Diem.  Seize the day.  I also learned that Kindergartners are the true romantics. 

Toast It! Melt It! Smother It!

“For almost fifty years, Emil’s Deli has been serving great food to the city of Cedar Rapids.”

          Do you know what that means!?  It means that their Hawkeye sandwich (oven-baked roast beef, cheddar cheese, & bacon, topped with sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms, toasted together and united with Thousand Island and grilled sourdough) is probably older than most of yo mommas!

          I (and my taste buds) had the pleasure of trying out this little gem of our fair town last week.  From the moment I opened the menu, the little voice in the back of my head was crying out in hunger, “I want it all!”  If you’re looking for a place that you will truly come hungry and leave happy (and maybe a little stuffed) then Emil’s is the place for you!

          Let’s start with the appetizers:  they’ve got your classics like wings, nachos, and quesadillas but with their own little twist.  Not in the mood for spicy?  Try Asian or BBQ!  Although, let me just say that with their portions, an appetizer could probably be your meal!  If it were me, I would get some queso dip and chips and get my sandwich to do.  Gotta have something to satisfy that 3 A.M. hunger!

          Now, they don’t call it Emil’s Deli for nothing!  The sandwiches are pretty much sexier and yummier than Channing Tatum and Anderson Cooper combined (and for my guy friends, imagine someone more beautiful and voluptuous than Beyonce’ or J-LO).  Anyway, my point is that the keyword here is deli!  From the classic Egg salad to their signature Apple Turkey Jack, you won’t be disappointed!  But, in the spirit of Marilyn Monroe, “some like it hot!”  And if you are a member of the “some” that I speak of, then sandwiches such as the Shrimp Bacon Club, Cuban, Meatball, or Reuben (my personal favorite) are delicious enough to bring you as close to heaven (or reincarnation, purgatory, etc) as possible!

          Not in the mood for sandwiching it up?  Trying to lose that stubborn belly bulge before summer?  Then, no worries!  Emil’s offers a bountiful selection of salads or wraps!  You can even “create your own!”  Oh, and the potato salad and baked beans are pretty much amazing too!

          So what are you waiting for!?  Get your keaster over to Emil’s and chow down!  Still not convinced?  Then I’ll put it to you this way:  if Emil’s were a Facebook status, then I guarantee that you would “like” it! 

Emil’s Deli

7037 C Ave. NE

Suite 200

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319)-743-3123

Hours of Operation

M-Thurs.

10:30-9:00

Friday-Saturday

10:30-11:00

Sunday

10:30-7:00

Dine In, Carryout, and all your catering needs!

The Life of Elementary School

Often the highlight of an elementary school student's day is their recess break.  It provides a chance to run and play outdoors and to shed some pent up energy.  Nothing makes them happier, though, to spend that time with someone older, someone they can admire, which is one reason Recess Buddies is so fun and exciting.

Lately the kids haven't been able to play outside at Taylor or Johnson Elementary since the weather has been so cold (indoor recess often isn't as fun), but next week a warm spell will provide the opportunity to return to the outdoors.  Indoor recess can still be entertaining, however, as one of my friends found after signing 15-20 autographs because the kids thought he looked like Justin Bieber.

One of the classic playground games is kickball.  Usually that is one of the most popular games, although the kids love to throw around the football or frisbee, shoot a few hoops or even do a little jump roping.  Probably the most popular game to play, though, is soccer.  This game has become a fall and spring staple of many playgrounds in Cedar Rapids, but, sadly, we cannot play in the snow currently on the ground.

Another excellent opportunity to work with kids is at Johnson Elementary with the tutoring and after-school programs they conduct.  Throughout the day students can volunteer in the classroom or in some other capacity.  After school, fine arts programs like dance, art and music are held in which students may partake.  Johnson always welcomes new tutors and mentors so anyone is welcome to volunteer.

The kids are always excited to see Coe students come to play with them or read to them so there is never a dull moment.  They are often spontaneous and funny as a result of their natural curiosity so the conversation about their daily life never ends.  A better way to brighten your day does not exist past volunteering at Johnson or Taylor Elementary Schools.

--Jason

The Inaugural Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon!

Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon is an organization that raises funds 365 days a year for pediatric patients treated at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.  While there are more than 150 dance marathons across the nation each year, Coe College will be hosting the first ever dance marathon held by more than one school. The event is April 16-17, from 7 pm to 7 am with participants from: Coe College, Mount Mercy University and Kirkwood Community College.

This 12-hour event is a celebration of the culmination of an entire year of fundraising and features: a live DJ, dance team performances, a Best Buy game room and more!

Once registered, dancers are encouraged to raise $100 each. 100% of the money dancers raise supports local families from Cedar Rapids that have been treated for various terminal illnesses at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. The goal of the entire event is to raise $12,000, all for the kids!

To find out more about the dance marathon buzz that is sweeping Cedar Rapids visit us at: www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/crdm. For questions about registration or donations contact Kaycee Reynolds at: crdm.executive@gmail.com.

Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the inaugural Cedar Rapids Dance Marathon!