Have fun at Garnett

In my opinion, there is no greater feeling than when you know you have made a difference in someone’s life.  Being a part of the Coe College Office of Service Learning and Campus Engagement often provides an opportunity for me to feel that way, especially when I’m working at Garnett Place
Retirement Community.  I have had the privilege of working with Garnett for the past two years, and I must say it has been one of the most enjoyable experiences. Everyone at Garnett is so great!  The
residents are so nice, and playing Bingo with them is a bundle of fun.  There is never a dull moment!  One of the Bingo ladies carries around a joke book and tells random jokes to anyone who will listen.  She is the most shy, quiet lady and she comes up with the best jokes.  Another lady always sits at the head table until Bingo starts, and she does crosswords.  Every time we call B6 while playing, she says, “I don’t want to be sick.” The staff are very nice as well, and they are very helpful whenever you
need something.  This semester, we are trying to get more involved with Garnett, so we have set up some extra activities.  On different afternoons and evenings, you can enjoy playing different games like farkle, yahtzee, and wheel of fortune.  One of the residents even made up his own game called hand pool.  Some of the residents were having trouble holding pool sticks, so the man came up with a
game like pool only played with your hands.  We are also trying to set up times for volunteers to go and perform either a song or musical instrument for the resident.  Garnett is definitely a great place to volunteer.  There are so many opportunities to connect with the residents and have a great time!

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!

In the Spirit of Dr. King

Kohawks make our days off days on, and MLK Day 2010 was no exception.  In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 150 people, including 8 faculty and staff, participated in the various events sponsored by the Office of Service-Learning and Campus Engagement.

            The morning began with an Issue Breakfast in the Clark Alumni house where over 50 were in attendance.  The breakfast featured excerpts from some of Dr. King’s most inspirational public addresses, performed by seniors Cassie Morgan and John Sherrod and Professor Barnett of the Theatre Department.  This year’s keynote speaker was Nancy Ziese, a local social worker and civil rights activist. 

            With the helping hands of 60 people, approximately 9,072 meals were packed for Kids Against Hunger.  The meals will be shipped off to Haiti to offer aid to families and children who are still suffering as a result of the devastating earthquake that struck the island nation in 2009.  Also, while the meals were being packed, some volunteers chose to try their hands at sewing and made a total of 7 fleece blankets that will be given to local shelters.  In addition, the Coe Crafters are still working on some t-shirt mats that will hopefully be completed in the coming weeks.

            The day concluded with the annual Spring Poverty Simulation where 27 students participated and 20 volunteers helped facilitate the event.  This event has always been one my favorites because it really gives participants a first-hand experience of what it is like to live a month in poverty.  While some students start off seeing the simulation as a game, they soon catch on that for many families nationwide, it is reality. 

            Dr. King’s dream was simple:  that people would not be judged by their appearance, but rather by the “conflict of their character.”  It is in this spirit that we come together to spread a little bit of love and offer our hands to the service of others in the world who, unlike many of us, have tasted the bitterness of poverty, hunger, discrimination, and selfishness.  Let the dream continue.

-Tyler Heisel

My Service at the Alzheimer's Association

I chose to fulfill my 20 hour service-learning requirement at the Alzheimer's Association. They are a non-profit organization which works to advance research and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. I had never heard of this organization until I attended the Service Fair. Jill Carlson explained to me that they were looking for individuals to serve with clerical duties and any other miscellaneous office needs. Initially, I wasn't sure it would be that enjoyable. I had never done a desk job before, though, so I decided to give it a try. I was assigned to organize their monthly newsletters which had been deemed undeliverable for various reasons. I used their database to either change or delete addresses that were incorrect. During my time at the Alzheimer's Association, I prepared newsletters for delivery, organized donation envelopes and created Excel inventories, first for envelope sizes and then a large inventory of their library. The library inventory involved taking a Word document of titles and organizing them into an Excel file, a project that took four weeks.  

To my surprise, I found my service at the Alzheimer’s Association to be a good change of pace from my classes and campus life at Coe. I worried that all of the clerical duties would be boring, but instead I found the projects exciting and rewarding to complete. From my work in the library, I got to learn more about the purpose and goals of this organization. I also experienced their purpose first hand when I got to interact with a lady who came in one afternoon concerned about her aunt’s dementia. This showed me the importance of this service beyond just a requirement to fulfill. I felt appreciated there, knowing that the things I was doing were projects that they didn’t normally have time for. As I got closer to finishing my service requirement, I began pondering if this would be a good career for me. I entered Coe planning on being a music teacher. However, my experiences with office duties have made me think that a music secretary might be a better fit for me. This way I can combine my love for music with my office skills to serve others. As all of these thoughts were swirling in my head, I was approached by my new supervisor, Paige Knebel, about if I would like to participate in an internship with the Alzheimer’s Association next semester. Starting in January, I will be doing an internship there focusing specifically on office work and computer programs. I will be more active in putting their newsletters together rather than just stuffing them to send. Service-learning has been a good experience for me as it has revealed a potential career for me. I have enjoyed my service-learning experience at the Alzheimer’s Association this past semester, and look forward to my internship with them next semester.

-Amy Smith