Man, summer has flown by…
It’s already August… August?!
Like seriously, where did the time go? We still have sooo many things that we want to do, people to see, and places to go!
If you are a long-time subscriber, (ha… long time… it’s only been a few months) we talked about how the days are short, but the years are long…. ain’t that the truth. But man, this summer and this year have just seemed like a Skyrim dungeon speed-run.
Activities, family, bloody-knees and forehead eggs (our little one loves catching his falls on concrete with his head), friends, fires and s’mores, late-nights, early mornings, library trips, road trips, you name it… It sucks up time and it goes quick!
Giphy
Have fun this week.
Adventures Ahead📅📅
Check out some below happenings in the CR area!
Have an event suggestion? Just click here and let us know what it is.
Wednesday, 8/5
Baby & Toddler Storytime
Downtown Library (Beems Auditorium), 9:30-10:30 am
Join us for this 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Guest Storytime with Valerie Neubauer
Fairfax Library, 10:30 am
Come listen to author Valerie Neubauer read her book, The Purpose of a Tree.
Beat the Heat
ImOn Ice, 12:30-2:30 pm
Free skate rental during public skate.
Thursday, 8/6
Symphony Kids
Marion Library, 10:30-11 am
Join us for Symphony Kids, a music literacy program provided by Ms. Amy from Orchestra Iowa.
Teen Makers & Gamers
Union at Downtown Library, 3:30-5 pm
Learn to make Clay Trinket Trays.
Five Seasons Water Ski Show
Ellis Blvd., Ski bleachers, 7 pm
Food truck will Born to Fry.
Friday, 8/7
Fresh Air Fridays
Pinicon Ridge Park (playground near Riverside shelter), 10-11:30 am
Catch us on Fridays under the Linn County Conservation tent for exciting hands-on activities based on that week's theme!
Plus, join us for a fun nature-themed story time with a read-aloud at 10:30 a.m. near the activity tent.
Sarsaparilla Friday
Ushers Ferry, 12-1 pm
Step into the old-time saloon at Usher's Ferry and enjoy a classic treat! Every Friday from June through August, stop by for Sarsaparilla, old-fashioned soda pop, and cold drinks, while the village is open to explore.
Moonlit Movie Series - Goat
Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park, 7-10 pm
Bring your blanket or lawn chair, enjoy activities such as inflatables and glitter tattoos, and watch Goat!
Saturday, 8/8
End of Summer Party
Downtown Library & Greene Square, 10 am-12 pm
Create spin art with the Grout Museum, reach for the stars on a trampoline and climbing wall, listen to a story time and explore and ride a school bus. Cool off inside with a dance party, crafts, and scavenger hunt.
Story time will be at 10 am on the Urban Plaza. Outdoor portion of events are weather permitting; some will move inside if needed.
CRBT Movie on the Riverbank - Elio
McGrath Amphitheater, 7-11 pm
Gates open at 7pm | Kids' Activities begin at 7pm | Movie begins at dusk
Sunday, 8/9
Hiawatha Farmers Market
Guthridge Park, 10 am-1 pm
Whether you’re shopping for the week or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to gather, explore, and support local.
Dog Days of Summer
Culvers Garden Center & Greenhouse, 10 am-1 pm
Join us for our Dog Days of Summer celebration, where pups and their people are invited for a day full of fun, treats, shopping!
Monday, 8/10
Teen Crochet Class
Marion Library, 4-5:30 pm
This class is beginner friendly and designed specifically for teens (ages 10-18). Supplies will be provided.
Register by Sunday HERE
Monday Movies - Shrek
The Yard, 6 pm
Bring your family, a blanket, and a lawn chair to the ImOn Stage and enjoy a FREE showing of Shrek, thanks to Community 1st Credit Union.
Tuesday, 8/11
Expressive Arts for Kids
Marion Library, 10:30-11 am
Programs will include stories, drama, music, movement, visual arts, and activities. This program is hosted in partnership with Tanager.
Meet Reptiles with the Cold-Blooded Redhead
Downtown Library, 10-11 am, 1-2 pm, and 3:30-4:30 pm
Get up close and personal with her lizards, snakes, arachnids, and more at this interactive presentation!
Tween & Teen Basic Cooking Class: Grilled Cheese
Marion Library, 5:30-7 pm
Tweens and teens 10-18 will learn how to make grilled cheese two different ways: traditionally on a stovetop, and open faced in the oven/broiler.
There will be a selection of cheeses and lunch meats to build the perfect sandwich, along with tomato soup.
Grown-Up Getaway… 99 problems and a kid ain’t one.
Putts & Pours @ Mini Pines
📍 Twin Pines Golf Course, 3800 42nd Street NE
📆 Friday 8/7, 5-9 pm
Mini golf, music, Lion Bridge beer, prizes, and fun! Sign us up, baby!
For just $12, you'll enjoy mini golf; a hot dog, brat, or burger; chips; a non-alcoholic drink; tastings from Lion Bridge Brewing Company; and the chance to win prizes.
And for the fellas, just remember… it is mini golf… don’t bring your own putter, don’t take it too seriously, and for the love of God, please do not pull a Chubbs on hole 12…
Giphy
Knee-Slappers😂🤣
Kid Tested & Approved
What do you call a camel with no humps? 🐫
Humphrey! 😅
What do you call a penguin in the desert? 🐧
Lost! 😂
Knock knock…. who’s there?
Waiter…. Waiter who?
Waiter I tell you how good this joke is! 🙃
🥁ba-dumm, tsssst…. 🥁
Gif by spongebob on Giphy
Bon appétit! It’s time to eat!
Bubble Up Pizza Bake
Ingredients
2 cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 jar (14–15 oz) pizza sauce
2–2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pepperoni (or more, depending on preference)
Optional toppings: Italian sausage, cooked ground beef, vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives), Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350–400°F (verify the oven temp based on your biscuit instructions), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Prepare Biscuit Base: Cut each biscuit into quarters (or eighths for smaller pieces) and arrange evenly in the baking dish.
Add Sauce: Spoon pizza sauce over the biscuit pieces, spreading it evenly.
Layer Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then add pepperoni and any additional toppings. Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes until the biscuits are puffed, golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check the center to ensure the dough is fully cooked (double check the dough! A certain someone on the CR Family Weekly team did not and served half-baked dough…)
Rest and Serve: Let the pizza bake rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to help it set. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping if desired.
CRFW Pro Tips:
Use regular homestyle or buttermilk biscuits; avoid flaky or jumbo biscuits for even bubbling.
Pre-baking the biscuit layer for 10 minutes can prevent sogginess when adding sauce and toppings. (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)
From our Kitchen
Need to know Nuggets
Weather Report ⛅⛈
Wednesday, 8/5 | 74℉/59℉ | 🌦 ⛈ |
Thursday, 8/6 | 79℉/62℉ | ⛅ |
Friday 8/7 | 84℉/65℉ | ⛅ |
Saturday, 8/8 | 87℉/70℉ | ⛅ |
Sunday, 8/9 | 86℉/71℉ | 🌦 |
Monday, 8/10 | 85℉/68℉ | 🌦 |
Tuesday, 8/11 | 84℉/66℉ | 🌦 |
Expect CR to experience partly cloudy weather and chance of rain and/or storms over the next 7 days. Keep track of the weather each morning before heading out the door! Good news though; the temperatures will be tolerable this week.
Weather courtesy of KCRG.com
News Worthy Nuggets
Some interesting local stories from the past week:
Some insight to our crazy minds
Perseid Meteor Shower, 8/12-8/13
Ok, so we know this is a little early, and technically falls into the date range for next week’s newsletter... But, we figured we should give you ample heads up for this one… the Perseid Meteor Shower. This annual show is happening overnight, Wednesday (the 12th) into early Thursday morning (the 13th).
This year’s show coincides with a new moon! Which will add to the viewing experience.
The first meteors should be seen around 10 pm, and then go all night. The prime viewing window will be early Thursday, 12 am to 5 am. If conditions work out right, you could potentially see up to 100 meteors an hour!
Viewing Tips
Escape City Lights: Light pollution is your biggest obstacle. Head out to rural roads, county parks, or state parks.
Ditch the Optics: Leave binoculars and telescopes at home. Meteors move far too quickly, and you need a wide view of the sky to catch them.
Recline and Relax: Bring a reclining lawn chair or a blanket so you can lie flat on your back and take in as much overhead sky as possible.
Let Your Eyes Adapt: Allow 20–30 minutes in total darkness for your eyes to fully adjust. Avoid looking at your phone screen, as white light resets your night vision.
Look Toward Open Sky: While meteors appear to radiate from the northeast (Perseus), they can streak across any region of the sky. Simply look toward the darkest patch of sky above you.
Yes, we know you value your sleep…. but it is summertime, so go make some memories. YOLO!
That’s it for this week.
CHEEKY OUTRO
That is always the “filler” we put in when prepping for next week’s newsletter. Sometimes we deliver on that goal, and other times we probably fall flat. Like… woefully flat, face down in the dirt flat, just inches from the starting line….
But hey… we try.
Thanks for sticking with us.