Local News. Local Connections.
New Marion Communications Specialist Hired
Taryn Hildenbrand was hired as Marion's new Communications Specialist. She was the events and communications intern last summer and has since supported the Parks and Recreation Department in a part-time capacity. She begins her new role at City Hall on Monday, July 6.
Vandals Destroy Restrooms
at Riverside, Jones Parks
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The city said Tuesday that a string of vandalisms happened at parks in Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation said Tuesday morning that vandals destroyed the men’s restroom at Riverside Park in Czech Village.
Later on Tuesday afternoon, the department shared another post of a broken toilet in the men’s restroom at the Parkview Pavilion in Jones Park. It says this also appeared to be destroyed by vandals.
Both will be closed until further notice for repairs to be made.
Summer, Short & Sweet
It always seems like summer is here, and then it's gone. The calendar might say three months, but lit feels like three weeks. Maybe it's because everyone is busy with going to the beach, planning vacations, participating in sports, holidays and other things, that the time seems to fly by.
Schools are already putting out the supply list for the school year and the stores are advertising new clothes, shoes, and supplies.
Let's slow down a little. Let's put away the phones and computer for a minute and let's enjoy summer while we can. Let's stop blaming the rain, and the heat and humidity fand making other excuses for why we can't go outside and do something fun.
The clock is ticking ... colder weather is just a few months away. Stop and smell the roses. Summer won't be here forever.
Chelsey's Dream Softball Tournament took place earlier this summer. Photo by Cindy Petersen
Upcoming Activities
Berry Bash Jam!
Wednesday, July 8 at 10 am
As part of Berry Bash, this hands-on workshop will teach participants the basics of making homemade jam. We’ll walk through each step—from preparing fruit and balancing sweetness to understanding pectin, safe cooking temperatures, and options for canning. Using seasonal berries, you’ll learn how to transform nature’s abundance into a delicious preserve you can enjoy long after berry season ends. We’ll also discuss the history of preserving food, why it matters, and how making jam connects us to seasonal rhythms and sustainable living.
This class is a demonstration in jam making. There will be opportunities to help with the demo batch, taste samples, and gather recipes to create your own jam at home. FREE and open to the public.
Other Upcoming Activities
- Wednesday, July 8 – Downdogs in Uptown – 6-7 p.m. – Marion Central Plaza at City Square Park
- Friday, July 10 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Tangle Creek – 6-8 p.m. – Uptown Artway
- Friday, July 10 – Moonlit Movie Series featuring "How to Train Your Dragon" – 7 p.m. – Lowe Park
- Wyoming Fair, Wyoming, Iowa July 10-12
- Saturday, July 11 - General Store Pub in Stone city - 1:30-4:30 pm, Jones County Art
