Blog
The Prairiewoods flowerbeds are blooming, vegetables are growing in our garden and the animals are giving birth to new life. Spring is here, and we’re celebrating with our seventh annual Garden Party!
This year’s Garden Party will be held on Saturday, June 9, in the lovely Hallagan Education Center at Mercy Medical Center in downtown Cedar Rapids.
The party begins at 4:30 p.m. with a social hour featuring local wine and beer tasting. As a guest, you can enjoy live entertainment by The River’s Voice, socialize with other guests and witness the official debut of Prairiewoods’ video documentary. You will feast on a buffet dinner prepared by the chefs at Mercy Medical Center.
You also will have a chance to bid on a variety of exciting items in both a silent and live auction. This year’s auctions include irresistible items, such as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share, tickets to community events, gift certificates for Prairiewoods programs and retreats, and a stunning handmade afghan … just to name a few!
In the coming months, you will be able to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win an iPad and a private ride in a hot air balloon. (Check back in a few weeks for information about purchasing raffle tickets and for downloadable forms.)
Tickets to the Garden Party cost $40 for one person or $250 for a table of eight (a portion of which is tax-deductible). Start thinking about getting a group of friends together for this enjoyable evening!
We also are seeking sponsors to help underwrite the cost of the Garden Party. Sponsorships are at the heart of making this event successful each year, and we would be thrilled to include any company or individual as a supporter. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, please contact us.
The Garden Party is the main fundraising event of the year for Prairiewoods. It helps to support the wonderful variety of spiritual and ecological programming we provide throughout the year. We hope you’ll plan to join us!
For more information or to register, please visit www.Prairiewoods.org or contact Andi Lewis at 319-395-6700,
ext. 206.
Who: All Friends of Prairiewoods
Where: Hallagan Education Center at Mercy Medical Center
When: Saturday, June 9, 4:30 p.m.
How Much: $40 per ticket or $250 per table of eight
Coming of Age in the Milky Way: Spiritual Transformation and Creative Hope!
featuring John Heagle, MA, JCL, LMHC
Friday, March 16, 7–9 p.m. and Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1350 Lyndhurst Drive in Hiawatha, Iowa
Download the registration form here.
For the first time in human history, we share a common universe story. For some, this emerging narrative is an invitation to growth and spiritual transformation. For others, it is a fearful prospect that evokes resistance, retreat and regression.
As a result, our political, cultural and religious institutions are increasingly polarized and ineffective. We are facing a crisis that makes profound demands on each of us. Is religion dying or being transformed? Am I losing my faith or encountering the Holy in a deeper way? Does my commitment to work for justice and to care for Earth make a difference, or is it too late? These are not likely the issues that you will hear debated on cable news or talk radio. But they are the quiet, urgent questions that are stirring in our hearts.
These are also the questions that this Spirituality in the 21st Century conference explores. Evolutionary spirituality is not a passing theological fad. It is the context of today and of all our tomorrows—the agenda that the cosmos itself is revealing. More immediately, it is a vision that challenges our current religious institutions and calls us to a new way of seeing and responding.
After outlining the significance of evolutionary spirituality, we will focus on the personal, communal implications of this vision for our lives. The contemporary summons to discipleship is as old as the gospel and as urgent as this morning’s headlines. It is the call to be a life-long learner, a long-distance servant. In specific terms, it is the challenge to “come of age” by moving beyond our anthropocentric, egocentric concerns to embrace our responsibility to God, to Earth and to one another.
John Heagle, MA, JCL, LMHC, is a Catholic priest, counselor and author with more than 46 years of pastoral experience as a campus minister, college professor and pastor. In 1976 he was appointed the first director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Since 1985 he has ministered as a licensed psychotherapist and the co-director of Therapy & Renewal Associates in the Pacific Northwest. During this time, John also has served as adjunct faculty for the School of Theology & Ministry at Seattle University. John is the author of seven books on spirituality, ministry and human relationships, and the co-author with Fran Ferder, FSPA, Ph.D., of three books, including Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexuality (Crossroad, 2002). His latest book is Justice Rising: the Emerging Biblical Vision (Orbis Books, 2010).
Conference Details
Who: John Heagle, MA, JCL, LMHC
Where: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1350 Lyndhurst Drive in Hiawatha, Iowa 52233
When: Friday, March 16, 7–9 p.m. and Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
How Much: $25 for Friday only (includes Friday evening presentation)
$50 for Saturday only (includes Saturday presentation and lunch)
$75 for both Friday and Saturday (includes Friday and Saturday presentations and Saturday lunch)
To Lodge: All lodging at Prairiewoods is full, but we reserved a block of rooms at Days Inn and Suites Cedar Rapids(2215 Blairs Ferry Road NE). The reduced fee is $55 per night plus tax for a room with two double beds and free continental breakfast. To make a reservation, call 319-378-3948 and ask for the Prairiewoods Spirituality in the 21st Century block.
To Register: Complete the Registration Form (click here to download it). Print and mail the completed form with full payment to Prairiewoods. Please note that payment in full is required to confirm registration; only reservations with completed registration form and payment will be accepted.
To Cancel: $10 of each registration fee is nonrefundable. The remainder of the registration fee will be refunded if a cancellation is made by Monday, March 12.
To Learn More: For more information, please contact Ann Jackson, PBVM, at 319-395-6700, ext. 203, or ajackson@prairiewoods.org. To view the event brochure, click here.
The presentations throughout the event will build upon each other, but participants may attend one or both days as stand-alone events.
Both events are open to the public. Reservations are encouraged as space is limited.
Directions
Directions to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church:
1350 Lyndhurst Drive in Hiawatha, Iowa 52233
Take I-380 to Boyson Road, exit 25. Go west on Boyson Road. Take the first left onto North 12th Avenue. Take the second right onto Lyndhurst Drive. The church will be on your right.
Directions to Prairiewoods:
120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha, Iowa 52233
Take I-380 to Boyson Road, exit 25. Go east on Boyson Road. Just after the four-way stop at Robins Road, turn left into Prairiewoods.
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is the sole sponsor of this event.
For everyone who attended our Christmas Party on December 16, thanks for making it such a joyous event! As requested, here is the recipe for Stuffed Dates. If you would like any of the other recipes, just let us know!
Stuffed Dates
Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
dates (Medjool or other fresh or dry dates)
blue chee crumbles
sliced bacon
balsamic vinegar
Directions
1. Make a slit through the side of each date. If pitted, pull the pit through the slit.
2. Take a small piece of blue cheese and stuff into the center of the date through the slit.
3. Cut a slice of bacon in half and wrap it around each date. Secure with a plain toothpick.
4. Place the dates in a hotel or roasting pan in one layer.
5. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over all the dates. You want them wet, but not “drowned.”
6. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 30–45 minutes, or until bacon is cooked.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Source: Prairiewoods
* Exported from MasterCook *
The holiday season is almost upon us, and you can get a jump on your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving at the annual Prairiewoods Holiday Bazaar. On Saturday, November 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha) will be the place to get into the holiday spirit!
Come to the Holiday Bazaar to find baked goods and gifts for friends and family on your Christmas list. In addition to special items from the Prairiewoods kitchen and gift shop, vendors with an array of craft items will be present. The Holiday Bazaar will feature fresh baked breads and pies, Trappistine caramels, greeting cards, jewelry, mittens, baby items and many more handcrafted goods. And if you wear yourself out with too much shopping, take a break in our Coffee Café with a hot drink and a cinnamon roll or other tasty treat.
We hope you will join us in kicking off this festive season with the Holiday Bazaar! For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.
Katheryn Foxx of Mix 96.5 invited Prairiewoods Director Barry Donaghue, CFC, to the studio for a live interview on September 30. Click the link below to listen to the radio feature about Prairiewoods and the Nature Fest it is hosting on October 2, 2011.
Ryan Schlader featured Prairiewoods on his daily “What’s Happening” program aired on WMT-AM 600 on September 28. In the first of two segments, Ryan talks with Prairiewoods Director Barry Donaghue, CFC, and Marketing Coordinator Andi Lewis about Prairiewoods in general. The second segment focuses on Nature Fest on October 2.
Local reporter Cary J. Hahn featured Prairiewoods on his weekly “Good News” program aired on KMRY on September 21 and 23. Click on the link below to listen to the radio feature about good things happening at Prairiewoods.
Rainscaping Iowa: Landscapes for Clean Water
Plant Trees: Plant trees in your yard; the canopies intercept rain and evaporate water back into the atmosphere.
Native Plants: Use deep-rooted native grasses and flowers in your gardens. Minimize the amount of turf in your yard, especially if you have a lot of open area, by planting a “Patch of Prairie.”
Native Turf: Plant your yard with low-growing, deep rooted native turf grasses. Try Buffalo, Blue Gramma and Side Oats Gramma grasses. Then mow as usual or less often with no need to water or fertilize.
Rain Gardens: Create a rain garden to capture downspout water or runoff from your lawn. Dig a depressional area in a well drained area where soils will soak up water. Amend soil before planting with compost, if needed. Plant natives or your favorite perennials.
Fertilizers: Use fertilizers sparingly. Follow all directions on bag and sweep up any excess that spills onto the driveway or sidewalk.
No “P” Fertilizers: There are three numbers on a fertilizer bag for N, P and K. Use the no “P” or very low “P” fertilizers, as there is already plenty of phosphorous in our soils.
Mow High: If you want less watering, wait to mow your grass when it is 4-5 inches high. Roots will grow longer, which then requires less watering.
Restore Healthy Soil: Reduce compaction and increase organic matter content. Aerate your lawn, and then apply a thin layer of compost (1/4-1/2 inch) and additional seed if desired.
~ This information courtesy www.RainscapingIowa.org and www.IowaStormWater.org.
Outdoor Family Fun for People and Pets!
Celebrate Prairiewoods’ 15th Anniversary, get close to nature through kid-friendly activities and have a blessing bestowed on the four-legged members of your family during Nature Fest at Prairiewoods on Sunday, October 2.
Both people and pets are invited to honor Earth and connect with the natural world through this afternoon of family-friendly entertainment. In addition to the traditional Blessing of the Animals and ice cream social, the event will include storytelling, face painting, live music and a multitude of family-centered activities.
The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with performances by both Bob Ballantyne and the Deep Dish Divas and with a variety of games and nature activities. Celebrate the beauty of October and experience the bounty of Earth by taking part in environmental games, creating art from nature, having your face painted to look like a wild animal (for $5–$10 per face) and taking guided hikes on the woodland trails. Members of I-Renew will provide on-site tours of Prairiewoods’ renewable energy features.
Ice cream will be served at 1:45, followed by a short message by State Senator Rob Hogg. He will speak on a message dear to the heart of Prairiewoods: living with environmental awareness. Storytellers will then engage the imaginations of kids and parents alike with traditional creation stories.
At 2:45, Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders will bless your pets in our traditional St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals. Little Paws Dog Rescue will also be on hand with a number of dogs available for adoption. They will even microchip your pet in case it ever gets lost—just bring $20 and proof of ownership, such as a vet record.
Throughout the day, you will also be able to enjoy environmental art and poetry from the Iowa winners of the 2011 River of Words. This is a competition for youth aged 5 to 19 that allows them to express their personal experiences in the natural environment. Prairiewoods is the only eastern Iowa host of the 2011 River of Words, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see it!
Nature Fest celebrates the 15 years of commitment Prairiewoods has made to its mission of furthering the vision of its sponsors, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and the Franciscan tradition by offering a theological and spiritual framework that connects the human with the natural world. This is done by offering space and opportunities for spiritual growth joined to a belief in the sacredness of all of creation.
We hope to see many of you, our friends, as we celebrate these first 15 years of our history! This party is free, although there will be a charge if you chose to have your pet microchiped ($20) or your face painted ($5–$10). Please bring your pets on leashes or in carriers (and their clean-up bags), your lawn chairs or blankets, and your willingness to have a great time! For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.
SCHEDULE
1:00 Music by Deep Dish Divas and Bob Ballantyne, Games, Face Painting, Nature Tours & Outdoor Activities
1:45 Ice Cream Social
2:00 Message from Senator Rob Hogg, Storytelling
2:45 Blessing of Animals
3:00 More Music, Games, Face Painting, Nature Tours & Outdoor Activities
4:00 Closing
We are a society in love with chemicals, and we put them in everything, including our cleaning products. Thankfully, there are safe cleaning products available, many of which are effective and inexpensive. Prairiewoods Eco-Spirituality Coordinator Emy Sautter put together a list of homemade natural cleaners that may inspire you to clean “green.” (Make sure to keep all homemade formulas well labeled and out of the reach of children.)
Essential Oils: Mix 1 teaspoon essential oil with 2 cups water in a spray bottle.
All Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or two teaspoons Borax) into 1/2 gallon water. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stalls, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub baking soda onto a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.
Air Freshener: Mix baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in a small container to absorb odors around the house. Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.
Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 quart warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don’t clean windows if the sun is shining through or if they are warm, as streaks will show as they dry.
Deodorizer: To deodorize plastic food storage containers, soak overnight in warm water and baking soda. For in-sink garbage disposal units, grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit. For carpets, sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming. For garages and basements, set a sliced onion on a plate in the center of the room for 12 to 24 hours.
Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of Borax and washing soda (a stronger baking soda that can be found in the detergent aisle at the grocery store), but increase the washing soda if your water is hard. If you want to use a commercial dish-washing soap, try Ecover Ecological or Trader Joe’s powders, which contain no bleach or phosphates.
Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons Borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe with a dampened cloth or use a non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.) To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.
Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water. Heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break down fatty acids into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: Only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener, as the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.
Floor Cleaner and Polish: For wood, apply a thin coat of 1-to-1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well. For painted wood, mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon hot water. For brick and stone tiles, mix one cup white vinegar in one gallon water; rinse with clear water. Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For damp mopping wood floors, mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water, add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil and shake to mix.
Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth and finish by wiping once more using a dry, soft cotton cloth. For unvarnished wood, mix 2 teaspoons each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.
Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with a sponge and water. Use 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt, and 1/4 cup water to make a thick paste and spread throughout the oven interior (avoid bare metal and any openings). Let it sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.
Scouring Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of Borax (two parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.
Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water and apply with a sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.
