I got so busy this month that the event calendars fell by the wayside. After the jump I’ve posted details about lots of things going on this week and next.
As always, please post a comment or send an e-mail (desmoinesdem AT yahoo.com) if you know of something I’ve left out.
Wednesday, May 27
From the I’M for Iowa list:
Transforming Business: Sustainability in the Corporate World
Bill Witherspoon is CEO of Sky Factory, located in Fairfield, and he will headline this event starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Polk County Convention Center, Room 204, in Des Moines. It’s organized by Innovative Kinetics and costs $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Contact james@innovativekinetics.org.
Thursday, May 28
We’re getting a double dose of Dr. Howard Dean in Des Moines. First, he will appear at a town hall meeting on universal health care at 5:30 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Avenue, Des Moines. This event is free for the public. Contact (515) 277-5077 or sdinsdale@iowacan.org.
Then Dr. Dean will be at a reception to raise money for One Iowa and “honor Senator Mike Gronstal and Speaker Pat Murphy for their stand on marriage equality.” Donation of $100 or more requested. The reception is at the ome of Carolyn Jenison from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. For the address, RSVP to jeremy@oneiowa.org or (515) 288-4019 (x207).
Friday, May 29
The Center on Sustainable Communities is organizing a series of ten affordable green demonstration workshops (click here for more information). The first, on May 29, will cover “Green Building Basics”: The House as a System, Planning and Design, Landscaping – Theory, and Passive Solar. The Professional Workshop runs from 8:45am – 1:00pm, which includes 1 1/2 hours in the classroom and 2 hours on site at the demonstration home. Lunch will be included. The Homeowner Workshop runs from 11:30am – 1:00pm, joining the professional workshop for an hour on site at the demonstration home and lunch. You can sign up for each class individually. To register, contact Emily at info@icosc.com or (515) 277-6222.
From the Iowa Environmental Council newsletter:
The 33rd Annual Loess Hills Prairie Seminar – Prairie Progress – is May 29 evening through May 31 at noon. We begin Friday evening at West Monona High School, Onawa, and gather for day programs in Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area, where some attendees choose to camp during the weekend events. Come celebrate Prairie and learn about many other topics. Sessions and programs for all ages. Educators have the opportunity to receive credit. Special evening programs and field sessions for children and families. Ron Cisar Earth Music – family concert and also a campfire program. The website is: http://www.nwaea.k12.ia.us/en/… Click on Loess Hills Prairie Seminar and choose the categories you wish to open on the left sidebar. You will be able to access the program, registration form, directions, and even information for educators who wish to take the seminar for credit. For those who wish to participate there is also an opportunity to volunteer for G.R.A.S.S. which takes place from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Friday May 29. We are again offering the Silent Auction. Many of the items are beautiful plants which are native to the Hills and the local area. If you have questions about the Silent auction, please contact the Monona County Conservation Board at: 318 East Iowa Ave. Onawa, Iowa 51040-9802 Phone: (712) 433-2400 E-mail: mccb@longlines.com. They will be glad to assist you with Auction questions. If you have questions about the seminar, please contact Gloria Kistner, gkistner@Nwaea.com.
LHPS coordinator, Dianne Blankenship at: bennaid@hotmail.com.
Saturday, May 30
Activists from around the state will attend the One Iowa Grassroots Power Summit from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM at the Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines. A complimentary lunch is included with a suggested donation of $15 to cover expenses. Click here to RSVP or call One Iowa at 288-4019.
Congressman Leonard Boswell is hosting a Home Mortgage Educational Exhibition from 10 am to noon at the DMACC urban campus, 1100 7th St. in Des Moines. Call 515-282-1909 for more information.
Friday, June 5
The 2009 Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards Dinner will take place at the Hy Vee Conference Center, 5820 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Reception at 5:30, dinner and program at 6:45. The keynote speaker is Steven Goldstein of Garden State Equality, and Sharon Malheiro and Camilla Taylor will be honored. For more information, visit www.eychanerfoundation.org.
Saturday, June 6
Pride Ride 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009 10:00 AM
Saylorville Lake-Cherry Glen #4
5600 NW 78th Avenue
Johnston, IA 50131
On-site registration will begin at 9 AM. You can register online now and pay in advance. Price is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Contact One Iowa for more information.
From I’M for Iowa:
Really, Really Free Market
A huge, free yard sale the first Saturday of every month at Drake Park, 24th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue in Des Moines. It runs from 11:00 – 2:00, or so. People are invited to come and shop or bring things to donate. Face painting and kids’ crafts, too. Contact tracy.robson@gmail.com or visit http://desmoinesmutualaid.info/.
Sunday, June 7
A Gay Wedding Expo will take place from 5:30-8:00 PM at Top of the Tower, Downtown Holiday Inn, Des Moines. A portion of the proceeds go to One Iowa.