This weekend is packed with good events for Iowa progressives. If you love books, make your way to the Planned Parenthood Book Sale in the 4-H building at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Admission is free; the sale is open from 9-9 Friday and Saturday and from 9-6 Sunday and Monday. The sale offers great deals on books, DVDs, prints, comics, and music, especially on Sunday, when everything is half-price, and on Monday, when everything left is 25 cents.

Proceeds support Planned Parenthood’s education programs, which you can learn more about here.

Incidentally, Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa recently merged with Planned Parenthood of Nebraska/Council Bluffs to form a new affiliate called Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.

The Iowa Renewable Energy Association‘s annual Energy and Sustainability Expo takes place in Norway Saturday and Sunday. There’s so much to learn at the I-RENEW expos.

On Sunday, Senator Al Franken (cartographer extraordinaire) will headline Senator Tom Harkin’s 32nd Annual Steak Fry. The event will be at the Warren County Fairgrounds from 1 pm to 4 pm. Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

Follow me after the jump for details on many other events coming up soon.

Friday, September 11:

The Planned Parenthood Book Sale is open from 9 to 9 in the 4-H building of the State Fairgrounds.

From I’M for Iowa:

September 11 – Iowa Women’s Music Festival (Iowa City)

This is the event’s 16th year, hosted by Prairie Voices Productions at Upper City Park during the day and at The Mill at night. Contact festival@prairievoices.net or (319) 335-1486.

September 11 – “Food, Inc.” Movie Premier (Iowa City)

Cost is $5 at the Bijou Theatre in the Iowa Memorial Union at 7:00 pm. Sponsored by Edible Iowa River Valley. Contact Kurt Friese at kurt@edibleiowa.com or (319) 321-7935.

From the Center on Sustainable Communities:

Affordable Green Demonstration Home ‘Framing, Roofs and Attics’

COSC will be hosting the third in a series of workshops Friday, September 11th, “Framing, Roofs and Attics”, in conjunction with the West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home in Valley Junction.  This is a collaborative effort between The City of West Des Moines, HOME Inc, the Community Colleges of Iowa, and multiple other partners. There will be an on-site workshop at every phase of construction to illustrate affordable sustainable steps that can be taken in new home construction.  Each workshop has a professional version and a shorter consumer version. Visit our website for the tentative schedule and curriculum, and sign up early to reserve your spot! www.icosc.com

From the Iowa Environmental Council newsletter:

Natural History Weekend Returns to Lakeside Lab

September 11-13, West Lake Okoboji

Iowa Lakeside Lab and the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History are offering an adult enrichment weekend from September 11-13. Participants will explore the geology, ecology, and archaeology of the Iowa Lakes region via lectures and field trips led by expert naturalists. Housing and meals are available at Lakeside Lab. For more information, go to www.lakesidelab.org/News.html.

Saturday, September 12:

The Planned Parenthood Book Sale continues from 9 to 9 in the 4-H building of the State Fairgrounds.

From the Iowa Environmental Council newsletter:

Fen Walking Tour

September 12, Fayette County

Please join us on Saturday, September 12 for a walking tour and interpretation of the unique ecosystem found on the Kauten Fen, also known as “Becky’s Fen.” We will begin the tour at 10 a.m., with a brief program at the Kauten farm, located at 9573 110th Street, followed by a tour of the fen. As in previous years, John Pearson from Iowa DNR has been invited to provide expert insight to how the fen was identified during a study he and Mark Leoschke conducted more than ten years ago. A spring prescribed burn in 2009 may also make way for new “surprises” out in the field. Come see for yourself! For more information on the fen and fens in Iowa: http://www.inhf.org/iowafens.htm or e-mail rkauten@cfu.net for more details about the event.

Fishing Tournament to Benefit Beeds Lake

September 12, Hampton area

Friends of Beeds Lake will be sponsoring a fishing tournament on September 12th, with registration for the event commencing at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lakeside Bait House. This is a Carp only tournament to help improve water quality and remove undesirable Carp from Beeds Lake. There is no charge for the registration. Weigh-in will occur between the hours of five and six PM. Anglers will be divided into two groups including twelve and under & adult. Many prizes will be awarded. No carp should be returned to lake. Bring up to the Lakeside bait house for weighing. Please bring your own trash bag for any litter you might accumulate on the lake site. For more information about Beeds Lake, visit http://www.friendsofbeedslake…. and http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/s…

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From I’M for Iowa:

September 12 – Latinos Unidos Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner (Des Moines)

Grace Methodist Cottage Grove Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave, 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Individual tickets are $15 and a full table for eight is $110. RSVP to Lena Robinson at (515) 279-6840 or iowalatina@msn.com.

September 12 – “Fresh” Movie Premier (Rippey)

Prairie Sky Productions invites you to join them for a neighborly potluck picnic at 5:00 pm with the movie to follow at 6:30 and a Q&A discussion at 8:00. It’s at Chris and Kevin Wilbeck’s farm, 2244 U Avenue, rain or shine. Admission is $10 per adult, and children under 18 are free. The event includes locally-grown main entree and beverage, and you are invited to bring a side dish to share at the potluck. RSVP by September 4th to greenecounty fan@gmail.com.

The I-RENEW’s annual expo takes place this weekend. It’s a fantastic event, which I’ve attended several times in the past:

Going Green: I-Renew’s Energy & Sustainability Expo

Norway, Iowa (September 3, 2009) – – The Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-Renew) invites you to learn more about what renewable energy can mean to you and your future by attending the 2009 Renewable Energy and Sustainability Expo, September 12-13 in Norway, Iowa.  Expo hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.

The I-Renew Expo will feature over 60 workshops and speakers that will cover everything from wind, solar and geothermal energy to incorporating green building technologies into new and retro-construction. There will also be information about green job opportunities and ways to identify and implement sustainable foods and lifestyle choices. A demonstration area will feature working solar and wind power displays, and cars that run on alternative fuels. Exhibitors of all types will be on hand to answer questions.

Great food will be provided by local vendors, hands-on children’s activities are planned, and area musicians will entertain attendees. Admission price is $10 per day for adults. Children under 3 are free and kids from 3-12 are $5 per day. I-Renew members are admitted free of charge. Campers can set up on part of the 60-acre site for a nominal fee of $10 per night.

The I-Renew Expo 2009 is being hosted by Frontier Natural Products Co-op, a leading manufacturer of natural and organic products.  Frontier is located 3021 78th Street , Norway , Iowa .  Coming from either direction on Highway 30, turn south on 30th Avenue and then take the first left in Norway on Euclid Rd.

The I-Renew Energy and Sustainability Expo relies on volunteers to help organize and run the Expo. If you can help in any way, sign up on their website or give I-Renew a call. Visit www.irenew.org for ongoing updates.

From One Iowa:

Grinnell History in the Heartland

Sat Sep 12 6pm – Sat Sep 12 8pm

Celebrate the marriages of Maura Strassberg to Johanna Meehan and David Coster to Kevin Koppelson on Sept. 12 in Grinnell. The celebration is part of One Iowa’s History in the Heartland series to raise awareness for marriage equality.

Suggested donation is $25. For more information, contact Jeremy@oneiowa.org, or call 515.288.4019 ext. 207.

Sunday, September 13:

Senator Al Franken will headline Senator Tom Harkin’s 32nd Annual Steak Fry at the Warren County Fairgrounds from 1 pm to 4 pm. Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

It’s half-price day at the Planned Parenthood Book Sale, open from 9 to 6 in the 4-H building of the State Fairgrounds.

The I-Renew expo continues in Norway. I highly recommend this event.

From the Iowa Environmental Council newsletter:

Farmscape Peformances

September 13 and in October, Central Iowa

Iowa State English professor Mary Swander’s “Farmscape” play will be performed in Iowa in September and October. The Ames Public Library will host an “Ames Celebrity” performance at 3 p.m., September 13 in Ames City Hall Auditorium, 515 Clark Avenue in Ames. The play also will be performed during the 13th Annual Community Food Security Coalition Conference, which runs October 10-13 in Des Moines. The play documents the changing rural environment and features characters based on student interviews with central Iowans. Swander will lead a discussion after each performance.

Monday, September 14:

Everything is marked way down on the last day of the Planned Parenthood Book Sale, open from 9 to 6 in the 4-H building of the State Fairgrounds.

From I’M for Iowa:

September 14 – A Latina Perspective on Marriage Equality (Des Moines)

Dolores Huerta will speak at Trinity United Methodist Church (8th and College) at 7:00 pm. In 1962, Ms. Huerta co-founded United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez and ever since has remained a nationally-acclaimed, outspoken advocate for justice and workers’ rights. Contact imforiowa@gmail.com or Lynn Fallon at (515) 201-9405.

September 14 – Union County Dems Dinner at Farmers Market (Creston)

The Union County Democrats are serving dinner at the Creston Farmers Market from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., at McKinley Park.  They’ll be serving hot, roast turkey sandwiches and there will be live, local entertainment.  Contact Monica McCarthy at monicadem@iowatelecom.net.

Note:  The event featuring Dolores Huerta is free and open to the public.   Dolores will present her speech in Spanish and English. It is sponsored by Latinos Unidos of Iowa; Alianza; Iowa Division of Latino Affairs: Iowa Civil Liberties Union; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa; One Iowa; Equality Iowa;  Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (State Council of Iowa-PFLAG); Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa (PCCI); Des Moines Human Rights Commission; The Roundtable; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Des Moines Catholic Worker; and, Iowa Peace Network.

Tuesday, September 15:

Reservations are due for the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s Crossroads luncheon on Friday (see below). Please call (515-279-8715) or email (events@interfaithallianceiowa.org) to RSVP.

From One Iowa:

Pella History in the Heartland

Tue Sep 15 5pm – Tue Sep 15 7pm

Part of One Iowa’s History in the Heartland series to raise awareness for marriage equality, Pella’s event is hosted by Cheri and Marty Doane.

Suggested donation is $25. For more information, contact Jeremy@oneiowa.org, or call 515.288.4019 ext. 207.

From I’M for Iowa:

September 15 – Fundraiser for Alexander Grgurich  (Norwalk)

Fundraiser for Alexander Grgurich, city councilman and candidate for mayor at the home of Scott and Jessie Bush, 2800 Berkshire Drive, 5:00 – 7:30 pm. Remarks from Scott Bush, founder and President of Templeton Rye Whiskey. Suggested contributions:

Friend – $30; Supporter – $60; Host – $100. Contact (515) 321-9073 or alexanderfornorwalk@gmail.com.

September 15 – “Mad as —-” Doctors Tour Presentation (Des Moines)

Six Oregon physicians take their message of Universal Health Care on the road to First Christian Church, 24th and University at 7:30 p.m.  Traveling in a wrapped motor home their mission is to tell the truth about America’s health system as they’ve seen it.  They also want to hear your story.  Contact: (515)282-4781 or monashaw@aol.com.

From the Iowa Environmental Council:

Audubon Program September 15, Des Moines

Join us 7 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, Beaver and Franklin Avenues in Des Moines. Jon Stravers will present a program on Cerulean Warblers and Red-shouldered Hawks, plus discussion of Mississippi River issues. The program concludes with Jon’s guitar music. Contact Jane at jrclark@radiks.net or 515-223-5047 for information.

Iowa DOT to Hold Public Input Meetings in September

September 15-17, various locations

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), in cooperation with Iowa’s Office of Energy Independence and Department of Natural Resources, are again seeking input from Iowans concerning the Statewide Public Transportation Funding Study. Six public meetings will be held from September 15 through September 17 around the state. For dates and locations, go to http://www.iatransit.com/updat… Interested citizens, organizations and public officials are encouraged to participate in one of the upcoming public meetings. If you are unable to participate in a meeting, you can still provide input by completing a survey online at www.iRIDE21.com. All public meetings will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information about the study or meetings, contact Stan Peterson at 515-239-1386 or stan.peterson@dot.iowa.gov. For more information on public transit in your area, visit www.iatransit.com.

Wednesday, September 16:

From the Iowa Environmental Council:

Iowa Business & Industry Environmental Conference

September 16, Johnston

Iowa Association of Business and Industry and Iowa Department of Economic Development is hosting “Surviving in a Tough Climate,” Sep 16, at the Foxboro Conference Center, at 6165 NW 86th Street, Suite A, in Johnston. This one day conference will provide assistance to anyone needing to understand current and emerging environmental and energy policies affecting business and economic development in Iowa. The conference will offer information on several topics with expert presentations in the respective areas, such as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) anticipated focus for air and water quality in Iowa and the proposed federal American Clean Energy and Security Act (cap & trade). Also, included in the conference is an update targeted for small businesses and stimulus funding opportunities. The event’s keynote speaker is state Senator Dennis H. Black, Chair of the Iowa Senate Environment and Energy Independence Committee. He will provide the latest Iowa Statehouse insights on environmental policies and what may be anticipated during the next legislative session. The day wraps up with an interactive opportunity to join a panel discussion on how different organizations can work together for the betterment of Iowa’s environment and economy. For more information and to register, go to http://www.iowaabi.org/.

Skip Moore, candidate for Des Moines City Council At Large, would like to invite you to a meet and greet at the Northwest Community Center on Wednesday, September 16th. This is a great opportunity to ask Skip questions, learn about the issues important to the residents of Des Moines and become involved in his campaign for City Council. Location: Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave., Des Moines Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Appetizers will be provided. Please contact the campaign at 729-2926 if you have any questions, or email us at Moore4council@aol.com

Thursday, September 17:

Coffee and Conversation with Governor Culver

Please join Governor Culver at the Cub Club, Principal Park, One Line Drive.  “Coffee and Conversation” is open to the public and free.  For future coffees, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.  

Friday, September 18:

The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s monthly Crossroads luncheon features Carol Greta, legal counsel for the Iowa Department of education, and Mary Gannon, legal counsel for the Iowa School Board Association. Topic: Religious Liberty & Public Schools. How do schools & citizens insure that religious liberty is protected in their district?  What is a good religious liberty policy? Should public schools teach about religion? Should prayer be part of a graduation commencement? Come learn from the experts and be part of the discussion. The event is from  11:45 – 1 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, Des Moines (42nd Street & Ingersoll Ave). Cost:         $9.00 Reservations are needed to attend Crossroads. Please call (515-279-8715) or email (events@interfaithallianceiowa.org) by Tuesday, September 15.

From I’M for Iowa:

Alternatives to Violence Basic Workshop (Des Moines)

Enjoy a hands-on, experiential workshop where you’ll connect with others, laugh, share, and listen while learning ways to reduce conflict in your world, your family, or at work.  The workshop will be at Central Iowa Shelter and Services, 205 15th St., Des Moines, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.  Lunch will be provided.  For more information, contact Stan Sanders at (515) 710-8515.

Mary McAdams CD Release Party (Des Moines)

Mary is a long-time friend and supporter and will release her new cd at this concert. The event costs $5 and is at Temple for Performing Arts, Temple Theatre, 2nd Floor, 10th and Locust from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased through all Ticketmaster locations. Contact mary@marymcadams.com.

I won a copy of this CD at the Friends of Iowa Midwives silent auction on Labor Day!

Saturday, September 19:

The Latino Heritage Festival, the largest in the state, begins in Des Moines. There will be entertainment, cultural booths, and many types of food.  The event will be held at the Blank Park Zoo, beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day.  General admission for adults is $5.00, children are $1.00 and parking is $3.00.  For more information: www.latinoheritagefestival.org.

From the Iowa Environmental Council:

 River Cleanup – Dragoon River Romp

September 19, North Central Iowa

The Dragoon River Romp is held each year as a recreational education event. Rivers contain Iowa’s greatest remaining tracts of wildlife habitat. Rivers are some of Iowa’s best places for many types of recreation, from wildlife viewing and fishing to canoeing, kayaking, or tubing. This program leads participants in caring for our natural resources. This year we will clean up the stretch from Hwy 30 to E-57. Water- and Land-based opportunities available for volunteers. Starts 7:30 AM-1PM September 19. Registration packet and more information available on web site: http://www.co.boone.ia.us/kbcb… CONTACT PERSON:  Lois Powers, Dragoon River Romp Coordinator, 515-433-0591.

Ales & Trails at Whiterock

September 19, Coon Rapids

Prepare to shake down the Riverhouse dance barn at Whiterock Conservancy (1313 Fig Ave, Coon Rapids). Join our friends from Central Iowa Trails Association for live music and an evening of fun. Stay tuned for more info: http://www.centraliowatrails.c…

Aronia Festival

September 19 & 20, Harrison County

Aronia berries contain high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols that reduce the potential for cancer and heart disease. The Annual Aronia Festival, co-sponsored by ISU Extension will feature sustainable organic commercial production, wildlife uses, and home garden culture of black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa. The free, all-day event will be held on September 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm, the largest and oldest aronia plantation is the in the U.S. Speakers will be Dr. Eldon Everhart, ISU Extension commercial horticulturist specialist and aronia expert, and Vaughn Pittz, owner of Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm. Tours and talks will be repeated two to three times during each day. Also included: entertainment, vendors of other local products, and educational sessions about local history, nature, and environmental stewardship. Participants will get to taste free sample and purchase aronia plants, as well as jams, jellies, juice, concentrate, and other products made from aronia berries. For more information, go to: http://www.extension.iastate.e… Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm is at 2159 Kennedy Avenue, Missouri Valley, Iowa. It is in Harrison County in western Iowa, north of Missouri Valley just off of Interstate 29. It is easy to find. Just follow the directional signs at the intersections or use the directions that follow: From Omaha, Council Bluffs, or Sioux City, take I 29 to Modale exit (Exit 82), turn east on F50, go to 183 and turn left, go to F50 and turn right, then immediately left on L23 (Laredo Ave.), go 2.8 miles, turn left on Kennedy Ave., go approx one-half mile, turn right at mailbox and gate. From the Logan, Iowa area take F50 west to L23 (Laredo Ave.), turn right, go 2.8 miles, turn left on Kennedy Ave., go approx one-half mile, turn right at the mailbox and gate.

From One Iowa:

Fall for Equality House Party in Boone

Sat Sep 19 4pm – Sat Sep 19 8p

Please join us to celebrate the freedom to marry in Iowa at our Fall for Equality fundraiser hosted by Terry Lowman and Mark Kassis.

RSVP: terryllowman@aol.com before September 17th

Sunday, September 20:

The Latino Heritage Festival continues.