The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Veteran Visits Iowa’s 99 Freedom Rocks
Many of us aspire to visit all 50 states, but how many Iowans plan to visit Iowa’s 99 Freedom Rocks? Author @JoyNealKidney shares how one veteran made it his mission. ?? ???? ?? Now I’m inspired. #ThisisIowa https://t.co/WKYOArA6Ku
— Shannon Latham (@ShannonLathamIA) November 12, 2021
Brian Chung, a 20-year veteran of the Army National Guard, completed The Freedom Rock Tour by visiting all 99 counties that display a painted rock to commemorate stories of Iowa veterans. Earlier this May, Chung decided to hop on his motorcycle and make the trip to see each rock. Chung joined the National Guard because of his admiration for his grandfather.
“I completed traveling to and capturing photos from all 99 Freedom Rocks. I put 10,000 miles on my Goldwing and have had interesting travels across all of Iowa. Over the course of time, I also watched Iowa grow through spring and harvest in the fall. It has been a great adventure,” said Chung. “I found it to be a special time riding, and at each Rock I tried to reflect on those depicted in the paintings and the various service members from the specific county who are being recognized with said rock.”
Iowa Schools Prepare Students for STEM Careers
It’s National STEM day! We’re celebrating the careers in science, technology, engineering, and math! Here’s how local #Iowa Schools are helping students get a head start on a career in STEM fields! #NationalSTEMDay #STEM #STEMDay2021 https://t.co/mgftJ1MJdn
— Future Ready Iowa (@futurereadyiowa) November 8, 2021
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of STEM jobs will grow by around 8% by the year 2029. Local schools in Iowa are helping to prepare the upcoming generation for this growth by holding interactive activities and clubs to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Dean Lang, an engineering teacher and robotics director at Valley High School, said they have seen great success in their students who go on to pursue careers in the field.
“Our kids are going off to four-year degrees, and they do extremely well straight out of college. The placement rate is extremely high. The salaries are extremely good,” said Lang.
Shop Local with a Digital Gift Card
Gift the Shop JoCo Digital Gift Card this holiday season. Purchasing is easy and redeeming is even easier. Shop local, play local, and dine local with the Shop JoCo Digital Gift Card! pic.twitter.com/VwwX4GRpIC
— Think Iowa City (@thinkiowacity) November 11, 2021
Shopping local can help you find meaningful and personalized gifts, as well as help support local businesses. To help make local shopping more convenient, Johnson County is introducing Shop Joco, a local community digital card program. The program allows you to use one gift card at all your favorite local Johnson County participating businesses. The digital card is a great way to accomplish all your holiday shopping, or you can give the gift card to others so they can visit their favorite retailers, restaurants, services and entertainment venues. Plus, it is fee-free during the months of November and December.
Get Exclusive Deals with Iowa Distillery Passport
Small Norwalk distillery hopes for huge boost from new Iowa tourism program https://t.co/4COr0GUy3D
— WHO 13 News (@WHO13news) November 12, 2021
Get reading to start sipping and get rewarded using the brand-new Iowa Distillery Passport. This mobile exclusive passport allows you to check in to some of the best distilleries in Iowa and offers a special collection of deals and discounts. One discount the passport offers is free admission for a tour at Templeton Distillery, a historic distillery tracing back to the bootlegger times of Prohibition. Signing up is easy, plus, the first 100 participants that check in at six participating distilleries will win a pair of Iowa rocks glasses.