Two University of Iowa undergrads and assistant physics professor David Miles are traveling 4,000 miles to Norway, where the Hawkeye students will take part in an intensive program focused on building, launching, and analyzing a rocket. The process for successfully setting up and completing a rocket mission typically takes between five and 15 years. The students will have four days. In many ways, sophomore astronomy major Hannah Gulick is continuing a tradition at the University of Iowa. Physicist James Van Allen served as a professor at Iowa beginning in 1951, and in his decades of work, he left a legacy of leadership in space exploration. "My dream is to be a researching astrophysicist," said Ms. Gulick. "To have this opportunity to do a campaign within four days and experience everything that goes into building a rocket, the design, the actual building of it, the launch and then the data analysis, it's just invaluable experience for what I plan to do in the future." Already operating on a tight deadline, Mr. Miles was quick to point out the added pressure of the fact that in rocket science, "you only get one chance." The two Hawkeye undergrads will join 18 other students - some from Canada, others from Norway - becoming the first American students to participate in the program.

The annual fundraiser for Gems of Hope, "Hope Blooms", is providing the Corridor with the opportunity to purchase fresh cut, bud-stage daffodils for themselves or area cancer patients in treatment. Other gifts, such as handmade note cards and stuffed animals for children are also on sale. Newport's Flowers and Gifts on Wilson Avenue is collaborating with Gems of Hope this year and will serve as the event headquarters and a place where the public can pick up orders. Gems of Hope supports cancer patients and their families. At the core of its programs is the "gifts of hope" distribution. Volunteers handcraft cards with inspirational sayings and mount handmade earrings or bookmarks, or a serenity circle/stone to the card. The gifts are distributed in oncology clinics and hospitals throughout the Corridor. Gems also offers a kids camp for ages 5-12 dealing with a cancer diagnosis, a website for teens, a phone app, a scholarship program for high school seniors and cancer libraries for schools. To purchase a gift for yourself, a loved one, or a patient in treatment, visit their website.