DES MOINES, IA (02/02/2015)(readMedia)-- Known as Iowa's great celebration and a treasured tradition for Iowans both young and old, truly "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. This year, all it takes is one little checkmark on your state tax form to help the Fair continue to preserve the allure of the historic Fairgrounds.

Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Check Off on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A and check off $1 (or more!) to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.

"The Corndog Checkoff is a great and easy way for Iowans to support the Iowa State Fair. The Iowa State Fair would not be what it is today without the Corndog Checkoff. Thank you to thousands of Iowans who have supported the Corndog Checkoff in the past and we hope you will consider doing so again this year to preserve this great institution for future generations," said Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director Peter Cownie.

Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised over $1.7 million, and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to the newly air conditioned Cultural Center. In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Tax Checkoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or email info@blueribbonfoundation.org.

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Private luxury suites and Budweiser Champions Club seating available for two nights Valentine's Day weekend

DAVENPORT, Iowa (Jan. 9, 2015) - For the fifth year in a row, Quad Cities-area couples seeking a uniquely romantic setting and dining experience this Valentine's Day weekend can make their reservations for a Valentine's Day Dinner in the private luxury suites or Budweiser Champions Club at the award-winning Modern Woodmen Park.

Couples can choose either of two nights this Valentine's Day weekend to enjoy a four-course gourmet meal at the venue voted the Best Minor League Ballpark in a nationwide vote by 10Best.com and USA TODAY. Couples may choose to rent a private luxury suite or take in the spectacular view of the ballpark, its Ferris wheel, the Centennial Bridge, Mississippi River and downtown Davenport from a table in the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled Budweiser Champions Club.

Space is limited and the event has sold out each of the past two years, so interested couples are encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible.

"The Valentine's Day Dinner at the ballpark treats couples to a wonderful atmosphere, a delicious meal and a delightful evening," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "The unique setting, first-rate service and fantastic dining experience at this unique venue provides Quad Cities couples a truly memorable way to celebrate Valentine's Day."

Dinner reservations are available for Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 13 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) or Saturday, Feb. 14 (5:30-8:30 p.m.). Couples can choose a table in the Budweiser Champions Club for just $100 per couple or a private, candle-lit luxury suite for $120 per couple. A group of four may share a suite for $240, a group of six for $330, and a group of eight for $400.

Every meal includes a shared appetizer, in addition to a soup or salad, and an entrée with two sides, followed by a shared dessert. Couples may also add to their evening with a bottle of wine and/or a personalized video board message.

Reservations can be made by calling Taylor Satterly or Alli Costello at 563-324-3000 or by emailing Taylor@RiverBandits.com or Alli@RiverBandits.com. Reservations must be made by noon on Monday, Feb. 9.

"The Valentine's Day Dinner continues to be one of the most popular special events at the ballpark, and it is an amazing opportunity to experience the premium areas of a year-round venue," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "We look forward to hosting each couple that celebrates this Valentine's Day at Modern Woodmen Park."

UP NEXT: Save money and enjoy exclusive benefits as a ticket plan holder for the 2015 River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park. With a ticket plan of 12 to 70 games, receive free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaways and more. Call 563-324-3000 to speak with a River Bandits account representative and lock in seats for the upcoming season.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

Pickle Party - Thu, Aug 21: 6-9PM

Bread and Butter Pickles are an old fashioned favorite you wont want to miss out on!

QCFH will provide everything you need, including party coordinators to assist those who have never pickled before. Due to our 6PM start, please feel free to bring along your dinner or stop by Fresh Deli for carryout.

WHEN: Thursday, August 21: 6-9PM
WHERE: QC Food Hub
COST: $15.00
GUEST LIMIT: 9
REGISTER online or at QCFH Local Market Store

Canning Green Beans - Thu, Sept 4: 6-9PM

QCFH will provide everything you need, including party coordinators to assist those who have never canned before. Due to our 6PM start, please feel free to bring along your dinner or stop by Fresh Deli for carryout.

WHEN: Thursday, September 4: 6-9PM
WHERE: QC Food Hub
COST: $15.00
GUEST LIMIT: 9
REGISTER online or at QCFH Local Market Store

Culinary Ride is coming to the Quad Cities September 14!!

The culinary ride bike - an exciting route with fun stops and delicious cuisine with the ride beginning and ending at the Davenport Freight House Local Marketplace.

Ticket price is set at $30 for early registration by August 31 and $40 regular price after September 1.

The mission of the Culinary Ride is to engender greater appreciation for local agrarian economies and encourage people to choose bicycling as their primary form of transportation. We believe that if local farmers and those businesses that support them succeed, our communities will be vibrant and healthy. We hope to link community members and local businesses with local food suppliers. The most fun way to do this, in our opinion, is by bicycle.

The Culinary Ride's vision is to produce intimate, community-oriented bicycle events across the country and contribute momentum to the bicycle and local food movements.

These bicycle tours feature local farms, food and the Chefs that utilize these ingredients. As we marry local food and bicycle movements riders savor food prepared fresh by local chefs, and enjoy handcrafted beverages while roaming the farms and environmental designations in the company of friends.?

A portion of the proceeds benefit local organizations dedicated to ensuring communities enjoy a nutritious helping of fresh food and a connection to the natural world.

http://culinaryride.com

Visit the Veggie Mobile at a location near you.

TUESDAY
2:30-4:00 Martin Luther King Center, 630 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL

4:30-6:00 St. John's Lutheran Church, 4501 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/01/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Two members of the Illinois National Guard's 1244th Transportation Company received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) and Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company (TC) platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, was selected as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year for 2013.

"Sanchez compiled a record that established him as a pacesetter in our battalion," said Lt. Col. Jose B. Jaques of DeKalb, Illinois, 1144th Transportation Battalion commander in Delavan, Illinois. "His mentorship and example provided a solid foundation for the future of his Soldiers, while also providing outstanding operational results."

Sanchez was nominated for the award by his company commander and received endorsement from Jaques, as well as each level of command up to National Guard Bureau.

"His contributions will surely continue to benefit many and I firmly believe the prestige of this award will be bolstered by his addition to the roles of recipients," said Jaques.

Capt. David Tanner of Williamsport, Indiana, commander of the 1244th TC in North Riverside, Illinois, said Sanchez is an expert in his field.

"Sanchez sets the example as a highly dedicated and professional noncommissioned officer," said Tanner. "He is a key member of the 1244th TC who utilizes his experience from two previous combat deployments and vast occupational knowledge to make his Soldiers and the 1244th TC as a whole, more ready, more resilient and more adaptable."

The Transportation Corps National Guard Officer of the Year for 2013, was Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th TC and recently named commander of the 1644th TC in Rock Falls, Illinois.

"Allen's leadership, coupled with his emphasis on safe execution and the development of Soldiers, improves individual and unit capabilities," said Col. Michael Glisson of Festus, Missouri, 65th Troop Command Brigade commander. "In turn, the Illinois National Guard and United States Army become stronger."

Allen learned many lessons from his deployment to Iraq in the harsh and hazardous environment of the desert, said Jaques.

"Allen consistently demonstrated his knowledge of transportation operations, planning, execution and development," said Tanner. "He epitomizes the selfless service all commissioned officers strive toward in supporting and serving their Soldiers."

Allen and Sanchez are strong examples of what it means to be a Citizen Soldier, said Tanner.

"One of the strengths of the National Guard is our connection to 'Main Street,'" said Tanner. "These awards recognize the value the winners provide in their contributions to those communities, not just their performance within their unit. The 1244th TC is extraordinarily proud of this recognition for two of our own."

These awards, established decades ago by the U.S. Army Chief of Transportation are to recognize outstanding performers in the transportation corps. They are evaluated on nominees' contributions both in and out of uniform. Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers compete against the U.S. Army Reserve for the awards.

"Two Soldiers from the same state, honored in the same year is an outstanding accomplishment," said Tanner. "Both also being from the same unit is remarkable."

Sgt. 1st Class Jose R. Sanchez of Romeoville, Illinois, 1244th Transportation Company platoon sergeant, in North Riverside, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.

Lt. Linden Allen of Chicago, former executive officer with the 1244th Transportation Company and recently named commander of the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, Illinois, received recognition as the Reserve Component Transportation Corps Regimental Officer of the Year for 2013. Transportation Corps Soldiers and civilians, gathered at the annual Army Transportation Ball held at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, Virginia, to honor the accomplishments of the award recipients, July 25.