Greetings!

You are invited to come see our newest exhibit, Vintage Vows & Veils featuring over 30 wedding dresses from 1868 to present!
German Wedding Traditions
At 2p.m. Kathlyn Hofmann will present on the many different ways in which German's celebrate marriage!


Book Your Wedding at GAHC!
Our fourth floor facility is available for your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner! Ask about availability or come tour the space!

Don't forget to renew your membership! Our volunteers and staff will be on hand to help you get your membership up to date or to help you join!
Sincerely,

German American Heritage Center

The country's best tastes and economic development on the menu in Rock Island

Rock Island, IL - Goombazz Big City Eatzz, a new restaurant experience, is proud to bring some familiar tastes with a side of economic growth to Rock Island, IL.

Featuring a menu that represents famous delicacies from over 30 city centers in the United States, Goombazz is a full service restaurant owned by Brenda "The Brainzz" Brewer along with Sal "Sally Fatzz" Cracco. The restaurant décor is highlighted by elements from a checker cab ceiling to the original "Coast-to-Coast" mural in the party room by artist Matthew T. Chouteau.

Specialties include Chicago Italian Beef, New York kosher-style Corned Beef and Pastrami sandwiches piled high, four different regional styles of pizza on three different types of crust including the "Quadzz Mob" - five square feet of pizza - and 100% all beef hot dogs from Thumann's....The Deli Best.

Brewer and Cracco are also pleased to return a building to the tax base of Rock Island as well as 40 full- and part-time employees. The effort has been aided by the economic development staff of Rock Island in a public-private partnership. The project was supported with a $25,000 low interest business loan and a $3,800 rebate through the city's Façade Improvement program.

"We have been so impressed with the help we have received from Rock Island city staff," said Brewer. "The assistance from all levels of the city has made the relationship with our vendors even better and made it possible to recruit and hire the size of staff we wanted to provide the 'Goombazz' experience."

"The City of Rock Island is excited about the opening of Goombazz as it supports the need for more family dining options in our community," said Jeff Eder, Community & Economic Development Director for the City of Rock Island. "Staff has enjoyed working with Ms. Brewer and Mr. Cracco to make their vision a reality."

Goombazz Big City Eatzz opened October 2012 at the former Godfather's Pizza in Rock Island, IL. Brenda "The Brainzz" Brewer and Sal "Sally Fatzz" Cracco believe nothing says "family" more than a meal at their table.  A "goomba" is a friend and everyone is a friend at Brenda and Sal's place.

The restaurant is a full service family establishment. Eat in, take out, or rent the party room for up to 38 people. Goombazz is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. The phone number is (309) 793-7777. They're online at www.facebook.com/goombazzbigcityeatzz.

-30-

 

WASHINGTON, October 25, 2012 - On Saturday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will travel to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the grand opening of the NewBo City Market. He will highlight the growing strength of local and regional food systems, USDA's continuing efforts to expand marketing opportunities for producers and small businesses, and the important role this market and ventures like it can play to strengthen the Iowa economy.

NewBo City Market, located in a reclaimed, formerly flood-ravaged industrial site in the heart of Cedar Rapid's New Bohemia district serves as a public market for area small businesses selling Iowa-produced food and food products. In addition to the market space, NewBo comprises an entire city block at the crossroads of 12th Ave. and 3rd St. SE and houses an event hall, a culinary kitchen, and a distribution center that will facilitate efforts to feed hungry families in the area.

The local and regional food sector is a multi-billion dollar piece of America's thriving agricultural economy. Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Vilsack's leadership has supported all sectors of American agriculture, including efforts to strengthen local and regional food systems for farmers of all types and sizes, helping them take advantage of new opportunities and succeed in today's diverse marketplace. Today, the number of farmer's markets has increased more than 60 percent over 2008 levels, and USDA efforts have supported more than 200 new food hubs across America that are helping small and medium-sized producers and value-added small businesses reach broader markets.

Saturday, October 27, 2012
10:45 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host a press availability to discuss the importance of local agriculture at the grand opening of the NewBo City Market.

WHERE: NewBo City Market
1100 3rd Street SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

#

Public invited to experience free fitness classes and enter for a chance to win thousands in prizesHHhh

Moline, IL / February 20, 2012 - Moline's most comprehensive new fitness facility, Fitness Xpress is hosting a Celebration of Motivation, offering participants a chance to win THOUSANDS in prizes, including a trip for two to Hawaii and a new Lifecycle® stationery bicycle.   The event begins with a Chamber Ribbon-Cutting and tour Thursday, February 23rd and continues through Saturday February 25th with opportunities for the public to try free fitness classes.   To schedule a free classes during the grand opening, go to www.fx247.com.

Fitness Xpress's model for success is firmly grounded in the knowledge that the key to achieving any goal is motivation.  When that goal requires significant behavior changes, the importance of motivation is multiplied.  Fitness Xpress offers a full array of group fitness classes that provide members with a wide variety of fitness options that are fun as well as motivating and never get stale.  Fitness Xpress' Group Fitness Classes include :

  • Zumba: a Latin dance-inspired fitness program that incorporates hip-hop, Soca, Samba, Salsa, Meringue, Mambo, martial arts and some Bollywood and belly dance moves plus squats and lunges.
  • Body Pump™ and Body Combat™ -- Les Mills® -licensed classes which refresh their music and choreography every three months.  New Zealand-based Les Mills is named for the former Olympic shot put medalist and later Mayor of Auckland, New Zealand, who has become the standard-bearer for group fitness classes.  Group fitness classes invite members to put aside whatever else is happening, and lose themselves for an hour in a pure, invigorating challenge that will improve their body, mind and motivation.  Research by AC Nielsen indicates that Les Mills class members attend three times more often than standard freestyle classes.
  • Super Cycling classes in dedicated cycling studio.  Super Cycling focuses on endurance, strength, intervals, high intensity and recovery using a special stationary exercise bicycles with a weighted flywheel in a classroom setting.
  • Kickboxing, Kettlebell Blast, Fitness Frenzy, Lower Body Meltdown, Body Blast, Fat-Burning Aerobics and Yoga.

Fitness Xpress' Director of Operations David Bedwell says, "Many of our members discovered Fitness Xpress' after plateauing at other clubs.  We specialize in partnering with our members to help them find the motivation they need to achieve their goals...not just in fitness, but in life." Fitness Xpress is the Quad-Cities' home to Thin and Healthy's Total Solution® which has been called "the BEST kept secret in weight loss" by the Executive Producer for Oxygen Channel's Fitness Insider program. Thin and Healthy Total Solution®  GUARANTEES 2-7 pounds of weight loss per week and incorporates a comprehensive approach to positive life change.  Thin and Healthy has helped local members achieve not only impressive weight loss, but positive professional accomplishments.

Fitness Xpress, a locally owned and operated company and has membership levels that offer 24-hour access, a bring-a-friend free program, free classes and free-tanning.  Memberships start at $9.95 per month with no long-term commitment required.  To learn more about Fitness Xpress go to www.fx247.com.  To learn more about Thin and Healthy's Total Solution go to www.thinandhealthytotalsolutions.com.

###
4500 16th Street
Inside SouthPark Mall
Next to furnish 123
Moline, IL 61265
309-762-0123
ikidzroomsmoline.com

Exciting News!
Mark your calendars!

You are invited to attend a Grand Opening Celebration & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for ikidz Rooms

On Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 11:00 am
We will proudly be showcasing our newest addition to the furnish 123 family. A fun new exciting place for kids and teens.
Light refreshments will be served.

It was a love for the loyal customers and savory Mexican cuisine found at the popular local chain that motivated business owners Mike and Cassandra Kehl to open up their third Rudy's Tacos location on Elmore Avenue in Davenport, just across from Lowe's and neighboring the recently relocated Active Endeavors. With more than 54 years of combined experience and involvement with the franchise, the Kehls have witnessed first-hand the chain's rapid development into a community favorite and Quad Cities landmark.

"Rudy's offers a laid back atmosphere and a diverse clientele," said Mike Kehl, who also owns Rudy's restaurants at West Kimberly Road and West 4th Street in Davenport.   "This new location will probably be a great attraction to the active customer who wants to grab some good food and then head next door to check out the new gear," said Cassandra Kehl.

The impressive, newly-constructed Rudy's facility offers patrons a fun, family-friendly dining experience and an array of tasty menu options that can make choosing just one a difficult feat.  "I'm thrilled to see our company continue to expand in the Quad Cities," said Kevin Quijas, Vice President of Rudy's Tacos Corporation. "I feel honored there is such a high demand for our food."

What started in 1973 as a tiny restaurant in the Village of East Davenport seating only 15 to 20 people, has since expanded to include 13 different locations in Iowa and Illinois. The chain continues to grow and prides itself on remaining locally owned and operated. Rudy's Tacos offers dine-in, carry-out, private party and catering services.

"I chose this franchise over others because they're easy to work with," said Mike Kehl, "And it helps to be part of a corporation that's already well-established."

The Grand Opening will be Thursday, February 2nd from 4pm to 6pm. A ribbon cutting will kick off the festivities at 4:30pm, with free appetizers and soft drinks to follow. Patrons can take advantage of food specials all week long at the site in celebration of the restaurant's commencement.

###

Friday, September 30, 2011

Grand Opening of the Café at RM

(Davenport, IA)  Thanks to the Scott County Regional Authority, River Music Experience (RME) is proud to announce that its first floor renovations are complete.  The first floor space, formally Mojo's, will now be known simply as the RME, and all performances in the space will be on the RME Community Stage, as always.  Improvements include a new menu featuring items from Woodfire Grill, booths, and an updated performance area. Additionally, a modular, sliding wall was installed at the south end of the space to improve the listening experience for patrons when there are simultaneous performances and events on both floors of the RME.

"We're very excited about the fact that the new improvements will enable us to host a wider range of performances and educational programs on the RME Community Stage," said Tom Swanson, Executive Director of the River Music Experience. "We're truly grateful to the SCRA and all of the RME's community partners, including Lujack Lexus of the Quad Cities, WQAD, the RDA, Quad City Cultural Trust, Bechtel Trusts, and all of the sponsors and donors that made this long-time vision become reality. We look forward to providing the Quad Cities and the region with an even better experience here at the RME."

In addition to the myriad offerings already taking place at the RME, two new programs will be featured on the RME Community Stage. Mandolin Junction, a bluegrass and old-time music jam is a friendly, free, open jam aimed at encouraging the performance, preservation and appreciation of bluegrass and old-time music. The program is open to listeners and all musicians who play fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass and other acoustic instruments.

Blues Café is a blues improvisation program featuring professional musicians from the area, as well as the occasional visiting artist or special guest.

Fans of the RME are encouraged visit the new space for lunch or participate in the organization's array of educational programming and live performances.

---end---

(Davenport - Iowa) Bowls: Urban Eats is celebrating its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and drink specials Friday, July 8 at 4:30 p.m. in downtown Davenport. Attendees can enjoy $1 freshly squeezed lemonades and limeades, $3 signature cocktails, and be among the first to try out Bowls' unique menu. As the newest restaurant to the growing downtown neighborhood, Bowls is providing distinctive fare featuring freshly prepared pasta, rice, salad, and soups made with slow roasted meats and vegetables. Customers will be greeted by a sleek metallic décor and a walk-through line designed for quick, yet individualized service.

Co-owners Sid Rognoni and Chris Odendahl share a collective 40 years of restaurant experience, and their special twist on quick service and freshly prepared foods is already earning them a lot of fans. "It's truly a labor of love," said Rognoni. "We really wanted to bring something new to downtown, and we've already received overwhelmingly positive response since opening our doors."  

Bowls: Urban Eats features a variety of creative combinations to choose from such as the "Mac-n-Jack" and "Far East Beef & Noodle," but patrons are welcome to create anything from the wide variety of fresh ingredients on the menu. "Since we create every dish to order, it's very easy for people looking for gluten-free or vegetarian options to simply create their own perfect combination," said Odendahl. "Whether you're looking for something hearty or light, we can suit your taste."

With its ideal location at the corner of 3rd & Brady Streets, Bowls: Urban Eats is just as convenient for the late- night crowd on the weekend as it is for the busy business crowd during weekday lunches. The restaurant features a small bar, and on Friday and Saturday, it's open until 2 a.m. Patrons can enjoy a commanding view of the Wells Fargo Bank tower and the bustling Brady Street traffic as they sip on specialty drinks from Bowls' fully stocked bar.

Food is served during all hours of operation, and take-out orders are welcome. Bowls: Urban Eats is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. To-go orders can be placed by calling 563-424-2014.

(end)

Pontiac Tourism and Pontiac P.R.O.U.D recently announced the events which will take place in the downtown area during the 2011 Summer Bash and Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center Grand Opening, both of which are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 23 & 24, 2011.   

Festivities will begin early on Saturday morning with the PROUD 5k Run and 2 mile walk which will begin at 7:30 at the Yost House.  The Farmer's Market will open at 8:00 AM at the Yost House, followed by the Heritage Days celebration which this year will include craft demonstrators, a pie baking contest, and a special presentation by several Civil War - Living History groups.  Also at the Yost House will be special attractions for kids, including a selection of old-fashioned kids' games.   

The opening ceremony for the Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum will start at 11:00 AM and the museum will open its doors to the public at Noon.  A number of VIP guests will be speaking and a Native American song will be provided by Chief Pontiac descendent, Dee White Eye, AKA Singing Bird.   

Continuing through the day, seminars on the history of Pontiac and Oakland cars will be presented free of charge at the Methodist Church.  Situated around the courthouse square will be a group of exhibits including the Brushmasters, a pin striping group from the Chicago area, a live auction of Pontiac car art, and cultural presentations by Singing Bird.  Live music will be provided by Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets from 7 until 9 and by ARRA starting a 10 PM.  The new museum will be open extended hours and will close at Midnight.   

Sunday's schedule will include the continuing displays at Heritage Days located near the Yost House, additional presentations by Singing Bird, and the annual Boys and Girls Club Duck Race.  Live music in the afternoon will feature Chasen, a Christian Rock Band, who will perform on the stage near the courthouse square.

Complete schedules with locations can be viewed at www.visitpontiac.org or picked up at the Visitor's Center, City Hall, or at selected downtown merchants.

A space where theater practitioners can come to organize, workshop, showcase and interact.

When:  Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28, 7pm until 9pm

Where:  421 Brady Street, 3rd Floor, Davenport

What:  Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, tours of the space, revolving presentations of the original performance art: "A Scenic Place," on-site art creation, displays of artwork by local artists for sale, opportunities to meet and speak with the artists involved.

Ticket price:  $5 per person.

Join the Internet Players as we unveil our new space on April 29th and 30th from 7:00 - 9:00pm!  A performance has been developed by QC native Tom Awad especially for this event, entitled "A Scenic Place" which combines live action, music and installation art.  It will be performed multiple times with the characters aging throughout the evening.  The show willmake audiences reflective of their own lives and allow them to make personal connections to the performance.

Local artists such as Tony Carter and Liz Davenport will have their artwork on display and for sale throughout multiple rooms.  Also, guided tours of the space with details on the future functions of The Internet Players' Studio will be available, as wel as information on upcoming productions, workshops and events put on by the organization.  Please stop by throughout the evening for though provoking performances, intriguing artwork and good company.

Pages