State Historical Museum exhibition explores history of cycling in Iowa and RAGBRAI

(DES MOINES) - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today previewed and announced the "Riding Through History" exhibition about the history of cycling in Iowa and "Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa" opens Friday at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.

"Riding Through History" is a 3,000-square-foot exhibition that showcases artifacts, stories, photos and videos about the cycling experience in Iowa and highlights RAGBRAI as one of Iowa's iconic traditions, largest cultural events and economic drivers. The exhibition includes nearly 200 artifacts from the Museum's permanent collection and from cycling enthusiasts across the country, and tells the stories of communities and individuals from RAGBRAI's past.

"With more and more people cycling today as a recreational activity and as their primary mode of transportation, this exhibition provides a terrific opportunity to learn more about its history in Iowa," said Reynolds. "It also showcases RAGBRAI as one of Iowa's largest cultural events and economic drivers. It's a terrific exhibition and I encourage RAGBRAI riders and Iowans to see it while they are in Des Moines."

"The successful development of this exhibition could not have been completed without the strong support of our exhibit partners Register Media, RAGBRAI and the Iowa Department of Transportation," said Susan Kloewer, director of the State Historical Museum of Iowa. "Their support, along with our advisory committee members, has been invaluable in telling the history of cycling in Iowa and RAGBRAI."

"RAGBRAI's co-founder John Karras has said the event is a love affair between bicycle riders and the state of Iowa," RAGBRAI Director T.J. Juskiewicz said. "RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle tour that attracts cyclists from all over the world seeking to enjoy that great Iowa hospitality. We don't have scenic beaches or mountain vistas, but the state of Iowa delivers 'homemade goodness' you can't find anywhere else on the planet."

The exhibition offers visitors a wide range of artifacts and stories from Iowa cycling history and RAGBRAI, including:

  • a Thomas Pickering Velocipede purchased by Iowan Wesley Redhead in 1869
  • a Schwinn Super Sport Van Zimmer purchase with wedding gift money and rode on RAGBRAI in 1974
  • Chris Cakes - the story of Lorin Christiansen of Pocahontas who developed a full-scale catering business across numerous states out of RAGBRAI
  • Mr. Pork Chop - the story of Paul Bernhard of Bancroft who became known as "Mr. Pork Chop" after developing a 1.5-inch-thick pork chop that became known as the Iowa Chop.
  • Clarence Pickard - the story of Clarence Pickard pedaled across Iowa wearing a Styrofoam pith helmet and wool clothing at 83 years old.

The exhibition also showcases the advances made in cycling equipment and technology, and includes safety tips from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

"From assistance for trails to helping riders plan their routes through our interactive bike map, the Iowa DOT is proud to play a part in making the biking experience safe and convenient for all Iowans," said Paul Trombino, III, director of the Iowa Department of Transportation. "This exhibit will give Iowans the chance to learn the history behind what makes our state's biking history unique."

In addition, RAGBRAI riders, friends and all Iowans are invited to "Pedalpalooza" 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at the State Historical Museum of Iowa as the RAGBRAI route takes riders through Des Moines.

Pedalpalooza will feature live music concerts by Decoy at 11 a.m. and The Nadas at 2 p.m., with Chad Elliott, Bonita Crow, Andy Fleming and David Zollo performing live at various times on the E. Grand & 6th Stage. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Baratta's Catering and visitors can purchase a "Riding Through History" 16-oz collector cup for only $5; includes one free beer or soft drink and $2 refills until 5 p.m. Other family-friendly events and activities will be offered throughout the day, including chair massages from East Village Spa and music by Dan Kelley DJ Service.

"Pedalpalooza" event partners are Register Media, RAGBRAI©, Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa Historical Foundation, Des Moines Bicycle Collective, Dan Kelley DJ Service, FastSigns, Baratta's, East Village Spa, The Nadas and Decoy.

Admission to the State Historical Museum and the "Pedalpalooza" celebration is free. Bike parking available at the Museum. The State Historical Museum is at 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines. Hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit www.ridingthroughhistory.org for more information.

 

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state's interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the General Assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.

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Last week, the American Red Cross announced an emergency need for blood and platelet donations. Eligible donors of all blood types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, are still needed to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients.

Additional ways to help

Spread the word about the urgent need for blood donations via social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #GiveNow.

Participate in the Summer of Stories campaign. Visit redcrossblood.org/summer to watch videos of people whose lives have been touched by blood donors, then share your own story.

Learn more about Red Cross Blood Services in your community and how blood donors help save lives at redcrossblood.org.

PEORIA, Ill. (July 15, 2013) – The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors of all types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, as fewer donations than expected were given in the first half of summer. Every day donations come up short, less potentially lifesaving blood is available for patients in need.

Type O negative blood is universal and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to both Rh positive or negative patients. Blood products can be used for cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies, sickle cell disease patients and more.

Hospital patients are counting on generous volunteer donors to step up and give now to help ensure a sufficient blood supply is available all summer long. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information and to make an appointment.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County

Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 pm at United Methodist Church, 1901 State Route 84 in Thomson, Ill.

Aug. 15 from 1:30-6:30 pm at American Legion Hall, 221 Calvert St. in Chadwick, Ill.

Clinton County

Aug. 2 from 1-5 pm at YWCA, 317 Seventh Ave. South in Clinton, Iowa

Aug. 9 from 1-6 pm at DeWitt Community Center, 512 10th St. in DeWitt, Iowa

Henry County

Aug. 5 from 2-6:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 108 N. Main in Annawan, Ill.

Aug. 14 from 2-6 pm at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Mercer County

Aug. 7 from 2:30-6:30 pm at United Methodist Church, 15th and 18th Avenue in Viola, Ill.

Whiteside County

Aug. 1 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 pm at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

Aug. 6 from 8-11 am at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

Aug. 7 from 2-6 pm at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Aug. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD 3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.

Aug. 13 from 1-5:15 pm at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

Aug. 14 from 3-7 pm at Abiding Word Church, 806 E. Lynn Blvd. in Sterling, Ill.

Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 pm at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Aug. 15 from 1:30-6 pm at Carlson Acupuncture & Chiropractic, 2317 E. Lincolnway in Sterling, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Widow Offers Tips for Thriving Without a Partner

For everyone - even people in an ideal relationship with a lifelong partner - there will be times when you are alone, says serial entrepreneur Susan Alpert.

For 46 years, Alpert lived the dream with her husband, Larry; they had a happy home, children and thriving careers. When Larry died, Susan experienced the ultimate aloneness, fearing her happiness would never return.

"No, it wasn't easy to recover from the loss of a loving partner at my side, but I did, and learned how to be very happy on my own. It's possible at any stage of life," says Alpert, author of "Driving Solo," (susanalpertconsulting.com).

"I've spoken to those who have been divorced or separated from their spouse or they just haven't met that special someone yet and they, too, feel a sustained loss -similar to a death. But, as I've learned, going solo can be an unexpected and fulfilling experience.

Alpert reviews important markers along her journey to finding happiness again:

• Taking  Control: Whether you're widowed or emerging from a breakup, you have to reevaluate and assess where you are and take steps to move forward. If you were married and you've been off your game for a while - you've neglected a stack of mail, been out of touch with friends, etc. - start making progress one task at a time. If you've been left with papers and bills to handle, create a system, perhaps a digitized one to restore order. If your girlfriend or boyfriend left you, it's time to recognize and respect your self worth. Consider getting into good physical shape with an improved diet and a schedule for training. You might even consider a professional reboot - anything that gets you focused on something constructive can help you move on. Remember, you're responsible for yourself. It's you who has to take action.

• Ease the Throttle: While it's essential to take proactive measures, it's not wise to try to do it all at once. In some areas you should throttle back. Aim for achieving a regular sleep schedule - stress often impacts one's ability to sleep well, and current research is finding the heightened negative side effects of insufficient sleep. Also, take a break while awake, you'll think more clearly, have more energy and be prepared for the next steps, whatever they may be.  - Take a deep breath, get outdoors. Even a short walk is an excellent stress-reliever while providing moderate exercise. We all know that it's important to eat balanced meals, but you're human and that's not always possible. You may be tempted to indulge in junk food, alcohol and other drugs while in emotional pain, but this ultimately makes life harder. Hint: try to include different colored items on your plate, that's an easy way to eat well.

• If you're grieving, know that eventually, you'll feel better: The initial stages of her grieving were new and terrible. "People said the feeling wouldn't last forever. My response? - 'That isn't doing me any good right now, is it?' They hadn't lost Larry, I did," she says. Immediately, Alpert knew things would never be "normal" again - life would be different. It was going to be a long and painful process. She had to go through the experience of loss. Until then, she could expect to yo-yo between emotions, her therapist said, "In time, I got my health and strength back - I found a reason to get out of bed each morning and although unexpected and different, I have a wonderful, exciting and joyful life today," she says.

About Susan Alpert

Susan Alpert is the creator of "Chaos to Control," a program through which she coaches the bereaved on business aspects of death and other major life changes. Alpert - a successful businesswoman, educator and entrepreneur who has run several multimillion dollar companies - created the program after losing her husband of 46 years. Alpert is the founder of several companies, numerous focus groups and most recently her own consulting firm. Alpert holds a Master's degree in education and psychology, and has extensive experience in the fields of negotiation, finance, international services and business. She is a frequent guest speaker and has been featured on countless radio and television programs.

Mount Carroll, IL-- Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) will present the area premiere of the acclaimed new comedy, Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith, July 18-27. Lili-Anne Brown, Artistic Director of Bailiwick Chicago, returns to direct the shenanigans after past TLP hits Cabaret, Sweet Charity and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

A hit around the country since its midwestern premiere in 2006, the play has been called, "A smash hit! Two hours of non-stop laughter. The plot weaves you through mix-ups and mayhem you won't believe. This is one funny show that you don't want to miss."

Set in two adjoining hotel rooms in an economy motel, Unnecessary Farce follows two inexperienced police officers on a sting operation during which they must secretly videotape the mayor and his accountant with the hopes of uncovering an embezzlement scheme. Thrown into the mix are the mayor's kindly wife and his nervous security guard, who warns the accountant not to mention the money or suffer dire consequences.

Celebrated TLP resident performers make up the cast. Hannah-Jo Weisberg (Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn in The Music Man) plays Officer Billie Dwyer with Alex Johnson (Don in A Chorus Line) as Officer Eric Sheridan. Karen, the unwitting accountant, is played by Sarah Larson (Marian in The Music Man) and Matthew C. Webb (Mayor Shinn in The Music Man) earns a second term playing Mayor Meekly. Mrs. Meekly is played by Erica Stephan (Ariel in last summer's Footloose), Agent Frank is Brandyn Day (who will also play Sir Galahad in TLP's upcoming Spamalot), and Cody Jolly (Harold Hill in The Music Man) is Todd.

Director Brown said, "When I saw one of the first productions of the show at Peninsula Players in Door County, I knew I wanted to do the play at Timber Lake someday. There aren't a lot of American farces, and this one has such relatable characters (and eight doors!), you feel like you know these people--and you hope you're NEVER in the situations they're in!"

Unnecessary Farce runs July 18-27 for 11 performances only. Showtimes are evenings at 7:30 with matinees Saturday, July 20 at 3:00 pm, Sunday, July 21 at 2:00 pm and Wednesday, July 24 at 2:00 pm. TLP is located at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in rural Mount Carroll, IL. Tickets are $15-23 and are available at the box office, by calling 815-244-2035 or visiting www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

Following Unnecessary Farce, TLP will present the regional premiere of Monty Python's Spamalot (lovingly ripped off of the film Monty Python and The Holy Grail) August 1-11. Seussical, based on the books of Dr. Seuss, will be presented for children August 6, 8, 9 and 10. All tickets to Seussical are only $6. The 52nd Season at Timber Lake closes with 'SWonderful: The New Gershwin Musical Revue August 15-25.

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Christian concert friends,

This is a pretty unique and fun opportunity so I wanted to share it with you... there are only 8 days left.

When this Des Moines, Iowa, girl was waitressing and working at the local mall, she was winning national and internation awards from professional music organizations for Christian singer and songwriter!

Years later she has won a lot more awards such as Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and more, while remaining an independent Christian Artist... with no record label, no professional management... just a singer writing songs, and traveling around the Midwest in her car, singing for churches. They fly her out to LA to present awards now to other songwriters, but she's still just a local Iowa girl trying to make a living... working day jobs, going to school, and trying to buy recording time.

She's been writing a Christmas album, trying to fund its recording.

Now you can help her make that a reality.

 

Meet Tammy Edwards:

Tammy Edwards "Mistletoe and Magic" Christmas CD

 

Dear Pastors and friends,

It has been my heart's desire to record a Christmas CD of   beautiful Christmas music for quite some time.  Life events prevented me from pursuing my music for several years as I returned to college to work on completing my Bachelors degree in Writing at Drake University.  I will be graduating from college next year. My goal is to raise 15,000.00 to finish the second half of the CD. I have completed the first five songs already. This money will include studio time/recording, paying producers and musicians, mixing, mastering, artwork and production of the CD.  I have created a Kickstarter account to try and raise funds. On this site I offer several different incentive packages including pre ordering the new "Mistletoe and Magic" CD  to coming to your home or church and giving you a concert. Would you consider joining with me in making this happen? I am so excited and ready to be back in church concert ministry.  The link to visit my site is:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tammyedwards/mistletoe-and-magic-christmas-cd-by-tammy-edwards

 

Thank you!

Tammy

 

Bio

Tammy has been writing and performing Christian and pop music for over twenty years.  She has3 CD's she has recorded in Nashville, TN and won over 18 National vocal and songwriting awards including the Just Plain Folks 2002 Songwriter of the Year and Album of the Year "Widow's Mite" in Hollywood, California.

Most recently in June 2013, she and her co writer Sean Kealy placed runner up for a pop song they wrote called "Love Again" with the Song of the Year Contest.  They have been actively pursuing song placements with major Artists in Nashville and have had a few songs under contract.

Tammy has toured the Midwest in years past performing in concert ministry. She has opened for National recording artists FFH (Far From Home) and Greg Long.

Links to where you can hear her music

http://www.reverbnation.com/tammyedwards/songs

 

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Be a part of the making of a Christmas album by an independent, Iowan Christian Artist. Here's the link to step up and partner with her:

Tammy Edwards Kickstarter video site is:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tammyedwards/mistletoe-and-magic-christmas-cd-by-tammy-edwards

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

And here is a listing of some of her awards over the years, all while living in central Iowa:

 

Tammy Edwards Info Songwriter of the Year awards and bio

 

2006 "Just A Little Time"

Contemporary Christian Finalist

Songdoor Songwriting Competition

Nashville, TN

 

2006 "One True Love"

Pop Finalist

Songdoor Songwriting Competition

Nashville, TN

 

2003 "Let Go With Me"

Honorable Mention

John Lennon Songwriting Contest

New York City, NY

 

2003   "Jesus Is"

Fourth Place

Unisong Contemporary Christian Song

Riverside, CA

 

2002 "Widow's Mite" album

Overall Album of the Year

Just Plain Folks

Los Angeles, CA

 

2002 "Widow's Mite" First Place

Contemporary Christian Album of the Year

Los Angeles, CA

 

2002 First Place - Songwriter of the Year

Just Plain Folks-Los Angeles, CA

 

2001 "Just A Little Time"; First Place

Contemporary Song of the Year

Just Plain Folks-Los Angeles, CA

 

2001 "Home" Honorable Mention

John Lennon Songwriting Contest

New York City, NY

 

2000  "Seasons of Love" First Place

Contemporary Christian Album of the Year

Just Plain Folks-Los Angeles, CA

 

2000 "Seasons of Love" First Place

Contemporary Christian Song of the Year

Just Plain Folks-Los Angeles, CA

 

1998 "Through the Night" runner up

John Lennon Songwriting Contest

New York City, NY

 

1997 "Seasons of Love"  First Place National

Inspirational Song of the Year

Christian Artists - Estes Park , CO

 

1996 "How Can We Say Goodbye"

N.A.C.A.S. First Place / National

Vocalist

Nashville, TN

 

1996 "One of a Kind"  First Place / National

Songwriter

N.A.C.A.S. - Nashville, TN

 

1996 "Hold on to My Heart" Second Place

Songwriter

Academy of Gospel Music Arts / regional

Minneapolis, MN

 

1994  "Hold Me Close"  First Place

Inspirational Song of the Year

AGMA-Nashville, TN

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I hope you'll consider lending a hand to this impressive songwriter, and helping her recording project become a reality. Check out the perks she's offering. This is really kind of cool.

Tammy Edwards Kickstarter video site is:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tammyedwards/mistletoe-and-magic-christmas-cd-by-tammy-edwards

Thanks for supporting Christian ministry and the gospel through music, artists, and Christian events.

Yours in Christ,

 

Timm Dalman

New Anthem Ministries

Back by popular demand -Engineering Kids Day Camp

Don't miss this opportunity to create and learn side by side with Quad City Professional Engineers and students from Iowa State University. Explore robotics, test your engineering problem-solving skills and even take in a Giant Screen film.

$35 Fee includes activities, lunch and a t-shirt.
This program is sponsored by the Quad City Engineering
and Science Council and Iowa State University
College of Engineering.

Payment is required at time of reservation.

Choose one of the following dates:
(9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EACH DAY)
July 22 - Grades 2 & 3
July 23 - Grades 4-6 GIRLS ONLY DAY!
July 24 - Grades 4-6
July 25 - Grades 4-6
Putnam Museum
1717 W 12th St
Davenport, Iowa 52804
563-324-1933

La Crosse, Wis. - The following students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May. The 103rd annual Spring Commencement was held at the La Crosse Center Sunday, May 19.

UW-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of the 13 four-year institutions in the University of Wisconsin System.

UW-L has nearly 10,200 full and part-time students enrolled in 91 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degree offerings and three certificate degrees.

UW-La Crosse - www.uwlax.edu - is the state's top-ranked public or private higher education institution by the US News & World Reports for master's degree institutions and has been ranked among the top four Midwestern public institutions during the past decade. UW-L is listed annually among Kiplinger's Top 100 Best Values and "Military Friendly Schools" by G.I. Jobs.

Students earning degrees in May included Alison Boll of Davenport with a Bachelor of Science degree in Archaeological Studies.

GREENVILLE, IL- ??Ansley DeVrieze of Moline graduated from Greenville College on May 31, 2013. Ansley graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.

Greenville College is a four-year accredited Christian liberal arts school with more than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the college is located in Greenville, Illinois, 45 miles east of St. Louis.

Mankato, MN...The Academic High Honor and Honor lists (Dean's lists) for the past spring semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato have been announced by Interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Linda Baer.

Among the 3,032 students listed, a total of 735 students qualified for the High Honor List by achieving a 4.0 straight "A" average, while 2,297 students earned a 3.5 to 3.99 average to qualify for the Honor List.
To qualify for academic honors, undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours for the semester.

Jamie Fleetwood of Davenport was named to the Honor List

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,413 students, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, which comprises 31 state institutions.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 11, 2013) - Teri Anson of Davenport graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mount Mercy University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Commencement exercises were held at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena Sunday, May 19.

The following have been named to the spring 2013 Dean's List at Mount Mercy University. Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better, and who are graded (letter grade, not pass/fail) for six or more semester hours, are eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List.

Dana Ewan of Bettendorf, Katelyn Bishop of Davenport, and Taylor Eaker of Moline.

About Mount Mercy University

Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy enrolls over 1,800 students and offers 35 majors and as many minors in eight academic departments. The university also has four graduate programs. For more information on Mount Mercy University, visit www.mtmercy.edu.

Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community and lead courageous lives. Mount Mercy offers baccalaureate and graduate education to more than 1,800 enrolled students and uniquely blends liberal arts education with professional preparation.

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