CHAMBER NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER ISSUE!

Deadline Friday, November 6, 5:00 p.m.

The December 2015 LeClaire Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be printed and delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. If you commit to all 4 quarterly issues, receive a 10% discount off each ad! Ads can be modified per issue. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. Low cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for THE HOLIDAYS!!

RIBBON CUTTING!

November 6th- LeClaire River Retreat Guest Condo - Time tbd. - Stephanie Graham, owner. 215 1/2 Cody Road, LeClaire. leclaireriverretreat@gmail.com, www.leclaireriverretreat.com A modern, chic and newly updated condo with accommodations for up to six guests. Enjoy a beautiful open floor plan featuring a great room with hardwood floors and gas fireplace, kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances, two walls of windows to enjoy the riverfront view, private entrance, an enclosed garage, and a private deck. Our lovely location is in the heart of historic downtown LeClaire, IA overlooking the Mississippi River. This luxury condominium is available for overnight, weekend, weekly, or monthly rental. Also available for group parties such as baby showers, bridal showers, and the like. 563-484-1555

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

November 1st - Deadline for submitting your information to the National Geographic website. Go to http://mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com/user/account Contact Cindy Bruhn, Tourism Manager, know if you need for information or assistance - info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963

CALENDAR

October 1st-31st - Food for Fines: It's back! LeClaire Community Library will take food donations to pay off late fees/fines for all of October. All donations will benefit the Hope Church Food Pantry. For a full list of acceptable donations, and for more information, please visit the www.leclaire.lib.ia.us or contact Library Director Jillian Aschliman at jaschliman@leclaireiowa.gov or (563)289-4242, ext. 4

October 17th - Blue Iguana Celebrates National Sweetest Day! We'll have a special desert on the menu. Bring your sweetest in for a special treat.

October 17th - Trivia Night in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center (127 S. Cody Road) benefits the Buffalo Bill Museum.  Tables of 8; $10 per person. Mulligans and refreshments are available for purchase. Participants may bring snacks, wine, beer and soft drinks. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. Door prizes; 50-50 raffle. For reservations, call: 563-349-4403 or email smith5grand@gmail.com

October 19th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8a.m.

October 24th - Annual Witch's Walk Free Family Fun on the Levee! Registration for the Witches' Walk & Costume Parade begins at 11:30am. Parade starts at 1pm. Rain date October 31st. Businesses are invited to hand out candy, create photo opportunities for families (use #witcheswalk2015 and #yourbusiness), give financial support for prizes and activities. To donate candy, prizes or for activities, or to volunteer, contact April, 920-287-8851, or Jenna, 717-580-1101.

October 24th - Blue Iguana - Witches Walk - Stop by for a special treat!

October 30th - Snow Masonic Lodge #44 will be Recognizing and Honoring Le Claire's Firefighters and Police Officers at a dinner beginning 6:30 pm in our lodge dining room at 113 S. Cody Road.  Public is invited.  Cost is $7.00 for dinner which will include ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, rolls, dessert and a beverage.

November 1st - Blue Iguana - Day of the Dead Celebration!

November 6th - Ribbon Cutting - LeClaire River Retreat Guest Condo - time tbd

November 18th - El Rio Spa & Wellness One Year Anniversary Event Details to come! And, come check out the new "Salt Therapy Room"! Great for respiratory ailments and skin conditions. Massage Wednesdays - $10 off any massage! The M'Lis Slimming Wrap is back! Cut inches and check out the M'Lis Wellness program as well!

November 23rd - Economic Development Meeting - City Hall - 8a.m.

SAVE THE DATE

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire!

January 30th, 2016 - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club

FYI

Looking for Strolling Santas and Other Characters for Christmas in LeClaire! Volunteers for Friday evening after 4 p.m. Sat. from 11 until 7pm and Sunday from 12 noon until 3pm. Great Costumes and goodies to pass out provided! Just bring your Holiday Spirit and Smile to show everyone our community's spirit and zest for fun!  Call Kim and leave message - 563-289-5699. 4 to 6 women and 8 to 12 men needed for short shifts and longer periods to stroll and be on the trolley!

Bible Study at Jones St. Java House, 204 Jones St., LeClaire. 6:30-8p.m. The public is invited to join a free, 6-week course on "How to Study the Bible." Rev. Dr. Kerrin Kirkpatrick of Asbury United Methodist Church will lead the study on Wednesday nights from Oct. 14 - Nov. 18, 2015. Please bring your Bible (or one will be provided) and invite a friend. All are welcome! Information: contact Pastor Kerrin at 563-355-5218, ext. 204.

Unique Recycled Creations & Gifts - now retailers for American Paint Company. We carry quarts, pints and samples of the chalk, clay and mineral based paint, plus waxes, top coat finish, American grit, MICA , glaze and brushes, so basically the whole line, plus their new line of paint that just came out this week, The Bold and beautiful collection.

Isabel Bloom - Stop by to see the wonderful sculpture designs we have in-store for home decorating, Halloween and gift-giving! Best of all, our Gourds and Pumpkins will last for years to come! Don't forget about our spooktacular Ghosts, Bats and Skulls - bound to be your seasonal favorites! If you haven't shopped Isabel Bloom lately, you don't know what you are missing!

Faithful Pilot On-Going Events · Mondays - Half Priced Martinis · Tuesdays - $5 House Made Margaritas, $3 Guacamole, and $3 Street Tacos · Wednesday - Half Priced Bottle of Wine Night with Chef prepared feature share plates and Live music from 6-8pm. · Saturday - Saturday Brunch 11am-2pm

LeClaire Community Library - TAG:  Teen Advisory Group (TAG) meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm. All are welcome, and don't forget?your attendance earns you Service Learning Hours!

Steventon's has Prime Rib on the first Saturday of each month.

Bierstube of LeClaire would like to offer all LeClaire Business Employees 10% food items!  Voted #1 Rueben in the QC!  We make our own sausages! Check out our daily specials and lunch features! New late night menu, Fri-Sat, 9pm to midnight!

Reusable Usables - Every Sunday at 1:30 RU features "Re-purposed Sunday Art" with a new re-purposed project each week!

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. You will be contacted with confirmation of being included in the agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Milestones Area Agency, which serves meals to the elderly at the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and delivers meals to homebound seniors, is looking for someone to help deliver meals on Mondays, from 11 am to 12 noon. You would receive training in August and begin in September. This is a quick job that is deeply appreciated by those receiving the meals and their families. Could you help two or more Mondays a month? If so, call Heide at 563-289-3646.

Pick up the LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

October 24th - Witch's Walk (rain date October 31st)

November 28th - Small Business Saturday

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

January 30th - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

November 10th - Riverview Roadhouse - Lunch - noon

December 8th - Subway, LeClaire - Lunch - noon

October 15, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 21, 2015    Roadside, Forest, and Aquatic Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 am

October 27, 2015    Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7 pm

October 29. 2015    Mosquito and Public Health Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 am

November 6, 2015    Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10-2 p.m

November 11, 2015    Ornamental & Turf Applicators Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 a.m.

November 17, 2015    Fumigation Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 a.m.

November 18, 2015    Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Mgmt Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 a.m.

November 26, 2015    EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED

November 27, 2015    EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

Over the past six years, USDA has worked with private landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices that conserve and clean the water we drink. USDA support?leveraged with historic outside investments?boosts producer incomes and rewards them for their good work. At the same time, USDA investments have brought high quality water and waste services to rural communities, which are vital to their continued health and economic viability. Examples of results achieved by USDA's investments since 2009 to improve water quality and availability include :

• As a result of record enrollment of private working lands in conservation programs over the past six years, nitrogen in runoff from farm fields has been reduced by over 3.5 billion pounds, or nearly 600 million pounds per year. Phosphorus runoff has been reduced by over 700 million pounds since 2009.
• Brought clean drinking water and better waste water management to 14.5 million rural residents through 7,000 loans and grants for water and waste water community infrastructure projects. Quality water and waste services not only help ensure rural places have access to clean water, but also support jobs and help communities retain and attract new businesses and families. USDA investments in water and waste water projects have helped to create or save approximately 150,000 jobs in rural communities.
• Leveraged partner investments through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to put further resources toward projects that foster water conservation and resilience. In the first round of RCPP funding last year, USDA delivered more than $370 million to 115 high-impact conservation projects across all 50 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Water quality was the most common project objective, ranging from locally-focused efforts to help producers meet water quality regulations to watershed-scale efforts to drive tangible improvement in major water bodies. In May 2015, up to $225 million was made available for a second round of RCPP projects for targeted conservation, with drought and water conservation identified as a priority for potential projects. In more than 60 percent of project pre-proposals received for this next round of funding, partners identified water resource issues as a primary objective.
• Through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), USDA is working with producers to re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and reduce loss of wildlife habitat. Nitrogen and phosphorus leaving CRP fields are 95 and 86 percent less, respectively, compared to land that is cropped. Soil erosion has been reduced by an annual average rate of 325 million tons, or 8 billion tons since the program started in 1985. That is equivalent to 480 million dump trucks of soil, enough trucks lined up to reach around the world 128 times.
• Conducted restoration work on 2.9 million acres of Forest Service-managed land in Fiscal Year 2014 that sustained or restored watershed conditions, despite rising costs of firefighting that drain resources from forest restoration and management activities. USDA's Forest Service manages public lands that provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply and the drinking water for 60 million Americans, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. To help protect and maintain water quality, the Forest Service's National Best Management Practices (BMP) Program initiated nationally consistent monitoring of the implementation and effectiveness of its National Core BMPs, completing more than 1,100 evaluations on National Forest System lands.
• Quadrupled the number of contracts since 2010 that address water quality concerns in the Mississippi River basin, resulting in the 2014 delisting of two Arkansas stream segments that are downstream of projects in the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI). USDA has worked with more than 600 partners and 5,000 private landowners to improve more than 1 million acres in the basin. Findings from a 2014 report by the USDA's Conservation Effects Assessment Project show that conservation work on cropland in the Mississippi River basin has reduced the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus flowing to the Gulf of Mexico by 18 and 20 percent, respectively.
• Invested $57 million in the Lake Erie basin to help farmers implement conservation practices that benefit water quality and reduce the amount of nutrients entering the region's watersheds, one of the sources of disruptive algae blooms. Studies indicate that between 2009 and 2014, the new steps farmers have taken with USDA assistance have reduced annual nutrient and sediment losses by approximately 7 million pounds of nitrogen, 1.2 million pounds of phosphorus, and 488,000 tons of sediment in the Lake Erie basin.
• From 2012 to 2014, NRCS has invested more than $1.5 billion to help producers manage acute drought conditions and increase the resilience of their operations against extreme weather events. On average, these producers contribute half the cost of implementing practices. Investments include :
• $638 million to help producers increase irrigation efficiency. Improvements in irrigation can help maintain the long-term viability of the irrigated agriculture sector. Water savings at the farm level can help offset the effect of rising water costs and reduce expenditures for energy, chemicals, and labor inputs, while enhancing revenues through high crop yields and improved crop quality.
• $481 million to implement soil health practices, helping farmers save money and improve their operation's efficiency while at the same time improving the water quality that leaves the fields. Cover crops, no-till and residue management are a few conservation practices that can mitigate impacts of drought. An increase in organic matter is the best outcome - each pound of organic matter can hold up to 20 pounds of water.
• $410 million to help ranchers implement rangeland management practices such as prescribed grazing, watering facilities, forage harvesting and brush management. These practices help ranchers adapt to dry conditions in two main ways?increasing the availability and suitability of forage, and ensuring that cattle have an adequate and reliable source of water.

Additional USDA investments in water quality include :

• Ogallala Aquifer: Invested approximately $72.5 million since 2011 in financial assistance to help more than 1,500 producers conserve water on 325,000 acres in the Ogallala Aquifer. Underlying the Great Plains in eight states, the Ogallala supports nearly one-fifth of the wheat, corn, cotton and cattle produced in the United States and makes up 30 percent of all groundwater used for irrigation across the country.
• Water Quality Trading: USDA has provided financial and technical assistance to help states and other partners establish water quality trading markets, largely through its Conservation Innovation Grants program. In 2014, the Ohio River Basin water quality trading project announced its first trades between farmers and utilities. In 2015, an additional 6 projects were awarded over $2 million in CIG funding to establish water quality trading opportunities across the country.
• Watershed Dams: USDA helped rural communities maintain local watersheds and reduce the impacts of extreme precipitation and drought by rejuvenating flood control dams. In fiscal years 2014 and 2015, USDA provided more than $324 million to over 800 watershed dam rehabilitation assessments and projects nationwide. USDA's watershed projects across the nation provide an estimated $2.2 billion in annual benefits in reduced flooding and erosion damages, and improved recreation, water supplies and wildlife habitat for an estimated 47 million Americans. USDA recently launched DamWatch, a new web-based application that provides real-time monitoring of rainfall, snowmelt, stream flow and seismic events that could pose potential threats to dam safety. Nearly 12,000 dams in 47 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico help to prevent flooding and erosion damage, provide recreational opportunities, improve water supply and create habitat for wildlife.

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Prescribed Films, an independent film group based out of Ottumwa, Iowa, is set to kick-off their sixth annual horror film festival and celebration?Halloweenapalooza! The venue for the festival will be the Hotel Ottumwa located at 107 East 2nd Street in Ottumwa, and will run from 12 PM on Saturday, October 31st, until 2am. The event will play host to a film festival, vendors, zombie walk, costume contests, live music, and much more!

Halloweenapalooza is the state's only horror film showcase. This festival is created by horror filmmakers for horror fans. We hope to provide an educational and entertaining visual experience for the attendees of our festival, which showcases and celebrates the diversity of the films.

Celebrities Jason Haxton and Justin Beahm will be on hand. Jason Haxton is the owner of the Dibbuk Box, which the Sam Raimi produced film, "The Possession" was based on. Justin Beahm was in the cult hit Sharknado and is a writer for Fangoria Magazine.

Vendors and food will be available all day. A few vendors appearing include : Creature Comforts and Studio 2 Tattoos. There are still several vendor slots available. You can sign up to be a vendor at our website http://halloweenapalooza.prescribedfilms.com

Tickets for this all-day event are only $10, but children 12 and under get in completely free! You can pre-order your tickets with special VIP packages at http://halloweenapalooza.ticketleap.com/6/

Keep an eye out for updates at http://halloweenapalooza.prescribedfilms.com. For any questions, please contact email halloweenapalooza@gmail.com.

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