20 Apr 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 04/17/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 04/17/2015

 

RIBBON CUTTINGS!

April 23rd - Mindfire Communications - Ribbon Cutting - 11:30 a.m. Come see the "hot" new location! 126 S. Cody Road, LeClaire. Everyone Welcome!

CALENDAR

April 17th-25th - Expressions In Threads 11th Birthday Sale 20% off all bolted fabric, special pricing on Sewing Machines, and lots more!

April 18th - LeClaire Firefighters All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast! 7-10:30a.m. LeClaire Fire Dept., 201 N. 15th St., LeClaire. $7/age 12 and older - 4$/age 4-11. Under 3/free. Proceeds benefit the Firefighters Association in support of mission to serve citizens of LeClaire.

April 18th - Blue Iguana will be open early at 10:00 am for Cars & Coffee.

 

April 18th - Jones St. Java House Specials for Cars & Coffee.

 

April 18th - "Wine Hop" in Downtown LeClaire 4-6pm Enjoy samples of wine and/or food at Isabel Bloom with Steventon's, Faithful Pilot, Wide River Winery, LeClaire Information Center with Bierstube, 129, Blue Iguana and Grasshoppers. No advance ticket sales. Start at the LeClaire Information Center, 122 N. Cody Road. $20 gets you a souvenir wine glass and sampling. Proceeds to benefit Christmas in LeClaire. Must be 21 to participate. www.visitleclaire.com • 563-289-4242 x61135 • info@visitleclaire.com

April 18th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center, 127 S. Cody Road. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. 8-person teams; $10 per person. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans are 10 for $10. Each team may bring its own snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Proceeds to benefit the LeClaire Riverfront Farmer's Market. Call Debbie at 563-349-4403 or email Smith5Grand@gmail.com to reserve a table.

April 22nd - LeClaire Community Library - Adults Book Club 'My Name is Mary Sutter' by Robin Oliveira.

April 23rd - Mindfire Communications - Ribbon Cutting - 11:30 a.m. Come see the beautiful new location! 126 S. Cody Road, LeClaire. Everyone Welcome!

 

April 24th-25th - 5th Annual LeClaire Girls' Getaway Weekend! Grab your gal-pals and get registered for the "5th Annual LeClaire Girls' Getaway Weekend". The event includes a style show featuring fashions from LeClaire shops and dinner at the award-winning Steventon's Restaurant overlooking the Mississippi River. Aubrey Jackson from KWQC and Paula Sands Live will be the evening's emcee. $50 per person includes Dinner, Style Show, Door Prizes, Special Offers and Demonstrations from participating LeClaire Shops. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to "Winnie's Place", helping women in need in the Quad Cities. This event is limited to 125 participants, so make your reservations today! El Rio Spa and Wellness, a new spa offering ultimate relaxation and wellness, is coordinating the event this year. Other participating businesses and sponsors include Artswork, Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium, Bierstube, Blackhawk Bank & Trust, Dwellings, Everfield, The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits, First Central State Bank, Grasshopper's, Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, Isabel Bloom, LeClaire Canning Company, LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, LeClaire Olive Oil Co., Mississippi River Distilling Company, Razzleberries, Reusable Usables, Steventon's, Style with P.M. Interiors, Unique Creations & Gifts (10% off purchase), Urban Classic Home, Vignette's, Wide River Winery, and Wild Horse Canvas Prints.   There will also be plenty of time to shop in the unique stores in downtown LeClaire, catch a demo on window coverings at Style with P.M. Interiors, tour the Mississippi River Distilling Company, enjoy wine tastings at Wide River Winery and Grasshoppers, get creative with a fun re-purposed craft class at Reusable Usables, and much more. Complete details and registration can be found at www.leclairegirlsgetaway.com or visit www.visitleclaire.com, or call 563-289-4242 x61135 • info@visitleclaire.com

April 24th - Steventons will be closed to the General Public to kick off the Girls Getaway Weekend with a special dinner and style show!

April 25th - Dr. Crystal Buesing, Dr. Chrystal's Chiropractic Care, Invites You to "New Breakthrough in Healthcare" 9a.m. Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Dr, Bettendorf.  Chiropractor Dr. Terri Cooper will explain a new scientific discovery in the health care industry.  Peer-reviewed studies have proven it to significantly improve many health conditions from heart disease to skin cancer. For more information, please call Dr. Crystal at 563-271-0226.

April 26th - Faithful Pilot - Blind Wine Tasting $15.00 for 15 wines from 3:00-5:00.  A Blind Tasting where the better you taste the wine, and guess the grape you get a better chance at winning prizes!

 

April 27th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall, 8:00a.m.

SAVE THE DATE

May 1st - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8p.m.

Fun food and cocktail sampling at the Mississippi River Distilling Co. 5:30-8p.m.

Wine tasting at Wide River Winery.

Live music at The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits by Brad Brenny.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration begins at Blue Iguana!

Restaurant specials, and many shops open late!

May 1st-5th - Blue Iguana - Cinco De Mayo Celebration Drink specials and live music all weekend!

May 1st-2nd - LeClaire Community Library's Annual Book Sale in the Community Room.

May 4th - Kris and John Kay, owners of Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill, will host "Coffee and Conversation" at the Princeton Community Center 8 - 10 A.M.  The Princeton Community Center Board welcomes individuals or businesses to host the monthly free coffee and open house.  Kris and John celebrated their second anniversary of ownership in April.  Everyone is welcome to enjoy a morning of good fellowship.

May 8th - Trivia Night Fundraiser at Snow Lodge 44 113 S. Cody Rd. 6p.m. Venture Crew 212, a youth organization for 14-21 year olds based in LeClaire, is raising money for a mission trip to Lima, Peru to build houses for families who live in poverty surrounding this South American Mecca. Please join them for a General Knowledge but with a Hippie themed costume contest - just for the fun of it! There will be a silent auction, raffles, and door prizes. Snacks will be available for purchase, but you can bring your own, too. Doors open at 6pm; trivia starts at 6:30pm. $10 per person; 8 people per table. Please reserve your table today: Emily@hammersofiowa.com or crousefamily@windstream.net or 563-940-8923.

May 10th - For Mother's Day - Isabel Bloom's new Garden Bloom Flowers! Available in pink, purple, green, turquoise and yellow! Or surprise Mom with their Angel with Roses or Bella - new designs that make a perfect addition to any home, patio or garden!

 

May 10th - The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Mother's Day Brunch - 10am & 12:30pm seating. Three courses for $35 per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

 

May 10th - Steventon's - Mother's Day 10am.m-2p.m Please for reservations; 563-289-3600.

May 11th - 6 Week Outdoor Bootcamp at El Rio! Unlimited sessions throughout the week with a variety of workout formats starting May 11th.  Pre & Post assessments and pictures included. $49 for members and $99 for non-members.  Call or stop in and schedule with Lisa at "El Rio Spa & Wellness". 1000 Stagecoach Trail, 563-289-1344.

May 16th - Registration open for the 2015 LIVEFIT WITH LUPUS Race & Festival www.livefitwithlupus.org/ Click on 'Register Now' and select between the 1/2 Marathon, the new 10k race, the 5k or the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run! Sign up now to get the early bird rates.

May 16th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center 127 S. Cody Road. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. 8-person teams; $10 per person. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans are 10 for $10. Each team may bring its own snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Proceeds to benefit the LeClaire 4H Clovers. Call Debbie at 563-349-4403 or email Smith5Grand@gmail.com to reserve a table.

May 25th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall 8:00a.m.

 

FYI

Ascentra Credit Union was recently honored with a total of five Diamond Awards, which nationally recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. The awards were presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council at the council's annual conference, held March 25-28 in Las Vegas this year. Awards are given in multiple categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond.

Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill Summer Dinner Specials have started! Monday: Burger Baskets Tuesday: Tacos - Wednesday: 50 cent Wings - Thursday: BBQ Ribs - All day Sunday: Jumbo Peel 'n Eat Shrimp

Princeton Community Center The fourth Wednesday of each month through October we will have An Afternoon of Euchre beginning around 12:30 p.m.  Anyone interested in lunch can meet at 11:30 a.m. and we will order from Go Fish (lunch is on their own) and have it delivered to the Center with Euchre to start after that. Zion Lutheran and Thrivent Financial are co-sponsors of the event.  There will be coffee and dessert included.  There will be no fee to play, just enjoy a fun afternoon near the Mississippi.

 

LeClaire Community Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG): Join our Youth Services Coordinator every 3rd Thursday of the month from 4-5pm for TAG. Help make the library improve their services and programs for teens AND earn service learning credits for school. Email Emily Arnold at eaarnold@leclaireiowa.gov for more details.

 

Faithful Pilot - April, May, June, July, and August

Mondays - Half Priced Martini's

Tuesdays - Tequila Tuesday $5.00 unique, and interesting tequila cocktails for $5.00

Wednesday - Half Priced Bottle of Wine Night

Thursday - $1.00 Oysters & Buckets of Beer on the patio

Saturday - Saturday Brunch 11-2 - yes Brunch is back at The Pilot on Saturdays!

Sunday - reserved for wine tastings and private events.

Join Crane & Pelican Café every Thursday evening from 5-9pm for Sliders & Suds. For $10, you get three gourmet sliders with their house made chips, and for $5 you get three 8 oz. sample pours of beer!

Now through April 30: Mississippi River Distilling Co. is hosting the 2015 LeClaire Cocktail Cruise. Through April, eight different bars and restaurants will have a showcase MRDC cocktail. You can try each one and get your cocktail "passport" stamped for chance to win monthly prizes. Plus, during First Friday, with any bottle sold, get a coupon for a free showcase cocktail! Get your Passport at The Crane & Pelican Café, Steventon's, Blue Iguana, 129, The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits, Bierstube, or River Roadhouse today! www.LeClaireCocktails.com

Now through May 21: The LeClaire Community Library was selected as one of the locations around the Quad Cities to host one of the cellos for the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra's 100 Years - 100 Cellos celebration. It's to celebrate the Symphony's 100th anniversary and world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performing with the QCSO on May 14. Each cello is uniquely decorated by artists or organizations and will be displayed throughout the Quad Cities mid-April to mid-May. The Library Community Library is the only public place that will be hosting one of these cellos in the City of LeClaire.

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. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Wednesday evening program: Halftime! For kids, 5-11 years old. It's half way through the week - and it's a time of fun for the kids. We meet from 5:30-7pm, every Wednesday - there is school, through May 6. We serve dinner, play games, have a lesson and a craft. Have your child join us for a week or two to see what we are doing. We are located across from Bridgeview Elementary School, at 200 South 12th street. For more information, call Pastor Melody at 563-381-7777.

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

 

Riverview Apartment for Rent - Downtown LeClaire. One Bedroom. $1250/month. Call 563-940-3742 for more information.

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. Description: 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!

April 18th - Cars and Coffee on the Levee

April 18th - LeClaire Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

April 18th - LeClaire Wine Hop!

April 24th-25th - Girls' Getaway Weekend!

June 5th-6th - City Wide Garage Sales

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

April 14th -- El Rio - Lunch - noon

May 12th - Go Fish - Evening - 5:30-7p.m.

June 9th - Big Dave and Holly's - Lunch - noon

June - date tbd - French Market Days

20 Apr 2015

Your Credit Score: Updates You Should Know

By Steve Burke

By Jason Alderman

Credit scoring has evolved over the last three decades and this fall, FICO made one more important change. Borrowers who have struggled with medical debt and those with a limited credit history might see better FICO numbers in the future. Even if these situations don't apply to you, understanding how credit scoring is changing can help you better manage your credit over time.

FICO Score 9, rolled out last fall, is described as a more "nuanced" version of the original FICO Score that the leading credit scoring company introduced in 1989. It is offered by three major credit bureaus - Equifax (www.equifax.com), Experian (http://www.experian.com) and TransUnion. (http://www.transunion.com). It now bypasses collection agency accounts and weighs medical debt differently than non-medical debt on a person's credit record. Borrowers with a median score of 711 whose only negative credit data comes from medical collections will see their credit score go up 25 points under the new system.

As for consumers with limited credit histories - what the industry calls "thin files" - FICO says the new system will better determine the ability of someone in that situation to repay a debt.

What doesn't FICO 9 address? At this point, the latest credit-scoring model really doesn't loosen or change requirements for mortgage and refinancing opportunities. Even so, there are many things ordinary borrowers can do to improve their credit scores and overall financial health over time.

The first step is for borrowers to review each of their credit reports once a year. Credit reports and credit scores are two different things. Consider credit scores are a three-digit summary of creditworthiness; credit reports are the detailed record of a borrower's credit history. Consumers can view each of their credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion once a year for free (www.annualcreditreport.com). Stagger receipt of each agency's credit reports throughout the year to weed out any inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or worse, indications of fraudulent credit applications or identity theft.

Borrowers are seeing something else that's new - some lenders are making the credit scores they apply to existing borrowers available for free. A few major lenders have taken part in the industry-only FICO Score Open Access Program, which lets current customers see the exact credit scoring data applied to them at no charge. FICO's site doesn't offer the names of participating lenders, but a customer should ask their lender if they are offering free scores through that program.

Consumers should know how credit scores are compiled. FICO uses five key ingredients:

  • Payment history (35 percent)
  • Amounts owed (30 percent)
  • Length of credit history (15 percent)
  • New credit (10 percent)
  • Types of credit used (10 percent).

Visit www.myfico.com for a list of tips for borrowers to improve their scores. Base FICO scores have a 300 to 850 score range, and though FICO doesn't release what it considers good or bad scores, borrowers with excellent credit typically have scores in the mid-700s and up.

There are ways to preserve and raise existing credit scores. It might be wise for borrowers to ask if they can increase the credit limit on individual accounts while paying down existing balances on those accounts. Smart borrowers generally keep their outstanding balances at 30 percent or less of their available credit limit.

Bottom line: Smart credit management starts with an understanding of one's credit reports and credit scores.

17 Apr 2015

BANDITS GET 2 WINS IN BELOIT, HAVE 5 IN A ROW

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities holds Beloit to two runs over 12 innings Thursday to post its best eight-game start in five years

BELOIT, Wis. (April 16, 2015) - Center fielder Derek Fisher homered in a third straight game, and left-hander Brian Radziewski struck out six batters in four hitless innings to help the Quad Cities River Bandits complete a 6-4 win from Wednesday's suspended game at Pohlman Field Thursday night. In the ensuing seven-inning contest, right-hander Joe Musgrove struck out five batters in five innings, and second baseman Alex Hernandez hit two RBI singles to give the visitors a 5-1 triumph for their fifth straight win.

With their longest winning streak since last July 19-24, Quad Cities (7-1) has its best eight-game start since achieving the same record at the outset of the 2010 season. In Friday's 6:30 p.m. series finale in Beloit, Quad Cities seeks its sixth straight win to match the club's longest winning streak of 2014. Quad Cities also seeks its first back-to-back series sweeps in the regular season since Aug. 11-17, 2007, when it swept four games from Fort Wayne (Aug. 11-14) and two from Kane County (Aug. 16-17) in a six-game home winning streak.

Resuming a 2-2, fifth-inning tie from Wednesday night's lighting malfunction, Radziewski (1-0) began with a runner at second base and allowed catcher Argenis Raga to place a bunt toward third baseman Jorge Martinez, who made an errant throw to first base to put runners at first and third bases. After a strikeout, shortstop Yairo Munoz grounded into a fielder's choice, beating the relay to first base to allow the run to score. The run was charged to Wednesday starter Chris Lee, who finished with three runs - one earned - on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Radziewski retired the next 10 batters in order, including six on strikeouts, to take his team through the eighth inning.

Trailing 3-2 against Snappers right-hander Kevin Johnson (0-1), Quad Cities quickly tied and took the lead in the top of the sixth inning. Right fielder Ryan Bottger reached on an error by second baseman Trent Gilbert, and River Bandits second baseman Mott Hyde laced a game-tying double to left-center field. Catcher Alfredo Gonzalez grounded out to move Hyde to third base, and he scored on first baseman Bryan Muñiz's RBI double - his first Midwest League hit and RBI - for a 4-3 Quad Cities lead.

Fisher added his two-run home run after designated hitter Jamie Ritchie walked in the seventh inning. That was enough for Radziewski and right-hander Keegan Yuhl, who allowed a pair of doubles and a run in the ninth inning before recording his first save of the season.

In the regularly scheduled game, shortened to seven innings because it followed the completion of a game suspended before the end of the fifth inning, Quad Cities held a lead from the first inning to the end. Against right-hander Jordan Schwartz (0-1), left fielder Bobby Boyd hit a leadoff single to right field, stole second base, went to third on Fisher's infield single and scored when Bottger hit into a fielder's choice. In the second, first baseman Jacob Nottingham hit a one-out double to right field and scored when Hernandez singled to right field..

Beloit (1-7) scored its only run in the second inning. First baseman Sandber Pimentel led off with a double down the right-field line, went to third base on a flyout and scored when catcher Jose Chavez dribbled an infield single to the third-base side of the pitcher's mound.

Quad Cities extended the lead with Hyde doubling and scoring on another single by Hernandez in the fourth inning, and Ritchie walking, stealing second and scoring on Hyde's single in the fifth inning. The Snappers loaded the bases in the fifth to put the tying run at first base, but Musgrove struck out third baseman Joe Bennie to end the threat. Musgrove allowed one earned run on five hits with no walks.

Schwartz lasted five innings, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts, and right-hander Carlos Navas allowed a leadoff double in the seventh inning to Boyd, who scored on a two-out wild pitch. The 5-1 lead was held by Quad Cities right-hander Eric Peterson, who set down all six batters - including three on strikeouts in the sixth and seventh innings for his first save. Five different pitchers have recorded the five saves by the River Bandits this season.

UP NEXT: Registration is open for the Sunday, April 19, Frozen Princess Day private meet-and-greet with the Ice Queen and Snow Princess at Modern Woodmen Park. The special package includes Frozen-themed food, drinks, desserts, goodie bags and games in the Budweiser Champions Club, and a reserved box seat for the 1:15 p.m. game. Call 563-324-3000 for details. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.

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.

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17 Apr 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 4/17 - 4/23

By QC Chamber

The classic tale of Sleeping Beauty comes to life this weekend at the Adler through the works of Ballet Quad Cities and Orchestra Iowa. Enter the enchanting world of captivating characters through choreographed dances and melodious music. The long awaited Jersey Boys also kicks off on Tuesday with a show every night until Sunday! Come see for yourself why folks consider this to be the best new musical.

For one day only, find over 400 limited-edition titles on LP, EP, 45, and box set at Ragged Records for this year's Record Store Day. With discounts and live music galore, this year's event is ready to be the largest celebration yet! At the same time, Trash Can Annie Vintage Clothing will be offering a store-wide sale. Music and vintage deals in one place? Count us in!
River Music Experience is alive with events this week. Six-piece indie rock band Kopecky returns to the Redstone Room to shake things up tomorrow. The following evening, jam out with the Kris Lager Band and Jason Carl & the Whole D Band. Feel the rhythm on Sunday when Third Sunday Jazz presents Sam Salomone- Master of the Hammond B-3 Organ. The workshop for kids starts at 3! Monday kicks off with Dave Moore presented by Mississippi Valley Blues Society and on Wednesday, spend An Evening with Todd Snider and Rorey Carroll.

 

The Quad Cities River Bandits take on the Kane County Cougars this weekend over at Modern Woodmen Park. Saturday's game features giveaways, face painting, balloon art, and more for Fan Appreciation Saturday. On Sunday, hang out with your favorite Ice Queen and Snow Princess during Frozen Princess Night. Monday's game includes a Jersey Boys Appearance and Performance for Military Monday!

 

Derby time is near and Me & Billy wants to help you prepare for the big weekend! Ladies, find your perfect hat during the Studio 910 Trunk Show on Wednesday. Exclusive hats and fascinators will be available for purchase at trunk show prices. On Thursday, learn from Billy the tips and tricks to three classic derby cocktails at Cocktail Academy: Kentucky Derby Edition.

 

See you downtown! Sponsored by the River Cities' Reader
Click here for more happenings in downtown Davenport!
17 Apr 2015

Annual Omelet Breakfast & Open House

By Aly Jobson, Dietary Director, Camp Courageous
The 2015 Camp Courageous Omelet Breakfast and Open House will be on Sunday, April 26th from 7AM-1PM. It is a great breakfast of made-to-order omelets served with sausage, toast, coffee, juice, and milk.
Thirty trained omelet cooks will make an omelet with ham, cheese, green peppers, and more depending on what you like. It is recommended you come early for this wonderful breakfast. The price is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.
During the breakfast and open house you'll be able to take guided tours of Camp Courageous. The tour will include the Sill Barn, Nature Center, Train Depot, camper cabins, Multi-Purpose Building, indoor pool, and more. The Beckwith Visitor's center will be open throughout the morning, however the main camp store will be located in the Main Lodge. Come see update on the progress at Lake Todd. The bounce house and Super Zip will also be available throughout the breakfast for visitors to enjoy!
WMT will broadcasts live from the camp lodge during the Omelet Breakfast and Open House from 7 AM-12 PM. To keep up with what will be happening at the breakfast, be sure to tune in to WMT every Sunday morning at 8:30 AM.
The Omelet Breakfast is a huge undertaking and it wouldn't be possible without the help of so many volunteers and sponsors. Thank you to all that dedicate their time and efforts in making this event happen. If you or your organization would like to assist then please contact Aly Jobson, Dietary Director, at 319-465-5916, ext. 2400.
Dixie-Notes-Plus will perform LIVE! Playing varied selection of 20's, 30's, and 40's big band music in the Sill Barn at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM.
Live Reenactment Train Robbery - Red Cedar Regulators - old west reenactment group at the Train Depot at 9:00 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:45 AM, and 11:45 AM.
Camp Courageous is located at 12007 190th Street, Monticello, IA 52310. From US Highway 151, take exit 65 and follow the signs. The camp is located about five miles south-west of Monticello.
More information on Camp Courageous: Camp Courageous is an exceptional year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. The camp is run primarily on donations, giving all individuals the opportunity to give through gifts of time, materials, money, and other means that support the camp.
17 Apr 2015

USDA Reminds Farmers to Certify Conservation Compliance by June 1 Deadline

By USDA Office of Communications

Producers May Need to Take Action to Remain Eligible for Crop Insurance Premium Support

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers that the 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015, in order to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support.

Most farmers already have a certification form on file since it's required for participation in most USDA programs such as marketing assistance loans, farm storage facility loans and disaster assistance. However farmers, such as specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium support, but may not participate in other USDA programs, also must now file a certification form to maintain their crop insurance premium support.

"USDA employees are working very hard to get the word out about this new Farm Bill provision," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "While many producers will not need to take action, we want to help make sure that those who are required to act do so by the June 1 deadline. We want all eligible producers to be able to maintain their ability to protect their operations with affordable insurance."

Producers should visit their local USDA service center and talk with their crop insurance agent before the June 1, 2015, deadline to ask questions, get additional information or learn more about conservation compliance procedures. Producers that file their form by the deadline will be eligible for federal crop insurance premium support during the 2016 reinsurance year, which begins July, 1, 2015. USDA will publish a rule outlining the linkage of conservation compliance with federal crop insurance premium support. Go to http://go.usa.gov/3Wy5J to view a copy of the rule.

The Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form is available at local USDA service center or online at www.fsa.usda.gov/AD1026form. When a farmer completes this form, USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff will outline any additional actions that may be required for compliance with highly erodible land and wetland provisions. USDA's Risk Management Agency, through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, manages the federal crop insurance program that provides the modern farm safety net for America's farmers and ranchers.

Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has implemented many provisions of this critical legislation, providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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17 Apr 2015

Smiddy Joins Service Project Benefitting Foodbank

By Paul Ferrero

HILLSDALE, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, attended a service project to benefit the River Bend Foodbank as part of the North American College and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference, a large agriculture convention and competition, hosted by Blackhawk College on April 10.

"I'd like to thank Blackhawk College and agriculture teachers for setting up this excellent service project benefitting the River Bend Foodbank," Smiddy said. "I enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many fine young leaders in agriculture and join their effort to feed our community."

The service project was held on April 10 at the iWireless Center Lobby in Moline. Smiddy and other volunteers worked in teams to package American made meals which were later delivered to Riverbend Foodbank. In total, volunteers at the service day packaged over 49,000 meals for donation.

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17 Apr 2015

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AREA YOUTH

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
Need based scholarships are available to pay up to $125 per child!

Applicant must meet income guidelines and be Iowa residents. 
Applicant must be a resident of Scott County, IA.
Household Size           Annual Income Limit
1                                  $14,588
2                                  $19,663
3                                  $24,738
4                                  $29,813
5                                  $34,888
Available for kids ages 3 and up. Scholarship is for
One Summer Multi-Week Program offered by Davenport Parks and Recreation!
How do I apply?
Follow the below instructions to complete your application!
  1. This scholarship is intended for school age youth, ages 3 - 18 years.  Funding is limited.
  2. All applicants must apply in person at the office of Community Action of Eastern Iowa:

    Community Action of Eastern Iowa
    500 East 59th Street
    Davenport, IA 52807
    563-324-3236

  3. Community Action of Eastern Iowa will determine income eligibility of the household utilizing 125% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). All applicants must have Iowa household residency.
  4. To determine eligibility, applicant should provide most recent tax return (or 90 days of pay income documentation) and social security cards for all household members.
  5. Community Action of Eastern Iowa will complete the Scholarship Voucher for qualifying households and will give the voucher to the qualifying applicant.
  6. The qualifying applicant will take the completed voucher to Davenport Parks and Recreation main office to enroll in one approved multi-week course up to the amount indicated on the voucher (maximum value $125.00).
  7. The voucher is only good for one summer course offering per child. The voucher is NOT good for any week long camp program. The voucher can only be used for a single registration for one program.  Remaining monies will be returned to create scholarships for other children.

    Davenport Parks and Recreation (River's Edge)
    700 W River Drive
    Davenport, IA 52802
    563-328-7275
    (located by Centennial Bridge and Modern Woodmen Ballpark)

  8. Davenport Parks and Recreation staff will help complete voucher and registration in person with applicant.
  9. If you would like to see the complete Davenport Parks and Recreation catalog offerings you may follow this link: www.CityofDavenportIowa.com/Parks. Click on the image of the catalog.  You may also pick up hard copies of the catalog at Community Action or Davenport Parks and Recreation.
17 Apr 2015

Learn. Protect. Participate April 22nd

By Cheryl Frame

Fraud Protection:  Money Smart for Older Adults

CASI, The Center for Active Seniors will host Money Smart for Older Adults Wednesday, April 22, 2015 beginning at 7:30am at the CASI Center, 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport.

"Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordination effort of organizations across the country including not-for-profits such as CASI, AARP, government agencies, the media and more", said Laura Kopp, President/CEO of CASI.  "Our focus is on older adults stressing the importance of safety, scam awareness and bringing the senior consumer in touch with resources and experts to help protect their financial future and provide educational information on fraud protection."

CASI will kick-off their annual event at 7:30am next Wednesday with its first session presented by Jenefer Duane and Kari Gomer, both with FDIC.  Together they will present Money Smart for Older Adults - an educational seminar geared towards professionals working with Older Adults and financial exploitation protection.  They'll cover ways to identifying older adults who may be vulnerable to scams or financial abuse.

Mary Muehl, Executive Council at AARP Iowa, will present the second session will discuss ways of protecting yourself, enrolling in AARP's Watchdog Alerts.  The day wraps up with local representatives of the TRIAD group, a joint venture of Scott County Law enforcement agencies and those working with the senior population in and around the Quad City area.

CASI's Money Smart Event for Older Adults is open to the public and is free of charge, however, reservations are required as the session will end with a light lunch provided and sponsored by AARP.  For reservations to CASI's Fraud Protection for Older Adults event, call 563.386.7477 or email your reservations to info@casiseniors.org.

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17 Apr 2015

2015 Iowa FFA Proficiency Award Results

By Scott Johnson
ANKENY, Iowa--100% of all FFA members have proficiencies as part of the agricultural program and the FFA. These proficiencies range in the areas of Agricultural Communications to Home and/or Community Development and from Diversified Agricultural Production to Swine Production. Proficiency Award winners have excelled in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Programs. These awards encourage members to develop specialized skills that will apply toward a future career.
State winners will advance to the National FFA competition where they will compete against winners from the other State FFA Associations. The four national finalists that are selected from each area will be recognized at the National FFA Convention and Expo in October.
The Iowa FFA Proficiency Awards program is possible with support from the many partners of the Iowa FFA Foundation. The specific partner for each area is identified in our summary of results.
Listed below are the results from the 2015 Iowa Proficiency Awards program.
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About Iowa FFA Association
The Iowa FFA Association is a youth organization of over 14,600 student members as part of 225 local FFA chapters across Iowa. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The Iowa FFA Association was organized by delegates from 23 schools at Iowa State College on May 17, 1929 and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The Iowa Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the Iowa FFA Association online at IowaFFA.com, on Facebook, and Twitter.

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