Tuesday, June 9th, 2015, ComedySportz Quad Cities (CSzQC) is welcoming twenty three other ComedySportz teams to the Quad Cities for a week of laughter, learning, and competition. The teams all have the same goal, to have fun and be crowned the World Champion.  Matches begin on June 10^th and continue through June 13^th.  Tickets are available by calling 309-786-1111 or online at www.comedysportzqc.com

"250 comedians from coast to coast and even England will be coming to The Establishment," said Patrick Adamson, owner of CSzQC. "We're looking to add a fifth Championship banner to our wall." ComedySportz Quad Cities has won the Championship previously in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2007.

Staff and volunteers have been hard at work to organize and promote the event.  While in town the comedians can learn and improve their trade by taking one of the fifty-two educational workshops offered during the week. They will be touring the areas attractions, eats, and breweries.

Jimmy Carrane's popular podcast Improv Nerd will be in town on Friday June 12th to record a live podcast featuring ComedySportz founder Dick Chudnow and the current CSz Worldwide Executive Director Matt Elwell.

The Championship will also be the kickoff point for CSz Indianapolis player Claire Wilcher to begin her CSz World Tour.  Over the summer months Claire will be driving a 27-foot RV and performing in all twenty three domestic CSz cities.  She is currently working on a way to drive the RV to Manchester, England and Berlin, Germany.

"This is such a unique opportunity for comedy fans in the QC. For example on Wednesday night you can see comedians from San Jose compete against Los Angeles, or Seattle vs. Milwaukee all in the same match!"  Jeff Adamson, ComedySportz Quad Cities founding member added "We are in our 25th year in the area, and what a great way to make it special."

ComedySportz Quad Cities and all the other cities in attendance belong to CSz Worldwide, a trade association dedicated to changing the world though collaboration, inspiration, gratitude, and fun.

The Establishment is a comedy venue located at 220 19th street Rock Island, IL.  The Establishment is the home of CSz Quad Cities and produces ComedySportz, the longest running show in the QC.

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Amana Colonies is excited to welcome Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and Antique Archeology to the area. The team will film episodes of their hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout Iowa. Filming will begin next month.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique 'picking' on History. This hit show follows two of the most skilled pickers in the business, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they embark on an epic road trip across the U.S. in search of America's most valuable antiques from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle America, restore forgotten relics to their former glory, and learn a thing or two about American history along the way.

Filming is scheduled to start next month.  AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore what you may have. They are on the hunt for interesting characters with interesting and unique items.  Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, vintage musical equipment, vintage automotive items, early firefighting equipment, vintage clothing, pre-50's western gear.

AMERICAN PICKERS is produced by Cineflix Productions for History. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9pm ET on History.

If you have a large collection or want to refer someone to Mike and Frank, email: your name, number, address and description of the collection and photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com , or call 1-855-old-rust.

June 4 through August 2, 2015

Stanley Gallery at the Muscatine Art Center

FREE ADMISSION

In 1966, Charlie Harper purchased Zeug Garage & Cycle Shop, located at 111 Chestnut Street in Muscatine, Iowa. The shop sold bicycles, motorcycles, accessories, and supplies and provided bike, small engine, and automobile repair and has been located at 1106 Grandview Avenue since 1974. Today, Harper's Cycling is operated by Charlie, his son Greg, and several grandsons and the business offers new bike sales, reconditioned and rebuilt bikes, repair service and a large line of accessories and supplies.

Charlie Harper purchased his first "antique" bike in the early 1980s when a Florida museum closed and was disposing of its collections. This purchase spurred him to continue collecting and he remains an avid collector today.

The exhibit "Pedal Power: Bicycles from the Collection of Charlie Harper" features 26 bicycles dating from 1886 to 1979. Among the earliest bicycles in Charlie's collection are the 'highwheelers', dating to the late 1880s. An 1886 Victor Ordinary Bicycle (with a 50" front wheel) by Overman Wheel Co. and an 1888 Columbia Expert Bicycle by Pope Manufacturing Co. are among the oldest featured in the exhibition.

The exhibition documents the changing technology and design of American bicycles. Charlie's collection includes a 1939 Ladies Mead Ranger, the "Cadillac of Bikes"- a 1953 Black Phantom boy's bicycle, and a 1962 Cycle Truck. Antique bike accessories and equipment round out the exhibition, including lights and lamps, horns, saddles or seats, tires and wheels and bicyclist's tools.

The exhibition opens on June 4th and runs through August 2nd in the Stanley Gallery.

Events:

Guided Tour of the Exhibition with Charlie Harper

Thursday, June 11th and Thursday, July 9th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Join Charlie Harper for a bike by bike discussion of his amazing collection.

Bicycling Through History: Iowa's Love Affair with Two-Wheeled Travel by Leo Landis

Thursday, July 16th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Leo Landis, Curator for the State Historical Museum of Iowa, will present this fun talk.

Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure.

ALLIANCE, OH (05/28/2015)(readMedia)-- Courtney Wachel, a senior French and international studies major from Bettendorf, Iowa, received Alpha Lambda Delta Senior Certificate at the University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation on April 21, 2015.

The University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation recognizes graduating seniors and underclassman students who have excelled academically, displayed excellent leadership skills and shown dedication to the University and community through outstanding community service initiatives.

About the University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union, founded in 1846, is a four-year private institution that has a liberal arts tradition. The University is located in Alliance, OH, 80 miles of both Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Mount Union offers many different programs and career specific undergraduate and graduate programs to its 2,200 students who experience outstanding opportunities for success after graduation. Ranked as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the University is committed to providing a student centered approach and an exceptional educational experience. For more information, visit www.mountunion.edu.