24 Apr 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 04/24/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

A Simpler Time - Old and New - Furniture and More Owner, Tammy Allen (formerly Primitive Cottage) 510 N. Cody Road, LeClaire.  Hrs: Monday -Closed, Tues & Thur -10-2, Wed.-Fri -Sat -10-5, Sunday 12-4. 563-289-1223

Kitzman Chiropractic and Acupuncture - Dr. Jay Kitzman - 1101 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire. Dedicated to helping people regain and maintain control of their health through a holistic approach. 563-289-2166 http://www.kitzmanwellnesscenter.com/

Foxtail Hair Lounge - Owner, Holly Kitzman -1101 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire. We believe in giving our customers the utmost care all the way down to smallest details. Services for men, women and children including haircare, facials and more. 563-289-2441 http://www.foxtailhairlounge.com/

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The June 2015 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be 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. No cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. If you would rather work with House of Print directly, send your ad to HouseofPrint@mchsi.com, and please copy LeClaireChamber@gmail.com Deadline May 13th, 5:00 p.m. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for SUMMER!

 

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENT

May 12th - Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill 5:30-7p.m. 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 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. Crystal'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 9th - If you pre-ordered plants from The First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire,you can pick them up from 7:30-11:30 am. Plant Sale and Bake Sale, including egg rolls and chicken-fried rice. 7;30-11:30 am. 200 South 12th Street. Join us as we worship on Sunday, at 10 am!

 

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 12th - Chamber Networking Event - Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill 5:30-7p.m. Everyone Welcome!

 

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 16th - Sketch & Improv Comedy Show - Princeton Community Center - 7:30p.m. Adult humor - ages 18+ only. Pre-Party and Post-Party at Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill. Tickets $20 online www.princtonplayers.org

 

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

 

May 27th - An Afternoon of Euchre at the Princeton Community Center. Meet at 11:30 to order lunch from Go Fish! or just arrive by 12:45 for Euchre. Coffee and dessert provided. We play until 3:00p.m.  Bonnie Sparks-Gray 563-332-5951 for more information. Sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church and others.

 

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 is a sponsor 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 24th-25th - Girls' Getaway Weekend!

June 5th-6th - City Wide Garage Sales

June - date tbd - French Market Days

Tug Fest - August 13-15

 

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

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

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

24 Apr 2015

BANDITS GET FIRST SWEEP IN PEORIA SINCE 2011

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities overcomes 3-0 deficit to achieve its best 15-game start since 2001

 

PEORIA, Ill. (April 23, 2015) - The Peoria Chiefs took a 3-0 lead through the first four innings Thursday night, but the Quad Cities River Bandits scored once in the fifth and sixth innings, and twice in the eighth inning, and right-hander Daniel Mengden pitched four scoreless relief innings for his first professional win in a 4-3 victory and the club's first series sweep at Dozer Park since Aug. 24-26, 2011.

The three-run deficit was the largest erased by Quad Cities (12-3) this season. The club has eight comeback wins and sole possession of the Midwest League Western Division lead for a sixth straight day. The team has won 12 of its first 15 games for the first time since 2001.

Chiefs right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon, who beat Quad Cities April 11, pitched a perfect first inning. In the bottom of the first inning against Quad Cities right-hander Austin Chrismon, Chiefs shortstop Oscar Mercado chopped an infield single to third baseman Kristian Trompiz, who threw past first base to allow Mercado to reach second base. Mercado then stole third base and scored an unearned run on a groundout by third baseman Andrew Sohn for a 1-0 Peoria lead.

In the second inning, Poncedeleon began by allowing back-to-back singles by designated hitter Mott Hyde and first baseman Jacob Nottingham before retiring the next three batters. In the third inning with two outs, Poncedeleon allowed a single by catcher Alfredo Gonzalez and double by right fielder Sean McMullen but escaped the jam when Hyde flied out to left field.

The Chiefs (8-7) added to their lead in the fourth inning, when Sohn and first baseman Justin Ringo started with back-to-back singles. Chrismon got a flyout and struck out designated hitter Alex DeLeon on a wild pitch that moved Sohn and Ringo into scoring position. With the infield shifted against catcher Steve Bean, a ground ball to the right side brought second baseman Alex Hernandez charging in from shallow right field, but he threw past first base, bringing in both Sohn and Ringo to make it 3-0. Chrismon retired the next four batters to finish five innings, allowing three unearned runs on five hits and no walks with six strikeouts.

Quad Cities' comeback began against Poncedeleon in the fifth inning, when shortstop Thomas Lindauer drew a one-out walk. With two outs, Lindauer stole his first base of the season on a 0-2 pitch to catcher Alfredo Gonzalez, who worked a 3-2 count and hit the ninth pitch of the at-bat to right field for an RBI single. In the sixth inning, Hyde hit a leadoff double and went to third base on Poncedeleon's wild pitch before scoring on Nottingham's groundout to cut the deficit to 3-2. Hernandez then singled to end Poncedeleon's start after he had allowed two earned runs on seven hits and one walk with seventh strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Right-hander Tyler Bray (1-1) retired the next two batters to end the inning.

With the visitors trailing, 3-2, Lindauer began the go-ahead rally in the seventh inning with a leadoff single to left field against Bray. Center fielder Bobby Boyd sacrificed Lindauer to second base, and Gonzalez drew a four-pitch walk. Bray was removed for left-hander Nick Lomascolo, whose first pitch got past Bean for a passed ball that allowed both runners to advance. McMullen popped up for the second out, but Hyde worked a walk, with the last pitch being wild through the legs of Bean to allow Lindauer to score the tying run and Gonzalez to reach third base. With Nottingham at bat, Lomascolo threw another wild pitch that scored Gonzalez for the go-ahead run. Both runs were charged to Bray, while Lomascolo had a blown save for his outing of 1 2/3 hitless innings with three walks and two wild pitches.

After losing a start April 11 at Dozer Park, Mengden (1-1) began the sixth inning with a deficit but had a lead in the seventh. In the eighth and ninth innings, Peoria put the leadoff batter on base and advanced him with a sacrifice and groundout to third base with two outs, but Mengden struck out Ringo to end the eighth inning and got pinch hitter Danny Diekroeger to ground out to Hernandez to end the game.

The River Bandits open a six-game, seven-day homestand at 7 p.m. Friday at Modern Woodmen Park. In the opener of a three-game series with Burlington, River Bandits right-hander Joshua James (0-0) is scheduled to face Bees left-hander Sean Newcomb (1-0).

UP NEXT: Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities and WLLR present the first Friday Fireworks of the season following the 7 p.m. game Friday at Modern Woodmen Park. It is also Legends of Rock Night for the opener of the six-game, seven-day homestand. 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.

*****

24 Apr 2015

Local Residents Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

By Hannah Breaux

BATON ROUGE, LA (04/23/2015)(readMedia)-- The following local residents recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Kaitlyn Dvorak of Bettendorf (52722) initiated at Iowa State University

Marvin Smith of Muscatine (52761) initiated at Iowa State University

Mia Kavensky of Rock Island (61201) initiated at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Amy Meyer of Eldridge (52748) initiated at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Stacy Clark of Riverdale (52722) initiated at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Karen Newlon of Hampton (61256) initiated at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Thao Tran of Davenport (52806) initiated at Western Illinois University

Bridget Osborn of Blue Grass (52726) initiated at Western Illinois University

Alessandra Faggionato of Davenport (52801) initiated at Western Illinois University

Corey James of Davenport (52806) initiated at Western Illinois University

Casey Stone of DeWitt (52742) initiated at Western Illinois University

Caitlen O'Day of Eldridge (52748) initiated at Western Illinois University

Ashton Driscoll of Coal Valley (61240) initiated at Western Illinois University

Ju Huang of Moline (61265) initiated at Western Illinois University

Noelle Ebert of Moline (61265) initiated at Western Illinois University

Joseph McKinney of Rock Island (61201) initiated at Western Illinois University

These residents are among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1.25 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, more than $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

24 Apr 2015

May Events at the Quad Cities Food Hub

By Quad Cities Food Hub

We'll see you at the Food Hub!

May 2 Jumpy Monkey Coffee will host a tasting from 10-12. Jumpy Monkey® Coffee is a coffee with a cause. The company was founded with the sole intention of providing meaningful and purposeful employment to individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are involved in every aspect of the coffee creation process from roasting to packaging, marketing, sales, and delivery. The QCFH will also sell baked goods with Jumpy Monkey® Coffee beans incorporated into them.

May 2 will begin our second partnership for the summer with the Davenport Parks and Recreation Department. We will host a children's activity table out front during Market Store hours.
May 3 - 5pm GROW! film screening and farmer panel discussion
"There's a growing movement of educated young people who are leaving the cities to take up an agrarian life. Armed with college degrees, some are unable to find jobs in the current economic slump. Fed up with corporate America and its influence on a broken food system, they aim to solve some of the current system's inequities by growing clean, fair food. GROW! takes a look at this new generation of sustainable farming through the eyes, hearts and minds of 20 idealistic, passionate and fiercely independent young growers. In the film they speak of both the joys and the challenges involved in tending the land." Free admission. Popcorn and beverages will be available for sale. Donations accepted.
May 9 - 10am Deaf Day at the Freight House
The Freight House Market Place business are welcoming the Deaf Community to come and learn about what we offer. Licensed and Certified Interpreters from The ASL Source will be on hand to interpret.  This event is family friendly.
May 12 - 6pm-7:30pm Children's Garden Gang
Bring your children to learn how to grow their own food and prepare it after harvest! 
We'll plant a garden at our Spring Celebration and harvest at our Summer Shindig! In addition, we'll prepare and sample season produce, and learn about how plants grow and reproduce. To be part of the fun register by 5pm May 7th! 

May 12 - Spring Celebration 
August 14 - Summer Shindig 
Ages 5-12 
Cost $5
Register by calling 563-328 PARK (7275) 
The Garden Gang is a partnership between the Quad Cities Food Hub and Davenport Parks and Recreation
May 16 - 10am Mindful Eating class
Natural Health Consultant, Laura Van Barg, will discuss the concept of mindfulness as it relates to eating. She will explore influences behind our thoughts and attitudes about food. Students will practice using mindful eating techniques while sampling small bites of various foods.

May 16 - Partnership event with The Freight House Farmers Market - Making Memorial Day cards for soldiers (we will use their patio weather permitting)
May 16 - Fejervary Park Family Fun Day, 12-5  Bounce House, Petting Zoo, Family Activities
May 26  Pack a Picnic basket class with Chad Cushman - Learn how to properly pack a picnic basket just in time for picnic season! Make sure you don't forget that one essential ingredient to complete your meal! $25 PRE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Limited to 30 students
24 Apr 2015

GROW! documentary screening and local farmer panel discussion

By Quad Cities Food Hub

An award-winning film

The Quad Cities Food Hub will host a screening of the documentary GROW! On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 5:00 pm. Admission is free but donations are welcome and further the Quad Cities Food Hub's mission. Popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase in the Quad Cities Food Hub Market Store. The film will be followed by a discussion panel with local farmers.

There's a growing movement of educated young people who are leaving the cities to take up an agrarian life. Armed with college degrees, some are unable to find jobs in the current economic slump. Fed up with corporate America and its influence on a broken food system, they aim to solve some of the current system's inequities by growing clean, fair food. Mostly landless, they borrow, rent or manage farmland in order to fulfill their dreams of doing something meaningful with their lives.

Filmed on 12 farms throughout the state of Georgia during an entire growing season, GROW! provides an honest and inspiring look at this next generation of farmers. Anybody who appreciates the value of good wholesome food grown close to home, who cares about our food supply and the future of farming will want to see GROW!

GROW! takes a look at this new generation of sustainable farming through the eyes, hearts and minds of 20 idealistic, passionate and fiercely independent young growers. In the film they speak of both the joys and the challenges involved in tending the land.

2011 WINNER BEST AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY
- Rome International Film Festival
2011 WINNER FOCUS AWARD
- Montana CINE International Film Festival
2011 WINNER BEST OF CATEGORY
- Montana CINE International Film Festival
2011 WINNER AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
- Docufest Atlanta
2011 WINNER BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
- Asheville Cinema Film Festival
2012 WINNER BEST DOCUMENTARY, Runner Up
- Macon Film Festival
2012 WINNER BEST FEATURE FILM
- Colorado Environmental Film Festival
2013 WINNER EARTH AWARD
- Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival

Official Selection 2011 
- Slow Motion Food Film Fest - Nova Scotia
Official Selection 2011 
- Savannah Film Festival
Official Selection 2012 
- Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Official Selection/Jury Nomination 2012 
- Reel Earth Environmental Film Festival, New Zealand

24 Apr 2015

Local students participate in alternative spring break trip

By Anne Bassett

Madeline LaPage of Eldridge (52748) Atlanta, Ga., as part of the trip "Degrees of Separation: Public Health in Atlanta - Addressing Public Health and Community Development Issues" sponsored in part by the UI Food For Thought Theme Semester.

Alexander McCammant of Eldridge (52748) Dallas, Texas, as part of the trip "Bridging the Cultural Divide between Health and Care - Addressing Public Health Issues."

Donte Nesbitt of Rock Island (61201) Dallas, Texas, as part of the trip "Bridging the Cultural Divide between Health and Care - Addressing Public Health Issues."

Bailey Carroll of Bettendorf (52722) Dallas, Texas, as part of the trip "Bridging the Cultural Divide between Health and Care - Addressing Public Health Issues."

Anthony Yang of Bettendorf (52722) Kansas City, Mo., as part of the Presidential Scholars Program sponsored by Honors at Iowa.

Ellen Reeder of Davenport (52801) Memphis, Tenn., as part of the trip "Mindsets behind Movements - Addressing Social Determinants of Health" sponsored by UI Dance Marathon.

Emily Braught of Bettendorf (52722) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Gina Chieffo of Bettendorf (52722) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Ethan Duong of Davenport (52801) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Alison Moss of Muscatine (52761) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Janita Pegram of Davenport (52801) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Ismenia Castelan of Muscatine (52761) St. Louis, Mo., as part of the trip "Learn today. Lead Tomorrow: Exploring Educational Equity" sponsored by the UI Center for Diversity & Enrichment & TRiO Student Support Services programs.

Addison DeMarr of Davenport (52801) St. Louis, Mo., as part of the trip "Learn today. Lead Tomorrow: Exploring Educational Equity" sponsored by the UI Center for Diversity & Enrichment & TRiO Student Support Services programs.

A total of nine Hawkeye Service Teams (approximately 130 students) headed out across the country on trips promoting service learning, social justice, and community building.

The Alternative Spring Break Program is supported and coordinated by the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL). The UI is one of only a few alternative break programs in the country to also require students to participate in a common academic course as part of the experience.

24 Apr 2015

"Run Ben Run" Prepares In Iowa for Dream Come True May 4

By PerryAnne Coffey
You have probably heard that Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon, Medal of Freedom Winner, and now likely presidential candidate will be heading to Iowa on Monday May 4 -- right after he makes an announcement in Detroit on whether he will become a candidate for President of the United States.
It is expected that Dr. Carson will throw his hat in the ring May 4 --and Draft Ben Carson volunteers all over Iowa -- including in the Victory Office in Johnston, IA -- and all around the country are ready!

The 2016 Committee, formerly the National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee has been working hard to raise awareness for their effort since August 2013 when John Phillip Sousa IV (grandson of the famous American band leader) and Vernon Robinson heard Dr. Carson speak at the National Prayer Breakfast.
John and Vernon were so impressed with Dr. Carson's common sense, that even though they had virtually no knowledge or personal acquaintance of Dr. Carson, a Wall Street Journal editorial suggesting that Dr. Carson run for president got them thinking.

Several months later, John and Vernon decided to form the National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee SuperPAC in August 2013.They had no way of knowing what a groundswell of support they would encounter.
"Dr. Carson heard the call of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who believe he is the candidate who can heal our nation," said Vernon Robinson, Campaign Director for the newly named 2016 Committee, which replaces the National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee.

"Thanks to the hard work of our more than 30,000 volunteers and the hundreds of thousands who have clamored for Dr. Carson, he has announced his exploratory committee. Our work is far from over. It is now more important than ever for us to continue to build the necessary infrastructure to put Dr. Carson in the White House."
About the National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee / 2016 Committee:

The National Draft Ben Carson for President Committee, now renamed the 2016 Committee is a Super PAC -- political action committee -- formed to draft Dr. Ben Carson into the race for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

It was founded in August 2013 by John Philip Sousa IV and Vernon Robinson, and works to raise awareness of Dr.Carson's qualifications and to engage grassroots activists in clamoring for Dr. Carson to run for president.


With over 20,000 volunteers nationwide, the committee has been able to raise more than $13 million dollars.

For more information on the committee visit http://www.2016committee.org/ or follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @DraftRunBenRun.
24 Apr 2015

Brucemore Plant Sale Featuring Children's Potting Activity

By Rick Martin

Take home a treasure from Brucemore's 1915 Lord & Burnham greenhouse at the annual Brucemore Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Returning in 2015, children are invited to create the perfect Mother's Day gift by decorating a potted plant. Several plants seen in Brucemore's formal garden will be available for sale, including annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets. Featured plants include a giant hosta named "Empress Wu," bleeding hearts, and varieties not found at other nurseries. A variety of herbs will also be available, including basil, thyme, and rosemary. Plant Sale prices range from $2.50 to $50.00 with all the proceeds benefiting garden and landscape projects at Brucemore. The garden staff will be available to provide expert advice on the selection, placement, and care of plants. For further information on the Brucemore Plant Sale, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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24 Apr 2015

Gov. Branstad to sign Senate File 306 Friday at 3 p.m.

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Iowa to become first state in the nation with law ensuring visitation rights of adult children to see ailing parents

 

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that he will sign Senate File 306 on Friday, April 24, 2015, at 3 p.m. in the Governor's Formal Office. Senate File 306 is an act relating to communication and visitation between an adult ward and another person.

The governor will be joined by Kerri Kasem, daughter of Casey Kasem, who lobbied for the bill after her late father was moved from his nursing home in California, first to Nevada and then to Washington without his children's knowledge or consent. Kerri Kasem began lobbying lawmakers in states across the country for legislation that would prevent similar instances. Iowa will become the first state to enact such a bill.

The following event is open to credentialed members of the press:

Friday, April 24, 2015

 

3 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs Senate File 306

Governor's Formal Office

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

###
24 Apr 2015

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Senior White House Advisor Brian Deese Announce Partnerships with Farmers and Ranchers to Address Climate Change

By USDA Office of Communications

Voluntary, Incentive-based Efforts Will Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Expand Renewable Energy Production, Help Producers Boost their Operations and Grow the Economy

EAST LANSING, Mich., April 23, 2015 -- In a speech today at Michigan State University, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack laid out a comprehensive approach to partner with agricultural producers to address the threat of climate change. Building on the creation of USDA's Climate Hubs last year, the new initiatives will utilize voluntary, incentive-based conservation, forestry, and energy programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration and expand renewable energy production in the agricultural and forestry sectors. Through these efforts, USDA expects to reduce net emissions and enhance carbon sequestration by over 120 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MMTCO2e) per year - about 2 percent of economy-wide net greenhouse emissions - by 2025. That's the equivalent of taking 25 million cars off the road, or the emissions produced by powering nearly 11 million homes last year.

The Secretary was joined at Michigan State by Brian Deese, Senior Advisor to the President, as well as agricultural producers and other private partners. Deese noted that last year, President Obama made a pledge to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in the range of 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. Deese said that today's announcement will help the American agriculture and forest sectors contribute to that goal.

"American farmers and ranchers are leaders when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiency in their operations. That's why U.S. agricultural emissions are lower than the global average," said Vilsack. "We can build on this success in a way that combats climate change and strengthens the American agriculture economy. Through incentive-based initiatives, we can partner with producers to significantly reduce carbon emissions while improving yields, increasing farm operation's energy efficiency, and helping farmers and ranchers earn revenue from clean energy production."

"This is an innovative and creative effort to look across all of USDA's programs and put forward voluntary and incentive-based programs that will increase the bottom lines of ranchers and farmers while reducing net greenhouse gas emissions," said Deese. "Taken together, these partnerships will reduce emissions by 120 million metric tons or two percent of our economy-wide emissions in 2025 - exactly the collaborative, bold action this moment demands of us."

The framework announced today consists of ten building blocks that span a range of technologies and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon storage and generate clean renewable energy. Through this initiative, USDA will use authorities provided in the 2014 Farm Bill to offer incentives and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest land owners. USDA intends to pursue partnerships and leverage resources to conserve and enhance greenhouse gas sinks, reduce emissions, increase renewable energy and build resilience in agricultural and forest systems.

USDA Building Blocks for Climate Action:

Soil Health: Improve soil resilience and increase productivity by promoting conservation tillage and no-till systems, planting cover crops, planting perennial forages, managing organic inputs and compost application, and alleviating compaction. For example, the effort aims to increase the use of no-till systems to cover more than 100 million acres by 2025.

Nitrogen Stewardship: Focus on the right timing, type, placement and quantity of nutrients to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and provide cost savings through efficient application.

Livestock Partnerships: Encourage broader deployment of anaerobic digesters, lagoon covers, composting, and solids separators to reduce methane emissions from cattle, dairy, and swine operations, including the installation of 500 new digesters over the next 10 years.

Conservation of Sensitive Lands: Use the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to reduce GHG emissions through riparian buffers, tree planting, and the conservation of wetlands and organic soils. For example, the effort aims to enroll 400,000 acres of lands with high greenhouse gas benefits into the Conservation Reserve Program.

Grazing and Pasture Lands: Support rotational grazing management on an additional 4 million acres, avoiding soil carbon loss through improved management of forage, soils and grazing livestock.

Private Forest Growth and Retention: Through the Forest Legacy Program and the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, protect almost 1 million additional acres of working landscapes. Employ the Forest Stewardship Program to cover an average of 2.1 million acres annually (new or revised plans), in addition to the 26 million acres covered by active plans.

Stewardship of Federal Forests: Reforest areas damaged by wildfire, insects, or disease, and restore forests to increase their resilience to those disturbances. This includes plans to reforest an additional 5,000 acres each year.

Promotion of Wood Products: Increase the use of wood as a building material, to store additional carbon in buildings while offsetting the use of energy from fossil fuel.

Urban Forests: Encourage tree planting in urban areas to reduce energy costs, storm water runoff, and urban heat island effects while increasing carbon sequestration, curb appeal, and property values. The effort aims to plant an additional 9,000 trees in urban areas on average each year through 2025.

Energy Generation and Efficiency: Promote renewable energy technologies and improve energy efficiency. Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program, work with utilities to improve the efficiency of equipment and appliances. Using the Rural Energy for America Program, develop additional renewable energy opportunities. Support the National On-Farm Energy Initiative to improve farm energy efficiency through cost-sharing and energy audits.

These efforts will provide economic and environmental benefits through efficiency improvements, improved yields, and climate resilience while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. For example, implementing no-till practices can both increase carbon sequestration and improve the soil's water holding capacity, reducing the vulnerability to drought and soil erosion. Likewise, adopting the right timing, placement, source, and rate of nutrients can reduce input costs and maintain agricultural yield while minimizing nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

Addressing climate change is critical for future agricultural and forest health and will require innovation, creativity, and consideration of all potential solutions. Liquid renewable fuels (ethanol and biodiesel) are already supplying 10 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs. Great strides have been made to improve the performance of the ethanol and biodiesel industry. The newest and most efficient ethanol plants produce fuels that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 40 percent, and there are opportunities to improve performance even further.

Biomass can also contribute to heating, cooling and electric needs, offering a low-cost option to reduce greenhouse gases. USDA is promoting a strategy that recognizes forest stocks can reduce emissions by substituting for fossil fuels and energy intensive materials. Doing so will create strong markets for wood materials, raise the value of lands in forests, and encourage investment in forest regrowth and expansion.

USDA's strategy will be based on the following principles:

  • Voluntary and incentive-based: Farmers, ranchers, and forest land owners are stewards of the land. USDA has a track record of successful conservation though voluntary programs designed to provide technical assistance for resource management. These efforts fit within USDA's approach of "cooperative conservation."
  • Focused on multiple economic and environmental benefits: To be successful, the proposed actions should provide economic and environmental benefits through efficiency improvements, improved yields, or reduced risks.
  • Meet the needs of producers: This strategy is designed for working farms, ranches, forests, and production systems. USDA will encourage actions that enhance productivity and improve efficiency.
  • Cooperative and focused on building partnerships: USDA will seek out opportunities to leverage efforts by industry, farm groups, conservation organizations, municipalities, public and private investment products, tribes, and states.
  • Assess progress and measure success: USDA is committed to establishing quantitative goals and objectives for each building block and will track and report on progress.

America's farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have a track record of extraordinary productivity gains and natural resource stewardship. Today, producers are working alongside USDA and other partners to make their operations and communities more resistant to a changing climate. Building on this legacy of partnership, efficiency and innovation, said Vilsack, American agriculture and the Nation's forests can continue to play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon storage in our forests and our soils. U.S. producers and landowners are already global leaders in sustainable land management and efficient production systems, and in turn will continue to be global leaders in implementing climate change solutions.

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