KENOSHA, WI (02/05/2015)(readMedia)-- Erin Holst of Bettendorf, IA participated in a J-Term study tour to Nicaragua with Carthage College.

"Biology and Geography of Nicaragua" focused on how physical geographic factors and human intervention have affected the flora and fauna of the world's largest freshwater tropical island. The tour included a trip to the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. Students were required to engage in significant research about the varied landscape and history of Nicaragua before leaving the campus.

J-Term is a special month-long period of study in which Carthage students explore subjects outside their majors or minors, discover new interests, and test their creativity through classes held both on campus and around the world. It's a month to experiment, create and dream. Carthage is ranked No. 7 in the nation among baccalaureate institutions for student participation in short-term study abroad.

Carthage College combines an environment of reflection and self-discovery with a culture of high expectation so our students uncover and ignite their true potential. A four-year, private liberal arts college with roots in the Lutheran tradition, the campus has a prime location in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The campus, an 80-acre arboretum on the shore of Lake Michigan, is home to 150 scholars, 2,500 full-time students, and 400 part-time students.

The link between chronic disease and inflammation based on a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle has been made clear by now, as outlined in an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The article explores how humankind uncovered the tools to overcome infectious disease with germ theory, posited in the 19th Century. More than a century later, as we've encountered the wrath of chronic disease - including heart disease, cancer, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others - research has identified a modern-day equivalent, this time caused by inflammation.

"The best medicine to ease the massive suffering endured by so many in our population today is an active lifestyle and an anti-inflammatory diet; food should be nourishing and  pleasurable," says nutritionist and juicing pioneer Cherie Calbom, MS. ("The Juice Lady"). Her latest book, "The Juice Lady's Anti-Inflammation Diet," (www.juiceladycherie.com), outlines the causes of inflammation and offers solutions with healthy meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as robust juicing recipes.

"Whether you're on a vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, no-carb, Mediterranean, Neanderthal or any other kind of diet, there are delicious recipes available to anyone who wants to up their anti-inflammation efforts."

Calbom lists just three of her many recipes, with some ingredients that may already be found in your pantry, she says.

•  Breakfast: Spanish frittata and simple salad with maple orange vinaigrette (serves 4-6). Frittata: 12 large organic eggs; ½ cup coconut milk; ½ tsp. sea salt, or more to taste; 2 tbsp. coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small red onion, small chop; ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or your favorite vegetable; 1 cup spinach or arugula.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk the eggs and coconut milk with 2 pinches of salt. Set aside. Prepare pan with coconut oil and medium-high heat and sauté onions until translucent, about 3 min. Add mushroom or favorite vegetable and sauté until soft. Toss in spinach and fold into veggie mixture just until wilted. Remove vegetables from pan; set aside. Turn down the heat to low, adding a little more coconut oil if needed. Using the same skillet, add the eggs, shaking to distribute the mixture evenly. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 min. using a spatula to spread the eggs from the edges to the center until the edges are no longer runny. Arrange the vegetable mixture over the top evenly.

Transfer to a 375-dgree oven and cook for 5 minutes until set and slightly browned. Remove from oven. Be very aware of the hot handle! To finish, slide partially cooked frittata onto a large plate; wearing oven mitts, place a plate over the pan and, holding the two together, invert them so the frittata drops onto the plate. Slide the frittata back into the pan so partially cooked side is up. Place back in oven to cook 3-4 min. more.

"The simple salad with maple orange vinaigrette is something I dreamed up for a 'breakfast for dinner' themed night - a nice complement to the main dish," she says.

•  Lunch: tropical quinoa salad with cashews with carrot fries (serves 4). Quinoa: 1 cup dried quinoa, rinsed well; ½ red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup apple or carrot, finely chopped; juice of 1 lime, 2 tbsp. honey or agave; 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large mango, chopped (not overly ripe); ¼ cup mint, finely chopped; 1 tsp. seal salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ½-inch-piece ginger, finely chopped; 1 avocado, chopped or thinly sliced; 1 cup cashews, coarsely chopped; 3 cups Romaine lettuce (or greens of choice), roughly chopped.

Cook the quinoa: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add the quinoa and simmer, covered 15-20 min. Set aside and let cool (spread out for best results). In a large bowl toss the chopped red onion and apple/carrot. Whisk together the lime juice, honey and olive oil. Add to the bowl. Add the cooked, cooled quinoa and mango to the bowl and toss well. Mix in mint, cilantro, ginger and salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with sliced avocado and cashews. Scoop mixture over greens and serve chilled or at room temperature.
"Who doesn't like French fries? - Carrot fries are a healthy alternative!" Calbom says.

•  Dinner: grilled salmon and asparagus with stone fruit and lavender chutney (serves 4-6). Chutney: 2 lb. stone fruit, small dice; 1 large onion, finely chopped; zest of 1 lemon or lime; 2 tbsp. garlic, minced; ¼ tsp. chili flakes (optional); 1/3 cup red wine vinegar; ¾ cup raw honey or agave; ¾ tsp. sea salt; 2 tbsp. fresh lavender (or use basil or mint; use 1 tsp. dried lavender if you cannot find it fresh).

In a saucepan combine all prepared ingredients except the herbs. Bring to a boil. Continue cooking at a rolling boil, 15 min. Stir occasionally. Mix in fresh herbs and/or lavender at the end.

"This chutney will get you excited for salmon all over again," she says. "Of course, buy wild salmon, which is significantly healthier and environmentally friendly."

•  Snack: Cherry Chocolate Shake (serves 1). 1 Tbsp. unsweetened, unprocessed cocoa powder; ½ cup frozen dark cherries, pitted; 1 cup coconut; almond or flax milk; ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract; several drops of liquid stevia (suggest Sweet Leaf Vanilla Creme); ice cubes as desired

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Cherie Calbom, M.S.

Cherie Calbom holds a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition from Bastyr University. She is author of 26 books including The Juice Lady's Anti-Inflammation Diet, (www.juiceladycherie.com), The Juice Lady's Big Book of Juices and Green Smoothies, The Juice Lady's Turbo Diet, Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing for Life, The Juice Lady's Living Foods Revolution, The Complete Cancer Cleanse, and Juicing for Life with over 2 million books sold in the US and published in 23 countries. She has worked as a celebrity nutritionist with George Foreman and Richard Simmons, and has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows and in scores of magazine articles. She appeared on QVC for over 13 years with the George Foreman grill. Known as "The Juice Lady" for her work with juicing and health, her juice therapy and cleansing programs have been popular for more than a decade.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Latimer Bed & Breakfast 127 North Second Street, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Located 1 block off Highway 67 in the center of town. For Reservations, call 563-289-5747. www.latimerbb.com

LeClaire Olive Oil Company 102 N. Cody Road - Specialty food retail store carrying ultra- premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars, stuffed olives, spices, seasonings, rubs, gourmet dip mixes, olive oil soaps, and gifts. 888-255-2867 www.leclaireoliveoilco.com

The Links at Pebble Creek - Located in beautiful LeClaire, Iowa, The Links at Pebble Creek is an affluent housing community just outside of the Quad Cities metro area. The beauty of living in this new home community is the quiet, rural setting. www.pebblecreekia.com/ Contact: The Links at Pebble Creek, 63 Cobblestone Lane, LeClaire, IA 52753. 563-289-7031.

WQAD-TV Channel 8 is the ABC-affiliated television station for the Quad Cities area of West-Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa that is licensed to Moline, Illinois. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 38 from a transmitter in Orion, Illinois. Owned by Tribune Broadcasting, WQAD has studios on Park 16th Street in Moline. wqad.com/

LECLARE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS - 2014!

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce was proud to recognize the following at the Annual Awards Dinner, Saturday January 31, at Steventon's in LeClaire:

Volunteers of the Year 2014 - Joyce Kuehl and Diane Glispie, Christmas in LeClaire

Event of the Year 2014 - First Friday in LeClaire, Garrett and Ryan Burchett, Originators

Pineapple Award for Hospitality 2014 - Cindy Bruhn and Volunteers, LeClaire Information Center

Edward B. deSilva Award for Community Leadership 2014 - Vern Spring

Brick and Mortar Award for Opening or Expanding Business in LeClaire in 2014 -

Grasshopper's Guest House

Dwellings

Isabel Bloom

Urban Classic Home

Wild Horse Canvas Prints

Everfield

LeClaire Olive Oil Company

El Rio Spa and Wellness

Mindfire Communications

Snap Fitness

Jones Street Java House

Grace Marine

Antique Archeology

Comfort Inn & Suites

Buffalo Bill Museum

Expressions in Threads

LeClaire Farmers Market

Freedom Rock of Scott County

Fig Tree

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Board for 2015 was also introduced:

President - Mike Clingingsmith - CFO - Pleasant Valley Schools

Vice-President - Melody Oltmann - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire

Secretary - Dr. Crystal Buesing - Dr. Crystal's Chiropractic Care

Treasurer - Andrew Arndt - Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc.                          

Debbie Mulvania - VP and Branch Manager - First Central State Bank, LeClaire

KV Dahl - President of Dahl Ford

Kathleen Anderson - Sr. Assistant to the President, St. Ambrose University

Dennis Gerard - Former Sr. VP of Northern Region - Kone

Carl Hoyt, Jr. - President, Captain's Quarter's and Grace Marine

Emily Hudson - General Manager - Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits

Kristen Underwood - Blackhawk Bank & Trust - Branch Manager, LeClaire

We would like to thank Vern Spring, Jim Huiskamp and Dayle Hall for their service on the Board. All retired as of December 31, 2014.

Thank you, too, to all the businesses and individuals who attended the Dinner, and to those who donated and bid on items for the Live and Silent Auctions. It is due to your generosity that the event is such a huge success!

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The March 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 February 13th, 5:00 p.m. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for SPRING!

CALENDAR

February 6^th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8pm

Mississippi River Distiling Co - Iowish Whiskey Available! And, Love Your Pet Day is February 20. Starting at 5:30, while supplies last, buy any bottle and get a FREE Mississippi River Distilling Company "Hard Licker" pet bowl!  You'll also get a coupon for a free LeClaire Cocktail Cruise cocktail at any of the 8 participating locations.  This coupon is worth up to $10! Spirit and food samples. www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery - Wine tasting www.wideriver.com - open until 8p.m.

Artswork - open until 7pm with 20% off regular priced merchandise between 5-7pm.

Razzleberries - open late with lots of new, unique inventory. They are also introducing a great "man" snack!

Blue Iguana - Bubblegum Drinks and Bubblegum celebrating National Bubble Gum Day! Part of proceeds will go to Childrens' Therapy Center of the Quad Cities.

Faithful Pilot - LeClaire's own Bobby Ray Bunch! Show starts at 7:30p.m.

Grasshoppers - open until 6:30pm with dip sampling and wine tasting.

Aunt Hattie's - open late!

Jones St Java House will be open until 6pm with $.50 off any coffee if you purchase a breakfast item.

The Shameless Chocoholic will be open until 7pm offering $1 off a pound of fudge.

More shops open late! Restaurants open!

February 6th-16^th - Time to Celebrate at Isabel Bloom! Help them celebrate their Bloom legacy with exciting in-store activities and specials. Isabel Bloom signature mug FREE with purchase of $35 and more. Double "Hugs Points" with sculpture purchase. 15% discount on anything RED (one item only). View and pre-order new 2015 designs.

February 10^th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Happy Joe's - noon

February 12th - LeClaire Community Library - Sweetology: Cupcake & Cookie Decorating for Teens: 6:30-7:30pm TAG (Teen Advisory Group) invites teens to celebrate Valentine's Day Pre-registration is required to ensure there's enough supplies for all participants. To secure your spot, stop by the library's circulation desk, call us at (563)289-4242, ext. 4, OR email us at library@leclaireiowa.gov.

February 13^th - LeClaire Community Library - Valentine's Day Stretch-Tacular! Join us for a very special Valentine's Day celebration with the library's mascot, Stretch the Giraffe! This all-ages program will offer Valentine's Day and Giraffe themed snacks and activities. 3-5pm

February 13th - Faithful Pilot 6:00 & 8:30 Valentine's seating $75.00 per person

February 14^th - Bierstube - Valentine's Day $2 off our Apple Strudel, Black Forest Cake and Nutella Pretzel desserts all day!

February 14^th - The Crane & Pelican Café Valentine's Day Two seatings - 6pm & 8pm. Three courses for $55/person. 10% discount for groups of four or more. View the menu at: http://craneandpelican.com/events.html Call for Reservations: 563-289-8774.

February 14th - Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Valentine's Day 6:00 (booked) & 8:30 Valentine's seating $75.00 per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

February 14^th - Blue Iguana Valentine's Day two for $20 meals. Choose from a Combination Platter (enchilada/tostada/rice and bean) or Combination Fajitas for two. Ask about their special Valentine's Day cocktails! A flower for every couple joining us!

February 14^th - The Shameless Chocoholic is taking preorders for chocolate covered strawberries (priced by weight) for Valentine's Day! Call 563-289-1339 or order on Facebook, The Shameless Chocoholic

February 14^th - Sweet Dreams Guest House has a great Winter Getaway Special including Valentine's Day! $149 for a Friday or Saturday night reservation; includes a bottle of wine, a 1 pound box of chocolates, and a $10 coupon for Jones St. Java House next door! Call today to reserve your stay - 563-289-1339.

By February 15^th - Wild Horse Canvas Prints is offering 20% off any Sports Themed Canvas! Orders must be placed by February 15. Call 844-399-6838 for more information.

February 15th - Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Valentine's Wine Tasting - Rose's & Red's for a special Valentine's Day tasting! $15.00 for 15 wines from 3-5

February 19^th - LeClaire Community Library - Chinese New Year Party Join us for a little history and a lot of fun as we celebrate Chinese culture and games with crafts! 6:30-7:30pm. For children in grades 1st-6^th.

February 21^st - Scott County Freedom Rock Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser at the Riverview Road House. Proceeds will help provide lights, a sign, maintenance, and paver installation for The Freedom Rock. So dust off your best chili recipe and bring your appetite. A perfect way to warm up and have some fun on a cold winter night!

February 21^st - LeClaire Youth Baseball and Softball Trivia Night Fundraiser at the LeClaire Fire Station Jones and 15th Street. Doors open at 6:30pm. Trivia starts at 7pm. If you would like to reserve a table, donate items, or volunteer please contact leclaireyouthball@gmail.com or call 563-370-1650 for more information. www.leclaireyouthball.com

February 21^st - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center to benefit the QC Cruisers 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. Pork roast dinner available for $7; carryout dinners available at 6pm. Call Debbie at 563-349-4403 or email Smith5Grand@gmail.com to reserve a table.

February 22^nd - Come celebrate Buffalo Bill's Birthday! noon to 4pm at the Buffalo Bill Museum. Buffalo Bill himself will be there! Free admission.

February 23th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8:00 a.m.

February 23^rd - LeClaire Community Library - Alienology This month's "ology" program will feature out-of-this-world activities, challenges, and crafts with a space-alien theme. 6:30-7:30pm. For children in grades 1st-6th.

February 24^th Happy Hour Wine Tasting at 129! $15 per person. 5-7pm: Last Tuesday of every month. Please call to reserve your spot - 563-729-1035. Wines will be available to order at a discounted price.

February 25^th - LeClaire Community Library - Book Club The LeClaire Library Book Club group for adults meets the 4th Wednesday of each month. Join us on February 25th to discuss Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen. Books are available at the library's circulation counter at no cost.

February 26^th -  Expressions In Threads is Hosting "The Quilts Of Downton Abbey" Lecture and Trunk Show at Comfort Inn & Suites, LeClaire 11am, 2pm and 6pm. Dennis Bevines from Andover Fabrics will bring quilts, garments and other items made using their Downton Abbey Collection of fabrics. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $5 and reservations are required - 563-289-1447.

FYI

Check out the Wide River Winery Inn for a fun winter get-away! They have a reduced winter rate of $119 during the months of January and February. It is located above their Tasting Room in LeClaire. The fully furnished apartment sleeps four adults. Why not plan a weekend to look for the Bald Eagles or enjoy the shopping and charm of LeClaire? For more information, contact Cecilia 954-242-6878.

Steventons Getting married? Looking for a location for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower? Steventons can offer you an experience far above the rest. Visit our booth at the Davenport Jaycees Bridal Expo on Saturday, January 31 from 9am until 4pm at the River Center in Davenport.

Blue Iguana New $5 Winter Winter Meal Deals! Stop by Blue Iguana and sample our new $5 winter meal deals! Tuesday's special is our Taco Salad for $5. Wednesday's special is 3 enchiladas for $5.Two chicken tostadas and a side it our Thursday special for only $5!

Bierstube Lent Features available during Lent! Lemon Whiskey Shrimp, Shrimp PoBoy Sandwich, Shrimp Alfredo, Tilapia and Rainbow Trout.

Mississippi River Distilling Co. has kicked off the 2015 LeClaire Cocktail Cruise. From January to 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, Sneaky Pete's Woodfire Grille, Steventon's, Blue Iguana, 129, The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits, Bierstube, or River Roadhouse today! www.LeClaireCocktails.com

Does your kitchen need an update?  Is your bathroom looking old and tired?  We can help with the design and remodeling to brighten any room in your house!  Give LeClaire Home Improvement and Construction a call at 563-381-7778 for a free in home consultation

LeClaire Community Library TAG (Teen Advisory Group): Teens are invited to attend TAG meetings the 3rd Thursday of each month from 4-5pm. This group helps improve Teen Services at the library AND attendees can earn one hour of service learning credits for school by participating. Plus, we bring snacks each month! It's a win-win!

LeClaire Community Library Preschool Explorers: Explore a new science-based theme each month with a short storytime, followed by several hands-on, exploratory stations. This program takes place the 4th Thursday of each month at 10:30am OR 6:30pm. This month we'll be learning about dinosaurs!

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 4^th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire We have a 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 510 N. Cody Road. Contact William Robertson (563) 940-1517 billrobertson@ruhl-ruhl.com

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

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

March 6 - First Friday in LeClaire

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

February 10 - Happy Joe's - Lunch - noon

March 10 - Faithful Pilot - Evening/5:30

April 14 -- El Rio - Lunch - noon