26 Jan 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 1/23/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

LeClaire Masonic Snow Lodge #44 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons is the local Masonic Lodge and has existed as such for more than 150 years. 113 S. Cody Road, LeClaire

 

Green Tree Brewery - 309 N. Cody Rd., LeClaire, will be a Small brewery that makes handcrafted beer right on the premises. We will have a quiet atmosphere where people can sit and enjoy a pint or samples of our product. For anyone that would rather try our beers at home, we will offer, single bottles, six packs, and growlers to take out. Recently, we secured a coffee supplier for our beers that are infused with coffee. As my wife and I love coffee, and we will have all the equipment anyway. We will have coffee available for anyone that wants some, whether it's for someone that doesn't like beer, is the designated driver, or they just love coffee!

LiveFit With Lupus is a nonprofit organization formed to raise awareness for autoimmune diseases. Our foundation offers nutritional guidance and resources, specialty physician support, health education, and psychological and emotional support to patients and their loved ones. We hold many annual fundraising events in the community to create awareness. Our main event is our Race Event, which is held at The Black Watch in May, featuring a 1 mile, 5k, 10k and half marathon, along with a health fair, kids' activities, local vendors and live entertainment! www.livefitwithlupus.org

ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Steventon's, LeClaire.

5:30-6:30 p.m. - Cocktails (Cash Bar) and Silent Auction

6:30 p.m. - Annual Awards

7:00 p.m. - Dinner

8:00 p.m. - Live Auction

6-10 p.m. - Live Music, Keep Off the Grass

RSVP by January 23, 2015 to First Central State Bank, or email dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com $35 per person paid in advance.

Checks payable to:

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 35

LeClaire, IA

If you would like to donate items for the Silent or Live Auctions, please contact dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com or take your items to First Central State Bank, LeClaire!

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

It is time to renew your membership for 2015! Membership forms have been mailed out, or you can renew your membership by going to www.leclairechamber.com and pay via Pay Pal. If you did not receive a letter and form by mail, please contact the Chamber at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com and they will be immediately sent to you!

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

January 24th - LeClaire Community Library - Gizmos & Gadgets: eReader and Tablet Workshop 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Want to learn how to download eBooks onto your iPad? Not sure how to use that new Kindle? Area librarians will be answering questions or troubleshoot issues on a variety of devices. No registration or pre-appointments necessary.

 

January 25 - Faithful Pilot Wine Tasting 15 wines for $15 and a selection of Chef Robert's small bites. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

 

January 31st, 2015 - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner - Steventon's.

(See information above).

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

February 1st - Enjoy the Superbowl at Bierstube! $.50 wings, $7 BierHaus Burgers, $2 16 oz. domestic cans of beer, Gourmet Hot Dog Bar & Fries for $5 during the game.

 

February 6th - First Friday in LeClaire

 

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

February 16th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8:00 a.m.

 

February 21st - 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 22nd - Come celebrate Buffalo Bill's Birthday! noon to 4pm at the Buffalo Bill Museum. Buffalo Bill himself will be there! Free admission.

FYI

 

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

 

Riverbend Signworks We receive many questions about vehicle graphics.  So, we assembled some basic information here:  http://riverbendsignworks.com/2014/12/30/a-guide-to-a-good-vehicle-wrap/

It is time again for the River Valley Optimist Club to offer their FREE basketball clinic to children grades 3-6 in the LeClaire/Bettendorf area. The clinic will be held Saturdays beginning January 31, 2015 and ending on March 7, 2015. The sessions are one hour in length and will teach basketball fundamentals while having FUN! Registration is limited so sign-up soon! Please contact Josselyn Smith at josselyn.e.smith@gmail.com or call 563-723-1877, or check out the RVOC Facebook page under River Valley Optimist Club for more information. We hope to see you there!

Bierstube has an all-you-can-eat Gourmet Hot Dog Bar served with fries for $5 during the Iowa Men's Big 10 Conference basketball games: January 13, 17, 20, 24, and 31. Join them for $2 off their award-winning reubens this weekend during "Be A Tourist In Your Own Backyard" weekend; find the coupon here: http://www.qcbeatourist.com/coupon.php?cid=5 And enjoy the Bald Eagle Day special on January 18: 10% off your bill, excluding alcohol. Also check out their gluten-free menu while you are there!

The Crane & Pelican will be featuring a special Sliders & Suds menu on Thursday nights from 5-9pm. Every Thursday night you can come get three gourmet sliders and our hand-cut chips for $10 and three 8 oz. sample pours of our delicious beers for $5. The menu will change monthly with new burgers & beers to try and will be posted on their website at http://craneandpelican.com/ 563-289-8774. Winter hours: In January and February, closed on Sundays & Mondays. Tuesday thru Saturday open 11am-8pm.

Dwellings has new merchandise!

El Rio Spa & Wellness: January Specials: Fitness - Free Trial Fitness Class and Free Consultation with our Fitness Manager. Café - 20% off Salads. Come tour El Rio Spa & Wellness and enter your name in a drawing to win a "Spa Product Package". Monday-Thursday, 6am-8pm; Friday, 6am-5pm, Saturday, 7:30am-5pm; Sunday, Closed. http://www.elriospa.com

Expressions in Threads has "Man Cave Quilts" on display - everything from Ford Mustangs to Indian motorcycles. Come see the samples and browse their new spring fabrics.

See the new January designs at Isabel Bloom! Stop in to see their Blue Jay (7th in the Series), Goat, and Angel with Roses. Register to win their majestic Eagle sculpture in honor of LeClaire's Bald Eagle Day, January 18th!  Haven't shopped Isabel Bloom lately? You won't believe what you're missing!

Jones St Java House is open early! Hours are 6am-6pm, Monday-Saturday; 8am-5pm, Sunday. They serve breakfast and lunch on Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday - check with them for daily menu! Like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/JonesStJava) for specials and don't forget to pick up your Blend Card for additional coupons and special offers.

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

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 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!

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!

January 31 - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner - Steventon's

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

26 Jan 2015

5 Reasons Kids Should Play Organized Sports

By Ginny Grimsley
Entrepreneurs & Former Pro Athlete Explain Life-long Lessons Learned in Youth Competition

In the past 30 years, obesity has more than doubled in young children and quadrupled in adolescents, potentially leading to a host of chronic diseases later in life, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Conversely, the CDC reports that regular physical activity provides a long list of physical benefits for children, but that's not all. Daily exercise also promotes mental and emotional well-being that includes self-esteem.

"By now, I don't think anyone is surprised that regular exercise is good for children and inactivity is places them at risk for illnesses later in life, but when you take a moment to consider the data in-depth for children who exercise and play organized sports, the details of a child's future come to life," says Danyel Surrency Jones, president of Power To Give and co-founder of Powerhandz Inc., (powerhandz.com), a company specializing in athletic training products to improve performance in baseball, basketball and football.

Danyel and her business partner and husband, Darnell Jones, a former professional basketball player who also co-founded Powerhandz, want kids in their community and beyond to benefit from the values learned from youth sports. That's why they created the Power To Give program, which promotes positive development.

"We believe in the power of sports to change a kid's life for the better," says Darnell, who lists five significant benefits of youth sports.

•  Cultivates a positive attitude: Sports are demanding. Come game time, a young athlete wouldn't last long with a negative mindset. "Practice is no cakewalk either," Darnell says. "As adults, we understand the need to hype ourselves before hitting the gym. The rewarding feeling we get walking out from the gym is similar to what young people feel after a game or tough practice."

•  Offers a sense of accomplishment, confidence and self-esteem: As the CDC noted, simply being physically active builds self-esteem. We are physical beings who are not meant to sit in front of a videogame for several consecutive hours. "Again, if you're a physically active adult, you feel that sense of accomplishment in outdoing your last performance at the gym," Danyel says. "Kids feel a similar way learning new skills and succeeding in a game, except more so."

•  Builds better peer relationships: Kids want to fit in, but it's not always easy. Organized sports hurdles the high wall of social awkwardness so many children feel. Team sports such as baseball, basketball and football demand participants to work together for a common goal, which is a valuable lesson some adults still haven't learned while interacting at work.

•  More restraint in avoiding risky behavior: Ideally, parents can get their children engaged - in anything that's productive, really. Bored or disengaged children have a way of getting into trouble. A student is less likely to misbehave in class or break the law if it means getting kicked off the team of a sport they love.

•  Greater family attachment and frequent interactions with parents: Famous athletes say it all the time, "Thanks Mom. Thanks for driving me to and from practice, and thanks for showing up at the games." And that doesn't even count helping a child with actual practice - playing catch, squaring off one-on-one, etc.

About Danyel Surrency Jones and Darnell Jones

Danyel Surrency Jones is COO and Co-Founder of Powerhandz Inc., (powerhandz.com), which specializes in performance-enhancing training products for athletes. Danyel is a business leader who led sales and marketing departments for over 17 years, sat on non-for-profit boards and invested in early stage companies. Darnell Jones is an entrepreneur and investor, athlete and sales professional. Before cofounding Powerhandz, he was a team captain and academic all-conference basketball player at Mesa State College before he went on to play for the Utah Eagles of the former Continental Basketball Association. Danyel and Darnell created the Power To Give- Building Character Through Athletics, which help fund athletic programs in financially challenged communities.

26 Jan 2015

Bandits and Genesis Community Day and Job Fair

By River Bandits
The Quad Cities River Bandits and Genesis Health System are inviting the Quad Cities community to join their team to protect the community from seasonal influenza, and to build a lineup that will make another memorable season for guests at Modern Woodmen Park. Community Day on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 31, will include 500 free vaccinations to protect against seasonal influenza, the River Bandits' annual job fair, and auditions for national anthem singers and talent performers. More »
23 Jan 2015

January 24th: Trivia Night at the Freight House!

By Jeff Ignatius
Saturday, January 24th, 7:00 p.m.
(Doors open at 6:00)
Davenport Freight House
421 W. River Dr.
Davenport, Iowa
Join us for a night of entertainment and support Food Hub programs!

• $80 per table - 8 players per table
• 10 Rounds of 10 Questions Each
• 1st place $160 - 2nd place $80

DOOR PRIZES - RAFFLE - GAMES - FOOD - DRINK - FUN

Food Available. Refreshments from the Local Market Store. Beer from Front Street Brewery. *Please no outside beverages allowed

Reserve your table in advance to guarantee a spot! Don't miss out. To register a team or for more information stop in to Local Market store or call 563-265-2455.
23 Jan 2015

Pancake Breakfast

By Blue Grass American Legion Post 711

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser - open to the public

Includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee or tea for only $5.00.

This is a fundraiser for Metro Community Church, Quad Cities.

Saturday, January 24th from 8am until 11am at 2930 West Locust Street in Davenport.

23 Jan 2015

Northern Illinois University announces fall 2014 Dean's List

By Michael J. Mackey

DEKALB, IL (01/22/2015)(readMedia)-- Northern Illinois University announces students who have been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2014 semester.

Jacob Blair of Silvis, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Enterprise Software

Jessica Carlson of Moline, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in International Politics - B.A.

Katie Granger of Rock Island, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Child Development

Terrance Gray of East Moline, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in 2-D Studio

Ryan Mack of Moline, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Rhetoric/Public Comm - B.A.

Aaron McKeown of Moline, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Mechanical Engineering - B.S.

Rachel Mushimata of East Moline, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Pre-Nursing

Andrew Pearson of Milan, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Meteorology

Darby Sawyer of Milan, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Elementary Educ-General

Tyler Scannell of Silvis, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Marketing - B.S.

Mark Steele of Geneseo, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Electrical and Computer Engr

Stephanie Thodos of East Moline, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Early Child Stud-Type 04 Cert

Andrew Widmar of East Moline, IL was recognized as a Dean's List student in Electrical and Computer Engr

Each semester's Dean's List is compiled by NIU's academic colleges according to student grade point averages.

To earn this distinction, students must meet a minimum semester grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology or a minimum of 3.75 on a 4.0 in the colleges of Business; Education; Health and Human Sciences; Liberal Arts and Sciences; or Visual and Performing Arts to receive this distinction.

Chartered in 1895, NIU first opened its doors as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1899 as a teachers college. The university has grown since into a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world.

NIU students have the opportunity to build their lives while they are here and create the foundation for achieving career success after they graduate: NIU counts 225,000 alumni who are putting that promise to work.

23 Jan 2015

Tech Help as Close as the Nearest Rock Island Public Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: If you're still figuring out that new smartphone or tablet, help is as close as the nearest Rock Island Public Library. The library continues to offer programs on downloading eBooks and other content, and on using Kindle Fire, Apple and Android devices. Upcoming classes include :

How to Download eBooks and eAudiobooks:

  • Jan. 29 at 2:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

The download classes show attendees how to use free library services to check out content for personal eReaders, computers, tablets, and Mp3 players. Downloadable library services include OverDrive for eBooks and audiobooks, Flipster for magazines, and Freegal for music and movies. Participants should bring their devices.

Getting to Know classes cover basic functions, settings, organizing apps, tips, and more general information on using a particular brand or operating system of computer tablet and smartphones. Participants should bring their devices. Classes include :

  • Getting to Know Your Kindle Fire tablet: 6:00 pm on Feb. 2 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.
  • Getting to Know Your Android or Apple device: 6:00 pm on Feb. 3 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch.

No registration is necessary. For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323.

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Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.
23 Jan 2015

7 Warning Signs of Kidney Damage

By Everyday Health
Prevent diabetic nephropathy, one of most serious complications of type 2 diabetes, with regular monitoring of your blood and urine.

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy. This condition develops when the network of tiny blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they can no longer filter out waste properly. If kidney problems are left untreated, you may eventually need dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) or even a kidney transplant.

Symptoms of Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease

Typically, you won't notice symptoms of kidney disease until it has advanced, so it's important to have your kidney function checked every year.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor as it may indicate kidney trouble:

  • Swelling in your ankles and legs
  • Leg cramps
  • A need to go to the bathroom more often at night
  • A reduction in your need for insulin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and paleness
  • Itching

The best way to prevent kidney problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep your blood-glucose levels and your blood pressure under control.

23 Jan 2015

Super Bowl Eating Do's and Don'ts

By Craig Cooper

Personal Foul ... Excessive Snacking

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Jan. 22, 2015 -- About the time the clock is winding down on the game on Sunday night and you've survived your own Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction -- a popped button, or a loosened belt -- you may have consumed 3,000 calories or more.

Personal foul, excessive snacking.

Topping the year for caloric intake, Super Bowl Sunday can be hard on your waist line and also makes your heart work harder to digest those calories.

To put the traditional Super Bowl gluttony into perspective, here are a few favorites of Super Bowl parties and their approximate calories:

10 cocktail size sausages with barbeque sauce .... 360 calories

10-12 nacho chips with beans, beef, sour cream and cheese ... 600 calories

2 loaded tacos .... 700 calories

6 spicy chicken wings .... 440 calories

2 ounces of chips with dip ... 400 calories

3 light beers .... 330 calories

1 piece of chocolate cake (3 ounces) ... 312 calories

That is how you get to 3,000 calories, or about 1,000 more than are necessary on a daily basis for an adult.

"To burn off that many calories is going to take some work,'' explained Jan Treftz-Allen, Health Promotion Manager, Genesis Health System. ''Biking indoors at a moderate pace burns about 400 calories per hour. Walking at a fast pace is about 350 calories per hour. Cleaning the house burns about 150 calories per hour.

"To burn off all of those 3,000 calories, you'd have to be on the stationary bike for about eight hours.''

But there are ways to limit the excesses of Super Bowl Sunday. Here are some tips from Treftz-Allen to help you score physically and nutritionally at your Super Bowl party:

  • Warm-up like the players before the game. Go for a walk, go to the gym, clean the house. Halftime festivities take 40 minutes or more. That's enough time to burn off 200 or more calories on a treadmill, a bike, or on a fast walk through the neighborhood.

  • Choose some healthier snacks. Make sure you've got vegetables and fresh fruit available (see below).

  • Portion control. Pick the smaller plate and try everything you want, but take smaller portions.

  • Skip the soft drinks and beer and stick with water.

  • Don't "save'' calories. Don't skip breakfast or lunch before the game. You'll be too hungry by the time the first of about 70 beer and snack commercials come on the television and you'll be more likely to make bad food choices.

  • Adjust the recipe. For example, use ground turkey for the chili and tacos. Use low-fat cheese and sour cream. Choose the low-fat dips and chips. Make a vegetable soup instead of chili.

Super Bowl Recipes That Trim Calories from Teresa Pangan, dietitian, Genesis Cancer Care Institute

The recipes below cover sweet, spicy, satisfying, healthy and of course, super delicious. When planning your Super Bowl menu, be sure to include a tray of fresh vegetables for dipping (see dip recipe below) and fresh fruit - no dip required. These stay for hours on the table and are healthier alternatives for those wanting to make healthy choices. Also, salsa (jar or homemade) is a super choice for dipping chips.

Brownies Delish

The secret in these is the black beans. Sounds crazy but it works. No one will know. Serve them and watch them disappear - don't tell anyone. Watch the compliments come in.

Ingredients:

1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

¼ cup chocolate chips and some for the top

3 Tbsp. canola oil

3 eggs

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350'F. In blender or food processor, combine the beans, chocolate chips and oil. Blend until smooth. Add the eggs, brown sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Blend until smooth.

2. Transfer to a 9x9 square baking pan coated with cooking spray.

3. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

4. Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, if desired and cool on a wire rack. Cut into 8 desert bars or 16 appetizer bars.

Note: If you like cake-like brownies, increase baking powder to 1 Tbsp.

Nutrition Info (per desert bar): 262 cal; 10 g fat (2g sat); 7 g fiber; 8 g protein

 

Red Pepper and Bean Dip

Serve this with a variety of vegetables for dipping (carrots, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, broccoli, and cauliflower.)

Ingredients:

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 (16-oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (let sit in colander 10 min to drain well)

1 (7-ounce) bottle roasted red bell peppers, rinsed and drained (let sit in colander 10 min)

3 large garlic cloves minced

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Best if made ahead couple hours to let flavors marinate. Also, if drained red peppers are not dry, pat with paper towel to remove moisture.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor or powerful blender and blend until smooth.

Nutrition Info (per ¼ cup): 62 cal; 3.5 g fat (0.5g sat); 1.5 g fiber; 1.5 g protein



Molasses-Lime Meatballs

The molasses-lime sauce will have guests headed to the table for more. The bonus of this recipe is that it makes 72 meatballs and the final cooking takes place in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds extra-lean ground beef

8 oz uncooked hot Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1 cup egg substitute, lightly beaten

1 cup finely chopped green onions (8 - including much of the green part)

4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

6 Tbsp. molasses

¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp. lime juice

Instructions:

1. Coat 3 ½ or 4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl combine ground beef, sausage, oats, egg substitute, green onions, Worcestershire sauce and crushed red pepper. Shape mixture into 72 meatballs 2-inches in diameter.

2. Put ½ Tbsp vegetable oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet and use paper towel to spread oil around entire pan. Cook meatballs, one-fourth at a time, over medium heat until brown, turning once. Transfer to prepared cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 to 2 ½ hours.

4. In a small bowl whisk together molasses, soy sauce, and lime juice. Pour over meatballs. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm or low-heat setting for up to 1 hour.

Nutrition Info (per 4 meatballs): 140 cal; 4 g fat (2g sat); 1 g fiber; 14 g protein



Sweet and Spicy Orange-Soy Chicken Wings

This is a great alternative to the traditional buffalo-style wings. These wings have a tangy Asian flavor and are easy to prepare.

Marinade/Glaze:

1 cup sweet orange marmalade

½ cup honey

1/3 cup light soy sauce

1 ½ Tbsp. rice wine vinegar (can substitute with cider vinegar)

3 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger (found in produce section; use peeler to peel outer layer and then a zester or fine grater to grate the 3 Tbsp.)

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

Marinade/Glaze:

3 pounds chicken wings, cut in half at center joint

Garnish: sliced scallions and orange wedges

Instructions:

1. Marinade/glaze: whisk ingredients in a medium bowl to blend. Transfer half into a large baggie bag. Add wings to the marinade in the baggie; turn to coat.

2. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, turning bag occasionally. Refrigerate and cover the remaining marinade in the bowl.

3. Chicken wings: heat over to 450'F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil. Put a wire rack in each pan; coat with nonstick spray.

4. Place wings in a single layer on racks (discard baggie and contents). Bake 20 minutes; turning once. Then brush with some of the reserved marinade. Bake an additional 10 minutes, turning once and brushing again, until wings are lightly browned. If you want a charred look, broil 1 to 2 minutes per side.

3. Transfer to a serving platter. Pour remaining marinade into a bowl; serve as a dipping sauce. Garnish serving platter with scallions and orange wedges.

Nutrition Info (1 serving: recipe makes 10 servings): 147 cal; 7.2 g fat (2g sat); 8.5 g protein

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23 Jan 2015

THE QUEEN CONTEST RETURNS FOR THE 2015 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY FAIR

By Phil Roberts
Davenport, Iowa (Jan. 22, 2015) -- The Mississippi Valley Fair Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a fair queen will reign over the 2015 Mississippi Valley Fair, scheduled for Tuesday through Sunday, Aug. 4-9, here at the fairgrounds.
The board is sponsoring a $500 scholarship that will go to the winner of an upcoming Mississippi Valley Fair queen contest.
In addition to being involved in fair activities, the queen will represent the Mississippi Valley Fair and Scott County at the Iowa State Fair's queen competition during the summer of 2015.
Candidates must be residents of Scott County and a member of a local service organization, such as a church group, Girl Scouts, 4-H or FFA. Contestants will be judged on leadership, community service, poise and personality.
Queen contest applications may be obtained in person at the Mississippi Valley Fair office, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa, or by calling the office at (563) 326-5338.
For more information about the queen contest, call the fair office at (563) 326-5338. Information also will be posted on the Mississippi Valley Fair Queen Contest Facebook page. That can be found on the Internet at facebook.com/MississippiValleyFairQueenContest.
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