November 21, 2014- Last night the President of the United States took a long overdue and necessary step towards fixing our broken immigration system

We applaud his willingness to act to address this crisis, for the good of all workers. More elected leaders should step up and do their jobs.

Although this fix is temporary, it will allow millions of people to live and work without fear, and afford them the status to assert their rights on the job.

In Iowa there are 13,000 undocumented immigrants with a U.S. citizen child. If these immigrants are able to apply for deferred actions, it would lead to a $22 million increase in tax revenues for Iowa.

The Iowa Federation of Labor is very concerned about immigration issues here and around the country. We are also concerned about the legal protections these workers are due.

Unfortunately, even with this executive action, millions will continue to work without legal protections and will remain vulnerable to wage theft, retaliation and other forms of exploitations. "Even though this executive order did not specifically provide legal protection from wage theft and exploitation, the unions will continue to advocate for these vital protections. The labor movement will continue to stand with all workers, regardless of status, to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected." Said Ken Sagar, President of the Iowa Federation of Labor

We thank the President for this important first step to resolve this critical issue and urge Congress to stop playing politics and do the work necessary to take care of issues of importance to Americans.

The Iowa Federation of Labor: representing the interests of nearly a quarter of a million Iowans who make Iowa work.

PELLA, IA (11/21/2014)(readMedia)-- Emma Simmons of Davenport is currently studying abroad in Paris, France, through Central College. Simmons is a sophomore majoring in Spanish and cultural anthropology.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics. Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. The college is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southeast of Des Moines. Learn more at www.central.edu.

LOOKING FOR SANTA!

Strolling Santas needed for 'Christmas in LeClaire!' Shifts are 5-8p.m Fri, and 1-4pm Sat and Sun. Contact Kim - 563-289-5699

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Wild Horse Canvas Prints - LeClaire - We turn your pictures and art into wonderful Custom Canvas Prints! We also customize apparel including tee-shirts, hats and scarves. Let your Art Run Free! 102 N. Cody Road, Lower Level. www.wildhorsecanvasprints.com 563-729-1041 Ribbon Cutting, December 5, 3:00p.m.

Best Days Photography Melanie McCalley - Best Days Photography provides a fresh and bright style of imagery for weddings, events, corporate and portrait clients. 117 South Cody Road, LeClaire, IA 52753. www.bestdaysphoto.com or email Melanie@bestdaysphoto.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS!

December 5^th - Wild Horse Canvas Prints 102 N. Cody Road, Lower Level. 3:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome!

CHAMBER BOARD OPENINGS

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce is now accepting candidates for upcoming openings on our Board of Directors. All who are current Members of the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce are welcome to submit a brief letter of interest. All candidates will be added to the ballot that will go out in December, 2014, along with the ballot for Annual Award Winners to be voted upon by Chamber membership. The Board meets every 4^th Tuesday of the month, 8a.m., LeClaire City Hall. Please submit a brief letter of interest by noon, Monday, November24 to leclairechamber@gmail.com, or send the same to:

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 35

LeClaire, IA 52753

For more information, please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com or 563-289-9970

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The December 2014 Chamber Newsletter will be mailed out to all homes and businesses in the 52753 zipcode area early next week!  View it now at www.leclairechamber.com

CALENDAR

Now - January 4^th - Enright's Super Wash Annual Holiday Promotion Automatic carwash tokens are now on sale - 5 for $20!  Each token a $6.50 value. Cash, check or credit cards accepted.  Stop in and see Henry or Dennis 8:30-10:00 Mon-Fri and 8:30-3:00 weekends, subject to weather. Sign up to win carwashes and more! Weekly winners will be posted on our reader board.  Our carwash tokens make Great Holiday Gifts!

Now - December 19^th - Friends of the Library Silent Auction All proceeds will go back to benefit the LeClaire Community Library.

November 22^nd - Craft & Vendor Fair, LeClaire Civic Center 10a.m-4p.m. Many original crafters, as well as popular home sales companies. Featuring Scentsy, Usborne, KEEP Collective, Thirty One, Perfectly Posh & Le Vel. Come & Get your Christmas shopping started!

November 23^rd - LIC Christmas Tree Ornament Deadline LeClaire Information Center will have one large Christmas tree again this year. If you would like to provide a Christmas ornament (it can advertise your business), please drop off the ornament and $5 no later than Sunday, November 23rd. The money will be donated to the Emergency Fund that the Christmas in LeClaire committee has established to aid LeClaire residents in need.

November 27^th - Thanksgiving Day - Bierstube Bar opens at 5p.m.

Take your photo with the new Scott County Freedom Rock on the levee in LeClaire, 11am-3pm, and share it on Social Media - Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook - for a chance to win a basket from LeClaire merchants! Use #leclaireshopsmall , #shopsmall , and @visitleclaire when posting your photo. If you don't use Social Media, email your photo to

December 1st -20th LeClaire Community Library - Handmade Ornament Contest Bring your hand-made ornament to the library's circulation counter. All ornaments must be handmade (no store bought items, please!) and turned in before the end of the day, December 20th. Winner will be selected December 22nd. All participants are welcome to pick-up their ornament after the contest is over, or they may donate their item to the library so they can be displayed in the years to come.

December 2^nd - EMS Medic - Volunteer EMS Program Informational Meeting 6p.m. 107 N. Cody Road, LeClaire. Classes begin January 5, 2015. Email Pessman@medicems.com for more information.

December 5^th - Wild Horse Canvas Prints - Ribbon Cutting 102 N. Cody Road, Lower Level. Time TBD!

December 5^th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8p.m.

December 5^th-7^th - Christmas in LeClaire!

Basket Weaver & Yarn Spinner Demonstrations - LeClaire Civic Center - 10a.m.-4p.m.

Cookie Tin and Crafts Sale - Masonic Lodge - 10a.m.-5p.m.

Crafts, Baked Goods, Silent Auction - LeClaire Civic Center - 10a.m.-8p.m.

Free Hot Coffee and Hot Chocolate, Family Activities - Riverside Church -10a.m.-8p.m.

Free Family Drop-in Art - Kiddie Karrasel - 10a.m.-8p.m.

$7 Schnitzel Sandwich, $10 German Nachos - Bierstube

Lighting of the Yule Tide Log - Mississippi Cottage Antiques - 4:30p.m.

First Friday in LeClaire! Family Fun! Great Dining and Shopping! 5-8p.m.

Saturday, December 6^th

Breakfast with Santa! - Happy Joe's - 8-10a.m.

Visit With Santa! - Happy Joe's - 10-11:30a.m.

Santa's Playhouse - LeClaire Medic Building - 12-3p.m.

Chainsaw Carver Demonstration - Civic Center Parking Lot - 10am-3pm - Carved Items Auctioned - 3p.m.

Wooden Shoe Maker Demonstration - LeClaire Civic Center -10a.m.-4p.m.

Cookie Tin Sale and Crafts Sale - Masonic Lodge - 10a.m.-5p.m.

Holiday Junk Fest - Kiddie Karrasel - 10a.m.-6p.m.

Crafts, Baked Goods, Silent Auction - LeClaire Civic Center - 10a.m.-8p.m.

Free Family Drop-in Art - Kiddie Karrasel - 10a.m.-8p.m.

Free Hot Coffee and Hot Chocolate, Family Activities - Riverside Church - 10a.m.-8p.m.

Free Trolley from Dave and Holly's to the Bierstube with stops in between! - 11a.m.-7p.m.

Kids eat free with adult purchase. Kid decorate sugar cookies - Bierstube 1-3 pm.

Santas from Around the World will Stroll the Streets of LeClaire! 1-4p.m.

Balloon Maker and Face Painting - Granite Exact - afternoon

Kids "Christmas in LeClaire Dollars" - Shop Santa's Gift Shop! Civic Center Parking Lot - 3-6p.m.

Lighting of the Yule Tide Log - Mississippi Cottage Antiques - 4:30p.m.

First Saturday in LeClaire! Family Fun! Great Dining and Shopping! 5-8p.m.

Sunday, December 7^th

Crafts, Baked Goods, Silent Auction - LeClaire Civic Center - 10a.m.-4p.m.

Rope Maker Demonstration - LeClaire Civic Center - 10a.m.-4p.m.

Free Family Drop-in Art - Kiddie Karrasel - 10a.m.-4.m.

Free Trolley from the Bierstube to Dave and Holly's with stops in between! 12-4p.m.

$7 Bierhaus burger, $.50 Wings - Bierstube

Santas from Around the World will Stroll the Streets of LeClaire! 1-3p.m.

Kids "Christmas in LeClaire Dollars" - Shop Santa's Gift Shop! Civic Center Parking Lot - 12-3p.m.

Music of QC Flutes Unlimited - Buffalo Bill Museum - 2-3p.m.

December 6th - LeClaire Community Library - Adult Craft-In: Make Your Own Ornament! 11am-1pm. No registration necessary, all supplies provided. This program will be restricted to adults and older teens due to the use of tools that could be potentially hazardous to younger children (e.g. hot glue guns).

December 9^th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Subway Noon. Everyone Welcome!

December 10^th - Close Encounters with the Eagles - LeClaire Community Library Join LeClaire photographer Burt Gearhart at 6:30 p.m. for an all-ages slide presentation and lecture that will reveal many interesting discoveries about Bald Eagles and how they go about their everyday lives in Iowa. Burt's prints will also be on display that celebrate Bald Eagles, the Mississippi River, and the historic beauty of LeClaire.

December 13^th - Bierstube - Twelve Days of Christmas! Join us for 12 days of specials starting December 13th! New specialty items everyday leading up to Christmas!

December 16^th - An Evening with Mrs. Claus - LeClaire Community Library 6:30p.m. Mrs. Claus will stop by Family Storytime to read stories and sing holiday songs. Treats will be provided, and Mrs. Claus will stay after storytime to chat with attendees and take pictures!

December 17th - Exchange Traded  Funds  Explained - Charles Schwab Davenport Branch, 5345 Elmore Avenue #300 Davenport, IA Presented by Eric Johannes CFP - 10 a.m. Reservations online schwab.com/davenport or call 563-275-3663.

December 21^st - Zion Lutheran Church Sunday School Christmas Program - Princeton 4:00 p.m.  All are invited to attend and hear the children present the story of Christ's birth in a way rarely seen.  Cookies and punch will be served afterwards.

December 24^th - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton - Christmas Eve Service 5:00 p.m.  All are invited to attend.

December 24th - Asbury Methodist Church - Christmas Eve and Candlelight Services - 5:00, 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. 1809 Mississippi Blvd, Bettendorf.

December 31^st - New Year's Eve at Steventon's in LeClaire. It's never too early to start planning your New Year's Eve! Join us at Steventon's for our Annual New Year's Eve Event. Enjoy live music provided by Hap Hazard, drinks appetizers, and our Champagne toast at Midnight! Tickets are limited for this exclusive event. Order yours before they're all gone! 563-289-3600

SAVE THE DATE

January 16^th-19^th - Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard!

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

More information to come.

FYI

Stop by Steventon's every Sunday to experience our breathtaking view of the Mississippi River while enjoying our brunch menu. Our brunch menu offers a variety of options to satisfy the whole family. Only $12.95 adults / $6.00 children 10 & under.

The Crane & Pelican will be featuring a special Sliders & Suds menu on Thursday nights from 5pm-9pm. Every Thursday night you can come get 3 gourmet sliders and hand-cut chips for $10 and 3 8oz sample pours of our delicious beers for $5.The menu will change monthly and will be posted at www.craneandpelican.com

Starting December 1^st, Bierstube will only be open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, 7am-11am (we will reopen daily for breakfast in the Spring)

Aunt Hattie's, Blue Iguana, Happy Joe's, Ascentra Credit Union, Go Fish, and Steventon's were among businesses recognized in the 2014-2015 Locals Love Us Contest!

Aunt Hattie's will be open until 8PM on Fridays & Saturdays starting Nov. 7, until Dec, 19, 2014. Please follow Aunt Hattie's on FACE BOOK for any changes or updates.

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

Ascentra Credit Union has recently helped alleviate some of the financial burdens our schools systems are experiencing.  From January through June, all qualifying new members that joined Ascentra were given the option to have the credit union donate $25 to the school of their choice or to the Children's Miracle Network. Ascentra has tallied up the donations and started to surprise the school districts, colleges, and private schools with their donation checks.  A total of $14,775 has been given out to area schools.  An additional $10,400 will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Men's group Saturday at 7:30 am at church; there are donuts, coffee, discussion and Bible Study, plus really great guys! What more could you ask?

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

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: 0.64 acres of development land available on Cody Road.  This "ready to build" property is located on a high ground lot with an exceptional view of the river.  Possibility for a dock installation with city inceptives possible.  Land could be developed for multi-family, condo, possible office or mixed use.  For more information, please contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107. Website Link for More Information:  http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7030973

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: Price recently reduced on this great Riverfront Development opportunity located on the main shopping corridor in downtown LeClaire.  Strong market for retail and apartments or condominiums.  Lot totals 0.28 acres (180' X 70').  For more information, please contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126. Website Link for More Information: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7031174

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!

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

December 5-7 - First Friday and First Saturday in LeClaire

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

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

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon

Powered lower limb prosthetics hold promise for improving the mobility of amputees, but errors in the technology may also cause some users to stumble or fall. New research examines exactly what happens when these technologies fail, with the goal of developing a new generation of more robust powered prostheses.

"My work has focused on developing technology that translates electrical signals in human muscle into signals that control powered prosthetic limbs - such as decoding muscle signals to tell a prosthetic leg that it needs to walk forward or step up onto a staircase," says Dr. Helen Huang, senior author of a paper on the work and an associate professor in the joint biomedical engineering program at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"But sometimes this 'decoding' technology makes mistakes, such as thinking someone wants to climb a step when he doesn't," says Fan Zhang, lead author of the paper and a Ph.D. student in the joint biomedical engineering program. "This is a problem, because we don't want to put users at risk of stumbling or falling."

Huang's team set out to understand exactly what happens to users of powered prosthetic legs when there's an error in the decoding technology.

"We not only want to improve the decoding accuracy, but determine which errors are important and which have little or no impact on users," Huang says. "Understanding the problem is an important step in finding ways to make these prostheses more reliable."

To address the issue, the researchers had study subjects use a customized prosthetic device that was programmed to make errors. This was done in a lab setting that allowed Huang's team to monitor each user's balance and biomechanics. Users were also asked how stable they felt during each trial.

The researchers found that some errors were so insignificant that users didn't even notice them - particularly errors that were short in duration or that occurred when a user's weight was not being applied to the prosthetic leg.

But errors that lasted longer, or that occurred when a user's weight was on the prosthetic limb, were more noticeable. The researchers also determined that critical, or especially noticeable, errors were also characterized by a large "mechanical work change," meaning the prosthetic limb thought it had to do significantly more or less work than the user intended.

"One of the things we'll be doing as we move forward with this work is seek ways to limit that mechanical work change," Huang says.

"Any system that involves a human interface will have occasional errors," Huang notes. "But we think we can find ways to make those errors effectively insignificant."

The paper, "Effects of Locomotion Mode Recognition Errors on Volitional Control of Powered Above-Knee Prostheses," is published in early view online in the journal IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering. The paper was co-authored by Ming Liu, a laboratory manager in the joint biomedical engineering program. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation under grants number 1406750 and 1361549, by the Department of Defense under grant number W81XWH-09-2-0020, and by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research under grant number H133G130308.