How Mr. B's Piano Bike Dream was Built into Reality

Ann Arbor, MI - Nationally known bicycle frame builder Mark Nobilette is the man responsible for building the custom piano-bike that is currently traveling on Mr. B's Joybox Express Mississippi River Road Ride, an epic 2,000 mile journey from Lake Itasca, MN to New Orleans, LA.  As a custom frame builder he has built it all from professional racing bikes to pedicabs.  But jazz and blues musician and amateur athlete Mark Braun put him up to a challenge he had never been given before - to build a bike that could pull a full-upright piano.

Mark "Mr. B" Braun, an internationally recognized jazz and blues pianist, dreamt up a whimsical concept of a piano-on-wheels which results from a personal lifetime passion for arts and athletics.  "I am convinced that I am a better musician because I have always been active in sports.  A lot of people find art and athletics to be mutually exclusive, but I see clearly how both played a pivotal role as I learned valuable life lessons about endurance, ambition, passion, failure and achievement.  I started the Mr. B's Joybox Express as a vehicle to spread the joy of music and movement and help communities raise support for youth arts and athletics programs." said Braun.  When he decided to make this dream into a reality he knew just who he needed for the job; his local custom bicycle frame builder Mark Nobilette.

Nobilette was a part of the reemergence of bicycle frame building in the United States in the 1970s.  He studied with and learned his craft from the esteemed frame builder Albert Eisentraut who was referred to as the dean of modern USA (post Korean War) custom frame builders.  In the early 1990s Nobilette was building frames at Cycle Cellar in Ann Arbor, MI.  It was here that he first met Mr. B. "[H]e brought up this subject of a piano on a bike.  I kind of thought he was nuts," Nobilette said.

Eventually, Nobilette moved to Longmont, CO to start his own frame building business: Nobilette Cycle.  Several years later he and Mr. B reconnected and the idea of the piano bike resurfaced.  By this point, Nobilette had done some work for Main Street Pedicabs in Denver, CO building the rickshaw-like structures used as taxis.  He realized that an extended version of a pedicab could be a great design for Mr. B's piano bike.  This time Nobilette's response to Mr. B was different, "Yeah, let's do it!  No reason we can't."

So began the creation of Mr. B's Joybox Express, a custom-made tricycle capable of hauling a 387 lb. piano.  Nobilette's major concern in the construction was how to make it safely carry 500-600 lbs. (the weight of the piano plus the platform).  Also, the platform needed to be stable so the piano would not be bounced out of tune while traveling.  To solve these two obstacles, Nobilette equipped the bike with shock absorbers as well as places in the back for two more riders to attach their bike frames (minus the front wheel) to assist in pushing.  After lots of thought and energy the construction was a success.  In fact, Nobilette's original model of Mr. B's Joybox Express is traveling down the Blues Highway right now!

The collaboration of the talents of musician Mr. B and bicycle frame builder Mark Nobilette made the dream of a piano bike come to life.  Mr. B's Joybox Express is currently traveling along the Blues Highway to parade, educate and share the sounds of blues, jazz and boogie-woogie tunes performed by the Mr. B's Joybox Express Band.

Below are the locations and tentative dates for the remainder of the tour:


Galena, IL, 9/27/14

Muscatine, IA, 09/28-29/14

Burlington, IA, 10/7/14

St. Louis, MO, 10/15/14

Hickman, KY, 10/22/14

Osceola, AR, 10/25/14

Memphis, TN, 10/30/14

Clarksdale, MS, 11/2/14

Yazoo City, MS, 11/5/14

Baton Rouge, LA, 11/12/14

New Orleans, LA, 11/15/14

 

Communities interested in hosting Mr. B's Joybox Express should contact Artrain at 734.747.8300 or JoyboxExpress@ArtrainUSA.orgArtrain, Inc. is producing Mr. B's Joybox Express Mississippi River Road Ride.  For more than 40 years Artrain, headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, has delivered world class arts and cultural exhibitions and education programs to under-resourced communities throughout the United States.  Winner of the National Medal for Museum Service, Artrain's mission is to deliver discovery and - through the galvanizing power of arts and culture - transform lives, organizations and communities.  Originally Artrain was a museum-on-a-train that used America's rail system to deliver art exhibitions.  Today Artrain produces and delivers cultural outreach programs of all types - art, cultural, history, science, environment, etc. - to people in villages, towns and cities through a variety of methods including mobile touring exhibitions and cultural education and engagement programs.  Artrain's current projects include : Mr. B's Joybox Express; CriticCar Detroit, Infinite Mirror: Images of American Identity; and Paths to Peace: A War of 1812 Arts Legacy Project.

Artrain and Mr. B's Joybox Express are supported by hundreds of individuals, businesses and, in part, by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and Wells Fargo Foundation.

For more information contact Artrain at 734.747.8300, JoyboxExpress@ArtrainUSA.org, www.ArtrainUSA.org or www.JoyboxExpress.com.

 

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KWQC-TV6, the top-rated NBC affiliate in Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, is producing three "Decision 2014" debates for critical races in Iowa.  Each debate will air during network prime time.

·         Saturday, September 20th, from 7-8pm: Iowa Gubernatorial candidates Gov. Terry Branstad (R) and State Sen. Jack Hatch (D) debate live from Edward Stone Middle School in Burlington, IA.  Topics of discussion include economic prosperity and job creation.  The debate is presented in partnership with the Burlington Hawk Eye newspaper and Greater Burlington Partnership.  In addition to broadcasting on KWQC-TV 6.1, the debate will be simulcast on kwqc.com, thehawkeye.com and C-Span.

·         Saturday, October 11th, from 7-8pm:  U.S Senate candidates Rep. Bruce Braley (D) and State Sen. Joni Ernst (R).  Live from The Galvin Fine Arts Center in Davenport, hosted by St. Ambrose University and in partnership with The Quad-City Times, this debate has taken on national importance as the outcome may very well decide control of the U.S. Senate.  The debates will stream on kwqc.com and qctimes.com.  KWQC-TV6 is also providing a live feed to Waterloo station KWWL, which will also carry the live broadcast.

·         Saturday, October 11th, from 4-5pm (airing from 8-9pm): The 2nd Congressional District debate between Rep. Dave Loebsack (D) and Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) will be recorded live at 4pm from the Galvin Fine Arts Center in Davenport and air at 8 p.m. on KWQC-TV6, following that evening's Senate debate.  The Congressional debate, produced by KWQC-TV6, is also hosted by St. Ambrose University, in partnership with The Quad-City Times.

KWQC-TV6 anchor Gary Metivier will moderate each debate and lead a panel of political experts in asking questions on key issues impacting Eastern Iowa, the state, and the country.

"KWQC is proud and honored to present the candidates in a live forum so close to Election Day," said KWQC-TV6 VP/General Manager Ken Freedman.  "Giving our communities the chance to hear directly from the candidates, addressing issues affecting them in a format other than thirty-second political ads will help create a more informed electorate," Freedman said.

KWQC-TV6 News Director Rich Kurz said, "KWQC covers the issues that affect our region better that anyone and we're pleased the candidates accepted our offer of a prime time forum to speak directly to each other and address the critical issues of our time."

About Media General
Media General, Inc. is a leading local television broadcasting and digital media company, providing top-rated news, information and entertainment in strong markets across the U.S. The company owns or operates 31 network-affiliated broadcast television stations and their associated digital media and mobile platforms, in 28 markets. These stations reach 16.5 million, or 14%, of U.S. TV households. Their network affiliations include CBS (12), NBC (9), ABC (7), Fox (1), MyNetwork TV (1) and CW (1). Sixteen of the 31 stations are located in the top 75 designated market areas. Media General first entered the local television business in 1955 when it launched WFLA in Tampa, Florida as an NBC affiliate. The company subsequently expanded its station portfolio through acquisition. In November of 2013, Media General and Young Broadcasting merged, combining Media General's 18 stations and Young's 13 stations into the 31-member group that exists today. Five of the stations have been on the air since 1949: WCMH in Columbus, Ohio; WVTM in Birmingham, Alabama; WJAR in Providence, Rhode, Island; KWQC in Davenport, Iowa; and KRON in San Francisco.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

Kathleen Anderson - Individual Membership. Welcome, Kathleen!

 

COME CRUISE WITH US!

September 20th - Twilight Riverboat Dinner Cruise! 5 - 8 p.m. Tickets $45 per person - includes dinner and the cruise!  The Twilight holds 140 people, so get tickets to reserve your spots soon!  Tickets might still be available at First Central State Bank and at Blackhawk Bank and Trust, LeClaire. Sponsored by The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce.

BUSINESS FAIR

October 9th - LeClaire Community Library/LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Business Fair LeClaire Community Library, 5:30p.m. An informational program to help drive new interest in opening a business in LeClaire. Programs include How to Obtain Small Business Loans, SCORE Business Mentoring Program, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 101, and Local Businesses & Local Libraries Working Together. Individuals from the Chamber and a small panel of business owners will speak. Free event, open to the public. Please register in advance beginning September 8th at the Library or call 563-289-4242, ext. 4, or email library@leclaire.gov or contact the Chamber, leclairechamber@gmail.com

 

CALENDAR

 

September 19th - Expressions in Threads Hosting Sit & Sew Call (563) 289-1447 to reserve your spot. www.expressionsinthreads.com

September 19th - Wide River Winery - Live Music Lewis Knudsen - 5-8 p.m.

September 20th - Star Gifts for Kids 6th Annual Golf Outing Hole prizes, door prizes, and food at The Riverview Roadhouse after outing. 18 holes with cart 60.00 dollars per person - 4 person best ball begins at 9:30 a.m. Olathea Golf Course. All money raised stays in the LeClaire and Princeton Area. Call Barry, 563-949-6969, for more information.

September 20th - LeClaire Farmers Market on the Levee 3-6p.m. Many great vendors will be in attendance with fresh, organic produce, sweet corn, baked goods, kettle corn, wood fire pizza, and much more!

September 20th - Twilight Riverboat Cruise 5 - 8 p.m. Tickets $45 per person - includes dinner and the cruise!  The Twilight holds 140 people, so get tickets soon to reserve your spots.  The tickets may still be available at First Central State Bank and Blackhawk Bank and Trust, LeClaire.

September 20th - OKTOBERFEST - LeClaire Bierstube 12-2pm and 5-8pm Live music from Aspenreiser- band from Austria, Mug Holding competition and more! We have the NFL TICKET!!!

September 20th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center for the LeClaire Community Library. Doors open at 6:30pm, trivia begins at 7:00pm. Cost is $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. You don't have to be a genius to come and have fun! To reserve a table or for more information, call Vicky at 563-639-4621 or email kettlepopper@gmail.com.

September 21st - 50th ANNUAL FALL HARVEST DINNER - Silver Creek Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, LeClaire Masonic Center, 113 S. Cody Rd., LeClaire. Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Green Beans, Salads, Rolls & Butter, Deserts & Beverage. Donation of $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 10. Serving from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Everyone welcome!

September 21st through October 26th - Dahl Ford - "Underwear Because We Care!" Every year hundreds of people in the Quad Cities go without the basic necessity of undergarments. This is a campaign to collect & distribute the necessity to those who are in need. We will be collecting these donated items for men, women & kids: New Underwear, New Socks, New Bras, New Undershirts & Camisoles, Lightly Used Prosthetic Bras. Please drop items off at Dahl Ford, 1310 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport.

September 21st - Quad City Mustang Club & Dahl Ford's Fall Cruise In 11am-3pm, Dahl Ford, 1310 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport. Event open to all Ford Powered Vehicles. Awesome vehicles on display, door prizes. Raffle off a 40th anniversary Mustang jacket and a Goodyear jacket, with proceeds going to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. This is a free event, any/all donations will be received by Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

September 22nd - Economic Development Meeting LeClaire City Hall - 8:00 a.m.

September 23rd - FREE Essential Oils Class with a Prize Drawing - Dr. Crystal's Chiropractic Care 6 p.m. Learn the Essentials of Essential Oils!  Tips to give your medicine cabinet a healthy makeover, and how to naturally treat ailments like: Cold & Flu; Asthma & Allergies; Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Depression, Heart Issues, Pain Management, Weight Issues, and more! Prize Drawing at the end of the night!  Earn 1 ticket by arriving early, 5 by bringing a friend, 5 by it being your first Oils class, and 1 by RSVP by phone or text to Sara at (480)567-4356.  419 N. Cody Road, LeClaire.

September 25th - LeClaire Community Library - New! Preschool Explorers A science-based program with a short storytime followed by free-play at several hands-on exploratory stations. This program is once a month. Two sessions: 10:30am or 6:30pm. The first sessions are Sept. 25th. No registration required.

September 25th - Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits - Clown Shoes Beer Dinner 6pm-8:30pm. $40 per person gets you 3 courses from Chef Robert & Chef Chris with beer pairing. Dinner will be in the RiverView Room and only 20 tickets are available. Make reservations today! 563-289-4156 www.faithfulpilot.com

September 26th - Wide River Winery - Live Music The Whoosdads? 5-8 p.m.

September 27th - LeClaire Riverfront Farmer's Market 3-6pm on the Levee along the river. Many great vendors will be in attendance with fresh, organic produce, sweet corn, baked goods, kettle corn, wood fire pizza, and much more!

September 28th - Wine Tasting at The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits 3-5pm. $15.00 per person includes 15 wines and small bites from Chef Robert! Call for reservations today! 563-289-4156 www.faithfulpilot.com

September 29th - Vino Vaso - The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits starting at 6p.m. sharp. Message them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vinovaso for tickets. $40 includes wine to drink, wine glass to paint, cheese to eat, and a great time!

SAVE THE DATE

 

October 2nd - The Popular Astronomy Club will be stopping by the LeClaire Community Library with their mobile observatory and telescopes 7-8:30pm to talk about stars, constellations, planets and more! This program will take place outside, so dress accordingly!

 

October 3rd - First Friday in LeClaire

*Mississippi River Distilling Company Food and Spirit Tastings www.mrdistilling.com

*Wine samples and live music at Wide River Winery from 5-8pm by Mason Greve. We are open until 8:00pm and serving our award winning locally made wines. Dip samples and recipes available. www.wideriverwinery.com

*The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits will also have the Matriarchs performing at 7:30pm www.faithfulpilot.com

*Win a FREE ukulele from Razzleberries! Stop in and sign up for a chance to win before October 3rd. Drawing is at 6pm during First Friday.

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

October 4th - Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill Golf Tournament 1 p.m. Shotgun Start - Olathea Golf Course. 4 Person Preferred Ball. $35/person includes 9 holes, cart, prizes, food and fun! Sign up no later than September 27th at Go Fish, Princeton, or call 563-289-3908.

 

October 5th- LeClaire Bierstube - DOGTOBERFEST 2-5:30 p.m. Free doggy bags to the first 150 dogs! Raffle items! Auction! Food and beverages will be available for purchase!

 

October 9th - Expressions in Threads Lunch & Lecture Nationally known quilt designer and author, Judy Martin, will speak and present a trunk show of her quilts to be followed by lunch catered by Big Dave and Holly's. Cost $40. Call 563-289-1447 for reservations and information.

October 9th - LeClaire Community Library/LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Business Fair LeClaire Community Library, 5:30p.m. An informational program to help drive new interest in opening a business in LeClaire. Programs include How to Obtain Small Business Loans, SCORE Business Mentoring Program, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 101, and Local Businesses & Local Libraries Working Together. Individuals from the Chamber and a small panel of business owners will speak. Free event, open to the public. Please register in advance beginning September 8th at the Library or call 563-289-4242, ext. 4, or email library@leclaire.gov or contact the Chamber, leclairechamber@gmail.com

October 10th - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Pieces of Candy

October 12th - Apple Fest on the River 11a.m.-4p.m. More details to come

October 17th - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Tony Hoeppner

October 18th - Safety Day with Medic EMS - More details to come

October 18th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center for a beneficiary TBA. Doors open at 6:30pm, trivia begins at 7:00pm. Cost is $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. You don't have to be a genius to come and have fun! To reserve a table or for more information, call Vicky at 563-639-4621 or email kettlepopper@gmail.com.

October 21st - The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits - Chamber Networking Event 5:30-7p.m.  Come check out the new bar! Everyone Welcome!

October 24th-25th - LeClaire Community Library - The Friends of the Library Book Sale More information to come soon.

October 24th - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m.  Buddy Olson

October 25th - LeClaire Witches Walk!

October 31st - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Travis Hosette

FYI

 

Caramel apples made with Stones Honey Crisp Apples available NOW at The Shameless Chocoholic!

After several requests, we've published our version of the "look behind the curtain" on the Riverbend Signworks video page.  We're definitely interested in any feedback.http://riverbendsignworks.com/showroom/videos/

LeClaire is once again the "Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests!" according to the Quad-City Times 2014 Readers' Choice Awards!  Third year in a row!

Arndt Chiropractic Center has won the 2014 Quad-City Times Reader's Choice Award for "Best Chiropractor"! Congratulations!

Due to growth and demand for their products, and now with distribution in 22 states and 3 foreign countries, Mississippi River Distilling Company has broken ground on a new 1,400 square foot barrel storage warehouse and new patio/city public area at street level above the 57 by 25 foot barrel room. Construction should be complete in about 6 weeks.

The LeClaire Riverfront Farmers Market would like to "spotlight" a different downtown business each week during its market on Saturdays from 3 - 6 p.m. No cost opportunity. Tent provided by LRFM.  Electrical power can be arranged. Set-up is between 2 - 2:45 p.m., sales start at 3 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m., rain or shine!  Use the opportunity to showcase your business. No restrictions on "hand crafted," "American-made" or otherwise. It's your shop - feature and sell what you choose. Contact LeClaireRiverfrontFarmersMkt@gmail.com with preferred dates, and space needs (10x10 tent size limitation).

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.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

LeClaire Community Library SHIIP Medicare Enrollment Assistance. A representative from SHIIP will be here on Oct. 14th, Oct. 28th, November 4th, and November 18th from 12-3pm to answer any questions community-area seniors may have regarding Open Enrollment for Medicare. SHIIP is a service of the State of Iowa. All services are free, confidential and objective.

LeClaire Community Library A new Toddle Time story hour has been added. Starting in September, Caregivers can now bring babies and tiny tots to Toddle Time on Wednesday OR Friday mornings at 10:30am. Family Storytime will continue on its usual Tuesday nights at 6:30pm.

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 0 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!

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!

May-Oct - LeClaire Riverfront Farmers' Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

September 20 - Cars and Coffee - LeClaire Levee - 9-11a.m.

September 20 - Twilight Riverboat Cruise and Dinner

October 3 - First Friday in LeClaire

October 5 - Bierstube - Dogtoberfest

October 12- Apple Fest

October 18 - Cars and Coffee - Bierstube - 9-11a.m.

October 25 - Witches Walk

November 7 - First Friday in LeClaire

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

October 21st - The Faithful Pilot - 5:30-7p.m.

November 11th - Bier Stube - lunch - noon

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon

Dear Friends,

What a year!

When we first bought this team, we set out to change the culture around the ballpark and return this team back to its rightful owners - you, the greatest fans in the country.

Since then, we have steadily increased both attendance and corporate participation, and moved significantly closer toward our goal of making Modern Woodmen Park the central gathering place for this wonderful and diverse bi-state community - a one-of-a-kind place to gather with friends, family, and coworkers across the region for affordable, family-friendly entertainment and lots of good, clean fun.

But this year, despite leading the league in rainouts, bitter cold weather in April and terrible flooding in late June and early July which left our parking lots and portions of our ballpark underwater, you helped us set the all-time per-game attendance record for Quad Cities! This year's average of 3,885 people per-game is the highest ever for the Quad Cities franchise - and our ballpark dates back to 1931!

Your tremendous, unwavering support is at once both humbling and energizing - humbling because we are so grateful to you for choosing to spend your summer evenings with us over and over again. And energizing because your support inspires us to aim still higher, achieve new heights, and do even more to keep Modern Woodmen Park what USA Today rightly called the "best minor league ballpark in America."

We were thrilled for this great community to win that award. But we will never rest on our laurels. Instead, we became the first team in the country to open a Ferris wheel inside a minor league ballpark. We also unveiled two new rides - "Space Camp" and the Mediacom "Drop'N Twist" - and extended our zip-line to 300 feet! Now, with the ballpark open every weekend all summer long for amusements, more than 65,000 people have enjoyed a ride on one of our fun attractions.

Our success has also given us more opportunities to give back. This year, we gave $50,000 to the Genesis Health Services Foundation to fund neo-natal intensive care services and free flu shots for those in need. And, through our unmatched Bandit Scholars program, our club paid the tuition of three outstanding young students who aspired to attend college in our community. Their first year's tuition ... covered. All told, we gave away nearly $240,000 in cash and merchandise - all within the Quad Cities.

That's what giving back means to us.

Please accept our gratitude for your enthusiastic support all season long. We are already making plans for new additions and improvements to the ballpark, including renovated bathrooms throughout the concourse and two new deck areas, for 2015, so we will not be sitting still. After all, both on and off the field, the River Bandits will never stop improving. Because we belong to you, the people of the Quad Cities, and we're a perfect fit: a championship team playing before the country's greatest fans in the nation's best minor league ballpark!

From us, and on behalf of everyone who's a part of the River Bandits, thank you.

Sincerely,

Dave Heller                Bob Herrfeldt
Owners, Quad Cities River Bandits

MONTICELLO, IA --The Camp Courageous Annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House is will be held at the Camp Courageous Main Lodge on Sunday, September 28th, 2014 from 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Camp Courageous began serving individuals with disabilities during the summer of 1974. That year, 211 campers were served. This year, Camp Courageous is celebrating 40 years & will serve nearly 7,000 campers.

Camp Courageous will be serving a hot breakfast of pancakes, pork sausage, juice, milk & coffee. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12.

Live Reenactment Train Robbery by Red Cedar Regulators will be at the Train Depot at 9:00 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:45 AM, and 11:45 AM. The Super zip and Bounce house will also be available during the duration of the breakfast, weather pending.

The Dixie-Notes-Plus will be playing live At the Sill Barn at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m.

A DVD presentation about the camp can be found in the camp's main office playing every half hour. The Camp Store, with new camp merchandise, will be located in the main lodge and the main office.

Open House will feature the new extension of the Camp Courageous Train & the dedication of Camp's new lake, Lake Todd. The Dedication ceremony will take place at 1:00 pm at the Lake.

The camp is located five miles southeast of Monticello off Highway 38 and 151-Exit 65.

## END

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after Republicans leaders recessed and sent Congress home until after the election while a mountain of critical work remains on the table. Loebsack and his colleagues sent a letter to Speaker Boehner to urge him to keep Congress in session until the issues facing the nation are addressed.

"With the amount of work that remains unaddressed by Republican leaders, it is baffling that they are sending us home. While I will be working, traveling around and meeting with Iowans, I was elected to actually tackle the tough problems that are facing our country, like growing the economy and creating jobs, not play political games. The list of items that remain undone really does go on and on.

"I have called on Congress to remain in session and I remain committed to working with anyone to finish the work that Iowans are demanding. There is too much critical work to get done before sending Congress home."

Among the issues that have not been dealt with include :

  • Comprehensive jobs package,
  • Unemployment insurance,
  • Tax Extenders  (PTC, biodiesel),
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind),
  • Sustainable Growth Rate,
  • Postal Reform,
  • Higher Education Act Reauthorization,
  • Long-term highway bill,

·         Comprehensive Immigration Reform, to name a few.

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Veterans from WWII and Korean Wars view monuments built in their honor

Washington, D.C. - September 18, 2014 - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Quad Cities Honor Flight to the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. Loebsack presented the members of the Honor Flight with copies of the Congressional Record statement he submitted in recognition of their service, as well as a booklet entitled "Our American Government." The Quad Cities Honor Flight brings World War II and Korean War veterans o Washington to visit our nation's capital and Memorials built in their honor.

"I look forward to welcoming each Honor Flight to our nation's capital so they can see the memorials that were built in their honor. Being able to welcome these veterans today was especially meaningful," said Loebsack. "We cannot thank these veterans enough for their service to our nation. I was honored to present them with a copy of the statement I made for the official Congressional Record to recognize their service."

The Honor Flights are all fully paid for, and the veterans are typically accompanied by volunteers who donate their time to ensure that the veterans have a safe trip. This group included 90 veterans. The Quad Cities Honor Flight left from the Quad Cities Airport this morning and will return tonight.

Loebsack is an avid supporter of our veterans. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has worked to improve care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, including expanding Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for the National Guard; expanding access to mental health care; helping our veterans find civilian jobs; and opening new Community Based Outpatient Clinics to improve access to VA services for Iowa veterans. He also co-introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for servicemembers wounded in combat.

NASHVILLE, TN–The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that Brucemore is the recipient of an Award of Merit from the AASLH Leadership in History Awards for the conservation of the Grant Wood Sleeping Porch. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 69th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

This year, AASLH is proud to confer seventy-seven national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, books, and organizations. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history. Presentation of the awards will be made at a special banquet during the 2014 AASLH Annual Meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, September 19. The banquet is supported by a generous contribution from the History Channel. The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States.  The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena.  For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203, or go to www.aaslh.org.

About the conservation of Brucemore's Grant Wood Sleeping Porch

In 2013, Brucemore engaged a team of professional conservators to clean, consolidate, stabilize, and conserve the Grant Wood Sleeping Porch. The porch, valued at over $3.5 million, features a plaster relief, designed and applied in 1925 by renowned regionalist artist Grant Wood. The conservators revealed vivid colors, identified materials, and exposed Wood's techniques.  Wood coated the masonry walls of the sleeping porch in a plaster relief, crafting stylized woodland animals playfully situated on vines climbing the walls. The plaster was then coated with multiple layers of paint washes to decorate the surface texture and ornament. This may not be the only work of this kind in the world, but research has proven it to be exceedingly rare. Today, the mural is by far the most valuable work of art in the Brucemore collection.  The conservation work ensures that this unique element of cultural history is preserved for future generations.

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.

 

About the American Association for State and Local History

The American Association for State and Local History is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history.  From its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, AASLH provides leadership, service, and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful in American society.  AASLH publishes books, technical publications, a quarterly magazine, and monthly newsletter.  The association also sponsors regional and national training workshops and an annual meeting.

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Monday, September 22

 

Cody Canada & the Departed

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 7:30 p.m.

Price: $17 in adv., $18 day of show

Website

 

Live Lunch with Lewis Knudsen

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas & $6 Tacos

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Tuesday, September 23

 

$5,000 Free Play Frenzy

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Website

 

Acoustic Music Club

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Bar Wars Trivia

Where: Me & Billy

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 Coors Light pitchers/$6 Cheeseburgers, fries, and Old Style Light

Website

 

Class: Figure Drawing

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $20/3 classes/student; $30/3 classes/adult; $12/single session

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $4 Burger Baskets

Website

 

Open Studio

Where: Re-Cre8 Studio

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Price: $25

Website

 

Vino van Gogh

Where: Sippi's

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $38

Website

 

Wednesday, September 24

 

$1500 Weekday Winning Slot Tourney

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: 100 points/entry; 10 entries max/guest

Website

 

Acoustic Open Mic Night

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Japanese Artist Anna Ito- Calligraphy art, ZEN art stones, & Statement Jewelry Exhibit

Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts, Showcase #1

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: Available for purcase at affordable prices

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

"Sunset at the Cabin" Painting

Where: Re-Cre8 Studio

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: $30

Website

 

Thursday, September 25

 

2014 Women's Leadership Conference

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Price: $150 or $1,200/table of 8

Website

 

Apple Saucing Party!

Where: Quad Cities Food Hub

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $15

Website

 

Bar Wars Trivia

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Bix BeiderBomb: Comedy Workshop

Where: Upstairs of Boozies Bar and Grill

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

 

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Falbo's Karaoke Night

Where: Falbo Bros Pizzeria, RME Community Stage

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Figure Drawing/Painting Class

Where: Atom Studio + Gallery, Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 6:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Price: $60/month or $15/session

Website

 

Japanese Artist Anna Ito- Calligraphy art, ZEN art stones, & Statement Jewelry Exhibit

Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts, Showcase #1

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: Available for purchase at affordable prices

Website

 

Outloud Open Mic Reading

Where: Downtown Central Perk

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Portraits in Acrylic Paints Level 1

Where: Atom Studio + Gallery, Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Price: $95

Website

 

Pub Trivia

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

"Pumpkin Harvest" Painting

Where: Re-Cre8 Studio

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: $30

Website

 

QC Writers Social Mixer

Where: Radisson Hotel

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Three Strikes and You're Out

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Website

 

Thursdays at the Figge: PechaKucha Night

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Wine-tini Thursdays

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Price: 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine and 1/2 Price Martinis

Website

Monday, September 22

 

Cody Canada & the Departed

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 7:30 p.m.

Price: $17 in adv., $18 day of show

Website

 

Live Lunch with Lewis Knudsen

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas & $6 Tacos

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

Tuesday, September 23

 

$5,000 Free Play Frenzy

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Website

 

Acoustic Music Club

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Bar Wars Trivia

Where: Me & Billy

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 Coors Light pitchers/$6 Cheeseburgers, fries, and Old Style Light

Website

 

Class: Figure Drawing

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $20/3 classes/student; $30/3 classes/adult; $12/single session

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market
Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $4 Burger Baskets

Website

 

Open Studio

Where: Re-Cre8 Studio

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Price: $25

Website

 

Vino van Gogh

Where: Sippi's

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $38

Website

 

Wednesday, September 24

 

$1500 Weekday Winning Slot Tourney

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: 100 points/entry; 10 entries max/guest

Website

 

Acoustic Open Mic Night

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Japanese Artist Anna Ito- Calligraphy art, ZEN art stones, & Statement Jewelry Exhibit
Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts, Showcase #1
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Available for purcase at affordable prices

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

"Sunset at the Cabin" Painting

Where: Re-Cre8 Studio

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: $30

Website

 

Thursday, September 25

2014 Women's Leadership Conference
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: $150 or $1,200/table of 8
Apple Saucing Party!
Where: Quad Cities Food Hub
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $15

Bar Wars Trivia

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website
Bix BeiderBomb: Comedy Workshop
Where: Upstairs of Boozies Bar and Grill
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website
Falbo's Karaoke Night
Where: Falbo Bros Pizzeria, RME Community Stage
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Figure Drawing/Painting Class
Where: Atom Studio + Gallery, Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 6:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Price: $60/month or $15/session
Japanese Artist Anna Ito- Calligraphy art, ZEN art stones, & Statement Jewelry Exhibit
Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts, Showcase #1
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: Available for purchase at affordable prices
Outloud Open Mic Reading
Where: Downtown Central Perk
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Portraits in Acrylic Paints Level 1
Where: Atom Studio + Gallery, Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Price: $95
Pub Trivia
Where: Brady Street Pub
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
"Pumpkin Harvest" Painting
Where: Re-Cre8 Studio
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Price: $30
QC Writers Social Mixer
Where: Radisson Hotel
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Three Strikes and You're Out
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thursdays at the Figge: PechaKucha Night

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Wine-tini Thursdays

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Price: 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine and 1/2 Price Martinis

Website

Moline, IL - The Salvation Army Heritage Temple Corps located at 2200 - 5th Avenue, Moline, will be hosting their Annual Harvest Festival Breakfast and Auction on Saturday, September 27th, 2014. Breakfast begins at 8:00am. The auction begins at 10:00am.

Cost of breakfast is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for 4-12 year-olds, and children three and under are free. Admission is free to the auction. Auction items will include : concert tickets, gift certificates, collectibles and much more.

Lieutenants Holly and Greg Ehler will use all proceeds to help The Salvation Army programs in Rock Island County.

Please call the Corps at 309-764-6996 with any questions.

WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2014

TIME: 8am for Breakfast, and 10am for Auction

WHERE: 2200 - 5th Avenue

WHY: Proceeds benefit Salvation Army programs in Rock Island County.

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