DES MOINES, IA (09/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Ribbons and banners were awarded in the Appaloosa Horse Show judged August 16 and 17 at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

The Appaloosa Horse Show was a double-judged show. In such a show, the use of two judges, independent of one another, takes place. Thus, two sets of results are produced.

Complete results below:

Camas Prairie Stump Race

Judge A - 1) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge B - 1) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge A - 2) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge B - 2) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge A - 3) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge B - 3) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Colt - Weanling

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Figure 8 Stake Race

Judge A - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge B - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge A - 2) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge B - 2) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge A - 3) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge B - 3) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Filly - Yearling

Judge A - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

FPD Halter Mare

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

FPD Halter Stallion

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Gelding - Two-Year-Old

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Gelding - Three-Year-Old

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Gelding - Aged

Judge A - 1) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - 1) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge A - 2) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge B - 2) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Gelding - Yearling

Judge A - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - Grand Champion Gelding) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - Grand Champion Gelding) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - Reserve Grand Champion Gelding) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - Reserve Grand Champion Gelding) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge A - Grand Champion Mare) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - Grand Champion Mare) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge A - Reserve Grand Champion Mare) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - Reserve Grand Champion Mare) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Hunter in Hand Geldings

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge A - 2) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 3) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 3) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Hunter in Hand Mare - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 2) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Hunter in Hand Mares

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Michael Moehrl, Marshalltown

Judge A - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 3) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge B - 3) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge A - 4) Michael Moehrl, Marshalltown

Judge B - 4) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 5) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge B - 5) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge A - 6) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 6) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Hunter in Hand Stallions

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Hunter under Saddle - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge B - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Hunter under Saddle - All Ages

Judge A - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge B - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge A - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Keyhole Race

Judge A - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge B - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge A - 2) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge B - 2) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge A - 3) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge B - 3) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Leadline - 6 & Under

Judge A - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Mare - Two-Year-Old

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Mare - Aged

Judge A - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge A - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 3) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge B - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 4) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 4) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge A - 5) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 5) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Men's and Ladies' Heritage

Judge A - 1) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 1) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge A - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 3) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge B - 3) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Most Colorful at Halter

Judge A - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge A - 2) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 4) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 4) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge A - 5) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 5) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 6) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 6) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 7) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 7) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 8) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - 8) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Nez Perce Stake Race

Judge A - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge B - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge A - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 3) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge B - 3) Jerry Sharer, Jewell

Judge A - 4) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Judge B - 4) Harland or Roselyn Butler, Webster City

Non-Pro Camas Prairie Stump Race - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Judge B - 1) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Non-Pro Gelding - All Ages

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 2) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Non-Pro Hunt Seat Equitation - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Judge B - 1) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Non-Pro Hunter in Hand Gelding

Judge A - 1) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - 1) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge A - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Non-Pro Hunter in Hand Mare

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Non-Pro Hunter in Hand Stallion

Judge A - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Non-Pro Hunter under Saddle - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Non-Pro Mare - All Ages

Judge A - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge A - 2) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - 2) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 4) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 4) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Non-Pro Most Colorful at Halter

Judge A - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 1) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge A - 2) Rockin' Spots Appaloosas, Independence

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 4) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 4) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge A - 5) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 5) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 6) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 6) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 7) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - 7) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - 8) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 8) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Non-Pro Nez Perce Stake Race - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Judge B - 1) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Non-Pro Stallion - All Ages

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 2) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Non-Pro Trail - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 2) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Judge B - 2) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Judge A - 3) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 3) Becky Grier, Kalona

Non-Pro Western Horsemanship - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Non-Pro Western Pleasure - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Non-Pro Western Pleasure - 35 & Over

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Non-Pro Western Pleasure - Novice

Judge A - 1) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 1) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge A - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 2) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Non-Pro Western Showmanship - 19 & Over

Judge A - 1) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Judge B - 1) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge A - 2) Maggie Holzworth, West Des Moines

Judge B - 2) Angela Meyer, Eldridge

Novice Hunt Seat Equitation - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge B - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Novice Western Showmanship - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge B - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Reining - All Ages

Judge A - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge B - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Trail - All Ages

Judge A - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge B - 1) Mildred Johannes, Ames

Judge A - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Walk/Trot Camas Prairie Stump Race - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Walk/Trot Figure 8 Stake Race - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Walk/Trot Keyhole Race - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Walk/Trot Nez Perce Stake Race - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Walk/Trot Showmanship - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 3) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 3) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Walk/Trot Trail - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Walk/Trot Western Horsemanship - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - 2) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 2) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Walk/Trot Western Pleasure - 10 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - 2) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 3) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 3) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Western Pleasure - Junior & Senior

Judge A - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 1) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge A - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge B - 2) Becky Grier, Kalona

Judge A - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Judge B - 3) Larry Goodale, Ellsworth

Western Riding - All Ages

Judge A - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Judge B - 1) Jennifer Murrell, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

Western Showmanship at Halter - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Judge B - 1) Kristen Schroder, Long Grove

Youth Gelding - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Youth Mare - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 2) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 2) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Youth Most Colorful at Halter - 18 & Under

Judge A - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 1) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge A - 2) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge B - 2) Cindy Hanson, Kirkman

Judge A - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

Judge B - 3) Myra Crawford, Elberon

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. The 2014 Fair ended August 17. The 2015 Iowa State Fair is set August 13-23. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

Ribbons Awarded at Iowa State Fair Draft Horse Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Percheron and Clydesdale horse exhibitors from across the country earned ribbons during competition judged August 14 through 16 at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Shining Stars Percherons of Pleasant Hill won the show's Six-Horse Hitch Showdown.

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Ribbons-Awarded-at-Iowa-State-Fair-Draft-Horse-Show/9689505

Banners Awarded in Iowa State Fair Simmental Cattle Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Owen Brothers Cattle Company of Bois D'Arc, Mo., was awarded the Grand Champion Purebred Bull banner in the Simmental Cattle show judged August 16 at the 2014 Iowa State Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Bull honors were awarded to Schick-Haefner Cattle Company of Clinton, Ill. The Iowa Champion Bull was exhibited by Sherrie, Bradley and Ashl Moores Simmental Farm of Rose Hill while Springer Simmentals of Cresco was awarded the Reserve Champion Iowa Bull banner.

Madison Udell of Sioux City won Grand Champion Purebred Female and Iowa Champion Female honors. The Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Female banner was awarded to Trey Jass of Garner. Lashmett Farms of Winchester, Ill., exhibited the Reserve Champion Iowa Complete results attached:

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Banners-Awarded-in-Iowa-State-Fair-Simmental-Cattle-Show/9689474

Dairy Goat Honors Awarded at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (09/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Champions were named in the Dairy Goat Show judged August 15 and 16 at the 2014 Iowa

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Dairy-Goat-Honors-Awarded-at-Iowa-State-Fair/9688858

Ribbons Awarded at Iowa State Fair Draft Pony Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Draft ponies earned honors during their show judged August 14 through 16 at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Draft Pony Ladies Cart - 48" & Under

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

3) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

4) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

5) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

6) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

Draft Pony Cart - 38"- 45"

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

2) Kimberly A. Hols, Runnells

Draft Pony Cart - 45"- 48"

1) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

3) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

4) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

5) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

Draft Pony Team - 38"- 45"

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

2) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

Draft Pony Team - 45"- 48"

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

2) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

3) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

4) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

Draft Pony Unicorn Hitch - 48" & Under

1) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

Four Draft Pony Hitch - 48" & Under

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

2) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

3) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

Six Draft Pony Hitch - 48" & Under

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

Draft Pony Youth Cart - Driver 12 & Under

1) Kimberly A. Hols, Runnells

Draft Pony Youth Cart - Driver 13-18 Years

1) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

2) Kimberly A. Hols, Runnells

Draft Pony Youth Team - Driver 18 & Under

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

2) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

Draft Pony Halter - Mare

1) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

Draft Pony Halter - Gelding

1) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

2) Anne Hildreth, Altoona

3) Douglas Anderson, DVM, Davenport

4) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. The 2014 Fair ended August 17. The 2015 Iowa State Fair is set August 13-23. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

Thanks to a major grant provided by the Riverboat Development Authority, the MVBS 2014/2015 Blues In The Schools Artists-in-Residence series will begin with New Orleans-based blues musician and educator Spencer Bohren.  He will conduct workshops at schools and free open-to-the-public performances throughout the Quad-Cities during the week of September 8-12.

Spencer is scheduled for two free public performances:

 

  • Tuesday September 9, 7:00 p.m.–River Music Experience, 2nd & Main Streets, Davenport IA
  • Wednesday September 10, 7:00 p.m.–Co-op Records, 3727 Avenue of the Cities, Moline IL

Please check our website at www.mvbs.org for updates on Spencer's public performances.

Spencer Bohren was born and raised in Wyoming, where he sang in a family choir that performed in churches, schools, and nursing homes.  He acquired his first guitar at the age of 14, and

began his personal study of the blues by listening intently to all the music he could get his hands on and integrating it into his guitar playing.  In 1968 this study became even more focused when he played in a duo called Eagle Ridin' Papa, named after a Big Bill Broonzy song and featuring the music of the Mississippi Sheiks, Bo Carter, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Snooks Eaglin, and dozens of other legendary blues musicians. Soon thereafter, Spencer moved to Denver, where he played with and learned from such blues legends as Bukka White and the Reverend Gary Davis.

Spencer moved to New Orleans in 1975, where he began performing regularly in popular clubs such as Tipitina's and the Absinthe Bar.  Often he was paired with legends Professor Longhair, Earl King, Clifton Chenier, or James Booker.  In 1983 Spencer began a seven-year tour all over the U.S. with his family in an Airstream trailer towed by his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.  He later toured extensively in Europe and Japan.  In 1997 Spencer returned to New Orleans, which he considers his spiritual home.  His first recording came out in 1984, and since then he's released numerous albums.

In 1997, Spencer developed Down the Dirt Road Blues, his award-winning history of American music, which he has presented to thousands of students of all ages, as well as concert audiences in America and Europe. Spencer fell upon the approach of using a single melody and letting that song transform and migrate in a possible and probable historical context to illustrate the way blues has informed American music for three centuries.  The result is based on a song first recorded by Charley Patton in the late 1920s and easily adaptable to a variety of American musical styles, from Delta blues to Memphis jug band, Appalachia to Nashville, Chicago to rock & roll, Beatlemania, and the British invasion. It follows the journey of a single song's journey from 16th Century Africa through America's culture and history up through the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.  Down the Dirt Road Blues not only follows the song, it also is a commentary on the relationship between American history and music.  Spencer talks about slavery, the Great Migration, racial integration through music in Memphis, the impact of radio on the cross-cultural spread of music, payola and its influence on popular music, and geographical styles and rhythms.

Down the Dirt Road Blues is performed on a variety of vintage instruments to add authenticity to the various versions of the song.  Spencer Bohren's soulful vocals carry the listener to the exact time and place of each rendition.  Listeners of all ages find themselves mesmerized with the story, curious to hear where the song travels next.

Spencer Bohren's residency this September is made possible by major support from the Riverboat Development Authority.  Additional support is provided by Alcoa, The Lodge, River Music Experience, and KALA radio.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that his office is now accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. Service Academies for the 2015 freshman class. Each year, Congressman Loebsack may nominate up to ten Iowans for each Academy, with the final selection for admission made by the individual Academy.

"As a military parent with children who attended the Naval Academy, this process is very personal to me," said Loebsack. "I look forward to nominating our future leaders and encourage all interested students to apply."

Our nation's Service Academies offer educational opportunities for young people interested in military service. Students can specialize in a variety of fields at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

Additional information on the selection process can be found on Loebsack's website: www.Loebsack.house.gov. Please contact Jared Mullendore, Loebsack's Academy Coordinator, in his Davenport office at 563-323-5988 with any questions. Jared can also be emailed at Jared.Mullendore@mail.house.gov.

###

Quad City Engineering and Science Council to host Trivia Night benefiting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Scholarships and Student Outreach
www.qcesc.org

Please join us Saturday, October 4, 2014 for a Trivia Night hosted by the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC). All proceeds will go to the QCESC to support scholarships and student outreach in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The event will be held at the Putnam Museum located at 1717 W. 12th Street, Davenport, Iowa. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. and Trivia starts at 7:00 P.M.

Please pre-register by contacting Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703.

Teams consist of 8 with $10 per person (ages 12 and up, Table Minimum $50). Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans will be sold 10 for $10?you may use more than 1 per round. Doublers will be sold 1 for $10?to double the score of any round you choose.

Each team may bring in their own snacks but there will also be a cash bar and snacks will be available for purchase. No outside drinks allowed.

Trivia will consist of 10 rounds of 10 general knowledge questions. You DON'T have to be a genius to play and have fun! 1st Place team will receive double their money back and 2nd Place team will receive their money back.

Pre-register and Questions? Contact Chris at 563-505-6703 or chris@ccx.net

Don't have enough for a table? Come anyway and we will assign you to a table!

WASHINGTON –The National Governors Association (NGA) today announced that Iowa will host the nation's governors for its 2016 Summer Meeting, July 14-17.

"The nation's governors are pleased to bring our Summer Meeting to Iowa, and we thank Gov. Branstad for his gracious invitation," said NGA Vice Chair Utah Gov. Gary Herbert. "NGA meetings are an opportunity for leaders from around the country to come together across party lines to develop innovative and improved approaches to governing." Herbert will serve as NGA Chair during the meeting.

NGA's nine-governor executive committee selected Iowa for its excellent accommodations and venue options, as well as its overall appeal. The state's strong bid demonstrated its ability to meet all of the association's criteria for hosting a Summer Meeting, including central location; hotel and venue space; and transportation, security and volunteer needs.

"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Iowa to my colleagues from across the country," said Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. "Iowa will serve as an excellent place for the nation's governors to gather and discuss issues of mutual interest and share best practices, and I'm confident this will be a productive and memorable experience for everyone involved."

The Summer Meeting is one of two official business meetings NGA holds each year. The next Winter Meeting will be held in Washington, D.C., February 20-23. The next Summer Meeting will be held in West Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, July 23-26, 2015.

###

 

 

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.

Pride of the Wapsi Pumpkin Patch in rural Long Grove, Iowa is excited to announce its cornfield maze for 2014 and grand opening event. The maze is designed around the "Iowa Corn

Cy-Hawk Series" logo. This is the third year for a professional maze at Pride of the Wapsi. The sponsors for this year's maze are Lujack's Northpark Auto Plaza and HyVee of the Quad Cities.

The grand opening at Pride of the Wapsi will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2014 from 3 to 5 pm. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Eldridge/North Scott Chamber of Commerce; helicopter rides over the cornfield maze for media, sponsors, and college representatives; and an informal come and go reception.

Cy-Hawk Series History: The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series tracks the annual head-to-head match-ups in each sport with each victory earning points toward the overall series championship. The Series also recognizes outstanding academic achievement by the school's student-athletes. The first sport match up for 2014 will be the annual rivalry for football which takes place on September 13, 2014 in Iowa City. The Iowa State and Iowa football teams have been playing each other since 1894, with a 43 year break until 1977 when the annual football game was resumed. The Cy-Hawk Series Trophy originated in 2004. The series is currently tied with both schools having won five titles each. Iowa State won the most recent series during the 2013-2014 school year. Neither school has won the trophy in consecutive years. Iowa leads the series in overall points with a 125-118 point advantage as of the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Academics were added to the competition beginning May 5, 2011, in Iowa City.

For more information about the grand opening event, please email or call 563-285-8180. For more information on Pride of the Wapsi LLC, please visit www.prideofthewapsi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at Pride of the Wapsi on Thursday, September 11!

5001 Tremont Ave. and 1515 E. Kimberly Road
Total Investment: $2.7 million
Total Public Investment:$30,000 IEDC High Quality Jobs Program
Jobs Created: 11-15 (Grace) 3-5 (Letter2Word)
Status: Expansion in progress

Philip Allen is a serial entrepreneur who grew Grace Engineered Products Inc. from a virtual one-man operation into a global manufacturer of electrical safety devices employing 25 here in Davenport. Now, he plans to not only expand that business and add up to 15 new employees, but is helping nurture a start-up called Letter2Word.

Grace is a worldwide leader in electrical safety products, especially the GracePort panel interface connectors, which allow users to either service an electrical cabinet without opening its panels or at least determine whether it is safe to open from the outside. Allen pioneered the application of Safeside voltage indicators into lock-out, tag-out procedures, which help improve worker safety while working on electrical equipment. Customers of this Davenport-based company include such giants as Ford Motor Co., Procter & Gamble and Kimberly Clark.

The company started in 1993, when Allen and some associates were working on a friction welder retrofit project at John Deere. Work was needed on a relatively dangerous machine with an interface in the front and an electrical panel with a 250 horsepower drive and a 400 amp main feed  inconveniently located at the rear. The only way to access the machine for maintenance was to open the doors, but the maintenance supervisor understood this caused a potential hazard.

"The supervisor insisted they keep the door closed," said Allen. "The end result was the panel interface connector, which would become an industry standard."

Now, the company sells all over the world.

"We just got an order for 40 units from Italy and another large order for Australia." About 20 percent of the company's product is exported, about half of it to Canada. This growth, both internationally and domestically, drove the decision to expand. Allen has purchased a building at 1515 E. Kimberly Road, which will house a mix of expanded Grace operations as well as the new and growing Letter2Word operations. The Iowa Economic Development Association board awarded the company $30,000 in direct financial assistance and tax benefits through its High Quality Jobs Program, due to the increase in employment that will result from the expansion.

Grace Engineered Product's unique process - Allen holds several U.S. and international patents for thru-panel electrical safety devices - allow it to mass produce customized products.

"We can get a specific order in one day, even with a specialized logo, and have it out the door the following day in most cases," Allen said.

The 15 or so new employees he hopes to add later this fall will come into a workplace that values employee engagement. It's a pet-friendly office, and several dogs can be seen wandering around at any given time. There is a large, warmly decorated break room and the factory floor and inventory bay are bright, clean and neat. To qualify for the IEDC incentives, starting wages start at $17.47 an hour and include full health benefits.

Allen said he chose to expand in Davenport both because of convenience and because of its outstanding workforce.

"We have good, hardworking people who show up on time, do their jobs and don't quit," he said. "The city was also very responsive and helped us work with the state."

Another reason space was getting tight was due to the growth of Letter2Word, a startup home and business design and decor company co-founded by Allen's wife Jane, her friend Sally Dailey and Dailey's daughter Shannon Evans. The company creates  hand-painted words and phrases that can be hung indoors or outdoors to share unique messages. The letters are created on the same precision cutting machines that Grace uses for its products, making the businesses perfect for co-existing.

Sally said the company has already secured several large accounts, and will need to add 3 to 5 new employees at the new location on Kimberly Avenue to meet the demand for product delivered this spring.

"We have just had such a great working relationship with Phil and his staff," she said. "He calls it cross-pollination of  business and it really seems to work."

Allen said he is an entrepreneur at heart who loves innovation, so stand by for more business ventures in Davenport going forward.

Milestones Agency on Aging, St. Ambrose University, and the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) join forces for the Falls Prevention Awareness Day Workshop

Milestone Area Agency on Aging, the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), and St. Ambrose University encourage seniors to attend the Fall Prevention Awareness Day Workshop on Tuesday, September 23, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. The workshop will include helpful information and instruction on how to live a Fall Free lifestyle.

Sessions will include balance and mobility assessment, pharmacy screening (please bring a list of your current medications), vision and hearing assessment, blood pressure checks, fitness and exercise demonstrations and door prizes!

The event is free, but advance registration is required. Please call or stop at CASI (1035 W Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA?563-386-7477) to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 years of age and over. Every 14 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.

This year's theme, Strong Today - Falls Free® Tomorrow, highlights the important roles professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members play in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

"Falls are not a normal part of aging and the resulting injuries can steal quality life from seniors and their families," said Albert Terrillion, NCOA Senior Director, Clinical Community Partnerships. "This awareness day is an opportunity for older adults and their support communities to learn how to reduce falls risks so our seniors can stay independent for as long as possible."

Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend: 

  • A physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.
  • Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.
  • Having medications reviewed periodically.
  • Getting eyes checked annually.
  • Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.
  • Having an annual hearing assessment.

###

About the Falls Free® Initiative Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes more than 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD14 to join the conversation on social media.

About NCOA The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults?especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged?and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.

For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

Well, the word is official. Instead of September 5th the Centennial Bridge closing has been extended to October 10th. For now. Won't you drop by this week and show your support for one of the QCA's treasured corners, one that fulfills a place in your heart that is unique and cherished?  And needs your help right now?

Please come by this week - our pain is your gain.  We have a number of items on our 50% off tumble table that need good homes.  There are hand-painted clocks from the Black Forest, colorful wooden mobiles from Germany, lace, t-shirts, toys, decorative items, jewelry, and a host of one-of-a-kind goodies you can't pass up.  A special selection of books will be marked down to $5 and $10.  With these deep discounts the usual 10% off with membership will not apply. 
A great time to stock up on holiday presents or stocking stuffers!

Why is that? Because on Thursday, Sept. 4 and Friday, Sept. 5 members will be able to take an additional 15% off the sale prices! And that discount is good for anything in the store! You read that right- special, rarely available bargain rates for our current members. So plan your strategy- come earlier for the premium selection, come later for the rock bottom prices, but please come and support us here at GAHC. If you huddled inside during the frigid winter, now is the time to help us bridge this challenge. Take in the two new exhibits on Berlin, too!

Pages