20 Jun 2014

Bruce Braley Fights to Protect Social Security and Medicare

By Jeff Giertz
Bruce Braley has a record of fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare, a promise he emphasized earlier this week at roundtable discussions with retirees in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.

In contrast, state Sen. Joni Joni Ernst has repeatedly called for Social Security privatization, putting guaranteed benefits at risk. Privatizing Social Security and transforming Medicare as we know it would threaten the retirement security of over half a million Iowa retirees by gambling retirement savings on the stock market.

A roundup of local news coverage on Bruce Braley's commitment to protect Social Security and Medicare follows:

Braley Says Keep All Workers in Current Social Security System
Radio Iowa // Kay Henderson
The perennial issue of "privatizing" Social Security is now front and center in Iowa's U.S. Senate race.  Bruce Braley says all workers should remain in the current system.

Retirees Tell Braley about Social Security Worries
Quad-City Times // James Lynch
Braley predicted Social Security will be "one of the big topics" is his race against GOP nominee Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Red Oak, for the seat now held by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.
He and Ernst "have drastically different opinions" on what should be done to ensure the long-term viability of Social Security.

Braley Talks Social Security, Medicare in Cedar Rapids
KGAN
Braley has fought against plans to privatize Social Security and end Medicare.  He believes that would put seniors at risk.  Instead, Braley believes the programs should be strengthened.

Braley Hosts Retirement Security Roundtable in Des Moines
WOI
Braley says these programs are more than just an income for retirees?they're a promise. He says he will continue to stand against privatizing Social Security, and will fight to keep Medicare from turning in to a voucher program.

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC Endorses Braley
WOI
Rep. Bruce Braley received an endorsement for his work to ensure benefits for older Iowans. He says this is an issue that is of vital importance for the tens of thousands of Iowa seniors.
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20 Jun 2014

Rock Island Resident Julie Eagle One of 1,193 Graduates to Receive Degrees at 146th Worcester Polytechnic Institute Commencement

By Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WORCESTER, MA (06/20/2014)(readMedia)-- A total of 1,193 degrees (794 bachelor's degrees, 381 master's, and 18 PhDs) were awarded during the university's commencement ceremony on May 17, 2014, which took place outdoors on the WPI quadrangle. Additionally, 381 degrees were awarded earlier this academic year.

Julie Eagle of Rock Island, Ill., was awarded a master of science degree in mechanical engineering.

Thousands of students, their families and friends, trustees, and other special guests were on hand to hear the inspirational messages delivered by keynote speaker, Bernard Amadei, founder of Engineers Without Borders. Honorary degrees were conferred upon Amadei; Robert A. Foisie '56, retired founder of Matik North America Inc.; Sheila M. Harrity, nationally recognized principal of Worcester Technical High School; and Stephen E. Rubin '74, entrepreneur and former chairman of the WPI Board of Trustees.

In his commencement address, Amadei gave the graduates a personal "call to action," noting that he was in the presence of graduates "who truly have the potential to help solve our world's great problems."

He also noted that WPI graduates are uniquely prepared to tackle such problems. "You have gained knowledge, ability, and skills during your time here," Amadei said. "You are equipped to be truly effective problem solvers. You have also been engaged in the humanities and were taught to think of your place in the global context of our world, and your place in the universe."

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. WPI's talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Perspective Program. There are more than 35 WPI project centers throughout North America and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.

20 Jun 2014

Quad City Health Initiative Launches Be Healthy QC Campaign and Presents Community Award in Celebration of its 15th Anniversary

By QCHI

The Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI) is celebrating its 15th Anniversary year with the launch of Be Healthy QC, a new cross-sector community campaign to promote awareness of local efforts that increase healthy eating and physical activity among Quad Citians, and the presentation of a Healthy Community Leadership Award.

QCHI was formed in 1999 as a community collaboration to create a healthy community.  With the financial support of its founding sponsors, Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health-Trinity, and other partners, QCHI has evolved into a cross-sector collaborative infrastructure that harnesses the collective work of more than 120 volunteers from 60 organizations and reaches thousands of community members.

"Our health as individuals and our health as a community are intertwined," says Karla Steele, QCHI Board Chair.  "How and where people live, work, learn and play determines their health and the sum of our health as individuals influences the overall economics and vitality of our region.  For the last 15 years, QCHI has provided the planning and communications backbone to enable us to work across community sectors and create a healthy community."

Since its formation, QCHI has championed community efforts to address topics such as healthy eating & active living, mental health, tobacco use, and oral health care access.  One of QCHI's major efforts has been the alignment of our community's health assessment processes culminating most recently in the 2012 Community Health Assessment.

"We were one of the first communities in our region to successfully integrate health system and public health assessment processes," says Berlinda Tyler-Jamison, Vice President Community Impact and Advocacy, UnityPoint Health-Trinity.  "The comprehensive assessment provides data for the entire Quad Cities region that can be used by our community partners to improve the health of all Quad Citians."

QCHI's work has contributed to several improvements in our community's health status.  Notably, a higher percentage of adults and children have visited a dentist or dental clinic and fewer adults now smoke than a decade ago.  Unfortunately, the percentages of adults at a healthy weight and who engage in regular physical activity have been harder to change.  Continued efforts to improve these numbers led to the creation of the Be Healthy QC campaign.

"Our community has made tremendous strides in improving our community's health but there is still work to be done," says Denise Bulat, QCHI's Be Healthy QC Coalition Chair.  "Only 26% of Quad City adults and 46% of our children are at a healthy weight.  Fewer than 40% of adults participate in physical activity at the recommended levels and only 41% of adults report eating adequate servings of fruits and vegetables."

"Be Healthy QC is all about connecting the dots across our community on resources and activities that promote healthy eating and active living", says Ken Croken, Vice President Corporate Communications, Genesis Health System.  "As individuals start to see how dedicated our community is to creating a culture of health, we hope more and more people will embrace healthier lifestyles."

The new Be Healthy QC logo was unveiled at a community breakfast this morning held in celebration of QCHI's 15th Anniversary year.

During the breakfast, QCHI also announced this year's recipient of the Dr. Richard "Bud" Phillis Healthy Community Leadership Award which was named in honor of QCHI's founding Board Chair.  The award was presented to Denise Bulat who served as QCHI's Board Chair from 2010-2013.  Ms. Bulat is also the Executive Director of the Bi-State Regional Commission.

"From its beginning, QCHI has been about fostering collaboration and that requires a special type of leadership," says Nicole Carkner, QCHI Executive Director.  "Denise is a great example of a collaborative leader.  She has a passion for QCHI's mission but also great patience and humility.  Her expertise has helped to create the strong partnership QCHI is today."

The Quad City Health Initiative is a cross-sector community partnership working to create a healthy community.  A 25-member community Board oversees the organization, which was established in 1999.  The Initiative seeks to be our community's recognized leader for creating collaborative action on health and abides by the core values of commitment, collaboration and creativity.  Major financial support of the Quad City Health Initiative is currently provided by the generous direct and in-kind investments of Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health-Trinity. Additional financial support is provided by Deere & Company, Mississippi Valley Health, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Davenport Eye Group, Russell Construction Company, Community Health Care, ILLOWA Construction and Labor Management Council, United Way of the Quad Cities Area, Scott County Health Department, and Rock Island County Health Department.

For more information, please call 563-421-2815 or visit our website at www.qchealthinitiative.org.
20 Jun 2014

Summer's sizzling on the grill

By Teresa Bjork
Early summer is by far my favorite time of year in Iowa. First of all, the weather is perfect. The temperatures are mild, the high humidity hasn't kicked in and the mosquitoes aren't yet buzzing around in full force.

Plus, I'm catching up on all the outdoor activities I missed so much during the brutally cold winter. I'm spending a lot of time on the bike trails and in my backyard garden. I'm also traveling to family get-togethers, where we gather outside around the grill, listening to the chirping birds and smelling the sizzling hamburgers while we marvel about how fast the grass is growing. (What else can we Iowans complain about when we can't gripe about the weather?)

In this edition of the Iowa Dish, we take a closer look at the prices for steaks, Iowa pork chops and other grilling favorites and why they are higher. We share summer grilling tips from an Iowa dietician and tell you about a new app to help grill foods safely.

In addition, we introduce you to an Iowa family that is making yogurt on the farm with milk from their Holstein cows. Plus, be sure to check out the latest Iowa Minute video on how cows can now milk themselves with the newest robotic milkers.

We're also sharing a winning recipe from the Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest, held annually at the Iowa State Fair, for a beef roast on the grill. It's a budget-friendly cut of meat that's full of flavor.

If you have a favorite grilling recipe, or you have a question about farming in Iowa or about food in general, feel free to email me at TheIowaDish@ifbf.org. We may cover the topic in a future issue. Enjoy the summer!

20 Jun 2014

WQPT RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS ARTS COUNCIL

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS, has been awarded $30,000 from the Illinois Arts Council for the creation of a new documentary "Letters Home to Hero Street." The film will deal with correspondence from Hero Street soldiers to their families as they fought and died in World War II and the Korean conflict.

"We are so pleased to receive the grant because it allows us to create a documentary on a topic that is near and dear to our community," said WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess.

The project is being conducted in cooperation with Fourth Wall Films, headed by Kelly and Tammy Rundle.

"I am excited to be working with the Rundles. We have aired all of their documentaries and they always create compelling films that are beautiful and well researched," said Director of Local Content Lora Adams.

The documentary will be completed by the end of the year and will air on WQPT in early 2015.

WQPT, Quad Cities PBS, is a media service of Western Illinois University in Moline, Illinois.

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20 Jun 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 06/20/2014

By LeClaire Chamber

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

 

Andrew Arndt - Mutual of Omaha - Financial Advisor 4933 Utica Ridge Rd., Davenport, IA 52807.  www.mutualofomaha.com/agent/andrewarndt Andrew.arndt@mutualofomaha.com 563-359-5800 ext. 224

Freedom Rock of Scott County - LeClaire The Freedom Rock of Scott County will be soon be proudly located in LeClaire on the levee, displaying a long lasting patriotic tribute to those in our community who volunteer their lives for our Freedom. Please go to https.//www.facebook.com/FreedomRockTourScottCountyIowa/ or http://www.thefreedomrock.com/ for more information about Freedom Rock, or to find how you can purchase an enduring memorial or donate to and help support this great honor. See information below, June 20-21, for the Leevon Ritter Memorial Events, part of the proceeds to go to Freedom Rock.

RIBBON CUTTINGS!

June 26th - Comfort Inn & Suites, LeClaire - Ribbon Cutting 5:00pm - 6:00pm.  Light refreshments and tours highlighting the motel's many renovations!

CALENDAR

June 20th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi The Ripplers - 5-8 p.m.

June 20th - Leevon Ritter Memorial 5k 2014 and ½ Mile Kids Run 6:15 p.m. Part of the proceeds go to Freedom Rock, Scott Co, LeClaire. Race route starts and ends at PV Jr. High. Medals will be awarded for First Places - all kids get a ribbon. Sign up at https://chronotrack.com/reg/form?eventID=7652 or https://facebook.com/awesomeleevon or http://www.iamawesomeleevonritter.com.  Registration $30 adults, $20 kids run - includes timed race, t-shirt and invite to after party and Guys in Ties improv show at Riverview Roadhouse in LeClaire. Raffle and silent auction items will be displayed - includes $500 Charter Fishing Trip on Lake Michigan, Two Seats for 3 game series Cubs/Brewers, and a 2008 Tomberlin RXC.  Pkt. Pick up June 13-14 at Riverview Roadhouse, but may sign up online or race day.

June 21st - Leevon Ritter Memorial Softball Tournament 2014 - 8:45 a.m.  Dugout Sports Complex, 3504 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport. Part of the proceeds go to Freedom Rock, Scott Co., LeClaire. Men and Co-Ed Divisions. D-E and Rec Teams. Cash prizes and t-shirts for winners. Raffle and silent auction items available.  Entry fee $175.  Call Barb Ritter to sign up - 309-781-5671.

June 21st - Buffalo Bill Museum - Annual John Boesch Memorial Golf Outing 8 a.m. Clinic with Golf Pro Matt Boesch. Shotgun Start 9 a.m. Olathea Golf Course, LeClaire IA.  $65/person, includes cart and lunch. Hole prizes, Silent Auction. Don't golf? Join us for lunch $7! Call the museum today to reserve your place in this annual fundraiser! 563-289-5580.

June 21st - 129 - Live Music Adam Schmidt - 8-11 p.m.

June 22nd - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - All of Le Claire is invited join us at 8:30 a.m. as we go Down to The River to Pray! All faith traditions, denominations and beliefs are invited. We will pray for 15 minutes, or more, as the Holy Spirit leads us. We hope this will be an annual event at the Le Claire Pavilion.

June 23rd-26th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Agents of Truth Bible School 5:30-8:15 pm. Dinner is provided; then lesson, snack, recreation and crafts. Water play on Wednesday and family closing program on Thursday. Call Pastor Melody at 563-381-7777 for more information. Ages pre-K thru 6th grade. Teens are invited to call to volunteer to help.

June 26th - Comfort Inn & Suites - Ribbon Cutting 5:00pm - 6:00pm.  Light refreshments and tours highlighting the motel's many renovations!

June 27th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi Broken Strings - 5-8 p.m.

June 27th - 129 - Live Music Jason Karl - 8-11 p.m.

June 28th - Go Fish will hand out awards for a Golf Outing/Princeton Days fundraiser held 9a.m.-4p.m. that day. Contact Deb at 563-289-9030 for more information.

June 30th - Happy Birthday, LeClaire Community Library! What better way to celebrate LeClaire Library's 10th Birthday with a magic show, balloon animals, and cake? Join us at 2pm for all the fun!

Save the Date

July 4th - First Friday in LeClaire! 5-8 p.m.

•Mississippi River Distilling Company Free cocktail glass with spirit purchase, summer food and cocktail samples, and introducing Peach Liqueur! www.mrdistilling.com

•Wide River Winery open until 8pm with live music by the Tony Hoeppner and Friends in the courtyard from 5-8pm. Enjoy the music and a bottle of award-winning wine! www.wideriverwinery.com

•Karaoke at the Bierstube from 9pm-1am.

•Restaurants will be ready to serve you and many other shops will be open late!

July 5th- Bierstube - Live Music Sharon Drive 9pm-1am

July 9th - Grief Counselling, First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire in cooperation with Genesis Hospital. No cost. Dessert, coffee and cool beverages will be provided. 6:30 p.m.

July11th - Steventon's - Live Entertainment on the Patio 6pm-9pm by QC Local, Lewis Knudsen

July 18th - Steventon's - Live Entertainment on the Patio 6pm-9pm by QC Local Molly Conrad

July 19th - Bierstube - Live Music The Fry Daddies 8pm-12am

FYI

 

Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill, Princeton - Live Music Cody Road Unplugged. Wednesdays 6-9pm (no music Wednesday June 25 due to a scheduling conflict)

Kiddie Karrasel Academy has good news! We can accept up to 20 four year olds for the Statewide voluntary preK program for this fall at no additional charge to parents. Children must be four by Sept. 15. Please visit our website for more information. www.kiddiekarraselacademy.com or https://www.facebook.com/KiddieKarraselAcademy

Bierstube - Koobys Karaoke every Friday Night - 9PM-1AM

From Riverbend Signworks: Every week, we add an FPotW to the Riverbend Signworks showroom. This week's features GrassHoppers Guest House! http://riverbendsignworks.com/showroom/

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?

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Look for us at TugFest! We have a new menu!  And, check out our website:  fpcleclaire.org

The LeClaire Community Library has a LOT going on! Contact LeClaire Community Library, 323 Wisconsin Street, LeClaire, IA 52753, (563)289-6002 or visit http://www.leclaire.lib.ia.us for more information!

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

The Riverboat Twilight 2014 Cruise Season began May 27th.  Cruises will depart every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday through the end of October.  It is with honor and pleasure that the Twilight has called LeClaire her home port for the past 27 years.  Over the years we have had the unique opportunity of introducing 140,000 plus visitors to the many wonderful shops, restaurants and attractions the City of LeClaire has to offer. We look forward to another successful season.

August 10th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park. Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

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

Commercial Space for Sale or Lease/Purchase - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

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 - Farmer's Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

June 21 - Buffalo Bill Museum Golf Outing - Olathea Golf Course

August 2 - 27th Annual Heartland British Auto Fest

August 7-9 - Tug Fest

October 5th - Bierstube - Dogtoberfest

October 12- Apple Fest

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

July 8th - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch - noon

August 12th - McDonald's - breakfast 8:00am

September 9th - Steventon's - evening 5:30 -7pm

October 14th - Faithful Pilot - lunch- noon

November 11th - Bier Stube - lunch - noon

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon

20 Jun 2014

New Deputy Sheriff

By Pamela Bennett

On Monday, June 23, 2014 at 09:00, the Scott County Sheriff's Office will hold a Swearing In Ceremony at the Sheriff's Office on second floor of the Scott County Courthouse. Due to a deputy sheriff vacancy, Travis Bulman has been hired as the newest deputy sheriff of Scott County.

Travis Bulman was born in Waukon, Iowa and graduated from Clarke Community High School in Osceola, Iowa. Travis received his Associates degree from Kirkwood Community College in 2013, joined the Scott County Reserves in October, 2012 and was sworn in as a reserve deputy in June of 2013. Travis said he has wanted to get into law enforcement since he can remember, as his grandfather was a police officer for the City of Waukon and his great grandfather served as Sheriff of Allamakee County and was killed in the line of duty.

Travis enjoys softball, basketball, golf and snowboarding. Travis has been married to his wife Emily since 2007 and they have two dogs.

20 Jun 2014

July 1 Marks Deadline for State Fair Competitions, Parade Entries

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (06/20/2014)(readMedia)-- July 1 is the deadline to enter the Iowa State Fair parade and many of the Fair's competitive events. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, August 7-17.

Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at iowastatefair.org/premiumbooks. Entrants in competitive events may enter online or submit their entry by mail. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Many departments will accept late entries through July 8 with an additional late fee. For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions or the online entry system, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.

The Iowa State Fair also invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the "Amazingly Amusing" State Fair parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair.

Applications are available at iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

The parade, set for Wednesday, August 6, will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM 17 beginning at 10 p.m. To be considered for television coverage, the description information on the application must be completed and returned. Due to the length of the parade, it is not possible for all entries to be televised.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

20 Jun 2014

4 Must-Haves for Every Wedding

By Ginny Grimsley
With Costs for Guests Skyrocketing, Couples Need to Ensure a Great Experience

Watch any of the popular wedding reality shows - Say Yes to the Dress, My Big Fat American Gyspy Wedding, Four Weddings - and the common denominator is money.

"The focus has always been on saving, borrowing or budgeting so that the bride can have her 'perfect' wedding," says Eric Gulbrandson, a wedding photographer and author of the new book, "Dream Wedding Secrets: The All Important G.S.F," (www.dreamweddingsecrets.com),

"But weddings now cost more than ever for the guests - the average cost jumped 75 percent over the past two years!"

Wedding guests now spend an average $592 per wedding on clothing, gifts, transportation, hotels, etc., up from $339 in 2012, according to a just-published American Express survey.

"If you want people to actually attend, you have to make sure it's the perfect wedding for them, too," says Gulbrandson, whose book is a compilation of tips for doing just that based on interviews with hundreds of wedding guests.

Gulbrandson shares four must-haves for achieving a high G.S.F - Guest Satisfaction Factor:

•  Have plenty of food and drink.

If you have to choose between paying for more food versus paying for better food, go for quantity. Nobody will mind if the food's not stellar, but they will if you run out!

Taste and presentation are important, but having enough food and drink and having it available throughout the event is more important, Gulbrandson says.

"I had one woman who said that, toward the end of one reception, the caterers brought out a nacho bar.  She said, 'It was cheap ... and perfect!' " he says.

•  Have details that show appreciation.

"One woman I interviewed talked about being greeted by trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne as soon as they arrived for the wedding, and how it made the guests feel appreciated," Gulbrandson says.

"Another went to a wedding in a foreign country. The bride and groom had a welcome bag  filled with helpful items, like a survival translation dictionary, insect repellant and maps of the local area in the hotel rooms for their guests as they arrived."

When people take the time and expense to attend your wedding, details that show how much you appreciate that go over very well, Gulbrandson says.

•  Have on hand whatever's necessary to make people comfortable while they wait.

One couple Gulbrandson interviewed talked about arriving at the reception venue following the wedding and waiting for more than two hours for the bride and groom. Not only was there no food or drink available while they waited, there was no entertainment or information about when the wedding party would arrive.

"When they finally did arrive, it was clear they'd all been out drinking and joyriding in their limo," Gulbrandson says. "Many of their guests had left!"

Some delays are unavoidable: Photos taken after the wedding, for instance, can delay the reception.

"Make sure food and drink is available for those waiting, and entertainment," Gulbrandson says. "It could be an acoustic musician or a disc jockey, and slide shows of the bride and groom growing up."

•  Have entertainment that almost everyone can enjoy.

Usually, the choice is between a live band or a DJ. Since DJs can usually provide more musical variety than a band, they stand a better chance of giving all of your guests a good time.

"A DJ can play music that appeals to different generations and different styles of music," Gulbrandson says. "One compromise, if you'd really like a band, is to have live music for an hour or two, then switch to the DJ - although that's not the most economical choice!"

Gulbrandson also recommends taking the time to choose your own music rather than giving the DJ carte blanche. Be sure to choose songs from a variety of genres and styles. If there are some wedding standards you dislike, create a "do not play" list for the DJ.

About Eric Gulbrandson

Eric Gulbrandson is a longtime wedding photographer who began compiling interviews for "Dream Wedding Secrets: The All-Important G.S.F," (www.dreamweddingsecrets.com), in 2009. As a wedding photographer, he heard many happy guests - and many unhappy ones - and realized that most publications offering wedding advice focused on making the bride and wedding more beautiful, or saving money. He interviewed hundreds of guests and includes more than 200 of their quotes about essential Guest Satisfaction Factors.

20 Jun 2014

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions June 20, 2014

By Iowa Judicial Branch
Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 13-0405

JANE DOE vs. NEW LONDON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

No. 13-0832

STATE OF IOWA vs. NATHAN DANIEL OLSEN

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