13 Jan 2014

IOWA GROCERY SHOPPERS MOST INTERESTED IN TASTE, PRICE WHEN THEY BUY MEAT, POULTRY AND DAIRY: New Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index Also Highlights Importance of Food Labels

By Andrew Wheeler

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - January 10, 2014 - When it comes to meat, poultry and dairy products, "price" and "taste" drive most purchasing decisions of Iowa grocery shoppers, according to new research from the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm IndexSM, conducted online by Harris Interactive® in November and December of 2013.  Nearly 8 in 10 Iowa grocery shoppers cited price (79% for meat/poultry; 80% for dairy) and taste (76% for meat/poultry; 77% for dairy) among the most important factors to them when buying meat, poultry and dairy products.  That finding on price was consistent, even among higher income Iowa grocery shoppers (those who make $75,000 or more).

The next most important considerations for Iowa grocery shoppers are "food safety" (39% for meat/poultry; 40% for dairy) and "nutrition" (41% for meat/poultry; 37% for dairy).

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm IndexSM surveys Iowa residents between 20 and 60 years old who have primary or shared responsibility for household grocery shopping; 502 such respondents were interviewed for this wave of research. It is the first in a semi-annual survey of Iowans to study the factors driving their food purchases.

Iowa grocery shoppers read labels

While the survey points to the common sense food priorities of Iowa shoppers, it also shows they're hungry for more information about how or where their food is grown or raised.  About two-thirds of Iowa grocery shoppers (68%) pay attention to such labels on their food.  Among those who do, the highest percentages say labels indicating that the food was raised in the U.S. (50%) give them the information they are seeking, followed by raised locally (43%), hormone free (36%) or antibiotic free (32%).

"This survey shows us there is an opportunity for farmers to share how they raise farm animals

or use antibiotics to protect the animals' health and that's an important issue because here in Iowa, where we lead the nation in several types of meat production, there are too many Iowans who don't understand the 'big picture' of antibiotic use on the farm," said Dr. Scott Hurd, DVM, PhD and Associate Professor, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Hurd, who served as Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety at the USDA in 2008, directing all federal meat and poultry inspection, says advances in feed, housing and veterinary medicine guide the care of all food chain animals and by law, there are strict withdrawal guidelines.  "That means no animals are on antibiotics when they go into the food chain, so there are zero antibiotics in meat.  Furthermore, Iowa farmers are also subject to standards of care on the farm which require regular supervision, ongoing research and certification programs to make sure animals raised in Iowa are kept safe, well-fed and pain-free," he said.

Farmers agree the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm IndexSM shows a need for conversations to continue with consumers. "This shows us that Iowans believe their food is safe, but they want information about their food, so this is an opportunity for all farmers to connect with them and clarify a few things.  Since many Iowa shoppers pay attention to labels that claim the food is 'raised hormone free', they need to know that all foods come from living organisms and all living organisms have hormones.  In fact, science has long documented (http://www.usmef.org/growth-hormones-in-cattle/) that meat or dairy products have a fraction of the amount of hormones that cabbage contains.  This is an opportunity for critical food safety dialogue," said Craig Hill, Iowa livestock farmer and president of IFBF.

Farmers more trusted than doctors regarding food safety questions (Click here for Infographic)

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm IndexSM also showed that when it comes to the most trusted sources about food safety information, farmers (26%) ranked higher than dietitians/nutritionists (16%), medical professionals (11%), the government (7%), food companies (5%) or chefs/cooks (2%).

Additionally, 50 percent of Iowa grocery shoppers ranked farmers in their top three - the highest

percentage for this status - followed by dietitians/nutritionists (46%).

Methodology

Harris Interactive conducted the survey online on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau, within the United States from November 21-December 2, 2013.  A total of 502 Iowa residents aged 20-60 were surveyed, who have primary or shared responsibility for grocery shopping for their household.  For a complete methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Laurie Johns at ljohns@ifbf.org.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading market research firms, leveraging research, technology and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight.  Known widely for the Harris Poll, Harris offers proprietary solutions in the areas of market and customer insight, corporate brand and reputation strategy and marketing, advertising, public relations and communications research across a wide range of industries.  For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

For more information on the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm IndexSM, please visit Iowa Farm Bureau at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

-30-

About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

13 Jan 2014

How to Navigate Retirement in the 21st Century

By Ginny Grimsley
Financial Planner: Another 2008-style Economic Disaster
Could Happen Again, Suggests New Kind of Diversity

While the world is still feeling the long ripples of the economic meltdown that began six years ago, our economic institutions remain "too big to fail" - at least in the minds of  millions of retired Americans and those soon to join their ranks, says veteran financial advisor Curt Whipple.

"That's what we see when we review their retirement portfolios," says Whipple, a Certified Wealth Strategist, Certified Estate Planner and CEO of C. Curtis Financial Group. He recently published "Retiree Lifeline! How to Get Government Out of Your Pocket," (ccurtisfinancial.com), a retirement planning guide.

"I see it all the time: a new client comes in with what they believe to be a 'diverse' portfolio. While it may be diverse in terms of Wall Street holdings, a solid retirement plan also requires diversity outside of a system that's 'too big to fail,' which could fail yet again."

When Wall Street falls, it shouldn't mean that Main Street must as well. Whipple outlines the three kinds of money retirees should have available for enjoying the golden years with peace of mind.

• Red money ... can be defined as that which is tied to Wall Street, by far the most popular kind of investment, including stocks, bonds and mutual funds. "I've been looking at the accounts of new clients for nearly three decades, and on average, 92 percent of their retirement plan is based in these investments," he says. "That's risky, especially as you get closer to retirement age or once you retire. You don't want 92 percent of your retirement premised on that kind of potential volatility."

• Blue money ... is often referred to as "alternative investments," which typically include Real Estate Trusts (REITS), equipment leasing programs, precious metals such as gold and silver, high grade rare coins and collectibles. "This 'color' of money has been an important portion of the pie for success in my clients' investments; they were essentially unaffected by our recent economic collapse because they were so well diversified." This is a highly advantageous part of a portfolio because it historically creates good income with a low correlation to the stock market.

• Green money ... is accounts that come with a guarantee of some sort. They are either backed by the FDIC, the Legal Reserve System, which is supported by the insurance industry, or insurance companies themselves. "Not all wealth is created equally, and this is the safest kind of money you can have in your retirement plan," he says. Green money includes investments in one's portfolio that have guarantees to not lose one's principal and, sometimes, one's earnings.

"Investment in Wall Street should be much lower for those who are either retired or are about to be retired," Whipple says. "Depending on a person's age, a good investment portfolio could include about 36 percent red money, 32 percent blue money and 32 percent green money."

About Curt Whipple, CWS, CEP

Curt Whipple, Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) and Certified Estate Planner (CEP), is Chief Managing Partner at the C. Curtis Financial Group, which he formed in 1986. Since then, Curtis Financial Group has counseled and advised individuals and corporations on their financial goals and decisions. Whipple is a nationally recognized speaker.

13 Jan 2014

A Tribute to Barbra Streisand A special event on February 28

By Marketing - Old Creamery Theatre

Amana– The Old Creamery Theatre welcomes Sharon Owens who will perform a tribute to Barbra Streisand. This special event will be on the main stage on February 28 at 2:00 pm.

Sharon Owens first began her tribute act in 1992. With years of experience under her belt it isn't surprising that in 2004 she was crowned Fox TV's best Impersonator/Tribute Act in the country. But she doesn't limit her performances to Iowa or even to the USA; she travels and performs all over the world. She even charmed Jay Leno into calling her "simply amazing." With a sultry voice and some fun jokes, Owens will surely charm you as well.

The Old Creamery Theatre is proud to host Sharon Owens for her famous tribute act. Don't miss out on a truly special performance!

Tickets to the show are $30 per person and only $18 for students.

Call the box office for tickets and information 319-622-6262 or visit us online at www.oldcreamery.com.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The Company is celebrating 43 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

13 Jan 2014

Governor and State Leaders Announce "Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuels Standard"

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced they will lead a group of senior state officials from Iowa and the Midwest to organize and host a public hearing allowing citizens outside of Washington, D.C., the opportunity to testify about the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  The RFS has proven an important policy framework for empowering consumers with additional and lower-cost choices at the pump, diversifying our nation's energy portfolio, reducing harmful transportation emissions, supporting the growth of the Midwest economy, and reducing our dependence on overseas oil.

Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a letter to President Barack Obama, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack on December 20, 2013, encouraging Federal officials to host a public hearing in Iowa or the Midwest to give more citizens the opportunity to provide perspective and data on the EPA's proposal to reduce volume obligation levels for 2014 in the RFS.  The White House, Administrator McCarthy and Secretary Vilsack each declined the invitation and the opportunity to host a hearing on this important issue.  Thus, Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds, along with other leaders from the Midwest have stepped up to host this important hearing event.

Governor Branstad stated the following:  "Iowans, and Midwesterners, deserve the opportunity to make the case for their futures and I was disappointed to hear that the Federal Government has declined our invitation to host a hearing in the Midwest.  We believe it is necessary to host this public hearing for Iowans and other Midwesterners to enable them to more easily provide comments on the EPA's proposal, which could cost nearly 45,000 jobs, have a negative ripple effect through the U.S. economy and would hinder consumer choice at the pump."

Branstad continued:  "It is important for Federal leaders to gain fresh perspective that is not clouded by the perpetual politics of Washington, DC.  Big Oil's army of DC lobbyists has clouded the debate on the value of renewable fuels to our nation's energy, economic and national security.  This hearing aims to clear the air and give citizens of the Heartland the opportunity to amplify their voice in this important Federal policy discussion."

Lt. Governor Reynolds added:  "So many Iowans have seen the tremendous economic benefits flowing from the biofuels and agriculture industries, including rewarding careers in rural America.  This EPA proposal is expected to cost thousands of jobs at a time when we are working tirelessly to create career opportunities throughout the state.  As elected leaders, it's our responsibility to listen to the people to ensure public policy decisions that directly impact Americans are made with the input of citizens affected.  We appreciate the help from the entire Iowa congressional delegation and leaders from other states in helping to organize this event."

Senator Chuck Grassley said:  "Too often, agencies in Washington, D.C., make decisions that affect the livelihoods of people in the rest of the country without hearing directly from those involved.  The opposite should be true.   The grass roots ought to be heard here and any time policy changes are under way that have implications on areas from local economies to national energy security.  It's truly unfortunate that the Obama Administration has refused to come to Iowa to hear grass roots concerns about its misguided proposal.  Governor Branstad is right to convene this hearing.  It will balance the big-oil bias and fill the void left by the Administration in Washington, D.C."

"Iowa's renewable fuels industry has benefited farmers, our rural communities, fuel customers and the environment, and they would be hurt if the EPA implemented the proposed rule to roll-back the RFS.  This event will be a great opportunity for Iowans to have their voice heard, let's hope the Obama administration and EPA officials in Washington are listening," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

"Minnesota is a leader in renewable energy development and the EPA proposal to reduce the RFS will thwart these ongoing efforts to grow homegrown fuels," said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. "I visited with many of our ethanol producers just last week and the negative impact this proposal could have on their businesses and the rural economy throughout the Midwest is very real."

"While this debate is happening in Washington, D.C., the effects are felt in America's heartland," said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Lucas Lentsch.  "Even the slightest signal of hesitation can disrupt markets and suggest doubt in our homegrown energy future."

Event Logistics: The event will be held at Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa, on January, 23, 2014, with comments beginning at 8:30 AM, Central Standard Time.

Contact and RSVP Information: Interested individuals should RSVP to Julie Vande Hoef, Policy Advisor for the Governor, at Julie.VandeHoef@Iowa.gov by 9 AM on Tuesday, January 21, 2014.  Individuals should denote the following:

  • Full Name
  • Organization Being Represented (If applicable)
  • Day of Event Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Statement whether the individual would be interested providing verbal testimony as time allows.
###
10 Jan 2014

Rock Island Public Library Adds Free Streaming Movies and Television Content to Website

By Lisa Lockheart

(Rock Island, IL:) DVDs have long been available at most local libraries, but now there's a new way to get movies from the Rock Island Public Library. The library has added access to streaming movies and television content via the Freegal Movies and Television Service. Freegal is a service of the Library Ideas network of websites for public libraries.

The Freegal Movies and Television Service joins Rock Island Library's already popular Freegal Music service, added last summer. As a new feature, Freegal Music now allows users to stream up to three hours of music a day without downloading. Users can create a playlist on the website or the free app. Music videos are also available.

Rock Island Library Reference and Adult Services director Natalie Struecker notes that library patrons enthusiastically responded to Freegal Music when the library introduced it last May. "We see anywhere from 300 to 500 song downloads in an average month,' she said. "We think Freegal Movies will also be incredibly popular. We are very excited to offer a service like this that delivers great content, compatibility with lots of devices and simplicity of use," she said.

The Freegal Movies and Television Service will allow Rock Island Public Library to offer library patrons access to thousands of video selections from major content suppliers from the convenience of their personal computer or portable device."Freegal Music and Freegal Movies are just two of the ways we're meeting the needs of the digital age," she added.

Under the terms of the agreement with Library Ideas, Rock Island Library cardholders can stream three videos per week from the Freegal Movies and Television Service at no direct cost via www.rockislandlibrary.org. The library will underwrite the use of the content. Popular selections at launch include "The Dish" and "Local Hero" from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment; and "Beyonce?I Am....World Tour" from Sony Music Entertainment.

"We are very pleased to partner with libraries to offer great online video content," said Brian Downing, CEO of Library Ideas. "Libraries continue to lead the way in bringing the arts and entertainment to their communities."

The Freegal Movies and Television site streams content, meaning it is viewed through an Internet browser or via the Freegal Movies app, versus being downloaded.  Patrons can stream three movies or TV shows per week.  Each movie or TV episode may be watched as many times as desired for two days. After two days, the movie or TV show is no longer available to view. To log on to the Freegal Movies and Television Service, patrons will need their library card and PIN.

Content on the site is subject to change. Individual titles may disappear for a time or be replaced entirely with new content. The Freegal Movies site suggests users check back often for new content.

30 libraries have signed up for the Freegal Movies and Television Service, including the Orange County Library System (FL), The Kent District Public Library (MI), The Mid-Continent Public Library System (MO), The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (OH) and The Salt Lake County Public Library System (UT).

The Freegal Movies and Television Service ofers free mobile apps for registered cardholders of subscribing libraries. The Freegal Movies and Television apps are available in the Apple® App Store and Google Play®.

For more library news, services and events, visit the Rock Island Library's online branch at  www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or call 309-732-7323 (7323.)

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

About Library Ideas: Library Ideas is a global leader in providing digital content to all kinds of libraries, and is located in Vienna, Virginia. The Company offers online music, movie, eBook and language learning solutions to libraries as part of its developing product suite. Library Ideas was named "One of the Top 100 Companies in the Digital Content Industry for 2011-12" by EContent Magazine. For further information please email info@libraryideas.com or briand@libraryideas.com.

(30)

10 Jan 2014

Issa, Grassley, Goodlatte Press for Answers on ATF's Nationwide Undercover Operations

By Rick Martin

WASHINGTON - Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) sent a letter late yesterday asking Director B. Todd Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to respond to new questions related to flawed ATF sting operations nationwide.  Recent news reports indicate that ATF has conducted operations that include tactics such as recruiting developmentally disabled individuals and running a sting operation across the street from a middle school.  In light of the botched Fast and Furious and Operation Fearless cases, the use of such tactics by the ATF raises serious questions regarding management failures and a lack of accountability.

"According to the Journal Sentinel, around the approximate time of Operation Fearless, there were at least five other problematic storefront undercover operations being conducted in Portland, Oregon; Wichita, Kansas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Atlanta, Georgia; and Pensacola, Florida," the letter states. "Like Operation Fearless, each of these cases apparently suffered from a lack of sufficient supervision and adequate training in the principles of ethical federal law enforcement."

"We are appalled by ATF agents' lack of judgment in recruiting juveniles and developmentally disabled individuals," the letter continues.

Click here to read the letter to the ATF.

The January 31, 2013 letter to B. Todd Jones is here.

The April 3, 2013 letter to B. Todd Jones is here.

The May 10, 2013 letter to B. Todd Jones is here.

-30-
10 Jan 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 1/10/2014

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, February 1, 2014.  Chamber Annual Awards Dinner

Davenport County Club 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley, IA

5:30-6:30 Cocktails (cash bar) and Silent Auction

6:30 Awards

7:00 Dinner

8:00 Live Auction

6-10 Music by Keep Off the Grass

Please RSVP by January 24 to First Central State Bank at 563-289-2265 or dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com $35 per person paid in advance. Make check payable to LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 35, LeClaire, IA 52753.  Casual Party Attire.  To donate for auction items, take items to First Central State Bank or email chamber for more information.

Time to Renew your LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Membership or Join for 2014! Go to www.leclairechamber.com to renew or join, or see the attached form to complete and return. Deadline to renew, February 1, 2014. Thank you for your membership!

CALENDAR

January 11th - LeClaire Recreation Center - Join us for Family Nights! 4:00-6:30pm, $2 per person; 3 and under free. Concessions available. Open gym and movie "Goonies" All movies start at 5:00 pm - www.leclairereccenter.com

Now thru Jan. 12th - Enright's LeClaire Super Car Wash - Annual Holiday Token Sale - 8 tokens for $30. Each token has a value of $6.50. Stop in for tokens and to register for weekly winners drawings! Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for winter!

 

January 14th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Happy Joe's - LeClaire - noon - everyone welcome!

 

January 16th - PV High School Trap Team Program Informational Meeting for students, parents and anyone else interested sponsoring the team, to get more information, and to plan our spring season that will begin practice on March 1st.  Meeting is 6:00 P.M. in the PVHS Library. We will give a brief presentation about what this team is about and what is needed to participate. The newly formed Pleasant Valley High School Trap Team is currently seeking sponsorship to support the inaugural season. We have applied for a grant from the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program for up to $7000, but we have to match the funds we received. Big or small, everything counts! We have 4 certified coaches and over 70 students currently signed up to participate on the team. We appreciate any consideration you can give to supporting our team. If you have any questions, or for more information, please email us at contact@pvtrapteam.org

January 20th - Buffalo Bill Museum Annual Planning Session 10am - 12 noon.  All volunteers and members are encouraged to attend!

 

January 21st - Civic Club Monthly Bunco Game Resumes Bunco will be held 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.  The cost will be $2.00 a person.  Please bring a dessert to share.  Coffee and drink will be provided.  Pop can be purchased for $1.00.  The prizes will be for most buncos, most wins, and most losses.  50% of the money will go towards the prizes and 50% will go to the Civic Club for the rental cost.  Call Debbie Smith 289-4458 for more details.

 

January 22nd - Need online help? Make the most out of Schwab.com Explore Schwab's web-based tools for managing finances, research, and trading. 2:00pm. Charles Schwab, Eric Johannes, 5345 Elmore Avenue #300, Davenport, IA 52807. Please R.S.V.P 563-275-3663

January 25th - Freedom Rock Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Come help raise funds for the Freedom Rock, coming to the LeClaire levee as the chosen site for all of Scott County! Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to the Freedom Rock fund. You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun and to support this great cause! To reserve a table, email freedomrockscottcountyiowa@gmail.com or contact Barry Long - 563-949-6969.

 

Save the Date

 

February 1st - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner

Davenport County Club 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley, IA

5:30-6:30 Cocktails (cash bar) and Silent Auction

6:30 Awards

7:00 Dinner

8:00 Live Auction

6-10 Music by Keep Off the Grass

Please RSVP by January 24 to First Central State Bank at 563-289-2265 or dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com $35 per person paid in advance. Make check payable to LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 35, LeClaire, IA 52753.  Casual Party Attire.  To donate for auction items, take items to First Central State Bank or email chamber for more information.

 

February 7th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5:30-8 p.m.

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

Wide River Winery Wine Samples. Dip Samples and recipes available. www.wideriverwinery.com

Aunt Hatties - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

 

February 8th - TugFest Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person.  You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun! To reserve a table, email iowatugfestfan@gmail.com

 

February 11th - Chamber Networking Breakfast - Bier Stube, LeClaire - 8 a.m. Everyone Welcome!  The Bier Stube now serves breakfast, 7-10:30 a.m. Check out the menu at http://bier-stube.com/menus/leclaire-breakfast-menu/

 

February 12th - Edward Jones - Savvy Women, Smart Investors 11 a.m. at Faithful Pilot. Hosted by Amy Barnes of Edward Jones. Guest Speaker will be Ross Haeberle, Regional Manager with MFS Fund Distributors. Program will provide strategies and financial planning information pertinent to women.  Edward Jones will provide Lunch for all attendees, however, reservations must be made by February 4th and space is limited. Call 563-289-2243 to make reservations or for more information.

 

February 19th - Charles Schwab - ETF's Explained Want to fill gaps in your portfolio? Discover how exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can help. 2:00pm. Charles Schwab, Eric Johannes, 5345 Elmore Avenue #300, Davenport, IA 52807. Please R.S.V.P 563-275-3663

 

February 22nd - Trivia at LeClaire Civic Center to benefit LeClaire Little League. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Trivia will start at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. You don't have to be a genius! To reserve a table, call Vicky, 563-639-4621.

 

February 23rd - Buffalo Bill Birthday Party! Buffalo Bill Museum 12noon- 4pm. Refreshments, and   meet "Buffalo Bill"!

March 1st - Rock and Roll Bingo!  LeClaire Rec Center - Fund raiser for Freedom Rock. Songs will be played and you identify the songs on bingo cards. There will be 50/50 and other raffles.  Event will be hosted by Cody Tucker of B100!  More details to come!

 

FYI

Cindy Bruhn, LeClaire Tourism Manager, would like to send a huge thank you to the LeClaire Chamber Members who provided Christmas 2013 decorations for the LeClaire Information Center! Wonderful trees were donated by Razzleberries Gifts, Bier Stube, River Valley Optimists Club and Asbury Methodist Church. A beautiful wreath was donated by Zaruba's. Thank you for your generosity in helping make the LIC space so festive!

Winter Hours for the LeClaire Information Center: Noon-3 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday. May be closed some days for inclement weather.

 

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Please share your knowledge and love of LeClaire with our visitors! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer. The winter shifts are 1½ - 3 hours. You will be trained, and it is fun!

Buffalo Bill Museum Expansion "It's an exciting time in the museum's almost 57 year history," said Robert Schiffke, Executive Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum & River Pilots' Pier, "as we start another expansion of our facility."  The women who were members of the LeClaire Women's Club, who founded the museum in 1957, wouldn't recognize the building today, but they would see many of the items first exhibited in its original location at 114 North Cody Road, LeClaire. Included will be an Archival Workroom allowing careful access to the museum's extensive print and photograph collection, a "hands on" classroom for children visiting the museum, and exhibits that highlight LeClaire's role in the region's economic growth through its shipyards, button factories, and river pilots who opened the region to river commerce.  An architectural drawing of the expansion is available for public view at the museum during regular hours, and donations towards the expansion are being accepted. "We appreciate the support of the community in this project, and donations of artifacts and funds are always welcome.  We are truly a community institution, and volunteers have grown the museum into the LeClaire landmark that it is today" said Connie Curlott, President of the Board of Directors.  The museum is open 9am - 4pm, Mon.-Saturday; 12noon - 4pm, Sundays. Call 563-289-5580 for more information or to donate to the expansion.

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. There are two in-line units available consisting of 2,160 sq. ft. each or 4,320 sq. ft. combined and suitable for either retail or office user. The location provides plenty of parking just off Highway 67/Cody Road with an overview of the Great River Road. It has excellent visibility with an elevated monument sign, and is located close to the first Iowa exit on I-80. Current co-tenants include Slagle Foods, Subway, First Central State Bank, and Style with PM Interiors. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Rent - 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. Washer & dryers in every unit along with all other appliances.  Each apartment has either a balcony or a patio.  Considerable storage in each 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 for a tour and more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? If you own residential rental property or commercial property that is available for lease or sale in the greater LeClaire region, 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. As a service to the community, we would like to have the information available so we can share the most up-to-date information on our website!
Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

 

LeClaire Recreation Center Calendar - Join us for Family Nights!

4:00-6:30pm, $2 per person; 3 and under free. Concessions available.

January 11th - Open gym and movie "Goonies"

February 8th - Open gym and movie "Casper"

March 8th - Open gym and movie "ET"

All movies start at 5:00 pm - www.leclairereccenter.com

10 Jan 2014

Senate Drug Caucus to Hold Hearing on Future of U.S. Counternarcotics Efforts in Afghanistan

By Grassley Press

Will examine strategies to counter the drug trade as U.S. troop drawdown continues

Washington–Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Co-Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today announced a hearing on the future of U.S. counternarcotics efforts in Afghanistan on Wednesday, January 15, at 3 p.m.

 

The illegal drug trade is a contributing factor to many of the major challenges facing Afghanistan. Drug trafficking funds the Taliban, increases corruption and poses a serious public health challenge. The hearing will examine how the United States can sustain and improve counternarcotics efforts in Afghanistan as its military presence declines in 2014.

WHO:

 

·         William Brownfield, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

·         James Capra, Chief of Operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration

·         Erin Logan, Principal Director, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Global Threats

·         John Sopko, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction

WHAT: Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control hearing: Future U.S. Counternarcotics Efforts in Afghanistan

WHEN: 3 p.m., Wednesday, January 15

WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 138

A live stream of the hearing will be available online at www.drugcaucus.senate.gov.

###
10 Jan 2014

Grassley: U.S. Naval Academy Selects Walker Student

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that Kennedy Salow of Walker has received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., for the 2014-2015 school year.

Salow is the daughter of Kim and Joel Salow.  She will graduate in May from Center Point-Urbana High School.  Salow participated in student council, basketball, volleyball, track, large group speech, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Art Club, and Just Eliminate Lies.

"Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor," Grassley said.  "Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity.  I wish Kennedy Salow well and thank her for her commitment to serve our nation."

Salow was among the 55 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley's website.

For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.

-30-
10 Jan 2014

In Iowa's Interest: January Brings Historic Health Care Benefits and Protections

By Rick Martin

Ringing in the new year took on a new meaning in 2014 as our nation welcomed a new day in affordable, quality health care for all Americans.  On January 1st, historic provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect, ensuring that no American can be denied coverage or charged more due to a pre-existing condition, charged higher premiums because of their gender, or denied coverage because of an annual benefit limit.

These new benefits and consumer protections mean that up to 129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions - including 17 million children - no longer have to worry about being denied health coverage or charged higher premiums because of their health status.  Millions of uninsured Americans have new health insurance options through Medicaid or private health plans in the Marketplace.  Of those Americans, nearly 6 in 10 could pay less than $100 per month for coverage.  And millions of Americans no longer have to worry about having their health insurance cut off once they reach an annual limit on benefits.

These new benefits come in addition to the protections consumers have already enjoyed for the past three years?benefits such as free preventive services like mammograms or cancer screenings, and coverage for young adults under age 26 on their parents' plan.

In Iowa, our state has benefited from the ACA by using funding to expand outreach and enroll families in affordable health insurance options at its 14 community health centers and 94 sites across the state. In 2012, community health centers provided crucial health services for 181,781 Iowans who would have otherwise found care out of reach.

When you consider where our country was before the ACA, when Medicare recipients had to foot part of the bill for many preventive health services, it becomes clear that these historic patient protections and savings are already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. In Iowa, 342,501 people with Medicare received at least one preventive service at no cost to them during the first eleven months of 2013, and new data shows that, nationally, the ACA has saved 7 million seniors and people with disabilities a total of $9 billion in out-of-pocket expenses on prescription drugs since the law took effect. In 2013 alone, 35,100 Iowans on Medicare have saved more than $26 million on prescription drugs. These services keep people well, reduce chronic disease, and help bend the cost curve on health spending in our country.

There is no question that challenges in our health care system were decades in the making and will not be solved overnight, but every day more Americans are signing up for insurance and getting the peace of mind of knowing that they can get the care they need.  That goal was at the heart of the health reform mission - to improve access to quality, affordable health care.  The ACA does just that, helping Iowans gain access to quality healthcare when they need it the most.

For more information on enrolling in health insurance options under the ACA, visit www.HealthCare.gov. You can also visit Senator Harkin's website at  http://harkin.senate.gov/, or follow him on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/ and Twitter  https://twitter.com/.

 

A PDF version of this article is available here.

###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar