18 Locals Representing 15,000 Members
Cedar Rapids, IA - Today, the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Council announced the endorsement of Tyler Olson as their choice for the next governor of Iowa.  

Ray Dochterman, President of the Council, said, "We're pleased to announce our support for Tyler Olson as the next governor of Iowa. He has shown the ability to get things done in the Legislature on issues like disaster recovery, early child education and health insurance. His vision for Iowa - with a 21st century, home-grown economy and fresh ideas for thriving communities - is what Iowans want as we begin the next 30 years."

This is the second labor endorsement Representative Olson has received. On September 18th the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 110 also endorsed his candidacy.

The Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Council represents 18 building trade unions and 15,000 members in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor:  Boilermakers Local 83; Bricklayers & Allied Craftsworkers Local 3; Carpenters Local 308 (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Carpenters Local 1260 (Iowa City, Iowa); Cement Masons & Plasters AFL-CIO Local 21; Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (IAHFIAW) Local 81; Ironworkers  Local 89; Laborers Union Local 43 (Cedar Rapids); Laborers Union Local 309 (Quad Cities/Iowa City); Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Painters Local 447; Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Glaziers; Architectural Metal and Glass Workers Local 581; Operating Engineers  Local 234; Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders and HVAC Service Techs Local 125; Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers  Local 182; Sheet Metal Workers Local 263; Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 District 23; Teamsters Local 238; and UBC Millwrights Local 2158.

Each trade union provides skilled workers for building construction projects (industrial, commercial and residential) throughout the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor and surrounding communities.

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and the Moline Public Library welcome Rabbi Jonathan Porath as he presents "All Five Books of Moses from the Creation of the World Until the Death of Moses in One Hour," Thursday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m.  No registration is required for this free program.   For more information, visit the Moline Public Library (3210 - 41st Street, Moline) or call 309-524-2470.

No single book has had a greater impact on Western Civilization and humanity than the Hebrew Bible, the Five Books of Moses.  Participants will enjoy a fast-paced review of the 187 chapters which changed the world!  Open to believers and non-believers of all faiths, theologies, and persuasions, from the perspective of Rabbi Porath from Jerusalem, who has been a guest of the Quad Cities in the past.  This event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and Friends of the Moline Public Library.

Artistic inspiration is a mystery to some, sought by others and personal to every artist. The Mississippi River Valley Art Drive (MRVAD) is a self-guided art tour on November 2 and November 3,2013, that allows the public to visit local artists in the setting that inspires their creativity. Not all of the stops are individual studios, but all of the art is done by local artists.

This is the 7th MRVAD art drive offering the opportunity to interact with the artists in a more private, personal setting; their studio, their home or private gallery. Most comfortable in the environment of their creativity, this encounter allows for depth of conversation and the development of a relationship between artist and art enthusiast.  Discussion or display of techniques and materials are more easily experienced at the location of execution. It is from this location, many times, that the subject of the artwork originates.

As far north as Bellevue, Iowa, with artists sprinkled throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding river towns, through Bishop Hill, to the West Central Illinois Arts Center of Macomb, a variety of artists incorporating 30 different mediums participate in this art tour. The fall MRVAD art tour includes The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Illinois as well as the Starlight Art Glass Studio in West Burlington, Iowa. There are scenic routes to encompass any or all sectors of this far reaching Mississippi River Valley art tour. Most artists are available by appointment if time does not allow you to reach them during the drive.

Some artists invite others to join at one location making it convenient for the public to experience several artists in one spot. The list of the participating artists with corresponding addresses and hours of operation are available at www.mrvad.com by printing the map and brochure. This site will also provide any last minute cancellations or unavoidable changes. Take some time to review all of the artists and then plan a  route!  Telephone numbers are listed so all inquiries may be specifically directed.

This is a fun experience. Enjoy the changing countryside with fellow art lovers, conversing with the talented creators of incredibly delightful art and meeting new people while supporting the local artists of the  Mississippi River Valley.