10 Jun 2013

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, June 7, 2013**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 1884

An Act Concerning: State Government

The bill re-authorizes advance deposit wagering until Jan. 31, 2014, recovers amounts owed to the state by licensees who continued to accept these wagers after the initial authorization expired on Dec. 31, 2012, and transfers funds from the State Gaming Fund to the School Infrastructure Fund.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

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07 Jun 2013

Local art teachers showcase their talents at the Figge

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (June 7, 2013) - Local K-12 art teachers are getting the opportunity to showcase their talents at the Figge Art Museum for the Beyond the Classroom exhibition. Artworks the teachers have created outside the classroom will be on display in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery starting Saturday.

The variety of artworks included in the exhibition range in material, technique and style, but show how impactful it can be for teachers to be practicing artists themselves. Through the process of art-making, the teachers become even greater role models for students as they demonstrate first-hand the power of imagination and creativity.

Participating teachers with artwork on display include Bettendorf Community school District teachers Karen Blomme, Hilary Puglisi, Christine Walker and Timothy Solbrig. From Davenport Community School District, Roxanne Westphal, Sherry Smith, Kay Steele, Renee Ott, Laura Watt Carter, Connie Bieber, David A. Schaeffer, Brian Nickell, David Houk, Annette Lopez, Kayla Koehler, Pam Ohnemus, Kit Fox Sayles, Peggy Sands, Stacey Houk and Beth Anne Smiley. From Moline School District No. 40,  Iyla Thill Ferguson, David Zahn, Linda Hardin, Nick DiGioia, Stacey Replinger and Joel Ryser. Teachers from Pleasant Valley Community School District include Deb Roberts, Heather Seibel and Ali Kirsch. From Muscatine Community School District, Adrianna Corby and Mary Fowler. From Rock Island Art Guild, Gloria Burlingame, Christine Behnke of North Scott Community School District, Heidi Hernandez from Geneseo Community Unit School District 228, Patricia Bradley Bereskin with Mrs. B's School of Art, Debora L. Stewart from Camanche Community School District, Colleen McCarty Tomlinson with Rivermont Collegiate, Julianne Teerlinck from Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy, Julie Wall of Trinity Lutheran and M. Sue Sawvel from Central Community School District of Clinton County.

The exhibition will be on display through September 29, 2013.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

 

-end-
07 Jun 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Honorary Street Naming for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick

By Grant Klinzman

Joined by Alderman Pat Dowell to Welcome Governor Patrick Home to Third Ward

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell to announce an honorary street named for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, an Illinois native. The street - Wabash at the intersection of 53rd Street - is near where Governor Patrick grew up and has been unveiled as "Honorary Gov. Deval Patrick Ave."

"I am honored to welcome my friend, Governor Patrick, back home and to present him with this symbol of our gratitude for his dedication to public service," Governor Quinn said. "Governor Patrick's roots are right here in Illinois and we are proud of him and what he has accomplished. Honorary Governor Deval Patrick Avenue will stand as a reminder to the community of where life can take you and the importance of giving back."

"The efforts of Governor Quinn and Alderman Dowell to rename this portion of Wabash Avenue are extremely humbling," Governor Patrick said. "Hope is a tangible thing. This only matters if it can inspire the children along Wabash Avenue to imagine their own possibilities if they work hard and hope for the best."

Governor Patrick grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes on the south side of Chicago and attended Terrell Elementary School at 54th and State Streets. At the age of 14, Governor Patrick moved to Massachusetts to attend Milton Academy and was the first of his family to attend college at Harvard University. Governor Patrick is also a graduate of Harvard Law School.

"Governor Deval Patrick is a son of Bronzeville. The people of Bronzeville and the 3rd Ward of Chicago are proud of him and his accomplishments. His story inspires us all," Alderman Dowell said. "Governor Deval Patrick Avenue will serve as a daily reminder that your life can take you from Wabash Avenue and 53rd Street to the Governor's Mansion."

Governor Patrick's life has charted a path from the South Side of Chicago to the U.S. Justice Department, Fortune 500 boardrooms, and now the Massachusetts State House. In each of these capacities, Governor Patrick has been guided by the advice of his grandmother - hope for the best and work for it. Governor Patrick was first elected as Massachusetts governor in 2006 on a platform of hope and change, and is currently serving his second term.

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07 Jun 2013

Stewardship of Judicial Resources Should Trump Politics

By Grassley Press

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

This week the President held a high-profile Rose Garden ceremony to announce his nomination of three judges for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

News reports indicate the White House wants to put more of its own judges on the D.C. Circuit because President Obama is looking for ways to circumvent Congress.  Senate Democrats make such intentions clear when they say things like the President needs to fill the court by whatever means necessary, and that the D.C. Circuit was 'wreaking havoc' on the country by opposing administration policies.  Arguments for court-packing to gain advantage in public policy debates reflect a major misunderstanding of the purpose of the legislative and judicial branches of the federal government in our system.  It is the job of elected representatives of the people, the Congress, to make legislative decisions.  It is the job of the Courts to resolve cases and controversies.  Neither Congress nor the people who elect those who serve in Congress should want the Courts doing the job of making legislative decisions.

In addition, it's hard to imagine the rationale for nominating three judges at once for this particular federal appeals court with the many vacant emergency seats across the country.  That is unless your goal is to pack the court to advance a certain policy agenda.  The D.C. Circuit ranks either last or nearly last in many categories for measuring workload.  There were nearly 200 fewer appeals filed in the D.C. Circuit in 2012 than in 2005.  In fact, the number of cases that each active judge handles is nearly the same today as it was in 2005, despite having two fewer judges.

I've introduced legislation this year to reallocate these judgeships based on workload and to use taxpayer resources wisely.  My approach to this is nonpartisan.  In fact, the legislative record will show that I previously twice introduced legislation to eliminate a seat on the D.C. Circuit during the Bush Administration.  My effort was ultimately successful in 2007, when a judgeship on the D.C. Circuit was moved to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has a very high caseload.  In addition, nearly 20 years ago I conducted an exhaustive review of the workloads of the various federal circuits with the goal of distributing taxpayer resources wisely.

My effort then and my effort today is for good governance.  With the three D.C. Circuit court nominees this week, the President has picked a political fight, but there are legitimate and important policy questions about the resources of the federal judiciary that ought to outweigh politics.
07 Jun 2013

Turn Your Balcony into an Edible Garden

By Ginny Grimsley
Tips for Growing Farm-fresh Herbs & Veggies in the City

Improvements in container gardening equipment and techniques have cleared the way for even the most "brown thumb" city dwellers, and anyone without a yard, to grow their own groceries.

"There's nothing to stop anyone who wants a garden from having one," says Roy Joulus, CEO of Greenbo, www.greenbo.co, a company that designs award-winning innovative products for urban gardening including the new Greenbo XL flowerbox.

"Plants add a great deal to our quality of life - from cleaning the air we breathe to keeping us in touch with nature. Fresh, home-grown herbs and vegetables not only taste so much better than supermarket produce, they're convenient, and you know exactly where they came from and what was used, or not used, on them."

While hydroponic and vertical gardening systems have been developed to maximize the yield in small spaces, Joulus says starting a balcony garden needn't cost much. Start with the right materials and choose plants that are right for your conditions, and you'll soon be eating from the pots on your porch.

He offers these tips especially for balcony gardeners:

Plant the right plants for the amount of sunlight you have:

Most herbs and vegetables require six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. So what do you do if you have just one balcony and it doesn't get that much sun?

• Choose edibles that can take partial sun/shade (three to six hours of sun in the morning or early afternoon) or light shade (two to three hours of direct sun or lightly shaded all day.)

Some partial shade herbs: cilantro and parsley (both prefer cooler weather); dill, bee balm, spearmint chamomile.
Some light shade herbs: garlic chives, peppermint, rosemary.
Some partial or light shade veggies: lettuce, broccoli, green onion, collards, cabbage, peas, carrots, strawberries, beans, sweet potatoes.

• Remember, pale-colored surfaces increase the light your plants receive. Plants in regions with short growing seasons usually need the full six to eight hours of light per day.

Choose the right pots:

• Bigger pots require less water and are less likely to blow over on high-rise balconies where the winds can be fierce. Terra cotta allows moisture to escape fairly quickly, which is helpful for people who like to water a lot. Non-porous plastic or glazed pots hold water longer and are better for windy balconies, where soil dries out quickly. Use brightly colored containers to add style and visual interest to your garden.

• Most vegetable plants require even watering - don't let them dry out completely and don't keep them soggy. Apply water directly to the soil.

• Make sure your containers have drainage holes or a drainage system. If they have an attached tray to catch excess water, don't allow the plants' roots to sit in the water, which promotes rot and fungus. Either empty the tray regularly, or use a design that holds the water away from the roots.

Use the right dirt:

• It's important to use dirt that allows for good drainage. Most edible plants don't like to sit in wet dirt, and soil without good drainage tends to become compacted - a difficult medium for plants that like to stretch their roots out. You can buy a sterile soilless potting mix, a soil-based potting mix, or mix up your own batch using 1 part compost, 1 part perlite and 1 part potting soil.

• Don't use garden soil or top soil, which won't allow adequate drainage.

• On windy balconies, top-dress your container with small rocks to keep the soil from drying out so quickly.

Joulus offers one more tip for high-rise dwellers: Rely on self-pollinating plants, or plants that don't need pollination by insects, unless you're willing to hand-pollinate.

"You likely won't see many bees buzzing around the 40th story," he says.

Don't worry about pollination for root vegetables, like carrots and potatoes. Some self-pollinators include beans, peas, tomatoes and peppers.

About Roy Joulus

Roy Joulus is CEO of Greenbo, which was founded in 2012 in Florida with a focus on simplicity, efficiency and innovation in creating urban agricultural products. Its Greenbo XL flowerbox, designed to hang securely on any balcony railing up to 6 inches wide, won the prestigious 2012 Red Dot Design Award. Greenbo products are manufactured in a multi-cultural Israeli-Arab setting using sustainable and recyclable materials, and with safety the No. 1 priority. Find Greenbo products at garden centers and independent nurseries in the United States and Europe, and online at amazon.com.

07 Jun 2013

Braley Builds Support with Carpenters Endorsement

By Jeff Link

DES MOINES, IA - The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters have announced their endorsement of Bruce Braley for US Senate. The labor organization, a division of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, represents thousands of carpenters and their families across 47 Iowa counties.

Braley announced in February that he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.

Kurt Brunner, Political Coordinator for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters said, "The Carpenters are proud to endorse Bruce Braley because he's never forgotten where he's come from. Bruce grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and worked hard to put himself through college and law school, waiting tables and working construction. He's taken the Iowa values he learned and worked hard in Congress to build a ladder of opportunity for more families. He'll do even more in the US Senate."

Bruce Braley said, "It's an honor to have the Carpenters endorsement. Their members work hard every day to make a better life for their families. That's why I'm running for Senate: to strengthen the middle class, expand economic opportunity for everyone, and bring people together to get things done."

The Carpenters endorsement is the latest in a wave of endorsements for Braley, highlighted by the endorsement of Sen. Tom Harkin in April.

In February, Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and former Rep. Leonard Boswell announced their endorsement; in March, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald endorsed; on April 3rd, 71 Iowa legislators announced their endorsement of Braley. Sixteen other Iowa labor organizations have also endorsed Braley.  The Planned Parenthood Action Fund has also endorsed Braley.

In April, Braley reported he had raised $1.07 million for his Senate campaign and had over $1 million cash on hand as of March 30th. Iowans from all 99 counties have contributed to Braley for Iowa.

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07 Jun 2013

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

By Jackie E. Holecek

City of Davenport, Iowa
Monday, June 10, 2013; 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers

I.     Moment of Silence

II.    Pledge of Allegiance - Ald.  Ambrose

III.    Roll Call - ALL

IV.    Discussion Agenda

       1.  Resolution closing Gaines Street as requested by the River Bandits.

       2.  Motion approving a vending location at 400 West 4th Street, Scott County Courthouse to Business in a   Box (Gregory Millsap, petitioner) COMMITTEE ACTION ONLY

VI.   Adjourn to Work Session: Update on recent rain events

07 Jun 2013

Partnering to EMPOWER to assist Winnie's Place

By Janet Martin
Asbury United Methodist Church is hosting a "Partnering to EmPOWER" fundraising event for Winnie's Place on Tuesday, October 15th.  The team putting together the event is looking for vendors who would be interested in participating in this worthy cause. Booth fees are $15 for sales people and $25 for those providing a service (ALL booth fees will go to Winnie's Place). Vendors will also agree to donate 9% of their sales to Winnies Place, which corresponds to the statistic that every 9 seconds, a woman is abused. Interested vendors are asked to contact Heidi Lubben at hjlubben@aol.com for more details. Marketing packets for vendors will be available June 15th. The deadline for returning a signed vendor agreement is August 20th.
07 Jun 2013

LeClaire Announcements- Friday 06/7/2013

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

June 7th - First Friday in LeClaire!  5:00-8:00 p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company www.mrdistilling.com 5:30 - 8 p.m.  MRDC and Chef Stephanie are planning a real treat for everyone who comes out, Bourbon Ice Cream featuring Cody Road Bourbon.  We'll be sampling cocktails; Ananda, made with River Rose Gin, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice and honey simple syrup, and a classic daiquiri featuring Dry Dock Sorghrum.  Also kicking off our new rewards program.  We invite anyone to become a part of "The Crew" and when they sign up with instantly start earning points with each purchase that can then be used for discounts on future purchases.  To celebrate this new initiative, we'll be giving away a free "Crew" pint glass that says "Inaugural Voyage June 7, 2013" during First Friday to everyone who purchases a bottle of MRDC spirits.

Wide River Winery www.wideriverwinery.com - Wine samples and live music by Jordan Danielson. And, 'Lolly the Wine Gal' will be hanging out!

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium Come in for a free red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries Come in to shop and get free samples of booze cake (while it lasts)!

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals - 'First Friday's Free Appraisals' until 7 p.m.

Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits LIVE MUSIC - The Matriarchs starting at 7:30 P.M. www.faithfulpilot.com

Reusable Usables Yoga for yogaG w/ Live Music at First Friday Festivities in LeClaire DetoxRetox Fundraising Celebration at at 6pm (322 N. Cody Rd) *Donation Only (suggested $18...more money means more mission!) In celebration of yogaG's role in the National Yoga Service Council Conference this weekend, join Camie Easton for an amazing 60-minute, all-levels yoga class with live music, followed by Shaun's latest crafts at the Mississippi River Distilling Company across the street! Since 2009 yogaG has been sharing free trauma-sensitive yoga with women and children in domestic violence shelters in the Quad Cities (and a mat, too!) and in various cities around the US. For information, visit http://www.yogag.org

Other shops and restaurants will be open late!

June 7th-8th- LeClaire City-Wide Garage Sale Days Garage Sale Maps are available at the LeClaire Community Library website, www.leclairelibrary.org , at the library (323 Wisconsin), LeClaire Information Center (122 North Cody Road), and LeClaire City Hall.

June 8th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Garage Sale 8 a.m. to noon: Toys, books and children's clothes; gently used knick-knacks, dishes, etc.  Frito and Dorito Chili Pies for sale.

June 8th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the Buffalo Bill Museum. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Participants may bring beer, wine, snacks and soda. Water and snacks will also be for sale. Up to eight people per table. $10 per person with a $50 table minimum. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Contact Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703 for reservations or information. Don't have enough for a full table? Come anyway and we can put you on a table that needs people!

June 9th- Sunday Brunch at the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Seatings at 10:00 and 12:30 - 3 Courses $20 per person Reservations 563.289.4156 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 10th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Generations Area Agency on Aging 11:45 a.m. to noon, someone from the agency will be at the church to help people sign up for food stamps. Eligibility: 60 years of age or older on date of application; single yearly income at or less than $21,256; married yearly income at or less than $28,693; disabled individuals under age 60 are NOT eligible.

June 15th- Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm- 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 15th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Active Christians Hot Dog Roast and Potluck Picnic. 5:30 p.m. We will provide the hot dogs, buns, ketchup and mustard. Bring something to share and your own drink. We will play Corn Hole and other outdoor games.

June 15th- 16th Annual Golf Outing Benefiting the Buffalo Bill Museum of LeClaire - Olathea Golf Course Matt Boesch, head golf pro from Hawk's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva, WI, will host a golf clinic at 9:00 am before the 10:00 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $50 per person and includes 9 holes golf with cart and a pizza lunch with beverage. If you don't golf, come anyway to place a bid on all the wonderful silent auction items and enjoy the pizza lunch for $7. To make a reservation for yourself or a foursome call Olathea at 289-4653, Packy Huettman at 289-5971, Steve Suiter at 289-2724 or Barry Long at 949-6969. www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com

June 16th - Asbury Methodist Church "WORSHIP IN THE PARK" and Potluck Service The Worship Committee of Asbury United Methodist Church, Bettendorf, is planning a Praise Worship Service in the Park on Sunday, June 16 at 10:30 a.m.  The service will be held at Veterans Memorial Park Bandshell, 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf. Following the service there will be a potluck picnic with sliced ham provided.  Please bring a dish to share and your own table service, drink & lawn chair.

June 17th-21st - Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School - Asbury United Methodist Church 9 a.m. to noon, 1809 Mississippi Blvd., Bettendorf - 563-355-5218 Register on-line www.asbury-bett.org.  VBS is offered for participants ages Kindergarten through 5th grade (completed), and to volunteers 6th grade and up.  If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Swinney at 563-505-0060 or mswinney@mchsi.com.

June 17th-20th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Bible School 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., supper included. Theme: Living Waters. Cost $10. Special Bible School program, Sunday, June 23 at 10 am. Call 381-7777 to pre-register.

June 21st - 22nd - THE LeCLAIRE GIRLS' GET AWAY WEEKEND! On the evening of Friday, June 21, and all day Saturday, June 22, 2013, TUGFEST hosts the Girls's Getaway Weekend in LeClaire, Iowa! Sign up today for this amazing event featuring give aways, coupons, music, games and delicious food. MEET Anthony Ryan Auld the Winner of this year's "Project Runway All Stars" at the Girls Get Away Fashion Show & Cocktail Party on Saturday evening. No other contestant has had more wins beating the best designers in a single season of the show. Anthony Ryan will be speaking about his journey to becoming a top fashion designer and winning Project Runway All Stars. KWQC's anchor and on-air reporter Bailey Deitz will be the mistress of ceremonies for this special event. The LeClaire Girls' Get Away will start on Friday evening, June 21, at the Wide River Winery, where you will taste award-winning wines, enjoy the music of Pieces of Candy in the Wine Garden, and pick up your GIRLS GET AWAY passport to LeClaire with your goody bags.

On Saturday, June 22, LECLAIRE GIRLS GET AWAY events include :

* Grasshoppers will host music and wine tasting on their beautiful lawn.

* Win Prizes every hour on the hour at Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium.

* Dwellings will be hosting Margarita Man.

* Robert Day of the Faithful Pilot, and the winner of the Quad Cities Top Chef competition, will demonstrate some of his secret cooking techniques.

* Zaruba's will host mini make overs.

* Free Tours at the Mississippi River Distilling Company.

* Expert Tammy Allen will teach a FREE Class in "Punch Needle" at Primitive Cottage.

* The Buffalo Bill Museum will offer a Quilt Making Class.

Cost to participate in the LeClaire Girls Get Away are $65 per person. Go to Leclairegirlgetaway.com

June 22nd - Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 25th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia 1:30 pm. Dessert and coffee. No cost for this program. Please RSVP at 381-7777.

June 27th - Mississippi River Distilling Company Takes Over the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Bar 5:30-7:30 P.M. The men from MRDC take over the Faithful Pilot with signature drinks and Pilot appetizers for $25 per person www.faithfulpilot.com

June 29th - Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 30th- Wine Tasting at the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits 3:00-5:00 P.M.  $15 per person Taste 14 wines and heavy appetizers from The Faithful Pilot www.faithfulpilot.com

Save the Date

July 1st - Friends of the LeClaire Community Library is planning an Open House to celebrate our 9th anniversary! Details are forthcoming!

July 5th - First Friday in LeClaire

July 15th-19th - LeClaire Baptist Church - "Colossal Coaster World" VBX Week For kids age 4 up through kids going INTO 6th grade! Cost: FREE! Time:  9:00 AM - Noon Location:  1326 Wisconsin Street LeClaire, Iowa  52753 Family program:  SUNDAY, July 21 at 10:30 PM followed by our "Burger Bash" lunch! For more information or registration: phone:  (563) 289-4191 e-mail:  leclairebaptist@leclairebaptist.org or REGISTER ONLINE at www.leclairebaptist.org (under ministries and kids vbx link)

FYI

LeClaire Antiques is hosting an on going Plant Sale benefiting LeClaire Parks. Go by and see the beautiful plants for sale - great prices!

Programs, performers & activities for all ages. Registration materials for Children (B-5th G) available at the library starting May 20th.Program information & Activity Calendar available at the library & online @

Please volunteer or help recruit volunteers for the LeClaire Information Center! We get a lot of great comments about the LIC, and we help promote all of LeClaire:

1. Through telling visitors about our great attractions, shops, restaurants, parks, schools, housing developments, etc.,

2. By mailing out information to individuals, small groups and bus tours who want to come find out what LeClaire is all about, and

3. Through providing nice, convenient public restrooms to shoppers, diners, people checking out our attractions, families, LeClaire residents who are just out for a walk - everyone appreciates the restrooms!

Almost everyone knows at least one person who loves to talk and meet new people - a retired neighbor or stay-at-home mom, a relative, a friend, a person from church, a person from your civic club, a person from exercise class... Please contact Cindy at 563-650-7963 or info@visitleclaire.com Volunteers are trained and there is lots of brochures and information to share with visitors.

Let's make downtown LeClaire and the LeClaire Information Center the best it can possibly be!

Buffalo Bill Museum is now open until 5pm daily. As of April 1st, the museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays 12noon to 5pm. A reminder: group discounts are available for tour groups, clubs/reunions, and school groups. Call the museum at 563-289-5580 for details!

Reusable Usables - Planet Green recycled art after school classes on Tuesday and Thursdays.RSVP 563-289-3946 or angie@reusableusables.org

"LIKE" the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce on FaceBook Visit the chamber's Face Book page and discover a great source of news, business announcements, events, and other information that is updated frequently. It's a useful source of updated information for all members and non-members!

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

July 9 - Blue Iguana - Lunch -noon

August 13 - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch -noon

September 10 - Steventon's - after hours - 5-8pm

October 8 - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon

November 12 - tbd

December 10 - Happy Joes - lunch -noon

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Meet and greet Pastor Melody any Wednesday from 1-3 pm at Happy Joe's. Pastor Melody from First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, will be at Happy Joe's in LeClaire, every Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, sipping on a soda, reading and waiting to visit with you and your friends. Stop by and say hi. Or, if you have a prayer request or a question, just let her know. 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.

Asbury United Methodist Church is hosting a "Partnering to EmPOWER" fundraising event for Winnie's Place on Tuesday, October 15th.  The team putting together the event is looking for vendors who would be interested in participating in this worthy cause. Booth fees are $15 for sales people and $25 for those providing a service (ALL booth fees will go to Winnie's Place). Vendors will also agree to donate 9% of their sales to Winnies Place, which corresponds to the statistic that every 9 seconds, a woman is abused. Interested vendors are asked to contact Heidi Lubben at hjlubben@aol.com for more details. Marketing packets for vendors will be available June 15th. The deadline for returning a signed vendor agreement is August 20th.

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center -

2013 Trivia Nights:

June 8 - Buffalo Bill Museum

July 13 - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

 

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar:

First Fridays each month 5:00-8:00 P.M.

June 7th-8th LeClaire City-Wide Garage Sales

June 21st-22nd - Girls' Getaway Weekend

Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion (Hollyhock Park)

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 8th-10th Tugfest

October 6th - Dogtoberfest at Bier Stube

October 13th - AppleFest

October 24th - HalloWine

October 26th - Witches Walk Costume Contest and Parade

December 6-8, 2013: Christmas in LeClaire

Family Nights at the LeClaire Rec Center: Details at www.leclairereccenter.com

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

07 Jun 2013

BASS PRO SHOPS SELECTED AS LEAD RETAILER FOR THE LARGEST NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH AMERICA

By Katie Mitchell

200,000 SQUARE FOOT OUTDOORS STORE TO ANCHOR
LUXURY POINT DEVELOPMENT IN SAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY

With over 15 million people within a 50 mile radius, company predicts this will be
its highest sales volume store ever!

Springfield, MO?(June 7, 2013)--- Bass Pro Shops, America's most popular outdoor retailer, will open a store at Luxury Point, one of the largest new mixed-use developments in the United States, in Sayreville, New Jersey. The new 200,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World will be located at Garden State Parkway and Chevalier Avenue and is scheduled to open in 2015.  Some 400,000 cars per day pass directly by this site and, with more than 15 million people within a 50 mile radius, the company predicts this will be their highest sales volume store to date.

Luxury Point, located just 30 miles from Manhattan and minutes away from Staten Island in Sayreville, NJ, will center around a 1.2 million-square-foot luxury mall and 723,000 square-foot entertainment district encompassing luxury retail, waterfront and recreation destinations, along with 2,000 high-end residential units, office space, high end hotels and two luxury marinas.

The 8 million-square-foot development will also include waterfront dining, a community center, bike trails, walking paths, and abundant green and open space including a waterfront promenade.

"We are excited about this location and very grateful to developer Brian O'Neill and his family for selecting Bass Pro Shops to be the premier anchor tenant in what may well be one of the most exciting new retail developments in the world," said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.  "This highly visible location is easily accessible and will allow us to bring Bass Pro Shops' low prices and famous friendly service to the many sportsmen and women in the region," Morris continued.

The 453-acre site lines three miles of highly visible waterfront along the Raritan River, and 24 lanes of highway in one of the most densely populated and affluent areas of the United States.  When completed, it will be one of the most significant developments ever built in the New York area, with more than 30 million visitors expected annually.

"Luxury Point will be the largest mixed-use development under construction in the United States.  When complete it will also be the most significant luxury retail development in 30 years," states Brian O'Neill, Founder and Chairman of O'Neill Properties Group.  "Bass Pro Shops redefines retailing of outdoor equipment for hunting, fishing and boating in the Northeast.  The new location at Luxury Point will be the largest store East of the Mississippi and O'Neill Properties is thrilled to have Bass Pro Shops as our leading anchor tenant."

Luxury Point is surrounded by one of the busiest intersections in the United States, just off the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, U.S. Route 9 and NJ Route 35, and close to I-287 and Route 440.  More than 400,000 cars pass the site daily, and over 600,000 per day in the summer months.  In addition, there will be regular mass transit service available.

The planned Bass Pro Shops location at Luxury Point will be the size of five football fields with expansive aquariums, waterfalls and museum quality fish and wildlife dioramas onsite along with a huge selection of outdoor gear.

Bass Pro Shops will host over 120 million people visiting their 77 stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada this year; the average customer stays 2 ½ hours and drives an average distance of 50+ miles.  Bass Pro Shops was recently named by Advertising Age magazine as one of the Top 10 Hottest Brands in America along with name brands such as Old Spice, M&M's, iPad and Droid.  Also, Bass Pro Shops has been recognized numerous times for their conservation and outdoor education efforts, as well as being named by J.D. Powers & Associates as one of the top eight retailers in America for customer service excellence.

Bass Pro Shops' unique, award-winning, mega-sized outdoor stores are known for combining retail with entertainment, conservation and outdoor education. More than just a fishing and hunting store,  Bass Pro Shops stores offer equipment and clothing for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, outdoor cooking and more.  A gift and nature center will also serve up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture.

The expansive boat showroom will feature Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly and Mako boats built by Tracker Marine Group, the world's largest manufacturer of fishing boats.

The Sayreville Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will feature the much- acclaimed Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill. This nautical-themed entity located within the store, features a truly unique atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining.  Twenty lanes will offer customers the chance to bowl 'in the ocean. Casual family dining will be available in the Grill where customers may select from a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Bass Pro Shops' unique exterior and interior motifs have branded them as visually appealing, high quality outdoor stores. The outdoors feel is brought indoors through massive log and rock work, large indoor aquariums and water features stocked with native fish species as well as an extensive collection of museum quality fish and wildlife mounts.  Historic photos and exhibits will pay tribute to the regions great outdoor heritage.

Local response to Bass Pro Shops and the Sayreville Seaport Associates reaching an agreement has been extremely positive and welcoming.

"This announcement is the culmination of 14 years of hard work to redevelop the National Lead Property.  I am convinced this site will ultimately become the Gold Coast of Sayreville and will provide a consistent stream of tax revenue and jobs for the direct benefit of Sayreville residents," said Kennedy O'Brien, Mayor of Sayreville.  "I look forward to the groundbreaking of this long awaited project."

Raniero Travisano, Chairman of the Sayreville Economic and Redevelopment Agency (SERA), is pleased to bring the nationally recognized retail leader in family oriented outdoor activities to Luxury Point at Sayreville.  "Bass Pro Shops will be the first retail store to be built at Luxury Point and will act as the gateway to the project.  SERA welcomes Bass Pro Shops to the Sayreville community and looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."

"This is a major milestone in the redevelopment of the former National Lead site that will create jobs, ease the local property tax burden and improve our local quality of life," added Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski.  "It takes us one step closer to achieving my goal of restoring this site as an active part of our community."

Contact:  Katie Mitchell, Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine, Communications Manager (417-873-5618) kamitchell@basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops®:
Bass Pro Shops® operates 77 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 120 million people annually.  Bass Pro Shops® also conducts an international catalog and internet retailing operation?the American Rod & Gun® wholesale division--which sells to more than 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide.  Outdoor World® Incentives also sells Bass Pro Shops® gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America.  The Bass Pro Shops® restaurant division has 28 locations.  The company's Tracker Marine Group® (www.trackerboats.com) manufactures and sells Tracker®, Nitro®, SunTracker®, Tahoe®, Grizzly® and Mako® boats through Bass Pro Shops® retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide.  The Resort Group (www.bigcedar.com) includes Big Cedar Lodge® and other resort properties including restaurants and golf courses. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops® store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com.  To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO.  Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.

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