SIOUX CENTER, IA (05/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Dordt College awarded 307 diplomas at the 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, in the B.J. Haan Auditorium. Among them were the following local students.

Erin Conley of West Liberty, Iowa, graduated with a bachelor of science in engineering degree in engineering.

Abigail Davis of Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in environmental science.

Among this year's graduates, 288 earned baccalaureate degrees, 13 associate of arts degrees, and six master of education degrees. The baccalaureate degrees presented included bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of science in engineering, bachelor of science in nursing, and bachelor of social work degrees.

Dordt College President Dr. Erik Hoekstra will give the commencement address, "Building for the King." Hoekstra began his term as the fourth president of Dordt College at the start of the academic year.

Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. U.S. News & World Report, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,400 students. To learn more about Dordt College, visit www.dordt.edu.

Brucemore will host a special 2013 event celebrating Hancher's 40th anniversary and commemorating the five-year anniversary of the flood. On June 13 at 7:00 p.m., Living with Floods, will bring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Hancher's opening performers in 1972?back to Iowa for a series of seven free outdoor concerts. Named for the esteemed music venue in the heart of New Orleans's French Quarter, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a true national treasure. Hailed as "America's Best Traditional Jazz Band" by All About Jazz, the group has been a driving force in American music ever since its inception in 1961, counting jazz royalty like Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong among its distinguished alumni. Now in its 51st year, this national treasure continues to honor the dirty rags, mournful blues, and laid back swing that form jazz's legacy.

The concert will be set amidst the historic charm near the Formal Garden on the Brucemore estate. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. No on-site parking is available except handicap parking by entering on Dows Lane. Outside food and beverages are allowed; however, pets are not. For further information or a listing of other concert sites across the state, visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

About Living with Floods project

The University of Iowa's Hancher, College of Engineering, College of Education, Interdisciplinary Flood Institute, Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, Iowa Flood Center, iExploreSTEM, and State Hygienic Laboratory are partnering for this program. In keeping with the University of Iowa's mission of teaching, research, and service, this project aims to provide services to communities throughout the state. The project will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the 2008 flood, celebrate progress made towards recovery, and raise awareness of strategies to mitigate floods as well as of the interconnectedness of our environment and watershed. In addition to the partners listed above, this project is supported by Back to the River, Iowa Arts Council, and National Endowment for the Arts. For further information, visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu and www.iihr.uiowa.edu/livingwithfloods.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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PORT BYRON, IL - To gather feedback from the community on issues in education, state Rep. Mike Smiddy
(D-Hillsdale) is hosting an education forum on Saturday, May 11 from 10 am to 11 am at West Carroll Primary
School, located at 2215 Wacker Rd. in Savanna.

"This forum is a chance for me to listen to residents' concerns and ideas for improving the schools in our
area," said Smiddy. "Strengthening education is a top priority for all of us, and I look forward to speaking with
educators and parents to improve opportunities for our children."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie,
Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna,
Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service
office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

WHO: 71st District State Rep. Mike Smiddy

WHAT: Education Forum

WHEN: Saturday, May 11 10 am - 11 am

WHERE: West Carroll Primary School, 2215 Wacker Rd., Savanna

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Des Moines, Iowa, May 10, 2013---The Iowa State Senate Ethics Committee requested that Chief Justice Mark Cady appoint an independent special counsel to determine whether there is probable cause to believe a violation of a state statute or the Senate Code of Ethics has occurred. Chief Justice Cady appointed Des Moines attorney Mark Weinhardt.


http://www.iowacourts.gov/Supreme_Court/Orders/
The June 2013 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. No cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. If you would rather work with House of Print directly, send your ad to HouseofPrint@mchsi.com, and please copy LeClaireChamber@gmail.com Deadline May 15!
 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

 

Pebble Creek Golf Course - 3851 Forest Grove Drive, LeClaire, IA 52753, phone - 563-332-5072 LeClaire, IA. http://www.pebblecreekgolf.org Pebble Creek is a challenging course located near LeClaire, IA. The superb design and excellent condition of the golf course guarantees an enjoyable round of play for golfers of all abilities. Open to the public, our social atmosphere is casual and welcoming for everyday play, social functions, and tournaments. Our customer service is friendly and personalized. We look forward to seeing you!

CALENDAR

May 11th - Silver Creek O.E.S. Annual Spring Country Breakfast Masonic Center -113 S. Cody Rd., LeClaire. Serving from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes, eggs, biscuits & gravy, sausage, pancakes, juice, coffee, milk. Donation of $7.00 for adults - $3.00 for children 3-10 yrs. of age. Under 3 free. Sponsored by the Order of the Eastern Star.

May 11th - Reusable Usables - Extreme Coupon Workshop - 2-4 p.m. Learn the basics of coupon clipping and how to shop and save hundreds of dollars. This class is well worth your time and it's FREE.

May 12th - Mothers Day Brunch at the Bier Stube. 1001 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire. Seating's begin on the hour. Price $13.99 for buffet or $19.99 per person with unlimited Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. 563-289-2121

May 12th - The Blackwatch Room Mother's Day Brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef Beau will be offering a huge Holiday Brunch including his famous creme brulee french toast and personalized omelettes. Pork Tenderloin with cornbread stuffing, chopped salad and our homemade desserts and danishes plus much more. Brunch is $21.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under ten. First seating is at 9:00 a.m. Please make your reservations early as seating is very limited and fills up quickly. Please call Kelle at 563-332-5072 or email kelle@theblackwatchroom.com

May 13th _ Economic Development Meeting - Great River Financial - 8 a.m

May 14th - Chamber Networking Event - Great River Financial - after hours gathering - 5-7 p.m. Steve and Ann Suiter invite you to Great River Financial Services, 204 Jones Street, LeClaire, IA 52753. Please RSVP 563-289-2724 or suiter@greatriverfinancial.net There is no charge for this event - Join us for libations and snacks!

May 17th-18th - French Market Days, 10:00am - 4:00pm LeClaire Passport Collecting - Pick up a LeClaire Passport from participating stores and the LeClaire Information Center. Each store will offer a different French stamp. A completed passport will qualify for one entry for a free drawing at the LeClaire Information Center (122 North Cody Road). Shoppers can collect stamps May 17th and 18th only. Other activities include a Jewelry Making Class, Wine Garden Event, Terrarium Class, Afternoon Tea, Glass Garden Crafts, Fashion Plate Pet Contest, Rue de Marche - Vendors on the Alley - furniture, crafters, antiques, Tour de LeClaire - Big Wheel races, Special Exhibit about Antoine LeClaire at the Buffalo Bill Museum, Parasol Art Contest, Plant Exchange, Library Book Sale, Build the Eiffel Tower and Market Bag Classes at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center, and much more! *Activities subject to Change.

May 18th - Reusable Usables - Up-cycled Market Bag Workshop - 2-4 p.m.Turn pet food bags and seed sacks into a reusable farmers market tote!  $8 per bag.  Class maximum 20. RSVP 563-289-3946 or angie@reusableusables.org.  Eifel Tower Building - 10-4 p.m. (no rsvp needed) Re-create the Eifel tower using scraps from Reusable Usables.  Great fun for the entire family.  Donations appreciated!

Save the Date

June 2nd - Live Music at the Wide River Winery Tasting Room "The Ripplers" from 2-5pm 106 N. Cody Road www.wideriverwinery.com

June 7th - First Friday - Downtown LeClaire - 5-8 p.m.

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 16th - Asbury Methodist Church "WORSHIP IN THE PARK" and Potluck Service 10:30 a.m. It will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 1645 23rd Street, Bettendorf. More details will be available soon.

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 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.

* 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

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

FYI

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 Tuesdays 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!

May 14 - Great River Financial - after hours - 5-7 p.m.

June 6 - Black Watch Room - after hours - 5-8pm (1st Thursday)

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.

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center -

2013 Trivia Nights:

May 4 - LeClaire Lions

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.

May 17th-18th French Market Days

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!

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack recently introduced legislation to address the importance of increasing access to critical services in schools to address the non-academic factors that affect students' ability to learn.  His legislation, the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act, would increase student access to school counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, specialized teachers, and community partners such as mental and physical health providers. Loebsack spoke about his legislation during an Education and the Workforce Committee hearing earlier this week.  Video can be found here.

"As a former educator, I recognize the importance of focusing on all of the factors that contribute to student success in order to promote learning and safe and supportive school environments.  Knowing who is available to help struggling students and those in need of more specialized supports is critical," said Loebsack.  "The Reducing Barriers to Learning Act will increase student access to critical services so that we can better address the non-academic needs of students and help them learn in the classroom by addressing issues such as depression, low-self esteem, and speech and language disorders.  This will not only set our children up for success both in school and in their future college and career pursuits, but will also support our teachers' efforts in the classroom."

Loebsack's bill would improve specialized instructional support services in schools and clarify the roles of specialized personnel to ensure they are able to best serve students' needs. It would also create a grant program to develop programs and train personnel dedicated to removing barriers to learning.

The Reducing Barriers to Learning Act is endorsed by the following organizations:

American Federation of Teachers

National Association of Social Workers

American Counseling Association

National Association of School Psychologists

School Social Work Association of America

American Council for School Social Work

National Association of Pupil Services Administrators

American Art Therapy Association

National Association of School Nurses

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YouTube - Videos from this email:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hg_795Y1oVY
This season the Curtainbox will be offering two acting master classes, each appropriate for all levels of acting experience. In each class the student will learn how to analyze the written material to build a compelling performance. We will discuss and practice creating a character, defining relationships, determining specific intentions, and making bold, yet appropriate choices which will all lead to a strong and effective performance.
Monologue and Song Performance Class
Tuesday, June 28th from 6pm-9pm
The novice actor should come prepared to learn. We will provide you with a short monologue on the day of the class.
The actor with experience or who has taken class before should bring in a memorized monologue or song. The material should not exceed 2 minutes and 29 seconds. If the student chooses to bring a song, he/she must provide either a CD with the recorded accompaniment or bring in their own method of reproducing the accompaniment. Cuts of songs are appropriate if the full song is too time consuming. Whether preparing a song or monologue the student is encouraged, though not required, to bring in the written version of the material for reference during class.The student may bring one additional monologue or song which will be addressed as time allows.
CLASS FEE: $75.00 / Student
Scene Study
Tuesday, June 11th from 6pm-9pm
The student will be assigned a particular part in a scene well in advance so that the student has sufficient time to memorize the scene before the night of the class. Come prepared to learn and explore along with your classmates and scene partners.
CLASS FEE: $75.00
PLEASE NOTE: If you sign up for both classes you will get a $25.00 discount. Both classes for $125.00 .
To register:  Please call Kim Furness with any questions you may have regarding our upcoming classes. You may register by downloading the registration form and mailing it in with payment.  Or you may reserve a place in the class by phone, however, your place is not secure until payment is recieved.  Please feel free to call with any questions you may have.  Registration form is attached.
Looking forward to seeing you all in class!!
Kim Furness

Teams will finish series with doubleheader Friday at 5 p.m.; gates will open at 4 p.m.

 

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MAY 9, 2013) - Thursday night's game between the Quad Cities River Bandits and Cedar Rapids Kernels at Modern Woodmen Park has been postponed. The game will be made up in a doubleheader beginning at 5 p.m. Friday. Gates will open on Friday at 4 p.m., and all tickets for Thursday's game may be exchanged for any other 2013 home game.

Quad Cities (19-11) and Cedar Rapids (21-9) have yet to announced pitching matchups for the doubleheader, although the first major league rehab for the Quad Cities at Modern Woodmen Park in seven seasons is scheduled to be a two-inning outing by Astros right-hander Josh Fields on Friday night against the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

 

UP NEXT: Friday will feature a Fireworks show presented by Eastern Iowa Toyota Dealers, WLLR, and WQAD, and it's Home and Garden Night presented by Total Turf & Landscape, as the first 100 fans will receive a Garden Mat from Total Turf & Landscape. da voucher. It is also Blue Grass Community Night. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Senator Chuck Grassley released the following statement after the Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee today released her "mark" that will be the baseline for debate when the committee begins consideration of the bill on Tuesday.  The bill includes payment limit reforms proposed by Grassley.  Click here for information about Grassley's payment limits reform package that he introduced in the Senate.  Click here for information about the support for Grassley's provisions during the budget debate.

"I appreciate Chairwoman Stabenow's continued commitment to farm program payments reform.  When two-thirds of the farm payments go to the wealthiest 10 percent of farmers and there are loopholes that allow farm payments to go to non-farmers, Americans lose confidence that we're using taxpayer money responsibly.  By including my reforms, Chairwoman Stabenow is putting forward a mark that is defensible and effective in this area.

"I was also pleased to see Congressman Fortenberry introduce companion legislation to my payment limits reform bill in the House today.  As the House Agriculture Committee considers a farm bill it would send a strong message if the House included the common sense and meaningful payment limit reforms in Congressman Fortenberry's bill and that Senator Stabenow has included in her mark."

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following bills into law:

House File 356 an Act relating to the statute of limitation periods in bringing suit and executing a judgment in an action on a claim for rent.

House File 487 an Act relating to a manufactured or mobile home retailer's application to a county treasurer for a certificate of title for a used mobile home or manufactured home.

House File 495 an Act relating to the residential landlord and tenant laws and related forcible entry and detainer laws and making penalties applicable

House File 545 an Act creating a new category of allowable expenditures from the Veterans Trust Fund.

House File 565 an Act relating to mechanic's liens and the mechanic's notice and lien registry.

House File 607 an Act relating to the state government, by providing for the transfer of powers and duties from the Agriculture Development Authority to the Iowa Finance Authority, the composition of the Iowa Finance Authority Board of Directors, implementation of law by the board, and including effective date provisions.

House File 631 an Act modifying provisions applicable to the propane education and research council.

Senate File 438 an Act relating to real estate broker and real estate salesperson licensing fees and allocations from those fees, and making an appropriation.

Senate File 451 an Act relating to the taxation of rate-regulated water utilities by establishing rate-regulated water utility replacement tax, imposing a statewide rate-regulated water utility property tax, providing for the administration of the replacement tax and statewide property tax, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

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