BETTENDORF, Iowa - Happy Joe Whitty loves people, and it shows. He loves to have a good time and to make people laugh, and that's just what his new book, "Not Your Average Joe" does.

"Walk into Happy Joe's in Bettendorf, Iowa, for their lunch buffet and chances are good that you might find me there, sitting down at my favorite round table, enjoying a slice of the taco pizza I created and made famous," Whitty said.

"I will sit there for hours, talking to guests, telling jokes, and waiting for children to come by. Any child passing me will be rewarded with a wooden nickel, good for a scoop of ice cream or bowl of frozen 'Joegurt,' and that child will know without a doubt that they are a pretty special kid. Because Happy Joe said so."

Readers are sure to love these feel-good stories about a hard-working, good-natured man and his endeavors in business and in the business of making people happy. "I'm not only living proof of the American dream, but proof that the American dream can become a reality for any one of us," Whitty writes. "This is my story. And yours."

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting www.barnesandnoble.com, or www.amazon.com.

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CANTON, MO. (03/08/2013)(readMedia)-- Continuing a spring tour tradition that spans more than 60 years, the Culver-Stockton College Concert and Chamber Choirs, as well as the Wind and Jazz Ensembles traveled throughout Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana Wednesday, Feb. 27 through Tuesday, March 5 for a series of concert performances.

Tyler Hast, freshman music major from Silvis, Ill. performed with the Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir.

Ian Sodawasser, junior musical theatre major from Davenport, Iowa performed with the Concert Choir.

Highlites of the trip include performing in New Orleans' St. Louis Cathedral, as well as on the Creole Queen-Chalmette Battlefield River Cruise in New Orleans. The groups also performed at the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Ark.

March 8, 2013 (Davenport, IA) - The Rotary Club of Davenport will host Dr. Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education, on Monday, March 11, 2013 at noon at The Outing Club in Davenport.  Dr. Glass has been the director of the Iowa Department of Education since his appoint by Governor Terry Branstad and confirmation by the Iowa Senate in December 2010.

Under Director Glass's leadership, the Department has focused on the values of demonstrating courageous leadership, promoting innovation in education, and acting as a servant to schools and communities in Iowa.

As director, he works with the Governor, legislators, the State Board of Education, and Iowans in supporting efforts and initiatives to restore the state's tradition as a national leader in education and to lead transformative change.

Background

The Iowa Department of Education director is appointed by the Governor to serve a four-year term, subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate. The director's role is to provide leadership for the department as it carries out the policies and programs prescribed by state law and the State Board of Education; and to ensure department personnel are providing the necessary oversight and support for all schools, educators and students to meet their academic goals. The department director also serves as the executive officer of the State Board of Education, a nonvoting role.

For more information or to attend the meeting on Monday, contact Johanna Smith at 563-322-3567 or via email at davrotary@netexpress.net.

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What: New workshop for creatives, 'Creative Co-Working: Finding Your Focus'

When: Wednesdays March 13, 20 , 27, and April 3rd from 6-7p

Where: The Artful Office, 1700 2nd Avenue, Suite 1, Rock Island, IL 61201

Who: Nikki Jones, Owner of The Artful Office, graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Marketing Communications, specialization in arts, entrepreneurship, and small business. Her young professional resume includes such work as Paralegal and Office Manager for a law office, Traffic Coordinator and General Manager of a graphic design and production house, and Director of Marketing, Merchandising, and Distribution for a popular brewery. Her desire to succeed as an entrepreneur is matched only by her passion for sharing what she learns with other like-minded individuals.

Description: A relaxed, 4-week series of 'coffee talks' at The Artful Office, located in the District of Rock Island. You have creative ideas and goals flying all over the place, and feel a little helpless to nail them down. This series will both motivate you to purse those goals now and help you figure out which ideas go where on your path to success. In addition to inspriring conversation, we'll use worksheets and excersies that transform thoughts into actions. You'll finish the series with a clearer idea of what success looks like for you and how small steps can carry you down that path. Snacks and beverages provided.

Week 1: Defining Success & Why We Simply MUST Do What We Love

Week 2: Using Our Past, Present, and Future to Prioritize Ideas and Goals

Week 3: Uncovering Our Personal Brand (without getting put in a box)

Week 4: Taking Action to Draw Opportunities to Ourselves

Registration: $40 - register online at jonesfordesign.com or on facebook at TheArtfulOffice

 

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