Environmental educators, naturalists and park interpreters from across the country gathered in St. Paul, Minnesota, November 8-12 for the National Association of Interpretation Workshop. 

Greg Wolf with Davenport Parks and Recreation was one of 56 members of the Iowa Association of Naturalists who received scholarships to attend the workshop in St. Paul.

Presenters and attendees shared new ideas, talents, and examples of actions to enhance existing programs and develop new methods to engage families, schools, and other groups in natural resource education and recreation. 

Concurrent session topics ranged from how to utilize "apps" to promote recreation opportunities by iPhone users to nature-based activities for pre-schoolers. "I was able to attend a number of sessions during the workshop," noted Mr Wolf. "Thanks to a REAP Conservation Education Program/Iowa Association of Naturalists Scholarship, I was able to benefit from experiences and ideas of the presenters and other workshop attendees from across the U.S. and Canada.

These sessions will help me improve the outdoor education and recreation opportunities we provide for area residents and visitors."

Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) provides funding to public and private partners for natural and cultural resource projects, including water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, parks, trails, historic preservation, and more. The Iowa Association of Naturalists promotes education about natural and cultural environments.

For more information about the environmental education opportunities in Davenport, contact Greg Wolf at 563-326-PARKS. For more information about the REAP program, contact Tammie Krausman, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 (Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov ).

The National Federation of Republican Assemblies, NFRA, held a Presidential Preference Convention in Des Moines, Iowa this last Saturday, October 29, to measure all the candidates' popularity among Ronald Reagan/Barry Goldwater conservatives. The Convention was promoted on the NFRA website as "the last major straw poll before the Iowa Caucuses" and The NFRA is one of the oldest and largest GOP grassroots organizations and promotes Reagan and Goldwater conservatism, small government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, a strong defense, the right to life, and a decent America.

430 votes were cast and it was no surprise that Ron Paul won 82% among Reagan/Goldwater conservatives in Iowa. What WAS a surprise to many was the condemnation of the Ron Paul supporters by, Eric Golub a.k.a. the "preeminent politically conservative comedian", one of the guest speakers during the luncheon, questioning Paul supporters to be "good little soldiers and fall in line when Ron Paul is not the party's nominee" which immediately erupted into boo's by many of the members of the Convention. Then to add insult to injury, the 94 NFRA delegates representing 26 of the 37 states where the NFRA operates, later disregarded their own convention members' vote for Ron Paul and nominated instead Rick Santorum, the third place candidate with less than 1% of the vote, as their organization's official endorsement.

Rick Santorum is known for his stance against privacy rights and his interest in perpetual war and nation building like the Bush and Obama presidential administrations of the past and present. This is hardly a Reagan/Goldwater Conservative favorite, as indicated by his poor support at the Convention by Iowa members. "If this is what the leadership of this organization really represents, then I doubt they will continue to exist in the near future as the liberty movement continues to grow across this country," said Michael Elliott, one of the Iowa voters and attendees at the Convention.

One thing is for certain, Ron Paul and his supporters were definitely the life of the Party at this convention and could very well be the life of the Republican Party so long as Republican Party leaders don't miss this window of opportunity to boost its membership and popularity. Michael Elliott added, "As the old saying goes, hindsight is 20/20, let's see if the other Republican leaders are wise enough to learn from the NFRA's missed opportunity."

Iowans For Accountability (IFA) is fighting to hold politicians accountable to we the people, and make sure government works for all of us, not just wealthy special interests and the well-connected. IFA is a Non-Party Political Organization (NPPO) that actively supports or opposes ballot issues or candidates, regardless of party affiliation and when necessary, IFA runs its own candidates. Michael D. Elliott is the IFA Chairman. Website: www.ScottcountyIFA.com

Sunday mornings, treat yourself to something sweet.  Or something savory.  Treat yourself to La Lou Crepes!

Serving from 9am until 1pm inside Dunn Brothers Coffee at 787 Middle Road in Bettendorf, Lou and Chad create delicious crepes for you to enjoy.  The menu changes each Sunday, and some of the most recent flavors have been Banana Split, Chicken & Waffles, Nutella & Banana, Green Eggs & Ham, and Very Berry Banana.  There is at least one sweet selection and one savory selection each Sunday.

Add a Dunn Bros. coffee or tea beverage and you have yourself an nice breakfast or brunch.

Visit La Lou Crepes at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/laloucrepes

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILL. - First Army Headquarters, Division and Brigade Commanders, and Family Leaders are participating in a Physical Fitness training event, Tuesday, November 8 at the River's Edge sports complex at 700 W. River Drive, Davenport, Iowa at 6:30 a.m.

Physical Fitness training activities at the River's Edge include Commanders, NCOs, and Family Leadership group members participating in soccer in the River's Edge indoor soccer area, as well as broomball in the ice rink. Physical Fitness training events are designed to foster cohesion, team spirit and physical fitness.

Lt. Gen. Mick Bednarek is hosting the first commander's and Family Leadership Conference held by First Army in the Quad Cities area. The conference participants include unit Commanders, their top Noncommissioned Officers, and each unit's Family Readiness Group Leaders. The conference participants, from military installations across the United States, will attend conference sessions November 8-9.

The Family Leadership Conference will provide information on military installation and community support systems for Soldiers and Family members. Family Leaders, in turn, will provide First Army Soldiers and their spouses a better understanding of the First Army mission.

Media wishing to attend the Physical Fitness training event at the River's Edge should contact First Army Public Affairs Public Information, Tony Lopez at 309.782.9717 or Tony.Lopez6@us.army.mil or First Army Director, Public Affairs, Lt. Col. Mike Kenfield 309.782.9200 or Michael.w.kenfield.mil@mail.mil.

 

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What: 1 Year In Combined Location Celebration

Where: 418 E. 2nd Street, Downtown Davenport (At the foot of the Arsenal Bridge)

Date: Saturday, November 5th

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Notes: Live music all day, 20% off merchandise at BOTH stores, 50% off DVD's (except music DVD's)
(Davenport, Iowa) - Ragged Records and Trash Can Annie Vintage Clothing are pleased to
announce a celebration of one year together at their 418 E. 2nd Street location in fabulous
downtown Davenport! Saturday, November 5th will mark the one year anniversary that the two
businesses opened under one roof to provide one-stop shopping and cultural stimulation for
the Quad Cities. Please join in and help staff and friends celebrate this momentous occasion.
Enjoy live music all day featuring performances by American Dust, Anthony Catalfano Trio,
Teenage, and more. All used merchandise will be 20% off at both shops! Also, all DVD's
(except music) will be 50% off through November.

Stop in to say hello and while you're here, pick up some rad vintage clothes, music, and memorabilia. You know it's the place where all the cool kids go...

Band Schedule
10:30 - Teenage (Lo-Fi Folk, Pop, Psych)
12:00 - American Dust (Singer/Songwriter, Lo-Fi Folk)
2:00 - Anthony Catalfano Trio (A Jazz trio playing the music of: Coltrane, Monk, Shorter & more
3:30 - Jose Dilucio (Bossa Nova).

Monticello, IA– Camp Courageous will sponsor the 3rd annual "Walkin' & Wheelin' for Camp Courageous" on Saturday November 12, 2011.  This fun-filled event will take place from 8:30-11:00 a.m. at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids.  Registration is from 8:30-9:30, with the walk from 9:30-10:30. Awards will be presented from 10:30-11:00.  T-shirts will be given to each participant who has collected a minimum of $10 in donations. Prizes will be awarded to the individual and team raising the most money for this event.

Participants may pre-register for this event by calling 319-465-5916 Ext. 2130, visiting camp's website at www.campcourageous.org, or may register the day of the event.
Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities, located near Monticello, Iowa.  The camp was built and continues to operate on donations, without government support, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fundraisers.  In 2010, the camp served nearly 6,000 individuals with special needs.

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FAYETTE, IA (11/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its 2011 graduates, degree earned and respective honors.

Summa cum laude is awarded to those with a 3.8 to 4.0 GPA;

magna cum laude (3.6-3.79 GPA),

and cum laude (3.3-3.59 GPA).

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study.

DAVENPORT SCHOOL OF YOGA EXPANDS TO SECOND LOCATION

New Bettendorf Yoga Studio Opens Nov. 7

Davenport School of Yoga opens a second yoga studio Nov. 7 at 3420 Towne Point Drive, Bettendorf. To celebrate, a new curriculum has been developed to include special classes for parents and children to take together, as well as seniors seeking to maintain an active lifestyle.

"A number of our current students come from Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley and Leclaire. We believe this is the right time to expand to serve these students," says Davenport School of Yoga founder Jeani Mackenzie.

"Our focus is on creating health improvements for each individual, no matter what their skill level. The school is based in traditional western Hatha yoga, which takes the body through its full, natural range of motion in a series of simple movements. No matter what your starting point, the result of yoga is improved strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and concentration."

A complete course and fee schedule is available by visiting www.davenportschoolofyoga.com . An open house for the Bettendorf studio will be held Nov.12. All morning classes will be free to guests. Instructors will be providing free demonstrations from 11 to 2 p.m. Walk-in guests are welcome.

Mackenzie has been teaching yoga for more than 32 years. Her original studio is located at 421 Brady Street, Davenport.

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The former Econo Lodge converts to a Days Inn 

Heart of America Group announces the opening of the new Days Inn today. Heart of America Group converted its Econo Lodge, located off I-80 and Northwest Blvd, to an official Days Inn property. CEO Mike Whalen announced, "We are proud to have teamed up with the Days Inn, which is part of the Wyndham Worldwide Hotels". The Days Inn will undergo a refresh that includes a newly designed lobby, new room décor, and the addition of a fitness center. Renovations will begin shortly and be completed in time for the busy summer season. "We look forward to a strong partnership between the Days Inn and the Quad City area" says Whalen. The Days Inn is located adjacent to the award winning Iowa Machine Shed restaurant which is also managed and owned by Heart of America Group.

To make a reservation, visit www.daysinn.com or call 563-391-8222.

The company started with a 100-seat restaurant back in 1978, The Iowa Machine Shed. Heart of America Group has evolved into one of the Midwest's premier design, construction, and management companies with a 33 year history of developing award-winning properties. Currently Heart of America Group is located in ten metropolitan areas across six Midwestern states.

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Bill Self (1921 - 2010) appeared in more than 30 films between 1945 and 1952, including "Red River" directed by Howard Hawks, and went on to produce many feature films including "The Shootist" starring John Wayne. His love for the American West was kindled early on with a movie about a lady sharpshooter, Annie Oakley.

Once 15-year-old Bill Self saw Barbara Stanwyck star as Annie Oakley at the Keith Theatre in Dayton, Ohio, he was hooked. Oakley's brother, who lived nearby, had loaned some of his Oakley memorabilia for display in the theatre lobby. The 1935 film and the memorabilia fired Self's imagination, and his fascination with Oakley and William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody took root.

As the story goes, Bill Self had embraced Annie Oakley's work so much, that after that first movie, he contacted Oakley's brother, and the two became friends. Then, at age 17, he started writing an Oakley biography and persuaded his family to travel to Cody, Wyoming, so that he could study the Oakley scrapbooks in what was then the original Buffalo Bill Museum.

He even went so far as to coax the museum's founder and curator, Mary Jester Allen (Buffalo Bill's niece), to name him Assistant Historian?complete with letterhead stationery and business cards! The book he started was never published, but Self's love for Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, and the West led to service on the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center from 1984 until his death in 2010.

On Friday, September 23, 2011, Self's daughter, Barbara Self Malone, on behalf of herself and her brother, Edwin B. Self, presented a large collection of their father's Annie Oakley memorabilita to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. Over the years, the elder Self had given much of his Annie Oakley collection to the Center, adding to its extensive Buffalo Bill and western history holdings. Included in this bequest and previous gifts were clothing, letters, gear, firearms, photographs, and other memorabilia.

"Dad always loved heroes," Malone says. "Even as a teenager, he was fascinated by Annie Oakley. She took risks; she excelled; and she had a strong connection to the American West. With his collection, he felt connected to Annie Oakley; and with his early experiences in that Buffalo Bill Museum, he never hesitated in his desire that the collection should one day go to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center."

Part of the bequest was a ca.1892 William Cashmore rifle produced by Charles Lancaster & Company. Malone and her husband, George, formally presented the English-made double rifle?thought to be the customized to Oakley's measurements with a silver AO on the stock?at a luncheon of the Center's Board of Trustees in Cody.

The Historical Center has one of the most important Annie Oakley collections in existence including clothing, gear, saddle, firearms, posters, and photographs.

"We couldn't be more pleased about this acquisition," Executive Director and CEO Bruce Eldredge said. "With it, we add significantly to our Annie Oakley collection?much of it due to the generosity of Bill Self and his family. These latest treasures are truly extraordinary."

Committed to connecting people with the Spirit of the American West, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, weaves the varied threads of the western experience?history and myth, art and Native culture, firearms technology and the nature of Yellowstone?into the rich panorama that is the American West. For general information, visit www.bbhc.org, or call 307.587.4771.

ADDITIONAL INFO BELOW:

WILLIAM E. "BILL" SELF BIO (1921 - 2010):

William E. "Bill" Self was born in Dayton, Ohio, on June 21, 1921. After his graduation from the University of Chicago in 1943, he made his way to Los Angeles to become an actor. His first role was that of Private Gawky Henderson in the 1945 film The Story of G.I. Joe. All told, between 1945 and 1952, he appeared in over 30 films.

In 1952, Self moved to the less glamorous side of the camera and launched his extensive career in television production, first with CBS Television Network, and later to a 15-year stint with Twentieth Century Fox. He left Fox in 1975 to join with Mike Frankovich in the development and production of television and feature films, a partnership that was short-lived but produced The Shootist (1976), John Wayne's last film, and From Noon Till Three (1976) starring Charles Bronson.

Later, Self returned to CBS in several capacities, eventually being tapped as President of CBS Theatrical Film Production. He served in this capacity for three years, supervising the creation of 10 movies. After that, when CBS decided to discontinue its feature film business, Self created the independent William Self Productions to develop both television and feature films. In partnership with Norman Rosemont, Self produced several works for television's Hallmark Hall of Fame. His Sarah, Plain and Tall, co-produced with Glenn Close, received the highest rating of any Hallmark Hall of Fame to that date.

From childhood, Self was described as having "enthusiasms"?keen interests that became life-long pursuits. After he won a citywide contest in Dayton to appear in a magic show, he developed a love for magic and had memberships in several magic organizations. His early love for movies served him well later in film and television. And, after meeting a champion tennis player in the lobby of a theatre in 1932, Self convinced his parents to buy him a tennis racket?leading to many a match with the likes of Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, and Jack Warner, among other Hollywood notables.

Because of his affinity for Buffalo Bill, his Wild West show, Annie Oakley, and the American West, Self was appointed to the Buffalo Bill Museum Advisory Board of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in 1982 and became a member of the Center's Board of Trustees in 1984, a position he held until his death in 2010.


ANNIE OAKLEY BIO (1860- 1926):

Annie Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Moses?Annie to her family?on August 13, 1860, in Darke County, Ohio. After the death of her father and stepfather, the 9-year-old Oakley lived with the superintendent's family at the Darke County Infirmary, which housed the elderly, the orphaned, and the mentally ill. In exchange for helping with the children, Oakley received an education and learned the skill of sewing, which she would later use to make her own costumes.

As a young teen, she returned to her family after her mother had married a third time. To help with family finances, Oakley used her father's old Kentucky rifle to hunt small game for the local grocery store for resale to hotels and restaurants. Her hunting enterprise was so successful that she was able to pay the $200 mortgage on her mother's house with the money she'd earned...and she was just 15 years old!

One of her "customers"?who was impressed with her shooting?invited her to participate in a contest against well-known marksman, Frank E. Butler. Oakley won the match with 25 shots from 25 attempts; Butler missed one, but that didn't stop him from being totally enamored of his opponent. Eventually, the two shooters were married on August 23, 1876.

The Butlers traveled with their shooting performances, signed up with the Sells Brothers Circus for one season in 1884 as "champion rifle shots," and then joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West in 1885. Oakley became a star attraction, and Butler was content to be her manager and assistant. The two prospered with the Wild West and remained with the show for 16 years?including two trips to Europe that secured her position as a seasoned performer and star of the Wild West. In truth, Annie Oakley may have been the first woman celebrity.

Because of a desire for less travel, the Butlers left Buffalo Bill in1901. They did continue to perform, however, finally retiring from shooting exhibitions in 1913. Eventually they moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina, where Oakley wrote a touching eulogy for Cody in 1917, noting "the passing of a golden era."

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Oakley unsuccessfully offered to raise a regiment of woman volunteers to fight in the war and went so far as volunteering to teach marksmanship to the troops. She gave her time to the National War Council of the Young Men's Christian Association, War Camp Community Service, and the Red Cross. She had, by all accounts, a very philanthropic soul.

In 1926, after 50 happy years of marriage, the Butlers passed away within three weeks of each other: Annie Oakley died on November 3, and Frank Butler died November 21. Both died of natural causes after a long and adventuresome life.


THE COLLECTION:

Annie Oakley about husband Frank Butler, June 30, 1926, five months before his death

"He is so gloomy and looks so queer and bad. And he will sure go if he does not think of more pleasant things and stop reading all the murders and things that pray on his mind."

-Affect. Missie

Annie Oakley to husband Frank Butler, October 21, 1926, two weeks before her death

"Jimmie. Sorry you fainted, but you are in the best hands you could get into. Don't try to write any of your checks. Just sign...So glad you are getting some sunshine there. Hope you feel better."

-Lovingly. Missie

Annie Oakley to husband Frank Butler, undated

"Don't tell me anything about the house. Just tell me about yourself."

The latest additions to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's collections include several personal letters between Annie Oakley and her husband, Frank Butler?evidently the last ones they wrote to each other. Literally touching that correspondence, seeing the handwriting, and sampling the sentiment?as brief as it was?gives new insight into the life of Buffalo Bill's star, Sitting Bull's "Little Sure Shot," and Frank Butler's "Missie."

But, this recent acquisition also provides a window on Bill Self, the collector. Simply put, his collection of Annie Oakley photographs, clippings, film, letters, and objects is extraordinary. Witness:

  • a wig Oakley used when she became prematurely gray-haired
  • powder horn
  • spurs
  • film
  • historic news clippings about the Butlers
  • and, of course, the ca. 1892 William Cashmore rifle produced by Charles Lancaster & Company

In this collection, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center can celebrate the spirit of the American West anew and join the Self family in commemorating Bill's Self love for the West.

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