Celebrating "The Canticle" at The Canticle - An evening with planetary poets

Thursday, August 5, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Clinton, Iowa

The Canticle, home of the Clinton Franciscans, is named for "The Canticle of Creation," a mystical poem / song written by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century.  In it, Francis addresses "Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Fire, and Sister Water," and praises God for all creation.

"Celebrating the Canticle" is an evening with Francis as well as contemporary poets such as Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver whose great works are dedicated to preservation of the planet.

The evening of reflection on Thursday, August 5, will begin at 4:00 pm, conclude at 8 pm and includes dinner.

"'The Canticle of Creation' sings of the whole of creation as a cosmic incarnation," says Sister Mary Smith, director of retreats at The Canticle, who will lead the discussion.

"This genre of poetry offers us a vision of 'reconciled space.' We will explore the power of poetry to awaken us to a greater sense of our oneness with all creation and thereby transform our choices and patterns of daily life.  Only through such transformation can we begin in earnest the work of restoring the devastation that we humans have brought to the Earth."

"Poetry," said Sister Mary, "is a primary wellspring of reality.  It can be the doorway to the world, providing entrance into the marvelous mystery of creation.  Coming into contact with poets - 'expert see-ers' - we can begin to connect with creation and taste the joy and beauty of that intimacy."

The evening with the planetary poets is the second "Peace through Poetry" program to be held at The Canticle.  It will include times of stillness in the beauty of God's creation on The Canticle grounds as well as group reflection and ritual and will conclude with dessert.

For details and to register, call Sisters of St. Francis, 563-242-7611, or see www.clintonfranciscans.com

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Members of the Illinois and Iowa QC Chambers of Commerce voted today to merge the two organizations into a single, unified Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. In separate membership meetings at the iwireless Center, chamber members overwhelmingly approved a recommendation from the two chamber boards to merge staff and operations by September 1st.

Iowa Quad Cities Chamber Chairman John Roche characterized the move as a big step forward for the region. 

"Business members - small and large, from all parts of the Quad Cities community - came together today to state that the river is not a barrier but an opportunity for their companies. We heard loud and clear that members want access to more customers, vendors, suppliers and business associates and that it makes business sense to develop that larger network right here in the Quad Cities," said Roche.

Illinois Quad City Chamber Chairman Steve Bahls expressed confidence that the two chambers will make a smooth transition to the new organization.

"With any merger, there is a transition phase where cultures and practices are blended and refined.  We've taken steps to ensure there is a solid operational plan in place to guide our staff and member services over the next several months. We expect the new Quad Cities Chamber Board of Directors will have a CEO in place within the next several weeks to add even more stability to what we expect will be a smooth transition," said Bahls.

"Beyond the operational plan, the more significant document is the strategic plan that is designed to grow the economy of the region and fortify each of our communities as critical elements of regional growth," said Bahls. "A bi-state plan, staff and board will be well positioned to deliver results for the region and can be more readily accountable to the business community they serve."  

The merger follows last year's merger of DavenportOne and the Bettendorf Chamber and the creation of a chamber-led Quad Cities First, the public-private partnership focused on marketing the region to companies and site selectors outside the area. The Quad Cities Chamber will be one of the largest business organizations in the region, with approximately 2,000 member businesses, 85% of which employ 50 or fewer people.

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Wild Edibles Program Planned

On Saturday, August 7 at 11:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a wild edible program.  Join Amy Newman, AmeriCorps Naturalist, to learn about wild foods found at the Wapsi River Center.  Learn how to identify various "food stuffs" and prepare some easy to make recipes.  Bring your taste buds for this delicious edible presentation.  Call (563) 328-3286 to register.

Back-to-School Program: Scholastic Recyclables

On Saturday, August 7 at 1:30 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a back-to-school program: scholastic recyclables.  Going "green" when it comes to back-to-school supplies is easier than you think and very cost effective!  Learn how to convert cereal boxes, chip bags, food wrappers, soda boxes, juice pouches and t-shirts into functional back-to-school supplies.  These trash treasures will be a guaranteed hit!  This program will offer lots of fundraising ideas for scout troops, environmental clubs and church youth groups.  Registration is required by calling (563) 328-3286 by Thursday, August 5.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.