MONTICELLO, IA? On Sunday, October 11, 2009, the East Central Federation and Cedar Valley Callers Association will sponsor the 20th anniversary of the Annual Square Dance Benefit for Camp Courageous of Iowa.  The calling begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. in the main lodge at Camp Courageous.

Callers and cuers are invited from all over eastern Iowa and the surrounding areas. Dance clubs as well as individuals and couples are welcome to enjoy the afternoon dancing or just observing in the spacious camp lodge. Tours will be available for anyone interested in seeing all that camp offers including the camp train, the barn and the indoor swimming pool! Admission fee is a donation to camp. Participants are asked to bring along cookies, or a snack to share---beverages are provided.

Camp Courageous of Iowa 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 2008, the camp served over 5,000 campers with special needs.

The Mississippi Valley Growers' Association announces the following October special events at your local Farmers' Market - don't miss the fun, excitement and the locally grown fresh produce.

? The Davenport Farmers' Market at NorthPark Mall, 8:00 am until Noon, East of J. C. Penney's

• October 3:  Apple Cider Press, taste some delicious fresh pressed cider
• October 10:  Wine, grape juice and cheese tasting, compliments of our vendors
• October 17:  Caramel Apple Day - don't leave without your apple for the day
• October 24:  Carved Pumpkin contest - kids - don't miss out on the fun!
• October 31:  Costume Party, get an early start for Halloween at the market.

? And, at the Bettendorf Market on Thursday, October 8th from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm, the Annual Wiener and S'mores Roast.  The Bettendorf Market is located at 23rd and State Streets, parking is behind the vendors if you enter from the light at 23rd Street.

? Coming in November - the Indoor Market.  More details to follow.

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The Quad City Symphony Orchestra launches its 2009-10 season with a concert showcasing the talent and versatility of the 95-year-old organization. This concert features the intricate and concise music of Mozart juxtaposed with the sweeping  majesty of Mahler. These concerts will be performed on October 3 and 4, and are sponsored in memory of Katherine Stafford, by her family. Saturday evening's concert will be held at the Adler Theatre in Davenport at 8 PM, and followed on Sunday afternoon at 2 PM at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. Tickets for this concert can be purchased in person at the QCSO Box Office, 327 Brady Street in Davenport, by phone at 800.745.3000 or online at www.QCSymphony.com.

A gulf of 100 years lay between Mozart's final symphony and Mahler's first. In 1788, as Mozart was scoring his final and perhaps greatest symphony, the romantic period in music was yet to be born. By 1888, when Mahler was completing work on his symphonic premier, composers found themselves in a world just beginning to challenge the now established the romantic movement. In both cases, the powerful music created by these two masters merits the celestial monikers with which they have come to be associated: the primordial Titans of Greco-roman mythology and the Olympian god Jupiter who led their overthrow.

On the Thursday before the concerts, Quad Citians will get the chance to hear Music Director Mark Russell Smith give his insights into the upcoming performance at Inside the Music. Expert and novice alike will enjoy this casual musical conversation at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on Thursday, October 1. This event is free to the public, with wine and cheese provided.

Mark Russell Smith will also be available at Kai Swanson's Concert Conversations, held an hour before each of the weekend's concerts. At Concert Conversations the audience members will be given a quick tour of highlights from the program they are about to experience. New this season, concert conversations will be held in the concert hall itself. This look into the background of the concert's repertoire, sponsored by Rich James of Wells Fargo Advisors, is in its tenth year and has become an audience favorite.

Also new this season, audience members are invited to reminisce about the amazing performance at the Woodfire Grill, 131 West 2nd St., Davenport, immediately following the Saturday night concert. Mingle with Mark Russell Smith, musicians from the QCSO, and sometimes even the guest artist. You never know who will be there! The evening promises free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and remarkable repartee.

Davenport, IA - The Alzheimer's Association is inviting Quad-City residents to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer's by participating in the annual Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®.  The i wireless Center will be site of the Memory Walk on October 3, 2009 at 9 am.  Pre-walk registration begins at 8am the day of the walk.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic that is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.  It is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds.  By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer's disease every 33 seconds.

"There has never been a greater need for Quad-City citizens to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease by participating in Memory Walk," said Julie Seier, an Alzheimer's Association spokesperson.  "As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and funds raised will provide support services to area residents in Iowa and in Illinois living with Alzheimer's, while also contributing to critically needed research."

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is an empowering event that gives participants an opportunity to be Champions and take action in the fight against Alzheimer's.  In addition to the 3 mile walk participants will enjoy music provided by Jukebox Junkie, face painting, children's crafts, food, raffle prizes and vendor displays. The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is nationally presented by Genworth Financial.

About the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®:

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer's.

About the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; to advocate for policy change; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information visit www.alz.org.

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