[MOLINE, IL] (February 22, 2012) - Elizabeth Sharis, a 14 year old junior member of Y Quad Cities Rowing, competed this past weekend at the 31st annual CRASH B World Indoor Rowing Championships. The event was held at Agganis Arena at Boston University before a record crowd of more than 8,000 spectators. More than 2,200 athletes competed in several age and weight divisions; 24 countries were represented, including 47 athletes from the United Kingdom, 38 from Canada, and 16 from Germany. All athletes completed 2000 meters on Concept2 Ergometer indoor rowing machines, with real-time results shown on large screens over the arena for rowing enthusiasts and other spectators to see.

Sharis competed in the Junior Women's Lightweight division. A total of 100 girls aged 14-18 years and 135 pounds or under were in her event. Christine Cavallo (Orlando, FL) and Sharis pulled away early from the rest of the field and had a very close race for most of the 2000 meter race. However, Cavallo began to edge ahead in the final 400 meters and finished strongly, recording a time of 7:16.7, the third fastest time in event history. Sharis finished with a 7:21.6, more than 8 seconds ahead of third place. The two juniors very fast times would have placed them 4th and 6th, respectively, in the women's open lightweight event.

Sharis and all the other junior Y Quad Cities rowers will be competing in a regional indoor race in Chicago this weekend. The race is the team's final indoor competition. Outdoor practices begin in late March and regional and national regattas take place in May and June.

Youth ages 12 to 18 who are interested in learning more about the sport of rowing are invited to an Open House Saturday, March 24, 9 am to 11 am at the Sylvan Boathouse, 1701 1st Avenue, Moline. Call Dave Weaver at 762-6030 to learn more.

the Y

The Two Rivers YMCA strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. They Y engages men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. www.tworiversymca.com

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Jan Meyer's Biker's Diary offers readers reflections of life from a decade on the seat of a bike

LANESBORO, Minn. - Originally written as a diary and published as a weekly newspaper column, Jan Meyer's new nonfiction book Biker's Diary: The Best of Ten Years--One Woman's Adventures in Life, Both On and Off Her Bicycle (published by AuthorHouse) covers 10 years of the author's life and bicycling.

 

Biker's Diary: The Best of Ten Years crosses the globe both physically - visiting landscapes as diverse as Lincoln, Nebraska and Bluff County, Minnesota to Norway, Thailand and Southeast Asia - and emotionally:

 

12 August 2002: Shock can't be anticipated. The oncologist/hematologist came in and found a place to sit down, even though that wasn't easy since my spouse, I, and my elevated leg were occupying all the chairs. That should have been the first clue.

He then proceeded to say that what he had to talk with us about was bad. And he went right into the nitty gritty: "You have acute myelogenous leukemia."

 

Despite the sometimes-serious content, Meyer insists the book is a light and fun read, "...incorporating humor and everyday experiences into a book about one person's philosophy of life."

 

About the Author

Jan Meyer started riding a bike at an early age and, like many, dropped the bike as a form of either transportation or fun as soon as she could drive. Many years later, the bike trails of southeast Minnesota and then Lincoln, Nebraska, called to her, and her bike again became both a way to go to and from places and, with enough bungee cords, a way to tote and haul anything. Good exercise was an added bonus. And then she discovered it was also a good perch for philosophizing about life.

 

Meyer holds a Ph. D. from the University of Minnesota, worked for United Airlines for many years, and was faculty at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota. She spent many years as a management development consultant for companies in the U.S. and Canada, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. She specialized in crisis management: preparation, prevention, and response for companies vulnerable to highly visible crises such as airlines and oil companies, among others. In retirement, she does more of the same along with volunteer work and continuing a longtime love of writing.

Public invited to experience free fitness classes and enter for a chance to win thousands in prizesHHhh

Moline, IL / February 20, 2012 - Moline's most comprehensive new fitness facility, Fitness Xpress is hosting a Celebration of Motivation, offering participants a chance to win THOUSANDS in prizes, including a trip for two to Hawaii and a new Lifecycle® stationery bicycle.   The event begins with a Chamber Ribbon-Cutting and tour Thursday, February 23rd and continues through Saturday February 25th with opportunities for the public to try free fitness classes.   To schedule a free classes during the grand opening, go to www.fx247.com.

Fitness Xpress's model for success is firmly grounded in the knowledge that the key to achieving any goal is motivation.  When that goal requires significant behavior changes, the importance of motivation is multiplied.  Fitness Xpress offers a full array of group fitness classes that provide members with a wide variety of fitness options that are fun as well as motivating and never get stale.  Fitness Xpress' Group Fitness Classes include :

  • Zumba: a Latin dance-inspired fitness program that incorporates hip-hop, Soca, Samba, Salsa, Meringue, Mambo, martial arts and some Bollywood and belly dance moves plus squats and lunges.
  • Body Pump™ and Body Combat™ -- Les Mills® -licensed classes which refresh their music and choreography every three months.  New Zealand-based Les Mills is named for the former Olympic shot put medalist and later Mayor of Auckland, New Zealand, who has become the standard-bearer for group fitness classes.  Group fitness classes invite members to put aside whatever else is happening, and lose themselves for an hour in a pure, invigorating challenge that will improve their body, mind and motivation.  Research by AC Nielsen indicates that Les Mills class members attend three times more often than standard freestyle classes.
  • Super Cycling classes in dedicated cycling studio.  Super Cycling focuses on endurance, strength, intervals, high intensity and recovery using a special stationary exercise bicycles with a weighted flywheel in a classroom setting.
  • Kickboxing, Kettlebell Blast, Fitness Frenzy, Lower Body Meltdown, Body Blast, Fat-Burning Aerobics and Yoga.

Fitness Xpress' Director of Operations David Bedwell says, "Many of our members discovered Fitness Xpress' after plateauing at other clubs.  We specialize in partnering with our members to help them find the motivation they need to achieve their goals...not just in fitness, but in life." Fitness Xpress is the Quad-Cities' home to Thin and Healthy's Total Solution® which has been called "the BEST kept secret in weight loss" by the Executive Producer for Oxygen Channel's Fitness Insider program. Thin and Healthy Total Solution®  GUARANTEES 2-7 pounds of weight loss per week and incorporates a comprehensive approach to positive life change.  Thin and Healthy has helped local members achieve not only impressive weight loss, but positive professional accomplishments.

Fitness Xpress, a locally owned and operated company and has membership levels that offer 24-hour access, a bring-a-friend free program, free classes and free-tanning.  Memberships start at $9.95 per month with no long-term commitment required.  To learn more about Fitness Xpress go to www.fx247.com.  To learn more about Thin and Healthy's Total Solution go to www.thinandhealthytotalsolutions.com.

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The Iowa Games, Iowa's largest amateur sports festival, provides more than 20,000 athletes with a variety of Olympic-style sports during the Summer and Winter Games. The Games are part of the National Congress of State Games and are open to Iowa residents of all ages and abilities. The Iowa Games is hosted by the Iowa Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization which has a participation base of over 190,000 Iowans. For a complete listing of all the Iowa Games events and results please visit www.iowagames.org.

Bettendorf
Maya Baker, Gold, Basic 3 Compulsory Moves, Figure Skating;
Maya Baker, Gold, Basic 3 Freeskate, Figure Skating;
Lauren Barlow, Bronze, Preliminary Compulsory Moves, Figure Skating;
Brianna Hakenewerth, Silver, Forms / Children/Junior Novice 11-17, Martial Arts;
Brianna Hakenewerth, Silver, Sparring / Children/Junior Novice 11-17, Martial Arts;
Todd Hubbard, Bronze, Forms / Men/Women Novice 35-49, Martial Arts;
Todd Hubbard, Gold, Forms / Team Intermediate Bracket 2, Martial Arts;
Todd Hubbard, Gold, Sparring / Men/Women Novice 35-49, Martial Arts;
Alex Kurth, Silver, Open Class Giant Slalom / Male 18-25, Alpine Ski Racing;
Alex Kurth, Gold, Open Class Slalom / Male 18-25, Alpine Ski Racing;
Levi Langel, Gold, 1-2 Grade / Bantam 3, Wrestling - Dubuque;
Mike Mendelin, Gold, Men's Classical 8K / 35-39, Cross Country Skiing;
Mike Mendelin, Silver, Men's Freestyle 11.2K / 35-39, Cross Country Skiing;
Elissa Moylan, Gold, Pre-Preliminary Artistic, Figure Skating;
Elissa Moylan, Gold, Pre-Preliminary Freeskate Group B, Figure Skating;
Elissa Moylan, Gold, Preliminary Compulsory Moves, Figure Skating;
Norm Riek, Bronze, Doubles / Championship Level, Table Tennis;
Norm Riek, Silver, Singles / 40 & Over, Table Tennis;
Richard Stubblefield, Gold, Doubles / Beginner Level, Table Tennis;


Davenport
Erik Belby, Bronze, Men's Classical 8K / 35-39, Cross Country Skiing;
Erik Belby, Bronze, Men's Freestyle 11.2K / 35-39, Cross Country Skiing;
Lyette Boucher, Silver, Forms / 2nd Degree & Above 14-34, Martial Arts;
Lyette Boucher, Bronze, Sparring / Black Belt/2nd Degree & Above 14-34, Martial Arts;
Jeff Bradley, Gold, Men's Freestyle 11.2K / 50-59, Cross Country Skiing;
Doug Christensen, Gold, Forms / Men/Women Intermediate 35-49, Martial Arts;
Doug Christensen, Gold, Sparring / Men/Women Intermediate 35-39, Martial Arts;
Dorie Dettmann, Silver, Adult Freeskate, Figure Skating;
Jacob Felderman, Gold, 5-6 Grade / Junior 1, Wrestling - Dubuque;
Alexandra Foley, Silver, Basic 6 Compulsory Moves, Figure Skating;
Alexandra Foley, Bronze, Basic 6 Freeskate, Figure Skating;
Alex Gosa, Gold, Sparring / Children Novice 4-10, Martial Arts;
Yeo Jin Kim, Silver, Forms / Men/Women Novice 35-49, Martial Arts;
Yeo Jin Kim, Silver, Sparring / Men/Women Novice 35-49, Martial Arts;
Arnold Kompaniyets, Gold, Doubles / Beginner Level, Table Tennis;
Arnold Kompaniyets, Bronze, Singles / Championship Level, Table Tennis;
Ben Lloyd, Gold, Men's Classical 8K / 25-29, Cross Country Skiing;
Joanna Lochner, Silver, Female / 35-39, Road Race;
Grace Lomelino, Silver, Pre-Preliminary Freeskate Group A, Figure Skating;
Grace Lomelino, Silver, Preliminary Compulsory Moves, Figure Skating;
Lisa Michaels, Bronze, Forms / Men/Women Novice 18-34 Bracket 2, Martial Arts;
Michael Middlemiss, Gold, Open Class Giant Slalom / Male 65 & Over, Alpine Ski Racing;
Michael Middlemiss, Gold, Open Class Slalom / Male 65 & Over, Alpine Ski Racing;
Theresa Monfre, Bronze, Forms / Men/Women Novice 18-34 Bracket 1, Martial Arts;
Theresa Monfre, Gold, Forms / Team Intermediate Bracket 2, Martial Arts;
Theresa Monfre, Silver, Sparring / Men/Women Novice 18-34 Bracket 1, Martial Arts;
Rich Nelson, Gold, Men's Classical 8K / 50-59, Cross Country Skiing;
Gary Robbins, Silver, Open Class Giant Slalom / Male 56-64, Alpine Ski Racing;
Terry Sanders, Silver, Forms / Men/Women Intermediate 35-49, Martial Arts;
Terry Sanders, Silver, Sparring / Men/Women Intermediate 35-39, Martial Arts;
Logan Schimanski, Gold, 3-4 Grade / Cadet 8, Wrestling - Dubuque;
Tae-Yang Shin, Bronze, Forms / Children Novice/Intermediate 4-7, Martial Arts;
Tae-Yang Shin, Bronze, Sparring / Novice/Intermediate 4-7, Martial Arts;
Kenny Snook, Silver, Forms / Men/Women Novice 18-34 Bracket 1, Martial Arts;
Kenny Snook, Bronze, Sparring / Men/Women Novice 18-34 Bracket 1, Martial Arts;
Giovanni Torres, Gold, Forms / Men/Women Intermediate 18-34, Martial Arts;
Giovanni Torres, Gold, Sparring / Men/Women Intermediate 18-34, Martial Arts;
Jackson Tracy, Silver, Open Class Giant Slalom / Para Skiers, Alpine Ski Racing;
Jackson Tracy, Gold, Open Class Slalom / Para Skiers, Alpine Ski Racing;
Conner Wedig, Gold, 1-2 Grade / Bantam 7, Wrestling - Dubuque;
Randy Wiest, Bronze, Doubles / Championship Level, Table Tennis;
Kirby Winn, Silver, Men's Classical 8K / 35-39, Cross Country Skiing;
Deb Wood, Gold, Women's Freestyle 11.2K / 30-34, Cross Country Skiing;

St. Louis, Missouri Hosts Several Acres of Guns, Gear & Outfitters

 

Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased to announce this year's Annual Meetings and Exhibits to be held at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri from April 12-15, 2012.

and on Twitter @NRAILA.

Members of the news media are welcome to cover this year's event. For press credentials, please call NRA Public Affairs at (703) 267-3820. Credentials will be available for pick-up in the press office starting Thursday, April 12. Television crews and still photographers should bring necessary equipment and lenses (sports lenses) to cover events from platforms at a distance from the stage. (Please note: Due to limited resources, requests from U.S. media outlets will be given priority over foreign media requests. All foreign media requests will be handled as time and resources allow.)

Over 60,000 attendees are expected at this year's Annual Meetings and Exhibits, making this one of the largest in NRA's 141-year history. Leading firearm manufacturers will display the firearm industry's latest and greatest products. Guides and outfitters, various hunting and shooting accessories, and an extensive private collection displayed by NRA-affiliated gun collector clubs will fill acres of convention space.

The ever-popular NRA's Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum will take place on Friday, April 13, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. A list of confirmed speakers will be forthcoming closer to the event.

NRACountry, a proud partnership between NRA and country music's brightest stars is pleased to present, in collaboration with Bushnell, NRACountry Jam II at the Ferrara Theatre on Friday, April 13. This year's featured artist will be country music superstar and lifetime NRA member Trace Adkins. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

NRA's 4th Annual Celebration of American Values Freedom Event will take place Saturday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. Glenn Beck, political commentator and host of the Glenn Beck Program, will be the featured speaker for the evening. Guests will also be treated to a rousing performance by award-winning comedian and member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Larry the Cable Guy.

NRA's Annual Meetings and Exhibits provide a safe and fun atmosphere the whole family can enjoy. The ever-popular air gun range is a top attention-grabber -- both for participants and observers. NRA offers diverse seminars throughout the three-day convention, including methods of concealed carry; hunting; Firearms Law; the Grassroots Workshop; and Refuse to Be a Victim®.

For more information, including event tickets, please visit www.nraam.org.

-NRA-

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

On Saturday, February 18 from 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. Scott County Park (Whispering Pines Shelter) will be hosting a "Get Outdoors" Day. Come join Wapsi River Center naturalists to explore and enjoy a few healthy, winter recreational activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (please bring winter boots), hiking and sledding (please bring your own).  Equipment will provided throughout the day on a rotating basis.  We will have the shelter to warm up, plus hot drinks will be provided - BYOM (bring your own mug).  Participants are welcome to bring a "picnic" lunch as well to enjoy by the fire!  This event is weather dependent; if conditions are not favorable the event will be cancelled.  Please call (563) 328-3286 to register.

The south entrance to Scott County Park (18850 270th Street ~ Eldridge) is located off old Highway 61 just north of Parkview.  The whispering pine shelter can be found by taking two, consecutive right-hand turns upon entering the park (from the south).
February 2012
Parks and Recreation Newsletter
Recreation

For all events and activities, go online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 328-PARK (7275) for more information.

 

Wendy's Chili Golf Open

Wondering what there is to do in the middle of winter?  Play golf!  The annual Davenport Parks and Recreation Wendy's Chili Golf Open is sure to be a blast!  There are two things for certain: "Anything can happen in the middle of an Iowa winter" and the Chili Open will be delicious! Golfers receive a package of 3 neon golf balls and nine modified holes for winter golf.

Saturday, February 4, 8:00am - 1:00pm at Credit Island Lodge.

 

Mia the Melodramatic - Junior Theatre Mia Header

Mia is starting to grow up and she is finding it to be a greater adventure than she expected!  When suddenly Mia is thrust into a summer at a Children's Theatre, she realizes just how talented she truly is.  This original play was written and adapted by Eileen Boggess, author of the popular book series and a Junior Theatre alum!

$5.00 for anyone 3 years and up, tickets sold at door

Saturday, Feb 18 & 25 @ 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM / Sunday, Feb 19 & 26 @ 2:00 PM

 

Daddy Daughter Dance

This is a fantastic time for Dad's to spend with their daughter's.  It is a wonderful event to have some quality time spent having fun, dressing up, and dancing.  Couples will be treated to a dinner buffet, crafts, dancing, and a chance to win prizes.  A professional photographer will be available to take couple's photos.  Dads can be uncles, grandpas, step-fathers.  Spend some time together, we clean up the mess and there is no school on Monday following the dance so you can sleep in!

Fee:  $40 per couple, $20 each additional child, must register both parent and child!

daddy daughter

You must pre-register. No tickets sold at the door!

Sunday, February 19, 5:30pm - 8:00pm at the River Center in Davenport.

 

Toddling on the Wild Side

Environmental friendly programming for toddlers:

February 2 and 16th at Fairmount at 2pm

February 9th and 23rd at Eastern at 2pm

 

Kindernature Waking Woodchucks - Learn about a common rodent in North America, the woodchuck or groundhog. Does Winter continue on for six more week if the groundhog is afraid of its shadow? Come find out!

February 14th at Vander Veer Conservatory $6/ child 10am.

 

Magic Terrarium - Learn the magic of terrariums and enjoyVander Veer Logo this carefree landscape in miniature, perfect for home or office. All materials and plants included, as well as instructions and a plant list. Class fee includes building of a terrarium.

February 23rd $35 6:30-8pm Vander Veer Stone Building

Kindernature

 

The River's Edge river's edge logo

 

Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)

 

The Early Spring "Learn To Skate" Open House will take place on Tuesday, February 21 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the Large Conference Room at The River's Edge.

The Open House is designed to provide an opportunity for first-time students and their family members to meet the Skating Instructors, learn about the US Figure Skating Association Endorsed program format and goals, learn how to dress for class, learn how to lace up skates and get a feel for the expectations of each student.  Emphasis will be placed on trying one's best, having fun and developing an enjoyment of activities that take place on the ice for a lifetime.

The Early Spring "Learn To Skate" Session runs Thursdays and Saturdays on the following dates:

skater

 

Thursdays

Feb. 23; March 1, 8, 22, 29; April 12 & 19 (No classes March 15 and April 5)

Times:  5:15 - 6:00 PM and 6:00 - 6:45 PM

Fee:  $92.00

For this session, on Thursday nights only, students will be given an opportunity to perform in a Spring Skating Show at The River's Edge on May 5, 2012.

20 - 25 minutes of each class will be spent on skill development and 20 - 25 minutes of each class will be spent on choreography for the show.

 

Saturdays

Feb. 28; March 3, 10; 24; 31; April 14 & 21 (No classes on March 17 and April 7)

Times:  8:00 - 8:45 AM and 8:45 - 9:00 AM

Fee:  $92.00

This 7-week session of "Learn To Skate" will continue to focus on skill development with an emphasis on providing the instruction and practice time to help students move up to the next level in the USFSA "Basic Skills Curriculum.

 

The Ultimate Super Bowl Party

 

While parents are enjoying the big game with adults, kids are invited to have a Super Bowl Party all their own!  Kids will enjoy Super Bowl Action on the big screen, snacks, games, arts and crafts, and sport activities.  REGISTER TODAY!  Date: Sunday, February 5th from 3:30pm-one hour post game, Fee: $25/person, Ages: 6-14yrs

 

Jamm'in At The Edge! - Especially For Teens!

Come on out and skate while you enjoy live local bands and DJ's. All ages welcome!  Admission:  $10/Person, $3/Skate Rental, Date: Saturday, February 11th from 9pm-11pm, Band: Hi-Fi

Bands for Jammin:

February 11th 9pm-11pm: Hi-Fi

March 3rd 9pm-11pm: Surface Tension

 

Daddy Daughter Dinner and Skate

This is a fantastic time for Dads to spend quality time with their daughters.  Fun will be had while enjoying a bite to eat and ice skating!  REGISTER TODAY! Date: Friday, February 24th from 5:30pm-8:00pm, Fee: $15/person

 

Ice Carving Demonstration-SPECIAL $1.00 Admission!

Come on out and see the ice carving demonstration on center ice during the public skate session!  Date: Sunday, February 26thfrom 2:15pm-3:45pm, Fee: $1/person, $3/Skate Rental


GOLF

Indoor Golf Range is now open at The Rivers' Edge, 700 West River Drive. Golfers may purchase a small bucket of balls for $3 or a large bucket for $5. The indoor golf range will be available the following hours:

7am - 3pm, Monday, Wednesday & Friday
12:30pm - 3pm, Tuesday & Thursday

There are 9 stations available, first come, first served. Not available on weekends.

golf range 2

 

There will be no price increases for 2012!

Log on to www.golfdavenport.com to see the latest announcements for 2012 season.

 

Player Cards - A great feature for individuals or your golf league members, are now available at The Rivers Edge, 700 West River Dr in downtown Davenport.  The River's Edge is open 6am - 10pm every day.

 

Player Cards are re-loadable cards for use of Green Fees, Cart Fees, and Range Fees and are valid on all 3 public courses in the city Emeis, Duck Creek, and Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center.  Cards purchased through Feb 28th 2012 will include a 10% bonus on the card, compliments of Davenport Golf.  For example, a Player Card purchased for $200 will have $220 of value on the card.  Player Cards will not include concession and Pro-shop merchandise purchases and Player Cards will require a $100/minimum transaction.

Player Card Ad

City Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars!  The City of Davenport Golf Tournament will be held July 21 and 22 and Emeis and Duck Creek Golf Courses. More information to follow.

Davenport, IA - January 30, 2012 - Spring training comes early to the Quad Cities with Breakfast of Champions, an event that celebrates perseverance and teamwork, featuring former St. Louis Cardinal Rick Horton.  Horton, a former MLB pitcher who now broadcasts for the team, will talk about the remarkable determination and drive that led to the Cardinals' 2011 World Series win.  The family oriented event will take place on Saturday, February 25, from 9:00am - 11:30am on the suite level of Modern Woodman Park, and will include a full brunch buffet, a silent auction and raffle as well as activities for children. 
   
Breakfast of Champions will also feature the Quad City River Bandits and representatives from local high school championship teams.  Tickets are $40 for adults/ $10 for children under 12 and can be purchased at the Adler Theatre box office at 136 East Third Street, Davenport or online at www.goldroomlegacy.org.  A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to Project Renewal, the Boys and Girls Club and Gold Room Legacy Project.
Local Champions Showcase

Even the Cubs and Sox fans will enjoy coming to applaud our local champion Quad City River Bandits, who won the 2011 Midwest Minor League Championship this summer.  Also being honored are area high school teams that have honored the Quad Cities with their teamwork, sportsmanship and excellence: the Assumption Girls Basketball team, winners of the 3A championship; the Moline Girls softball team that holds the 4A title; Davenport North's Boys Bowling team who are the 2A champions, and the Rock Island Boys Basketball 3A State champions.  All will be represented at the event.
Raffles and Activities

A raffle and silent auction will be held and include items such as season tickets to the Quad City River Bandits; use of a skybox suite with tickets for 16 for a Bandits game; a Cardinal package with hotel, dinner and game tickets for two; the chance to take batting practice on the field with the Bandits; two tickets to Damn Yankees at the Adler Theatre with dinner and a nights stay at the Hotel Blackhawk, as well as Cardinals and River Bandits merchandise.  Rascal the River Bandit will be on hand to join in the fun and have pictures taken with his friends.  There will be an inflatable set up and a putt-putt hole,coloring and activities, some board games for the kids.
About Rick Horton

Rick Horton is a broadcaster on Cardinals telecasts, providing play-by-play commentary as well as postgame analysis. A former left-handed pitcher for the Cardinals, Rick spent seven years in the Major Leagues, playing for St. Louis, Los Angeles and the Chicago White Sox. He made his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 1984 and participated in the 1985 and 1987 World Series with the Redbirds and won the Series in 1988 while with the Dodgers.  After retiring from his Major League playing career, Horton remained in the St. Louis area where he has been active in the Greater St. Louis Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as the Director of the St. Louis FCA since 1993.
About the Non-Profit Partners

The Gold Room Legacy Project is an effort to sustain and protect the legacy of the iconic Gold Room at the Hotel Blackhawk through enriching, educational and entertaining events. In addition to preserving part of Quad City history, we prepare for the future by presenting an active and vibrant place for residents to gather, socialize and entertain.  Bringing life back to the Gold Room has added to the growing vitality of the riverfront, continues the dynamic redevelopment of downtown Davenport and contributes to the health and quality of life of the Quad Cities community.   www.goldroomlegacy.org.
Project Renewal provides educational and recreational activities for children during the school year and summer in a safe, loving environment.  Staff and volunteers are positive role models for the children, reinforcing values needed in order to live healthy and productive lives.  For many children, struggling with everyday issues, Project Renewal is one of the few anchors in their lives.  Project Renewal is an important organization in our community which can deeply impact the life of a child and is very rewarding personally for those who volunteer or provide financial support.   www.projectrenewal.net
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley (BGCMV) provides after-school programming to more than 1,200 youth ages 6-18 annually at three Quad City area locations in Davenport, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois.  Programming in the Club focuses on five core areas:  Leadership & Character Development; Education & Career Development; the Arts; Health & Life Skills; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation.  Our mission: "To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to achieve their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens."  www.bgcmv.org
Davenport, Iowa, January 20, 2012 - It's Chili Golf Open time! Bundle up and come participate in the 23rd Annual Davenport Parks and Recreation  Wendy's Chili Golf Open hosted at Credit Island Park. This is a winter golfing tradition in the Quad Cities!

This "CHILI" winter golf event will be held Saturday, February 4th ; tee times are from 8:00 am - 1:30 pm. Delicious Wendy's chili will be available for golfers and each golfer will receive three florescent golf balls and an official Chili Golf memento along with nine modified holes of winter golf.

Registration is still open at the Rivers Edge, 700 W. River Drive and is accepted on a first come basis. The registration fee is $15 per golfer / $60 per team, plus one non-perishable food item per participant to be donated to a local food pantry the day of the event. Tee times will be assigned every 7-8 minutes. Spirit awards are given for low score in both men's & women's divisions and worst golfer. What better way to celebrate winter golf!

For questions please contact, Davenport Parks and Recreation at 563-328-7275.

WHAT:

WHEN:

WHERE: Credit Island Lodge, 2200 W River Dr, Davenport

Wendy's Chili Golf Open

Saturday, February 4, 2012, 8:00 am - 1:30 pm

Snowshoe Tracking Event

On Saturday, January 21 at 10:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a snowshoe tracking event. Come explore the wintery wilderness at the Wapsi River Center via snowshoes.  Learn about the history of snowshoes and then search for animal tracks and signs of activity.  Winter fun for everyone!  BYOM ~ Bring your own mug.  Please call to reserve equipment; (563) 328-3286.

Cross-country Ski Clinic

Also on Saturday, January 21 at 12:30 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a cross-country ski clinic. Come learn the basics of cross-country skiing and tour the Wapsi Center trails; if conditions allow.  Participants will learn about proper skiing techniques, safety and equipment.  Please call (563) 328-3286 to register, as a limited number of equipment is available.  Participants may bring their own equipment as well.

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.

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