Special Event Encourages Adults to Spend Meaningful Time with Kids, Proving One Day Can Change a Child's Future

IA/ILL QUAD CITIES-Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley (BGCMV) is gearing up to celebrate its annual Day for Kids event to highlight the critical needs of children in the community. Today, too many youth are facing serious issues that can deprive them of a happy, healthy childhood and negatively impact their future. Day for Kids celebrates the life-changing work taking place at Boys & Girls Clubs each day by encouraging adults to spend meaningful time with young people and engage in fun and active play. This year's Day for Kids will be celebrated with over 200 parents and kids participating in an event at BGCMV's Teen Center.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley is one of hundreds of Day for Kids events planned nationwide. The Quad City event will take place at BGCMV's Teen Center (1122 5^th Avenue, Moline) on Saturday, September 20^th from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and will include games and prizes, music, martial arts demonstrations, an inflatable obstacle course, a helicopter, community exhibitor booths, food and representatives from the Moline Fire Department and the Rock Island County K-9 Unit. The event is free to the public. Food vendors will be available.

Day for Kids aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley's overall initiative to help young people become more actively engaged in their community, live a healthy lifestyle and achieve academic success. The 'play' incorporated in the Day for Kids event fosters creativity, imagination, exploration and helps kids develop and master various skills.

"Day for Kids creates a unique opportunity for adults to relive their childhood. Our amazing supporters 'Pledge to Play' fostering stronger relationships and meaningful time spent with local youth," says Tim Tolliver, CEO/President , Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley. "Year-round our Clubs offer a safe place where kids can be empowered to make choices that allow them to have a great future. With the support of the community today and every day, we can help kids reach their full potential by staying on track to graduate, demonstrating good character and citizenship and practicing healthy lifestyles."

Supporting our kids is a critical issue for our nation where kids are in crisis. Today's generation is estimated to be worse off than their parents. Our nation's graduation rate ranks 22^nd among 28 countries and three out of 10 kids are obese or overweight. One in 5 American kids live in poverty. Boys & Girls Clubs believe that every young person in America deserves a great future and that ensuring a safe, productive place for them to spend out-of-school time is a vital, yet overlooked, factor.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has created engaging educational resources to help communities encourage and develop positive relationships with kids. A year-round web site, www.dayforkids.org, provides tools, resources and tips that support their interactions with young people.

Day for Kids is also part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Great Futures Campaign. The Great Futures Campaign aims to redefine the opportunity equation for America's kids and call attention to the critical role of out-of-school time in reversing the negative trends facing today's youth. With the public's support, Boys & Girls Clubs will inspire and empower more kids toward success through life-changing programs and resources.

Learn more about programs and activities offered by BGCMV at bgcmv.org or 309-757-5777.

About BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley ("BGCMV") has been serving the needs of area young people since 1994. It is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a national organization of non-profit, non-sectarian private agencies serving young people in clubs nationwide. BGCMV serves over 600 members at three locations:

·         Moline Club - 406 7^th Street, Moline

·         Davenport Club - 1702 Iowa Street, Davenport (First Presbyterian Church)

·         The Club (Teen Center, serving members 13 and older) - 1122 5^th Avenue, Moline

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The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Sunday October 5 at the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2). It will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free.

Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys and related. Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer want bring them by dealers are buying. For further information contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.

COME CRUISE WITH US!

September 20th - Twilight Riverboat Dinner Cruise! 5 - 8 p.m. Tickets $45 per person - includes dinner and the cruise!  The Twilight holds 140 people, so get tickets to reserve your spots soon!  The tickets are available at First Central State Bank and at Blackhawk Bank and Trust, LeClaire. Sponsored by The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce.

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENT

September 9^th - Steventon's 5:30 -7pm - Everyone Welcome!

BUSINESS FAIR

October 9th - LeClaire Community Library/LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Business Fair LeClaire Community Library, 5:30p.m. An informational program to help drive new interest in opening a business in LeClaire. Programs include How to Obtain Small Business Loans, SCORE Business Mentoring Program, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 101, and Local Businesses & Local Libraries Working Together. Individuals from the Chamber and a small panel of business owners will speak. Free event, open to the public. Please register in advance beginning September 8th at the Library or call 563-289-4242, ext. 4, or email library@leclaire.gov or contact the Chamber, leclairechamber@gmail.com

CALENDAR

September 5^th - First Friday - LeClaire 5-8p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company Food and Spirit Tastings and releasing Iowish Cream!! www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery Live Music, The Old 57's. Award winning locally made wines. www.wideriverwinery.com

Aunt Hattie's - Come in for a treat!

Faithful Pilot - Live Music - The Matriarchs - 7:30 p.m.

Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

September 6^th - LeClaire Riverfront Farmers' Market 3-6 p.m. Riverside Church parking lot.

September 12^th - Wide River Winery - Live Music Spencer Bohren - 5-8 p.m.

September 14th - Faithful Pilot - PINOT PIG - A CHARITY HOG ROAST on the LeClaire Levee 12-4p.m. Why? Cuz it feels good to give back - NO KID HUNGRY Cost:$50.00 includes admittance, All U CAN Eat HOG ROAST with an organic hog coming from Rustik Rooster with farmer Karl Blake (From TV's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern) and sides, live music from The Matriarchs, and $10.00 of your ticket sales goes to charity!  Goal is to raise 2K *You do NOT need to be 21 to enter but will be wrist banded at the front gate. Tickets will be available at faithfulpilot.com and in the restaurant, or call 563-289-4156.

September 15^th-19^th - LeClaire Community Library - Vote for Banned Books Teen Afternoon Movie Help us kick off Banned Book Week with a movie based on a banned book. Teens are invited to stop by the library and vote for the movie they'd like to watch. Then join us on Saturday, September 20^th, 11a.m. to watch the winning pick!

September 16^th - Pete the Cat - LeClaire Community Library 6:30 p.m. A very special Family Storytime. Pete the Cat will help Miss Emily read stories, sing songs, and play games. Brought to us by the non-profit group, From Cover to Cover, promoting literacy for at-risk children. If attending this event, please consider donating a new or gently used book to the organization.

September 18^th - OKTOBERFEST - Leclaire Bierstube 6 to 8 pm Live music from Aspenreiser- band from Austria

September 19^th - Wide River Winery - Live Music Lewis Knudsen - 5-8 p.m.

September 20^th - Star Gifts for Kids 6th Annual Golf Outing Hole prizes, door prizes, and food at The Riverview Roadhouse after outing. 18 holes with cart 60.00 dollars per person - 4 person best ball begins at 9:30 a.m. Olathea Golf Course. All money raised stays in the LeClaire and Princeton Area. Call Barry, 563-949-6969, for more information.

September 20^{th -} Twilight Riverboat Cruise 5 - 8 p.m. Tickets $45 per person - includes dinner and the cruise!  The Twilight holds 140 people, so get tickets soon to reserve your spots.  The tickets are available at First Central State Bank, LeClaire.

September 20th- OKTOBERFEST - Leclaire Bierstube 12-2pm and 5-8pm Live music from Aspenreiser- band from Austria, Mug Holding competition and more! We have the NFL TICKET!!!

September 20th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center for the LeClaire Community Library. Doors open at 6:30pm, trivia begins at 7:00pm. Cost is $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. You don't have to be a genius to come and have fun! To reserve a table or for more information, call Vicky at 563-639-4621 or email kettlepopper@gmail.com.

September 21^st - 50th ANNUAL FALL HARVEST DINNER - Silver Creek Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, LeClaire Masonic Center, 113 S. Cody Rd., LeClaire. Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Green Beans, Salads, Rolls & Butter, Deserts & Beverage. Donation of $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 10. Serving from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

September 25^th - LeClaire Community Library - New! Preschool Explorers A science-based program with a short storytime followed by free-play at several hands-on exploratory stations. This program is once a month. Two sessions: 10:30am or 6:30pm. The first sessions are Sept. 25th. No registration required.

September 26^th - Wide River Winery - Live Music The Whoosdads? 5-8 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

October 2^nd - The Popular Astronomy Club will be stopping by the LeClaire Community Library with their mobile observatory and telescopes 7-8:30pm to talk about stars, constellations, planets and more! This program will take place outside, so dress accordingly!

October 5th- Bierstube - DOGTOBERFEST 2-5:30 p.m. Free doggy bags to the first 150 dogs! Raffle items! Auction! Food and beverages will be available for purchase!

October 9^th - Expressions in Threads Lunch & Lecture Nationally known quilt designer and author, Judy Martin, will speak and present a trunk show of her quilts to be followed by lunch catered by Big Dave and Holly's. Cost $40. Call 563-289-1447 for reservations and information.

October 9^th - LeClaire Community Library/LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Business Fair LeClaire Community Library, 5:30p.m. An informational program to help drive new interest in opening a business in LeClaire. Programs include How to Obtain Small Business Loans, SCORE Business Mentoring Program, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 101, and Local Businesses & Local Libraries Working Together. Individuals from the Chamber and a small panel of business owners will speak. Free event, open to the public. Please register in advance beginning September 8^th at the Library or call 563-289-4242, ext. 4, or email library@leclaire.gov or contact the Chamber, leclairechamber@gmail.com

October 18th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center for a beneficiary TBA. Doors open at 6:30pm, trivia begins at 7:00pm. Cost is $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. You don't have to be a genius to come and have fun! To reserve a table or for more information, call Vicky at 563-639-4621 or email kettlepopper@gmail.com.

October 24^th-25^th - LeClaire Community Library - The Friends of the Library Book Sale More information to come soon.

FYI

LeClaire is once again the "Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests!" According to the Quad-City Times 2014 Readers' Choice Awards!  Third year in a row!

Dwellings is excited to announce being awarded the distinction of "Best Home Furnishing Store" in the Quad-City Times 2014 Readers' Choice Awards! They are also celebrating 10 years in business. Stop in to see all the fresh fall merchandise at their new location at 414 N. Cody Road.

Wide River Winery is now offering a tasting plate menu on Fridays and Saturdays. They can also host after hours private parties for those who are interested, and they now have a guest room for rent. Contact Ceil O'Brien at 563-289-2509 or 954-242-6878.

Urban Classic Home has a "Bridal Registry"! It is a great way for couples to receive unique gifts! They are located at 124 N. Cody Road; call 563-289-1221 for more information.

Dr. Crystal's Chiropractic Care Essential Oils Classes. Every Tuesday at 5 p.m. 419 N. Cody Road, LeClaire. For more information, call 480-567-4356.

Faithful Pilot Wednesdays - Still 1/2 priced bottles wine night with Chef's special tapas menu *Coming Soon - Brunch & Lunch so look to our website and Facebook!

Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill, Princeton Live Music Cody Road Unplugged. Wednesdays 6-9pm

The LeClaire Riverfront Farmers Market would like to "spotlight" a different downtown business each week during its market on Saturdays from 3 - 6 p.m. No cost opportunity. Tent provided by LRFM.  Electrical power can be arranged. Set-up is between 2 - 2:45 p.m., sales start at 3 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m., rain or shine!  Use the opportunity to showcase your business. No restrictions on "hand crafted," "American-made" or otherwise. It's your shop - feature and sell what you choose. Contact LeClaireRiverfrontFarmersMkt@gmail.com with preferred dates, and space needs (10x10 tent size limitation).

LeClaire Community Library SHIIP Medicare Enrollment Assistance. A representative from SHIIP will be here on Oct. 14th, Oct. 28th, November 4th, and November 18th from 12-3pm to answer any questions community-area seniors may have regarding Open Enrollment for Medicare. SHIIP is a service of the State of Iowa. All services are free, confidential and objective.

LeClaire Community Library A new Toddle Time story hour has been added. Starting in September, Caregivers can now bring babies and tiny tots to Toddle Time on Wednesday OR Friday mornings at 10:30am. Family Storytime will continue on its usual Tuesday nights at 6:30pm.

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4^th Tuesday of each month.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Men's group Saturday at 7:30 am at church; there are donuts, coffee, discussion and Bible Study, plus really great guys! What more could you ask?

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property Available - Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

May-Oct - LeClaire Riverfront Farmers' Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

September 5 - First Friday in LeClaire

September 6 - Vettes on the River - LeClaire Levee - In support of Vietnam Veterans

September 20 - Cars and Coffee - LeClaire Levee

September 20 - Twilight Riverboat Cruise and Dinner

October 3 - First Friday in LeClaire

October 5th - Bierstube - Dogtoberfest

October 12- Apple Fest

October 25 - Witches Walk

November 7 - First Friday in LeClaire

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

September 9th - Steventon's - evening 5:30 -7pm

October 14th - Faithful Pilot - lunch- noon

November 11th - Bier Stube - lunch - noon

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon