Davenport, Iowa (November 4, 2014) - The seventh annual College Invitational will open at the Figge Art Museum on Saturday in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery.

The exhibition features 60 works of art by college students from nine area colleges and universities, including Ashford University, Augustana College, Black Hawk College, Knox College, Monmouth College, Scott Community College, St. Ambrose University, Western Illinois University and University of Iowa.

From Ink, collage, stoneware clay and etching to digital illustration, watercolor, silkscreen and found materials - a wide variety of techniques are used in the artwork on display.

Art professors from each of the participating colleges were tasked with making a selection of the top works from their school. Those selections are the framework for the 2014 College Invitational.

"The talent and creativity at campuses throughout the region is remarkable," said Director of Education Melissa Mohr. "Each year the artwork submitted continues to impress and is truly a testament to the positive influence arts education is having on today's youth."

Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Barbara Leidenfrost in loving memory of her husband, Oscar, the Figge will award cash prizes for first, second and third place winners. Those winners will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of local artists.

A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015. This event is free and open to all.

The 2014 College Invitational exhibition will be on display through February 8, 2015.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

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Come join us on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 4pm until 7pm for a Taco Dinner at the Solid Rock Cafe, 1411 Brady St, Davenport. (Entrance to parking lot is on 14th St, just east of Brady St.)

Cost is $8.00 per plate, served with your choice of lemonade or iced tea. All meals include 3 tacos, rice and beans.

Our barista drinks and fresh fruit smoothies will be available at $3.00 each.

There will also be music for your soul! 

For more information, please call 563-323-5295 or email: ginger@thecenter-davenport.com 

You can also visit www.thecenter-davenport.com to learn more about our mission here in our community.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 10/31/2014

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2014!

The December 2014 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode before Thanksgiving! Over 2500 recipients!

Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com, and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. Many of you signed up for each 2014 1/4ly issue and will get your 10% discount and may update your ad for December! Please let us know if you want changes to the ad you ran in September, 2014, or confirm you would like the same ad. No cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. If you would rather work with House of Print directly, send your ad to HouseofPrint@mchsi.com, and please copy LeClaireChamber@gmail.com Deadline November 7th, 5:00 p.m. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for the Holidays!!

RIBBON CUTTINGS!

November 7^th - Jones Street Java House 9:00 a.m. Come help us celebrate the opening of the Java House and enjoy wonderful pastries, coffees, lattes and more! 204 Jones St., LeClaire.

November 20^th - El Rio Spa and Wellness 2 p.m. 1000 Stagecoach Trail - Fitness and Wellness Classes including Yoga, PiYo and Zumba, Spa Services for women and for men, Spa Café.  Come see the beautiful new facilities! www.elriospa.com

CALENDAR

October 31^st - Dwellings - Halloween and Fall Décor Sale! Final day before closing to decorate for the Holidays! Dwellings will be closed November 1-7 to make room for new Holiday Décor. Will reopen and be open late for First Friday, November 7^th.

October 31^st - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Travis Hosette

October 31^st - Trick or Treat!  LeClaire 6-8p.m.

November 1^st - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Egg Rolls and Enchiladas 10:45a.m. (across from Bridgeview Elementary School) Egg Rolls, $1 each - Enchiladas, 3 for $6.  Profits will go to our Mission Committee who will be preparing food baskets for those in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

November 6^th - The Crane & Pelican Sliders & Suds 5-9pm. Every Thursday night - 3 gourmet sliders and hand-cut chips for $10 and 3 8oz sample pours of delicious beers for $5.The slider and beer menu will change monthly and will be posted at www.craneandpelican.com

November 7th - Jones Street Java House Ribbon Cutting 9a.m. Come help us celebrate the opening of the Jones Street Java House and enjoy wonderful pastries, coffees, lattes and more! 204 Jones St., LeClaire.

November 7^th - First Friday in LeClaire 5-8p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company Food and Spirit Tastings www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery - Serving award winning locally made wines.  www.wideriverwinery.com

Dwellings - Reopen for the Holidays!

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

November 11^th - "Coffee and Conversation" Princeton Community Center Free event Veteran's Day, 8 -10a.m. Board members will welcome all residents of Princeton and surrounding communities to join them for free coffee and good conversation. Princeton Police will give a ten minute report of safety issues in our local community. The Community Center Board encourages everyone to take a few minutes to honor our Veteran's with your friends and neighbors at the Princeton Community Center "Coffee and Conversation". The Princeton Community Center, also known as the Boll's Building, was built in 1908 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

November 15^th - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton - 10^th annual Harvest Feast Celebration 4:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Dinner features all homemade menu of beef stew, apple sauce, breads, pies and a variety of desserts and drinks. Cost is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 5 to 10. Children under 4 are free. Silent auction, free wine tasting, live auction at 6 p.m., and children's activities.

November 17^th - Economic Development Meeting LeClaire City Hall - 8.a.m.

November 19th - Funding your Paycheck in Retirement - Charles Schwab Davenport Branch, 5345 Elmore Avenue #300 Davenport, IA Presented by Eric Johannes CFP - 10 a.m. Reservations online schwab.com/davenport or call 563-275-3663.

November 20^th - El Rio Spa and Wellness Ribbon Cutting 2 p.m -1000 Stagecoach Road - Fitness and Wellness Classes including Yoga, PiYo and Zumba, Spa Services for women and for men, Spa Café.  Come see the beautiful new facilities! www.elriospa.com

November 23^rd - LIC Christmas Tree Ornament Deadline LeClaire Information Center will have one large Christmas tree again this year. If you would like to provide a Christmas ornament (it can advertise your business), please drop off the ornament and $5 no later than Sunday, November 23rd. The money will be donated to the Emergency Fund that the Christmas in LeClaire committee has established to aid LeClaire residents in need.

November 29^th - Small Business Saturday! Shop, Eat, Relax and Enjoy the Day in LeClaire!!!

SAVE THE DATE

December 5^th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8p.m.

December 5^th-7^th - Christmas in LeClaire!

Friday, Dec. 5, 10am-8pm. Craft bazaars, bake sales, silent auction. 5:30-8pm First Friday food, drink, and shopping specials at participating businesses.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 10am-8pm. Breakfast with Santa from 8-10am. Santa's Playhouse noon-3pm. Free trolley rides, craft bazaars, bake sales, chainsaw carver, old-time craft demonstrations, Santas from Around the World, musicians, and carolers. 5:30-8pm First Saturday (similar to First Friday).

Sunday, Dec. 7, 10am-4pm. Crafts and silent auction at the Civic Center. Free trolley rides, craft bazaars, bake sales, and chainsaw carvings will be auctioned off.

Great Christmas shopping and dining at local shops and restaurants!

For more information, contact Diane at 563-370-3509.

December 17th - Exchange Traded  Funds  Explained - Charles Schwab Davenport Branch, 5345 Elmore Avenue #300 Davenport, IA Presented by Eric Johannes CFP - 10 a.m. Reservations online schwab.com/davenport or call 563-275-3663.

FYI

The Crane & Pelican will be featuring a special Sliders & Suds menu on Thursday nights from 5pm-9pm. Every Thursday night you can come get 3 gourmet sliders and hand-cut chips for $10 and 3 8oz sample pours of our delicious beers for $5.The menu will change monthly and will be posted at www.craneandpelican.com

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, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall. The October meeting will be held, however, on October 22^nd.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

The Lions Club of LeClaire is involved in many various community improvement projects and programs. The Club has made donations to the LeClaire Police Department, LeClaire and Princeton Fire Departments, LeClaire Library, Levee improvements, Parks and Recreation, and more, and they provide a $1,000 college scholarship to a local Pleasant Valley high school student every year. They have offered financial support for the Freedom Rock project. They also assist those in the community in need of glasses and hearing aids.  If you are interested in membership with the LeClaire Lions Club, please contact any member listed on our roster at www.iowalions.org/cgi-bin/clubrosterlist.pl?207 They are probably people you know in our community right now!

Ascentra Credit Union is honoring former CEO Paul Lensmeyer by establishing the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation, a fund within the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend.  Paul Lensmeyer was more than the President & CEO; he was a charismatic leader, a friend to many and an astute businessman who spent his life giving to others.  He was the heart of the organization for over 20 years and created a culture dedicated to giving back and community service.

Riverbend Signworks is holding a banner contest for non-profits, charitable and other worthy organizations.  Free Banner to the group selected!!! http://riverbendsignworks.com/giveaway/

LeClaire Community Library SHIIP Medicare Enrollment Assistance. A representative from SHIIP will be here 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.

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 for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: 0.64 acres of development land available on Cody Road.  This "ready to build" property is located on a high ground lot with an exceptional view of the river.  Possibility for a dock installation with city inceptives possible.  Land could be developed for multi-family, condo, possible office or mixed use.  For more information, please contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107. Website Link for More Information:  http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7030973

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: Price recently reduced on this great Riverfront Development opportunity located on the main shopping corridor in downtown LeClaire.  Strong market for retail and apartments or condominiums.  Lot totals 0.28 acres (180' X 70').  For more information, please contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126. Website Link for More Information: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7031174

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!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

October 31 - Trick or Treat - 6-8p.m.

November 7 - First Friday in LeClaire

December 5 - First Friday in LeClaire

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

November 11th - Bier Stube - lunch - noon

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon

Are you ready for the spookiest time of the year? Halloween is but a day away, and what better way to celebrate than to head downtown for the 2014 Halloween Parade. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m., so venture down early and grab a bite to eat at one of our many delicious restaurants beforehand. Not sure where to watch from? Click here for a map of the route! Reminder: streets close at 5:00 p.m. Please utilize surrounding parking ramps for parking. If you're looking for a post-parade party, swing by Me & Billy's for their Halloween Bash.

 The Halloween Parade isn't the only form of celebration tomorrow night. Hotel Blackhawk invites you to howl with them all night long during the Halloween Howling Ball. Dress in your Halloween best for a chance to win their costume contest with prizes ranging from cash to an iPad Air. There will also be a photo booth, live DJ, appetizers, and special spooky cocktails!

 Alas, the end of October is here which means one thing- Final Friday! Peruse multiple styles of handmade art at Bucktown Center for the Arts during this month's Spooktacular Final Friday. Stop by Atom Studio + Gallery in honor of their Black & White: Shades of Gray gallery show opening tomorrow, too! This FREE event will also have complimentary refreshments and music.

 All scares aside, the Quad City Symphony's Masterworks Series returns to the Adler this weekend featuring compelling violinist, Erin Keefe. Prepare yourself for an evening of fierce and exhilarating tunes orchestrated to perfection. Make sure you grab tickets for the QSCO's Holiday Pops concerts, too. If you're in need of a laugh, head back to the Adler on Sunday for the musical comedy, Menopause the Musical.

 From book clubs to art classes, the Figge Art Museum offers an array of events this week! Enjoy FREE admission Saturday for their Day of the Dead Family Fiesta and celebrate rich cultural traditions through art projects, performances, music and food. Interested in learning new or brushing up on old art techniques? Browse the Figge's list of classes and workshops to see what interests you most. This week alone marks the start of their Acrylic Painting, Printmaking, Watercolor, and Bookmaking classes.

 Prepare yourself for not just one, but TWO birthday celebrations next weekend! Join Abernathy's on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. as they celebrate with food, drinks, vendor meet & greets, discounts, and giveaways! That same day, Me & Billy hosts an all-day party for their 1 year bash with an epic dance party planned for later that evening. Happy birthday, fellow downtowners!