East Moline, IL/November 26, 2013 - On Sunday, December 1, 2013 Living Lands & Waters will host a viewing party for the airing of CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center located at 2021 State Street in Bettendorf, IA. The doors will open at 6pm and the show will air at 7pm. Chad Pregracke, the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, will give a special thanks to those in attendance at 6:30pm. This event is open to the public and seating is limited. Please arrive early to ensure a seat!

Pregracke has dedicated his life to cleaning up the Mississippi River and other American waterways. Since 1998, nearly 70,000 volunteers have helped Pregracke and his non-profit remove more than 7 million pounds of garbage from 23 rivers across the country.

On, Tuesday, November 19^th, stars of film, television, music and theater came to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on Tuesday night to pay tribute to the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2013 and congratulate CNN Hero of the Year Chad Pregracke of East Moline, Illinois, whose selection was announced by Anderson Cooper, host of the seventh Annual CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute. The Tribute will air on Sunday, December 1^st at 7pm CST.

Earlier in the evening, Jason Biggs, one of the stars of 'Orange is the New Black' presented Pregracke with an award as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2013. Each of the Top 10 CNN Heroes received $50,000 in recognition of their work, and Pregracke's nonprofit, Living Lands and Waters, will receive an additional $250,000 grant.

The evening's celebrity presenters were Sarah Silverman, Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan, Mariska Hargitay, Alan Cumming, Allison Williams, Shay Mitchell, Jason Biggs, Jeffrey Wright, Josh Lucas, and Ne-Yo, each of whom introduced a story about the honorees.

The 2013 Top 10 CNN Heroes include Dale Beatty (Statesville, NC), Georges Bwelle (Yaoundé, Cameroon), Robin Emmons (Charlotte, NC), Danielle Gletow (Trenton, NJ), Tawanda Jones (Camden, NJ), Richard Nares (San Diego, CA), Kakenya Ntaiya (Enoosaen, Kenya), Estella Pyfrom (West Palm Beach, FL), and Laura Stachel (Berkeley, CA).

Contributing their talents to the festive night were pop singer Sarah Bareilles, who performed a touching rendition of her current hit "Brave," and stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan.  Another highlight of the evening was a performance by members of CNN Hero Tawanda Jones' girls drill team, Camden Sophisticated Sisters, to Beyonce's "Get Me Bodied."

CNN Heroes is a multi-platform campaign that shines a spotlight on individuals who go to extraordinary lengths to serve others. Since its inception, CNN Heroes has received over 50,000 submissions from more than 100 countries and profiled over 200 heroes.

About Living Lands & Waters and Chad Pregracke

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats. LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a-River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project.

www.livinglandsandwaters.org

UUCQC's Immigration Project Team presents the First Friday Film for December:

The Graduates

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities

3707 Eastern Avenue, Davenport IA 563-359-0816

December 6, 2013  6pm-9pm

Open to the community, free of charge.

Please join us to view the movie and for discussion afterwards.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will join employees at the Clinton Hy-Vee on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25^th to write Holiday cards to our troops serving overseas. Cards will be provided at the event and then distributed through the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The public is invited to stop by and give our troops a "touch of home" for the Holiday season. This is the second year in a row that Loebsack has teamed with Hy-Vee to provide cards through this program. Click here for additional information about Holiday Mail for Heroes. Media are invited to attend.

Holiday Mail for Heroes Event - Monday, Nov 25^th

Hy-Vee

901 S 4th St

Clinton

2:00pm - 3:00pm

(Signs in the store will direct customers to the location)

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 11/22/2013

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS!

November 29th - Ribbon Cutting - The Shameless Chocoholic - 10:00 a.m.  Everyone welcome!

November 30th - Shop Small Business Saturday! Remember our unique and wonderful local businesses, restaurants and services! Thank you for shopping locally!

Strolling Santas and Characters needed for Christmas in LeClaire! Santas and characters from Around the World welcome children and the young at heart to Christmas in LeClaire, December 6, 7 and 8!  Male and female volunteers are needed for all 3 days and for 2 evenings.  Please contact Kim DeWall at kimberleedewall@gmail.com for dates and times!

LeClaire businesses, attractions, churches, clubs, and LeClaire Chamber members: Would you like an opportunity to promote your business or group during the holiday season? For $15 you can display a decorated Christmas tree or decorated wreath at the LeClaire Information Center (LIC). Here are the guidelines for your tree or wreath: 1) size of tree should be 3 ft. or smaller; wreath should be normal door size or smaller; 2) we will allow up to six small decorated trees and six decorated wreaths; 3) design/decorations are subject to Tourism Board's approval; 4) you can put the name of your business/group somewhere on the tree or wreath; 5) your business/group will be thanked publicly in the Chamber Friday email and on the Tourism Facebook page for having provided decorations at the LIC; 6) proceeds will go to the Christmas in LeClaire committee.  DEADLINES: If you reserved your spot, remember to drop off your decorated tree or wreath with payment to the LeClaire Information Center no later than Tuesday, November 26th at 3:00pm. Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 for more info!

Enjoy extended shopping hours until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at many LeClaire stores starting Friday, November 29th and going until Saturday, December 21st. And, many stores will be open until at least 3pm on Christmas Eve for that last minute gift or stocking stuffer!

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!

The Shameless Chocoholic and Sweet Dreams Guest House 200 Jones St., LeClaire.  Specialty chocolates and confections - indulging never tasted so good! And, indulge in a great night's sleep by reserving the Guest House! Call Jen or Rebecca, 563-289-1339. www.theshamelesschocoholic.com Ribbon Cutting Nov. 29, 10:00 am!

Valley Bank 2102 Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf, IA 52722 - 563-344-8960 At Valley Bank, we are committed to making a meaningful and positive contribution to the communities in which we are located. This community spirit and involvement has been at the root of Valley Bank since its founding in 1993 and continues today in the 18 communities that we serve. www.valleybank.com

CALENDAR

November 22^nd & 23^rd - Enright's LeClaire Super Car Wash - Annual Holiday Promotion This weekend, offering $2.00 Automatic Car Washes or a Free Wash with purchase of tokens. This event kicks off our "Holiday Token Sale", now through January 12^th. 8 tokens for $30. Each token has a value of $6.50. Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for Winter!

November 22^nd & 23^rd - Mississippi Cottage Antiques and Fine Art's "Beat the Holiday Rush" Two-day Sale! Spend $50 - $99 and receive 12% off. Spend $100 or more and receive 15% off. These discounts are good on everything except paintings and quilts that are on consignment. http://www.mississippicottageantiques.net/

November 23rd - Faithful Pilot Cooking Class! Chef Robert will be doing a cooking class once a month!  Class is at noon and cost is $20.00, and you receive a complimentary glass of wine with the class! Call 563-289-4156 for more information.

November 23rd - River Valley Optimist Club Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center Gather your friends together, bring some snacks and drinks and come for a little friendly competition! Doors open at 6:30pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person with a $50 minimum per table (up to 8 people per table). All proceeds will go towards the River Valley Optimist Club and programs for children in the community. 50/50 raffle, Mulligans and door prizes. Call Josselyn Smith at 563-723-1877 or email josselyn.e.smith@gmail.com for you table Reservation.

November 24^th - 25^th - "Give Anything" - For Victims of the Washington, IL Tornadoes - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire (across from Bridgeview Elementary School) is hosting two "Give Anything" events, Sunday, Nov. 24th from 12-2 PM and Monday, Nov. 25th, from 7:45-8:45 AM. We are partnering with the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities to collect needed items and to raise monetary donations. Checks should be made out to: American Red Cross of the Quad Cities, with "Washington, IL Tornado Recovery" noted in the memo. Donations can also be made via: http://www.redcross.org/il/moline Please bring any items for the victims of the tornadoes, such as diapers and socks, etc., to the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire on Sunday, November 24th from 12-2 PM. Any unneeded items will be relocated to another church or charity within in Quad City area. Every donation will make a difference!

November 29^th - Ribbon Cutting - The Shameless Chocoholic - 10:00 a.m. Everyone welcome!

November 29th - Faithful Pilot open until 4pm for lunch for all the shoppers!

November 30th - Shop Small Business Saturday! Remember our unique and wonderful local businesses, restaurants and services! Thank you for shopping locally!

December 3^rd - Christmas with Mrs. Claus - LeClaire Community Library 6:30 - 07:30 pm - Children's Room - enjoy a story and treat with Mrs. Claus!

December 4^th - Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan 12:00pm - Eric Johannes with Charles Schwab - 5345 Elmore Ave #300 - Davenport, IA  52807. Please RSVP 563-275-3659

December 6^th - First Friday in LeClaire! 5-8pm

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

Wide River Winery Wine Samples.

Faithful Pilot Live Music, 8:00p.m., with LeClaire's very own Bobby Ray Bunch!

Aunt Hatties - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

Restaurants and shops will be open late!

December 6th-8th - Christmas in LeClaire 2013! Fun for the Whole Family!

Our Unique Local Stores Open late Friday and Saturday night!

Friday - 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Crafts and Silent Auction at Civic Center

Cookie Tin Sales, Bazaars and Craft Fair, Baked Goods at Civic Center and Snow Lodge

Free Trolley Rides - 11 am - 7 pm

Strolling Santas from Around the World!

Reusable Useables - Free Family Drop-in Art - 10 am - 8 pm

First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8 pm

Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa - Happy Joe's - 8-10 a.m. - Children $4.50/Adults $750

Santa's Playhouse - Medic Building - 12-3 p.m.

Strolling Santas from Around the World!

Crafts and Silent Auction at Civic Center

Cookie Tin Sales, Bazaars and Craft Fair, Baked Goods at Civic Center and Snow Lodge

Free Trolley Rides - 11 am - 7 pm

Reusable Useables - Free Family Drop-in Art - 10 am - 8 pm

Star Gifts for Kids and Elderly Angels Truck - in front of Aunt Hattie's (details below)

Santa will be at Bierstube - 1-4 pm - bring Star Gifts for Kids (details below)

Star Gifts for Kids Trivia Night - LeClaire Fire Station - doors open at 6 pm.  (details below)

First Saturday in LeClaire! Many businesses celebrating first Saturday in the tradition of First Friday!

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Free Trolley Rides - noon - 5 pm

Strolling Santas from Around the World!

Reusable Useables - Free Family Drop-in Art - 10 am -4 pm

Crafts and Silent Auction at Civic Center

December 7th-15th - Aunt Hattie's, Zaruba's and Happy Joe's are teaming up with Star Gifts for Kids & Elderly Angels. Please Help US FILL A TRUCK! You would be helping local children and senior citizens. Beginning Saturday Dec. 7th, and until Dec. 15^th, you can give a NEW, UNWRAPPED gift for a child or a senior citizen. (Types of items needed: Coats, hats, gloves, socks, Slagle's and other gift cards, toys, etc.) You can drop your gift off to our marked "STAR GIFTS FOR KIDS" TRUCK in front of Hattie's and Zaruba's on Dec. 7th during Christmas in LeClaire! If you can't come by during Christmas in LeClaire on Dec. 7th, you can drop off gift items to Aunt Hattie's, Zaruba's or Happy Joe's until Dec. 15th. Help us Fill a Truck!

December 7^th - Star Gifts for Kids Trivia Night - The Leclaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to Star Gifts for Kids! You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun, the raffles and to support this great cause! Contact Barry Long to reserve a table - 563-949-6969 or bal400@aol.com

December 7th - Santa will be at the LeClaire Bierstube 1-4pm. Bring a gift to be donated to Star Gifts for Kids and receive a free kid's meal! http://bier-stube.com/

December 7^th - CHRISTMAS AT THE CENTER - The Princeton Community Center - 5-8 p.m.  Get into the spirit of the holiday season!  This special event hosted by the Princeton Community Center Board and the Princeton Players will feature delicious beverages and cookies in a holiday atmosphere. Christmas music and entertainment will be provided by our local theater group, and we even anticipate a visit from Santa Claus! (Santa will be available for photos and visits with the children from 6-7pm)  The halls of the Center will be decked with holly.  This time for fellowship, entertainment, and good cheer is certain to make your December warmer and brighter!  Admission is free - this is Princeton's holiday gift to you and your family!

December 8th - Faithful Pilot - 392 Caffe from Clinton Coffee TakeOver! The Faithful Pilot will be open for lunch as well!

December 10th - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Networking Lunch - Hungry Hobo, noon. Everyone welcome!

December 13^th - Bier-Stube starts celebrating 12 days of Christmas specials! http://bier-stube.com/

December 15th - Faithful Pilot Wine Tasting 3:00-5:00p.m $15.00 for 15 wines.  All wines purchased will be here for your Christmas Dinner Table!

December 19^th - Market Snapshot with Liz Ann Sonders 3:00pm - Eric Johannes, Charles Schwab - 5345 Elmore Ave #300 - Davenport, IA  52807. Please RSVP 563-275-3659

December 31st - Faithful Pilot - New Years Eve - 7 courses includes champagne toast at the end of your meal.  Seatings at 6:00 & 8:30 for $100.00 per person (no coupons or discounts) $50.00 for a wine pairing will include 5 glasses of wine per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

Save the Date

February 1^st, 2014 - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club - more details to come!

FYI

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Board has 3 positions coming open. If you have an interest in serving on the Board, please submit your letter of interest to leclairechamber@gmail.com by December 6th.

Visit the NEW LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see our updated Facebook page!

LeClaire Tourism Manager The LeClaire Tourism Board is now accepting proposals for the tourism management services contract with the City of LeClaire. Anyone interested can view the contract on the city's website at www.lelaireiowa.gov for review. Proposals must be submitted to the Tourism Board before their December 2, 2013 regular meeting.

LeClaire Community Library - Please join us in congratulating Jillian Aschliman on her new position as the LeClaire Community Library Director. Jillian had served as the Interim Director, and we are pleased to have her in her new official position!

Locals Love Us - Quad Cities has presented Aunt Hattie's an award for 2013/2014 Best Gift Shop! Aunt Hattie's is the winner of 4 out 18 voter groups: Education, zip code 51265, Household income of $40 K to $69,999, and gender - female. Congrats, Aunt Hattie's!

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals current hours are Friday through Mondays 12-4pm or by appointment until Dec. 23.

Faithful Pilot - Every Wednesday 1/2 priced wine night with Chef's Tapas menu to go along side. Don't forget to book all of your holiday parties with The Faithful Pilot or bring Chef Robert into your home and let us cater your holiday event! Now open for lunch, 12-2, Wed-Sat.

"Something NEW" at the LeClaire Civic Club - BUNCO! Every third Tuesday from10:00 AM through 12:30PM!  Call Debbie for details - 563-289-4458.

Buffalo Bill Museum Expansion "It's an exciting time in the museum's almost 57 year history," said Robert Schiffke, Executive Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum & River Pilots' Pier, "as we start another expansion of our facility."  The women who were members of the LeClaire Women's Club, who founded the museum in 1957, wouldn't recognize the building today, but they would see many of the items first exhibited in its original location at 114 North Cody Road, LeClaire. Included will be an Archival Workroom allowing careful access to the museum's extensive print and photograph collection, a "hands on" classroom for children visiting the museum, and exhibits that highlight LeClaire's role in the region's economic growth through its shipyards, button factories, and river pilots who opened the region to river commerce.  An architectural drawing of the expansion is available for public view at the museum during regular hours, and donations towards the expansion are being accepted. "We appreciate the support of the community in this project, and donations of artifacts and funds are always welcome.  We are truly a community institution, and volunteers have grown the museum into the LeClaire landmark that it is today" said Connie Curlott, President of the Board of Directors.  The museum is open 9am - 4pm, Mon.-Saturday; 12noon - 4pm, Sundays. Call 563-289-5580 for more information or to donate to the

Office space for rent - 204 Jones St. - $1,200 per month plus utilities - effective Dec. lst.  Call 563-370-2386. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Washer & dryers in every unit along with all other appliances.  Each apartment has either a balcony or a patio.  Considerable storage in each 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 for a tour and more information today!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Primitive Cottage is collecting food for the Princeton Presbyterian Church's Food Pantry which is in great need of food donations. They have helped alot of people, and now they need our help.  Donations can be dropped off at Primitive Cottage in LeClaire. Please check the expiration date on items because anything that has expired can't be given away.

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

December 10th - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon