Mike Bayles, a lifelong Midwest resident, is a widely-published poet and short story writer. 'Threshold', a book of poetry, is his first published book. His poetry has to do with human connections with each other, with nature and with locations. Time spent in rural and urban parts of Iowa has influenced his writing, as has his childhood, spent in Minnesota. He believes in appreciating the beauty of where you live.

Poetry publishing credits include Lyrical Iowa, The Rockford Review and Out Loud Anthology. His poetry has won a number of awards. Poetry credits include Lyrical Iowa, The Rockford Review and Out Loud Anthology. His poetry has won a number of awards. Fiction credits include The Rockford Review, Out Loud Anthology and The Nocturnal Lyric. One of his short stories in 1993 won an honorable mention in The Great Blue Beacon Fiction Contest, a national competition. WVIK, Public Radio, has featured his writing.

He belongs to The Rockford Writers' Guild, Writers' Studio and Quint City Poets. He is a participant in discussions of various topics at the Independent Scholars Group. He does readings of his poems and short stories at various events.

Mike Bayles

Independent Scholars Evenings. 7.00 p.m. Thursday.

1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline. Illinois 309-762-9202 or 762-8547

Doors open at 6.30 p.m.

Dress code: business casual.

Elevators are located through the 16th Street entrance. Please call. The 16^th. St. doors are closed after 7.00 p.m. for security reasons.

Please visit the Phoenix Art Gallery, specializing in American Midwest Art.  Current show is the Art of  Bill Marsoun in the Phoenix and  Photography by Darren Miller in the Dragon. The jewelry of  Kiran Yarla and Elsa Romero is available at The Artisan Adventure.

The galleries will be open at 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on Thursday March 14^th. 2013

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, LTD is a 501(c)3 at State and Federal level organization under US laws since 1996. Please visit www.qcinstitute.org to see our archives.

Contributions may be sent  to:

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd.

1530 Fifth. Avenue.

Moline. IL 61265

It's Not Too Late to Join Us This Friday

Tutu Fabulous!

A beer, spirits & wine tasting fundraiser for Ballet Quad Cities

March 8, 2013 at 6:00pm

$40 per person in advance ($45 at the door)

Hotel Blackhawk Gold Room

200 E. 3^rd Street  Davenport, Iowa

Ballet Quad Cities is hosting Tutu Fabulous to raise funds and awareness of our health & wellness programs, including our in-school bullying prevention initiative that benefits Quad City area kids. Tutu Fabulous includes a variety of beers, spirits & wines for tasting, a mashed potato bar and award winning cheese spread donated by Swiss Valley Farms plus a FABULOUS silent auction & an up close and personal jazz performance by our BQC professional dancers of "Black Coffee" choreographed by Margaret Huling.

www.balletquadcities.com 309.786.3779

Sponsored by:

Hotel Blackhawk; The Gold Book, Carol Ann Watkins, Swiss Valley Farms & Reynolds Motor Co.

 

Fabulous silent auctions include :

• $850 value Orlando package which includes a $250 airfare credit on Allegiant Airlines plus FREE airport parking and a bag full of goodies - Generously donated by the Quad City International Airport PLUS 4 - one day Park Hopper passes - Generously donated by Walt Disney World
• $100 value Ballet Package - includes 4 tickets to see Ballet Quad Cities' performance of Cinderella, PLUS a backstage pass to meet the professional dancers on April 20, 2013 and an autographed Cinderella pointe shoe, from Ballet Quad Cities
• Valued at $1,400: Four (4) Any day passes to the 2013 John Deere Classic; Four (4) tickets into the UnitedHealthcare Community Day Skybox (good on Thursday July 11) includes unlimited food & beverage; 2012 Framed Pin Flag signed by Champion, Zach Johnson; AND meet the      Pro/autograph opportunity                    Donated by the John Deere Classic
• Marie-Grace doll, donated by American Girl
• $220 value St. Louis Package includes: Two (2) Reserved Seats for a Monday-Thursday St. Louis Cardinals home game during the 2013 season. - EXCLUSIONS APPLY - Donated by the St. Louis Cardinals; 2 tickets for a "Journey to the Top" of the Gateway Arch plus 2 tickets for a one-hour sightseeing cruise aboard the Gateway Arch Riverboat, donated by the Gateway Arch and Gateway Arch Riverboats at the Core of Discovery; and an Overnight with breakfast for two at the Holiday Inn Route 66 (11 miles from Busch Stadium), donated by Innkeeper Hospitality Services
• $50 Gift Card donated by 5ive Star Salon Spa, Davenport
• "Posey Fairy" sculpture donated by Isabel Bloom
• One hour massage PLUS one hour facial donated by Massage Envy
• Two hour bowling and pizza party package donated by Miller Time Bowl
• $50 Gift Card to Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
• Basket with wine, wine glasses, chocolate and two tickets for Rock of Ages at the Adler on April 24^th
  donated by the RiverCenter / Adler Theatre
• AND MUCH MORE - Too many to list here!!!!!!

CASH, CHECKS and CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED!

Since 2009, government funding to non-profit organizations that provide human services has been in steady decline, forcing these service organizations to change much of their funding strategies or face a reduction in their ability to provide critical services to their communities. Competition amongst non-profits for the "donated" dollar is extreme: How can an individual not-for profit make itself standout from the crowd to garner more support and exposure plus increase donor dollars?

Known for their "outside the box" fundraising programs, senior center CASI (Center for Active Seniors, Inc.) in Davenport, Iowa, has" brewed" the prefect fundraising plan. CASI has teamed up with a regional microbrewery, Great River Brewery, to create a new beer dedicated to seniors and senior services. The results: Owney Irish Red Ale. Owney, an old Irish name for "elderly" is on shelves now at retail locations throughout the Quad Cities. Proceeds from the sale of Owney Irish Red Ale will be used by CASI to fund services for seniors in the Quad City community.

Additionally, distributors Vanguard Distributing Co. and Stern Beverages are providing marketing materials used to promote awareness of CASI's programs and services.

On March 9, a formal tapping event is planned at Great River Brewery (332 E 2nd St., Davenport) beginning at 1:00 p.m. Area senior centers and the general public are invited to join in the festivities. Food will be provided by The Fountains Senior Living Community of Bettendorf.

We all have a senior in our life that needs our help. So toast CASI with a pint of Owney and support our senior services!

Founded in 1973, CASI is a multi-service nationally accredited senior center providing a variety of social, educational, support and wellness programs and activities designed for adults over the age of 60 and their families/caregivers.

- END -

Have You Renewed Your Chamber Membership for 2013?! Deadline to remain in good standing is March 15!

Being a Member of the Chamber helps you to gather leads, meet prospects and promote your products and services.  Your business is listed on www.LeClaireChamber.com for all who visit the site to see, not to mention the 1000's of visitors to our Facebook page!  The Chamber refers our members first and encourages others to do business with our members. Attend Annual and Monthly Events! Stay up to date with news and events, and post your announcements for free in the Friday Announcements!  Low cost advertising is available to members in our quarterly Newsletter.  Stay involved, meet new people, and make a difference in your community! Membership form attached!

 

2013 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD:

President - Dayle Hall - Moline Dispatch Publishing Company

Vice-President - Jim Huiskamp - Blackhawk Bank and Trust

Secretary - Steve Suiter - Great River Financial

Treasurer - Mike Clingingsmith - Pleasant Valley School District

Lane Bleeker - LeClaire Baptist Church and LeClaire City Council

Ken Dahl - Dahl Ford, Davenport

Kelly Miller - Snap Fitness and 1^st Source Contractors

Debbie Mulvania - First Central State Bank

Melody Oltmann - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire

Vern Spring - Retired Mayor of LeClaire

Donna Walley - Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium

 

 

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!

 

Kernel Cody's Popcorn Shoppe - new owners, Diane Frascello and Joel Johnson, 125 North Cody Road, Le Claire, IA 52753

kernelcodys@iowatelecom.net All different flavors of popcorn, Lagomarcino's fine chocolates and over 85 types of candy!

 

The Black Watch Room - Kelly Schone - 3851 Forest Grove Drive, LeClaire, IA 52753. phone: 563-332-5072. Website: theblackwatchroom.com Planning a Wedding?  Hosting a Retirement or Graduation Party?  Coordinating a Bridal or Baby Shower? Book your Special Events with us!

 

Charles Schwab - Eric M. Johannes, CFP®, Independent Branch Leader and Financial Planner - 5345 Elmore Avenue, Suite 300, Davenport, IA 52807 phone: 563-275-3663. Helping you plan meet your financial goals for years to come.

 

CALENDAR

TODAY - March 1^st - FIRST FRIDAY IN LECLAIRE!!!!

Food and Beverage Samples at Mississippi River Distilling Company www.mrdistilling.com 5:30-8:00 p.m. March's "gift with purchase" is a special free pint glass featuring the Cody Road Whiskey logo on one side and "My St. Patty's Day Shot Glass" on the other for every bottle purchased while supplies last.  A St. Patrick's Day inspired drink planned in the bar called a Sham-O-Rita and samples of the Blueberry Rose made with River Rose Gin, blueberries and a hint of lemon.  Chef Stephanie is preparing a Lenten special with seafood soup and Sorghrum Caramel Chocolate Chip Grilled Bananas.

Wine samples at Wide River Winery We are excited to partner with Crane and Pelican Cafe in LeClaire for our March celebration. Samples of chicken and rice in a delicious port sauce made with our very own Ms. Issippi Port will be available. www.wideriverwinery.com

Antique Archaeology will be open until 7pm!

Karaoke at Sneaky Pete's Every Friday Night 9:00 P.M.-1:00 A.M. 207 North Cody Road Le Claire, IA (563) 289-4277.

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium will be open late - go in for a free red velvet cupcake! Yummmy!!

Free Appraisals at LeClaire Antiques & Appraisals, 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Restaurants and several other shops will be open late, too!

 

March 3rd and the first Sunday of every month - Reusable Usables - Family Yoga 3:30-4:30 p.m. Rediscover how amazing it is to be a part of your family!  Ages 2 and up! $5 per person or $15 for up to four people. Taught by Jennifer Vondracek, Executive Director of yoga.  No experience necessary! Ongoing event, and for more info, you can visit our website at www.reusableusables.org or our facebook page, or call 563-289-3946

March 6^th - Buffalo Bill Museum repeats jewelry-making class! Wednesday, March 6th the museum will host a bracelet and earring making class at 4:00 with Janet Daugherty. Call the museum at 289-5580 to make a reservation to join the class.  Bracelets are $10 each; pair of earring $5 additional. This was a very popular class last year and promises to be again this year.

March 8th - Slagle's Wine, Spirits and Beer Tasting - 5-7 p.m. Slagle Foods 2, Inc.,1301 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. Stop in and try something new!

March 9th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the LeClaire Civic Club Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Participants may bring beer, wine, snacks and soda. Water and snacks will also be for sale. Up to eight people per table. $10 per person with a $50 table minimum. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Contact Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703 for reservations or information. Don't have enough for a full table? Come anyway and we can put you on a table that needs people!

 

March 12^th - Chamber Networking Breakfast - 8:00 a.m. McDonald's, LeClaire

 

March 14th - Vegan & Vegetarian Night at the Crane & Pelican Café - Details and Menu at www.craneandpelican.com

 

March 15th - 17th - Bier Stube St. Patricks Day Celebration - $9.99 corned beef and cabbage and red potatoes, served all day long Fri-Sun. 1001 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire. 563-289-2121

 

March 16th - LeClaire Rec Center Family Night - www.leclairereccenter.com

March 26th - Civic Club Annual Corporation Meeting that was originally scheduled for Feb. 26th, is now rescheduled for March 26^th at the LeClaire Civic Center. Pot Luck at 6:30 PM and Annual Meeting at 7:00PM. All Civic Club members and their guests are encouraged to attend. Also, anyone interested in joining the Civic Club may attend as my guests.

March 26th - Reusable Usables - Women's Full Moon Circle Yoga - 7:30-8:45 p.m. Full Moon Circle is our opportunity to explore and learn from each other, and yoga will be led by Jennifer Vondracek.  We look forward to this opportunity to learn from a wonderful group of women, and to celebrate our strength, wisdom & love. $8 or donation. Ongoing event, and for more info, you can visit our website at www.reusableusables.org or our facebook page, or call 563-289-3946

 

March 30^th - Wide River Winery Easter bonnet Contest! Be creative and have fun! Judging at 3:30p.m. Tasting room is open 11AM-7PM

 

March 31^st - Bier Stube - Special Easter Sunday Brunch - 9am - 12pm. Seatings begin on the hour.  Price $13.99 for buffet or $19.99 per person with unlimited Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. Also taking reservations for Mothers Day Brunch (May 12th). 1001 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire. 563-289-2121

 

Save the Date

 

April 3 - "Dinner with Mrs. Dawley" The museum's fundraiser at the Dawley Home (Crane & Pelican Café) is SOLD OUT! Dinner in a riverboat pilot's home, joined by the couple's friends and family. It will be an enjoyable evening!  If you would like to be contacted if any reservations are cancelled, please send an email to: BuffaloBill@iowatelecom.net, or message the museum on FaceBook:  Buffalo Bill Museum LeClaire IA (Please include your phone number, and number in party).

 

FYI

 

Wide River Winery - New location in LeClaire, IA opening soon!

 

Reusable Usables, Planet Green After School Classes 322 N Cody Road, LeClaire, IA  52753 www.reusableusables.org TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS   4:00-5:30 PM Learn creative and fun ways to respect our planet with hands on eco-friendly art and educational activities based on the Iowa DNR Planet Patrol Series.   $5 per class thanks to GRANT funding from Iowa DNR. visit www.reusableusables.org Ongoing event and for more info you can visit our website at www.reusableusables.org or our facebook page or call 563-289-3946

 

 

 

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

Meet and greet Pastor Melody any Wednesday from 1-3 pm at Happy Joe's. Pastor Melody from First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, will be at Happy Joe's in LeClaire, every Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, sipping on a soda, reading and waiting to visit with you and your friends. Stop by and say hi. Or, if you have a prayer request or a question, just let her know.

 

Meals for Seniors at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire 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.

 

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center

2013 Trivia Nights:

March 9 - LeClaire Civic Center

April 6 - LeClaire Little League

May 4 - LeClaire Lions

June 8 - Buffalo Bill Museum

July 13 - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

 

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar

Spring - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt (Hollyhock Park)

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 17-18 - French Market Days

June 7-8 - LeClaire Garage Sale Days

June 21-22 - Girls' Getaway Weekend - Spectacular celebrity guests and events planned - details to come!

Summer - City-Wide Water Explosion (Hollyhock Park)

Summer - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 8-10 - Tug Fest - www.tugfest.com

October 6 - Dogtoberfest (rain date - Oct. 13)

October 12-13 - Autumn Market Days

October 13 - Apple Fest

October 24 - Hallowine

October 26 - Witches' Walk

December 6-8 - Christmas in LeClaire

 

 

 

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!