02 Feb 2010

Chinese New Year Party is open to all

By Vince Thomas

Quad City residents are invited to join the local celebration of Chinese New Year  on February 20, at the LULAC Club, 4224 Ricker Hill, Davenport, Iowa.

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, which begins in February 14, Valentine's Day, this year. The new year is celebrated for 15 days in China and many other southeastern countries in the world.

The event is co-sponsored by the U.S.-China People's Friendship Association, The Quad City Chinese Christian Church, and The Quad City Chinese Association.

The evening festivities will include dinner and a program. Prior to the dinner at 5 p.m., authentic chefs will demonstrate preparing the traditional "jiaozi" or dumplings, vegetable sculptures, and "Shaomai", starting at 3:30 p.m. There will be a craft activity for children, and demonstrations and audience participation in calligraphy.

Ticket prices are $5 for children twelve and under, and $10 for adult with reservation before February 18th, or $15 for adult and $8 for children at the door, Children under 3 are free.  Reservations can be sent to Susan @ s.leuthauser@mchsi.com or leave a voice message at 563-332-1576.

The New Year, "Chuxi," begins on the first day of the new moon in the first lunar month and ends on the fifteenth day of the full moon. "Chu" means change, and "xi" means eve.  In China, each year is associated with one of twelve animals in the zodiac. This is the year of the Tiger.

Although the Chinese calendar traditionally does not use continuously numbered years, outside China its years are often numbered from the reign of Huangdi. But at least three different years numbered 1 are now used by various scholars, making the year 2010 "Chinese Year" 4707 or 4646.

Traditional beliefs advise that to be born under the sign of a particular animal makes a person prone to certain humors and personality traits. New Year's is celebrated as a family affair, a time for reunion and thanksgiving. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu, symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.

According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nien (pinyin: nián). Nien would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nien ate the food they prepared, it wouldn't attack any more people.

One time, people saw that the Nien was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nien was afraid of the color red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nien.

From then on, Nien never came to the village again. The Nien was eventually captured by hong jun lao zu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nien became hong jun lao zu's mount.

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02 Feb 2010

Activities at the River Valley Library, Port Byron, for February 2010

By Janna Batey

Help the winter months fly by! Join River Valley District Library's annual Winter Reading Program February 8th- March 19th.  Adult participants must read two hours per week and record their times on their reading log, which can be picked up at the library beginning February 8th.  Participants may read any material they choose, as long as it comes from River Valley Library.  Readers may enter their names once a week in a prize drawing.  Upon completion of the program, all participants will receive a $5.00 Borders Bookstore gift card.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

"Our Young Authors" Children's Reading Program for Pre-12th grade will be held at River Valley District Library February 8th- March 19th.  Join us in exploring creative writing, illustration and more as we teach you to "think like a writer!"  Each week the program will showcase an influential children's book and offer projects and activities that tie in with the story.  Activity kits and instructions will be available on Monday of each week of the program.  The first Monday, February 8th at 9:30am or 6:30pm, please stop in the library to hear a reading of Jan Brett's Ukranian folktale the Mitten. Each participant must read 1 hour per week and record their times on their reading logs, which can be picked up at the library beginning February 8th.  Each week participants may enter their names in a drawing for a book by the week's featured author.  Older students may draw for a theme-related book.  Upon completion of the program, all participants will receive a book of their choosing or a $5.00 Borders Bookstore gift card.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Rhyme Tyme Story Time will be held Mondays from 11am-12pm and Thursdays from 10am-11am in the Community Room at River Valley District Library.  For children ages Pre-K, this class offers stories, songs and crafts based on a central theme. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Mommy and Me Story Time will be held Wednesdays from 9:15am-9:45am in the Community Room at River Valley District Library. For children ages 0-Pre, this class uses music and movement to capture children's interest.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Pajama Story Time will be held at River Valley Library February 26th, March 26th and April 30th from 6:30-7:30pm.  Put on your pjs and join us for story time! Each child that attends will receive a free book.  Hosted by the Friends of River Valley Library. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.   River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast will be held at River Valley Library Saturday, February 27th from 8:00am-9:30am. Do you like green eggs and ham?  Come down to the library to try them at this special, Dr. Seuss-inspired breakfast! Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs will be shown at River Valley Library Monday, February 15th from 12:30-2:30pm.  We will serve a free lunch and watch the movie upstairs in the Community Room.  Open to all ages. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Create Your Own Book at River Valley Library Saturday February 20th.  Children ages Pre-1st grade can make a lift a flap book from 10- 11am.  Children grades 2nd-12th can make a simple pop-up book  from 11:30-12:30pm. This is a free event, so bring the whole family! Sign up beforehand at the library, so that we can have enough supplies available. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Antique Appraisals will be held at River Valley Library Saturday, March 6th at 9am.  You may bring up to three items to be appraised, but please do not bring arms, armor, guns or knives. Please plan to stay for the full program.   Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Avon Demonstration will be held at River Valley District Library Saturday, February 27th at 10am.  Presented by local Avon representative Holly Loy, this program will showcase Avon's new skincare and makeup product lines.  Holly will help you choose the right products for unique skin type and coloring and will be offering a door prize and samples. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Bob Ross Painting Classes led by certified Bob Ross instructor Frank Black will be held in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  Friday, February 5th there will be two seascape Make & Take classes, from 5:00-6:30pm and from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Cost is $15.00, which includes all supplies.  Saturday, February 6th is a youth seascape painting class from 10am-12pm. Cost is $15.00, which includes all supplies.  Friday, February 19th is a full-size (16"x20") seascape painting class from 5pm-8pm.  Cost is $50, which includes all supplies. Friday, March 5th there will be two floral Make & Take classes from 5:00-6:30pm and from 6:30-8:00pm.  Cost is $15.00, which includes all supplies.  Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Cooking and Culinary Explorations with Chef Spencer Blake will be held at River Valley Library Monday, February 22nd at 5:00pm.  Join Chef Spencer as he teaches how to prepare fresh pasta with two specialty sauces, a classic tomato and a bolognese.  As he demonstrates the technique, he will also talk about the practical, historical and cultural aspects of the featured cuisine and discuss possible wine pairings.  Delectable tastings will be served and sample portions will be provided for you to take home.  The cost for this class is $20.  Future classes will be held on the last Monday of each month and topics will be barbecue methods such as smoking, spit-roasting and grilling; methods of cooking fish, methods of cooking eggs, and more.  Chef Spencer is a native of Port Byron and a recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America of Hyde Park, New York. Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Starting Seeds Successfully will be held at River Valley Library Thursday, February 25th at 6:30pm.  Led by Judith Williamsen, a certified Master Gardener, this presentation will cover types of seeds, supplies for getting started, the value of having a heat supply, hardening off the seedling and garden sites.  Please sign up at the library or call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Tai Chi will be held at River Valley Library every Tuesday from 6:45-8:00pm.  Led by instructor Steve Cravens, this class utilizes an ancient Chinese soft form of martial arts that increases balance, promotes relaxation and improves overall health and wellbeing. All skill levels are welcome. The cost is $7.00 per class.  Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Yoga will be held at River Valley Library every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30pm.  Led by instructor Rebecca Licandro, this class uses the ancient art of yoga to relieve stress, increase flexibility and improve health.  All skill levels are welcome. The cost is $8.00 per class. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Join us for an afternoon of good-natured rivalry as we play Bunco at River Valley Library! This Bunco group is open to all ages and skill levels, so grab a friend and join the fun! Contact Bev Skelton at (309) 523-2516 for more information. Held from 1:00pm-3:00pm Wednesdays, February 17th &  March 17th.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Quilting by the River will be held in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  Bring your current project and join this group of happy quilters as they swap quilting stories, favorite techniques and more.  Contact Pat Biskie for more information at (309) 523-2171.  Held Thursdays February 11th and March 11th.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Stitching & More will be held in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  Do you enjoy knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, or other forms of stitching?  Put your creativity to work and share your favorite tips and tricks with this fun group of ladies.  This group meets every Wednesday (except the 2nd Wednesday of each month) from 5:00-8:00pm.  Contact Bev Skelton at (309) 523-2516 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Stamping Club will be held the first Friday of each month from 9:00am-11:00am at River Valley Library.  Meet other ladies who enjoy stamping and get some great ideas on card making!  Share your own creations and learn new techniques. Contact Bev Skelton at (309) 523-2516 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

River Reflections will be showing My Sister's Keeper and Couple's Retreat in the Community Room at River Valley Library. Come watch these new releases on the big screen and enjoy free pop and popcorn! My Sister's Keeper will be shown Thursday February 5th from 1:00-3:30pm.  Couple's Retreat will be shown February 18th from 1:00-3:30pm and a selection of scrumptious desserts will be offered in honor of Valentine's Day. Call (309) 523-3440 for more information.  River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Port Byron Historical Society will meet in the Community Room at River Valley Library Wednesdays once a month, from 7:00-8:00pm.  Future meetings are scheduled for Feb.10th, March 10th, April 14th, May 12th..  Meetings feature a wide variety of topics, guest speakers and historical performers. For more information, contact Carl Palmer at (309) 523-3654. River Valley District Library, 214 South Main St. Port Byron, Il.

Homeschooler's Group will meet every other Tuesday in the Community Room at River Valley Library.  This group meets to provide local homeschoolers with support, classes, seasonal events and fieldtrips. Some of the classes that are planned include art, music, fiber arts, creative movement, public speaking, health, science, gardening and more.  Contact Carrie Homann at (309) 496-3330 for more information.  Future meetings include "Show and Tell" January 19th; "Fiber Arts" February 2nd; and "Science and Microscopes" February 16th.

01 Feb 2010

Family & Friends of Reece Morgan

By Kim Riley-Quinn

The newly -formed group, Family and Friends of Reece Morgan, invite you to join in their effort to keep Reece Morgan's legacy alive in the Quad Cities. Reece was a man who possessed what seemed to be tireless energy which he generously shared with hundreds of youth in the Quad Cities. Reece mentored youth about the importance of respecting others, of embracing education and most importantly, about dreaming big. Sadly, Reece died unexpectedly of natural causes in October of 2009, leaving a significant void in the QC community. Reece never met a child he didn't believe had great potential and he was always looking for ways to open their eyes to new and exciting possibilities.
The Family and Friends of Reece Morgan are mobilizing to keep Reece's good work moving forward. They will be joining forces with QC United, a local non-profit organization, to support The Dreams Come True Trip to Washington DC scheduled July 11th, 2010. This trip will provide 40 underserved students from the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the many learning opportunities that are awaiting them in our Capital.

As part of this effort, the Friends and Family of Reece Morgan are excited to be part of the Ray Blue Concert...A Tribute to Ray Charles, which is a fundraiser for the Dreams Come True Trip. This concert will be in Reece Morgan's honor and the proceeds from this event will support the Dreams Come True Trip to Washington DC.

Cliff Hinton, one of Reece's close friends, said it best: "I can see Reece now, grinning from ear to ear, saying, 'That's what I'm talking about!'"
The public is invited to join the Friends and Family of Reece Morgan at the Ray Blue Concert...A Tribute to Ray Charles. Come and be part of the effort to keep Reece's passion for our youth, alive and kick'n in the QC.

The Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center and the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf are sponsors of this event.
The Ray Blue Concert...A Tribute to Ray Charles

  • When:  Saturday, February 27th, 8pm (doors open at 7pm)
  • Where:  Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St. Bettendorf
  • Tickets: Available at all local Hy-Vee stores
  • Available at all local Co-op Record Stores
  • Available online at: www.qcunited.org
  • Cost:  $20 in advance, $30 at the door.
  • VIP Tickets- $50 (provides seating at an eight-person table with complimentary champagne)

For more information contact Kim at 563-349-1870 or Mike at 563-505-0269

###

28 Jan 2010

25th Annual Red and White Founders Day Banquet and Ball

By Maryulett Johnson
The Moline-Davenport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is hosting its 25th Annual Red and White Founders Day Banquet and Ball on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at The Lodge (formerly Jumer's Castle Lodge) in Bettendorf, Iowa.Our annual ball is our major fundraiser used to help provide scholarships to deserving college bound students of the Quad City community. Entertainment will be provided by The Westbrook Singers and dynamic speaker Tionn Fambro.  Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. For ticket information please contact Mary Chestang at 563-514-7960 or maryulett@hotmail.com.
28 Jan 2010

Freight House Farmers' Market February events

By Rick Martin
Feb 2: Cooking With Cathy: Egg-cellent recipes that demonstrate that eggs aren't just for breakfast anymore.

Feb 9: Cooking with Cathy: Beef up your meals with the addition of local beef.

Feb 13: Share The Love Food Drive with CCC Food Pantry and Cafe on Vine: Bring in donations of shelf-stable foods, purchase fresh foods from our vendors or donate cash that will benefit our locals in need of help.

The Freight House Farmers' Market is located at the west end of the Freight House complex, 421 West River Drive, Davenport. The Farmers' Market is open year around indoors on Tuesday from 3pm until 6pm and Saturdays from 8am until 1pm.
25 Jan 2010

KAABA Shrine Circus

By Rick Martin

Come see the KAABA Shrine Circus at the Davenport RiverCenter February 5th thru 7th. Seven spectacular shows! See the show for only $10 by saving $5  if you purchase your tickets before February 5th.

  • Friday, February 5th shows at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 6th shows at 12 Noon, 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 7th shows at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • (doors open 30 minutes prior to the shows.)

You can purchase discount tickets at all Quad Cities area HyVee store through February 4th. Tickets available online at www.kaabashrinecircus.com. Tickets also available at the KAABA office, 511 Veterans Parkway (East 65th Street), Davenport.

Ticket prices are $15 for General Admission and $25 for Premium Box Seats. Premium Box Seats available online or at the door only. General Admission ticket upgrades may be available at the door if space is available. Children under 3 admitted free.

Proceeds of the KAABA Shrine Circus benefit the KAABA Shriners and their wonderful programs. Tickets are not tax deductible.

The Davenport RiverCenter is located at 131 East 3rd Street in downtown Davenport.

 

19 Jan 2010

The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

By Guadalupe Salsido

Come join us for the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's First Annual Meeting.

You are invited to celebrate with us as we highlight past year accomplishments and recognize our volunteers and those businesses who invest in our community.

Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moline Community Center, 1613 5th Ave., Moline, IL 61265.

Cost $10 per ticket. Please RSVP by January 15, 2010 to (309) 721-9072.

Presentations for Volunteer of the Year and Latina Small Business and Latino Small Business.

18 Jan 2010

Cecilia's Benefit - January 23rd

By Farrah Elshoff
Benefit for 4 year old Cecilia to be held on Saturday, January 23rd at the Martin Luther King Center, 630 - 9th St, Rock Island from 4pm until 7pm. Your $5 ticket includes a taco dinner. Raffle tickets for i-Wireless phone package, men's and women's watches, wallets and purses and much more. Bid in the Silent Auction for Cecilia's art work. Questions, or to make a donation, please contact Cora at 309-373-0156.
14 Jan 2010

Richard Katrovas to Read in The River Readings at Augustana

By Margaret Rogal

Augustana College, Rock Island, IL - Writer Richard Katrovas reads from his work in The River Readings at Augustana on Thursday, February 4.

The recipient of numerous grants and awards, Katrovas is the founding academic director of the Prague Summer Program, and is the author of six books of poetry, Green Dragons, Snug Harbor, The Public Mirror, The Book of Complaints, Dithyrambs and Prague Winter; a book of short stories, Prague USA; two memoirs, The Years of Smashing Bricks and The Republic of Burma Shave; and a novel, Mystic Pig. He is a professor of English at Western Michigan University.

Of The Years of Smashing Bricks, Patricia Hampl wrote, "Richard Katrovas has become an indispensable masculine voice, by turns brash and strikingly tender. These short stories form a strong, singular narrative, but they are also individual pieces of beauty and insight. Maybe only a poet can write memoir with this kind of torque."

The reading is free and open to the public and takes place Thursday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall, inside the Denkmann building (3520 7th Ave.) on the Augustana College campus. A reception follows the reading.

The River Readings at Augustana is sponsored by the Institute for Leadership and Service, the Thomas Tredway Library, and the English Department at Augustana College.

The River Readings at Augustana calendar:

February 4, Richard Katrovas, poetry, fiction, and memoir

March 18, Chris Offutt, fiction and memoir

April 15, Daniel Woodrell, fiction

13 Jan 2010

HISTORY CHANNEL'S 'AMERICAN PICKERS' HAS DEEP ROOTS IN THE QUAD CITIES

By Rick Martin

(DAVENPORT) - Although 'American Pickers,' a new reality series debuting on the History Channel on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. local time, follows its stars Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz across the country as they scour for hidden antique gems, it has a longstanding history in the Quad Cities.

The show started in Le Claire, Iowa, with nothing but Wolfe's handheld video camera documenting his and Fritz's unique finds, quirky characters met along the way and amazing stories never-before captured. Numerous junkyards, basements, garages and barns later, the pair had accumulated hours of amateur footage that would later be used to create the 'American Pickers' pilot by local film production company,  
Crazy Eyes Productions.

Wolfe and Fritz crossed paths with Crazy Eyes Productions' owner Justin Anderson in a chance-happening meeting at a Bettendorf coffee shop. Of their first meeting, Anderson recalls, "I thought their back-story was really interesting, and knew it had potential to become something even bigger."

Crazy Eyes Productions quickly got to work thereafter, producing more than a dozen shorts and a full 22-minute pilot for the show. Wolfe's box of 20-something unlabeled tapes quickly became a unique look into the business of finding, selling and buying antiques in America.

"When we met Justin, the project starting coming together," remembers Wolfe. "He created the stories and gave it a professional look with interesting graphics to make it ready for T.V."

Anderson is thrilled that Wolfe, Fritz and their company, Antique Archaeology, will now be nationally recognized for their hard work and creativity.

"It was my first big project when I started Crazy Eyes Productions and has definitely been a favorite to work on. I'm very excited to watch the premiere with Mike and Frank," he details.

Crazy Eyes Productions invites all of the Quad Cities to watch the series premiere of American Pickers with its staff and the show's stars Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on Jan. 18 at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Davenport. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the show airing at 7 p.m.

For more information on American Pickers, visit  
www.history.com/content/american-pickers.

About Crazy Eyes Productions

Crazy Eyes Productions is a video production and creative media company based in downtown Davenport, Iowa.  Owner Justin Anderson and T.V. Producer Frank Otero specialize in creative marketing, animation, and video production. Other related credits include graphic titles for a show that premiered on the History Channel in September 2008.  Currently, the company is working on the development of two new scripted comedy pilots for T.V., among other area ventures. For additional information, visit www.CrazyEyesProductions.com.

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