06 Oct 2015

Niabi Zoo Baby Monkey Named

By Marc Heinzman
Coal Valley, IL - October 1, 2015 - Niabi Zoo has announced a naming contest for their female babe Black and White Colobus monkey, which was born on September 1, 2015.
Three finalist names have been chosen for zoo visitors to vote on and choose their favorite. The naming contest will run until October 19.
With this format, zoo visitors who vote will not just be choosing a name for the new monkey, but will also be supporting the zoo. "We're asking visitors to cast their vote with the pocket change," says Zoo Director Marc Heinzman, "and the name with the highest dollar amount will win." According to Heinzman, all proceeds raised from the naming contest will go toward ongoing improvements to Niabi Zoo's animal habitats and facilities.
The three finalist name choices and their meanings are Adina (she has saved), Raziya (sweet, agreeable), and Makeda (magnificent). The ballot boxes are located in front of the African Treetops colobus monkey habitat at Niabi Zoo.
Niabi Zoo is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Last admission each day is at 3:00pm.
# # #


30 Sep 2015

Oktober Events! - German American Heritage Center

By Janet Brown-Lowe

One of our last fundraising events of the year is coming up this weekend! Please join us for our annual Arts & Draughts Beer Tasting Event this Saturday, Oct. 3rd from 6-8. This event supports our programming and exhibitions for 2016! We hope to have your support for exciting programs next year on topics such as Thomas Nast, Trains, and even Germans in Hollywood. We couldn't do it without your support!

Call 563-322-8844 to reserve your tickets at the $20 price! Day of sales go up to $25

We proudly present delicious German style beers from MUGZ as well as the music of Enjoy with Troy and brat baskets for purchase from Jerry's Market!

Saturday, October 17th Genealogy Workshop 9am-12pm $30/$35
There are still a few spaces left in our Genealogy Workshop with Teresa Steinkamp McMillin. Come and learn at her sessions on:

9:30-10:30 Reading Between the Lines of the City Directory
This lecture encourages one to go beyond the obvious use of a city directory-locating an ancestor. The directory provides an opportunity to understand our ancestor's historical context. Pictures, advertisements, maps of the city and many more items are often included. The audience will be encouraged to understand each directory's unique qualities. Examples will be used to illustrate various points.

11:00-12:00 So, You've Found Your German Town of Origin, Now What?
Finding your ancestor's town of origin can be exciting, indeed. Once this piece of information is found, you might be left wondering how to get records from the other side of the ocean. This lecture focuses on how to get records for German towns. Highlights include :
  • Verifying the location of the town
  • Strategies for identifying misspelled town names
  • Finding historical jurisdictions for that town
  • Finding records for that town
  • Useful aids for reading those records
  • Tips for hiring a professional genealogist in Germany, when necessary
Pre-registration & Pre-payment required. $30 Members, $35 Nonmembers. Museum opens at 9:00am on Oct.17. There will be a 30 minute break in between sessions.
We have partnered with the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society for this workshop which is sponsored by the City of Davenport.
25 Sep 2015

Niabi Zoo Director Leaving for New Position

By Marc Heinzman
Coal Valley, IL - September 25, 2015 - Niabi Zoo announced today that Zoo Director Marc Heinzman is leaving his position at Niabi Zoo for a new opportunity. Heinzman has accepted the position of Zoological Curator at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located in Eatonville, Washington. His last day at Niabi Zoo will be October 16.

Marc Heinzman began working at Niabi Zoo in 2008 as a zookeeper, before becoming Assistant Zoo Director in 2010. He became the Zoo Director in 2012. "I'm excited to start this next chapter of my career," said Heinzman, "and I know Niabi Zoo is positioned for continued success into the future. I have worked hard to assemble a great team of skilled and experienced professionals that will help take the Zoo to the next level." Heinzman also said he is proud of the improved levels of animal welfare and financial stability that Niabi Zoo has implemented in the last three years.

"I have a lifelong connection to Niabi Zoo," said Heinzman, "beginning with elementary school field trips as a young child all the way through to the bulk of my professional career in the Zoo field. Niabi Zoo will always be an important place to me, and now the Forest Preserve District and the Niabi Zoological Society are working with the nation's leading experts in zoo consultation and governance to determine the best path into the future. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for Niabi Zoo." Heinzman has been a resident of the Quad Cities for most of his life, attending Rock Island public schools and Saint Ambrose University.

"We're sorry to see Marc go," said Rock Island County Forest Preserve District Director Jeff Craver, "but we wish him all the best with his new opportunity. He's been a great asset to Niabi Zoo during his seven years there." Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is an AZA-accredited facility of Metro Parks Tacoma, an independent government agency which oversees the parks of Tacoma, Washington. Northwest Trek is 723 acres in size and features a collection of about 200 animals representing over 40 species native to the Pacific Northwest.

Niabi Zoo's Assistant Zoo Director, Dan Meates, will be act as interim Zoo Director until the Forest Preserve District completes a national search to identify Niabi Zoo's next Director.

# # #
25 Sep 2015

"I Met a (wo)Man Who Wasn't There" October Art Exhibit at Rock Island Main Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Library will host a new abstract art exhibit by Rock Island artist Elaine Shepherd Rexdale during October at the Main Library location.

Her exhibit, I Met a wo(Man) Who Wasn't There, is inspired by the poem Antigonish by Hughes Mearns. "Yesterday, upon the stair/I met a man who wasn't there./He wasn't there again today,/I wish, I wish he'd go away/When I came home last night at three,/The man was waiting there for me/But when I looked around the hall, I couldn't see him there at all! . . . "

Elaine Rexdale has worked in the educational field for her entire adult life. Her chosen career took her to Illinois, Louisiana and New York, before returning to make Rock Island her home. Inspiration comes from a life-long hobby of people watching, and the worlds of art and music. Her abstract acrylic paintings use bold strokes and bright colors to convey excitement and energy.

"For me, the visually most interesting is not in perfection, but imperfection," says Rexdale.  "I want viewers to experience the beauty of movement, design, and color, even if the message I'm attempting to convey is not immediately recognized,"

Rexdale regularly exhibits at Midcoast Fine Arts and Geneseo Art League, and recently completed a showing at Galesburg Civic Art Center. Her exhibit will be on display in the Rock Island Main Library's 2nd floor gallery space, 401 19th Street, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 during the day and in the evening during library programs.

For more free library events for all ages, pick up a fall events brochure at library locations, call 309-732-READ or visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org.

# # #

23 Sep 2015

Gordon Kellenberger's Annual Oktoberfest Show

By Catiri's Art Oasis
Catiri's Art Oasis presents:

The long awaited featured show is almost here!! 
October 2nd from 4pm to 6pm Gordon Kellenberger will be presenting his latest works! 
This is a great time to collect a Kellenberger or add to your collection!!  With over 20 new artworks, it is a great way to bring in fall and kick of Amana's 50th Annual Oktoberfest!!
Prosit!!

Amana's 50th Annual Oktoberfest

October 2nd-4th 2015
It is sure to be a great time for all!!

For more information click here.
21 Sep 2015

"Dragons Love Tacos" comes to the Muscatine Art Center

By Lynm Bartenhagen

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS FAMILY EVENT

Sunday, October 4, 2015

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Free admission; reservations required

Hooray!  The Muscatine Art Center is hosting our first party for dragons and kids!  All we need for a fun day is you and a few dragons to join us. There will be paper tacos to make and fire breathing dragons will be everywhere.  Ms. Laura will be in the studio for the story Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri.   "We all know dragons love tacos, especially Taco John's tacos," said Tom Hendricks, "I've never met a dragon who did not like tacos.  Taco John's is happy to support this kid friendly event that introduces children to the Tots programming at the Muscatine Art Center."

The Muscatine Art Center invites families to join us in celebrating National Taco Day! Sponsored by Taco John's, families can enjoy a free taco to top off the afternoon of fun.  After all, dragons love tacos.  If we have plenty of tacos nothing could possibly go wrong at our party.  Unless the dragons accidentally eat spicy salsa... And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. We're in red-hot trouble.

The Tots programming at the Muscatine Art Center is a great way to introduce your children to art.  Each class offers a story that is read to the children and several tot friendly art projects for them to do. The instructor is Laura Stahl, Programming Coordinator at the Muscatine Art Center.  "The children always find new and creative ways to participate in the art projects", said Laura Stahl. "I offer new projects to spark their imaginations and creativity at each class."

"Dragons Love Tacos is a heaping helping of silly.  Little kids will relate to the anti-spicy bias and chuckle over Salmieri's watercolor and gouache cartoon illustrations showing literally boatloads of tacos and all sizes of dragons enjoying their favorite food at pool parties, costume parties and, well, taco parties."?San Francisco Chronicle. And just remember, the way to a dragon's heart is always through his stomach!

"Last year Americans ate over 4.5 billion tacos! That's 490,000 miles of tacos, which could take you to the moon and back or, if you prefer, could, at 775-million pounds, equal the weight of two Empire State Buildings (nationaltacoday.com.)

Please call Laura at (563) 263-8282 to RSVP by Thursday, October 1, 2015. The event is free, but reservations are required.

To keep up-to-date on the latest Muscatine Art Center family activities, kids' and adult classes, programs, and exhibitions, connect with the Art Center on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. You may also email art@muscatineiowa.gov to be added to the Art Center's email list.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure.

15 Sep 2015

Presentation: "Laura Musser & Her Legacy" by Melanie Alexander

By Rick Martin

The Muscatine Art Center's Music Room

Thursday, September 24th at 5:30 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION

Join Muscatine Art Center Director, Melanie Alexander, for an exploration of the life and legacy of Laura Musser McColm Atkins. The presentation, "Laura Musser & Her Legacy", is offered as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Laura Musser Art Gallery & Museum, later named the Muscatine Art Center. Photographs of Laura Musser, some rarely on view, will be woven into the free presentation offered on September 24th at 5:30 p.m.

Details about Laura Musser's family, her marriage to Edwin McColm, her involvement in the McColm Dry Goods Store, and her second marriage to William T. Atkins of Kansas City will be shared. Through oral histories given by Laura's domestic servants, the day-to-day operations of the households as well as the individual experiences as a member of Laura's staff will be highlighted. The presentation also includes photographs of clothing belonging to Laura Musser and a discussion of the artwork that captured Laura's likeness during her lifetime.

The Muscatine Art Center's collection includes the locally well-known portrait by Thomas Riss painted from a photograph taken by Oscar Grossheim as well as a marble statue bust of Laura as child created by sculptor George Grey Barnard and a bronze relief bust of Laura as a young lady.

Quotes from Laura Musser's journals from 1936 and 1937 will illustrate how she spent her days in the time period between the passing of her first husband and her second marriage. Laura's words capture the degree to which she took responsibility for the operations of the McColm Dry Goods Store/Laurel Building, her fondness for her family (and especially her close connection to her brother Drew who lived in Little Falls, Minnesota), and her compassion for many individuals and families in Muscatine.

Director Melanie Alexander's talk is the first in a series of programs about the Musser family and their connections. On October 22, 2015 at noon, volunteers from Linden Hill, the home of Laura's brother Drew, will present on Drew Musser, his family, and his connection to his next door neighbor, Charles Weyerhaeuser. Charles and Drew both built mansion which are today listed on the National Register of Historic Places - the Weyerhaeuser mansion is open as the Linden Hill Historic Museum. Peter Musser and Frederick Weyerhaeuser, fathers of the Drew and Charles, had been business partners and friends back in the Muscatine/Quad Cities area. On November 5, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., historian Tom Rasmussen and author Judith Healy will present on the important relationship between Peter Musser and Frederick Weyerhaeuser.

All programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure.

10 Sep 2015

Online Art Gallery for the Disabled

By Maggie Burns
The Disability Enterprise Foundation announces the opening of an online art gallery for Iowa artists and artisans with disabilities. The Iowa Disability Creative Works Gallery is designed to showcase the creative talents of Iowans with disabilities and to help them market their creative works. The website for the creative works gallery is www.idcwg.org. The gallery will display photos of creative works accepted by the Gallery review committee, along with an eCommerce feature that allows artists/artisans to sell their works on display. For submission forms and more information contact Maggie Burns by email - maggieburns55@yahoo.com - or by telephone - 319-621-4401; or Tom Walz at 319-530-8765.
09 Sep 2015

World Famous Figge Architect Sir David Chipperfield in Davenport to Celebrate 10th Anniversary

By Sara Morby

WHO: Sir David Chipperfield and Figge Art Museum staff

WHAT: Sir David Chipperfield will make a short statement about the 10th anniversary and will take questions from the press.  Photo and b-roll opportunity with Sir David Chipperfield and Figge model museum.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sep. 10.

WHERE: Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd Street, Davenport.

CONTACT: Sara Morby, Development Assistant, (563) 345-6642 or (309) 373-4711.
09 Sep 2015

Stickley Roadshow with Mike Danial Wednesday, September 9th at 6pm! Free!

By Kelly Lao

Please join the GAHC in welcoming this impressive speaker as he joins us on his Stickley Roadshow Tour. This event is sponsored by Knilans' Furniture and Interiors and is free and open to the public.

Mike Danial's firsthand knowledge of his topic is extensive. He began his career at the L. & J. G. Stickley Furniture Co. in 1974. In his 37 years at Stickley, he has seen the company grow from 26 employees in 1974 to approximately 1500 employees today. Mike's great-uncle, Vinchenzo Mellache worked for Leopold Stickley in the 1940s through 1959. Mike has worked in every department including Rough Mill, Fine Mill, Sanding, Cabinet Room, and Finishing Department. He even managed the Customer Service Department. In 1988 he became the project director of the Mission Oak Collection which now accounts for approximately 70% of company sales.
Today, Mike serves as Stickley's corporate historian and travels throughout the country lecturing on Stickley Furniture and the American Arts and Crafts movement. He is also the restoration specialist for the firm's corporate museum. When not lecturing, Mike is the author of "Ask Sadie!" the Stickley Answer Desk for the corporate level learning and information systems. He holds a degree in Business Management from New Hampshire College and a degree in Wood Technology from SUNY Morrisville.
This program is part of our exhibition,Built to Last: Gustav Stickley's Legacy of Design, now open through November 1st.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Riverboat Development Authority and Knilans' Furniture and Interiors.

The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 West 2nd St. Davenport, IA. For more information contact Kelly at 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org.

Exhibition

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.