31 Jan 2014

Hilltop Campus Village Newsletter December 2013 - January 2014

By Scott Tunnicliff

COMMENTARY: The year ended with the completion by Sherman and Associates of the Harrison Loft apartments, the completion by Hilltop Campus Village of the Parking lot at 15th and Ripley, and the institution of a new snow plowing and snow removal policy on Harrison Street. Each of these bode well for the area, but all will take some getting used to.

o   It is great that the apartments are filled; now we need to concentrate on helping to lease the commercial spaces.

o   It is great to have parking at 15th and Ripley so homeowners won't have vehicles parking in front of their house; now we will see just how many parking spaces are necessary for the Harrison Lofts.

o   It is great that there is parking on the west side of Harrison, and that the Dept. of Public Works is not only plowing the snow there, but also committed to its removal; we'll all have to get used to seeing that cars are moved off Harrison so the plow and trucks can do their work.

With every new development comes new responsibilities.

 

HCV actions and activities:

o   Nomination has been made by the HCV in three categories to the Main Street Iowa Annual Awards Ceremony, set for May 2 in Des Moines. We have nominated a Volunteer of the Year (from Organization work group, Image Building of the Year (from Promotion work group), and New Construction of the Year (from Design work group). This is a great event which last year recognized the HCV for attaining a major reinvestment milestone.

o   Camille Cooper, a junior from St. Ambrose University, started interning for the Hilltop Campus Village on January 10. She is majoring in psychology and was drawn to the HCV mission by its need for research on numerous elements. Camille is working primarily but not exclusively on updating lists of businesses in the HCV, and of property owners within the Hilltop Association, which is the SSMID within the Hilltop Campus Village.

 

o   A Main Street Iowa Business Innovation Challenge Grant is being worked on by the HCV Promotion work group and staff. The Board has okayed the project, and the deadline is Feb. 14, with award notification in March.

o   Street light installation and maintenance, the major elements of our streetscaping plan, are being co-advocated for with the Downtown Davenport Business Partnership, which is keen to extend their streetscaping to additional blocks. The idea is to emphasize to the city as their CIP budget is crafted our respective desire to have our streetlighting linked.

o   Landscaping for the Hilltop Plaza and Parking lot at 15th and Ripley (can anyone think of a name for the lot? Ideas welcome.) will be done in the spring, finally using funds from the Tri-City Garden Club and other resources in the design coffers.

 

o   A four-person team of MBA students nearing graduation from St. Ambrose are making a portion of the Hilltop into a special project, part of their Integrated Project course, taught by Professor Bill Lynn. They intend to use their skills in research and strategic planning to identify challenges and craft solutions.

 

o   Developers with an appetite for mid-sized redevelopment are being invited to meet with the Hilltop Campus Village Economic Restructuring work group to review an inventory of buildings and sites that are ripe for .... Well, redevelopment. Persons who know of potentially interested parties are invited to contact the office.

 

 

 

HAPPENINGS IN and near THE HILLTOP

 

o   Thursday January 30 marks an event vital to the interests of many residents in the Hilltop Campus Village and vicinity when Genesis Navigators opens their staffed offices at 114 W. 2nd Street. The navigators are there to assist individuals and families in accessing and signing up for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Healthcare Act. It is important that everyone accesses this informed decisions can be made to suit individual circumstances. Additional information may be had by contacting Austin Bird, Genesis Corporate Communications at 563 421 9276 or birda@genesishealth.com. 

o   A Valentine's Sweetheart Dinner is being offered on February 14 at the newly opened Greatest Grains Event Center at 1600 Harrison Street. Reservations are being taken for a multi-course goumet dinner, complete with live entertainment, the perfect way to celebrate with your sweetheart. The charge is $50 per couple, beverages of choice may be brought with you. Call 563 323 7521 or email eli@greatestgrains.com for reservations. Don't delay! 

o   On February 11 at 6pm the Weed and Seed program will have its meeting in the offices of the Hilltop Campus Village. It is an open meeting of persons whose aim is to bring about strengthened neighborhoods by "weeding" the undesirable elements out of an area and "cultivating" good things to grow in its place. 

o   The Valentine's Serenade is also available that day for those wishing to send a surprise singing Valentine to their loved one at home or work, anytime between 8am and 6pm that day. Quartets of the Chordbusters and the Bend of the River Chorus will be singing all day, surprising people with love songs from their special someone (or their secret admirer). The cost is only $39.95 and comes with a quartet singing 2 love songs, providing a red rose and a Photo of the Moment. Make the Hilltop sing out with love and affection by ordering today. To order call 563 505 5895.

 

o   The Hilltop Campus Village is pleased to have been part of the planning process for the Scott County Regional Economic Development Summit, to be held on February 13 at the Isle Conference Center, Isle of Capri in Bettendorf. The event is a half-day of panelists and speakers, covering topics related to rural and regional economic and community development and concludes with a luncheon and keynote address from Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The event is presented by Scott County, and the charge is only $15. Register by calling 563 823 2676 or going to QuadCitiesChamber.com

HILLTOPPORTUNITIES

o   A Request for Proposal was sent out to developers, seeking project designs and concepts for the city-owned land at 5th and Brady. Four submittals were received by the January 6 deadline, and are being ranked by a five member panel including a volunteer from the Hilltop Campus Village.

 

o   The Hilltop Campus Village is making application to Paint Iowa Beautiful, for paint that will go to specific projects. This annual program will provide colors of choice for one project per year. The due date is February 22.

o   Another RFP for residential development of land close to but not in the Hilltop Campus Village has also been sent out. Interested parties may contact this office for further information on it.

o   Business/Organization office space now available. Low cost office space within the Hilltop Campus Village office at 601 Brady Street for start ups, small businesses and not for profits. Five private enclosed and secure spaces are for lease at very reasonable rates, utilities included. Sizes range from 170 sq ft. to 625 sq ft. Interested parties may contact Ted Priester,  tpriester@priesterlaw.com, 563 322 5386.

 

o   Two commercial properties are now available for sale in the HCV, due to their owner's pending retirement. Both are highly visible commercial buildings, one with abundant parking, the other with an existing income stream of $1000/month. Contact the HCV for contact information on these and other properties.

 

 

 

 

WHAT'S NEXT?

o   Alex Iaccarino has been named to the City's Design Review Board to represent the Hilltop Campus Village on matters pertaining to signage and façade improvement. The HCV Design work group put his name forward, reasoning that relative youth and an artistic perspective were consistent with the HCV's focus. Welcome Alex! 

o   Robert G. Scott of the Davenport Community School Board is welcomed as a new HCV Board member. Robert is a former Central High School Principal, now charged with oversite for all the District's senior and intermediate schools. His background knowledge and familiarity with the area will be of great use to the board as it charts its course in redevelopment. Welcome Robert! 

o   The HCV is contacting developers who have a history of success and innovation in mid-sized redevelopment projects and may be interested in the Hilltop Campus Village. While we don't have huge projects available, there are sites and some mixed-use multi-story buildings, some of which qualify for federal and State Historic Tax Credits, that may be of  interest. If you know of anyone who might be interested, let the office know or have them inquire personally.  

 

KUDOS!

o   To the Design work group for their diligence in seeking out quality space for murals as public art. An excellent candidate wall has been found and a grant is being sought to cover the cost of materials.

 

o   To property owners in the HCV, large and small, who have undertaken to improve their holdings. The most recent economic impact report from the Main Street Iowa program showed that of the three Urban Neighborhood Districts, ours had the highest amount of private investment in rehabilitation - over $27 million since we started in 2009.

 

WORK GROUP SESSIONS: Meetings open to all

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

o   Meeting time: Second Wednesday of the month (February 12), 5:00pm, HCV office, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301.

§  Grants submittal (Design and Economic Restructuring)

§  Consideration of Parking on Brady resolution

§  Report on Feb. 4 Winter Workshop in Cedar Rapids

ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Second Monday of the month (February 10), 4:00 pm., Hilltop Campus Village office, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Annual meeting planning

§  RDA and SCRA grant cycle projects

DESIGN COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Third Thursday (February 20), 5:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village office, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301  

§  Hilltop Plaza - Parking lot landscaping

§  Mural space identification and grant submittal

§  Street light acquisition, installation and maintenance project

PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Second Tuesday (February 11), 4:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village office, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Plan for Business after Hours event - date, location, invitation

§  Altar Crawl update

§  Fall Festival

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Third Wednesday, (February 19) noon, Hilltop Campus office, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Developer outreach, marketing site and building inventory

§  MBA study of the Hilltop Campus Village

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The Hilltop Campus Village is a not for profit organization dedicated to restoration, redevelopment and revitalization of this area.  Questions, comments and suggestions may be addressed by contacting the Hilltop Campus Village office at 563-322-8293 or  hcvscott@gmail.com or board members.
31 Jan 2014

Brucemore Mansion Tours Begin in March

By Tara Richards

Brucemore announces the reopening of the 21-room mansion for guided tours on March 1, 2014. Explore over a century of Cedar Rapids history through the lives of the three families who called Brucemore home?the Sinclairs, the Douglases, and the Halls. They were business and community leaders during a century of evolution in the Midwest. An investigation of the mansion's Queen Anne architecture, 1925 Grant Wood Porch, 1929 Skinner pipe organ, and 1930s Grizzly Bar and Tahitian Room reflect the history of remarkable people. The changes they made to their estate, the impact they had on their community, and the stories they left behind shape our understanding of modern Cedar Rapids, eastern Iowa, and the American Midwest.

Mansion tours are offered March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m. Tours begin on the hour and last approximately 50 minutes. Admission is free to Brucemore members, $7.00 for adults, and $3.00 for youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Purchase tickets fifteen minutes before the top of the hour in the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor Center.

Groups of ten or more are encouraged to schedule a private tour a minimum of two weeks in advance. In addition to the standard tour, Brucemore's tour menu features a range of tours and learning opportunities available for school and youth groups, scout troops, garden clubs, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and more. Visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375 for more information or to schedule a group tour.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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31 Jan 2014

Area Residents Make the Dean's List at Butler University

By Courtney Tuell

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (01/31/2014)(readMedia)-- The following local residents were among 763 students from Butler University who made the Dean's List for the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year:

Aaron Brenner of Sterling. Brenner is studying Chemistry.

Allison Shanks of Bettendorf. Shanks is studying Biology.

Tessa Sommers of Coal Valley. Sommers is studying Music Performance.

Butler is a nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing six colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Together, these colleges offer more than 60 undergraduate areas of study, eight pre-professional programs, and 19 graduate programs. Around 4,700 students are enrolled at Butler, representing 45 states and 49 countries. Ninety-five percent of Butler students will have participated in some form of internship, student teaching, clinical rotation, research, or service learning by the time they graduate. This community-centered immersion is coupled with classroom learning that nurtures critical thinking, effective communication, cooperative teamwork, and ethical decision making to prepare students for both professional success and to have lasting impact in their communities. Butler's overall placement rate for the class of 2012 was 94 percent, including 19 percent who went on to graduate or professional school.

31 Jan 2014

Charlie King in Rock Island March 4: 50 Years a Folksinger

By Margaret Thomas
On March 4 in Rock Island, Charlie King will present a concert marking his 50th year as a folk singer and 40th as a song writer. The Massachusetts-based artist has released more than a dozen solo albums since 1976.  The late Pete Seeger called Charlie King "One of the greatest singers and songwriters of our time."
The Rock Island concert will be Tuesday, March 4, at 7 pm in Broadway Presbyterian Church, 710 23rd St., Rock Island.  Donations of $10 per person are requested. The concert will raise funds for three local organizations which serve people in need:  Centro Maya Project (www.centromayaproject.org/?), Oaks of Mamre Catholic Worker House (www.oakscatholicworker.com), and Palomares Social Justice Center (www.palomaressjc.org).
Charlie King has been inspired by the music of the civil rights movements in the U.S., the anti-war movement from the Viet Nam era to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the movements for the rights of working people and the indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central America.
He has received numerous national awards during his career, and his songs have been recorded and sung by some of the leading stars of the folk genre, such as Pete Seeger, Holly Near, Ronnie Gilbert, John McCutcheon, Arlo Guthrie, Peggy Seeger, Chad Michell and Judy Small.
For more information, contact Margaret Thomas at 309 786 6944.
31 Jan 2014

The Agricultural Act of 2014

By Grassley Press

This week negotiations on the farm bill came to a close.  After two years, the House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday by a vote of 251 to 166.  When the bill comes up for a vote in the Senate, I will be voting against it.

The country needs good farm policy that provides a limited safety net to ensure small and medium sized farms have the resources to weather the uncontrollable risks they face every year.  The farm program must also be defensible to the American taxpayer.  As a farmer, a citizen and a legislator, I believe it is wrong to expect or allow the government to give unlimited support to any farm.  The $17 trillion debt is real, and we need to treat it as such.

The individual Senate- and House- passed farm and nutrition bills included nearly identical provisions that I championed that would have placed a hard cap on farm payments and accurately define a farmer.  My efforts stem from a need to get the farm program back to its original intent.  Currently 10 percent of the wealthiest farmers receive 70 percent of the benefit from the farm program.  This puts those small- and medium-sized farms and young and beginning farmers at a disadvantage.  These are the very people the farm program is supposed to help.  The committee leaders negotiating the final bill struck my simple, common-sense and enforceable provisions from the final bill.  And, $387 million in savings are no longer realized.

Don't get me wrong, there are some positives in the bill.  The crop insurance program remains in place to help farmers manage their own risk and the dairy program ended up better than where we started. But, this bill is a missed opportunity for true reform.  A few people put parochial interests ahead of agriculture as a whole.  Voting yes on this bill would be an endorsement of the egregious manipulation of my payment limit reforms behind closed doors.  I cannot in good conscience do that.
31 Jan 2014

Military Museum Recognizes Black History Month

By Illinois National Guard

New displays show service of African-American Soldiers in the Illinois National Guard

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/31/2014)(readMedia)-- To recognize Black History Month, the Illinois State Military Museum has unveiled a new series of displays telling the story of the service of African American Soldiers in the Illinois National Guard in the Civil War and World War I.

"We've chosen to display artifacts from the Civil War and World War I to tell just a few of the stories of Illinois citizens that may not be well-known to the public or even our own National Guard personnel," said Bill Lear, Museum Curator. "African-Americans citizens have served in Illinois National Guard units throughout the state's history including the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and today's Global War on Terror. Displays like these help tell the complete story of the service of Illinois citizens and of the Illinois National Guard."

The centerpiece display in the museum lobby is the U.S. flag carried during the Civil War by the 29th U.S. Colored Troops (USCT), the only black regiment from Illinois. Originally called the First Regiment Illinois Volunteers (Colored), the unit designation changed to the 29th USCT when it mustered into federal service on April 24, 1864 in Quincy, Ill.

The 29th USCT Soldiers saw their first action during the Siege of Petersburg at the Battle of the Crater in July 1864. They also fought at the Battle of Globe Tavern (August 1864), the Battle of Poplar Grove Church (September 1864), the Battle of Boydton Plank Road (October 1864), and ended the war on the Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865). The 29th lost three officers and 43 enlisted men killed in action and 188 enlisted men to disease.

The 29th USCT was one of 175 United States Colored Troop regiments. By the end of the war, African American Soldiers numbered nearly 179,000 and constituted 10 percent of the Union Army.

Other displays show equipment and personal items from the 8th Illinois Infantry was renamed the 370th Infantry for service in France during World War I. The 8th Illinois was an all-black unit whose history dates from 1878 and whose units ranged from Chicago to Metropolis, including companies in Springfield, Peoria, Quincy and Danville.

The displays feature 370th uniforms, collar brass showing the unit of assignment, and weapons a 370th Soldier would have used.

"These displays of ordinary items that average Soldiers used and wore can really help you feel a connection to them across the years," Lear said.

These temporary displays will be open through Feb. 28. In addition, the main exhibit gallery on the museum's second floor contains permanent displays that offer more information about the 8th Illinois' service in the Spanish-American War and World War II and the 8th Illinois descendent, the 178th Infantry Regiment.

Located two blocks north of the intersection of MacArthur Blvd. and North Grand Ave., the Illinois State Military Museum tells the story of the contributions of the Illinois National Guard to the state and the nation from 1723 to the 21st Century. The museum is open 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission and parking are free. For more information call (217) 761-3910.

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31 Jan 2014

With 6,200 Iowa Donors from All 99 Counties, Braley Raises $4 Million in 2013

By Jeff Giertz
Braley for Iowa will report raising over $1 million between October 1 and December 31

DES MOINES, IA - Braley for Iowa announced today that more than 6,200 Iowans from all 99 Iowa counties have contributed to Bruce Braley's campaign since he announced his candidacy for US Senate a year ago - helping Braley raise more than $4 million in 2013.

Braley for Iowa's Year-End Report to the Federal Election Commission, covering between October 1 and December 31, 2013, will show that the campaign raised over $1 million during the 4th quarter of 2013 and has over $2.6 million cash on hand. 

Braley for Iowa spokesman Jeff Giertz said, "The outpouring of Iowa grassroots support for Bruce Braley shows how hungry Iowans are for a Senator who will fight for the middle class to create jobs, help small businesses succeed, and work to create economic opportunities. Bruce has never forgotten where he's come from and the Iowa values fueling his campaign for Senate resonate with Iowans in all 99 counties."

Today's report is the latest sign of Iowa grassroots support for Braley's campaign. Last week, Braley announced that more than 1,000 veterans and military families have formally endorsed his candidacy. 

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, and his mother, a teacher, taught him the value of hard work. Braley worked jobs like road construction and truck driving to help pay his way through college and law school. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley represented Iowans who took on powerful interests and big corporations. Elected to the US House in 2006, Braley has worked to create Iowa jobs, protect farms, strengthen small businesses, and stand up for veterans. Bruce Braley is running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. He'll fight for middle class families, because that's where he comes from.

Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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31 Jan 2014

Harkin Announces Iowa Weekend Events

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced several events in Iowa this weekend.  A full list of his public events follows.

 

Friday, January 31st - Davenport

1:30 P.M.  Tour of the Humility of Mary Homeless Shelter

1016 W. 5th Street

Davenport

Senator Harkin will tour the Humility of Mary Homeless Shelter to learn about the services and support the shelter provides, and to gain further insight on the housing community in Davenport. In addition to emergency shelter, the Humility of Mary Homeless Shelter provides transitional and permanent supportive housing programs that help men and women experiencing homelessness to become more physically and mentally stable.

 

Saturday, February 1st - Dubuque

2:30 P.M.  Tour the University of Dubuque Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center

University of Dubuque

2000 University Ave.

Dubuque

Senator Harkin will join Jeffrey Bullock, President of the University of Dubuque, for a tour of the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center. The Wellness Center opened on campus in 2008 and includes a two-level fitness center, indoor track, and four multi-use courts for indoor sports. In his role as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS subcommittee), Harkin secured $476,000 for construction of the Wellness Center in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

 

Saturday, February 1st -Dubuque

4:30 P.M. Tour the New Dubuque Regional Airport Terminal

Dubuque Regional Airport

Hwy 61

Dubuque

Senator Harkin will tour the new terminal of the Dubuque Regional Airport. The terminal is expected to be completed this summer and will improve the energy efficiency of the airport with the use of Geothermal technology and other energy efficient operations. Harkin has long supported the renovation to the Dubuque Regional Airport and worked to secure $9,141,000 for the new terminal.

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31 Jan 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 1/31/2014

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

Time to Renew your LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Membership or Join for 2014! Go to www.leclairechamber.com to renew or join, or see the attached form to complete and return. Deadline to renew, February 1, 2014. Thank you for your membership!

The March 2014 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! 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. 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 February 7th, 5:00 p.m. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for SPRING!

CALENDAR

February 1st - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner

Davenport County Club 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley, IA

5:30-6:30 Cocktails (cash bar) and Silent Auction

6:30 Awards

7:00 Dinner

8:00 Live Auction

6-10 Music by Keep Off the Grass

Please RSVP to First Central State Bank at 563-289-2265 or dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com $35 per person paid in advance. Make check payable to LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 35, LeClaire, IA 52753.  Casual Party Attire.  To donate for auction items, take items to First Central State Bank or email chamber for more information.

 

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

Mississippi River Distilling Company Releasing the latest in our "Still Crazy" series... SIX SHOOTER SMOKE! This is a rye whiskey with a cherry wood smoked 6 row barley added giving it a rich, sweet, smoky nose and finish. Food and Spirit Tastings www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery Wide River Winery is open until 8pm serving their award winning locally made wines. Live music from 5-8pm by Tony Hoeppner. Enjoy a chocolate treat from the Sweet Life paired with Pursuit of Happiness. Also featuring their Valentine's Day wine, Be Mine, for the special price of $9.99 per bottle. www.wideriverwinery.com

Aunt Hattie's - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

 

February 8th - TugFest Trivia -LeClaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person.  You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun! To reserve a table, email iatugfestfan@gmail.com

 

February 11th - Chamber Networking Breakfast - Bier Stube, LeClaire - 8 a.m. Everyone Welcome!  The Bier Stube now serves breakfast, 7-10:30 a.m. Check out the menu at http://bier-stube.com/menus/leclaire-breakfast-menu/

 

February 12th - Edward Jones - Savvy Women, Smart Investors 11 a.m. at Faithful Pilot. Hosted by Amy Barnes of Edward Jones. Guest Speaker will be Ross Haeberle, Regional Manager with MFS Fund Distributors. Program will provide strategies and financial planning information pertinent to women.  Edward Jones will provide Lunch for all attendees, however, reservations must be made by February 4th and space is limited. Call 563-289-2243 to make reservations or for more information.

 

February 14th - Crane and Pelican Valentine's Day Dinner - 3 seatings, 5pm - 7pm - 9pm $100 per couple. Call for Reservations: 563-289-8774

 

February 14th - Faithful Pilot Valentine's Day Dinner - 2 seatings, 6 and 8:30 p.m.  $60 per person, $35 wine pairing. Call for Reservations: 563-289-4156

 

February 19th - Charles Schwab - ETF's Explained Want to fill gaps in your portfolio? Discover how exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can help. 2:00pm. Charles Schwab, Eric Johannes, 5345 Elmore Avenue #300, Davenport, IA 52807. Please R.S.V.P 563-275-3663

 

February 22nd - Trivia at LeClaire Civic Center to benefit LeClaire Little League. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Trivia will start at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. You don't have to be a genius! To reserve a table, call Vicky, 563-639-4621.

 

February 23rd - Buffalo Bill's Birthday Party! The Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire invites the public to celebrate William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody's birthday from noon - 4 p.m. Born in LeClaire, IA on February 26th, 1846, he was a frontiersman, US Army Scout, and later a celebrity touring throughout the world with his "Wild West Congress." He remains a favorite among generations, world-wide. Free admission, light refreshments, children's activities, and a visit from "Buffalo Bill" himself! No RSVP required!

 

February 28th through March1st - Buffalo Bill Museum Fundraiser YOUNKER'S Community Days 2014 Returns with more savings in the valuable coupon books! Available through the Buffalo Bill Museum (or online at www.communitydayevent.com). Each $5 booklet contains over $500 in coupon-savings, including a$10 coupon to use on an item of $10 or more; a shopping pass to save up to 25% off, shop online or at your local store; a30% off Early Bird Coupon valid BOTH DAYS until 1pm; and lots more!  To purchase a booklet, visit the Buffalo Bill Museum by March 1st!  Every $5 booklet purchased results in a $5 contribution to the museum, too! We appreciate your support!

 

Save the Date

March 1st - Rock and Roll Bingo!  LeClaire Rec Center - Fund raiser for Freedom Rock. Songs will be played and you identify the songs on bingo cards. There will be 50/50 and other raffles.  Event will be hosted by Cody Tucker of B100!  More details to come!

 

March 7th - Buffalo BIll Museum Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting 5 p.m. Come celebrate the museum's expanded facility during an Open House (4-7pm) and the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce's Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 5pm.  It will be a great start of "First Friday" in LeClaire!

 

FYI

Chamber Member, Diane Nelson, is the New Associate of the Year 2013 with Ruhl and Ruhl Realtors!  She works from the Davenport office. Congratulations, Diane!

Beginning oil painting classes upstairs at the Crane and Pelican. They will begin on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18th, 25th, Mar. 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Wednesday's beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 19th, 26th, Mar. 5th, 12th, 19th and the 26th. Classes will be small - cost $125.00 plus supplies. Please call Billie Davids, 563-349-3338

Riverbend Signworks is proud to have helped design and build a putt-putt golf hole for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Putt A Round" - and it won 1st place for "most difficult" golf hole!  We collaborated with Results Marketing and GalaxyOne on this project.  (yep, we do more than signs!) Also, only a few more days to take advantage of our design special! http://riverbendsignworks.com/winter-specials/

Winter Hours for the LeClaire Information Center Noon-3 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday. May be closed some days for inclement weather.

 

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Please share your knowledge and love of LeClaire with our visitors! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer. The winter shifts are 1½ - 3 hours. You will be trained, and it is fun!

 

New hours for LeClaire Antiques & Appraisals - Wed - Sat 11-4 and by appointment!

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. There are two in-line units available consisting of 2,160 sq. ft. each or 4,320 sq. ft. combined and suitable for either retail or office user. The location provides plenty of parking just off Highway 67/Cody Road with an overview of the Great River Road. It has excellent visibility with an elevated monument sign, and is located close to the first Iowa exit on I-80. Current co-tenants include Slagle Foods, Subway, First Central State Bank, and Style with PM Interiors. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Rent - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only. Lease with option to purchase.

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!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? If you own residential rental property or commercial property that is available for lease or sale in the greater LeClaire region, 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. As a service to the community, we would like to have the information available so we can share the most up-to-date information on our website!

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

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.

 

LeClaire Recreation Center Calendar - Join us for Family Nights!

4:00-6:30pm, $2 per person; 3 and under free. Concessions available.

February 8th - Open gym and movie "Casper"

March 8th - Open gym and movie "ET"

All movies start at 5:00 pm - www.leclairereccenter.com

 

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

May 3-4 - French Market Days

May 3-4 - LeClaire Community Library Book Sale

31 Jan 2014

Money Matters to Students in Iowa Schools

By Katie Miesen

Iowa Insurance Division Delivers a Motivational Money Message Using Educational Theatre

Minneapolis, MN (January 31, 2014) - Mad About Money II: Pay Yourself First returns to Iowa middle schools beginning February 3 to help students and their families create effective, life-long personal money habits.  Sponsored by the Iowa Insurance Division, the multimedia educational program is provided at no cost to participating schools.  The entertaining and inspiring program - featuring live, educational theatre performances by professional actors - also includes print and Internet curriculum for use in the classroom and at home.  The winter portion of the tour will travel to schools in counties throughout the state including:

Appanoose                 Jasper                      Polk
Benton                       Jefferson                   Poweshiek
Cass                          Johnson                    Pottawattamie
Clarke                        Jones                        Ringgold
Clinton                        Keokuk                     Scott
Decatur                       Louisa                      Story
Des Moines                 Linn                         Tama
Freemont                     Madison                  Wapello
Greene                        Marion                     Warren
Iowa                            Montgomery             Washington
Jackson                       Page                       Wayne

All the characters in Mad About Money II: Pay Yourself First are play by two experienced improvisational actors who play eight different characters in the 40-minute program that's performed for the entire school.  Students learn important lessons about their money management and buying habits through four comical and informative sketches, including:

  • Wages minus deductions equals take-home pay
  • Saving and investing always have some risk involved
  • Don't let advertisers make your decisions for you
  • What is "opportunity cost?"

The program is produced by The National Theatre for Children (NTC), and while performances and educational content are completely scripted, the shows themselves are built to incorporate moments of improvisation.  At the beginning of each scene, actors solicit information from the audience that is then humorously integrated into the show.  "Using humor to illustrate a particular point about money management is really powerful with this age group," says Craig Goettsch of the Iowa Insurance Division. "That's why we keep bringing these NTC programs back year after year.  It's never too soon to begin good money habits, and we want to expose these ideas to as many Iowa students as possible."

About the Iowa Insurance Division (IID)
The Iowa Insurance Division's mission is to protect consumers through consumer education and by effectively and efficiently providing a fair, flexible and positive regulatory environment.   This financial education program is funded not from tax revenues, but rather from investor education fund created with settlements between regulators and large brokerages houses, as well as a part of license fees for securities agents.  Additionally, the IID supervises all insurance business transacted in the state. The insurance commissioner grants permission to companies wishing to sell insurance in Iowa and has general control over all aspects of their business, from the forms they use to the rates they charge. The commissioner also serves as the administrator of the securities act which involves the licensing of brokerage firms and their agents, examining new securities offerings and investigating investment fraud cases:  www.iid.state.ia.us
About The National Theatre for Children
NTC is the largest touring educational theatre company in the world. Since 1978, NTC has successfully tackled one important issue after another including: financial literacy, electrical safety, water conservation, health care, smoking prevention, recycling, wise energy use, renewable energy, nutrition, and bullying prevention, (to name a few). Our educational outreach programs are entirely underwritten by corporate, non-profit and governmental sponsors who want to be associated with delivering healthy-living messages to students and their families. NTC performs approximately 7,000 times a year throughout the country, actively engaging 2.8 million students and parents through its programming: www.nationaltheatre.com

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