September 25th, 6-9 p.m. through Saturday, October 24th,

The Quad City area has an admirer coming to town. "Iowa is one of my favorite places to paint," began wild life artist Jeff Gandert. "Painting in the natural world is an ambition that continually evolves." It began well before he ever picked up the artists' brushes. Born in Cincinnati in 1957, he spent a great deal of his early years exploring the woodland streams and abandoned farms near his home," said Gandert in an interview with Beréskin Art Gallery Director Pat Bereskin. I just began absorbing all that countryside with it's wildlife and finally began to spill over in my paintings." Starting with art classes in high school and then into self studies and studies with fellow artists, his work was soon being published on the cover of a number of magazines. "I divide my painting time between wildlife and landscape painting. My landscapes are painted on location. They are loose renditions of the scene capturing the essence of the day. Having a fun loving side, I am like a kid in a candy store with landscape painting. I can really let go. Knowing that I'll complete the painting in one or two sittings I can forget the details and capture the essence of the day. I have an absolute ball with this kind of painting, I can really let go and "make hay" with the brushes.  I also have a serious side and that's where my wildlife painting comes in. Some of these paintings can take hundreds of hours to complete. I get totally submerged in the painting, striving for a believable realness and sense of depth. It's out of this type of painting that I get my greatest satisfaction," Gandert said.

Jeff has exhibited in a number of national shows including The Arts for the Parks National Show and Tour, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum Birds in Art Exhibit and World Tour, and The Great American Artist Exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. He is also a member of the Society of Animal Artists. Jeff has won numerous awards including three best of show awards in national competitions. 

Gandert's latest creations of wildlife will be on display at Beréskin Fine Art Gallery & Studio from September 25th through October 24th. The community is invited to an Art Talk, by Gandert, on his work and process Wednesday, September 23rd at noon at the gallery, 225 E. 2nd St. Suite 102 & 104, in downtown Davenport.  A public reception for the artist will be help on Final Friday September 25th, 6 to 9 p.m.

For the first time ever, there will be Oktoberfest events in the village of Homestead in the Amana Colonies. Oktoberfest is celebrating 50 years in the colonies and it is fitting that it is expanding beyond the village of Amana, the largest of the colonies.

Marc and June Hershberger, owners of Die Heimat Country Inn, recently acquired access to the old Homestead General Store right next to their B&B on V Street in Homestead. They needed more common space for their guests and would also like to bring more events, retreats, reunions and celebrations to Homestead. They named the building "Next Door: Die Heimat Event Center".

When one of their guests from Oktoberfest last year approached them about hosting a musical duo straight from Germany at their new event center, they were very interested.  Andy Glandt and Heike Besen will perform 3 shows at Next Door on Saturday, October 3.

"Lady Sou and Mister Banjo combine a little flirting between a Sousaphone and a Banjo and provide entertainment, humor and fun for all ages. These two entertainers mix Dixieland, Bluegrass, Country, German and original songs with humor and create a sound that induces joy."

Join us Next Door for the following shows, Sat. Oct. 3: $8 wristband at the door (cash only), includes all 3 shows if you wish. Children under 5 are free.

11:00-12:00- Children's show and activities - food available

2:00-4:00 - Hear Lady Sou and Mister Banjo as you enjoy a German bakery setting with coffee cakes, apple strudel, hot cider, and coffee.

6:00-8:00 - Evening show includes food and drink (BYOB); informal dancing and music jammin' by musicians and friends.

Phil Schliesman Named 2015 Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award Recipient

MUSCATINE, Iowa (Sept. 4, 2015) ? If you live in Muscatine, chances are good that your trip to Hy-Vee is not complete without stopping to see Phil Schliesman, assistant manager, and chatting with him about your latest vacation or your family.

"I believe customers come to the Muscatine store just to see Phil," said Tim Cernin, district vice president of Hy-Vee's eastern district. "When customers come to shop at the store, they are treated as if they are family because of the relationship Phil builds with them. He possesses a genuine interest in his customers and their lives."

The connections he creates with customers and the genuine care he exhibits are just two of the reasons Schliesman's co-workers and customers nominated him for Hy-Vee's highest honor, the Legendary Customer Service Award.

"Phil is the poster child for customer service. It is employees like him that make Hy-Vee great," said Jim Simmons, the Muscatine Hy-Vee store director. "There is not a day that goes by that you don't hear customers laughing and having a good time in the front of the store ? that's all due to Phil and his love for our customers."

This morning, fellow employees, family members and customers gathered at the Hy-Vee in Muscatine to surprise Schliesman with the award. The Legendary Customer Service Awards recognize exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers' expectations. Only 10 winners are selected each year from among more than 78,000 Hy-Vee employees in eight states.

"Phil is the face of the Muscatine Hy-Vee," said Jake Hardman, manager of perishables at the store. "When people have a problem, they seek Phil. When they have a compliment, they find Phil. And when they have a new addition to the family, they cannot wait to express their joy to Mr. Schliesman."

Schliesman is a fixture in the Muscatine community, volunteering in local classrooms and coaching youth sports. When his young athletes do not have rides to practices or games, Schliesman will drive across town to pick them up so they can play.

Adam Berntgen, manager of general merchandise at the Muscatine Hy-Vee, said Schliesman never seeks the spotlight but instead quietly takes care of his customers and community.

"If Phil couldn't pick up those children, many of them would not be able to participate in sports," Berntgen said. "He doesn't do it for the thanks. He does it for the kids, the community and for Hy-Vee. Phil takes pride in his company and job, but most of all, he takes pride in the people of Muscatine. He is a wonderful example of how we should all be leading our professional and personal lives."

Candidates are nominated for the Legendary Customer Service Award by their co-workers, and winners are selected by a panel of Hy-Vee's top officers. Nominations are evaluated on the employee's overall contributions to the company in nine areas: passion for customer service, attitude, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving skills, dedication to Hy-Vee fundamentals, communication skills, professional image and self-confidence.

Hy-Vee's Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker said Schliesman is exactly the type of employee company officials had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Award was established in 2006.

"Phil personifies what Hy-Vee stands for ? helpful, honest and respectful service to our customers. His dedication to this community and the people that live in it is evident each and every day through his hard work," Edeker said. "This award honors the best of the best, and Phil is most deserving of this recognition."

Schliesman and the other 2015 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into Hy-Vee's Customer Service Hall of Fame and receive a coveted Legendary Customer Service name badge and a custom-designed ring to commemorate the honor. They will be guests of honor at their area's service award dinner in October, which honors employees for longevity of service in five-year increments, from five years to 45 years and beyond. They will also be recognized at Hy-Vee's annual stockholders' meeting in December. And finally, their photos will be prominently featured on the side of Hy-Vee trucks, taking their helpful smiles to millions of travelers throughout the Midwest.

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