16 Feb 2015

Ascentra Offers $10,000 in Scholarship; March 2nd deadline approaching fast

By Alvaro Macias

BETTENDORF - The Ascentra Credit Union Scholarship Competition is offering a total of $10,000 in scholarships to assist members planning to further their education.   There will be a total of ten scholarships which will be awarded to students as follows:

  • Five $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors planning to enter college
  • Five $1,000 scholarships for members age 19 or over, considered non-traditional or continuing education students

"What sets our scholarship competition apart is that students can apply every year that they are attending college," said Ascentra Community Development Manager Alvaro Macias.  "Even Ascentra members attending trade school or those seeking advanced degrees are eligible for our non-traditional scholarships."

The scholarship entrants will be judged on a 500 word essay on the topic, "How do you plan on using your education to improve your community?"

 

All entries are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer services and work experience.  Applications and official rules may be picked up at any of our branches or found online at www.ascentra.org/scholarships . There members can also find information on other scholarships.  Deadline for the Ascentra Scholarship Competition is March 2, 2015.

 

Awarding a total of $10,000 in scholarships is another way Ascentra Credit Union recognizes that financial planning and education is essential to lifetime success for our members and community.

 

About us:

Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $340 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Le Claire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook and on Twitter @ascentra.

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16 Feb 2015

Blues Festival Will Move to Labor Day Weekend; Blues Society Begins a Fundraising Campaign

By M V B S
After weathering 3 floods and multiple rain days in the past 7 years over the 4th of July weekend, the Mississippi Valley Blues Society Board of Directors voted to move the date of the 2015 Blues Festival to the Labor Day weekend?Saturday and Sunday September 5 and 6.

After 30 years of being on the Independence Day weekend, the change to Labor Day is a momentous move to avoid the flooding of LeClaire Park with its consequent monetary outlays and still keep the Blues Festival on a holiday weekend that will provide a travel day for the 40% of attendees that come from out of town for the Festival.

"We understand the inconvenience that this move may cause our loyal attendees," says MVBS President Scott Klarkowski, "but we hope that they will continue to support the Festival, which received recognition in 2014 as 'one of the longest running, most prestigious blues festivals in the world' by The Blues Foundation of Memphis, TN."

Basically, the move to Labor Day reflects a choice of LeClaire Park over the dates of the Festival.  "LeClaire park, situated between the blues Highway 61, the railroad, and the Mississippi River, and with its historic Bandshell, presents the perfect ambience for the music originating farther south on the highway and the River," says Klarkowski.

The move to Labor Day weekend is also designed to maintain the quality of the Blues Festival, because it will give more time for the MVBS to find funding for their coffers depleted by the moves to downtown Davenport due to flooding and rain in the past 7 years.  The date change will also open up new audiences such as high school and college students, which will help the MVBS maintain its mission of keeping the blues alive through education.

"The Festival is just part of what the MVBS does to Keep the Blues Alive," says Klarkowski.  "We also have an active Blues in the Schools educational program, as well as our Legends Concert Series that brings live blues to the Quad Cities, our radio shows on KALA,  and our other events that include the preliminary round of the Iowa Blues Challenge."

The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is the only major blues festival in the country that is produced by an all-volunteer blues society, without major corporate support.  It will take a total of over $200,000 to produce just a two-day festival in September.   "We rely on grants and sponsors to help us produce the Blues Festival," says Klarkowski, "and now we need support from the public as well if we want to see the Festival continue.  We accept any donations?just go to our website at www.mvbs.org and donate what you can to help us keep the festival alive and high-quality."
13 Feb 2015

4 Tips Seniors Should Remember To Avoid Misfortune In Money Matters

By Ginny Grimsley
Investment Rules Change As You Move Into Retirement, Financial Advisor Says

After a lifetime of deciding out how to get the best return on their investments, people nearing retirement could think they have this money thing figured out.

But they could be mistaken, says financial advisor Dave Lopez, a mathematics and computer science major who applies his analytical mind to solving retirement challenges.

 "When people move into retirement, all the rules change," Lopez says. "What worked for them in their investments during their working years may not work as well when they reach retirement."

It's also important that people have a comprehensive retirement plan that includes income planning, legacy planning, long-term care planning and growth, he says.

"When you are trying to build a retirement plan, you need the right tool for the right job," Lopez says. "Once you identify your goal, then you can fund the tool to get there."

Lopez, founder of ILG Financial, LLC (www.theilg.com), suggests four key points to keep in mind as you plan for, or move into, retirement.

•  Recovery time has shortened. If the market takes a dramatic downturn when you are in your 30s, you have plenty of time for your investments to make a recovery. You likely draw a paycheck and have little or no need to dip into that money, taking a loss. But that's not the case when you are in retirement and living off those investments. In later years, your investing strategies need to adapt so you aren't as subject to the whims of the market.

•  Hanging on to what you have. "You don't need great returns if you can avoid great losses," Lopez says. Sure, you might like to plow a huge chunk of money into the latest trendy stock that could take off and send the value of your portfolio soaring. But those kinds of investments come with risks that might be too great at this stage in life. By the time you reach retirement, it's less important that you see huge earnings on your investments than that you keep safe what you have. A modest return at that point is fine. "The belief that the stock market is the answer for beating inflation in retirement may be disastrous," Lopez says. Once again, it comes down to that recovery time, he says. You just don't have much.

•  One and done. "You won't get a second chance to get your retirement planning right," Lopez says. That's why you need to plan carefully the first - and only - time around. He's known people who had no plan, or whose planning relied on a specific chain of events that might or might not come about, such as assuming their lives would be shorter than they turned out. Essentially, instead of taking a mathematical approach, they were doing little more than hoping everything would work out.

•  Seek a specialist's help. It's important to get advice from someone with expertise not just in finance, but in retirement planning, Lopez says. That person can help you understand what pitfalls you need to plan for and what tools you can utilize. "You wouldn't use your primary care physician if you needed heart surgery," he says. "Likewise, when moving into retirement, you need a specialist."

About Dave Lopez

Dave Lopez is the founder of ILG Financial, LLC (www.ILGFinancial.com) and has been working with individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area since 1986. He specializes in strategies that enable his clients to potentially build a retirement nest egg that they can rely on and can never outlive. Lopez has his Bachelors of Science degree from James Madison University with a major in mathematics and computer science. He is an investment advisor representative of AlphaStar Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor.

13 Feb 2015

Breaking Story: Comptroller, attorney general say Rauner order striking fair-share fees isn't legal

By Rick Martin
Comptroller, attorney general say Rauner order striking fair-share fees isn't legal
Leslie Munger, the Republican state comptroller, and Lisa Madigan, the Democratic attorney general, agree that Governor Bruce Rauner's executive order intended to invalidate fair-share provisions in state law and union contracts is illegal. That's according to the influential Capitol Fax newsletter, which broke the news, and following media reports from the Chicago Sun-Times and statewide radio.
Munger's office indicates that the law requires her to send fair-share payments to the relevant unions that represent state employees, according to the news reports. "We agree with the Comptroller," Attorney General Lisa Madigan's spokeswoman said. "Fair share fees are constitutional under the current law and she must follow the law."
Fair share agreements ensure that all workers who benefit from union representation pay their fair share of the costs of that representation?negotiating and enforcing the union contract?even if they choose not to join the union. Fair share payments do not support any political activity.
"AFSCME encourages every union-represented employee to become a full dues-paying member," AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch said, "but contrary to Governor Rauner's claims, no employee is 'forced' to join the union. Employees have the option not to join and to pay only the fair share fee."
"It is gratifying to know that two of our state's constitutional officers are clearly committed to upholding the Constitution," Lynch added. "That they include both a Democrat and a Republican shows that preserving the integrity of our democracy isn't a partisan or political issue. No elected official has the right to place themselves above the law.
"We have said that Gov. Rauner's executive order was clearly illegal, and meant solely to strip workers of their ability to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. State employees throughout Illinois will welcome Comptroller Munger and Attorney General Madigan's determination that the order should not stand."
Since the governor issued his executive order on Feb. 9, AFSCME local unions have reported an increasing rate of inquiries from state employees who currently pay fair share fees and now want to join the union. They recognize the governor's Executive Order for what is plainly is?an attempt to weaken the union and drive down workers' wages and benefits.
Council 31 director Lynch said that the governor's actions are particularly disturbing given the state's current fiscal woes.  "He should be working to bring Illinois citizens together rather than trying to foster divisions and animosity," she said. "We renew our pledge to work constructively with anyone of good faith to move beyond the governor's polarizing attacks and begin to address our state's real challenges."
From AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch...
"It is gratifying to know that two of our state's constitutional officers are clearly committed to upholding the Constitution. That they include both a Democrat and a Republican shows that preserving the integrity of our democracy isn't a partisan or political issue. No elected official has the right to place themselves above the law. We have said that Gov. Rauner's executive order was clearly illegal, and meant solely to strip workers of their ability to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. State employees throughout Illinois will welcome Comptroller Munger and Attorney General Madigan's determination that the order should not stand. We renew our pledge to work constructively with anyone of good faith to move beyond the governor's polarizing attacks and begin to address our state's real challenges."
13 Feb 2015

Davenport Jaycees Annual Community Awards Nominations

By Joan Kranovich

The Davenport Jaycees are asking for the community's help in nominating outstanding young professionals in the Quad Cities area.  Every year, the Davenport Jaycees host a Community Awards Banquet at the Davenport Jaycee Hall to honor the achievements of young leaders under the age of 40 in the categories of Young Community Leader, Young Religious Leader, Young Educator, and Young City Servant.  A Davenport Jaycee Member of the Year, as well as Jaycee Rookie of the Year are also awarded at this banquet.

Young Community Leader- This award recognizes an individual whose leadership has made a significant impact in our local community. This work could include societal or civic issues, address health or environmental concerns, or promote arts and humanities.

Young Religious Leader- This award recognizes an individual whose religious leadership has made a significant impact on our local community.

Young Educator- This award recognizes an individual whose leadership in the classroom and/or within the educational setting has made a significant impact on our local community.  This individual works to educate the whole student, works creatively to achieve excellence in learning, demonstrates leadership at their educational institution, and is a positive role model for all ages.

Young City Servant- This award recognizes an individual whose city leadership (elected or appointed office, administrator, police, or firefighter, etc.) has made a significant impact on our local community.  This individual is a hard worker that strives to be helpful, honest, and fair while striving to make our community better.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit nominations for the respective award categories before Friday, February 27, 2015.  Award recipients will be notified during the first week of March & will be recognized at the Community Awards Banquet on Friday, March 13, 2015. The nomination forms & descriptions of each are available online at www.davenportjaycee.com under Community Resources.

This year's Banquet & Awards will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 from 6:00-9:00 PM at the Davenport Jaycee Hall, 2940 Brady Street.  Besides the awards, the Davenport Jaycees will induct new members & board members and celebrate successful events from 2014 including the annual Bridal Expo, Rebuilding Together, Brew HaHa, and Jaycee Santa.  The cost is $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members.  This cost includes dinner and cocktails. RSVP is required.

The Davenport Jaycees are in their 81st year as an organization. The Davenport Jaycees are a membership organization otherwise known as the Junior Chamber, a worldwide organization of young professionals that is not affiliated with any particular religion or political party. Jaycee members are men and women between the ages of 21-40, who meet regularly in local chapters to build connections and community. Members of the Davenport Jaycees work toward four main goals:
Individual Development - Public Speaking, Job Interviews, and Personal Development
Community Development - Community Action and Charity Fundraising
Management Development - Management Training and Leadership Development
International - Global Action and Involvement
13 Feb 2015

Studio Suite success causes Hilltop Campus Village offices to relocate

By Scott Tunnicliff

Once again, the Hilltop Campus Village office has worked itself out of a home. Due to the success of its Studio Suites effort, it has relocated from 601 Brady Street Suite 301, where it had been since 2011.

The reason for its relocation is the success of the "Studio Suites" initiative, which began less than a year ago with a Main Street Iowa Business Initiatives Challenge Grant, and the vision of organization volunteers, including building owner Theodore "Ted" Priester.

"It was Ted's drive that put this into play", said HCV Board President Robert Lee. "Our Economic Restructuring Work Group felt there was a need to provide office space for start ups, home-based businesses and business desiring a more efficient layout. Ted felt that the space we were occupying might suit that purpose, so we pitched a concept to Main Street Iowa, and they accepted our grant application proposal. We knew there was demand, but did not anticipate that it would succeed so well and so quickly." For his part, Ted was pleased to be a part of the process, and believes it could be a trend-setter.  He said, "Perhaps the success of the studio suite project might encourage owners to take a similar approach to revitalize older office buildings in our community."

The program provides a $5,000 grant to reimburse the owner for 50% of the improvements made to the office space, which has been converted from a 3,300 sq. ft. single user space into a series of office suites featuring modest month-to-month leases and shared amenities.

DeAnn Soults, chair of the Economic Restructuring Work Group, applauds the efforts and the owner initiative. "So much is dependent on the commitment of the owner to the process, and Mr. Priester demonstrated his desire to move this forward, with investment in interior improvements and in marketing. We put information out on our website and issued a press release, but much of the success came from word of mouth. We also had some good leads and support from Marsha Rinetti and the Small Business Development Center."

There are now six businesses in the Studio Suites, where a year ago the HCV was the sole occupant. They are start up business Military Cost Cutters; Chiropractor Dr. Melissa Peters; Hypnotherapist Sylvia Kroeger; Massage on the Hill; Attorney Penny Souhrada; and most recently, Architect Charles Schwab. A seventh business is expected to join them within the next month. In addition, but unrelated to the Studio Suites initiative, Aflac insurance office has leased space adjacent to the Studio Suites.

"We had been consolidating and downsizing to accommodate the news of the new businesses", added Scott Tunnicliff, HCV Director, "but when one came forward seeking to lease my work station, we really felt the need to relocate. This is our third move in five years, and each time it has come due to reinvestment and redevelopment in the Hilltop Campus Village, which is after all our primary mission."

13 Feb 2015

Isis Devalle selected as 2015 Cyclone Aide

By Carole Custer

AMES, IA (02/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Isis Devalle, a freshman in the College of Human Sciences studying apparel, merchandising, and design, was selected to represent the College of Human Sciences as an Iowa State University Cyclone Aide for the Summer of 2015. Devalle was one of six students in the College of Human Sciences selected to help facilitate Iowa State University's summer orientations for new students. Devalle is from Bettendorf, Iowa (52722)

Cyclone Aides are undergraduate student leaders who facilitate Orientation and Destination Iowa State throughout the year. Devalle will serve as an orientation leader by providing new students with an introduction to campus and its resources, providing campus and residence hall tours, preparing students for academic advising appointments, serving on information panels, and sharing information about Iowa State with new students and their family members.

Cyclone Aides coordinate the Destination Iowa State program by helping with the selection and supervision of Team Leaders, planning activities and implementing the event. Additionally, Cyclone Aides assist with campus visits and student recruitment throughout the year. Cyclone Aides are an integral part of the Office of New Student Programs.

13 Feb 2015

Kaitlin Clevenger elected vice president of Transfer Admission Ambassador Program

By Randy Stalsberg

AMES, IA (02/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Kaitlin Clevenger from Davenport, Iowa (52803) was elected as the vice president of Transfer Admission Ambassador Program. Clevenger is a junior studying event management in the apparel, events, hospitality management department of the College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University.

The Transfer Admissions Ambassador Program (TAAP) is volunteer group that works with the Transfer Admissions Office. The group is made up of transfer students at Iowa State University and works to present a positive, realistic student view of the transfer process to prospective students and parents. The group's members represent the diverse experiences and qualities of transfer students that attend Iowa State University. Clevenger will serve as the vice president during the 2015 spring semester.

13 Feb 2015

Male Giraffe Calf Born at Niabi Zoo

By Marc Heinzman

Coal Valley, IL - February 13, 2015 - Niabi Zoo announced today the birth of a male giraffe calf on Tuesday, February 10, at 3:28am. This is the sixth giraffe born at Niabi Zoo since 2007.

The baby giraffe, which has not yet been named, was born to Mimi, Niabi Zoo's 11 year old female. This is Mimi's fourth baby. The father is Kenya, an 8 year old male. The baby weighed 107 pounds at birth and stands about five and a half feet tall.

"Mimi and her new calf are doing very well," said Zoo Director Marc Heinzman. "We're all very excited to have a healthy and thriving giraffe calf born here at Niabi Zoo. He's certainly a welcome addition to our giraffe herd." Niabi Zoo staff had been monitoring Mimi's pregnancy closely, including regular checks throughout the night for the last several weeks and 24 hour video monitoring through a system of surveillance cameras.

The new calf is expected to be publicly viewable once the Zoo opens for the 2015 season on March 23. At that time, a contest will also be launched in order to select a name for the male giraffe.

The giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis, is the world's tallest mammal. Average height for an adult giraffe is 14-19 feet and the average weight is 1,800 - 3,000 pounds.

They are herbivores, using their 18 inch tongues to help pull leaves from the branches of tall trees. Although their necks are unusually long, they have only seven neck vertebrae, just like humans. After a gestation of approximately 14 months, giraffes give birth standing up. The calf drops five to six feet to the ground. This fall helps the calf take its first breath. Calves can stand usually within a few hours and run with their mothers within ten hours. Nearly six feet tall a birth, calves normally weigh 100 - 150 pounds and can grow as much as one inch per day.

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13 Feb 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 02/13/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 02/13/2015

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER - Deadline Today, February 13th, 5:00 p.m.!

The March 2015 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. If you commit to all 4 quarterly issues, receive a 10% discount off each ad! Ads can be modified per issue. 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 Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for SPRING!

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Latimer Bed & Breakfast 127 North Second Street, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Located 1 block off Highway 67 in the center of town. For Reservations, call 563-289-5747. www.latimerbb.com

 

LeClaire Olive Oil Company 102 N. Cody Road - Specialty food retail store carrying ultra- premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars, stuffed olives, spices, seasonings, rubs, gourmet dip mixes, olive oil soaps, and gifts. 888-255-2867 www.leclaireoliveoilco.com

 

The Links at Pebble Creek - Located in beautiful LeClaire, Iowa, The Links at Pebble Creek is an affluent housing community just outside of the Quad Cities metro area. The beauty of living in this new home community is the quiet, rural setting. www.pebblecreekia.com/ Contact: The Links at Pebble Creek, 63 Cobblestone Lane, LeClaire, IA 52753. 563-289-7031.

Unique Recycled Creations & Gifts - Rhonda and Cole DeVrieze - 118 N. Cody Rd, LeClaire. Recycled chalk boards, doors, frames, signs with upcycled and handmade items, etc. 309-507-2929

 

WQAD-TV Channel 8 is the ABC-affiliated television station for the Quad Cities area of West-Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa that is licensed to Moline, Illinois. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 38 from a transmitter in Orion, Illinois. Owned by Tribune Broadcasting, WQAD has studios on Park 16th Street in Moline. wqad.com/

 

LECLARE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS - 2014!

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce was proud to recognize the following at the Annual Awards Dinner, Saturday January 31, at Steventon's in LeClaire:

Volunteers of the Year 2014 - Joyce Kuehl and Diane Glispie, Christmas in LeClaire

Event of the Year 2014 - First Friday in LeClaire, Garrett and Ryan Burchett, Originators

Pineapple Award for Hospitality 2014 - Cindy Bruhn and Volunteers, LeClaire Information Center

Edward B. deSilva Award for Community Leadership 2014 - Vern Spring

Brick and Mortar Award for Opening or Expanding Business in LeClaire in 2014 -

Grasshopper's Guest House

Dwellings

Isabel Bloom

Urban Classic Home

Wild Horse Canvas Prints

Everfield

LeClaire Olive Oil Company

El Rio Spa and Wellness

Mindfire Communications

Snap Fitness

Jones Street Java House

Grace Marine

Antique Archeology

Comfort Inn & Suites

Buffalo Bill Museum

Expressions in Threads

LeClaire Farmers Market

Freedom Rock of Scott County

Fig Tree

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Board for 2015 was also introduced:

President - Mike Clingingsmith - CFO - Pleasant Valley Schools

Vice-President - Melody Oltmann - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire

Secretary - Dr. Crystal Buesing - Dr. Crystal's Chiropractic Care

Treasurer - Andrew Arndt - Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc.                          

Debbie Mulvania - VP and Branch Manager - First Central State Bank, LeClaire

KV Dahl - President of Dahl Ford

Kathleen Anderson - Sr. Assistant to the President, St. Ambrose University

Dennis Gerard - Former Sr. VP of Northern Region - Kone

Carl Hoyt, Jr. - President, Captain's Quarter's and Grace Marine

Emily Hudson - General Manager - Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits

Kristen Underwood - Blackhawk Bank & Trust - Branch Manager, LeClaire

We would like to thank Vern Spring, Jim Huiskamp and Dayle Hall for their service on the Board. All retired as of December 31, 2014.

Thank you, too, to all the businesses and individuals who attended the Dinner, and to those who donated and bid on items for the Live and Silent Auctions. It is due to your generosity that the event is such a huge success!

 

CALENDAR

February 6th-16th - Time to Celebrate at Isabel Bloom! Help them celebrate their Bloom legacy with exciting in-store activities and specials. Isabel Bloom signature mug FREE with purchase of $35 and more. Double "Hugs Points" with sculpture purchase. 15% discount on anything RED (one item only). View and pre-order new 2015 designs.

 

February 13th - LeClaire Community Library - Valentine's Day Stretch-Tacular! Join us for a very special Valentine's Day celebration with the library's mascot, Stretch the Giraffe! This all-ages program will offer Valentine's Day and Giraffe themed snacks and activities. 3-5pm

February 13th - Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits 6:00 & 8:30 Valentine's seating $75.00 per person

February 14th - Bierstube - Valentine's Day $2 off our Apple Strudel, Black Forest Cake and Nutella Pretzel desserts all day!

February 14th - The Crane & Pelican Café Valentine's Day Two seatings - 6pm & 8pm. Three courses for $55/person. 10% discount for groups of four or more. View the menu at: http://craneandpelican.com/events.html Call for Reservations: 563-289-8774.

February 14th - Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Valentine's Day 6:00 (booked) & 8:30 Valentine's seating $75.00 per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

February 14th - Blue Iguana Valentine's Day two for $20 meals. Choose from a Combination Platter (enchilada/tostada/rice and bean) or Combination Fajitas for two. Ask about their special Valentine's Day cocktails! A flower for every couple joining us!

February 14th - The Shameless Chocoholic is taking preorders for chocolate covered strawberries (priced by weight) for Valentine's Day! Call 563-289-1339 or order on Facebook, The Shameless Chocoholic

February 14th - Sweet Dreams Guest House has a great Winter Getaway Special including Valentine's Day! $149 for a Friday or Saturday night reservation; includes a bottle of wine, a 1 pound box of chocolates, and a $10 coupon for Jones St. Java House next door! Call today to reserve your stay - 563-289-1339.

By February 15th - Wild Horse Canvas Prints is offering 20% off any Sports Themed Canvas! Orders must be placed by February 15. Call 844-399-6838 for more information.

February 15th - Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Valentine's Wine Tasting - Rose's & Red's for a special Valentine's Day tasting! $15.00 for 15 wines from 3-5

February 19th - LeClaire Community Library - Chinese New Year Party Join us for a little history and a lot of fun as we celebrate Chinese culture and games with crafts! 6:30-7:30pm. For children in grades 1st-6th.

 

February 21st - Scott County Freedom Rock Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser at the Riverview Road House. Proceeds will help provide lights, a sign, maintenance, and paver installation for The Freedom Rock. So dust off your best chili recipe and bring your appetite. A perfect way to warm up and have some fun on a cold winter night!

February 21st - LeClaire Youth Baseball and Softball Trivia Night Fundraiser at the LeClaire Fire Station Jones and 15th Street. Doors open at 6:30pm. Trivia starts at 7pm. If you would like to reserve a table, donate items, or volunteer please contact leclaireyouthball@gmail.com or call 563-370-1650 for more information. www.leclaireyouthball.com

February 21st - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center to benefit the QC Cruisers 127 S. Cody Road. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. 8-person teams; $10 per person. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans are 10 for $10. Each team may bring its own snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Pork roast dinner available for $7; carryout dinners available at 6pm. Call Debbie at 563-349-4403 or email Smith5Grand@gmail.com to reserve a table.

February 22nd - Come celebrate Buffalo Bill's Birthday! noon to 4pm at the Buffalo Bill Museum. Buffalo Bill himself will be there! Free admission.

February 23th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8:00 a.m.

 

February 23rd - LeClaire Community Library - Alienology This month's "ology" program will feature out-of-this-world activities, challenges, and crafts with a space-alien theme. 6:30-7:30pm. For children in grades 1st-6th.

February 24th Happy Hour Wine Tasting at 129! $15 per person. 5-7pm: Last Tuesday of every month. Please call to reserve your spot - 563-729-1035. Wines will be available to order at a discounted price.

February 25th - LeClaire Community Library - Book Club The LeClaire Library Book Club group for adults meets the 4th Wednesday of each month. Join us on February 25th to discuss Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen. Books are available at the library's circulation counter at no cost.

February 26th -  Expressions In Threads is Hosting "The Quilts Of Downton Abbey" Lecture and Trunk Show at Comfort Inn & Suites, LeClaire 11am, 2pm and 6pm. Dennis Bevines from Andover Fabrics will bring quilts, garments and other items made using their Downton Abbey Collection of fabrics. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $5 and reservations are required - 563-289-1447.

FYI

Check out the Wide River Winery Inn for a fun winter get-away! They have a reduced winter rate of $119 during the months of January and February. It is located above their Tasting Room in LeClaire. The fully furnished apartment sleeps four adults. Why not plan a weekend to look for the Bald Eagles or enjoy the shopping and charm of LeClaire? For more information, contact Cecilia 954-242-6878.

Blue Iguana New $5 Winter Winter Meal Deals! Stop by Blue Iguana and sample our new $5 winter meal deals! Tuesday's special is our Taco Salad for $5. Wednesday's special is 3 enchiladas for $5.Two chicken tostadas and a side it our Thursday special for only $5!

Bierstube Lent Features available during Lent! Lemon Whiskey Shrimp, Shrimp PoBoy Sandwich, Shrimp Alfredo, Tilapia and Rainbow Trout.

Mississippi River Distilling Co. has kicked off the 2015 LeClaire Cocktail Cruise. From January to April, eight different bars and restaurants will have a showcase MRDC cocktail. You can try each one and get your cocktail "passport" stamped for chance to win monthly prizes. Plus, during First Friday, with any bottle sold, get a coupon for a free showcase cocktail! Get your Passport at The Crane & Pelican Café, Sneaky Pete's Woodfire Grille, Steventon's, Blue Iguana, 129, The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits, Bierstube, or River Roadhouse today! www.LeClaireCocktails.com

 

Does your kitchen need an update?  Is your bathroom looking old and tired?  We can help with the design and remodeling to brighten any room in your house!  Give LeClaire Home Improvement and Construction a call at 563-381-7778 for a free in home consultation

LeClaire Community Library TAG (Teen Advisory Group): Teens are invited to attend TAG meetings the 3rd Thursday of each month from 4-5pm. This group helps improve Teen Services at the library AND attendees can earn one hour of service learning credits for school by participating. Plus, we bring snacks each month! It's a win-win!

LeClaire Community Library Preschool Explorers: Explore a new science-based theme each month with a short storytime, followed by several hands-on, exploratory stations. This program takes place the 4th Thursday of each month at 10:30am OR 6:30pm. This month we'll be learning about dinosaurs!

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

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire We have a Wednesday evening program: Halftime! For kids, 5-11 years old. It's half way through the week - and it's a time of fun for the kids. We meet from 5:30-7pm, every Wednesday there is school, through May 6. We serve dinner, play games, have a lesson and a craft. Have your child join us for a week or two to see what we are doing. We are located across from Bridgeview Elementary School, at 200 South 12th street. For more information, call Pastor Melody at 563-381-7777.

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

 

Riverview Apartment for Rent - Downtown LeClaire. One Bedroom. $1250/month. Call 563-940-3742 for more information.

Commercial Property for Sale 510 N. Cody Road. Contact William Robertson (563) 940-1517 billrobertson@ruhl-ruhl.com

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? 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.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

March 6 - First Friday in LeClaire

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

March 10 - Faithful Pilot - Evening/5:30

April 14 -- El Rio - Lunch - noon

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