(DES MOINES) - The year 2013 marks the 30^th Anniversary of the Hebei Province, PRC and State of Iowa Sister State relationship. During those 30 years, Iowa and Hebei have participated in many projects.  Throughout 2013 there will be events statewide that will be held to commemorate this important relationship.

On February 11th, there will be events that will include a small group performance of Hebei and Iowa youth in the chambers of the Iowa House of Representatives. Also attending the performance will be six officials from Hebei Province.  On Monday evening, the 11th, from 6-7pm at Valley High School the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School Orchestra (from Hebei) will perform a joint concert with Valley High School's Orchestra.  This event is free and open to the public.

International relationship building is the cornerstone of the work Iowa Sister States does. The Hebei/Iowa relationship has received much attention due to the fact that in 1985 Xi Jinping came to Iowa from Hebei on an agricultural tour through Iowa Sister States. Xi Jinping will become President of China in 2013 and has made it very clear that he is fond of Iowa and its citizens, even visiting the State of Iowa in February, 2012.

In recognition of this relationship, Governor Branstad sent a New Year greeting to Governor Zhang Qingwei and citizens of Hebei, China.  In return, attached is the letter of greeting from Hebei Governor Zhang to the citizens of Iowa. 

Iowa Sister States (ISS) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that was founded in 1985 to manage the official relationships the State of Iowa has with 8 different countries.  To learn more about the Iowa/Hebei sister state relationship, or to view a list of its activities, please visit the Iowa Sister State website www.iowasisterstates.org.

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Carolyn Mitchell shares second book featuring furry friend Riley Chester-field Mouse

HICKMAN, Neb. - In her second imaginative tale featuring Riley Chester-field Mouse, "The Tale of the Pumpkin Seed Squad" (published by AuthorHouse), author Carolyn Mitchell has penned yet another adventure starring the tiny hero.

In "The Tale of the Pumpkin Seed Squad," Riley joins his friends in an exciting football game using a pumpkin seed as the ball. The comical twists in the game come vibrantly alive through clever rhyme and captivating illustrations by Brenda Timms.

"The Tale of the Pumpkin Seed Squad" is a delightful commentary on competition and sportsmanship that will surely charm even the least of its budding-athlete readers. It is a light-hearted tale that captures a fun and familiar topic in an easy-to-read rhyme, vividly bringing each character and storyline to life.

Mitchell explains that her book is important because she feels the "basic values of friendship and sportsmanship are important to emphasize in an increasingly busy and secular society."

About the Author and Illustrator

Following a successful nursing career, Carolyn Mitchell now enthusiastically pursues her lifelong interest in writing and poetic expression. Through this series of engaging rhyming tales, she aims to foster a continuing excitement for reading in children of all ages. Mitchell lives on a farm near Hickman, Neb., with her husband, Daryl. Together they've raised three daughters and have six grandchildren.

Illustrator Brenda Timms is a gifted and successful artist who expresses her talents through multiple mediums. Equally at ease with oils and acrylics in her paintings, she has also created many amazing sculptures on both small and life-sized scales. After rearing a daughter and son in her native Nebraska countryside, Timms now continues her artistic endeavors in Georgia.

For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.

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COMING SOON!

Ghostbusters

February 7 - TOMORROW!
6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Who ya gonna' call? Ghostbusters! Make slime and take a shot at busting some ghosts! $1.00 select candy all night. Beer, wine, and frozen drinks available.
You don't want to miss out!



Flight of the Butterflies 3D
MEMBER PREVIEW

February 10
2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Click here for more information on the member preview!

New members call (563) 324-1933 ext 219 for a special member code! Current members, use the member code that is listed on the invite that was mailed to you. Not a member? Join Today

The Sting

February 14 - NEXT WEEK!
6 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.

Music, trivia and a special "mob" photo opportunity will be offered that night.  $1.00 select candy all night. Beer, wine, and frozen drinks available.

6th Annual Quad City Engineering and Science Council and the American Society of Civil Engineers Battle of the Bridges Competition!

Coming to the Putnam in February is the 6th Annual Battle of the Bridges Competition! This is a construction competition between teams of 1-4 people who spend 3 hours designing and building a model bridge which is then tested for structural efficiency in the Grand Lobby. On Friday, February 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. the session has high school teams. On Saturday, February 9 from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. the session has elementary and middle school, college and family. The public is invited to view this competition for free located in the Putnam's Grand Lobby area.

The event is sponsored by the Quad City Engineering and Science Council and the American Society of Civil