MM Summer 2012

Muscatine’sTrolleyPage 8

LocalAttractions

Page 10

Local Artist

Page 12

Pedaling inPearl City

Page 14

Summer 2012

FREE!

Muscatine residents display their green thumbs. Page 4

For more information visitwww.the350project.net

Serving specialty coffees, import teas, fresh delibreakfasts and lunches, and homemade desserts.

Also hand-dipped ice cream and gelato.Catering available

Starting April 1: Open until 6 p.m. Tues - Fri

563-263-5043208 W. 2nd St. • www.ellysteaandcoffee.com

Lunch, Dinner & Carry-OutMon-Sat:11am - 9pm

Daily LunchBuffet: 11am-2pm

208 E. 2nd St.Muscatine, IA52761

Authentic Mexican Dining

563-264-8192

We visit newcomers, newlyweds, & new parents.

Call Erin Field at:847-927-9027

[email protected]

316 West 3rd Street • Muscatine, IA

(563) 263-7822

Color Copies & Offset PrintingMon-Fri 8-5 • Sat 9-Noon

Since 1899

C &S PAGEANT SYSTEMS INC.

“Helping Young Minds Grow!”

Little Miss Muscatine PageantJune 2nd, 6:30 pm

Central Middle School AuditoriumAdvance Tickets: $5, At door: $10

Judi Connor, Director (563) [email protected]

Full Service Florist• Plants, Silks, & Custom

Fresh Floral Designs• Gi Baskets• Home Décor• Unique Gis and

Collectibles featuringarea artisans

• Wire and area deliveryservice available

Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5:30pm

Saturday:8:30am-3:00pm131 E. Second St.

563.262.8264 www.flowergalleryia.com

Sandwiches • Soups • SaladsPotatoes • Delivery

Hours: Monday - Saturday: 11-8 Sunday: 11-5

113 Iowa Avenue • Muscatine

(563) 288-9999

Kay L.Chapman, CPA,PC

Individual & Business Tax PreparationPayroll • Bookkeeping • Consulting

563-264-1385119 W. Mississippi Drive, Ste. 3,

Muscatine

Serving the Muscatine Community since 1997

Fine Home Furnishings and Decor.

215 W. 2nd St. • Muscatine

(563) 264-3273www.featheryournestinteriorsllc.com

563-263-3802563-263-3802

Change brings growth! As Co-Founder of the Muscatine Magazine, I have been so fortunate to work withMike Shield who is an incredibly talented designer and to work with and serve manyof you in the Muscatine area through this endeavor. It’s been a positively rewardingexperience and it’s great to be a part of this effort to help spotlight Muscatine’s bestto residents and visitors.

Some exciting changes are happening in my life and with the magazine due to thefact that my family and I recently moved to the Boston, Massachusetts area for whatmy children call a “new adventure.” Indeed it is. It’s quite impressive how much ofMuscatine’s characteristics I see within this area rich in history. With the aid oftechnology, I have the opportunity to continue to co-publish the magazine for thenext few issues, after which time the wonderful Janet Morrow-Greene, Co-Publisher,will take over as Publisher and will help take the magazine to new heights. Janet hasprevious experience in advertising sales and in publishing magazines. She also hasexperience in marketing both small businesses and large corporations.

Janet and Mike will continue to spotlight thebest of Muscatine and I am thrilled to helpfrom a distance in any way I can. Thank you foryour support in spotlighting the best ofMuscatine (past, present & future).

Muscatine Magazine • Summer 2012 1

In this issue Publisher’s Corner

Individuallytailored care.You’re one of a kind, and soare your health care needs.River Rehabilitation PhysicalTherapy takes pride in providingthe highest quality physicaltherapy services designedspecifically for you.

2023 Cedar Plaza DriveMuscatine, IA

(next to Dairy Queen) 563-264-8638www.riverrehabpt.com

Aaron EversmeyerPT, CEAS

Our services include:• Orthopedic Rehabilitation

• Sports Physical Therapy

• Aquatic Therapy

• Industrial Rehab

• Ergonomic Analysis

Muscatine Art Center . . . . .2

WiFi Hot Spots . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Gardens of Muscatine . . . .4

Muscatine’s Trolley . . . . . . . .8

Do it in Muscatine! . . . . . . .10

Local Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Pedaling in Pearl City . . . .14

Summer Fitness . . . . . . . . .16

Kids Eat Free! . . . . . . . . . . . .16

By the Numbers . . . . . . . . .17

Lots to Do! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

MuscaFun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

On the coverBackyard gardens, such as this colorfulflower patch at the home of Muscatineresident, Susan Cradick, are featured onpages 4-7. Photo by Anne S. Olson ofMuscatine.

Dawnese OpenshawPublisher and Ad Specialist

3Be seen for longer!Your message is visible for months!

3 Be part of the buzz!Excitement is building about thisnew publication.

3Reach a wide audience!5,000 issues distributed in the Muscatine area and by subscription.

3 Enhance your image!Full color, quality printing includedin all ad rates.

For advertising info callJanet Morrow Greene at

(563) 506-2799

Why Advertise in Muscatine Magazine?

2 Muscatine Magazine • Summer 2012

Civil War ExhibitOn view, in the Stanley Gallery thru May26, 2012, is Muscatine and the Civil War:A Sesquicentennial Commemoration.The exhibition details the role citizens ofMuscatine and Muscatine Countyplayed in the Civil War. It includes letterspenned by Muscatine soldiers Daniel J.Parvin and Charles T. Ruger.

Closing day there will be a special publicperformance by the Marengo Civil

War Band from 1:30-2:30 pm onthe grounds of the

Muscatine ArtCenter. Bring alawn chair and

enjoy theconcert.Popcorn

provided!

Unique ArtThe Muscatine Art Center proudlypresents two new exhibitions thissummer. Pieced Elegance: Quilts byClara Oleson opens June 24, 2012 with areception for Oleson June 24, 2012 from1-5 pm. Whistles by Connie Roberts willopen July 1, 2012. The reception forRoberts will be from 1-5 PM during theAnnual Ice Cream Social. Both of theseexhibitions close September 2, 2012.

Clara Oleson has been quilting forthirty-five years. She is a retired lawyerand adult educator. She is a long-timecommunity activist and the past femalenational president of the Alliance forDemocracy, a member of the Iowa CivilLiberties Union, a past candidate for theIowa House of Representatives andserved on the board of Prairie Fire.

Oleson gardens, reads and enjoys opera.An adopted Iowan of forty-three years,she was named Honorary Native Iowanby Governor Tom Vilsack in 2002.

Constance Alyce Westvig Robertscreates carved wooden whistles, butthis isn't always obvious at first glance.Trained as a figurative painter, Robertscalls herself a “thing-maker.” In her work,she bridges the realms of fine art andfolk art and tackles many subjects withsharp wit and unrestrained humor.

Usually, the viewer gets caught uptaking in all the images presented bythese sculptural pieces: a wedge ofchocolate cake with a birthday candlewhistle, a dog angel, or perhaps a bag ofwhistling circus peanuts. One of thesewas a piece for StevenSpielberg commissionedby the wife of well-known composer JohnWilliams,commemorating theten movies on whichhe and Spielbergcollaborated. Otherwell-knowncollectors ofRoberts' workinclude

celebrities such as Robin Williams, NewYork City Mayor Giuliani and Carol Burnett.

Ice Cream SocialThe Annual Ice Cream Social is July 1,2012 from 1-5 pm. As usual we will haveice cream and homemade pies andcakes for sale. There will be musicalentertainmentthroughout theafternoon withgames and craftsfor the young atheart. “Freddiethe Firetruck”will even make anappearance. The IceCream Social will alsooffer an Art Fair on thegrounds this year.

Art ClassesThe Muscatine Art Centeroffers a wide range of artclasses for both adults andchildren. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.orgor our Facebook page for moreinformation and class schedules. You can also find us on Pinterest.com

The Muscatine Art Center is located at1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa.

Admission is free. Hours areTuesday,

Wednesday &Friday 10am-

5pm; Thursday10am-7pm;

Saturday & Sunday1-5pm. Closed

Mondays andholidays. Tours by

appointment.

Spring/Summer ActivitiesOnce the private home of a lumber heiress, the Musser Museum features many distinctive architectural details of the Edwardian period. The mansion’s 11 roomshost important collections of paintings, sculpture, Oriental carpets and decora-tive arts. The adjoining Stanley Gallery hosts national, traveling art exhibitions.

Summer 2012

Publishers: Janet Morrow GreeneDawnese Openshaw

Creative Director: Mike Shield - Shield Designemail: [email protected]

Contributors:Amanda Hart Chris SteinbachBill Lindsay David LohrmanAnne Olson Ryno OlsonHarold Wilson Musser Public LibraryHeidi Hoffman Muscatine Art CenterAlisha Eggers City of Muscatine

For advertising info, contact Janet Morrow Greene at(563) 506-2799 or [email protected]

Contact us: Muscatine Magazine1577 Taylor AvenueMuscatine, IA 52761

Email: [email protected]

Muscatine Magazine is a quarterly publication focused on Muscatine,Iowa and the surrounding area. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and/or edit any materials submitted for publication. Published articles and advertising do not constitute endorsement. ©Copyright 2012


THIS is the year to take charge of your

We’re the area’s leading investment and trust services provider, helping hundreds of individuals in the greater Muscatine area with their investments. We can help you too, with:

401(k) rollovers and pension distributionsMutual fund payouts Proceeds from inheritance and estates Farm managementAnd more!

We’re solid, we’re local, and you don’t have to have oodles of money to work with us. Make THIS the year you take charge of your investments. Give us a call and we’ll talk things over!

Holly Oppelt, Nicole Chapmanand Jon Holthe > We can help!

563.262.38038:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M-F

Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency Not a Bank Deposit

WiFi HotSpotsLooking for a free public WiFi

hotspot? Visit these Muscatinelocations to get connected.

• McDonald’s - 2520 Park Ave.

• Elly’s Tea & Coffee - Pearl Plaza 208 W. 2nd St.

• Pete’s Tap - 1802 Angle St.

• Button Factory Restaurant - 215 W. Mississippi Dr.

• Burger King - 2306 Park Ave.

• Musser Public Library – 304 Iowa Ave.

• Salvatore’s Ristorante Pizzeria - 313 E. 3rd St.

• Taco Johns - 506 Grandview Ave.

• The Pearl Bar & Lounge - 101 Mississippi Dr.

• Yacky Shack - 114 East 2nd St.

• Francessca Vitale’s Ristorante - 128 E. Second St.COMING

SOON!


A walking path leading to a small bridge takes visitors through the garden of Lynda Wells. Photo by Ryno Olson.


of MuscatinePhotos provided by the Muscatine Camera Club

As spring approaches, backyards are transformed

into canvasses for local gardening artists. Dirt, rocks,

plants and often times well-placed “junk” come

together to form works of art that would make

Mother Nature proud. The Muscatine Camera Club

captured a few of Muscatine’s outdoor creations,

pictured on these four pages.

Though it’s mountedagainst a shed, this windowstill offers a beautiful viewin Susan Cradick’s garden.Photo by Anne Olson.

A small shed acts as a focal point in the outdoor oasisof Karen Hintermeister. Photo by David Lohrman.


A worn-out chair becomes a unique plant stand in Karen Hintermeister’s curvygarden bed. Photo by David Lohrman.

Hostas, impatiens and other shade loving plantstake cover under a line of trees in the garden ofJohn and Barb Reesink. Photo by Anne Olson.

Almost anything becomes unique gardenornaments, as shown by this oversized lightbulb in Fran Ruckles’ garden. Photo by Harold Wilson.

A garden is a delight to the eye

and a solace for the soul.

— Sadi, Persian poet and prose writer

“

”


A birdhouse peeks from its colorful surroundings in Floyd Lacy’s garden.Photo by David Lohrman.

A retro gas pump highlights this garden patch lining the driveway of the late Gerry Zimmerman. Photo by Ryno Olson.

A literal flower bed at Fran Ruckles’ home. Photo by Harold Wilson.

Green Thumb? Shutter Bug? Or Both?If you’d like to hone your gardening skills, a variety of information is available atthe Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Office (1514 Isett Ave., Muscatine).

For those interested in learning, sharing and exploring photography, call Sharonfor information about the Great River Camera Club at (563) 264-3451.


By Bill Lindsay

More than 100 years ago, thegrowth of American cities wasdependent on its ability toattract new businesses andmove people and products tothe market. Towns that had atrolley and an inter-urbansystem connecting themselves toother markets were in the bestposition to thrive. With this inmind, the citizens of Muscatinebegan the road to prosperity bybuilding its own city trolleysystem.

The Muscatine City Railway Companywas organized in 1883. It was firstoperated with a mule powered trolleycar. The car barn was located at 3rdStreet and Mulberry Avenue. On May 29,1893 the line was electrified much tothe delight of those residents that livedalong the route. In 1902 the name waschanged to The Citizens Railway & LightCompany. Another name changeoccurred in 1906 when it became theMuscatine Traction & Light Company.

As time progressed it developed into a

regional rail network that connectedthree major eastern Iowa cities –Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine.

The Clinton, Davenport & MuscatineRailway (CD&M) was formed in 1916.This is a significant year in the history ofUS railroads as it is recognized as theyear of greatest rail mileage in thenation. Railroad mileage declined

steadily after that due to better roadsand the availability of more affordableautomobiles.

Although it seemed that there was nowone complete rail line to Clinton, therewas not. None of the interurban carscould go the whole distance fromMuscatine to Clinton. Passengers had tochange cars in Davenport.


Heading up W. 3rd Street hill in Muscatine. Photo courtesy of Oscar Grossheim Collection, Musser Public Library.

The trolley was an integral part of Muscatine’s bustling downtown in the early 1900s. Here, the trolley heads along 2nd Street.Photo courtesy of Oscar Grossheim Collection, Musser Public Library.

Muscatine’s

TrOLLEY


The stops along the Muscatine divisionwere City Limits, Sweetland, Rainbow,Pleasant Prairie, Drum, Blue Grass,Hetzel, Black Hawk and Davenport. Youcould also flag the cars to stop to pickyou up almost anywhere along the line!

Things moved slower then. Your trip toDavenport was a leisurely speed of 25mph. It only cost you 50¢ and you couldtake 150 pounds of luggage with you forfree! No security checks and everyonewas friendly. Try that on the airlines today!

By the 1920s passenger numbers beganto decline. The CD&M started tosupplement service with buses about1928-1929. They ran out of the oldUnion Bus Stations in Muscatine,Davenport and Clinton, and traveledalong the river on old Highway 61.

In1938, passenger and freight serviceon the electric line was abandoned. Therails were pulled up, but the polescarrying electricity were retained andwere transferred to the Peoples LightCompany to service rural powercustomers. Those poles still mark theroute of the railway to this day, and canbe seen north of Highway 61.

So what’s left in Muscatine? The tracksare still under Mulberry Avenue coveredin asphalt. About 15 years ago, thetrolley turn-around could still be seen atthe old Geneva Country Club entranceon Mulberry Ave., presently the Kenthome.

The CD&M trolley barn still stands onthe Heinz property. Park Lane GolfCourse was built on the old fairgroundswhere they had the Chautauquaoutings service by the city trolley line.That of course is Sunrise Circle now withall traces of the line eradicated whenthe land was leveled. n

Muscatine’sTrolley Route

Circa 1916

On Mississippi Drive, in front of the Hotel Muscatine, 1940. Photo from the collection of Bill Lindsay.

Have more info? If you have infor-mation, stories or items from the CD&MRailway (or any of the railroads thatcame through the area) that you’d liketo share, please contact Bill Lindsay [email protected].

MULBERRY AVE.IOWA AVE.

MULBERRY AVE.

LUCAS ST.

Electric Park(now Sunrise Circle)

NEWELL AVE.

HERSHEY AVE.

GRANDVIEW AVE.

OREG

ON ST

.

PARK

AVE.

THIRD ST.

SIXTH ST.

WIER

ST.

EIGHTH ST.

CYPRESS ST.

ISETT

AVE.

BIDWELL RD.

MISSISSIPPI DR.

CD&M Depot and CD&M Freight House

Trolley Barn

Trolley Turn-Around

Point

Trolley Turn-Around

Point

Trolley Turn-Around

Point

TO DAVENPORT

Mississ

ippi River

Map

by

Shie

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n


Muscatine Welcome Center / MuscatineConvention and Visitors Bureau (102 WalnutStreet) Whether you are going to spend the day simplysightseeing, or are planning a once-in-a-lifetimeevent, the CVB is eager to assist you in the process.Services are provided free of charge to both visitorsand residents. www.muscatine.com

Muscatine City Parks Enjoy beautiful Iowa weather,picnics, bike rides, walks, playgrounds and more at anyone of Muscatine's beautiful city parks. The RiverfrontPark hosts art, water features, boat ramps andplayground as well as basketball courts and bike path.Fuller Park has an outdoor disc golf course to keepyou entertained and fit. www.muscatineiowa.gov

Weed Park Call 563-263-0884 or 563-263-0241 toget your season pass to the Muscatine AquaticCenter located inside Weed Park. Enjoy slides, divingboards, water features and more in this aquaticwonderland. Play tennis, walk or bicycle through thebeautiful historic park when you are done. Strollthrough the Zoo Garden and Rose Garden or reservea shelter for your own celebration. There are manyways to enjoy this local treasure!

Muscatine Bicycle/Walking Paths (Variouslocations throughout town) Put on your ear buds orgrab a friend or three and head out to a path near youand take off! Clean, wide and safe, what a great way toget exercise AND socialize! www.muscatineiowa.gov

Environmental Learning Center (3300 CedarStreet) Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about theMississippi River Valley land and wildlife. Hands-onlearning and fun are awaiting you and your family.www.muscatinecountyconservation.com

Muscatine Art Center (1314 Mulberry Avenue) Seton a beautifully landscaped lot, this historic building isfilled with beautiful antique furniture, interesting andeducational exhibits and lots of Muscatine history.www.muscatineartcenter.org

Muscatine History & Industry Center (117 W.Second Street) This is the perfect place to learn aboutMuscatine's rich industrial history. Many interestingstories and products await you at this historical spot.www.muscatinehistory.org

If you are wondering what to do this summer...wonder no more. Below are some suggestions tokeep you fit, educated, entertained and fed! Whether you are a native or a visitor to Muscatine, it'slikely you can find plenty to do in this fantastically historic river town! Full of history, industry,restaurants, athletics and just good ‘ole fun...Muscatine has something for everyone.

So before you go gassing up that tank, find something fun to do right here in and aroundMuscatine! Dollars spent locally, work locally. Shop historic downtown Muscatine and other localmerchants. Enjoy your summer. Enjoy Muscatine!

Contributed by Amanda Hart


Musser Public Library (304 Iowa Avenue) Musicalperformances, featured speakers, film screenings,exhibits and much, much more await you atMuscatine's local library. Check out movies, books,music and more or use their internet services to logonto their site to see their upcoming events.www.musserpubliclibrary.org

Muscatine Soccer Complex (401 S. Houser Street)Whether you are a participant, family member or just asoccer fan, this 3.8 million dollar complex isspectacular! Competitive games played all season.www.muscatineiowa.gov

Kent-Stein Park (2136 Oneida Street) Enjoy baseballand softball games, horseshoes and concessions at this60 acre facility. www.muscatineiowa.gov

Muscatine Municipal Golf Course (1820 Highway 38)Enjoy a game of Golf on this well-cared-for courseright here in Muscatine! 563-263-4735www.muscatineiowa.gov

Muscatine Farmers' Markets Saturday mornings inMuscatine City Parking Lot on Mississippi Drive;Tuesdays: 2:30 – 5:30 pm at O’Donnell’s Ace Hardwareon Park Avenue. May-September. 563-260-0950

Muscatine Symphony Orchestra (563-288-6195)Catch a performance by Muscatine's own award-winning symphony orchestra. Check their web site forupcoming performances: www.muscatinesymphony.org

The Pearl Button Paddlewheel Book your specialoccasion aboard the Pearl Button Paddlewheel RiverBoat. Take in the scenic river views while enjoying foodand entertainment. Also ask about horse-drawncarriage rides through Muscatine.www.thepearlbuttonpaddlewheel.com

Strawberry Farm Bed and Breakfast (3402 TiptonRoad) Enjoy your stay in Muscatine at this quaint andfriendly Muscatine gem. Private and personal, you willwant to stay here again and again!www.strawberryfarmbandb.com

Wildcat Den State Park (1884 Wildcat Den Road)Enjoy a nature hike, picnic or camping at this beautifuland historic treasure. Also to see at Wildcat Den is thePine Creek Grist Mill and Melpine Schoolhouse. Bothare open for complimentary tours May-October.www.pinecreekgristmill.com

Lock and Dam #16 (located 1.3 river miles upstreamof the Norbert F. Beckey bridge. Access is via 102ndAvenue W.) The whole family will enjoy watchingbarges and tows lock through while capturing thebeauty of the river and endearing wildlife. Visit early inthe morning for a spectacular sunrise over the river.www.missriver.org

Grandview Drive-In (15505 County Road G44X,Grandview) Just south of Muscatine – a fun summerthing to do! www.grandviewtheatre.com

Fairport Fish Hatchery (3390 Highway 22 E., Fairport)Built in 1908, this historical hatchery is open for self-guided tours. www.iowadnr.com

Winters' Buffalo Farm (3672 Highway 61, BlueGrass) Grab your camera and enjoy Buffalo calves andother exotic animals as they graze and play. You'll wantto be sure to snap a shot of the Zedonk (cross betweena Zebra and a Donkey)! www.winterbison.com

Ardon Creek Vineyard & Winery (2391Independence Avenue, Letts) This vineyard is 15minutes from Muscatine, has 4.1 acres of grapes aswell as a tasting room. To schedule a tour and for a listof their live music dates, visit their web site atwww.ardoncreek.com.

NASCAR Sanctioned Stock Car Races (MuscatineCounty Fairgrounds, West Liberty) May-Septemberwww.simmonspromotioninc.com

Great River Road (Highway 22 E.) The Great RiverRoad spans 3,000 miles along both sides of theMississippi from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoythe river views and beautiful countryside as you driveMuscatine's stretch of this national beauty.www.experiencemississippiriver.com

By Janet Morrow GreeneKaren Grings wasn't always a painter,however, she has always been artistic.She loves to draw. Until, by chance, shetook a painting lesson from Faye Grunderin Wilton, who is now deceased. Karenstarted out painting landscapes on sawblades with oil paints. One day, an oddshaped rock caught her eye. Shethought the shape would lend itselfnicely into an old world Santa, whichwere very popular at the time. And it did.Thereafter she found herself keeping aneye out for other oddly shaped rocks.Even her grandchildren have picked upthe habit of locating special rocks forGrandma to paint on. Some are bigrocks, some are small, flat rocks. Karenmakes pins out of the small, flat ones

A friend of Karen’s, who collectedSantas, invited her tosee some Santas shehad in her collection

that were painted ondriftwood. Karen

liked the ideabetter thanrocks. As

luck would haveit, her husband'sgrandfather hadwintered inFlorida forseveral years andbrought backsome uniquewood pieces forthe family. Theylooked likedriftwood, butwere, in fact, cypress knees – the root ofthe cypress tree that grows aboveground in swampy areas.

Shortly after that, Karen and herhusband, Jerry, drove to Tennessee tovisit his sister. Karen recalls that this was20 years ago. His sister knew thatCypress trees grew around a local lake.After a little investigation, she located alocal blacksmith that cut and cured theCypress wood - a process that involvesboiling the wood for approximately threehours to soften the bark. It will then peeloff the wood and reveal a smooth,golden finish. The boiling process causesthe wood to absorb a lot of water,which takes about two to threeweeks to dry. Mold can form on thewood during this time, which cancreate some interesting patterns tothe wood grain.

Jerry would drive to Tennessee to buyfeeder cattle to raise on their Moscowfarm and Karen went on the buyingtrips but she brought home cypressknees. Now she has a supplier that willget the wood for her, and in turn, shesends him painted pieces for him to sellin his gift shop. Some pieces haveshapes and characteristics that are more"useable" than others, so she likes topick out the pieces herself. She likeslooking a piece of wood over andturning it's unique features, includingbumps, knots, and chips, into a uniqueaspect of the piece – like a mouse, arabbit, or an owl. She studies a piece of

cypress, sees a face or a characterin it, chalks an outline, andtransforms it into a uniquework of art. She has createdover 1000 Santa figures,and more than 200rabbit and Halloweencharacters over thelast l9 years.

Local Artist SpotlightKaren Grings

Above, Karen Grings transforms pieces of cypress root into unique pieces ofart. Below, some of her finished products. At right, small flat rocks becomeholiday pins under Karen’s paint brush.



Muscatine Foods Corporation has changed its name to Kent Corporation.

Our oldest and best-known brand embodies our family-owned company’s commitment to customers

and employees. We look forward to continued growth and success as Kent Corporation, helping meet worldwide demand for food and nutrition.

Kent worldwide.kentww.com

Every piece she creates is unique andcomes with this note attached: These characters (Santas, rabbits, andHalloween creatures) are hand paintedon cypress wood, (knees) that comesfrom Tennessee. These are the root ofthe tree that grow above ground inswampy areas. The pieces are notcarved or shaped in any way; they areused exactly as they have grown, and notwo are exactly alike. The knobs, bumps,creases and some imagination are usedto create a one-of-a-kind character. Thepieces are numbered, signed, and eachone has a "name." Occasionally, thewood isn't painted, but is left in itsnatural color, to reveal a beautifulbrown cloak on the Santa or ananimal's fur. The size of the pieces may

range anywhere from3" to 30". I hope

you enjoy yourunique Cypress

Creation.

Karen doesn'thave a web site

and doesn't attendcraft shows. People have found

her through friends or by word ofmouth. That's how I found her. Myfamily was the lucky recipient of one ofher creations for Christmas. It's Mr.and Mrs. Claus with a boy, a girl and acat – just like our family. It also has alittle yard sign with my husband'sbusiness name and a little mouseoutfitted with a gift tag collar with ourcat's name on it! It's a wonderful pieceof art my family will cherish always.

Karen resides on a farm just outsideMoscow and can be reached at 563-732-2844 or at [email protected] n

Take care of all your garden and landscapingneeds with quality products found at your

Muscatine Fareway.

2100 Cedar Plaza Drive • (563) 288-0541

All are flowers from Hilltop Greenhouse in Illinois City.


Contributed by Chris Steinbach, Melon Bike Club member & avid cyclist

Muscatine residents who ride bicyclesare often asked, the first time they gosomewhere else to ride, “So, you’re aMelon Head?”

The typical answer is kind ofcomplicated. It goes something likethis: Most Melon Heads are members ofthe Melon City Bike Club, but relativelyfew club members are Melon Heads.

Because of their distinctive pink jerseys,those who call themselves Melon Headsare well known on the Des MoinesRegister’s Annual Great Bicycle RideAcross Iowa (RAGBRAI), along withmany other group rides across the stateand beyond. There are, perhaps, 30-some Melon Heads.

The Melon City Bike Club, on the otherhand, counts more than 125 familiesamong its members. The bike club,which was started in the early 1970s asthe Muscatine Paddlwheelers, isaffiliated with USA Cycling. It sponsorsrides throughout the spring, summerand fall for riders of every ability. It hostsfamily rides, dinner rides, out-of-townbicycle trips and a bicycle race.

Club members are the riders usuallyseen in groups on rides aroundMuscatine. The rides often go onBurlington Road, orto Wilton or WestLiberty in thenorthern part ofMuscatine County,into Louisa County oracross the Norbert F.Beckey Bridge intoIllinois on the hillsfrom Illinois City toNew Boston andBuffalo Prairie.Among Muscatine-area cyclists, thosehills are usuallyreferred to as the Alps. And they areregarded as a good training ground forRAGBRAI. Check their ride schedule atwww.muscatinecycling.com/RideInfo.html.

Preparing for the annual statewide rideis a main focus for many Melon City BikeClub members. This year, 70 to 80 ridersare expected to go with the club onRAGBRAI, which will begin July 22 inSioux Center and end on July 28 inClinton.

Under the direction of Deb Elliott, whohas ridden on 10 RAGBRAIs and servedas the club’s ride coordinator for nine

years, the Muscatinegroup will charter twobuses and rent a truck tohaul each rider’s gearfrom one overnighttown to the next. Duringthe week, the club hostsa number of eveningevents such as an annualwine and cheese party.

Riders from age 7 – andmaybe even younger –to 70-plus will join theclub on RAGBRAI XL –

the 40th year for the ride. And many ofthose riders come back year after year.For someone who might ride for thefirst time this year, Elliott says it’s a goodidea to ride 500 to 1,000 miles beforeRAGBRAI begins. “That way, you get toenjoy yourself,” she said. And that’s whatthe organized club rides throughoutthe summer are really for.

Riders who don’t put in this kind ofpreparation prior to RAGBRAI, often findthemselves fighting sunburn andfatigue on the ride.

Upcoming Bicycling EventsJuly 22-28: RAGBRAI

May 27: Melon City Criterium

May 6, 1 pm: Family Bike Ride at river-front as part of Muscatine Community Y’sPlug into Your FamilyWeek.

May 8, 2-7 pm: Bike Rodeo and safetytraining at Calvary Church, where MelonCity Bike Club members will give freebike helmets to children.

Pedaling in Pearl City

Members of the Melon City Bike Club gather at the Muscatine riverfront for a group ride. The club rides from theriverfront as a group every Monday night during biking season. The rides usually end at Missipi Brewing Co.


RAGBRAI is but one of the longtimehighlights of the summer for Muscatinebicyclists and the Melon City Bike Club.Since 1979, the club has organized theMelon City Criterium, which is heldevery Memorial Day weekend at WeedPark. This year’s races will be heldSunday, May 27. Up to 450 cyclists fromaround the country will compete for$10,000 in prizes. Muscatine-area riderswho are expected to compete in theraces include Greg Harper, IanHenriksen, Chad Bishop, Robert Hayesand Jon Sulzberger.

The criterium in Muscatine is the third of four area racingevents held on Memorial Day Weekend. The other races areheld in Burlington on Friday and Saturday, May 25-26, andRock Island, Ill., on Monday, May 28.

The Muscatine race is popular, according toorganizers, because it is contained on aone-mile course in Weed Park. Butthe one-mile loop features a fastdescent, a sharp climb up ahill, a switchback and a90-degree turn. n

Along the River and through theWeed Park...Muscatine’s recently extendedriverfront trail stretches over fivemiles from end-to-end, offering theopportunity for a great scenic bikeride, walk or run.

Source: Muscatine Area Geographic Information Consortium, City of Muscatine. Prepared by Andrew Fangman.

Racers round a corner during a heat in the Melon City Criterium at Weed Parkon Memorial Day Weekend in 2009.


The Summer Food Service Program is designed to fill anutrition gap and make sure children can get the

nutritious meals they need during the months that school isnot in session. The Muscatine

Community School District sponsors the federal fundedprogram which is free for children 2 to 18 years of age, nomatter what their parent’s financial situation. Parents mayeat with their children for $3.

Activities are provided by local community partners.Activity partners have included the Community Y, NewHorizons, Musser Public Library, the Discovery Center,Muscatine County Extension, Lutheran Services of IA,American Red Cross, Calvary Church, Family Resources,Muscatine Youth Choir, Muscatine Trinity Public Health,Muscatine Youth Sports, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa &Western Illinois, Books for Kids and local Red Cross.

Want to contribute?There are a many ways you can help us feed more children.• Sign up to help provide lunchroom supervision and/or

provide educational and recreational activities. • Promote the program by placing a small sign in your yard.• Donate small incentives to encourage the children to

come back to school for a nutritious lunch. In the past,school supplies, books and small toys have been donated.

Please help us take action to help end hunger and investin our community. Make a donation of incentive items,volunteer your time to provide supervision during lunchtimes, or sign up to help provide a structured activity forthe children who attend.

For more information contact Alisha K. Eggers, MuscatineSchools District F.S. Supervisor, at 563-263-7223 [email protected]. n

Kids Eat Free!

WhatFree summer lunch for Muscatine youth.

Where• Central Middle School• Garfield Elementary • Madison Elementary • Washington Elementary • Cedar Park Apartments

WhenLunch will be served Monday through FridayJune 4 through July 27.Closed July 4.Approximate serving timesare from 11:30 to 12:30.

Franklin Elementary Schoolwill be closed this year dueto construction, details fortransportation from thisarea to Garfield yet to bedetermined.

McKinley Elementary &Salvation Army will providebreakfast & lunch for summer school & programparticipants only.

Youth SummerFitness IncentiveProgram Comesto Muscatine!Contributed by Heidi Hoffman, Clinic Coordinator, Muscatine Heart Study

Looking for fun, free or low-cost waysfor your child to stay in shape and beactive this summer? The VERBSummer Scorecard program providesyouth (ages 8 to 13) with uniqueopportunities (and motivation) to bephysically active over the summer.VERB lines up fun opportunities foryouth to be physically active and thenprovides incentives and prizes toreward them for their effort.

Scorecards are available at theAquatic Center; Discovery Park – ELC;Hy-Vee; Hy-Vee Drug Town; and theMuscatine Community Y. They willalso be available at Muscatine

CommunitySchoolssummer lunchsites (see storyat right). You

may alsoregister for free and downloadscorecards from www.IowaVERB.org.Registering will earn each youth oneextra raffle eligible for great prizes atthe Grand Finale event at the end ofthe summer.

The VERB Program runs from June 1through July 31, 2012. Seewww.IowaVERB.org for a completelisting of activity and offerings!Registered participants who completescorecards will be entered into adrawing for amazing prizes. For moreinformation contact Daleta Christensenat [email protected] or 563-263-5701.

Thank you to our local title sponsors:Trinity Regional Health System-Muscatine, Monsanto, and United Wayof Muscatine. n


Help the MHS MarchingBand look its best forthe Alamo Bowl!The Mighty Muskie Marching Bandneeds your support. In Decemberthe band will perform in the ValeroAlamo Bowl. We want them tolook as good as they sound.Unfortunately the band’s 20-year-old uniforms are showing theirage. The Band Boosters aresoliciting donations for new coats,gauntlets and hats. We need toraise $40,000.

Take a stand & support the band!Send checks to: The Muskie Band Boosters, P.O. Box 811, Muscatine, Iowa 52761

Online donations can be made atwww.muskiebands.org

For more information contact Co-PresidentsMark & Janet Clark at (563) 299-0019 [email protected].

MUSCATINEBY THE

NUMBERS

1,173

22,886

560

number of residents in the City of Muscatine according to

2010 census

number of tons recycled in the City of Muscatine from April 1, 2011 - March 2012

52

1853

restaurants in Muscatine

approximate total square miles in the City of Muscatine

acres of park space within the Cityof Muscatine maintained by theParks and Recreation Department

8number of hours to mow entire Muscatine Soccer Complex

Number of pearl buttonfactories operating in

Muscatine in 1897

Michael Maharry, MD Valerie Kies, PA - CUI Health Care – Muscatine 3465 Mulberry AvenueMuscatine, IA

Where you go for your health care

Does Matter.Family Medicine and Preventative Health

563-263-0339www.uihealthcare.org/primarycare

April 30-May 6“Plug into Your Family” WeekA week long challenge to connect with your family withoutelectronics sponsored by the United Way of Muscatine Let’sTalk Family Dynamics Group. Turn off the TV, Video Games,Cell Phones and Computers to Plug into Your family! Thisweek is also National Turn Off your TV Week! Look for specialcommunity events on our Facebook page “Plug into YourFamily-Muscatine”.

May 18th Grade G2 Exhibition Night5:30 – 8pm at MHS (2705 Cedar Street)

May 3CMS Chorus Concert7 – 9 pm at CMS Auditorium (901 Cedar Street)

May 4 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Dance6 – 8 pm at the Muscatine Community Y (1823 LoganStreet). Dance only, with limbo and dance contest (rest ofthe building is not open for participants). Buy tickets at the Ystarting April 23 for just $3. Food will also be for sale at thedance. For more information visit www.muscatiney.org orcall 563-263-9996.

May 4Kiddie Barnyard9 am - 2:30 pm at the Muscatine Agriculture Learning Center.This annual event sponsored by the FFA and Agriculturestudents at MHS is always a big hit. Questions? Contact DaveTometich at [email protected], call 563-263-6141 ext 1191, or Dave Fowler 563-263-6141 ext 1186 orSam Paul at [email protected] or 563 260-7103.

May 4 & 6Trinity Hostas/Hodgepodge Fundraiser May 4 from 3 – 7 pm; May 6 from 8 am - noonat New Hope United Methodist Church (3215 TiptonRoad) Sponsored by Trinity MuscatineFriends. For sale will be annuals, perennials,hanging baskets, and featuring MasterGardeners on site. Watch for details inthe Muscatine Journal.

May 5Muscatine Farmer’s MarketSeason OpensFresh fruits and vegetable, flowers,bedding plants, homemade crafts,baked goods, and much more! May-October,Saturdays from 7:30 - 11:30 am at the corner ofMississippi Drive and Cedar Street. Tuesdays: 2:30 – 5:30 pmat O’Donnell’s Ace Hardware, Park Avenue. 563-260-0950

May 5Wilton’s Annual City Wide Garage Sale8 am – 1 pm, Register in person or on-line (no registrationsby phone). For details call 563-732-2330 or visitwww.wiltoniowa.org.

May 5Pearl City Rugby – Men’sAll Iowa at Iowa Falls

May 5Pearl City Rugby – High School12 pm, Champaign at Morton

May 5Cinco de Mayo

May 5 - 6Midwest Regional Soccer Tournament Soccer Complex, 30-40 area youth soccer teams. Contact Paul

Luchowski 440-353-1199

May 69th Grade G2 Exhibition Night

2 – 4 pm Muscatine High School(2705 Cedar Street)

May 9Senior Girls’ Athletic

Recognition Banquet6:30 pm at Wesley United Church.

Sponsored by the Muscatine CommunityY. All High School senior girl athletes will be

honored at this annual event. Athletes, parents andcoaches are invited. The athletes choose the winner ofOutstanding Senior Female Athlete Award.

May 8West Middle School Orchestra & Choir Concert7 – 9 pm at WMS Large Gym

May 10Muscatine Women’s Connection Brunch9:30 am, Clarion Hotel (2915 N. Hwy 61) Social time from 9 -9:30 am, $11 per person. Speaker: Wanda Hanssen, Peoria, ILtakes us “From Rags to Riches to Peace and Prosperity.”Feature: “Tots on Parade”…a children’s style show of clothespurchased from consignment shops. For reservations, contactPam at 563-263-8443; [email protected] or Judy at 563-264-1985.

May 12Pearl City Rugby – High School12 pm, Peoria at Detweiler18 Muscatine Magazine • Summer 2012

Lots to Do!Attention non-profit organizations! Submit your special events for free [email protected].

May 5

May 4 & 6

May 12Muscatine All City Bands Swing Dance7 – 9 pm MHS Stan Howe Commons (2705 Cedar Street). Visit www.muskiebands.org

May 12-13 Softball Tournament Muscatine Softball Boosters Kent Stein Park, for information contact Bob Hiti at 563-299-3569.

May 13Mother’s Day

May 13Muscatine Children’s & Youth Choirs Spring Concert4 pm Wesley United Methodist Church (400 Iowa Avenue)Come support area youth in their annual springperformance. Go to www.wesleyonline.org for moreinformation.

May 14 West Middle School Choir Concert7 – 9 pm in the WMS large gym

May 157th Grade G2 Exhibition Night5 – 6:30 pm, location TBD

May 17Central Middle School Orchestra & Choir Concert7 – 9 pm, CMS Auditorium

May 17West Middle School Band Concert7 – 9 pm, WMS large gym

May 17YPN Third Thursday5:30 – 7 pm at the Muscatine History and Industry Center(117 W 2nd Street). Network with young professionals atYPN’s monthly social event. With questions or to RSVP,contact Sarah Bann of GMCCI [email protected] orAndrea Scott, chairperson [email protected].

May 18-27Big River ProductionFriday, May 18; Saturday, May 19; Friday, May 25; Saturday,May 26; and Sunday, May 27 in the New Era CommunityBuilding at 3455 New Era Road in rural Muscatine, next toWild Cat Den State Park. This is a Broadway show based onMark Twain’s classic novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn andwill be the 19th annual production of the New Era DinnerTheater. Dinner will be at 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdayswith the show following at 7 pm. Dinner will be at 5 pm onSunday with the show following at 6 pm. Reservations arerequired for all performances.

May 19–25Fine Free Week at Musser Public LibraryStop in during this week and have any past fines waived.

Start the summer with a clean slate. SummerReading sign-up during thisweek as well. Library hours are:

Mon – Thurs 10 am – 9 pm, Fri & Sat 10 am– 5 pm, Sun 1 – 5 pm.www.musserpubliclibrary.org

May 20Muscatine High School Graduation

2 pm Muscatine High School Gymnasium(2705 Cedar Street)

May 20Paddling, Try It2 – 5 pm at Chicken Creek in Saulsbury Recreation Area. Freeto the public.Try your hand at canoeing or kayaking. Boats,paddles, life jackets, and instruction will be provided. Thisevent is appropriate for all skill levels ages 5 and up.www.muscatinecountyconservation.com

May 23Last Day of School – MuscatineSummer break begins!

May 26Muscatine Aquatic Center Season Opening 1 Park Drive (Weed Park) open Noon – 8 pm daily from nowuntil Labor Day. Call 563-263-0884, or visit www.muscatineiowa.gov for information.

May 262012 Midwest Strongman Competition Muscatine Riverfront Park, for information contact Brad Barkat 563-260-0359.

May 27Melon City Criterium8 – 9 am Weed Park. 32nd Annual Melon City Criterium.Sponsored by Melon City Bike Club, Inc. Helmets required forall events. Call Greg Harper at 563-263-4043 or [email protected] for more information. Check it out atwww.muscatinecycling.com/MelonCityCriterium


July 17-22Muscatine County Fair Muscatine County Fairgrounds, West Liberty, IAOn Facebook: “Muscatine County Fair”

July 25-28Great River Days (54th Annual)Muscatine Riverfront Park www.greatriverdays.com

July 22-28Louisa County FairColumbus Junction, IA www.louisacountyfair.com

July 28BIX “Get on Your Feet Do the Bix Beat” Quad Cities, IA www.bix7.com

July 31-August 5Mississippi Valley FairMississippi Valley Fair Grounds, Davenport, IAwww.mvfair.com

August 9-19Iowa State FairIowa State Fair Grounds, Des Moines, IAwww.iowastatefair.com

August 16-18New Windsor Fair & Rodeo (73rd annual)7:30 pm nightly Rodeo Time; 5 pm parade on August16; 8 am Rodeo Run, youth horse show and kiddie pa-rade August 18. FREE parking available on the rodeogrounds. Kids under 12 are FREE. For information call309-667-2613 or visit www.nwrodeo.org

That was Then This is Now Muscatine BoatShow will return in 2013. Follow updates atwww.muscatineboatshow.com

May 20

May 29Summer Reading Program BeginsMusser Public Library (304 Iowa Avenue), the program runsuntil July 25. Regularly scheduled events and special prizesare available for reading incentives. Family activities takeplace in June and July on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.Story time is Thursdays at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm. Visitwww.musserpubliclibrary.org for details.

May 31Community Y Summer Kickoff Ceremony4 – 7 pm, at the Y (1823 Logan Street ). Let the games begin!Join the Y for the Kickoff celebrating the beginning ofsummer programs. Games and activities around each of thegreat groups planned for the summer, music, dancing,hunting (scavenger hunting that is) and teamwork. Ofcourse there will be food! Open to 6-12th graders who wantto checkout the Y summer programs, don’t forget to bring afriend. Please RSVP so we have enough food and materials.Contact Amy Hessel at 563-263-9996 or e-mail at [email protected].

June 1-2Relay For Life of Muscatine County (see box below)

June 2American Heart Association WalkContact Belindsa Scrogham at 563-370-2154 for information.

June 232nd Annual Kids Fishing Seminar

9 – 10:45 am Discovery Park (3300 CedarSt). Fishing Seminar for Kids. Learn

the basics of fishing at DiscoveryPark. This annual event is

geared toward elementary-agedkids, but all ages are welcome. The first

100 K-5th graders to pre-register will receive a T-shirt. Tackle packets available for everyone. Lots of doorprizes to be given away also! Contact Muscatine CountyConservation Board at 563-264-5922 or visitwww.muscatinecountyconservation.com for more info.

June 2Annual Kids Fishing Derby 11 am – 12 pm at Discovery Park (3300 Cedar St). Prizesawarded in several fish categories and age groups. Registrationopen immediately after the fishing seminar ends. Sponsoredby the Muscatine County Conservation Board.

June 2Little Miss Muscatine PageantDoors open at 6 pm, finals begin at 6:30pm. Central MiddleSchool Auditorium (901 Cedar Street). Tickets available fromcontestants in advance for $5.00. Tickets at door: $10.00. Formore information contact Judi Conner at [email protected] 563-263-3406.

“Trottin for Taylor” University of Iowa BattenResearch Horse Ride Across IowaTammy Mohr 712- 885-2535, 712-269-1461 or University ofIowa (800) 648-6973.

June 24-H Livestock ClinicClinic (morning), Becky Peterson or Tessa Pugh at 563-263-5701 or Joyce Coppess (563) 886-6157. Muscatine AgLearning Center (3200 Lucas Street). For details, contact JoelEdge 319-540-1731 or visit www.aglearningcenter.org.

Please note: This calendar is for communityevents for non-profit organizations. Details ofevents can change, please check with the contactperson or organization to confirm.


June 27Fun with Brass EnsemblePearl City Station

June 2912:30 - 4:30 pm Wildcat Den State Park (1884 Wildcat DenRoad). The Friends of Pine Creek Mill welcome visitors totour this historic Mill.

July 1Ice Cream Social1 – 5 pm Muscatine Art Center (1314 Mulberry Avenue).New this year: Art fair in the Japanese Garden.

July 3Public Art Community Event10 am – dusk (8 pm) Muscatine History and IndustryCenter (117 W Second Street). All artists and non-artists,children and families are invited to stop by and help createa public canvas featuring Red White and Blue.

July 3“Red, White and Blue” family TriviaOn the Riverfront. Sponsored by the Musser Public Library.Contact the Library for details 563-263-3065.

July 4Independence Day Parade5 pm Cultural & Entertainment District (DowntownMuscatine)

Muscatine Symphony 4th of July Performance Pearl City Station (Muscatine Riverfront). The MuscatineSymphony will perform patriotic classics such as “Stars andStripes”, “Washington Post March”, an Armed Forces Salute,“The Star Spangled Banner” and many more! Performancebegins at dusk. Bring your own lawn chair. For moreinformation, please visit ww.muscatinesymphony.org.

FireworksDusk. Muscatine Riverfront.

For up to date information visit www.muscatine.com

June 1-2Relay For Life of Muscatine CountyCome join us at Muscatine High School track from 5 pm to 5am. Food vendors, a special silent auction, and entertain-ment including a giant interactive jumbo screen for gamesand videos. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’ssignature activity. It is a life-changing event that brings

together friends, neighbors, survivors, and communities. Bea Team Captain, walk on a team, donate, and give supportto a great cause. This is a wonderful evening to celebrate,remember, and fight-back together. For more informationcontact [email protected] or visit www.relayforlife.org and find Muscatine County event.

June 27 - July 4

June 3Family Bike Ride1 pm beginning at Musser Park (on the trail near theRiverfront). Hosted by Muscatine Parks and RecreationDepartment in cooperation with the Melon City Bike Club.Route is approximately six miles long and entirely on Citytrails. The ride will end up back at Musser Park. Half-waythrough the ride bikers may stop at the Muscatine AquaticCenter for refreshments. This is a FREE event and no pre-registration is required. Call 563-263-0241 for details.

June 7 - 9IGHSAU State Soccer TournamentSoccer Complex. Iowa High School Girls soccer teams compete.

June 9Glow Disc Golf Tournament7:30 pm check-in and 8 pm play begins. Fuller Park (CedarStreet). Teams will consist of one child and one adult. Topparticipants will receive prizes including a free disc! Cost is$20 per team plus $5 per Non-Resident. Participants willreceive a glow stick to attach to their disc. Pre-registration isrequired. The registration deadline is Friday, June 1. Pleasecall 563-263-0241 for more information.

June 9Non Traditional Kids’ Triathlon1 pm at Muscatine Community Y. Swim through sprinklersand slip-n-slides, bike on trikes and big wheels and runthrough pools of mud and over hay bales. Open to ages ableto foot push a foot/pedal bike to 12 years old. Register by May25 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Sponsored by State FarmInsurance-Brenda Garcia-Van Auken.www.muscatinecommunityy.org

June 14Muscatine Women’s Connection Brunch9:30 am, Clarion Hotel (2915 N. Hwy 61) Social time from 9 -9:30 am, $11 per person. Speaker: Terry Rutherford,Plainfield, IL asks the question “Do You Need a Hero?”Feature: Mary Odell, Director of Public Health for Trinity,gives an update on the Blue Zone. For reservations, contactPam at 563-263-8443; [email protected] or Judy at 563-264-1985.

June 15–172012 Muscatine Summer ClassicHosted by Muscatine Soccer Club this tournament attractssoccer teams from across the region. This is a U9-U13tournament. www.muscatinesoccer.com


Reoccurring EventsRed Sox Schedule – 82nd SeasonThe Red Sox will play doubleheaders onSunday afternoons starting at 1p.m. and one or two gamesduring the week starting at6:30 p.m. Admission forhome games is FREE. Formore information aboutthe Red Sox, contactRobinson at 563-299-2627.

4H Summer Horse ShowsJune 10, July 8, August 5, and August 26. All showsare held at the Tom Martin Horse Arena on the

Muscatine County Fairgrounds in WestLiberty, Iowa. All shows begin at 9 am.Concessions available on the grounds.www.extension.iastate.edu

Muscatine and the Civil War: A SesquicentennialCommemorationNow through May 26 at the

Muscatine Art Center (1314 Mulberry Avenue). Tomake history come alive for students and othervisitors the Art Center has recreated abattlefield campground using CivilWar artifacts. As part of thiscampground there will be alaser projected 3-D image ofan actor dressed in UnionArmy uniform portrayingDaniel Parvin. The Art Center isopen Tues, Wed & Fri 10am –5pm; Thurs 10am – 7pm; Sat & Sun1 – 5pm. www.muscatineartcenter.org

FREE Tai Chi Workshop Workshop starts May 2, 12:15 – 12:40 pm, at theJapanese Garden (Muscatine Art Center). andcontinues every Wednesday through September,locations vary. Contact Caleen or Barry for details at563-288-6787 or email [email protected].

6 pm Pearl Plaza Patio (208 West 2nd Street) or inside ifrain. The Muscatine County Arts Council hosts its summera concert series which is FREE and open to the public.Some seating is available, otherwise bring a lawn chair.For more information, please contact Duffy De France at563-732-2468, or email [email protected]. The ArtsCouncil website is www.muscatineartscouncil.org.

June 10“Wesley Winds” eclectic music from Bach to Duke Elling-ton and everything in between. For more informationcontact [email protected]

July 8“Strings & Pedals” with Parke and Don (guitar and steelguitar) Classic Country, [email protected]

August 12“Just 4 Fun” Old Time Country Music - Allwomen acoustic string band, for more infocontact Chris Clark at 563-260-2772

September 9 “Ambushed”, Folk-Country-RockMusic which includes drum,bass, guitar and vocalswww.theambushed-band.com or MarvinPlank at 563-264-5481 or Madonna at563-264-0982

Second Sunday Summer Music Concert Series

Mon-Thurs 9-6, Fri 9-7, Sat 9-4 • www.harperscycling.com

Your One StopBike Shop!• Bicycles• Accessories• Clothing• Oakley Eyewear• Bicycle Repair

1106 Grandview Ave.Muscatine, Iowa

263-4043


July 17-22Muscatine County Fair Muscatine County Fairgrounds, West Liberty, IA On Facebook:“Muscatine County Fair”

June 21YPN Third Thursday EventThe Young Professionals Network will be hosting a night ofsocializing and networking in a relaxed environment.Contact Andrea Scott at [email protected] for eventinformation.

June 22–242012 Muscatine Summer ClassicHosted by Muscatine Soccer Club this tournament attractssoccer teams from across the region. This is a U14-U18tournament. Visit www.muscatinesoccer.com for more info.

June 233rd Annual “Showoff” Showmanship Classic Beef ShowMuscatine Agricultural Learning Center (3200 Lucas Street).For details, contact Joel Edge 319-540-1731 or visitwww.aglearningcenter.org.

June 24 2nd Annual “Trophy Hunt” IJBBA Sponsored Steer andHeifer ShowMuscatine Agricultural Learning Center (3200 Lucas Street).For details, contact Joel Edge 319-540-1731 or visitwww.aglearningcenter.org.

June 27–July 4PatriART Week (see box on page 20)

July 1“Percussion on the Pearl” Drum Corp InternationalSome of the nations best drum corps compete right here atthe Muscatine High School Stadium. www.muskiebands.org

July 6–711th Annual New Era Lutheran Church Quilt Show3455 New Era Road, Muscatine (1/4 mile west of upperentrance to Wildcat Den State Park)Friday: 9 am - 8 pm. Lunch served 11 am - 2 pm, Supperserved 4:30 - 7 pm. Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm. Lunched served11am - 2pm. Quilt Show Only - $3. Quilt Show and Meal - $7.Contact Shirley McDaniel [email protected]

July 10Trinity Bake Sale7 am – 2 pm. In the lobby at Trinity Muscatine Hospital.Sponsored by Trinity Muscatine Friends. Watch for furtherinformation in June.

July 12Muscatine Women’s Connection Brunch9:30 am, Clarion Hotel (2915 N. Hwy 61) Social time from 9 -9:30am, $11 per person. Speaker: Denette Lickiss, Indianola,IA is “Finally Headed in the Right Direction.” Feature: Denetteis a recording artist who will sing for the group. Forreservations, contact Pam at 563-263-8443;[email protected] or Judy at 563-264-1985.

July 14 Special Olympics District Team Softball Tournament9 am Kent Stein Fields 16 & 17 (Kent Stein Park). Gamesstart at 9 am, continue throughout the day. Contact JasonMiller 563-263-9996 or [email protected]. Check outwww.SOMuscatine.org or find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SOMuscatine.

July 20Kid’s First Pancake Breakfast7 – 9 am First National Bank WalnutRoom. Kid’s First is a United Wayof Muscatine program whichhelps support Muscatineyouth in various ways.Contact Kim Warren or ShaneOrr at 563-263-5963.www.muscatineunitedway.org

July 21Eliza Lions Club Tractor CadeMuscatine Agricultural Learning Center (3200 Lucas Street).For details, contact Dave Fowler 563-263-6141 ext 1186 orvisit www.aglearningcenter.org.

July 19YPN Third Thursday EventThe Young Professionals Network will be hosting a night ofsocializing and networking in a relaxed environment.Contact Andrea Scott at [email protected] for eventinformation.

July 22-28RAGBRAI XLStarts: Sioux City, IA; Finishes: Clinton, IA

July 25-28Great River Days (54th Annual)Muscatine Riverfront Park www.greatriverdays.com

July 22-28Louisa County FairColumbus Junction, IA www.louisacountyfair.com

July 28BIX “Get on Your Feet Do the Bix Beat” Quad Cities, IA www.bix7.com

July 25IPTV Kids Club Host Visits10:15 am and 11:15 am, Musser Public Library (304 IowaAvenue), Dan Wardell visits the library today as part of hisReading Road Trip. Today marks the end of the Summer Readingprogram. Visit www.musserpubliclibrary.org for details.

July 26–29College Search Kick OffMuscatine Soccer Complex, Girls play 26-27, Boys play 28-29.An exclusive player showcase attracting players who want toplay on the college level and are entering their junior orsenior year in high school. 96 selected youth teams (48 boysand 48 girls) from clubs and leagues in the USA and Canadacompete before 200-250 college coaches from the Midwestand beyond. Colleges from all academic and athleticlevels—NCAA Division I, II and III plus NAIA, NJCAA andIndependents are represented. www.collegesearchkickoff.com

July 27Summer Music in the Park Concert Series: Lonnie Bowden & Harmony Holler6 – 9:30 pm Ron De Voo Park, Downtown West Liberty, music

starts at 6:30. The West Liberty Area Arts Council ishosting their annual Summer Music Series inDowntown West Liberty. Fun for all ages! Free andopen to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and comeand enjoy live music nestled in the nostalgic and

picturesque heart of West Liberty. For moreinformation, visit www.wlaac.org

July 28Special Olympics District Team Softball Tournament9 am Kent Stein Fields 4 & 5 (Kent Stein Park). Games startat 9 am, continue throughout the day. Contact Jason Miller563-263-9996 or [email protected]. Check outwww.SOMuscatine.org or find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SOMuscatine.

July 31-August 5Mississippi Valley FairMississippi Valley Fair Grounds, Davenport, IAwww.mvfair.com

September 15Heritage Days

September 30Cemetery Walk

October 6Annual Scarecrow Festival

October 134H 5K Fun Run

November 9-11Dog Agility Trials

SAVE THEDATE

July 1

Aug 3Summer Music in the Park Concert Series: Mutiny in the Parlor6 – 9:30 pm Ron De Voo Park, Downtown West Liberty, musicstarts at 6:30. The West Liberty Area Arts Council is hostingtheir annual Summer Music Series in Downtown WestLiberty. Fun for all ages! Free and open to the public. Bringyour lawn chairs and come and enjoy live music nestled inthe nostalgic and picturesque heart of West Liberty. Formore information, visit www.wlaac.org.

August 9-19Iowa State FairIowa State Fair Grounds, Des Moines, IAwww.iowastatefair.com

Aug 10Summer Music in the Park Concert Series: Gusto Norteno6 – 9:30 pm Ron De Voo Park, Downtown West Liberty, musicstarts at 6:30. The West Liberty Area Arts Council is hostingtheir annual Summer Music Series in Downtown WestLiberty. Fun for all ages! Free and open to the public. Bringyour lawn chairs and come and enjoy live music nestled inthe nostalgic and picturesque heart of West Liberty. Formore information, visit www.wlaac.org.

Aug 11HNI 5 K Run/Walk

August 16-18New Windsor Fair & Rodeo (73rd annual)7:30 pm nightly Rodeo Time; 5 pm parade on August 16; 8am Rodeo Run, youth horse show and kiddie parade August18. FREE parking available on the rodeo grounds. Kids under12 are FREE. For information call 309-667-2613 or visitwww.nwrodeo.org.

Aug 17Summer Music in the Park Concert Series: Ernie Peniston6 – 9:30 pm Ron De Voo Park, Downtown West Liberty, musicstarts at 6:30. The West Liberty Area Arts Council is hostingtheir annual Summer Music Series in Downtown WestLiberty. Fun for all ages! Free and open to the public. Bringyour lawn chairs and come and enjoy live music nestled inthe nostalgic and picturesque heart of West Liberty. Formore information, visit www.wlaac.org.

Aug 17-18City of Hope Bass Tournament Muscatine Riverfront. Rob Stroda, event coordinator, says thiswill be one of the largest team bass tournaments in all ofIowa, attracting anglers from all neighboring states. It’s setup to appeal to both the competitive angler as well as theweekend angler. The tournament has a goal to raise over$10,000 for City of Hope while also benefitting the localeconomy. Registration forms can be downloaded fromwww.muscatinecharitytournament.com, or contact Rob at563-299-7792. You can also check out the tournament onFacebook (Muscatine-Charity-Bass-Tournament).

Aug 20First day of School (Muscatine)

Aug 24Summer Music in the Park Concert Series: TBA6 – 9:30 pm Ron De Voo Park, Downtown West Liberty, musicstarts at 6:30. The West Liberty Area Arts Council is hostingtheir annual Summer Music Series in Downtown WestLiberty. Fun for all ages! Free and open to the public. Bringyour lawn chairs and come and enjoy live music nestled inthe nostalgic and picturesque heart of West Liberty. Formore information, visit www.wlaac.org.

Aug 24-26Fall Soccer Classic


Advertise your event in Muscatine Magazine! Your guide to area events. Call Janet at (563) 506-2799

Community Sports InformationParks & RecreationFor a complete listing of area tournaments visitwww.muscatineiowa.gov under Parks and Recreation.Here you can also find city facility availability, check onfield conditions and sign up to receive text alerts or anemail when the schedule has been modified by usingthe Notify Me link.

Muscatine Youth Basball:www.eteamz.com/muscatineyouthbaseball

Muscatine Baseball Academy:www.muscatinebaseballacademy.com

Muscatine Cardinals: www.hometeamsonline.com

Muscatine Softball: mgsa.clubspaces.com

Muscatine Community Y SoccerSoccer Registration runs now through July 21. Theleague is open to students K-8th grade. Season runsweek of August 25 through Saturday, October 13. Registration is $30 for members and $52 for nonmem-bers. All games are played at the Muscatine SoccerComplex. For information, contact the Muscatine Community Y: 563-263-9996, [email protected] visit www.muscatiney.org.

Muscatine Soccer ClubTryouts are the week of June 4. U8-U10 teams do nothave tryouts, just come sign up and play. For com-plete details, including birthdate cut-offs: www.muscatinesoccer.com. July 9 is Club registration.

Challenger/MSC Summer CampJune 18-22 (including an evening camp for older ages)

Linda and Karl Reichert3402 Tipton Road

Muscatine, Iowa 52761

(563) 262-8688www.strawberryfarmbandb.com


Musca-FUN!

Name that Building!

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??

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?

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A B C

F

E

D

Grossheim Bldg: ELaurel Bldg: AOtto Bldg: CBisesi Bldg: DBatterson Bldg: FShamrock Hall: B

Grossheim Bldg: _________

Laurel Bldg: ____________

Otto Bldg: _____________

Bisesi Bldg: ____________

Batterson Bldg:__________

Shamrock Hall: __________

You’ve driven past, walked past, and been inthese downtown Muscatine buildings manytimes, but do you know the names of these sixhistoric structures? Match the building namesat right to its correct photo. All of the buildingspictured have their name proudly displayed onthem, but we’ve masked out the names just totest you. Answers are at the bottom.

ANSWERS:

Summer EventsJune 1, Fri 6-9 PM Dani Lynn Howe Band, CountryJune 10, Sun 1-4 PM Blessing of the Vines Beggarmen, Classic Celtic June 22, Fri 6-9 PM Creepin' Charlies, VarietyJuly 8, Sun 1-4 PM Lynne Harte Quartet, BluesJuly 20, Fri 6-9 PM Morning After, 50's & 60'sAug 5, Sun 1-4 PM Rob Dahms, guitar, Blues, country RockAug 24, Fri 6-9 PM Gray Wolf Band, Classic Rock Sept 7, Fri 6-9 PM Lojo Russo, Guitar, VarietyOct 12, Fri 6-9 PM Wild Oatz Band, CountryNov 16, Fri 6-9 PM Celebrate the Harvest, Nouveau for 2012

Bring your snacks and picnics. Cover charge will apply.Directions: 6 miles northeast of Letts, IA on X43;

or 5 miles south of Hwy 22 on X43.

Tasting Room Hours:Wed & Thurs: 1-5 PM, Fri: 1-6 PM,

Sat: 11-6 Sun: Noon-5

2391 Independence Avenue, Letts, IA 52754

563-506-8044 www.ardoncreek.com

Lunch Mon-Fri: 11am-2pm

Dinner Tues-Sat: 5-9pm

NEW: Outside Dining!

For reservations call:563-263-8123

2108 Grandview Ave.www.elmsdining.com

Muscatine’s oldest new hotspot

Graphic Design for BusinessPrint & Logo Design • Illustration • Advertising • Web

(563) 506-5268email: [email protected]: shielddesign.wordpress.com

• Landscape Design • Retaining Walls • Grading/Seeding/Sodding/Watering

• Dirt Screening Services • Grounds Maintenance & Mowing• Pruning & Mulching

[email protected]

(563) 264-09011577 Taylor Avenue • Muscatine, Iowa 52761

Dedicated to supporting the communities where our members live,work, and raise their families.

Documents

MM Summer 2012