Biden in Cedar Rapids and other events coming up this week

Governor Chet Culver and Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge are kicking off their re-election campaign this week with events all over the state. One highlight will be Tuesday’s rally at noon in Cedar Rapids’ Greene Square Park, headlined by Vice President Joe Biden. To RSVP for any of the Culver campaign events, click here.

Follow me after the jump for the whole event calendar. If you know of anything I’ve left out, please post a comment or send me an e-mail: desmoinesdem AT yahoo.com.

Monday, May 17

Bike to Work week begins. The event is designed to promote cycling for its many benefits including like increased health and fitness, reducing our environmental impact, and promoting outdoor enjoyment. The event is statewide with multiple local Bike Month events occurring all over the state. Learn about them here. Join other Iowans to bike to work, or register even if you don’t work or can’t ride there. Find more about Bike Week, Bike Month, and other BikeIowa events and programs at www.bikeiowa.com. Sponsors include BikeIowa and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

The Culver/Judge re-election campaign is holding several kick-off events:

WHAT: Polk County Kick-Off Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge, First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 10:00 AM

WHERE: Hoover High School

4800 Aurora Ave.

Des Moines, IA

WHAT: Story County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver, First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 12:15 PM

WHERE: American Country

327 Main Street

Ames, IA

Main Street Walk: Café Diem

229 Main Street

Ames, IA

WHAT: Jasper County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 12:30 PM

WHERE: DMACC – Newton

Room 210 A

600 N. 2nd Ave. W.

Newton, IA

WHAT: Marshall County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver, First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 2:30 PM

WHERE: American Legion

1301 S. Center St.

Marshalltown, IA

WHAT: Poweshiek County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 2:30 PM

WHERE: Grinnell College

Joe Rosenfeld Center, Room 209

1115 8th Ave.

Grinnell, IA

WHAT: Black Hawk County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 5:30 PM

WHERE: UAW

2615 Washington St.

Waterloo, IA

U.S. Senate candidate Tom Fiegen is meeting with Union County Democrats at the A&G Steakhouse, 211 W. Adams in Creston, beginning at 5:00 pm.

Tuesday, May 18

Bob Krause’s campaign is planning a Muscatine event from 6 to 7pm. Contact the campaign for more details.

It’s another packed day of events for the Culver/Judge campaign:

WHAT: Linn County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge, First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 12:00 PM

WHERE: Greene Square Park

Cedar Rapids, IA

WHAT: Johnson County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver, First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 3:00 PM

WHERE: IMU River Terrace

125 N. Madison St.

Iowa City, IA

WHAT: Jones County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 3:00 PM

WHERE: Lawrence Community Center

600 E. Main St.

Anamosa, IA

WHAT: Jackson County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 5:15 PM

WHERE: Maquoketa Public Library

126 S. 2nd St.

Maquoketa, IA

WHAT: Scott County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 5:30 PM

WHERE: Figge Art Museum

Dining Room & Bar

225 W. 2nd St.

Davenport, IA

WHAT: Clinton County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 7:30 PM

WHERE: Clinton County Democrats Headquarters

224 22nd Pl.

Clinton, IA

From Francis Thicke’s campaign:

         FAIRFIELD – Francis Thicke, candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, will host Fred Kirschenmann, an international leader in organic and sustainable agriculture, at a program on Tuesday evening, May 18, at the Sondheim Center in Fairfield.  The lecture, titled “Food and Farming in our Future,” will begin at 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.  Contributions to Thicke’s campaign will be accepted.

         Kirschenmann is Distinguished Fellow at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and has lectured and written extensively about ethics and agriculture.  A collection of his essays was recently published as a book, titled Cultivating an Ecological Science: Essays from a Farmer Philosopher. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and he will sign them after the lecture, according to the campaign.

         “I have learned a lot from Fred Kirschenmann over the years, and consider him to be a mentor and visionary,” said Thicke.  Kirschenmann converted his North Dakota farm, a natural prairie livestock grazing system that combines a nine-crop rotation of cereal grains, forages, and green manure, to certified organic in 1980.  He has served in leadership roles in many organic and sustainable agriculture organizations, including the National Organic Standards Board.

         Thicke’s campaign is calling for greater self-sufficiency and sustainability for Iowa’s food and agriculture production.  Thicke is advocating for expansion of local food production and for farming systems that are more diverse, resilient and energy efficient.  He has also called for further development and implementation of technologies to produce renewable energy on farms.

         Thicke is also advocating for livestock production systems that are ecologically sound and that do not impinge upon the health, quality of life and property values of neighbors.  He favors stronger regulation of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and local control over siting of CAFOs.

         Thicke has a Ph.D. in agronomy and has served in the U. S. Department of Agriculture in Washington as a National Program Leader for soil science.  With his wife, Susan, he owns an 80-cow dairy farm near Fairfield that processes milk into bottled milk, cheese and yogurt that are marketed locally.

         “We need to produce more of the food we eat right here in Iowa on Iowa farms to enhance our economy, our food security and environment,” says Thicke.  “Locally produced food can be fresher, safer, and it puts more money into the pockets of Iowa’s farmers,” says Thicke.  “We also need to break up corporate monopolies that are stealing profits from farmers and to restore competition and free markets for Iowa’s agricultural products,” he says.

         Thicke’s campaign web site is www.ThickeForAgriculture.com.

Wednesday, May 19

It’s the last day to RSVP for the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s “Faith and Freedom” reception on May 24 (details below). Call (515) 279-8715 for more information.

The Culver/Judge re-election kickoff events continue:

WHAT: Dubuque County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 8:15 AM

WHERE: Grand River Center

River Room

500 Bell St.

Dubuque, IA

WHAT: Muscatine County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 8:30 AM

WHERE: Muscatine Community College

Larson Hall

152 Colorado St.

Muscatine, IA

WHAT: Clayton County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 11:00 AM

WHERE: Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery

123 A St.

McGregor, IA

WHAT: Henry County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 11:00 AM

WHERE: Tazza Bella Coffee House

120 S. Main St.

Mt. Pleasant, IA

WHAT: Jefferson County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 12:30 PM

WHERE: Revelations Cafe and Bookstore

Meeting Room

112 N. Main St.

Fairfield, IA

WHAT: Winneshiek County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 1:15 PM

WHERE: Hotel Winneshiek

104 E. Water St.

Decorah, IA

WHAT: Mahaska County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 3:00 PM

WHERE: Smokey Row

109 S. Market St.

Oskaloosa, IA

WHAT: Floyd County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 3:45 PM

WHERE: Iowa Title & Realty Company

101 N. Main St.

Charles City, IA

WHAT: Marion County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 5:00 PM

WHERE: VFW Meeting Hall

413 S. Lincoln St.

Knoxville, IA

WHAT: Cerro Gordo County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 5:30 PM

WHERE: The Rose Bowl

15079 Partridge Ave.

Mason City, IA

WHAT: Warren County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 7:00 PM

WHERE: TBD

Thursday, May 20

State Senator Rob Hogg and State Senator Joe Bolkcom have scheduled a fundraiser at the Quality Inn in Des Moines (2nd and the Freeway) from 4-6 p.m.

More Culver/Judge events around the state:

WHAT: Hamilton County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 9:00 AM

WHERE: Webster City Fire Department

919 Superior St.

Webster City, IA

WHAT: Woodbury County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 10:15 AM

WHERE: Sioux City Art Center

225 Nebraska St.

Sioux City, IA

WHAT: Greene County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 10:30 AM

WHERE: Uptown Cafe

108 W State St

Jefferson, IA 50129

WHAT: Webster County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 11:00 AM

WHERE: Best Western Starlite

Jupiter Room

1518 3rd Ave. NW

Ft. Dodge, IA

WHAT: Monona County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 12:30 PM

WHERE: Onawa Library

707 Iowa Ave.

Onawa, IA

WHAT: Boone County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 12:30 PM

WHERE: Colorado Grill

South Marshall Street

Boone, IA 50036

WHAT: Kossuth County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 1:30 PM

WHERE: Algona Public Library

Meeting Room B

210 N. Phillips St.

Algona, IA

WHAT: Harrison County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 3:00 PM

WHERE: Home of Jay Schaben

805 Remsen St.

Dunlap, IA* (private, invitation-only event)

WHAT: Clay County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 4:00 PM

WHERE: Spencer Senior Center

Dining Room

1900 N. Grand, Ste. A

Spencer, IA

WHAT: Pottawattamie County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 5:30 PM

WHERE: Bayliss Park

530 1st Ave.

Council Bluffs, IA

WHAT: Carroll County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Patty Judge

WHEN: 7:00 PM

WHERE: Charlie’s Restaurant

Polly’s Room

1730 N. US Hwy 71

Carroll, IA

Friday, May 21

The week-long Culver/Judge kickoff tour concludes at the Polk County Democrats’ big spring event. Many Iowa Democratic candidates will be there. Click here for more details.

WHAT: Louisa County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event Flood Recovery Drive

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 8:10 AM

WHERE: Oakville City Hall

601 2nd St.

Oakville, IA

WHAT: Des Moines County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 9:15 AM

WHERE: Dankwardt Park

Small Shelter

700 Block of Dankwardt Park Drive

Burlington, IA

WHAT: Union County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Judge

WHEN: 10:15 AM

WHERE: Restored Depot

City Council Chambers

116 W. Adams St.

Creston, IA

WHAT: Lee County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 11:30 AM

WHERE: The Corner Tab

300 4th St.

West Point, IA

WHAT: Clarke County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Judge

WHEN: 12:15 PM

WHERE: Southern Hills Winery

1400 W. Clay St.

Osceola, IA

WHAT: Wapello County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Governor Chet Culver

WHEN: 2:30 PM

WHERE: UFCW

1305 E. Mary St.

Ottumwa, IA

WHAT: Monroe County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event

WHO: Lt. Governor Judge

WHEN: 2:30 PM

WHERE: White Buffalo Restaurant

100 Hwy 34 East

Albia, IA

WHAT: Polk County “Choosing a Better Iowa” Event Tour Wrap-Up

WHO: Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge, First Lady Mari Culver

WHEN: 5:30 PM

WHERE: Vittoria Lodge

7200 NW 2nd Ave.

Ankeny, IA

Saturday, May 22

The Johnson County Democratic Party will host a “Grassley Retirement Party.” All three Democratic challengers to Grassley (Roxanne Conlin, Tom Fiegen, and Bob Krause) plan to attend. 6:00 to 9:00pm at Morrison Park (near the Aquatic Center) in Coralville. It’s a free event, but there’s a suggested donation of $10 for individuals and $20 for families. Sponsorships are available: at levels $25/$50/$75/$100. Contact Jean Falk at JeanmFalk@hotmail.com.

From the Iowa Environmental Council newsletter:

Dedication of 200-acre addition to the Boone Forks Wildlife Management Area

May 22, northeast of Stratford, Hamilton County

The public is invited to experience and celebrate this property with a scenic oak-hickory woodland that also features prairie remnants, wet meadows and riparian woodland. It is slated to be part of one of Iowa’s next Bird Conservation Areas for its importance to species such as the rapidly declining cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea). The site’s quarter mile of the Boone River will also help preserve one of Iowa’s highest quality stream segments. Hosted by the project’s primary conservation partners, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Watch www.inhf.org/events for more details or call Ann Robinson at 515-288-1846.

From I’M for Iowa:

May 22 – Flood Recovery Day Trip (Cedar Rapids)

Volunteers will do light labor in service to neighborhoods still suffering from the 2008 floods, All skill levels welcome. Carpool to Cedar Rapids, leaving at 7:00 am from Plymouth United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines. Arrive back in Des Moines by 6:00 pm. Bring a sack lunch and register by May 6th at www.iowaipl.org/crfloodrecovery or contact Stephen Lauer at iowa.actioncorps@gmail.com or (515) 343-0553.  

Sunday, May 23

Calling all central Iowa parents and grandparents of young children: Des Moines native Justin Roberts, creator of fantastic music for kids and adults, is playing a free concert in the lower bridge court of Merle Hay Mall at 3 pm. Bring money, though, because you’ll probably want to buy some of his CDs afterwards.

Monday, May 24

The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is holding our Protecting Faith and Freedom Annual Award Reception at Drake University in the Olmsted Center from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. The reception honors Governor Robert Ray “for his commitment to civility as well as his work as governor in welcoming refugees to our state.” The keynote speaker is Rev. Timothy McDonald from Atlanta, Georgia as our keynote speaker.

Rev. McDonald serves on the Boards of People for the American Way and is founder of the African American Minister’s Leadership Council and current President of the African American Minister’s In Action, both core groups of PFAW.

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa at (515) 279-8715.  

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desmoinesdem

  • JC Dems Saturday 5/22 with 3 Senate candidates

    Join with other local Democrats in welcoming all three Democratic US Senate candidates at a special Pre-Primary Bash.

    On Saturday, May 22 the Johnson County Democratic Party will host one of the first in a series of statewide “Grassley Retirement Parties.”  Roxanne Conlin, Tom Fiegen, and Bob Krause, candidates in the June 8th primary for the Democratic nomination for the 2010 US Senate race, plan to attend.  

    Details: 6:00 to 9:00pm at Morrison Park (near the Aquatic Center) in Coralville.

    The event is free and open to the public.

    The suggested donation for the dinner catered by Hy-Vee is $10 for individuals and $20 for families.

    Sponsorships are available: at levels $25/$50/$75/$100

    Contact Jean Falk at JeanmFalk@hotmail.com

    Deeth adds: the beret may or may not be there, depending on some Cub Scout stuff. I’ll have someone at the door to collect my bribes.

    I will be covering Biden and, if I can squeeze it in before, Bob Vander Plaats is doing breakfast at the Hamburg Inn Tuesday.

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