The Networker

 

An Update from State Senator Joe Bolkcom, Iowa City

May 2, 2008

 

Photos

Spring Arrives, Session Concludes

Iowa Citizen Action Network Fundraising Reception and Book-signing - TONIGHT

Crisis Center’s 20th Annual Gourmet Pancake Breakfast – TOMORROW

NAMI of Johnson County WALK - TOMORROW

Bike to Work Week Schedule – 2008

 

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Session Concludes

 

The Legislature adjourned last Saturday morning around 2:30 am.  It is good to be done. I think we had a really good session of accomplishments.

 

To see a comprehensive list of achievements visit 2008 Legislative Accomplishments, click on 2008 Highlights.

 

I would like to thank everyone that contacted me over the past few months to share ideas and concerns. I appreciate all the input I can get.

 

I would also like to thank our Senate leaders, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and Senate President Jack Kibbie. They did a great job of advancing our agenda and managing the work of 28 other Senators as well as working cooperatively with House leaders and Governor Culver.

 

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our Democratic Caucus staff for all their hard work in staffing committees, doing research and writing and generally helping Senators look good. Our accomplishments are theirs as well.

 

Our staff includes Ron Parker, Eric Bakker, Debbie Kattenhorn, Kris Bell, Steve Conway, Cathy Engel, Bridget Godes, Kassie Hobbs, Theresa Kehoe, Rusty Martin, Jace Mikels, Sue Monahan, Erica Shorkey, Julie Simon and Kerry Wright.

 

Get ready for a little Networker withdrawal as the interim schedule now goes into effect. That means I will send out a periodic update. Enjoy the break!

 

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Iowa Citizen Action Network Fundraising Reception and Book-signing - TONIGHT

 

The Iowa Citizen Action Network will host a fundraising reception with Special Guest Jim Hightower tonight from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. The event will be hosted at the home of David Leshtz and Sondra Smith, 1411 E. Sheridan, Iowa City.

 

National radio commentator, writer, public speaker, and author of the new book, Swim Against The Current:  Even a Dead Fish Can Go With the Flow, Jim Hightower has spent three decades battling the Powers That Be on behalf of the Powers That Ought to Be—consumers, working families, environmentalists, small businesses, and just plain folks.  A fiery and funny speaker, Hightower is a populist road warrior whose previous books include Thieves in High Places: They’ve Stolen Our Country and It’s Time to Take It Back.

 

Everyone is welcome.

 

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Crisis Center’s 20th Annual Gourmet Pancake Breakfast - TOMORROW

 

The Johnson County Crisis Center’s 20th Annual Gourmet Pancake Breakfast will take place on Saturday May 3rd at Parkview Church in Iowa City. The event is from 8am – 1pm. Come eat pancakes and support a great local organization.

 

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NAMI of Johnson County WALK - TOMORROW

 

On Saturday May 3, the Fourth Annual NAMI of Johnson County WALK will take place at Lower City Park (by the pond) in Iowa City. Check in starts at 9:00am the Walk starts at 10:00 am.

 

The Honorary Co-Chairs of our Fourth Annual WALK will be University of Iowa President Sally Mason and U.S. Representative David Loebsack.

 

Entertainment during the pre-WALK program will be provided by David Zollo. There will be refreshments provided by some of our sponsors. The Kahraman Near East Dance Ensemble will provide entertainment and lead WALKers in warm-up exercises. Nic Arp will play and sing to welcome us back from the WALK.

 

There will be clowns and face painting, and there will be treats and bandannas for the dogs on leashes who come to WALK with their friends.

 

For more information about this event, please contact:Della McGrath
dellamcgrath@qwestoffice.net or Phone: 319-358-8448.

 

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Bike to Work Week – 2008

 

Here is the schedule of Iowa City/Johnson County Bike to Work Week activities.

 

Monday, May 12

Bike Commuter Breakfast, 7 to 9am

College Green Park

 

Bike/Car/Bus Race

12:30pm Depart Coralville City offices

Conclude at Iowa City City Hall/Chauncey Swan Park

 

Bike Rodeo

6pm Sugar Bottom Bikes, North Liberty

 

Tuesday, May 13

Bike Commuter Breakfast, 7 to 9am

On Melrose, in front of Kinnick Stadium (Krause Family Plaza)

 

Wednesday, May 14

Commuter Doughnuts and Coffee, 6:30-7:30am

Sugar Bottom Bikes, North Liberty

 

Bike Friendly Cities Forum, Noon-1pm

Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A

A lunchtime discussion on how to make Iowa City more bike friendly.  Sponsored by the Bicyclist of Iowa City.

 

Mayor’s Ride from Old Pi to New Pi

Riders meet at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City beginning at 5:00pm.  The ride will depart for Coralville’s New Pioneer Coop at 5:45PM.

Reception at the end of the ride hosted by New Pioneer Food Co-op with prizes and refreshments.  Everyone is welcome!  Interesting or dressed-up bikes encouraged.  First 150 riders receive a free bike light courtesy of World of Bikes in Iowa City

 

Friday, May 16

Bike to Work Week Celebration, 6-9pm

(Location to be announced)

Join fellow biking/walking enthusiasts for an end-of-the-week party. There will be food, drink and live music—as well as lively conversation and drawings for prizes, including a grand prize.

 

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How to Contact Me

 

Joe Bolkcom

728 2nd Avenue

Iowa City, IA  52245

319.337.6280

joe.bolkcom@legis.state.ia.us

joe@joebolkcom.org

www.joebolkcom.org

www.iowasenatedemocrats.org

www.legis.state.ia.us

 

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About The Networker

 

The Networker provides brief summaries of some of the things that I am working on, work of the General Assembly, as well as political perspectives on issues.  I also use it to announce meetings and share information about where to find useful information about state government. If you would like to be removed from this list, please let me know.  If you know someone that might like to receive The Networker send her or him my way.