John W. Kiser to launch his book, Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd el-Kader in Elkader - October 17-18, 2008

Mr. Kiser will participate in small group discussions, provide book signing opportunities and lead a presentation/round table discussion. Mr. Kiser will also speak to high school classes at Central Community School in Elkader. Call Kathy Garms at 563-245-1022 for more information. Read the schedule of events for Kiser's book launch.
Commander of the Faithful - Website
Commander of the Faithful - Book Summary
Commander of the Faithful - Book Endorsements
Read more about John W. Kiser
John W. Kiser is the author of several books including The Monks of Tibhirine.

Elkader participates in the Sister Cities International Global Concert for Peace - September 11, 2008

All Elkader area residents and interested individuals were invited to participate in the community chorus for peace.

Sister Cities Celebration & Mascara Park Rededication Ceremony - July 4-5, 2008

The Elkader Sister Cities program is in the process of being reactivated and revitalized and has a very busy schedule of events slated for the months ahead. Currently, the group is partnering in a program with Main Street Elkader to restore and rebuild Mascara Park next to the Opera House on North Main Street. Main Street Elkader is selling memorial bricks to finance the project. Parties wishing details on sponsoring a brick should contact Main Street Elkader at 563-245-2770.

The project, when completed, will feature a beautiful, landscaped area dedicated to Elkader’s Sister City, Mascara, Algeria. Plans include special ceremonies on July 4 - 5 in commemoration of both the U.S. and Algerian Independence days, to rededicate the park and observe the 200th anniversary of the birth of Elkader’s namesake, the Emir Abd Elkader. Algerian guests will be invited to march in the July 4th parade in Garnavillo.

The program promises to be a truly international event as the Friendship Club is inviting U.S. and Algerian dignitaries to take part in the dedication program which will also feature local and Algerian art as well as entertainment. At least three international authors who have written about Abd Elkader have indicated an interest in attending. Two of them have included chapters in their books about Elkader. “Home-stays” are being promoted.

Sister Cities Group Seeks Sponsors for Home-stays

One of the greater benefits of any community’s membership in the Sister Cities International program is the exchange of information, customs, friendship and of course, people. An international leader once said, “When people cross borders in friendship, armies don’t follow.” Since 1984 that process has been taking place in Elkader.

The Sister Cities Friendship Club of Elkader wants to share the cultural and the “peace through people” benefits of the program with the residents of Elkader and central Clayton County through the program of people exchanges. In this effort we are looking for residents who would like to invite international guests into their homes for a truly rewarding cultural experience.

The Sister Cities Friendship Club is compiling a list of families who would enjoy hosting international guests in their homes for a day or two. In some cases, this would also entail providing some meals and perhaps, transportation to the events in the community.

This can be a very rewarding experience to the participating families, say the members of the Friendship Club board. In the past, the people of the Elkader area have hosted ambassadors, government officials, students and traveling citizens. All who have participated have indicated a feeling of great satisfaction in knowing they have helped build a better understanding between people of different cultures and countries.

Anyone interested in participating in the home-stay program is encouraged to contact the Sister Cities Friendship Club at 563-245-1849 or by email.