To make holiday shopping a little easier and a little more fun, your favorite downtown merchants are open late until 8 PM on Thursdays until Christmas. Coming downtown on a Thursday for dinner out, drinks, or a show? Then be sure to check out the great shops, too!

What:  Terry Abrisz presents on the history of the Iowa Army Ammunition plant in Des Moines County over coffee and pastries.

When:  November 16, 10 - 11 AM

Where: Burlington Public Library, 210 Court St, Burlington

What: Burlington native and author Jane Sutter Brandt will discuss her new book Beloved Burlington, which features businesses we knew and loved. Please join us in celebrating Jane's latest book, which will be available for purchase and to have signed; what a great Christmas gift idea! We also have Jane's book about her family legacy, Sutter's Sodas Satisfy.

When: November 17, 1 PM doors open; 1:30 PM program

Where: Des Moines County Heritage Center, 501 N 4 St, Burlington; use Columbia St entrance

What:  The Skiowans Ski Club invite all interested to join us on our trips this year as follows: December 6 - 7 at Sundown Mountain, Dubuque; December 14, Winter Brew Tour; January 24 - 31 at Beaver Creek/Vail, Colorado. For more details, please join us at our meeting at Parkside Brewing, 2601 Madison Ave, Burlington.

When:  November 19, 6:30 PM meeting

What:  Join us in welcoming Santa to the Wilderness Lodge for the season. He will be arriving by firetruck escorted by the West Burlington Fire Department at 4 PM with cookies, juice, coloring and story time to follow.

When:  November 22,  4  - 8 PM

Where: Westland Mall, 550 S Gear Ave, West Burlington 

What:  Bounty No limit Texas Hold'em Poker tournament. $150 buy in for $15,000 in tournament chips.

When: N ovember 23, 1 PM

Where: Catfish Bend Casino, Poker Room, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington

What:  Thanksgiving Buffet, $10 adult. Come enjoy a night of music from Timothy Smith and The Honkytonk Roadhouse. Classic country, blues, rockabilly and bluegrass. Join us on the dance floor from 8 - 11 PM. Full bar available.

When:  November 23, 5 - 7:30 PM buffet; 8 - 11 PM m usic

Where: Harvest View Farms, 12239 180th, Sperry

What:  10% of all sales of our winter protection package from now until Thanksgiving will be donated to English River Outfitters in Washington, Iowa. They are an organization that helps and supports our great veterans of this country. Schedule today!

When: Through November 28

Where: Detailing Solutions, 19496 DMC Hwy 34, Danville

What:  Winter wonderland of sparkling lights, decorated trees, poinsettias, Christmas trimmings, and unique decor. There will also be refreshments and door prizes.

When:  November 29, 9 AM - 5 PM; November 30, 9 AM - 3 PM; December 1, 12 - 4 PM

Where: Zaiser's Florist and Greenhouse, 2400 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington 

What:  Tired of the cranky crowds of shoppers after Thanksgiving? Looking for great but inexpensive gifts? The Friends of the Burlington Public Library After Thanksgiving Sale is the solution for you!

When:  November 29 & 30, 9 AM - 5 PM; December 2, 9 AM - 2 PM

Where: Burlington Public Library, 210 Court St, Burlington

What:  The Prophecy Show is a dazzling tribute to the Christmas music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! See this electric show just down the road in Carthage, IL.

When:  November 30, 2 & 7 PM

Where: The Legacy Theater, 1160 Buchanan St, Carthage

What:  Riverfest Holiday Party with Saliva. 18 and under must be accompanied by adult.

When:  November 30, 6:30 PM doors open; 7:30 PM show

Where: PZAZZ! Convention and Event Center, 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington

What:  Harness the power of the hashtag to enable your customers (and future customers) to search and discover your business content on social media. Learn about metadata marketing and how to word weight tag subjects, events, people and geolocations to piggyback on their momentum and connect your business with trending topics.

When:  December 4, 8 AM - 12 PM

Where: SCC CBIZ, 610 N 4 St, Burlington

What:  It's time to book your holiday parties! Now providing catering services for your offsite holiday parties, or book a private event onsite at Wake N Bake Breakfast Company with a buffet or dinner on Saturday nights. Call or message for booking information.

Where: Wake N Bake Breakfast Company, 713 Jefferson St, Burlington 

What:  Turn your event into an experience with It's Electric Entertainment. We offer a full range of dj and karaoke services to make your holiday gathering full of excitement. We also offer a variety of photo booth packages so your guests can take home a lasting memory. Contact us to reserve your date.

What:  Find out how you can take advantage of the 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit with your year end donations. Ask the Community Foundation of Des Moines County how.

What:  Scouting is a year round program for all kids in grades K-12, ages 5 to 17. We accept new members any time throughout the year, and look forward to providing a program for your family. Reach out to our local office to connect your family with a local pack or troop!

Where: Mississippi Valley Council - Boy Scouts of America, 3007 Flint Hills Dr, Burlington

What:  Advertisers of all shapes and sizes are finding ways to leverage the social media giant's 1.7 billion users. You know you don't need to reach everyone on Facebook, but engaging even a teeny-tiny fraction of users who live in your corner of the world could do a lot for your business. Learn how to use Facebook's advertising tools to reach, engage and motivate your customers. Also learn tips on what to say, how to say it, and when.

When:  November 12 & 19, 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Where: SCC CBIZ, 610 N 4 St, Burlington

What:  This magical day is a family self-guided event. Begin at the Art Center by picking up your goodie bag anytime after 9 AM, but allow enough time because the fun ends by 3 PM. Your family will spend a few hours making small crafts, painting pottery, creating a family photo, listening to Christmas stories, watching Christmas movies, and so much more! Miracle on Jefferson Street is most enjoyed by kids 10 and under. $10 per child, add $2 if ages 9 and up want to paint a mug instead of an ornament. Registration for Art Center Members has already begun and is now open to the public. Space is limited; pay at time of registration to save your family's spot. Call the Art Center at 319-754-8069 to register.

When:  December 7 or 14, 9 AM - 3 PM

Where: Art Center of Burlington, 301 Jefferson St, Burlington 

What:  Aaron and Jade Lotzow of Bloom will be releasing their first single, recorded at Grand Central South in Nashville. The evening will be filled with a variety of tunes, including their originals, classic covers and even some "ask the audience" requests. General Admission tickets are $12.50 on a first come, first serve basis. There will also be a VIP experience (limit 40) for $20 that will include one general admission ticket, a meet and greet with refreshments after the show, as well as a 3 song album of Bloom's latest work. Come on out for a great night of entertainment!

When:  November 16, 7:30 PM

Where: Burlington Capitol Theater, 211 N 3 St, Burlington

What:  Flutist Karen Weirather and pianist Leigh Pirtle will perform works by Georg Philipp Telemann, Louis Ganne, Eugene Bozza, Ian Clarke, and Louis Anthony DeLise. Bring your lunch with you!  Free and open to the public.

When:  November 20, 12:15 - 12:45 PM

Where: First United Methodist Church, 421 Washington St, Burlington

What:  Test your marksmanship skills with our Turkey Shoot for your chance to win a gift card! 15 rounds in 90 seconds at 15 yards. Rules: centerfire handguns only, no optics (iron sights only), unsupported (no leaning).1st place $50 gift card, 2nd place $25 gift card, 3rd place $15 gift card.

When: Through  November 27

Where: Flint River Indoor Shooting Range, 10840 Mill Dam Rd, Burlington

What:  The Domestic Violence Intervention Program is proud to work with a community as involved as Des Moines County. As always, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program is accepting donations for victims/survivors of intimate partner violence. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are asking for gift card donations, pots and pans, silverware, laundry soap, and infant items. Items can be dropped off at the Burlington Area YMCA.

When: Through  November

Where: Burlington Area YMCA, 2410 Mt Pleasant St, Burlington

What:  Stop in to qualify to win your own Melissa & Doug Cloud Kitchen Play Set. Valued at $179.99 - and just in time for Christmas!

When: Through  November 30

Where: Dollhouse Dreams, 820 Ave G, Ft. Madison

What: T he final weeks for boat winterizing are upon us! Bluff Harbor Marina is open and can accommodate your service needs. Call today for your service appointment.

When:  Open Monday - Saturday

Where: Bluff Harbor Marina, 800 N Front St, Burlington

What:  Come explore at Shug's Tiny Town! Bring your class for a day of adventure and imagination. Dress up and enjoy pretend play in each of our child-sized buildings. Bring your lunch and make a day of it. Call to schedule your field trip today.

Where: Shug's Tiny Town & Educational Toys, 3200 Agency St Ste 120, Burlington 

What:  Responsible applicants with clean driving records who enjoy being around youth are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have or be able to obtain Class B CDL with Passenger, Air Brake S endorsements, as well as be able to pass DOT physical and drug screening. $750 sign on bonus, starting wage $18.30 and an increase to $21.18 after 45 days. Apply online at either bcsds.org or applitrack.com. Equal opportunity employer.

When:  Immediately

Where: Burlington Community School District, 1429 West Ave, Burlington 

What:  Burlington Trailways is a family owned business looking for enthusiastic, customer-oriented individuals to join our team! Benefits include paid holidays and sick time, optional medical, dental and vision, 401k and life insurance, discounts on trips, paid training and a competitive pay scale.

When:  Positions open until filled

Where: Burlington Trailways, 906 Broadway St, West Burlington 

What:  Seeking individual for the administrative management of the airport in order to maintain a safe, secure and efficient facility that complies with Federal, State and local regulations and special assignments and projects as directed. Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities qualifies. Ideally, a qualified candidate will possess a degree in Airport Administration or related field with minimum of 2 years of management experience, preferably in airport management at a small or non-hub commercial service airport. Starting salary range is $54,000 - $62,000 plus a full benefits package. Equal opportunity employer.

When:  Resumes accepted until December 2

Where: Southeast Iowa Regional Airport, 2515 Summer St, Burlington