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News Releases -
Stage & Theatre
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Written by Glenn Kass
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Friday, 08 March 2013 15:12 |
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Historic Davenport hotel “defines the unique guest experience”
Davenport, IA – Hotel Blackhawk management is pleased to announce that effective today it has officially taken its place in the progressive Autograph Collection hotel network.
The Autograph Collection® (www.autographhotels.com), launched by Marriott in 2010 is, “An evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Each destination has been selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details.” Hotels are listed in different categories such as Artistic Getaways, Historic Explorations, Culinary Delight, Urban Excitement and Wedding Celebration. This new affiliation will also enable Hotel Blackhawk to offer and accept Marriott Rewards®.
Joining a network of properties that promotes individuality is another important step for Hotel Blackhawk’s role in gaining attention for the City of Davenport and the Quad Cities. This effort has been highlighted with notable achievements such as its recent status as a 2013 Recommended Property in the Forbes Travel Guide, 2012 AAA Four Diamond Award-Lodgings, 2012 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award, the Bix Bistro’s 2012 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as 2011 and 2012 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award recognition.
“One-of-a-kind hotels in the Autograph Collection serve the discerning tastes of those looking for travel accommodations beyond the ordinary, predictable routine of hotel chains,” said General Manager Tim Heim. “Hotel Blackhawk represents the type of singular, high-personality hotel that doesn’t just offer guests a unique experience – but actually defines it.”
Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.
Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. In addition to the affiliation with the Autograph Collection, the hotel also is part of the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org).
For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).
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News Releases -
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Written by Christie Strunga
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Wednesday, 06 March 2013 12:48 |
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Recent poll examines gun laws/gun violence solutions
Recent poll data shows that there is an overwhelming belief among Illinois voters that the best way to reduce gun violence in the state is to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them, and strictly enforce Federal gun laws.
The poll conducted by the Freedom to Choose PAC on February 27, which surveyed 804 registered Illinois voters, found that 95% of respondents would be likely to vote for a candidate who supported reforming mental health laws to keep firearms from the mentally ill.
88% want to charge people accused of violating gun laws under Federal statutes, which require mandatory prison terms if convicted.
87% agreed the court systems should be monitored to make sure that people charged with gun violations are prosecuted for the violation, and not allowed to plea bargain out of the charges.
Also, 74% said they would be likely to vote for someone who supported conceal and carry legislation for legal gun owners.
“The poll clearly shows that while the people of Illinois want actions to reduce gun violence, it should be not be accomplished by limiting their choices of how they protect themselves, their loved ones and their property,” said Josh Powell, chairman, Freedom to Choose PAC. “Action needs to be taken to work with legislators in passing the conceal and carry law mandated by the Supreme Court. This legislation should include the same limitations applied equally for both citizens and lawmakers themselves. It’s time Illinoisans have The Choice to protect themselves shared by the other 49 states in the country.”
Specifically, the poll indicated that 61% voters would support conceal and carry legislation that contains the same language for private citizens as public officials, but would exclude law enforcement.
Pollsters also delved deeper to determine solutions for curbing gun violence.
Less than a majority, 41 %, believed that banning the sale of fire arms between private citizens would reduce gun violence.
Only 22% believed that economic sanctions, or discouraging banks and investors from investing in Illinois companies that manufacture or distribute assault weapons, were an adequate route to preventing gun violence. Such economic restrictions could force those companies to close, costing Illinois over 5,000 jobs.
87% were for background checks for those buying guns at gun shows.
25% of those polled believe that the current debate is being driven by public safety concerns, versus 45% who believe it’s political in nature.
Of those polled, 43% came from households that own a gun, but 54% felt a gun would be the best form of protection against acts of violence like assault, robbery, rape or home invasion, rather than 35% who preferred just calling the police.
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“The Freedom to Choose” poll was conducted by McKeon and Associates, February 27, 2013. The poll surveyed a sample of 804 registered voters in Illinois. Full cross-tabs and additional information can be found by loading the image below, or on www.freedomtochoose.us. |
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News Releases -
Stage & Theatre
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Written by Sharon De Frieze
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Tuesday, 05 March 2013 16:48 |
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The Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club (RIAWC) Community Support Chairperson is accepting funding requests from area nonprofit organizations until April 1, 2013.
A fundamental principle of the Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club is to generate funds to support philanthropic endeavors within the Quad-Cities metropolitan areas. Money for the Community Support fund is raised through club activities such as the Arsenal Attic and other fund raisers. All nonprofit organizations including those who have never received RIAWC funding in the past are welcome to apply.
Interested applicants may download an application from the RIAWC Web-Site, (www.riawc.org). They are also available at the RIAWC Arsenal Attic on Tuesday’s or Thursday’s from 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
Completed applications must be sent to:
Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club
ATTN: Community Support Chairperson
P.O. Box 848
Bettendorf, IA 52722=848
Applications will not be accepted after April 1, 2013 |
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News Releases -
Stage & Theatre
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Written by Lisa Lockheart
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Tuesday, 05 March 2013 16:40 |
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Rock Island, IL: Looking for things to do with your school-aged children during the Rock Island/Milan School District spring break? The Rock Island Public Library has planned a number of programs from March 11 to 22
Programs for children include
Animoto Workshops: Children in grades 3 and up will create their own videos using pictures, video clips and music. Registration is required. Sign up for one of the dates below by calling 309-732-7360.
- 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, March 12, Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street, or
- 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Tuesday, March 19, Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.
Writer’s Contest Help Session: Children in Kindergarten through 3rd grades can get help with writing an entry for the WQPT PBS-Kids Go! Story Contest. 6:30 pm, Monday, March 18, 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street.
Make & Take Days at Your Library: Families can visit the Rock Island Children’s areas anytime for drop-in make and take craft sessions. Craft supplies and materials will be available all day on these days and locations:
- Thursday, March 14, Rock Island Main Library Children’s Room, 401 19th Street, and
- Thursday, March 21, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.
Book Craft: Children in grades 3rd and up can make a book in a workshop on Friday, March 22 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in the Rock Island Main Library Children’s Room, 401 19th Street. Please sign up by calling 309-732-7360.
Additional activities for children during the school break include 10:30 am storytimes for ages birth to five on Tuesday, March 12 at the 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street; Wednesday, March 13 at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road,
and on Friday, March 15, in the Main Library Children’s Room. An evening storytime for the same ages will be offered at 6:30 pm on Monday, March 18, at the 30/31 Branch. Lego Clubs for children in pre-kindergarten through 6th grades are scheduled for 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13 at the 30/31 Branch and March 20 at the Southwest Branch.
Programs for ages 12 to 18 during the Rock Island school break include:
Teen Gaming Night: Tuesday, March 12, 6:00 pm, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Come to the Southwest Branch for snacks, games, and time to play Xbox 360 with Kinect or Wii games. Traditional board games will be available as well.
Teen Movie Day: Thursday, March 14, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Main Library. Free teen movie on the library’s big screen.
Teen OZ Party: Monday, March 18, 6:00 pm, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Celebrate the release of the new movie “Oz the Great and Powerful.” Teens will enjoy food, games, and the chance to make some Oz-inspired creations while watching an Oz-themed movie.
Teen Murder Mystery Party, Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm, Main Library. Here’s the scoop: A murder has been committed on library property, and only you can solve the mystery! Follow clues, gather the evidence, and determine who the murderer is; the sleuths who solve the crime will win great prizes!
Programs are free and open to the public. For more news about Rock Island Public Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-7323 (READ) or follow the Rock Island Library on Facebook and Twitter. A monthly calendar of library events is available online and at Rock Island Library locations. (end) |
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News Releases -
Stage & Theatre
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Written by Tim Albrecht
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Friday, 01 March 2013 15:09 |
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(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad’s and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ anti-bullying conference in Des Moines last November has resulted in new legislation to combat the bullying of Iowa students.
More than 1,200 Iowans attended the Nov. 27, 2012, Governor’s Bullying Prevention Summit, at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines to discuss how to better address bullying. The proposed bill helps schools better protect students from bullying by addressing the growing problem of cyber-bullying while respecting free-speech rights.
The legislation, House Study Bill 196, was produced by the School Administrators of Iowa, which spearheaded the effort to update Iowa Code, and did so in consultation with the Iowa Department of Education. The legislation will be introduced by Rep. Ron Jorgensen, R-Sioux City, who chairs the House Education Committee.
Changes proposed to existing statute include the following:
1. Giving schools more authority to address cyber-bullying by (a) adding “social networking” to the definition of electronic communications and (b) stating that nothing stops a school from addressing bullying or harassment that occurs away from school or a school function, while providing additional protection to school employees who decide not to act on alleged bullying under those circumstances.
2. Expanding the definition of traits or characteristics by adding “other distinguishing characteristic.”
3. Separating the definition of harassment and bullying. Harassment means conduct or an act based on an actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student. Bullying is conduct or an act for “any reason other than any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student.” Sometimes kids are bullied for reasons that are not properly categorized as a trait or characteristic. Examples include relationship status, such as a boy threatening a classmate dating his former girlfriend, or a group of girls shunning a girl they’ve decided to pick on.
4. Requiring online posting of anti-bullying policies and complaint forms.
5. Protecting students’ First Amendment rights by stating that nothing in the legislation shall be construed to restrain or discipline speech that expresses political, religious or other protected categories of speech, which address legitimate matters of public concern.
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