08 Mar 2013

Dr. Jason Glass, Iowa Department of Education, Guest Speaker at Rotary Club of Davenport

By Johanna Smith

March 8, 2013 (Davenport, IA) - The Rotary Club of Davenport will host Dr. Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education, on Monday, March 11, 2013 at noon at The Outing Club in Davenport.  Dr. Glass has been the director of the Iowa Department of Education since his appoint by Governor Terry Branstad and confirmation by the Iowa Senate in December 2010.

Under Director Glass's leadership, the Department has focused on the values of demonstrating courageous leadership, promoting innovation in education, and acting as a servant to schools and communities in Iowa.

As director, he works with the Governor, legislators, the State Board of Education, and Iowans in supporting efforts and initiatives to restore the state's tradition as a national leader in education and to lead transformative change.

Background

The Iowa Department of Education director is appointed by the Governor to serve a four-year term, subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate. The director's role is to provide leadership for the department as it carries out the policies and programs prescribed by state law and the State Board of Education; and to ensure department personnel are providing the necessary oversight and support for all schools, educators and students to meet their academic goals. The department director also serves as the executive officer of the State Board of Education, a nonvoting role.

For more information or to attend the meeting on Monday, contact Johanna Smith at 563-322-3567 or via email at davrotary@netexpress.net.

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06 Feb 2013

Rotary Club of Davenport Scholarship Applications Now Available

By Johanna Smith

February 6, 2013 (Davenport, IA) - Scholarship applications are now be accepted by the Rotary Club of Davenport.   In 2103, $56,000 in scholarships will be awarded (four $10,000 scholarships and one $16,000 scholarship) to five students graduating from the four high schools in Davenport. At least one student from each of Assumption, Central, North and West will be awarded a scholarship. Selection is based upon GPA, test scores, community service, interview, and recommendations.

The application deadline is March 1st. Applications are available to download at www.davenportrotary.org.  Completed requests must be postmarked by March 1st and sent to: Rotary Club of Davenport, 1910 E. Kimberly Road, Ste. 310, Davenport, IA  52807.  Applications are reviewed and awarded by the Rotary Club of Davenport Scholarship Committee.

The Rotary Club of Davenport Scholarship Program is one of the largest in the Quad Cities metro area, awarding over $1,000,000 in scholarships since its inception as the Rotary Memorial College Loan and Scholarship Fund in 1922.

For more information, contact Johanna Smith at 563-322-3567 or via email at davrotary@netexpress.net.

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20 Dec 2011

Pleasant Valley Sparkles Host Christmas Party December 18

By Johanna Smith
Bettendorf, IA - The Horvath family will be hosting the Pleasant Valley Sparkles Christmas party this Sunday, December 18th at 4:15pm at their home.  Happy Joe Whitty will be stopping by to bring added holiday cheer to the event.  The Sparkles and their mentors will enjoy an evening of pizza, soda, Christmas crafts, a gift exchange and music. 

"These girls are truly amazing.  As members of the cheerleading squad they dedicate their time to practices and performing for football and basketball games as well as community events.  They give 110% all the time," says Tiffany Horvath, mother of Sparkle Mentor Taylor Horvath.  "This party is an opportunity to take time for themselves, relax and enjoy some well-earned time with their mentors and friends."

Additionally, the Sparkles would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Happy Joe's, who graciously donated pizza for the party. 

The Sparkles are special-needs cheerleading squad started at Pleasant Valley High School in 2008.  Since then, the "Sparkle Effect" has gone nationwide, with approximately 52 inclusive teams in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Washington, Florida, California, North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia, Ohio, Connecticut, New York, and even South Africa.

All media are welcome to join the party at 5374 Berkshire Street, Bettendorf on the 18th at 4:15pm. There will be lots of pizza and treats for them to enjoy as well! 

For more information, contact Tiffany Horvath at 907-223-5430.

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13 Dec 2011

Bettendorf Elementary School Students Donate 300 Coats to AEA Coats for Kids Program

By Johanna Smith
Bettendorf, IA - Twelve fifth grade elementary students from the Bettendorf Elementary Schools have collected 300 coats for the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency Coats for Kids Program as part of a community service project developed through the Tomorrow's Leaders program.  A representative from the AEA will be on hand accepting the coats tomorrow, December 9, at 7:30am at the Bettendorf Happy Joe's.  

Tomorrow's Leaders is comprised of 12 fifth grade students, one boy and one girl, representing each of the elementary schools in Bettendorf.  The students are chosen by their teachers and principals and are leaders among their class.  Once a month, the group meets for breakfast at the Bettendorf Happy Joe's, where they discuss leadership skills and social and society issues pertaining to school and the community. All of the students volunteer for the Special Needs Winter Holiday Party at the iWireless Center in December. Additionally, the students select a service project.  This year they chose to collect coats for the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency Coats for Kids Program.

"These students are the future leaders of tomorrow.  This program enables them to see that they have a voice and that being a leader is all about taking the initiative to mobilize themselves and others toward necessary action," says program advisor Happy Joe Whitty. 

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22 Mar 2011

Juan Diez Rancheros Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Annual Fundraiser Open House and BBQ

By Johanna Smith
March 16, 2011 (Davenport, IA) - Juan Diez Rancheros is celebrating their 1st anniversary with their annual open house and barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, May 21 from 3 - 8 PM at their facilities located at the former zoo area of Fejervary Park at 1800 W 12th Street in Davenport. Activities include a guided grounds tour, pony rides, children's games, live music, a barbecue dinner and a silent auction.  Tickets are $10 for adults and children ages 12 and up, $5 for kids 2 - 11 and $35 for families of 5 or more. Proceeds from the event will be used to continue Juan Diez Rancheros program of providing alternative outlet sessions with horses at no charge to children that are in counseling due to abuse or emotional trauma.

"Our first year has been truly remarkable.  Over 100 children from the Quad Cities benefited from the program.  In addition, counselors within the Davenport Community Schools have started enrolling students in the program," said Michele Allison, Juan Diez Rancheros Executive Director and Founder.  "I am so proud of the strides we made in 2010 and am looking forward to 2011 as we build towards reaching our goal of serving 300 children a year."

Founded in 2010, Juan Diez Rancheros is a non-profit organization, operating on proceeds from the annual fundraiser, public donations and grants.  This event is an excellent opportunity for the public to come out and learn more about the program and services available to children in need.  Each dollar contributed will go directly back into the program and will not only benefit the children, but will help provide the basic needs for sustaining the good health of the horses.  This fundraiser is an opportunity for the public to invest in a program that has the power to change lives and provide emotional hope and healing to the adults of tomorrow in our community.

Juan Diez Rancheros is a nonprofit organization providing sessions with horses to children and young adults from ages 5 to 24 that are currently receiving counseling or some form of structured mentorship.  Led by Michele and her team of 10 extraordinary horses, and the safe and private environment provides an alternative outlet for children who have not previously responded to conventional counseling. Visit their website at www.jdrhorses.org .

For additional information, contact Michele Allison at M.Allison1010@gmail.com
11 Nov 2010

Handmade City Launches Renegade Arts and Crafts Show

By Johanna Smith

Theo's Java Club to Host Inaugural Event

November 9, 2010 (Rock Island, IL) - Handmade City is proud to announce the launch of their renegade arts and crafts show on Saturday, December 4 from 10 AM - 4 PM at Theo's Java Club located at 213 - 17th Street in Rock Island.  Artists from around the Quad Cities will be selling their one-of-a-kind handmade creations just in time for Christmas.  Confirmed artisans include The Adventure Orange, Betty Round, Cupboards Zine, Dilly Baby, Doug, Jack & Me, Fannie's Closet, Ladynoble, Leah Sprott, Lil Squeeks, Oh So Little Prints, and Terrible Delicious.  The event is free and open to the public.

"This inaugural event provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the talented artists living right here in the Quad Cities, said Rose Noble, Handmade City Creator. "Our goal is to make Handmade City the premier leader in producing events that showcase local talent and allow them to bring their products to the community at large."

Handmade City is an underground crafts + art collective, supporting modern local handmade artisans. Established in 2010, Handmade City supports the do-it-yourself craft collective and modern art available in the Quad Cities.  We pride ourselves on unique craftsmanship and encourage other likeminded artists and consumers to make Handmade City their destination for quality handmade crafts in the Quad Cities.

For additional information or to exhibit at future events, contact Handmade City at handmadecityinfo@gmail.com

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