04 Jun 2015

WQPT ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2015 AMBASSADORS

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS is pleased to introduce its 2015 WQPT/PBS Ambassadors, an elite volunteer corps made up of college students.

 

Entering its 11th year, the program provides college students with the opportunity to represent their local public television station at a variety of events throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

 

"Our Ambassadors are an extension of the staff, and the leadership skills they acquire, as a direct result of their experiences as Ambassadors in the program, have helped them move on to jobs," said WQPT Special Projects Coordinator Bea Brasel. "This year, our Ambassadors will be focused on reaching farther out into our viewing area."

 

In 2013, the WQPT/PBS Ambassador program was honored nationally with the "Grassroots Advocacy Award" from the National Friends of Public Broadcasting. This year, two former Ambassadors received individual awards for their volunteer work for WQPT, as well.

 

The 2015 class of WQPT/PBS Ambassadors are:  Cody Hageman (Western Illinois University-QC), Iame Rea (University of Iowa), Kasey Fish (WIU-QC), Grace Brasel (Augustana College), Christopher Black (Black Hawk College); John McAfoos (WIU-QC), Rich Yerington (WIU-QC), Lauren Tague (Illinois State University), Kathryn Reed (Illinois State University), Remona Laing (St. Ambrose University), Nicolas Riojas (Augustana College); Alexandra Lenger (Iowa State University) and Katherine Williams (St. Ambrose University).

 

WQPT is the public media service of Western Illinois University.

 

# # #

12 May 2015

2015 WQPT Writers Contest Winners Announced

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL – WQPT received more than 310 stories from students in kindergarten through third grade for the annual PBS Kids Go Writers Contest. Educators and contest sponsors selected 16 winners (four from each grade). The winners and their families will be honored and awarded prizes at Deere-Wiman House at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

"We are thrilled that so many teachers and parents encouraged their young authors and illustrators to participate," said Esther Smith, educational outreach WQPT.

Winners (for each grade level) are listed below.

Kindergarten

First Place, "Zoo Animals" by Josie Schlicksup, LeClaire (IA), Bridgeview Elementary School, LeClaire (IA)

Second Place, "The Lost Dog," by Kalie Tessen, Bettendorf (IA), Riverdale Heights Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Third Place, "My T-Rexy," by Mahmood Baig, Bettendorf (IA), individual entry

Honorable Mention, "Teagan`s Greatest Dream," Teagan Dennis, Moline (IL), homeschooled

First Grade

First Place, "Could You Catch the Rainbow," Shalini Chandupatla, Bettendorf (IA), Hopewell Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Second Place, "Daisy," by Madison Southwick, Bettendorf (IA), Rivermont Collegiate, Davenport (IA)

Third Place, "Pandy Visits the Rain Forest," Hunter Morrow, Davenport (IA), Harrison Elementary School, Davenport, Iowa

Honorable Mention, "How Jupiter Lost and Found Its Great Red Storm," Maya Boehle, Moline, Illinois, Washington Elementary School, Moline (IL)

Second Grade

First Place, "My Baby Brother," Tanya Rastogi, Bettendorf (IA), Riverdale Heights Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Second Place, "Ruby," Camryn Veltrop, Morrison (IL), Northside Elementary School, Morrison (IL)

Third Place, "Jack`s Birthday Party," Kamiya Hill, Rock Island (IL), Longfellow Liberal Arts Academy, Rock Island (IL)

Honorable Mention, "My Horrible Trip to Indonesia," Dillon Baker, Moline (IL), Washington Elementary, Moline (IL)

Third Grade

First Place, "Together Again," Gianna Schwartz, Bettendorf (IA), Paul Norton Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Second Place, "The Weird Chick," Alexa McDaniel, Eldridge (IA), Alan Shephard Elementary, Eldridge (IA)

Third Place, "Super Dog," McKenzie Mueller, Dixon (IL), St. Mary`s School, Dixon (IL)

Honorable Mention, "My Job is Best," Drew Eller, Eldridge (IA), Alan Shephard Elementary, Eldridge (IA)

All the entries will be returned, along with a certificate from PBS. Stories will be displayed at the Butterworth Center from May 19-29; Figge Art Museum from May 30 -June 13; and Family Museum from June 14-28.

The contest is supported by WQPT-Quad Cities PBS, the Butterworth Center, Deere-Wiman House, Family Museum in Bettendorf, Figge Art Museum and the Midwest Writing Center.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University - Quad Cities.

###

22 Apr 2015

"LETTERS HOME TO HERO STREET" WINS AT CEDAR RAPIDS INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT and Fourth Wall Films production of the documentary, "Letters Home to Hero Street," recently won two awards at the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival. The film won a gold award for People's Choice and a silver award in the Professional Documentary Long category.

"Letters Home to Hero Street" tells the story of Frank Sandoval, one of the eight Mexican-American soldiers who lived on 2nd Street in Silvis to die in World War II and Korea, through the letters he sent home during his training to the time he was killed in Burma.

"We are thrilled that audiences responded to Frank's story, which is a universal tale experienced by every soldier and his or her family," said Lora Adams, co-producer of the film. "WQPT is honored to work with Fourth Wall Films on this important project."

The film was supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

WQPT is a media outlet of Western Illinois University.

###

13 Apr 2015

WQPT ANNOUNCES CHANGES ON DIRECTV

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT can now be seen in full high definition (HD) on DirecTV. The change has been one year in the making and was started at the request of many DirecTV viewers.

In order to satisfy the requests for WQPT's main channel in HD, the station was required to trade in the standard definition (SD) carriage of both WQPT and our secondary channel, MHz Worldview.

"It takes more band width to broadcast in high definition," said WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess. "Therefore, our SD carriage of both WQPT and MHz Worldview were traded in order to accommodate the change to HD."

DirecTV viewers can still see MHz Worldview on DirecTV channel 2183 (with the appropriate equipment), or it remains free, over the air, anytime on WQPT-2 (24.2). Over-the-air and Mediacom viewers are not affected by this change.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

###

17 Mar 2015

WQPT looking for music video submissions

By Lora Adams

WQPT SEEKING MUSIC VIDEOS FROM LOCAL PERFORMERS

 

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS is looking for music video submissions from area musicians for use in the music segment of "The Cities" with Jim Mertens.

 

"We have been highlighting local musicians since the show began five years ago," said Lora Adams producer of the public affairs program. "We know that many of our areas local musicians have created music videos, and we would like offer then a wider audience and share them on our air."

 

Videos should be shot in high definition (HD) and use an independent audio mix. WQPT reserves the right to reject songs that contain inappropriate language or images. Music videos may be dropped off at the WQPT offices at 3300 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265, or contact us for information on how to upload your materials at 309-764-2400 and ask for Chris Ryder.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

###

09 Mar 2015

WQPT/FOURTH WALL FILMS TO SCREEN "LETTERS HOME TO HERO STREET" MARCH 22

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT, QUAD CITIES PBS and Fourth Wall Films will screen their documentary, "Letters Home to Hero Street," at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at Hampton Grace United Methodist Church in Hampton, Illinois. The film screening is open free to the public.

 

The 30-minute film draws on the letters home from one of eight soldiers, who were lost to war, who lived on 2nd Street in Silvis, IL, which is now known as "Hero Street USA." Through the soldier's letters home to his family, the documentary provides a glimpse into the experiences of one of the heroes.

 

After the film, there will be an informal question-and-answer period.

 

The project was funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

###

09 Mar 2015

WQPT BROADCAST SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT- Quad Cities PBS is pleased to offer a $500 Broadcast Scholarship to students pursuing a career in broadcasting. The annual award can be applied to tuition, books and fees.

 

Criteria to apply for the scholarship opportunity follow. You must:

 

•   be an accepted, or a currently enrolled, student at Western Illinois University in the broadcasting program;

•   reside in WQPT's viewing area or have recently graduated from a high school in the WQPT viewing area;

•   have earned an overall 2.5 GPA (grade point average); and

•   have a 3.0 or higher GPA in broadcasting courses taken at other institutions (not applicable to incoming college freshmen).

 

In addition, preference will be given to full-time students, although part-time students may apply.

 

For complete information and to download the application form online, visit wqpt.org/scholarship or call (309) 764-2400 or toll-free at (800 or 877) 413-2424. Applications will be accepted through April 18, 2014.

 

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities located in Moline, Illinois.

 

# # #

17 Feb 2015

WQPT'S "READY TO LEARN" CONFERENCE SET FOR APRIL 18

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS is offering a "Ready to Learn" Conference Saturday, April 18. The event?which is offered in partnership with the Community Child Care Resource & Referral, Quad Cities Association for Education of Young Children, Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, Rock Island County Regional Office of Education, Child Abuse Council and Western Illinois University - Quad Cities?is designed to provide up-to-date information on a variety of topics related to early childhood.

The "Ready to Learn" Conference will feature 18 different breakout sessions including: "Art in the Garden," "Dealing with Multilingual Children," "Importance of Early Eye Care," "Self-Calming Techniques" and others.

The conference registration fee is $25.00 and includes three workshops, a light breakfast and a free book. All participants will receive training certificates for three hours of credit. Professional development credits (CEU/CPDU/CDA) will be available for an additional fee.

For more information and/or to download a registration form, visit www.wqpt.org or call (309) 764-2400.  

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

# # #

14 Jan 2015

YOUNG WRITERS AND ARTISTS NEEDED FOR WQPT WRITING CONTEST

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL - WQPT-Quad Cities PBS invites young authors and illustrators in kindergarten-third grade to submit their original stories to the PBS Kids Writing Contest.

Stories, which must be the original work of the child, may be non-fiction, fiction, prose or poetry. Entries, postmarked by Thursday, April 9, can be dropped off at WQPT's office at Western Illinois University's riverfront campus, or mailed to WQPT, 3300 River Drive, Moline, Illinois 61265.

Sixteen local winners (four from each grade) will be honored with prizes at a ceremony held at the Butterworth Center in May and will appear on-air in a promotion for PBS Kids programs on WQPT. First place winners will compete for national prizes and their stories will appear on the WQPT website. Finalists and participating classrooms will also receive free books. Each participant will receive a Certificate of Achievement. Finalists and participating classrooms will receive free books.

For more information, along with guidelines and entry forms, visit wqpt.org/storycontest or contact Esther Smith at (309) 764-2400 or EB-Smith@wiu.edu.

Funding and support for the writing contest has been provided in part by the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, Family Museum, Figge Art Museum, Midwest Writing Center and WQPT.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities.

 

###

19 Dec 2014

WQPT/FOURTH WALL FILMS PREMIERE NEW DOCUMENTRY 'LETTERS HOME TO HERO STREET'

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT, QUAD CITIES PBS and Fourth Wall Films have teamed up to produce a new documentary "Letters Home to Hero Street." The project is funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

 

The 30-minute film draws on the letters home from one of eight soldiers lost to war who lived on 2nd Street in Silvis, IL, now known as Hero Street USA. "Letters Home" gives a glimpse into one of the heroes through his letters home to his family.

 

The large amount of documentation and supporting materials is what made the decision for us to focus on him," said Director Kelly Rundle. "Our soldier was not chosen because he is more important than the other seven heroes, nor more important than others who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice. In 'Letters Home to Hero Street,' he stands in for the seven and for all who have served."

 

A premiere of the film is being held Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 800 17th Street, Silvis, IL. The event is open free to the public. The filmmakers, actors and others associated with the film will be available to answer questions.

 

The following day (Jan. 16) the film will air on WQPT at 7 p.m. For more information, visit wqpt.org or fourthwallfilms.com.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

###

Pages

Subscribe to our weekly e-mail updates, delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

You'll get a rundown of What's Happenin' along with your keys to the Quad Cities' culture.

Submit Your Calendar Event

Submit your event listings to calendar@rcreader.com