SPRINGFIELD - November 28, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement regarding legislation to allow every qualified Illinois resident to obtain a driver's license. Simon urged the legislature to take action on this item during veto session.

"This bill is a proactive step to help guarantee the safety and well-being of all Illinois residents. Our goal is to train, license and insure every eligible Illinois driver, regardless of legal status, to make our roads safer for all travelers. I am pleased to support this progressive bill and call on legislators to vote in favor of this public safety measure," Simon said.

Simon joined the bipartisan coalition supporting Senate Bill 957/House Bill 6228 based on her experience as a Jackson County prosecutor who witnessed the damaging financial impacts of uninsured, unlicensed drivers on Illinois roadways. New licenses are also projected to generate much needed new revenue for the state, she said.

WINTER BIRD FEEDING CLASS PLANNED

On Thursday, December 6th, 2012 there were be a Winter Bird Feeding class held at the Scott County Library System (Eldridge Branch) at 4:30 P.M.

Come join us for a lesson on how to feed the birds this winter. Our feathered friends need a little help with the cold temperatures and wintery conditions. Learn how to help our feathered friends with a make-n-take feeder. Family fun for everyone! Contact librarian Christine Garrow at (563) 285-4794 to register.

Note: This program will be held at the Scott County Library in Eldridge, Iowa (200 North Sixth Avenue, Eldridge, Iowa 52748.

NATURAL WREATH CLASS PLANNED

On Saturday December 8th, 2012, from 10am until Noon, a Natural Wreaths class will be held at the Wapsi River Center ~ Come learn how to use natural items to make beautiful seasonal wreaths. Grapevines, pinecones, evergreen cuttings, seeds, nuts and berries can add a touch of the outdoors to anyone's decorating needs this season. Please call to register, as space is limited to 12 participants ~ (563) 328-3286.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E. Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

Sunday Dec. 16 at Martinis on the Rock

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society welcomes Scottie Miller and the Reuptake Inhibitors to Martinis on the Rock on Sunday, December 16.  The show will start at 6:00pm, and admission will be $7.00 for members and $10.00 for non-members.  Martinis on the Rock, an MVBS business member, is located at 4619 - 34^th Street, Rock Island, right on the beautiful Rock River.

An accomplished and highly regarded keyboardist, Scottie offers up a diverse blend of blues, funk, soul and jazz, in addition to nailing down the New Orleans groove so tight this Minneapolis resident will have you wondering if the Mississippi River started flowing backwards.

Taking up piano at age six, Scottie Miller attended the prestigious Berklee School of Music, where, although he could only afford one year's tuition, he managed to complete all four years of proficiency requirements.  From there he went on to play with fellow Minnesotan Big John Dickerson and Blue Chamber, and later with Bo Diddley.

Currently, when not touring with his own band, he's been backing Ruthie Foster for the past four years.  In addition to being a keyboardist and bandleader, he's also a fantastic singer, songwriter, arranger and lyricist.  He's released seven CDs, including the solo acoustic effort Between the Black and the White, which compares favorably to Charles Brown's similarly classic album In a Grand Style.

The Events Committee has been trying to snag these guys for a couple of years, and we're fortunate to get them on this date, shortly after Scottie returns from a tour of Australia and a show in New York with Ruthie Foster.

Steve Pedigo