16 Nov 2015

Rock Island Public Library Events This Week

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Teens and adults will find plenty of events at the Rock Island Public Library next week. Teens ages 12 to 18 who are fans of the Hunger Games books by Suzanne Collins and the movie franchise based on the books can take part in a free Mockingjay party at the Main Library on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The event will show the first installment of the Hunger Games series finale before the 2nd portion is released next Friday. Teens can catch up on the plot, play for prizes in a Hunger Games scavenger hunt, and enjoy snacks. The event is from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

On Thursday, the library screens a different type of cinema with a Teen Anime Night. The event celebrates the art of Japanese animation with anime showings from the library's subscription to Crunchyroll, lessons in writing Japanese characters and Japanese snacks. The event is Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, also at the Main Library. Both teen events are for ages 12 to 18.

Adults can catch a rescheduled presentation next Tuesday on the explosive impact of Albert Einstein's 1915 Theory of Relativity as part of an extended Frieze Lecture series with co-partner Augustana College. Dr. Cecilia Vogel, Augustana College physics department, will discuss the reception to Einstein's theory, how it forever changed our perception of the universe, and new or competing theories that have also arisen. The free presentation takes place at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room.

A newly added event next Wednesday is a presentation from Dr. Art Pitz on Quad City Jewish Heritage. Offered in cooperation with the Putnam Museum and Science Center's exhibit of the same name, the free program will be offered from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 18 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room. Participants can also view a traveling exhibit on "A Welcome Place: Quad City Jewish Heritage" in the library's art gallery space next to the Community Room.

For more information about Rock Island Library hours, services and programs, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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16 Nov 2015

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Harden to Lead USDA Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Mission

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2015 - Leaders from five state departments of agriculture and 26 U.S. agribusinesses and organizations will accompany Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden on a mission to sub-Saharan Africa Nov. 16 to Nov. 20, to expand export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products in that market.

"Sub-Saharan Africa's strong economic outlook, growing middle class, and surging demand for consumer-oriented foods creates a promising market for U.S. food and agricultural products," Harden said. "Over the past decade, U.S. agricultural exports to this region increased by more than 50 percent, totaling $2.3 billion in 2014."

The mission includes 22 U.S. companies and four U.S. agricultural commodity trade associations representing a variety of agricultural products including grains and feeds, peanuts, soybeans, meat and poultry products, agricultural machinery, and more.

Harden noted that many of the participants are small or medium-sized enterprises owned by women, minorities and/or veterans. The mission will also include leaders from the Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina and Texas departments of agriculture.

The delegation will meet with potential customers from more than a dozen countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment in the region. This first-hand intelligence will help them develop strategies to start or expand sales to these key markets.

Top Sub-Saharan Africa markets for U.S. agricultural and related products last year included Nigeria ($847 million), Angola ($298 million) South Africa ($259 million), Ghana ($129 million), Kenya ($69 million) and Ethiopia ($83 million).

U.S. Companies Participating in the Sub-Saharan Africa Agribusiness Trade Mission:

1. Agribusiness United Inc., Savannah, Ga.

2. Arkansas World Trade Center, Rogers, Ark.

3. Case New Holland Industrial, Washington, D.C.

4. Food Export Association of the Midwest USA, Springfield, Ill.

5. GEMCO, New York, N.Y.

6. Grain Handler, Inc., Lakeville, Minn.

7. Hakan USA, Broadway, Va.

8. Kaivalya, LLC, Lanham, Md.

9. Kiwi International, Roswell, Ga.

10. Klausner Trading, Inc., Myrtle Beach, S.C.

11. Lamex, Bloomington, Minn.

12. LT International Trading Company, Wilmington, N.C.

13. Meat Team, Ltd., Los Angeles, Calif.

14. Mountaire Farms Inc., Millsboro, Del.

15. Premium Peanut, LLC, Douglas, Ga.

16. Pristina Capital Partners, Midland Park, N.J.

17. Suma Trading LLC, Swedesboro, N.J.

18. TRC Trading Corporation, Roseville, Calif.

19. Tysons Foods, Inc., Springdale, Ark.

20. United Source One, Belcamp, Md.

21. Virginia Natural Beef, Inc., Lexington, Va.

22. Zafi Beverages, Bensenville, Ill.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperators Participating in the Sub-Saharan Africa Agribusiness Trade Mission:

1. American Soybean Association, St. Louis, Mo.

2. USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, Stone Mountain, Ga.

3. U.S. Meat Export Federation, Denver, Colo.

4. USA Rice Federation, Arlington, Va.

USDA trade missions open doors and deliver results for U.S. exporters, giving them the opportunity to forge relationships with potential customers and foreign government officials, as well as to gather market intelligence that will help develop strategies to expand sales in key markets overseas. Sign up for more information at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFAS/subscriber/new.

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16 Nov 2015

City Circle Acting Company Presents Oliver! December 11-20

By Nancy Mayfield

City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will present the musical Oliver! December 11-20 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are December 11,12,18,19 at 7:30 pm and December 13 and 20 at 2:00 pm.

A holiday favorite from the pen of Charles Dickens, Oliver! tells the story of orphan Oliver Twist as he goes from mistreatment in the London workhouses to falling in with a gang of pickpockets led by the roguish Fagin, the kindhearted Nancy, and the menacing Bill Sykes, before finally finding a home. It's a cruel world for orphans; but even in the darkest moments, love has a way of shining through.

The show features a talented cast of 74 actors ranging in age from 7 to 85 as well as 20 musicians, and a technical and production team of more than 20. With music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, Oliver! is directed by Elizabeth Tracey.

During the performances of Oliver!, City Circle will be collecting donations for the Coralville Ecumenical Food Pantry. Anyone who donates will be entered to win tickets to an upcoming City Circle performance with winners drawn at each performance.

Tickets to the show are $12-$27 and can be purchased online at http://www.coralvillearts.org or by calling 319.248.9370 or in person at the CCPA box office at 1301 5th Street and at the Coralville Recreation Center at 1506 8th Street.

City Circle Acting Company is the community theater program of the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.  Since 1997, City Circle's mission has been the production of high quality dramatic, musical, and performing art pieces for the enjoyment of the public.  Upcoming City Circle productions include Oliver (December 11-20), Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (February 12-14), and 1776 (April 29-May 8).

Owned and operated by the City of Coralville, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the community and contributing to the vitality of Coralville by offering an accessible, affordable venue for a variety of performances, presentations, and public and private events.  The 472 seat theater opened August 26, 2011 and has hosted performances from City Circle Acting Company, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Dan Knight, Lola Astanova, Lorie Line, Judy Carmichael, Jim McDonough, Nolte Academy of Dance, and many others.  Coralville schools are also able to use the Center free of charge up to three times per year. The Center was named 2012 Member of the Year by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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16 Nov 2015

WASTE COMMISSION FACILITIES CLOSED THANKSGIVING

By Brandy Welvaert

DAVENPORT–Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, for Thanksgiving.  Facilities closed include :

  • Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Household Hazardous Material Facilities, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th St., Davenport

Regular hours will resume at all facilities on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. However, no appointments for household hazardous material drop-off will be available on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015

Waste Commission of Scott County is an intergovernmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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16 Nov 2015

New access control procedures to slated begin at Rock Island Arsenal

By Eric W Cramer

Starting Dec. 1, all visitors to Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), who do not have a Department of Defense identification and are 18 and older, will have to be vetted before being allowed access.

Visitors, contractors, and vendors must complete a Criminal Records background check which will be processed through the FBI's National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC III).  Individuals with certain felony convictions, outstanding wants or warrants, are registered sex offenders and other serious offenses may be denied access.

"This will require providing personal information," said Jonathan Ramsdell, Director of Emergency Services for RIA.

Individuals that lack Department of Defense or Federal identification cards requiring access to the Arsenal will need to supply their full name, any other names previously used, last four numbers of their Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license or state issued identification card number. The time to complete a background check for one visitor, not including the gathering of personal information, may vary depending on available security staff and the number of visitors requesting access at any one time. Once vetted, visitors will be provided a pass or a credential ranging from one day to one year in length, depending on the purpose and frequency of their visits to Rock Island Arsenal. Children 16 and under are not subject to a background check, but must be accompanied by an adult who has been vetted or who has a Department of Defense or  Federal Identification card, according to Arsenal officials.

The Arsenal announced the changes earlier in the year, and is currently accepting applications in advance for the passes. Arsenal officials say those who have already applied should return to the installation ID office to pick up their pass or credential.

The background check is not unique to RIA. The procedure is a Defense Department requirement for all military installations.

"In today's ever-changing and sometimes dangerous environment, the government/military must maximize their security process to protect installation personnel, facilities and property, including visitors, from criminal and terrorist threats," Ramsdell said previously. "It is the responsibility of every Military Commander to ensure the safety and security of their personnel and facilities this ensures accomplishment of their mission. As mentioned, DoD has established access control standards which include identity proofing and vetting to determine the fitness of an individual requesting and/or requiring access to military installations."

While background checks will be required to enter the Arsenal, the recreational and event facilities are still open to the public.

"The recreational and sports facilities offered to the public at RIA will remain open as usual, r a variety of activities including: golf, gymnasium and special events," Ramsdell said. "The only change is citizens 18and older wishing to take advantage of RIA's offerings will be required to undergo the background check and have a pass or credential to enter the Arsenal.

To help reduce access time, RIA security officials recommend visitors stop by the Arsenal or call 309 782-05551 to request a form via email. The form is also available online at the RIA website at http://www.usagria.army.mil/default.aspx. Once the form is complete, it is best to return the form seven to 14 days in advance of the expected visit date. Those who have already submitted forms should be sure to check back with the office to pick up their completed credentials.
"The Arsenal is still 'open for business' and we are taking these steps to keep safe and secure ALL persons on the installation and to help deter those who shouldn't be on the installation," Ramsdell said. "Hopefully this will allow all workers, contractors, vendors and visitors to feel better about their and their family's safety while on the Arsenal. Additionally, RIA wants to ensure visitors that the required information for the background checks that is provided will always remain secure and only used by installation security personnel."
16 Nov 2015

Partnership of Women's Foundations Pledge $100 Million to Create Pathways to Economic Security for Women and Their Families in America

By Dawn Oliver Wiand
The Iowa Women's Foundation Joins the Partnership to Demonstrate the Collective Power of Women's Foundations in Effective Grantmaking
Coralville, IA- Today the Iowa Women's Foundation (IWF), a member of Prosperity Together, a nonpartisan partnership of public U.S. women's foundations, announced a collective five-year, $100 million funding commitment by women's foundations to create pathways to economic security for low-income women and their families in America. All Prosperity Together members belong to the Women's Funding Network.
Prosperity Together made the announcement at The White House at its Advancing Equity for Women and Girls of Color Summit, which highlighted the barriers and solutions to economic security, an issue confronting millions of low-income women living in America.
While women account for 57% of the workforce, the wage gap persists - women in Iowa earn 77 cents for every dollar a man earns - and too often occupy minimum wage or part-time  jobs, with little to no employer-sponsored benefits, and limited opportunity for growth and advancement. Additionally, women in Iowa struggle to reach independent prosperity, with 70% of Iowa's female heads of household struggling for economic security; 40% in poverty and 30% earning less than basic living expenses. These barriers to economic prosperity are even greater for low-income women and women of color.
According to IWF Executive Director, Dawn Oliver Wiand, "these statistics are unacceptable and that is why IWF does the work that it does. We know that an investment in women and girls reduces poverty, increases productivity, and accelerates economic growth. Investing in women and girls means an investment in our economy. Iowa's 1.5 million plus women and girls deserve nothing less."
The Iowa Women's Foundation has worked to improve the lives of local low-income women in Iowa for 21 years, supporting programs that focus on financial literacy, career development, job training, business development, entrepreneurship, healthy life style choice and political parity for Iowa's women.
Prosperity Together will harness the collective power, leadership and proven effectiveness of women's foundations working together to ensure women's economic security in America. The partnership will also issue a call to policymakers, business leaders, the philanthropic community and the public to understand that economic prosperity for all is an absolute necessity. Partners will use their respective experience and knowledge to continue funding programs that are proven effective in their communities and states. The types of programs that will be funded include :

1. Job Training: Fund job training programs customized to address the cultural and educational needs of low-income women to secure stable, higher-wage jobs.

2. Child Care: Fund programs that enable access for low-income women to affordable, high-quality childcare, so they can be successful in the workplace and their children have a strong academic start in life.

3. Research: Fund state and national research to inform best practices and policies that increase economic security for low-income women, particularly women of color.

The Iowa Women's Foundation, with the help of Prosperity Together, will continue to fund its progressive programs. Listed below are just a few of the many.
  1. Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN): Women Caring for the Land
  2. Child Care Provider Business Development Program
  3. Young Women's Resource Center: Life Skills for Young Moms
  4. Housing Stability and Financial Empowerment Program
  5. ACCESS: Women's Job Readiness Program
Click here for more information on Prosperity Together, a list of all participating public U.S. women's foundations and the five-year funding commitment.
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The Iowa Women's Foundation is a 501(c)3 non profit organization, committed to improving the lives of Iowa's women and girls through a diversified mix of funding and action: research, grantmaking, advocacy, education and collaboration. To achieve its goals and make the most significant impact, IWF brings together and invests in organizations across Iowa that make women and girls more successful.  IWF is the only statewide organization working to enhance and improve women's economic self-sufficiency. http://www.iawf.org
Prosperity Together is a nonpartisan partnership of public U.S. women's foundations dedicated to improving the economic security of low-income women and their families in America. On November 13 at The White House, Prosperity Together announced a five-year, $100 million funding commitment to invest in programs and strategies that will create pathways to economic security for low-income women in America. Prosperity Together demonstrates the critical role and power of women's foundations to drive this work in communities, state by state, across the country. http://www.womensfundingnetwork.org/initiatives/initiativesprosperity-together/
16 Nov 2015

2015 STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE LOADING DAYS AND FINALE RALLY

By Liz Treiber

DID YOU KNOW..... 131,900 PEOPLE IN THE QUAD CITIES ARE MISSING MEALS???

THE 30TH ANNUAL STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE CAME TO A CLOSE ON THURSDAY. WE SHOWCASED THE OUTSTANDING EFFORTS OF OUR 18 PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS AS THEY WORKED TO FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR AREA.

 

THE STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE FINALE RALLY WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH FROM 5:30 PM - 7: OO PM.  THE FINAL TOTAL FOR THE 2015 STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE WILL BE REVEALED AT/NEAR 6:00PM. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO OUR DIVISION WINNERS.   STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE STAFF, STUDENT AMBASSADORS, BOARD MEMBERS, SPONSORS, AND PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WILL BE ON HAND FOR INTERVIEWS.  THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE RIVER BEND FOOD BANK *4010 KIMMEL DRIVE IN DAVENPORT, IA

16 Nov 2015

Genesis Offers Pulmonary Function Screenings In Conjunction With Great American Smokeout

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Nov. 12, 2015 -- Genesis will provide visitors with an interactive, educational experience about the respiratory system to raise awareness about smoking on Thursday, Nov. 19 for the annual Great American Smokeout.

From 8 a.m.-3 p.m. visitors will be able to step inside the inflatable human lung model, learn about the various structures and normal lung functions, observe examples of lung trauma and disease, and view displays explaining some of the latest respiratory medical treatments.The MEGA Lung is approximately 12 feet high by 15 feet wide by 10 feet long.

The MEGA Lung showcases common defects, current respiratory treatment options, and healthy and diseased lung tissue related to Asthma, Bronchitis, Lung cancer, Pulmonary embolism, Pneumonia, and Emphysema.

From 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Genesis will also be providing free lung function screenings. There will also be information about low-dose CT scans for smokers who qualify, and information about smoking cessation available from Genesis.

There will be a prize wheel for visitors who have the correct answer to a question about cancer prevention and screening.

The event will be held in the atrium of Pavilion I, Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, in Davenport.

Wendy Ballou RN, Cancer Nurse Navigator for the Genesis Cancer Care Institute, said the free pulmonary function screening will provide patients with an important baseline of their breathing function.  Individuals being screened will be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece that measures function.

"The test is not only for smokers, but it is especially important for smokers or former smokers to have a baseline like this,'' Ballou said. "This type of test is a way to determine whether there is an abnormal breathing function.  Quite often, it is a cigarette smoker who suffers loss of lung function, and cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor in developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.''

The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of effective methods for quitting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five Americans, or 17.8%, smoke. By gender, 20.5 percent of American males and 15.3 percent of females smoke.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for more than 440,000 deaths, or one of every five deaths, in the United States each year.

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16 Nov 2015

Celebrate the Season With the Chordbusters

By Meredith Dennis

For the third year in a row the Davenport Chordbusters will hold a concert to celebrate the season and benefit Churches United of the Quad City Area.  Come out December 11th to Heritage Church in Rock Island to "Celebrate the Holidays."  Everyone is welcome and admission is by free will donation.

"We are excited that once again Chordbusters are offering this opportunity, not only for the community to see a great holiday show, but also for Churches United to benefit," said Anne Wachal, executive director for Churches United.  "The holiday season is a time of giving and receiving and we think this is a great example of that."

The show starts at 7:00pm on Friday, December 11, 2015.  It will be held at Heritage Church, located at 4801 44th Street, Rock Island, and will feature special guests Bend of the River Chorus, Hersong, RiverBend Bronze, Crimson River, The Schraders, Jonathan Turner, QC Music Guild Youth Chorus and Laila Haley.

Churches United is a non-profit organization in the Quad Cities that serves the community through various ministries: including 26 food pantries, 3 hot meal sites, Winnie's Place, a shelter for women and children who are homeless or victims of domestic violence, and Winnie's Wishes, the resale shop which proceeds directly benefit Winnie's Place.  All money raised from the concert goes directly to help Churches United's Hunger Ministries.


For more information about the Chordbusters' show or about any other Churches United Events, contact Meredith Dennis, mdennis@cuqca.org or 563-676-9472.
16 Nov 2015

Governor Rauner Announces Military Holiday Card Drive with the USO of Illinois

By Catherine Kelly

Governor Rauner and the USO of Illinois Encourage Citizens of the State to Remember Those U.S. Military Members Still Serving Throughout the World

 

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner today announced this year's Holiday Card Drive for the Military will be done in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) of Illinois.

"With Veterans Day this week and the holidays fast approaching, it is important that we remember those men and women still serving in harm's way," Governor Rauner said. "A small token of appreciation, a holiday card, does so much to lift the spirits of service members serving far away from home over the holidays. I encourage our citizens, from schoolchildren to retirees, to send their thoughts of gratitude to our service men and women."

Governor Rauner said Illinois citizens should send holiday cards for U.S. service members to the USO of Illinois as early as possible and thanked the USO of Illinois for helping to distribute the holiday cards to troops and for all the USO does to lift the morale and increase the well-being of our military members throughout the year.

Holiday cards will be accepted through mail delivery only from now through November 30th at the following address:

USO of Illinois

333 S. Wabash Ave., 16th Floor

Chicago, IL 60604

"We are thrilled to partner with Governor Rauner and the State of Illinois to help bring messages of cheer and good will to our troops and their families, whether they reside in Illinois, are passing through or are stationed or deployed overseas," said Alison Ruble, the President and CEO of the USO of Illinois. "Our Illinois community wants to show our troops and their families that they are remembered over the holidays, and throughout the year, but may not know where to connect their support.  The USO of Illinois is proud to be that bridge to our military community."

Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and Director of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs, thanked the USO of Illinois for their support of his Soldiers and Airmen.

"Whenever we send troops overseas or we bring them home, the USO of Illinois is there. They are at our Family Days, our celebrations, our training events, our reintegration events...any time our service members need support, a USO volunteer is there with a cup of hot coffee and a smile," Maj. Gen. Hayes said.

With service members serving throughout the world, including many remote locations, and the additional holiday mail, it is important to send holiday cards and gifts to service members as early as possible to ensure they arrive before the holidays.

The United States Postal Service recommends the following holiday mail deadlines for service members serving overseas:

Standard Post - as soon as possible (deadline was Nov. 7)

Space Available Mail (SAM): Nov. 25

Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL): Dec. 3

Priority Mail: Dec. 10, except for AE ZIP 093, which is Dec. 3

First-class letters and cards: Dec. 10, (except for AE ZIP 093, which is Dec.3)

Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 17. This service is not available to AE ZIP 093; check with your local post office to find out if it's available to another specific APO/FPO/DPO address.

ABOUT USO OF ILLINOIS

The USO of Illinois enhances the quality of life and lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families through local programs and centers in appreciation of their service and sacrifice. Supporting over 330,000 troops and their families every year, the USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people.  For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org.

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