The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre will be holding local auditions for their community holiday production. Auditions will be held on Saturday, November 7 from 6-­8pm and on Sunday, November 8 from 1-­3pm at Mullany Theatre on the Ashford University Campus.

This year's show is Adam's Gifts by Peter Filichia and directed by Kris Doss. Loosely based on Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, the story follows William Pront, a greedy landlord who has cut corners on his tenants for years. His employee, Jason Romano just wants to make a living and to finish writing his book. Pront's greediness leads to Jason quitting, a stranger appearing, and Pront reliving life through his younger self. William learns a lot about himself, but most importantly is finally taught to read from the most unlikely of people. Adam's Gifts is a story of redemption and the heart­melting surprise of feeling needed.

Roles are available for males and females, middle school to adult. Auditions are drop­in and no preparations are necessary. Cold readings will be provided. Anyone interested in helping with technical, backstage work should attend one of the audition dates. Rehearsals will likely be scheduled Monday through Fridays from 6pm­-9pm.

Performances are scheduled for December 11-­13 and 18­-20. Shows will be at 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays.

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre will offer a Season of American Classics for the summer of 2016. The upcoming 2016 season includes Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (June 4­-11), Meredith Wilson's The Music Man (June 16 to July 4), the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic South Pacific (July 8-­17), Grease ! (July 21­-31), and Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie (August 4-­13). Matthew Teague Miller is Producing Artistic Director for the 2016 season.

For more information about any Showboat events or to purchase season tickets, visit: www.clintonshowboat.org.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House voted on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

"The budget plan that was voted on today in the House was far from perfect and I was reluctant to support it. Not only was this bill written behind closed doors, but it attempted to balance the budget on the backs of America's farmers and ranchers. I am pleased that due to pressure from me and other members of Congress, an agreement has been reached to avoid the possibly devastating cuts to crop insurance that were initially included in the bill. I strongly opposed this provision, and am pleased that House leadership will reverse this harmful policy during the appropriations process.

 

"In the end, passing a budget and making sure that America does not go into default was the right and responsible thing to do. Furthermore, this legislation makes sure that Social Security Disability payments will continue and drastically reduces a spike in Medicare premiums that was scheduled to go into effect. Washington must be working to boost our economy, not undermining economic growth. This bipartisan, commonsense, compromise budget plan is a good start and is needed to get past the political games."

After learning of the cap to crop insurance payments, Loebsack demanded Congressional leaders remove the provision that would devastate America's farmers and ranchers. In a letter to Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi, Loebsack called for them to reverse the damaging policy during the appropriation process.

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In Offensive and Defensive Lawfare: Fighting Civilization Jihad in America's Courts, David Yerushalmi, Esq., Director of the American Freedom Law Center (AFLC) and General Counsel for the Center for Security Policy, and AFLC co-founder Robert J. Muise, Esq. describe the use by our Islamic supremacist enemies of U.S. jurisprudence to compel submission to the doctrine they call shariah. As with so many other facets of the Muslim Brotherhood's stealthy, pre-violent jihad against this country, most of us are unaware that such lawfare is taking place, let alone with such deleterious effects.
Even more importantly, Messrs. Yerushalmi and Muise lay out their recommendations for an offensive strategy to defend the U.S. Constitution and the rights it guarantees our countrymen and women from any further encroachment by Islamic law. In stark contrast to the longstanding use of such techniques to intimidate or suppress freedom-loving peoples, offensive lawfare against the Brotherhood and its ilk is a relatively nascent area of the law, in which the authors are true pioneers and formidable innovators.
Center for Security Policy President Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. said on the occasion of the publication of the latest monograph in the Center's Civilization Jihad Reader Series:
"In Offensive and Defensive Lawfare, David Yerushalmi and Robert Muise, have added to the great service they perform for the nation every day through their public interest law firm's pro bono representation of exponents of religious and other freedoms. We hope that this treatment of their battlespace - with its clear depiction of the Islamic supremacists' lawfare and insights into how this front of the civilization jihad can best be countered - will inspire many other accomplished litigators to join the authors in this fight."
The Center for Security Policy/Secure Freedom is proud to present this monograph as a superb addition to its Civilization Jihad Reader Series .  Offensive and Defensive Lawfare: Fighting Civilization Jihad in America's Courts is available for purchase in kindle and paperback format on Amazon.com.
Click here for a full PDF of the newly released monograph.
300+ Quad City Area Volunteers Needed:
Volunteers are currently being sought to support 11 upcoming
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotic competitions and events in our 7th year in the Quad City area reaching 1,400 students in grades K-12.  

No previous experience or technical background is required for many of the volunteer positions with adults and college and high school students eligible to volunteer.
It doesn't matter which FIRST program you volunteer for, you will always walk away at the end of the day with a sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing that you have helped children experience what they never might have without FIRST and without your support.
November 4th STEM Teachers Night Out - North Scott High School
Free event starting at 6:00 PM for area Iowa & Illinois STEM Teachers, School Administration & key STEM Stakeholders to collaborate and share information & ideas and see local STEM education facilities. Free pizza and pop will be provided by the QCESC for meeting attendees.
The meeting will be hosted at North School High School which
was recently had a major renovation.  Meeting will include Overview on STEM Teacher Externship Program, Update on Battle of Bridge Contest, and tour of North Scott's updated facilities including a 3D printer built by a student.

To attend, please pre-register by 9:00 AM on Wed, Nov. 4 to insure we have enough food.  If you are not able to attend at 6:00 P.M., you are still welcome to join us when you can make it.
Nov. 7th Quad Cities STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Festival
Interactive style conference for youth in grades 3-8 from 8:00 AM - Noon at Western Illinois University Quad City Campus.
Nov. 11th QCESC & ASM Society President's Reception & Hockey Night
Everyone is invited: Join us for a special evening combining our professional societies with professional hockey. This event provides a great opportunity for you to network in social setting, so invite your family, friends, co-workers, suppliers and customers.  Greg Smith from Davenport West High School will be providing a presentation on "FIRST Robotics 101".
Reminder: Applications for scholarships for local high school seniors planning to major in a STEM related field are now being accepted until January 22.  Last year, 12 scholarships totally $20,500 were awarded. 
Link to Further Info on STEM Scholarships

Grassley Addresses ISIS' Looting of Antiquities, Presses Need for Pending Legislation

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today spoke at a forum of historical experts and educators on the looting of antiquities to fund ISIS and his bill with Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania to help stop the peddling of ill-gotten antiquities in the United States.  The Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act (S. 1887/H.R. 1493) would improve coordination between U.S. government agencies on this issue and restrict the import of cultural property that was smuggled out of Syria since the beginning of the conflict there. This bill has already passed the House.

The text of Grassley's remarks follows.

Remarks of Sen. Chuck Grassley

Forum, "Death of History: Witnessing Heritage Destruction in Syria and Iraq"

hosted by the Penn Cultural Heritage Center of the University of Pennsylvania Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield

Oct. 28, 2015

Thank you for this opportunity.   I'd like to thank Senator Casey for his leadership on this issue.  I'd also like to thank House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their leadership on the House side.  I'd like to thank the University of Pennsylvania Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield for their efforts.

The brutal and barbaric acts carried out by ISIS are beyond comprehension.  The senseless and inhumane brutality these individuals carried out against innocents is truly shocking and disgraceful.  It's estimated that in the past year, ISIS has executed more than 3,000 people, including women and children.  Many more have been kidnapped, enslaved, abused and raped.

It's also an outrage that ISIS is destroying and selling the archeological heritage that has survived for thousands of years.  It's even more reprehensible that there are people engaged in a black market to buy these artifacts, thereby underwriting this brutal Islamist militant group.

The chaos and disorder in Syria and Iraq has opened the door to opportunists who wish to enrich themselves in dealing with stolen and looted antiquities.  The least we can do, here in Congress, is shut down the U.S. market for these artifacts.  Americans should not be underwriting brutality.

The atrocities require action on two fronts.  First, we need to put an end to the destruction and looting of irreplaceable artifacts and historical records like those from the Mosul Museum, Nineveh, and Nimrud.  These objects are a material record of humanity.

Second, we need to destroy ISIS rather than support its funding.  That's why I worked with Senator Casey and Senator Purdue to introduce a Senate companion to the House bill that would place trade restrictions against the importation of looted archeological and ethnological materials.  It's a similar measure to one that I won enactment of in 2003 when Iraq's antiquities were being looted.

I thank you all for your help in bringing awareness to this critical issue.  Together, I hope we can reduce the market for these exceptional antiquities, and stop the flow of funds to this ruthless group.

 

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Grassley Sponsors NOAA Sexual Harassment Prevention Bill Following Alleged Misconduct

 

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is cosponsoring legislation to address and prevent sexual harassment and assault at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The proposal follows allegations of sexual assault involving NOAA staff and contractors, and addresses inadequate reporting and protection protocols for victims.

"The trauma faced by victims of sexual abuse and harassment shouldn't be compounded by inadequate and obsolete procedures and protocol for reporting abuse," Grassley said.  "This bill will help ensure that victims have an advocate and a place to go where they can feel safe."

Late last year, Grassley and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune raised concerns about claims of sexual abuse and harassment involving individuals working on NOAA assets. They also questioned the effectiveness of the current reporting system that directs victims to disclose misconduct through the chain of command, which may include the alleged perpetrator.

To improve responses to sexual misconduct at NOAA and prevent future instances of abuse, Grassley is cosponsoring the NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Act.  The bill requires NOAA to adopt policies similar to the Coast Guard's Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program, which includes:

·         A victim advocate program;

·         A 24-hour reporting hotline;

·         Clear response procedures;

·         The victim's right to be protected from the accused; and

·         A process for a victim to request a unit transfer.

The bill also ensures victims have access to relevant harassment response personnel throughout the agency, including in aviation and marine centers.  It extends these protections to all agency employees and anyone who works with or conducts business on behalf of NOAA, including officers, wage mariners, volunteers, researchers and interns.

To improve diversity at the agency, the bill authorizes new recruiting and retention tools to help recruit minority candidates and retain senior female officers, all without increasing spending.

For more information on the NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Act, see the following documents:

·         Bill Text

·         Section-by-Section

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Premiums for the Military Health System's benefit plan for adult children between 23 and 26 years old have been announced. The premiums for TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) program will increase on Jan. 1, 2016 to $306 per month for TYA Prime, and $228 per month for TYA Standard.

Read the full article here.

Sign up for TRICARE e-mail updates at www.tricare.mil/subscriptions.

DAVENPORT, IA, October 28, 2015- KWQC-TV6, The Station That Serves Illinois and Iowa Every Day, is launching the ION Television Network.

On November 1st KWQC-TV6 will replace the 24/7 Weather Channel on 6.2 with the ION Television Network.

ION Television features a "Positively Entertaining" array of hit television series, theatrical and made-for-television movies, and specials.  The general entertainment network is populated with hit shows from the award-winning, critically acclaimed libraries of CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television, and Warner Bros., among others.

"More people than ever are receiving weather information right when they needed it on their mobile devices with apps like QCWeather, as well as on kwqc.com," said TV6 Creative Services and Programming Director Eric VanWinkle.  "Knowing that viewers have many online options for getting TV6 First Alert Weather we decided it was time to give the Q.C.A. another entertainment option with our 6.2 sub-channel."

ION currently features popular shows like Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, Flashpoint, and other hit procedural dramas.  Upcoming movies include Hitman, Point Break, and Man on Fire.

ION Television can be viewed with an over-the-air antenna on channel 6.2 as well as Mediacom channel 247.

A programming schedule for ION Television can be found at http://www.iontelevision.com/schedule.
SUPER CHEVY SHOW COMES TO CORDOVA IN 2016!
Cordova International Raceway will be hosting multiple stops next year for The 2016 Manufacturers Series
TWO NEW TRACKS ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE
The Manufacturers Series reveals its 2016 schedule which includes nearly forty events throughout the U.S., and the addition of two new host tracks: Cordova International Raceway, and Heartland Park Topeka.
Automotive enthusiasts can celebrate the "Big Three" American car manufacturers through the Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford, and Mega Mopar Series which take place from March through November. The events attract thousands of participants and spectators to their car shows, drag racing, vendor midway, and swap meet area for an eclectic array of hot rod shopping.
Royce Miller, COO of IRG Sports + Entertainment, oversees the Palm Beach and Memphis host tracks which have held Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford, and Mega Mopar Series events for several years.  He is excited to bring the popular automotive events to Cordova International Raceway.  Miller said "having these events come to our track in Cordova gives us a chance to reach the large muscle car enthusiast market in Chicago.  The shows are very popular in Memphis and Palm Beach, which gives us great attractions to offer all of the participants and fans in those markets as well."
New in 2015, the Manufacturers Series started its own television show: The Menards Chevy Series which currently airs on Velocity, Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. EST. The 30-minute program features high caliber Chevys, unique restoration stories from car owners, and various winners of sponsor awards including the Duracell "Crank It With The CopperTop Award", the RockAuto "Restored Award", the Original Parts Group, Inc. "Original Award," and the Minties "Top Dog Award."
Also joining as a new track for the 2016 season will be Heartland Park Topeka.  Jim Farnum, who recently took over the track is excited to offer fans in the Topeka, Kansas City, Wichita, and Manhattan Kansas areas, as well as fans from the Omaha Nebraska, and Des Moines Iowa regions a chance to bring their muscle cars out to the multi-use facility.  Heartland Park includes a drag strip and road course that can be used at the Manufacturers Series events.  "We have a great lineup of events planned for racers, car show participants, and all automotive enthusiasts for the 2016 season.  We are doing a lot of updates to the facility, and know that the Chevy, Ford, and Mopar fans will like what they see," said Farnum.
The Manufacturers Series Schedules:
2016 Super Chevy Show
Palm Beach, FL           March 19-20
Memphis, TN              April 8-10
Petersburg, VA            May 14-15
Martin, MI                  May 21-22
Topeka, KS                   June 18-19
Dallas, TX                    July 2
Reading, PA                 July 15-17
Cordova, IL                  July 30-31
Denver, CO                 August 12-13
Rockingham, NC         September 24-25
Bristol, TN                   September 30-October 2
St. Louis, MO               October 15
Bakersfield, CA           November 5-6
2016 Fun Ford Series
Rockingham, NC         April 30
Cordova, IL                  May 21
Denver, CO                 June 12
Petersburg, VA            June 18
Martin, MI                  July 10
St. Louis, MO               July 16
Topeka, KS                   July 23-24
Bristol, TN                   August TBD
Memphis, TN              August 27
Bakersfield, CA           September 17-18
Reading, PA                 September 17
Palm Beach, FL           October 15
Dallas, TX                    November 5
2016 Mega Mopar Series
Dallas, TX                    April 2
Rockingham, NC         April 2
Cordova, IL                  May 21
Reading, PA                 May 22
Denver, CO                 June 5
Martin, MI                  July 10
Topeka, KS                   August 6-7
Memphis, TN              August 27
Petersburg, VA            September 17
Bakersfield, CA           September 17-18
Palm Beach, FL           October 15
Cordova International Raceway
19425 IL Rt 84 N, Cordova, Illinois 61242
About the Manufacturers Series:
Designed to offer something for every Chevy, Ford, and Mopar enthusiasts, the Manufacturers Series takes place at 13-facilities throughout the U.S.  Each Manufacturers Series event, Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford, and Mega Mopar Seriesis operated by its respective host track and showcases a car show, drag racing, vendor midway, swap meet and car corral in a family-friendly atmosphere. For more information or for the most current event schedules visit our websites: mfgseries.com, SuperChevyShow.com, FunFordSeries.com & MegaMoparSeries.com

ROCK ISLAND, IL (10/28/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana theatre season's theme of Crime and Justice was fully present in this powerful expressionistic drama about a young woman in the 1920s, whose limitations and restrictions ultimately pushed her to commit a horrible crime. Machinal, which means "automatic" or "mechanical" in French, is based loosely on the murder trial of Ruth Snyder and her lover. This production featured Joseph Oliger of Davenport.

This show was presented in Potter Theatre within Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts (3701 7th Avenue) on October 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and October 18 and 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 158 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

Call on Local Law Enforcement to Join in Move Toward Community Policing

Thursday, Oct 29 at 12:15pm

United Neighbors - 808 N. Harrison Street, Davenport, Iowa

Quad Cities Interfaith Faith Leaders Caucus, a coalition of clergy and faith leaders in the QCA, are holding a press conference to lift up concerns related to issues of community policing on Thursday, Oct 29th at 12:15 pm at United Neighbors in Davenport. In a statement called "Partnership for Vibrant, Equitable, and Safe Communities and Policing." faith leaders will identify concerns they have and call for among other components , a return to community policing , concrete policies to address racial profiling, and the creation of civilian oversight boards to address complaints as they arise.

"Justice and lovingkindness for all?expressed in a renewed and active partnership of civilians and police?is the path to vibrant, equitable, and safe communities and policing.

But structural bias and racism undermine good people and good intentions, harming people and whole neighborhoods. This reality calls us, faith leaders in the Quad Cities, to act together for the sake of a more just and loving community."

For more information contact: Leslie Kilgannon, Executive Director, QC Interfaith 563. 343.3284

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