13 Oct 2015

Pinkalicious Opens October 17 on the Old Creamery's Main Stage

By Rick Martin
Amana- Pinkalicious, the Old Creamery's fall Theatre for Young Audiences show, opens October 17 and runs through November 7 on the Old Creamery's Main Stage!

This is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament. By Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. Music by John Gregor. Lyrics by John Gregor, Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. Based on the book Pinkalicious by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann.

The cast includes Keegan Christopher, Travis Burbee, Lindsey Cline, Katie Colletta, and Jackie McCall.

Tickets are $10 per person. Seating is limited so reservations are highly recommended. Sponsored by Scheels of Coralville. Media Sponsors are KHAK and KDAT. Pinkalicious is Rated Theatre G.

Call the box office for tickets and information 319-622-6262 or visit us online at www.oldcreamery.com.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. In 2015, the company is celebrating 44 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.
13 Oct 2015

THE ROTARY CLUB OF DAVENPORT AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED

By Rhonda Johnson

Churches United of the Quad City Area has received a $1,000.00 grant from The Rotary Club of Davenport, in support of its Hunger Program in the Quad City Area.

Churches United has a 54-year history of reaching out to our community.  Its 136 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area.  As well as 26 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites, Churches United also operates Winnie's Place, a shelter for women (with or without children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence.  For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.


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12 Oct 2015

Treasurer Fitzgerald Teams Up with Daycares to Encourage College Savings

By Karen Austin

Families can learn about 529 plans and be registered to win a $1,000 College Savings Account

DES MOINES, IA (10/12/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is encouraging Iowans with young children to start thinking about saving for their children's educational expenses. "Throughout the month of October, we are teaming up with daycares across the state to introduce our new 529 tutorial, College Savings Iowa InFocus, to parents," Fitzgerald said. "This interactive learning experience explains the benefits of saving for a loved one's higher education, while also registering families for a chance to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account!" You do not have to have children in a daycare to participate, just visit Iowa529InFocus.com to complete the tutorial and see official rules.

"College Savings Iowa is also offering an additional $10 contribution to the first 500 people who complete the tutorial and open a College Savings Iowa account," Fitzgerald added. "This is a great way to begin and potentially boost your child's college savings!" The newly established accounts must have a minimum $25 contribution and be opened within the first seven days of tutorial completion to be eligible for the $10 contribution.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Iowa taxpayers have the additional benefit of being able to deduct contributions up to $3,163 per beneficiary account from their 2015 Iowa adjusted gross income.*

Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses, which includes tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad.**

. For more information about future giveaways and events find College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

**Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-672-9116, or visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

12 Oct 2015

Lead Safety Week is coming; Are you ready?

By Chris Reed

National lead safety week is officially the last week of the month, but Angie's List celebrates 24/7 because it's THAT important.

  • 40 million homes in America still contain dangerous lead paint.
  • 500,000 kids have dangerously high levels of lead in their bodies.
  • Too many homeowners and service pros either don't know or don't follow the rules about this 100 percent preventable malady.

That's why Angie's List is teaming up with U.S. EPA to get the word out about getting the lead out. Want to help us?  Details below. 

 

INDIANAPOLIS (October 12, 2014) - Angie's List is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Look for the Logo" campaign.

"Awareness is the key to eradicating lead poisoning," says Angie's List Founder Angie Hicks. "The more homeowners know, the more likely they are to demand and be willing to pay what it takes to remodel and repair without endangering their children."

Since 1978, the federal government has banned residential use of lead-based paint, which remains on the walls of about 40 percent of the housing stock in the U.S. Any project that disturbs this old paint - such as prep work for re-painting, remodeling or window installation - can create dust and debris that an infant or child may inhale or ingest. Since 2010, the EPA has required contractors whose work disturbs lead paint be trained and certified in proper safety techniques.

"Of course do-it-yourself projects present the same dangers, so handy homeowners should be following best practices, too," Hicks said. "This isn't rocket science. It's smart, common sense actions that anyone can do - and all of us who deal with older homes should want to do."

Angie's List, an e-commerce marketplace and consumer review site, is helping share an EPA-sponsored outreach program to alert homeowners and remind professionals about lead paint. The materials and other outreach materials are available on Angie's List and the EPA websites. The company will alert members to the initiative this week. Hicks will also discuss lead paint in one of her weekly local television news segments, which air this month.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said that her agency takes its mission to protect human health and the environment seriously and appreciates the opportunity to partner with citizens and corporations.

"We've been working to make the country's air, land and water safe for 45 years, but we can't do that alone," McCarthy said. "Angie's List is setting a great example of leadership and consumer advocacy, and we're thrilled to expand our lead safety outreach to their members and the companies they review."

Health experts estimate about 500,000 U.S children ages 1 to 5 have elevated lead levels in their blood. Older homes are considered to be the most hazardous source of lead for U.S. children.

Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, nervous system, kidney, hearing or other damage. Children age six and younger are at special risk because they lack the developed blood-brain barrier that protects older children and adults from more severe effects.

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Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than three million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

12 Oct 2015

Grassley: Great News on WOTUS Court Case

By Grassley Press

Senator Chuck Grassley made the following statement after the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a nationwide stay against the enforcement of the controversial Waters of the U.S. regulation.

Grassley is a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill in the Senate to require that the Waters of the United States rule be completely revised with stakeholder input.  He also is a cosponsor of legislation that would clearly define the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction in the law rather than leaving it to the EPA.  In addition, both the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations committees have passed bills that deny funding for the EPA to carry out this rule.  In addition, Grassley cosponsored a resolution of disapproval of the Waters of the U.S. rule.

Here is Grassley's comment.

"This is great news.  Previous court cases have led to uncertainty about the scope of EPA's authority, but the only certainty in this rule is that this power grab would have granted the EPA untold amount of authority.  Considering the indifferent attitude that the EPA took toward agriculture in crafting this rule, Iowans had every reason to be concerned about the impact the rule could have on the state's economy.  As written, the rule could result in significant red tape and expense for Iowa farmers as they make routine decisions about how best to use their land, even ironically hampering projects to improve water quality."
12 Oct 2015

Iowa Students Cash In On Financial Literacy With Pennies to Paychecks Performance

By Jenny Pfarr

(Des Moines, IA) One hundred schools across Iowa will host Pennies to Paychecks, a live sketch comedy program aimed at increasing financial literacy among students this fall. The Iowa Insurance Division and The National Theatre for Children (NTC) have collaborated since 2009 to deliver educational and entertaining messages to young people who are emerging as consumers. Craig Goettsch of the Iowa Insurance Division sees the value of investing in students. "Today's teens are tomorrow's young adults, who will face important decisions regarding their spending and saving habits," he says. "When we prepare them to develop healthy habits, the benefits are enormous?they will have less stress, less debt and less confusion about their finances."

Pennies to Paychecks is a forty-minute performance divided into segments that humorously address topics like take home pay, wages and deductions, saving and investing, credit and debit cards and how to form a savings habit. Two professional actors take suggestions from the audience and incorporate the ideas into their scenes through improvisation. "The kids respond so well to the program because they get to help shape it," says NTC President and founder Ward Eames. "It's an interactive experience rather than a passive presentation. The energy is very high, the information is relevant and meaningful to the kids and the information sticks with them because learning and laughter are blended so seamlessly."

In addition to the live show, participating schools also receive student workbooks, teacher guides and access to interactive digital learning materials at no cost. "This information is crucial," says Goettsch. "we want every school to be able to access this opportunity. This is knowledge that will make a real difference in their lives."

The tour runs from October 19th to November 20th, and includes visits to schools throughout the state. Schools interested in participating in Cash Course can contact NTC at 1-800-858-3999 ext. 1 for further information.

About the Iowa Insurance Division (IID)

The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) has general control, supervision and direction over all insurance and securities business transacted in the state, and enforces Iowa's laws and regulations.  The IID investigates consumer complaints and prosecutes companies, agents and brokers engaging in unfair trade practices. Consumers with insurance or securities-related questions or complaints may contact the IID toll free at 877-955-1212 or visit the division on the web at www.iid.iowa.gov.

About NTC

NTC is an award-winning educational content provider whose methods include theatrical all-school assemblies, print and digital curriculum, professional development, extracurricular events and volunteers-in-the-schools.  NTC has developed the art of teaching through educational story-telling into a science of its own, and is an international company with operations in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.  www.ntccorporate.com

12 Oct 2015

Retired Colonel to Address Pentagon Influence

By Kathleen McQuillen
Speaking events planned for Col. Wilkerson in Ames, Des Moines and the Iowa City area

Des Moines--Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson (retired), former Chief of Staff to US Secretary of State Colin Powell, will speak in Ames, Des Moines, and the Iowa City area on October 21-23. His comments will address the excessive political influence of Pentagon contractors on US foreign policy.

"Iowans are increasingly aware of the dominating role of the weapons industry in the making of public policy as it relates to war and peace," said Kathleen McQuillen of AFSC. "Unfortunately the candidates are not speaking about this so we are delighted to have Col. Wilkerson, who has been so deeply involved in these issues, shed light on this anti-democratic practice."

Currently a professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William and Mary, Colonel Wilkerson is an expert in foreign policy and national security affairs. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is sponsoring the speaking tour as part of AFSC's Governing Under the Influence campaign.

Colonel Wilkerson's schedule includes:
Wednesday, October 21; 8:00 pm
Iowa State University Memorial Union Sun Room
This event is co-sponsored by the Iowa State Lectures Committee

Thursday, October 22; 7:00 pm
Drake University, Olin Hall Rm 101
This event is co-sponsored by Principal Financial Center for Global Citizenship

Friday, October 23; 7:00 pm
Iowa City area (details TBA)
Co-sponsors include Veterans for Peace, PEACE Iowa

Wilkerson's speaking tour complements AFSC's "Governing Under the Influence" project, which calls attention to the excessive political weight of corporations investing millions of dollars in lobbyists, campaign donations, and advertising to secure lucrative government contracts and policies. As a part of the project, residents in Iowa and New Hampshire are trained to engage presidential candidates in direct dialogue on the corporate influence behind militarism and incarceration. For more information, see http://gui.afsc.org.

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization dedicated to social justice and peace.
09 Oct 2015

Fact Sheet: USDA Releases New Data on Investments in Manufacturing, Jobs Supported by Manufacturing in Rural Communities

By USDA Office of Communications

Those who call rural America home know that there's more to the rural economy than just farms and ranches. The potential to grow and make innovative products in rural America is limitless, and manufacturing is particularly important for rural communities. Rural America makes a wide array of products including light manufacturing tools, automotive parts, clothing and apparel, crafts, forest products, and services. In 2013, manufacturing accounted for nearly 2.5 million rural jobs nationwide.

Between fiscal years 2009 and 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has invested $2.5 billion to help rural manufacturers across the country increase production and capacity, move products to market at home and abroad, and support good paying jobs in rural communities. To learn more about how USDA invests in rural communities and businesses to help them grow, visit www.usda.gov/results.

09 Oct 2015

Governor Announces Appointments 10/09/2015

By Lyndsey Walters

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced he has made the following appointments to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

 

 

Name: Jim Bruner

Position: Chair - Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jim Bruner to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. He brings nearly five decades of business experience to the board.

Bruner is the President of United Contractors Midwest, an asphalt paving company founded in 2001. Prior to that company's founding, Bruner was President of Illinois Valley Paving Company in Winchester, where he worked for over  30 years.

On top of his business, Bruner is an active member of the community. He serves as Trustee and Secretary of the Central Laborers Pension and Annuity Board and Chairman of Investments. He is a Life Director of Associated General Contractors of America and a past two-term President of the Associated General Contractors of Illinois.

Bruner earned his bachelor's degree in business from Illinois College. He lives in Jacksonville, Illinois.

 

 

Name: Gail Shiel

Position: Trustee - Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Gail Shiel to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. She brings over three decades of experience in art, design and civic engagement.

Shiel is a self-employed interior designer and has been designing commercial spaces for over 30 years. She is also an adjunct professor at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI). She teaches architectural and interior technology. She previously held full-time faculty positions at IUPUI and Butler University.

Shiel is also a fellow of the International Interior Design Association, a member of the board of directors for the Institute of Business Designers and a member of the Illinois Humanities Council.

Shiel received a bachelor's degree in environmental design & interior design from Purdue University. She is currently working on her master's degree in arts administration and policy at the Art Institute of Chicago. She lives in Chicago.

 

Name: Andy Volpert

Position: Trustee - Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Andy Volpert to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. He brings 15 years of experience as a history and social studies teacher.

Since 2003, Volpert has taught AP American Government, U.S. History and other classes at Springfield Southeast High School. He previously spent three years teaching at Morrisonville High School.

Volpert volunteers as a youth baseball and basketball coach in the community. He is also a dedicated member of the Laurel United Methodist Church and the Southern Illinois University Alumni Association.

Volpert received a bachelor's degree in history education and a master's degree in history from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. While earning his master's, Volpert won the Stanley A. Zucker Essay Prize for his outstanding research in the SIU History Department. He lives in Springfield.

 

 

Name: Jane A. Hay

Position: Trustee - Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jane Ann Hay to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. She has an extensive background in state government and real estate.

Hay is a real estate broker with The Real Estate Group, Inc., a company that provides residential and commercial real estate sales and leasing in Springfield and Sangamon County. Prior to obtaining her real estate license in 2009, Hay served as Project Manager for REAL ID in the Illinois Secretary of State's office. She was also Manager of Scheduling for the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer for eight years.

Hay is a member of the Capital Area Association of Realtors (CAAR) Board of Trustees, and was awarded the CAAR "Rising Star" Award in 2011.She is President of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of the Chatham Area Public Library Foundation Board, and a member of the Ball-Chatham Education Foundation Board.

Hay is a graduate of Taylorville High School and has a certificate from Patricia Stevens Business College. She lives in Chatham.

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09 Oct 2015

"Boo"-gie on Over to Our Halloween-Themed TRIVIA NIGHT! Saturday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.

By Jared Johnson
Fun questions - entertaining categories!  Have a great time while adding to your stockpile of "useless information".  Don't miss this event!

by Volunteers for Symphony
all proceeds to benefit the QCSO

Our mailing address is:
Quad City Symphony Orchestra

327 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52801

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