Rock Island, IL: Nationally-touring children's recording artist Laura Doherty will perform a family concert for the Hug-A-Book early learning program on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Rock Island Library.

The free event for families and preschoolers takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Doherty, an award-winning musician from Chicago, will perform sweet, folk-inspired tunes for the whole family. Thanks to funding from the Merrill Harris Memorial, each child may pick out a new free picture book to take home.

Laura Doherty found her place in the acoustic-folk world early on, picking up the guitar at age 16. She came to Chicago after college to join the teaching staff at the Old Town School of Folk Music. She directed the Old Town School's early childhood Wiggleworms program for more than a decade before going full time with her music career in 2009. Doherty has produced two Parents' Choice award-winning albums, Kid in the City (2009) and Shining Like a Star (2011.) Her 2014 CD, In a Heartbeat, is a collection of heartfelt, upbeat children's songs that, true to Laura's folk-pop roots, are filled with acoustic instrumentals.

The event is free and open to the public. Funding is provided by the Merrill Harris memorial fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

For more information on library events for children and families, contact Rock Island Library at 309-732-READ (7323), visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, or follow the library's Facebook and Twitter sites.

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Date: Sep 2, 2015

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

Contact: Headquarters Public Affairs

The Des Moines / Henry County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will once again hold its annual Burlington Labor Day Picnic at the 40 & 8 Park (located directly behind the Bee's Stadium or Community Field), 27l2Mt. Pleasant St., Burlington, Ia. on September 7, 2015 (4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.).

This year we will again have a jump house and other family activities to try and make the picnic fun for everyone and all ages.  The picnic is one of the council's longest standing traditions. This year will be the second year where the local unions will compete to see who has the largest turnout of members at the event which entitles them to hold the Milt Branchini award for the year. This is a fun competition geared towards getting everyone involved.

Due to the large crowds expected for Hillary Clinton, the event itself will be FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

However, anyone wanting to stay for the food and activities can purchase tickets are priced at $5.00 for a single, $10.00 for family, and $100.00 for a block of 10 tickets. Many of our locals purchase the block of tickets and distribute them to their members so they may attend. Additional tickets may be purchased at the picnic as well.

Hillary Clinton has long been a champion for working families. However, her appearance at the picnic should not construe an endorsement from the labor council. The authority for making Presidential Endorsement remains with the National AFL-CIO and International Unions.

To learn more, please contact Ryan Drew, 319-759-3188 or email rdrew@local150.org or Jon Garst 319-759-3814 

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(Quad Cities, IA) - When Al Pena announced that his beloved boxing club was being forced to move, it seemed like the Club was being dealt a knock-out punch.

For almost 50 years, the Davenport Boxing Club has been in the same downtown Davenport location. But in April this year the building where they rent space was sold leaving them looking for a new centrally located space for their youth boxing program.

While they have since found a home at the former Lincoln School in Davenport, their operating costs have skyrocketed. When the Jaycees of the Quad Cities heard about their predicament, they stepped in to support the Club with a $1,200 donation to help defray costs.

The Jaycees of the Quad Cities have an 80 year history of supporting youth in the Quad Cities - closely aligned with the Davenport Boxing Club's mission to build self-esteem and confidence in today's youth, inspiring them to develop positive attributes of character as responsible young adults.

The Boxing Club has a long-standing relationship with youth in the community but also with the Jaycees of the Quad Cities (formerly known as Davenport Jaycees). In the 1980's the Jaycees hosted two National Silver Glove Level tournaments in 1983 and 1984 which served as the chapter's primary fundraising vehicle.

Because of this relationship, the Jaycees of the Quad Cities and the Jaycee Foundation teamed up to double the donation to assist Coach Pena and his team.

"This donation not only allows us to keep the gym open and running but also helps funds for trips and equipment. Traveling, the kids see new places and gain a better understanding of different levels of competition as well as different environment surroundings," said Coach Pat Pena.

Pena's Boxing Club was founded by Coach Pat Pena's father Alvino who was an active member of the Jaycees. He was awarded the Walter Busey Award for Community Service in the 1980s by the Davenport Junior Chamber for his work so the partnership today was an extension of previous relationships and members.

Community donations like this are made possible because of the year-round efforts of the Jaycees. Individuals and groups interested in volunteering with Jaycees of the Quad Cities should contact info@jayceesqc.org or call (563) 484-0041.

About Jaycees of the Quad Cities: Jaycees aim to build personal and professional relationships by working together on projects to strengthen and grow the Quad-Cities community. The Quad Cities chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the state of Iowa and has grown to include young professionals from both sides of the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on blending social opportunities with service - like planning the annual Bridal Expo and the Brew Ha Ha that raise funds for charitable initiatives.

About the Davenport Jaycees Foundation: The Davenport Jaycees Foundation is an affiliated group that consists of past Presidents and leaders who continue to have a vested interest in the success of our organization. This group mentors and endows our chapter. The Davenport Jaycees Foundation provides additional financial resources to large chapter projects, and is responsible for owning and maintaining the hall. The Davenport Jaycees Foundation meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month.

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