Independent Scholars Evenings

Sept 17th. 2015

" The Battle of Vienna.September 11th. 1683 "

The battle that changed the course of  History.

ByNarveen Aryaputri

Narveen will be discussing the significance of the battle that changed the course of History in light of current events today.

? September 11, 1565 (Battle of Malta ~ bitter Muslim defeat)
? September 11, 1683 (Battle of Vienna ~ bitter Muslim defeat)
? September 11, 1697 (Battle of Zenta ~ bitter Muslim defeat)
? September 11, 2001 (WTC, Pentagon, ???)
? September 11, 2012 (Benghazi)
? September 11, 2015 (Iranian/Persian nuclear bomb guarantee)

MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT GROWS FATALLY FROM THE IGNORANCE OF THE PAST." (Marc Bloch)

Narveen is a professional artist and essayist. She is the owner of The Moline Commercial Club © 1895 which she restored and is currently developing.

Her professional work is available online.

2nd Floor of  the Moline Commercial Club

1530 Fifth Avenue.  Moline. Illinois.

7.00 p.m.

Absentee/Early Voting Ballots Available in Auditor's Office

DAVENPORT - Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz announced today that absentee/early voting ballots for the Davenport City Primary Election are available at the Auditor's Office beginning on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

Voting in the Auditor's Office will be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The Auditor's Office is located in the fifth floor of Scott County Administrative Building, 600 West 4th Street in Davenport.

Mail in ballots can be requested in writing from the Auditor's Office.  Official Absentee Ballot Request forms are available on the Auditor's page of the Scott County website (http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/early-voting).  These forms must be printed and mailed back to the Auditor's Office for processing.  Forms can also be requested by calling the Auditor's Office at 326-8631.

Mail-in ballots must be received in the Auditor's Office by 8:00 p.m. on election day or be post marked on or before October 5, 2015 for counting after election day.  Pursuant to Iowa law ballots which are received after election day without the post mark of October 5, 2015 or earlier cannot be counted.  Mail-in ballots can also be hand delivered to the Auditor's Office prior to 8:00 p.m. on election day.

The primary election will reduce the number of candidates for office to two per office for the regular city election on November 3, 2015.  Currently there are four candidates for Mayor, five candidates for two Alderman-at Large seats, three candidates for Second Ward Alderman, three candidates for Fourth Ward Alderman and three candidates for Fifth Ward Alderman.


For more information contact the Scott County Auditor's Office at 563-326-8631.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that three organizations serving counties in Iowa's Second District will receive a total of $3,108,165.68 in funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. This program aims to improve housing stability for very low-income Veteran families.

"I strongly believe that we need to care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country," said Loebsack.  "We have a moral responsibility to end homelessness amongst our Veterans and Veteran families, and to help Veterans struggling in these tough economic times. I am pleased these three organizations will receive this funding to continue their important services."

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program grants can be used to offer Veterans and their family members outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining VA benefits and assistance in getting other public benefits. Community-based groups can offer temporary financial assistance on behalf of Veterans for rent payments, utility payments, security deposits and moving costs.

Details of the grantees are below.

·       Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. - $280,024.68 Serving Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties in Iowa and Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties in Illinois

·       Primary Health Care, Inc. - $1,613,640 Serving Jasper, Dallas, Marshall, Polk, Story and Warren Counties

·       Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. - $1,214,501 Serving Cedar, Johnson, Washington, Benton, Iowa, Jones, Linn, Washington, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware and  Dubuque Counties

###

DAVENPORT, IA- On September 14, 2015, Adam Lamar Ammons, age 42, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 88 months in prison, after pleading guilty to the charge of felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Ammons was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.

On or about August 14, 2014, as part of a narcotics investigation, Davenport Police Department (DPD) officers obtained a search warrant to seize and search a safe from a bedroom at a residence on 15th Street in Davenport, Iowa. A Ruger SR22 handgun and associated handgun magazines were seized out of this safe. A witness knew Ammons had placed this safe at the residence, and knew that only Ammons had a key. Ammons admitted that he knew the Ruger SR22 handgun was in the safe, and that he knowingly possessed this handgun. Ammons has a prior 2012 state felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Davenport Police Department, and this case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

# # # # #

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2015 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and Dr. Susan Kelly, Director of the Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office, today announced the integration of agriculture into the career training and counseling programs Service members receive as they transition out of the military. Information about USDA resources and programs will now reach 200,000 transitioning Service members every year.

"Rural America disproportionately sends its sons and daughters to serve in the military. When Service members return home, we want them to know that rural America has a place for them -- no matter where they're from," said Deputy Secretary Harden. "This expanded collaboration between USDA and DOD will help to ensure that returning Service members know that there are a wide variety of loans, grants, training and technical assistance for veterans who are passionate about a career in agriculture, no matter their experience level."

"Our transitioning Service members leave the military with a variety of essential skills - including leadership and discipline - that could be directly applied to a career in agriculture," said Dr. Susan S. Kelly, Director of the Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office. "For those members who are considering farming or ranching as a post-service career, I encourage them to learn more about the opportunities, preferences, and incentives offered by the USDA."

Every year, approximately 200,000 Service members complete the Transition Assistance Program as they prepare for civilian life. This partnership will help to ensure that returning Service members know about the incentives for military veterans in USDA programs, and the many ways USDA can support military veterans and their families, from farm loans to conservation programs to nutrition assistance to rural rental housing and homeownership opportunities. Veterans can also visit www.usda.gov/veterans, a website designed specifically to educate them about USDA programs.

Since 2009, USDA has provided $438 million in farm loans to help more than 6,482 veterans purchase farmland, buy equipment and make repairs and upgrades. Our microloans, which offer smaller amounts of support to meet the needs of small- or niche-type farm operations, have also grown in popularity among veterans. Since it was launched in January 2013, USDA's microloan program has provided more than $22.6 million in support to help 1,083 veterans grow their farming businesses.

Today's announcement reflects USDA's continued commitment to assisting veterans as they start or expand farming and ranching operations, in order to strengthen the American economy and provide livelihoods to our returning veterans. Today, more than 5 million veterans live in rural areas, a higher concentration than in any other part of the country.

Our veterans have incredible stories to share, including:

Veteran Farmers, In Their Own Voice

Planting Seeds for New Careers for our Veterans

Virginia Farmer Balances Family, Farming and Flying with the Air National Guard

Read more stories about veterans in agriculture at http://blogs.usda.gov/tag/veterans/.

#

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled "Reforming the Electronic Communications Privacy Act" for Wednesday, September 16 at 10:15 a.m., in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

 

By order of the Chairman.

 

Hearing before the
Senate Committee on the Judiciary

On

 

"Reforming the Electronic Communications Privacy Act"

 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226

10:15 a.m.

 

Panel I

Ms. Elana Tyrangiel

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General

Office of Legal Policy

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, D.C.

 

Mr. Andrew Ceresney

Director

Division of Enforcement

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C.

 

Mr. Daniel Salsburg

Chief Counsel

Office of Technology, Research and Investigation, Bureau of Consumer Protection

Federal Trade Commission

Washington, D.C.

 

 

Panel II

Mr. Richard Littlehale

Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Technical Service Unit

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Nashville, TN

 

Mr. Richard Salgado

Director, Law Enforcement and Information Security

Google, Inc.

Mountain View, CA

 

Mr. Chris Calabrese

Vice President, Policy

Center for Democracy & Technology

Washington, D.C.

 

Ms. Victoria A. Espinel

President and Chief Executive Officer

BSA | The Software Alliance

Washington D.C.

Rock Island, IL - The Foundation for TJX Companies, Inc.?one of the leading off-price retailers of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide and owner of TJ Maxx and Marshalls?awarded Christian Care a generous grant of $5,000 to support their Emergency and Transitional Housing Program. According to the organization's CEO, Dr. Elaine Winter, "Christian Care is pleased and humbled that TJX Companies has partnered with us to make it possible to continue Christian Care's vision of transforming lives."

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. It serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses by providing them with safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance.

Christian Care's community meal site is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays Monday through Friday, and for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone in need, call Christian Care's crisis hotline any hour of the day at (309) 788-2273 or visit online at christiancareqc.org.

The Muscatine Art Center's Music Room

Thursday, September 24th at 5:30 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION

Join Muscatine Art Center Director, Melanie Alexander, for an exploration of the life and legacy of Laura Musser McColm Atkins. The presentation, "Laura Musser & Her Legacy", is offered as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Laura Musser Art Gallery & Museum, later named the Muscatine Art Center. Photographs of Laura Musser, some rarely on view, will be woven into the free presentation offered on September 24th at 5:30 p.m.

Details about Laura Musser's family, her marriage to Edwin McColm, her involvement in the McColm Dry Goods Store, and her second marriage to William T. Atkins of Kansas City will be shared. Through oral histories given by Laura's domestic servants, the day-to-day operations of the households as well as the individual experiences as a member of Laura's staff will be highlighted. The presentation also includes photographs of clothing belonging to Laura Musser and a discussion of the artwork that captured Laura's likeness during her lifetime.

The Muscatine Art Center's collection includes the locally well-known portrait by Thomas Riss painted from a photograph taken by Oscar Grossheim as well as a marble statue bust of Laura as child created by sculptor George Grey Barnard and a bronze relief bust of Laura as a young lady.

Quotes from Laura Musser's journals from 1936 and 1937 will illustrate how she spent her days in the time period between the passing of her first husband and her second marriage. Laura's words capture the degree to which she took responsibility for the operations of the McColm Dry Goods Store/Laurel Building, her fondness for her family (and especially her close connection to her brother Drew who lived in Little Falls, Minnesota), and her compassion for many individuals and families in Muscatine.

Director Melanie Alexander's talk is the first in a series of programs about the Musser family and their connections. On October 22, 2015 at noon, volunteers from Linden Hill, the home of Laura's brother Drew, will present on Drew Musser, his family, and his connection to his next door neighbor, Charles Weyerhaeuser. Charles and Drew both built mansion which are today listed on the National Register of Historic Places - the Weyerhaeuser mansion is open as the Linden Hill Historic Museum. Peter Musser and Frederick Weyerhaeuser, fathers of the Drew and Charles, had been business partners and friends back in the Muscatine/Quad Cities area. On November 5, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., historian Tom Rasmussen and author Judith Healy will present on the important relationship between Peter Musser and Frederick Weyerhaeuser.

All programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2015 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and Dr. Susan Kelly, Director of the Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office, today announced the integration of agriculture into the career training and counseling programs Service members receive as they transition out of the military. Information about USDA resources and programs will now reach 200,000 transitioning Service members every year.

"Rural America disproportionately sends its sons and daughters to serve in the military. When Service members return home, we want them to know that rural America has a place for them -- no matter where they're from," said Deputy Secretary Harden. "This expanded collaboration between USDA and DOD will help to ensure that returning Service members know that there are a wide variety of loans, grants, training and technical assistance for veterans who are passionate about a career in agriculture, no matter their experience level."

"Our transitioning Service members leave the military with a variety of essential skills - including leadership and discipline - that could be directly applied to a career in agriculture," said Dr. Susan S. Kelly, Director of the Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office. "For those members who are considering farming or ranching as a post-service career, I encourage them to learn more about the opportunities, preferences, and incentives offered by the USDA."

Every year, approximately 200,000 Service members complete the Transition Assistance Program as they prepare for civilian life. This partnership will help to ensure that returning Service members know about the incentives for military veterans in USDA programs, and the many ways USDA can support military veterans and their families, from farm loans to conservation programs to nutrition assistance to rural rental housing and homeownership opportunities. Veterans can also visit www.usda.gov/veterans, a website designed specifically to educate them about USDA programs.

Since 2009, USDA has provided $438 million in farm loans to help more than 6,482 veterans purchase farmland, buy equipment and make repairs and upgrades. Our microloans, which offer smaller amounts of support to meet the needs of small- or niche-type farm operations, have also grown in popularity among veterans. Since it was launched in January 2013, USDA's microloan program has provided more than $22.6 million in support to help 1,083 veterans grow their farming businesses.

Today's announcement reflects USDA's continued commitment to assisting veterans as they start or expand farming and ranching operations, in order to strengthen the American economy and provide livelihoods to our returning veterans. Today, more than 5 million veterans live in rural areas, a higher concentration than in any other part of the country.

Our veterans have incredible stories to share, including:

Veteran Farmers, In Their Own Voice

Planting Seeds for New Careers for our Veterans

Virginia Farmer Balances Family, Farming and Flying with the Air National Guard

Read more stories about veterans in agriculture at http://blogs.usda.gov/tag/veterans/.

#

The U.S. Department of Labor highlights Iowa as a national success model

 

(DES MOINES) -Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today was joined at the administration's weekly press conference by Jason Shanks of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33 and Duane Boswell of TMC Transportation to highlight the growth and importance of apprenticeships to their respective organizations.  U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) data has shown Iowa as one of the top four states in the nation in terms of active apprentice growth from federal fiscal year 2013 to federal fiscal year 2014.

WATCH THE DOL VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING IOWA AS A LEADER IN APPRENTICESHIPS HERE

"As I travel around Iowa, I constantly hear from employers who are in need of a skilled workforce?especially in manufacturing, information technology, STEM and health-related fields," said Reynolds. "Our focus on apprenticeships in Iowa is a key avenue to fill the skills gap for employers and empower Iowans with rewarding careers.  Growing our talent pipeline is essential for the 21st century global economy."

Registered apprenticeships are a proven approach to preparing workers for in-demand jobs and meeting the needs of business for a highly skilled workforce that can innovate and adapt.  They also allow students and workers of all ages to earn a paycheck and avoid debt while crafting skills.  Advancing work-based learning, like apprenticeships, is a key focus area of the Future Ready Iowa initiative.

In 2014, Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed the Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act which tripled the funding for apprenticeships on an annual basis while reforming and improving the state's apprenticeship program.  The standing appropriation for registered apprenticeships is just over $3 million. 

Pages