May 4, 2015

Are you ready to take the first step in freeing yourself from cigarettes? If you are a TRICARE beneficiary that is ready to quit smoking, a new program for the Department of Defense community could be just what you need to help you quit for good. The Freedom Smoking Quitline is a research study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and co-sponsored by the United States Air Force and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Read the entire article here.

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

Connect with TRICARE on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/tricare and www.twitter.com/tricare.

ITHACA, NY (05/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Caitlin Walton, a Davenport native and junior music education major in the School of Music at Ithaca College, performed at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall with the Ithaca College Choir, Wind Ensemble and Contemporary Ensemble.

Titled "MusIC of Our Time," the program presented a blend of contemporary and new works.

Since the early 1970s, the School of Music has sponsored nine concerts at Lincoln Center, showcasing the high level of innovation and artistry among the school's faculty and students in one of the most prestigious venues in New York City.

The performance was made possible through a gift from Charles Hack '69 and Angella Hearn.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York's Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 460 graduate students.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Clinton and Scott Counties for open office hours. Henry Marquard, Loebsack's District Representative, will be at the following locations. Marquard will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for Dave, or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend. Marquard holds regular office hours throughout Eastern Iowa.

If residents are unable to attend but have a concern to share with the Congressman, please call our district office toll-free at 1-866-914-IOWA (4692).

Marquard's schedule for May is as follows.

 

Tuesday, May 12

Camanche City Hall

917 Third Street

9:00 - 10:00 AM

 

Clinton City Hall

611 South Third Street, 1st Floor

11:00 AM - NOON

 

Bettendorf City Hall

1609 State St.

2:00 - 3:00

 

 

Tuesday, May 26

DeWitt City Hall

510 Ninth Street

9:00 - 10:00 AM

 

Clinton City Hall

611 South Third Street, 1st Floor

11:00 AM - NOON

 

Eldridge Scott County Library

200 North Sixth Avenue

2:00 - 3:00 PM

Big news for the Quad Cities, the 21st Annual Rally on the River QC is bringing the Sons of Anarchy to Centennial Park on June 19th. Tommy Flanagan, who played Chibs on the popular television show, and David Labrava, Happy, will be at the Rally on the River Friday afternoon for a Q&A and an autograph signing. Come to the event Friday for your chance to meet them or sign up for your chance to win a VIP experience at their presenting sponsor, Weiblers Harley Davidson in Davenport.

Also announced this morning on the Dwyer & Michaels morning show, Tom Keifer, of Cinderella, will be taking the main stage at 9:30pm that night. "A gritty, bluesy, (rocker) with enough genuine swagger to draw comparisons to Mick Jagger." Rolling Stone Magazine

Thursday June 18th 5pm to close

Friday June 19th noon to close

Saturday June 20th 10am to close

Biker's admission will be free all day Thursday, and up until 5pm on Friday and Saturday.

A limited number of VIP packages are also available and we have released them at the lowest prices ever on our new website at rallyontheriverqc.com

Also General Admission Tickets are available in advance for the first time ever this year.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad has ordered all flags on the Capitol Complex to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015, in observance of the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony which is to be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015, at the Oran Pape State Office Building of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Flags at the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial, located at the Oran Pape State Office Building, will be flown at half-staff the week of May 11-15, 2015, in honor of National Peace Officer Week.

The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays on the Capitol Complex.  Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

The following memorial ceremony is open to the public and all are invited to attend to pay their respects to Iowa police officers killed in the line of duty.

Friday, May 8, 2015

 

10 a.m. Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony

Oran Pape State Office Building, Iowa Department of Public Safety

215 E. 7th St.

Des Moines, IA

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Dubuque Area Arts Collective is proud to feature a new group show of students from Dubuque Senior and Hempstead High School.  Artwork displayed will range from 2-Dimensional to 3-Dimensional work.  The exhibit will include drawings, paintings, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and sculpture in this dynamic display of talented young artists. Self-Portraits, Mythology, Figurative and Mixed Media sculpture are some of the many themes explored. Artwork displayed has been created by students participating in Basic and Advanced Art Courses offered at each school. Free admission/ accepting donations. LIVE MUSIC BY STUDENTS.  

* Exhibit open until June 14th. Gallery open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 PM.

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Mount Carroll, IL-- The Magic Owl Children's Theatre at Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) presents an 50 minute production for kids of all ages, The Commedia Pinocchio, based on the classic tale Wednesday, May 6 through Saturday, May 9. Performances are at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. All tickets are only $6.00 and are available at the door.

The Magic Owl Children's Theatre programs are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, through federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. The children's theatre at Timber Lake Playhouse has introduced three generations of young people to live theatre in Northwest Illinois. Support from the Arts Council keeps the cost of tickets low.

The Commedia Pinocchio tells the Pinocchio story in the classic commedia style featuring a troupe of five players performing all the roles in the story including Geppetto, the blue fairy, the whale and more. The production is a high-energy comedy appropriate for all ages.

On Saturday, May 9th the playhouse will co-present Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos Show at the theatre at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 and a cash bar will open at 6:30 p.m.

Henry's Double K in Mount Carroll will be taking separate reservations for a pre-show all you can eat buffet at the restaurant that evening. The $15 buffet will include roast pork, chicken breasts, cheesy potatoes, vegetable, salad bar, rolls and coffee. Contact Henry's Double K at 815-244-0810 for more information. Sievert's Steaks & Stuff in Mount Carroll will offer 10% off pizzas between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in rural Mount Carroll, IL. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling 815-244-2035. Tickets for Dueling Pianos are also available at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.


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DAYTON, OH (05/04/2015)(readMedia)-- John Walsh of Bettendorf, presented "Applicability of Routine Activities Theory to Cybercrime Victimization" during the University of Dayton's 26th annual Bro. Joseph W. Stander Symposium.

The symposium recognizes and celebrates academic excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, providing an opportunity for students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual and artistic accomplishments. It represents the Marianist tradition of education through community and is the principal campus-wide event for faculty and students to be a community of learners engaging in conversation, learning and discussion outside of the classroom.

More than 1,100 students participated in this alternate day of learning April 15.

A day marking great achievements and new beginnings, John Walsh of Bettendorf, was among the more than 1,800 University of Dayton students receiving their degree during 2015 spring undergraduate commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 3.

They received their degrees along with actor Martin Sheen, whom the University presented with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree for his lifelong commitment to peace, social justice and human rights exemplifying the Catholic, Marianist university's mission, during the undergraduate commencement ceremony in University of Dayton Arena.

The University of Dayton is a top-tier, national, Catholic, research institution. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary (the Marianists), we focus on educating the whole person, connecting learning with leadership and service. Through student clubs, campus recreation, education abroad, research, service-learning and career preparation, students are encouraged to engage the world, developing a critical mind and compassionate heart.

EVANSTON - The Custer Fair, presented by Piccolo Theatre, is now accepting applications from artists, craftspeople, commercial exhibitors and food vendors. The fair runs June 20th and 21st from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. The Custer Fair features 370 nationally acclaimed artists, craftspeople and antique dealers. It serves up food from thirty restaurateurs, showcases entertainment on three different stages, and supports local business. This annual event attracts over 70,000 attendees; has been voted the best art fair twice by North Shore Magazine; was an inaugural inductee into the Illinois Festival Hall of Fame; and the Chicago Sun-Times says, "This 44 year-old fest of chompin', stompin', and shoppin' isn't just any old street fair." This year features the seventh annual EcoVillage section for not-for-profit groups and green businesses focusing on healthy lifestyles and natural foods. The Custer Fair is located in the historic Evanston Main Street Shopping District.

To apply, call 847-328-2204 or apply online using our unique interactive map at www.custerfair.com.

Custer Fair is a program of Piccolo Theatre, Inc., a Federal not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and a State of Illinois certified charity, and does not discriminate according to race, color, creed, handicap, sex or political preference

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced Franklin County, Story County, Muscatine County and the City of Johnston have met the criteria to become designated as a Home Base Iowa Communities. Today they also announced Kirkwood Community College and North Iowa Area Community College have been designated as a Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs).

Franklin County, Story County, Muscatine County and the City of Johnston join fourteen existing communities in becoming a certified Home Base Iowa Communities. To become a Home Base Iowa Community, an area must meet the following criteria: 10% of its businesses with potential to hire sign on as Home Base Iowa Businesses; local government supports the effort; signage indicates the community is a Home Base Iowa Community and the community creates local incentives that offer additional benefits for Veterans and that complement those in the statewide Home Base Iowa Act.

"We've seen the momentum build with this program through the 1,300 veterans hired thus far," said Branstad. "With the support of our education CHAMPS, our Iowa communities and the aggressive career and recruitment efforts of the program, we are both pleased and excited to know what began as a great idea is now becoming a program recognized as a national model."

Kirkwood Community College and North Iowa Area Community College join the existing  HBI CHAMPs?Upper Iowa University, Mount Mercy University, University of Dubuque, Mercy College of Health Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Des Moines Area Community College, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa Central Community College , Eastern Iowa Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College.  The Home Base Iowa CHAMP program allows Iowa colleges and universities to become certified for their ability to educate and assist Veterans on campus. The certification will help attract Veterans and transitioning Service Members to Iowa. It also helps academic institutions market their campus as Veteran-friendly. To become a Home Base Iowa CHAMP, education institutions must meet criteria in each of the three categories: On-Campus Veteran Resources, Mindfulness of Service Member Transitions and Financial Considerations.

"Iowa is proud to provide transitioning and retiring service members with every opportunity for success?whether through education, employment or continued service," said Lt Governor Kim Reynolds. "Iowa has 15 education institutions designated as CHAMPS and with 18 Iowa communities embracing the Home Base Iowa initiative, our state is creating a culture that is welcoming and attractive to recruit and retain veterans."

The City of Johnston is the first Des Moines metro city to be designated as a Home Base Iowa Community and is the home to Camp Dodge. A high percentage of the community is already military service-connected. With the enviable assets available to all Service Members of any branch of Service available through Camp Dodge and the strong support of local business incentives in Johnston, the city considers itself well-positioned to welcome military families.

Story County offers an aggressive $2500 relocation incentive for qualifying Veterans and gained an impressive list of 70 businesses committed to hiring Veterans. Ames has already landed veteran families to the area as it worked toward designation and recently attracted attention of the Wall Street Journal. Story County's efforts were led by the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.

Franklin County offers qualifying Veterans a $500 cash grant to work with a Franklin County company and $500 cash grant to live in Franklin County, plus an enticing package of offers from local merchants. Eighty-seven percent of businesses with potential to hire signed on as a Home Base Iowa company. Contact Franklin County Development for more information.

Muscatine County?an area with some of the state's largest employers?has earned Home Base Iowa designation with incentives that range from closing cost assistance to substantial discounts from area businesses. Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry led the efforts for designation.

BACKGROUND ON THE HOME BASE IOWA ACT 

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. Branstad and Reynolds named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs of the initiative.

The Home Base Iowa Act was signed into law on May 26, 2014. It passed the Iowa Senate 46-0 and the Iowa House 94-2. The Home Base Iowa initiative does the following:

  • Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax.
  • Gives veterans, their spouses and dependents in-state tuition at Iowa's colleges and universities.
  • Allows Iowa's licensing boards to adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
  • Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
  • Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
  • Expands eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.  Additional funding for the program is provided in a separate appropriations bill.

In addition to the Home Base Iowa Act, Branstad also signed Senate File 2352 in 2014.

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit www.HomeBaseIowa.org. Those interested in becoming a Home Base Iowa Business, a Home Base Iowa Community or a Home Base Iowa CHAMP should contact Kathy Anderson, Home Base Iowa Program Manager at 515.725.3149 or kathy.anderson@iowa.gov.

 

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