29 Apr 2015

May Events for Kids, Families and Seniors, too, at the Zoo

By The Niabi Zoological Society

CELEBRATE SPRING AT NIABI ZOO.

The temps are finally warming up, so it's time to get out to the zoo!

May is full of school field trips during the week and fun events on the weekends. Stop by and say hi to your favorite animals.

Make entering the zoo a breeze by making note of these changes:

Members can now use any entrance line. Just show your photo ID and membership card. Click here to become a member or renew for 2015.
25¢ from every admission goes to Niabi Zoo's global conservation efforts. You'll be given a coin at admission to deposit into your conservation program of choice at the bank just inside the zoo.
Scroll down to see what passes are valid for the 2015 season. Welcome back to Niabi Zoo!
NEW EVENT! MIGRATORY MAYHEM ON MAY 9
From butterflies to birds, we'll look at animals that migrate, why they are important and what we can do to help them on their journeys.


Free activities and games are part of the Migration Mayhem!

The event is free to Zoo members, regular admission rates apply to other guests. There is no RSVP required for this fun event. The all ages fun is from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

  • Senior Sunrise - May 5th - Morning walk and coffee, first Tuesdayof each month at 8:30 a.m.
  • Breakfast with the Animals - May 23rd - Start your Saturday with the giraffes. RSVP here
  • Princess and Pirate Day - May 23rd - Meet the princesses from Frozen. Click for details
 
29 Apr 2015

Working Families Summit

By Lance Coles

Presidential Issues, No Candidates Necessary ? for Now

Summit Goal: Wage, Justice Issues Should Shape Coming Iowa Campaign

Who says you need presidential candidates to talk political issues in Iowa?

Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich will keynote a Working Families Summit scheduled for Saturday, May 16, in Ames.

The event, coordinated by several progressive, labor and advocacy organizations, is free and open to the public ? though space will be limited and reservations are required.

"Remember, candidates and ultimately presidents work for us," said Ken Sagar, president of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, a leading sponsor of the May 16 event in Ames.

"Our Working Families Summit is designed to bring together progressive Iowans and progressive ideas, so more Iowans and political candidates at all levels better understand the issues that are critical to working families.

"This is especially important with a presidential campaign already underway in our state, and big choices ahead in 2016 up and down the ballot."

The Summit will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Scheman Building at Iowa State University, with morning remarks from Larry Cohen, president of the Communications Workers of America (CWA); Sarita Gupta, executive director of Jobs with Justice; and Tefere Gebre, executive vice president, AFL-CIO.

Breakout sessions will focus on many hot-button topics for working families: wages, work supports such as child care and paid medical leave, retirement, education, civil rights and current political attacks on workers.

The event will close with Reich's keynote and remarks by Sagar.

"Iowans will have plenty of time between now and next February to meet with and hear from candidates for president," Sagar said. "What we need now is a common agenda on issues ranging from our low wages, to how to better support families and protect civil rights."

No presidential candidates will be speaking at the event ? though any are welcome to attend.

"This will be a great opportunity for presidential candidates to hear the concerns about concrete issues facing Iowa's working families," Sagar said.

Sponsors include the AFL-CIO along with many Iowa labor and advocacy organizations focused on concerns for working families in Iowa: Iowa Federation of Labor; AFSCME Iowa Council 61; Iowa Building and Trades Council; Communications Workers of America (CWA), Iowa Postal Workers Union (APWU), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN), Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Laborers International Union of Northern America (LIUNA), Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), Progress Iowa, Iowa Policy Project, Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, Iowa Community Action Association, American Friends Service Committee, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, Move On, United Auto Workers (UAW), Working America, AFGE, UFCW, UAW, APWU Local 44, IUPAT, NALC, IBEW, USW, IAMAW, UE, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Mid-Iowa Community Action, and Make it Work.

Members of the public are welcome and admission is free, but a donation of non-perishable food items is requested. To register for the summit, go to progressiowa.org/workingfamiliessummit, and for more information, visit the Working Families Summit page on Facebook.

Free round-trip bus service to the event is available from the Quad-Cities, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Manchester and Evansdale. To reserve a bus seat, call 309-738-3196 or email tracy@iowaaflcio.org.

 

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29 Apr 2015

KERNELS OUTLAST BANDITS, 1-0 IN 11 INNINGS

By Marco LaNave
Top two Western Division teams go a combined 0-for-21 with runners in scoring position
DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 28, 2015) - After 10 scoreless innings Tuesday, the Cedar Rapids Kernels loaded the bases with a  single and  two errors in the top of the 11th inning, and Kernels third baseman T.J. White hit a sacrifice fly to right field that was the only run of a 1-0 final over the Quad Cities River Bandits in front of 2,079 at Modern Woodmen Park.
The River Bandits (13-6) committed four errors in their first loss when out-hitting an opponent this season, but they hold a one-game lead over the Kernels (12-7) in the Western Division standings. It was Quad Cities' first 1-0 loss since Game 1 of a home doubleheader last Aug. 29 against Clinton. The 1-0, extra-inning loss was the club's first since a 10-inning defeat at Kane County April 14, 2011.
In the deciding 11th inning, Kernels right fielder Zack Larson hit a leadoff single to left field against River Bandits right-hander Joe Musgrove (3-1). First baseman Trey Vavra bunted along the first-base line, where Musgrove could not cleanly pick up the ball and threw late to first base. With runners at first and second bases, designated hitter Max Murphy bunted to the third-base side of the pitcher's mound,  and Musgrove threw to third baseman Nick Tanielu, who was judged to have come off the base before recording a putout of Larson. Musgrove was charged with an error on both bunt plays, and with the bases loaded and no outs, White hit a fly ball to right fielder Ryan Bottger, and Larson beat the throw home for the game's only run. Musgrove retired the next two batters and finished a season-high six innings, allowing one unearned run on four hits and no walks with one strikeout.
In the bottom of the 11th inning, River Bandits left fielder Sean McMullen hit a one-out single to right field against Kernels right-hander Trevor Hildenberger, who then got second baseman Kristian Trompiz to ground into a game-ending double play. The two teams combined to leave 21 runners on base while going 0-for-21 with runners in scoring position in the game.
Cedar Rapids had the game's first scoring threat in the first inning against River Bandits left-hander Bryan Radziewski. Left fielder Zack Granite and shortstop Nick Gordon began the game with back-to-back singles, and Radziewski hit Murphy with a pitch to load the bases with two outs before getting White to ground into a fielder's choice. It was the closest Cedar Rapids came to scoring against Radziewski, who tossed five innings, allowing two hits and no walks with four strikeouts.
The River Bandits put two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the first inning, as Kernels right-hander Jared Wilson walked first baseman Jamie Ritchie with one out and allowed a single by designated hitter Mott Hyde, who led Quad Cities with three hits in the game. Around a wild pitch that put both runners in scoring position, Wilson got consecutive flyouts to escape the inning. Quad Cities also put a runner at third base in the third and fourth innings. Hyde hit a third-inning, two-out double and went to third base on a wild pitch before Wilson got catcher Jacob Nottingham to fly out. McMullen hit a fourth-inning, one-out triple, but Wilson struck out Trompiz and got shortstop Thomas Lindauer to fly out. Wilson allowed four hits and four walks with two strikeouts in five innings.
Musgrove began the sixth inning and escaped scoring threats in the seventh and eighth innings. In the seventh, White and Kelly hit back-to-back singles before Musgrove caught a bunt, leaped off the mound to field a ground ball and got a flyout to end the inning. In the eighth, Larson hit a one-out triple and tried to score on Vavra's ground ball over the mound, but Trompiz threw to Nottingham to tag out Larson.
After Wilson, Kernels right-hander Randy LeBlanc worked three shutout innings with three strikeouts, and left-hander Cam Booser (1-0) struck out three batters while escaping runners at first and second bases in both the ninth and 10th innings.
The River Bandits continue their series with Cedar Rapids at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits right-hander Daniel Mengden (1-1) is scheduled to face Kernels left-hander Mat Batts (2-0).
UP NEXT: The Bandits guarantee a win over Cedar Rapids, or all fans in attendance will receive a voucher for a general admission ticket for Wednesday, May 27, at 7 p.m. against Kane County. Two lucky fans will have their bills paid up to $100 on Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by Mix 96. IHMVCU members can get Buy-One-Get-One tickets at the box office. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
29 Apr 2015

"#Nepal2015" BENEFIT CONCERT ANNOUNCED

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, Above + Beyond Cancer has joined forces with the Des Moines Social Club to host the "Nepal 2015" concert to benefit the citizens of Nepal affected by the devastating earthquake over the weekend. 

We are pleased to announce three Iowa bands will be performing during the benefit concert at the Des Moines Social Club next Tuesday, May 5th with doors opening at 5:00. Each of the bands, Foxholes, MAIDS, and Chris Fairbank, have agreed to waive their fee so 100% of the ticket proceeds will go to the nonprofit AmeriCares, an emergency response and global health organization with a team on the ground in Nepal administering shipments of medial aid and relief supplies for survivors of the earthquake.

"Above + Beyond Cancer was founded four years ago after taking cancer survivors and caregivers on a live-changing journey to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal," said Brad Anderson, Executive Director of Above + Beyond Cancer.  "The people of Nepal have given us so much over the past four years, we feel it is now our duty to give back and lend a helping hand to the citizens of this beautiful country.  Not surprisingly, Iowans have stepped up to the plate in a big way and are ready to help. This benefit concert came together quickly thanks to the generosity of the bands, the Des Moines Social Club and all the Iowans who have reached out over the past couple days wanting to help the people of Nepal.  It's going to be a fun event for a critically important cause." 

According to 2013 census numbers, there are 560 Iowa residents who were born in Nepal.

"I've been close to the great team at Above + Beyond Cancer for years now, and I appreciate all they are doing to help my friends and family in Nepal," said Iowa Nepalese Association board member Bikal Adhikari.  "We've lost a lot of people and history due to the earthquake and its aftershocks, and the situation remains very unstable.  I will continue to monitor the situation closely and look forward to the benefit concert next week to raise awareness and funds for the people of Nepal."  

TUESDAY, MAY 5TH

WHAT: "Nepal 2015" benefit concert featuring Foxholes, MAIDS and Chris Fairbank.  100% of the ticket proceeds will go to AmeriCares.  General Admission tickets are $20.15, and VIP Tickets are $201.50.  Tickets can be purchased at www.AboveAndBeyondCancer.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 5th.  Doors open at 5:00 PM.  Event 5:00 - 7:30pm.

WHERE: Des Moines Social Club - 900 Mulberry St., Des Moines, Iowa
29 Apr 2015

Upcoming Quad City STEM Events for Students, Parents & Volunteers

By The Quad City Engineering & Science Council

Upcoming Events with Volunteer Needs:

  •  Monday, May 3 - Science Night - Noche de Ciencias - Black Hawk College (5:30 - 8:30 PM) Parents and students age 9-15 are invited to attend the free event hosted at Black Hawk College in partnership with QCESC member society, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and John Deere.  Science Night is a national program to promote knowledge and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The event will include fun, hands-on STEM activities, useful college info for parents & students, and Bilingual parent workshop.  The National President of SHPE is scheduled to attend.
    Link to attend or volunteer
  •   Friday, May 8 - High School Cardboard Boat Race   - Bettendorf Middle Park Lagoon Registration for local high school teams and volunteers are being sought for the 8th annual cardboard boat regatta race being held at Bettendorf Middle Park Lagoon.  The event is scheduled to run from 8:00 AM until approximately 2:00 PM depending on the number of entries.  Last year there were a record 26 teams from 5 area schools that participated.  High school teachers and engineers are also invited to participate to compete against the students.Link to Further Info including links  to register a team or volunteer

  •  

    July 27-31, Engineering Kids Camp - Putnam Museum & Science Center
    Students and volunteers are being sought for the 7th Annual Engineering Kids one day camps for students in grades 2nd through 8th grade (as of Fall). Nearly 400 students attended this very popular camp last year with several of the day selling out.  The camp is possible through a partnership between the QCESC, Putnam and Iowa State University College of Engineering.  This camp is an exciting, engaging experience for your young innovator. Fun, imaginative sessions including LEGO robotics, a Giant Screen 3D film, the opportunity to create and learn side by side with engineering students from Iowa State University and Quad City Professional Engineers & Technologist.
    Link to Further Information including to register a team or volunteer.

For further information or questions, please contact Carl Loweth, QCESC STEM Coordinator at e-mail carl.loweth@gmail.com or via phone at 563-505-1196.

29 Apr 2015

SECC SELECTED TO HOST THE IOWA/ILLINOIS COMMUNICATION EXERCISE

By Denise M. Pavlik, ENP

We are pleased to announce that Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC) has been selected as the host sight for the Homeland Security Communications Unit Exercise for Iowa/Illinois. This is the first Multi-State Exercise ever undertaken by Homeland Security and is designed to simulate a catastrophic event which would exceed the capacity of any one agency and then deploy Communication Trailers from Iowa and Illinois to assist in the mitigation of the event.

This collaborative effort between SECC, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications, the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program and the States of Iowa and Illinois hopes to not only identify opportunities to enhance interoperability between agencies but also provides a training/certification element for COML's and COMT's (communications dispatchers and technicians).

In a real event these specially trained COML's and COMT's would be deployable assets anywhere in the State and potentially in the Country to staff these highly sophisticated Communication Units (Trailers). This drill will simulate an actual event and we anticipate over 60 personnel will be assigned to, and work out of, one of three trailers over the course of two-days. They will be constantly evaluated during their operational period by seasoned Instructors with the aim of satisfying the requirements found in their respective Position Task Book and ultimately Credentialing 24 "COML's or COMT's.

Once these COML's and COMT's are credentialed by Homeland Security they became a deployable asset for any major event that might occur in our State. SECC has two members who have completed all the requisite training to put them in position to participate in this exercise and should receive their COML credentialing.

The Communications Unit Exercise (COMMEX) will be conducted on May 6 and repeated on May 7, 2015, at the Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC), 1100 E. 46th Street in Davenport, Iowa between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The exercise is a one day/eight hour (operational period) and will be repeated on the second day with different trainees. The lessons learned from this event will not only be a benefit to the state, but the nation as a whole.
29 Apr 2015

Smiddy Hosts Community Education Forum

By Paul Ferrero
HILLSDALE, Ill. - To continue his mission to keep constituents informed and fight for high-quality schools in the community, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is hosting a Community Education Forum on Monday, May 4, at Moline High School, 3600 Avenue of the Cities in Moline from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
"Education is critical to the success of our young people, and improving the resources and assistance for local school districts is one of my main priorities in Springfield," Smiddy said. "This event is designed to get parents, educators and administrators involved in the conversation about the direction of our schools."
Smiddy is hosting the event in partnership with the Regional Office of Education and several local superintendents. The program will feature a short update about current educational events in the Capitol from Smiddy, a short discussion of the local education environment from Tammy Muerhoff from the Regional Office of Education, and an open conversation with administrators, hosts and attendees.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to inform parents and educators about the education climate in Illinois, and the chance to hear their suggestions for how we can make our education system as strong as possible," Smiddy said. "Staying in close contact with local leaders, teachers, and parents on the educational issues that affect our classrooms and students is the best way for me to be an effective advocate in Springfield."
The forum is free and open to the public. For questions, please contact Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
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29 Apr 2015

Starenko is featured in "More Than I Imagined" series

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/28/2015)(readMedia)-- Rosalie Starenko, an Augustana senior from Rock Island majoring in geography and Spanish, has been featured in the 2015 "More Than I Imagined" web series, where exceptional seniors from a wide variety of majors reflect on what they've accomplished at Augustana and discuss plans for their futures.

Starenko's "More Than I Imagined" profile may be viewed at http://www.augustana.edu/x62339.xml.

To be included in "More than I Imagined," seniors must be nominated by an Augustana faculty member or coach as an outstanding student.

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 155 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.

28 Apr 2015

Rock Island County Forest Preserve District News

By Robert Jackson Jr.
Rock Island County Forest Preserve District has begun the 2015 camping season, and Loud Thunder and Illiniwek forest preserves are now open. The Forest Preserve District has made some significant changes to the way Loud Thunder and Illiniwek operate so when you visit the preserves be sure to stop in at the camp office prior to setting up at a campsite.
Loud Thunder and Illiniwek have instituted a new policy in regard to firewood as follows:
Only firewood that meets the State (Illinois Department of Agriculture) & Federal
(USDA) certifications and labeling requirements is allowed to be brought onto District
premises. All unauthorized firewood may be removed and destroyed by District staff.
Firewood that is in compliance with this ordinance can be purchased at both Loud Thunder and Illiniwek.
Loud Thunder will be hosting an open house on 5/12/2015 from 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. at the new Park Office located on the west side of the preserve.
The Office phone numbers for the preserves are as follows:
Loud Thunder (309) 795-1040 Illiniwek (309) 496-2620
28 Apr 2015

New Book, 'From Bullied To Black Belt,' Offers Empowering Message

By Rick Martin
Martial Artist Simon Morrell Explores His Journey From Bullied To Black Belt

Renowned martial artist Simon Morrell is spreading a message of hope to those who have or continue to suffer intimidation with his book "From Bullied to Black Belt."

"No matter how bad you may be suffering at the hands of bullies, there is hope and a positive way forward," he says. "You can take courage into your own hands and follow a path similar to mine, from bullied to black belt."

"From Bullied to Black Belt" is the true, sometimes harrowing and always emotional story of a man's arc, which ultimately became triumphant. Morrell was at the receiving end of endless bullying, which began when he was a small child and lasted as he matured into adulthood. As the attacks escalated - to the point where he was attacked with a knife - he became chronically withdrawn and felt destined to live the life of a scared, meek man, a man afraid to leave his house and not daring to expand past his small comfort zone.

However, something within him refused to accept defeat and, with the help of his wife, the mild-mannered man embarked upon a journey in Martial Arts. His original goal was to try to find confidence. It turned out that Morrell not only had the motivation, but also the talent to succeed in Martial Arts. He would become one of the U.K.'s leading Fight Masters - obtaining 6th Dan Black Belt and twice being entered into the Hall of Fame.

"From Bullied To Black Belt" - while written by a Martial Artist - is much more than a book about Martial Arts. It is a story of a man finding himself when all seemed lost. It's a love story that may break the reader's heart. It is a story that will leave you in tears, but it is a story that will eventually leave you inspired.

A film of the book is now in development with a film studio in the United Kingdom, renamed "From Bullied to Black Belt."

About Simon Morrell

Simon Morrell is one of the United Kingdom's leading Martial Artists and Inspirational Speakers, but his success was come by hard. As a young child he was badly bullied, and that evolved into violent assaults as he got older. An attempted stabbing took place by a vicious youth during a particularly frightening period, and further beatings followed. Morrell became agoraphobic and suffered from life-changing panic attacks before deciding he had endured enough. He entered the world of Martial Arts to gain confidence and quickly surprised himself and his loved ones by excelling in it. Today, he holds multiple Black Belts, including 6th Dan Karate and Dan Grade Krav Maga as well as being a two-time Hall of Fame winner. He speaks throughout the UK about his troubles and victories and his story is currently being made into the film "From Bullied to Black Belt" in the United Kingdom. He has spoken in the International Press and on the BBC about his experiences.

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