26 Mar 2015

Music News from Augustana College

By Lauren Reid

Augustana students performed in St. Patrick's Day Concert

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/23/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Flute Choir performed a St. Patrick's Day Concert on Tuesday, March 17 in Wallenberg Hall. Ten student musicians shared their talents with the Augustana community, helping to celebrate this holiday. Selections included Jonathen Cohen's "Piccolos in the Pub" and David Bailey's "A Lively Irish Medley" among others.

Students from your area include :

Kayla Jackson, of Rock Island, IL

Ashley Martin, of Moline, IL

Ingrid Schneider, of Davenport, IA

Jens Hurty performed senior recital at Augustana College

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/23/2015)(readMedia)-- Augustana senior, Jens Hurty, a vocal music performance major of Moline, Ill., performed his senior recital on Saturday, March 21 in Wallenberg Hall. He performed "The Song that Goes Like This" from Monty Python's Spamalot by John De Prez and Eric Idle and Johann Sebastian Bach's "Mache dich, mein Herze, rein" from Matthaus-Passion, among others. He was accompanied by Robert Elfline on piano and Kelsey Schauer, a mezzo-soprano.

Student recitals at Augustana College are a requirement for those pursuing a major in music performance. Other students pursuing a major or minor in music related to composition, general music, or education are highly encouraged to perform in a recital to showcase their progress and musicality.

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.

26 Mar 2015

Rabbi Brant Rosen to Speak in Des Moines on Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions: The Movement for Justice in Palestine

By Kathleen McQuillen
Rabbi Brant Rosen, newly appointed Midwest Regional Director of the Quaker-based American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) will speak at the Des Moines Social Club on Thursday, March 26 at 7:00 pm.

Rosen's presentation will be the last in a series of educational events held in conjunction with the AFSC exhibit:  "Boycott-The Art of Economic Activism" (www.afsc.org/boycott) which highlights the role of boycotts in social justice movements over the past 60 years.

Rabbi Rosen's speech Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions: The Movement for Justice in Palestine looks at the importance of economic activism in the work to achieve a just peace in Palestine-Israel.

Before coming to AFSC, Rabbi Rosen served as congregational rabbi for over 20 years, including 17 at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, IL. Rabbi Rosen is the Co-Founder and Co-Chairperson of the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council and was the founder, with Rabbi Brian Walt, of the Jewish Fast for Gaza. He is the author of the popular blog Shalom Rav and the book "Wrestling in the Daylight: A Rabbi's Path to Palestinian Solidarity," published in 2012 by Just World Books.

What:  Rabbi to speak for justice in Palestine

Who: Rabbi Brant Rosen


When: Thursday, March 26, 2015; 7:00 PM

Where:  DM Social Club, 900 Mulberry, Des Moines

Photo opportunities: 58 historical posters highlighting the role of boycott campaigns in  economic justice movements

Rabbi Rosen is available for interviews on Thursday and Friday, March 26 and March 27. In light of Prime Minster Netanyahu's speech to Congress and the recent elections in Israel this is a most opportune time to meet with Rabbi Rosen.
26 Mar 2015

A new exhibition will be opening at the Figge Art Museum this weekend. Danish Modern: Design for Living will be on display in the Katz Gallery starting Saturday.

By Natalie Dunlap

Danish Modern: Design for Living

Davenport, Iowa (March 23, 2015) - Iconic examples of 20th century furniture design will be coming to the Figge Art Museum beginning Friday with the exhibition Danish Modern: Design for Living. Organized by the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa, Danish Modern brings together a wonderful selection of the most influential pieces of post-war furniture design. 

As evidenced by stylish set designs of the popular AMC series Mad Men, Danish furniture design played a major role in American interior décor during the 1950s and '60s, where it was perfectly at home in the glass and steel skyscrapers of Manhattan and the ubiquitous pastel painted, single-level ranch homes of suburbia.

Dozens of vintage pieces from the period by designers such as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Niels Otto Møller, Borge Mogensen and Hans Wegner will be on view. Wegner is featured with his most popular designs including the Round Chair, later known simply as "the Chair" after it gained wide popularity in televised presidential debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.

In addition, light fixtures, toys, tablewares and serving pieces will be included.

Wynne Schafer, a professional interior designer and primary consultant for the exhibition's layout, is thrilled for this exhibition to be featured at the Figge.  "Danish design is a highly regarded style expressing beautiful forms adapted for modern day needs," she explained.  "The designs are based on simplified historical forms and nature using high quality production and efficient use of materials.  These elegant products are timeless in style and bring beauty to our everyday lives."

Danish Modern: Design for Living reminds us of how intertwined Danish design and our daily lives were in the post-war era, and invites us to look ahead by looking back at some of the most forward-thinking designs of the time.

This exhibition is sponsored by Schafer Interiors and will be on view in the Katz Gallery this Saturday, March 28  - Sunday, June 21, 2015.

COMPANION EVENTS:

Opening Reception, Talk and Tour
Thursday, April 2
5:30 p.m. Opening Reception (members only)
7 p.m. Exhibition Talk (open to public)

Museum of Danish America Executive Director Dr. John Mark Nielsen will discuss Danish design as it's lived in Denmark. Following the talk, Tova Brandt, Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American Culture, will give a tour of the exhibition.

Gallery Talk
Thursday, April 30
7 p.m. Danish Modern Talk

Join Wynne Schafer for a gallery talk about the exhibition. Schafer, a professional interior designer, is the primary consultant for the exhibition's layout and installation and has taught interior design and decorative art history for 30 years at Scott Community College. 

Docent-led Tours
1:30 p.m. Sundays, April 12, 19
1:30 p.m. Saturdays, April 18, 25

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members, and free to all on Thursdayevenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

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26 Mar 2015

Illinois Treasurer Auction Results: $93,000

By Greg Rivara

Results Grossed 53 Percent More Than Appraised Value

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Treasurer online auction took in $92,653, eclipsing the anticipated amount of $60,425.

"Our auctions occur after the items have not been claimed after a 10-year search," Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. "It is exciting to know these valuables will bring enjoyment to so many people after so many years."

Commemorative coins, jewelry, baseball cards and comic books were among the 16,200 items auctioned between March 16 and March 20. More information about unclaimed property, including the ability to search by last name, is available at illinoistreasurer.gov. Click on the I-Cash button.

Following best practices, individual auction items were appraised by an outside vendor and grouped together to increase bidding interest. Net proceeds fund efforts to reunite cash and valuables with their owners. Interest earned on investments is used to pay state bills. Typically, that amount exceeds $130 million each year.

The Treasurer's Office holds more than $2.1 billion in unclaimed cash and property. Examples include forgotten bank accounts, payroll checks, insurance proceeds, consumer refunds and unclaimed safe-deposit box items. Last year, one-in-four people who searched I?Cash found cash or an item. The average discovery was valued at $1,000. The largest amount of unclaimed property recovered through I-Cash was in 2008 and valued at more than $1 million.

Top items in this month's auction included a lot with an 1894 Morgan Silver Dollar ($4,550), a lot with a $50 Liberty Eagle One Ounce Gold Piece ($2,775), and a lot with a Rookwood Pottery vase ($1,075). The lot with a Chicago Cubs 1965 Ernie Banks baseball card and a Chicago White Sox Frank Thomas signed rookie card garnered $685.

Historically, auction items that have received the highest bids include 383 Roosevelt dimes that went for $10,520 in September 2012, five 1947 $50 Mexican Pesos that went for $10,050 in March 2013, and a Platinum 2 Carat Diamond ring that went for $9,000 in November 2014.

Auctions occur after the rightful owners have not claimed the property despite 10 years of public and private notification efforts. These notification efforts will continue and auction proceeds will be held if the rightful owners are identified.

About the State Treasurer's Office

The Illinois Treasurer is the state's chief investment officer and banker. The Treasurer uses the investments to protect residents and promote the economy. Program examples include managing savings plans for colleges and trade schools, increasing financial education among all ages and removing barriers to a secured retirement. Treasurer Michael Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer who invests money on behalf of the state and its residents. The $27 billion portfolio includes $15 billion in state funds, $7 billion in college savings plans and $5 billion on behalf of local and state government. The Treasurer also supports loans to support community development. The investment approach is conservative to ensure the safety of principal. The Treasurer's Office pre-dates Illinois' statehood and was included in Illinois' incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 voted to make it an elected office.

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26 Mar 2015

Iowa FFA Member Celebrated at Fifth Annual White House Science Fair

By Geoffrey Miller

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, March 23, 2015 /National FFA Organization) - A member of the National FFA Organization is being celebrated today at a White House event for students who excel in science.

Eric Koehlmoos, 18, of Iowa, is a member of the South O'Brien FFA Chapter in Paulina, Iowa. He was invited to the 2015 White House Science Fair that celebrates the accomplishments of student winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions throughout the United States.

More than 100 of the nation's brightest young minds will be welcomed to the fifth White House Science fair. In the past, innovative inventions, discoveries and science projects have been showcased.

Koehlmoos won first place in his category and division, Power, Structural and Technical Systems, at the 2014 National FFA Agriscience Fair, an annual competition sponsored by Cargill, Bayer CropScience, John Deere, PotashCorp and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, during the National FFA Convention & Expo. The fair features the research and results of FFA members who plan on pursuing careers in the science and technology of agriculture. This accomplishment earned him the special White House invite.

Koehlmoos' project, "Grass to Gas," consisted of three years of research with prairie cordgrass and switch grass and their potential impact in the cellulosic ethanol industry.

"Because I come from a farm background, " Koehlmoos said, "I was very interested in the biofuel industry and the new cellulosic ethanol plants being built near my house."

During his three years of research, Koehlmoos found that both grasses produce nearly 200 more gallons of ethanol per acre than corn and wheat straw, two mainstream methods for ethanol production. He also discovered that when both grasses are pretreated with calcium hydroxide, ethanol yields are increased by as much as 80 percent and produces a byproduct that has higher protein values than corn distiller grains.

Koehlmoos plans to continue his research in college and would ultimately like to use these grasses to commercially produce ethanol in the Southern Plains, which would provide a sustainable solution to importing foreign oil while also not competing with the food supply.

The White House Science Fair will be webcast live at http:/www.whitehouse.gov/live. Highlights of today's event can be followed on Twitter: #WHScienceFair.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 610,240 student members who belong to one of 7,665 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

# # #

About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 610,240 student members as part of 7,665 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give
26 Mar 2015

Statement on employee empowerment zones

By Lance Trover

Statement attributable to Lance Trover, Director of Communications, Office of the Governor

"The Rauner administration respectfully disagrees with the Attorney General's opinion regarding local right-to-work. The administration is confident that with enabling legislation from the state, local governments can create employee empowerment zones." 

26 Mar 2015

Governor Announced Appointments

By Lance Trover

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has appointed the Illinois Secretary of Education and the Illinois Fire Marshal. He also made appointments to the Illinois Gaming Board, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Board and the Executive Ethics Commission. 

Name: Beth Purvis  

Position: Secretary of Education  

Governor Bruce Rauner has selected Dr. Beth Purvis to serve as Illinois' Secretary of Education. Dr. Purvis brings 22 years of education experience to the position. 

For over 12 years, Dr. Purvis served as Chief Executive Officer for the Chicago International Charter School. Before joining Chicago International Charter School she was an assistant professor of special education and associate director of the Child and Family Development Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Previously, Dr. Purvis served as an early childhood special educator at Tennessee's Early Intervention System in Nashville, Tenn. She was also a teacher of the blind and visually impaired for Montgomery County Public Schools in Bethesda, Md.  

Dr. Purvis is a graduate of Bucknell University where she earned a bachelor's degree in educational research and elementary education. She earned a master's degree from Teachers College at Columbia University and a Doctor of Education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. She currently resides in Chicago.  

   

   

Name: Matthew Perez  

Position: Fire Marshal  

   

Governor Bruce Rauner announced he has selected Matthew Perez to become the Illinois Fire Marshal. He has nearly 30 years of experience in public safety.  

   

Perez is currently the Fire Marshal for the City of Aurora. He's been with the department for 27 years. As Fire Marshal, he is the supervisor of the fire prevention bureau and the Assistant Chief of the fire department.  

   

Prior to his work as a firefighter, Perez was a Kane County Sheriff's Deputy. He worked for two years as a patrol officer.  

   

Perez is a graduate of Southern Illinois University. He holds a bachelor's degree in fire service management. He lives in Sugar Grove.  

   

   

Name: Hector Alejandre  

Position: Board Member - Illinois Gaming Board  

   

Governor Bruce Rauner has selected Hector Alejandre to join the Illinois Gaming Board. Alejandre will bring a law enforcement perspective to the position.  

   

Alejandre is currently a Special Agent with the Illinois State Police. He conducts Medicaid fraud investigations.  He also serves as president of the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association. Previously, Alejandre worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration as a task force officer conducting pharmaceutical investigations. Prior to his work at the DEA, Alejandre worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections as a senior parole agent. In that position he supervised juvenile and adult offenders.  

 

Alejandre is a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University. He earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He is a resident of Chicago.

 

 

Name: David Kahnweiler

Position: Board Member -Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Board

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed David Kahnweiler to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Board. He brings more than 35 years of real estate experience to the position.

 

Kahnweiler has spent his professional career at Colliers International, a leading global commercial real estate company. He is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. His experience spans office, industrial and investment brokerage, and industrial development. He concentrates on assisting corporations with relocation and strategic planning.

 

Kahnweiler is a graduate of the University of Michigan. He lives in Winnetka.

 

 

Name: James Schink

Position: Board Member -Executive Ethics Commission

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed James Schink to the Executive Ethics Commission. Schink is an attorney with 47 years of experience who has published articles on ethics in the law.

 

Schink is currently Of Counsel for Kirkland & Ellis LLP, focusing on litigation in a number of areas including contracts, product liability, anti-trust, fraud, and water resource allocation, among others. He has argued more than 75 jury and bench trials, international arbitrations and agency proceedings. Schink started at the firm as an associate, working his way up to a partner in just four years. Schink served as General Counsel for Kirkland & Ellis LLP from 2004 to 2013.

 

Prior to his work at Kirkland, Schink was a law clerk for Judge Luther Snygert of the United States Court of Appeals - Seventh District. 

Schink is a graduate of Yale University where he earned his bachelor's degree in economics and his law degree. He currently lives in Chicago.

 

 

Name: Stephen Schnorf

Position: Board Member - Executive Ethics Commission

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Stephen Schnorf to the Executive Ethics Commission. Schnorf was the Illinois Budget Director under two governors. He has nearly 50 years of combined experience in the private and public sectors. He is currently a private consultant.

 

Schnorf's career in Illinois state government is expansive. He is currently the Chairman of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. From 1997 to 2002, he was the Director of the Illinois Bureau of the Budget. He was also the Director of Policy for Governor Jim Edgar for three years. From 1991 to 1994, and again in 2002, he was the Director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. Schnorf also worked for the Secretary of State from 1981 to 1991.

 

Before his career in state government, Schnorf was an advocate and teacher for people with disabilities. He was the Director of Advocacy Planning for the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities from 1976 to 1978. He was also a high school teacher at Robinson High School from 1966 to 1969.

 

Schnorf earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Eastern Illinois University. He is a resident of Rochester.

 

 

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26 Mar 2015

Don't Let These Financial Blunders Leave Your Wallet Empty

By Rick Martin

Financial Literacy Month Is A Good Time To Get Your Fiscal House In Order

To err is human, but when mistakes affect your pocketbook it's not exactly divine.

Don't feel alone if you've committed a financial blunder, though. Two-thirds of Americans have made a significant money mistake somewhere along the way, says Jim Chilton, founder and chief executive officer of the non-profit Society for Financial Awareness (www.sofausa.org).

Since April is National Financial Literacy Month, this is a good time for anyone to pledge to do a better job handling money, says Chilton, whose organization's mission is to "eliminate financial illiteracy, one community at a time."

SOFA does that by conducting free workshops and seminars for corporations, small businesses, government agencies, community colleges, libraries, churches or organizations.

"One thing I always tell people is that you can't let your emotions get in the way when you are trying to meet your financial goals," Chilton says. "When it comes to finances, there is always going to be at least a little uncertainty."

But he says people can go a long way toward financial stability if they avoid these common blunders:

•  Living without a 'net.' Bad things happen in life, even to the best people who are trying to do the right things. That's why you need to set aside savings that will serve as an emergency fund in case you suddenly have major medical problems or lose your job, Chilton says. He recommends a six to 12-month cushion that would cover your mortgage, groceries, utilities and the other necessities of day-to-day living.

•  Failing to check credit reports. More than 70 percent of credit reports contain some sort of error, Chilton says. Meanwhile, identity theft is on the rise. You should check your credit reports annually to make sure you are not a victim.

•  Giving little thought to retirement. Many people fail to properly prepare for retirement. If you think Social Security will take care of you, think again. Social Security is designed as supplemental income, not something that can replace your entire paycheck, Chilton says. You need to plan and save to make sure you can lead the lifestyle you want in your later years.

•  Racking up credit card debt. Credit seems to rule, but cash should be your real king, Chilton says. Americans are carrying more than $800 billion in credit card debt, he says. Making a conscious effort to use cash will help wean you off your reliance on plastic. "If you are struggling with credit card debt, you need to start making a plan to get rid of that debt," he says.

•  Seeking advice in the wrong places. Uncle Felix may mean well, but he's not necessarily the ideal person to offer you advice on the stock market. A trained professional is your best bet, Chilton says. Sure, word of mouth can be helpful, but it can be equally hurtful. Before you pick someone to help you with investments, though, do your homework because you want someone with a good reputation, Chilton says. Check with the Better Business Bureau and do a Google search to see what else you can learn.

•  Trying to do too much, too quickly. Financial problems that took years to create aren't going to be fixed overnight, Chilton says. So ease into your new financial plan. Instead of a dramatic overhaul that could leave you frustrated, try to make small changes that will lead to larger commitments.

"Even as we get older and presumably know more, we are still bound to make a misstep here or there," Chilton says. "We simply can't know it all, especially when it comes to our finances.

"But if we realize our limitations, we can at least learn to make fewer mistakes and do a better job of setting and meeting the goals we have for our money."

About Jim Chilton

Jim Chilton is the founder and chief executive officer for the Society for Financial Awareness, or SOFA (www.sofausa.org), a non-profit public benefit corporation with a mission to provide financial education across America. SOFA conducts free financial workshops and seminars to individuals, companies, and organizations on such topics as "Getting Fiscally Fit," "Financial Blunders," "Exploring Your Options for a Quality Retirement" and "Solving Debt." Chilton is a San Diego, Calif., native and alumnus of San Diego State University. After college, he became a high school teacher and coach, but later joined the financial services industry. After achieving a desirable level of success, Chilton felt the need to do more for the community and in 1993 founded SOFA.

26 Mar 2015

Smiddy Pushes a Plan for Doctors to Safely Practice in Multiple States

By Paul Ferraro
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help serve patients in rural areas at a time of shortages of physicians and more patients seeking health care state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, advanced legislation Wednesday to bring a multi-state agreement to Illinois, helping doctors safely and transparently practice medicine in multiple states.
"Many areas of Illinois have little access to healthcare, and this bill will help those areas attract doctors from cooperating states to help those patients receive the high-quality care they deserve," Smiddy said. "Illinois joining the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact will give families and seniors in our towns access to more methods of care in a safe and transparent way."
Smiddy introduced House Bill 3680 to add Illinois to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, allowing doctors to practice medicine here and in multiple states. The agreement will help expand access to healthcare, especially in rural areas which are often underserved. The compact will also help state share information regarding doctor performance and any ethical concerns to help protect patients.
25 Mar 2015

Upcoming Events at the Rock Island Library this week

By Lisa Lockheart

Duct Tape Craft,  Maker Programs Provide Free School Break Fun

Rock Island, IL: Rock Island Library continues free programming next week to keep children and teens occupied and entertained during the Rock Island/Milan Schools spring break.

Children ages eight and up can learn computer skills with a "Creation Station" program from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, March 23 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The maker-space style program will allow kids to make and play with an "art bot," to learn basic computer coding skills with the "Robot Turtles" board game, and to create simple computer animations with the Scratch program from MIT.

A "Make it Play It Time" will be offered at 4:00 pm on March 25 at the Main Library. Children from grades 2nd to 6th grades will explore the science of flight by building and flying paper airplanes. A  LEGO brick building activity will also be offered  at 4:00 pm on March 25 at the Southwest Branch.

A Duct Tape Craft for children will be offered at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 26 at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Kids ages 8 and up can make a coin or pencil case out of colorful duct tape and recycled chip bags. All materials will be supplied.

Kids and families can end the week by seeing a free new release animated movie on Friday, March 27, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Main Library. The movie is rated PG, and features the adventures of a boy raised by underground box-collecting trolls. It's based on the children's book "Here Be Monsters," by Alan Snow. The movie and popcorn are free.

Other children's events for March include a Read with Rover session on March 30 at  5:30 pm at the Southwest Branch. The activity gives children from grades Kindergarten to 6th grades a chance to read aloud to certified therapy dog. The event will be immediately followed by a Pajama Storytime for ages birth to five at 6:30 pm, also at the Southwest Branch.

Teen gamers should check out Teen Gaming Night with video gaming on the XBox 360 and Wii platforms is from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm on March 26, and a Teen Minecraft Day from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 28, also at the Main Library. Teens will take turns playing Minecraft on the library's XBox 360 system, enjoy Minecraft themed snacks, and make Minecraft "weapons" to take home. All Teen events are for ages 12 to 18.

Sign up for Pinterest Party Crafts at Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library

Rock Island, IL: If you've seen or pinned craft ideas on the Pinterest social media site, the Rock Island Library now offers programs to let you try the crafts out in a group setting.

Monthly Pinterest Parties will be offered on the final Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street. Each night features a craft seen on Pinterest. Projects include an embellished greeting card on March 26, a recycled book craft on April 30, and a painted flower pot on May 28.

The events are free and all materials are supplied. To sign up for any of the above crafts, use the online calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org or call 309-732-7369. Enrollment is limited to 20 adults.

Learn About Blueberries at Rock Island Library March 26

Rock Island, IL: Looking for a sweet way to add healthy foods to your diet? You can pick up some ideas at a free program next week from the Rock Island Public Library.

Blueberries: Our Native Super Fruit, a free program on growing and using blueberries, will be offered by Master Gardener LaRea McMillin at2:00 pm on Thursday, March 26 at the Main Library. Ranking only second to strawberries in US food consumption, blueberries deliver a one-two punch of flavor and cell-saving antioxidants. McMillin will present information on planting, fertilizing, maintaining, harvesting, and landscaping with blueberry plants, as well as how to store, freeze and use the berries.

The program is free and open to the public.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

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