06 Mar 2015

Statement on first status report from federal Special Master on IDOT hiring scandal

By Catherine Kelly

Statement attributable to Catherine Kelly, Press Secretary, Office of the Governor

"The report confirms that previous governors were engaged in a corrupt bargain with government unions, making illegal political hires and putting them into protected government union positions. Governor Rauner is committed to reversing the illegal hiring scheme and enacting civil service reforms that will prevent these types of abuses from happening in the future."

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06 Mar 2015

CAPTURING THE REMAGEN BRIDGE 70 YEARS AGO

By G A H C
"The Miracle of Remagen" - The 9th Armored Division of the US 1st Army Captures the Last Surviving Bridge Across the Rhine on March 7, 1945 & Hastens the End of WWII.

Sunday, March 8th @ 2pm Dr. Wolf Koch

As the Allied armies approached, Hitler ordered the destruction of all the bridges that spanned the Rhine. By March 7, they all had been destroyed, except one - the Ludendorff railroad bridge at the little resort town of Remagen a few miles to the south of Cologne. On that day at about 1PM an American reconnaissance patrol reached the wooded hills overlooking the river at Remagen, and to their surprise, discovered the bridge still intact. Then the race began. By 4 PM the US Army had reached the other side of the river and secured the bridge. Over the next several days, heavy fighting ensued while more than 25,000 troops and heavy equipment crossed the river until the bridge collapsed on March 17, 1945.

US Army estimates indicate that the surprise crossing of the Ludendorff Bridge probably saved more than 5000 American lives that otherwise would have been lost by an assault crossing of the river. In addition, the capture of the bridge enabled the US Army to encircle and trap 300,000 German troops east of the Rhine in a matter of days, thereby causing the war to end much earlier than expected on May 8, 1945.

The presentation is based on eye witness accounts and interviews, histories of the 1st Army and the 9th Armored Division, as well as several books written by historians on both sides of the conflict. It includes original photos and film clips as well as interviews from US Army and German archives.

About our presenter:

Wolf Koch grew up in the Rhine River valley in Oberwinter, now a suburb of Remagen, and immigrated to this country more than five decades ago. He recalls accounts by family members and friends about the fight around the bridge head. He served as an officer in the US Air Force and was stationed for four years at Bitburg Air Force Base, not far from the Remagen site. Dr. Koch, a resident of Sterling, Illinois, is a consultant to the oil and petrochemical industries and has been a professor of chemical engineering. He regularly presents talks on energy related topics at professional society and civic group meetings.

He and his wife Linnea travel extensively; their interest in history has taken them to many historical sites in European countries, covering the period between the Stone Age and medieval times. Locally, they have studied accounts of the Adena and Hopewell civilizations, have traveled to many mound builder sites in Ohio, Iowa and Illinois and completed a booklet on the Hopewell civilization in the Rock River valley for use as a resource in teaching local history. Dr. Koch has given many talks on the Hopewell and was an invited speaker at a combined Annual Meeting of the Iowa and Illinois State Archeological Societies.
06 Mar 2015

Slingin' Dirt at SouthPark Mall: Join us for this free, family fun stock car event!

By Rick Martin

Who: Bring your little race fans to SouthPark Mall this Saturday for the "Slingin' Dirt" stock car racing event that's fun for all ages!

Over 25 stock cars will be on display inside SouthPark Mall from 10a-5p on Saturday, March 7. Everything from go carts to simulators will be on hand. First, second and third place will be awarded during the event. Drivers in race gear will be handing out autographs, while Redline Race Wrap wraps Bryan Brinker's IMCA SportMod.

For more information on "Slingin' Dirt", visit www.shopsouthparkmall-il.com/events, or follow us on Twitter @SouthParkMallIL, and like us on Facebook at

When: SouthPark Mall

Saturday, March 7, from 10a-5p

 

Where: SouthPark Mall

4500 16th Street

Moline, IL 61265

--Photographers and Camera Crews Welcome --

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06 Mar 2015

New House bill lifeline for Illinois patients / Cap the Copay

By Bess Featherstone

REP. ANDRADE SPONSORS BILL TO PROTECT PATIENTS; MAKE MEDICINE AFFORDABLE

House Bill 3605 aims to cap copayments, critical help for those with chronic diseases

March 4, 2015 -- State Representative Jaime Andrade today announced new legislation that would amend the Illinois Insurance Code to put a pre-deductible cap on the skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs of medications, making vital prescriptions affordable for those who need them. Andrade is joined by 13 co-sponsors from across the state.

House Bill 3605 is a lifeline to patients like James, a 22-year-old hemophiliac living in Palatine, IL, whose medicine can cost $5,000 per dose and up to $40,000 per month. Until his family meets their annual $3,000 deductible through other medical costs, insurance currently will not cover James' costs.

"This bill will allow my family to order James' medicine even before we meet our $3,000 deductible, which can take months," says Theresa, James' mother. "If this legislation passes, my son will no longer wait for his medication as we work to meet our deductible."

House Bill 3605 would cap out-of-pocket costs per prescription, per 30-day supply on a bifurcated approach: medications on silver, gold and platinum plans would be capped at $100 per month and those on bronze plans at $200. These caps would be applied pre-deductible and be inclusive of a patient's annual deductible and out-of-pocket spending limits. All state regulated, fully insured plans and those on the marketplace exchange would be included.

"People living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, epilepsy, HIV and leukemia face lengthy, costly treatments and are often paying 25-50 percent of their medications' costs each month, on top of regular monthly insurance premiums, even with good insurance," said Rep. Andrade. "Who can afford what amounts to an extra month's rent every month? It is wrong and unfair that fully-insured Illinoisans living with serious conditions can't afford the treatments they need. It is time we addressed this issue in Springfield."

A statewide coalition of health organizations, formed in an effort to "Cap the Copay" (www.capthecopay.org), support this bill and its companion in the Senate-Senate Bill 1359, which is sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes. Members include the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Bleeding Disorders Alliance of Illinois, Caring Ambassadors, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, Illinois Arthritis Foundation, Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization, Illinois Mental Health Summit, Illinois Psychiatric Society, International Myeloma Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Mental Health America of Illinois, MPN Research Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation and the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

 

# # #

06 Mar 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 03/06/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

NEWSLETTER

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce March 2015 Newsletter has been sent to all homes and businesses in the 52753 zipcode area! Go to www.leclairechamber.com to see it online.

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Riverview Manor 17990 Spencer Road, Pleasant Valley, IA. A fifty bed skilled nursing home.  www.riverviewmanorqca.com 563-332-4600

 

Quad City Times 500 E. Third St., Davenport. The Quad-City Times is a daily morning newspaper based in Davenport, Iowa, and circulated throughout the Quad Cities metropolitan area, Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. qctimes.com/

Unique Recycled Creations & Gifts - Rhonda and Cole DeVrieze - 118 N. Cody Rd, LeClaire. Recycled chalk boards and locally made handmade gift items and crafts. 309-507-2929

RIBBON CUTTINGS!

March 6th - Best Days Photography Grand Opening - Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m. Owner Melanie McCalley. Best Days Photography provides a fresh and bright style of imagery for weddings, events, corporate and portrait clients. Drawings to celebrate Grand Opening! 117 South Cody Road, LeClaire, IA 52753. www.bestdaysphoto.com or email Melanie@bestdaysphoto.com

March 27th - Grace Marine Grand Opening - Ribbon Cutting - 10:00 a.m. Grace Marine will celebrate its Grand Opening March 27-29. Come see the new showroom, 905 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. Special incentives on all new inventory! Refreshments, door prizes, games. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!

CALENDAR

March 2nd-8th - Celebrate Restaurant Week at the following LeClaire restaurants!

Bierstube: Two for $15 lunch specials and two for $25 dinner specials.

El Rio Spa & Wellnes Café: Lunch for two for $15. Choose from 1) Blueberry Grilled Cheese and Kale Salad, or 2) Turkey Sandwich and Chipotle Salad.

Crane & Pelican Café - March 2-7 -Great lunch and dinner specials. Find their special menu here: www.craneandpelican.com/menu/restaurantweek2015.pdf

Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill - March 4-8 - Lunch 2/$15 - Cowboy Burger, Grilled or Breaded Tenderloin, Bucket List Burger. Chips/Salsa, Drink included!

March 6th - Best Days Photography Grand Opening Day - Chamber Ribbon Cutting 4 p.m.

March 6th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Co. Boetje's and Mississippi River Distilling Company will take the wraps off of their new collaboration, "Boetje's Bourbon Barrel Aged Mustard", soaked for over a month in used Cody Road Bourbon casks! Fun food and cocktail sampling - 5:30-8p.m.

Wide River Winery is featuring samples of their popular Spicy Sausage Dip along with wine sampling.

129 will be open until midnight.

Artswork will be open until 7pm.

Aunt Hattie's will be open late.

Blue Iguana is offering a Springy Raspberry Peach Margarita for $4 - small; $7 - large. It will be made with MRDC Peach liquor!

Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits will have live music by Bobby Ray Bunch starting at 7:30pm.

Grasshoppers will be open late.

Isabel Bloom will be open until 7pm. Be "wearin' the green" and receive 10% off one sculpture!

Razzleberries will be open late.

Unique Recycled Creations will be open till 7pm serving free hot chocolate and brownie bites.

Urban Classic Home will be open late.

Many other shops open late!  Enjoy our great Restaurants!

 

March 6th - Meet, Eat and Greet Networking Night with Quad Cities Creative Re-users. Reusable Usables will provide appetizers and NA drinks. You are welcome to BYOB. Adults only. Join their group: www.meetup.com/Quad-Cities-Creative-Reuse/ 6:30pm:

 

March 8th - Princeton Community Center Bingo 2nd Sunday of every month 6 - 8p.m.

 

March 9th -14th - Bierstube Celebrates 6th Anniversary! Food and Drink Specials Every Day! Old 57's Live March 14, 8p.m. - Midnight

 

Zion Lutheran, Princeton - Lenten Series of Forums and Reflection each Wednesday in Lent. The schedule will be: 5:30 p.m. Soup Supper, 6:30 p.m. Adult Forum, and 7:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross Liturgy. Each adult forum will look at one aspect of preparing for the end of your life. Topics include :

March 11th - Chaplain Patty Tillman, Genesis Spiritual Care, "The Conversation: Living Well at the End of Life"

March 18th - Wylie Pillers, Pillers and Richmond, "Wills, Trust, and Power of Attorneys"

March 25th - Roger Huff, Thrivent, "Sharing Your Good Fortune".

March 12th - LeClaire Community Library - Retro Gaming Drop in between 6-7:30pm. Classic video game systems like Intellivision, Nintendo, Sega Gensis, and more! Hosted by TAG as part of Teen Tech Week. Open to grades 1st-12th.

March 12th - Tip a Quad City Mallard Night at Bierstube 6-9pm. Come meet the players! Donations will go to the Wounded Warrior Project and Bierstube will match donations

March 14th - Men's Fellowship, sponsored by Zion Lutheran, Princeton, is an opportunity for local men to join for breakfast and conversation the second Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m. in Zion's basement. All are welcome!

March 14th-17th - Blue Iguana will have Green Beer and Irish Redhead as features in honor of St. Paddy's day.

 

Saturday, March 21st - Blue Iguana is celebrating the first "Tweet" that took place in 2006. If you Tweet a picture of your food while dining with #awesomefood #blueiguana, you can get $5 off your bill.

March 21st - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center 127 S. Cody Road. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. 8-person teams; $10 per person. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans are 10 for $10. Each team may bring its own snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Call Debbie at 563-349-4403 or email Smith5Grand@gmail.com to reserve a table.

March 22nd - The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits - Blind Wine Tasting 3-5pm. $15 for 15 wines; you guess the varietals and win Faithful Pilot Prizes. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

March 23rd - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8:00 a.m.

 

March 24th - Chamber Networking Event - Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits 5:30-7pm

 

March 25th - Vino Van Gogh, The Crane & Pelican Café 6:30-9p.m. Painting Dancing Daisies, $38. To sign up for Vino Van Gogh: http://www.vinogogh.com/QuadCities/EventOrder.aspx?id=3116

March 25th - LeClaire Community Library - Adults Book Club Fireplace. This month we'll be reading 'Room' by Emma Donoghue

March 27th - Grace Marine Grand Opening - Ribbon Cutting - 10:00 a.m.

March 28th - Princeton Community Center - Talent Show 7:00 P.M.

 

March 29th- Princeton Community Center - Talent Show 2:00 P.M. - ?

March 29th - YOGART - Family Yoga & Art at Reusable Usables. 3:30pm. $5 donation per family, ages 2 & up. No experience necessary. Bring a water bottles and yoga mats - mats available to rent $2 each. Simple art project using recycled or reusable materials will follow Yoga.

SAVE THE DATE

 

April 3rd - First Friday in LeClaire 5:30-8pm.

April 5th - Bierstube Easter Brunch 7a.m. to noon. $13.95 adults, $7.95 ages 6-12. Children under 5 eat free. Reservations recommended - 563-289-2121

 

April 5th - The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Easter Brunch 10am & 12:30pm seating. Three courses for $35 per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

 

April 15th - The Friends of the Library Annual Spelling Bee 6pm. This year's event will be taking place at City Hall (325 Wisconsin Street) to make more room for participants and their families.

 

April 18th - Cars & Coffee on the LeClaire 9-11a.m. Join their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/groups/CarsandcoffeeLeClaire/ and keep up on all future Cars & Coffee events. 9-11a.m.

 

April 18th - "Wine Hop" in Downtown LeClaire 4-6pm Enjoy samples of wine at participating businesses. Proceeds to benefit Christmas in LeClaire. More information to follow.

 

April 22nd - LeClaire Community Library - Adults Book Club 'My Name is Mary Sutter' by Robin Oliveira.

 

April 24th-25th LeClaire Girls' Getaway Weekend! Tickets $50 - Dinner at Steventons, Styleshow, door prizes, raffle giveaway, purchase raffle tickets to win a "LeClaire Basket" including Spa Experience for two, overnight stay at Grasshoppers B&B, dinner, and more. Goodie Bags, Sales, Giveaways and Promotions.  Money from the raffle will be donated to "Winnies Place". Seating is limited! Sign up and more information at www.leclairegirlsgetaway.com

 

April 27h - Economic Development Meeting City Hall, 8:00a.m.

 

FYI

 

LeClaire Community Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG): Join our Youth Services Coordinator every 3rd Thursday of the month from 4-5pm for TAG. Help make the library improve their services and programs for teens AND earn service learning credits for school. Email Emily Arnold at eaarnold@leclaireiowa.gov for more details.

Bierstube Lent Features available during Lent! Lemon Whiskey Shrimp, Shrimp PoBoy Sandwich, Shrimp Alfredo, Tilapia and Rainbow Trout.

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

 

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Wednesday evening program: Halftime! For kids, 5-11 years old. It's half way through the week - and it's a time of fun for the kids. We meet from 5:30-7pm, every Wednesday - there is school, through May 6. We serve dinner, play games, have a lesson and a craft. Have your child join us for a week or two to see what we are doing. We are located across from Bridgeview Elementary School, at 200 South 12th street. For more information, call Pastor Melody at 563-381-7777.

 

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

 

PROPERTY LISTINGS

 

Riverview Apartment for Rent - Downtown LeClaire. One Bedroom. $1250/month. Call 563-940-3742 for more information.

Commercial Property for Sale 510 N. Cody Road. Contact William Robertson (563) 940-1517 billrobertson@ruhl-ruhl.com

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

 

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

April 18th - Cars and Coffee on the Levee

April 18th - LeClaire Wine Hop!

April 24th-25th - Girls' Getaway Weekend!

 

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

March 24th - Faithful Pilot - Evening/5:30

April 14th -- El Rio - Lunch - noon

06 Mar 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 3/6 - 3/12

By QC Chamber

Focusing entirely on health and lifestyle choices, the Women's Health and Lifestyle Fair returns to the RiverCenter Saturday for it's 24th year. For $1 and one can of food, you can enjoy fitness tips, home decorating advice, cooking facts, and more. Later that evening, "stunningly brilliant" pianist, Joel Fan, performs at the Adler with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Masterworks V. A combination of rhythmic energy and direct expression help this performance characterize the diversity within American music.

Local bands and artists are taking over the second floor of the River Music Experience on Saturday to support "Music in Education Month." Hosted by Local Scene Magazine, this fundraiser for music education will benefit the Rock Island Schools Foundation music education program. On Tuesday, munch on free popcorn while watching The Big Lebowski for this week's Redstone Reels! Later in the week, get your Bluegrass fix when Henhouse Prowlers perform with Franki Joe & Kinfolk.
Ladies, inexpensively expand your wardrobe at the Shop for Success Spring Sale hosted by Dress for Success Quad Cities. From suits and slacks to handbags and jewelry, find your next favorite work outfit here! Please note this is a cash sale only. All proceeds benefit Dress for Success Quad Cities and their mission to empower women on their journey toward economic self-sufficiency.
Help raise awareness and funds for Wounded Warriors in the QC area on Thursday during the New Kingdom Trailriders' Big Impact for Everyday Heroes event. Featuring a keynote speaker, live entertainment, dinner, live auctions, and more, this event is a fun way to show support of everyday heroes in the Quad Cities.
 Feeling lucky yet? St. Patrick's festivities begin next week! Get your green attire ready and prepare for a day of celebration on Saturday, March 14 with the St. Patrick's Day Grand Parade, CASI's 33rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Race, and a Classic Day o' Fun at Me & Billy.  Stay tuned for more details next week.

 

See you downtown! Sponsored by the River Cities' Reader. Click here for more events.
05 Mar 2015

WACOAL HOSTS FIT FOR THE CURE® EVENT TO HELP FIGHT BREAST CANCER.

By Hannah Rood

--Free bra fittings to help women look good, and do good--

 

WHAT: Join Wacoal in its mission to help end breast cancer with Fit for the Cure®! Participate in a Fit for the Cure event and receive a complimentary bra fitting from a Wacoal fit specialist. For every woman that participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen® for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or b.tempt'd bra purchased at these events.

For 15 years, Wacoal has swept the nation educating and fitting more than 713,000 women across 411 cities about the importance of bra fit, foundation and overall breast health. To date, through Fit for the Cure, Wacoal has donated over $4 million to Susan G. Komen® and hosts more than 1200 events across America throughout the year.

 

WHY:   Giving back is a major component of Wacoal's business philosophy, and an important factor in the growth of the brand.  In 2015, Wacoal will reach two major milestones- 30 years of making women look and feel good and 15 years of raising awareness through Fit for the Cure.

 

Research shows that 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong sized bra. Wearing a bra should not have to be even slightly uncomfortable.  Women should be professionally fitted for a bra once a year to ensure their bra size has not changed as a result of natural fluctuations in their body.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women and accounts for just under 30% of all cancers among women.  Conducting monthly breast self-examination is an important way to detect abnormalities at an early stage. Take 15 minutes to meet with a Wacoal fit expert while contributing to an important cause and sign up for a monthly reminder e-mail that could ultimately save your life.

 

 

WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2015

10am - 8pm

Dillards  - Northpark Mall

320 W Kimberly Rd

Davenport, IA

563 - 388 -7354


04 Mar 2015

Big Quad Cities' Brands Join For A Unique Partnership

By Cindy Bruhn
Rock Island, IL, March 4, 2015 - There are not many flavors more quintessential to the Quad Cities than Boetje's Mustard.  Now with the help of a local distillery, this classic is getting a new twist.  This Friday, Boetje's and Mississippi River Distilling Company will take the wraps off of their new collaboration.  "Boetje's Bourbon Barrel Aged Mustard" has soaked for over a month in used Cody Road Bourbon casks.
"We were looking for ways to put a new twist on an old favorite."  said Boetje's production manager Harrison Kropp.  "We saw some interesting barrel aged mustards at the World-Wide Mustard Competition in Wisconsin last year.  So we thought it would be great to give it a try with Boetje's."
Ryan Burchett, owner and distiller at Mississippi River Distilling Company, said he didn't have to think twice about the project.  "It was a total no-brainer for us.  We were humbled to have such an established brand like Boetje's reach out to us for something like this.  It's an honor to have our name on the same label as one of our all time favorites."
The distillery gave Kropp some oak whiskey casks that had been used to age Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey.  After soaking for more than 30 days in the barrel, the mustard is ground and prepared for sale.  "It brings a unique sweetness to our mustard along with the signature Boetje's punch." added Kropp.  "I think this one is going to be a big hit once the grills start firing up."
"Our brand is all about being local." said Burchett.  "Cody Road Bourbon is made from grain sourced directly from local farmers within 25 miles of our distillery.  So to find a new local partner to do something totally different like this is a ton of fun for us."
The mustard is being made in small batches.  Initially it will only be available at the gift shops at Boetje's and Mississippi River Distilling Company.  Boetje's representatives will be at the distillery Friday night from 5:30 to 8 PM for the monthly "First Friday" celebration in LeClaire.  They will have the mustard for sale along with free samples of the new spicy treat.
Mississippi River Distilling will also be introducing a new limited edition whiskey collaboration with Great River Brewing in Davenport that evening.  Farmer Brown Whiskey was made by distilling the alcohol out of over 3,000 gallons of Farmer Brown Ale from the local brewery.  This whiskey will be available for a short time at the distillery and through local retailers around Iowa and Illinois.
#####
04 Mar 2015

Cool Stuff Happening at PV

By Beth Marsoun
1.       PV boys head to state!

Our boys basketball team will play in the state tournament, Wednesday, March 11th at 6:35 in Des Moines!  There is a fan bus going.  I'm not sure what time they'll be taking off, but if you're interested, let me know and I'll get you a time.

2.       PV Student Heads to National Spelling Bee

Hopewell 6th Grader Uma Kasichainula won the regional spelling bee last week and will represent our area in the National Bee in May.  She is a super nice, well-spoken kid.  If you're interested in this story, holler and we'll make it work!

3.       Quad City Engineering and Science Council Honors PV Volunteer and Teacher

PV Teacher Matt Stutenberg and PV District Robotics Coordinator Theresa Barber received top honors at last week's QCESC award night.  Mr. Stutenberg was named co-STEM Teacher of the year.  Ms. Barber was named Volunteer of the year.  What an honor for a growing program in our district!  (And remember the district is adding on a million dollar STEM lab this year!)

Pictures here à  https://www.flickr.com/photos/54894113@N00/16492150929/in/album-72157650683692060/
04 Mar 2015

Everyday Heroes Can Ride Proud with New Kingdom Trailriders

By Mark McLaughlin

IA/IL QUAD CITIES - Since 1984, New Kingdom Trailriders (NKT) has been giving affordable riding lessons to people with accident-related injuries, mental handicaps, cerebral palsy and other physical, mental, and emotional challenges, as well as development and learning disorders. Now NKT provides services to military veterans through their Equine Services for Heroes Program, in conjunction with the Wounded Warriors Project. To celebrate this program and provide vital financial support, NKT will hold the Big Impact for Everyday Heroes Fundraising Banquet, and the public is invited.

The Big Impact for Everyday Heroes Fundraising Banquet will be held 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12, at the Radisson Quad City Plaza, 111 E. 2nd St., Davenport, IA. The evening starts with registration and a social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the banquet and entertainment, which ends at 9 p.m. The cost is $25 per ticket and funds raised will go toward the Equine Services for Heroes Program. For online registration, visit www.nktriders.org/event-registration/?ee=8.
"The Equine Services for Heroes Program is free to any military veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, limb loss and other combat-related issues," said Alexandra Dirck, Marketing Volunteer for NKT. "Wounded Warriors can contact NKT directly to participate. We want the public to know about this program and encourage potential participants to get in touch."
The event will be hosted by emcee Jason Fechner, WQAD-TV anchorman. One of the special guests at the event will be NKT Ambassador Sarah Hitchcock, who was once a rider with the program. She has since graduated from the program and now volunteers. She will talk about her experiences with NKT and tell how they helped her. Another special guest will be SFC Scott Smith, a local wounded veteran who will share his story at the event.

In addition to dinner, the evening will include a wine pull, a blind silent auction and live auction, and a "Diamond Dig" courtesy of Necker's Jewelers. Gracie the Comfort Dog from Trinity Lutheran Church and School and representatives of Military Cost Cutters will be there, along with live music.
NKT annually serves 90 to 100 students representing ages ranging between three and adult, with a variety of challenges. The program operates four evenings a week. During the day, private classes are available, as well as field trip experiences for group homes, agencies and schools. In addition to group classes, private classes are available as well as one-day field trip experiences for group homes, agencies and schools. NKT is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation.
For more information on New Kingdom Trailriders, call (309) 764-4220 or visit www.nktriders.org.

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