18 May 2015

Loebsack Statement on the 2016 Defense Policy Bill

By Vonnie Hampel
May 15, 2015 - Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.

"I have always fought to ensure the men and women serving our nation have had the support, equipment and training they need to safely carry out their mission. As a military parent and former member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take great pride in serving those who have served our nation. The bill that passed today addresses many of Iowa's priorities, including taking important steps to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal by driving more workload to their facilities.

"At the same time, I have great concerns about how this bill came together. For example, it is paid for using an accounting gimmick, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, while undermining investments in education and infrastructure. Since the idea was first introduced, I have been opposed to the across the board cuts, known as sequestration. Congress must find a way to get rid of these cuts and replace it with a commonsense way to deal with our nation's fiscal issues. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to strengthen this bill as it works its way through the Senate and during the Conference Committee to improve the final bill."

###
18 May 2015

National Veterans Golden Age Games Seeks Volunteers

By Will Ackerman
OMAHA, Neb. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking more than 2,000 volunteers to support the 2015 National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG), being held in Omaha, Neb., Aug. 8 - 12.

Volunteers donating their time and talents are essential to the success of this event. Several thousand opportunities are available to help with everything from sporting events to meal service. Events take place at the CenturyLink Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Burke High School, Mockingbird Lanes and Dodge Riverside Park. Opportunities are also available to assist at the Eppley airport and downtown Omaha hotels.

Make sure to look through all of the volunteer positions to find the best fit for your talents. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the volunteer shift. Visit www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov to sign up as a volunteer.
VA looks forward to the communities' support of the "Patriots on the Plains" in Omaha!

More than 800 athletes are enrolled to compete in the national multi-event sports and recreational competition for senior Veterans. The event encourages participants to make physical activity a central part of their lives, and supports VA's comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs. Competitive events include air rifle, badminton, bowling, cycling, dominoes, field, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and track.

For more information visit www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports on Twitter at @VAAdaptiveSport or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports.

For additional questions about participating, volunteering, or sponsorship, contact Anna Morelock, 2015 NVGAG Local Coordinator, at 402-995-5748 or email VHANWIGoldenAgeGames@va.gov.

For media inquiries, contact Will Ackerman, VA NWIHCS Public Affairs Officer, at 402-995-4719, or email William.ackerman@va.gov. For inquires about VA's National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events, contact Michael.molina1@va.gov or call 202-560-7305.

###
18 May 2015

Liberty Iowa Announces Leadership Change as 2016 Campaign Season Begins

By Liberty Iowa

New Executive Director Seeks to Engage, Educate and Empower Iowans to Take Back Control of Their Government.

DES MOINES - A leadership change at Liberty Iowa came upon the announcement that current Executive Director, Adil Khan, accepted a position on presidential candidate Rand Paul's Technology Advisory Council.  Khan joins a distinguished group on Paul's council, including Google's (Public Sector) Chief Technology Officer, Michele Weslander Quaid; CEO of Overstock.com, Patrick Byrne; Scott Banister of PayPal fame and other thought leaders in the tech world. 

"I'm honored to be chosen for Senator Paul's Tech Council and also very excited about the incoming Executive Director at Liberty Iowa, Andy Curran.   Andy has a proven track record of making state government more transparent and accessible to the citizens of Iowa, exactly what is necessary to give the power of government back to the people," said Khan. 

Khan's successor at Liberty Iowa, Andy Curran, is also no stranger to innovating government with technology.  Curran is a co-founder of a non-partisan civic based social network, WeVoteProject.org, which specializes in engaging, educating and empowering voters through legislative transparency and providing direct lines of communication between citizens and their representatives in Des Moines. 

"I am thrilled and humbled to be asked to become the next Executive Director of Liberty Iowa.  Adil Khan has definitely set a high bar for excellence in advancing liberty here in Iowa and I will do all I can to build on it," Curran said. 

Curran will take over as Executive Director of Liberty Iowa effective immediately. 

About Liberty Iowa
Liberty Iowa was formed with the goal of empowering liberty minded voters in Iowa to take control of their government once again.  We believe that the status quo in Des Moines politics favors insiders and large political donors while average Iowans are largely removed from the legislative process.  We believe that a peaceful and prosperous Iowa is one that maximizes both economic and civil liberties.  
With this in mind, Liberty Iowa aims to return our state to the principles of limited government, free enterprise and individual liberty, and to make Iowa an example for the rest of the nation. 

Learn more about Liberty Iowa here: http://www.libertyiowa.com/about-us/

###

18 May 2015

Darion Subbert admitted to Cornell College

By Jamie Kelly

MOUNT VERNON, IA (05/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Darion Subbert of Muscatine (52761) has been admitted to Cornell College for the Fall 2015 semester.

One of the 40 "Colleges That Change Lives," Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time curriculum. The One Course schedule provides students the chance to dive into their studies, focus more intensely on the disciplines of their choice, and learn authentically with the unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship--all without missing out on other classes.

Cornell has been recognized by numerous publications for the value its education offers and for academic excellence. This year it was named of the 100 best values in liberal arts education by Kiplinger's, one of the "Best Value Schools" among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report, and one of the 100 Affordable Elite Colleges by Washington Monthly. Ninety-three percent of Cornell graduates earn their degrees in four years. In 2013 Cornell was named one of the 25 colleges with the best professors by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.

For more information, visit www.cornellcollege.edu
18 May 2015

Vote for the Bandits' logo in bracket for best in Minor League Baseball!

By Marco LaNave

Already among the most recognizable and popular trademarks in the game of baseball, the Quad Cities River Bandits' logo is in the field of only 32 logos selected for Baseball America's Logo Mania, which gives fans the chance to vote for their favorite logos online in a bracket format to decide the top logo in the Minor League Baseball over the next two weeks.

Each round of Baseball America's Logo Mania (#BALogoMania) will consist of three days of online voting, with the winner of each head-to-head matchup moving to the next three-day round until a champion is crowned. Voting for the first round goes through Thursday, May 14, with the second round beginning at 9 a.m. Central on Friday, May 15. A link to vote is at riverbandits.com, and there is no limit to the number of votes cast per day.

Placed in the "Creatures" quadrant of the bracket, the River Bandits' primary logo features the team's raccoon mascot, Rascal the River Bandit, and two arches of the Centennial Bridge that is a signature of the ballpark's backdrop and an iconic feature within the Quad Cities.

"The selection of the River Bandits logo for Baseball America's Logo Mania is a further celebration of the special identity of our team with our great community," said team owner Dave Heller. "The image of Rascal the River Bandit is a beloved symbol in the Quad Cities, as it represents a region that has so many special characteristics and has become emblematic for affordable, fun, family-friendly entertainment."

Released anew in November 2013, the primary logo clearly grounds the River Bandits within the club's home community of the Quad Cities, while the secondary logos complete the story of the River Bandits by showing just the raccoon's head (adorned with his trademark fedora and bandana). The raccoon is shown taking batting practice, riding the team's 110-foot tall Ferris wheel, and holding a baseball in his paw. The final secondary logo is an homage to the old River Bandits logo of the baseball with a bandana, by showing it splashing into the Mississippi River.

"When we introduced the new River Bandits logos, we are excited to tell more of the story of the River Bandits and our unique location in the Quad Cities," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "We are thrilled to see these logos are already considered among the very best in the game of baseball."

In recent seasons, fans across the baseball world have recognized the River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Park. The ballpark was voted the Best Minor League Ballpark in a fan vote by USA TODAY and 10Best.com, the River Bandits' home cap was voted the best in all of Class-A baseball, and the team's name was voted as one of the top eight in all of Minor League Baseball in a Sporting News contest. Also, as of Wednesday morning, fans voting on MiLB.com had ranked Modern Woodmen Park's R.I.A. Federal Credit Union Hon. Lane Evans Patriot Seats as the No. 2 "Best Seat in the House" in a contest to decide the best seating view in minor league ballparks.

18 May 2015

Loebsack Authored Provisions Included in 2016 Defense Policy Bill

By Nicholas Depew

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after three provisions he authored were included as amendments to the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation recently passed the House Armed Services Committee and is now being debated on the House Floor.

"Our men and women in uniform, along with their military families, proudly and honorably serve our country. The legislation that is now being debated on the House floor includes provisions I authored to make the Rock Island Arsenal stronger by driving more workload to their facilities," said Loebsack.

Specifically, amendments authored by Congressman Loebsack included in the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act are:

1.      Installation Arsenal Reutilization Authority - Provides senior leadership at Rock Island Arsenal greater authorities to lease real or personal property for the purposes of leveraging private investment at military manufacturing arsenals through long-term facility use contracts, property management contracts, leases, or other such agreements. This amendment is designed to give Rock Island leadership greater flexibility to utilize unused administrative and warehouse space on the island, helping to bring workload and continued employment to the Island.

2.      Utilization of Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) Initiative - This provision makes improvements to the ARMS program by giving the Army flexibility to enter into longer lease terms. It also encourages greater cooperation with the local community to promote greater use of ARMS. As the United States shifts to a peacetime footing, increased use of ARMS will help to support our ammunition plants and the highly skilled workforce there. This amendment allows the Army to work closely with local and state governments as well as economic development organizations and private businesses to make ARMS even more of a win-win for the Army, private businesses, local communities, and the ammunition plants.

3. Pharmacy Amendment (Offered with Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-08)) - This amendment modifies a pilot program that is intended determine if the DOD can get the same savings using a network of preferred retail pharmacies as they can from using mail order by allowing retail pharmacies to provide medications to TRICARE beneficiaries at the same copayment rates as mail order.  It will ensure that veterans can continue to access their local, trusted pharmacies for their medications.

###
18 May 2015

Smiddy Votes for the Voice of Middle Class Families Against

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement following his vote today against legislation threatening the economic security of middle class families in Illinois.
"The governor's proposal to decrease collective bargaining rights in Illinois is nothing short of an attack on middle class families in this state. Having a voice in workplace decisions gives all workers the chance to make a living that can support a family, provide quality healthcare and a safe work environment.
"Despite arguments to the contrary, breaking organized labor does not create jobs and, instead, reduces workers' ability to provide for the ones they love. The middle class wages union workers earn allow them to support local businesses and drive economic growth in this state. I appreciate my colleagues in the House today joining me in standing up for working families and voting this down. I'll continue to fight for workers' rights to organize and advocate for their members wherever they are threatened and preserve the middle class in our great state."
The 71st District includes portions of Carroll, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside counties. For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
###
18 May 2015

Alex McWhorter Presented at Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Symposium at Fort Lewis College

By Mitch Davis

DURANGO, CO (05/14/2015)(readMedia)-- The Fort Lewis College School of Arts and Sciences held its annual Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Symposium on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Student participants were selected by their departments to represent the best undergraduate research and performances done at Fort Lewis College this year. Each department (Anthropology, Art & Design, Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Environmental Studies, Gender & Women's Studies, Geosciences, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics and Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, and Theatre) selects two students to give talks, and up to five groups of students to present posters or performances. Many of these students have also presented at professional conferences in their disciplines.

Alex McWhorter, of Taylor Ridge, IL, presented a project titled "Investigation of Stroke Volume Response to Incremental Exercise in Cyclists of Varying Fitness Levels," , along with peers supervised by Melissa Knight-Maloney and Missy Thompson. McWhorter's major is Exercise Science - Physiology option .

The presentations can be seen on the Fort Lewis College You Tube channel via the archived live streams of the Morning & Afternoon sessions.

Fort Lewis College is the Southwest's crossroads of education and adventure. Our blend of small classes, dynamic academic programs, and a liberal arts perspective leads to transformative learning experiences that foster entrepreneurship, leadership, creative problem solving, and life-long learning. And our unique & beautiful mountain campus, on a mesa above historic Durango, Colorado, inspires an active and friendly community with a spirit of engagement, exploration, and intellectual curiosity.

18 May 2015

Augustana College Musical Performances

By Lauren Reid

Students perform in Augustana Flute & Clarinet Choir concert

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/14/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Flute and Clarinet Choirs performed their spring concert on Wednesday, May 6 in Wallenberg Hall. Sixteen student musicians shared their talent with the Augustana community. Flute choir selections included, "The Last Rose of Summer", a traditional Irish song and "Tag!" by David L. Wells, among others. Clarinet Choir selections included "Argentine" by David Bennett and "Klezmer Jam" by Valentin Hude, among others.

Students from your area included Ingrid Schneider of Davenport, Kayla Jackson and Sierra thiery, both of Rock Island, and Ashley Martin of Moline.

Students perform in Augustana Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/14/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Jazz Ensemble performed its spring concert on Friday, May 8 in Centennial Hall. Sixteen student musicians shared their talent with the Augustana community. Selections included "The Next Chapter" by Patty Darling and "Struttin' With Some Barbeque" by Lillian Armstrong and Don Raye, arranged by Mike Tomaro, among others.

Students from your area included Michael Daniels of Geneseo Benjamin McKay of Rock Island and David Soliz of Silvis.

Jens Hurty of Moline performed in Seniors' Recital at Augustana College

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/14/2015)(readMedia)-- Six Augustana seniors, including Jens Hurty, performed in a Seniors' recital on Sunday, May 10 in Wallenberg Hall. Selections included "Regnava nel silenzio" by Gaetano Donizetti, sung by soprano Emily Webb, and "Rhapsody for Euphonium" by James Carrow, played by Gabrielle Potter, among others. Students were accompanied by Charles Schmidt and Robert Elfline on piano.

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.

18 May 2015

The Kross - Selfless Project

By Tori Waite
Today's music comes in many varieties - some good some bad. Some like music that makes them sway, some like music they can sing to, and some like music that they can head bang along with. The thing that much popular music has in common now is the lyrics. Many artists sing of immoral and often illegal acts in their songs. The worst part is that the younger generation is singing along with this kind of music. What many of the generation will agree on is not that they like the lyrics, but that they like the music. What would happen if they music was still the same and the lyrics were a bit different? That is the kind of thing that The Kross radio station is trying to do. There are many non-secular stations and artist, but what about the metal heads? What about the people who really like to jam with music? That's why The Kross is a Christian Rock station.

The Kross believes that Christians are still God loving Christians no matter what they look like or what type of music they enjoy. In fact, they embrace many in the community that were left out of their churches because they did not assimilate into the church image. Through their uplifting music, The Kross tries to reach out and engage this generation of people that have left the church because they no longer feel comfortable being there. Because they no longer want to be a part of church, their music is the only thing that will grab their attention. The positive messages shared across The Kross radio may be the most positive, or the only positive, message they have heard all day.

The music shows love and acceptance of its listener's and calls on others to do the same. To show how other's can help, The Kross has created the Selfless Project in which others can be involved in reaching the Christians who have left the church. The video explains why the station got started and how they are getting others involved. By coming together for one cause, just a few can reach thousands of people who need help across the world.

The Kross is streaming worldwide through the internet and also playing through Google Play and Apple apps. The music is completely free to listeners. They do not have to listen to ads, watch videos, or pay for the apps. This is one of the many ways that The Kross is unique and seeks to reach out to this younger generation of 18-33 year old age group that consistently leave the church by the hundreds. Many of this age are tech savvy, but may not be making much income. Once they hear of a place to listen to free music, they will be sure to check it out.

The video is only a few short minutes: www.thekross.com

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar