27 Feb 2015

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft delivers State of the Coast Guard Address

By U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft delivered the 2015 State of the Coast Guard Address at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

"Countries in our hemisphere are on the cusp of instability," said Zukunft. "The United States leads the world in oil and gas production. The cyber domain is transforming industries and governments at an astonishing rate. Arctic waters continue to open. There is no question: the United States Coast Guard is operating in a world unlike ever before."

The commandant outlined how America's Coast Guard will meet today's challenges while preparing for complexities that remain ahead. "I will take decisive action to alleviate the strain of an austere budget environment and will make tough decisions in the face of our increasing demands," said Zukunft. "Through investing in our people, the recapitalization of our aging cutter fleet, including acquisition of the Offshore Patrol Cutter and sustainment of front-line operations, the Coast Guard will return more operational value on every dollar."

The commandant stated that the service's increasing demands in the areas of drug interdiction, Arctic operations, cybersecurity in the maritime domain and transportation of energy resources are converging with its daily operations and limiting the Coast Guard's ability to respond to major contingencies. "I am committed to ensuring that our budget priorities are driven by a Coast Guard strategy aligned with national priorities to ensure our people have the platforms they need to serve the nation now and into the future," said Zukunft.

The commandant also spoke of the duty to the people of the Coast Guard and investing in the future of its workforce. Among the actions to be taken are reinforcing a culture of respect that is inhospitable to sexual assault and the behaviors that enable it; completing a human capital plan that will provide guiding principles to enable the human resources directorate to build an adaptive, specialized and 21st-century workforce; revision of the service's diversity and inclusion strategic plan; review of civilian career management processes to eliminate barriers and improve upward mobility; and build proficiency by continuing to specialize within the officer and enlisted communities and extend tour lengths where it makes sense.

You can find the commandant's complete speech and video of the 2015 State of the Coast Guard Address at http://www.uscg.mil/coastguard2015/. Photographs of the State of the Coast Guard Address are available for public use at https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1783509/2015-state-coast-guard-address.

 

 

###

27 Feb 2015

Help Davenport's Volunteer Win Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest

By Rick Martin
Did you know that more than 3.4 million cats enter shelters nationwide and only 1.3 million find forever homes each year? Though shelters have staff members to help take care of animals in their care daily, they rely heavily on their local volunteers who tirelessly care for cats as they await their forever homes.

That is why Purina Cat Chow is holding the Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest to recognize and thank those volunteers who work to make cats' temporary shelter homes safer, less stressful places.

The Humane Society of Scott County is the only shelter in your state to be selected to participate in the Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest. From Feb. 23 to Mar. 15, 2015, the Davenport community can support Animal Welfare Society at www.catchow.com by voting for Debbie Schmidt's volunteer story daily.

If Debbie wins the contest - based on consumer votes and a judging panel - the shelter will receive a $25,000 shelter makeover. Each participating shelter will receive a $1,000 donation, Purina® Cat Chow® Gentle Formula brand food and cat care supplies.

Debbie's ever-present smile, soothing voice, calm demeanor and positive "can-do" attitude creates a gentle environment for cats and everyone who cares for them at the Humane Society of Scott County Shelter.  Debbie gets to know the personality behind each whiskered face, and twitching tail and enthusiastically shares those perks, quirks and nuances with interested potential pet parents.

Below you will find the Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest press release where you will find more information. Please let me know if you would like to interview the nominated volunteer or shelter spokesperson.

Best,

Keri

KATE WALSH JOINS PURINA CAT CHOW TO RECOGNIZE CAT SHELTER VOLUNTEERS;BRAND TO DONATE NEARLY $100,000 AMONG 50 SHELTERS NATIONWIDE
Actress Kate Walsh asks cat people to support a nominated volunteer by voting in the Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest; The shelter of the winning volunteer will win a $25,000 shelter makeover
ST. LOUIS (Feb. 23, 2015) - Every animal shelter has that volunteer - the one who cleans the visiting rooms, goes door-to-door collecting blankets from the community, fosters cats and kittens, and spends countless hours simply petting the cats to keep them calm and happy. Today, Purina® Cat Chow® launched the Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest to thank and recognize these dedicated volunteers. The program will donate nearly $100,000 among the 50 participating shelters - one in every state - in recognition of their volunteers in cash donations, cat food and cat care supplies to lessen the stress for cats living in shelters while they await their forever home. 

Purina Cat Chow asked 50 cat-focused shelters - one in every state - to nominate their top volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to create a gentle, less stressful environment for shelter cats.

From Feb. 23 to March 15, consumers nationwide can vote daily for their favorite volunteer story on www.catchow.com. Consumer votes and a judging panel will determine the top shelter volunteer and four runners-up volunteers.

Well-known actress and cat owner Kate Walsh teamed up with Purina Cat Chow to help honor the shelter volunteers who devote their time and talent to caring for shelter cats and encourage consumers nationwide to vote for their favorite volunteer story. Walsh is the proud cat owner of Billy and Pablo, two cat brothers she rescued 10 years ago.

"The second I saw my cats Billy and Pablo, I knew they belonged with me," Walsh said. "I'm grateful they had the care of dedicated volunteers before I adopted them. Shelter volunteers give selflessly to support the cats that need the most help. Their time and energy helps lessen the cats' stress as they await forever homes."  

Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest Voting and Prizes
The shelter of the winning volunteer will win a $25,000 shelter makeover. The shelter makeover will help create a gentler, less chaotic environment for the cats awaiting their forever home. Renovations and upgrades may include building a free-roam, soundproofed cat room, installing cat cubbies for personal space or painting the walls soothing colors. 

Purina Cat Chow team members will volunteer at the winning shelter for one day to assist with the makeover.

In addition to the shelter makeover, four runners-up volunteers will each win a $5,000 donation for their shelter. Purina Cat Chow will also support each of the 50 participating shelters - one in every state - via cash and cat food donations. Every participating shelter will receive a $1,000 donation, new Purina® Cat Chow® Gentle Formula brand food and cat care supplies.

"Each year, millions of cats enter animal welfare organizations. The dedication and hard work of shelter volunteers are critical to these cats' care," said Sarah Johnston, Purina Cat Chow brand manager. "We want to recognize the volunteers who make sure shelter cats have a comfortable place to live, access to high-quality nutrition, and provide unconditional support while they're waiting to be adopted."

The Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest is part of the brand's "Building Better Lives" program, an ongoing commitment to help improve the lives of cats through rescue, nutrition and adoption support. The Brand works to support shelters and help more cats find forever homes. In three years, the Purina Cat Chow will donate nearly $600,000 to more than 100 local cat-focused shelters nationwide and help improve the lives of more than 86,000 cats.

About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.
27 Feb 2015

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention

By Alan Morton
The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday March 14 at
the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica
Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2). It will be open to
the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free.
Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys
and related. Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer
want bring them by dealers are buying. For further information contact
Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.
27 Feb 2015

Military Cost Cutters

By Todd Morris

Military Cost Cutters, Dream Big Grow Here: Military Cost Cutters, a local veteran owned start up based in Davenport, IA, is competing for a $5,000 grant from Dream Big Grow Here Contest. Military Cost Cutters connects military friendly businesses with veterans and military members via our patent pending Loyalty Rewards Program. You can check us out at www.militarycostcutters.com or download our free mobile app in the Android and IPhone stores.

To vote, visit http://www.dreambiggrowhere.com/entrydetails.aspx?entry=1056.

This contest utilizes Facebook voting and if you don't have an account then one can easily be created.

You can vote once per day and the voting will end on March 1st. We look forward to receiving your vote!

27 Feb 2015

AREA STUDENTS NAMED TO DEAN'S LIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE

By Sandra D Humes

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (February 24, 2015) - The following individuals from your area have been named to the Dean's List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Fall 2014 semester. UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Honored were Jordyn O'Rourke, Senior, Nursing Undergraduate and Joseph Steiner, Freshman, School of the Arts-Undergraduate, both from Davenport.

- 30 -

27 Feb 2015

Loebsack Announces 2015 Congressional High School Art Competition

By Joe Hand

Original works by local high school students due April 3rd

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that high school students in the Iowa's Second Congressional District may now submit their original artwork to be considered for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition is hosted by the United States House of Representatives to recognize talented young artists from across the nation. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The deadline for entries to be received is April 3rd.

"The vast amount of talent that Iowa's students display year after year continues to amaze me. The creativity of our talented young artists demonstrates that the arts are thriving in Iowa," said Loebsack. "For a young artist, having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is quite a remarkable accomplishment. I look forward to seeing this year's entries and meeting the winning student."

Once again, to make the contest as easy as possible and open to as many students as possible, this year's winner will be chosen by the public through an online vote. Details on how to submit art work are available by clicking here to visit Loebsack's website. All entries must be received no later than Friday, April, 3rd at 11:59pm. The artist of the winning piece will receive two round trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the reception and unveiling of their artwork in the Capitol (all other expenses must be covered by the winner). For additional details about the competition, students or teachers should contact Jared Mullendore at 563-323-5988 or by email at Jared.Mullendore@mail.house.gov.

###
27 Feb 2015

Get Tech Help in March at the Rock Island Public Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Assistance with figuring out that new smartphone or tablet is as close as the nearest Rock Island Public Library. The library will offer more programs in March on using Kindle Fire, Apple and Android devices, on using free library services to add content to your device, and drop-in "Gadgets and More" sessions for asking other questions.

A series of "Getting to Know your Device" classes on Mondays in March will cover basic functions, settings, organizing apps, tips, and more general information on using a particular brand or operating system of computer tablet and smartphones. Participants should bring their devices. Classes include :

  • Getting to Know Your Android device: 6:00 pm, Monday, March 2, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.
  • Getting to Know Your Apple device: 6:00 pm, Monday, March 9, also at the Main Library.
  • Getting to Know Your Kindle Fire tablet: 6:00 pm on Monday, March 16 at the Main Library.

"Download This," a class on using free library content services to download magazines, music and movies, will be offered at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 3 at the Main Library. Participants can bring their devices and library card and try out the services, which currently include Flipster for popular magazines, Freegal Music and Freegal Movies and TV.

"Gadgets and More" drop in sessions will be offered at the 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street. The Gadgets and More sessions allow participants to bring in their new device and get one-on-one tips and answers to questions about using it. Staff will be available in the bookstore room on Tuesday, March 17 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and on Thursday, March 19 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Participants should bring a fully-charged device, with the set-up phase completed.

No registration is necessary for any of the above programs. For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323.

###

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.
27 Feb 2015

APPy Hour Meets Wednesday, March 11 at Cool Beanz

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Mobile apps can support your goals, make routine tasks easier, and provide access to educational and entertaining content on your tablet or smartphone. Learn more about them at monthly APPy Hours, presented by the Rock Island Library.

The Rock Island Library will offer "APPy Hour" at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Cool Beanz Coffeehouse, 1325 30th Street,  Rock Island. The informal gathering gives smartphone and tablet owners to way to learn about new apps and to share their personal favorites with the group. The next meeting is March 11.

APPy Hours are free and open to the public, and will focus on apps of interest to adults and teens. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the coffeehouse.

###

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

27 Feb 2015

#GiveWhatFireTakes

By Lauri Rheinhart

Fire takes. And, when fire takes a house, it also takes everything that makes a house a home. Your clothes and the shoes you wear every day. Your most precious possessions. Your security. Your dignity. All incinerated in minutes. Help the Red Cross #GiveWhatFireTakes.

Approximately every 8 minutes the Red Cross responds to a disaster, including home fires. The need is constant. You can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Today, your dollars could provide the important items a family needs:
  • $10 can provide 2 blankets
  • $30 could provide 2 installed smoke detectors
  • $100 can provide shoes and clothes
  • $550 in immediate financial assistance to one family
Thank you for being a part of the American Red Cross.  And thank you for taking our mission to heart - to relieve suffering wherever and whenever it happens.
27 Feb 2015

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state. Nominations are due by June 15, 2015 and the nomination form can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

"The Iowa Water Quality Initiative is growing due to farmers' engagement in the plan," Branstad said. "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is our chance to recognize producers who are going the extra mile in their land stewardship."

"Iowa's farmers are leading the way in environmental stewardship through collaborative, science-based practices," said Reynolds. "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award allows the state to recognize the famers who feed the world and continue to drive Iowa's economy."

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and incorporated best management practices into their farming operation. As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and are due by June 15th of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

"Iowa is leading the way in using voluntary, science-based practices to protect our soil and improve water quality.  This would not be possible without the thousands of farmers who have collectively invested millions in conservation practices on their farms.  This award is an opportunity to highlight those farmers that are leading the way and going above and beyond to adopt conservation practices on their farm," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

Since creation of the award in 2012, 219 farm families have been recognized. Winners are presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing also sponsors a recognition luncheon for award recipients following the ceremony.

###

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