09 Mar 2015

Exhibition: Someone's Family: Photography by Pamela A. Houser

By Rick Martin

On View in the Stanley Gallery March 8 - May 24, 2015

FREE ADMISSION

 

Artist Reception

March 15, 2015 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Artist's Remarks at 2 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION - Donations of Canned Goods are Encouraged

 

Exploring Photography Session

Local Photographers invited to participate in a group discussion with Pamela Houser

March 17, 2015 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Muscatine Art Center

FREE ADMISSION

 

Artist Pamela Houser has traveled the United States and finds people experiencing homelessness wherever she goes. These individuals are cold, lonely and hungry. They are "Someone's Family", a brother, sister, parent, child, and they need help. Ms. Houser's hope is that her work will help the viewer find a deeper sense of consciousness and empathy concerning the needs of the homeless. She depicts their lives through the use of black and white photography. Candid or photojournalist photos catch them in their struggle trying to find the most basic necessities. Consistent throughout the work is their obvious lack of food and housing. Artists such as Lewis Hine, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lang and Mary Ellen Mark provide inspiration for Ms. Houser as she works to document homelessness and create social awareness.

 

Ms. Houser explains, "On recent travels I have met some wonderful people who agreed to collaborate with my project concerning people experiencing homelessness as a way to help create social awareness. I met a middle-aged lady named Patty whose struggle with mental illness led her to the streets, lost to those who loved and tried to help her. Max was a gentleman sleeping on the streets of New York City. Some kind stranger had left him breakfast on his bed of cardboard; how nice of them. A fellow named Ray was on the corner in Seattle asking for money for shelter and food. He explained that he only needed $5 per day to survive; enough for food and a bed in the shelter. I met many of our nations' veterans struggling and experiencing homelessness right in our Nation's capitol."

Ms. Houser invites local photographers to meet with her on Tuesday, March 17th from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Muscatine Art Center. Photographers of all experience levels may attend the group discussion and are encouraged to bring examples of their own work.

Visitors to the exhibition, "Someone's Family", are encouraged to drop off canned goods which will be donated to local food pantries. Photographs by Ms. Houser may be purchased with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA). MCSA staff members are organizing a related exhibit which highlights the experiences of people living in Muscatine as well as the resources available through MCSA. This exhibit will be installed on the second floor of the Stanley Gallery.

Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure.

09 Mar 2015

Statement on unions filing lawsuit against Executive Order on fair share dues

By Lance Trover

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

"We always expected the government union bosses to fight to keep their stranglehold over Illinois taxpayers in place. These forced union dues are a critical cog in the corrupt bargain that is crushing taxpayers, and the government unions will do anything to keep the broken status quo."

09 Mar 2015

More Domestic-Made State Vehicles Under Proposed Smiddy Bill

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - All new state of Illinois vehicles could be assembled in North America under proposed legislation introduced by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale.
"Too many of Illinois' tax dollars pay for vehicles assembled overseas," Smiddy said. "This bill will mean that more of Illinois' fleet of vehicles are made by the highly skilled automotive workers in North America, and that will mean more of our tax dollars are kept at home, where they benefit us most."
Smiddy introduced House Bill 3438 to require every vehicle the state buys or leases to be assembled in North America. The bill does not prohibit buying vehicles from foreign auto companies. Instead, the measure simply must use a facility in the United States or Canada for the physical assembly of the automobile. The measure would only apply to new vehicles and all foreign built vehicles currently owned by the state could still be used.
"The auto industry employs thousands of Illinoisans, and we owe it to those workers and their families to buy vehicles from companies that don't ship jobs overseas in search of cheap labor," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to support ideas that support this country's excellent automotive industry and put American workers back on the job."
Smiddy introduced a similar measure during the last legislative session. That bill received bipartisan support when it passed the house in 2014 but was never voted upon on the senate floor.
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09 Mar 2015

Iowa Workers to Scott Walker: Union Members are Patriots, not Terrorists

By Lance Coles

As Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker makes his first appearances in Iowa after making comments at CPAC comparing union members protesting his policies to ISIS, Iowa workers are speaking up and demanding an apology.  While Scott Walker fundraises in Dubuque, workers will speak out to demand an apology for Walker's unpatriotic remarks at a press conference in front of the Hotel Julien, at 6 pm on Saturday March 7.

Gov. Walker owes the workers of Wisconsin, Iowa and the entire United States an apology.  We are not ISIS. The hundreds of thousands of students, workers, veterans, grandmothers, aunts and uncles and children who came to Madison to stand together for worker rights are not terrorists. It is offensive to compare firefighters, police, nurses, teachers and construction workers with murderous terrorists.

To compare hard-working men and women who work for a living to terrorists is a disgrace. Coming together to peacefully protest for union rights and a better Wisconsin is not an act of terror. Iowans are offended by a candidate who would run for president by denigrating the working people in his home state. The working people who serve our country overseas and who make our country work are the real patriots and deserve better from a man who wants to be Commander in Chief.

09 Mar 2015

MUNGER URGES TAXPAYERS TO REGISTER FOR ILLINOIS TAX REFUND ALERT SYSTEM

By Rich Carter

Comptroller's tax return insert will shine light on government spending

CHICAGO - As her office began issuing state income tax refunds this week, Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger urged taxpayers Thursday to register online to check the status of their returns and sign up for text message and email payment notifications.

The easy-to-use Tax Refund Alert System allows taxpayers to visit illinoiscomptroller.com and enter their name and Social Security Number to see if the Comptroller's Office has processed their refund. Taxpayers also can enter an email address and phone number to receive a payment notification.

In addition, Munger announced her office will include inserts with all tax returns detailing where the State of Illinois spent $36.7 billion in 2014, information on the state's bill backlog, and other tools to help taxpayers learn about state and local finances. Those who receive their tax refunds through Direct Deposit may view the tax insert digitally if they register for the Tax Refund Alert System.

"Our team at the Comptroller's office is dedicated to making state government more helpful for taxpayers. Our tax refund alert system and tax return insert will make it easier for them to track their refunds and monitor government spending," Munger said. "We will continue to focus on making government more efficient, transparent, and accessible while offering taxpayer-friendly tools to help our citizens follow the money."

Specifically, the tax return insert provides a spending breakdown by stage agency on everything from Education and Medicaid to Human Services and Corrections. It further provides snapshots of the state's unpaid bills over time, documenting the backlog at the end of the fiscal year and six months later at the end of the calendar year. Finally, it refers residents to the Comptroller's transparency websites, the Ledger and the Warehouse, for more detail on state and local finances.

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09 Mar 2015

Gov. Branstad signs six bills into law

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed the following six bills into law on Thursday, March 5th:

House File 123: an Act making a statutory correction to remove an inconsistency regarding the employment of the executive director of the Board of Educational Examiners.

House File 159: an Act relating to the administration of combined guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.

House File 166: an Act relating to the disabled veteran homestead tax credit by modifying eligibility criteria and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

House File 167: an Act concerning access to documents during the competitive bidding process for public improvement contracts.

House File 205: an Act modifying reporting requirements relating to veterans attending postsecondary educational institutions.

Senate File 173: an Act relating to school district property tax replacement payments and including effective date provisions.

 

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09 Mar 2015

ISU EXTENSION SCOTT COUNTY NEWS RELEASE 3/9/15

By Amanda Heitz

Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Area hay and forage producers are invited to attend the 32nd Annual Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association (EIHPA) Annual Meeting and Conference on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Buzzy's in Welton.  Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the program scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

This year's conference will focus on forage rotation and cover crops. Dr.  Matt Liebman, ISU Professor of Agronomy, will speak on forages as part of a crop rotation. Liebman's research focuses on diversified cropping systems, weed ecology and management, and the use of native perennial species for soil and water conservation and biofuel production, including crop rotations, cover crops, green manures, intercrops, reconstructed prairies, conservation strips, animal manures, composts, and insects and rodents.   Mark Carlton, ISU Extension Field Agronomist, will speak on utilizing cover crops as a forage.  He will be followed by a panel of producers who are using cover crops as a forage source for their livestock operation.  Following
lunch and a brief annual meeting to elect officers and directors, will be regional updates from Virgil Schmitt, ISU Extension Field Agronomist, and Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Specialist.  Specific regional topics to be addressed include information on the newly released low lignin alfalfa and concerns about molds and mycotoxins in corn stover.

Registration for the conference is $30 and includes a memBership to EIHPA and meal.  Tickets can be purchased at the door.  Certified crop advisor credits have been applied for.  This conference is sponsored by EIHPA, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, and the Iowa Beef Center.

The Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association provides educational workshops and field days for forage producers in Jackson, Jones, Clinton, Cedar, Scott and Muscatine counties. However, forage producers from other counties are also welcome to participate.  For more information contact Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu or Kevin Brown at brofarm@windstream.net  or 563-872-4475.

Scott County Extension Master Gardeners Offer Trip to Chicago Botanical Gardens

Join the Scott County Master Gardeners on a fun and educational bus trip to the Chicago Botanical Antiques, Garden, & Design Show on April 17th! The price of $50 includes cost of the bus, your ticket in to the event, and coffee & muffins on the trip to Chicago. Send your registrations to Scott County Extension Office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf, Iowa by March 20, 2015.

Eco Family Project Starts March 19

Iowans will learn how to maximize their resources and share their extras during the 2015 Eco Family Project from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Registration is now open for the project, which begins March 19 and runs through June 11.

"People who care about healthy environments and green living will be interested in the 2015 Eco Family Project," said Kristi Cooper, a human sciences specialist in family life with ISU Extension and Outreach. "It's designed to connect people who value learning about the environment and provide an opportunity to take action in their community."

The 2015 Eco Family Project has three parts - TED-Ed lessons, online chats with other eco families and local community focused activities, said Brenda Schmitt, a human sciences specialist in family finance. Schmitt and Cooper are leading the project.

 The 2015 Eco Family Project will cover several topics:

  • Learn to live green. Participants will discover ways to minimize their impact on the environment in everyday practices. They'll calculate their ecological footprint and create green cleaning products.

  • Explore local food systems. Participants will examine their food footprint and find ways to source local products. Learn how to prevent food waste and start home composting.

  • Evaluate priorities about "stuff." Learn about barter, trade and other ways to share goods and services. Discover and advocate for new sharing opportunities with others in the community.

  • Explore where energy comes from. Participants will examine their energy consumption and find ways to conserve and share resources. Become an advocate to encourage diversity in the energy supply.

  • Learn how to conserve water at home and in the community. Become an advocate for clean water.

  • Find new ways to connect with nature.

Participating in the Eco Family Project tends to get people motivated to develop a greener lifestyle, Schmitt said. One participant used reclaimed building materials for a remodeling project. Another installed rain gardens and rain barrels to handle extra storm water in her yard.

"People are decluttering their homes and turning that extra stuff into cash at consignment shops, or donating it to help a charitable organizations and even get a tax deduction," Schmitt said.

"Because of what we learned from the Eco Family Project, my father-in-law designed a Little Free Library and my husband and daughter installed it on the corner of our lot. Neighbors are using it, donating books and borrowing books," Cooper said.

"It's practical and fun to do things that help the Earth and help people at the same time," Cooper said.

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06 Mar 2015

GOULD, COPLAND, GERSHWIN, and a WORLD PREMIERE by WILLIAM CAMPBELL

By QCSO
Featuring Joel Fan, piano
Bright colors, direct expression, and rhythmic energy all characterize the diverse strains of American music.  "Stunningly brilliant" pianist Joel Fan returns for a star turn in two buoyant and melodic showpieces that will have you on your feet.
Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. Centennial Hall, Rock Island
Party of the Century
Pre-Concert Party
May 14, 2015
5:30 p.m.
Gold Room, Hotel Blackhawk
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and a once-in-a-lifetime performance by superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma.  Live auction of 12 painted cellos to benefit music education programs of the QCSO.
Enjoy a unique menu, fabulous small plates, top shelf hosted bar, musical entertainment, and MORE!
$100 per person
Tickets may be purchased at the QCSO Box Office and will be available online very soon.
Party of the Century
Dessert Reception
May 14, 2015
Mississippi Room, River Center
After the concert enjoy a festive champagne dessert reception in the Mississippi Room at the River Center. Raise a toast to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and meet Yo-Yo Ma in person!
$25 per person
Tickets may be purchased at the QCSO Box Office and will be available online very soon.
CELLO-BRATION
May 29, 2015
Figge Art Museum
Our 100th Birthday celebration where all 100 cellos will be displayed and our artists and sponsors will be recognized from our 100 Years, 100 Cellos project.
Tickets on Sale
$25 Adults
$20 Volunteers for Symphony members
$10 Students
Tickets may be purchased at the QCSO Box Office and will be available online very soon.
Concert Conversations
Sponsored by Chris Connolly, Wells Fargo Advisors
Concertgoers are invited to attend informal pre-concert conversations beginning one hour prior to each Masterworks Series concert.
Saturday, March 7
7:00 p.m.
Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sunday, March 8
1:00 p.m.
Centennial Hall, Rock Island
Shuttle Buses Available for THIS Weekend's Performances
Don't like to drive in the snow?  No problem.  Shuttle buses are available for both performances this weekend.  Please click to view the shuttle bus schedule and locations.
100 Years, 100 Cellos
Volunteers for Symphony launched an exciting project to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
06 Mar 2015

Davenport Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camps!

By Kenneth Asta
Roosevelt Community Center School Out Days March 16 - 20, 2015
Davenport Parks and Recreation Adventure Camp is offered at The Roosevelt Community Center on all school out days, including In-service, school breaks and snow days! These days will be filled playing games, doing crafts, taking field trips and spending time with friends! We have highly qualified staff that will keep your child active and safe while also providing enriching experiences.
Location: Roosevelt Community Center (1220 Minnie Avenue).
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Age: Kindergarten - 6th grade
Resident Fee: $28.80 (per day) - Non-Resident Fee: $36.00 (per day)
* Can register for all five days or individual days.
Required: Each child needs to bring a water bottle and sack lunch, wear socks and gym shoes, and bring warm clothes to ice skate. Afternoon snacks will be provided.
Register online at https://recpro.ci.davenport.ia.us under 'Camps
SAU Spring Break Soccer Camp March 16-19, 2015
This camp is an ideal preparation for Spring club seasons when we finally get outside!  Lots of skill repetition and individual technique will be addressed. Camp will be led by SAU Head Men's and Women's Coach Jon Mannall and his SAU Soccer Coaching Staff, as well as other area professional coaches and members of the current SAU teams.
Hours: 9am - Noon
Cost: $125 - Each participant will receive a St. Ambrose University Camp T Shirt.
Location: The River's Edge (700 W River Drive, Davenport)
Required: Each participant is asked to bring appropriate soccer footwear, shin guards and a soccer ball and water.
Eligibility: Spaces are limited. Participants must be aged 7 to 18. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and ability throughout the camp.
Register online at https://recpro.ci.davenport.ia.us under 'Camps'
Davenport Junior Theatre
Performing Arts Camp
"Journey Through Time"
March 16-20, 2015
Students explore acting, improvisation, lights, musical theatre, sound, make-up, and more. Students also collaborate on ideas for the creation of their very own script! Everything ends with a performance for family and friends on Friday at 4:00pm. Join the adventure!

 

Location: Davenport Junior Theatre (2822 Eastern Ave.)

Age: 6-13

Cost: Resident - $144  /  Non-Resident - $180
* As taxpayers, Davenport Residents receive a 20% discount on camp.

Hours: 8:45am-3:30pm

* Early drop-off 7:30am and/or late pick-up by 5:30pm is an additional $30.00.

Required: Students are to bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Two snack breaks are provided.

* Parent or Guardian must complete camp waiver by first day. The waiver will be mailed to you.

 

Register online at https://recpro.ci.davenport.ia.us under 'Performing Arts'
*Online registration code: SPR501PC1
06 Mar 2015

Time To Run, Run, Run

By Glenn Kass

BETTENDORF, IA - The 41st Anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 again welcomes a full international field, but they will be joined by thousands of visiting bicyclists for the end of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) and new sponsors. Race director Ed Froehlich, in his 36th year, kicked off plans during a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

Everyone will run, and ride, to Davenport on Saturday, July 25th, 2015. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military and active duty reserve forces which require a printed application.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

Again this year, the Bix 7 offers free entry to any active duty military and active duty reserve forces. A printed application is required which has a line to list the military identification number. The entrant will also be required to present their military identification at packet pick up to confirm status.

Joining the event is Skechers USA as Official Shoe. The Bix 7 is the fourth event, with the Chevron Houston Marathon, Bolder Boulder 10K and Gate River Run 15K, to be sponsored through Skechers Performance Division. Based in Manhattan Beach, CA, Skechers USA designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle footwear for men, women and children as well as performance footwear for men and women. Learn more at www.skechers.com and www.skechersgorun.com.

Other changes include the newly-renamed Isle Casino's "Beat The Elite Race" where a runner chosen at random has an opportunity to finish ahead of the elite winner and win $2,500. Plus, the Alcoa Jr. Bix 7 now offers its young participants a new logo magnet along with the participation medal the children receive on the Friday evening of race weekend.

Also, every paid entrant can assist military veterans by adding a $5.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. Led by the Veterans Administration and hospice care providers, the national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards to top local male and female area finishers and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

"What a memorable weekend this will be," said Froehlich. "The Quad-City Times Bix 7 has been a place to celebrate homecomings and occasions. Having RAGBRAI finishing in Davenport as in 2011, and return of a fully international elite field of runners, the welcoming spirit of our community will be on full display."

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