27 May 2015

Take Vacation Days - It's Important

By Janice McInnis

Use Your Vacation Days for a Better You

It's common knowledge that employees in the United States are some of the hardest working in the world, but there are times when that isn't such a good thing.  Americans accumulate more than four hundred million unused vacation days every single year, which adds up to a 224 billion dollar vacation liability for their companies.  This number is more than twenty-four times the annual revenue of the National Football League and almost half the size of the Gross State Product of half of the states in the country.  Even though the number does not include sick leave or personal time, it has still managed to grow by over 65 billion in the last year alone.  These liabilities average out to about 1,800 dollars per employee that the company must pay out when an employee leaves their service.  It seems unlikely that these numbers are going to go anywhere but up; according to the Time Off Project started by the US Travel Association, Americans are taking less time off than ever before.

Employers aren't the only ones losing with this system of long hours and "always on" work schedules.  Employees who don't take the time to take care of themselves often see health and productivity decline as they continue to grind away at the office with no break in sight.  It can often be difficult to take that time - there's always the possibility that a boss or a coworker might call and interrupt a trip - but that is not reason enough to pass on paid time off.  Taking vacation days provides a boost of happiness and wellbeing that stays with employees when they return to the office.

Taking vacations also provides workers with a chance to remember how to relax, which in turn gives them a chance to develop resilience in the work place.  Taking time off renews the neural connections in the brain that produce feelings of calm and peace, according to clinical psychiatrist Deborah Mulhern. Taking the body out of a stressful environment gives it a chance to restore and makes it easier to return to that environment and function in it. People who are worried about losing an edge in the office shouldn't be so concerned either.  There is no evidence of a link between putting in more time at the office and getting a pay raise or bonus. In fact, employees who left eleven to fifteen days of paid time off unused last year are ctually less likely (6.5%) to have received a raise or bonus in the past three years than those who used all of their paid time off.

Taking time away from work to rest and rejuvenate is a great idea for both economic and health reasons, and there's no need to go across the Atlantic or Pacific to find those benefits.  There are many places here in the United States to vacation where it would be impossible to hold on to stress.  For instance, the American Southwest is known for its beautiful weather, gorgeous natural spaces, and an eclectic mix of traditional and modern.  In Sedona, Arizona, vacationers can access incredible state and national parks like the Grand Canyon and miles of hiking trails where walks through nature can help shed off office worries and anxieties.  There are museums and cultural sites to see as well, including Native American ruins from hundreds of years ago, incredibly well preserved for visitors to experience.  There are championship golf courses set amongst the stunning red rocks. Sedona is also becoming increasingly known for its vineyards, art galleries, and shopping - there's no need to travel far abroad for these experiences!

Of course, a vacation can be made or broken by what accommodations are booked, but visitors to Sedona need look no further than El Portal Sedona Hotel.  El Portal is a luxury boutique hotel that offers quiet privacy, a central location, and top-line amenities to their guests. With only twelve suites, El Portal is personal and welcoming to both humans and their pets as one of the best pet friendly hotels in the nation.  Each room may include such features as an adobe corner fireplace or a river rock stone fireplace, French doors, hand-painted detailing, stained glass, high beamed ceilings and arched windows.  The pet friendly hotel offers a unique and beautiful atmosphere that makes it easy to relax away from the office and make the most of those paid vacations days.

27 May 2015

Join the Cello-Bration for an Epic Evening of Art and Music

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - To foster awareness of the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) and raise funds to support its Music Education programs, the 100 Years, 100 Cellos program was initiated by the Volunteers for Symphony. The upcoming Cello-Bration at the Figge Museum is the grand finale of this epic promotion.
100 Years, 100 Cellos is an innovative program benefitting music education. One-hundred full-size cellos were transformed into beautiful works of art by artists from the Quad-Cities area and beyond. The Cello-Bration, featuring all 100 cellos, will be held 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2015, at the Figge Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA. Attendees can meet with the cello artists and bid on the cellos during an auction (bidding ends at 9 p.m.). Community members who are unable to attend can bid online for the cellos at www.biddingforgood.com/100cellos.
"All funds raised from sponsorship and auctions of the cellos will benefit the QCSO and its education programs," said Benjamin Loeb, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. "We invite the community to come to the Cello-Bration and experience the visually stunning display of all 100 beautiful cellos in one place at the same time."
Attendees can enjoy a delicious array of vegetables, cheese, sausage, fruits, antipasto olives and peppers, assorted relishes, dip and crackers, as well as a cash bar. Musical entertainment will include both trumpets and cellos. Big River Brass will do a brass fanfare and Happy Birthday (with a cello cake), and a cello ensemble will also play. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for students, and $20 for Volunteers for Symphony members.
The Figge Museum will have a free gallery preview of the cellos May 26-29 in the Figge Museum lobby during regular business hours. In addition, a glossy 110-page commemorative book displaying each artist's painted cello will be available for purchase for $35. The book was designed by the students of the Creative Arts Academy of the Quad Cities under the direction of Clint Balsar.
The QCSO is the largest provider of instrumental music education engagement programs in the Quad-Cities area, reaching more than 10,000 students each year.
The 100 cellos used for the "100 Years, 100 Cellos" campaign arrived Feb. 6, 2015, at Asbury Methodist United Church in Bettendorf, IA, and from there they were distributed to the artists. Ninety of the final decorated cellos were displayed throughout the Quad Cities at indoor locations selected by their sponsors from March to mid-May. Each cello was labeled, stating its art title, the name of its artist, and sponsor.
The funds raised from this initiative will help support QCSO music education programs. These include School Engagement classroom visits, Symphony Day, Students@Symphony, Instruments for Kids, and the QC Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYEs). "Music education is a central part of the QCSO mission, and 100 Years, 100 Cellos will help us greatly expand our positive impact and eventually grow the audiences and patrons of the future," Loeb said.
For more information on the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, call (563) 322-7276 or visit www.qcso.org.
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27 May 2015

Finding A Creative Voice

By Pat Bereskin

The Bereskin Fine Arts Gallery & Studio, formerly Atom Studio + Gallery, is proud to present it's premiere exhibit, "Finding a Creative Voice." Beginning May 29th through June 20th the gallery will feature the award winning high school artists from Pat Bereskin's Mrs. B.'s School of Art program:

Olivia von Gries  (BETT)

Kasey Vanausdeln (BETT)

Annie Peters (PV)

Rachel Lyle (Davenport Central)

Elizabeth Masterson  (Hone Schooled)

Hannah Weickhorst (Home Schooled)

Madeline Fox (Morning Star Academy, Bettendorf)

"The art classes we have attended have given us the ability to think creatively and express ourselves individually with a very unique voice. This new way of seeing the world around us has also influenced our lives in many other ways," chimed in Madeline Fox.

"As we take our next steps into the future, we realize what can be accomplished if we work toward our goals," said Kasey Vanausdeln.  " We have a better appreciation and understanding of the skills we have learned and that they will be a part of our lives forever," Rachel Lyle injected. Olivia von Gries added, "We hope everyone will enjoy the show and in some way see and experience our artistic point of view and love of life."

"We feel proud to be a part of this exhibition and be able to share with people the outcome of our creative learning, our artwork," said Ann Peters, she added, "It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from - Art speaks to us all across cultures and the world."

The Beréskin gallery features original art for sale, but visitors can also have the unique experience of observing the artists at work in the studio. And to go a step further, after 25 years of teaching under the name of Mrs. B's Art, Pat is now involving and encouraging all the Beréskin artists to teach art and mentor other budding artists. Their schedule continually offers a wide variety of classes for beginners and advanced students.

Artist David Anderson echoes Bereskin's comments, "We're very excited about the gallery's new direction and sharing our joy of the art experience with collectors, artists, students of the arts, and the public in general. That collaboration feels just as gratifying as when I'm painting."

Presently, the Beréskin Fine Art Gallery & Studio features artists Pat Bereskin, David Anderson, Brad Bisbey, Gene Brack, Jason Frank, Dean Kugler, David Zahn, and Robert Zeidler.

The gallery is located in the Bucktown Center for the Arts, 225 East 2nd Street, Suite 104, in Davenport, Iowa, and is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11am to 6 pm; open until 9 pm every Final Friday. For additional information contact Gallery Director Pat Bereskin, bereskinartgallery@gmail.comor at www.bereskinartgallery.com Telephone is 563-508-4630

27 May 2015

'Hairspray' Opens TLP's 'Big' Summer

By Rick Martin

MOUNT CARROLL, IL - The Tony Award winning musical comedy Hairspray will open the 54th summer season at Timber Lake Playhouse on June 4th.  The 2002 stage adaptation of the John Waters film has become an enormous song and dance hit around the world, and TLP brings the show to Mount Carroll for the first time ever to launch a season dedicated to dreaming big.

Hairspray tells the story of plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad, whose hair is bigger than everything but her dream to dance on TV. When those dreams come true, she's transformed from social outcast to star, using her newfound popularity to dethrone the reigning teen queen, integrate a television network and change the world. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the show, which has been called, "exhilaratingly funny" and "a musical triumph," is piled high with laughs, romance, and spectacular dance numbers to the sounds of the 60s.

Amelia Jo Parish of Nixa, MO was chosen to play Tracy out of over 1200 hundred people who auditioned. Chicago actor Tommy Bullington plays Tracy's mom Edna, a comedic tour de force that won Harvey Fierstein a Tony Award. Lili-Anne Brown, Artistic Director of Bailiwick Chicago, returns to TLP to direct the show. Zachary L. Gray provides choreography and Cindy Blanc is the musical director.

TLP Artistic Director James Beaudry says, "Hairspray is that rare musical that makes you laugh so hard it hurts, makes you smile bigger than you thought you could, inspires you to get up and dance and ultimately fills your heart with excitement and hope. It's a feel-good show with enough energy to blow the roof off."

"In casting the show, we've kept our tradition of bringing in established pros along with the absolute best students from colleges around the country?many of whom are excited to call TLP their first professional contract. The talent on that stage is jaw-dropping and we're very grateful they've chosen to spend the summer with us in Northwest Illinois."

The 2015 season at TLP is filled with shows that inspire audiences to "dream bigger." Following Hairspray, the playhouse presents The Big Meal, a stunning, big-hearted play about modern families by Dan LeFranc. Peter Pan, Greater Tuna, Big Fish and Big River round out the lineup. The Magic Owl Children's Theatre at TLP will also present a stage adaptation of James and the Giant Peach.

Subscribers can see all six mainstage shows for $119, which is less than $20 a ticket. Regular tickets are $25 with discounts available for groups, students, seniors and active duty military personnel.

For subscriptions, tickets to Hairspray or any shows in TLP's 2015 season, visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. You may also call the box office at 815-244-2035 or visit them at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in Mount Carroll during business hours. All performance dates and times are available online.

26 May 2015

A Grateful Nation

By Joe Hand

Dear Friend,

Today we reflect on the sacrifices of America's men and women in uniform and keep alive the memory of those who fell during their service to our nation.  As a military parent, I am inspired every day to fight for those who have fought for us - their lives are a testament to the best our country has to offer.

For this reason, I encourage you to consider participate in the Library of Congress's Veterans History Project.  This great initiative collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American veterans and the civilians who supported them from World War I to the present day to ensure that their stories live on.  If you or someone you know has a story, photographs, papers, or other materials that you think should be preserved as a part of veterans history, I recommend visiting the Veterans History Project's website for more information.

Please be assured that as a member of the Military Veterans and Military Families Caucuses, I will continue to work to ensure that we as a grateful nation serve our veterans and their families with the same dignity and honor with which they have served America.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack

Iowa's Second District

26 May 2015

Noelridge Dental in Cedar Rapids participating in Smiles for Life for Camp Courageous

By Charlie Becker
Noelridge Dental in Cedar Rapids will be participating in Smiles for Life where Dr. Jeannie Collins, DDS will whiten your teeth and 100% of the proceeds will be split between Camp Courageous and providing free dental services to the seriously ill and underprivileged children. You DO NOT have to be a patient to take advantage of this amazing deal, but must be current with your dental check-ups.
Noelridge Dental is located at 1201 42nd St. NE in Cedar Rapids. Schedule an appointment today 319-393-615 or go to www.facebook.com/NoelridegeDental.
26 May 2015

THE MOLINE FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED

By Rhonda Johnson
Churches United of the Quad City Area has received a $5,000.00 grant from The Moline Foundation, in support of its Hunger Program in the Quad City Area.  We are very thankful for this generous award to help purchase food and supplies for our 12 Rock Island County food pantries.

Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community.  Its 136 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area.  As well as 26 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites, Churches United also operates Winnie's Place, a shelter for women (with or without children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence.  For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.

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26 May 2015

Personal Finance Article: Planning a Wedding on a Budget

By Steve Burke

By Jason Alderman

Should a dream wedding mean delaying a down payment on a home? That's a tradeoff many couples make these days.

The Knot, a wedding planning and publishing company, recently released its Real Weddings Study (http://www.xogroupinc.com/press-releases-home/2015-press-releases/2015-03-12-the-knot-2014-real-weddings-study.aspx) of average wedding costs for 2014, announcing a national average price tag of $31,213 (not including the honeymoon).

The average cost of a wedding is a good point of comparison against other major financial goals in a new marriage. Considering that the average price of a new home in America is now $200,000, that wedding estimate would cover the majority of a 20 percent down payment ($40,000). Despite getting married to my wife at family home 15 years ago, I still remember the sticker shock for all the wedding costs - a whopping $10,000 for the entire event from tux, dress, flowers, food and honeymoon.

Here are a few suggestions to plan a wedding that won't break the bank:

Marry off-season. The most popular wedding months are now June and October, with longtime leader June losing a bit of ground. The most popular day to get married is Saturday and nighttime is the most competitive time slot for receptions. Consider a January wedding when the post-holiday rush is over - cold weather wedding venues are generally empty and priced to move. Weekday weddings have the potential added bonus of guests drinking less on a work night and weekend brunch weddings can be served buffet-style with more reasonably priced menu choices.

Find alternative venues. Farms, barns, warehouses, art galleries and of course, family property can be cheaper venues for a wedding, but make sure such spaces are properly insured for alcohol, food or other party-related risks. Also, in many communities, party venues must be properly licensed and/or zoned to avoid fines or legal action.

DIY if possible. Couples with a flair for party planning, decorating and cooking might be able to slash costs planning and executing their own event with minimal dependence on hired or volunteer help. From flowers to photography, wedding cake to wedding planners, check for affordable options. If a venue allows couples to supply their own flowers and decorations, it is wise to comparison shop. Consider professional photographers or skilled amateurs who meet your tastes and budget.

Use a gift registry to pay for the wedding. Couples can set up online gift registries that allow guests to directly fund honeymoon trips or specific expenses associated with the wedding.

Plan a destination wedding. Resorts around the world and well-known domestic wedding/travel destinations like Las Vegas or Hawaii offer wedding packages that blend a ceremony and vacation getaway. Planning a winter wedding? Research options for a warmer climate or snowy destination at a ski resort.

Finally, be flexible. Some venues have cancellations and if a couple is willing to put themselves on a waiting list and move quickly if they get the call, savings might be possible.

Before the planning a wedding, it's wise to start with planning finances. A meeting with a qualified financial advisor might help put wedding costs in perspective with other major financial priorities.

Bottom line: Dream weddings don't have to put a couple's financial life on hold. Consider real financial priorities first and build a smart wedding budget from there.

26 May 2015

HON. LANE EVANS PATRIOT SEATS VOTED NO. 2 VIEW IN MILB

By Marco LaNave

Fans nationwide say Modern Woodmen Park has the No. 2 "Best Seat in the House" in MiLB.com contest

DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 23, 2015) - Regarded as one of the most scenic atmospheres in baseball, Modern Woodmen Park has now been honored for a view unmatched by any other at its level of baseball. In an MiLB-sponsored online contest, "Best Seat in the House," fans across the country voted the R.I.A. Federal Credit Union Hon. Lane Evans Patriot Seats as the No. 2 Best Seats at any minor league ballpark in the country - and the top view of any ballpark at the Class-A and short season level, which include more than one hundred Minor League teams.

"We proudly partnered with the R.I.A. Federal Credit Union to create the Hon. Lane Evans Patriot Seats for two reasons: to recognize the numerous contributions of Congressman Evans to the Quad Cities region and to our veterans and our country, and to provide a unique and wonderful benefit to the many people who bravely serve our grateful nation and families," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We are humbled and grateful to the fans in the Quad Cities who create an unbeatable atmosphere at Modern Woodmen Park as the friendliest ballpark in America, to the fans across the country who have again recognized our ballpark as a special place in the baseball world, and, especially, to all of those who have proudly worn our nation's uniform."

Sponsored by R.I.A. Federal Credit Union, and named in honor of the late 12-term Congressman from Illinois' 17th District, Lane Evans - a veteran who was an outstanding advocate for all veterans - are three seats and two wheelchair spaces at the top of Section 5. These seats are reserved for disabled veterans and their families, and the River Bandits partner with the Rock Island Arsenal to choose a deserving family for each home game. Fans seated here can see the Ferris wheel and Mississippi River beyond center field. This season, a new granite countertop was put in front of each wheelchair space in the ballpark, including the one included among the Patriot Seats.

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. The team's logo was also recently voted among the top eight - and the best in the Midwest League - in Baseball America's Logo Mania.

26 May 2015

The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard to Retire

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

Maj. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei served in National Guard for 38 years

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/23/2015)(readMedia)-- The Adjutant General of the Illinois, Maj. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, sent the following statement to the Soldiers and Airmen of the Illinois National Guard on Friday, May 22:

22 May 2014

Retirement Message of Major General Daniel M. Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard:

I am announcing my retirement as Illinois Adjutant General, effective 8 June 2015, with my official retirement from the National Guard scheduled to be July 4, 2015. Retirement Dinner date TBD.

It is my honor to serve alongside America's latest greatest generation. I chose this life of service as one of the first in America's 'All Volunteer Army'. I am a proud traditional member of the National Guard.  Our Illinois National Guard is filled with amazing citizen Soldiers and citizen Airmen. Our Families are phenomenal. You often work and train countless hours for no pay (especially our traditional members), often serve above your pay grade, serve anywhere and everywhere at a moment's notice, with Families who sacrifice so very much to support us; so that together we help our neighbors, protect our state, and defend our nation. I am proud to be associated with you.

It has been my privilege to serve with all of you in Illinois for almost a quarter century, as well as with Guardsmen in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin over the past 38 years.  My time in the Guard provided amazing opportunities, education, and experiences - each a blessing in its own way. None of it would have been possible without the help and support from my wife, family, employers, enlisted, warrants, officers, state employees, contractors, and volunteers. It takes an army to make a General, and I thank God for each person in my life.

It has been my intent over the past few years to begin the transition of the Illinois National Guard from an expeditionary force focused on war overseas, returning to a  community based Guard, while losing none of our professional military expertise. I said from day one that we could do both our State missions and our Federal missions equally and exceptionally well.

I have every confidence that the Illinois National Guard, led by outstanding men and women, will continue to provide the leadership to keep us effectively on track. The new Adjutant General will have my complete support, and I must admit I will not mind the moniker, "graybeard".

As Commander of the Illinois National Guard, I emphasized teamwork, transparency, openness to new ideas, personal initiative, diversity as strength, mentoring, and a very real fight against the predators hiding in our formations to commit heinous acts of sexual harassment and assault. I wanted us to "think bigger" while understanding how much our civilian leadership and Active component demands of our Soldiers, Airmen, and Families while we are at drill, annual training, schools, and deployed.

Most of you don't know this, but there are only 34 pictures in my office - a picture of each Illinois Guardsman who lost her or his life in combat. Seeing them every day, reminds me of their sacrifices - and yours. I chose in this transition to focus on the Soldier and Airman on the ground, the challenges in front of us, and the Families behind us. As to my degree of success, well, you are the judge.

I am a proud traditional Guardsman at heart, so my last days as TAG will be the June drill, in ACU, with you. GEN George C. Marshall was right, (and I'm certain he meant men and women - I know I do) when he said, "The Soldier's heart, the Soldier's spirit, The Soldier's soul are everything. Unless the Soldier's soul sustains him, he cannot be relied upon, and will fail himself, and his commander, and his country, in the end."

I pray continued success for you all, as you help your neighbors, protect this state, and defend this nation.

Thank you, one-and-all.

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