18 Dec 2014

BANDITS ANNOUNCE 2015 GAME TIMES, NEW TICKET PLANS

By Marco LaNave

Packages on sale for plans of 12 to 70 home games, group outings at Modern Woodmen Park

DAVENPORT, Iowa (December 17, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits announced on Wednesday their 70 home game times for the 2015 Midwest League season, as well as new ticket plans now available for purchase. The River Bandits will kick off the season Saturday, April 11, at 9:00 a.m. with the third annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program, and the team's first home game will be at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Modern Woodmen Park.

The quickest, most affordable and flexible way to get River Bandits tickets for the 2015 season is with a ticket plan. After hosting a stadium-record average of 3,885 fans per game and winning the award for the nation's Best Ballpark Improvement from Ballpark Digest for the fourth time in seven seasons, the River Bandits are offering a new set of ticket plans - ranging from 12-game mini-packs to 70-game, full-season plans - that all come with unbeatable savings on tickets, free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaway items and more. The River Bandits will also again offer 10-ticket voucher books, with options for lower box, upper box or general admission seating. All the new packages for 2015 are on sale now by calling the River Bandits front office at Modern Woodmen Park at 563-324-3000.

"Our new ticket plans are just the beginning of the rewards for people across the region who gave their record-setting support to the River Bandits last season," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "With the improvements and promotions we are planning for 2015, our fans will enjoy even more value with the same affordable prices that make the game day experience at Modern Woodmen Park so memorable - along with the most liberal ticket exchange policy around!"

Individual tickets are scheduled to go on sale during spring training and will again range from $6 to $14 on game day, with the option to save $1 per ticket by purchasing online or in advance of the day of the game. For ticket plan holders, the more you buy the more you save. The savings begin at 15 percent off the gate price with a 12-game mini-plan. They save 20 percent with an 18-game, quarter-season plan, 25 percent with a 35-game, half-season plan, and 30 percent with a 70-game, full-season plan.

Ticket plan pricing information, as well as the 2015 River Bandits group outing guide and a full River Bandits game schedule, are available at www.riverbandits.com. Group outing dates and areas - including the new fireplace deck, new birthday room, private luxury suites, Budweiser Champions Club, Pepsi Loge Boxes, backyard deck, right field deck and party plaza - can be reserved for next season by calling 563-324-3000.

"Our fans can again find ticket plans and group outing options that are convenient and flexible for a wide range of individuals, families, friends, businesses, organizations and other groups," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "With our loyal ticket holders and groups already locking in their tickets for next season, Opening Day seems a very short time away."

During the 2015 season, weekday (Monday through Friday) home games will normally begin at 7:00 p.m. Three 11:00 a.m. weekday games will be Tuesday, April 28, Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13 - when the River Bandits host schools participating in the Book Buddies reading program. The Memorial Day game will begin at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, May 25, and games will start at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, and Monday, July 20. All other weekday games are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park.

All Saturday home games will again begin at 6:00 p.m. during the 2015 season. Sunday home games will be at 1:15 p.m., with the exceptions of 5:15 p.m. games on three Sundays - July 12, July 19 and Aug. 2. On game days at Modern Woodmen Park, gates will open 60 minutes before each scheduled start time.

The 2015 River Bandits home schedule includes home games on five holiday weekends - including Mother's Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Father's Day Weekend, Fourth of July Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. The home finale is Friday, Sept. 4, with the Midwest League regular season concluding Monday, Sept. 7. The Midwest League playoffs are scheduled to begin Wednesday, Sept. 9.

UP NEXT: Save money and enjoy exclusive benefits as a ticket plan holder for the 2015 River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park. With a ticket plan of 12 to 70 games, receive free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaways and more. Call 563-324-3000 to speak with a River Bandits account representative and lock in seats for the upcoming season.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

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18 Dec 2014

THE BETHLEHEM PEACE LIGHT HAS COME TO THE QUAD CITIES

By Rhonda Johnson

The Peace Light from Bethlehem arrived at St. John's United Methodist Church in Davenport on December 16th.

Every year, Austrian Boy and Girl Scouts send representatives to Bethlehem to light six lanterns from the light that has burned at the site of the Nativity for over 1000 years. Three of these lighted lanterns are flown across the Atlantic Ocean to New York and volunteers "spread the light" across North America.  It arrived at the Iowa Religious Media Center in Des Moines on December 15, and they sent out an email blast to constituent churches that the light could be brought to their community.  St. John's responded, and on December 16, we lit our lantern from the living flame of the Light from the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem.   We will keep it lit through our Sunday and Christmas Eve services.   

Our plan is to place the Peace Light on our altar for worship and to use the Bethlehem Peace Light to light our Christ Candle on Christmas Eve.  The Peace Light is meant to be shared.  If you are interested in having the Bethlehem Peace Light in your church, we would like to help make this possible.  Our Peace Light Lantern will be available to the community churches from 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, December 21.  The address is 109 East 14th Street in Davenport.  All you need to bring is a lantern and a long-burning candle.  We are blessed that the Bethlehem Peace Light has come to the Quad-Cities!

Blessings!

Rev. Anne Lippincott

Senior Pastor, St. John's United Methodist Church

563-324-5278

 

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18 Dec 2014

WINTER BREAK Day Camp Spots Still Open!

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
from Davenport Parks & Recreation:

On our school out days, you can guarantee that your child will have tons of active play, learn through various enrichment activities and crafts and have the bonus of going on field trips around the Quad Cities!
December 22,23,26,29,30 and Jan 2,5,19
7:30-5:30
Ages 5-12
Learn More!
17 Dec 2014

Get Help with New Gadgets at 30/31 Branch after Christmas

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: More after-Christmas help is planned for new owners of tablets, smartphones, and other technology gadgets. Starting Friday, Dec. 26, the Rock Island Library will offer Gadgets and More drop-in sessions within a new programming space at the 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street.

The Gadgets and More sessions allow participants to bring in their new device and get practical tips and information on how to use it. Devices should be fully charged, with the set-up phase completed. Library staff will be available at the 30/31 Branch to provide help on:

  • Friday, Dec. 26 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
  • Friday, Jan. 2 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
  • Monday, Jan. 12 from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Thursday, Jan. 15 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm

No registration is necessary for the drop-in help sessions, which are free and open to the public. The new program space is within the renovated bookstore at the branch. The library installed rolling shelves, creating a multipurpose space that can be used both as a bookstore and as an area for offering small programs without disturbing library browsers. Starting Jan. 8, the library will also add a monthly "Play and Grow" structured play group at the 30/31 Branch for children ages birth to three and their caregivers.

The Rock Island Library is also offering a wide range of after-Christmas technology classes at the Main and Southwest Branch locations. Topics include classes on downloading eBooks and on using Android, Apple, and Kindle devices. For times, locations, and more details, please visit the online calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org.

More information is also available at the library's Facebook and Twitter sites, or by calling the library at 309-732-READ (7323.)

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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.
17 Dec 2014

Big Alzheimer's News out of Washington

By Alzheimer's Association

Today was an important step forward in the fight against Alzheimer's, and YOU made it happen! Thanks to the hard work of Alzheimer's advocates, the Alzheimer's Accountability Act was fully incorporated in to the recently signed funding bill. Because of this critical legislation, scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will now directly tell Congress how much funding they need, on an annual basis, to reach our national goal to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's by 2025. The Alzheimer's Association and its sister organization, the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), were the only Alzheimer's advocacy groups to work on this key legislation.

Additionally, the funding bill includes a $25 million increase for Alzheimer's research, coming on the heels of an unprecedented $122 million increase for Alzheimer's research, education, outreach and caregiver support earlier this year.

Passage of the Alzheimer's Accountability Act is an incredible milestone for our movement, but we can't let up. In the weeks ahead, Congress and President Obama will prepare the federal budget for next year, and they need to hear from you.

Take a moment and tell your elected leaders to continue their support in the fight against this devastating disease.

The current political environment in Washington is challenging, and it's hard to win such a significant victory, but your tireless efforts made all the difference in the halls of Congress this year.

Continue the fight and tell President Obama and leaders in Congress to make Alzheimer's a national priority.

From the Alzheimer's Association and our partners at the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, thank you again. We look forward to working together with you in 2015.

Want To Keep Momentum Going? Join Us Next Year In Washington D.C. for the Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum!

17 Dec 2014

Dec. 31 deadline for Cedar Rapids and Iowa City-area youth and school groups to earn up to $1,000

By Anthony Triana

Money can be used for custom apparel, traveling, event expenses or whatever groups might need

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Youth groups, high school groups and K-12 school groups within a 50-mile radius of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have until Wednesday, Dec. 31 to earn up to $1,000 in cash funding or custom apparel through the "Better Community Connections" sponsorship program from U.S. Cellular® and Pear. Groups, from youth or high school sports teams to academic clubs and music groups, can utilize their social networks to complete online tasks to earn sponsorship dollars for the items they need most. The best part is that it's completely free.

In fact, 19 groups in the state have already earned $5,852 for band and orchestra groups, academic clubs and athletic teams, with those numbers continuing to grow.

"This is such an amazing opportunity for Cedar Rapids and Iowa City-area youth and school groups to utilize on traveling, paying for equipment or event expenses, custom apparel or whatever they might need," said Jared Golden, Pear's co-founder. "Pear is designed to bring two organizations together - those seeking funding and those seeking groups to sponsor. This 'Better Community Connections' sponsorship is a win-win for both parties and makes it easy for youth and school groups to earn funding."

Visit www.pearup.com/uscellularsponsors to create a sponsorship page, and then invite friends, family and others to join. Once a sponsorship page is created, the group has 10 days to earn up to $1,000 toward a donation or custom apparel. The more people who support the page and interact with U.S. Cellular on the site, the more money the group earns. Groups can earn points by completing simple online tasks, like visiting U.S. Cellular's website, subscribing to an email list, liking U.S. Cellular on Facebook or answering a survey. There is no purchase necessary to participate.

For every Pear referred into the program, Pear will add $50 to both the referrer and referee Pear. Adult groups will be allowed to participate as long as they are in support of a youth or school purpose, including Parent-Teacher Associations, booster clubs and similar groups.

For more information about Pear or the sponsorship, visit www.pearup.com/uscellularsponsors.

About U.S. Cellular

At U.S. Cellular®, we focus on having the world's best customer service and delivering industry-leading innovations. Our strong line-up of cutting-edge devices are designed to simplify and organize your life. For more information, visit www.uscellular.com.

About Pear

Pear makes sponsorship easy for groups and events of all shapes and sizes. Find a sponsor in less than 60 seconds and activate your community to raise up to $1,000 or more toward custom shirts, cash donations, products and services or food and catering from a national brand or local business near you. For more information, visit www.pearup.com.
17 Dec 2014

2015 UNSIGNED ONLY MUSIC COMPETITION JUDGING PANEL ANNOUNCED

By Candace Avery
Sinead O'Connor, Alt-J, The Killers, Aimee Mann, Dustin Lynch, Rosanne Cash, and More Sign On As Judges

December 17, 2014 - Unsigned Only Music Competition revealed today its high-profile judging panel for the 2015 competition, which is now accepting entries. The renowned panel consists of iconic recording artists and journalists and will determine the winners in eleven categories representing a wide variety of commercial genres of music.

Designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label, Unsigned Only's goal is to find an outstanding, talented performing artist: a band, singer, or solo artist. Unsigned Only gives away over $100,000 in cash and prizes, including $10,000 in cash and one-on-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives to the overall Grand Prize winner. First and Second Place winners in each category will also be chosen. The deadline to enter is March 18, 2015. Original and cover songs are accepted in all categories except for Screen Shot which accepts original songs only.

Artists may enter into any of the following categories: Adult Album Alternative (AAA) Adult Contemporary (AC); Americana; Christian; Country; Folk/Singer-Songwriter; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Pop/Top 40; Screen Shot; Teen; and Vocal Performance.

Screen Shot is a new category that has been added this year, and it is geared toward helping artists get their music in film, TV, video games, and advertising. Music execs who are looking to place music in various projects will be judging this category and will also provide advice on music licensing to the winner of the category. Included are: Michelle Bayer (Shelly Bay Music); Michelle Silverman (Modern Planet); Ani Johnson (Monomyth Media); Evan Stein (Experience Music Group); Velma Barkwell (East End Music Productions); Jen Taunton (Level Two Music); and more to be announced.

"Last year Screen Shot was a special promotion that we ran for entrants," says Founders/Directors Candace Avery and Jim Morgan. "The response was huge and was a great success for many artists who were able to secure licensing deals for their music. This is just another way for Unsigned Only to help its entrants, and we are excited to be able to open these new doors for independent artists."

Judges include :  Aimee Mann; Alt-J; Dustin Lynch; Sinead O'Connor; The Killers; Rosanne Cash; David Crowder; Robert Smith (The Cure); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Ray Wylie Hubbard; Aaron Shust; Lucero; Kelly Price; Colt Ford; Frank Foster; Jason Gray; Rapsody; Kool And The Gang; Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone); Kyle Anderson (Senior Writer, Entertainment weekly); Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine); Chris Richards (Pop Music Critic, The Washington Post); Michael Hann (Music Editor, The Guardian); Shirley Halperin (Music Editor, Billboard and Hollywood Reporter); Lucy Jones (Deputy Editor, NME); Hardeep Phull (Music Critic, New York Post); and more to be announced.

Unsigned Only is sponsored by: Sony Creative Software, Guitar Center, D'Addario, Disc Makers, Ultimate Ears, Lurssen Mastering, Master Tour by Eventric, and The Music Business Registry.

For entry and general information, please go to http://www.unsignedonly.com

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17 Dec 2014

Quad Cities Comic Book Convention on Saturday, Dec. 27th

By Alan Morton

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday December 27 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.

17 Dec 2014

3 Retirement Essentials Every Boomer Should Follow for the New Year

By Ginny Grimsley
By: Carl Edwards, MBA, ChFC®

Wow, what an amazing market ride over the last few years!  Running on tracks laid by an unprecedented Federal Reserve monetary easing program, the market has once again run to new all-time highs and appears to still have some steam. Or does it?

While no one really knows the answer to this, it is important to remember history as a guide, and to think about the future -- your future.  It wasn't all that long ago that the world's financial system was shaken to its core, leaving many retirees running for shelter from the Ebola-like symptoms displayed by world financial systems.  Fear over which institution or country would next display the almost certain deadly symptoms ran rampant.

I am certainly not echoing the calls of the past and screaming it's time to get your guns and gold.  I am, however, pointing out to consumers the recent and vivid reminders of the importance to get back to the basics with your financial planning this New Year.  If we fail to remember the past, we repeat it.  You have worked too hard preparing for this time in your life.

Let's review three vital elements you should implement in your retirement plan this New Year.

•  Get your annual financial check-up. How can we possibly forget to do this?  Annual check-ups are the number one preventative care tool at our disposal.  While many individuals should be meeting more regularly with their financial advisor, everyone should have at least the minimum of an annual visit.  Problems creep up and this is often the best way to catch them before it is too late.

•  Don't forget to diversify. Are you working with a broker who always wants to sell you mutual funds full of stocks and bonds?  Does your annuity guy think every dime you have should be stuffed into insurance products?  The reality is they are probably both wrong.  Find an advisor this year who knows the benefits of each of these products, but who also knows the value of how they work together.  Diversification is important and it may include each of these products along with other assets such as individual stocks and bonds, Certificates of Deposit (structured and fixed), Business Development Companies, Real Estate Investment Trusts, precious metals, and numerous other investments.

•  Rebalance, Rebalance, Rebalance. With the great equity run up we have encountered since the lows of March 2009, it is vital to remember that we must continue to evaluate our investment portfolios.  While equity portfolios have risen significantly since that time, other areas of our portfolio may not have fared so well, leaving our risk levels in need of adjustment. It is often a good idea to capture some of those hard-earned gains.  You never know -- the next major pullback could be just around the corner.  Be prudent, not greedy!

About Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards, MBA, ChFC®, is a Chartered Financial Consultant® and is the owner of C.E. Wealth Group, (http://www.cewealth.com). He has passed the Series 7, Series 66 and Series 63 securities industry exams. In addition, he has passed the Series 24 principal exam. He represents High Street Asset Management as an Investment Adviser Representative and Calton & Associates, Inc. as a Registered Representative.  The views expressed in this article reflect the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Calton & Associates, Inc. or High Street Asset Management. Information contained in this article is not a recommendation, solicitation, or offer to buy or sell securities.  Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Individuals should consult a financial professional before making investment decisions.  Edwards is also a licensed insurance agent in Life, Health, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care insurances. Edwards received a master's degree in business administration and is currently completing a second master's degree in finance from Penn State University. He also is a member of the American MENSA.

17 Dec 2014

3 Healthy Cooking Tricks for People With Type 2 Diabetes

By Everyday Health
To make your recipes more diabetes-friendly, tweak your cooking methods with these simple tricks.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to adapt recipes for your type 2 diabetes diet, and there are diabetes cookbooks that offer a wide range of delicious dishes from many flavorful cuisines. You can also learn to use healthier cooking methods in order to reduce the amount of saturated fat in food, making the resulting dishes more diabetes-friendly.

Here are some easy ways to make your meals healthier so that you can help manage your type 2 diabetes:

  • Broil, grill, poach, steam, bake, or roast meat or fish. These methods either do not require added fat or allow the fat to drip away from the food during cooking.
  • Try marinating meat overnight to add flavor without fat.
  • In a wok or skillet, use low-sodium broth instead of oil to quickly brown foods like meat or tofu.

With these healthier cooking methods, you'll be able to create diabetes-safe meals the whole family will enjoy, without sacrificing flavor. Still not sure what to make tonight for dinner? Check out this list of delicious diabetes-friendly dinner ideas.

Learn more healthy habits in Step 5.

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