05 Nov 2014

Great things are happening at the German American Heritage Center!

By Janet Brown-Lowe

GAHC Travel Opportunity - Germany Still Beckons for 2015  Seminar on Sunday, Nov. 9th

There are still spaces available for the GAHC trip to Germany in 2015, featuring "The Rivers of Southern Germany" and a land tour to follow. Participants may sign up for both portions or for just one.
A travel seminar will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2:00 p.m. for registered participants and anyone who would
like to learn more about these great opportunities and still join the group!
Presenters include :
  • Linda Meadors of Blue Horizon Travel, with cruise highlights, airfare info and updates on future group opportunities to prep for the trip in 2015.
  • Paul Larsen with the latest on hotel accommodations and sightseeing.
  • Janet Brown-Lowe, GAHC Executive Director, with announcements regarding genealogy and

All interested parties are welcome to attend!

See the heartwarming musical The Christmas Schooner with GAHC at the Mercury Theater!

The whole family will enjoy this tale of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. This critically acclaimed production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. Classic German and English songs performed throughout this wonderful musical.

"The Christmas Schooner has entertained audiences in hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre. Last year the Mercury revived the tradition with a full orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a "Best Production" nomination for the 2012 Jeff Awards. The Chicago Tribune calls this show "a grand family tradition" and "a sacred part of a Chicago Christmas". The Chicago Sun-Times raved, "an inheritance to be treasured", "pleases in every way", "highly recommended". A timely and uplifting tale of love and loss, The Christmas Schooner reminds us of tradition, and our responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage."

Join us by calling 563-322-8844 to reserve your place by Nov. 15th. $100 for members and $115 for non-members includes bus and theater ticket. Lunch and dinner at your own cost. Bus will depart Davenport at 7am, Lunch & shopping at Water Tower Place from 11am-1pm, Matinee performance of The Christmas Schooner at 3pm, Departure from Chicago at 5:30pm with meal enroute, and arrival in Davenport at 9:30. All times are approximate!

05 Nov 2014

Lecture Series on Geology of the National Parks Continues at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

By Adam Prato

WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Dr. Richard Baker continues his series of lectures this winter about geology in our national parks with presentations on Wednesdays, November 12 (Zion and Bryce Canyon), January 28 (Isle Royale and Voyageurs), and March 25 (Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords). The lectures are free and last about one hour. They begin at the visitor center of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site at 7:00 p.m.

The lecture series is offered in recognition of President Herbert Hoover's interests in geology and conservation. Dr. Baker is a professor emeritus in the Geoscience Department at University of Iowa. He completed his doctorate research at Yellowstone National Park. He has traveled to many of our national parks and has taught a course on them at the University of Iowa.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

110 Parkside Drive

PO Box 607

West Branch, Iowa 52358


319 643-2541 phone

319 643-7864 fax

www.nps.gov/heho


Twitter: @HooverNPS

Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS

05 Nov 2014

Final Frieze Lecture Considers Hometown Heroes on Nov. 11

By Lisa Lockheart

The 17th-annual Frieze Lecture Series, a partnership between the Rock Island Public Library and Augustana College, wraps up at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 11 with a presentation on "Augustana's Hometown Heroes" by associate athletic director and sports information director Dave Wrath.

Wrath's topic builds on the library's recent Hometown Teams" collaborative exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution and the Illinois Humanities Council.

The college's best known sports legend, Ken Anderson, the NFL's 1982 Most Valuable Player, was featured in a local display at the library in September and October. But there are dozens of other worthy athletes that have catapulted Augustana to the national stage. Wrath, an inductee of the College Sports Information Directors of America's Hall of Fame, will share the stories of those whose exploits landed our community on sports pages around the country.

The lectures are offered annually on four Tuesdays in October and November at the Rock Island Main Library,  and take their name from an architectural feature of the historic building. Previous lectures this year considered Augustana's "hometown" connections to and from Sweden, how Conrad Bergendoff changed his thinking on the connections between Sweden and Lutheranism, and the stories of local writers who are part of the area's rich literary heritage.

Presentations are free and open to the public. For more details about events at the Rock Island Library, call (309) 732-READ (7323) or check the online calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org
05 Nov 2014

West Music Announces Closing of Ottumwa Store Location

By Kelly Goerdt

Ottumwa, IA - November 4, 2014 - West Music Company announced that it will close its Ottumwa, Iowa store location effective December 31, 2014. West Music began its presence in Ottumwa in 1995. The music store, located at 404 West Main Street, had previously been owned by Milo Sorden and then Harry Carter.

West Music's commitment to the area school music programs and local musicians remains extremely important to all parties. Through weekly visits by West Music's Educational Sales Representatives, West Music will continue to provide quality instruments, products, and services to the Ottumwa community. As an additional convenience for musicians in the community, West Music is in the process of searching for local partners to establish satellite locations that will stock every day musical accessories such as reeds, lubricants, and popular method books. For more information, please contact Robin Walenta, President of West Music, at rwalenta@westmusic.com or 319-351-2000.

"After 20 years of servicing the Ottumwa community and continuing the tradition of Sorden's Music, we are sad to close our doors in Ottumwa. This is a decision we did not take likely - with the shrinking economy in southern Iowa, it became necessary for us to make this decision.  The school music business remains strong and our commitment to those accounts remains strong as our Educational Sales Representative will continue the great work he is doing in servicing the southern Iowa communities." said Robin Walenta, President of West Music.

Beginning November 1 through December 31, 2014, West Music Ottumwa will host a Store Closing Store with drastically reduced prices on musical instruments and accessories. Southeast Iowa continues to have a strong music tradition and West Music encourages the community to come to West Music Ottumwa during the Store Closing Sale to take advantage of incredible deals and celebrate the impact that West Music Ottumwa has had on the community. The deals won't last long, stop in early for the best selection.

West Music remains committed to servicing southeast Iowa and encourages customers to shop online at westmusic.com or visit other West Music stores - located in Cedar Falls, Coralville, Decorah, Dubuque, Marion, Moline, Illinois, or the piano gallery in Urbandale, Iowa.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music! West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services. West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and western Illinois including two new locations with their recent acquisition of Kephart's Music Center. For more information, visit West Music's website at westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

05 Nov 2014

Kirkwood Community College Earns NIMS Accreditation

By Catherine Ross
Fairfax, VA - NIMS is pleased to announce accreditation of the CNC Machining Technology Program at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Officially accredited as of September 25, 2014, the staff and faculty at Kirkwood have met NIMS standards and will continue to set the bar for exceptional metalworking training for higher education in the state of Iowa.

View the full press release >>>
05 Nov 2014

" Banking: currency exchange: has crypto currency been killed by the IRS?"

By Narveen Aryaputri
Continuing discussions.
All input from the public is requested.
We seek a vigorous discussion.
The regular Independent scholars will be guiding the discussion.
Please join in.
7.00.p.m.
Independent Scholars Evenings*
1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline
At
The Moline Commercial Club
Above The Phoenix Art Gallery.

Www.qcinstitute.org.  
Email: institutecht@gmail.com.

*Sponsored by the Institute for Cultural & Healing Traditions Ltd
A 501 (c) 3 under U.S. laws


05 Nov 2014

Cheech & Chong and WAR: "Up In Smoke" / Thursday, January 22, 2015 / Paramount Theatre

By Carly Bishoff
The Up In Smoke Tour featuring Cheech & Chong and War is burning up stages all over the country with night after smoky night of "no authority" comedy and horn-infused funk and soul music. The party begins with War blasting hits like "Why Can't We Be Friends,"  "Low Rider" and "Cisco Kid," then progresses into a combination of Cheech and Chong's most infamous songs (backed up by War) like "Earache My Eye," "Basketball Jones," "Mexican Americans," and some of the duo's most iconic comedic skits such as "Dave's Not Here," "Santa Clause and His Magic Dust," and "Sister Mary Elephant."  

In conjunction with the tour, War released its first studio album in 20 years, "Evolutionary," on May 13, 2014 (Far Out Records/UMe). Featuring special guest collaborations with Cheech & Chong, "Evolutionary" showcases WAR's multi-ethnic lineup and genre-defying style, combining jazz, rock, funk, soul, R&B and Latin. 

Cheech & Chong's first film, "Up In Smoke," was the highest grossing comedy of 1978 and topped $100 million at the box office.  In 2009, the duo made history when comedy partners Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong announced their first reunion tour in more than 25 years, selling out shows from coast to coast.  Multi-platinum-selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for more than four decades to millions across the globe. 

CHEECH & CHONG AND WAR: "UP IN SMOKE"
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015 | 7 P.M. DOORS, 8 P.M. SHOW
PARAMOUNT THEATRE
123 3rd Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, I.A. 52401
Tickets on-sale Friday, November 14 at 12 p.m.
Reserved seating, all ages, $47, $61, or $81
Additional fees may apply

Event link: http://jadepresents.com/cheech-chong-cedar-rapids/Tickets are available at JadePresents.com, the Paramount Theatre box office, by calling (319) 366-8203, or at ParamountTheatreCR.com.
05 Nov 2014

2014 College Invitational

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (November 4, 2014) - The seventh annual College Invitational will open at the Figge Art Museum on Saturday in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery.

 

The exhibition features 60 works of art by college students from nine area colleges and universities, including Ashford University, Augustana College, Black Hawk College, Knox College, Monmouth College, Scott Community College, St. Ambrose University, Western Illinois University and University of Iowa.

 

From Ink, collage, stoneware clay and etching to digital illustration, watercolor, silkscreen and found materials - a wide variety of techniques are used in the artwork on display.

 

Art professors from each of the participating colleges were tasked with making a selection of the top works from their school. Those selections are the framework for the 2014 College Invitational.

 

"The talent and creativity at campuses throughout the region is remarkable," said Director of Education Melissa Mohr. "Each year the artwork submitted continues to impress and is truly a testament to the positive influence arts education is having on today's youth."

 

Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Barbara Leidenfrost in loving memory of her husband, Oscar, the Figge will award cash prizes for first, second and third place winners. Those winners will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of local artists.

 

A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015. This event is free and open to all.

 

The 2014 College Invitational exhibition will be on display through February 8, 2015.


About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-

05 Nov 2014

City of Riverdale's proposed creation of a State Street Urban Renewal Area

By Rick Martin

Dear Mayor Paddock and Council Members:

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed creation of a State Street Urban Renewal Area within the City of Riverdale. It is the Board of Supervisor's understanding, from the map and other information provided, that the City intends to include the entire ALCOA plant property, in addition to some other areas south and north of State Street/US Hwy 67 adjacent to the ALCOA property in this proposed URA. The Board has a number of concerns and questions about this proposal.

First, the Board would note that when ALOCA was proposing the recent expansion of their operation, ALCOA qualified for some State of Iowa funding incentives that required a local match. When the City of Riverdale was not able to finance that match, the local match was met by the Scott County Board of Supervisors through a combination of Bi-State Revolving Loan funds and a County loan from the County General Fund. The ALOCA expansion was then able to be completed.

Second, the Board notes that as the 5th largest property taxpayer in Scott County, ALCOA's impact on County tax revenue's is significant. The Board of Supervisors would oppose any project funded by taxes generated from the County's levy through the use of tax increment financing which would strictly benefit the City of Riverdale. The creation of this URA allows for the future creation of TIF districts and the diversion of County revenues. This diversion disproportionately burdens all other County tax payers in order to maintain County services in light of such lost revenue.

Finally the Board has concerns that this proposed Urban Renewal Plan could negatively impact the City's finances and future ability to meet its budgetary commitments. The TIF revenue that is generated within this Urban Renewal Area is also attributable to the City's levy and will not be available to the City for its General Fund and if used for projects within the State Street URA Plan would increase the financial burden on existing homes and businesses within the City.

In response to our Opportunity to Consult the Board would have the following questions:

1. Would the City of Riverdale be willing to limit the amount of TIF revenue taken for projects to 50% of that generated? This would allow the County (and the School District) to receive some of the revenues generated from the taxable improvements in this proposed area.

2. When does the City propose to create a tax increment financing district within this Urban Renewal Area and how much debt will be asked to be certified with that initial project?

3. How long is the City proposing to keep this Urban Renewal Area in place?

4. Has the City considered how the limited extent of its bonding capacity limits the size and scope of the projects that can been done with tax increment financing?

5. Has the City considered if it will have the capacity to bond for an industrial economic development project that may come in the future if this plan is implemented?

6. Has ALCOA expressed any concerns or objections to this proposal and has ALCOA requested any of the proposed projects? And finally;

7. Has the City considered the possibility that through a re-assessment of property values the base of this Urban Renewal Area could result in a negative increment with no revenue being generated?

While the Board of Supervisors recognizes the City of Riverdale has no legal obligation to comply with our request, we hope in the spirit of intergovernmental cooperation the City Council would seriously consider this request.

Sincerely,

Larry Minard, Chairman

Scott County Board of Supervisors

05 Nov 2014

iWireless Center Christmas Tree Arrives Today

By Stephani Nagle

The iWireless Center's annual Christmas tree is scheduled to arrive today at approximately 10:15 am

The tree is being donated by Rick and Teresa Holmquist of Moline. The tree is approximately 55 feet tall and is a blue spruce but will likely be cut down to 35-40 feet.  Media is invited and encouraged to attend as the tree is raised.

This holiday display has become a tradition in downtown Moline. The tree will contain approximately 30,000 lights and be lit on Saturday, November 22, 2014, at the annual Lighting on the Commons ceremony to be held from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. on the John Deere Commons.

Following the Lighting patrons are encouraged to stick around as the Quad City Mallards battle Rapid City at 7:00 pm at the iWireless Center. Families who attend the Lighting on the Commons will be able to get a free kids ticket for every adult ticket they purchase to the November 22 game.

Additional information about Lighting on the Commons is available at www.lightingonthecommons.com, and tickets are available for the Quad City Mallards game at The iWireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

 

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