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.

 

###

04 Nov 2014

NICK TEDDY 5K RAISES $10,000 FOR SARCOMA RESEARCH

By Holly Larson

PORT BYRON, IL - The Nick Teddy Foundation, in partnership with First Wealth Financial Group of Clinton, IA, is pleased to announce proceeds results for its Third Annual "Nick Teddy 5k." !

This year, the Port Byron-based foundation will donate $10,000 to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, to be used to fund Ewing's sarcoma research. The rare pediatric bone cancer currently affects several area children and young adults. An additional $5,000 will be used to support these local patients and their families. !

The "Nick Teddy 5k" is an annual celebration of the life of Port Byron native Nicholas Theodore Strub, who died of Ewing's sarcoma in November 2011 at age 29. The Nick Teddy Foundation was established in his memory, and works to raise money for Ewing's sarcoma research, to increase awareness of the disease in the Quad City area, and to support local Ewing's patients and their families. In three short years, the foundation has donated over $52,000 to Ewing's sarcoma research. !!!!!!!!!

This year's event was held in Port Byron, IL, on Saturday, September 13, and included a 1-mile family fun run/walk, a Teddy Trot for children 6 years of age and under, and the 5k run/walk. The festivities also included kids' games, a silent auction and raffle, and an after party with food and live entertainment. !

More information can be found online at: http://www.NickTeddy.org,
on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NickTeddyOrg);
on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/NickTeddyOrg).

04 Nov 2014

Pre-Register for STEM Teachers and Educators Night Out Event November 12th

By The Quad City Engineering & Science Council

Join us STEM Teachers/Educators Night Out Event

 

This free event will include free pop/pizza provided by QCESC, a review of major STEM events calendar, an overview of host school's STEM program, and input from other schools attending the meeting. This is a great networking opportunity for sharing STEM successes and learning.

STEM Teachers/Educators Night Out Event
Wednesday, November 12th
6:00-8:15 P.M.
at Bettendorf High School
To attend this free event, the only requirement is that you need to pre-register which only takes a minute using the On-line Google Form. This helps insure we have adequate food and space.

The calendar of major STEM events will be discussed, including:

  • IL FLL Qualifier Event Dec 6-7
  • IA FLL Qualifier Event. Dec 13-14
  • Bridge Building Competition Feb 6-7
  • Trebuchet Competition. Apr 10 (Tentative)
  • Cardboard Boat Regatta. May 8 (Tentative)

A highlight will be tour of BHS's new Robotics program by Dan Drexler.

  • As always we want representatives from the various schools to share their successes and plans for STEM events.

Details and Full Agenda can be found at:
http://www.qcesc.org/qcesc_teachers.html#STEM_Teachers_Night_Out

Please forward to other STEM Educators who would be interested in attending!

Call Carl Loweth with any questions
563-505-1196

 

04 Nov 2014

Taco Dinner at the Solid Rock Cafe this Friday

By Ginger Busby

Come join us on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 4pm until 7pm for a Taco Dinner at the Solid Rock Cafe, 1411 Brady St, Davenport. (Entrance to parking lot is on 14th St, just east of Brady St.)

Cost is $8.00 per plate, served with your choice of lemonade or iced tea. All meals include 3 tacos, rice and beans.

Our barista drinks and fresh fruit smoothies will be available at $3.00 each.

There will also be music for your soul! 

For more information, please call 563-323-5295 or email: ginger@thecenter-davenport.com 

You can also visit www.thecenter-davenport.com to learn more about our mission here in our community.

04 Nov 2014

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: NOVEMBER 3, 2014

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Thursday, November 6, 6:00 p.m. CST
Powerade Center, Brampton

Quad City Mallards vs. Brampton Beast

 

Friday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. CST

Powerade Center, Brampton

Quad City Mallards vs. Brampton Beast

Sunday, November 9, 1:00 p.m. CST

Powerade Center, Brampton

Quad City Mallards vs. Brampton Beast

LAST WEEK
Tuesday, October 28

Quad City 4 Rapid City 1

Friday, October 31

Cincinnati 3 Quad City 2

Saturday, November 1
Cincinnati 5 Quad City 4

Quad City
2-3-0-0, 4 points
tied 4th place, Central Division
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Brampton
0-3-1-0, 1 point
7th place, Central Division
Coach: Brent Hughes

QUACK TRACKS
Cincy Sweep

The Mallards suffered back-to-back one-goal home losses to the Cincinnati Cyclones last weekend.  Those two games were the Mallards' first two match-ups with a club that, unlike the Mallards and the rest of the Central Division, is not new to the ECHL this season.

Best-of-Three

The Mallards started last week with a 4-1 win in Rapid City Tuesday.  That victory was the Mallards' second in a season-opening stretch of three consecutive tilts against the Rush.

 

Foxy

Justin Fox scored twice last Saturday- the first multiple goal game for a Mallard this season- and has collected four points (two goals and two assists) in his last three games to move into a tie for the team lead in goals (with Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel and Joe Perry) and points (with Dieude-Fauvel).  Fox also posted a plus-minus rating of +5 in his three games last week.

Rookie Run
Rookie Pearce Eviston has notched four assists in his last four games to take over the team lead.

 

On the Road

After playing four of their first five games at home the Mallards now play five straight games in Brampton, eight of their next 11 away from home and 14 of their next 18 on the road.

Home Sweet Home?

The Mallards dropped back-to-back home games last weekend and have lost three of their first four home games.

Firsts
Parker Milner made 28 saves while earning his first win as a Mallard and Evan Haney and Johnny Rogic picked up their first career points- assists for both- last Tuesday at Rapid City.  Last Friday against Cincinnati Logan Nelson played his first career game while Antti Pusa, Jani Hakanpaa and Mario Lamoureux made their Mallard debuts with Finns Pusa and Hakanpaa both scoring.

Two Hundred Seventy-Seventh

Kevin Baker scored his first Mallard goal- and the two hundred seventy-seventh of his career- last Tuesday in Rapid City.

History

Captain Darren McMillan moved past Andy Fermoyle into fifth place in team history by playing his two hundred seventy-sixth career game for the Mallards last Tuesday at Rapid City.

 

Special Teams

The Mallards gave up two goals on four Cincinnati power plays last Saturday after giving up just two goals in their first four games on 15 penalty kills.  The Mallards now rank twentieth in the ECHL in penalty killing (78.9 percent).  Justin Fox scored the Mallards' second power play goal of the season last Saturday.  The Mallards rank nineteenth on the man advantage (12.5 percent).

Best Shot
The Mallards outshot the Cyclones 31-27 last Saturday after being outshot in each of their first four games.  The Mallards rank twenty four in the league in shots per game (25.2) and twenty-fifth in shots allowed (32.0).

Head to Head

The Mallards went 7-3-3 against the Beast last season and posted a 4-1-1 record in Brampton.  After meeting the Beast in Brampton this Thursday and Friday and again next Sunday, the Mallards will head back to the Quad Cities and then make a return trip north of the border for games against the Beast on Friday, November 14 and Sunday, November 16.

Ins and Outs

Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa was reassigned to the Mallards from the AHL's Chicago Wolves by the NHL's St. Louis Blues last Thursday and then reassigned to the Wolves today...Forward Evan Haney was placed on the Mallards' reserve list last Thursday and then activated last Saturday when Forward Kevin Baker was moved to the reserve list...Forward Todd Fiddler returned to the Mallard line-up last Friday.  Fiddler missed last Tuesday night's win in Rapid City after being suspended one game for incurring a major penalty (kneeing) and game misconduct October 25 against Rapid City... Forwards Kyle Thomas, Garrett Vermeersch and Ben Woodley were released last Thursday... Forward Antti Pusa was activated from the reserve list last Thursday... Defenseman Nicholas Rioux signed a professional tryout agreement with the AHL's Iowa Wild last Wednesday...The Mallards acquired forward Mario Lamoureux from the Ontario Reign in exchange for future considerations last Tuesday.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, November 19, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers
Four Tickets for $20; Postgame Party at T.G.I. Friday's
Fans can purchase four tickets to each Mallards Wednesday home game for just $20.  In addition, after each Wednesday home contest, fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline- adjacent to the iWireless Center- for a postgame party.

 

Friday, November 21, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Rapid City Rush

$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday presented by 97X and MetroLINK
Fans again this season will enjoy $1 hot dogs and beers from iWireless Center concession stands during all Friday home games.  97X will follow in the spirit of the evening by presenting hot dog-themed intermission entertainment.

Saturday, November 22, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Rapid City Rush

Lighting on the Commons

Fans who attend Lighting on the Commons on John Deere Commons just before the Mallards' game against the Rush will receive a free youth ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket to that Mallards tilt.

 

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  ECHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts and free audio webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.net.

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the iWireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of group benefits.Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -
04 Nov 2014

Wartburg inducts 68 into Phi Eta Sigma first-year honor society

By Emily Christensen

WAVERLY, IA (11/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Wartburg College recently inducted 68 students into Phi Eta Sigma, the national honor society for college freshman.

Inductees include :

Emma Evans-Peck, daughter of Dennis Peck and Christine Evans of Geneseo, majoring in Music Therapy.

Breanna Walczyk, daughter of Dr. Jeffrey S. and Paula K. Walczyk of Bettendorf, majoring in Business Administration.

Phi Eta Sigma is the oldest and largest freshman honor society. A student must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 and be in the top 20 percent of their class by the end of their first year.

Wartburg College's Phi Eta Sigma members have the opportunity to win additional scholarships through the honor society as well as participate in a variety of social and service events on campus.

Wartburg, a four-year liberal arts college internationally recognized for community engagement, enrolls about 1,700 students. Wartburg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and named after the castle in Germany where Martin Luther took refuge disguised as a knight during the stormy days of the Reformation, while translating the Bible from Greek into German.

04 Nov 2014

Melissa Ketcham completes research program

By Laura Billingsley

PELLA, (11/03/2014)(readMedia)-- If you were to ask Melissa Ketcham '15 what she's thinking about during a lecture, she might respond, "Video games." While this may not be a relevant subject for most academic departments, Ketcham's computer science major has provided her with the tools to turn her childhood love of video games into a potential career.

Ketcham, a senior from Muscatine, Iowa, discovered her love for computer science during her freshman year. "I had never heard of the field until I came to Central," said Ketcham. "My advisor, Dr. Fyfe, a professor of computer science, had me take his introductory class because it was required for my math major. I absolutely loved it."

Ketcham's appreciation for computer science didn't stop there. She said all of Central's computer science professors challenged her and helped her develop a passion for the field.

As a female in a male-dominated field, Ketcham's story isn't typical. According to a National Science Foundation report published in 2012, only 18.2% of college students in the computer science field are female.

"Being a woman in a man's field is always mentioned," said Ketcham. "At Central, I haven't really faced any problems with it, but there are studies and articles all of the time about the need for women in computer science."

In her senior year, Ketcham said her computer science professors continue to challenge her. "You can tell they care about what they are teaching," said Ketcham, "and they also know what they're talking about. The professors have had a huge influence on me."

With her professors' encouragement, Ketcham decided to participate in a computer science Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) this past summer through the National Science Foundation. Similar to internships, REUs allow students from smaller colleges to go to bigger schools over the summer to get research experience in a field of their choice. "I knew that I wanted to see whether or not I wanted to go to grad school, and doing the research would be a great way to do that," said Ketcham.

Ketcham completed her REU at North Carolina State University. There, she created computer programs for the university, such as an online tool professors can use to grade assignments. Her biggest project involved working with one of her favorite things: video games. By using Minecraft, a popular video game, Ketcham and other researchers wanted to teach middle school students how to code.

After her summer research experience, Ketcham said she hopes to work in software design for a small company after graduating from Central. This involves creating the programs and tools designers use to create video games.

"Part of me has always wanted to work on video games," said Ketcham. "It was a childhood dream, and I'm finally in a field where it's applicable."

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics. Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. The college is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southeast of Des Moines. Learn more at www.central.edu

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