PEORIA, Ill. (Nov. 19, 2014) - The first nationwide partnership and "Fuel Your Community" campaign between the American Red Cross and energy provider Suburban Propane in October helped collect thousands of lifesaving blood and platelet donations for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusions centers served by the Red Cross.

Hundreds of Suburban Propane employees rolled up their sleeves to give blood and volunteer at 64 Red Cross blood drives across the country the October campaign, resulting in more than 1,500 blood donations at those drives, and nearly 600 first-time donors. With each blood donation potentially helping up to three people, as many as 4,500 lives could be impacted.

"Our employees are proud to support the American Red Cross and the hospitals and patients it serves," said Chief Operating Officer Mark Wienberg of Suburban Propane. "This is the sixth time Suburban Propane has partnered with the Red Cross to raise awareness about the constant need for blood and platelet donations, and is our largest and most successful effort to date. We look forward to continuing to support the Red Cross and its humanitarian mission with our national sponsorship."

Through the "Fuel Your Community" campaign, Suburban Propane also sponsored an advertising campaign to raise greater awareness for the constant need for blood and platelet donations, and donated a $5,000 Visa gift card for one lucky presenting blood donor to win.

"Partnering with civic-minded organizations, like Suburban Propane, is at the heart of our humanitarian and volunteer supported organization," said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Blood Services. "With Suburban Propane's support, overall the Red Cross collected more than 460,000 blood donations at over 19,000 blood drives in October, helping to meet the need of about 15,000 blood donations every day for patients."

"It's the blood products already on the shelves that help to save lives in an emergency," said Shelly Heiden, community CEO, Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. "Suburban Propane's support helps ensure that blood is available for cancer patients, those fighting blood diseases, trauma victims and others here in the Heart of America Region as well as patients throughout the country."

To learn more about blood donation or find a blood donation opportunity, download the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Eligible donors with all blood types - especially O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to maintain an adequate supply for patients.

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Suburban Propane

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the energy needs of more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 710 locations in 41 states.

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SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will be joined tomorrow by Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch to announce findings from a comprehensive study of the economic impact military bases and the defense industry has on Illinois' economy. The first-of-its-kind study in Illinois will be available for use by advocates at the local, state and federal levels to take full advantage of changes in Defense Department (DoD) spending.

The study was produced by the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Lt. Governor's Office. It examined economic factors tied to Illinois' three major, active military installations -- the Scott Air Force Base, the Rock Island Arsenal and the Naval Station Great Lakes - as well as DoD contracts, National Guard facilities and payments tied to military retirees and students.

 

DATE: Nov. 20

TIME: 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Blue Room, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today made the following statement regarding the selection by the University of Illinois' board of trustees of Dr. Timothy Killeen as the university's next president:

"Dr. Timothy Killeen is a distinguished scholar and brings over three decades of experience to lead the University of Illinois. Chosen unanimously by the university's search committee, Dr. Killeen's acclaimed background in research and his roots as an educator and administrator will greatly benefit the university and its diverse population of students from around the globe. I congratulate Dr. Killeen and extend a warm welcome to Illinois. I am confident he will continue the university's legacy of excellence in preparing graduates for a 21st century economy."

"I commend current President Easter, whose leadership and vision strengthened the university and secured its place as one of the best in the world. I join thousands of grateful students, faculty and alumni in thanking President Easter for his service to the U. of I. and to the people of Illinois."

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Kaplan University's Davenport campus will celebrate the commencement of 87graduates at the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Kaplan University, will be the keynote speaker.

Who: Graduates of Kaplan University Davenport Campus - See full list below

Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Kaplan University

What: Kaplan University Davenport Campus Commencement

 

Where: RiverCenter, Great Hall

136 E. 3rd Street

Davenport, IA 52801

 

When: Friday, December 5, 2014

6:00 p.m.

 

Note to Media: Upon arrival at the graduation please ask for Lisa Zerbonia. Interviews are available.

 

The Fall/Winter 2014 graduates of Kaplan University's Davenport Campus:

Master of Business Administration

Derrick Barry, Clinton, IA

Nichole Karstens, Colona, IL

Jennifer Kritz, Wilton, IA

 

Master of Health Care Administration

Rosina Boddicker, Long Grove, IA

 

 

Master of Science

Criminal Justice

Sharita Couch, Davenport, IA

Stacey Hart, Davenport, IA

Raitanza Kalu, DeWitt, IA

 

Psychology

Heather Brown, Davenport, IA

Jessica Sabel, Davenport, IA

 

Bachelor of Science

Accounting

Heather N. Damewood, Knoxville, IL

Tracey Kirschbaum, Marquette, IA

Trisha Lester, Tukwila, WA

Amanda McElroy, Muscatine, IA

Samantha Strohbehn, DeWitt, IA

Lauren Vincent, Cambridge, IL

Patricia Woolley, Muscatine, IA

 

Business Administration

Rhoda Burrage, Knoxville, TN

Elizabeth Hayward, Maquoketa, IA

Ashley Hixson, Andalusia, IL

Sharon James, Davenport, IA

Dean D. Macke, Taylor Ridge, IL

Jedidiah Petersen, Davenport, IA

Jessica L. Phillips, Muscatine, IA

Greg Reed, Hemet, CA

Kerry Rempt, Park View, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Angela Holtby, Fort Wainwright, AK

Cheryl Murphy, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Sariah Luna, Davenport, IA

 

Environmental Policy and Management

Jada King, Davenport, IA

 

Health Care Administration

Amanda Hitchcock, Moline, IL

Latisha Humphrey, Norcross, GA

Gwendolyn Marino, Davenport, IA

Kelsey Pisel, Bettendorf, IA

 

Health Science

Stephanie Simmons, Moline, IL

 

Human Services

Tonya Bartrom, Bettendorf, IA

Susanne Goodner, Davenport, IA

Renea Harbison, Davenport, IA

Brittany A. Mussmann, Coralville, IA

Stephanie Stansbarger, Clinton, IA

 

Information Technology

Hannah Gray, Davenport, IA

Mark Rankin, New Bern, NC

 

Nutrition Science

Rachel Ostberg, Bettendorf, IA

 

Psychology

Amanda Lightfoot, Davenport, IA

Brianna Varner, Clinton, IA

 

Associate of Applied Science

Business Administration

Olmedo Clarke, Davenport, IA

Ayanna Dawson, DeWitt, IA

Rhonda Estes, Milan, IL

Cord Heim, La Motte, IA

Noble Henry, Moline, IL

Stephen Koonce, DeWitt, IA

Patricia Musch, Camanche, IA

Stephanie Stevens, Davenport, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Demetrios Elliott, Davenport, IA

Brittney Noel, Donahue, IA

Joelle Stone, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Jillian Miller, Savanna, IL

 

Human Services

Jessica Bass, Rock Island, IL

Larry Bebber, Muscatine, IA

Jessica Cervantes, Moline, IL

Jenny Dierikx, Orion, IL

Courtney Elijah, Tipton, IA

Doris Lee, Davenport, IA

Terry Randolph, Davenport, IA

Robert Snell, Colona, IL

 

Information Technology

Lylah Lagerstam, Silvis, IL

Michael Myers, Davenport, IA

 

Medical Assisting

Perla L. Anaya Sanchez, Davenport, IA

Chiquita Austin, Clinton, IA

Kaitlynn Francois, Port Byron, IL

Jennifer Griebel, Clinton, IA

Ashley Hartz, LeClaire, IA

Sara Loerzel, Davenport, IA

Carol Noah, Davenport, IA

Sarah Ribbens, Davenport, IA

Danielle Robinson, Davenport, IA

Doris A. Septer, Wilton, IA

Kelsey Woolam, Muscatine, IA

 

Medical Office Management,

Brenda G. Bogle, Clinton, IA

Tammy Dirksen, Long Grove, IA

Jennifer Wendt, Atkinson, IL

 

Paralegal Studies

Kylara Brandt, Rock Island, IL

Melissa Brune, Davenport, IA

Sharlia Clark, Moline, IL

Keila Jordan, Davenport, IA

Tori Lawson, Tampico, IL

Larisha Tot, Davenport, IA

Courtney Yeater, Colona, IL

 

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). Kaplan University serves approximately 46,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 13 campuses in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland and Missouri.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan's higher education institutions serves approximately 61,000 students online and through 56 campus-based schools across the United States and offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

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November 20th. 2014 " a Similarities and differences between Vedic, European and Middle East philosophy" by Michael Rosenthal and Narveen Aryaputri Independent Scholars Evenings

This is the third session on the exploration in this area of thought.
This session will be taped for review and circulation.
Please join in.
Public input in the discussion  is requested
7.00.p.m.
Independent Scholars Evenings*
1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline
At
The Moline Commercial Club
Above The Phoenix Art Gallery.
About the presenters:
Michael Rosenthal studied at St. Paul's seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and has completed graduate work in Philosophy at the University of Iowa.
Narveen Aryaputri taught English Literature in New Delhi, India and in Ahwaz, Iran. She completed her graduate work in English Listerature from Meerut University, India. She is an Essayist, an Artist and a lifelong student of Vedic studies. She is one of the Directors of The Institute for Cultural & Healing Traditions, Ltd.
Michael Rosenthal and Narveen Aryaputri are frequent presenters at these Evenings reserved for area Independent Scholars. Please review archives at The Institute's website to see their individual work.

PELLA, IA (11/19/2014)(readMedia)-- Local students will compete with Central College's mock trial team throughout this winter.

Dan Dankert of Davenport

Jacob Logan of Bettendorf

The team travels Nov. 21 to Omaha, Neb., for the Creighton Invitational, then competes next semester in Pella, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. Central College will host a mock trial competition Jan. 24-25, and students will also compete at the Loras National Invitational Jan. 30-31 and the American Mock Trial Association regional competition in February.

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.

November 19, 2014 (Quad Cities) - The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Toy Collection is underway. Paper angel tags listing the age, gender and toy ideas are available at these locations:

CURRENTLY: All four Quad Cities area Wal-Marts and Schnucks Market

STARTING Friday, November 28th: NorthPark Mall in the JCPenney Court and SouthPark Mall in the von Maur Court. Hours will be 11am - 8pm Monday through Saturday, and 11pm - 5pm on Sunday.

Community members are encouraged to purchase a toy and bring it to the Angel Tree sites so that a less fortunate child will have a happy Christmas morning. This annual program provides new toys for 3,000 children whose families have a hard time adding Christmas gifts to their budget.

Anyone wanting to participate can select an angel tag from the tree and purchase a gift for a child. New, unwrapped toys for a child, along with the original tag can be returned to any Angel Tree location. The last day you can choose an angel is December 15 to allow time for distribution by The Salvation Army.

Major Gary A. Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator, states, "The Salvation Army is very dedicated to helping parents maintain a sense of normalcy and dignity so Christmas can truly be a blessed event for their family. This small gesture of purchasing a toy for a child can help to make another person's life less overwhelming."

To make a tax deductible contribution to The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign:

• Visit www.salvationarmyqc.org

• Call 800-SAL-ARMY

• Send a check or money order payable to The Salvation Army to: 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, IA 52803

Donations collected during the Red Kettle Campaign are used for the following services: 80,000 freshly prepared meals served and 31,000 nights of shelter provided at the Family Service Center; 2,300 Christmas Food Boxes for families and individuals and 6,000 toys for children in need; nursing home visits to lonely seniors; and weekly character building programs serving hundreds of Quad Cities youth, and much, much more.

Enter Your Love Songs And/Or Social Cause Songs


November 18, 2014 - Nashville, TN, USA...Do you have a great love song? Do you have a great song about a social cause? ISC is opening entries from November 18 - December 4, 2014 for songs relating to either of these topics. To enter, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/submit

ISC's "Sing Your Heart Out" promotion is for songs about love, falling in love, heartbreak, or anything to do with love. ISC's "Pick Your Cause" promotion is for songs about any sort of social cause. When you enter either promotion, you will receive a free Radio Airplay account, have your love song included on the Jango.com "Independent Love Songs" or "Sounds Of Social Cause" radio station, and receive 100 free spins, per entry, to your Radio Airplay account whether you are a new or existing Radio Airplay member. A group of winners will also be selected and will receive promotion and airplay from Jango.com and Radio Airplay.

Entrants will also be automatically entered into the ISC 2014 competition. ISC Prizes include over $150,000 in cash, merchandise, and services (including a Grand Prize of $25,000 cash). ISC is open to amateur and professional songwriters from all over the world, including bands and solo performers. Winners are selected by a panel of high-profile recording artists and music industry executives.

Over the years ISC has become a benchmark for songwriting talent, and winning ISC can be a tremendous career booster. Winners have included artists such as Gotye, Kimbra, Gin Wigmore, The Band Perry, Passenger, Bastille, Kasey Chambers, Gregory Porter, Lindsey Stirling, and many more. Many winners have gone on to record label deals and have secured publishing deals, licensing deals, and distribution deals, in addition to getting more gigs, fans, and recognition.


The complete list of 2014 ISC judges includes:

Recording Artists
Tom Waits; American Authors; Sarah McLachlan; Pat Metheny; Sara Evans; Bastille; Casting Crowns; Avicii; Wayne Shorter; John Hiatt; Keane; DJ Snake; Robben Ford; Danilo Perez; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Natasha Bedingfield; Martina McBride; Newsboys; Jon Secada; The Chainsmokers; Jason Isbell; Afro Celt Sound System; London Grammar; Michael W. Smith; Craig Morgan; Gerald Casale (Devo); Jean-Luc Ponty; James Cotton; Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes); Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Matt Thiessen (Relient K); Chayanne; J. Holiday; Femi Kuti; and Bela Fleck

Industry Executives
Monte Lipman (Founder and Chairman/CEO, Republic Records); Craig Kallman (Chairman/CEO, Atlantic Records); Dan McCarroll (President, Warner Bros. Records); Jeff Castelaz (President, Elektra Records); Alison Donald (Co-President, Columbia Records UK); Ted Cockle (President, Virgin Records UK); Mike Smith (President, Mercury Records UK); Nir Seroussi (President, Sony Music Latin); Ed Vetri (President, Wind-Up Records); Rosie Lopez (President, Tommy Boy Entertainment); Glen Barros (President, Concord Music
Group); Rex Rideout (VP of A&R, Motown Records); Jay Landers (Executive VP of A&R, Verve Music Group); Bryan Stewart (VP of A&R, Curb Records); Jason McArthur (VP of A&R, Provident Label Group / Sony Music Entertainment); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Edward Chmelewski (President, Blind Pig Records); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America, Sony); Keith Naftaly (Executive VP of A&R, RCA Records); Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Joseph Burney (VP of A&R, RCA Inspiration/Sony Music Entertainment); Richard Stumpf (CEO, Atlas Publishing); Steve Greenberg (CEO, S-Curve Records); Kim Buie (A&R, Thirty Tigers); Albert Schilcher (VP of Music and Music Marketing, MTV International); Gary Briggs (Senior VP of A&R/Producer, New West Records); Lori Teig (VP of Talent, VEVO); Jermaine Hall (Editor-In-Chief, Vibe Magazine); Jamie Masada (Owner, Laugh Factory); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Julie Kertes (General Manager, National Parenting Publications Awards, NAPPA); Claire S. Green (President, Parents' Choice Foundation); Leib Ostrow (Founder/CEO, Music For Little People); Nate Dern (News Editor, Funny Or Die News); Shannon O'Neill (Artistic Director, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre NY); and Wende Curtis (Owner, Comedy Works)

ISC is sponsored by: Ableton, Airplay Direct, Berklee College Of Music, Celebrity Access, D'Addario, Disc Makers, George Stein, Esq., Hammond USA, Indie Pro Mix and Final Mix, Inc., Gauge Microphones, Indie Venue Bible, LowdenGuitars, Lurssen Mastering, Slate Digital, SongU.com, The Music Business Registry, Taxi, Thayers, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

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Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter invite you to a Press Conference:

To acknowledge the 5 year donation of the Kehl Management group to Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter and discuss current financial demands of both agencies and the means needed to assure shelter for those experiencing homelessness in our community. Humility of Mary will announce a challenge to the Quad City community to match the Kehl donation over the next five years.

Date: Thursday November 20, 2014

Time: 11:30 am

Place: Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., 1016 West 5th Street, Davenport, Iowa

Participants*:

Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba

Rhymn City Casino General Manager Mo Hyder

Bobby Kehl, a member of Kehl Management

Humility of Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter Executive Director Julie Bockenstedt

Humility of Mary Shelter Program Director Cindi Gramenz

*Participants will be available for questions after the Press Conference

The purpose of this press conference is to publicly thank the Kehl family and to raise awareness in the community of the important services provided by HMSI and HMHI. Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter hope to inspire and challenge Quad City citizens and businesses to match the Kehl donation each year with new and increased donations. The Kehl contribution is $50,000 a year for both Humility of Mary Housing and Humility of Mary Shelter. Over the course of five (5) years, each agency will receive $250,000.

A new series of abstract art celebrating the Iowa Landscape will be unveiled in Cedar Rapids.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, December 5th 2014 - January 31st 2015 - Nationally acclaimed local artist Mary Zeran will be exhibiting her recent body of work at Gilded Pear Gallery in a show titled: "La Tierra de Mi Corazón...The Land of My Heart"

The new series comprised of Zeran's trademark joyous color, will be unveiled Friday, December 5th at an opening reception from 5:00-7:00 at Gilded Pear Gallery, 808 Third Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. For more information regarding the exhibit contact Suzy McGrane-Hop at 319-366-0205, gildedpeargallery.com

Mary Zeran is known for her innovative painting and collage techniques using archival polyester film. Zeran's work evolves over time. The final pieces are compilations of scraps, isolated brushstrokes and forms created from her stock of individually painted polyester sheets. She finds this spontaneous, painterly way of working allows her to be responsive to the cutting and gluing, collaborating directly with the process and materials.

The new abstracted landscapes celebrate the land of Zeran's heart, Iowa; a place flowing with small rivers, and creeks, bursting with bountiful fields of corn, powerful oak trees, and expansive skies.

"When Zeran and her husband first moved back to Iowa from Seattle, WA, the thing that surprised her most was how much calmer she felt. The bustle of the city was invigorating at first, but then became exhausting. Life turned into endless traffic jams, loud noises, and cramped spaces. The only way to contact family was by phone or plane. Luckily older parents, new generations, and memories of a better quality of life called them back to Iowa. What she and her husband found was a much welcomed calm and ever inspiring landscape that has fueled Zeran's artwork for the last 5 years."

"I've been working to develop a series of abstract brush marks that describe the sense of joy and wonder I feel when I look at the Iowa landscape. One of the symbols I've been using is wood. Not only is this my way of honoring Iowa's majestic Oak trees, it is a way of celebrating my rich family."

"I'm fascinated with tree rings and how they are an annual record of a life well lived."

About Mary Zeran

Mary Zeran is a third generation American artist known for her innovative painting and collage techniques using polyester film. She grew up in a family of women folk artists.  Textiles, embroidery, and woodcarving, were the visual language of her family. Each time Zeran picks up a brush or scissors, she immerses herself in the language of her family. When she abstracts flowers, trees, and all the colors of nature, she speaks her mother tongue. This language brings her closer to her family's traditions, history and stories. For more information about her work, visit maryzeran.com

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