28 Oct 2014

Volunteers needed to deliver holiday meals

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

Milestones Area Agency on Aging is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to home-bound seniors on the upcoming holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

A two hour time commitment (10:30 am until 12:30 pm) is asked for on the holiday or holidays the volunteer chooses.

Meals can be picked up at St. Ambrose University, Davenport.

Each volunteer will be assigned five to 10 homes in Scott County and will be given a specific route. Typically, 800 meals are delivered during this period. Volunteers can make deliveries once, twice or three times.

Volunteers can make deliveries as individuals or work as a team.

For additional information and details or to volunteer, please contact Catherine Pratscher-Woods, nutrition education coordinator, Milestones Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085, ext. 205 or cpwoods@milestonesaaa.org.

23 Oct 2014

ISU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP LIST

By Barb McBreen

AMES, Iowa (October 21, 2014) - The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University recognized its scholarship recipients for the 2014-15 academic year.

The college and its departments award more than $2 million in scholarships each year. Students interested in enrolling in the college and applying for scholarships should go to http://www.cals.iastate.edu/scholarships/ to view deadline applications.

Along with scholarship support for students, the college continues to attract a record number of students and maintain high placement rates for graduates.

For a third year in a row the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences reached record enrollments. This year the college has 4,475 undergraduate students and 730 graduate students for a total of 5,205.

Employers nationwide attend the largest annual Ag Career Day in the nation in October, which attracted a record number of employers with 269 companies and organizations. Placement of graduates has been 97 percent for 17 consecutive years.

The College also:
* ranks as one of the top five colleges in the world.
* has award winning faculty - eight professors have received the USDA Excellence in Teaching Award since 2006.
* has a study abroad program that will send students to study on all seven continents this year.
* has award winning student clubs that help develop global leaders.

Scholarship awards for this academic year were presented to:

- 30 -


Bettendorf, IA

Jennifer Klindt, Fejervary Trust Scholarship
Catherine Mullen, Ag General Scholarship
Scott Payne, Wise Scholarships in Agriculture
Emily Schwake, Fejervary Trust Scholarship
Amrinder Singh, Kenneth M. & Ruth I. Wagner Agricultural Memorial Scholarships

Davenport, IA

Abigail Clevenger, Fejervary Trust Scholarship
Emily Forrest, Fejervary Trust Scholarship
Madison Walker, Fejervary Trust Scholarship

Moline, IL

Aubrey Foulk, Monsanto Nick Reding Agriculture Scholarship

Rock Island, IL

Julianna Jespersen, Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture
23 Oct 2014

Quad Cities Rings in the Holiday Season in Style

By QCCVB

Downtown Davenport, Iowa, sparkles during the annual Quad City Arts Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter from Nov. 21-30. Festival of Trees features many beautiful, uniquely designed trees, stunning designer displays, handcrafted stockings and ornaments, a variety of miniature designs, special events, model train display, gingerbread village, and the North Pole children's activity center. Don't miss the magic!

There are additional ticketed events that happen in conjunction with the Festival of Trees. There is the Silver Bell Social for seniors, Grand Premiere Party, Sizzlin' Soiree for a girls night out, Sugarplum Ball for dads and daughters, Celebrity Lunch, Jingle Jam teen dance, and Family Days for military families. The Afternoon Adventure is a new children's event to have fun in the frozen winter wonderland.

The Festival of Trees Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 22 features over 20 large helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, the Distinguished Clown Corps, and participation from over 50 organizations. There are more balloons than Macy's! The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and goes through the streets of downtown Davenport.

Come to the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline, Illinois, on Nov. 22 and enjoy the free Lighting on the Commons ceremony from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride; meet Santa and Mrs. Claus; listen to carolers; and warm-up with hot cocoa and cookies. Join in the festivities as nearly 1/2 million lights and fireworks brighten the skies at 5:45 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Cirque de la Symphonie returns for this year's Holiday Pops at the Adler Theatre in Davenport on Nov. 21-22 at 8 p.m. The Holiday Pops includes three performances, including a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday perfect for the whole family. Artists include aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, and more. Performances also include the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Quad City Symphony Youth Choir, and the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church.

Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Celebration Belle on Nov. 21 made festive with a family-oriented Christmas show with music, dance, and holiday food favorites.

Back by popular demand, Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written including "Happy Holiday", "Sisters", "Blue Skies" and, of course, the legendary title song! Based on the popular movie, this musical promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family! White Christmas performance dates are Nov. 7 - Dec. 28.

Thanksgiving Weekend Events
  • Nov 29 - Quad City Mallards Hockey Game at the iWireless Center
  • Nov 28-30 - Julmarknad is the annual Swedish Christmas Market taking place in the historic village of Bishop Hill. Seasonal Swedish folk characters roam the village and there is music and food
  • Nov 28-30 - Christmas Craft Fair with over 180 vendors at the QCCA Expo Center
  • Nov 29 - Tribute to the Bee Gees concert at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center at 7:30 p.m
  • Nov 30 - Enjoy the historic buildings decorated at the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village Christmas Walk with crafts, refreshments, and more. Free admission
  • Nov 30 - Pianist Jim McDonough performs a Holiday Grande production with an orchestra and singers at the Adler Theatre
  • Quad City Arts' Festival of Trees continues through Sunday
23 Oct 2014

Serious injury accident

By Timothy Lane

On October 21st, 2014 at 8:08 AM deputies from the Blue Grass Fire, Medic Ambulance, and Scott County Deputies responded to a motor vehicle accident involving serious injuries at the intersection of Highway 61 and Coonhunters Rd. On arrival it was determined that a 4 year old had been seriously injured in the crash and Medforce Helicopter was dispatched to transport.

The initial on scene investigation conducted by the Scott County Sheriff's Office Accident Response Team determined that a Jeep was traveling North bound on Highway 61 and was attempting to turn right on Coonhunters road when it was struck in the rear by a semi-tractor trailer driven by Charles Yeoman of Ollie, Iowa. The jeep went into the ditch and struck two steel posts installed to protect a natural gas main valve. The 4 year old, who was properly riding in a child safety seat installed in the back seat of the jeep, was injured when one of the steel posts came through the vehicle's window.

Highway 61 in the area of the accident is a four lane divided highway connecting Blue Grass and Davenport. Coonhunters Road is a county two lane highway which travels from highway 61 to the city of Buffalo.
The 4 year old was transported to The University of Iowa Hospital by Medforce Helicopter for surgery. Her condition at this time is unknown. Her name and the Jeep's driver's name is being withheld at this time. The driver of the semi was cited for causing the crash.

23 Oct 2014

Iowa AFL-CIO Releases Working Family Values Report Card on Candidates for U.S. Senate

By Lance Coles

Ernst Earns 'F's On Issues Important to Iowa's Working Families

DES MOINES, October 21, 2014 - The Iowa AFL-CIO today released the Working Family Values Report Card, which gives grades to the candidates for U.S. Senate on a handful of issues critical to Iowa's working families. Candidate Joni Ernst earned all 'F's on issues ranging from increasing the minimum wage to protecting Social Security and Medicare, whereas Rep. Bruce Braley earned 'A's due to his strong support for pro-working family policies.

"Whether it is raising the minimum wage to help low-wage employees afford a few more groceries every week or supporting equal pay for equal work so that women aren't forced to continue earning 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, Joni Ernst earned an F on every subject," said Ken Sagar, Iowa AFL-CIO President. "On issues important to the working families of Iowa, Joni Ernst needs to go back to school and study harder on the challenges facing hard-working women and men in our state."

The AFL-CIO Working Family Values report card was created by grading each candidate for U.S. Senate on a handful of key issues important to working families in Iowa. Those issues include :

  • Increasing the minimum wage

  • Pay equity

  • Protecting Social Security and Medicare

  • Supporting job creation in America and opposing outsourcing of American jobs overseas

  • Tax fairness and closing corporate tax loopholes

"It's hard enough for working families in Iowa to make ends meet these days. The last thing they need is for Joni Ernst to go to the U.S. Senate to push an agenda that puts corporate interests ahead of their needs," added Sagar. "That's why we support Bruce Braley, because he will look out for working families."

23 Oct 2014

Scarecrow Shennanigans at the Family Museum

By Elly Gerdts

Kooky, Spooky, and All-Together Ooky Activities Fill the Family Museum for Scarecrow Shenanigans

Bettendorf – Come in costume and celebrate the fall season! On Sunday, October 26, from noon - 5:00 PM the Family Museum's annual event, Scarecrow Shenanigans, returns this year with even more kooky, spooky, and ooky activities. Almost every gallery and room in the Museum will be filled with art activities, games, and science projects.

The day will start off with the Pleasant Valley Ensemble "The Trom-Bones" performing seasonal music as the first guests arrive at noon. In the Museum's Great Hall, visitors will discover the mysteries of dry ice through ghost bubbles and screaming spoons, win piles of candy by playing Halloween games, and then grab a quick snack. The Family Museum Gallery will get a spooky make-over that is not for the faint of heart. In the dance studios, guests can watch the Family Museum Dance Company perform songs inspired by Despicable Me at 1:30 and 2:30, and they can decorate a mini pumpkin. Visitors are also invited upstairs to make slime out of common household items, make glow-in-the-dark vampire veins, and dissect real eyeballs. And new this year: there will be trolley rides for children and adults outside.

Tickets are $3.00 for Family Museum members and $8.00 each for the general public.  Tickets are available now.  Everyone must have a ticket to enter - even Family Museum members. For more information please call (563) 344-4106, or visit www.familymuseum.org.  Scarecrow Shenanigans is sponsored by The Family Credit Union.

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23 Oct 2014

Nova Singers open their 29th season with Stories in Song

By Nova Singers

Saturday, October 25   7:30pm

Kresge Hall, Knox College

500 S Prairie St.
Galesburg, IL

Sunday, October 26   4:00pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
2136 Brady St.
Davenport, IA

Many great choral works tell stories and this fun program explores them. Look for Eric Whitacre's playful Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, Dinerstein's emotionally powerful When David Heard, a thrilling Bollywood tune, and a song from the hit movie Frozen!

Season tickets on sale NOW.  $60 adults, $50 for seniors.  Tickets also available at the door.  $18 adults, $15 seniors, students free.

Visit www.novasingers.com to purchase tickets.
23 Oct 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Positive Economic News

By Katie Hickey

Illinois Led the Midwest in Job Creation in September and Had Second Best Growth in Nation; Unemployment Rate Has Dropped More Than Any Other State in the Last Year

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the latest economic information released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information made available today showed that last month Illinois led the Midwest - and was second in the nation - in job creation. It also found that Illinois has seen the nation's largest drop in unemployment over the last year. In September, Illinois' unemployment rate dropped for the seventh consecutive month, from 6.7 to 6.6 percent, the lowest level since June 2008 and down from 11.4 percent at the peak of the recession. In the last two months Illinois employers have created more than 40,000 jobs.

"Today's news shows that the Illinois economy is making a comeback. We are making the tough decisions necessary to drive economic growth and the statistics released today show that Illinois is moving in the right direction.

"Illinois has seen the nation's sharpest decline in unemployment over the last year, and our unemployment rate is at its lowest point in more than six years.

"Last month Illinois had the second best job growth in America. Illinois employers have added more than 300,000 jobs since the recovery began.

"It is clear that Illinois' economy is growing stronger every day, and we have more work to do. Let's keep our shoulder to the wheel."

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23 Oct 2014

Mark your calendar and plan on attending THE HILLTOP CAMPUS CONNECTION on THURSDAY OCTOBER 23 from 4:30pm to 7pm .

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
It will be held at Greatest Grains, 1600 Harrison Street, in their new Event Center. Great snacks and beverages will be available, as will parking, either in the lot behind GG, along 16th Street, or on Harrison Street in front of the Event Center.
This is a socializing informal get together. All who support efforts to enhance our area are welcome, so bring your friends.
There is no charge. There are no speeches. Just pop on by to visit and share.
23 Oct 2014

Common Sense On: Registering to Vote

By Sen. Tom Harkin

On November 4, Election Day, Iowans will cast their ballots on key federal, state, and local races, and your vote is important. Democracy only works when informed citizens take the initiative to participate. If you have not yet registered to vote, now is the time to do so. Here is what you need to know about registering to vote:

When is the deadline to register?

The deadline to vote in the election on Tuesday, November 4 is Saturday, October 25.

However, if you have missed the registration deadline, you may still register to vote and cast your ballot during early voting or on Election Day. All you have to do is go to your regular polling place or early voting site. You can find that information here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx. There, you will need to prove both who you are and where you live. The easiest way to do this is to produce your valid Iowa driver's license with your current address printed on it.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

You can register to vote if you will be at least 18 years of age by Election Day, are a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state of Iowa, and have not been convicted of a felony or judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.

How do I register?

You can register to vote by mail or in person. To register by mail, download, print, and complete the voter registration form that is available on the Secretary of State's website: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/voteapp.pdf. Return the form to your county auditor's office by October 25. You can also register to vote in person at your county auditor any time before the voter registration deadline.

Am I already registered to vote?

You can check to see if you are already registered to vote on the Secretary of State's website: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/regtovote/search.aspx/.

For more information visit Senator Harkin's website at  http://harkin.senate.gov/, or follow him on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/ and Twitter  https://twitter.com/.

A PDF version of this article is available here.

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