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.

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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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.

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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3 Tips for Preventing, Minimizing and Repairing Damage
from Exposure

Don't pack away the sunblock with your swimsuit and other summer accessories. Winter's sun is just as dangerous as summer's, says Adam J. Scheiner, M.D., www.adamscheinermd.com, an eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon who's been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, The Howard Stern Show and The Doctors.

"The snow reflects the glare of the sun - and the damaging UV rays," he says. "People who like skiing and snowboarding in the mountains are getting 4 to 5 percent more UV damage for every 1,000 feet they ascend above sea level."

And then there are all those holiday cruises and escapes to warm-weather climates where beaches are packed year-round.

"It's not OK to lie baking in the sun for hours, even if it's just one week out of the winter," Dr. Scheiner says.

No matter how comfortable or cool the temperature feels, don't be fooled!

"Earlier this year, the surgeon general predicted 9,000 people will die from melanoma this year. That's preventable," Dr. Scheiner says.

"If skin cancer doesn't scare you, think with your vanity. Sun exposure is the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, discoloration, age spots and festoons, among other disfiguring problems."

Dr. Scheiner shares tips for preventing, minimizing and repairing sun damage:

•  Prevention: You're not just exposed when you're skiing, hiking, or taking a beach vacation.

"Anytime you go outside, you're exposing yourself to damaging UVB and UVA rays, and the result is cumulative. A little bit here and a little there adds up," Scheiner says.

Simply driving a car can result in serious sun damage. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found more skin cancers on the left side of patients' faces - the side exposed while driving - then the right. Scheiner says he's seen truckers and others who spend years on the road with severe wrinkling on the left side of the face.

"Always wear sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. I recommend a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, preferably higher," he says. "You can also protect yourself from UVA rays, which cause deeper damage, by applying UV-protective film to your car windows. Also, wear clothes with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of at least 30."

•  Minimizing: Good nutrition and topical products can help minimize signs of damage, such as wrinkles and age spots, Dr. Scheiner says.

Eat foods rich in antioxidants -- carrots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables; spinach and other green leafy vegetables; tomatoes; blueberries; peas and beans; fatty fish, and nuts. An American Society for Clinical Nutrition study found that women ages 40 to 75 who consumed more vitamin C, an antioxidant, had fewer wrinkles.

Use exfoliate creams to remove dead skin cells. Prescription creams including Avita, Avage, Renova and Retin-A have been shown to reduce wrinkles and age spots caused by sun exposure.

•  Repairing: Lasers can resurface facial skin by stripping away the outermost layers. Some "non-ablative" lasers also stimulate collagen formation, which helps smooth wrinkles.

"I use RESET® Laser Skin Resurfacing, which reverses the damage and removes many pre-cancers and even active skin cancers," Scheiner says. "RESET uses an advanced Dual Pulsed Erbium Laser, and my proprietary healing protocol. "

The RESET® treatment Dr. Scheiner has vaporizes the old skin and causes the collagen in the underlying layers to tighten.

The No. 1 best thing you can do for your skin starting today is to start making application of a broad spectrum, UVB/UVA sunscreen part of your daily routine.

"Apply it to all areas of the skin that can be directly exposed to the sun," he says. "The best scenario is preventing sun damage in the first place."

About Dr. Adam J. Scheiner

Adam J. Scheiner, M.D. is world-renowned in laser eyelid and facial plastic surgery for his groundbreaking treatment for Festoons. The Tampa-based oculoplastic surgeon wrote the medical text on the condition and shared his treatment  for Festoons on Dr. Oz and The Doctors TV shows. Dr. Scheiner is author of the new book, The True Definition of Beauty.

Three Days a Week: October 27 - Dec 5

Quad Cities: The Salvation Army's Christmas Assistance Program - a community wide effort - is The Salvation Army's largest outreach event each year. Last year, for example, more than 4,000 toys and gifts were distributed to 1,935 children and more than 1,900 households received food.

Families who would like to receive assistance during the holidays must register and complete the application process before December 5th.

Registration Location in Scott County, IOWA:  3400 W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport 563-391-5325

Registration Location in Rock Island County, ILLINOIS:  2200 - 5th Avenue, Moline 309-764-6996

Registration Dates and Times for both Locations:

Mondays– 12:00PM to 2:30PM October 27; November 3, 10, 17, 24; and December 1

Wednesdays– 1:00PM to 4:00PM October 29; November 5, 12, 19; and December 3

Fridays– 11:00AM to 2:00PM October 31; November 7, 14, 21; and December 5

What to bring: (Applications cannot be taken without the items below)

1. Adults: a. Picture ID with valid date, b. Social Security card & c. Proof of address (2 pieces of mail)

2. Children: a. Social Security Cards or b. Medical Cards or c. Birth certificates for each child.

3. Proof of: a. Household Income & b. Federal or State Benefits.

The list of people being assisted is shared with other agencies in the area, so that there is no duplication of service and so that everyone who needs assistance will be able to find it.

 

 

 

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Why Preserving Hope Creek Care Center as a Public Institution is the Best Option for Rock Island County Taxpayers.

Join us for a town hall meeting concerning Hope Creek Care Center and the November 4th Referendum.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2014
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: George O. Barr, Elementary School - Gym
1305 - 5 Ave, Silvis IL

In attendance to answer questions:
Brian Vyncke, Rock Island County Board, District 8 - ff3emtp@hotmail.com (309) 737-6896
Virgil Dueysen, Rock Island County Board, District 5 - Duey1@mchsi.com
Patrick Moreno, Rock Island County Board - District 4
Ken "Moose" Maranda, Rock Island County Board - District 23
Joshua Schipp, K.I.S.S. Committee Member - KissHopeCreek@gmail.com
Chris Baker, K.I.S.S. Committee President - KissHopeCreek@gmail.com (309) 721-6241

Please bring a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker!  Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be available.

Call Chris Baker (309) 721-6241 with any questions about the event.

DES MOINES, IA (10/21/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is offering Iowa teachers pencils to be distributed during the annual Iowa Assessment Test. The treasurer's program, Prepare for the Basics, offers free #2 pencils to be distributed by teachers. Last year, the program distributed over 29,000 pencils to schools statewide. "Testing helps teachers monitor the growth of students' basic skills," Fitzgerald said. "This program is a small gesture of appreciation to our teachers for their hard work."

Along with the new pencil, students will receive information to take home about College Savings Iowa, the state-sponsored 529 plan. College Savings Iowa offers families a tax-advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,098 per beneficiary from their 2014 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* "Families that save early are better prepared to meet the future educational needs for their children," Fitzgerald stated. "Saving ahead of time may reduce the need to borrow for college."

Teachers who would like to participate in the Prepare for the Basics program can register online at IowaTreasurer.gov. Participants can register by clicking on the tab For Citizens, then clicking on the Financial Literacy tab, which will take you to the Prepare for the Basics section. Program materials will be sent directly to the participating schools. Supplies are limited, so early registration is advised. For more information about College Savings Iowa, please visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

Eola Yard Improvements Add Capacity to Route, Create Jobs, Improve Travel Options

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today the start of construction on the new passenger rail route connecting Chicago and Moline. The $23 million in improvements underway at the BNSF Railway's Eola Yard in Aurora are made possible by funds from the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) $177 million grant toward the project, as well as $78 million in matching funds provided by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program.

"This project marks the start of better transportation between these two vital areas of the state," Governor Quinn said. "Passenger rail is creating jobs and opening new economic development opportunities across Illinois, and will help travelers get to their destinations quickly and efficiently for years to come. I am proud that our state is leading the way on this transportation trend of the future."

The work that just started consists of track improvements and all necessary signal and capacity upgrades to accommodate the additional trains that will be utilizing the Eola Yard each day once the Chicago-Moline  service begins. Grading and drainage improvements also are included. The estimated completion date is Summer 2015.

"This truly is an historic day and one more major step toward reestablishing passenger service between Chicago and Moline," said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Erica Borggren. "The improvements at the Eola Yard would not be possible without the hard work of our partners at the FRA and BNSF Railway. By working together, we are creating jobs and economic development, improving travel options for communities along the line and building a 21st century transportation system for Illinois."

The Eola Yard project will facilitate additional passenger trains on the 109-mile stretch between Chicago and Wyanet and help improve operational efficiencies for existing service between Chicago and Quincy. Earlier this year, the state reached an agreement with the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) to begin designing the signal system, as well as the track and tie improvements, to permit passenger trains on the 53 miles from Wyanet to Moline. Once that process is completed later this year, IDOT can begin finalizing an additional agreement with the IAIS that spells out maintenance and operations responsibilities, as well as a construction timeline.

"Reestablishing passenger service between Chicago and Moline is critical to the development of a Midwest passenger rail network that will connect the 40 largest markets in the Midwest," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. "These improvements at Eola Yard will help make this new service to Moline a reality, while also improving existing passenger rail service to Galesburg and Quincy - a real benefit for the traveling public."

The restoration of service to the Quad Cities for the first time since 1979 will begin with two daily round-trips, with stops in LaGrange, Naperville, Plano, Mendota, Princeton and Geneseo. "BNSF Railway is pleased to be partnering with the State of Illinois on this important project," said D.J. Mitchell, BNSF assistant vice president passenger operations safety and technical training.

"We look forward to working with state and federal officials to complete this segment of the Chicago-Quad Cities Passenger Rail program."

For more information on the project, visit
goo.gl/6W6YuS.

# # #

THIS WEEK
Friday, October 24, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline

Rapid City Rush vs. Quad City Mallards

 

Saturday, October 25, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline

Rapid City Rush vs. Quad City Mallards

 

Quad City
2013-14: 33-23-10, 76 points
5th place, Central Hockey League
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Rapid City
2013-14: 39-23-4, 82 points
4th place, Central Hockey League
Coach: Joe Ferras

 

QUACK TRACKS
ECHL

The Mallards moved to the ECHL from the Central Hockey League earlier this month along with the Allen Americans, Brampton Beast, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder to form the ECHL's Central Division.  The ECHL is the fourth different league in which the Mallards have played, following the Colonial/United Hockey League (1995-2007), International Hockey League (2009-2010) and Central Hockey League (2010-2014).

Return

Nine Mallards have previously played in the ECHL: Kevin Baker, Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel, Matt Duffy, Evan Haney, Darren McMillan, Parker Milner, Kyle Thomas, Garrett Vermeersch and Ben Woodley.

Rematch

The Mallards Friday meet the Rush for the first time since April 30 when the Mallards won the seventh and deciding game of the opening round Central Hockey League playoff series between the two clubs 3-2 in Rapid City.  This also marks the second straight season and third time in the last four years the Mallards will open against the Rush.  The Mallards dropped their 2013-14 CHL curtain raiser to the Rush 6-4 on October 19 of last year and lost their first game of the 2011-12 campaign 5-1 to Rapid City.

Home Sweet Home

The Mallards play their first two games and four of their first five at home.  After this weekend's two game set against the Rush, the Mallards will travel to Rapid City for a rematch next Tuesday.  The Mallards will return home to host the Cincinnati Cyclones- who last year reached the ECHL Kelly Cup finals- on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1.

Blink of an Eye

Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski Friday night will step behind an ECHL bench for the first time in 7,510 days.  Ruskowski's final game as coach of the ECHL's Columbus Chill was a 6-4 second round playoff loss to the Toledo Storm on April 2, 1994.  Since then he has coached in the International Hockey League (Houston Aeros), United Hockey League (Knoxville Speed) and CHL (Mallards, Laredo Bucks and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees).  

Return, Take 2

Kevin Baker returns to the ECHL with the Mallards this season.  Baker, the 2008-09 ECHL Most Valuable Player, spent the last season plus in the Central Hockey League with the Arizona Sundogs.  Baker last played in the ECHL for the Evansville IceMen in 2013.  Baker has scored 190 goals and added 202 assists for 392 points in 367 career ECHL games for the IceMen, Texas Wildcatters, Florida Everblades, Stockton Thunder and Orlando Solar Bears.

General Lee
Jeff Lee returns for his second season with the Mallards after leading the team in points (60) while playing in all 66 regular season games last season.  Lee will face some old friends when the Mallards meet the Rush this weekend.  He skated for Rapid City as a rookie in 2012-13.

Mac is Back
Defenseman Darren McMillan during the offseason announced his plans to retire after the coming campaign.  McMillan's final season in professional hockey will be his sixth with the Mallards and his fifth as team captain.   Should he, as expected, take the ice this Friday, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, native will become the only player who has skated for the team in each of the six seasons since the Mallards returned to the ice in 2009.  McMillan, 34, has played 261 games for the Mallards, sixth most in team history.  He is three games away from catching Rick Emmett- who played 264 times for the Mallards between 1996 and 2001- and moving into a tie for fifth place.  McMillan has missed just three games over the last four seasons.  

Back on the Blue Line

McMillan is, along with Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel, Matt Duffy, Nick Grasso, Darren McMillan, Mike Monfredo and Nicholas Rioux, one of six defenseman returning from last season's Mallard squad.  In all, nine players are back from last year.  Forwards Lee, Justin Fox and Joe Perry join the blue line sextet in re-upping with the Flock.

Euro Trip

The Mallards have added a pair of Europeans in Russian-born Finnish forward Antti Pusa and Danish defenseman Jannik Christensen.  Pusa split last season between Herning in Denmark and TuTo in Finland after previously playing in France and Austria.  Prior to making the move across the Atlantic, Christensen spent the bulk of his career in his home town with the Esbjerg Energy.

Between the Pipes

The Mallards' two goaltenders are new to the team this season.  Parker Milner joins the Mallards after turning pro last season with the Stockton Thunder- and also seeing action for the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  Milner's highly decorated collegiate career climaxed when he backstopped Boston College to the 2012 NCAA title.  Rookie Evan Mosher was named to the All-Canadian second team after shining for Acadia University last season.

Openers

The Mallards have suffered regulation defeats in each of their five home openers since the team returned to the ice in 2009 following a two year interregnum during which the Quad City Flames competed in the American Hockey League.  The Mallards are winless (0-5-1) in their last six home openers.  The Flock last started its home slate with a win on October 21, 2005 while in the United Hockey League when it downed the Motor City Mechanics 4-3 in a shootout.

Home Sweet Home, Take 2
The Mallards went 19-11-3 at home last season after winning exactly 20 home games each of the prior two seasons. 

Special Teams
The Mallards finished last season fourth in the CHL in penalty killing (83.7 percent) and ranked ninth on the power play (14.3 percent).  The Mallards, who scored shorthanded 12 times last season, led the CHL in shorthanded goals each of the last two seasons.

Head to Head

The Mallards went 3-2-1 against Rapid City during the 2013-14 regular season.  The Mallards went 2-1-0 against the Rush on home ice.  All time, the Mallards have gone 12-8-2 overall in the regular season and 7-4-0 at the iWireless Center against the Rush.  Last spring's seven game battle was the first playoff match-up between the two clubs.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Friday, October 24, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Rapid City
$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday presented by 97X and MetroLINK
Beginning with opening night, fans again this season will enjoyed $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, October 25, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Rapid City

Rush Rematch

The Mallards and Rush will no doubt ramp up their rivalry when they meet for the second time in as many nights.

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 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 ### -

 



Jim Kersten


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