Des Moines, IA - Fresh off a commanding victory at last night's Iowa Senate debate and a new Des Moines Register poll that saw him surge 8 points in just two weeks, Bruce Braley was back on the road today in Northeast Iowa focusing on his policies that put Iowa families first. At stops with volunteers, grassroots organizers and members of the community in Waterloo, Independence and Manchester, Bruce continued to lay out his plans to break through the gridlock and fight for an economy that works for all Iowa families, not just the wealthiest few.

"I am running for U.S. Senate because I will fight for all of our state's families, not just special interest millionaires and billionaires," said Braley. "I am proud of my record of breaking through the gridlock and working with Republicans to deliver results for Iowa, and I'm happy to talk about that record. But Sen. Ernst doesn't seem to understand that sound bites have consequences, and while her policies protect corporations who ship Iowa jobs overseas and oil billionaires like the Koch brothers who oppose the job-creating Renewable Fuel Standard, they hurt Iowa families who rely on Social Security, government student loans, and the promise of fair pay for a hard day's work. While Ernst's policies only lead to more gridlock, I will work with anyone who has a good idea that puts Iowa's families first."

In stark contrast to Bruce's clear commitment to Iowa's middle class at last night's debate, Sen. Joni Ernst failed to hide her out-of-step plans to privatize Social Security, protect corporations that ship jobs overseas from paying their fair share in taxes, abolish federal student loans, and oppose a minimum wage increase that would give 300,000 Iowans a raise.

Bruce also talked about the importance of early voting, and encouraged all Iowans to vote early?either in person or by mail. More and more Iowans are voting early every election cycle, because it is the simplest and easiest way to make your voice heard. Iowans can learn more about how they can vote early at vote.brucebraley.com

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"An exploration of the similarities and differences between Vedic,   and
European and Near Eastern thought."

MIchael Rosenthal and Narveen Aryaputri---co-presenters.

7.00.p.m.

Independent Scholars Evenings*

1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline
At
The Moline Commercial Club
2nd floor

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

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

Saturday, Oct. 18th 6-8pm

Join us for our third annual Home brew beer tasting fundraiser! $15 gets you in the door to sample delicious German style home brewed beer from our friends at MUGZ homebrewing club. Jerry's Market will join us with German potato salad and sausages! Good Bier, Good Food, Good Fun! Don't miss this event!

All proceeds benefit GAHC's Educational Exhibits & Programs!


Purchase your tickets now! Call 563-322-8844 and I will be happy to get you set up with tickets for you and your family and friends!
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the 37th Annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon:

"On behalf of the people of Illinois, I congratulate the thousands of runners who trained, ran and completed the annual Chicago Marathon.

"For those who traveled from afar to those from right here in Illinois, it is an honor to have such dedicated and talented athletes race through Chicago each year.

"I congratulate our two winners: Eliud Kipchope and Rita Jeptoo. Your remarkable performances are an inspiration for runners everywhere.

"I also want to send a special thank you to Carey Pinkowski who has served as the race director for 25 races. When he began, the marathon had just over 7,000 starters and is now over the 40,000 mark and has become one of the world's most famous marathons."

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The final concert celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the dedication of Trinity's Casavant pipe organ is Reformation Sunday, October 26, at 3:00pm.

Dr. Brett Wolgast, Cantor and Organist at First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, and College Organist and Assistant Professor of Music at Coe College is presenting a remarkable program elaborating hymn melodies used at the time of the Protestant Reformation.  The program features compositions from different ages which compare and contrast various hymn tunes. 

The program? and series of three recitals? will draw to a close with J.S. Bach's great Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541.

497 years ago, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg, setting in motion the Protestant Reformation.  Historians consider Luther's hymns, and those of his contemporaries, to have sparked the traditions congregational singing we know today.

Handcrafted by the Canadian firm of Casavant Frères, the sanctuary organ at Trinity Church was dedicated March 17, 1974.  It was the first of its kind in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois and remains a premiere instrument for the presentation of music by J.S. Bach and his contemporaries.  Trinity Church has celebrated in 2014 with previous recitals by Dr. Delbert Disselhorst, Professor Emeritus of the University of Iowa, and Dr. Karen Black, Professor of Organ at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.

This unique concert mixing history, instrument, and song is one not to be missed.

A reception follows the program in Trinity Church's Founder's Hall. There is no admission charge, and the public is invited.  Trinity Lutheran Church is at 1330 13th Street, Moline, Illinois.  More information is also available at www.tlcmoline.org

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How often do you find a band that sounds great live and on CD? The Giving Tree Band is one of those bands! These five guys live and travel together and that shines through in their live energetic shows. The energy in the room cannot be duplicated and cannot be denied. This band wins people over everywhere they play and just keeps gaining momentum. The Giving Tree Band will be performing at the Redstone Room in Davenport, IA on 11/21/14 at 8:00pm.

 

For more information:
Davenport, IA - Braley for Iowa Campaign Manager Sarah Benzing issued the following statement after tonight's US Senate debate:

"The difference tonight was clear: Bruce Braley sided with all Iowa families and Joni Ernst once again showed that she stands with millionaires, billionaires, and special interest groups.

"As voters are turning their focus to this campaign in the final stretch, they are learning more and more about Joni Ernst's plans to privatize Social Security and threaten guaranteed benefits, protect corporations that ship Iowa jobs overseas from paying their fair share in taxes, abolish federal student loans and make college less affordable for the middle class, and oppose a minimum wage increase that would give 300,000 Iowans a raise.

"But as Bruce said tonight, sound bites have consequences, and Joni Ernst's policies would hurt Iowa families. Iowa voters got a clear look at the two candidates tonight and Bruce Braley won this debate overwhelmingly by laying out his plans to break through the gridlock and fight for an economy that works for all Iowa families, not just the wealthiest few."

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The Big Band sound of the renowned Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (TDO) will be heard in DeWitt Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Central Performing Arts Center (CPAC) located at the high school in DeWitt, Iowa.

Recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands, the orchestra will feature Iowa native Terry Meyers for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

During the Big Band era, Tommy Dorsey was known as the "The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing." His band could swing with the best of them, and no other group could come close when it came to playing ballads. Frank Sinatra 's career blossomed with the Dorsey orchestra years ago, and his vocals helped the band become more successful than ever. Sinatra admitted listening to Dorsey helped him develop his phrasing and breathing along with his musical taste and knowledge.

The music world lost Dorsey at an early age, but his musical legacy has transcended time. The TDO repertoire continues to entertain audiences of all ages throughout the world with such familiar tunes as "I'll Never Smile Again," "Hawaiian War Chant," "Night Train," "Blue Skies," "Once in a While and "Pennies From Heaven," to name a few.

Myers, known as one of the best reed players in the country today, was a band leader at Walt Disney World's EPCOT Center and also led the band at Rosie O'Grady's in downtown Orlando. Myers was one of the original members of Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band in 1990. Buddy Morrow, former leader of the TDO, says, "His versatility and expertise on the clarinet and saxophone are a treat to the ears."

In conjunction with this concert, the CPAC will hold a live auction during intermission for a one-week stay at Grand Crowne Resort ($1,200 value) in Branson, Mo.

Advance tickets are available at DeWitt City Hall, 510 Ninth St. or online atwww.midwestix.com. Prices are $25 for adults; $22 for 60 Plus; and $10 for students K-12.

Tickets also will be available at the door: $28 for adults; $25 for 60 Plus; and $10 for students.

MOLINE, IL - Do you enjoy a night out with friends and some exciting trivia to liven up the evening? Then join WQPT at the Fargo Lounge, Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL, for the WQPT Trivia night, with a casino style atmosphere.

 

Doors open at 6 p.m, with questions starting at 7 p.m.

 

Buy a table for your team of up to eight. Admission is $80 per team. All of the money raised helps support WQPT's programming and educational outreach in western Illinois and eastern Iowa.

 

Cash prizes will be given to the first, second, and third place teams. There will also be a 50/50 drawing, a silent auction, and raffles. A cash bar will be available for drinks. No outside beverages allowed. Feel free to stop by and have some pizza for a small donation, or just bring your own food. At the end of the night bring home your very own commemorative souvenir.

 

This event is being organized and providing valuable hands-on experience to the WIU-QC Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration 235 class.

 

To register for the event or for more information, please contact WQPT at (309) 764-2400.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/14/2014)(readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -Lt. Col. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, an Illinois National Guardsman with Joint Force Headquarters, announced her military retirement 10 years after her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq and she lost both legs.

Duckworth commissioned with the Army Reserves in May 1992 and joined the Illinois Army National Guard in 1996, with dreams of becoming a Foreign Service officer, and someday an ambassador, she said.

"I was studying for my master's degree and in my classes were a lot of vets, drilling Reservists and Guardsmen," said Duckworth. "I just naturally gravitated toward those folks as my friends."

Her college friends advised her to understand the military better and attend military classes. Before long, she was heading off to military training.

"I had just been laid off from my job and everything worked out," said Duckworth. "I was able to go to basic training. So off I went to cadet basic training. It was miserable, but I loved the challenge."

Duckworth faced many hurdles throughout her career. In 2004, she deployed to Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the Illinois Army National Guard. She was one of the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade Nov. 12, 2004. Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of her right arm in the explosion and received a Purple Heart for her combat injuries.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kurt Hannemann of Chicago, with Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation in Peoria, Illinois, served as a door gunner on the same Blackhawk that was shot down. Hannemann said he considers Duckworth a mentor, admiring her mission-focused attitude and attention to detail.

Having been in the military for 23 years, Duckworth said balancing her civilian job and military career was the most challenging.

"I've always been a Reservist or Guardsman," said Duckworth. "During my command of Company B, 106th Aviation, it was a part-time job. That balance between being a citizen-Soldier and my civilian job has always been a real challenge throughout my career."

While Duckworth mentioned many fond memories and many testing situations, she always had a mentor to guide her.

"The person I have worked both closely with and for has been Colonel Sikowski," said Duckworth. "He taught me to be thoughtful, whereas the Army teaches you to be decisive. You want to make a decision and execute, but he taught me to be patient."

Sikowski responded to situations after taking time to think and come up with a better solution, one that had better long-term effects, said Duckworth.

"I carry his thoughtfulness to Washington and I teach that to my staff," said Duckworth, who is also a congresswoman. "I've always admired that and I carry that through the rest of my career."

Duckworth was not originally scheduled to deploy to Iraq in 2004, but volunteered for the deployment, said Sikowski.

"She was my right-hand person as far as operations for the entire task force," said Sikowski.

Sikowski required his staff to fly twice a week and remain fully engaged in the mission during the deployment.

"Tammy's always been driven," said Sikowski. "She's the type of person who can accomplish anything she wants to do whether this incident happened or not."

After her helicopter was shot down, Duckworth was determined to stay in the military.

She said she learned to enjoy other aspects of the military just as much as flying. She joined to become a pilot and flying was her passion; however, working in a tactical operations center (TOC) is something she enjoyed second to flying.

"I am a total TOC rat," said Duckworth. "I love writing operations orders, even though I cannot fly. The other thing I really love is TOC operations and being in the Joint Operations Center."

"It has been a privilege to serve with all of these amazing folks. I am so proud of what they do," said Duckworth. "The American people do not know what our National Guardsmen give up to wear the uniform."

Duckworth recalled many notable missions during her military career. She said she flew Bell UH-1, also known as a Huey, around the Pyramids in Egypt, Blackhawks over glaciers in Iceland and completed a deployment to Iraq.

"The greatest part of my career was when I was in command of Company B, 106th Aviation," said Duckworth. "As tough as it was and the hard work that it was, that was by far the best part of my career."

Duckworth maintained many great relationships and built a network of friends while in the military.

"We all have friends that go way back," said Duckworth. "You may not see them for ages, but when you do it's old home week. I treasure it."

In talking about her 10-year anniversary, Duckworth tears up thinking about that day and the Soldiers who saved her.

"They literally carried me off of the field," said Duckworth. "It's my turn to do a little carrying. Not a day goes by that I don't get up and say, 'What can I do to pay back?"

Choosing to remain in the military after the incident, Sikowski said it is quite an amazing accomplishment given the severity of her injuries that she continues serving so well.

Duckworth recently got her fixed wing pilot license and started flying again. Her motivation comes from the lifestyle of being a pilot, said Sikowski.

"The requirements, time and effort it takes to become a pilot becomes a lifestyle," said Sikowski. "It doesn't leave your blood. It's another one of those accomplishments that requires the drive that she possesses."

As she continues with her civilian career, she is working to ensure the veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom receive the care they need.

"I am working with respiratory and neurological associations to do studies," said Duckworth. "I don't want our Soldiers to wait 20 years before they are treated like agent orange and Gulf War syndrome."

Duckworth recently announced her pregnancy and said she has big plans after retirement.

"I plan on continuing my civilian job, raising this baby and being as big a cheerleader of the Guard as I can," said Duckworth. "I'll be a Guard spouse, as my husband is still in."

In the last decade, Duckworth has accomplished many personal goals including scuba diving, surfing, skydiving, marathons, going back to school, and helping in her community.

"Through her, I have learned that humans can be very resilient, both physically and mentally," said Hannemann. "I am very proud of how she has taken a negative thing and turned it into such a positive outcome."

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