MOLINE, ILLINOIS, September 22, 2014: Brighten your day with solar! View renewable energy systems in action. The Illinois Solar Tour is a FREE self-guided, statewide open house that demonstrates how Illinois homes and businesses are using solar, wind, and geothermal to become energy independent.

This event is coordinated nationally by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society in collaboration with dozens of outstanding partner organizations. Attending the tour will allow communities across the country the opportunity to see new and innovative technologies locally that will benefit the environment on a global level. Americans have a voice in how they get their energy. Visiting homes on the tour will allow visitors to learn, engage and be a part of the solution to current energy challenges.

Illinois home and business owners with renewable energy installations will be providing tours on Saturday, October 4th from 10 am to 2 pm. Tour hosts will answer questions on how you can harness the power of the sun and wind to fuel your home and business.

There is a host site to visit in the Quad Cities!

The Prybil residence (3507 32nd St., Moline) is recognized as a clean energy leader and has been selected to be part of the 2014 Illinois Solar Tour. Stop by to see their self-installed photovoltaic system and learn how you can reduce your monthly utility bills, increase property values, and be part of the energy solution.

With 50 sites throughout Illinois, there is a Solar Tour host site near you. Stop in to see how solar energy can brighten your day!

To register for these free events visit www.illinoissolartour.org.

About the Illinois Solar Energy Association

Established in 1975 The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the widespread application of renewable energy through education and advocacy. As the Illinois chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, ISEA is the local resource for educational classes, events, renewable energy related policy developments, local news and access to local renewable energy vendors. www.illinoissolar.org

About the American Solar Energy Society

For more than 50 years the American Solar Energy Society has led the renewable energy revolution. It is the nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies across North America. ASES leads national efforts to promote solar energy education, public outreach, and advocacy. www.ases.org

National Solar Tour Link

 http://www.ases.org/solar-tour/

September 22, 2014

To prepare for the fall school year and the holiday season, TRICARE beneficiaries can protect their families by using TRICARE's vaccine benefit. Vaccines lower the chances of catching serious diseases and reduce long-term healthcare costs. That's why it's good news that TRICARE is covering more vaccine claims than ever.

Read more at www.tricare.mil/VaccinesSoar092214.

Sign up for TRICARE e-mail updates at www.tricare.mil/subscriptions.

Connect with TRICARE on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/tricare and www.twitter.com/tricare.

Congress does it again.  They took a 5 week recess in August to campaign, went back to DC September 8th.  Now another recess days later to campaign. What is wrong with Congress?  The ISIS threat is on the table, our President needs backing on this explosive situation,  There are Congressional Bills requiring attention, where is Congress, on vacation to campaign.

Is Congress thinking about the threat of another war?  Are they thinking about the thousands of our veterans who need help?  Is the VA scandal settled?  No to these issues and many others.

If we have another war and troops are once again boots on ground, more of our men and women in uniform will die, more will come home broken.  Bills that need attention to help our veterans are being sat on, for example an
important House Bill HR-543 the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act is stalled in committee.   What sound advice is Congress giving the President of the terrorist group ISIS?

All Congress is doing is thinking of  themselves for the November election.  What about our veterans, are they not worth concern and the American people's concerns, do we all not have a say so?  It is shameful!

Stand up America and be counted, voice your opinion.  Let Congress know what you think is best.

(end)

More Events

Surf Rock Beach Party - Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, Thu, Oct 2 - Fri, Oct 3

QC Bacon Bash - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Sat, Oct 4

QC Symphony Orchestra - Adler Theatre, Sat, Oct 4

Village Harvest Moon Song & Dance Fest - Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Sun, Oct 5

Ghosts of Pine Creek - Pine Creek Grist Mill, Fri, Oct 10

Disney Live Tour - iWireless Center, Fri, Oct 10

Grand Funk Railroad - Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, Sat, Oct 11

Running Dead 5K - Downtown Moline, Sat, Oct 11

Quad Cities Rowing Regatta - Sylvan Boathouse, Sat, Oct 11

Demi Lovato - iWireless Center, Sat, Oct 11

Apple Fest - LeClaire, Iowa, Sun, Oct 12

ZZ Top - Adler Theatre, Sun, Oct 12

So You Think You Can Dance Tour - Adler Theatre, Tue, Oct 14

SUDS Beer Tasting - German American Heritage Center, Sat, Oct 18

Shamrock 'n Roll - Stern Center, Sat, Oct 18

Brantley Gilbert - iWireless Center, Sat, Oct 18

Cher - iWireless Center, Wed, Oct 22

Meet the Unhuggables - Black Hawk State Historic Site, Fri, Oct 24

Quad City Mallards Hockey Season Opener - iWireless Center, Fri, Oct 24

Hairball - Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, Fri, Oct 24

Halloweird - Cordova Dragway Park, Sat, Oct 25

Boo at the Zoo - Niabi Zoo, Sat, Oct 25 - Sun, Oct 26

Final Friday - Bucktown Center for the Arts, Fri, Oct 31

QC Haunted Forest

Feargrounds Haunted House - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Quad Cities Haunted Woods

Pride of the Wapsi Pumpkin Patch

Against the Grain - Figge Art Museum

Dora the Explorer Exhibit - Family Museum

Niabi Zoo

Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother - Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse

Take Apart Studio - Putnam Museum

ComedySportz Quad Cities - The Establishment Theatre

Berlin Wall Exhibit - German American Heritage Center

Stock Car Races - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Cordova Dragway Park

River Music Experience - Live music

Quad Cities Casinos

Request Information or Contact Us

TravelMississippiRiver.org

VisitQuadCities.com

The Quad Cities brings its history to life during the spirited month of October with many spooky activities for kids and adults alike!

Climb over an enormous couch, jump on a huge bed, crawl through doors, run through masses of bubbles, and throw dishes at a big dishwasher! It's all part of the Families On! Challenge, the first and only nationwide obstacle race of its kind, and it's coming to the Quad Cities.

Your team can take on the 2.5-mile course together with its 16 over-the-top challenges on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at Credit Island Park, 2200 West River Drive in Davenport, Iowa, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families, friends, and co-workers can sign up as a team to participate at familieson.com. The challenge does not end with the obstacle course, a Celebration Station brings the fun from the race to the stage. Local youth music, theatre, and dance performances will occur throughout the day.

With a new course this year, the Lagomarcino's Cocoa Beano 5K Race is great fun for the whole family. It starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Lagomarcino's, 2132 E. 11th Avenue in the Village of East Davenport, Iowa. Race admission includes: High Quality Fleece Vest, Lagomarcino's Chocolate, and the post-race party. Register at lagomarcinos.com. This century-old, family-owned soda fountain is famous for hot fudge sundaes, hand-dipped chocolates, and sponge candy.

Bring your children to celebrate Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 30 in The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District of Rock Island, Illinois. During Fright Night visit participating art galleries, shops, and restaurants for spooky surprises throughout the evening from 5-8 p.m. Find treats at the different sites and see whose costume is the best. Storytellers will weave spine-tingling tales; pumpkin carvers will showcase their wicked designs; and kids can join in with make-and-take activities. Free admission.

Hotel Blackhawk, 200 E. 3rd St. in downtown Davenport, Iowa, hosts a Halloween Howling Ball on Friday, October 31, 2014, from 7 p.m. to midnight in the Gold Room. Come in costume for the costume contest; dance the night away; capture the night with photo booth fun; and enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a spooky themed cocktail. Cost is $50 per person. Built in 1915, the Hotel Blackhawk re-opened in 2010 after a multi-million dollar renovation. It is part of the exclusive Autograph Collection Hotels. To purchase tickets, contact 563-484-5906 or visit hotelblackhawk.com for more information.

Spooky Shows

Starring Domingo Rubio as Count Dracula, this Ballet Quad Cities performance has bold music, edgy choreography, eerie lighting, creative costumes and dynamic dancing all to add up to unforgettable performances on October 17-18. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 1800 7th Ave. in Moline, Ill. Halloween costumes encouraged for the after-party on Saturday. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit balletquadcities.com or call 309-786-3779.

Augustana College Theatre Department produces The Passion of Dracula on October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays at Bergendoff Hall, 3701 7th Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois. This version of the Dracula legend based on the 1897 Bram Stoker novel is set in the English countryside in 1911 where several village girls have died under mysterious circumstances.

The District Theatre Department presents The Rocky Horror Show in October with shows at 8 p.m. on October 23-Nov. 1. The theatre is located at 1623 2nd Avenue in Rock Island, Ill. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Seating is limited. For more information and for ticket reservations, call 309-235-1654 or visit districttheatre.com.

Fall Foilage Riverboat Cruises

Spend a scenic weekend in the Quad Cities enjoying the beautiful colors and fall activities along the Mississippi River aboard a riverboat cruise on the celebrationbelle.com. It's a great way to see the leaves in their various shades. This non-gaming riverboat is the largest excursion vessel on the upper Mississippi River and offers a variety of daytime and nighttime cruises.

Take an overnight cruise aboard the Riverboat Twilight. Board in LeClaire, Iowa, and cruise to Dubuque, Iowa, for an overnight stay at the Grand Harbor Hotel.

New Antique Vintage Market

Danielle from "American Pickers" is launching the American Vintage Market, a new breed of show that combines the best of traditional antiques shows and vibrant urban flea markets. It'll be held at the RiverCenter in Davenport October 25-26. The show will be packed with the best finds including furniture, jewelry, household items, electronics, clothing, art, prints, advertising memorabilia and more. Danielle will be on site to tell visitors about her best finds and share insight about the popular show on the History Channel.

'Dutch Treat' to follow Sullivan heroine's exhilarating adventures in thriller-filled debut

HORTONVILLE, Wis. - Author Patricia Murphy makes debut into the world of mystery fiction with a thrilling treat. She starts off with the first book of her Treat series, "Dutch Treat"(published by Xlibris), a thriller-packed adventure following the heroine, Charlie Sullivan, her mysterious lakeside inheritance and her loyal friends in a sleepy Wisconsin town.

Charlotte "Charlie" Sullivan is from Milwaukee, divorced and has just lost her teaching position. When she thinks things cannot get any worse, her Uncle Milt dies. He leaves her a cabin/resort called Dutch Treat: complete with bills and leaky boats. Charlie is always living paycheck-to-paycheck. So to make ends meet, she works part-time in a grocery store. Money is not Charlie's only problem. She discovers a family secret as she tries unraveling the mystery that surrounds her uncle's strange death. Her good friend, Oneida Native Conchata Ashwood-Nowak, takes Charlie under her wing and into her house after Charlie is involved in an accident; but Charlie will not sit idly and let the bad guys get away. As she gets closer to discovering who Uncle Milt really was, Charlie finds herself in danger. As always, Charlie's friends are there to help pick up the pieces.

Faced with the unexpected consequences that placed her and her friends in a deadly situation, Charlie must take the lead and put an end to the mystery that plagues her already distraught life. The conclusion is a prodigious display of wit and contemporary grace, showcasing Murphy's uncanny style as a promising literary debutant. With this, she promises an equally-riveting sequence with the second book of the series, "Frozen Treat," currently underway.

"Dutch Treat"

By Patricia Murphy

Hardcover | 6x9in | 266 pages | ISBN 9781499062564

Softcover | 6x9in | 266 pages | ISBN 9781499062571

E-Book | 266 pages | ISBN 9781499062588

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Patricia Murphy is the pen name of Patricia Ramsay. Born in Burlington, Iowa, Ms. Murphy attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She currently resides in Wisconsin with her family.

to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

###

Author Scott Chally chronicles visions in 'DO YOU BELIEVE IS IT REAL OR FICTION?'

NORTHEAST, IOWA- In "DO YOU BELIEVE IS IT REAL OR FICTION?" (published by Xlibris) Author Scott Chally writes down how he experienced visions and portents that warned him of the coming end and how through God can humanity be hailed into a new world order.

"DO YOU BELIEVE IS IT REAL OR FICTION?" is a real-life story that gives readers an in-depth look of Chally's childhood, family, teen years, the years spent in the military service, running a business and all the good and bad in his life until he lost it when he was put in the hospital and then diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder/schizo affective disorder.

This is a true life story that takes readers on a journey through the author's mind and how he came to find himself through a myriad of soul searching experiences. "DO YOU BELIEVE IS IT REAL OR FICTION?" is a truly enlightening read that shows humanity's journey into the new world order.

"DO YOU BELIEVE IS IT REAL OR FICTION?"

By Scott Chally

Hardcover | 6x9 in | 500 pages | ISBN 9781499031478

Softcover | 6x9 in | 500 pages | ISBN 9781499031485

E-Book | 500 pages | ISBN 9781499031454

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Scott Chally was born in Illinois but grew up in Iowa. He went into the military, then started his own business and worked in a factory until recently, when he became disabled. He lives with his wife and has six children.

to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

###

New Facility Will Care for 200 of the Nation's Heroes

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today broke ground on the $70.5 million Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago. The 200-bed facility will be the fifth veterans' home in the state and the first in Chicago. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's longstanding commitment to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"All of us on the homefront have a duty to take care of those who have borne the battle," Governor Quinn said. "More than half of Illinois' veterans live in the Chicago area, and this new facility will greatly benefit these heroes and their families. Our new veterans' home in Chicago will provide care and support for 200 of our nation's heroes and create hundreds of jobs for hardworking Illinois residents."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved federal reimbursement for up to 65 percent of the eligible construction costs on the project. This means as much as $45.8 million of the construction cost could be covered by the federal government.

The five-story home will feature single occupancy rooms with private bathrooms and common areas for dining and meeting with visitors. The facility will be built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standards, a testament to its energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly design. The construction project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Construction will begin by early October on 7.8 acres of land at the southwest corner of Forest Preserve Drive and Oak Park Avenue. The location was selected because of its proximity to the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and its accessibility to public transportation. Units will provide special long-term care for veterans with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Construction is scheduled for completion in mid 2016.

"The start of construction on the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago is a great step forward," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director Rodrigo Garcia said. "Thanks to Governor Quinn's leadership and commitment to serving those who have served, Chicago-area veterans will have a chance to access the great quality of care and the caring, patriotic environment we offer at our four existing Homes."

"There is no more important building being constructed in the state of Illinois than this one," Capital Development Board Executive Director Jim Underwood said. "We are honored to oversee the construction of this home that will care for heroes who answered the call to serve."

The Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago will be operated by IDVA, which also supervises veterans' homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. IDVA also operates the Prince Home, a 15-bed permanent supportive housing facility for homeless and disabled veterans at Manteno. When completed and after recognition of the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago, the Department will be able to receive USDVA per diem payments that will provide over one quarter of the annual operating budget of the home.

###

On Saturday, Sept. 20, more than 300 runners and walkers participated in Modern Woodmen of America's Race to Knock Out Hunger, a 5K charity run/walk to support River Bend Foodbank. In a pre-race ceremony, Modern Woodmen presented River Bend Foodbank with a check for $15,609.49. The donation includes proceeds from participant registration, additional donations and money donated by employees during Modern Woodmen's Knock Out Hunger campaign.

Modern Woodmen, a fraternal financial services organization, planned the Race to Knock Out Hunger to serve as the grand finale of its Knock Out Hunger campaign to support River Bend Foodbank.

"I am extremely proud of the way Modern Woodmen employees and the community took the initiative to support River Bend Foodbank," said President and CEO Kenny Massey. "This is what being 'Fraternal' is all about."

Modern Woodmen volunteers spent over 865 volunteer hours participating in the summer-long campaign to fight local hunger.

"What Modern Woodman has done to support the Foodbank's mission through the Knock Out Hunger Campaign is fantastic. We know that 40 percent of our food ends up on the plate of a hungry child and without the help of wonderful community partners like Modern Woodmen, we could not do what we do." says Tom Laughlin, executive director of River Bend Foodbank.

 

About the Knock Out Hunger campaign

In 2014, Modern Woodmen selected River Bend Foodbank to support through a Knock Out Hunger campaign. Modern Woodmen employees and members donated time, money and food to the food distribution center.

Some of the efforts included sponsoring multiple mobile food pantry events, a home office food drive and farmer's market and sponsoring backpack programs for local children. In August, Modern Woodmen employees packaged 50,000 meals for hungry families in the Quad Cities in just one day!

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing more than 8 million pounds of food annually to feed the hungry. The Foodbank serves more than 10,000 individuals every week through its distribution network of 300 charitable feeding programs in a 22-county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

For more information about the Knock Out Hunger campaign or the effort to support River Bend Foodbank, contact Amber O'Brien at 309-793-5660 or visit modern-woodmen.org.

Modern Woodmen will present the award at the Race to Knock Out Hunger

On Saturday, Sept. 20, Angie DeHamer, Sherrard, Ill., received Modern Woodmen of America's Hometown Hero Award. DeHamer was recognized for countless hours of service to the community. The recognition took place in a pre-race ceremony for Modern Woodmen's Race to Knock Out Hunger.

President Kenny Massey presented DeHamer with the Hometown Hero award and a $100 grant, to be presented to the charitable organization of her choice. DeHamer was recognized for her devotion and involvement with the Viager Family of Sherrard.

In 2013, the Sherrard community member lost his wife, daughter, two nieces, a friend and his home in an early morning fire. DeHamer made it her mission to help. She worked with countless others to have a new home built at minimal costs.

"The Hometown Hero program allows us to thank those who give back to the community and encourage others to volunteer," says Kenny Massey, President and CEO of Modern Woodmen.

Coordinated by local Modern Woodmen members, chapters provide opportunities to take part in social activities and community service projects to meet local needs.

As a tax-exempt fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment* products not to benefit stockholders but to improve quality of life for our members, their families and their communities. This is accomplished through social, charitable and volunteer activities. In 2013, Modern Woodmen and its members provide more than $20 million and more than 507,600 volunteer hours for community projects nationwide.

-end-

Pages