11 Sep 2014

What Should You Do If Your Dog Doesn't Like Your Date?

By Rick Martin
Vetting a Romantic Partner Can Be Tough - Especially When You're Already Committed

If you're single and in the market for romance, you probably know at least two things: Online dating is a viable and efficient way to find a potential partner, but dating sites cannot guarantee a perfect match.

While a third of all married couples started their romance online - including on social networks like Facebook, according to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, only 23 percent of those who went on a date through a match-making site say it resulted in a long-term relationship, according to the Pew Research Center.

"Really, that's not a bad success rate - I imagine it beats the club scene," says Kris Rotonda, founder and CEO of www.YouMustLoveDogsDating.com, a website devoted to singles who've already found their canine companions, but have yet to find true human love.

"Still, that's a lot of scrolling and dating before you find the right one. I think it's important to narrow the search by letting users start with what's most important to them."

Rotonda, who has four beloved dogs including one he's had since age 8, says his commitment to his furry family became a problem in his dating life. He's happy to report he has now found true love - she loves his dogs and they love her back.

What should you do if your dog doesn't appear to like the new love interest in your life?

•  So, you're dog reacted negatively to a girl or guy you really like ... Of course, how your dog reacts matters if you love your dog, but he or she may be picking up on something that's nonessential to the character of your date, who may be nervous, not used to dogs or simply wearing the wrong perfume or cologne that day. While dogs are very intuitive - and, you want your canine companion to get along with a potential long-term partner - realize that the chemistry can improve. Give it a little time and proactively look for ways to help your dog and your potential love interest relax and get to know each other.

•  Different reactions can have different meanings ... Did she bark for several minutes? Did he run and hide under the bed? If your dog barked in what sounded like a hostile or aggressive way, she's likely just trying to protect you. While you may have had plenty of time to get to know your date over long dinners, he or she may still be a stranger to your dog. If your dog ran and hid, he may be afraid. That doesn't necessarily mean that his fear reflects a real threat - something rotten about your new love interest. What else was going on at the time? If a plane was flying overhead or thunder rumbling outside, that may have been the source of anxiety. Don't try to pet or sweet talk your pet while he's in hiding as that will encourage the behavior. Instead, reward him when he emerges.

•  Mending fences between your canine and human companion ... When you are planning to re-introduce your dog to your date, start before they actually meet in person. This can be done by introducing the person's scent with an unwashed article of clothing. You can also add your scent to the clothing by rubbing it on your arm and then placing in a spot where your dog spends a great deal of time. This will help your dog get used to the person's scent over time and you are not introducing the person to your dog by invading all his senses at one time.

About Kris Rotonda

Kris Rotonda is the founder and CEO of www.YouMustLoveDogsDating.com, a website devoted to singles who've already found their canine companions, but have yet to find true human love. Rotonda, a competitive body builder and successful real estate agent, had experienced a number of unexpected challenges as a bachelor and dog owner and saw the need for a dating site geared toward like-minded dog lovers.

11 Sep 2014

Simon: New college partnership should serve as model to boost state's workforce

By Rick Martin

Encourages statewide replication of Joliet Community College program 

JOLIET – Sept. 9, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today celebrated a new partnership between Joliet Junior College (JJC) and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters that will help boost career readiness. Simon encouraged colleges around Illinois to consider similar partnerships in order to better prepare students to enter the workforce.

"This cooperative arrangement brings together the best of skills training by the carpenters and academic training by JJC," said Simon. "Combining these training programs provide a way for the carpenters union to be recognized for their training, and for individual carpenters to expand their opportunities. And the state is a winner as well, gaining a more able workforce."

Joliet Junior College president Dr. Debra S. Daniels and Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters President Frank Libby hosted the event at JJC Tuesday thanking Lt. Governor Simon for her support of the newly-launched program.

"Partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and other educational institutions are central to our mission," Joliet Junior College President Daniels said. "They are a valuable way to connect individuals with opportunities. This partnership truly exemplifies that."

"On behalf of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, I sincerely thank Lt. Governor Simon for her longstanding commitment and dedication to the carpenters," said President Libby. "She has helped to provide an opportunity to many individuals who may never have even dreamed of being able to attend college, let alone earn a degree."

Apprentices or journeymen now have a number of options available through JJC to translate their on-the-job training into college credits and certificates. Options include an associate's degree in general studies that incorporates apprenticeship program completion and on-the-job training, with 20 hours of JJC course credits. JJC also offers several construction management certificates that count on-the-job proficiency toward completion.

Several Illinois colleges, including City Colleges of Chicago, Triton College, the College of DuPage, the College of Lake County and Waubonsee Community College, have either begun similar programs or are currently in talks to launch them. JJC has had about 90 applicants this year.

Applicants have a wide variety of previously earned credits under their belts, from architects looking for career changes, to students with 160 college credits but no degree.

Previously, Simon visited the state's 48 community colleges and 12 public universities to see how the schools are working to improve completion rates and workforce development, and gather ideas on how the state can help schools overcome barriers to completion goals.

As the chair of the Joint Educational Leadership Committee, Simon is working to increase the proportion of working-age adults in Illinois with meaningful college degrees or certificates to 60 percent by 2025.

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11 Sep 2014

Braley Statement on Shooting at Jackson County Courthouse

By Kirsten Hartman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after a shooting today that occurred at the Jackson County Courthouse:

"I was deeply concerned by the shooting that occurred today at the Jackson County Courthouse, and my thoughts are with those who were injured in this incident. Reports I've read indicate that Buck Koos acted heroically protecting the lives of others. Buck has been a friend and mentor to me, and Carolyn and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and I wish him a speedy recovery." 

# # #
11 Sep 2014

Nova Singers Announces 29th Season

By Nova Singers

Nova Singers, led by award-winning conductor Dr. Laura L. Lane, is celebrating its 29th season of bringing the finest choral music to audiences in Galesburg and the Quad Cities.  This season includes some wonderful extras, in addition to the superb 20-voice ensemble that the region has come to know and love.  Nova opens the season on October 25th and 26th with Stories in Song, a fun program that explores choral works that tell stories.  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!  At A Nova Christmas in December, join the many families who have made celebrating the holidays with Nova Singers their annual tradition!  We'll sing new jazz arrangements of some of your favorite Christmas carols, an African carol with drums, and Kevin Memley's incomparable O Magnum Mysterium.  In February's Journeys & Transformations, Nova presents the world premiere of a new work based on Carl Sandburg's poetry by famed composer Abbie Betinis. Enjoy this thematic program that will take surprising journeys and explore different kinds of transformation, from Vaughan Williams' extraordinary Three Shakespeare Songs, to Rautavaara's dark and intense Suite de Lorca, to the pure joy of Talbot's Santiago. The season concludes in April with Lullabies & Folksongs; harpist, Erin Freund, joins us for gorgeous harmonies of Brahms and the nostalgia and charm of familiar English and American folksongs.  You will also love Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies featuring harp, guitar and marimba.

 

The full schedule of performances is as follows:

Stories in Song

Saturday, October 25, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Hall, Knox College, Galesburg
Sunday, October 26, 4:00 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport

A Nova Christmas
Friday, December 19, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport
Saturday, December 20, 7:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Galesburg

Journeys & Transformations
Saturday, February 14, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Hall, Knox College, Galesburg
Sunday, February 15, 4:00 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport

Lullabies & Folksongs, featuring Erin Freund, harp

Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Hall, Knox College, Galesburg

Sunday, April 19, 4:00 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport

SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - $60 for adults, $50 for seniors.

 

Subscribers to Nova's 2014-2015 Season receive four concerts at an excellent discount.

 

Individual concert tickets available at the door.  Adults $18, Seniors (65+) $15, Students Free.

Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hope to share this fantastic listening experience with you.  Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the spirit and charm the singers impart to their music.  Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities for over twenty-five years, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.

For more information, call Nova Singers at 309-341-7038 or e-mail nova@knox.edu. Information is also available at www.novasingers.com.  Nova Singers' 29th season is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and the Quad City Arts.

11 Sep 2014

Illinois State Military Museum to host "The Fiery Trial: Civil Rights Stories by Candlelight"

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/09/2014)(readMedia)-- The Illinois State Military Museum is one of several historic sites in Springfield, Illinois, that will host "The Fiery trial: Civil Rights Stories by Candlelight." Historians will tell stories, by candlelight, about Illinois residents and civil rights events as part of the nation's "Civil War to Civil Rights" 150th commemoration.

WHO:

• The Illinois State Military Museum

WHAT:

• "The Fiery Trial: Civil Rights Stories by Candlelight"

• A stop on a candlelight tour of historic sites in Springfield, Illinois

• The men who mustered into the 29th U.S. Colored Troops Regiment in Quincy in 1863 faced numerous hurdles just to enlist. Learn of the success of these Illinois Soldiers in combat in Virginia at the Battle of the Crater, at the battle of Appomattox and finally in service in Texas. In addition, the museum will be open for self-guided tours.

WHEN:

• 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Sept. 13

WHERE:

• The Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Ill.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

• Admission and parking are free

• The Illinois Militia dates back to colonial times, making significant contributions to the Revolutionary War period and the largest contribution of personnel to the Union during the Civil War.

ADDITIONAL TOUR LOCATIONS:

• Lincoln Home National Historic Site

• Elijah Iles House

• Lincoln Tomb and War Memorial State Historic Site

• Old State Capitol State Historic Site

• Dana-Thomas House Historic Site

• Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site

For additional information, please contact the Illinois State Military Museum at 217-761-3910.

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11 Sep 2014

Fall Frolic Tickets

By G A H C
Greetings!
It is not too late to join us for this very special event. Friday, September 19th we will be celebrating 20 years of GAHC with our Charter Members at the Outing Club with a German buffet, silent auction, cash bar, and historical presentation!

Rochelle Pennington Speaks on the World War I Christmas Truce!
This event boasts a historical presentation by renowned professional speaker and author Rochelle Pennington. She will be illustrating this topic with artifacts from this actual event from 1914, 100 years ago!

Tickets to the Fall Frolic $50 per person-
Call 563-322-8844 to get your ticket!

The proceeds from your ticket and silent auction bids will go to help GAHC's educational exhibitions and programming.
Thank you for your support!
11 Sep 2014

Gov. Branstad orders flags at half-staff Thursday to honor those who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attacks

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2014, to honor those who perished in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

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11 Sep 2014

HAWKEYES PLAY SUNDAY AT MODERN WOOMEN PARK

By Marco LaNave
Fans can enjoy $2 drinks and $5 tickets; amusements will also operate when gates open at 1 p.m.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (September 9, 2014) - Baseball season is not yet over at Modern Woodmen Park, as the Iowa Hawkeyes will play a 2 p.m. game Sunday at the Best Minor League Ballpark, where admission will be just $5, and fans can enjoy a combination of Thirst-Day Thursday and Family Sunday promotions - including $2 beers, pops and peanuts, dogs welcome to attend the game for Bark in the Park, and postgame Kids Run the Bases.
Gates open at 1 p.m. Sunday, and amusements will also operate when the Hawkeyes play their first game since 2011 at Modern Woodmen Park and open their fall schedule against the Ontario Blue Jays, one of Canada's top-ranked amateur baseball programs.
"The Quad Cities is proud to be Hawkeye Country, and we are delighted for the people of this great community to be the very first to see the Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team in action this fall," said Quad Cities River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Fans will be able to enjoy a great day at America's best minor league ballpark and watch their favorite college team while enjoying $2 beers and pops all day long!"
All individual tickets for Sundays game are just $5 each, while groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for just $3 each. All seating is first-come, first-served. Suite rentals for Sunday's game are $200 each.  Tickets are available by calling the Modern Woodmen Park box office at 563-324-3000. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day through Friday and starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday. At Sunday's game, parking in the lots adjacent to Modern Woodmen Park will be free.
Amusements will operate for Sunday's game, as well as the usual September weekend hours on Friday (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
The Hawkeyes finished 30-23 overall last spring, posting a 10-14 record in the Big Ten Conference. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays were 12-6-5 over the 2014 season. The 2013 Ontario Blue Jays team featured 23 players who later committed to play collegiate baseball, including 19 at the NCAA Division I level.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
*****
11 Sep 2014

BBB Warns Schools and Daycares of Scholastic Scam

By Better Business Bureau
Scholastic School Supply Scam Features False Invoices, 22 States
Des Moines, IA–(September 9, 2014) Better Business Bureau is alerting schools and daycares to a scam involving Scholastic School Supply. The tactics employed by the company are similar to the well-known "Yellow Pages Scam," a business to business operation that surfaced in 2013, and bilked more than $14 million from small businesses and churches before being halted at the request of the Federal Trade Commission.
"This scam takes advantage of schools, daycares, and other educators, and the frenzy at the start of the school year," says Chris Coleman, President & CEO of BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland. "Administrators who are just trying to stay on top of bills will recognize the name and pay the invoice without knowing the books were never ordered. Sadly, this type of scam is all too familiar to us at BBB."
Consumers reaching out to the BBB allege that the operation is sending false invoices to schools and school districts throughout the country in the amount of $647.50 for a bulk purchase of text books that were never requested or received. The only contact information available on the invoices is an email address which consumers report does not respond to messages, a phone number which routes to a series of voice mail boxes, and mail drop addresses in either Sewell, New Jersey or Las Vegas, Nevada. Although the entity lists addresses in New Jersey and Nevada on its invoicing, the BBB has been unable to locate any corporation filings, business licensing, or otherwise required business entity documentation for it in either state to substantiate a physical location.
As of September 5, 2014, BBB Serving Southern Nevada (which serves Scholastic School Supply's headquarters) has received a total of 51 complaints from across the country, as well as 2,303 inquiries regarding this scam operation.
With numbers continuing to rise in increments of as many as 15 complaints a day, schools are urged to not pay the invoice, but instead to contact the Federal Trade Commission at (877) 382-4357 www.ftc.gov, the local Postal Inspectors, or Nevada State Bureau of Consumer Protection at (702) 486-3132 www.ag.nv.gov.
Consumers may also contact BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland at 800-222-1600.

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ABOUT Better Business Bureau: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2013, people turned to BBB more than 132 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. BBB Serving Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland, founded in 1940 and is one of 112 local, independent BBBs across North America. You can reach us at 515-243-8137 or online at bbb.org/iowa.
11 Sep 2014

Petitions for 2015 BHC trustee election available Sept. 16

By Holly Smith

Nominating petitions and other election materials for the 2015 Black Hawk College Board of Trustees election may be picked up at the college beginning Tuesday, Sept. 16.

In April 2015, there will be three (3) six-year terms up for election.

Election materials are available in office of the chief financial officer in Building 1 at the college's Quad-Cities Campus, 6600 34th Ave., Moline, and in the office of the vice president for East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva (five miles south of Kewanee).

The Black Hawk College district includes all or part of nine counties in west central Illinois, consisting of more than 280 individual precincts.

Nominating petitions may not be circulated until Tuesday, Sept. 23. Completed petitions may be filed beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15 through 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22 in the office of the chief financial officer at the Quad-Cities Campus.

For more information, call 309-796-5302.

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