Thanks to a major grant provided by the Riverboat Development Authority, the MVBS 2014/2015 Blues In The Schools Artists-in-Residence series will begin with New Orleans-based blues musician and educator Spencer Bohren.  He will conduct workshops at schools and free open-to-the-public performances throughout the Quad-Cities during the week of September 8-12.

Spencer is scheduled for two free public performances:

 

  • Tuesday September 9, 7:00 p.m.–River Music Experience, 2nd & Main Streets, Davenport IA
  • Wednesday September 10, 7:00 p.m.–Co-op Records, 3727 Avenue of the Cities, Moline IL

Please check our website at www.mvbs.org for updates on Spencer's public performances.

Spencer Bohren was born and raised in Wyoming, where he sang in a family choir that performed in churches, schools, and nursing homes.  He acquired his first guitar at the age of 14, and

began his personal study of the blues by listening intently to all the music he could get his hands on and integrating it into his guitar playing.  In 1968 this study became even more focused when he played in a duo called Eagle Ridin' Papa, named after a Big Bill Broonzy song and featuring the music of the Mississippi Sheiks, Bo Carter, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Snooks Eaglin, and dozens of other legendary blues musicians. Soon thereafter, Spencer moved to Denver, where he played with and learned from such blues legends as Bukka White and the Reverend Gary Davis.

Spencer moved to New Orleans in 1975, where he began performing regularly in popular clubs such as Tipitina's and the Absinthe Bar.  Often he was paired with legends Professor Longhair, Earl King, Clifton Chenier, or James Booker.  In 1983 Spencer began a seven-year tour all over the U.S. with his family in an Airstream trailer towed by his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.  He later toured extensively in Europe and Japan.  In 1997 Spencer returned to New Orleans, which he considers his spiritual home.  His first recording came out in 1984, and since then he's released numerous albums.

In 1997, Spencer developed Down the Dirt Road Blues, his award-winning history of American music, which he has presented to thousands of students of all ages, as well as concert audiences in America and Europe. Spencer fell upon the approach of using a single melody and letting that song transform and migrate in a possible and probable historical context to illustrate the way blues has informed American music for three centuries.  The result is based on a song first recorded by Charley Patton in the late 1920s and easily adaptable to a variety of American musical styles, from Delta blues to Memphis jug band, Appalachia to Nashville, Chicago to rock & roll, Beatlemania, and the British invasion. It follows the journey of a single song's journey from 16th Century Africa through America's culture and history up through the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.  Down the Dirt Road Blues not only follows the song, it also is a commentary on the relationship between American history and music.  Spencer talks about slavery, the Great Migration, racial integration through music in Memphis, the impact of radio on the cross-cultural spread of music, payola and its influence on popular music, and geographical styles and rhythms.

Down the Dirt Road Blues is performed on a variety of vintage instruments to add authenticity to the various versions of the song.  Spencer Bohren's soulful vocals carry the listener to the exact time and place of each rendition.  Listeners of all ages find themselves mesmerized with the story, curious to hear where the song travels next.

Spencer Bohren's residency this September is made possible by major support from the Riverboat Development Authority.  Additional support is provided by Alcoa, The Lodge, River Music Experience, and KALA radio.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that his office is now accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. Service Academies for the 2015 freshman class. Each year, Congressman Loebsack may nominate up to ten Iowans for each Academy, with the final selection for admission made by the individual Academy.

"As a military parent with children who attended the Naval Academy, this process is very personal to me," said Loebsack. "I look forward to nominating our future leaders and encourage all interested students to apply."

Our nation's Service Academies offer educational opportunities for young people interested in military service. Students can specialize in a variety of fields at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

Additional information on the selection process can be found on Loebsack's website: www.Loebsack.house.gov. Please contact Jared Mullendore, Loebsack's Academy Coordinator, in his Davenport office at 563-323-5988 with any questions. Jared can also be emailed at Jared.Mullendore@mail.house.gov.

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Quad City Engineering and Science Council to host Trivia Night benefiting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Scholarships and Student Outreach
www.qcesc.org

Please join us Saturday, October 4, 2014 for a Trivia Night hosted by the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC). All proceeds will go to the QCESC to support scholarships and student outreach in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The event will be held at the Putnam Museum located at 1717 W. 12th Street, Davenport, Iowa. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. and Trivia starts at 7:00 P.M.

Please pre-register by contacting Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703.

Teams consist of 8 with $10 per person (ages 12 and up, Table Minimum $50). Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans will be sold 10 for $10?you may use more than 1 per round. Doublers will be sold 1 for $10?to double the score of any round you choose.

Each team may bring in their own snacks but there will also be a cash bar and snacks will be available for purchase. No outside drinks allowed.

Trivia will consist of 10 rounds of 10 general knowledge questions. You DON'T have to be a genius to play and have fun! 1st Place team will receive double their money back and 2nd Place team will receive their money back.

Pre-register and Questions? Contact Chris at 563-505-6703 or chris@ccx.net

Don't have enough for a table? Come anyway and we will assign you to a table!

WASHINGTON –The National Governors Association (NGA) today announced that Iowa will host the nation's governors for its 2016 Summer Meeting, July 14-17.

"The nation's governors are pleased to bring our Summer Meeting to Iowa, and we thank Gov. Branstad for his gracious invitation," said NGA Vice Chair Utah Gov. Gary Herbert. "NGA meetings are an opportunity for leaders from around the country to come together across party lines to develop innovative and improved approaches to governing." Herbert will serve as NGA Chair during the meeting.

NGA's nine-governor executive committee selected Iowa for its excellent accommodations and venue options, as well as its overall appeal. The state's strong bid demonstrated its ability to meet all of the association's criteria for hosting a Summer Meeting, including central location; hotel and venue space; and transportation, security and volunteer needs.

"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Iowa to my colleagues from across the country," said Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. "Iowa will serve as an excellent place for the nation's governors to gather and discuss issues of mutual interest and share best practices, and I'm confident this will be a productive and memorable experience for everyone involved."

The Summer Meeting is one of two official business meetings NGA holds each year. The next Winter Meeting will be held in Washington, D.C., February 20-23. The next Summer Meeting will be held in West Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, July 23-26, 2015.

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.

Pride of the Wapsi Pumpkin Patch in rural Long Grove, Iowa is excited to announce its cornfield maze for 2014 and grand opening event. The maze is designed around the "Iowa Corn

Cy-Hawk Series" logo. This is the third year for a professional maze at Pride of the Wapsi. The sponsors for this year's maze are Lujack's Northpark Auto Plaza and HyVee of the Quad Cities.

The grand opening at Pride of the Wapsi will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2014 from 3 to 5 pm. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Eldridge/North Scott Chamber of Commerce; helicopter rides over the cornfield maze for media, sponsors, and college representatives; and an informal come and go reception.

Cy-Hawk Series History: The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series tracks the annual head-to-head match-ups in each sport with each victory earning points toward the overall series championship. The Series also recognizes outstanding academic achievement by the school's student-athletes. The first sport match up for 2014 will be the annual rivalry for football which takes place on September 13, 2014 in Iowa City. The Iowa State and Iowa football teams have been playing each other since 1894, with a 43 year break until 1977 when the annual football game was resumed. The Cy-Hawk Series Trophy originated in 2004. The series is currently tied with both schools having won five titles each. Iowa State won the most recent series during the 2013-2014 school year. Neither school has won the trophy in consecutive years. Iowa leads the series in overall points with a 125-118 point advantage as of the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Academics were added to the competition beginning May 5, 2011, in Iowa City.

For more information about the grand opening event, please email or call 563-285-8180. For more information on Pride of the Wapsi LLC, please visit www.prideofthewapsi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at Pride of the Wapsi on Thursday, September 11!

5001 Tremont Ave. and 1515 E. Kimberly Road
Total Investment: $2.7 million
Total Public Investment:$30,000 IEDC High Quality Jobs Program
Jobs Created: 11-15 (Grace) 3-5 (Letter2Word)
Status: Expansion in progress

Philip Allen is a serial entrepreneur who grew Grace Engineered Products Inc. from a virtual one-man operation into a global manufacturer of electrical safety devices employing 25 here in Davenport. Now, he plans to not only expand that business and add up to 15 new employees, but is helping nurture a start-up called Letter2Word.

Grace is a worldwide leader in electrical safety products, especially the GracePort panel interface connectors, which allow users to either service an electrical cabinet without opening its panels or at least determine whether it is safe to open from the outside. Allen pioneered the application of Safeside voltage indicators into lock-out, tag-out procedures, which help improve worker safety while working on electrical equipment. Customers of this Davenport-based company include such giants as Ford Motor Co., Procter & Gamble and Kimberly Clark.

The company started in 1993, when Allen and some associates were working on a friction welder retrofit project at John Deere. Work was needed on a relatively dangerous machine with an interface in the front and an electrical panel with a 250 horsepower drive and a 400 amp main feed  inconveniently located at the rear. The only way to access the machine for maintenance was to open the doors, but the maintenance supervisor understood this caused a potential hazard.

"The supervisor insisted they keep the door closed," said Allen. "The end result was the panel interface connector, which would become an industry standard."

Now, the company sells all over the world.

"We just got an order for 40 units from Italy and another large order for Australia." About 20 percent of the company's product is exported, about half of it to Canada. This growth, both internationally and domestically, drove the decision to expand. Allen has purchased a building at 1515 E. Kimberly Road, which will house a mix of expanded Grace operations as well as the new and growing Letter2Word operations. The Iowa Economic Development Association board awarded the company $30,000 in direct financial assistance and tax benefits through its High Quality Jobs Program, due to the increase in employment that will result from the expansion.

Grace Engineered Product's unique process - Allen holds several U.S. and international patents for thru-panel electrical safety devices - allow it to mass produce customized products.

"We can get a specific order in one day, even with a specialized logo, and have it out the door the following day in most cases," Allen said.

The 15 or so new employees he hopes to add later this fall will come into a workplace that values employee engagement. It's a pet-friendly office, and several dogs can be seen wandering around at any given time. There is a large, warmly decorated break room and the factory floor and inventory bay are bright, clean and neat. To qualify for the IEDC incentives, starting wages start at $17.47 an hour and include full health benefits.

Allen said he chose to expand in Davenport both because of convenience and because of its outstanding workforce.

"We have good, hardworking people who show up on time, do their jobs and don't quit," he said. "The city was also very responsive and helped us work with the state."

Another reason space was getting tight was due to the growth of Letter2Word, a startup home and business design and decor company co-founded by Allen's wife Jane, her friend Sally Dailey and Dailey's daughter Shannon Evans. The company creates  hand-painted words and phrases that can be hung indoors or outdoors to share unique messages. The letters are created on the same precision cutting machines that Grace uses for its products, making the businesses perfect for co-existing.

Sally said the company has already secured several large accounts, and will need to add 3 to 5 new employees at the new location on Kimberly Avenue to meet the demand for product delivered this spring.

"We have just had such a great working relationship with Phil and his staff," she said. "He calls it cross-pollination of  business and it really seems to work."

Allen said he is an entrepreneur at heart who loves innovation, so stand by for more business ventures in Davenport going forward.

Milestones Agency on Aging, St. Ambrose University, and the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) join forces for the Falls Prevention Awareness Day Workshop

Milestone Area Agency on Aging, the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), and St. Ambrose University encourage seniors to attend the Fall Prevention Awareness Day Workshop on Tuesday, September 23, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. The workshop will include helpful information and instruction on how to live a Fall Free lifestyle.

Sessions will include balance and mobility assessment, pharmacy screening (please bring a list of your current medications), vision and hearing assessment, blood pressure checks, fitness and exercise demonstrations and door prizes!

The event is free, but advance registration is required. Please call or stop at CASI (1035 W Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA?563-386-7477) to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 years of age and over. Every 14 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.

This year's theme, Strong Today - Falls Free® Tomorrow, highlights the important roles professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members play in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

"Falls are not a normal part of aging and the resulting injuries can steal quality life from seniors and their families," said Albert Terrillion, NCOA Senior Director, Clinical Community Partnerships. "This awareness day is an opportunity for older adults and their support communities to learn how to reduce falls risks so our seniors can stay independent for as long as possible."

Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend: 

  • A physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.
  • Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.
  • Having medications reviewed periodically.
  • Getting eyes checked annually.
  • Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.
  • Having an annual hearing assessment.

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About the Falls Free® Initiative Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes more than 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD14 to join the conversation on social media.

About NCOA The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults?especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged?and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.

For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

Well, the word is official. Instead of September 5th the Centennial Bridge closing has been extended to October 10th. For now. Won't you drop by this week and show your support for one of the QCA's treasured corners, one that fulfills a place in your heart that is unique and cherished?  And needs your help right now?

Please come by this week - our pain is your gain.  We have a number of items on our 50% off tumble table that need good homes.  There are hand-painted clocks from the Black Forest, colorful wooden mobiles from Germany, lace, t-shirts, toys, decorative items, jewelry, and a host of one-of-a-kind goodies you can't pass up.  A special selection of books will be marked down to $5 and $10.  With these deep discounts the usual 10% off with membership will not apply. 
A great time to stock up on holiday presents or stocking stuffers!

Why is that? Because on Thursday, Sept. 4 and Friday, Sept. 5 members will be able to take an additional 15% off the sale prices! And that discount is good for anything in the store! You read that right- special, rarely available bargain rates for our current members. So plan your strategy- come earlier for the premium selection, come later for the rock bottom prices, but please come and support us here at GAHC. If you huddled inside during the frigid winter, now is the time to help us bridge this challenge. Take in the two new exhibits on Berlin, too!

Coal Valley, IL - September 2, 2014 - Niabi Zoo announced today that it will begin its fall hours and schedule on September 8, 2014. The Zoo's fall schedule features shorter hours of operation and the Zoo will be open one less day each week.

Beginning on September 8th, Niabi Zoo will be closed every Monday through the end of the 2014 season. Tuesday through Sunday, the Zoo will close at 4:00pm each day with the last admission granted at 3:00pm. Free admission will be offered to all Zoo guests every Tuesday through Friday in October.

Niabi Zoo will close for the year beginning Monday, October 27th. Despite the Zoo being closed for the winter, this year Niabi Zoo is planning to offer limitedadmission classes and programs. "Traditionally the Zoo has been pretty quiet during the winter months," said Zoo Director Marc Heinzman, "but this year we plan to introduce some new classes and animal encounter programs on a limited basis as we work to expand Niabi Zoo's role in the Quad Cities throughout the year." The specifics of the classes and programs to be offered will be announced later in the year.

Governor Visits Students on their First Day; Announces State is Moving Ahead with 'Seal of Biliteracy' Program

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today visited students at two Chicago Public Schools on their first day of school to wish all students in Illinois a happy and healthy year of learning. The Governor visited Vanderpoel Elementary Magnet School and Schmid Elementary School on the south side of Chicago. Today's events are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to give every child in Illinois the opportunity for a high-quality education.

"As we kick-off a new year of learning, I wish all our students across Illinois a happy and healthy school year," Governor Quinn said. "There's no more important investment than an investment in our children's education. As we work to try to bring classroom funding to the highest levels in Illinois history, it's important to give thanks to all our teachers who are helping to make a difference across our state."

Governor Quinn also announced today that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is moving forward with an initiative that aims to promote mastery of two or more languages. The state is among the first in the country to allow school districts to award a State Seal of Biliteracy to students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in one or more languages, in addition to English. The seal will be placed on a student's academic transcript and diploma.

"Language skills are increasingly valuable in today's global economy," State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch said. "The seal will help promote and acknowledge the great value and many benefits that come with being multilingual and multicultural."

Illinois was the third state to pass legislation offering a Seal of Biliteracy, joining California and New York. States such as New Mexico, Washington and Louisiana are among those that have since passed legislation offering the seal as well. Illinois education officials hope the seal will inspire students to pursue biliteracy, recognize students who excel in language skills, and provide evidence of these achievements to future employers and college admissions offices.

"We hope the opportunity to earn this credential will be another tool to encourage schools to offer foreign language earlier in students' education, ideally before high school," Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico said. "Even with the rigorous process proposed for earning this credential, we expect thousands of Illinois students will attain it within a few years."

School districts will use the language proficiency standards established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy program, which is optional for districts. The proposed rules also include standards for proficiency in American Sign Language, which is defined in the law as a foreign language for purposes of qualifying for the State Seal of Biliteracy.

In the 2012-13 school year, Illinois enrolled more than 200,000 English Learner (EL) students, nearly 10 percent of the state's more than 2 million public school students. While the majority of EL students attend schools in Chicago and the collar counties and speak Spanish, EL students in Illinois speak more than 160 languages in addition to English.

Governor Quinn is committed to investing in education across Illinois and making sure that every child has the opportunity for success.

This past week Governor Quinn announced a $10 million state investment in the Safe Passage program for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The investment will expand the program by increasing routes to 93 schools currently in the program and adding 27 new schools. These schools are attended by more than 65,000 elementary and high school students. The Safe Passage program places trained employees along designated routes to and from Chicago's public schools to monitor student safety and notify school and law enforcement officials of any possible threats.

Governor Quinn is committed to properly funding education in Illinois in order to give every child the opportunity for success. The Governor's budget blueprint includes a historic $6 billion increase in classroom spending over the next five years, doubling the investment in college scholarships for students in need and increasing access to higher education through dual enrollment and early college programs. Over the next five years, the Governor's plan would bring classroom funding to the highest levels in Illinois history.

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