12 Sep 2014

Artists First: College Art Faculty of the Quad Cities

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (September 10, 2014) - Starting Saturday, artwork by over forty Quad City area art professors will be on display at the Figge Art Museum for the new exhibition Artists First: College Art Faculty of the Quad Cities.

The Figge frequently partners with colleges and universities in the region to engage students with projects, such as the College Invitational exhibition, College Night, brown bag lunches with visiting artists, classes in the studios and intern and volunteer opportunities. The college art professors are the unsung partners in these projects.

The Artists First exhibition will focus on the talents and achievements of these professors as working artists. Works from art professors at Ashford University, Augustana College, Black Hawk College, Eastern Iowa Community College, Knox College, Monmouth College, St. Ambrose University and Western Illinois University will be featured. (The art faculty of the University of Iowa will have their biennial exhibition at the Figge in March 2015).

The artwork on display in this exhibition was selected by guest curators Pamela White, professor of Museum Studies at Western Illinois University and former director of the University of Iowa Museum of Art, and Leslie Bell, artist and retired art professor at St. Ambrose.

Artists First will be on view through November 2 and is presented through a grant from Quad City Arts.

 

Companion Programming:

Opening Reception

5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 18

7 p.m. Curator Talk

 

Artists First PechaKucha Night

Thursday, October 9

5:30 p.m. $5 Burger baskets

6:30 p.m. $Special PechaKucha presentations featuring contributing artists

Art Talks

1:30 p.m. Sundays, October 12 and 26

Contributing artists will take turns discussing their works, as well as the rewards and difficulties of being teaching artists at the college level

 

Panel Discussion

1 p.m. Saturday, October 18

Panel discussion with artists focusing on the topics of creativity and teaching

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.
 

-end-
12 Sep 2014

Jacobs announces Thomson Prison Job Fairs

By Reena Tandon

THOMSON- After State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) passed legislation last year to secure the transfer of the Thomson Prison to the Federal Government's Bureau of Prisons, it recently announced the agency's first phase of hiring 300 employees.

Next week, the Federal Bureau of Prisons will host three opportunities for area residents to participate in hiring events at AUSP Thomson. After the initial hiring, the agency will be working toward filling an additional 800 positions.

"The transfer of Thomson Prison brought in an initial $140 million to help us balance the state's budget and pay our backlog of bills.  Now with the reopening of the prison we can easily expect an additional 1,100 jobs in our region," said Jacobs. "These are good paying jobs for area residents. This is the type of economic development our region needs to continue to grow."

Last year, Jacobs worked to pass Senate Bill 30, which secured the transfer of Thomson Prison from the state to the federal government. The transfer meant the federal government could begin using the shuttered state facility.

The reopening of the Thomson Prison is estimated to generate more than $122 million annually through payroll and operating expenses. Additionally, local business sales are projected to net an additional $61 million in the area.

AUSP Thomson Job Fairs:

Location: AUSP Thomson (1100 One Mile Road, Thomson)

Date: September 16

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Date: September 17

Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Date: September 18

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on Thomson Prison job openings visit www.bop.gov/jobs

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12 Sep 2014

Bettendorf Native in U.S. Marine Band - At Fort McHenry for National Anthem Bicentennial

By SSgt Rachel E. Ghadiali

Bettendorf native Master Gunnery Sgt. Elizabeth Matera will be participating in the National Anthem Bicentennial ("Star-Spangled Spectacular") this Saturday, Sept. 13 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore with "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band. She is a clarinetist for the band and graduated in 1984 from Bettendorf High School.

Marine Band to Perform at 200th Anniversary of National Anthem Event

Performance to take place at Fort McHenry, Md.

WASHINGTON - On Sept. 13, 2014, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band will perform at Fort McHenry in Baltimore as part of the Star-Spangled Spectacular, a celebration of the National Anthem's 200th anniversary.

In commemoration of the anthem's bicentennial, the Marine Band will perform at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, to pay homage to Francis Scott Key and those who fought for freedom two centuries ago.

"We are honored to have been invited to perform during the Star-Spangled Spectacular in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the poem that would eventually become our national anthem," said Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Jason K. Fettig. "Although the Marine Band was not present during the legendary battle at Fort McHenry when Francis Scott Key penned his famous poem in 1814, the organization was already 16 years old and very active in nearby Washington, D.C."

The program will feature patriotic selections spanning the past two centuries of American music as well as a performance in collaboration with recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks and the Morgan State University Choir from Baltimore. The concert will culminate with a grand finale honoring the national anthem and a spectacular fireworks show.

"Our country's unique musical history will be on full display for this special and historic occasion," Fettig said. "It's an opportunity for us to come together as a nation to honor the birth of a cornerstone in our American musical heritage and a work that, 200 years later, still so eloquently celebrates the land of the free and the home of the brave."

The performance will air on local PBS stations and Maryland Public Television from Fort McHenry beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

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12 Sep 2014

Braley Receives Top Award from National Farming Group

By Kirsten Hartman

National Farmers Union presents Congressman with Golden Triangle Award

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today received the Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union (NFU) for his consistent advocacy for Iowa's farmers and agricultural community. The Golden Triangle award is NFU's highest legislative honor given to sitting members of Congress.

"We've seen agricultural innovation power Iowa's economy for generations, and I know the future of Iowa agriculture is bright," Braley said. "I'm honored to receive this award and will continue to fight for Iowa's ag community."

 

Braley has been a consistent champion for Iowa's rural communities and agricultural industries, and is a strong leader in the fight to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard and the thousands of jobs and billions of dollars it contributes to Iowa's economy.

Last year, Braley cosponsored the beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act to provide incentives to ensure the effective startup and success of new farmers and encourage a new generation of Iowans to choose a career as a farmer.

In January, after Braley repeatedly urged House leadership to put the bipartisan Senate Farm Bill on the House floor, the U.S. House successfully passed a long-term, comprehensive Farm Bill.

A high-quality photo of the event can be found HERE.

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12 Sep 2014

Brucemore's Autumn Landscape Hike

By Rick Martin

Embrace the harvest season by exploring 26 acres and over 125 years of history during Brucemore's Autumn Landscape Hike?Thursday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. Witness the subtle and spectacular dressings of the autumnal landscape highlighted by the dusky plum and rusty barn red colors of the season. Discover current landscape issues, the role of public use, and the seasonal chores required to preserve the historic grounds. See how planting choices with sensitivity to native species and seasonal display affect the overarching impact of a landscape design. Seek advice from Brucemore gardeners and ask questions on topics ranging from particular plantings to landscape designs. Admission is $15 per person and $12 per Brucemore member. Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375.

The Autumn Landscape Tour is part of Brucemore's Thursday Night Lineup. Every Thursday night, Brucemore will feature a different specialty tour focusing on topics for all interests, including arts and culture, Midwestern industry, gardening, landscape design, architecture, preservation, behind-the-scenes at Brucemore, and growing up in the early twentieth century. For more information on the Thursday Night Lineup, visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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11 Sep 2014

Distillery Expanding In LeClaire

By Ryan Burchett

Le Claire, Iowa, September 10, 2014 - Mississippi River Distilling Company is breaking ground on a new barrel storage warehouse and patio area in downtown LeClaire.  The nearly four year old distillery is increasing their footprint in order to age more of their popular Cody Road Bourbon and Cody Road Rye whiskies.

The project has been talked about since the distillery's inception in 2010.  "The city owned the land directly south of our building and the vision was always to have some sort of public plaza there." said Mississippi River Distilling Company owner Ryan Burchett.  "The idea was to break up the buildings and allow for river views from the highway.  But we never figured out the details on how it was to be developed because the empty lot to our south hasn't been developed yet."

Over the years, demand for the distillery's Cody Road whiskies has grown.  They now have distribution in 22 states and 3 foreign countries.  "We're thrilled that people want our whiskies.  But with more people buying it, we have to be putting more away in barrels to keep up with demand on down the road." Said Burchett.

As space got tight in the existing facility, owners say the perfect opportunity presented itself right beside them.  "We needed space and the city had an empty lot sitting next door."  Said owner Garrett Burchett.  "So we offered to purchase the lot and develop it in exchange for a public easement on top that would allow for visitors to access the plaza area as originally envisioned.  We gained over 1,400 square feet of barrel storage and a patio; the city gets the public area we all hoped for from the beginning."

LeClaire Mayor Bob Scannell says it is a win-win for everyone.  "From the City's perspective, we have a great business in LeClaire that continues to grow.  With this investment, the distillery gets stronger and we get a nice addition to our riverfront.  It's all done with private dollars and returns the land to the tax rolls. It's just great progress for all of us."

Burchett says the construction should be complete in about 6 weeks. "It's kind of like a big concrete garage, so it shouldn't take too long.  The top will be at street level and will be a large patio with public access from Highway 67.  Our tasting room will have a door out to the plaza as well.  Underneath will be a 57 by 25 foot barrel room."  The project is being handled by Friemel Construction of Bettendorf.

As this construction commences, LeClaire city officials are beginning to consider a separate brewery project to the north of the distillery.  The new Green Tree Brewing Company goes before the LeClaire Planning and Zoning committee on Thursday with hopes to break ground on the LeClaire riverfront later this fall.  "With everything going on in downtown LeClaire, we through this would be the perfect location for our new brewery."  said owner Richard Day.  "With the distillery next door, we think it will make the area even more of a destination and give LeClaire another first class attraction."

The brewery also plans construction of a similar plaza area just north of their building.  "The City has another 25 foot plaza area just north of our development." said Day.  "We're proposing to handle the construction exactly the same way as the distillery has.  We think it's a great solution for all involved."

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11 Sep 2014

A Culinary Tour of Iowa in One Room!

By Iowa Restaurant Association
Grand Tasting Gala Tickets On Sale Now!

Our travelling team of judges has tasted the first competition dish of the
Dine Iowa Culinary Competition, and they can't wait for you to try it too!

Join us at the 2014 Grand Tasting Gala and taste Rastrelli's Restaurant Chefs Mike and Tristan's dish for yourself! In fact, try all 10 dishes from top chefs across the state then vote for your favorite dish to win People's Choice award. This is your chance to truly "Dine Iowa"
without even leaving the room.

2014 Dine Iowa Grand Tasting Gala
Capital Square - The Atrium
400 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
$50 per person

Click here, visit www.restaurantiowa.com
or call 515-276-1454 to reserve your tickets today!

11 Sep 2014

Quad Cities Comic Book Convention

By Alan Morton

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Sunday October 5 at the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2). It will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free.

Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys and related. Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer want bring them by dealers are buying. For further information contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.

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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