28 Jul 2014

Minivan sought in local shooting incident

By Lieutenant Bryce Schmidt

UPDATE: 

This is additional information reference the shooting that took place in the 20,000 block of 210th Street, rural Scott County on Monday, July 28, 2014.

The Blue 1999 Ford Windstar minivan that was involved in the Shooting case on Monday morning has been recovered. This van was stolen from the shooting victim by the suspects after he was shot and left along 210th street.

The blue 1999 Ford Windstar minivan, Iowa license plate number 016 RIX was recovered in the Northern part of Davenport tonight at approximately 4:15pm. The suspects were not found near the van and are still at large. The van is evidence and is being processed at this time.

A citizen called the authorities after seeing the news reports of the case and the description of the van. I want to thank you all for your coverage which helped this case along tremendously!

Major Mike Brown, 563-940-8202

On Monday 07/28/14 at approximately 0520 hours, the Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC) received a 911 call from a male subject who advised that he had been shot multiple times in his legs and was lying in a roadside ditch. The man was able to describe his general location and was located by Scott County Deputies a short time thereafter in the 20000 block of 210th Street, in rural Scott County.

The man was transported to a local hospital and underwent surgery. He is listed in fair condition. He is 43 years of age.

A blue 1999 Ford Windstar minivan, Iowa license plate number 016 RIX is believed to be connected to the incident. The van's whereabouts are unknown at this time. The public is asked to call 911 if the minivan is located.

The victim's identity is not being released at this time along with no suspect information. No arrests have been made.

The incident remains under investigation.

More information will be released as the case progresses.

If you have information, please contact  Lt. Bryce Schmidt at 563-328-3232

28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn's Statement on the Unpatriotic Corporate Tax Inversion Loophole

By Dave Blanchette

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement in favor of legislation supported by President Barack Obama to close the corporate tax inversion loophole:

"Big corporations should not be allowed to exploit the tax code to avoid paying their fair share. Members of the House and Senate supporting closure of this loophole are right - corporations should not be allowed to shirk their own responsibilities while passing on the burden to everyday taxpayers.

"These corporations benefit from America's world-class infrastructure, education system, skilled workforce and competitive economy - not to mention U.S. customers. Yet they're looking to renounce their citizenship and shortchange America and the everyday people who helped them grow and thrive.

"I urge Congress to take swift action on the President's proposal to end this abuse and close this unpatriotic loophole. It's the right thing to do."

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28 Jul 2014

The Real Impact of Obamacare on IL-17

By Jan Schweppe

Forbes analysis shows young men, elderly women hit hardest; average 64 year old Galena woman paying $2,688 more in health insurance premiums annually. Cheri Bustos offers no solutions, no condolences

EAST MOLINE, IL?Congresswoman and Obamacare-apologist Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) has so far refused to address the specific impact President Obama's health care law has had on her constituents, but that may be more difficult as new reports surface illustrating Obamacare's negative impact on health care consumers inside the Illinois 17th District.

According to a new analysis by Forbes, the Affordable Care Act is proving to be completely unaffordable. Obamacare has increased individual-market health insurance premiums by an average of 41 percent nationally. The Forbes study looked at 3,137 counties across the country?including all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District?to determine Obamacare's impact on individuals.

The Forbes study looked at six cohorts: men ages 27, 40, and 64, and women ages 27, 40, and 64. Five of the six groups saw premium increases across the board in all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District, while the remaining group?40 year old women?saw mixed results, with six counties seeing marginally cheaper premiums while the other eight counties saw large increases.

The Bobby Schilling for Congress campaign put together a document that shows the premium increases for each cohort in each county. That document is attached.

Obamacare's Impact on IL-17 By The Numbers:
  • Average individual health insurance premiums increased $768/annually

  • Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties were hit the hardest?these counties saw an average individual health insurance premium increase of $1,356/annually.

  • Elderly women were absolutely crushed?the average 64 year old women in all 14 counties saw at least a $1,000 premium increase, with 64 year old women seeing a $2,688 premium increase in Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties, a $2,136 premium increase in Knox and Fulton Counties, and a $1,956 premium increase in Winnebago County.

  • This study only looked at individual plans. Family plans saw even larger increases, as Forbes reported last year?the average family of four will see annual health care spending increase by $7,450.

Bobby Schilling (R-Colona), candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th District, said that he's focused on health care solutions.

"We need real health care reform that lowers costs for all Americans. Obamacare doesn't do that, and the Forbes analysis shows that. Obamacare is hurting everyone in our district?young people, elderly people, and middle class families. It's time to stop with the politics and start working to fix our broken health care system.

"I've proposed five concrete solutions to help reform health care, increase access to care, and lower costs. I've stood up, put myself out there, and led on this issue, as well as countless others. Where is my opponent? Where does she stand? Why won't Cheri Bustos answer to her constituents who can't afford to pay for their health insurance premiums? We need to roll our sleeves up, work together, and do everything we can to alleviate the financial pain Obamacare has caused people in our district."

Jon Schweppe, communications director at Bobby Schilling for Congress, said that Congresswoman Bustos needs to answer some questions.

"What has Congresswoman Cheri Bustos done to help struggling seniors with their health care costs? Where are her solutions? Why is she not taking a stand? Why is she defending what Obamacare has done to thousands of hard-working folks in her district? Will she work to pass real health care reform that helps people, or will she continue to stay to the Nancy Pelosi-Barack Obama party line, as she has on every other issue during her time in office? Only time will tell.

"But one thing is clear: Obamacare is unequivocally devastating people in the Illinois 17th District, and Cheri Bustos doesn't seem to care. It's shameful that Cheri Bustos refuses to empathize with her struggling constituents."

Bobby Schilling will be available throughout the day to discuss health care policy and how Obamacare's rate increases are impacting the Illinois 17th District. To schedule an interview contact Jon Schweppe at 309-749-7009.

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 28 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent liberal Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

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28 Jul 2014

ISRAELI DIPLOMAT TO SPEAK IN QC THIS THURSDAY, JULY 31ST

By Glenn Kass

Israeli Consulate to the Midwest rep to provide info, answer questions in program at Davenport Library-Eastern Avenue branch at 6:30 PM

ROCK ISLAND, IL - The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities (www.jfqc.org) will host an informational program with a diplomat from the Israeli Consulate to the Midwest (Chicago) this Thursday, July 31st - 6:30 PM - at Davenport Public Library-Eastern Ave. Branch (6000 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA).

The appearance, which was requested by the Jewish Federation, will share details on how the current conflict came to this point and what is happening now. It will also give an opportunity for the community audience to ask questions and move beyond media reports for a dialogue on the current conflict.

In addition, there will also be some brief information provided on the Jewish Federations of North America's "Stop the Sirens" campaign (www.jewishfederations.org/stopthesirens) to assist with social service needs for Israelis in the affected areas.

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cites (www.jfqc.org) is a non-profit, 501 c (3) Illinois corporation founded in 1980. With other local organizations, JFQC addresses a broad range of needs to include cultural, religious, educational, family welfare, care of the elderly and interfaith relations. The Federation combats hate and anti-Semitism by supporting religious liberty and civil rights for everyone.

The core mission of JFQC is to preserve, protect, enrich and enhance Jewish communal life and the well-being of Jews locally, in Israel and throughout the world. It is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America (www.jewishfederations.org). The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jewishfedqc.

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28 Jul 2014

DART Park & Ride Buses Offer Convenience and Savings to Iowa State Fairgoers

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/28/2014)(readMedia)-- DART is offering Iowa State Fairgoers half-price savings and convenient service at three Park & Ride locations around the metro during this year's Fair, set August 7-17.

Show your advance admission ticket at one of DART's three State Fair Park & Ride locations and receive half off the roundtrip fare. Parking is free at all locations. Discounted roundtrip fares with advanced admission tickets are $1 for adults and 50 cents for the seniors (ages 65+), disabled persons, Medicare card holders and children (ages 6-10). Children ages 5 and younger ride for free. Regular roundtrip fares are $2 for adults and $1 for seniors (ages 65+), disabled persons, Medicare card holders and children (ages 6-10). All buses are wheelchair-accessible. Cash fare only.

DART offers three convenient Park & Ride locations where Fairgoers can park for free:

• Center Street Park & Ride (7th and Center St., enter on 7th St.)

• Southeast Polk Schools (N.E. 80th St. and Highway 163)

• State Capitol (East 12th St. near the State Capitol bell)

The hours are 8:30 a.m. to Midnight every day of the Fair at all Park & Ride locations with extended hours on Opening Day, August 7, starting at 6 a.m. Call DART at 515/283-8100 for more details.

Buses from Southeast Polk Schools will drop off and pick up Fairgoers on Dean Avenue south of the Swine Barn near Gate 8. Buses from the Center Street and State Capitol Park & Ride stops will continue to drop off and pick up Fairgoers near Gate 10.

Three parking lots are available for motorcycle or vehicle parking at $10 per vehicle. Bicycle parking is available inside Gate 10 for $2.

Fair advance admission tickets are on sale through August 6 while supplies last at participating Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstores, Dahl's Food, Fareway stores and the State Fair Ticket Office, located on the Fairgrounds. Or, purchase your tickets online at iowastatefair.org and print them at home, fee-free.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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28 Jul 2014

The Brucemore Garden and Art Show

By Tara Richards

The annual Brucemore Garden & Art Show will return Saturday, August 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. amidst the historic charm of the Brucemore gardens and landscape. More than 60 artists and garden vendors from across the Midwest will share their expertise by showcasing unique products, vivid presentations, and pertinent information, including ceramics, plantings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and more.

Educational opportunities will captivate attendees, whether it's engaging in a one-on-one conversation, participating in an interactive display, or listening to a featured lecture. Main Stage presentation topics include seasonal gardening, and historic grottos. The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase several displays and demonstrations in the formal garden, including "walkabouts" identifying trees, invasive pests, and seed saving. Plant vendors and horticultural organizations will share unusual and standard specimens, and artists will discuss their original paintings, pottery, and more. . Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency will provide free compost to all interested attendees. Children can participate in a complimentary, special project with the Ceramics Center, Linn County Master Gardeners, Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, and Brucemore during the event.

Admission is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are sold at the gate the day of the event or online at www.brucemore.org.  Parking is off-site. Shuttle service is available from Washington High School throughout the day. Handicap parking is available on-site by entering the First Avenue gate only. No pets, coolers, or outside food allowed during the event. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. The Brucemore Garden and Art Show is sponsored by Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency and Penford Products.  The festival's main stage presentations are sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust Company. Free self-guided tours of the mansion's first floor are brought to you by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. For further information on the Brucemore Garden and Art Show, please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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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28 Jul 2014

Humane Cosmetics Act Highlights the Cost of Beauty - Paid By Animals

By Rick Martin
4 Unnecessary Tests that Harm or Kill Animals

More and more, we are living in an age of information, the substance of which is increasingly difficult to ignore, says animal rights advocate Santosh Krinsky.

Are our coffee and chocolate products fair trade? Were poor workers in developing countries brutalized in the process of making our clothes? How was the food sourced in the groceries we buy, and what exactly is in it, anyway?

Increasingly, the answers to these questions matter to more consumers, Krinsky says.

In the same vein, Rep. Jim Moran is sponsoring the Humane Cosmetics Act, which would phase out animal testing for U.S.-made cosmetics within a year and imported cosmetics within three years.

"Consumers value cosmetics and manufacturers want them to be safe for daily use, but we do not have to blind, maim and kill scores of animals to ensure our beauty-enhancing products won't hurt us," says Krinsky, head of the international personal-care brand Beauty Without Cruelty (www.beautywithoutcruelty.com) -- the first to ban animal-testing for its products in 1963. BWC's products are all produced with no animal testing and contain no animal ingredients.

"In the past, testing was done on dogs, but now it's done on rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats. These are conscious creatures with the capacity for immense suffering. Think about it: Tests are done on these animals because they are biologically similar to us. Doesn't that also mean we should be especially empathetic to their suffering?"

Krinsky, who recently partnered with the Humane Society of the United States' "Be Cruelty-Free" campaign, urges voters to call their U.S. representative and ask for him or her to vote in favor of H.R. 4148. Follow up with a personalized mail or email asking reiterating your request.

He reviews some of the tests that mainstream cosmetic companies still commonly conduct on animals.

•  Acute dermal toxicity ... uses 20 rabbits, guinea pigs or rats to determine how much substance causes half of the tested animals to die within two weeks of exposure. A chemical is applied to their shaved skin for 24 hours, and a patch is used to cover the area so they do not lick or clear off the tested area.

•  Eye irritation or corrosion ... tests one to three rabbits; a chemical is applied to their eyes to determine how severe the resulting irritation or damage. The exposure tests for signs of redness, ulcers, bleeding, blindness and other forms of damage.

•  Developmental toxicity ... examines either 480 rabbits - 100 adult females and 480 kittens (babies) - or 1,300 rats - 100 adult females and 1,200 pups - to test for birth defects. Usually by force-feeding, a pregnant female is exposed at the beginning of an implemented pregnancy; exposure persists throughout the term. She is then killed on the day before she is expected to give birth, which is about 22 days for rats, or 31 days for rabbits. Her young are extracted and evaluated for signs of developmental abnormalities.

•  Acute oral toxicity ... subjects seven rats to determine how much of a chemical causes half of the exposed animals to die within 14 days of exposure, when the substance is swallowed. The rats are force-fed the substance, causing them to experience convulsions, diarrhea, bleeding from the mouth, seizures, paralysis and sometimes death.

"The European Union has already banned cosmetics that use these practices, and I think Rep. Moran's efforts are a sign of things to come here in the U.S.," Krinsky says. "In fact, many consumers prefer lipstick, mascara, shampoo, lotion and other products consisting of material that's so safe that they don't require animal testing."

About Santosh Krinsky

Santosh Krinsky has been in the natural products industry since 1974. He has founded and built a number of companies that offer positive alternatives to the toxins and environmentally unfriendly ingredients found in many products, while focusing his attention on developing awareness about the issue of animal testing of cosmetics, which he opposes. Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) products brand www.beautywithoutcruelty.com was founded in England in 1963 by BWC Charitable Trust, an animal welfare organization. Lotus Brands obtained the American rights to the BWC brand in 2010. BWC Features a complete line of hair, skin and facial/body care products and an extensive range of color cosmetics.

28 Jul 2014

'Les Misérables' Begins at Timber Lake Playhouse

By Rick Martin

Mount Carroll--Les Misérables, the most popular musical ever written, will be presented at Timber Lake Playhouse for the first time Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 10. Special guest star Jason Kraack, who has played the role of Jean Valjean on the national tour, leads the TLP production under the direction of Matthew Teague Miller.

Executive Director James Beaudry said, "We've been very lucky to assemble 28 of the best performers we've ever had at Timber Lake for this production. Our director has a long history with show having performed it around the world, and our star is giving one of the finest performances I've ever seen. Additionally, the orchestra is the largest we've had in my time here, and they are astonishing."

Les Misérables premiered in London in 1985 (where it continues to run) and quickly grew to be a major hit in the United States and in productions around the world. Now in its third Broadway production, the musical has long been available to schools, but only recently have professional theatres been granted the rights to produce this epic and triumphant show.

The story of Les Misérables spans two decades and is one of passion, dreams and redemption set against the backdrop of a nation in the throes of rebellion. Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, finding nothing in store but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert. During the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront the truth after Valjean spares him and saves the life of Marius, a student revolutionary, who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter, Cosette.

Guest performer John B. Leen, a Jeff Award winner from Chicago, stars as Inspector Javert, with resident performers Nathan Goodrich and Caroline Murrah as Marius and Cosette, respectively. TLP favorite Erica Stephan returns to the company as Eponine, who longs for Marius. Lexie Plath plays Cosette's ill-fated mother, Fantine. Matt Webb and Analisha Santini proved comic relief as The Thenardiers, scheming their way through Paris.

Joining the adult cast are Lily Leding of Clinton, Iowa as Young Cosette, Avery Findlay of Savanna, Illinois as Young Eponine, and Cecelia Ryan of Sterling, Illinois as Gavroche.

"We were also lucky to find three young people in the area with the talent Lily, Cecelia and Avery have," says Beaudry. "They are a joy to work with, and the company's faces light up every time these young ladies perform."

"But it was the role of Jean Valjean--one of the most demanding in all musical theatre--that was the tough one. After a national search and many auditions in many cities, we found Jason Kraack. It's been a privilege to have him at Timber Lake for Les Misérables."

Of his experience at TLP, Kraack said, "I have been amazed by the talent here. The cast is just amazing. The band, the directors, the designers--all of it. Theaters like TLP have their pick of the best talents of the future and they certainly hired the best young talents for this show. I have very much enjoyed the chance to mentor and learn from these great performers in our cast. I can't wait for audiences to see the hard work we have been doing for the past few weeks. They are going to be blown away!"

Les Misérables performs evenings at 7:30 p.m., and there are 2:00 p.m. matinees on Sundays and Wednesday. There is also a Saturday matinee performance on the opening weekend at 3pm. Tickets are $17-$23 and may be purchased through the box office 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily at 815-244-2035 or any time at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

As part of the playhouse's Do Something Spectacular: Live The Story campaign, TLP is partnering with The Table, a group that serves hot meals in Carroll County Monday through Friday at no charge. Part of Great River Outreach, The Table has served over 45,000 meals to date. A non-perishable food drive to support The Table will be held at TLP throughout the run of Les Misérables.

The Table has a specific need for cereal, rice, dry beans, peas, soda crackers, egg and elbow pasta, canned fruit, pancake mix, and pork and beans. Cash donations may be made to cover the organization's needs for meat. Anyone able to make a donation of chickens, pigs or cows is encouraged to contact the organization directly at 815-990-6511 or greatriveroutreach@yahoo.com. All non-perishable donations may be dropped off at Timber Lake Playhouse, located at 8215 Black Oak Road in Mount Carroll, during box office hours (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or before any performance of Les Misérables.



Full Production Credits:


TIMBER   LAKE   PLAYHOUSE Presents a new production of BOUBLIL and SCHÖNBERG'S Les Misérables, a musical by ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG.  Based on a novel by VICTOR HUGO.  Music by CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG.  Lyrics by HERBERT KRETZMER.  Original French Text by ALAIN BOUBLIL and JEAN-MARC NATEL.  Additional material by JAMES FENTON.  Adapted and originally directed by TREVOR NUNN and JOHN CAIRD.  Orchestrations by JOHN CAMERON

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Directed by

MATTHEW TEAGUE MILLER

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Music Direction by CINDY BLANC

Assistant Music Director MICHAEL USELMANN

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Original London Production by CAMERON MACKINTOSH and THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

"Les Miserables" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 W. 54th St. New york, NY 10019

Ph. 212-541-4684 Fax. 212-397-4684 www.mtishows.com

This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

CAST:

Jean Valjean ............................................................................ Jason Kraack*

Javert .......................................................................................... John Leen

Fantine ....................................................................................... Lexie Plath

Eponine .................................................................................. Erica Stephan

Cosette ................................................................................ Caroline Murrah

Marius ................................................................................ Nathan Goodrich

Thenardier .................................................................................. Matt Webb

Madame Thenardier ............................................................... Analisha Santini

Enjorlas .................................................................................. Gabriel Brown

Gavroche .................................................................................. Cecelia Ryan

Young Cosette ........................................................................... Lily Leding

Young Eponine ....................................................................  Avery  Findlay

Feuilly, Ensemble.................................................................. Ryan Armstrong

Ensemble ............................................................................. Anastasia Arnold

Brujon, u/s Jean Valjean ....................................................... Christopher Brady

Bamatabois, Grantaire ................................................................ Grant Brown

Joly, u/s Marius ...............................................................  Christian Chambers

Ensemble, u/s Cosette ................................................................ Bethany Fay

Ensemble .................................................................................. Allison Hunt

Claquesous, Ensemble ..................................................................  Cody Jolly

Bishop of Digne, Lesgles, Ensemble, u/s Javert ................................ Sean Knight

Courfeyrac, Ensemble ............................................................  Hunter Lindner

Ensemble, u/s Eponine ........................................................... Jessica Palkovic

Foreman, Combeferre, Ensemble .............................................  Blake W. Price

Montparnasse, Ensemble ............................................................... Levi Skoog

Babet, Ensemble .................................................................... Sawyer Smith*

Jean Prouvaire, Ensemble  ..................................................... Cameron Turner

Ensemble, u/s Fantine ............................................................... Melissa Weyn

 

*These actors appear through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

 

PRODUCTION DESIGN & STAFF

Production Stage Manager............................................ Mary-Catherine Mikalayunas

Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................ Katie Ritter

Scenic Designer........................................................................................... Colt Frank

Lighting & Projection Designer............................................................... James Kolditz

Technical Director....................................................................................... CJ Sneath

Properties Master ............................................................................. Anders Goodwin

Sound Designer / Master Electrician .................................................  Lucas Pawelski

Assistant Technical Director / Master Carpenter ..................................Joe Simpson

Carpenter ................................................................................................. Riley Wood

Scenic Artist ............................................................................. Ben Lipinski

Costume Shop Manager, Wig Designer ....................................... Emma Crafton

Assistant Costume Shop Manager ......................................... Kathleen Embrey

Costuming Assistant........................................................................... Corina Walbert



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28 Jul 2014

UPDATE: Boys and Girls Clubs to Launch Great Futures Literary Challenge

By Mark McLaughlin
UPDATE: members of the community can start dropping off their donations of new or gently used books for young people at Boys & Girls Club locations and at Lagomarcino's in Moline. The Book Rack in Davenport has agreed to donate a big box of books, and more from the community would certainly be welcome.
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - On Thursday, July 31, Boys and Girls Clubs across the country will celebrate the launch of the Great Futures Campaign to mobilize the community in support of today's young people. As part of that campaign, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley has issued a community literary challenge, encouraging Quad-Citians to donate in support of young people, their reading habits, and the future of the community.
At 3 p.m., July 31, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley (BGCMV) will introduce the Great Futures Literary Challenge at their Davenport Club, located at First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa Street, Davenport, IA.
"The community is invited to the event," said Tim Tolliver, Chief Executive Officer of the BGCMV. "Quad-Citians will be asked to support literacy by donating new or gently used age-appropriate books for young people, ages 6 to 18. Each of our Clubs will conduct a reading contest from July 31 to December 12, with the winners of each club announced at our Holiday Ball event on December 13. Community members, companies and organizations are also welcome to donate to the general funds of the Boys and Girls Clubs, to help support our day-to-day operations."
To prepare for the event, Quad-Citians are asked to drop off books before July 31 at any Boys & Girls Club location:
  • Moline Club, 406 - 7th Street, Moline, IL
  • Teen Center, 1122 - 5th Avenue, Moline, IL
  • Davenport Club, First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa Street, Davenport, IA
  • Administrative Office, 338 - 6th Street, Moline, IL
  • Lagomarcino's, 1422 - 5th Ave, Moline IL
  • The Book Rack, 4764 Elmore Ave, Davenport
At the July 31 event, the books that have been donated so far will be given to members of the Boys and Girls Clubs in attendance. People can continue to support the Great Futures Literary Challenge by dropping off books at the above locations until December 12.
Tolliver added that the BGCMV has started a Wish List on their Amazon.com account for donations of books, e-books, e-magazine subscriptions and gift cards. To locate the Wish List, go to Amazon.com, click on the Wish List tab in the upper right-hand corner and choose 'Find a wish list or registry.' On the next screen, enter BGCMV in the space provided to reach the page.
"At the Holiday Ball, we will reveal how many books were donated and read by Club members, and we will also share this information with the media," Tolliver said.
The Needs of Today's Children
Through the Great Futures Campaign, the BGCMV is joining Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide in bringing attention to the needs of today's children. According to Tolliver, the BGCMV has multiple goals for the campaign, including:
  • Increase membership and access to Clubs for young people who need a safe place to go after school and during the summer.
  • Encourage regular reading habits and increase access to age-appropriate reading material.
  • Motivate kids to be healthy through better nutrition and health education, more access to healthy foods, avoidance of risky behaviors, and a lifelong commitment to fitness.
  • Ensure successful transitions to middle and high school, and foster college- or career-readiness with 21st century skills.
  • Engage youth in taking action in their community.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one out of three children nationwide leave school every day with no place to go, putting them at risk of being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe. Statistics from the Afterschool Alliance show that during the summer, three out of four children in America lack access to summer learning programs, increasing their risk of learning loss and putting them at a disadvantage before the school year starts.

Statistics from other sources show that today's children also face additional problems:
  • The U.S. Census Bureau has found that one in five American kids live in poverty.
  • National Center for Health Statistics has revealed that three out of 10 kids nationwide are obese or overweight.
  • According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, our nation's graduation rate ranks 22nd among 28 countries.
Tolliver is asking the public to help the BGCMV to reach more kids and put them on the path to a great future. "At the Boys & Girls Clubs, we've seen the positive impact that occurs when young people have access to a safe place with caring adult mentors and enriching programs during out-of-school time," he said. "We want today's generation to be successful in every aspect of their lives, so they can become future leaders for our country."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, as a chartered member of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is a tax-exempt organization, duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with Federal law.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, call (309) 757-5777 or visit www.bgcmv.org.
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28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Breaks Ground on New Pullman Community Center in Chicago

By Grant Klinzman

Center will Increase Year-Round Recreational Opportunities for Chicago's South Side and Create Jobs

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by city officials, community leaders and representatives of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs to break ground on the new Pullman Community Center. Designed to be a center of community life, the facility will be a home to meetings, exhibitions and sporting events in Chicago's south side. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive economic development in every part of Illinois.

"Today's groundbreaking is an investment in the future of Chicago's youth and the future of the Pullman and Roseland areas," Governor Quinn said. "It's places like the Pullman Community Center that give our children a space to develop their talents and stay off the streets year-round. This center will be an important anchor for Chicago's south side for many years to come."

The $15 million, 138,000-square-foot Pullman Community Center will be located on a 12-acre parcel of land at 104th Street and Woodland Avenue. The center will also provide the community with three full-sized indoor multi-sport fields, making it the only facility on southeast side of Chicago to offer year-round play. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity provided a $4.9 million investment for the center.

Approximately $9 million of the $15 million in funding for the development has been secured with investments by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) and grants from the state of Illinois, U.S. Bank, Major League Baseball and the National Football League. The center will also employ as many as 100 full and part-time employees.

"Pullman and the Calumet basin that surround it reveal a great story of vision and tenacity. Old and new residents have successfully worked to reclaim and revitalize housing, attract manufacturing and retail while protecting the environmental riches that make the area unique," Alderman Anthony Beale said. "We are thrilled that Governor Quinn, the Bears and the Cubs recognize the great progress made here and together are investing in the center to ensure we continue that trajectory into the future."

"It is appropriate that Pullman is the site of the city's premier indoor/outdoor year round community and sports facility. In 1880 George Pullman founded the community as a model of work, education and cultural life. 134 years later, we're again creating a complete community but doing it better, with the people who live here," CNI President David Doig said. "Together this community is rebuilding the housing, attracting the companies, strengthening education, retail and transportation. This Center celebrates what we have accomplished and paves the way for the future."

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