DAVENPORT, IOWA - Pooch Pastries have arrived in the Quad Cities! Pooch Pastries are gourmet dog treats handmade in Iowa with natural ingredients like eggs, cheese, flour, beef, and chicken.
Pet Pals Owner Margee Marsengill says Pooch Pastries are an excellent choice for people who want to give their dogs nutritious snacks. "Our dog biscuits contain no preservatives or additives, so dogs are getting only ingredients that are good for them."
Pooch Pastries come in a variety of sizes and flavors including banana, cinnamon, peanut butter, bacon and eggs, barbeque, pumpkin, and mint. The dog biscuits are also available in gluten- and wheat-free, and reduced fat. They can be purchased by individual biscuit or by the pound.
Pooch Pastries are available at Pet Pals, 2134 W. River Drive, Davenport. Orders can also be placed at (563)324-4446 or www.qcpetpals.com.
Pet Pals is a grooming, boarding, and doggie daycare business that has been serving dogs and cats in the Quad Cities since 1993. Pet Pals offers a full-service center to keep pets healthy and happy while away from home.
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Bucktown Wine Walk May 30th Supports National Alliance on Mental Illness

DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 16, 2014) - The artists of Bucktown Center for the Arts will host a Final Friday Wine Walk Friday May 30, 2014, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 225 East Second Street, Davenport. Guests may purchase a hand-painted wine glass for $20, which entitles them to a wine tasting featuring five featured wines and light snacks. Musicians Donnie Schold and Alicia Whitfield will perform. RSVPs are welcome at: www.facebook.com/bucktownarts/events.

Participating galleries will donate a percentage of their sales during the Wine Walk to sponsor NAMIWalk 2014, a signature fundraising event for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley. This 34-year old affiliate of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization provides free education and support programs locally to individuals and families living with mental illness. NAMI's efforts complement the work of mental health professionals by helping families and caregivers provide a strong support network to individuals living with mental illness.

"This is a great way for Bucktown to celebrate May as Mental Health Awareness Month and to kick off the NAMIWalk fundraising season," says Pat Bereskin, an art educator and owner of Atom studio + gallery at Bucktown. "We are partnering with this organization because, as artists, we've witnessed the positive benefits of art therapy for persons recovering from mental illness. In fact, I'm working with returning veterans who have PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues in an art class."

NAMIWalk 2014 is scheduled for September 13 at Centennial Park in Davenport. For further information on NAMIWalk, please visit www.namiwalks.org/greatermississippivalley.

About Bucktown Center for the Arts
Bucktown is a component of Midcoast Fine Arts, a Quad-City nonprofit organization focused on stimulating our community's cultural and economic vitality through the support of regional visual arts and artists. The Center is made up of a dozen unique shops and studios where you can purchase creative, unusual and useable works or art created by local artists. Contact the Center at www.bucktownarts.com or 563-424-1210.

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is a 34-year old affiliate of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI advocates for early identification, and access to treatment and recovery supports. NAMI provides free programs for individuals living with mental illness and their families that accelerate recovery and prevent further harm. Their programs complement the work of our local mental health professionals. NAMI serves families in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois, as well as Clinton, Scott and Muscatine counties in Iowa. Contact NAMI at www.namigmv.org or 563-322-8870.

 

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after it was announced that Robert Petzel, the Veterans Administration's (VA) undersecretary for health care, has resigned.

"I have been extremely concerned about the reports that have recently come to light of alleged preventable deaths and subsequent cover up at VA health clinics. As a parent of military children, I am incredibly upset that this could have ever happened to the men and women who honorably served our nation. We owe it to our nation's veterans to do all we can to determine exactly what happened and we need to do it immediately."

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Event Date: June 2, 2014

On the first Monday of each month at 1:00pm, join us at the Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Avenue) for a brand new discussion group, Framed. This is a discussion group like no other: Instead of reading a book each month, everyone will look at pieces of fine art and read a short piece about the artist, movement, style, or history of the art. Discover new artists and see the best works from some of the world's most famous museums. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Each member will receive copies of the art and the article each month. Register by calling (563) 326-7832, or online at www.davenportlibrary.com.

From a high of $9.9 billion in 2010, Illinois' backlog of bills has now fallen to $4.174 billion -- the lowest it has been in years.

Governor Pat Quinn inherited a system in which one year's bills were carried over to be paid in the following year. Gov. Quinn and the General Assembly worked together to end that practice and set aside money each month to pay down the backlog that rose to $9.9 billion during the recession.

The bond ratings agencies have praised the administration's efforts as the backlog has come down, with Fitch Ratings noting, "The state prudently used higher than forecast income tax collections in fiscal 2013 to pay down a portion of the accounts payable balance."

Moody's added, "The governor's budget for the first time demonstrates how the state might decrease its unpaid bill backlog over several years. It presents a "blueprint" showing the state trimming accounts payable to about $2.2 billion, as of the end of fiscal 2019. This amount, consistent with a 30-day payment cycle, would be only a third of the backlog at the end of fiscal 2013."

"Even as outside factors have forced us to make difficult but financially sound choices in all areas of the state budget, Governor Quinn has maintained the discipline of dedicating money to pay down the backlog of bills," said Acting Budget Director Jerome Stermer.

The backlog is cyclical, generally falling in the first part of the year as income tax receipts come in and rising in the second half of the year, but the overall trend has been down as the administration, working with the General Assembly, has dedicated resources to paying down the backlog, Stermer said.

Beginning in January, on the 15th of each month, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget has posted on its website a detailed account of the backlog of bills. Traditionally, April is the strongest month for state tax receipts and for paying down old bills. http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/budget/Documents/Bill%20Backlog%20Presentation%205.14.14.pdf This April's results surpassed last April's, with the final backlog number posted Thursday $1.1 billion less than the previous April.

The administration's latest forecast for the where the backlog would finish at the end of the fiscal year on June 30 was $4.9 billion. While the backlog typically rises in May, the administration foresees no problem hitting its target for the end of the fiscal year.

Company Will Create 155 Jobs and Invest $30 Million in Local Economy

MONMOUTH - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Cloverleaf Cold Storage Company will open a $30 million refrigerated warehouse and distribution center that will create 155 local full-time jobs. The facility will serve the Smithfield Farmland Corporation, which has an adjacent site in Monmouth. Today's announcement follows recent news that Illinois' unemployment rate is at its lowest point since 2008 and is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to keep the progress going by creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"This new facility will create more than 150 good jobs and help Cloverleaf and Smithfield Farmland grow together in western Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "The cooperative effort between state agencies and local officials to build this remarkable facility shows that even in our Prairie State, we'll move mountains when it comes to creating jobs."

The 235,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse and distribution center is the first Illinois site for Cloverleaf, which has 15 locations around the country. Cloverleaf is a family-owned company that dates from 1934 and provides public and contract storage for the meat processing and packaging industries. The company is based in Sioux City, Iowa and has more than 900 employees.

"Cloverleaf's investment in this new facility highlights not only the strategic location that Illinois occupies in the food distribution network, it emphasizes our faith that we will be able to hire and retain a highly-skilled and technically proficient workforce," Cloverleaf spokesman Adam Feiges said.

"There has been great cooperation between private enterprise and state and local governments, including the necessary capital investments, infrastructure work and incentives, to help make this project a reality," Monmouth Mayor Rod Davies said.

Cloverleaf hopes to expand the new facility to 315,000 square feet within three to five years and increase employment by another 50 jobs.

Cloverleaf will receive an assistance package with an estimated value of $6 million, a major determining factor in the company's decision to locate in Monmouth. The city of Monmouth and government agencies in Warren County have authorized incentives totaling $3.4 million for the project, most of it in the form of 10-year abatement on property taxes.

Programs from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will provide the company an estimated $1.2 million in benefits, including an investment tax credit and a sales tax exemption for being in an enterprise zone. The DCEO package includes a $325,000 grant to the city for infrastructure work associated with the plant. The Illinois Department of Transportation has committed to approximately $1.5 million in road improvements, much of it for widening U.S. Route 67 and a new access road to accommodate truck traffic. DCEO's agreement with Cloverleaf requires the company to repay a portion of the grant if it fails to hit its target of 155 new jobs by the end of 2015.

Last week, Governor Quinn announced a new company is coming to Galesburg, just a short drive from Monmouth. The company is Pegasus MFG Inc., a provider of precision parts and assemblies that is relocating from California and bringing 17 jobs.

Today's event follows news that Illinois' unemployment rate for April dropped to 7.9 percent - its lowest level in more than five years and lower than when the Governor took office. Since the peak of the recession, Illinois has added nearly 250,000 jobs. More people working in Illinois last month pushed the rate down 0.5 points, the lowest rate since December 2008 and largest monthly decline in the history of this data series that began in 1976.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, the Governor has enacted worker's compensation reform and unemployment insurance reform to make Illinois a better place to do business, in addition to major fiscal reforms such as pension reform and Medicaid restructuring that are restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. Today Governor Quinn is pushing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small businesses to start and grow in Illinois.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit www.illinois.gov/dceo.

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The spirit of New Orleans comes up the Mississippi River this summer when The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District presents Gumbo Ya Ya, a two-night Mardi Gras party in The District on June 6-7. Cajun, Zydeco, and Jazz bands will tantalize your ears, while Cajun spiced food will heat up your taste buds. Bead tosses, confetti, and a French Quarter marketplace are also part of the fun! Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Thousands of hot rods will be streaming into the Quad Cities on Thursday, June 12 for the HOT ROD Power Tour. Over 3,500 hot rods and performance vehicles will come from Crown Point, Ind., and arrive in the Quad Cities for Day 6 and proceed to the Isle Casino Hotel from 12-7 p.m. The public is welcome to see this rolling party. It is free for spectators. And throughout the evening, expect to see great cars all over the Quad Cities.

Join the thousands of other bicycle riders for Ride the River on Sunday, June 15. This is the 30th year for the annual Father's Day tradition of biking through the Quad Cities. View the Mississippi River from both Quad Cities shorelines on the Illinois and Iowa side from the seat of your bicycle during this festive event that the entire family can enjoy. Register in advance online at riveraction.org.

New in the Quad Cities

The new Children's Garden now open at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, Illinois, creates a whimsical interpretation of nature. The caterpillar gateway opens into a world of "fours" - underfoot is the human sundial, with the four seasons, and the four directions, the four way tests, factors of four, games of four, and flowers of four! Finally, a child-size version of the Mississippi River with a meandering shallow stream for children to play in the water.

Modern Woodmen Park added a new Ferris Wheel standing 110-feet outside of the left field wall of the ballpark. It opens Memorial Day Weekend. The Ferris wheel will highlight an amusement lineup to include a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, an auto-belay rock climbing wall, and many other new games and attractions planned at the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport, Iowa. In a nationwide vote, Modern Woodmen Park was voted the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards.

Museums & Music

Beloved Irish crooner, and star of 13 PBS national TV specials, Daniel O'Donnell comes to the Adler Theatre in Davenport for one performance only at 7 pm on Wednesday, June 4. O'Donnell sings, dances and charms his way into viewer's hearts with a mix of country, pop hits and fan favorites.

The River Music Experience in downtown Davenport celebrates their 10th anniversary with a weekend of music on June 12-15 with great acts such as the MarchFourth Marching Band, The Candymakers, Diplomats of Solid Sound, Lissie, and more. On Friday, June 13 is their BeeRME Beer Tasting.

Enter the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer, her animal-rescuing cousin Diego and their friends Boots and Baby Jaguar at the Family Museum's upcoming exhibit, Nickelodeon's Dora and Diego - Let's Explore! Visitors can explore Isa's Flowery Garden, help Tico gather nuts, set sail with the Pirate Piggies' crew, and search for baby animals in the Rainforest Maze. Also journey to the Purple Planet via a rocket ship, and learn how to care for baby animals in the Animal Rescue Center. The 3,000 square feet exhibit is perfect for preschool children 2 to 5 years of age. The exhibit is scheduled to open May 24 and ends August 31.

Try a Segway Tour

Quad City Segway is Iowa's only guided Segway tours. It takes riders as they glide effortlessly along the scenic Mississippi riverfront bike path learning about area history and landmarks. Before setting out, riders go through a short training session. You can select a one-hour tour for $30 or a two-hour tour for $55. Quad City Segway operates out of the Union Station Visitor Center, 102 S. Harrison St., Davenport.

BBC Worldwide North America and Fathom Events announce the celebration of Emmy® Award-winning actor David Tennant in a two-night special theatrical screening event -- all for the price of one ticket. See David Tennant on the big screen as the Tenth Doctor in the epic two-part Doctor Who story "Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel" on June 16 at 7:30 p.m. (local time) with never-before-seen bonus content. On June 17 at 7:30 p.m. (local time), experience the earth from a bird's eye view, in RealD™ 3D, in "Wings 3D" from Emmy® Award-nominated director John Downer and narrated by David Tennant.
"Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel" and "Wings 3D" will be shown at the following cinemas in your area:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Coal Valley, IL - May 16, 2014 - Niabi Zoo has announced the name for theirfemale baby black and white Colobus monkey which was born on December 12th, 2013.

After hosting a naming contest for the month of April, the name Keeya emerged as the winner. Keeya was originally suggested as a finalist choice by one of Niabi Zoo's zookeepers. Keeya is an African name which means "resembling a flower."

Three finalist names were chosen by zoo staff, and then voted on by zoo guests with their pocket change. The name which collected the greatest dollar amount was declared the winner.

The other two finalist name choices and their meanings were Mapenzi (one who is dearly loved) and Hazina (one who is treasured). Mapenzi finished in second place and Hazina came in third place.

MOLINE, IL  -- PBS, CPB and WQPT recently announced the launch of a new veterans' initiative, which will roll out over the next several years, that features national content, along with local community engagement efforts to increase dialogue and solutions as our nation's veterans transition to civilian life. The initiative includes national, multi-platform content on PBS under the banner of "Stories of Service," and the community engagement campaign funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), "Veterans Coming Home."

 

"The programs featured as part of 'Stories of Service' tell the compelling stories of those who have served and provide a deeper understanding of our nation's military history," said Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO. "As America's storyteller, we hope to spark conversations in communities and give the public an opportunity to share their personal or family story of service through local events and programs. Across the public television community, stations will be creating their own content and providing resources to returning veterans and their families."

"Americans will connect to these powerful stories of courage, commitment and sacrifice. They will see the veterans as people who have so much to contribute as they return to civilian life. And once they hear and see these stories, they will be compelled to respond through their local public media stations to work with local business and veterans organizations, faith based and community groups," said Pat Harrison, CPB president and CEO. "We know CPB's partnership with PBS, America's public media stations, local veterans and business organizations, working with the men and women who are sharing their personal stories, will create opportunities for our troops and their families in the communities in which they live and continue to serve."

"WQPT is very happy to be working once again with WVIK to create our own 'Stories of Service,'" said WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess.  "Our two year Embracing Our Military initiative has already featured national programming, local programming and community events to better inform our Quad Cities and surrounding communities about the role the military and their families play in our area."

PBS and WQPT's 'Stories of Service' programming kicks off with the May 21 premiere of "Coming Back with Wes Moore," which is funded by CPB. The series explores Moore's search for answers to important questions about veterans returning from war. Longer range, the programming line-up includes the highly anticipated 2016 documentary on the Vietnam War from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

Currently, the PBS and WQPT programing under "Stories of Service' includes our veterans interstitials created in partnership with WVIK, "Moments in History" interstitials created in partnership with the Rock Island Arsenal, "Inside the Gates," produced by CBS4 and  upcoming  programming like: "Death and the Civil War," American Experience (7 p.m., June 24); "Day of Days - June 6, 1944 ( 7 p.m. June 10); "Unsung Heroes - The Story of America's Female Patriots (7 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 17); and Nova's "Escape from Nazi Alcatraz" (8 p.m. June 12). More about information about WQPT's programming can be found at wqpt.org.

 

Upcoming programming includes:

"Coming Back with Wes Moore"

7-9 p.m., May 21, 28 and June 4

A three-episode series, executive produced by best-selling author and veteran Wes Moore and Joel Olicker of Powderhouse Productions, tells the story of Moore's search for answers to some of the most difficult questions facing vets returning from war. Each episode focuses on a different stage of coming home: "Coming Back," "Fitting In" and "Moving Forward." (Produced by Powderhouse Productions; funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] Diversity and Innovation and Bank of America.)

"Death and the Civil War" (encore)

7-9 p.m., May 24

Based on Drew Gilpin Faust's "This Republic of Suffering," this acclaimed program by Ric Burns explores a critical aspect of the Civil War experience: the implications of the war's staggering and unprecedented death toll. "Death and the Civil War" is written and directed by Ric Burns, edited by Li-Shin Yu, and produced by Robin Espinola, Bonnie LaFave, and Ric Burns. Oliver Platt is the narrator. The original concept was developed by Paul Taylor, and the cinematography is by Buddy Squires, Stephen McCarthy and Allen Moore. Music is by Brian Keane. Executive producer is Mark Samels; exclusive corporate funding for American Experience provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Major funding provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Major funding for "Death and the Civil War" provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor. Additional funding provided by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Dedicated to Strengthening America's Future Through Education; the Nordblom Family Foundation and the Gretchen Stone Cook Charitable Foundation, members of the Documentary Investment Group; and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] and PBS and public television viewers.) 

 

NOVA's "D-Day's Sunken Secrets"

7-9 p.m., May 15

NOVA joins an exclusive team as they carry out the most extensive survey ever done of the seabed bordering the legendary D-Day beachheads of Normandy, revealing the ingenious technology that helped the Allies overcome the German defenses and ultimately liberate Europe from the Nazis. (Produced by WGBH Science Unit; major funding for NOVA provided by Boeing, The David H. Koch Fund for Science, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], and PBS and public television viewers. Additional funding for "D-Day's Sunken Secrets" provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.)

About WQPT-Quad Cities PBS

WQPT-Quad Cities PBS is a media service of Western Illinois University. Founded in November 1983 the station has received local and national awards for their production work and educational outreach.

 

About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS PressRoom on Twitter.

About CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,400 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services.

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