BETTENDORF, IA. -- Bettendorf High School proudly presents Meredith Willson's, The Music Man, the winner of six Tony Awards. One of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Music Man tells the story of Professor Harold Hill, a fast-talking salesman of musical instruments who convinces the good folks of River City, Iowa that they need a band. His plans to skip town with their money come to a crashing halt when he falls head-over-heels in love with Marian, the town's librarian.

The production, highlighting the talents of more than 120 high school students, also features students from all six of the district elementary schools. The production stars senior Matthew McFate as the cunning Harold Hill and junior Emily Tinsman as Marian Paroo.

"I am very proud and excited to be a part of such a wonderful experience. The cast and crew are amazing, the set is phenomenal, and it is just so much fun to get to go help put something like this together every day after school! I hope everyone enjoys seeing the show as much as we all love performing in it!" McFate said.

All performances will take place at the Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center, beginning at 7 p.m. on April 10-12 and 1 p.m. on April 13. All tickets are $10 and may be purchased from the BHS Activities Office or the high school website.

WHAT: The Music Man, book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, directed by Katherine Howard, with technical direction by Chris Howard and musical direction by Chris Saito and Jeff Knutson.

WHEN: Thursday, April 10 - Sunday, April 13. The curtain will open for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances at 7:00 p.m., while the Sunday performance is a 1:00 p.m. matinee.

WHERE: All performances take place at the Bettendorf High School, Performing Arts Center at 3333 18th Street.

TICKETS: Tickets are $10 and may be purchased from the BHS Activities Office or the high school website (www.bettendorf.k12.ia.us).

MOLINE, Ill. (March 30, 2014) - Mike Stinziani scored once and added two assists and Jeff Lee provided the third period game winner as the host Quad City Mallards closed out the regular season by defeating the Missouri Mavericks 5-3 Sunday in front of 5,218 fans.  With the victory, the fifth place Mallards (33-23-10, 76 points) head into the Central Hockey League playoffs riding a four game winning streak while the defeat was the third in a row for the regular season champion Mavericks (44-20-2, 90 points).

Lee crashed the net to break a 3-3 deadlock and put the Mallards on top for good at 4:04 of the third.  Lee buried the winner just two minutes and four seconds after Mike Ramsey had evened the score for the Mavericks with a wrist shot from the right wing circle.  At 7:23 of the third Matt Boyd's wraparound goal provided vital insurance for the Mallards.

The Mallards, who never trailed, got an early jump on the Mavericks by outscoring Missouri 2-1 over a wild two minute and thirty-four second stretch of the first period.  Justin Fox's point blank power play goal gave the Mallards a 1-0 lead at 7:39 of the first.  One minute and five seconds later, Mike Stinziani's shorthanded wraparound doubled the margin.  The Mavericks got on the scoreboard for the first time when Andrew Courtney swept the puck in from the doorstep at the 10:13 mark.

The second period brought more rapid fire scoring.  Thomas Frazee's one timer from the slot gave the Mallards a two-goal cushion at 14:52 but the Mavs' Obi Aduba narrowed the gap to 3-2 from the high slot just 14 seconds later.

The Mallards welcomed a total 11,020 fans to their final two regular season home games and have drawn throngs of better than 5,000 to the iWireless Center six times since January.

The Mallards head to Rapid City Friday and Saturday for games one and two of their best-of-seven opening round playoff series against the Rush.  The Mallards return home for game three on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:05 p.m. and game four on Friday, April 11 at 7:05 p.m.  If a fifth game is necessary, it will be played on Saturday night April 12 at 7:05 p.m. at the iWireless Center.  Should a sixth game be required, the series will shift back to Rapid City on Tuesday, April 15.  If the series goes to a seventh game, the Rush would host the deciding contest on Wednesday, April 16.

Tickets for Mallards home playoff games can be purchased in person at the iWireless Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, at Ticketmaster outlets or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Best-of-Seven First Round Opens Friday in Rapid City

Flock Clinches Fifth Place with Win in St. Charles

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (March 29, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards tonight locked up an opening round Central Hockey League playoff match-up with Rapid City Rush by clinching fifth place with a 5-0 win over the host St. Charles Chill while the idle Rush was consigned to a fourth place finish by the third place Allen Americans' victory over the Denver Cutthroats this evening.

The best-of-seven first round series will start with games one and two next Friday and Saturday in Rapid City before the Mallards return home for game three on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:05 p.m. and game four on Friday, April 11 at 7:05 p.m.  If a fifth game is necessary, it will be played on Saturday night April 12 at 7:05 p.m. at the iWireless Center.  Should a sixth game be required, the series will shift back to Rapid City on Tuesday, April 15.  If the series goes to a seventh game, the Rush would host the deciding contest on Wednesday, April 16.

Thomas Heemserk made 22 saves and Gergo Nagy scored twice as the Mallards blanked the Chill 5-0 in what was the Mallards' penultimate regular season game.  The victory was the Mallards' (32-23-10, 74 points) third in a row overall and second in as many evenings in St. Charles while the defeat means the tenth place Chill (11-49-6, 28 points) finish the season on a nine game losing streak.

The Mallards took a 1-0 lead when Nagy's centering pass caromed in off St. Charles defenseman Zack Josepher at 10:19 of the first period.  Mike Stinziani doubled the advantage with just two seconds left in the first by roofing the puck from the doorstep.

The Mallards outshot the Chill 18-4 in the second period but were not rewarded for their dominance in the middle frame until Jordan Mayer's tip-in stretched the lead to 3-0 with just a minute and 22 seconds remaining in the second.

In the third period, the Mallards put the game away with a pair special teams break away goals.  Jeff Lee's shorthanded goal stretch the margin to 4-0 at 6:13 of the third.  Nagy's power play goal capped off the win with just 52 seconds remaining.

The Mallards return home for their regular season finale tomorrow at 4:05 p.m. against the Missouri Mavericks.  Tomorrow is Fan Appreciation Day at the iWireless Center.  Fans can bring their skates to tomorrow's game and skate with the Mallards after that tilt.  In addition, all fans in attendance will receive a coupon good for a free bag of popcorn at iWireless Center concession stands.

Tickets for tomorrow's game and for home playoff tilts can be purchased in person at the iWireless Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, at Ticketmaster outlets or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their seventeenth season their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.net.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

Quad City Mallards vs. Rapid City Rush

Central Hockey League Playoffs, Round One

 

Game One: Friday, April 4 @ Rapid City

Game Two: Saturday, April 5 @ Rapid City

Game Three: Wednesday, April 9 @ Quad City

Game Four: Friday, April 11 @ Quad City

Game Five*: Saturday, April 12 @ Quad City

Game Six*: Tuesday, April 15 @ Rapid City

Game Seven*: Wednesday, April 16 @ Rapid City

 

*- if necessary

Access to the Democratic Governor Primary Ballot at Stake

DES MOINES, IOWA | March 29, 2014 - On Friday, March 28, the Iowa Supreme Court granted Jonathan Narcisse's motion for expedited appeal of the District Court's refusal to reverse the Secretary of State's denial of Narcisse accessing the June 3rd Primary ballot for Democratic governor nomination.

Three Iowa Supreme Court justices, Wiggins, Hecht and Mansfield, will hear the appeal and parties have until noon on Monday, March 31st to submit their briefs. Narcisse was denied ballot access due to technical errors on three petition pages submitted to the Secretary of States' office on March 15th.

On March 27th the Iowa District Court in Polk County refused to allow any of Narcisse's exhibits as evidence in his effort to gain ballot access, citing both affidavits from Narcisse petitioners and a 2012 "Conclusion of Law" from Secretary Schultz and Attorney General Miller, as inadmissible. The District Court cited an Arizona ruling on election law as support for calling Narcisse's evidence "extrinsic."

The 2012 "Conclusion of Law" found that state senator Joe Seng's technical errors for submission to the primary ballot for a US House run, "should be liberally construed to the benefit of the electors in order to provide every lawful opportunity for the electors to express their preference at the ballot box."

My fellow Republicans,

Today I was elected as Co-Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. I have been a Republican all of my life and have worked hard for Republican candidates all across Iowa.

I believe our party is strong and can be even stronger with a unified message. I look forward to the next 10 months and right away I will be working to give our candidates everything they need from now until the elections in November.

The Republican Party of Iowa has a voter registration advantage over the Democrats and I want to continue to build upon that.

In order to be successful we must reach out to new voters, especially those who may not look or sound like those who we have reached out to before.

As one of the only Asian-American Republican Party Chairmen or Co-Chairmen in the entire nation, I know I have a a role to play.

I have already reached out to the RNC and its Chairman Reince Priebus about Iowa taking the lead to reach out to minority voters.

I pledge that as long as I am Co-Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, our party will take the lead in being a good example in minority outreach.

From now until November I will make sure the Republican Party of Iowa is seen as a party that wants to reach out to minorities and will treat them with respect.

As long as I am Co-Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, our state will be known across the country as a state that deeply values all people, and will work to help people realize why all people, regardless of skin color, should vote Republican.

I will also work hard to travel across the state of Iowa, talk with all of our counties, and raise monies for our excellent candidates.

While sometimes there will be different groups or factions within the party, I believe we must get past that and work hard to election Republicans.

I look forward to being Co-Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa through our election cycle.

We've got some tough races ahead of us, but from now until November I pledge to work as hard a I can to give our candidates everything they need.

Thank you for your support and for working with me to create the strongest Republican Party we can.

--
Gopal Krishna
Co-Chairman
Republican Party of Iowa

Encourages Uninsured People Across Illinois to Attend a "Last Chance" Enrollment Assistance Event

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today attended one of Get Covered Illinois' (GCI) "Last Chance" enrollment events to urge everyone still waiting on the sidelines to take action to obtain affordable health coverage. With just three days left for uninsured residents to enroll in the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), GCI is hosting a series of late-night "Last Chance" enrollment events to provide in-person assistance. For the next three nights, GCI will also be extending call center hours until midnight.

"We want everyone to know that if you don't have health insurance, now is the time to take action and get covered," Governor Quinn said. "We will have the Get Covered Illinois navigators working until midnight across the state to help uninsured residents sign up for affordable health coverage before the Monday deadline."

The Governor appeared at an enrollment event at the Broadway Armory on the north side of Chicago where navigators armed with laptops and computers were helping uninsured residents explore their coverage options and enroll in a health plan. The last day to enroll in the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace is March 31. Also at the event was the GCI Road2Coverage RV, which has been conducting a mobile tour across the state throughout the month of March to raise awareness about the historic opportunity to gain coverage and the impending deadline of enrollment.

More than 333,000 Illinois residents have signed up for health coverage under the ACA, according to federal and state figures. A total of 113,733 had purchased a plan through the Marketplace as of the end of February; an additional 220,000 have enrolled in expanded Medicaid under the ACA. GCI is on pace to meet the state-level enrollment estimate of 143,000 for the Marketplace established last September by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (from national Congressional Budget Office estimates).

The GCI website - GetCoveredIllinois.gov - has experienced a sharp increase in traffic during the month of March, seeing the daily count of unique visitors jump from less than 10,000 per day in February to 40,000 per day this week. In addition, the number using the GCI screening tool, which determines if applicants should seek coverage in the Marketplace or may be eligible for Medicaid, has tripled to more than 12,000 per day this week.

"We are telling everyone who was waiting until the last minute, that the last minute is now," GCI Executive Director Jennifer Koehler said. "Our team is working statewide to help make sure Illinois consumers don't miss out on the 'Last Chance' opportunity get the coverage before the March 31st deadline. We need everyone who hasn't enrolled to start the process now!"

Failure to act to get health coverage could result in:

·         Missing out on the coverage you and your loved ones need to stay healthy - the next opportunity to enroll in Marketplace health plan will be in November, with coverage starting in January 2015.

·         Incurring huge medical bills if you get hurt or sick.

·         Being fined either 1 percent of income or $95, whichever is greater, when you file your 2014 federal taxes.

GCI is urging health care consumers to take advantage of the assistance that is being offered via the web, over the phone and in person through hundreds of community partners statewide.

·         Visit our website at GetCovereredIllinois.gov (includes a Spanish-language version).

·         Call the Get Covered Illinois Help Desk at 866-311-1119.

·         Meet in person with a specially trained "Navigator" who can help you understand your options and help you enroll at one of the hundreds of partner sites across the state. There are more than 1,500 Navigators throughout the state that can be located by visiting the website and entering your zip code or through calling the Help Desk.

The following locations are offering special late hours for in-person enrollment assistance over the next three days:

Chicago events:

·         UIC Hospital: 1740 W. Taylor St., Saturday, Sunday, Monday 11 a.m. until midnight all three days.

·         Mercy Hospital: 2525 S. Michigan Ave., Saturday, Sunday, Monday noon to midnight.

·         Ann Sather's: 909 W. Belmont Ave., Saturday and Sunday 4 p.m.-midnight, Monday 10 a.m. to midnight.

·         Norwegian American Hospital: 1044 N. Francisco, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 8 a.m. to midnight.

Outside of Chicago:

·         Ingalls Hospital: Harvey, 1 Ingalls Dr., Saturday, Sunday and Monday 8 a.m. to midnight.

·         St. John's Hospital: Springfield, 800 Carpenter St., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight, Monday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

·         OSF St. Anthony: Rockford: 566 E. State St., Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m. to midnight.

·         St. Elizabeth's Hospital/East Side Health District: Belleville, 211 S.  3rd St., Saturday, noon to midnight.

Follow Get Covered Illinois on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CoveredIllinois

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoveredIllinois

Twitter: @CoveredIllinois

Hashtag: #GetCoveredIllinois #Road2Coverage

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GARDEN SERIES

Intensive Vegetable Gardening

Learn everything you need to know about starting seeds, intensive vegetable gardening, and preparing a space for a garden! Get ready for Spring and sign up today.

Saturday, April 19
10:00am - 2:00pm
at the Freight House
Davenport Residents: $5.00
Non-residents: $6.00

2014 Spring / Summer Catalog now available

 

Registration for Spring and Summer programs are now open!  Click here to browse our online catalog. You can also register online as well!

Prefer a hard copy of our catalog?
Catalogs are now available at the River's Edge and at other Parks and Recreation facilities like Vander Veer, Junior Theater and our golf courses.

There are programs for all interests and all ages. Take a look at what we offer:

  • Adaptive & Inclusive Programs
  • Adult Programs
  • Aquatics (Swim Lessons & Sailing)
  • Summer Camps
  • Nature and Garden
  • Junior Theatre
  • School of Dance
  • Seniors
  • Ice Sports
  • Youth & Adult Sports
  • Wellness Programs
March 29, 2014 (Davenport, IA) - Congressional Representative Dave Loebsack will speak to the Rotary Club of Davenport on Monday, March 31. The meeting begins at noon at the Outing Club, with Rep. Loebsack speaking at approximately 12:20.
       Congressman Loebsack will be speaking on his life prior to Congress and his legislative priorities. He will also give a quick overview on the committees he serves on and the work that he's been doing this Congress.

New Movie Highlights Chávez's Fight for Fair Wages

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today honored the life of César Chávez as millions of moviegoers across the nation prepare see the film biography of the legendary activist. The Governor also proclaimed March 31 as César Chávez day in Illinois, and encouraged people across the state to take time to learn about the life of the historic leader and the causes he championed.

"César Chávez organized the United Farm Workers to fight for fair wages, humane living conditions and basic dignity for some of the most oppressed workers on earth," Governor Quinn said. "I had the honor of meeting him in 1974, and his message of 'juntos podemos' - together we can - has stayed with me to this day."

The movie "César Chávez" traces Chávez's struggle from his early days as cotton-picker, U.S. Navy veteran and union organizer to his legacy as civil rights leader, environmentalist and consumer advocate. The stellar cast includes two award-winning actors with local ties: Michael Peña - who plays the title role - was raised by Mexican immigrant parents in Chicago, and John Malkovich is an Illinois native and a founder of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater Company.

"The movie reminds us of the value of community service and that history is made one painful step at a time," Governor Quinn said. "It also reminds us of the importance of the United Farm Workers union in ensuring fundamental human rights and the power of grassroots organizing."

Chávez, who would have turned 87 on Monday, fused traditional tools of labor organizing such as strikes and boycotts with principles of nonviolence used by Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Later in his life, Chavez crusaded for food safety, clean water, animal rights and voter registration. He died in 1993.

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Rock Island, IL - Christian Care is holding its fourth annual Trivia Night, hosted by Mr. Trivia himself! The event will take place at The Rock in Coal Valley on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the games will begin at 6:00 PM. The cost is $10 per person or $80 per team. The event will include raffle items, 50/50, mulligans and more! Cash Bar will be available, as well as delicious baked goods from the ladies of Grace Evangelical Free Church. Team members are also welcome to bring their own snacks. Tables are filling up fast, so call to make your reservation for individual or team seating; contact Mary Maland at 309/792-4102 or email her at cc.mary10@gmail.com. All proceeds raised from Trivia Night will help Christian Care continue to provide services in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309/786-5734 for more information. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

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