Now On Exhibit:

CSI the Experience

Coming Soon:

New Putnam Science Center opening April 12, 2014.

Join the Muscatine Art Center staff in shaking off the winter "blahs"! The Spring Fever Family Festival is a FREE event on Saturday, March 15th from 1 to 4 p.m. Kids of all ages will create a variety of art projects, watch an artist work on a still life painting, enjoy an indoor picnic with healthy fruits and vegetables and learn about the Blue Zones Project Muscatine. Storytelling will take place at 1:30 p.m.

At the core of the event is the exhibition, "The Art of Living Well". Presented in five sections -Relax, Play, Work, Eat and Belong, the exhibition is a journey into the past so people today can discover some ways to live healthier, happier lives. The exhibition also features a range of artwork, artifacts and photographs. Represented in the exhibition is the work of Grant Wood, John Bloom and Oscar Grossheim.

The Spring Fever Family Festival is funded in part through a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Admission is FREE on Saturday March 15.  The event will start at 1:00 p.m. and run until 4:00 p.m.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Indoor picnic
  • Grant Wood landscapes
  • Collage self portraits
  • Still life demonstration with artist Bao Thien
  • Storytelling at 1:30 p.m.
  • Booth by Blue Zones Project Muscatine

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Spring Fever!

Who: Hosted by Muscatine Art Center Staff

When: Saturday, March 15, 2014

Time: 1:00-4:00 PM

Where: The Muscatine Art Center

Admission to this program is FREE.

Please contact, Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from

10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM Admission is FREE.

Oskaloosa, Iowa - In June of 2013, alerts were published regarding the increase in the tick population in Southern Iowa, and the associated increase of Lyme Disease.  Now, more dogs are starting to show symptoms of Lyme Disease. This year, the threat still lingers and prevention is imperative for your animals in 2014.

Lyme Disease is transmitted through tick bites, so any dog with tick exposure is at risk for contracting Lyme Disease.  The symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, decreased appetite and enlarged lymph nodes.  It can take up to 5 months after tick exposure to see visible signs of Lyme Disease.  Left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause chronic issues with arthritis and lameness.

"In 2013, our veterinary clinics in Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, and Ottumwa saw a significant increase in the number of cases of Lyme Disease being diagnosed in the dogs we care for. It is easily preventable and affordable, so I encourage responsible pet owners to consider vaccinating their dogs this year" Lisa Gronewold D.V.M said in response to the outbreak.

The best way to prevent your dog from getting Lyme Disease, or any tick borne disease, is to use a tick preventative.  There are many options available that include both topical or oral formulations.

In an effort to protect high risk dogs from being infected with Lyme Disease, one should vaccinate their dogs.  High risk dogs include any outdoor dog, hunting dog, or dog that spends time going on walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities, especially activities that take place in tall uncut grass or wooded areas.  Contact your veterinarian about whether your dog is at high risk of tick exposure, to make the decision about whether your dog is a good candidate for Lyme vaccination.  Vaccinating for Lyme Disease includes two vaccinations about one month apart the first year and then once per year on following years.

One way to screen your dog for exposure to Lyme Disease is to run a blood test called a 4dx Heartworm Snap Test.  This test checks for Heartworm Disease, Lyme Disease and two other tick borne diseases called Ehrilichiosis and Anaplasmosis.

Did you know?

- Adult ticks can live up to 3 years without a blood meal

- Ticks live on 3 different animals during their life

- Most ticks spend most of their life in the environment and OFF the host animal

- Ticks don't jump and don't "fall from trees" as most people think, but transfer onto hosts when animals or humans walk through long grass, bushes and brush.

Predictions of Lyme disease cases are especially high again this year, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's (CAPC) annual forecast. With the heightened risk of contracting Lyme disease, it is imperative that you protect your pets this summer.

It is important to frequently check your pet for ticks. If you find a tick on your animal, remove the tick as quickly as you can. After you administer a topical flea and tick treatment, don't bathe your dog immediately. Wait at least two or three days. If your animal is bitten, watch for symptoms of Lyme disease which include fever, lameness, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, depression and anorexia. While Lyme disease can not be transmitted from dogs to humans, a high prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs often may mean a higher incidence of Lyme disease in humans.

If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Our clinics offer walk-in and emergency services and can be reached at: Albia (641.932.3455), Knoxville (641.828.2101), Oskaloosa (641.673.5525) or Ottumwa (641.682.8701). 

"With last year's ticks still alive, and the increase in moisture this winter, the tick and mosquito population is sure to be larger than normal. Due to that, the risk of Lyme and other diseases, such as heartworm disease, are higher. There are many ways to prevent the spread of disease in your animals including topical and oral medications as well as sprays and other treatments for your home and yard. The staff at our four vet clinics would be happy to help you select the right preventative for your pet, budget and lifestyle" owner Matthew C. Garver, D.V.M. said.

 

 

About Animal Health Center: Animal Health Center is a full-service veterinary clinic for both small and large animals, which has been serving animals and their people since 2002. The Animal Health Center family of clinics has four clinics in south-central Iowa (Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Ottumwa). They offer wellness exams, emergency services, vaccinations, general and laser surgery, grooming, boarding, embryo transfer and more. To learn more about these clinics, visit their websites at www.AlbiaVet.com, www.OskyVet.com, www.AnimalClinicSouthside.com or www.Knoxville-Vet.com

 

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The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday March 15 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.

Without a Fair Tax, the state's looming fiscal collapse would mean an $8.3 million cut to Rock Island County schools and the continuation of unfair tax and budget policies that stifle middle class families

Rock Island, IL - By a vote of 5-1, the Government Affairs Committee of the Rock Island County Board passed a resolution this afternoon calling on lawmakers in Springfield to pass the Fair Tax Act (HJRCA 33 /SJRCA 40) as a necessary first step to avoid devastating and unprecedented cuts to local services and to provide tax relief to a majority of Rock Island County families.

"While some extreme partisans in Springfield are ready to drive our state right off the fiscal cliff, a large and broad coalition of citizens in Rock Island and throughout Illinois are fighting for long-term budget reform that includes a Fair Tax," said Brian Vyncke, a member of the committee who voted in favor of today's resolution.  "Beyond stable and sustainable revenues, a Fair Tax represents a tax CUT - not an increase, but a cut - for the overwhelming majority of Rock Island County residents."

The resolution endorses a Fair Tax, with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher income, which would provide immediate tax relief for the majority of Rock Island families. Right now, Illinois poor and middle income families pay a rate that is twice the rate of the very rich, when factoring in all state and local taxes paid.

Peter Starzynski of the A Better Illinois coalition unveiled the findings of a new report by the Fiscal Policy Center at Voices for Illinois Children that shows the state will cut $8.3 million from Rock Island County schools if lawmakers in Springfield take us over the fiscal cliff.  He also explained how Springfield's broken budget process is rife with late payments to vendors and local governments, continues to cut vital programs, and provides wasteful giveaways to corporations through unfair loopholes designed by the rich.

"Springfield needs to decide what's more important: coddling millionaires or supporting our local schools," said Vyncke.  "We need fundamental, long-term budget reform that includes a Fair Tax because our kids, our seniors, and our middle class cannot endure Springfield's broken budget and tax policies any longer."

Starzynski presented data showing Iowa, a Fair Tax state, has an unemployment rate that is half that of Illinois.   He also noted that Scott County, IA has sales taxes and property tax rates that are much lower on average that those in Rock Island County.

"We need a Fair Tax in Illinois, so people live here, work here, raise families here, and make great communities here in Rock Island County - instead of Iowa," said Vyncke.

Illinois lawmakers are currently prohibited? constitutionally barred?from enacting tax fairness. If Springfield passes the Fair Tax Act, voters will have an opportunity to modernize Illinois' Constitution in November to allow a Fair Tax with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes.

"Why shouldn't Illinois be allowed to tax millionaires at a rate higher than minimum wage workers if that's what citizens decide is best?" said committee Member Don Jacobs.

Momentum for a Fair Tax has grown significantly since the A Better Illinois launched its campaign in the Quad Cities back in October.  The number of petitions signed has doubled to nearly 250,000 and the Fair Tax is now atop the legislative agenda in Springfield.

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A Better Illinois is a statewide coalition of civic and community organizations, small business, labor and faith leaders, educators, service providers, and tens of thousands of ordinary taxpayers seeking to modernize Illinois tax structure to create greater fairness and long-term economic growth.

Neal Waltmire
Deputy Communications Director
A Better Illinois

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Dear friends of the QCSO,

We thank those of you who came out to our concerts this past weekend to hear the world premiere of Rock Island Line from local composer Jacob Bancks, as well as Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 and Brahms' Symphony No. 2, all conducted by Maestro Mark Russell Smith.

Even if you were unable to attend this weekend's concert, we'd love to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. Your input is very important to us as we strive to improve our services at the QCSO.

If you would like to enjoy the concert again, it will be rebroadcast by our media partner WVIK-Augustana Public Radio on March 16 at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to tune in at 90.3 FM or listen online at www.wvik.org.
There is also still time to get tickets to this Saturday's performance by the Amadeus Trio, a Quad City Arts Visiting Artist. The Amadeus Trio will be performing music from Mendelssohn, Shostakovich, and Beethoven in Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the WVIK/QCSO Signature Series. This concert is sponsored by the Wheelan-Pressly Family of Funeral Homes.
You can purchase your tickets online today by clicking here.

The Chordbuster Barbershop Chorus and its quartets will present their 58th annual Holiday- in-Harmony show in the new Performing Arts Center at Bettendorf High School, Saturday, March 29th at 7:00 PM. The musical show, entitled "Sensational '60s", will revisit many of the top hits from the 1960's made famous by such groups as "the Beatles", "the Beach Boys" and others. In addition, a Midwest acappella sensation, "After Hours" quartet, will also be featured on the show. "After Hours" have been three-time collegiate champions in the Illinois District as well as the Illinois District champions in 2010. Last July, they finished in 8th place in the annual Barbershop Harmony Society International competition. Also appearing in the show will be "the Bend of the River Chorus" of Rock Island, quartets from both choruses and an ensemble from Bettendorf High School.

The Performing Arts Center is located at 3333-18th Street in Bettendorf. Ticket prices are $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for students (K-12). Tickets can be obtained from members of either chorus or phone: (563) 340-8743 (day) or (309) 762-3117 (eve). Tickets will also be available at the door.

About the Barbershop Harmony Society: Founded in 1938 in Tulsa, Okla., the Barbershop Harmony Society, is the largest all-male singing organization in the world with just under 25,000 members, including 2,000 quartets in 800 chapters. There are also ten official foreign affiliates of the Society.

About barbershop-style a cappella music: Barbershop harmony is a uniquely American musical art form. It is known for its four-part harmony and the "expanded sound" created by its unique chord structure.

For more information about the Davenport Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, visit www.thechordbusters.com

The Winter 2013/2014 issue of the National Weather Service Quad Cities' newsletter is now available on our website at http://www.weather.gov/quadcities/?n=additional-links#newsletter . This link also contains all past issues of our newsletter.

 

Bettendorf – With a week off from school, area parents and kids are looking for fun and exciting activities during spring break. From March 14 - March 22, the Family Museum is offering nine days of just that: programs ranging from live music, live animals, science, and performance art. Events and performances are included with paid admission or Family Museum membership.

 

The Kinetic King Is Back!

Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15

Daily Detonations at 4:00 pm

Whoo-Hoo! Your favorite science geek from America's Got Talent will be back building more of his super cool kinetic structures!  Come check out what he has up his sleeve this year! Fresh off an appearance on Russia's One Minute of Fame, The Kinetic King will have brand new chain reaction collapses each day at 4:00 PM! You Bethcha! Check out his videos at www.youtube.com/lunatim

 

Jim Gill's Contagious Tunes Tour

Saturday, March 16

2:00 pm

Jim Gill, an award-winning musician and author, offers more than a show to watch.  Each concert is an opportunity for family play! Twenty years ago Jim released The Sneezing Song and Other Contagious Tunes...on LP record! In order to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the release of this recording he decided to put together a concert set list featuring some favorites from that recording!  Come and join in the fun!

 

Comedy Sportz "Rated E for Everyone!"

Monday, March 17

10:00 AM

Get ready for some laughs!  The Comedy Sportz team from right here in the Quad Cities will take the stage at the Family Museum!  The "act-letes" hilarious improvisation skits will have kids giggling!  The audience involved show is appropriate for the entire family.

 

West Music's Instrument Petting Zoo

Monday, March 17

2:00- 4:00 PM

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and pet some...instruments! Our friends from West Music are bringing along a sampling of instruments kids can try for themselves.  It's a great way to pique a musical interest in young children. Prizes too!

 

Down By The Creek

Tuesday March 18

10:00 AM Furred Animals; 2:00 PM Feathered Animals

Debbie Wallace is a certified ABC Dog Trainer and Animal Behaviorist. As a passionate pet owner, she will share her love for rescuing animals through her presentation with creatures great and small.

 

Pete the Cat

Producer/Performer Michael Levine!

Wednesday March 19

11:00 AM

Families will sing, dance, shake, laugh, wiggle and learn together as Mr. Michael gets silly with his guitar! Mr. Michael is the music producer of the Pete the Cat stories and songs and the co-founder of The Learning Groove with author Eric Litwin. On stage he shares his music and storytelling inspiration with children as they sing interactive songs and Pete the Cat stories!  If you love Pete the Cat books, you will love Michael Levine!

 

Earth Balloon!

Thursday March 20

10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00

Step inside the planet Earth!  Get ready to take off your shoes and experience Earth in a whole new way... from the inside!  Earth Balloon is a 20' diameter model of the Earth. The Inflatable globe is made up of a high resolution satellite image with true to life colors. Programs will run approximately 20 minutes on the hour from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. *Please be aware no more than 30 people will be allowed in Earth Balloon at a time.

 

Bubble Wonders!

Friday March 21

10:00AM

Don't miss this fun, inspiring, sticky, educational show!  Bubble Wonders is full of amazing tricks, including the bubble caterpillar, bubble volcano, the dancing bubble, a bubble merry-go-round, and much more!   The amazing bubble-ologist Geoff Akins will even put a child inside a bubble!   Fun for the entire family!  Show lasts approximately one hour.

 

The Zinghoppers!

Saturday March 22

11:00 AM

You are invited to The Zinghoppers Preschool Party! The show is based off the Emmy Award winning PBS television series seen by over 2 million people daily in over 175 counties.  The show is hosted by the friendly rapper J-Star with Coconuts The Kangaroo on drums and Funky Possum rocking beats on the turntables! Get ready to party rock with three members of what KidzBop On Demand hails as the "hottest new kids band in town."

 

Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Physician-Chef Points Out the Pros, Cons of 3 Suggested Changes

It's nothing new to the American consumer that food packaging emphasizes only part of a product's health story, and the fact that the nutritional labeling hasn't been overhauled in 20 years hasn't helped, says cardiologist and professional chef Michael S. Fenster, MD.

A proposed update, which could take a year or more to appear on store shelves, is being driven by first lady Michelle Obama, as part of her "Let's Move" campaign.

"Our current nutrition labeling is the same as that implemented in the 1990s, except with the 2006 addition of trans fats information. It's based on nutrition data and eating habits from the 1970s and 1980s," says "Dr. Mike," author of "Eating Well, Living Better: The Grassroots Gourmet Guide to Good Health and Great Food," (www.whatscookingwithdoc.com).

From the perspective of physician and foodie, he analyzes what's good about the first lady's proposed new label, and what could be improved.

• Good: Calorie counts would be displayed in a bigger, bolder font. Emphasizing calories allows consumers to think with a helpful "energy in / energy out" baseline. Do I really need the calories in this product when I could stand to lose a few pounds? That's a reasonably good question to promote.

***Basing the value of food primarily on calories over-simplifies the evaluation process. An energy drink may have zero calories, but it's not better for you than an apple, which may have 100 calories. We cannot overlook nutrition!

• Good: Serving sizes would be determined from real data reflecting the portions real people typically eat. A serving of ice cream is expected to increase from a half cup to a full cup, and a one-serving muffin would be 4 ounces instead of 2 ounces, reflecting the obvious fact that people generally consume the whole scoop of ice cream and the whole muffin.

***Food producers may simply change the size of pre-packaged portions to skirt the rules. Industry experts suggest some food manufacturers may just reduce the package size to make their labeling more seductive. When food is parceled into smaller packages, the price per unit usually increases - it becomes more expensive for consumers.

• Good: New labeling would have listed separately, "added sugar." The grams of sugar added, irrespective of whether it's pure cane sugar, corn syrup, honey, sucrose or any other source, would be shown as one listed value. This is good because it starts to get into the quality and composition of the food product, at least indirectly. Many public health experts say "sweet creep" has been a major contributor to obesity, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

***This will likely be wildly controversial, prompting aggressive lobbying efforts that may have already begun. The Grocery Manufacturers Association and other industry groups note that the current label already includes the total amount of sugar in the product. The food industry argues that natural sugar and added sugar are chemically identical and that the body doesn't differentiate between the two. However, a significant amount of research shows this is not completely true.

About Michael Fenster, MD

Michael Fenster, M.D., F.A.C.C., FSCA&I, PEMBA, is a board-certified cardiologist and former Assistant Professor of Medicine at the NEOUCOMM. Dr. Mike is a passionate teacher who has addressed numerous professional organizations and he has participated in many clinical trials. He has published original research featured in peer reviewed scientific and medical journals. He worked his way up to executive chef before medical school and later received his culinary degree in gourmet cooking and catering from Ashworth University; where he graduated with honors. He has combined his culinary and medical expertise to deliver delicious cuisine to delivers us from the disability and diseases of modern civilization through his Grassroots Gourmet™ approach to metabolic health.  Dr. Mike's first book  "Eating Well, Living Better: The Grassroots Gourmet Guide to Good Health and Great Food,"  is currently availability. His next book, The Fallacy of the Calorie is slated for release Fall 2014. (www.whatscookingwithdoc.com).

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