Winners of NO MORE Dating Abuse video challenge 

MOLINE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and representatives of Verizon and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) tomorrow will name four Moline High School students the first place winners of the "NO MORE Dating Abuse" video challenge. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Now in its second year, this challenge is the first of its kind in Illinois and is coordinated by the ICADV and Lt. Governor's office, and sponsored by Verizon. Last September, all high schools throughout the state were encouraged to invite their students to submit a video that called for the end of teen dating violence and promoted healthy relationships. Simon will present Moline High School with $1,000 for submitting the winning entries, and students on the winning team will receive iPads.

Simon also will be joined by state and local officials to honor the Village of Silvis as the newest Illinois Main Street community. The Lt. Governor serves as the ambassador of the Illinois Main Street Program, which is helping to revitalize downtowns and business districts throughout the state.

 

EVENT: NO MORE Dating Abuse video challenge awards

DATE: Friday, Feb. 28

TIME: 9:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Moline High School auditorium, 3600 Avenue of the Cities, Moline

 

EVENT: Silvis Illinois Main Street ceremony

DATE: Friday, Feb. 28

TIME: 10 a.m.

LOCATION: Silvis City Hall, 121 11th Street, Silvis

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"The U.S. Grains Council welcomes the announcement of an aggressive stewardship program for the release of Syngenta seed trait Agrisure Duracade to minimize the risk of export trade disruption. It is important for all sectors of the value chain -- individual farmers, technology providers, shippers and exporters alike -- to recognize the potentially significant international implications of their actions. The Council therefore urges producers who choose to plant Agrisure Duracade in 2014 to adhere carefully to their stewardship responsibilities in order to minimize the risk to U.S. export sales.

"Today's unfortunate reality is that biotechnology approval systems around the world are not synchronous. In addition, some countries still lack effective, trade-enabling policies regarding the low level presence (LLP) of unapproved biotech events in grain shipments. Inadvertent commingling is almost certain to occur in the high volume U.S. commodity handling system, and modern testing methods are likely to detect even trace levels of unapproved events. The presence of unapproved events in the export stream therefore carries a significant risk of major international trade disruptions. Given the increase in corn production in competitor countries and the ability of buyers to source anywhere in the world, leakage of unapproved events may even result in the closure of some major markets to U.S. corn exports for an indefinite period.

"The U.S. Grains Council represents a wide variety of members across the value chain committed to maintaining an open and fair grain trading system around the world. We recognize the desire of producers to deploy new technology as soon as it becomes available. We recognize also that continued technology development is essential to achieving global food security and creating new opportunities for producers and agribusinesses. We believe, finally, that countries lacking a functioning, science based regulatory system ought not to enjoy a de facto veto over U.S. technology deployment. At the same time, however, the risk of costly trade disruption is significant and should be taken seriously by the entire value chain.

"There is no easy solution to these conflicting goals. In the short term, we urge all stakeholders to weigh the consequences of their actions, recognize the international implications of planting and marketing decisions, and stringently adhere to their stewardship responsibilities. In the long run, we encourage all parties to join the Council in working for a resolution of the low-level presence and asynchronous approval issues, which is the solution ultimately needed to serve the common interests of producers, agribusinesses, and consumers around the world."

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The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit partnership of farmers and agribusinesses committed to building and expanding international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has nine international offices that oversee programs in more than 50 countries. Financial support from our private industry members, including state checkoffs, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the USDA resulting in a combined program value of more than $26.5 million.

The U.S. Grains Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities, who require alternative means for communication of program information, should contact the U.S. Grains Council.

Q-C Restaurant Week

On February 24-March 2 is the second annual Quad Cities Restaurant Week with over 35 participating restaurants. Check out the website at www.qcrestaurantweek.com and make your lunch and dinner plans.

The Affordable Care Act made significant cuts to the Medicare Advantage Program.  Late last week, President Obama's administration proposed regulations to implement those cuts.

Americans are learning, over and over again, that the President wasn't being honest when he promised that you could keep the health insurance you had and liked.

In Iowa, we fought hard to have access to Medicare Advantage so that seniors would have more choices and the range of valuable services available to seniors in other parts of the country.  With the payment cut specified as part of the Affordable Care Act, more and more Iowans will find they can't keep the health care coverage they have.

I hear from Iowans every day who have lost their insurance, lost access to their doctors, and have seen their premiums go up because of the Affordable Care Act.  I have serious concerns that because the President insists on barreling ahead with his law rather than coming to Congress to start over again, more Iowans are going to lose access to the services they need.

I am committed to supporting common-sense approaches to reform that provide access to high-quality, low-cost health care.  
Entrepreneur Specializing in Internships Shares 5 Benefits

These days, it seems as though Americans are spending more for college while getting less value in return - a trend research validates, says entrepreneur Matt Stewart.

"The average cost for an in-state public college is $22,261, and a moderate budget for a private college averaged $43,289 for the 2012-2013 academic year; for elite schools, we're talking about three times the cost of your local state school," says Stewart, a spokesperson for College Works Painting, (www.collegeworks.com), which provides practical and life-changing business experience for college students who have shown potential for success. Interns operate their own house-painting business with hands-on guidance from mentors.

Making matters worse, adults in their 30s have 21 percent less net worth than 30-somethings 30 years ago, according to a new Urban Institute report.

"More students are being saddled with long-term debt while getting less value for their education," Stewart says. "Because of the difficulty recent college grads are having finding jobs in today's tough economy; today's students may have even less worth in their 30s than 30-somethings today."

To add value to their professional career, Stewart encourages students to seek outside-the-box avenues for increasing their career stock while in college. Running a business is a great way to do that; he explains why.

• Employers love ambition. A college degree is the minimum qualification employers are seeking. What hiring managers are looking for is that something extra when reviewing a stack of qualified resumes. At the heart of the economy is innovation; it's the difference between simply existing in a market, and thriving in one. Employers know they need people with creativity and gumption for innovation.

• Real-world management of time and money. College is a time when young adults learn to live autonomously. It's the rare student, however, who learns to manage his or her own affairs and the most precious resources in the business world - time and money. Managing employees, driving sales, developing specific skills for a real market and building strong customer relationships are best learned with hands-on experience.

• Learn where they need help. What do you do well and where do you need help? The best way to know with any certainty is through experience. Running a business while attending college allows students to circle back to their education and focus on their trouble areas by adjusting their curriculum in future semester. 

• Develop meaningful bonds. One of the most meaningful aspects of the college experience is the relationships students develop with each other, which often have professional consequences after college. Enlisting the help of fellow students for a common business purpose tends to have a powerful bonding effect.

• Immediate ROI - finding phenomenal success. Most students who run a business during college will not prove to be the next Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerburg or David Geffen, which is precisely why students should not drop out of college like those pioneers did. However, a student doesn't have to be the next Zuckerburg to experience amazing success as an entrepreneur. College Hunks Moving Junk is just one recent example that began in an entrepreneurial student mind.

About Matt Stewart

Matt Stewart co-founded National Services Group, which operates College Works Painting, SMJJ Investments and Empire Community Construction. Under the executive team's leadership, NSG has grown from a small Southern California business into a national leader in two industries and has been recognized as an entrepreneurial leader by Ernst & Young, the Orange County Business Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur and hundreds of other periodicals. Stewart has received a several awards, including the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award from the Orange County Business Journal; was named "40 under 40;" and he has twice been a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award.

From fashion and beauty to healthcare and home improvement, the RiverCenter is reaching out to all the ladies this weekend to attend the KWQC-TV6 Women's Health & Lifestyle Fair. For a list of fitness and lifestyle demonstrations throughout the day, click here. This year features American Idol winner and The Biggest Loser contestant, Ruben Studdard. All proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen for the cure Quad Cities.
 Get a taste of New Orleans without even leaving the QC by attending the Figge's Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest on Tuesday! Sample Cajun inspired food from crawfish to alligator gumbo made by local area chefs while looking over the Mississippi River. While you're there, take time to browse the unique exhibits now on display including the Roman Glass Works Exhibition or the Kids Design Glass Exhibition. Are you a fan of Jean Seberg?  Mark you calendar now to attend the March 15 premiere of Movie Star: The Secret Lives of Jean Seberg at the Figge.
 Bacon. Beer. Wine. Need we say more? Friendly House Iowa takes over the Figge tomorrow night for their Bacon, Brews, & Berries event. Enjoy a number of local beers and wines from places such as Great River Brewery, Creekside Vineyards, and more while feasting on an array of bacon-themed appetizers. To top it all off, all proceeds will benefit the Friendly House programs and services.
 The folks at River Music Experience are thankful for your continued support throughout the years. What better way to say thank you than to host a FREE show for members? Rock out in the Redstone Room during RME's Member Appreciation Show featuring The Ballroom Thieves. Tomorrow, grab your dancing shoes and make your way to RME for a night of salsa music and dancing with Orquesta son del Tumbao. Take the opportunity to show off your own skills this week at RME's Guitar Circle or Acoustic Open Mic Night.
 The Young Professionals of the Quad Cities invite you to turn your burning idea into a business this week at the Ignite Quad Cities Launch Party. Get to know local entrepreneurs Wednesday at Front Street Brewery and find out about new resources available for start-ups right here in the QC. Be sure to sign up for March's Network @ Noon, too!
Looking for more things to do this week? Check out a performance by Sankofa Performing Arts Ensemble of Rock Island High School at Bucktown Center for the Arts' Final Friday. On Saturday, spend your morning shopping local at the indoor Farmer's Market. After lunch, head to Great River Brewery for their Owney Irish Red Tapping. Stick around for Trivia Night at the Freight House later that evening hosted by Quad Cities Food Hub.
Thursday, February 27
Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Class: Watercolor - all levels
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: $80/Member; $90/Non-Member
Davenport North and Wood Intermediate Jazz Bands
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: FREE
Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Price: $10
Group Guitar 101
Where: River Music Experience, Basement Studio
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: Friends of RME $15, Non-Members $20
MVBS presents Rev. Robert Jones
Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
River's Edge Monthly Ice Schedule
Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!
Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf shedule for the month.
Thursdays at the Figge: PechaKucha Night
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Price: FREE
Wine-tini Thursdays
Where: Barrel House 211
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine and 1/2 Price Martinis

Friday, February 28

Bacon, Brews, and Berries

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $40/ticket; $225/6-pack of tickets; $450/12-pack of tickets

Website

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m

Price: N/A

Website

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Charles Hayes & Detroit Larry
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight
Price: FREE

Final Friday: Sankofa Performing Arts Ensemble
Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Live Music: Just Chords
Where: Barrel House 211
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Price: FREE

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter


Orquesta Son Del Tumbao
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 7:00 p.m. / Dance Instruction 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.
Price: $10 in adv, $12 day of show

Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $5 and up

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

 

Sudlow Jazz Jam

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Saturday, March 1

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

DJ KT

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Exhibition: College Invitational

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibiton: Corn Zone

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Katja Loher: Videoplanet - Orchestra

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Kautz Farms: A Living Legacy
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership

 

Exhibition: Kids Design Glass

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Landscape: Ingalena Klenell and Beth Lipman

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Roman Glass Works

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: The Virgin Mary in Art

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: The World of Metal and Mechanical Dolls
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership
Exhbition: Young Artists at the Figge Muscatine
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Free Admission

 

Figge Trip: Art and Life in Africa

Where: Start at Figge and end in Iowa City

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Price: $35/member; $45/non-member

Website

 

Flat Screen Frenzy

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

KWQC - TV 6 Women's Health and Lifestyles Fair

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $1 admission + canned good as donation for community food banks

Website

 

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Owney Irish Red Tapping
Where: Great River Brewery
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.; 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Price: $5 and Up
Website
River Prairie Minstrels
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: FREE
RME Guitar Circle
Where: River Music Experience, Admissions Area
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Spotlight Dance Cup 2014

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 6:15 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tour: Landscape

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with memebership

Website

 

Trivia Night

Where: Quad Cities Food Hub

Time: Doors 6:00 p.m. / Trivia 7:00 p.m.

Price: 8 players per table at $10/person

Website

 

Sunday, March 2

 

$2,000 Top 40 Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Class: Art History Class: Ancient Roman Art & Culture
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Price: FREE to members
Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Price: $10
Exhibition Closes: Young Artists at the Figge Muscatine
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Price: Free Admission
German Art of Fraktur
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Price: $35/member; $40/non-member (pre-registration required)
KWQC - TV 6 Women's Health and Lifestyles Fair
Where: RiverCenter
Time: Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Price: $1 admission + canned good as donation toward community food bank

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

Spotlight Dance Cup 2014

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Live Jazz

Where: Brady St. Chop House

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tour: Landscape

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website


Monday, March 3

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas and $6 Tacos

Website

 

Davenport Community Schools Show Choir Show Off 2014

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 11:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Price: 11:30 show: $7; 7:00 show: $12/adult, $7/student, FREE/65+ & 5 and under

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

Tuesday, March 4

 

Acoustic Music Club

Where: River Music Experience, Admissions Area

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Blues Cafe

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Class: Figure Drawing

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: Punchcards: $20/3 classes/student; $30/3 classes/adult; $12/single session

Website

 

Class: Lampwork Beads- Beg/Int

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $160/members; $170/non-members

Website

 

Class: Rug Hooking- Beg/Int

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $65/member; $75/non-member; $35 materials fee payable to instructor

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge, Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market
Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Burger Baskets

Website

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Price: $25/person; $30 at the door

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Wednesday, March 5

 

$1500 Weekday Winning Slot Tourney

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: 100 points/entry; 10 entries max/guest

Website

 

Acoustic Open Mic Night

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Price: $10

Ignite Quad Cities Launch Party
Where: Front Street Brewery Tap Room
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Price: TBA

Live Lunch with Chris Dunn
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Nifty 50's
Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

The Ballroom Thieves (RME Member Appreciation Show)

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 7:00 p.m.

Price: $5 or FREE for Friends of RME

Website

-Fabulous @ 40-

MOLINE, Illinois, Feb 27, 2014 - South Park Mall is not only celebrating 40 years, it is solidifying its commitment and reinvestment into the future of the center. This key milestone is the perfect segway to not only celebrate the past but to prepare for the future enhancements for the residents in the Quad City area.

SouthPark Mall officially opened on February 27, 1974. SouthPark Mall was home to three anchors; Montgomery Ward, Petersen Harned Von Maur, and Younkers and over 65 additional retailers and restaurants. SouthPark has been expanded twice: JCPenney was added in 1978, while Sears and a food court were added in 1990. Over the years, SouthPark Mall has provided thousands of jobs to local employees, new products to the increasing shopper base and a convenient place where families could get all their shopping completed in one stop.

Today SouthPark Mall is home to over one million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment and employs hundreds of Moline-area residents. The center is anchored by JCPenney, Von Maur, Younkers and Dillard's and offers guests over 100 retailers. Since the mall opened the community has been an integral part to the success of the shopping center and that holds true today.

The future is bright for SouthPark Mall. Recently the property shared reinvestment plans that include the removal of the food court as well as the former Sears department store. Construction is set to start in April with a formal grand opening set for November.

"We are committed to the future of South Park," said Kathy Jurgens, Property Manager, SouthPark Mall. "A fresh look, new concepts and enhanced amenities are all part of the plan to build a better shopping experience."

The community is invited to celebrate the mall's 40th anniversary with a formal ribbon-cutting that will take place on March 6, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., refreshments will be provided inside Younkers Court. Local city officials, including the Chamber of Commerce will be attending. Included in this ribbon-cutting, SouthPark representatives will display renderings of the proposed redevelopment and ask for public support of the project.

This project entails collaboration with the City of Moline and IDOT for an access ramp off of John Deere Expressway along with two new exterior entrances, plus a full scale pylon signage platform. Renewed national retailer commitment includes brand-new prototype designs of Claire's, Christopher & Banks, Spencer's Gifts, MasterCuts, Journey's, Sprint, Payless, Lenscrafters, Dairy Queen, Bath & Body Works and Shoe Dept Encore.

"This is extremely positive for SouthPark as it shows continued national retailer commitment to the center. There have been eleven remodels to date and many of these have long term commitments to SouthPark," said Aleshia Chiesa, Marketing Manager, SouthPark Mall. "SouthPark is a staple of the community and we expect to keep it an invigorating shopping experience for everyone."

For a complete listing of family-friendly activities at SouthPark Mall, visit www.shopsouthparkmall-il.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive the most up-to-date information.

Macerich is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company's website at www.macerich.com.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today met with senior Army leaders, including General Dennis Via, Commanding General of Army Materiel Command which oversees Army arsenals, ammunition plans, and depots. Attendees also included Brigadier General John Wharton, Commanding General, Army Sustainment Command and Lieutenant General Patricia McQuistion, Deputy Commanding General, Army Material Command. They discussed the importance of maintaining a strong industrial base at the Rock Island Arsenal. The senior Army leaders joined a bipartisan group of Representatives at a breakfast meeting and discussion led by Loebsack and hosted by the House Military Depot, Arsenal, Ammunition Plant and Industrial Facilities Caucus. Loebsack, along with Congressman Walter Jones (NC-03), serve as Co-Chairmen of the Caucus.

"I was pleased to be able to host these key Army leaders this morning to continue our discussion about how to best position the Rock Island Arsenal and its critical role in equipping our troops and spurring economic development in the Quad Cities region. I will continue to advocate for the Arsenal and its workforce with Army leaders and continue to work to strengthen it for the future," said Congressman Loebsack.

GALENA, Ill. - Tickets are available online now, and selling quickly, for Galena's extremely popular Grand Tastings during Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend. This year's event is slated for March 28-30, with Grand Tastings being offered on Friday, March 28 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 29 from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the Galena Convention Center, 900 Galena Square Dr., in Galena, Illinois. Make sure to purchase your tickets soon as Saturday's Grand Tasting event has already sold out.

"This year's Grand Tasting promises to be even more fun-filled, with dozens of new wines open to taste! From Albarino to Zinfandel, this tasting has it all," said event sponsor Tim Althaus, owner, Family Beer & Liquor. "We do highly recommend early purchase for Grand Tasting tickets as we have sold out quickly in past years."

After selling out three weeks before the event in 2009, the committee expanded to offering two Grand Tastings, both of which have also sold out in the past three years. Tickets are $35 in advance and may be purchased online at www.wineloversweekend.com.

Why are the Grand Tastings so popular? They provide epicureans of all levels the opportunity to choose from more than 300 varieties of hand-picked wines and spirits to sample. Admission also provides you with a keepsake wine glass and an opportunity to win a wine-themed trip to San Francisco (including round trip airfare for two through American Airlines in the continental 48 states). Additional trip chances may be purchased for $15 each. The wine silent auction includes items such as vintage wines, artwork, large format wine bottles and related items of interest.

Now in its ninth year running, Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend is a community-wide celebration of good wine, good food and good friends. Wine lovers of all sorts are invited to enjoy three event-filled days of fine wine, culinary delight, celebrity chefs, wine makers, pampering packages and all of the stops Galena can possibly pull out.

Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend is a spirited way to warm the winter and add romance whether it is for vino, gourmet cuisine or the love for a town with history and charm all of its own. Wine-inspired dinners, spirit tastings, spa experiences, history tours, cooking demonstrations and shopping welcome and enchant visitors.

Lodging specials and package deals fuel the passion. From dining packages to pampering in luxurious accommodations and the warmest of hospitality, Galena's finest provide a variety of options to cater to every taste and budget. Visit www.wineloversweekend.com for a detailed listing of extended-weekend activities, links to lodging, and an opportunity to purchase tickets online. For information about room availability, shopping, dining, attractions, events and more, please go to galena.org, the Web site of the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, or call toll-free 877.464.2536.

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Order your House on the Hill cookie and craft molds from GAHC!
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Orders must be in by March 15th!
Pre-payment required! Call 563-322-8844 to order!
Detail Bunny- $23.50
(Rectangular mold, just side image of bunny)
Easter Egg Hunt- $32.50
(Small Egg shaped mold with carrot or flower decoration)
Bunnies in Basket- $29.50
(Square mold, 2 bunnies in basket with eggs)
Ric Rac Rabbit- $32.50
(Large egg shaped mold with single bunny)
Small Pascal lamb- $20.50
(small mold with rounded top, side image of lamb)

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