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.

###

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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SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/27/2014)(readMedia)-- Lt. Col. Tim W. Franklin of Springfield, Ill., is hanging up his uniform after more than 33 years of military service. Franklin has served as the full-time program coordinator for the Illinois Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) since 2006 and will continue to serve as the training director for the Illinois ESGR as a volunteer.

"I believe in what ESGR does for the members of the National Guard and Reserve, their employers and families, so I look forward to continuing with the organization as a volunteer," said Franklin.

Franklin began his military career as a photography specialist when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was assigned to the 62nd Tactical Reconaisance Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. He received his commission in the Air Force in 1985 through Officer Training School.

"It wasn't always easy having him away as part of his service in the Guard, but it's made me very proud to have a father in the military, and has given me an even greater respect for other men and women who serve," said Amy Franklin, the oldest of the Franklin children.

Franklin served as a member of the Oregon Air National Guard and also in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, first in the Field Artillery and then with the 129th Public Affairs Detachment. Since 1998, he has served as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard.

"When my wife and I first met, we were both members of the Air Force, so she already knew about military service and how demanding it can be at times. I have had to miss my share of birthdays, holidays and other family events over the years," said Franklin. "However, like all of us who serve in uniform, I try my best to keep that balance between military service and family life. Sometimes I've been more successful at it than other times during the course of my career, depending on what the military demands were at the time."

Franklin deployed twice during his National Guard career, including Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo from 1997 to 1998 and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan with Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VIII as the task force public affairs officer from 2008 to 2009.

"Lieutenant Colonel Franklin was good to his Soldiers. He shared their concerns and listened to their problems, helping in any way he could," said Nathan Hastings, a former public affairs sergeant with the Illinois Army National Guard who deployed to Afghanistan with Franklin as a broadcast journalist.

"I always felt like he watched over our group in Afghanistan as if we were his own children," said Hastings.

Franklin said the National Guard has opened up a lot of opportunities that he may not have had as a civilian.

"The best part of serving has to be the people you serve with and the unique opportunities and experiences the military and the Guard offers," said Franklin. "I have had a great career and have met and served with some incredible people, both as an enlisted member and as an officer. I have made many lifelong friendships with those I have served with in the Guard. I am sure this is true of other professions, but I think it is especially true among the military and the Guard. During my time in the military, I have been to countries on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. I think those types of opportunities give Guardsmen a world perspective that many of our citizens don't have."

Franklin was part of the largest overseas deployment of Illinois Army National Guard troops in 2008, when the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Urbana, Ill., deployed to Afghanistan. Nearly 3,000 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers augmented Task Force Phoenix VIII.

"It was an honor to have Tim Franklin as a part of Task Force Phoenix VIII," said retired Brig. Gen. Steven P. Huber of Byron, Ill., the combined joint task force commander for Task Force Phoenix VIII. "He played an integral part of my command. He was one whom I could always rely upon to keep me on message and it was fun doing videos with him for those back home. He is a team player and I am glad to call him a friend."

Franklin said he didn't really have any profound advice, but stated that if you are joining the military for rank, awards and recognition, you are in it for the wrong reasons. Those things will come to you if you are in it for the right reasons.

Erin Franklin, the younger of the two Franklin children gave some indication as to where you may find the retired Franklin.

"When the weather is nice my dad likes to sit out on the porch, watching the birds eat from his feeder, a cigar in one hand, a home-brewed beer by his side, and listening to music like Bob Marley or the Beatles or some jazz," she said.

MOLINE, Ill. (February 27, 2014) - Quad City Mallards forward Gergo Nagy has signed a professional tryout agreement with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, the Mallards announced today.

Nagy, 24, leads the Mallards in assists (29) and is tied for the team lead in points (43).  He has scored 14 goals, including two on the power play and two shorthanded- tied for the most on the club- while playing in each of the Mallards' first 49 games.  The 6' 3", 212-pound native of Dunaujvaros, Hungary, has posted a plus/minus rating of +14 in his first season in North America.

Nagy has produced five points (one goal and four assists) in just his last three games and last night picked up a pair of assists in the Mallards' 5-1 win over the Central Hockey League-leading Missouri Mavericks.

Nagy's is the eleventh AHL call-up for a Mallard this season. 

Before arriving in the Quad Cities for the Mallards' preseason training camp, Nagy had already played six games this season in the MOL Liga- which consists of teams in Slovakia, Hungary and Romania- for Slovak club HK Nove Zamky.  He produced one goal and nine assists in those six outings.

Nagy last season played in his homeland with Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE, for whom he ripped off 16 goals and 42 assists for 58 points in 38 games.  Nagy first joined Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE midway through the 2011-12 campaign after spending the prior three and a half seasons with Szekesfehervar, a Hungarian club in the Austrian Erste Bank Eishockey Liga.  Nagy also played for the Hungarian national team at the 2009, 2010 and 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.

The Mallards next play at home tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Brampton Beast.  That game is the season's penultimate $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for tomorrow night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com 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.

ROCKFORD, IL (02/27/2014)(readMedia)-- Samuel Cady a resident of Erie, IL, was named to the Dean's List at Rockford University.

Students attending Rockford University were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester who earned at least a 3.5 GPA with no grades below "C."

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies and a BSN-C bachelor's completion program in Nursing. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and one of only 81 colleges in the nation as a "College with a Conscience," Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

March 1 - April 30

Rock Island, IL - For the 17th consecutive year, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation in Rhode Island will divide $1 million among hunger-fighting agencies nationwide, including Christian Care in Rock Island. As an incentive to help raise funds from March 1 through April 30, Mr. Feinstein will provide a percentage of the $1 million to Christian Care, based on the amount of donations they receive during challenge's time frame. Challenge donations include cash, checks, food items (valued by the Feinstein Foundation at $1.00 per item or pound) and pledges to donate. Many donors have found that pledging facilitates their efforts. For example, if someone pledges $300, they may meet their challenge by paying just $25 a month to do so. Christian Care will receive credit for the full $300 amount. Donors must designate all monetary donations, food donations and pledges for the Feinstein Hunger Challenge. The more donations Christian Care receives between March 1 and April 30, the larger the percentage of Feinstein Hunger Challenge money they will be awarded.

Christian Care has been feeding the hungry for 97 years. Although the organization's focus is primarily on the homeless and victims of domestic violence, the Christian Care Community Meal Site welcomes anyone in the community who is hungry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on weekdays Monday through Friday and breakfast and dinner are served on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 AM, lunch at 12:15 PM, and dinner at 6:30 PM. The community relies on Christian Care not only to serve hot meals every day, but also to provide a warming station for nonresident homeless individuals during the winter.

The Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation continues to be one of the leading fundraising organizations in the fight to end hunger. Founded in 1991 by Alan Shawn Feinstein, the Feinstein Foundation is dedicated to the alleviation of hunger, the importance of community service in education and the values of caring, compassion and brotherhood. Feinstein's past annual spring $1 million challenges to fight hunger have raised over $2 billion for over 1,800 agencies and houses of worship helping the needy nationwide.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness. 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.

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In any given year about 55 percent of the paper created in the United States is discarded. That amounts to 48 million tons, or the equivalent of 720 million trees that are used once and then buried in a landfill. The ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach Master Gardeners have invited Lee Coates, The Papercrete Potter to teach the "Art of Papercrete." With the simple technique you will learn in this class you will be able to turn a portion of this waste into a long lasting treasure.

Coates will teach each class how to mix the recipe and the steps to create weatherproof containers for planting, or a variety of sculptures, which could become a beautiful focal point in your garden. This is a simple, easily mastered process.

Each student will receive a mold and enough ready mixed material to build a papercrete bowl suitable for a dish garden. The bowl, mold, and a set of written directions are included in the cost of your class and will be yours to take home.

Beautiful containers, plants and items suitable for use in miniature landscapes and Fairy Gardens will be available to purchase, and there should be ample time to shop.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the ISU Scott County Extension and Outreach Office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, phone number 563-359-7577. Registration ends March 20, 2014.

Four one hour classes will be offered at: 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. Please indicate your first and a second choice of class times. The cost of each class is $20.00, payable in advance at the Extension Office, or by mail sent to the Extension Office at the above address.

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