Artistic inspiration is a mystery to some, sought by others and personal to every artist. The Mississippi River Valley Art Drive (MRVAD) is a self-guided art tour on November 2 and November 3,2013, that allows the public to visit local artists in the setting that inspires their creativity. Not all of the stops are individual studios, but all of the art is done by local artists.

This is the 7th MRVAD art drive offering the opportunity to interact with the artists in a more private, personal setting; their studio, their home or private gallery. Most comfortable in the environment of their creativity, this encounter allows for depth of conversation and the development of a relationship between artist and art enthusiast.  Discussion or display of techniques and materials are more easily experienced at the location of execution. It is from this location, many times, that the subject of the artwork originates.

As far north as Bellevue, Iowa, with artists sprinkled throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding river towns, through Bishop Hill, to the West Central Illinois Arts Center of Macomb, a variety of artists incorporating 30 different mediums participate in this art tour. The fall MRVAD art tour includes The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Illinois as well as the Starlight Art Glass Studio in West Burlington, Iowa. There are scenic routes to encompass any or all sectors of this far reaching Mississippi River Valley art tour. Most artists are available by appointment if time does not allow you to reach them during the drive.

Some artists invite others to join at one location making it convenient for the public to experience several artists in one spot. The list of the participating artists with corresponding addresses and hours of operation are available at www.mrvad.com by printing the map and brochure. This site will also provide any last minute cancellations or unavoidable changes. Take some time to review all of the artists and then plan a  route!  Telephone numbers are listed so all inquiries may be specifically directed.

This is a fun experience. Enjoy the changing countryside with fellow art lovers, conversing with the talented creators of incredibly delightful art and meeting new people while supporting the local artists of the  Mississippi River Valley.

Bipartisan Bill Would Ensure All Federal Employees - Including Those At The Rock Island Arsenal & Iowa National Guard - Receive Retroactive Pay For Period of Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. - Today, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) that would protect local workers' pay jeopardized by the federal government shutdown unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, would ensure that all federal employees, including those at the Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad Cities region and the Iowa National Guard receive full compensation once the government shutdown has ended. This will not only help to make sure that local workers are able to put food on the table, gas in the car and pay their bills, but it will protect the local economy from a drop-off in consumer spending.

"Once again, the hardworking men and women at the Rock Island Arsenal and the Iowa National Guard are being forced to shoulder the effects of reckless political games. Politicians in Washington just don't get it - manufactured crises have real life impacts on families and our economy. This manufactured crisis must end and Washington must get these hardworking Iowans back on the job. I will continue to reach across the aisle to find a bipartisan way forward, and I continue to stand ready to work with anyone willing to put our economy and middle class families ahead of Washington politics," said Congressman Dave Loebsack.

"Working families and small businesses across our region shouldn't be punished because some in Washington have forced us into a government shutdown," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.  "I was proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to secure back pay for the dedicated men and women across our region like those at the Rock Island Arsenal and the Peoria Air National Guard.  Today's bill would ensure that furloughed workers and their families won't suffer at the hands of this reckless and irresponsible shutdown."

Earlier this week, Loebsack called on Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to ensure that all members of the National Guard receive pay during the government shutdown.  Loebsack also joined World War II and Korean War veterans participating in a Quad Cities Honor Flight at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, which has been largely shuttered but now reopened to veterans during the government shutdown.   In addition, Loebsack has cosponsored legislation to cut Members of Congress' pay for every day that the government is shut down and has asked that his own pay be withheld for every day that the shutdown lasts.

McNeil Has Served as Director of Operations for Governor's Office Since 2009; Replaces Outgoing Malcolm Weems

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today appointed Simone McNeil as the acting director of the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), the state government's human resources, technology, management and procurement agency. McNeil has served as the Governor's Director of Operations since 2009. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to ensuring an efficient and responsive government for the people of Illinois.

"Simone McNeil is an innovative and capable public servant whose extensive experience will prove invaluable in her new position," Governor Quinn said. "I want to thank outgoing director Malcolm Weems for his dedicated service to the state, and we appreciate all that he has done at CMS."

Weems had served as CMS director since April 2012. He resigned to take a position in the private sector.

Simone McNeil brings a depth of management experience as a human resources professional with extensive work in budget management and staff oversight in state government, healthcare and private sector environments.

McNeil has served as Operations Director for the Office of Governor Pat Quinn since 2009, where she directed operations and managed a comprehensive human resources program. During her tenure as Operations Director, she made it a priority to analyze former human resources procedures in order to streamline processes and bring more efficiencies to the Governor's Office.

Previously, McNeil served as Operations Director under then-Lieutenant Governor Quinn where she maintained operations and human resources for all office employees; prepared the annual budget for submission to the General Assembly and managed and monitored federal and private foundation grants. While in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, McNeil also served as Ethics Officer for the administration, ensuring the compliance of state laws by all employees.

McNeil served as Human Resources Director for the Office of the State Treasurer where she oversaw the hiring process for all new employees, the administration of benefit plans and programs and participated in the negotiation of labor contracts for the state. In the field of healthcare, McNeil was the Human Resources Director for the Washington and Jane Smith Community where she maintained a human resources program for 350 health care professionals. She was also responsible for developing staff strategies that reduced all-staff turnover by 20 percent.

Having received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, McNeil's history in human resources also includes work at the Illinois Department of Public Aid as a personnel officer, and as a Human Resources Consultant for the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce in Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services provides a broad range of programs and services to state agencies and the public. These include human resources and employee benefits, information technology and telecommunications, property and facilities management, procurement and business diversity, vehicle fleet management, and media and marketing.