DECORAH, IA (01/21/2014)(readMedia)-- 741 Luther College students were named to the fall 2013 dean's list. To be named to Luther's dean's list, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades (A, B, C, D).

Area students on Luther's dean's list include :

Meredith Bruster, a first year from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Eric and Teri Bruster.

Emily Crowe, a first year from Davenport, Iowa, is the daughter of Catherine Hanson and David Crowe.

Solveig Entwistle, a senior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of James Entwistle and Siv Brit Saetre.

Molly Eversoll, a senior from Clinton, Iowa, is the daughter of Richard and Sally Eversoll.

Kelli Golinghorst, a junior from Dixon, Iowa, is the daughter of David and Linda Golinghorst.

Chloe Gumpert, a senior from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Tamra and Joseph Gumbert.

Miranda Gumpert, a first year from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Joseph and Tamra Gumbert.

Madison Johnson, a sophomore from Clinton, Iowa, is the daughter of Jeff Johnson and Cathy Layton-Johnson.

Blake Letney, a sophomore from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the son of Todd and Robin Letney.

Melissa Lockwood, a junior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Jeff and Lora Lockwood.

Kayla Naber, a junior from Eldridge, Iowa, is the daughter of Glen and Jacqueline Naber.

Kelsey Rose, a junior from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the daughter of Kevin and Mary Ann Rose.

Evan Woodard, a sophomore from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the son of Sonia Sundstedt.

Lauren Gonyier, a junior from East Moline, Ill., is the daughter of Kirk Gonyier and Sheryl Kotula.

Savannah Horn, a first year from Morrison, Ill., is the daughter of Joel and Susan Horn.

Abigail Lobdell, a junior from Sterling, Ill., is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Lobdell.

Paige Lobdell, a sophomore from Sterling, Ill., is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Lobdell.

Kylie Romeo, a sophomore from Moline, Ill., is the daughter of Kelly and Anthony Romeo.

Connor Stanton, a senior from Morrison, Ill., is the son of Paul and Tricia Stanton.

This fall's list includes 741 students; 137 freshmen, 186 sophomores, 203 juniors and 215 seniors.

Luther is a selective four-year college located in northeast Iowa. The college has an enrollment of 2,500 students and offers a liberal arts education leading to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

MOLINE, Ill. (January 21, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards of the Central Hockey League have offered Super Bowl-bound Seattle Seahawks All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, who has proven himself "the best cornerback" in football and "ready for bigger and better things", a new challenge - playing hockey for the Mallards.

Sherman's deflection of a pass at the end of Sunday's National Football Conference championship game against the San Francisco 49ers set up the Seahawks' clinching interception and punched Seattle's ticket to the Super Bowl.  In a live interview after the game Sherman declared himself "the best corner in the game" and in an interview that aired this morning on ESPN2's First Take said that he was "ready for bigger and better things."  Since he has reached the top in one sport, the Mallards would like to offer Sherman the opportunity to join the team on the ice and prove himself in another.

"Our roster has been depleted in recent days by a series of call-ups to the American Hockey League and we would be happy to give a world class athlete like Richard Sherman the opportunity to help us combat that roster shortage," said Mallards president Bob McNamara.

The Mallards return to action Thursday night on the road against the Brampton Beast.  The Mallards next play on home ice Friday, January 31 at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers.  Should Sherman wish to stay with the Seahawks- despite having already shown himself to be the best in football- until the Super Bowl on February 2, the Mallards would be happy to welcome him in time for the team's February 5 home game against the Allen Americans.

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

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'Make Time to Pursue Your Passion!' in 2014,
Says Moonlighting Toyota Attorney

In January, the job search websites go crazy as people start the New Year resolved to find work that's more satisfying.

"While thousands of people are dealing with the tragedy of unemployment, many others are looking for jobs that are more fulfilling than the ones they have," says attorney and author Pamela Samuels Young, www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com, whose newest novel, "Anybody's Daughter," is one of five nominees for NAACP Image Awards' Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction.

In January 2013, job search website Indeed.com had a record 17.3 million unique visitors?a 24-percent jump, and January 2014 will likely see a similar increase. Many of those job seekers won't be looking for just a job, but one they're passionate about.

"It's great if your day job is your passion," Young says. "But if it's not, you don't have to give up a position that pays the bills in order to pursue your dream. You can do both."

Since 2006, Young has pursued her passion?writing legal thrillers?as well as her day job as Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment Law for Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A., Inc. She was described by one reviewer as "John Grisham with a sister's twist."

"I enjoy practicing law and I didn't want to leave Toyota, nor could I afford to. But I also had a burning desire to write mystery novels," says Young. "Anybody's Daughter," her sixth novel, is described by Kirkus Reviews as a "fast-paced, well-written thriller that's grounded in social issues." The book takes readers inside the world of child sex trafficking in the United States.

"I've always believed that if you have a dream, you should formulate a plan and make it happen. So that's what I did."

Young's plan included rising at 4 a.m. to squeeze in some writing time before heading off to work, and turning weekends and vacation time into creation time.

"Sometimes it's hard to believe that I've published six novels, while still practicing law," she says. "The hard work and commitment have definitely paid off."

Young offers these tips for busy professionals itching to pursue their own passions.

· Schedule time to devote to your passion. "On my calendar, you'll find a few hours or full days blocked out as 'Writing Time' every week," Young says. "You have to schedule time for your passion. If you don't, the day-to-day demands of life will get in the way."

· Put "passion" time ahead of "pleasure" time. If you're working full-time and pursuing another "job," you won't have a lot of free time. "You'll have to cut back on watching television, socializing with friends and even family time," Young says. "Explain your goals to friends and family. People who have your best interests at heart will support you. "But do take an occasional break to relax.  Otherwise, you'll burn yourself out by working around the clock."

· Learn from others. Surround yourself with people who share your passion. Sign up for newsletters, read books and join communities of other like-minded people, Young says. "There are tons of professional groups whose sole function is to help their members develop their creative talents and business goals." Young is a diehard member of Sisters in Crime, an organization that promotes the advancement of women mystery writers. "Not only will you get energy and inspiration from networking with others, you'll grow."

· Don't put your day job on the backburner. Young says it's important to give your day job 100 percent. "I never want my co-workers to think I'm phoning it in because I also have a writing career." That attitude has paid off. "I have a strong support system at work. My co-workers read my books, critique my manuscripts and come to book signings." Many of the people Young thanks in the Acknowledgements in each of her books are co-workers. Her fourth novel is even dedicated to another Toyota attorney.

"Don't just dream about pursuing your passion," Young says, "make it happen!"

About Pamela Samuels Young

Pamela Samuels Young is a novelist, motivational speaker and Managing Counsel for Labor and Employment Law for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., the sales and distribution arm for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in North America. She published the first of her six legal thrillers in 2006.  "Anybody's Daughter" is her latest. Her novel "Buying Time" won the American Library Association's Black Caucus 2010 Fiction Award.

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be announced Feb. 21-22.

I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about the exciting art class we have coming up this Saturday. Vada Baker will be back with another Red Barn Studio project. This time, it is a Taipan Mod Podge and Acrylic Wall Decor. This is an adult art class, and the cost is $15 to join (or $13.50 if you are a Friends member).There is no experience necessary, and all the supplies are included.
We hope to see you this Saturday! Feel free to pass this along to anyone who might be interested. Pre-registration is due to me no later than Thursday to ensure there are enough supplies. You can pre-register by e-mailing or by calling me at the number below.
Stay warm out there!
--
Katy Loos
Program Coordinator
Muscatine Art Center
1314 Mulberry Avenue

Applications Now Being Accepted

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa- January 21, 2014 - China, home to the world's fastest-growing middle class, holds the key to market demand of Iowa's corn, soybeans and pork. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is now accepting applications for its members to help Iowa farmers capture that market with knowledge they gain through the IFBF's annual Market Study Tour. The tour is exclusive to members who apply and are selected.

"By going to China, we can give Iowa farmers inside knowledge on the biggest internal issues that China faces with its agriculture systems; that way, our farmers will be poised to meet demands of one of the most lucrative and challenging markets in the world," says tour organizer, David Miller.

Miller, IFBF director of research and commodity services, says it is China's growing middle class that is the number-one driver for demand of many Iowa ag products.  "We know that in just one generation, China's middle class will be four times the size of our own, so that is an important market to capture," says Miller.

The 2014 IFBF China Market Study Tour group will meet with Chinese farmers, agri-business leaders, government officials and citizens of Beijing, and will also explore the provinces of Hebei and Jilin/Liaoning.  IFBF members in attendance will also get the opportunity of a lifetime to visit the most spectacular cultural sites in China, including the Great Wall and Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Participants for the IFBF China Market Study Tour will be selected based on leadership participation in Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations; equally important is a participant's communication skills and their willingness to share the perspectives they learn.  "This is a knowledge share trip and so a willingness to give back to fellow Iowans by giving presentations to their community or visiting with local media is a must," says Miller.  Miller says the tour is designed to help participants understand the rapid changes in China's farming practices.  "We'll get a look at the technologies they are using now and we'll see how our production and exports can complement what they are doing."

Applications must be submitted by February 28th.  For more information on the IFBF China Market Study Tour, or to complete an application, visit the IFBF website at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

There is an informational meeting tonight regarding the proposed football stadium  SAU wants to build  on the old St. Vincents property.  They will present their plans (as set now) for the proposed stadium and the studies they have made so far on traffic, water run-off, noise, lighting, parking, impacting the adjacent established residential neighborhood, etc.

This is just not a viable site for a stadium to be built. And the neighbors are NOT happy!!!

Rolgaski Center on the SAU campus 3rd floor ballroom @ 6:00 p.m. tonight---this is open to the public, for all who are interested.

Davenport, IA-The Quad City Symphony Orchestra has named Darlene J. Link, CPA, MBA, as their new Director of Finance. Ms. Link has over 30 years of accounting experience, most recently as Controller for Augustana College. She has also worked for Illini Hospital, the ARC of the Quad Cities, and is a member of Volunteers for Symphony.

Ms. Link is taking the place of Steven Morenz, MBA, who is taking a position as Director of Finance and Human Resources with the River Bend Food Bank. "We wish Steve the best in his new position with greater responsibilities and opportunities while continuing to serve the greater Quad City community," said Executive Director Benjamin Loeb. "We are also very excited to have Darlene Link join our staff. She comes with tremendous experience in nonprofit accounting and strategic financial planning and we know she will be an invaluable and productive part of the team."

 

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Katja Loher: Videoplanet-Orchestra

Davenport, Iowa (January 21, 2014) - Beginning Saturday, New York-based Swiss video artist Katja Loher will create a multi-sensory environment in the third floor gallery of the Figge Art Museum for the exhibition Katja Loher: Videoplanet­-Orchestra.

This site-specific "inter-planetary" installation will feature kaleidoscopic video works projected onto floating spheres and from within glass spheres. Elements from new and existing works will be incorporated and will all come together for the first time.

Visitors of Katja Loher: Videoplanet-Orchestra will enter the darkened third floor gallery space into a magical universe of floating spheres of varying sizes, whose rounded forms serve as sites for video projections. Museum patrons will have the chance to peer into a series of mini or micro-worlds in which costumed dancers form letters that compose words and sentences to pose simple, thought-provoking questions.

Loher's dramatic installation creates dreamlike, immersive environments for the visitor that question the balance between humans, nature and technology. Each tiny "universe" in the exhibition provides an elaborate commentary on big issues.

The exhibition is presented through a generous grant from the Riverboat Development Authority and through a multi-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Eastern Iowa Community College District and will be on view through May 4, 2014.  

Companion Programming:

Donor Luncheon

Noon Thursday, January 23

Donors at the Benefactor Level and above as well as media members are invited to a luncheon with artist Katja Loher. RSVP to Amy Martens 563-326-7804 x2007.

Artist Talk

7 p.m. Thursday, January 23

Join artist Katja Loher as she introduces her exhibition. All are invited to this event, which will include a special live performance by Loher's Bubble Lady, Saori Tsukada.

Gallery Talk

7 p.m. Thursday, February 13

Join photographer/videographer Josh Ford, award-winning choreographer Kim Munn and WQAD Channel 8's chief meteorologist James Zahara in a lively, engaging discussion of Katja Loher: Video Planet - Orchestra, a unique, multi-media exhibition. From discussion on video and dance to floating spheres, this is a not-to-be-missed gallery talk!  Sponsored by River Cities' Reader.

FREE Family Day

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, February 22

Beat the winter blues during this family celebration. Explore the amazing world of glass and video through art projects, gallery quests and more. $5 burger baskets will be served in the Dining Room until 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by U.S. Bank.

Katja Loher Exhibition Tours

1:30 p.m. Saturdays • February 8 and March 22

1:30 p.m. Sundays • February 9, 16, 23 and March 9 and 30

About the Figge Art Museum 

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined by Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck to highlight the progress made under the landmark education reform package of 2013.

"Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I are pleased with the progress being made to restore Iowa's leadership position in education following the landmark reform package signed last year, but we know all parties - our administration, the Legislature and local school districts - must be held accountable to maximize our success," said Branstad. "We have a shared responsibility to give our children the best education in the nation.  Iowa's schools are transforming.  As they transform, the state stands ready to assist districts with further implementation to ensure success while we prepare our students for college or career training after high school."

Branstad, Reynolds and Buck highlighted and provided updates for the following portions of education reform:

1) Teacher leadership and compensation system

More than 100 school districts have begun the application process to enter the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, which aims to transform learning in schools by better utilizing the expertise of top teachers to strengthen the teaching around them.

More than one-third of the school districts in Iowa are expected to submit a plan prior to the deadline on Jan. 31.

The Iowa Department of Education is working closely with the Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation to develop an equitable selection process.  The goal is to ensure a rigorous selection bar for districts that receive funding and enter the system in the first year and also to ensure that the districts entering in year one reflect the diversity of the size and geography of Iowa's schools.  All school districts will have the option of entering the system over the next three years.

2) Update on taskforces

The Council on Educator Development was created to recommend statewide systems for evaluating teachers and school administrators. The council has met three times and will reconvene on Feb. 13. To date, the council has engaged in conversations that define the legislative language in HF 215 as it pertains to the council's primary task, has examined data around current evaluation practices in Iowa districts, and has reviewed the Iowa Teaching Standards in comparison to national standards known as the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Standards.

Iowa schools are still required by law to administer the Iowa Assessments for accountability purposes; however, the Legislature created the Assessment Task Force to study testing options for the future. This task force has met three times and is on track to make a recommendation as early as this fall. So far, the task force has defined the scope of its work based on requirements in House File 215, completed a request for information from all major test vendors in Iowa and nationally to identify assessments that would meet those legislative requirements, and is building a mechanism to rate those potential assessments.

3) Year-long student teaching pilot

Five higher education institutions applied for the student teaching pilot project, which will provide students in participating teacher preparation programs with a one-year student teaching experience. Student teachers in Iowa currently train typically for 14 consecutive weeks.

All three regents universities and two privates colleges, Morningside College and Dordt College, applied for the project. The awards went to the University of Northern Iowa and Dordt College.

The Iowa Department of Education is now developing the award documents in order to disburse the money and establish the reporting, communication and accountability procedures.

4) TeachIowa.gov job postings

All 346 public school districts and nine area education agencies have access to TeachIowa.gov, a new statewide education job posting system. There are 23 nonpublic schools or school systems using TeachIowa.gov.  Each Catholic Diocese and five higher education institutions are posting jobs or are set up to post jobs.

By the numbers:

•             More than 2,000 jobs have been posted since the system was launched.

•             There are currently 1,486 jobs posted to TeachIowa.gov.

•             There are 3,500 applications in the TeachIowa.gov system.

5) Iowa Learning Online

 

The education reform package includes an expansion of Iowa Learning Online, a state-run system that has provided high-quality courses online and through the Iowa Communications Network since 2004. The goal is to provide a full array of course options, including language arts, social studies, math, science, health, physical education, fine arts, foreign language, and vocational education online.  The Iowa Department of Education should have most of these options available in the fall.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds took the opportunity to highlight the Teach Iowa Scholar Program, which was also part of the education reform package of 2013. The program is designed to provide tuition reimbursement to top students who commit to teach in Iowa schools for five years.

"Governor Branstad and I believe the key to a quality education is having an excellent teacher in every classroom. In Iowa, we're fortunate to have excellent teachers in every corner of the state," said Reynolds. "The Teach Iowa Scholar Program aims to attract more top students into the teaching profession and into hard-to-fill positions - such as math, science and special education. This program will benefit K-12 students, school districts and the teaching profession as a whole."

Starting with the Class of 2014, subject to an appropriation, selected teachers will receive $4,000 a year for up to five years - $20,000 total - for teaching in Iowa schools.

Reynolds concluded, "We have high expectations given the recent reforms adopted and the collaborative work under way by the Iowa Department of Education, area education agencies, school districts, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, and higher education institutions to reach the goal of giving Iowa children a world-class education. Iowans know we must chart a path that makes steady progress possible on every measure."

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Nationally Recognized Physician Explains Why
You Should Know the Difference

For a malady that's as common to aging as waning vision, festoons - also called "malar mounds" -- aren't well understood by the public, says Adam J. Scheiner, M.D., an international eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon specializing in the treatment of Festoons and featured on "The Dr. Oz Show" and "The Doctors."

"The more people know about the causes of Festoons and how they are often misdiagnosed, the better informed they are to be their own effective health-care advocates," says Dr. Scheiner, who educates the public through his popular blog at www.adamscheinermd.com and his new book, The True Definition of Beauty.

"A growing part of my practice is correcting treatments with less than favorable results that patients have had done elsewhere; like fillers used under the eyes to treat 'bags,' or lower eyelid surgery that doesn't address the patients' Festoons," Dr. Scheiner says.

"The lack of awareness around Festoons and how ubiquitous they are ? and how often they are misdiagnosed ? is why my practice has executed an educational marketing campaign to bring clarity to combat the misinformation and confusion surrounding this condition," he adds.

What is the difference between "bags" and Festoons?

"'Bags' are caused by fat protruding through the skin in the lower eyelid area, while Festoons, which also protrude, are primarily on the upper part of the cheek," Dr. Scheiner says. "The two together can look like one large protrusion, but they're separate issues."

Physicians will perform procedures to help a patient's lower eyelid "bags," but often they leave the Festoons behind. This is because Festoons are notoriously hard to treat. The result? When they are not repaired at the same time as the "bags," Festoons can actually look worse compared against the newly rejuvenated lower lid.

Festoons can also be a marker for pre-cancerous skin conditions on other parts of the face ? another good reason to know the difference between Festoons and "bags."

Dr. Scheiner offers tips for evaluating whether you have "bags" or Festoons, the causes of both, and solutions:

· Are they "bags" or Festoons? "Bags" often appear as puffy circles directly beneath the eye. "If you touch them, they're usually firmer, and you can't easily move them from side to side. That's an indication they're 'bags,'" Dr. Scheiner says. "Also, if you look up, they become more prominent."

Festoons, on the other hand, are high on the cheek, although they can extend to the lower lid area. "They feel squishy to the touch, and they can be easily moved from side to side. They don't become more prominent when you look up."

· What causes them? "Bags" are generally associated with aging, although younger people can also get them, Dr. Scheiner says.

Festoons are usually the result of damage. Sun exposure, smoking and aging are among the possible causes, and the results can be worsened by the contrasting pull of underlying facial muscles over the years. Fair-skinned people tend to be more susceptible to Festoons.

· What can you do about them? "Effective treatments for removing 'bags' have been available for quite some time, but physicians have struggled with removing Festoons," Dr. Scheiner says. "Festoons are complicated to treat."

Medications and steroid injections can provide temporary improvement, and some older surgical procedures offer mixed results.

One of the biggest problems with Festoons and eye "bags" is that they occur around the most expressive area of the face?our eyes. The eyes speak volumes, but they can give off the wrong message if they are framed by Festoons or eye "bags."

"My patients say people are always asking them if they're sick or if they're tired," Dr. Scheiner says. "It's hard to hear that over and over again, and it begins to impact how you feel about yourself, as well as your energy level. What I love about the advanced laser and heading protocol that I developed is that it fundamentally changes the quality and the health of the skin?it takes swollen, sun-damaged skin and makes it smooth, tight and younger. It cleans up the messages around the eyes so that people can appear well and rested."

About Dr. Adam J. Scheiner

Adam J. Scheiner, M.D. is world-renowned in laser eyelid and facial plastic surgery for his groundbreaking treatment for Festoons. He wrote the medical text on the condition and treated two complex causes of Festoons for the Dr. Oz and The Doctors TV shows.

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