SIOUX CITY, IA (01/16/2014)(readMedia)-- Samuel Cunningham, son of Dawn Cunningham of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Ray Cunningham of Durant, Iowa, was named to the Dean's List at Morningside College for the 2013 fall semester.

Each semester the Dean's List recognizes students who achieve a 3.67 grade point average or better and complete at least 12 credits of coursework with no grade below a "C-." William C. Deeds, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, recently released the Dean's List for the fall semester, and each student received a letter of recognition.

Morningside College is a small, private college in Sioux City, Iowa, that offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a variety of disciplines, or a master's degree in education. For more information about Morningside College, visit the college's website at www.morningside.edu.

Hello!
 What better way to embrace the cold than with a little bit of ice? Icestravaganza 2014 has arrived! Featuring ice sculptures from award-winning artist, Dawson List,  the event will be held in the RME/Skybridge Courtyard on 2nd Street.  It's FREE, and be sure to bring your camera to take some pics with with interactive ice sculptures and enjoy horse and carriage ride. Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard!
Stop by the downtown library to listen to the Midwest Writing Center's authors and see the newly completed mural.  The Figge will be opening a new exhibit featuring glass sculptures designed by kids and GAHC has a new exhibit, too. For a small fee, you can enjoy Public Ice Skating at River's Edge just down the street.  Participate in their Learn to Skate to brush up on those skills!

Sick of the cold? Treat yourself to warm thoughts this weekend at the Quad Cities Boat & Vacation Show at the RiverCenter. Shop more boats for fishing, cruising, and water sports. Venture through various exhibits featuring resorts & fishing camps, vacations, campgrounds, and more! Get those putters ready, because Tuesday also marks the start of theBig Brothers Big Sisters 2014 Putt-A-Round. Help improve graduation rates by playing a round of miniature golf! Mark your calendars for theDavenport Jaycees Bridal Expo next Saturday, January 25, too.
 Stick around for an evening of wine tastings, live music, hors d'oeuvres, and raffles when RME hosts their 6th Annual Winter Wine Experience Saturday night. General admisson is sold out, but a few VIP tickets are still available!  You can expect live music by Three and a Half Men, a silent auction, and a complimentary wine tasting glass.  Keep in mind the other events at RME this week, too, like a performance by Old Shoe, Kidz Days, and Third Sunday Jazz!
Prepare for pasta, salad, bread, coffee, dessert, live music, and cooking classes, and even a t-shirt!  Where might one find this? Visit the QC Food Hub this Saturday for their Slow Food Quad Cities Pasta Party. This unique learning and dining experience is sure to warm you up this weekend. Did we mention you could even win a $10 Food Hub gift certificate?    Feel free to stop by early in the day and  help celebrate the Food Hub Local Market's 1st Anniversary or to attend the Gardening Planning 101 Seminar.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard this weekend and check out the awesome deals at a variety of hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions in the Quad Cities. Bookmark your favorite coupons on your mobile device or print them off and bring them to the merchant at participating locations to get great discounts! Save at places like Bucktown Center for the Arts, the Figge Art Museum, Hotel Blackhawk, and more.
See you downtown!
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This Week's Events: January 16 - 22


Thursday, January 16

 

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

Business After-Hours
Where: Me & Billy
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Price: $10/Member; $20/Non-Member
Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Price: $10
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 schedule for the month.
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, January 17

Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard

Where: Quad Cities

Time: Varies

Price: Varies

Website

Black Friday

Where: My Favorite Frame Shop

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: 40% off Select Black Frames with Custom Full Order

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 Murphy
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight
Price: FREE

Old Shoe
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.
Price: $8 in adv.; $10 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
Quad City Boat & Vacation Show
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $6/Adult; FREE for kids 12 & under; $4 Matinee
Saturday, January 18

6th Annual Winter Wine Experience presented by Eye Surgeon Associates and The Sedona Group

Where: River Music Experience, Second Floor

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

Price: $25 for Friends & Groups; $30 in adv.; $40 day of

Website

 

Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard

Where: Quad Cities

Time: Varies

Price: Varies

Website

 

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

 

Charles Murphy

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight

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 Opens: Kids Design Glass

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: Walter Haskell Hinton: Image Maker for Deere

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

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

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

 

Garden Planning 101

Where: Quad Cities Food Hub

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Price: $5

Website

 

Kidz Days featuring Songs for Kids with Alan Sweet

Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Price: $5 per adult, accompanied children FREE

Website

 

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter


Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.; 8:45 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Price: $5 and Up
Website

Quad City Boat & Vacation Show
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $6/Adult, FREE for kids 12 & under

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Slow Food Quad Cities Pasta Party

Where: QC Food Hub

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Price: $25

Website

 

Third Sunday Jazz presents Mike Conrad and Colossus

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Workshop 3:00 p.m. / Doors 5:30 p.m. / Show 6:00 p.m.

Price: $10 or $15 for reserved seating

Website

 

Tour: The Regionalists

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

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

Website

 

Sunday, January 19

 

$2,800 Top 40 Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

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

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard
Where: Quad Cities
Time: Varies
Price: Varies
Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Price: $10
Exhibit Opens: The World of Metal and Mechanical Dolls
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: Noon
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

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

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

Quad City Boat & Vacation Show

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $6/Adult, FREE for kids 12 & under

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: UIMA Modern Art

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

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

Website


Monday, January 20

Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard
Where: Quad Cities
Time: Varies
Price: Varies
Beer & Bacon Tasting
Where: Me & Billy
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $15
Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

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

Price: $3 Margaritas and $6 Tacos

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, January 21

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters 2014 Putt-A-Round

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Price: $80/team of four or $20/person

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


Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Quad City Kix Band

Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall

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

Price: FREE

Website

 

Wednesday, January 22

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

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

Price: N/A

Big Brothers Big Sisters 2014 Putt-A-Round
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Price: $80/team of four or $20/person
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

Midday Moolah Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

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

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

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

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

ST. PETER, Minn. (January 16, 2014) - The Fall Semester Dean's List at Gustavus Adolphus College has been released. The list comprises students who have earned a 3.7 grade point average (based on a scale in which 4.0 = A) or higher for the semester ending in December 2013.

The following local students were named to the Dean's List at Gustavus Adolphus College:

Carla DeWitt of Bettendorf, Iowa

Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college in St. Peter, Minn., that prepares 2,500 undergraduates for lives of leadership, service, and lifelong learning. The oldest Lutheran college in Minnesota, Gustavus was founded in 1862 by Swedish immigrants and named for Swedish King Gustav II Adolf. At Gustavus, students receive personal attention in small-sized classes and engage in collaborative research with their professors. Fully accredited and known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-abroad, and service-learning programs, Gustavus hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and is internationally recognized for its annual Nobel Conference.

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The ethanol and biodiesel industries bring tremendous value to Iowa and the nation.  Iowa is number one in the nation in the production of biofuels, producing more than 4 billion gallons annually.  It's improved our economy, environment, and national security.

The federal government made a commitment to homegrown, renewable energy when Congress passed the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005 and 2007.  But, a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency undermines the commitment. This misguided proposal could cost jobs in Iowa and across the country.  If allowed to take effect, it will increase our dependence on oil and protect the hold that Big Oil has on our country's fuel supply.

The public comment period on this proposal is closing on January 28.  I've talked personally with the EPA Director, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, and the President's staff.  I encourage everyone to go to EPA.gov and voice their concerns.  It's time for supporters of clean, homegrown, green energy to rally and let the Obama administration know that its proposal is short-sighted and irresponsible.

Iowans can also join me next week at a hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard hosted by Governor Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds.  This hearing is a great opportunity for Iowans to show support of the RFS and attest to its importance.
MOLINE, Illinois (January 16, 2014) - The John Deere Pavilion, Deere & Company's visitor center in downtown Moline, Ill., today unveiled a new exhibit showcasing the company's innovation in lawn care equipment. The new Tango E5 autonomous mower exhibit treats Pavilion visitors to a real-time demonstration of this hands-free machine and its mowing abilities on a residential lawn setting. The Tango E5 mower is only available in select European countries, so the Pavilion is likely the only place many will see this innovation at work.

"We are very excited about our newest exhibit as it is the first time in the Pavilion's history we are offering a live product demonstration to our guests," said Brigitte Tapscott, manager of the John Deere Pavilion. "Beyond that, the Tango E5 is unique, and lawn care is something just about everyone has in common. We think most homeowners will find Tango fascinating whether they see lawn care as a hobby or a chore."

The Tango E5 demonstration is presented inside the John Deere Pavilion in a realistic residential setting complete with landscaping. Through an innovative application of video, the exhibit features a family as they go about their daily routine, while an actual Tango handles the lawn care. Numerous demonstrations throughout the day enable guests to see the action almost anytime as they tour the facility. Informative and entertaining videos give guests a preview of what's in store while Tango takes a short 5-minute time-out in its charging station between performances. To view a time-lapse video of the exhibit installation, visit: http://www.JohnDeereAttractions.com/Tango.

First introduced in 2012, the Tango E5 is energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and is designed to get the job done so homeowners don't have to. The compact, lightweight, battery-powered Tango is built tough and requires low maintenance.

The Tango E5 is the first of several new exhibits in the John Deere Pavilion's line-up of new features. Additional exhibits will be unveiled in the coming months as part of the Pavilion's commitment to feature fresh and fun exhibits for new and returning guests.

The John Deere Pavilion offers free admission, is open to the public year-round, and welcomes group tours. The John Deere Store, located adjacent to the Pavilion, stocks a large and unique selection of the latest officially-licensed John Deere products including clothing, toys, books, and collectibles. For more information about the John Deere Pavilion, Store, and other John Deere Attractions, visit us online at http://www.JohnDeereAttractions.com and on Facebook.

About the John Deere Pavilion

Located along the shores of the Mississippi River near the company's original Moline plow factory, the John Deere Pavilion has attracted more than three million guests from around the world since it opened in 1997. The 14,000-square-foot, glass- and steel-enclosed structure features a wide variety of fun and informative hands-on exhibits about Deere & Company's global businesses and products, its rich history and heritage, and how it's helping meet the challenges of a growing global population. The John Deere Pavilion is a free attraction and is open to the public year-round. For more information call 309-765-1000 or visit us online at www.JohnDeereAttractions.com and on Facebook.

# # #
Lovable Mascot uses the Internet to spread message of empathy, tolerance and self-respect

JANUARY 16, 2014 DAVENPORT, IA - Children looking to learn the lessons of empathy, tolerance, and self-respect now have a mascot to help them on their journey. Today QC United's lovable mascot Pete the Purple Bull urges everyone to visit his website, Twitter account, Facebook page, and YouTube account.

"The common mistake that bullies make is assuming that because someone is nice that he or she is weak. Those traits have nothing to do with each other. In fact, it takes considerable strength and character to be a good person."
Mary Elizabeth Williams

"Recognizing the importance of developing personal resolve and character is certainly not a new idea" says Kim Riley-Quinn, program director for the Pete the Purple Bull Campaign, "but we have lost ground in this area as our society has moved toward social media as a common form of communication rather than real-time person to person interaction. More effort needs to be made to provide daily, interactive lessons that teach social emotional skills to our children. It is these skills that serve as the foundation for effective learning and it's these skills, along with solid academics, that are essential in preparing our children to become productive, creative members of society."

About Pete the Purple Bull
Pete the Purple Bull provides a comprehensive plan to positively impact the human world by teaching lessons of Social Responsibility in fun, interactive ways. Pete and his team will follow research-based curriculum that effectively supplements the anti-bullying programs in schools today and expands them to include a more progressive definition of positive interaction. Visit Pete's website at PeteThePurpleBull.com.

For more information contact
Kim Riley-Quinn
Email: pete@petethepurplebull.com
Phone: (855) 484-4445
Website: PeteThePurpleBull.com
Twitter: twitter.com/thepurplebull
Facebook: facebook.com/petethepurplebull
You Tube: Pete the Purple Bull Channel

Greetings to our Community Family!

The Rock Island County NAACP Religious Affairs Committee is proud to announce that we are hosting our 6th Annual Community Day on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.

Gaines Chapel AME Church of East Moline, Illinois, will be the host church with their pastor, Rev. Adrian L. Johnson delivering the message "Knowing Who We Are Helps Us Know What We Need To Do."  Reverend Johnson is a resident of Peoria, Illinois, and a dynamic spiritual presence in our community.

We know that we can count on you to support us in an uplifting experience and message from this woman of God and the Gaines Chapel AME Choir.  Brother Terrance Simmons of the Gospel Mission Temple of Davenport, Iowa, will be the Master of Ceremonies and Geri Sumrall of The Word Church in Rock Island, Illlinois, will be the guest soloist.

Please join us in celebrating our 6th Annual Community Day. Refreshments will be served immediately following the program. Gaines Chapel is located at 311 - 19th Street in East Moline.

MOLINE, IL - WQPT-Quad Cities PBS invites young authors and illustrators in kindergarten-third grade to submit their original stories to the PBS Kids Writing Contest.

Stories, which must be the original work of the child, may be non-fiction, fiction, prose or poetry. Entries, postmarked by Tuesday, April 8, can be dropped off at WQPT's office at Western Illinois University's 60th Street campus, or mailed to WQPT, 3561 60th St., Moline, Illinois 61265.

Sixteen local winners (four from each grade) will be honored with prizes at a ceremony held at the Butterworth Center in May and will appear on-air in a promotion for PBS Kids programs on WQPT. First place winners will compete for national prizes and their stories will appear on the WQPT website. Finalists and participating classrooms will also receive free books. Each participant will receive a Certificate of Achievement. Finalists and participating classrooms will receive free books.

For more information, along with guidelines and entry forms, visit wqpt.org/storycontest or contact Ana Kehoe at (309) 764-2400 or AT-Kehoe@wiu.edu.

Funding and support for the writing contest has been provided in part by the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, Family Museum, Figge Art Museum, Midwest Writing Center and WQPT.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities.

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Isabel Bloom Production Tours

Isabel Bloom is opening up their production facility for tours on January 17, 18, and 20.  Reserve your spot on a free tour to see how these unique concrete sculptures are made locally at the facility at 736 Federal Street in Davenport, Iowa.  Guests on the tour receive 10% off on their entire purchase at the tour center gift shop, including the exclusive 2014 tour piece that is only available at this gift shop.  Call 800-273-5436 or 563-336-3766 to make your tour reservation.  Reservations required.  www.ibloom.com

Tales from Around the World

On Saturday, January 18, there are tales from around the world and enjoy free crafts, activities, games, performances, and refreshments from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street in Moline, Ill.  No registration is required for this free drop-in program. www.molinelibrary.org

Quad City Boat & Vacation Show

Get ready for summer boating and outdoor fun on January 17-19 at the Quad City Boat & Vacation Show.  This show is even bigger than the 2013 show! Shop boats for fishing, cruising and water sports in the Great Hall and the Mississippi Hall at the RiverCenter in Davenport!  Take the skywalk between the north and south buildings to access each hall where you will find more dealers and more boats than ever before. www.riverctr.com

FREE Kid's Craft Day

The John Deere Pavilion, 1400 River Dr. in downtown Moline, IL., is hosting a free Kid's Craft Day on Saturday, January 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Plus, receive 15% off your purchase in the John Deere Store the entire weekend with your Be a Tourist coupon.  www.johndeereattractions.com

Icestravaganza

Award winning ice sculpture artist, Dawson List, will bring his top-rated skills up from the Big Easy to wow event goers on Saturday, January 18! It's FREE and one sculpture will be so big you can walk through it! The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the RME/Skybridge Courtyard on 2nd Street in downtown Davenport. See fantastic, large scale ice creations that will be on display.

 

The free event will not only feature live ice carving, but also free horse drawn carriage rides and activities and exhibits at downtown locations including the Figge Art Museum Kids Design Glass exhibit, German American Heritage Center's Hinges and Hearts- The World of Antique Metal and Mechanical Dolls exhibit, storytelling by the Midwest Writing Center at the RME, and preschool story time and the unveiling of the new mural inside the library. www.downtowndavenport.com

Tons of Sand in the Tropics

During Be a Tourist weekend, the Quad City Botanical Center welcomes you to the tropics.  The Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue in Rock Island, Ill., is placing two tons of sand in the middle of the indoor Sun Garden to create a tropical sandbox through February 28.  The sandbox will be open during regular hours. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring the children down to play.  They may bring their own toys or borrow the Botanical Center's toys. On Saturday, January 18 from 12-2 p.m., there is children's programming.  www.qcgardens.com

Winter Wine Experience

The River Music Experience, 129 Main Street in Davenport, Iowa, holds their sixth annual Winter Wine Experience on Saturday, January 18 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.  This wine tasting event also includes hors d'oeuvres, live music, and more.  Everyone receives a complimentary wine tasting glass.  Tickets are $30 in advance, or $40 the day of the event.  The Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard coupon is $5 off the ticket price. www.rivermusicexperience.org

Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration

The annual community-wide celebration and musical tribute to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. returns to Centennial Hall on the campus of Augustana College in Rock Island on Saturday, January 18th at 6 p.m.  The free public event will celebrate the legacy of this great leader through powerful speakers, music, and dance. The event has a long history in the Quad Cities.  Originally sponsored by the NAACP, the celebration now is organized each year by Augustana College and the Dr. King Celebration committee to honor the life and vision of one of America's great leaders. www.augustana.edu

Sidewalk Sales

NorthPark Mall in Davenport and SouthPark Mall in Moline will be hosting Sidewalk Sales January 17-20, 2014.

Jurassic Quest Dinosaur Exhibit

Don't miss the Dinosaurs! The Jurassic Quest Dinosaur Exhibit features, huge animatronic lifelike dinosaurs, dinosaurs you can ride and many other fun activities.  Great way to enjoy the weekend!

All the fun takes place at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in their Fair Center located at 2815 W. Locust Street in Davenport, IA

Hours: Saturday, January 18th from 10 am-8 pm and Sunday, January 19th from 10 am till 7 pm. ADMISSION: $17 for adults, $13 for children 2-12 years of age. WHERE TO GET TICKETS: Tickets will be available at the door. www.mvfair.com

Slow Food Quad Cities Pasta Party

Tickets are $25 - that gets you three food classes (learn to make fresh pasta, homemade red sauce, and a quick and easy Italian dressing from Boetje's mustard); a full dinner using local foods including pasta, salad, bread, coffee & dessert; live music from Mark Ridolfi and Rose n' Thorns; and a t-shirt featuring our original Pasta Party artwork.  Front Street Brewery will have local beer and wine for sale. YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE for the dinner on Saturday, January 18th from 4-8 p.m. Purchase tickets online or in person. Dinner located upstairs. www.qcfoodhub.com

Winterfest Competition

In the North Hotel Tower Lobby, attend Isle Bettendorf's second annual comprehensive dessert and centerpiece competition on Sunday, January 19th from 1-5 p.m. See award-winning chefs make beautiful masterpieces including ice carvings, wedding cakes and more. Enjoy hot chocolate at our outdoor cocoa bar in the ice carving area. Plus, try delicious chili from our Isle chefs and vote for your favorite. Tickets are free at the IsleOne guest service center and seating is limited. www.theislebettendorf.com

QC Farm Show

Come and see the annual Quad Cities Farm and Equipment Show, featuring free admission, parking, and seminars! Called the "premier AG show in the Quad Cities", this is a great show that you will not want to miss. It's January 19-21 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island. www.qccaexpocenter.com

Miss. River Visitor Center Open House

The free open house is all day from 9 am-5 pm on Friday, January 24th. See the new display additions, historical corps artifacts, and interesting interactive displays for people of all ages.  Simple refreshments will be available.  From 1-2:30 p.m. extra staff will be on hand to answer questions about the varying programs highlighted in the new displays. www.missriver.org
World's Toughest Rodeo

Looking for fun, family entertainment AND real horsepower? The 2014 Ram Rodeo Series will ride into town for the Three Hill World's Toughest Rodeo taking place from January 24-25. Saddle up with the cowboys and gals at 7:30pm in the iWireless Center in Moline. Spectators who visit the Ram Truck brand during the rodeo will be entered into the 2014 Ram Rodeo Sweepstakes for a chance to win $45,000 toward any eligible Chrysler Group vehicle. www.iwirelesscenter.com

Ballet Quad Cities' The Ugly Duckling

Ballet Quad Cities presents The Ugly Duckling & Other Dances

An afternoon of dance, just for fun!  Bring the entire family to see this well known fairy tale with a great message come to life.  Whimsical choreography, costumes and characters will dance into your heart! 1:30 pm at Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $22 - adults; $12 - age 18 and under. For tickets, call the BHS Activity Office at 563-332-4516 Or order online at https://www.totalgatesolutions.com/SelectEventTickets.aspx?eventId=48425

Winery Chili Cook-Off

Join Wide River Winery for their first ever Chili Cook-Off at the Clinton location on Saturday, January 25th from 1-5 pm. The contest starts at 1 PM with live music from The Ripplers beginning at 2 PM. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place. Come, eat, judge and enjoy an afternoon of music and fun. No entry fee! To register contact widerivermartha@gmail.com or call 954.415.9329. www.wideriverwinery.com

Princess Diana Exhibit Extended to Jan. 26

Due to popular demand, the "Diana, A Celebration" exhibit will remain on view through January 26, 2014.  The exhibit chronicles the life and humanitarian work of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. One of the 20th century's most remarkable women is showcased through nine galleries containing 150 objects-ranging from her royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses to family heirlooms, personal mementos, paintings and rare home movies and photos. www.putnam.org

 

Be a Tourist Weekend

The mobile-friendly Be a Tourist website is live and ready to go. Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard Weekend is January 17-20.  Make a marvelous weekend out of it with over 50 coupons for local hotels, attractions, and businesses.

 

2014 Guides Are Here!

Do you have your supply of the new 2014 Visitors Guide yet?  We changed the name to Activity Guide to better reflect how the guides are getting used by residents and visitors alike. Stop by the Visitor Centers in Davenport or Moline to pick up a box.

 

The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 5 years at the Annual Gala on Saturday, January 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.  The special guest and keynote speaker is Ralph de la Vega.  For more information and to register, visit www.gqchcc.com/2014Gala/

 

Add Your Events to www.visitquadcities.com Please remember to put all of your events on our calendar of events.  Hundreds of thousands of visitors go to our online events calendar.  It's easy and free to submit your events.  Just go to the events calendar on our website and you'll see the Submit Your Event link, or start right now by clicking here!

FAYETTE, IA (01/16/2014)(readMedia)-- The Upper Iowa University Athletic Department will recognize 179 student-athletes who earned a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll on Friday, Jan. 24 between the men's and women's basketball games against Concorida University, St. Paul.

"We are thrilled to announce the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for the Fall semester," Brandi Rideout, the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services said. "We had a significant increase of student-athletes achieving a 3.2 GPA this past fall which is a testament to their hard work and commitment to academic success. We congratulate them and are very proud of their accomplishments in the classroom."

To earn consideration for the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, a student-athlete must have earned a minimum 3.20 grade-point average during the 2013 Fall semester. In years past, the standard was 3.0 but was raised last year to encourage Upper Iowa student-athletes to achieve at a higher level in the classroom.

Also, 32 student-athletes held a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall semester (indicated with a * below), while 17 of these student-athletes (marked by a # below) hold a perfect GPA in their respective careers at UIU.

"These awards confirm our belief that academic-achievement and graduation is the number one reason why our student-athletes are here at Upper Iowa University," David Miller, the UIU Director of Athletics said. "This is a testament to the coaches here, and the quality of character in the student-athletes they recruit."

Currently the men's golf team has the highest male team career GPA at 3.30, while the women's golf team has the highest female team career GPA - 3.65.

Earlier this year, 34 student-athletes were named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference All-Academic Teams in the fall of 2013. To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better. Also, the student-athlete must have reached sophomore academic and athletic standing at the institution represented with one full year completed at their institution.

Please see the list below to view all of the student-athletes being honored from your area.

Cheyenne Burnett of Rock Falls, IL, a member of the Softball

Paige Davis of Rock Falls, IL, a member of the Women's Cross Country

Haylie Franklin of Muscatine, IA, a member of the Women's Volleyball

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to more than 6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

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