Bettendorf, IA / December 3rd, 2013 - WaterPark CarWash's Bettendorf location will be closing on December 24th to make room for the new I-74 bridge and will continue to serve the Quad Cities through their existing Moline and Davenport locations. WaterPark has thoroughly enjoyed their time in Bettendorf, but understands the progress this area needs to make to the I-74 Bridge.

The Bettendorf location first opened in 1996, and was the first of the three WaterPark locations. Since then, WaterPark Car Wash has been dedicated to serving the Quad Cities area with exceptional service and great car washes. Unfortunately, the building of the new bridge across the Mississippi will impact the Bettendorf location, forcing its closure.

"We are invested in this community and we look forward to many more years at our Moline and Davenport locations," says Wayne Guinee, General Manager. "We thrive on the relationships we've built with our customers, who we're proud to call our friends."

Continued growth, expansion of services and WaterPark's reputation for quality and service is the outcome of individual efforts and close cooperation of staff members. Despite the closing of the Bettendorf location, Water Park Car Wash will continue to provide its exceptional service for the entire community at its other two locations.

About WaterPark CarWash: Established in 1996 with a staff of 25 providing complete car wash services, WaterPark today employs up to 100 people. In 1998, WaterPark opened a second location in Moline, Illinois; in 2001, they opened their third location, in Davenport, IA. WaterPark was created by a group of Quad City friends with complimentary business backgrounds. WaterPark's goal is to provide the finest service, value, and quality possible. WaterPark puts the customer first by offering a car wash experience that's unsurpassed. WaterPark's employees, managers and owners choose to provide valued clients of the Quad Cities' a complete car wash. (www.waterparkcarwash.com)

###
Today is no ordinary Tuesday.

Today we have the power to make a difference. Fill hungry stomachs ... provide warm shelter ... ease the suffering of families who have lost everything.

We can't prevent disasters from happening, but we can make sure that we're there to support people who need it most in the wake of an emergency. This #GivingTuesday, give hope by purchasing a gift from the 2013 Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog.

Hot meals For families struggling to rebuild their lives after a disaster, help provide hearty meals ($30) for 3 people to give them energy for the challenging days ahead.
Infant Care Supplies For the new mom who finds herself in a shelter after a devastating house fire, help provide infant care supplies ($50) including diapers and formula so she and her newborn can rest easy.
Emergency Shelter For two people, help provide a day in an emergency shelter ($100), which includes items like cots to sleep on, meals throughout the day, and toiletries for their personal comfort.
Shop Now

As a bonus - give by December 16 and you can receive a free greeting card to send to a gift recipient. Don't wait!

Your gift could change a life. Thank you for supporting us and those in need.

Warmest wishes,
Gail McGovern
President and CEO, American Red Cross

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad announced today that he will be testifying at the EPA's public hearing on a proposed rule to weaken the RFS in Virginia on Thursday at approximately 9:30 a.m. Central/10:30 a.m. Eastern.

 

The governor will offer strong public support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, which recently the EPA sought to dismantle, potentially causing significant economic harm to Iowa families.

 

Prior to testifying, Branstad will participate in a Renewable Fuels Association media call, with details below:

 

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013

(December 3, 2013) WASHINGTON – Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, will host a discussion featuring Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad and American Farm Bureau economist Matt Erickson on the negative impact the proposed 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) targets would have on agriculture and rural economies.

WHAT: Teleconference: Discussion and Q&A on the negative
agricultural impact of the EPA's proposal to lower the 2014 RFS
targets.

WHO: Terry E. Branstad, Governor of Iowa

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels
Association 

Matt Erickson, American Farm Bureau Federation Economist 

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, 1:40 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Central

CALL IN: Dial In: 866-872-7365, Conference Code: 19550507

RSVP: Please RSVP to Chris Findlay  atcfindlay@ethanolrfa.org 

 

Thursday, December 5, 2013

 

9:30 CST / 10:30 EST Gov. Branstad testifies at EPA public hearing in favor of the Renewable Fuel Standard

Hyatt Regency Crystal City

2799 Jefferson Davis Highway

Arlington, VA

# # #
Happy Holidays from Davenport Parks and Recreation

Lunch and Learn at Vander Veer Park Conservatory

The Holiday Show is beautiful!  Bring your lunch and join us in our warm and colorful conservatory for a relaxing time of lunch and learning!  Cost is admission to the conservatory - only $1.00!  Kirk will show you how to use your greens to make a wreath!  These classes are open to all and will be done in time for you to get back to your office.  No pre-registration is necessary.

Wednesday, December 4, 12:15 pm

Poinsettia & Lights Show at Vander Veer

A Quad Cities tradition!  Now through January 13th, come and see the beautiful Poinsettia & Light show at the Vander Veer Conservatory. Hours are 10am - 4pm, Tue - Sun, and admission is only $1. Free on Tuesday!

Family Friday Nights: Junior Theatre Movie Night

Davenport Junior Theatre is thrilled to host a Move Night as part of the Family Friday Series.  We hope your family can join us for pizza, lemonade, popcorn and a movie in our very own Nighswander Theatre.  We will also have special holiday performances from our Ensemble Actors and Mainstage Dancers.  It is going to be a blast!  Best of all, it is only $4.00 per person!  This included 2 slices of pizza, popcorn, lemonade and the movie.

"Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Live Action - Jim Carey
Friday, December 6 : 6:00pm - 9:00pm

$4.00 per person, pay at door or register in advance

Located at the Annie Wittenmyer Complex
Pinewood Derby

Did you know?  A fast Pinewood Derby car can reach a speed of nearly 20 miles per hour.  Pretty good for a little block of wood!  Pinewood Derby kits consist of a block of wood, four nails (axels) and four wheels.  Join us at the Derby to race against other enthusiasts, for bragging rights and a trophy, or simply to test out your car before pinewood derby day.  Trophies will be awarded for the fastest and the most well-designed cars.  Mark your calendar for this night of fellowship, friends and fast cars!

Race Day Saturday, December 7th

All cars must come ready to race

Time: 11am - 3pm (check in by noon)

Open to all ages!

Fee: $15.00 for race and kit, $5.00 if you have a car

Location: Roosevelt Community Center Gym

MOLINE, Ill. (December 2, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards today announced goaltender Ty Rimmer has been recalled by the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League.

Rimmer, a 21 year old rookie, has gone 4-3-2 with a 3.17 goals against average and a .894 save percentage in nine games with the Mallards this season. The 6' 1", 170-pound Edmonton native has played particularly well in recent days, turning in a 2-0-1 record, a 2.21 goals against average and a ,926 save percentage in his last three outings.

In preseason, Rimmer participated in not only the Barons' training camp but also the camp of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers.

Rimmer got his first taste of professional hockey last spring when he played one game for the AHL's Manchester Monarchs after completing his junior career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League.  Rimmer last season led the WHL in minutes played (3,836) and total saves (2,106) while posting 3.19 goals against average, a .912 save percentage, a record of 24-30-10 and one shutout in 65 games with the Hurricanes.

The 2011-12 campaign was especially successful for Rimmer, who earned WHL First Team All-Star honors after leading the league in goals against average (2.43) and save percentage (.922), finishing tied for first in shutouts (5) and finishing tied for eighth in wins while going 31-12-1 in 46 games for the Tri-City Americans.  His standout efforts helped propel the Americans to the United States Division title.

Over three-plus Western League seasons- during which he also played for the Brandon Wheat Kings and Prince George Cougars in addition to the Americans and Hurricanes- Rimmer went 74-65-14 in 159 games and turned in a 3.01 goals against average, a .910 save percentage and ten shutouts.  Before becoming a WHL workhorse, Rimmer spent parts of two seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the St. Albert Steel and Bonnyville Pontiacs.

The Mallards return to action next Friday night at 7:05 p.m on home ice against the Brampton Beast. Next Friday is another $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. Next Friday also kicks off Rivalry Weekend presented by Pub 1848. The Mallards will play three straight home games (the Flock will also meet the Brampton next Saturday and Sunday) against the Beast, their newest Central Hockey League rival from north of the border.

Tickets for 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.

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 i wireless 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.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

City Circle Acting Company will present the Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.

Performances are December 13 and 20 at 7:30 pm and December 14,15,21,22 at 2:00 pm.

This year's production of A Christmas Carol has been adapted from the original Charles Dickens' novella by the director, Josh Sazon, and is very true to Dickens' original text. This re-envisioned staging of the timeless classic will delight and brighten your holiday season with its timeless message of hope, peace, and love.

Tickets are $12-$27 and can be purchased online at www.coralvillearts.org, by calling 319.248.9370, or in person at the CCPA box office at 1301 5th Street and at the Coralville Recreation Center at 1506 8th Street.

ASL interpreters will be translating the performance on Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 pm. Please call 319.248.9372 to request seating in the ASL section before December 12.

City Circle invites audience members to share some holiday warmth with those in need by donating hats, mittens and scarves for the lobby Mitten Tree. Donations will be shared with HACAP and Coralville Family Resource Centers. Those bringing items will be entered into a raffle for tickets to a future production.
New Info - Community Partnerships at Your Library
Get Enrolled for Health Insurance! Walk-in one-on-one help sessions are available on the 2nd floor of the Rock Island Main Library from the Rock Island County Health Department on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and again on Tues., Dec. 10. Every Thursday, you can get help from Genesis Health System, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, also at the Rock Island Main Library. 

Do you know someone who speaks Spanish? Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities will be at the Rock Island Main Library from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, Dec. 14 to offer Spanish-language information on getting a Temporary Visitors Driver's License (TVLD) and on applying for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

World AIDS Day Awareness Program. The library is partnering with the Project of the Quad Cities to host an HIV/AIDS Awareness Education & Testing program on Friday, Dec. 6, from 10:00 am to noon in the library Community Room. The test is a quick cheek swab. www.tpqc.org or 309-762-5433.
Movies & More on Thursday
Independent Movie Night for Adults - Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library. Movie is "Teddy Bear," the story a shy bodybuilder who longs to find true love. Movie is not rated. Danish, Thai, English, with English subtitles. 

30/31 Big Book Sale - Monthly sale from the Friends of the Rock Island Public Library, first Thursday of each month. Thursday, Dec. 5, 9:00 am to 8 pm, Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library.
Take an Art Break!
Artist Bryan Cotton's one-man show, runs December 3 through January 3 at the Rock Island Main Library. The 28-year-old Rock Islander specializes in ink and pen creations in architectural abstract illustrations, cityscapes, murals, cartoons, and still life perspectives. He primarily works in ink, but also creates in watercolors, marker, colored pencil and pastels. Stop by to see his work on the 2nd floor anytime during regular library hours.

 

NEW: Online Magazines Now Available!

 

Rock Island Public Library, in partnership with RBdigital from Recorded Books, is pleased to announce the availability of Zinio for Libraries, the world's largest newsstand.

 

Through the library website, Rock Island Public Library cardholders will have free, unlimited multi-user access to complete digital magazines, easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices. New magazines just added in the past week include  Scholastic Parent and Child, Vibe, Harper's Bazaar, Cloth, Paper, Scissor, Digital Photo, Saveur & Popular Photography. Check them out online!Patrons can browse from the library's collection of popular titles with no holds, no checkout periods, no waiting lists, and no limit to the number of magazine downloads. Remember to look for the free reader apps at the bottom of the Zinio page!

 

This service was made possible to patrons of the Rock Island Public Library by funding from the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District.

Begin Here to Learn Something New!

Getting Started with Microsoft Word, Monday, December 9th, 3:30 to 4:30pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Want to learn more about Microsoft Word?  Learn how to create letters, papers, and work on your resume. Registration is required - space is limited.  Call the Rock Island Library's Reference desk, 309-732-7341, to register. Keyboarding and mouse skills required.

 

Library How-To: Download Books, Tuesday, December 10th, 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Rock Island Southwest Branch Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Learn how to use the Library's eBook and eAudiobook service OverDrive, to download books to your personal devices and computer. Registration is not required - the library does not supply devices.

 

Library How-To: Download Music, Tuesday, December 17th. 2:00 -3:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.  Learn how to use the Library's music service, Freegal, to download music to your computer and personal devices. Must have a Rock Island, Bettendorf, Davenport, or Sherrard District Library card to use Freegal.  Registration is not required - the library does not supply devices.

 

Library How-To: Download Books, Friday, December 27th, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Did you get a new eReader or Tablet under the tree? Learn how to use the Library's eBook and eAudiobook service OverDrive, to download books to your personal devices and computer. Registration is not required - the library does not supply devices.

 

Teen Fun in December

Teen Iron Chef contest: Monday, Dec. 16, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.  Teens ages 12 to 18 can take part in a monthly Iron Chef competition. Choose your ingredients and test your culinary skills against other teens for the next Iron Chef crown. Ages 12-18.

 

Dr. Who Party, Thurs, Dec. 19, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Come to the Main Library to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who! Play trivia, win prizes, and enjoy snacks fit for a Time Lord! Ages  12 to 18.

Holiday Hours
Rock Island Libraries will close early at 5:30 pm on Monday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 30. 

Rock Island Libraries are closed on Dec. 24 & 25 for the Christmas holiday, and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for the New Year's Holiday. 

We wish you and your families a very happy holiday season!
Rock Island, Illinois > 309.732.7323 (READ) > www.rockislandlibrary.org

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad used his weekly news conference this morning to announce two new programs as part of the Home Base Iowa initiative: Home Base Iowa Businesses and Home Base Iowa Communities.

 

The governor noted that while Home Base Iowa was announced just three weeks ago, the program has already made great progress, drawing interest from across the country.

 

Two weeks ago, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Gen. Timothy Orr met with White House officials to brief them on the program and explore potential partnerships. Additionally, several state of Iowa officials participated in a National Governors Association policy academy to study veterans licensing issues.

 

Branstad also noted that the University of Iowa was recently named by U.S. News & World Report as the 6th-best university for veterans.

 

Branstad says the Home Base Iowa initiative has led to dozens of calls and correspondence from veterans interested in calling Iowa their new home.

 

"Though we haven't yet spent a dime on advertising or marketing, our phones started ringing," said Branstad. "Iowa Workforce Development has fielded dozens and dozens of calls, and is working to place a number of veterans already."

 

With the new roll-out of Home Base Iowa Businesses and Communities, Branstad says it is a great opportunity for Iowans to showcase the best they have to offer.

 

"We want veterans to know that Iowa can provide them with not just a job, but a career in a caring, welcoming community," said Branstad. "Businesses and communities can demonstrate how much they value our nation's veterans by pursuing these designations."

 

To be a Home Base Iowa Business,

o   the company must pledge to hire a specific number of veterans.

o   They must also post their jobs on the Home Base Iowa website,

o   and become members of the existing Skilled Iowa program.

 

To be a Home Base Community,

o   10% of the businesses in the designated area must be Home Base Iowa Businesses.

o   The community must provide a unique welcome and incentive package to attract veterans to their community,

o   They must provide a plan to prominently display their designation,

o   And they must get a resolution of support from the local governing body.

 

# # #

Former Foster Child Shares Examples to Emulate 

Wisdom does not always come with age - but it's never too late to try, says Judy Colella.

"On so many levels of our society today, from social media, reality TV and even in our political discourse, children are seeing adults acting reprehensibly," says Colella, a musician and author of a young adult fantasy, "Overcomer-The Journey," (www.themacdarachronicles.weebly.com), Book I of The MacDara Chronicles.

"In fact, there are many examples in which children are taking the lead in being leaders and setting the better example."

They include kids from disadvantaged backgrounds, children with disabilities and youngsters with few positive role models.

"I was able to overcome my childhood obstacles, and I want kids to know that they can, too," she says. "No one determines what you do in life but you."

Colella offers some shining examples of children's actions that can be a lesson for both other children and adults.

  • 15-year-old speaks out for education for all: In one of the scariest places on Earth, Malala Yousafzai demonstrated bravery by standing up for her right to an education. She took a Taliban bullet, shot into her skull after her bus was stopped en route home from school, and boomeranged it into one of the group's worst PR moves. In Pakistan's Swat Valley, the international terrorist group had intermittently banned girls from school and had targeted Yousafzai for speaking out against the ban. She continues to proactively support education for all children, and was recently listed in Time magazine's "The 100 Most Influential People in the World."
  • 12-year-old wanted to honor his uncle: After Sam Maden's uncle died in the winter of 2010, Maden wanted to honor his support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. So, posted an online petition asking the Boston Red Sox to get in the game by producing an "It Gets Better" video. The videos are the result of a national movement that began in response to a wave of suicides among bullied teens, especially LGBT youth. In less than a week, Maden had 9,000 signatures, and Red Sox became the third professional sports team to produce a video for the campaign.
  • A birthday wish from 9-year-old Rachel Beckwith: Rachel Beckwith's birthday wish wasn't for herself; it was to raise $300 to build wells in Africa. Tragically, Beckwith never had a chance to experience the benefit of her altruism - she died before her 10th birthday. News of the story went viral, inspiring donors to raise more than $1 million for the nonprofit charity. The little girl's mom was able to visit Africa to witness firsthand how her daughter contributed to saving lives.

"Now these are touching and inspirational stories! While there sometimes seems to be obsessive coverage involving bad-behaving kids - or bad-behaving adults - it's wonderful to know that there are so many amazing stories of children supporting the most vulnerable in society," Colella says.

About Judy Colella: Judy Colella is a musician, singer and author of a young adult fantasy series about a boy from 6th century Ireland who finds himself in an abusive modern-day American foster home. As a child, Cian MacDara must travel across time and continents to fulfill his destiny. Judy, who lived in foster care as a child and was adopted by a loving family, says children and teenagers need to learn the power of the choices they make.

During the tugs of war that crop up in Washington during political debates and policymaking, it's not surprising the act of legislating has often been compared to the art of sausage making.  The give-and-take that has long characterized the legislative meat grinder on Capitol Hill has been put on the chopping block.

Consider an analogy attributed long ago to George Washington. He compared the bicameral functions of the upper and lower chambers of Congress to a cooling saucer and hot coffee.  America's first president suggested the Senate "cools" legislation passed by the more tumultuous House of Representatives.

Skip ahead two centuries and regrettably, heated tempers were not allowed to cool in the deliberative senatorial saucer during a recent rule change in the U.S. Senate.  Instead of cooling his heels, the Majority Leader booted the institutional traditions and decorum associated with the upper chamber of Congress.  His cavalier power grab leaves a stain on the world's greatest deliberative governing body, weakening its tradition for civility and consensus.

Despite the discouraging setback that meddles with the constitutional principles of the Senate's advice and consent authority, important legislative and oversight work continues  as we near the end of the calendar year. Unfinished business includes the budget blueprint and the farm and food bill.

Working under the shadow of a $17 trillion national debt, lawmakers need to come to grips with the fact that Washington cannot tax-and-spend its way to prosperity.  As a member of the budget conference tasked with a Dec. 13 deadline, I want the committee to reach an agreement that will set spending parameters for the federal government through the next fiscal year.  So far, big spenders keep trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole, hooked on a utopian mindset that Big Government can solve all our problems.  Just look where that's gotten us:  unsustainable spending, broken promises and a cynical American public.

Washington also keeps kicking the can down the road on the farm and food bill. Rural America, the nation's food producers and the taxpaying public deserve better, long-term certainty than yet another short-term extension.  This important piece of public policy sets into place farm and nutrition safety nets, conservation incentives and rural development programs.  A big sticking point hinges on how much savings to extract from the food stamp program.  All sides agree enrollment has soared.  The expiring farm and food bill spent 80 percent of its budget on nutrition programs, including food stamps.  In September, 15 percent of the population, or about 47 million Americans, received food stamp benefits.

On the farm side of the spending ledger, I'm championing payment caps that limit how much individual farmers may receive per year.  I'm also working to maintain support for closing a loophole that exploits the taxpaying public.  Currently, general partnerships and joint ventures may qualify for farm payments using "active personal management" guidelines that allow hundreds of millions of tax dollars to flow though this loophole.  The provisions I authored would allow only one off-farm manager to address the abusive practice of multiple non-farming individuals receiving payments without having a significant role in farm management.  It's time to put teeth into the law to keep our farm safety net defensible in an era that calls for serious belt-tightening across-the-board.

If Congress fails to reach an agreement on the farm and food bill, consumers could experience serious sticker shock in January.  Prices for milk could double if current commodity programs expire.  That's because the underlying permanent farm law would trigger the U.S. Department of Agriculture to set the floor price for milk at about $39 per 100 pounds.  Although I'm not serving on the conference committee hammering out the details on a final bill, I'm riding herd on lawmakers to keep the reforms in place that were in both the House- and Senate-passed bills.  It's time to give farmers the certainty they need to make business decisions for the year ahead.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Pages