19 Jun 2013

USTA SMASHZONE MOBILE TO VISIT QUAD CITY AIR SHOW ON JUNE 22-23

By Sarah Houseknecht

Interactive Fan Attraction to Introduce Tennis to Youth and Families across the Nation

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (June 18, 2013) - The United States Tennis Association (USTA) SmashZone Mobile Tour continues its 22-city tour run this weekend when it will be part of the Quad City Air Show in Davenport, Iowa on June 22 and 23.

SmashZone introduces youth tennis to kids and parents across the country and began as the premier fan interactive attraction at the US Open before being showcased across the country. Since its inception in 2011, SmashZone has attracted more than 2 million people to its tennis courts.

In addition to the SmashZone Mobile Tour, the Quad City Air Show is hosting the biggest World War II - theme salute air show ever. The show, which is one of the longest-running air shows in the industry, is moving back to June after being held over Labor Day weekend in 2012 to accommodate the schedule of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

SmashZone is a way to showcase tennis in a fun and interactive way by making stops at fairs, festivals, air shows, retail environments and city centers. At SmashZone, children have the opportunity to play tennis games in a fun, festive atmosphere that allows participants to get active playing tennis from the start.

"The SmashZone Mobile Tour is a great platform to bring tennis to the masses through an interactive experience," said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. "It provides an opportunity for kids to try tennis for the first time, allowing them to experience the fun and excitement that comes with playing the game."

SmashZone Mobile includes a 53-foot trailer, which anchors four kid-sized tennis courts for youth play. Courts will feature games such as Xerox Rally Court, racquet drills and activities, as well as a Target Challenge. The trailer itself, which is handicap accessible, will feature activities for visitors that will include a Tennis Magazine Green Screen Cover Shoot, Wii Tennis and Touch Screen Kiosks. SmashZone Mobile is a complement to the USTA's successful youth participation initiative, 10 and Under Tennis.

10 and Under Tennis is an ongoing effort to encourage young people to get active by playing tennis. The initiative uses modified equipment and courts tailored to a child's age and ability. By featuring shorter and lighter racquets, slower-bouncing balls, smaller courts and simplified scoring, children learn to play more quickly and easily while having more fun in the process.

# # #

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the United States and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level, from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with more than 770,000 members, it invests 100 percent of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Emirates Airline US Open Series, linking nine summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA's national charitable foundation, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and helps underserved youth and people with disabilities. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com, "like" the official Facebook page, facebook.com/usta, or follow @usta on Twitter.
19 Jun 2013

artist AT WORK FOR UPCOMING FIGGE ART MUSEUM EXHIBITION

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (June 17, 2013) -  Beginning Wednesday on the first floor of the Parker Building in downtown Davenport, Chicago-based artist Juan Angel Chavez will be constructing a web-like structure made from items collected in the Quad Cities and Chicago. The finished product will be on view for the upcoming Figge Art Museum exhibition No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service which opens June 29.

 

Pedestrians will be able to watch Chavez in action at the corner of Brady and Second Street as he constructs the sculpture daily through June 24.

 

Chavez works with salvaged wood and other discarded materials to create dynamic, sculptural assemblages that celebrate the intrinsic value of ordinary, and seemingly banal, objects. The tears, stains, abrasions and other imperfections that mark the surface of the material he collects provide a lasting record of an object's complex history.

 

For No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service the installation will take the form of a web-like structure reminiscent of the temporary shelters that animals (and humans) construct for their survival. In his use of refuse and other found objects, Chavez seeks to draw attention to socially deviant behavior and other "unwanted" activities.

Born in La Junta, Chihuahua, Mexico, Chavez immigrated to the United States when he was thirteen. He attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Early College Program and continued his studies at The School, where he currently holds a faculty position in the sculpture department. He has exhibited in Chicago at the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Mexican Fine Art Center Museum, and the Hyde Park Art Center. Chavez has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation award, the Louis Comfort Tiffany award, Artadia Individual artist award and 3Arts award.

No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service will be on display June 29-October 6, 2013.

Companion Programming 

Opening Reception and Gallery Talk

5:30 pm Friday, June 28

Exclusive event for museum members and donors.

Tours

1:30 p.m. Sundays in July and Saturdays in August

 

Meet the Artist

12-4 p.m. Saturday, September 21

College students will take part in an invitation-only lunch followed by a 2 pm public lecture by Juan Angel Chavez.


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.
19 Jun 2013

Learn to Take Great Travel Photos during this session with Terry Mahon!

By Kelly Lao
Greetings!

Have a summer trip planned? Learn how to take great photographs of your adventures at the German American Heritage Center on Sunday, June 23rd at 2pm! Join Terry Mahon as he teaches you to create memorable images using your own camera! You will have the chance to enter your images from the summer in a photo contest! Class geared towards adults.

TUNE IN: Terry will be a guest on Paula Sands Live this Wednesday!
Watch KWQC News Channel 6 at 3:00pm on Wednesday, June 19th to see Terry Mahon speak about this upcoming Travel Photography class!

No need to register! Come down on Sunday; we hope to see you here!

Kids Photograph Class @GAHC Sunday, July 14th at 2pm Quad City Kids: Learn the basics of Photography at the German American Heritage Center!This 'Just for Kids'  will take kids, ages 8-18, through the basics of taking great photos! Receive a free booklet with photo ideas and techniques! You be the Judge: Children will have the chance to judge a variety of photos based on basic photo techniques taught during event. Kids will have a chance to enter a photo contest with their own images! Even if you do not get to join us for the afternoon, you may enter the photo contest!
19 Jun 2013

Summer Fun for QC Students

By Brittany Marietta

With summer in full swing, parents have likely heard the dreaded words from their children, "I'm bored."  Keep young minds sharp and active at Rivermont Summer Camp!  Week-long classes are offered through August 2nd for preschool through high school.  Classes are open to the entire Quad City community.  Registrations are still being accepted but don't delay - classes are filling up!

 

What: Rivermont Summer Camp 2013

Where: Rivermont Collegiate - 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf

When: Week-long classes offered now through August 2nd

Who: All Quad City students, preschool through high school

More Info & Registration: www.RivermontCollegiate.org or (563) 359-1366

June 17-21: Video Production (Grades 6-9, 12:30-3:30 p.m.)

June 24-28: Spy Camp (Grades K-1, 12:30-3:30 p.m.)

July 8-12: Locomotion (PreSchool-Junior Kindergarten, 8:30-11:30 a.m.)

July 15-19: CSI Crime Scene Investigator (Grades 2-3, 12:30-3:30 p.m.)

July 22-26: Robotics (Grades 4-6, 12:30-3:30 p.m.)

July 22-26: Lego Robotics (Grades 2-3, 8:30-11:30 a.m.)

July 22-26: Young Actors' Studio (Grades 4-6, 8:30-11:30 a.m.)

July 29-Aug 2: Around the World (Grades 2-3, 12:30-3:30 p.m.)
19 Jun 2013

Agenda for 6/20/13 SECC Board meeting

By Annie Nugent
SCOTT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (SECC) BOARD

Board Room, 1

1. Roll Call:  Frieden, Gallagher, Gluba, Minard, and O'Boyle.  Ex officio members:  Bruemmer, Frederiksen, Malin, and Ploehn

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Approval of Minutes

4. Election of Officer

     A.  Secretary/Treasurer

5. Presentation of Leadership Summit Graduates

6. Director's report

7. Discussion of strategy of upcoming labor negotiations with the SECC's organized employees pursuant to Iowa Code Section 20.17(3). - CLOSED SESSION  

8. Next meeting date - July 18, 2013 at 4:30 p.m.  

9. Adjourn
19 Jun 2013

Branstad names D.T. Magee as interim director of the Iowa Department of Education

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Duane "D.T." Magee, 42, as the interim head of the Iowa Department of Education. Magee starts June 24. He replaces outgoing Director Jason Glass.

"We are conducting a nationwide search for our permanent Department of Education director, and I am pleased D.T. Magee is taking on this important role," said Branstad. "We are beginning our systemic, transformational education reform, and D.T. Magee will ensure a smooth transition."

Since July 2012, Magee has served as executive director of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, which licenses Iowa's teachers, and he will continue in that role. Previously, he was assistant superintendent of human resources and director of human resources for the Waukee Community School District. Before moving to Waukee, Magee was a principal in the Harlan Community School District.

Magee holds an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership from Drake University, an M.S.E. in Education Administration from Buena Vista University and a B.S.E. in Secondary Business Education from Drake University. He is an Ames Senior High School graduate.

"This is a great opportunity to continue the great work of Jason Glass and to ensure continuity within the department as a new leader is chosen," said Magee. "I look forward to serving in this new capacity and moving Iowa's education system forward."

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19 Jun 2013

Spend this summer in nature with Davenport Parks and Recreation

By Kenneth Asta
Bow Fishing Class - Thursday, June 20 - 6pm - 7pm
This class will involve one hour of class room instruction on the techniques of bow fishing, places, and best time of the year to fish. It will also include information on the equipment such as where to obtain it, as well as how it works. After the class room instruction there will be a demonstration at Nahant Marsh using under water targets at different depths. Followed by a question answer session at the end of the class.
Family Learn How to Fish Day - Saturday, June 22- 9am - 12pm
Fishing is a popular sport for many people, but do you know how to fish? Do you really know the techniques of fishing? Bring your entire family with your poles or borrow a few from the Davenport  Parks and Recreation and "Learn-How-To-Fish". The event will discuss basics about fishing, which will include fish identification, parts of the fishing pole, baiting your hook and much more. Sign up for door prizes at the event. We will provide the worms and you have fun fishing!

Kindernature - Every Tuesday - 10:00am

Kindernature (ages 3-5) which have a variety of topics every Tuesday this summer $6 per child. Drop-ins are welcomed!

 

Click here for a list of programs

 

 

Toddling on the Wild Side - Every Thursday - 10:30am

Toddling on the Wild side (ages 18 months-2) every Thursday at 10:30am at Fejervary Learning Center $2 class fee. Drop-ins are welcomed!

 

Click here for a list of programs

 

Other upcoming nature programs

6/19/13: My Little Wheelbarrow 10-11am

6/20/13: How to Draw Plants (Youth Program) 10-11am

6/22/13: Rotary Event @ Fairgrounds 11am-4pm

6/23/13: Cream of the Crop Tour @ Triple Creek Dairy 1-2pm

6/24/13: Mobile Garden @ Goosecreek Park 10:30-11:30am

6/26/13: My Little Wheelbarrow 10-11am

6/27/13: How to Draw Plants (Youth program) 10-11am

6/27/13: Minty Concoctions (Adult Programming) 5:30-6:30

6/29/13: Mobile Garden @ 53rd Street Hy-Vee 10am-12pm

6/30/13: Cream of the Crop Tour @ Miss Effie's Flowers 1-2pm
19 Jun 2013

Gov. Branstad to sign Iowa Health and Wellness Plan Thursday in Mason City

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today announced he will sign Senate File 446, which contains the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 9 a.m.at the Mason City Clinic in Mason City, Iowa.

The Iowa Health and Wellness plan will make Iowa a national leader for patient outcomes and quality of care for low-income individuals. The plan is designed to protect Iowa from federal budget cuts in the future, increases the number of Iowans on private insurance, and will provide $48 million in property tax savings in the first full year of implementation.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad signs Iowa Health and Wellness Plan into law

Mason City Clinic - Atrium, 250 South Crescent Drive, Mason City, IA

Note: The Mason City Clinic is on the Mercy Hospital campus with the main entrance facing east.

Senate File 446: An Act relating to appropriations for health and human services and including other related provisions and appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective, retroactive and applicability date provisions.

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19 Jun 2013

Universal design is smart design

By Morgan Zenner

Design solutions cover long-term, situational needs for all

Des Plaines, Illinois, June 18, 2013?Remodeling trends may come and go, but one trend has evolved into an improved design movement focused on increasing accessibility for everyone in the home. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recognizes universal design projects as proven design solutions for not only aging-in-place, but for families with special needs or anyone who wishes to move about his or her home freely, without barriers.

Russell Long, president of Aloha Home Builders based in Eugene, Ore., is a pioneer of Universal Design, remodeling his home to fit the accessibility needs of his 16-year-old son who was born with cerebral palsy.

Though Long's accessibility needs may be greater than others, he always communicates the benefit of Universal Design to all of his clients. "Most people don't think about Universal Design until it's too late," he says. "A healthy person can be injured or need to care for a loved one who is aging, and suddenly, your needs have changed," he says.

Long believes many of the design elements incorporated into his project, which won a 2012 Northwest Regional CotY Award in the Entire House $500,000 to $1,000,000 category with Universal Design Project Recognition, are convenient and luxurious, as well as functional and wheelchair accessible. For example, the universal design features from his project include :

  • Zero barriers, which mean there are no steps in the home, especially for entryways. All living quarters are on the first floor, with the exception of an upstairs area that was converted into an apartment with the purpose of housing a caregiver at some point.
  • Wide hallways, open living spaces and dual entries in all rooms are common design elements used in wheelchair accessibility. Long's hallways are more than 5 feet wide, and living spaces are expanded so wheelchairs can move around furniture easily. Also, two entryways in all rooms?including the living room, dining room and kitchen?allows for ample traffic flow throughout the house.
  • Microwaves drawer and/or refrigeration drawers are also common in universal design, but Long says it is also a stylistic feature for those who prefer to showcase beautiful cabinetry and granite countertops rather than the eye-sore of a microwave taking up counter space.
  • Hardwood flooring is superior over carpeting for wheelchair accessibility. Long removed all carpeting on the first floor and installed engineered hardwood flooring throughout the entire floor, only covering certain areas with rugs. The new flooring also allowed for a five zone, energy-efficient radiant heating system throughout the house, which couldn't have been accomplished with carpeting.
  • Ramped pool entrance is a unique design feature developed by Long to make it easier for his son to be transferred in and out of the pool safely. However, once installed, the ramped entrance doubles as a convenient bench for guests to sit on while they enjoy the pool.

The key to Universal Design, according to Long, is to come up with design solutions that address current needs and future needs down the road. "We tried to think of solutions that could easily be added or taken out if we needed them or decided to sell our home one day," Long says.

He also adds a big misconception of Universal Design is that it looks institutional. "We research products and designs that blend functionality with beautiful aesthetics of a home, so that it never compromises a client's style," Long says.

NARI is the source for homeowners seeking to hire a professional remodeling contractor because members are full-time, dedicated remodelers who follow a strict code of ethics that observes high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Visit the NARI.org site to get tips on how to hire a remodeling professional and to search for NARI members in your area.

Click here to see an online version of this press release.

# # #

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.  The Association, which represents 7,000 member companies nationwide?comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors? is "The Voice of the Remodeling Industry."® To learn more about membership, visit www.NARI.org or contact national headquarters, based in Des Plaines, Ill., at (847) 298-9200.
19 Jun 2013

New Album, 'Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1864,' Explores U.S. Legacy

By Rick Martin
American Pioneer Music Says Campaign Songs Offer Unique Perspective on United States History

A new album of twelve 19th-century campaign songs, "Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1864," explores the popular media that helped influence political history in the United States before the 24-hour cable news cycle, Twitter and presidential debates broadcast on YouTube, says American Pioneer Music Director of Research Stuart Schimler.

"Political campaign songs were a central part to how citizens perceived candidates in presidential elections, and the songs of 1864 give us insight into the critiques of Abraham Lincoln before he became a legend," says Schimler, whose company is the only record label to exclusively tackle this distinctly American folk and political history.

"Many of the themes expressed during 1864 are still relevant to today's topics, including the gold standard, income taxes, war profiteering, civil liberties and continuing a war that began to lose favor with the public."

To say the least, "Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1864" is unusual - even for a concept album, says Schimler, who researched and selected the songs for the project.

Catchy campaign songs were an effective way of spreading messages. Promoters, politicians and supporters matched set their lyrics to popular Irish and Scottish melodies, minstrel songs and ballads.

In this compilation, American Pioneer Music offers a collection of interpretations of authentic songs from the political campaign of 1864, from both the Republican and Democratic parties. The powerful 19th century lyrics, with their accurate depiction of themes, language and sentiments of America at its critical juncture, are even more controversial in the 21st century.

Most 19th Century minstrels songs, such as "oh Susannah," "My Old Kentucky Home" and "Camptown Races" have offensive lyrics removed during recording sessions. American Pioneer Music decided to release the album with its original language as to not change the meaning of the songs. To fully understand the political culture of the time, listeners must be aware of the original lyrics. "Modern audiences can gain valuable insight into a heated presidential campaign," Schimler says. "This album is perfect for adults that want to experience American history."

About American Pioneer Music

American Pioneer Music L.L.C. was founded in 2013 to produce songs from the American experience, with an emphasis on presidential campaign tunes. The company is a one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial effort for a largely forgotten genre in both U.S. history and folk music. Its first release "Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 Election" is currently available on iTunes.

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