04 Dec 2013

Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) hosting Quad Cities FIRST® LEGO® League Regional Qualifier Tournaments

By Pat Barnes

Local Children Apply Research and Robotics To Explore Natural Disasters with FIRST ® LEGO®
League "NATURE'S FURY?" Challenge

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is proud to host the FIRST® LEGO® League tournaments in the Quad Cities for the 5th year. In 2009, the first tournament was held at the Putnam Museum in Davenport with 13 teams. In 2013, there will be 109 FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League teams participating with 700+ students at 3 separate events. The events are being supported by 150+ volunteers including from John Deere, Exelon, Alcoa, 3M, the Arsenal, and the National Weather Service.

Area children, ages 9 to 16 (9 to 14 in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), are among the record 230,000 children around the world who have risen to the 2013 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) "NATURE'S FURY?" Challenge. To successfully complete the Challenge, teams of young people must build and program a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robot to complete missions on a thematic playing surface, and conduct research to discover what can be done when intense natural events meet the places people live, work, and play. Through hands-on experience and working in teams, children have a chance to explore a real-world issue to gain an appreciation for and interest in science and technology.

Teams of 2-10 local children go head to head, putting approximately 8 weeks of research, design, and programming to the test in a regional FLL Championship Tournament to win honors and recognition. The FLL season will culminate with the FLL World Festival at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, April 23-26, 2014. Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL®) children (ages 6-9) display LEGO models and research projects based on the "DISASTER BLASTER" Challenge theme. To learn more about the "NATURE'S FURY?" Challenge, go to www.FIRSTLEGOLeague.org .

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

o December 7th 7:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. at John Deere Middle School (2035 11th Street, Moline, IL) with 26 teams. This event also includes a Junior FIRST® LEGO® League Expo

o December 14th and 15th in Davenport at the Putnam Museum with 32 teams each day along with 18 Junior FIRST LEGO League Teams at an expo.

The events are free and open to the public. More information is available at www.qcesc.org including pictures from past events. For further information, please contact Pat Barnes at barnespatricko@johndeere.com or (563) 370-5513.

Background of FIRST® LEGO League:
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $16 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

The LEGO Group is a privately-held firm based in Billund, Denmark. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities through high-quality, creatively educational play materials, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: "Only the best is good enough." For more information, visit FIRST®, the FIRST® logo, FIRST® Robotics Competition, FRC®, FIRST® Tech Challenge, FTC®, and Gracious Professionalism® are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®). LEGO® and MINDSTORMS® are registered trademarks of the LEGO Group. FIRST® LEGO® League, FLL®, Junior FIRST® LEGO® League, Jr.FLL®, NATURE'S FURY®, and DISASTER BLASTER® are jointly held trademarks of FIRST and the LEGO Group. ©2013 FIRST ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® Quad City Engineering and Science Council:

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City area with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit and is actively seeking new society members as well as additional corporate sponsors.

The QCESC is in it's 52nd year of operation and annually sponsors events such as the National Engineers Banquet, the Engineering and Scientist of The Year Awards, scholarships to local high school students, the President's Reception for local Society President's and provides judges and volunteers for the local STEM activities including FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, Battle of the Bridges, QC Tech Challenge, Mousetrap Car Race, and the Kids Engineering Camp.

More information about the QCESC can be found at: www.qcesc.org

# # #

04 Dec 2013

QUAD CITY ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN FOR APPLICATION

By Christine Cournoyer

Scholarship application available for high school seniors interested in STEM degree.

The Quad-City Engineering and Science Council, or QCESC, has released its 2014 scholarship application at www.qcesc.org. Applications must be mailed by January 17, 2014. The scholarships will be awarded at its 52nd annual National Engineers Week banquet on February 20th. 

2014 will mark the 20th year of the QCESC awarding scholarships to encourage students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, related fields. Last year 11scholarships were awarded worth $18,000.

These scholarships are awarded based on academics, extracurricular activities (which include work and community service), and leadership experience. An essay on career goals and why the applicant is interested in a STEM-related field is also required. High school seniors from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties in Illinois; and Clinton Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa are eligible to apply.

2014 Scholarships Provided by QCESC Engineering College partners include :
• Iowa State University (2 x $1,000)
• University of Iowa (1 x $1,000)
• University of Illinois - Chicago (1 x $1,000)
• University of Wisconsin - Platteville (1 x $2,500)
• Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Campus (1 x $1,000)

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City region with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit organized in 1963. Its mission is to Promote and support engineering, science, and technical professionals and associated societies in the Quad City Region and to also support and encourage students in the Quad City Region to study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.

For more information or to download the scholarship form, visit us at www.qcesc.org .

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04 Dec 2013

Quad City Science and Engineering Council Accepting Nominations for 2014 Awards Including Engineer, Scientist & STEM Teacher of the Year

By David Smith
The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) originally established its awards program in 1966 to pay tribute and recognize engineering, science, and technical professionals whose exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on technology, society, and their profession. This includes helping to promote and raise the awareness of engineering and science in our local communities.

The awards will be announced at the 52nd Annual National Engineers Week Banquet tentatively scheduled for February 20, 2014.

Due Date:

All applications must be received by Friday, January 31, 2014 via e-mail (preferred) or delivered

via normal mail to the PO Box. Nominations forms are available at our website, www.qcesc.org.

E-mail: awards@qcesc.org or

Mail: Quad City Engineering and Science Council

Attn: Awards Committee

PO Box 1166

Bettendorf, IA 52722

General Information:

The six award categories are:

a. Junior Engineer (less than 36 years old on December 31, 2013)

b. Junior Scientist (less than 36 years old on December 31, 2013)

c. Senior Engineer (36 years or greater on December 31, 2013)

d. Senior Scientist (36 years or greater on December 31, 2013)

e. Lifetime Achievement Award

f. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Teacher of the Year


Any technical society, business, organization, or individual may submit as many nominations as they wish. Multiple nominations of the same person will not enhance the chances of winning the award. Since points are awarded for each category, it's important that the nomination be completely filled out with the information requested in the appropriate portion of the form provided in that location. Please avoid the use of acronyms or provide an explanation of each one used. An example nomination is available on the QCESC web site to serve as a guide.

3. The nomination package must include the following:

a. Completed nomination form found at www.qcesc.org . No additional material will be accepted.

b. One color or black and white photograph (head shot) in digital form for potential use with the

press release and for posting on the QCESC website.

4. Nominations for an award will be considered for two additional years if not selected in the initial

year.



###
04 Dec 2013

Straight from NBC-TV's fourth season of The Sing-Off, the vocal band "Home Free" will appear at the Central Performing Arts Center in DeWitt, Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

By Rick Martin

Five guys - five microphones - no instruments

Straight from NBC-TV's fourth season of The Sing-Off, the vocal band "Home Free" will appear at the Central Performing Arts Center in DeWitt, Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

The Sing-Off Season 4 debuts Monday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. and features ten a capella vocal groups, all competing for a $100,000 prize and a Sony Music recording contract.

Songs featured in season 4 will be available on iTunes the day after each telecast, but area folks can see "Home Free" in a live performance at the Central Performing Arts Center's auditorium.

The group hails from Mankato, Minn., and has traveled all over the world performing at everything from black-tie events to casual high school assemblies.

The award-winning "Home Free" is a distinctive combination of comedy and music featuring five male vocalists with extensive theatrical and musical training.

Each performance showcases a new experience that draws in their audiences and leaves them amazed. Their genre of music covers a wide mix of pop, jazz, classical and country ? all songs done with only the human voice and microphones, resulting in a truly unique and incredible sound.

The DeWitt performance, originally scheduled for Feb. 22, has been moved up to Valentine's Day because "Home Free" will be embarking on a six-week, 30-city arena tour with other Sing-Off contestants starting in mid February.

Tickets are on sale at DeWitt City Hall, online at <www.midwestix.com> and at the door one hour before the performance. Advance tickets are $23 for adults, and $5 for students; and $25 and $5 at the door.

A limited number of tickets for Valentine's Day dinner featuring cheesy ravioli, chicken Alfredo, salad, bread sticks, red velvet cake and chocolate covered strawberries, tea and coffee is available for $12.50 per person.

04 Dec 2013

Stephen L. Colby towboat: Response salvage, cleanup operations continue

By Amanda Saunders

We received photos of cleanup crews working a section of the contained oil in the Mississippi River using sorbent material and plastic bags to properly remove the oiled material, near LeClaire, Iowa, Dec. 3, 2013. Response crews have deployed more than 7,100 feet of boom and collected more than 1,800 cubic-feet of oily waste.

I have included a link with photos as well as am link to a video. Please let me know if you would be intererested in obtaining either asset for use. Thank you for your time, this is a free service.

Link to images: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1065040/stephen-l-colby-response-salvage-cleanup-operations-continue#.Up6Dx8RDu1g#ixzz2mStFHOq3

Images:http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1065048/stephen-l-colby-response-salvage-cleanup-operations-continue#.Up6EkcRDu1g

Link to Video: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/310592/stephen-l-colby-response-crews-shift-salvage-operations#.Up6E-cRDu1g


04 Dec 2013

MALLARDS GEAR UP FOR RIVALRY WEEKEND

By Jim Kersten
Presented by Pub 1848

$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday Presented by 97X Returns

Donate to Toys for Tots and Save Saturday and Sunday

First Harris Pizza Puck and Pizza Game Sunday

$1 Kids Tickets Sunday with Purchase of Adult Seat

MOLINE, Ill. (December 3, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards return to action on home ice for Rivalry Weekend Presented by Pub 1848 this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Mallards will play three consecutive games against their newest rivals from north of the border, the Brampton Beast, on a promotion-packed weekend.

The Mallards and Beast face off at 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 4:05 p.m. Sunday. Tickets for any of those 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.  Fans can also stop by Pub 1848 to find out how to get free tickets- including glass seats- for this weekend's games. Rivalry weekend concludes when Mallards players join fans for a postgame party at Pub 1848 immediately after Sunday's tilt. Conveniently located just blocks from the iWireless Center at 1601 River Drive, Pub 1848 is a favorite spot in historic downtown Moline for drinks, laughs and plenty of fun.

This Friday is also 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. Friday's first intermission entertainment, will, courtesy of 97X, follow the hot dog-themed spirit of the evening.

The Mallards have also partnered with Metro, which provides earlier service on the Route 59 between Augustana College and downtown Moline during Friday home games this season. The Route 59 will make one trip from campus to downtown Moline prior to the game (arriving at 5th Avenue and 15th Street at 6:30 p.m.) and will resume service from downtown to campus every 30 minutes from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.  Regular Metro fares are just $1 one-way or $2 round-trip. As part of Metro's unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare. Visit www.gogreenmetro.com or www.facebook.com/53and59 for more information.

The Mallards will join in the spirit of the holiday season by accepting Toys for Tots donations at their games Saturday and Sunday. Fans will receive $3 off a ticket to either of those games for each new toy they donate at the iWireless Center.

The Mallards this weekend play their first Sunday home game of the season and, thus, give fans their first chance to take advantage of the Harris Pizza Puck and Pizza Package. With the Harris Pizza Puck and Pizza Package, fans can purchase four lower level tickets for just $55 or four upper level seats for only $45 and receive a certificate for a free large single topping pizza from Harris Pizza. The Puck and Pizza Package is available at the iWireless Center Box Office for both Wednesday and Sunday games.

Families will have a further chance to save on tickets to Sunday's game- tickets to that contest for children 12 and under will be available at the iWireless Center ticket office for just $1 with the purchase of a regularly priced adult ticket.

After Sunday's game fans will also have the chance to meet a pair of Mallards for autographs and photographs at each of two Governor's Pub & Grill locations. Nick Grasso and Thomas Frazee will stop by Governor's at 2180 53rd Street in Moline while Darren McMillan and Mike Monfredo will be at Governor's at 3470 Middle Road in Bettendorf.

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 ### -
04 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Statement on Historic Passage of Comprehensive Pension Reform

By Brooke Anderson
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the Illinois General Assembly's historic passage of comprehensive pension reform which will erase the unfunded pension debt and provide 100 percent funding for the systems. After inheriting the worst-funded pension crisis in the nation due to decades of mismanagement, the Governor made pension reform his top priority, proposed a conference committee to break ongoing legislative gridlock, and worked with legislative leaders and members to pass the bill.

"Since I took the oath of office, I've pushed relentlessly for a comprehensive pension reform solution that would erase a $100 billion liability and restore fiscal stability to Illinois.

"Today, we have won.

"The people of Illinois have won.

"This landmark legislation is a bipartisan solution that squarely addresses the most difficult fiscal issue Illinois has ever confronted.

"This bill will ensure retirement security for those who have faithfully contributed to the pension systems, end the squeeze on critical education and healthcare services, and support economic growth.

"I applaud House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno for their leadership and good-faith negotiations. I thank Senator Kwame Raoul and members of the conference committee for their hard work over the past six months.

"I salute the members of the General Assembly who showed great political courage by voting yes for pension reform."

###

03 Dec 2013

MALLARDS SIGN NETMINDER NIEDERT

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (December 3, 2013) - The Quad City Mallards have signed goaltender Nick Niedert, the Mallards announced today.

Niedert, 31, started this season with the Danville Dashers of the Federal Hockey League after playing for five teams in four leagues last season- the Gwinnett Gladiators and Reading Royals of the ECHL, the Bloomington Blaze of the Central Hockey League, the August RiverHawks of the Southern Professional Hockey League and the Danbury Whalers of the FHL. This season with Danville Niedert went 1-6-0 in seven games with a 5.13 goals against average and a .864 save percentage.

Niedert is not a stranger to the Mallards. The 5' 8", 185-pound native of Hudson, Iowa participated in the Mallards 2011 training camp.

Over the course of his nine-year career, Niedert has played for 21 teams in nine different leagues after competing for five teams over three seasons of junior hockey.

The Mallards return to action Friday night at 7:05 p.m on home ice against the Brampton Beast. 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. 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 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.
03 Dec 2013

Frazee Named 50/50 Central CHL Rookie of the Month

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (December 3, 2013) - Quad City Mallards forward Thomas Frazee has been named 50/50 Central Central Hockey League Rookie of the Month for November, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

Frazee scored five goals and collected a dozen assists for 17 points while posting a plus/minus rating of +13 in 11 games in November. Frazee finished November riding a five-game point-scoring streak (4-7-11) and capped off the month by setting a Mallard single game season high for assists (4) and matching a team season high for points (4) in a 9-3 drubbing of the Tulsa Oilers last Saturday. That contest was Frazee's fifth multiple-point game of November. He notched at least two points in each of the Mallards' three games last week and totaled nine points (three goals and six assists) over that stretch.

On the season, Frazee is tied for eighth in the league in plus/minus (+10). Among CHL rookies, he ranks second in assists (12), is tied for third in goals (17) and is tied for sixth in goals (5).

Frazee is the second Mallard in as many days to earn league-wide honors. Jeff Lee was named CHL Player of the Week yesterday.

Prior to joining the Mallards, the 23-year old Frazee scored seven goals and totaled 22 points in 16 games for Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario last season. The 6' 3", 210-pound North Vancouver native first arrived at Lakehead midway through the 2011-12 season, a campaign Frazee began with the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors. Frazee scored once and picked up three assists in 13 games as a Condor before making the move to the university ranks.

Frazee spent five-plus seasons in the major junior Western Hockey League, skating for the Portland Winter Hawks, Medicine Hat Tigers, Moose Jaw Warriors, Regina Pats and Kamloops Blazers between 2006 and 2011. Frazee's final junior campaign was his most productive. He scored 31 goals and notched 72 points in 70 games while splitting the 2010-11 season between Regina and Kamloops. In all, Frazee recorded 72 goals and 188 points in 313 career WHL games.

The Mallards return to action Friday night at 7:05 p.m on home ice against the Brampton Beast.  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.  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 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.
03 Dec 2013

Local Historic Landmark - Holiday Open House

By Brittany Marietta

Did you know? Bettendorf was named after 2 brothers when they brought their manufacturing business to the town in 1902. One of the brothers, Joseph Bettendorf, built a breathtaking Mansion overlooking the Mississippi, which still stands today and is open to the entire Quad City community while beautifully decorated for the holidays!

Help us spread the word to Quad City residents about this fantastic opportunity to tour a local historic landmark!

Rivermont Collegiate Holiday Open House 2013

Saturday, December 14th - 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Rivermont Collegiate campus - 1821 Sunset Drive - Bettendorf, IA 52722

(located directly off 18th Street, behind K&K Hardware)

Open to the entire Quad City community!

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