29 Oct 2013

Certification for Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy Now Available for Exporters

By United Soybean Board
U.S. Soybean Farmers Highlight Their Sustainability Performance Through Soybean Sustainability Assurance Protocol

ST. LOUIS (October 29, 2013) - The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) recently launched an official sustainability certification for U.S. soy. It provides exporters with verification that the soy products they sell on the world market are raised in a sustainable manner.  

The certification is verified by the U.S. Soybean Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP). This protocol was developed by the United Soybean Board (USB), USSEC and the American Soybean Association (ASA) through a multi-stakeholder process to ensure the methodologies for measuring sustainable performance are thorough, transparent and credible. Creation of the SSAP and its official sustainability certification for exported soy products is a strategic move by these farmer-led national soybean organizations to assure international customers that U.S. farmers raise soybeans with high sustainability performance.  

"It is essential that we show the rest of the world what we are doing with regard to best management practices on the farm and best social practices in the community," says Laura Foell, Schaller, Iowa, farmer and USB farmer-leader. "Farmers are doing the right thing and striving for continuous improvement. We need to make sure our customers know that."

The sustainability certification is based on farmer participation in U.S. farm programs. Currently 95 percent of U.S. farms participate, according to USSEC. Thus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates of total soybean supply are multiplied by 0.95 to determine U.S. sustainable soy supply. The SSAP provides proof of reductions in carbon emissions, energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil erosion per acre of soybeans grown and per bushel of soybeans produced in the United States.

Certification is done at shipment point by Soy Export Sustainability, LLC, www.usses.org, based on an aggregate system representing nationwide soybean production.

This fall, the farmer-led organizations that constitute the U.S. soy family - USSEC, USB and ASA - are introducing their sustainability assurance protocol and sustainability certification system through a series of meetings around the world. Meetings with soy customers are being held in the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey and also U.S. soy farmers' largest market - China.  

The 69 farmers who serve on the USB board of directors oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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29 Oct 2013

FHLB Des Moines Reports Third Quarter 2013 Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results

By Madge Cremer

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (the Bank) today released preliminary unaudited financial highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. The Bank expects to file its Third Quarter 2013 Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on or about November 8, 2013.

Operating Results

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank recorded net income of $30.1 million and $73.1 million compared to $18.1 million and $81.5 million for the same periods in 2012. The Bank's net income was primarily driven by net interest income and other (loss) income.

The Bank's net interest income totaled $50.7 million and $154.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared with $59.3 million and $184.2 million for the same periods last year. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in interest income from advances, investments, and mortgage loans  esulting from the continuing low interest rate environment and lower average investment and mortgage loan balances when compared to the prior year. In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30,  2013, the Bank recorded advance prepayment fee income of $1.3 million and $4.4 million compared to  $5.9 million and $24.1 million during the same periods last year.

These decreases were offset in part by a decline in funding costs. The Bank's net interest margin, excluding the impact of advance prepayment fees, was 0.38 percent and 0.41 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 0.44 percent and 0.43 percent for the same periods in 2012. This decline was a result of growth in advance balances. Advances generate lower margins when compared to the majority of the Bank's other interest-earning assets due to the Bank's cooperative structure.

The Bank's other (loss) income totaled $(4.1) million and $(33.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to ($24.5) million and ($49.2) million for the same periods last year. The primary drivers of other (loss) income were losses on trading securities, gains on derivatives and hedging  ctivities, and losses on the extinguishment of debt, as further described below.

The Bank's trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected through other (loss) income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank recorded losses on trading securities of $7.8 million and $87.1 million compared to gains of $12.0 million and $26.9 million for the same  periods in 2012. These changes in fair value were due to the impact of changes in interest rates and credit spreads on the Bank's fixed rate trading securities.

The changes in fair value on trading securities are generally offset by changes in fair value on derivatives and hedging activities. The Bank utilizes derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk, including mortgage prepayment risk. Accounting rules require all derivatives to be recorded at fair value and therefore the Bank may be subject to income statement volatility. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank recorded gains of $2.3 million and $72.3 million on its derivatives and hedging activities through other (loss) income compared to losses of $11.4 million and $33.0 million during the same periods last year. These fair value changes were primarily attributable to the impact of changes in interest rates on interest rate swaps, which the Bank put in place to economically hedge its trading securities portfolio as discussed above.

The Bank did not extinguish any debt during the three months ended September 30, 2013; however, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Bank extinguished $162.1 million of higher-costing consolidated obligations and recorded losses on these debt extinguishments of $25.7 million through other (loss) income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Bank extinguished $137.6 million and $288.1 million of higher-costing consolidated obligations and recognized losses of $25.9 million and $48.6 million.

Balance Sheet Highlights

The Bank's total assets increased to $65.1 billion at September 30, 2013 from $47.4 billion at December 31, 2012 due primarily to an increase in advances. Advances increased by $19.2 billion due primarily to borrowings from a depository institution member during the third quarter. The Bank's total liabilities increased to $61.6 billion at September 30, 2013 from $44.5 billion at December 31, 2012 due to an increase in consolidated obligations issued to fund the growth in advances. Total capital increased to $3.4 billion at September 30, 2013 from $2.8 billion at December 31, 2012 primarily due to an increase in activity-based capital stock resulting from the increase in advances. This increase was offset in part by the Bank reducing its
activity-based capital stock requirements from 4.45 percent to 4.00 percent effective August 1, 2013. This resulted in the repurchase of approximately $150 million of capital stock from members. Retained earnings grew due to earnings in excess of dividends and were $656.0 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $621.9 million at December 31, 2012.

Additional financial information will be provided in the Bank's Third Quarter 2013 Form 10-Q available at www.fhlbdm.com or www.sec.gov on or about November 8, 2013.

Dividend

In November, the Board of Directors is scheduled to review and approve the third quarter 2013 dividend. A dividend announcement is expected on or about November 13, 2013.


Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Financial Highlights
(unaudited)


September   December
Statements of Condition           30,        31,
(dollars in millions)            2013       2012
---------  ---------
Advances                        $ 45,787   $ 26,614
Investments                       12,336     13,433
Mortgage loans held for
portfolio, net                    6,590      6,952
Total assets                      65,063     47,367
Consolidated obligations          60,445     43,020
Total liabilities                 61,644     44,533
Total capital stock - Class B
putable                           2,690      2,063
Retained earnings                    656        622
Accumulated other
comprehensive income                 73        149
Total capital                      3,419      2,834
Total regulatory capital1          3,359      2,694

1 Total regulatory capital includes all capital stock, mandatorily redeemable capital stock, and retained earnings.



Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,       September 30,
------------------  -------------------
Operating Results (dollars in
millions)                        2013     2012       2013      2012
---------  -------  ---------  --------
Net interest income               $ 50.7   $ 59.3    $ 154.7   $ 184.2
Other (loss) income                (4.1)   (24.5)     (33.6)    (49.2)
Other expense                       13.2     14.6       39.9      44.4
Total assessments                    3.3      2.1        8.1       9.1
Net income                          30.1     18.1       73.1      81.5
Performance Ratios
Net interest margin                0.39%    0.49%      0.42%     0.49%
Net interest margin,
excluding advance prepayment
fees                              0.38%    0.44%      0.41%     0.43%
Return on average equity           4.12%    2.56%      3.45%     3.88%
Return on average capital
stock                             5.49%    3.53%      4.72%     5.29%
Return on average assets           0.23%    0.15%      0.20%     0.22%
Regulatory capital ratio           5.16%    5.43%      5.16%     5.43%



The selected financial data above should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in the Bank's Third Quarter 2013 Form 10-Q to be filed on or about November 8, 2013 with the SEC.

Statements contained in this announcement, including statements describing the objectives, projections, estimates, or future predictions in the Bank's operations, may be forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as believes, projects, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, strategy, plan, could, should, may, and will or their negatives or other variations on these terms. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk or uncertainty and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized.

The Bank is a wholesale cooperative bank that provides low-cost, short- and long-term funding and community lending to nearly 1,200 members, including commercial banks, saving institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. The Bank is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. The Bank serves Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota and is one of twelve regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System.


CONTACT: Madge Cremer
515.281.1071
mcremer@fhlbdm.com

29 Oct 2013

What Can You Say to Help Someone with Cancer?

By Ginny Grimsley
Psychotherapist Therapist Shares Her Patients' 4 Favorite Boosts

This year alone, 238,000 men will be diagnosed with new cases of prostate cancer, the most common incidence of the disease. More than 234,580 men and women will learn they have breast cancer, the second most common today, according to the National Cancer Institute.

All told, about 13.7 million Americans are living with cancer or a history of cancer.*

Chances are, you know one or more of them.

"Friends, family, co-workers - they can all play an important role in helping a cancer patient's recovery simply by providing emotional support," says pioneering cancer psychotherapist Dr. Niki Barr, author of "Emotional Wellness, The Other Half of Treating Cancer," (canceremotionalwellbeing.com).

After a diagnosis of cancer, people have a greater need for social support, which has been shown to influence health outcomes, according to a National Institutes of Health report. Of the nine types of social support, the report says emotional support is among the most important.

"Even if you're not among the person's closest friends or family, you can help far more than you imagine simply by being encouraging and supportive," says Barr, who works exclusively with cancer patients and their loved ones.

"I understand people don't always know what to say to someone who's just been diagnosed or is in the midst of treatments and yes, sometimes they do say the wrong thing," Barr says. "I remind my patients often to refuse to listen to cancer 'horror stories,' so please, don't tell those!"

While everyone is different, Barr says that she's found a few things her patients consistently say benefit them:

• Sometimes saying nothing at all says everything. If your friend or loved one wants to talk about her treatments, complain about his situation, or not talk at all, being a good listener or simply a quiet presence speaks volumes. When a person complains, many of us jump to "help" by suggesting solutions. That's likely not what your friend or loved one is looking for. As my patients have said time and time again, sometimes they just want to get it all off their chest. An empathetic listener is all the help they need.

• Make your offer of help specific. "Call me if you need anything at all," puts the burden on your loved one - who already carries a tremendous burden! Instead, you might offer to make dinner for her family on Wednesday night and ask what meal everyone enjoys. Or volunteer to drive him to his doctor appointment on Monday afternoon. This makes it easy for your friend to politely accept or decline your offer, and it ensures you provide the assistance you feel comfortable providing.

• Not sure what to talk about? Follow his lead. Some days, my patients want to talk only about their illness, the treatment they're undergoing, and how they feel. Other days, they want to talk about anything BUT cancer. We all have days when we're immersed in our own lives and other days when we want to be distracted - or to just feel normal.

• If you're not sure what to say, err on the side of being positive. Don't say what you don't know - for instance, you don't know that everything is going to be just fine. But if you admire your loved one's strength or sense of humor, if your friend's attitude inspires you, tell them so. We all benefit from hearing a sincere compliment.

When a person who's going through what may be the most difficult, stressful event of their lives knows that you care, it makes a difference, Barr says.

"If you're truly at a loss for words, it never hurts to simply say, 'I'm thinking about you."

*as of Jan. 1, 2012; National Cancer Institute

About Niki Barr, Ph.D. (@NikiBarrPhD)

Niki Barr, Ph.D. founded a pioneering psychotherapy practice dedicated to working with cancer patients in all stages of the disease, along with their family members, caregivers and friends. In her book, she describes an "emotional wellness toolbox" patients can put together with effective and simple strategies, ready to use at any time, for helping them move forward through cancer. Dr. Barr is a dynamic and popular speaker, sharing her insights with cancer patients and clinicians across the nation.

29 Oct 2013

Thank a local veteran with a free haircut

By Matt DeMargel

Great Clips awards customers with free haircut cards to give veterans through 2013

(October, 2013) - When we see men and women in military uniforms, many of us want to walk up and thank them for devoting their lives to preserve our freedom. Now, you can show our appreciation by awarding active or retired U.S. military members a free haircut. It's all part of the "Thank a Veteran" promotion from Great Clips, the world's largest hair salon brand. Great Clips leaders say the gesture is one small thank-you for our veterans' service to country.

Shears Salute

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, customers who come in for a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active/inactive/retired military member of any branch, including the National Guard. Military members can also come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut or to pick up a free haircut card to use, with proof of service, any day before Dec. 31, 2013.

"We're honored to help the entire nation show appreciation for the men and women who have served our country," says Great Clips CEO, Rhoda Olsen, who is married to a Vietnam veteran.  "We invite everyone to come into a U.S. Great Clips salon on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to purchase a service and pick up a free haircut card. Give the card to your veteran neighbor, family member or just someone you notice is a veteran to thank them for serving our country. It's one small way to show you truly care and appreciate their service."

How It Works:

  • Customers come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and, with the purchase of a service, receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
  • Limit one card per customer.
  • The free haircut cards are redeemable by veterans at any U.S. Great Clips from Nov. 11-Dec. 31, 2013 with proof of service. The promotion applies to veterans only.
  • Veterans who visit Great Clips in the U.S. on Nov. 11 receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to redeem by Dec. 31. After Nov. 11, veterans must have a free haircut card to get the free haircut.

"Many of our franchise owners, corporate staff and Great Clips stylists have served in the military, or have family members or customers who have served, so we are all excited to be a part of this nationwide 'thank-you' to our men and women in uniform," says Terri Miller, Great Clips vice president of marketing & communications. "To make sure as many veterans as possible have the opportunity to get their free haircut, we extended this promotion through the end of the year. We want to give these great people more time to visit a Great Clips and redeem this thank-you card for a free haircut in honor of their service."

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About Great Clips, Inc.
Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has more than 3,300 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world's largest salon brand. Great Clips salons employ nearly 30,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn the Great Clips customer service system and advanced technical skills. Make Great Clips your choice for value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments are needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. And it's more convenient than ever with Great Clips' Online Check-In and Clip Notes®. To check in online, visit www.greatclips.com or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit www.greatclips.com.

29 Oct 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Students to be Honored by Lincoln Academy November 2

By Brooke Anderson

Ceremony at Old State Capitol Recognizes the Top Student from Each College and University in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the names of the state's outstanding college students who will be honored by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The Academy will recognize the students during the annual Student Laureate Convocation at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield.

"These students have exhibited a personal commitment to excel as seen by their remarkable academic accomplishments," Governor Quinn said. "They serve as role models to all Illinois students. With hard-working and dedicated young leaders such as these, Illinois and the rest of the nation can look forward to a bright future."

The Lincoln Academy's Student Laureate Awards are presented for excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities to seniors from each of the state's four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from among all the community colleges in Illinois. At the Student Laureate Convocation, each will receive a Student Laureate Medallion, along with a $1,000 educational grant and a certificate of achievement. This event will mark the 39th year that students have been honored by the Academy.

Student Laureate Caelin Niehoff of DePaul University will speak on behalf of all the Laureates. The invocation will be delivered by Robert A. Easter, Ph.D., President of the University of Illinois and the benediction will be delivered by The Reverend Stanley Davis, Jr. The Sangamon Woodwind Consort will provide music, and a luncheon at the Illinois Executive Mansion will follow the Student Laureate Convocation.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established 49 years ago to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens with the state's highest award, the Order of Lincoln. The 50th Annual Convocation and Investiture of Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois will take place Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Field Museum in Chicago.

STUDENT LAUREATES

 

School                         Student                        Home Town

 

Augustana College                        Jenna N. Orabutt                        Hawthorn Woods, IL

Aurora University                     Andrew J. Patton                         Oswego, IL

Benedictine University                     Eman Sahloul                        Orland Park, IL

Blackburn College                        Ashley Donoho                        

Bradley University                     Jonathan Teich                          Bay City, MI

Chicago State University                    Christopher D. Muldrow                      Oak Forest, IL

Columbia College - Chicago              Allison C. Shuman                         Cranston, RI

Concordia University Chicago            David J. Moldenhauer                    Walled Lake, MI

DePaul University                     Caelin Niehoff                        Algonquin, IL

Dominican University                     David C. Gayes                          Oak Park, IL

Eastern Illinois University                    Zachary D. Samples                        Decatur, IL

Elmhurst College                        Emily A. Darow                          Palatine, IL

Eureka College                        Lauren M. Schwanke                       Eureka, IL

Governors State University                Ricca Louissaint                     South Holland, IL

Greenville College                        Alyssa R. Gosselin                       Derby, VT

Illinois College                        Phuong Hoang Nguyen                      Thai Binh, Vietnam

Illinois Institute of Technology            Miriam R. Schmid                         Cissna Park, IL

Illinois State University                     Brian M. Kulaga                         Elmhurst, IL

Illinois Wesleyan University                Josefina Banales                        Chicago, IL

Judson University                     Cassandra E. Criminger                     Flanagan, IL

Knox College                        Carolyn Stephen                        St. Louis, MO

Lake Forest College                        Anali N. Vargas                         Chicago, IL

Lake Land College                        Kolten A. Postin                         Moweaqua, IL

Lewis University                     Samantha J. Rinehart                       Marion, IA

Lincoln College                        Josh A. Jones                          Joliet, IL

Loyola University Chicago                  Thomas J. Serena                         Shorewood, IL

MacMurray College                        Katherine L. Schmidt                        Jerseyville, IL

McKendree University                     Anthony J. Rhoads                         Litchfield, IL

Millikin University                     Emily E. D'Ambrose                      Naperville, IL

Monmouth College                        William T. Terrill                                  Sugar Grove, IL

National Louis University                    Kristine Becker-Kristufek               Mt. Prospect, IL

North Central College                        Colin J. Loeffler                       Sun Prairie, WI

North Park University                     An Tran                           Hanoi, Vietnam

Northeastern Illinois University           Ashor O. Jajou                          Morton Grove, IL

Northern Illinois University                  Sarah L. Stuebing                       DeKalb, IL

Olivet Nazarene University                 Breanne M. Bambrick                       Washington, IL

Principia College                        Haley O. Morton                         Wildwood, MO

Quincy University                     Samantha A. Nielsen                        Arlington Heights, IL

Rockford University                     Dunja Cosic                          Rockford, IL

Roosevelt University                     Erin McCaslin                       Maple Valley, WA

St. Xavier University                     Lauren Bryk                           Rolling Meadows, IL

Southern IL Univ. Carbondale            Eileen N. Schweiss                       Festus, MO

Southern IL Univ. Edwardsville          Christopher J. Branch                         Edwardsville, IL

The University of Chicago                  Safiya C. Johnson                        Chicago, IL

Trinity Christian College                      Megan L. Anderson                       Elgin, IL

Trinity International University            Rebekah E. Held                           Hartford, WI

University of IL at Chicago                 Fransely Robles                         Chicago, IL

University of IL at Springfield             Joshua Eastby                         Edwardsville, IL

Univ. of IL at Urbana-Champaign      Amanda M. Rowland                        Burr Ridge, IL

University of St. Francis                     Brandon S. Collofello                     Minooka, IL

VanderCook College of Music           Maxwell J. Dykla                          Belding, MI

Western Illinois University                   Lindsey M. Posmanick                      Troy, IL

Wheaton College                        Sarah R. Vander Vorst                       Mound City, SD

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29 Oct 2013

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: OCTOBER 28, 2013

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Friday, November 1, 7:05 p.m. 
i wireless Center, Moline 
St. Charles Chill vs. Quad City Mallards

Saturday, November 2, 7:05 p.m.

i wireless Center, Moline

Brampton Beast vs. Quad City Mallards

LAST WEEK
Saturday, October 26
Quad City 7 St. Charles 5

Sunday, October 27

St. Charles 6 Quad City 5 (SO)

Quad City

1-1-1 (3 points)

tied 7th place

Coach: Terry Ruskowski

St. Charles

1-2-1 (3 points)

tied 7th place

Coach: Jamie Rivers

Brampton
2-2-1 (5 points)
5th place

Coach: Mark DeSantis

QUACK TRACKS

Wild Weekend
The Mallards scored 12 goals and allowed 11 while earning three of a possible four points in two games against the St. Charles Chill over the weekend.  Last Saturday's win was the Mallards' first of the season.  The Mallards last Saturday let a five-goal lead slip away for the first time since returning to the ice for the 2009-10 season but still recovered to secure victory.  Yesterday saw the Mallards play their first road game and fall in their first shootout.

Goals, Goals, Goals
The Mallards have scored 16 goals and conceded 17 over their first three games.  They lead the Central Hockey League in goals scored (5.3) and allowed (5.7) per game.  The Mallards last Saturday set a league season high for goals in a game (seven) and goals in a period (five in the first).  The Mallards ripped off their five first period goals in just 11 minutes and 36 seconds.  Five goals are the most the Mallards have scored in one period since they scored seven times in the second period of a 9-6 win over Bloomington on February 8 of last season.

Home Sweet Home
The Mallards kick off a four-game homestand on Friday night.  With last Saturday's win, the Mallards, who won their final eight home games of last season, have now gone 9-1-0 in their last ten home games between this season and last.

Shoot on Sight
The Mallards yesterday matched the league season high for shots (47) in one game.  The Mallards last Saturday equaled the league season high for shots (22 in the second) in one period.  The Mallards have taken at least 44 shots in each of their first three games and average a league-high 45.7 shots per outing.

Give 'Em Hellyer
Mike Hellyer (3-4-7) collected three points in each of the Mallards' two games last weekend.  He scored the game winning goal and added two assists last Saturday and then scored twice, picked up an assist and provided the only Mallard shootout goal yesterday. 

Mighty Mike
Mike Stinziani (4-2-6) produced five points over the weekend.  Stinziani scored two goals- including the game tier with 55 seconds left in regulation- and assisted on another yesterday after notching a goal and an assist last Saturday.  He has scored at least once in each of the Mallards' first three games.  Stinziani matched a league single game season high by posting a plus/minus rating of +5 yesterday.

Top Trio
The line of Hellyer, Stinziani and Jim McKenzie (3-2-5)- the Mallards' top three point producers- has accounted for ten of the Mallards' 16 goals on the season.  Yesterday that trio scored four of the Mallards' five goals. 

Big Night
Matt Boyd last Saturday set a personal career high and a league season high for points (4) in a game and matched his career high and the league season high for assists (3) in a game.

Between The Pipes
Ty Rimmer last Saturday made 12 saves while allowing just one goal over 35:48 on the way to picking up his first career win after coming on in relief of staring goaltender Thomas Heemskirk.  Rimmer took the loss in yesterday's game and has now played in each of the Mallards' first three tilts.

Firsts
Gergo Nagy picked up his first North American goal, assist and point last Saturday.  Nicholas Rioux- who had one assist- and Vladimir Nikiforov- who recorded a pair- both registered their first Mallard points in last Saturday's game.  Nikiforov scored his first goal for the club yesterday.

Milestones
Nicholas Rioux has 49 career points...Jordan Lane has played 98 career games...Matt Duffy has notched 95 career points...Gabriel Levesque has played 94 career games...Darren McMillan has collected 93 career CHL assists.

Special Teams
The Mallards scored their first two power play goals of the season last Saturday.  Last Saturday also saw the Mallards allow their first power play and shorthanded goals of the campaign.  The Mallards have gone 2-for-15 on the man advantage.  They have allowed two goals on a league-low six penalty kills.

Leaders
Hellyer is tied for third in the league in goals (3), tied for fourth in points (7) and tied for seventh in plus/minus (+4)...Stinziaini is tied for the league lead in goals (4), tied for eighth in points (6) and tied for seventh in plus/minus (+4)...McKenzie is tied for third in the league in goals (3).

Head to Head
The Mallards over the weekend split their first two meetings with the expansion Chill.  This Friday's game will be the third of 14 match-ups between the two clubs.  The Mallards meet the expansion Beast for the first time this Saturday. Quad City and Brampton will meet a total of 13 times this season.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Friday, November 1, 7:05 p.m. - Mallards vs. St. Charles Chill

$1 Dog/$1 Beer Night Presented by 97X and MetroLINK
Friday is the Mallards' first $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night of the season presented by 97X and MetroLINK.  Fans will be able to purchase $1 beer and $1 hot dogs at all Friday night home games this season.

Saturday, November 2, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton Beast
Center for Youth and Family Solutions Toy Drive

Fans can save on tickets to Saturday night's game at the iWireless Center box office by donating toys to the Center for Youth and Family Solutions.  For each new toy donated at the iWireless Center, fans will receive a coupon good for $3 off the price of one ticket to Saturday evening's game.  Donated toys will be distributed to area foster children by the Center for Youth and Family Solutions, which engages and serves children and families in need with dignity, compassion and respect by building upon individual and community strengths to resolve life challenges together.

ON THE AIR

Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  Free audio webcasts of games that do not air on AM 1230 are available at myqcmallards.com.  CHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.com.  For a full Mallards broadcast/webcast schedule, go to myqcmallards.com/schedule/broadcast_schedule/.

TICKETS

Single Game Tickets

Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box 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.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten can receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of other great group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

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29 Oct 2013

Need yard work or other chores done?

By Miriam Pritchard

You can help out a local group of young adults and get your small jobs taken care of, too.

Soon the leaves will be falling and homeowners will need to rake their leaves. Don't despair! Theplace2b youth have decided to offer their services and rake leaves and do other yard work for members of the community. After a youth council meeting, they have agreed to offer their services for free for the elderly and disabled. They request that those who do not fall in this category give a donation to their group fund. They are saving money for a new pool table and a new PS3 control for theplace2b. The youth will be supervised by staff and are available after school and on the weekends. If you need some help, please contact Miriam. miriam@theplace2b.org or 309-786-2030. Spread the word!

Theplace2b is a safe haven for homeless, displaced and at-risk youth in Rock Island and Scott Counties, located in the YWCA Annex in downtown Rock Island at 1600 2nd Avenue. The center is open from 3:00-9:00 pm, Monday through Friday, providing warmth, food, clothing, shelter, homework help, creative programming, and counseling for the youth.

28 Oct 2013

St. Martin's Day Lantern making workshop for Kids!

By Kelly Lao
Sunday, November 3rd at 2pm. Only $5 per child!

Greetings!
Join instructor Kathi Hofmann as we create our own paper lanterns for St. Martins day just like children in Germany! Two designs to choose from and adult helpers are free!
to register today!
"Lantern, lantern, sun, moon, and stars. . . " This refrain echoes through the autumn streets of Germany every year on November 11. Happy children with colorful, handmade lanterns promenade through the streets, cheerfully singing songs they learned by heart. The candles in the lanterns flicker playfully, bringing a sparkle to the children's eyes.

St. Martin was born Martinus the son of a Roman military tribune in Savaria, in what is now Hungary. He joined the Roman army as a youth. At the age of 18 he was baptized and in 371 became the third bishop of Tours, a city in France. He performed missionary work and helped the poor and ostracized.

Legend has it that at the gates of Amiens, Martin met a poor, scantily clothed beggar who asked him for help from the freezing cold. But Martin had nothing with him other than his military cloak, so he decided to share it with the man. With one stroke, he split his warm cloak in two and gave one half to the man, who was deeply grateful. After performing this act of generosity, Martin left the military service so he could help people in need and value love greater than force.

While each year more and more families are celebrating Halloween in Germany, the big fall tradition for children is still the St. Martin's Day lantern procession. It is primarily a religious tradition. There are some similarities to Halloween- children are rewarded for their singing and their homemade paper lanterns with candy, money and other treats. But you won't see any gruesome costumes or spooky tricks in St. Martin's Day processions, just kids bundled up against the chilly November night

-Germany.info

28 Oct 2013

Galena, Illinois plans to set a record

By Celestino Ruffini

First-ever "longest toast in Galena, Illinois" planned November 22 during Galena Nouveau Weekend; participants welcome

GALENA, Ill. - On November 22, Galena's historic Main Street will be lined with merriment as participants raise their glasses high to "Toast the Town" and set a first-ever record for the longest toast in Galena, Illinois.

"We have a lot to celebrate in Galena, and especially this year," said Scott Lawlor, general manager of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, whose goal, along with many supporters in this picturesque town, is to make more history in Galena on Friday, November 22, 2013 during its 29th annual Nouveau wine festival.

The Lawlor family, owners of Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, along with the city of Galena plan to toast the town and its visitors to celebrate the many awards and accolades Galena received in 2013: one of "America's Best Small Towns" by Executive Travel Magazine; "America's Prettiest Towns" by Forbes Magazine; "10 Best Small Towns in America" by Fodor's; "20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2013" by Smithsonian Magazine; and "2nd Friendliest City in the U.S.", as well as "14th Friendliest City in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler.

The plan: participants will register by purchasing a $3 keepsake glass. Onsite pre-registration for the event begins at 11:30 a.m. Lineup for the toast, which will take place along Galena's historic Main Street, starts at 2:30 p.m., with the toast scheduled and documented at 3 p.m. The traditional horse-drawn wagon parade delivering Galena Cellars' 2013 Nouveau wine to area businesses will take place at 4 p.m. Toast tickets may be purchased in advance at www.nouveauweekend.com.

Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend, based on the French Beaujolais Nouveau celebration (named after the region in which it was founded), launched in 1985, spearheaded by Galena Cellars' winemaker Chris Lawlor. "Nouveau is a shortly fermented wine from the fall's harvest," said Lawlor. "It's meant to provide a preview of the vintage and celebrated."

In Galena, the entire community celebrates. Area restaurants offer French-inspired lunch and dinner specials such as peasant stew served in a freshly baked bread bowl or other creative ways to incorporate or pair with Nouveau wine. Lodging properties offer specials. Area spas and shops pull out all the stops (or corks should we say...) with everything wine and grape.

To learn more about Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend happenings, including information on the "Toast the Town", visit www.nouveauweekend.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) in Galena for on-site assistance and countywide information.

 

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28 Oct 2013

Sex Offender Home Compliance Checks

By Lt. Bryce Schmidt

On Sunday evening October 21, 2013 the Scott County Sex Offender Task Force began home compliance checks for all Scott County registered sex offenders. The purpose of the home checks was to verify that the offender resided at the address listed on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry and that all registry requirements were being complied with.

The compliance checks continued throughout the week and were completed the afternoon of Wednesday, October 23, 2013. The following are results of the home compliance checks:

Total number of offenders checked: 317

Total number of offenders who's residency was compliant: 301 (95%)

Total number of follow-up investigations needed to be completed: 16

Total number of arrests for registry and non-registry violations: 7

The follow-up investigations will determine if the offender resides at the registered address they have provided. Those found to be non-compliant will result in an arrest warrant being issued for their arrest.

The agencies that participated in the home compliance checks included the Scott County Sheriff's Office, Bettendorf and Davenport Police Departments, Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Department of Correctional Services (DOC), U.S. Federal Probation and Parole Office, Department of Human Services (DHS), Scott County Attorney's Office and the Department of Public Safety Iowa Sex Offender Registry.

Thank you,

Lt. Bryce Schmidt

Scott County Sheriff's Office

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