Christian Care can help you out this Holiday Season!

Rock Island, IL, November 25–Are you having trouble finding the perfect gift to give to the person who has everything? Christian Care can help you out this Holiday Season. For $20, you can give the gift of a seasonal bouquet of flowers from Colman Florist and Greenhouses every month for a year! Best of all, half the proceeds will go to Christian Care to provide shelter and services for the homeless and for survivors of domestic violence in our community. Not only will you be giving a GREAT gift, you will also be supporting Christian Care! This opportunity only lasts until December 20, so please act quickly!

Every month has its own theme. For example, November features the Harvest Bouquet, February's bouquet is Love Bunch and July offers the Sizzling Summer Bouquet. Each bouquet is sure to bring color, fragrance and beauty to even the darkest day. Becoming a part of this select group allows you access to other great values at Colman. For example, when you buy a half dozen roses, you will receive the second half dozen FREE! You can also opt to trade your monthly bouquet for $10 off a purchase of $35 or more. Do this twice and you've made your original investment back.

For more details, please contact Lindsey at (309)786-5734. Colman Florist and Greenhouses is located at 2754 12th Street, Rock Island, Illinois and in the East Village in Davenport, Iowa. You can also visit them on the web at colmanflorist.com. Monthly bouquets must be redeemed at the Colman location in the state in which you reside.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to their web site at christiancareqc.org.

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PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. (November 22, 2013) - Jason Morgan- who also scored twice in regulation- and Johan Ryd- who delivered the game winner- both converted penalty shots as the host Arizona Sundogs slipped past the Quad City Mallards 3-2 in a shootout Friday night.

The Mallards, who rallied from a 2-0 deficit in regulation, did earn one point for the shootout setback. Only Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel buried a penalty shot for the Mallards.

Mike Stinziani scored the third period goal that, in the end, forced overtime and- after the Mallards were outshot 5-0 in the extra period and the Sundogs failed to capitalize on a sudden death power play- the shootout. The Mallards were on the power play when Stinziani scored from point blank range at 8:24 of the third.

The Mallard comeback had started when Matt Duffy's blast from the top of the right wing got Quad City on the scoreboard for the first time at 5:57 of the second period .

The Mallards found themselves in a hole after Morgan scored twice in just under two and a half minutes in the first period. Morgan poked in a rebound at 6:29 of the first before a ripping shorthanded goal from the left wing circle at 8:58.

The Mallards return to action tomorrow night in Arizona. The Mallards next play at home next Friday, November 29 at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Charles Chill. November 29 is also a $1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday presented by 97X. Fans can purchase hot dogs and beer for $1 at iWireless Center concession stands during all Friday night home games.

Tickets for next Friday's game and all other 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.
The Establishment Theatre is pleased to celebrate its third anniversary in The District of Rock Island with a special showing of Comedy Sportz on Wednesday, November 27th at 7 p.m.  The "Comedy Sportz Classic" is a family tradition that began in 2010 when Comedy Sportz opened its doors at The Establishment Theatre on the night before Thanksgiving. Tickets to the 3rd anniversary celebration of the Establishment are on sale by calling our box office at (309) 786-1111 or www.establishmenttheatre.com

Festival of Trees

Experience the magic of the most loved holiday tradition in the Quad Cities from November 23-December 1. Quad City Arts Festival of Trees, entering its 27th year, is one of the top 10 events of its kind in the country with something for everyone at the RiverCenter in Davenport. www.quadcityarts.com

Bucktown Final Black Friday Party

Finish off your Black Friday shopping by shopping at Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport.  It's Small Wonders' 10th Anniversary Celebration with food, cocktails, and fun.  Plus, extra discounts on home and office décor and gifts in the Boho Chic Gallery, 50 paintings for $50 each in the Atom Studio plus specials in select galleries.  Come and find unique gift ideas throughout the galleries from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, November 29th www.bucktownarts.com

Julmarknad Swedish Christmas Market

This annual Swedish Christmas Market takes place in the historic village of Bishop Hill on Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8 and is reminiscent of medieval Scandinavian markets.  Seasonal Swedish folk characters roam the village and there is music and Swedish food specialties.  Enjoy the Christmas Chocolate Walk at the Steeple Building. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.bishophill.com

Live Music - Family Groove Company

Family Groove Company is a four piece band from Chicago that is turning heads and catching ears with a sound that is uncannily fresh, and live performances that simply envelop audiences in the fun, excitement and passion that the band radiates from the stage.See them on Friday, November 29th at the River Music Experience in Davenport.  Doors 8 p.m.; Show 9 p.m.; Tickets $12. www.rivermusicexperience.org

Christmas Craft Show

The annual Christmas Craft Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois, is just what Santa ordered. Opening the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 29-Dec. 1, enjoy shopping hundreds of hand-crafted items from over 180 different exhibitors. Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Admission: $4.00, children 12 and under free.   www.qccaexpocenter.com

Christmas Walk

Enjoy the historic buildings beautifully decorated at the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village on Sunday, December 1st from 1-5 p.m.  Visit with Santa Claus and enjoy make & take crafts, refreshments, and much more.  Admission is free!  Walnut Grove in the Scott County Park in Long Grove, Iowa, was a Scott County crossroads settlement and stagecoach stop in the 1860s.  www.scottcountyiowa.com

19th Century Christmas

On Sunday, December 1st from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue, and Butterworth Center, 1105 8th St., both in Moline, Ill. Traditional family-friendly holiday activities in festively decorated historic setting: Visit with Santa, live music, crafts, antique train display, refreshments and more. FREE admission. www.butterworthcenter.com

Winterfest

The annual Winterfest Event at the Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf, Iowa, takes place on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 12-5 p.m.  There will be a host of joyful family activities for everyone again this year including music, dancing by the Family Museum Dancers, refreshments, fun activities, and a visit from Santa later in the afternoon.  Visitors can view a 300-square-foot Polar Express train set, toys from the Museum's Buddy "L" collection, and the animated figurines from the Petersen Harden Von Maur store, first displayed in the late 1960's.  The figurines will be on display until after New Year's.  Admission to the event and Museum gallery is FREE with the donation of a non-perishable food item or personal hygiene item to be distributed locally.  www.familymuseum.org

Zither Winter Concert

Enjoy the soothing sounds of the season at the annual holiday concert by the Davenport Zither ensemble on Sunday, December 1st at 2 p.m. at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa.www.gahc.org

Holiday Open House

The Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave. in Rock Island, Ill., hosts a FREE Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 1st from 12-3 p.m.  Plan to enjoy the traditional holiday display in the lobby or kick off your shoes and put your toes in the sand in the lush tropical sun garden, under the glow of the holiday coconut palm!  Holiday Goodies, Coffee, and Gourmet Hot Cocoa will be available!  Be on the look-out for a visit from Santa and the Greenhouse Grinch.  Family craft activities and ornament making will be available during the event.  Enjoy the lighted palm tree until January 1, and the Tropical Sandbox until February 28.  www.qcgardens.com

Jim McDonough Holiday Grande

Celebrate the holiday season in style by attending "Holiday Grande 2013" on Sunday, December 1st at 2:30 p.m. at the Adler Theatre in Davenport.  This elegant, all-new stage production features International Steinway Artist, Jim McDonough, joined by his 14-piece professional orchestra and a cast of sensational singers and dancers performing your favorite Christmas music and other all-time favorites. www.adlertheatre.com

Davenport, Ia- Join us as we try delicious sausage samples from local and regional retailers! Saturday, Dec. 7th from 10-2 we will be enjoying samples from Haun Meats from Bier Stube! On Saturday, Dec. 14th from 10-2 we will be hosting Jerry's Market from Moline as they treat us to their fine products! From now until Dec. 22 we will have products from Bavaria Sausage Company in Madison, WI, including peppercorn sausage, venison, and beef summer sausage as well as landjäger sausage. While you are here, shop our Christkindlmarkt for great gifts for the entire family!

712 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA. 563-322-8844. www.gahc.org

Center Offers Disaster Information, Assistance for Tornado Survivors

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the opening of a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Washington to make it easier for people affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes to access disaster-related relief services and information. The MARC will bring together representatives from more than 20 local and state agencies in one location.

"The MARC will be a one-stop shop for people affected by the deadly tornadoes to connect with the services and information that are available to them," Governor Quinn said. "While the recovery will be long and hard, we will continue to work around the clock to ensure that every community can rebuild."

Anyone affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes is encouraged to visit the MARC at Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Road in Washington from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sat., Nov. 23 through Tues., Nov. 26. Proof of address is requested.

State agencies offering assistance Saturday through Tuesday at the Washington MARC include the departments on Aging and Human Services. The Department of Insurance will offer help with insurance issues at the MARC on Monday and Tuesday. The Secretary of State's Drivers Services Mobile Unit will be at the site on Monday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The American Red Cross will provide client casework, information and referrals. More than 20 local disaster relief agencies will also be there to provide assistance and give people much needed information about their recovery process. Additionally, there will be bulk distribution of a variety of items.

After less than one day of documenting tornado damage in four tornado-affected areas of Illinois, damage assessment teams from IEMA, FEMA, the SBA and local officials have already surveyed more than 400 homes, including 281 homes that were destroyed, 58 that suffered major damage and 120 that also were damaged. The teams will work throughout the weekend and into next week until complete.

Governor Quinn has declared 15 counties state disaster areas following a severe storm system that generated at least 25 confirmed tornadoes, including two EF4 tornadoes. Counties included in the declaration are Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment to remove debris, communications equipment and assistance with security and other public safety issues.

For more information about disaster recovery resources go to www.ready.illinois.gov.

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The Moline Foundation will hold a 60th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, November 24th in honor of Quad Cities area couples celebrating 60 years or more of marriage. Invited guests will be celebrating with the Moline Foundation Board of Directors at the Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, Illinois from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Dinner will be served followed by anniversary cake and musical entertainment by the Wierson Father-Son duo singing tunes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and holiday classics.

The celebration will be hosted by First Midwest Bank, The Planning Center, Moline; and Stoney Creek Inn.

Founded in 1953, the Moline Foundation is a community foundation benefiting the Quad City region that has distributed almost $28 million in grants to over 1,500 non-profit organizations in the past sixty years. The Moline Foundation also serves as resource for donors in a seven county area (Rock Island, Mercer, Henry, Warren, Henderson, and McDonough in Illinois and Scott County in Iowa). The Moline Foundation's collection of funds and gifts from individuals and businesses are then able to help the immediate needs of the community in the area's of health and human services, arts and culture, economic growth, workforce development, community development, education, and quality of life.

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Simon surveys storm recovery in Gifford, Brookport

Urges Illinois residents to make donations to support recovery

GIFFORD - Nov. 22, 2013. Less than a week before Thanksgiving, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today surveyed storm damage in the towns of Gifford and Brookport and urged Illinois residents to donate to recovery efforts. A total of 15 Illinois counties have been declared disaster areas by the Governor in the aftermath of Sunday's tornadoes.

"The work to rebuild these communities is just beginning," said Simon, who chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. "As we get ready to celebrate the holidays, I urge people to honor the spirit of the season by reaching into their pockets to help support ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts."

Officials from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began preliminary assessments Thursday that will enable towns to apply for federal disaster aid. Earlier this week, Simon participated in the Help on the Homefront Telethon, which raised more than $786,000 for the American Red Cross, and fund raising efforts are ongoing.

More than 22,000 meals have been provided by the Red Cross, which deployed 21 emergency response trucks from around the country and operated nine overnight shelters until residents could find alternative housing, said Kelly Formoso, manager of the Champaign office of the Red Cross.

The National Weather Service reports that 24 tornadoes swept across Illinois on Sunday, killing six people, injuring 180 residents and devastating rural communities. The Governor expects the total  number of homes damaged and destroyed to exceed 1,500. However, residents in the areas affected are beginning to see signs of recovery. Power has been restored in several areas, and schools are open.

In order to donate to the American Red Cross, click here or visit www.redcross.org. Donations designated for "Illinois tornadoes and storms" will remain local.

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Better Business Bureau News Alert

The Better Business Bureau serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region urges consumers to use caution when doing business with Duck Creek Armory of Davenport, Iowa. This online retailer of firearms has over 25 complaints filed with the BBB concerning the non-delivery of ordered products.

Complainants inform the BBB that they are told by the company that delivery delays are as a result of difficulty obtaining parts.  In many cases, customers have been waiting for their products since last spring and are out anywhere from $800 to $1600 dollars.  This week the BBB was informed that their phone was out of service and a call by the BBB to their number stated that "the number is temporarily unavailable."

On November 13, 2013, the BBB sent a letter to the company asking that they address the underlying cause of the influx and pattern of complaints. To date the BBB has not received a response to the letter nor have any of the complaints filed since October 14, 2013, been answered. Duck Creek Armory has earned an "F" grade due to unanswered complaints that are serious in nature. The BBB has been in communication with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding this matter as well as the Davenport Iowa Police Department.

The Better Business Bureau Offers the following tips to consumers looking to purchase goods via the internet:

  • Check the reputation of the seller. Visit bbb.org to research the complaint history and other information.
  • Pay by credit card when possible. Paying with cash, check, money order or debit cards offer little protection if the order is not delivered. Attempt to pay with a major credit card so you have the option of disputing the charge should the product not be received.
  • Read and understand all policies and guarantees. Determine how long shipping should take, if restocking fees exist and what the return and exchange policy is.
  • Know your rights. A seller typically has 30 days to ship ordered products, unless otherwise specified at the time of purchase. Keep tabs on your order date as you have a limited time frame to make a credit card dispute.

About the BBB. The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.  Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior.  The BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region was founded in 1940 and is one of 114 BBBs.  Locally, the BBB has over 3,500 Accredited Businesses and provides reports and on companies throughout the state.  Contact the BBB at 1-800-BBB-1600 or info@dm.bbb.org.

Washington, D.C. - On Monday, November 25th, Congressman Dave Loebsack will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award from Rock Island Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Congressman Loebsack was nominated and received this award for his work to support the Rock Island Arsenal as well as the individual soldier. Loebsack is the only member from the Iowa delegation who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He sits on both the Military Personnel and Readiness subcommittees. He is also the co-chair of the House Depot, Arsenal, Ammunition Plant, and Industrial Facilities Caucus, as well as Army National Guard Vice Chair of the National Guard and Reserve Component Caucus. Jeff Carr, President of the local AUSA will present the award to the Congressman.

Presentation of AUSA Distinguished Service Award

Quad Cities Visitors Center

102 Harrison Street

(use southeast entrance)

Davenport

10:00am

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