CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn issued the following statement regarding the Sangamon County Circuit Court's dismissal of lawsuits pertaining to Senate Bill 1313, which will allow the state to proceed with enacting the law:

"I am pleased with the court's action today to uphold this important law. This is good news for the taxpayers and another step forward in our effort to restore fiscal stability to Illinois."

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By Senator Tom Harkin

Over the last year, I have held a series of hearings focusing on the crisis of the middle class.  More and more Americans find that their jobs are insecure, their retirement savings are inadequate, and the American Dream is out of reach.  I have no higher priority in Congress than to advance legislation to strengthen and rebuild the middle class.

While the cost of living has continued to rise, our minimum wage has stayed stagnant, creating huge financial burdens for workers at the bottom of the pay scale.  Hardworking Americans?like those who wait on customers in restaurants and shops and provide care for our children, parents, and grandparents?deserve the opportunity to earn a wage that can help improve their lives and plan for their futures.  The minimum wage should not be a poverty wage.  It should be a stepping stone to the middle class?which is why I introduced legislation, The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 from its current $7.25. It would also index the minimum wage to inflation to ensure that working families can continue to make ends meet even as costs go up.

There has also never been a more critical time to rebuild America's manufacturing sector.  Manufacturing comprises nearly 18 percent of Iowa's GDP, with more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs in our state.  Despite these statistics, between 2000 and 2010, approximately 48,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in Iowa.  We cannot grow our middle class without taking care of the workers who build our country. Congressman Bruce Braley agrees, and together we have introduced the Rebuilding American Manufacturing Act to spur job growth and make American manufacturing more competitive.

I've always believed that in America, if you work hard, do your fair share and play by the rules, you should be able to one day live comfortably and enjoy your golden years?yet millions of Americans lack the resources to properly retire after a lifetime of labor.  Last year, I proposed the USA Retirement Fund?a universal, private-sector pension plan that all businesses could offer to their employees that would help ensure a secure source of retirement income for their employees. To build on that effort, I recently introduced The Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013, which aims to strengthen Social Security benefits, ensure the program is available for our future generations, and help address our nation's retirement crisis.

Taken together, each of these efforts will put our country on the path to bolstering the middle class and rebuilding the economy over the long term.  The middle class is the backbone of this country, and we need to have the backbone to defend it and rebuild it.

For more information, please visit http://www.harkin.senate.gov/, or follow Senator Harkin on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tomharkin and Twitter https://twitter.com/SenatorHarkin.

A PDF version of this article is available by clicking here.

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Mr. President,

I'm glad we're finally considering a budget resolution.  It's been four years since the Senate has passed a budget.  The Senate deficit Majority has been void of leadership on this matter.  While American families and businesses compile a budget each and every year, the Senate deficit Majority has shirked its responsibility.

Producing a budget has even been called "foolish" by the Democratic Majority leader.  After years of record deficits and debt, I think the American people disagree.

While are about to debate a budget resolution, the President hasn't even proposed his budget for consideration.  The Budget Committee, of which I'm a member, did not hear from a single administration witness in preparation of this budget.

House Budget Chairman Ryan has produced a budget.  Chairman Murray produced a budget.  It's quite remarkable that the President has yet to submit a budget, even though the law required it by February 4th.

The President plans to release his budget the week of April 8th - two months overdue.  This will be the first time a President has failed to submit a budget until after the House and Senate have acted.

Once again on fiscal issues the President is leading from behind, and he's set a new low for fiscal responsibility.

During the past four years, we've spent well beyond our means.  The gross federal debt has increased by $6 trillion as a result.  Unless we change course, we'll add another $9 trillion over the next ten years.  The gross debt is larger than the U.S. economy.

It is approaching levels where economists agree - deficits and debt are causing slower economic growth.

During the past four years we witnessed President Obama's theory on economic stimulus.  We saw a massive expansion of government and deficit spending.  President Obama and the Democrat leadership in Congress pushed spending up to 25 percent of the economy in recent years, particularly with the $800 billion stimulus bill.

That bill was pushed through in the name of economic growth.  It was supposed to keep unemployment below eight percent.  But it wasn't stimulative.  It didn't create sustainable job growth.

It was just a big, ineffective spending bill. The economic growth it was supposed to stimulate never materialized.   Now we're dealing with the deficits and debt caused by that failed stimulus bill.

Despite this failure, the President and the Senate deficit Majority seem even more fixated on growing the government.  According to economic policies of President Obama, government needs to grow even bigger to help our economy.

The overriding belief is that economic growth will only come through private wealth confiscation that supports an even bigger, more intrusive government.  If government just gets a little bit bigger and more involved in every facet of our economy and our lives, that will surely increase the economic prosperity of Americans, right?

Of course not.

The problem is, raising taxes only extracts private capital from job creators and small businesses, where 70 percent of new jobs are created.  And it's spent wastefully by an inefficient and bloated bureaucracy.  The higher taxes are robbing the unemployed of needed jobs.  The government it supports does not create economic growth or self-sustaining jobs.

This four-year spending binge has led to deficits that crowd out private investment that would otherwise be used to grow the economy and create jobs.  Government doesn't create self-sustaining jobs.  Government only creates government jobs.  The private sector creates jobs.

It's the responsibility of the government to create an environment for job growth.  It does this by instituting the rule of law, property rights, a patent system, among others.  Government consumes wealth.  It does not create wealth.

Through economic freedom, entrepreneurs and individuals are free to innovate and prosper.  This budget fails to recognize these simple principles.  The budget presented by the deficit Majority makes no effort to reduce deficits, reduce spending, balance the budget or grow the economy.

Instead, this budget seeks to grow government by taxing more and spending more.  It's time we recognize that government exists to serve the needs of the people, rather than the people serving the needs of their government.

There are some who believe that government is the only creator of economic prosperity.  And, if others have achieved success, they must be, by default, the cause of others' hardships.  This type of class warfare demagoguery is harmful to America and our future.  It seeks to divide America.

The budget presented by the deficit Majority is partisan business-as-usual.  It would tax success by another trillion dollars.  It increases government spending.  It ignores the subject of our health care entitlements.  That is simply unacceptable.   It places no priority on ever bringing our budget into balance.

The deficit Majority speaks at length about growing the economy and creating middle class jobs.  But, their budget is perfectly backward.  It does nothing to address economically harmful deficits and debt.  And it includes $1 trillion in job killing tax hikes.  They claim this revenue can be collected without harming the economy by closing loopholes.  The fact is, regardless of how it's described, a $1 trillion tax increase will affect the middle class and harm the economy and job growth.

A $1 trillion tax hike while economic growth is slow and unemployment remains near 7.7 percent is reckless.  Even worse, the tax increases will not be used to balance the budget.  Higher taxes support even higher spending.

This is the typical tax and spend budget.  This budget was crafted as if we don't even have a spending problem or debt crisis.  This budget assumes everything is just fine and everything will work out if we simply proceed forward on the current path.  This budget represents a missed opportunity.

You don't have to take my word for it.  Editorial writers across the country have made similar statements about this budget.

A Washington Post editorial called it a complacent budget plan.  They wrote that the Majority budget fails to recognize the long-term fiscal problems.  I quote, "Partisan in tone and complacent in substance, it scores points against Republicans and reassures the party's liberal base - but deepens these senators' commitment to an unsustainable policy agenda.  In short, this document gives voters no reason to believe that Democrats have a viable plan for - or even a responsible public assessment of - the country's long-term fiscal predicament."

The Chicago Tribune had similar things to say in their editorial. They described it as a deficit of ambition.  It said, and I quote, "The Democrats, unfortunately, are feigning fiscal responsibility instead of practicing it.  What is needed is a lot more ambition than the Murray plan reflects.  If Democrats don't like the Republican plan for balancing the budget, they should produce their own."

Finally, a USA Today editorial referred to it as a namby-pamby budget that underwhelms at every turn.  It states, "The Murray budget neither balances the budget nor reins in entitlements.  Its one-to-one ratio of spending to tax increases might sound balanced, but the spending cuts are not actual reductions.  They are merely reductions in the expected rate of growth.  All this makes the Murray budget barely a Band-Aid."

I'm sure we'll hear the term "pro-growth" applied to this budget.  The only thing it can mean is growth in the size and scope of the federal government, and growth in the national debt.

We'll also hear the term "balanced."  Don't be fooled.  The majority is not speaking of a balanced budget.  Their understanding of balance is higher taxes and higher spending.

This budget does not tackle runaway spending.  It raises taxes, but not to balance the budget, but to spend even more.  This budget will grow the government, harm economic growth and increase the debt.

After four years of contemplating a budget resolution, I would have expected a more fiscally responsible budget.
Arrows Soccer Academy are 8-week soccer sessions every Thursday from 5:30pm - 6:30pm at the Davenport Soccer Complex. Bad weather site is the indoor turf at River's Edge. Sessions are offered year round. For ages 5-15.
  • Learn the technical skills necessary to succeed in the field of play
  • Learn from qualified, experienced and diverse staff
  • Soccer boots, shin guards required
  • Other equipment will be available on site
  • Very reasonable cost to keep your skills sharp year round, $80 per session
  • No scrimmages and no league play
90 Miles of Family Fun Scheduled for May 4 & 5th!

The 7th Annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival will take place on May 4 & 5, 2013. This year's event will feature the 13 towns situated along historic Old Route 66 - from Joliet to Towanda, IL. During the festival each town plans its individual events, while all of the towns collaborate on making a special commemorative collectible item that can be collected and treasured for years to come. This year the commemorative piece is trading cards - be sure to collect all 13!

The Red Carpet Corridor was the brainchild of the late Pontiac Tourism director, Betty Estes. Estes firmly believed that old Route 66 should be preserved and celebrated for all that the old road meant to both the area and the nation. Beginning in 2006, the Red Carpet Corridor communities grew to encompass a 90-mile section of the Mother Road. Representatives from each town gathered together and planned a weekend event that would encourage Route 66 enthusiasts to travel along the road and visit the unique communities. The Red Carpet Corridor Festival was born! As each new festival is planned, more and more events are added to enhance the festival experience for the visitor. This year, the thirteen communities will feature car shows, art displays, contests, great food, live entertainment, and much more.

Joliet - Saturday & Sunday: The Route 66 Visitor's Center at the Joliet Area Historical Museum will be open from 8AM to 5PM on Saturday and noon to 5PM on Sunday. Free admission to the Route 66 Experience portion of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Discounted rates will be available on these days for RCC attendees desiring to experience the Museum's galleries. Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, (815) 723-5201 ext 226.

Elwood - Saturday: Cruise N' Swap at Elwood Village Hall 401 E. Mississippi Avenue: Cruisn' Elwood on Rt. 66-classic car show and cruise through the NASCAR racetrack, drag strip and Autobahn car club. Have your photo taken in the NASCAR Winner's Circle. All classic cars welcome - Mustangs will be featured. Cruise at 1 PM. THE SWAP: 7 AM-Noon. $10 per space. Are You Elwood? We're searching for our favorite Blues Brother! Show us you're Elwood, and we'll take your mug shot before you leave town. Saturday and Sunday: Find the Elwood Geocache. Don't miss our Children's Garden at Lloyd Erickson Park. This is a must stop on any Route 66 tour. 815-423-5011.

Wilmington - Saturday - Walk the red carpet bridge with celebrities, souvenir photo under gazebo, downtown flea market, music, Hula & hound contests, food. Scavenger hunt Elwood to Braceville by clue or Geocache at www.geocaching.com. Clues available at tent Water & Jackson Street. Sunday - North Island park check-in,  baby back rib cook-off, morning worship service, cupcake contest, children's games and more. 815-476-5991.

Braidwood - Saturday & Sunday: Extended flea market, baked goods, Annual Lions Club Broom Sale, beautiful hanging baskets, craft displays, lot of flea market items. Stop and enjoy our festivities introducing our Zoo!! Scavenger hunt from Elwood to Braceville by clue or geocache coordinate at www.geocaching.com. Clues will be available at the Chamber/Historical society Booth: 815-353-3053

Godley - Saturday & Sunday: The Park District has its own petting zoo and beautiful grounds. Godley Mining Museum will be open to show off its mining artifacts and information about local mines. Saturday Only: Car Show, flea Market, Craft fair?food and fun!

Braceville - Saturday & Sunday: Visit Braceville on your way down the Corridor to see the History of Braceville and stock up on some wonderful baked goods prepared by the Church, maybe enjoy them thru your scenic drive through Mazonia State Park. Join us for the Scavenger Hunt from Elwood to Braceville by clue or geocache coordinates at www.geocaching.com clues for Braceville located at the Braceville Village Office for information call 815-237-8655.

Gardner - Saturday & Sunday: Meet & Greet at the diner car & historic jail.

Dwight - Saturday Only: Fun, Games, Food, Vendors, Carnival Rides, Live entertainment, 3rd Annual BBQ cook -off at Bassett Park. Saturday & Sunday: town-wide garage sales, Junk in the Trunk, Dogs on Parade, Route 66 Wayside Exhibits, Texaco Welcome Center. 815-584-3077.

Odell - Saturday & Sunday: Visit the historic 1932 Standard Oil gas station - pick up your FREE GIFT too! Souvenirs, soda & nostalgia! Saturday Only, Car Show/Cruise In, Outdoor Movie at Dusk, Concession Stand, Bags Tournament, Bounce House & Other Inflatables, Kids Games, Talent Show/D.J., and Bingo. In case of inclement weather most activities will be held in the St. Paul School Gym. All proceeds benefit the students of St. Paul School. 815-998-2194.

Pontiac - Saturday & Sunday: Grand Opening of the Preservation Exhibit at the Route 66 Museums! Jolly Trolley Rides - 11 AM to 3 PM. Photo contest judging; Artist, Tang Dongbai will be painting a mural in downtown; Four Free Museums, garage sales galore. The Livingston County Humane Society is sponsoring a flea market at Old Log Cabin. Saturday Only: Art Show; Live music from the 1942 Allstars perform on the square; Touch-A-Truck at the Rec Center. Saturday Night: Vermillion Players "At the Hop" Musical Review and Ice cream social in Chautauqua Park. Sunday Only: Live performance from the Dancenter; Kids' Games in the afternoon. 815-844-5847.

Chenoa - Saturday: Carnival, vendors, live bands and the Chenoa 4th of July Committee's Pork Chops. Sunday: Carnival and entertainer Anjanel Folkens. Everything's happening in Downtown Chenoa. 815-945-7779.

Lexington - Saturday: On old Rt 66, Vintage Tractor Show 9 AM www.lexingtontractorshow.com, Zoo Lady face painting FREE 10 to 3, FREE Entertainment tent featuring Elvis, Both days the children's game room, children's free inflatable rides Flea Market, food, Family activities all weekend. Sunday: Free Unique Balloon twist, 11 to 2, the band Forgiven. For more information - 309 365 3331.

Towanda - Saturday & Sunday: Flea market, Area Garage Sales, Antiques, Food, Crafts, Wildstyle Design Co. Face Painting & Route 66 Memorabilia at North Park. Saturday Only: Unique Twist Balloons from 12-4pm and a Cake Walk at 1:00pm. Sunday Only: Car Show on Old Route 66, for information call 815-579-6452. Cattle Bandits Band to play at 1:00 pm at North Park. Be sure and check out DK's Garage & Joe's Garage. Come visit for 2 days of family fun! For information on festival call 309-728-2169.

For information regarding the festival, contact:  Ellie Alexander, Director, Pontiac Tourism, 815-844-5847 tourism@pontiac.org

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Southern California natives, Robert Jon & the Wreck, began their musical journey together in February 2011. Within 6 months the band had not only embarked on a national tour, but also released their debut album, Fire Started. This full-length effort, which is blues-heavy with moments of soft country, tempered by down-beat driven classic rock nuance, earned them a nod from the 2012 Orange County Music Awards in the category of "Best Blues," as well as a spot in the finals for that year's "Best Live Band."

Fueled by this success, the Wreck took the road again in the summer of 2012, drumming up fans from Seattle to Boston to South Carolina and everywhere in between, delivering fierce performances, emblazoned with commitment and dripping in a rawness that's impossible to fake. Simply put, it is difficult to ignore when these five musicians take the stage. Little wonder they have made an impact on audiences across the country, where they've played a run of sold-out shows and proudly shared bills with talent the likes of Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai, David Lee Roth), Walk the Moon and Rival Sons.

They returned to the studio in early 2013 to record their sophomore project, which was produced by Warren Huart (The Fray, Aerosmith), engineered by Philip Allen (Adele), and mastered by Robert Vosgien (Smashing Pumpkins, No Doubt) at Swing House Studios in Hollywood. This new, and even edgier material has simply added more fuel to the fire that Robert Jon & the Wreck ignite while performing. Audiences all over Orange County and Los Angeles have crammed venues, salivating over a band that is determined to not miss the mark. This sharpshooter like mentality was fully recognized when Robert Jon & the Wreck won the title of "Best Live Band" at the 2013 Orange County Music Awards, along with nominations in the categories of "Best Rock," and "Best Blues."

To take a line from a track off their forthcoming album, Robert Jon & the Wreck have no plans to "let the fire burn out." Orange County's reigning "Best Live Band" is ready to load up the van and hit the road again. Kicking things off in Austin for SXSW, the Wreck will continue their "Rhythm of the Road" tour for 7 weeks, playing over 20 shows across 10 states.

As 2013 dawns, the band finds themselves at the cusp of many new adventures. With the second album due for release in June, and plenty of touring in the cards, fans across the nation should prepare themselves to get wrecked by the lion-strength energy behind the ever-growing beast... ROBERT JON & THE WRECK.

BAND MEMBERS:
-Robert Jon Burrison: vocals, guitar
-Andrew Espantman: drums
-Steve Maggiora: keys, vocals
-Kristopher Butcher: lead guitar, vocals
-Nick Phakpiseth: bass

"Rhythm of the Road" TOUR DATES

SXSW - Austin, TX
3/11 Beacon Lounge (Sweet Relief)
3/12 Nomad Bar
3/13 Warhorse (Heart of Texas RockFest)
3/15 Wahoo's
3/24 Music City Bar - Nashville, TN
3/25 Red Rooster - Nashville, TN
3/27 Mojo's - Omaha, NE
3/28 Second St. Slammer - Hastings, NE
3/29 Cunningham's Journal - Kearney, NE
3/30 Cunningham's Journal - Kearney, NE
3/31 Parlor City Pub - Cedar Rapids, IA
4/04 R.I.B.C.O. - Rock Island, IL
4/05 Redstone Room (Lounge) - Davenport, IA
4/11 Smiley's Tavern - New Ulm, MN
4/12 Vishnu Bunny Tattoo - Sioux Falls, SD
4/13 The Garage - Kearney, NE
4/16 Zoo Bar - Lincoln, NE
4/18 Barley St. Tavern - Omaha, NE
4/19 Wahoo's RJTW Party - Lincoln, NE
4/20 Belle Isle Brewery - Oklahoma City, OK
4/22 Bash Riprock's - Lubbock, TX
4/24 Marble Brewery - Albuquerque, NM
4/26 Tin Can Alehouse - San Diego, CA
4/27 Stillwater (Renaissance) - Dana Point, CA

PRESS QUOTES:

"Live, their set is derived in a way that makes you want to jump up & down, grow a beard, and close-knuckle-punch a bear in the jaw." -Unearth Music Hub (OC) "A perfect bar band, as they will be sure to create and enhance the atmosphere in any setting in any city." -Examiner (LA)

"They may be a friendly and laid back bunch, but this high-energy Americana outfit is die-hard when it comes to performing and touring... these are the kind of nice guys that don't finish last." -KROQ

"The five-piece blues/rock outfit is as hardworking as they come... but it's the sweet licks and smooth jamming style that separates this band from the pack." - CBS (LA)

"...it might prove wise not to cross Robert Jon Burrison & his crew; with songs such as "Tear you Down," The Wreck isn't afraid to use a distortion pedal." -OC Weekly (OC)

"...enter Robert Jon & The Wreck like a splash of water, or rather whiskey, in your face. The modest stage could barely contain the massive energy these five masters of music bringeth!" -MusicInPress (OC)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE THIRD QUARTER HONOR ROLL STUDENTS

GRADE 8 - OUTSTANDING
Lucy Adlfinger
Maris Boelens
Sidney Boelens
Conner Boyd
Augie Darrow
Brian Do
Lisa Do
Sam Dodson
Emily Ostrowski
Samantha Sharp

GRADE 8 - DISTINGUISHED
Michael Elliott
Molly Hunter
Noel Huntley

GRADE 7 - OUTSTANDING
Zoe Arvanitis
Alyssa Carpita
Bailey Estes
Amber Guzzo
Brendan Hird
Kale Hyder
Cloie Jennings
Alyssa Klauer
Ben Luppen
Rebecca Nonnenmann
Jenna Pauley

GRADE 7 - DISTINGUISHED
Bridget Ferguson
Mindy Hoang
Jessica Pauley
Lauryn Praet
Clare VanSpeybroeck

GRADE 6 - OUTSTANDING
Emma Beardsley
Gabe Beardsley
Jonathan Berry
Chloe Boyd
Bryan Cook
Anna Darrow
John Do
Tony Dockery-Jackson
Sydney Elliott
Jonathan Fernandez
Julia Fout
Parker Georlett
Lauren Hird
Evan Juarez
Hannah Luppen
Olivia Manternach
Nate Maynard
Aaron Mickelson
Haley Mosley
Paige Nimerick
Mackenzie Parboosingn
Faith Picksley
Mary Powers
Vanessa Reger
Ava Reynolds
Lily Schoeck
Kaitlyn Zonnevylle
Lily Schoeck

GRADE 6 - DISTINGUISHED
Grant Florence
Bella Milani
Lily Steffen
Natika Woods

CONGRATULATIONS!  The Outstanding Honor Roll requires more A's than B's with no C's. The Distinguished Honor Roll requires more B's than A's with no more than one C.

?????Davenport, IA/March 19, 2013 - Chad Pregracke's Quad Cities-based environmental group needs volunteers for the MillionTrees project which improves the health of rivers in the Midwest, by re-establishing hardwoods that have been depleted by over-harvesting, flooding and disease. Living Lands & Waters, an East Moline, Illinois non-profit organization is planning to distribute its 500,000th tree this spring.

Volunteers will be asked to help with the following:  bundling trees in newspaper, dipping roots in water, placing trees in bags, and/or tying. Participating children must be supervised.  Volunteers are asked to wear warm and comfortable clothes that can get dirty.  Trees will be distributed in April to individuals, families, schools, park districts, businesses and organizations throughout 10 states.  The goal of the MillionTrees Project is to grow and plant 1 MILLION trees.

Tree wrapping events will take place from 9am to 5pm Thursday, March 28th through Sunday, March 31st in the North Hall of the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island. The QCCA Expo Center is located at 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island. Registration is not required, but recommended, especially for groups of 10 or more.  Volunteers can come and go as you please; stay for one hour, a couple hours or all day.

Volunteers, including families with children, are invited to take part in the tree wrapping event. "Wrapping 100,000 trees takes a lot of work" said Chad Pregracke, founder and President of Living Lands & Waters.  Pregracke adds, "It's a great venue to help the community and educate people on why trees are important."

Trees provide shelter and nut-bearing hardwoods are a viable food source for wildlife and migratory birds.  Slow-growing hardwoods like oaks have a harder time re-establishing themselves without help, and are often crowded out by faster growing species, like cottonwoods, willow and silver maples. Re-establishing hardwoods helps increase biodiversity, reduce erosion and run-off and improve water and air quality.

Anyone interested in volunteering may contact MillionTrees Project Coordinator, Ashley Stover at Ashley@livinglandsandwaters.org or at 309.737.5913. More information on the MillionTrees Project can be found at www.livinglandsandwaters.org/get-involved/million-trees

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From Dr. Seuss to Weather Investigators:  Rivermont Summer Enrichment Camp Has It All!               

Rivermont Collegiate's Summer Enrichment Camp is now accepting registrations! Classes are open to the entire Quad City community and are only $80 each.  Over 85 week-long classes are offered beginning June 10 for preschool through high school.  Students have the option of attending morning, afternoon, or the entire day.

Rivermont Summer Camp is a fantastic opportunity for local students to spend their summer doing everything from exploring computer programming to creating unique artwork to experimenting with science.  Popular classes include Robotics, Anatomy Academy, Olympic Sports, Spy Camp, Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter-ology, Young Actors' Studio, Web Design, and Photography.  Don't delay - classes will fill up!

Classes will be held on the Rivermont campus, located directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.  The entire catalog may be viewed online at www.RivermontCollegiate.org or contact Linda Paget at (563) 359-1366 for more information.
Supporters Call Agreement "A New National Model"

WHAT: Clergy and grassroots leaders from across the state of Illinois will gather at the new Mississippi River Bridge in prayer for fair and equal opportunities for minorities in the construction trades, and in celebration of the passing of the statewide Project Labor Agreement. The group will be joined by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials, including Secretary Ann Schneider.

WHO: Clergy, low-wage workers, and leaders from Gamaliel: United Congregations of Metro East (UCM), Faith Coalition for the Common Good (FCCG) in Springfield, Quad Cities Interfaith (QCI), and Gamaliel of Metro Chicago; along with St. Louis affiliates Metropolitan Congregations United.

Others scheduled to be in attendance include IDOT Secretary Ann Schneider, ESL Mayor Alvin Parks, and Washington Park Mayor James Jones.

WHERE:1st Street and Exchange Avenue - East St. Louis, Illinois

WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 1:00pm
DETAILS: An agreement between the Labor Unions and IDOT, the statewide Project Labor Agreement (PLA) lays out the baseline goals for state-funded roads and bridge projects. Grassroots leaders from Gamaliel of Illinois have served as the voice of the community throughout the drafting process of the PLA to ensure that it would benefit low income and minority citizens across the state. With the looming sequester, the community leaders are calling for a prioritization of transportation funding.

This event is a part of Gamaliel's National campaign, "Fire of Faith: Rekindling Our Congregations, Rekindling Our Economy, Rekindling Our Democracy" which seeks to move 1 million people nationwide into living wage jobs by 2015.

Leading up to the press conference, members of the local affiliate, United Congregations of Metro East, will host a bus tour of the East St. Louis community and the local constructions sites along with Secretary Ann Schneider and other IDOT officials. They will meet at Good Shepherd of Faith UCC (1514 Kansas Ave. ESL) at 10:00am.

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