20 Mar 2013

America's Music Quad Cities, April 11 through May 23 2013

By Jennifer Christiansen

America's Music Quad Cities is  a cooperative effort from Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline and Rock Island Libraries, along with River Music Experience and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, to present the series of programs America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway.  This six week series features documentary film screenings, scholar-led discussions of twentieth-century American popular culture, and live performances.

Detailed information about the series schedule can be found by visiting our web site http://americasmusicqc.com.

Quad City Libraries, Non-profits Band Together to Present 19 Programs for "America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway"

From April 11 to May 23, the halls of local libraries and non-profits will resound with the beat of uniquely American musical genres, thanks to the grant-funded "America's Music" project.

Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline and Rock Island Public Libraries, in collaboration with River Music Experience and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, will host the six-week series, which features documentary film screenings, scholar-led discussions of twentieth-century American popular music and live performances.

"America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway" covers a wide span of musical interests, including blues and gospel, Broadway, jazz, bluegrass and country, rock n' roll, mambo, and hip hop. Featuring 19 presentations in the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities, the local effort is one of just 50 sites nationwide selected to host this program series, which is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.

Starting with blues and gospel and ending with swing jazz, the general audience programs will explore the connections between six uniquely American genres of 20th century music and the influence of music on the history, culture and geography of the United States. Each screening and discussion session will examine an important American musical genre in the context of key social and historical developments, giving attendees of  all ages an opportunity to recognize the influence of these popular music forms on the cultural landscape.

A full list of performances and locations is available at www.americasmusicqc.com, but the basic line-up is as follows:

Program partners and sponsors will kick off the series with a live performance by Iowa Blues Challenge winners The Candymakers from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the River Music Experience. Blues and gospel fill the week of April 15, with film/discussion events of "Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues" and "Say Amen Somebody" at the Rock Island Main Library and Davenport Public Library, Eastern Avenue Branch.

Broadway and Tin Pan Alley fill the week of April 22 with film/discussion events of "Broadway: The American Musical" at Moline Public Library and River Music Experience, along with a Broadway performance by The District Theatre and Tristan Layne Tapscott at the Moline Public Library.

Bluegrass and county music are the focus of the week of April 29, with film/discussion events of "High  Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music" at Western Illinois University-QC and the Bettendorf Public Library. Bettendorf Library will also host a bluegrass performance by River Town, a four-piece ensemble performing traditional bluegrass and folk favorites.

Classic rock and roll takes the stage during the week of May 6, with film/discussion events of "The History of Rock 'n Roll: Plugging In," at the Bettendorf Public Library and Rock Island Main Library. The Rock Island Library will also host a performance by Meet the Press, a dynamic three-piece band performing 80s and 90s originals.

Mambo and Hip Hop music will fill the week of May 13, with film/discussion events of "Latin Music U.S.A. and "From Mambo to Hip Hope: A South Bronx Tale," at Davenport Public Library Eastern Avenue Branch and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. The Davenport Public Library will also present a Hip Hop dance performance and instruction event with Midwest Academy of Dance.

Swing Jazz events fill the week of May 19, starting with a jazz performance at the Polyrhythms Third Sunday jazz at the River Music Experience. The event, featuring the Bill Bell Trio, is the only ticketed event in the series. Cost is $10 general admission or $15 for reserved seating. Tickets will be available at the door, or by calling 309-373-0790. Free swing jazz film and discussion events with excerpts from "Ken Burns Jazz" and the "International Sweethearts of Rhythm" take place during the week at River Music Experience and Moline Public Library.

Discussions, along with a call for stories about memories of the Quad City musical landscape, will be led by program scholar Dr. Daniel S. Malachuk, associate professor of English at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, and several faculty colleagues, including Dr. Everett Hammer (English), Dr. Nancy Schaefer and Dr. Tammy Werner (Sociology), and two students in the English Masters program, Chelsea Clearman and Jill King.

With help from his students, Dr. Malachuk will present some of the local stories collected at the final event in the series, "Celebrating America's Music in the Quad Cities, " from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 23, at the Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Riverfront Atrium. Attendees are encouraged to bring their stories about the great variety of music heard in the Quad Cities over the past 50 years. Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments, as the event will close with an open mic event of local performers.

For details, please visit www.americasmusicqc.com or contact americasmusicqc@gmail.com or 309-524-2470.

"America's Music" is a project by the Tribeca Film Institute in collaboration with the American Library Association, Tribeca Flashpoint, and the Society for American Music. "America's Music" has been made possible by a major $2,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor. Additional funding for the Quad City effort was received from the Riverboat Development Authority, Sedona Technologies, UAW Local 2282, Friends of the Moline Public Library and Friends of the Rock Island Public Library, along with in-kind sponsorships from River Cities Reader, WQAD-TV News Channel 8, STAR 93.5, WQPT Quad Cities PBS and WVIK Augustana Public Radio.

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20 Mar 2013

REP. SMIDDY INVITES COMMUNITY TO GRAND OPENING OF PORT BYRON OFFICE

By The Buzz Gallery of modern Art
PORT BYRON, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) invites residents to the grand opening of his full-
time constituent services office, located at 201 N. Main St. in Port Byron. The event, which is free and open to
the public, is on Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at
10:30 am.

"This open house is an opportunity for the community to meet my staff and me, and learn about how we can
help with state issues," said Smiddy. "Our office should be an integral part of this community. Inviting residents
into my office, opening our doors, and gathering local feedback on state issues allows me to better serve our
community."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie,
Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna,
Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.
20 Mar 2013

Freud's Last Session opens The Old Creamery Theatre's 2013 Studio Stage season

By Rick Martin
Amana - Be a fly on the wall as legendary psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud meets with famous author C.S. Lewis to discuss and debate love, sex, the existence of God and the very meaning of life in Freud's Last Session, opening April 4 on The Old Creamery Theatre Studio Stage in Middle Amana.

Only a few weeks after their meeting, Freud died and Lewis, who in later years wrote "The Chronicles of Narnia," was never to forget their historic meeting. A stimulating and memorable glimpse into two brilliant minds.

Tom Milligan, producing director of The Old Creamery Theatre will portray Dr. Sigmund Freud and Andy Brown, of McKenzie TN, will play the part of C. S. Lewis. Freud's Last Session is directed by Rachael Lindhart of Iowa City and is rated Theatre R. The show runs through April 21.

Tickets are $27.50 for adults and $18 for students. Show times are Thursdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA (352-6262) or visit the website at  www.oldcreamery.com. Group rates are available. Reservations are recommended.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 42 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.
20 Mar 2013

Easter Egg Scramble 5K Run

By Davenport Parks & Recreation

Come celebrate the 1st Annual Easter Egg Scramble 5K run/walk on Saturday, March 30th. The start/finish and family activities will be in The Historic Village of East Davenport where participants will run/walk through Scenic Parks that overlook the mighty Mississippi River. Not a runner? Just come for the entertainment, meet up with family and friends to hang out and relax while enjoying live music, food, and a FREE Easter Egg Hunt. The race begins at 9:00am and the Easter Egg Scramble begins at 10:15 am. There is a fee for the race. Awards and live music begin after the race.

 

To register or for more information click to visit Scramble5k.com (a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Handicapped Development Center).
Saturday, March 30
Race begins at 9:00am
Easter Egg Scramble begins at 10:15am
Lindsay Park, Village of East Davenport
Easter Egg Scramble: Fre
20 Mar 2013

Give patients in need a fresh start this spring

By Ben Corey

PEORIA, Ill. (March 20, 2013) – Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and eggs are hatching. It's spring, a time of renewal. For hospital patients in need of blood, hope for a fresh start comes from generous donors.

When Matt Deyo was a senior in high school, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor. During his 14-month regimen of aggressive chemotherapy, he received more than 90 units of red blood cells and platelets.

"Being an 18-year-old cancer patient was difficult because my life suddenly took an unexpected detour," said Deyo, now cancer-free. "But going through that life-changing experience led me down an amazing path and helped me decide to pursue a medical career."

Spring into action and give hope by giving blood. You just might provide a fresh start for someone like Deyo. To make an appointment or for more information, visit redcrossblood.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County
April 1 from 12-5 p.m. at Chadwick Fire Department, 210 Calvert St. in Chadwick, Ill.

Clinton County
April 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ashford University, 400 N. Bluff in Clinton, Iowa
April 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway St. in Charlotte, Iowa

Henry County
April 8 from 2-6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 108 N. Main in Annawan, Ill.
April 9 from 1:30-5 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 201 First St. in Colona, Ill.
April 10 from 1:15-5:15 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Mercer County
April 9 from 1-6:30 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 121 N. Meridian St. in New Windsor, Ill.

Scott County
April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hy-Vee, 2200 W. Kimberly Road in Davenport, Iowa

Whiteside County
April 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Halo Branded Solutions, 1980 Industrial Drive in Sterling, Ill.
April 2 from 8-11 a.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
April 3 from 2-6 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
April 4 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.
April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD 3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.
April 9 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
April 9 from 1:30-6 p.m. at Carlson Acupuncture & Chiropractic, 2317 E. Lincolnway in Sterling, Ill.
April 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sterling High School, 1608 Fourth Ave. in Sterling, Ill.
April 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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20 Mar 2013

Rock Island County Final Multiplier Announced

By Susan Hofer

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Rock Island County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to Brian Hamer, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue.

The property assessment equalization factor, often called the "multiplier," is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties as required by law.  This equalization is particularly important because some of the state's 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g. school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts).  If there were no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.

Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value.  Farm property is assessed differently, with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures, but with farmland assessed at one-third (1/3) of its agriculture economic value.  Farmland is not subject to the state equalization factor.

Assessments in Rock Island County are at 33.42 percent of the market value, based on sales of properties in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2012 taxes, payable in 2013.  Last year's equalization for the county was 1.0000.

The final assessment equalization factor was issued after a public hearing on the tentative factor.  The tentative factor issued in October 2012 was 1.0000.

The equalization factor is determined annually for each county by comparing the price of individual properties sold over the past three years to the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments or county assessor.

If this three year average level of assessment is one-third the market value, the equalization factor will be one (1).  If the average level of assessment is greater than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be less than one (1).  And if the average level of assessment is less than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be greater than one (1).

A change in the equalization factor does not mean total property bills will increase or decrease.  Tax bills are determined by local taxing bodies when the request money each year to provide services to local citizens.  If the amount requested by local taxing districts is not greater than the amount received in the previous year, then local property taxes will not increase even if assessments increase.

The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume.  That individual's portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.

20 Mar 2013

ANITA RENFROE'S "MOTHER OF ALL COMEDY" TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST HENRY CHO COMING TO PEORIA

By Rick Martin
(Peoria, IL) - March 20, 2013 - The SMG managed Peoria Civic Center is excited to announce Anita Renfroe's
"Mother of all Comedy" tour will be coming to the Peoria Civic Center Theater with special guests Henry Cho
and Warren Barfield on May 9, 2013 at 7 p.m. and tickets are available now for $22.50 and $27.50 at
Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, the Peoria Civic Center Box Office and by phone at 800-745-
3000.

If laughter is the best medicine, then we've got just what the doctor ordered! The Mother of All Comedy Tour!
coming this spring, YouTube-sensation Anita Renfroe and Comedy Central-featured comedian Henry Cho
have teamed up and hit the road! These two acclaimed comedians have packed their bus full of zingers and
hilarious stories, and they're headed your way. When "Froe and Cho Bring the Show," you can count on a no
holds barred outlook on life's hilarious and sometimes, downright unbelievably crazy moments.

Anita Renfroe debuted with her own 3-minute rendition of the William Tell Overture titled "Momisms." This
highly celebrated video, summing up all those things a mother says to her children, rapidly acquired an
overwhelming 10 MILLION YouTube views catapulting Anita to countless mainstream media stops including
ABC's Good Morning America, CNBC, Fox and Friends, Dr. Phil, and more. Renfro's other credits include an
ABC sitcom pilot with co-star Ryan Stiles, a New York Times Magazine featured story, and the chance to be a
presenter at the GMA Dove Awards in 2008. For more information, visit www.anitarenfroe.com.

Henry Cho, the quick-witted Tennessean-Korean comic with a slow-burning Southern accent, made his splash
into the scene via Comedy Central. This special was filmed in his southern hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Being a full-blooded Korean, Cho refers to himself as... well... "South Korean." Henry's TV and film credits
include appearances on NBC's The Tonight Show, CBS's The Late, Late, Show, and countless others. He served
two years as host of NBC's Friday Night Videos and has made numerous guest appearances on various
network sitcoms. Cho's own GAC sitcom, "The Henry Cho Show" debuted in the Fall of 2011. He can also be
heard daily on Sirius/XM and Blue Collar Radio.

"Froe and Cho" will be bringing their side-splitting family friendly comedy to Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL
on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 7:00 PM.
20 Mar 2013

BANDITS TO OPEN BALLPARK FOR FAN FEST SATURDAY

By Marco LaNave

Free admission, specials on concessions and ticket packages on first day to buy single-game tickets

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MARCH 19, 2013) - With the schedule set for a memorable season of new attractions and entertainment at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits will open the ballpark for a free-entry Fan Fest this Saturday, March 23. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the team is inviting the entire Quad Cities community to Modern Woodmen Park for a day of activities, entertainment, behind-the-scenes access, and specials on concessions and ticket packages before the season opens.

From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, the team will hold the Fan Fest, with free admission, $1 hot dogs, soda and hot chocolates, $2 drinks and the first chance to buy single-game tickets. At the Fan Fest only, the River Bandits will also have special offers on season ticket packages of 10 games or more. Fans may also participate in a variety of activities, contests and experiences at Modern Woodmen Park.

"We are excited to welcome our guests to another season at Modern Woodmen Park, and our free Fan Fest will offer everyone a great opportunity to get great deals on tickets for the upcoming season, experience the new game day promotions, activities, and merchandise, and take a first-hand look at the latest improvements to the ballpark," said team owner Dave Heller. "And the best part is fans can enjoy a full afternoon of activities for free!"

The Modern Woodmen Park gates will open at 12:30 p.m., and while admission is free, fans can receive $2 in Bandit Bucks - good for any ticket, concessions or merchandise purchase at Modern Woodmen Park this season - by bringing in a canned food item to be donated to the CROP Hunger Walk. Each family will receive Bandit Bucks for up to five cans. At the Fan Fest, guests may purchase concessions from the Davenport Diner and other select ballpark concession stands. However, no outside food and beverage will be permitted.

The Fan Fest will be the first opportunity for season-ticket holders to pick up their purchased tickets. New and registered Kids Club members may also pick up their T-shirts and membership cards in the River Bandits team store, which will be open for fans to get the newest River Bandits merchandise before Opening Day. Young fans can play in the new Jumpin' Joey's Kids Zone for the first time, and the River Bandits will show the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on the video board and in the Sports Lounge.

Visitors may take free tours to get a look at the newly remodeled River Bandits clubhouse, as well as the dugouts, batting cages, team offices and the latest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park, such as the Bandits Business Center powered by Bradfield's.

Fans will also have several unique, interactive opportunities during the Fan Fest. The River Bandits will preview this season's in-game promotions and on-field contests, with participants selected from the Fan Fest crowd. Fans may also share their talents by announcing commercials for the River Bandits online broadcast, or performing for videos that will be shown on the video board this season.

"The Fan Fest will be an excellent opportunity for fans to get a free first look at the ballpark and celebrate the approaching of baseball season with a day of free family-friendly fun," said General Manager Harold Craw. "The River Bandits are excited to be able to share so many promotions, activities and opportunities with our fans before Opening Day."

The River Bandits will have a running start to the season with the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K on Saturday, April 6, before the 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday, April 11. The River Bandits season opens at Kane County Thursday, April 4.

UP NEXT: Now is the time to lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will be making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, will open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will have a chance to see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

*****
20 Mar 2013

Lt. Governor Reynolds named to Republican Lieutenant Governors Association Executive Committee

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES)  - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today was named to the 2013 Republican Lieutenant Governors Association (RLGA) Executive Committee by the Republican State Leadership Committee President (RSLC), Chris Jankowski.

Priorities for the RLGA Executive Committee include growing jobs, improving education, supporting economic development and improving tourism.

"I look forward to using my position on the RLGA's Executive Committee to share the positive initiatives we're spearheading in Iowa," said Reynolds. "In using our best practices, other states will learn from Iowa's successes in job creation and education reform. In the same regard, I look forward to learning from other states as we apply additional meaningful economic development measures in Iowa moving forward. The states are leading the new reform efforts, and moving this country forward as a whole."

The full list of the Executive Committee includes: Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki - Chairman, Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves - Vice Chairman, Alaska Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, Arkansas Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Kansas Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, New Mexico Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch.

The RLGA is the only national organization committed to raising money and assisting Republicans in their campaigns for Lieutenant Governor, an office that has served as a springboard to elected positions such as Governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, or appointments to the President's Cabinet.  The RLGA currently claims 30 of the 45 Lieutenant Governor offices nationwide, a record number for the organization. Republicans currently hold 15 of the 19 independently-elected positions and 15 of the 26 team-elected/appointed seats.

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20 Mar 2013

Landscaping You Can Eat

By Sierra Club
Spring has almost sprung -- it's time to start planning and planting your garden. You'll find a wealth of information and inspiration in Sierra Club Books' Edible Landscaping, by gardening expert Rosalind Creasy.

Order your copy from the Sierra Club's online store in the next 48 hours (by March 21) and receive a handy canvas garden tote -- a $16.99 value -- as our gift.

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