03 Oct 2013

Simon honors outstanding work to revitalize Main Street communities

By Annie Thompson

Illinois Main Street celebrates 20 years in Historic Downtown Pontiac

SPRINGFIELD - October 2, 2013. As the ambassador of Illinois Main Street, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today honored the recipients of the Lt. Governor's Award for Excellence at this year's Illinois Main Street conference. The program is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the "Driving into the Future" conference taking place Oct. 1 - Oct. 3 in Historic Downtown Pontiac.

"For 20 years now Illinois Main Street has been helping support communities throughout Illinois," said Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, who chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. "I look forward to continuing to work to preserve these communities that often provide an important snapshot of our past and a vision for our future."

The conference, which is being hosted by Pontiac P.R.O.U.D. Main Street and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) - which administers the Illinois Main Street program - gives community and economic development professionals from around the state an opportunity to network, and learn about innovative new practices to rejuvenate Illinois' downtown business districts.

Simon honored individuals who have excelled in organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring of downtown commercial districts with the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence. Awards were also presented for Main Street Innovation, Business, Property Owner, Innovation and Volunteer of the Year.

Recipients included:

·         Batavia Main Street for its River Street: "Woonerf," which is a European concept for shared space

·         Chicago Six Corners Association: Renovation of the Grayland Theater Façade and Tuck Point

·         Pekin Main Street: Converting the Elks Lodge into the Fusion Building/Sabella St. Station

·         Pontiac P.R.O.U.D.: Restoration of the historic Livingston County Courthouse

·         Aledo Main Street: Digital promotion project

·         Batavia Main Street: Creation of the Batavia Main Street Award for local residents and businesses

·         Jacksonville Main Street: 2013 Diamonds and Ice Masquerade Ball

·         Main Street Libertyville: Membership drive to promote local merchants

·         Chicago Six Corners Association: Six Corners BBQ Fest

·         Downtown Crystal Lake: 20th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival

·         Jacksonville Main Street: Art Fair on the Square

·         Main Street Orion: Band shell 100th birthday celebration

·         Aledo Main Street: New Business Springboard

·         Batavia Main Street: Artisan Collective

·         Chicago Six Corners Association: Revitalizing vacant storefronts and streetscapes

·         Jacksonville Main Street: Creation of a Downtown Business Alliance

·         Volunteer of the Year: Meek Family, Jacksonville Main Street

·         Outstanding Main Street Business: Green Town Tavern, Waukegan Main Street

·         Outstanding Main Street Innovation: ShopDowntownQuincy.com

·         Outstanding Main Street Property Owner: Austin Properties, Quincy

Over the past 20 years, Illinois Main Street communities have created 9,300 jobs, opened over 1,200 new businesses, and represent public and private investment of over $750 million. In Illinois, 42 communities hold the Illinois Main Street designation.

Additional conference highlights include a 20th anniversary celebration featuring Illinois products, walking tours of Historic Downtown Pontiac, the Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence Gala and a proclamation from Governor Pat Quinn in honor of Illinois Main Street's 20th anniversary.

This year's keynote speaker is Valecia Crisafulli, who served as the first state director of the Illinois Main Street Program and most recently as the CEO of the National Main Street Center. The center works with a nationwide network of communities to encourage preservation-based economic revitalization, and has participated in the renewal of more than 2,000 older commercial districts during its 30-year history.

Click here for more information about Illinois Main Street.

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03 Oct 2013

Simon to deliver keynote address at event honoring JFK

By Annie Thompson

CARBONDALE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will celebrate the life and legacy of the late President John F. Kennedy by delivering the keynote address at "Remembering JFK."

"John F. Kennedy visited southern Illinois during a time in our nation when people hungered for change and as the fight for civil rights raged throughout the country. While there is still work to do before true equality can be realized, we are making amazing progress," said Simon. "It has been more than 50 years since JFK's visit, but his legacy lives on."

The event takes place 53 years to the day that presidential candidate John F. Kennedy visited southern Illinois. On Oct. 3, 1960, thousands of residents flocked to see Kennedy at stops in Carbondale, Marion Harrisburg and later Venice, IL and Springfield. During his visit, Kennedy spoke to huge crowds about issues still being debated today: equality, jobs, and economic development and access to high-quality educations.

DATE: Thursday, Oct. 3

TIME: 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Ballroom B, SIU Student Center, 1255 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale

NOTE: Media availability to take place prior to the event.

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03 Oct 2013

Loebsack: Open and working

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

Dear Friend,

As you have probably heard, due to the reckless brinksmanship in Washington, the federal government has needlessly been shut down.

During this shutdown, my number one priority as your Representative is making sure your needs continue to be met. Just because it remains closed, does not mean that problems with federal agencies don't arise. My offices are open and ready to help any Iowan.

CLICK HERE IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE DURING THE SHUTDOWN.

I will continue to work to help mitigate the impact that any dysfunction in Washington may have on you. I taped a short video to tell you about the various ways to get in touch with my office.

Click here to watch the video and find out how my office can help you.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

03 Oct 2013

Military Leader to Loebsack: "Disruptive and Unfortunate" Don't Begin to Address Impact of Shutdown

By Rick Martin

LtGen Faulkner: "Words like disruptive and unfortunate don't even begin to address the impact of this shutdown" 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today questioned military leaders about the effects that the shutdown is having on our nation's military and Department of Defense civilian workforce such as those at Rock Island Arsenal at a House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness hearing. Loebsack questioned United States Army Lieutenant General Raymond Mason, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Marine Corps Lieutenant General William Faulkner, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics. When asked for his assessment of what the shutdown means to the civilian workforce who support our troops and who have been furloughed, Faulkner stated "Words like disruptive and unfortunate don't even begin to address the impact of this shutdown on our Marine civilians."

Lieutenant General Faulkner followed up this statement by saying: "more descriptive words, such as disrespectful, are more appropriate."

"We are now in our second day of the shutdown and I could not agree with the General more. This shutdown is disrespectful to our troops, as well as the civilians who work day and night to support them. Republicans and Democrats must come together immediately to find a way forward to end this needless shutdown," said Congressman Loebsack.

Video of the remark can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrCtOguQEHU

The full video of Loebsack's questions can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncUR3_vcSrg&feature=youtu.be

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03 Oct 2013

24th Annual Square Dance Benefit for Camp Courageous

By Charlie Becker
Monticello, IA-- On Sunday, October 13, 2013, The East Central Federation and Cedar Valley Callers Association will sponsor the 24th Annual Square Dance Benefit for Camp Courageous. The calling begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. in the main lodge of Camp Courageous.

Callers and cuers from all over eastern Iowa and the surrounding areas are invited. Dance clubs as well as individuals and couples are welcome to enjoy the afternoon dancing or just observing in the spacious camp lodge. Tours will be available for anyone interested in seeing all that camp has to offer. Admission fee is a donation to camp. Participants are asked to bring cookies or a snack to share. Beverages are provided.

Located near Monticello IA, Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. The camp was built and continues to operate on donations, without government support, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fundraisers. The camp serves over 6,500 individuals with special needs annually.

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03 Oct 2013

Festival of Wreaths

By Lynn Bartenhagen

The Friends of the Muscatine Art Center are seeking donations of wreaths and gingerbread houses for this year's Festival of Wreaths.

Each year, the Festival of Wreaths event raises over $5,000 to help keep the arts alive in our community! Funds raised by this event provide vital support to the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center, a 501(c)(3) organization that sponsors hundreds of art classes, outreach programs, guided tours and special events that spark the imaginations of students and families in the Muscatine area.

Each wreath, table-top tree, door swag, table centerpiece or gingerbread house must be the creative masterpiece of the participant. Greens should be artificial. If any lights are included, the lights must be new. All wreaths and other donated items will be auctioned by bid during the Gala Finale on Saturday, November 16th. Creators should provide a title for each piece submitted for auction. The deadline to sign up is October 10, 2013. Items are due to the Art Center by October 30, 2013 and will be on public display from November 7th through 16th.

A panel of judges will give awards for best wreath, best gingerbread house, best holiday décor and best student submission. Judges will evaluate creativity, artistic implementation, effort and presentation. Attendees will vote for the People's Choice Award - presented at the close of bidding during the Gala Finale.

For more details, contact the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

03 Oct 2013

Quad City Arts Art @ the Airport

By Dawn Wohlford-Metallo

WHAT: Quad City Arts Art @ the Airport

WHEN: September 9-October 30, 2013

WHERE: Quad City International Airport Gallery, 2200 69th Ave., Moline, IL

WHO: Paintings by Michael Acerra and Peter Xiao (pronounced Shouw) with ceramic sculptures by Dusty Hanson

Exhibiting in September and October at the Quad City International Airport Gallery is Michael Acerra of Galesburg, IL, Peter Xiao of Rock Island and Dusty Hanson of Bettendorf, IA.

Michael Acerra uses oil paints and pastels to create paintings which capture a moment in time. From still-lives to landscapes, Acerra's style and technique are reminiscent of Reubens. His color palette is similar to French painters like Pisaro and Degas. Michael can often be found painting on location in downtown Galesburg.

Peter Xiao presents a series of oil, acrylic and mixed media paintings which explore personal memories of "Mao's so-called Cultural Revolution and human life's fragility and travails." Peter is a painting instructor at Augustana College and has exhibited at Quad City Arts in the past.

Dusty Hanson builds sculptures from solid blocks of clay. He carves, manipulates and textures the clay into anthropomorphic forms. Ranging in size from tabletop pieces to life-sized, Hanson's work begs touching and must be seen from all angles. This is Dusty's first major exhibit with Quad City Arts.

Art @ the Airport Gallery never closes and non-ticketed passengers can drop by the airport to see the exhibits, with just one dollar for parking.

The Quad City Arts Center Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Quad City Arts is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the presentation, development and celebration of the arts. This gallery and exhibit is generously sponsored by the Quad City International Airport.

-30-

02 Oct 2013

Culver-Stockton's Class of 2018

By Heidi Lanier

CANTON, MO (10/02/2013)(readMedia)-- The following students who have been accepted into Culver-Stockton's incoming class of fall 2014:

Margaret Murphy of Alleman High School in Rock Island, Ill., has been accepted and awarded the Hilltop Scholarship. Murphy's anticipated major is communication.

Andrea Schanfish of United Township H S in East Moline, Ill., has been accepted and awarded the Hilltop Scholarship. Schanfish's anticipated major is crimnal justice.

Culver-Stockton College, located in Canton, Mo., is a four-year residential institution in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC specializes in experiential education and is one of only two colleges in the nation to offer the 12/3 semester calendar, where the typical 15 week semester is divided into two terms, a 12-week term and a 3-week term.

02 Oct 2013

Gov. Branstad to declare October 9 as Healthiest State Walk Day

By Tim Albrecht

What:  Gov. Terry Branstad will present a proclamation declaring October 9 as Healthiest State Walk Day and will officially introduce the 2013 Healthiest State Walk sponsors, including Delta Dental of Iowa, Mercy Health Network and UnityPoint, who will support the walk and the new Focus Five priorities.

Who: Speaker Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Delta Dental of Iowa Vice President of Public Affairs Suzanne Heckenlaible, UnityPoint CEO Bill Leaver, Mercy Cancer Center Medical Director Dr. Richard Deming, and Healthiest State Initiative Chairman Ric Jurgens will be available for interviews and photos.

When: Tuesday, October 8 at 9:15 a.m.

Where: Iowa State Capitol, West Terrace*, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines

Background:

The Healthiest State Initiative has set an ambitious goal for Iowa to become the healthiest state in the nation by 2016. Since the Initiative was launched in 2011, Iowa has improved from 19th to ninth in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Walking can help manage weight and improve strength and physical fitness. Walking also slows mental decline, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

Nearly 600,000 Iowans have participated in the Healthiest State Initiative's walks in 2011 and 2012. This year, many organized Healthiest State walks will be held at noon on October 9, but walks are encouraged throughout the day. A kilometer is about 7.5 city blocks, a 12-minute stroll for the average walker. Walkers can sign up for the event at www.iowahealthieststate.com.

Along with walking and remaining active, the Healthiest State Initiative has also identified five priority areas most likely to improve our state's ranking:

  • Decrease the number of Iowans who smoke,
  • Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables to five or more servings daily at least four days a week,
  • Increase the number of Iowans who are learning or doing something interesting every day,
  • Increase the number of Iowans who have visited the dentist in the last 12 months, and
  • Increase the number of working Iowans who feel their boss treats them like a partner at work

More information about the Focus Five priorities can be found at www.iowahealthieststate.com.

*In case of inclement weather the event will be moved to the Rotunda of the Capitol.

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02 Oct 2013

Muscatine Art Center Presents Free Concert

By Lynn Bartenhagen

Muscatine Art Center to Present a Free Concert

The Muscatine Art Center is pleased to present a free concert to take place in the recently dedicated, E. Bradford Burns Performing Arts Park. "Kim Wiseman & Friends" will be the first group to perform in this space on Sunday, October 13th from 2 to 4 p.m. Kim Wiseman-Johnson is the lead vocalist with Mark Johnson on guitar, keyboard and vocals, and Mayor DeWayne Hopkins on drums. Other local musicians may join in the fun. The group performs older hymns and contemporary Christian music.

The public is invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Art Center's Music Room. Don't miss this opportunity to see Mayor Hopkins perform!

The E. Bradford Burns Performing Arts Park is located at 1402 Mulberry Avenue, one lot up from the Musser Mansion at former site of the Henry Jayne House. The original brick foundation of the house has been adapted to serve as a performance space.

Visitors are also encouraged to view the exhibition, "A Journey Down River: Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Great River Road," which closes on October 27, 2013.

For more details, contact the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

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