TROY, NY (07/30/2013)(readMedia)-- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students named to spring 2013 Dean's List for academic achievement

Vignessh Kumar of Moline (61265)

Corey Marshall of Davenport (52807)

Alec Vogel of Davenport (52804)

Rensselaer is America's oldest technological research university, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in architecture, engineering, information technology and web science, management, the sciences, and the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Rensselaer offers more than 145 programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students are encouraged to work in interdisciplinary programs that allow them to combine scholarly work from several departments or schools. The university provides rigorous, engaging, interactive learning environments and campus-wide opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and creativity.

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, invites community members to share their concerns about state and local issues at his upcoming Albany Town Hall Meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 31 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Albany Village Office located at 102 S. Main Street in Albany.

"Knowing that there are many pressing issues that continue to weigh on our state and impact daily life in our district, it's crucial that I continue an ongoing discussion with local residents about their views and priorities," said Smiddy. "I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns or would simply like to listen to a legislative update to join me at this town hall meeting, because I need to hear from you to be a true voice for your needs."

Illinois' 71^st 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.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn issued the following statement regarding today's filing of a lawsuit to restore pay for legislators. On July 10, 2013, following two years of legislative inertia on pension reform - the most critical job for the state - the Governor issued a line-item veto of House Bill 214 to suspend pay for legislators until they pass comprehensive pension reform. Under the Illinois Constitution, the Governor has the power to line-item veto any appropriation. The Governor is also not accepting his own salary.

Below is his statement:

"Today's lawsuit filed by two members of the Illinois General Assembly is just plain wrong.

"If legislators had put forth the same effort to draw up a pension reform agreement that they did in crafting this lawsuit, pension reform could have been done by now.

"Instead of focusing on resolving the state's pension crisis - which is costing taxpayers millions of dollars a day - legislators have chosen to focus on their own paychecks and waste taxpayer time and money on this lawsuit.

"My action to suspend the appropriation for legislative pay is clearly within the express provisions of the Illinois Constitution.

"Legislators should not be rewarded for an endless cycle of promises, excuses, delay and inertia on the pension problem.

"I've spent a lot of time with working people across Illinois who understand the importance of this issue. They work hard for their paychecks and they do what's hard to support their families.

"They don't get paid if they don't do their jobs. And neither should members of the General Assembly.

"I will defend the interest of Illinois taxpayers in the courts. Nobody should be paid until the pension reform job gets done for taxpayers."

CLICK HERE TO BUY TODAY!

$60 per ticket ($50 for TCR Members) - OR, become a "Host" and get 10 tickets (plus more benefits!) for $500.

• Program includes 80th season preview performances, surprise guests and special announcements.

• Entertainment includes prohibition era music before & after the program.

• Food and moonshine provided (with a cash bar available)

• Cocktail attire (If you prefer, dress for the era or add a hat for fun!)

• To get your ticket and password, contact the TCR Box Office or go to www.theatrecr.org/curtainraiser.

• Ticket and password required for entry.

• Make sure you are not being followed by anyone as to tip off the whereabouts of the soiree.

SUBSCRIBE TO NEXT SEASON ONLINE

Pick at least three shows...

TCR's magical 80th season is available online for three show (minimum) Starter Packs, or full subscriptions with mix/match and ala carte options.  Click the link, and purchase the shows you want for the performances you want.  Don't forget, the 80th Season will end with the international hit... Les Misérables!

• Click here to subscribe online today!

A new DIVAPALOOZA show you won't want to miss. Imagine Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Bette Midler all together on one stage, and you've got DIVAPALOOZA. Janelle Lauer, Jane Pini , and Lynne Rothrock will entertain with a band of the finest musicians. Something for everyone - rhythm & blues, jazz, musical theatre, rock & roll, folk, and country.

• All tickets $30

• Click here to order online today!

The Music Man In Concert w/ Orchestra Iowa
at The Paramount September 25-29, 2013

LAST CHANCE TO GET PRIORITY SEATING - Single Tickets go on sale August 9th, but TCR Subscribers can take advantage now by ordering three or more productions.  Contact TCR Box Office or order online today!

Join us for Meredith Willson's "The Music Man: In Concert" collaborating Theatre Cedar Rapids and Orchestra Iowa in an evening of incredible singing with classics such as: "76 Trombones" "Shipoopi" "Goodnight My Someone" and other favorites from one of the greatest and most beloved musicals of all time.

• Click here for an UPDATED cast list!

• Performed in partnership with Orchestra Iowa in the historic Paramount Theatre

FINAL TCR Camps Begin August 5th

It's not too late to register!

3rd-5th Grade Theatre

Master the essential techniques of theatre - onstage and behind the scenes.  Through improvisation, acting and scene work, as well as learning some basis of the technical elements of theatre, each session will develop an original play or series of scenes to present at the showcase.  Come develop the confidence needed to make a splash at your next audition or performance - confidence you will carry through the school year and your lifetime.  $195 (TCR member rate $156)

• Session 7: August 5-August 16, 9:00am-12:00pm OR

• Session 8: August 5-August 16, 1:00pm-4:00pm

3rd-5th Grade Musical Theatre

Are musicals your thing?  If you can't get enough of singing show tunes, this camp is for you.  You'll hone your singing, dancing, and acting skills while working on pieces from famous musicals.  $195 (TCR member rate $156)

• Session 11: August 5-August 16, 1:00-4:00pm