30 Jul 2013

Showing of the film "A Promise Called Iowa"

By Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities

"A Promise Called Iowa" is a film produced by Friends of IPTV in 2007, will be shown in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities, 3707 Eastern Ave. Davenport at 7 PM on August 2nd.  
Potluck from 5:30 to 6:30.You are welcome to bring your own table service. Film to follow.

We hope to have the discussion leaders and Lien Truong, the External Affairs Assistance of  the Vietnamese Community with us for dinner.

Discussion to follow led by Robin Clark-Bennett of the U. of I. Labor Center and Amy Rowell Director of World Relief in Moline.
30 Jul 2013

NATIONAL MOVEMENT I AM LOVE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IN DUBUQUE

By Brandon Williams
??July 29, 2013, DUBUQUE, IA - Better Together Dubuque, Sustainable Dubuque, and 108 Productions announced details of the premiere launch of the I AM Love Campaign's National Tour at Five Flags Theater and Mindframe Theaters Sept 2-8, 2013.  The week-long Campaign events include performances of 108 Productions' internationally acclaimed production of Terrence McNally's CORPUS CHRISTI, screenings of their new documentary CORPUS CHRISTI: PLAYING WITH REDEMPTION, Dubuque Diversity Dialogue open-forum with local leaders, and the I AM Love Awards.

Through a combination screening of the film, performances of the play, and educational outreach, The I AM Love Campaign's Vision is to facilitate a conversation on acceptance and tolerance of all creeds, ages, races, orientations, and genders by allowing a deeper connection to self-love, knowing from this place of awareness real change will manifest.  Said McNally: "Fifteen years after CORPUS CHRISTI premiered in New York, I am thrilled that 108 Productions continues to perform the piece all over the world.  PLAYING WITH REDEMPTION and the I AM Love Campaign add a new dimension to the conversation that my play continues to provoke, and I look forward to CORPUS CHRISTI starting many more conversations around the country."

Said Nic Arnzen and James Brandon, Co-Founders of 108 Productions and the I AM Love Campaign:  "Our tour aims to bridge differences and diversity to empower community collaboration, knowing that through connection, we can learn to become more tolerant and ultimately celebrate, that which we may not understand.  As the voices of intolerance around the world continue preaching ignorance and hate, we will keep raising our voices from a place of Love."

CORPUS CHRISTI conceived as a modern passion play by McNally (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Master Class, Ragtime), which imagines Jesus as a gay man living in modern-day Texas, ignited a firestorm of unintended controversy upon its debut in 1998. Beginning in 2006, 108 Productions launched a resoundingly successful revival production directed by Nic Arnzen and was lauded by critics, continued to sell out for months at Los Angeles' Zephyr Theatre, and went on to tour across America. In Europe, the play was an Amnesty International Freedom of Expression nominee at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was awarded the Intercultural Dialogue Award at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in 2008.  After, the company celebrated the show's 10th anniversary Off-Broadway at the Rattlestick Theatre, benefiting the Matthew Shepard Foundation and New York's Gay Community Center.  The show continued to tour through 2011 nationally and internationally, while a documentary crew followed their travels to less tolerant communities.

Now, seven years later, CORPUS CHRISTI: PLAYING WITH REDEMPTION will begin a tour across the country. The Religious Right meets the 'gay Jesus play' in this documentary film inspired by the play, which continues to face censorship, protests, bomb threats and religious condemnation.  Mirroring the reflections of change in society today in regards to freedom of speech, civil rights, marriage equality and separation of church and state, this production has become a vehicle for a community struggling to find its voice. Meanwhile, the company of actors finds itself on a journey that would forever change their lives.

The I AM Love Awards honors notable advocates who have helped shape the positive dialogue in the LGBT and allied community.  The I AM Love Awards shine a light on local individuals and organizations that use their own love and light to help the community find a clearer path of respectful dialogue and understanding in the face of diversity and fear.  Leading up to the weekend, Dubuquers will have a chance to nominate locals they think should be recognized for embracing diversity, encouraging dialogue, and challenging progressive movement.  Submissions will be taken via Facebook, the campaign/film website, as well as a team of committee members made up of Dubuque residents.  Official announcement of recipients will be August 19, 2013.

Dubuque Diversity Dialogue, facilitated by Better Together Dubuque and 108 Productions, is our community symposium that will give voice to diverse viewpoints and explore peaceful solutions. This dialogue explores issues affecting the community, filtered through themes addressed in the play such as bullying, marriage equality, racial discourse and civil rights.  These leaders, who serve as resources and mentors, are catalysts in assuring the dialogue continues after the Campaign leaves.  The community dialogues are filmed and shared on website and social media forums to strengthen local and national outreach.  Panel members will be announced throughout the month on the campaign/film website.

Praise for 108 Productions' Tour of CORPUS CHRISTI:

?   "Without the noise of controversy, the play can finally be heard. Staged with admirable delicacy, this 108 Productions revival has moments of hard-won sentiment that will win over the biggest skeptic."  -New York Times

?   "Recommended!  In director Nic Arnzen's heartfelt take, a multiracial, gender-bent ensemble lands its core message ..."-Los Angeles Times

?   "The performances are remarkable... it is undeniably moving."  -The Advocate

?   "GO!  The entire cast gives great performances... creating an ending that is almost cinematic in its scope." -LA Weekly

?   "This film is not an attack on any organization or organized religion. Rather, It invites the viewer to embrace spirituality This film will have an impact on everyone that sees it, not just on people who are gay."  -Christine Brown, Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport

?   "The documentary affirms a deeply profound and spiritual truth that love conquers hatred, even homohatred. As a Pastor of a Christian Church this is a must see for those who wish to teach God's unconditional Love for all."  -Rev. Joseph Shore-Goss, Metropolitan Community Churches

 

Schedule of Events:

Monday, September 2- Sunday, September 8- various times TBA:  Screenings of CORPUS CHRISTI PLAYING WITH REDEMPTION at MindFrame Theaters

Thursday, Sept 5- 7:00pm- VIP/Sponsor Reception Gala at Eronel on Main St.

8:00pm-  the I AM Love Awards at Eronel on Main St.

Friday, Sept 6- 8:00pm- CORPUS CHRISTI play performance at Five Flags Theater

Sunday, Sept 8- 1:00pm- CORPUS CHRISTI play performance at Five Flags Theater

3:30pm- Dubuque Diversity Dialogue- Free Open Forum at Five Flags Theater

Suggested Donation Tickets, Reservations, and more info can be found at

www.corpuschristi-themovie.com

The I AM Love Campaign in Dubuque is partnered with Better Together Dubuque and sponsored by Sustainable Dubuque, Five Flags Center, Mindframe Theaters, Radio Dubuque, Dubuque 365, Holiday Inn, and Eronel.

30 Jul 2013

Andy Warhol's nephew to speak at the Figge

By Rick Martin

Davenport, Iowa (July 29, 2013) - The Figge Art Museum will be welcoming Donald Warhola, Andy Warhol's nephew, this Thursday evening at 7 p.m. for a free public lecture and Friday afternoon for a 1 p.m. gallery talk of the American Pop! exhibition currently on display in the 3rd floor gallery.

Warhola, who is the son of Warhol's late brother John Warhola and current liaison to The Andy Warhol Foundation, will speak about his relationship with his uncle. From personal memories of his regular visits to "Uncle Andy's" to what it was like to work for Andy Warhol post-college. In addition, he will discuss his uncle's childhood and pre-New York City years, along with some of the challenges his uncle faced throughout his life.

For the Friday gallery talk, Warhola will speak about the early indications of Warhol's originality and talent level. He will conclude by speaking to the "Ladies and Gentleman" pieces in the American Pop! exhibition and touch upon the present-day relevance of these works, as well as other works his uncle created.

Figge members are invited to meet Donald Warhola at a 5:30 p.m. member's only reception on Thursday prior to the 7 p.m. public lecture. Not a member? Call Membership Manager Amy Martens at 563-326-7804 x2007 to become one.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

 

-end-
29 Jul 2013

Can You be the Next Business Thought Leader?

By Ginny Grimsley
Corporate Thought Leader Architect Shares Tips

Plug "thought leader architect" into the title field of a LinkedIn search and only one name pops up: Mitchell Levy, CEO of THiNKaha and author of the new book, "#Creating Thought Leaders Tweet," (www.thinkaha.com/experts2gurus).

"The truth is, a lot of people are trying to become viewed as 'thought leaders' because they recognize that being a well-publicized, well-respected expert in their field is good for business," Levy says.

"But most people have a hard time figuring out how to do it on their own."

Levy, who works with corporations to develop thought leaders among employees, says CEOs recognize that the wide availability of information on the internet has changed how customers do business.

"Customers are quite knowledgeable, and they get that way by using the resources available online," Levy says. "It doesn't take long before they know enough to spot a true expert - someone with vision; someone with a strong track record of success; someone who knows their field so well, they can tell you where it's going, and where it should go."

When we had only the traditional media and its well-guarded access, our thought leaders tended to be people who were already in vaulted positions, such as elected officials, CEOs of major corporations and entertainment personalities, Levy notes.

Today, thanks to the egalitarian nature of social media, anyone can become one. But many people don't know where to begin.

Levy offers these suggestions for developing your reputation as a thought leader.

• Start by zeroing in on an area of your field in which you excel. Focus on one area of your business or profession that excites you. Rather than stepping out as the consummate expert on a broad range of topics, choose one slice of your expertise that you enjoy - that you love to talk about. The beautiful thing about social media is that it caters to niche interests, which is a great way to start building your following. The more focused you can make the space you want to be a thought leader in, the easier it will be for you to reach your audience.

• Develop your own message and share it in a distinctive style. Think about who your audience is and what they want and need - remembering that they don't care about you, they care about themselves. Are there better ways to do something that everyone has been doing the same way for years? Can you solve problems or foresee trends that others seem to be blind to? Craft a message that will resonate with your audience. Share it in a distinctive, authoritative voice. Don't be afraid to show some personality. Do you need to be bigger, tougher, louder, stronger, wiser? You don't need it all, but you do need to set yourself apart.

• Create useful, valuable content that people can use. Online, you can write a blog; create video tutorials on YouTube; share nuggets of information on the various social media sites. Write a book on your topic! By constantly sharing information that solves problems for users and readers, you begin developing a reputation as knowledgeable, helpful and reliable. This should be an ongoing process - which is why you need to be passionate about it! Thought leaders make it look easy, but they work at it every day.

About Mitchell Levy

Mitchell Levy, Thought Leader Architect and CEO at THiNKaha, has created and operated 15 firms and partnerships since 1997. Today, he works with companies who are active in social media to leverage their IP and unlock the expertise of their employee base to drive more business. He is also an Amazon best-selling author with 18 business books, including the new "#Creating Thought Leaders Tweet." Levy is a frequent media guest and a popular speaker. In addition to the companies and joint ventures he has started, he has provided strategic consulting to more than 100 companies, has advised more than 500 CEOs on critical business issues through the CEO networking groups he's run, and has been Chairman of the Board of a NASDAQ listed company.

29 Jul 2013

Steer Clear of Auto Repair Scams

By Jason Alderman

If you feel frustrated or intimidated whenever you take your car in for repairs, you're not alone. According to the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau, auto repair fraud consistently ranks among the top consumer complaints they receive.

Although most auto repair shops are legitimate, some unscrupulous operators will rip off inexperienced car owners by performing unnecessary or unauthorized repairs, substituting counterfeit or used replacement parts, or even doing such shoddy work that lives are endangered.

Here are tips for becoming a more informed consumer and a few common scams to avoid:

Try to have a trusted repair shop already lined up before you need one. Ask friends or your auto insurance company for recommendations, or search the Better Business Bureau's website (www.bbb.org) for accredited businesses. Also:

  • Ask the state Attorney General's office (www.naag.org) whether any complaints have been filed against prospective mechanics.
  • Look for mechanics currently certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (www.ase.com) or who belong to your insurer's authorized repair network.
  • If your car's warranty is still in force, you may be required to use only authorized dealerships.

If your car needs major work, gather several estimates for comparison. Once you've chosen a shop, ask for a detailed estimate (with no sections left blank) before you authorize repairs. Specify that you must be called to grant permission before additional repairs. Make sure the work order clearly specifies:

  • Repairs to be done.
  • All fees, including parts, labor, storage, loaner car, etc.
  • Whether new, reconditioned, or used parts will be used.
  • Acceptable payment methods.
  • Completion date.
  • Diagnostic or reassembly charges if you decide to get a second opinion or have the work done elsewhere.

Make sure the final repair bill contains itemizes all work completed and parts used. (Ask them to show you the work done and replaced parts.) Also have the bill spell out any guaranteed items (including exclusions), in case problems occur later and you need contractual proof.

Watch out for these common scams:

  • They give you a verbal estimate then charge a higher price. Always get it in writing.
  • A shop lures you in with low-cost specials (oil change, brake inspection, etc.), then pads the work order with other repairs you don't want or need. If in doubt, have the initial work done and get a second opinion on the rest, unless there's an immediate safety issue.
  • Charging for services that are covered under the car's warranty. (Always read your warranty carefully.)
  • Dishonest mechanics have been known to inflict intentional damage during an inspection in order to boost needed repairs.
  • They don't want to return replaced parts to you, which could mean the work wasn't actually done, or they used inferior parts. (Keep in mind that there could be discarded parts lying around that they could pass off as yours.)
  • Going against your car manufacturer's recommendations. If your manual recommends getting an oil change every 10,000 miles but the mechanic says every 3,000, make sure there's a good reason.
  • Offers to waive the deductible - for example, offering to install a used part and bill your insurance company for a new one. This insurance fraud could land you in a world of hurt.
  • High-pressure sales tactics.

Just because you don't completely understand what goes on under the hood doesn't mean you can't protect yourself against auto repair scams. To learn more, visit the FTC's comprehensive Auto Repair Basics site at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0211-auto-repair-basics.

29 Jul 2013

Christopher David's New Book Reminds Readers about Stranger Awareness among Children

By Rick Martin

An illustration of one of the many ways strangers will try to abduct children and what should be done to prevent it from happening

KANSAS CITY, Miss. - (July 29, 2013) - Whenever the evening news brings the story of a kidnapped child or teen, the terrifying prospect of abduction fills the minds of parents everywhere. But it's more important to remember that all kids should pass through their childhood safely.

A DAY AT THE ZOO WITH FRIENDS is an illustrative picture book written by author Christopher David about predator awareness (stranger danger) for children who are getting victimized through abductions. It tells the story of Josh, Amelia, Sydney, Sky and their new friends Ally and Michael who all went to the zoo to have some fun and watch the animals play.

However, as they continue walking through the zoo, a stranger approached them and said that he will take them to their mom and dad. What will they do? Will they go with the stranger? Will they scream or call for help? Or will the stranger abduct them?

A DAY AT THE ZOO WITH FRIENDS will teach children that when there is a stranger that approaches them, they should speak loudly and make the correct decision not to go with these predators.  There are many ways strangers will try to get children to go with them and this story teaches one way in which both children and their parents could learn from. Another thing we need to understand is that research shows that children are more likely to be abused by someone they know.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to www.Xlibris.com.

About the Author

David Butler is a former teacher of over 16 years who had struggled with drug abuse for 20 plus years. His addiction came to a head when he was arrested for possession of crack-cocaine on March 1, 2005. He was born in Wichita, KS in 1965. The family then moved to Alton, IL in 1967. Upon leaving Alton in 1972, his family settled in Waukon, IA in 1974. Butler graduated from Waukon Senior High in 1983, and attended the University of Northern Iowa from 1983 to 1988. He walked-on and ran varsity track for a little over a year, and graduated with a BA in education in May of 1988. Butler was recruited to teach math for the Ysleta I.S.D. in El Paso, TX in the spring of 1988, moved to El Paso the summer of 1988, and taught math for the district a total of 13 years. Butler relocated to Tempe, AZ the summer of 2001. He taught math and science for the Cartwright District, in Phoenix, for the 2001-2002 school year, and stayed with the district for the first quarter of the 2002-2003 school year before resigning after finding out his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Butler, then was hired by the Mesa Public Schools and taught math from 2003-2005. He worked various jobs from the fall of 2005 to the spring of 2010 in the Phoenix area before relocating to Kansas City, MO the summer of 2010. He was married in the fall of 2011 to his lovely wife Jennifer, and has devoted his life to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ glorifying God, and to help people understand the evils of drugs and the damage they do to relationships, be it personal or professional.

A Day At The Zoo With Friends * by Christopher David

Publication Date: July 3, 2012

Picture Book; $15.99; 24 pages; 978-1-4771-1139-0

Picture Book Hardcover; $25.99; 24 pages

Ebook; $3.99; 978-1-4771-1140-6

29 Jul 2013

Hardacre Film Festival Announces 2013 Award-Winning Films

By Hardacre Film Festival

TIPTON, Iowa - The jury of the 2013 Hardacre Film Festival has announced its award-winning films in six categories. The festival will take place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2 and 3, at the Hardacre Theater, 112 E. 5th St. in Tipton.

"We're really excited to share such entertaining and innovative films with our audience," said Will Valet, festival director. "Some of these films premiered at the top film festivals in the world and are having their Iowa or Midwest premieres at Hardacre."

The 2013 award-winning films are:

Best Narrative Feature

WINNER–"Scrapper" tells the story of Hollis, whose drive in life is to collect scrap metal to pay for the care of his aging mother. That life is turned upside down when he meets Swan, a teenage runaway. Producer and co-writer Ed Dougherty will present the film at Hardacre Friday night, Aug. 2.

RUNNER-UP–"The Little Tin Man," a comedy-drama, features Iowa native Aaron Beelner as a little person looking to score a big role in a remake of "The Wizard of Oz." Beelner will present the film at Hardacre Saturday night, Aug. 3.

Best Documentary

WINNER–"William and the Windmill" profiles young Malawian William Kamkwamba, who builds a power-generating windmill from scrap parts, rescuing his family from famine and poverty and setting him on a life path he didn't expect.

RUNNER-UP–"The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne" tells how a poor African American woman from segregated 1930s America became one of the world's most notorious and successful jewel thieves. This documentary presents the unapologetic 81-year-old Doris Payne as her life of crime catches up to her.

Best Short Film

WINNER–In "Gun," directed by University of Iowa alum Spencer Gillis, a terrifying break-in prompts Roy to buy a handgun to protect his family, but the power he feels carrying the weapon leads down a path that may have tragic consequences. Producer Nicole Cosgrove will present the film at Hardacre Saturday night, Aug. 3.

RUNNER-UP–In "Paper People," the lives of a suicidal U.S. Marine, a single mother, and her precocious daughter collide with incendiary results.

Best Student Film

WINNER–In "Escaping the Island," a young man struggles with society's obsession with technology.

RUNNER-UP–In "Christian Dating 101," two young people revel in the social boundaries of Christian dating.

Best Animated Film

WINNER–In "Double Occupancy (Zweibettzimmer)," two old men share a hospital room in which the window is the only connection to the outside world, and thus, it becomes a highly demanded resource. This is a dark parable about the greed of man;an animated, psychologically intimate play about the power of imagination and illusion.

RUNNER-UP–"Animation Hotline" is a series of daily animations that use messages left on the Dusty Studio voicemail for content. The project was first seeded by giving out the phone number to a few poets and friends, but it eventually caught on with bloggers and as the phone number proliferated through the internet, the messages increased.

Best Iowa Film

WINNER –In "Bring Me a Dream," young Lynn disobeys her parents by not going to bed on time and Mr. Sandman decides that it's time to pay Lynn a little visit. Director Mikeal Burgin and star Kaylynn Burgin will present the film at Hardacre Friday night, Aug. 2.

Hardacre will also give an Audience Award, to be voted on by the audience and announced at the conclusion of the festival Saturday, Aug. 3.

Hardacre 2013 will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2 and 3. Admission to any of Hardacre's programs, Friday Night, Saturday Day or Saturday Night, is $8 each. An all-festival pass can be purchased for $20. Films on Friday begin at 6 p.m. On Saturday, screenings will run all day from 9 a.m. through 11 p.m.

For a full schedule or more information about the Hardacre Film Festival, go to hardacrefilmfestival.com.


-- END --
29 Jul 2013

Army National Guard Director visits Illinois training areas, Illinois Guardsmen

By Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

CHICAGO (07/28/2013)(readMedia)-- Lt. Gen. William E. Ingram, Director of the Army National Guard, visited various training areas in Illinois July 21 to 23 to connect with Illinois Army National Guard leaders and Soldiers.

The visit started with a tour of the General Richard L. Jones Armory in Chicago. Ingram toured the historic facility built in 1928 and home to more than 300 troops of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment and Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment. After the full tour of the facility Ingram met with Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr. of Buffalo Grove, Deputy Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and other Illinois National Guard officers.

Later, Ingram toured the North Riverside Armory, which houses eight units with more than 700 troops drilling at the armory. While at North Riverside, Ingram discussed budget and mission concerns with the field maintenance shop chiefs.

"We took General Ingram to the General Jones and the other locations so he could get a sense of the history with the Illinois Army National Guard, but also to show the challenges we face at our facilities," said Hayes.

The next day Ingram flew to Marseilles, Ill., where he toured the 2,551-acre Marseilles Training Center. Ingram had face-to-face talks with many Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who were on annual training and observed improvised explosive device defeat training.

"You really can't talk about something until you have eyes on it," said Ingram. "I am trying to get out to as many National Guard training sites as I can, and I really appreciate the visit here in Illinois."

After Marseilles Training Center Ingram headed to Chicago where he met with Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command and six Adjutants General from Midwest states to discuss the overall readiness of the National Guard.

Rounding out Ingram's trip to Illinois, he visited Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Ill., where he met with the 129th Regional Training Institute Soldiers and toured the Illinois State Military Museum.

"I really appreciate being able to see not only the historic General Jones Armory, but also to get to meet with leadership and Soldiers," said Ingram. "It is always gratifying to see Soldiers because that's who we are and what we do and looking someone in the eye really makes a difference."

29 Jul 2013

Six Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers complete accelerated officer candidate program

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/28/2013)(readMedia)-- Six Illinois National Guard Soldiers graduated the South Dakota Army National Guard's Accelerated Officer Candidate School July 26 at Mount Rushmore, S.D.

"The Accelerated Officer Candidate School is a high paced, intense officer training course, which takes enlisted Soldiers and shapes them into the commissioned leaders of tomorrow's National Guard," said Col. Tom Weiss of Sherman, the commander of the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Springfield, Ill. "Each of these Soldiers have proved themselves ready to be part of the next generation of leaders in the Illinois Army National Guard."

Officer Candidates Dustin Anderson of Preemption, Robert Boney of Columbia, Amanda Bruni of Troy, Jonathan Logemann of Chicago, Jonathan Miller of Chicago and Garrett Nevious of Marion were selected to attend the accelerated class in South Dakota through the Illinois National Guard's Pre-Officer Candidate School program at the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Springfield, Ill.

The graduates were among 52 officer candidates from nearly 20 states and the U.S. territory of Guam hoping to earn a commission in the Army National Guard Officer Corps.

The six graduates will be among the 34 Illinois Army National Guard officer candidates from this year's accelerated and traditional OCS classes to become second lieutenants at the 129th RTI's officer commissioning ceremony to be held Aug. 25 at the Springfield High School in Springfield, Ill.

The accelerated OCS program is an eight-week fulltime training program where as the traditional OCS program is a one-weekend-a-month for 18 months program plus two, two-week long training sessions.

The Illinois National Guard's OCS program has commissioned nearly 140 officers since 2010.

29 Jul 2013

BIRCHER MAKES EARLY OUTBURST STAND UP IN WIN

By Marco LaNave

Teoscar Hernandez hits leadoff home run and finishes a triple shy of the cycle for Quad Cities

 

BELOIT, Wis. (JULY 28, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits center fielder Teoscar Hernandez led off Sunday afternoon's game at Pohlman Field with a home run to start his team's five-run first inning, and left-hander Joe Bircher pitched a career-high seven shutout innings in a 9-1 victory over the Beloit Snappers.

 

After Beloit had 19 hits in Saturday's series opener, the River Bandits (19-15 second half, 57-46 overall) posted 15 hits, including a season-high eight doubles and nine extra-base hits. Hernandez and third baseman Rio Ruiz each had three hits. Hernandez finished a triple shy of the cycle, while Ruiz posted three RBIs for a second straight game and has five hits in the last two games.

 

Hernandez hit the second pitch of the game by right-hander Deyvi Jimenez (2-1) over the left-center field fence for his team-high ninth home run of the season. Shortstop Carlos Correa and right fielder Dan Gulbransen hit consecutive one-out singles, and first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ruiz lined a two-run double to right-center field, and designated hitter Terrell Joyce added a two-out, two-run double down the left-field line for a five-run frame - the team's largest opening inning of the season.

 

After Bircher (2-1) worked a perfect first inning, Hernandez hit a leadoff single in the second inning to record his third straight multi-hit game. Left fielder Jordan Scott extended his hitting streak to eight games with a double to left-center field, before Correa brought in a run with a sacrifice fly to right. Gulbransen added an RBI single through the middle for a 7-0 lead.

 

Bircher cruised through the Snappers lineup, facing his deepest trouble when he hit a batter and allowed a single to put runners at first and second in the second inning. An infield popup ended the threat, and Beloit (20-15, 63-42) did not advance a runner past first base for the rest of his outing. Bircher also set down the final seven Snappers he faced in order.

 

Quad Cities added a run in the fourth inning when Hernandez and Correa each doubled against Jimenez, who finished four innings, allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits. Right-hander Derek DeYoung shut out the River Bandits on two hits for four innings, but the visitors tallied a ninth-inning run on Ruiz's RBI single against left-hander Chris Lamb.

 

Left-hander Mitchell Lambson followed Bircher to start the eighth, allowing Beloit's run on a Nick Rickles ninth-inning RBI double.

 

Sunday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Monday, July 29. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Monday, July 29.

 

The River Bandits play their finale of a 12-road-game, 13-day stretch and the rubber match of the three-game series in Beloit at 7 p.m. Monday. River Bandits left-hander Colton Cain (4-5) will oppose Snappers right-hander Seth Streich (10-5).


UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. 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 ownership is 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, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

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