30 Aug 2013

Ready to Make the Jump? Now's the Time for a Heartfelt Encore

By Rick Martin
Mother of Re-Invention Shares Tips for Finding Work
that Feeds the Soul

They're called second acts, encore careers or reinventing yourself - they're the completely new and different jobs people take in midlife or later.

Today, making that jumpis more likely to be a matter of following the heart than it was during the throes of the economic recession, whenprofessionalscaught up in corporate layoffs discovered they were too old to find jobs in a poor market and too young to retire. They started second careers not to follow a vocation but to pay the bills.

"I'm glad to see the tide turning again - especially for all the baby boomers who don't want to  retire but do want to do something gratifying," says Betty Hechtman (http://BettyHechtman.com), who was on the eve of her 60th birthday when her first mystery series prompted a bidding war between St. Martin's Press and Berkley Books.

She has since published eight "cozy mysteries," including her newest, "Yarn to Go" - the first in her Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Mystery series.

Hechtman has had a lot of practice reinventing herself. She has volunteered as a farmworker on a kibbutz in Israel, waitressed and worked in retail sales, and made connections as a telephone operator, among a host of jobs.

"I've held jobs just for the paycheck and I've pursued my passions, so I know how profoundly different it is to do one versus the other," she says. "No matter what age you are, if there's work you feel called to, you should most definitely give it a try -- you may well experience a joy unlike any you've ever known."

Hechtman offers these tips for people considering an encore:

• Do your homework. There's nothing more disappointing them jumping in to something new only to become disillusioned and frustrated because you didn't take the time to prepare. If your dream is to open a particular business, research the market. Is there a demand for what you hope to sell? Should you give it a trial run as an online business before investing in shop space and other overhead? Start by checking the resources at Score.org, a nonprofit supported by more than 12,000 volunteers dedicated to helping small businesses off the ground. For other encore pursuits, you might take classes or spend a few hours a week working as a volunteer to learn the ropes.

• Join a group of like-minded people. This is particularly helpful for aspiring artists who want to paint, play music, write a book or indulge some other creative talent. You can brush up on your skills and make valuable contacts by becoming a part of a community theater, joining a writers circle, or finding a group of hobbyists. You may find your skills develop much more quickly with the support and guidance of collegial peers who are all helping one another achieve a dream.

• Consider working in one of the five most popular encore fields. Most people seek second their careers in health, education, government, environment and non-profits -- all fields expected to provide abundant job opportunities in the next couple of years, according to Encore.org, a non-profit that supports second careers "for the greater good." If you need training to qualify, now is the time to get it, Hechtman says. "Invest now in the education, and you can soon have a job that feeds the heart, the mind - and the body!"

About Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman is the author of "Yarn to Go," the first book in the Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Retreat mystery series, as well as the author of the best-selling Berkley Prime Crime Crochet  mystery series. The eighth book, "For Better or Worsted," comes out in November.  She has also written newspaper and magazine pieces, short stories and screenplays as well as a children's culinary mystery. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree and has been active in handicrafts since she was a small child. Hechtman divides her time between Los Angeles and Chicago.

30 Aug 2013

WQPT LAUNCHES NEW TRAILERS

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- If you want "real" reality television, look no further than WQPT and PBS.

CHI & Partners, a New York marketing and advertising agency, created a series of fake reality television trailers for public television, comparing absurd reality TV with the quality of public television programming. WQPT will air these trailers throughout October.

At the end of these trailers a plain and simple message is revealed, "The fact that you thought this was a real show says a lot about the state of TV." According to WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess, the trailers are intended to make people realize that although they might occasionally indulge in reality-style programming, it's also important to support a public broadcasting station, which doesn't have a giant marketing force behind it and relies on its members to keep running.

"We saw these spots and thought they were very funny. We asked WNET in New York if they would be willing to allow us to share them with our audience," Pruess added. "While the message is intended as tongue-in-cheek, we want people to stop and think about the value that our public television station delivers to our communities, at no cost. We hope these spots will start a vibrant conversation about quality television and remind viewers why they should support local public television."

The trailers can also be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WQPT-Quad-Cities-PBS/152046043220 and at wqpt.org.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline, Ill.

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30 Aug 2013

Purdue Students Recognized for Academic Achievements

By Purdue News Service

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (08/29/2013)(readMedia)-- About 13,600 Purdue University students earned semester honors for the spring 2013 semester.

To earn semester honors, students must be attending at least half-time, have at least a 3.5 semester grade point average and at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Students earning semester honors include :

Daniel Romano of Bettendorf, Iowa

Jodi K LeMaster of East Moline, Illinois

Roy Fisher of Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Rachel Muur of Sterling, Illinois

Kimberly Ann Gass of Moline, Illinois

Purdue University is a vast laboratory for discovery. The university is known not only for science, technology, engineering, and math programs, but also for our imagination, ingenuity, and innovation. Founded in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, the university proudly serves its state as well as the nation and the world. Academically, Purdue's role as a major research institution is supported by top-ranking disciplines in pharmacy, business, engineering, and agriculture. More than 39,000 students are enrolled here. All 50 states and 130 countries are represented. Add about 850 student organizations and Big Ten Boilermaker athletics, and you get a college atmosphere that's without rival.

30 Aug 2013

Chick-fil-A Hosts Touch-A-Truck at SouthPark Mall

By Aleshia Chiesa

Join Chick-fil-A as they bring trucks of all sizes to SouthPark Mall

Who: Are your little ones intrigued by cool trucks? Chick-fil-A invites you and your family to explore the world of trucks at SouthPark Mall on August 31. Enjoy games, food and fun, plus meet the Chick-fil-A Cow!

Get up close and climb inside these trucks of all different sizes including the Moline Fire Department's fire truck, the semis from 160 Driving Academy, Miller Trucking and Excavating trucks and MORE!

What: For more information on Touch-A-Truck, visit www.shopsouthparkmall-il.com/events, or follow us on Twitter @SouthParkMallIL, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthParkMallIL.

When: August 31, 2013 from 11a-2p

Where: SouthPark Mall Parking Lot,  4500 16th Street, Moline, IL 61265

--Photographers and Camera Crews Welcome --

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30 Aug 2013

All-Access Pass to the Brucemore Mansion

By Tara Richards

Visit every floor, peek into closed rooms, and satisfy curiosity through this all-access pass to the Brucemore Mansion during the Nooks and Crannies Tour - September 26 at 6:00 p.m. Marvel at the Skinner pipe organ room, discover the architectural oddities in the attic, and experience the sight and sound of a "rain storm" in the basement Tahitian Room. Examine the superior craftsmanship and learn about ongoing preservation work. The tour is not recommended for children under ten or individuals who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Admission is $15 per person and $12 per Brucemore member. Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375.

The Nooks and Crannies Tour is part of Brucemore's Thursday Night Lineup. Every Thursday night, Brucemore will feature a different specialty tour focusing on topics for all interests, including arts and culture, Midwestern industry, gardening, landscape design, architecture, preservation, behind-the-scenes at Brucemore, and growing up in the early twentieth century. For more information on the Thursday Night Lineup or the fall schedule, visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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30 Aug 2013

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Host Town Hall Meeting on Food, Farm and Jobs Bill at 2013 Old Threshers Reunion

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, August 29, 2013? On Saturday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host a town hall meeting at the 2013 Old Threshers Reunion on the need for Congressional passage of a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill for rural America.

 

The Obama Administration has called for Congress to pass a five-year farm bill that promotes rural development, preserves a strong farm safety net, maintains nutrition programs, encourages the development of local and regional markets, enhances conservation, honors our international trade commitments, and advances agricultural research.

 

Saturday, August 31, 2013 - 11 a.m.  CDT

 

WHAT:  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host a town hall meeting on the need for Congressional passage of a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill for rural America.

WHERE:   405 East Threshers Road? Barb Heaton Pavilion, Mt. Pleasant, IA

 

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30 Aug 2013

Olson campaign announces "Students for Olson" groups across Iowa

By Rick Martin
Cedar Rapids, IA - As student heads back to school, Democratic candidate for governor Tyler Olson has announced "Students for Olson" groups on college campuses across the state. The student-led organizations will bring together and mobilize students in support of Olson's campaign.
"There is no question that young voters and college students are a big part of Iowa's future. The students of today will be our leaders of tomorrow," said Olson. "That is why I am proud to have the help and support of these student leaders and look forward to earning the support of Iowans as I discuss my vision for our state's future."
"Students for Olson" Campus Leaders:
University of Iowa - Katherine Valde & Joseph Rajchel
Iowa State University - Maddy Becker & Samie Pickering
University of Northern Iowa - Andrew Miller & David Pope
Drake University - Lara Henderson & Julianne Klampe
Simpson College - Tessa Lengeling & Mackenzie Bills
Loras College - Rily Kilburg & Caroline Rainey
"I could not be more enthusiastic to support Tyler Olson for Governor. Tyler brings a combination of experience and ingenuity to the role that will keep Iowa strong in the future. It is critical that Iowa's next governor be able to relate to the younger generations because we are the future of Iowa. Tyler understands this and has the remarkable ability to listen to Iowans from across the spectrum." - Katherine Valde, University of Iowa Campaign Co-chair
"We once valued education in Iowa. Despite record surpluses, we have chronically underfunded our states educational institutions such as the University of Northern Iowa. Tyler gets we must invest in education, and that is why I support him." - Andrew Miller, University of Northern Iowa Campaign Chair
"I am choosing to work for Tyler Olson because of his fresh perspective for Iowa politics. Tyler is what Iowa needs right now, and that is someone who is down to Earth and cares about every Iowan and their rights. He works for the people and truly cares and loves what he does. He is the bright light at the end of the six term tunnel." - Tessa Lengeling, Simpson College Co-chair
"As a lifelong Iowan who made the decision to remain in Iowa for my college education and as a young adult who will soon be entering the workforce, I am proud to support a candidate who understands the challenges that students and young people face every day. Tyler's public service and business experience will help to inspire the kind of innovation and entrepreneurship that keeps young people like me in Iowa and will form the backbone of Iowa's 21st century economy." - Lara Henderson, Drake University Campaign Co-chair
"Without a doubt our state is in need of new leadership. Tyler Olson has established himself as a consensus-builder who cares about the issues important to young Iowans across this state; things like affordable education, renewable energy and a strong economy. He's also dedicated his professional career to standing up for Iowa's middle class. With a Governor Olson, students and young Iowans will have an ally in Terrace Hill we can trust." - Riley Kilburg, Loras College Campaign Chair
Students who want to get involved with a "Students for Olson" organization on their campus can sign up at http://tylerolson.org/students/.

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30 Aug 2013

Quad City International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Presents a FREE Seminar on Monday, September 9, 2013

By Kat Riley

The Quad City International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) will be presenting a FREE Seminar on Monday, September 9, 2013 at the WIU River Campus, 3300 River Drive in Moline, Illinois.  The speaker will be Dr. Mary Hogg, Associate Professor, WIU and she will be presenting "Nonverbal Communication in the Organizational Setting".

Networking/Gathering begins at 5:30 PM, Dinner at 6:00 PM (reservation is required - meal cost is $8.00) and the speaker will begin at 6:30 PM. Following the presentation, a short chapter business meeting will be held.

To register, please contact Chris Brown by 11:00 AM by Friday, September 6, 2013 at 309-371-9587 or email her at MC-Brown2@wiu.edu.

 

For more information, go to our website at www.iaap-quadcity.org/quadcity/meetingsevents.
30 Aug 2013

ELLSWORTH COMM. COLLEGE GRADS LIST

By Robin Anctil
ECC announces 2013 Spring/Summer Graduate List
IOWA FALLS - One hundred fifty-nine Ellsworth Community College students completed graduation requirements during the Spring and Summer 2013 terms, and will receive their degrees/diplomas in a variety of programs. The staff and administration congratulate these new Ellsworth alumni for their academic accomplishments.
Students are listed below by hometowns; those with an asterisk (*) after their name earned a perfect 4.0 GPA for their entire ECC academic career. Unless otherwise noted, degrees awarded include Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), and Associate in Applied Science (AAS); the degree designation is followed by the major.
-30-
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE;


Davenport, IA
Megan Black, AA Elementary Education;
Austin Smith, AA Athletic Training;
30 Aug 2013

DEVENSKI, BANDITS BULLPEN HOLD OFF RATTLERS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities wins ninth game in its last 11 and keeps Wisconsin one game out of a playoff spot


GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AUG. 28, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Chris Devenski allowed one run on four hits in six innings, and left fielder Danry Vasquez hit a go-ahead two-run triple in a three-run sixth inning that helped the visitors to a 4-2 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium Wednesday night.


Playoff-bound Quad Cities (39-25 second half, 77-56 overall) won for the ninth time in the last 11 games to push its overall record a season-best 21 games over .500. With a loss, the defending Midwest League Champion Wisconsin (30-35, 59-71) remained one game behind Clinton (31-34, 64-70) with five games remaining to determine the final second-half playoff spot in the Western Division.

 

Devenski (4-3) pitched into the sixth inning for a fourth straight start and won for the fourth time in five starts. But he fell behind in the first inning, as Timber Rattlers shortstop Orlando Arcia hit a one-out single, and left fielder Victor Roache brought in the first run with single to center field. Around lone doubles in the second and third innings, Devenski kept the Timber Rattlers off the scoreboard for his final five innings. After a walk leading off the fourth, he induced a double play to begin a string of eight batters retired to end his outing.

 

Timber Rattlers right-hander Austin Ross was sharp for a second straight start against Quad Cities. Having allowed one hit in six shutout innings in Davenport Aug. 12, Ross opened the game by walking second baseman Tony Kemp before retiring 13 straight hitters. River Bandits catcher Roberto Pena broke the hitless spell with a one-out single in the fifth inning, but Ross finished five shutout frames.

 

In the sixth inning, left-hander Alan Williams (0-1) started by walking Kemp, who drew four walks in five plate appearances Wednesday. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez placed a sacrifice, and shortstop Carlos Correa drew a walk. Vasquez hit a ground ball down the first-base line that went into the right-field corner to bring in both runs and bring Vasquez to third base. On the next pitch, third baseman Rio Ruiz singled past the dive of Wisconsin third baseman Matt Garza for a 3-1 lead.

 

Right-hander Richard Rodriguez allowed Wisconsin to come within 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, as Garza hit a one-out triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Max Walla. Quad Cities answered the next half-inning, as Kemp scored when second baseman Adrian Williams misplayed a ground ball. Left-hander Mitchell Lambson ran his hitless streak to 8 2/3 innings with a perfect eighth, and right-hander Andrew Walter ran his scoreless streak to 10 1/3 innigns with a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save in as many nights.

 

Wednesday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Thursday, Aug. 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 Thursday, Aug. 29.

 

Quad Cities continues its final regular season road series in Wisconsin at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. River Bandits left-hander Joe Bircher (3-3) is scheduled to face Timber Rattlers right-hander Ryan Gibbard (4-6).

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow the game. 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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