The calendar at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts continues to be full through the rest of the summer, with a variety of family, music, dance, and theatrical offerings.

The schedule includes:

·        New Horizons Band Summer Concert, Wednesday, July 24 at 7pm.  Based out of the Senior Center, the New Horizons Band consists of more than 70 "chronologically gifted" musicians under the direction of Erin Wehr.  $5 suggested donation at the door; proceeds will be split between the CCPA and the New Horizons Band.

·        Impromptu Summer Cabaret, Friday, July 26 at 7:30pm.  This "open mic" style event takes place on the CCPA stage, with everyone welcome to participate.  Sing or play a song, read a poem, perform a scene...or sit back and enjoy!  $5 suggested donation at the door.

·        City Circle Acting Company of Coralville presents Rent August 2-4.  In 2009, City Circle produced a production of Jonathan Larson's popular musical featuring local teens. Four years later, the cast reunites, bringing new life experiences and perspectives to this story of addiction, poverty, AIDS, and - most of all - love.  Performances are Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 at 7:30pm; Sunday, August 4 at 2pm.  Tickets are $12-$27.

·        Nolte Academy Summer Gala August 10 and 11 will feature choreography by Martha Graham soloist Lloyd Wright, Merce Cunningham dance company member Melissa Toogood, Paul Taylor dancer John Eirich, Houston Ballet soloist Naomi Glass, and Broadway star Margot DeLa Barre. Saturday, August 10 at 7:30pm and Sunday, August 11 at 2pm.  Tickets $10-$14.

·        Nolte Academy presents Disney's Aladdin Jr August 17-19.  This stage adaptation of the hit Disney film will feature area children and teens in a production filled with magic, mayhem, flying carpet rides, and the tuneful, Academy Award-winning score.  Tickets $12-$20.

·        A minimally-staged production of Cole Porter's musical Anything Goes will mark the Center's second birthday on August 23 and 24.  Featuring a 17-piece orchestra, this production will place the focus on Porter's unforgettable music, including It's De-Lovely, I Get A Kick Out of You, You're the Top, Friendship, and the title number.  Special dance numbers courtesy of Leslie Nolte and Nolte Academy.  Tickets $12-$22; special $50 sponsor tickets for the August 23 performance include premium seating, a pre-show reception at The Luxe Zone, and program recognition.

Further information on these events and details on other upcoming events are available at CoralvilleArts.org.

Tickets for most CCPA events are available by phone at 319.248.9370, online at CoralvilleArts.org, and in person at the CCPA box office at 1301 5^th Street and Coralville Recreation Center at 1506 8^th Street.

Owned and operated by the City of Coralville, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the community and contributing to the vitality of Coralville by offering an accessible, affordable venue for a variety of performances, presentations, and public and private events.  The 472 seat theater opened August 26, 2011 and has hosted performances from City Circle Acting Company, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Dan Knight, Lola Astanova, Lorie Line, Judy Carmichael, Jim McDonough, Nolte Academy of Dance, and many others.  Coralville schools are also able to use the Center free of charge up to three times per year; 16 school events took place at the Center in the 2012-2013 school year. The Center was named 2012 Member of the Year by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - While attending the annual meeting of the National Lt. Governors Association (NLGA), Lt. Governor Sheila Simon added her name to a resolution in support of comprehensive immigration reform. Legislation has passed the U.S. Senate but is awaiting action by the House of Representatives.

 

"When immigrant children have access to quality education, they are better prepared to join the workforce and help boost our economy, which is good for all of us," said Simon, the Midwest Region Chair of the NLGA. "In Illinois, we have taken steps to help these young people succeed and begin their paths to citizenship."

 

The Illinois Dream Fund is already helping young undocumented immigrants receive higher educations. Qualified high school graduates can apply for assistance through the privately-funded program to receive help with college tuition. More than 1,400 applications were received, and $100,000 in scholarship money was awarded to students for the 2013-2014 academic year. All recipients are undocumented immigrants attending schools that included Dartmouth and the University of Illinois.

 

"The young people receiving tuition aid through the Illinois Dream Fund are truly living the American dream," Simon added. "They will be able to benefit their communities as professionals and innovators."

 

Simon signed onto the bipartisan resolution supporting immigration reform and a way for foreign students to become valued members of the U.S. workforce. The U.S. Senate has passed immigration reform that would improve border safety and provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Despite passing the Senate with bipartisan support, the legislation currently awaits action in the House of Representatives.

 

Full text of the resolution follows.

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF COMPREHENSIVE BIPARTISAN IMMIGRATION REFORM

WHEREAS, members of the National Lieutenant Governors Association are leaders in our states who are concerned about national and economic security, and are adding our bipartisan voices in support of comprehensive immigration reform;

WHEREAS, we all recognize that immigrants contribute a great deal to our economy and our culture;

WHEREAS, we as a nation need to build a common sense immigration system that reflects our nation's values and strengthens our national and state economies;

WHEREAS, our immigration system should require that individuals play by the same rules but also have the same opportunities to succeed;

WHEREAS, we support an immigration system that provides a fair pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals currently in our country, and recognize that with these rights come responsibilities;

WHEREAS, we support an immigration plan that provides visas to foreign graduate students in science and math who came to this country for an education so these individuals can contribute to the growth of our national and state innovative economies. Our nation invested a lot of resources to attract these students and we should seek a return on this investment;

WHEREAS, we support continued efforts to improve our border security and strengthen criminal penalties to combat human trafficking and disrupt transnational criminal organizations that smuggle drugs and illegal weapons into our country. We should continue to invest resources in these areas to ensure that those who wish to take advantage of all our nation has to offer do so legally;

WHEREAS, two great leaders of our respective political parties President Ronald Reagan and Speaker Tip O'Neill showed leadership on the issue of immigration as well as others by finding common ground. In the spirit of that partnership and our nation's past successes we encourage you to support comprehensive immigration reform;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Lieutenant Governors Association recommends that the President and Congress act with a sense of urgency and in a meaningful and responsible manner to adopt bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform legislation that reflects the values of our nation and contributes to the growth of our national and state economies;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the President, Vice?President, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, and the eight U.S. Senators leading the work on immigration (Senators McCain, Durbin, Schumer, Flake, Graham, Menendez, Rubio and Bennet).

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QUAD-CITIES?Over the last 10 years, Xstream Cleanup volunteers have pulled nearly 900,000 pounds of garbage and debris from area waterways. In 2013, organizers hope to break one million pounds as they usher in a second decade of Xstream.

"You can't pick up a million pounds of junk all by yourself, but in concert with friends and neighbors?and with the support of organizations and municipal entities?we're almost there. It's amazing what Quad-Citians can do when we band together, and the results of Xstream Cleanup are a testament to the great power of our combined efforts," said longtime event chair Curtis Lundy.

Xstream Cleanup 2013 will be held 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Registration is open online at xstreamcleanup.org. Deadline to register is Aug. 1.

The Xstream Cleanup committee formed in September of 2003 following the successful summertime Duck Creek Cleanup. At that time, Chad Pregracke of Living Lands & Waters suggested that the group expand the cleanup to include sites in Illinois and Iowa. Xstream Cleanup was born.

The first annual Xstream Cleanup was held August 18, 2004. That morning, over 1,300 volunteers bent down and picked up over 80,000 tons of debris from 28 sites throughout the Quad-Cities. The debris included 1,300 bags of trash, 270 tires, 50 pieces of furniture, 45 bicycles, 40 railroad ties, 30 appliances, 18 drums and more.

Xstream Cleanup continues to grow. In 2008, invasive species removal?the removal of non-native plants?was added. And in 2013, volunteers will have another opportunity to make a difference in water quality, this time through marking storm drains with messages that discourage illegal dumping.

"Xstream Cleanup always has been about water quality. While we enjoy seeing our natural areas free from trash, we're cleaning up because garbage on the ground, sooner or later, creates polluted water. Our goal is to help keep Quad-Cities waterways clean for our community, the environment, and everyone downstream," said longtime volunteer Lundy.

Today the Xstream Cleanup committee includes representatives from area cities, as well as representatives from several organizations and businesses throughout the community. The event is made possible by the generous, ongoing support of many proud sponsors.

For more information about Xstream Cleanup, or to sign up, visit xstreamcleanup.org.

Xstream Cleanup 2013 is sponsored by the following. Presenting Sponsors: Group O and Riverboat Development Authority. Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, THE National Bank, Living Lands & Waters® and Waste Commission of Scott County. Gold Sponsors: Iowa American Water, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency and The Moline Foundation. Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, Independent Insurance Agents of Scott County, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, MidAmerican Energy, Radish magazine, R. A Jones, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Sears Seating and Wallace's Garden Center. Bronze Sponsors: Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Downtown Davenport Partnership, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection, Great River Brewery and Midas Auto Systems Experts, Inc. Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire, McCausland, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis; Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, iLivehere®, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Republic Services and River Roots Live.

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2013 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition Winners Announced

SPRINGFIELD - Nearly 400 local wines were presented to twelve judges at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, June 17-19, 2013 held at Lincoln Land Community College.

Quad Cities' own Creekside Vineyards Winery in Preemption, IL brought home 5 medals for its artisan wines, including:

• Moonbeam 2012 La Crescent- GOLD (Best in Category)

• Sweet Retreat 2012 Vignoles- SILVER

• Blossom 2012 Vidal Blanc- SILVER

• Rock Island Red 2011 Frontenac- BRONZE

• Front Porch 2012 Traminette- BRONZE

 

Creekside Vineyards wines are available at its seasonal Wine Terrace in Coal Valley, its year round Tasting Room in Preemption IL, and various retail locations. "We're honored our wines scored so well at this year's competition; we pride ourselves in creating flavorful, high quality vintages. It is our hope that these results encourage people to explore not only our offerings, but those from other Illinois wineries as well," commented Creekside Vineyards' winemaker and owner John Mital.

A world-class panel of wine experts and enthusiasts judged the wines including:

• Sarah Bowman, Southern Illinois University

• Mel Runge, Indiana

• Daniel Becker, Viticulturist

• Jeffery Pankow, Blue Star Vineyard

• Eric Da Costa, Rouge Wine Cellar, Inc.

• August Mrozowski, Augie's Front Burner and American Harvest Restaurant

• Mary Lynn Gietl-Deloney, The Corkscrew Wine Emporium

• Lindsay Record, Illinois Stewardship Alliance

• Steve Somermeyer, Chateau Thomas Winery, Indiana

• Jeffery Wheeler, University of Kentucky

• Gordon Rouse, Minnesota

• Dr. Bradley Taylor, Southern Illinois University

 

Judges were divided into three panels designed to provide a tremendous depth and variety of experience, with special emphasis on hybrid wine styles and sensory characteristics. Judging was based on color, balance, aroma, clarity, taste and finish. Entries were judged using a 20-point score card. All wines with a panel majority score of 17 and above received a gold medal, 15 and above received a silver medal and wines 12 and higher were awarded a bronze medal. All gold medal winners competed for the "Best of Class" and the "Best of Show" designations. The special recognition of "Governor's Cup" was awarded to the best red, white, rosé, fruit, and dessert/sparkling wines produced from Illinois-grown fruit.

Best of Show went to Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, Illinois for their Chambourcin Reserve 2005. Made exclusively from estate grown Chambourcin, the Reserve is a full-bodied dry red Illinois wine with a smooth roasted oak character and hints of bright cherry and vanilla.

The Illinois Wine Competition awards Governor's Cups for the top Illinois-grown grape or fruit wines. This year's winners are:

 

Red Table: AcquaViva Winery Frontenac

White Table: Alto Vineyards Vidal Blanc

Blush/Rosé: Illinois Sparkling Co. Bride of Freak of Nature Sec

Fruit: Hedman Vineyards Peach Dessert

Dessert: Illinois Sparkling Co. Franken's French Hybrid Brut

 

Other awarded categories included Wines from any Appellation, Best of Show - Amateur Competition, and Label & Packaging. A complete list of results can be found at  http://www.illinoiswine.com/pdf/2013-wine-competition-results.pdf.

A ceremony and public tasting of the award-winning wines will be held Tuesday, August 13th at the Illinois Wine Experience during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois Wine Experience is housed in the Twilight Ballroom located on Central Avenue between the U.S. Cellular High Dive Show and the Coliseum.

When asked to comment on the significance of this year's competition, Bradley Beam, the Illinois state enologist, and organizer of the contest, said, "The primary goal is to recognize the many outstanding wines produced in the state of Illinois. The number of medals awarded this year indicates that we, as an industry, are maintaining a very high degree of quality. For those entries that do not receive medals, the judges provide comments and feedback. While there are several wineries that produce wines of excellent quality year in and year out, it's important to remember that many of the vineyards and wineries in Illinois are relatively inexperienced. This feedback should help winemakers avoid repeating mistakes, and ultimately help our industry continue to improve."

The Illinois State Fair Wine Competition is sponsored and coordinated by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA). For the third year, the competition was held at Lincoln Land Community College further cementing its strong partnership with IGGVA.

IGGVA established in 1992, is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois through information exchange and cooperation among Illinois grape producers and vintners.

The Illinois wine industry has exploded in recent years, growing from just 12 wineries in 1997 to over 100 today. During this time, the acreage devoted to grape production has grown at a tremendous rate, and today Illinois is consistently among the top 12 wine-producing states.

Today the Illinois wine industry creates a direct economic impact of more than $600 million annually on the Illinois economy.