Saturday, July 20, 2013

7:00 am to 10:00 am

Davenport Masonic Center

511 Veterans Memorial Parkway

(511 East 65th Street)

Davenport

 

Free Will Offering

Menu of Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Orange Juice, Milk and

COFFEE!!!!

 

Brad has sarcoma cancer and had extensive surgery in Iowa City.

Please come and enjoy a delicious breakfast

and help Brad's family to pay on his doctor and hospital bills

 

Join us for some good food and fellowship!!!!

By supporting local events we all win!!!

 

Everyone is welcome, so, Bring a Friend!

Two Soldiers recognized as honor graduates

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/16/2013)(readMedia)-- Story by Sgt. Kassidy L. Snyder, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

Three Illinois Guardsmen graduated from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA) June 21 at the 127th Aviation Support Battalion Hangar on East Fort Bliss, Texas.

Master Sgt. Mary Dixon of Chapin, Ill., with the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) in Springfield, Ill., Master Sgt. Anthony Mollusky Jr. of Kincaid, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago and Master Sgt. Christopher Tipton of Springfield, Ill., with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., were among the 648 graduates.

Only 20 graduates were National Guardsmen, while most were active duty Army. Mollusky and Dixon were in the top 20 percent of the class and recognized as honor graduates.

"There was a great sense of accomplishment in exceeding the course standards," said Dixon. "Few National Guardsmen have an opportunity to attend the resident Sergeants Major Academy, and I am grateful for the chance to prove that National Guardsmen are an integral part of the fighting force."

The USASMA residence course is a 10-month-long class that provides tools to develop critical reasoning, creative thinking and decision-making skills. Soldiers are provided an education that teaches them to enhance their character, self-expression and strengthen teamwork abilities. The USASMA is also offered as a nonresident course which culminates with two weeks of resident instruction at the academy.

"I highly recommend the resident course," said Dixon. "It is a fantastic opportunity to develop long-term relationships with senior leaders from across the Army, as well as our sister services and international partners."

Mollusky also noted it was a great opportunity to concentrate on the curriculum on a full-time basis rather than spending nights and weekends doing homework.

The course prepares master sergeants and sergeants major to elevate from a tactical level of thinking to an operational and strategic perspective.

"It was very demanding with many writing assignments, tests and oral presentations," said Mollusky. "We heard presentations from every major combatant command and major agency in the Army."

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond Odierno was the guest speaker for graduating class 63 and reminded the graduates to "Never forget what our most important aspect of the Army is, our Soldiers."

More than 120,000 Soldiers have graduated from USASMA since it was founded in July 1972.

"Commit yourself to the philosophy of lifelong learning," said Tipton. "If you've been thinking about that next military school, then get after it. The more you open yourself up to various avenues and environments of learning, the better it helps you become a critical thinker and problem solver."

Submitted farm artifacts may be featured in "American Enterprise" for world to see

(July 16, 2013) - No one knows how much agriculture has evolved and transformed over time better than America's farmers. That's why the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is seeking farmers' help in telling stories of the innovation and experiences of farming and ranching across the United States.

Farmers are invited to share their personal stories about the ways innovation and technology have helped to continually improve the industry at www.americanhistory.si.edu. The museum is currently seeking stories, photographs and other memorabilia to feature in its upcoming "American Enterprise" exhibition, which will paint the picture of American business through agriculture, consumer finance, information technology/communication, manufacturing and retail/service.

"Agriculture continually evolves and has become extremely efficient and sustainable with the help of new technologies," says Sharon Covert, a farmer-leader on the United Soybean Board (USB), which recently committed a $1 million investment in support of the exhibition. "Sharing your stories and artifacts of agriculture's transformations will allow the public to see incredible strides the industry has made in order to provide food, feed, fuel and fiber for the rest of the world."

Submitted stories could be included in the exhibition or featured on the museum's blog and social media sites. A few suggested themes include personal experiences, the effects of technology, or the roles of finance, competition, safety, animals, water or labor.

Scheduled to open in May 2015, this multimedia "American Enterprise" will capture the nation's history of business spanning the mid-1700s to the present, highlighting agriculture and its many contributions to our economy.

"Growing up in the 1950s, I remember 'walking the beans' to remove weeds from the fields with a long-handled hoe," says Covert in her story submission. "Now, we can spray that same field to remove the weeds and our soybeans are strong and vigorous."

The development of American agriculture will be demonstrated through objects such as road signs related to no-till production and organic farming, a 1920s Fordson tractor and a computer cow tag and reader unit to show the change in dairy farming from an intensive hand-labor process to a modern computer-run operation.
About the United Soybean Board
The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the USB, visit www.unitedsoybean.org.

About the Museum
The National Museum of American History is currently renovating its West Exhibition Wing with new galleries on American business, democracy and culture; an education center; new spaces for the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation; public plazas; a Hall of Music for live performances; and the addition of a first-floor window wall with views to the Washington Monument. For more information, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu. The museum is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

###

I'm often asked, "How does the Red Cross manage to be everywhere at once?" The answer is simple: our local chapters and volunteers.

Whether it's midnight or noon, rain or shine, your local Red Cross chapter works around the clock to prevent and relieve suffering.

From helping families cope after emergencies to coordinating blood drives, and more, it's your generosity that makes so much possible.

We wanted to show you all of the important and meaningful work you help support every day - and to say thank you.

We're so proud to have you standing with us. Thank you for being willing to roll up your sleeves and for making this all possible.

Sincerely,


Gail McGovern
President and CEO, American Red Cross


P.S. Find your local Red Cross chapter - stop by to say hello!

SAINT PAUL, MN (07/16/2013)(readMedia)-- Sydney Quandt of East Moline graduated from Bethel University, St. Paul, following the spring 2013 semester. Quandt earned a BA in Youth Ministry. She is the daughter of Jim and Julie Quandt from East Moline, IL.

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 6,600 students from 48 states and 25 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minn., with additional seminary locations on both coasts, Bethel offers rigorous bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 relevant fields. For further information on Bethel University, go to www.bethel.edu.

July 18th. 2013
Independent Scholars' Evenings.
7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
"BORN INTO BROTHELS"

This Oscar-winning 2004 documentary investigates a red-light district in
Calcutta, where filmmakers gave cameras to the children of sex workers in
the hope of capturing a perspective of the city not often seen. The
resulting photo portfolio became a European art show, the proceeds of
which funded educational opportunities for the photographers, presenting
dilemmas to the families of the recipients. Post-film discussion will
include recent updates on the activies of the children.

http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/bornintobrothels/
Free and open to the public.
This Thursday July 18th. 2013  evening  Independent Scholars' Evenings:
1530 Fifth Avenue.  Moline. Illino
Dress code: business casual.
7.00 p.m
309-762-8547 for the Moline Club
309-762-9202 for The Institute.
light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.

In Charlesea Nelson's 'Life is a Series of Choices' a woman is forced to make tough decisions

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - In her new novel "Life is a Series of Choices" (published by AuthorHouse), author Charlesea Nelson explores the dangerous and pain-ridden life of a woman who suffers abuse at seemingly every turn.

Alyson knows from childhood she is different and feels at times no one loves her at all. She finds what she thinks is love with George Kingsley and his family; Alyson thinks they have it all. But she soon learns that no matter how hard she tries to fix, heal or change someone, if they are not willing to change for themselves it will never work.

Nelson knows firsthand that her stories are accurate and poignant, and hopes that they will give strength to other women who may be suffering in similar circumstances. "Many men and even women find themselves in the same situation," she says. "I hope that a few of the stories make them laugh and let them know to not fear the unknown and in doing so you stay in a relationship that you should end."

 

"Life is a Series of Choices"

By Charlesea Nelson

Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 298 pages | ISBN 9781477260302

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 298 pages | ISBN 9781477260296

E-Book | 298 pages | ISBN 9781477260319

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Charlesea Nelson grew up in an abusive home. Her mother died when Nelson was young and after that she never felt she belonged. Being brought up around abuse and being married to a cheating spouse and a spouse that subjected her to a lifestyle of drug and alcohol addiction made it difficult for Nelson to build confidence or self esteem. She put up so many walls to protect herself that she still finds herself doubting she is loved. Nelson has a wonderful family now, and a loving husband.

. For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.

###

NCM Fathom Events and Crossroad Concerts LLC invite you to experience the ultimate guitar concert featuring the best performances from this year's legendary guitar festival when "Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013" arrives in nearly 500 select cinemas nationwide for a special one-night event on Tuesday, August 13 at 7:30pm (local time).
Pre-recorded over two nights at Madison Square Garden in April, cinema audiences will be treated to backstage access and some of the best performances from the sold-out festival, featuring the Allman Brothers Band, Blake Mills, Booker T., Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Gregg Allman, Jeff Beck, John Mayer, Keith Richards, Keith Urban, Los Lobos, Robert Cray, Sonny Landreth, Vince Gill and Warren Haynes.
"Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013" will be presented at the following cinemas in your area on August 13:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53rd St Davenport IA 52807
Click here for a full list of participating theaters (subject to change).

Davenport, Iowa (July 2013) - The QC Raiders Minor League Football Team will be at Gilda's Club for a Potluck on Thursday July 25th at 6:00 p.m. Folks can meet players and toss around the football. Please bring a dish to pass. Gilda's Club is located at 1234 East River Drive, Davenport, Iowa

Call Gilda's Club at 563-326-7504 to RSVP

Illinois Clean Water Initiative Will Invest Nearly $13 Million to Rehabilitate and Modernize Decatur Sewer System and Wastewater Treatment Plant

DECATUR - Governor Pat Quinn today announced $13 million in low-interest loans to update the Decatur sewer system and wastewater treatment plant. Funded through Governor Quinn's $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative (CWI), the projects will help meet the clean water needs of nearly 90,000 are residents and create 160 direct and indirect jobs. This announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward and protect the environment by modernizing Illinois' water infrastructure.

"A region's economic and environmental strength is based on the availability of clean water," Governor Quinn said. "By making critical infrastructure investments now, we can create jobs and make sure that every person and business in the area can have the clean water access they need to live and work."

The city of Decatur will receive an $8.6 million low-interest loan to rehabilitate portions of its sewer system that have been determined to be most at risk of causing: loss of service for a large number of customers, high volumes of untreated discharges to Lake Decatur (the city water supply), significant property damage and very high repair costs in the event that they fail. Many of these critical portions of the overall 2.2 million foot sewer system were constructed very deep and are located in highly developed areas, including Lake Shore Drive.

"These loans will help city taxpayers avoid expensive emergency repairs and protect residents from harmful effects should these sewers fail," said Decatur Mayor Mike McElroy. "These are responsible investments that will pay off for Decatur for years to come."

The Sanitary District of Decatur will receive a $4.1 million low-interest loan to make a number of critical upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility located on the Sangamon River. The project will include replacing the primary digestor, which has experienced mechanical problems and surpassed its useful life, with a new digestor that will also meet new employee safety standards while increasing the plant's efficiency and further protecting the area's water supply from pollutants.

"Loans like these have been an important financing tool for the Sanitary District of Decatur for many years," Dan Smallwood, president of the Board of Trustees, said. "This investment will help us continue to update our facilities while keeping costs to residents at a reasonable level."

Together, these projects are estimated to create approximately 113 direct construction jobs for area trade union members, including laborers, plumbers, pipefitters, Teamsters, electricians, carpenters and operating engineers, as well as about 48 indirect jobs related to purchase of services, supplies and equipment. The CWI provides a local economic boost across the state by insuring adequate water and sewer infrastructure for residents and business alike and supports an estimated 28,000 jobs throughout Illinois.

"These projects will improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of residents in the Decatur area and will support the quality of life and business climate for years to come," Lisa Bonnett, director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said. "Our agency is proud to work with so many of our local government partners to protect the environment and we want to encourage more communities to get more information about the CWI and how it could help their residents."

"Governor Quinn's Clean Water Initiative is a win-win-win," Chris Meister, executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority, said. "Taxpayers save money from low-interest rate loans and thousands of men and women in the unionized buildings and trades will go to work on projects that will ensure clean safe water for their communities. On behalf of our Chairman Bill Brandt and our entire volunteer board, the Illinois Finance Authority is excited to partner with IEPA on financing these vital water infrastructure projects."

Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State address to overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution and collection systems. The CWI is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used.

According to the U.S. EPA it is estimated the total water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects (which is the 6th highest among the states) and $15 billion in drinking water projects (4th highest need in the nation).

To learn more about Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov.

###

Pages