18 Jul 2013

AT 10-YEAR MARK, XSTREAM CLEANUP MAY REACH ONE MILLION POUNDS COLLECTED

By Brandy Welvaert

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.

# # #
17 Jul 2013

THE 2013 DMACC MID-AMERICAN WINE COMPETITION AWARDS 66 GOLD MEDALS!

By Jennifer Mital

The Quad Cities' own Creekside Vineyards Winery of Preemption, Illinois, received 1 Gold medal, 1 Silver medal and 1 Bronze medal in the seventh Annual Mid-American Wine Competition held at the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny, IA.

"The quality of Midwestern wines continues to improve," said Bob Foster, Director of the Mid-American Wine Competition (MAWC). These are high quality wines that wine lovers should seek out and try."

The competition was held July 12-14 and included wines from 14 Midwestern states.

Professional wine judges from throughout the United States awarded 66 Gold medals, 155 Silver medals, and 188 Bronze medals. Full results can be found at www.midamericanwine.org.

"This marks the seventh consecutive year of the MAWC and we have had the distinction of watching the local wine industry develop into a great representation of our region," said Chief Judge Doug Frost of Kansas City. "The wine industry throughout the Midwest has evolved into tourist destinations, where wine enthusiasts visit local wineries. This helps the local economy and area wine industry."

The judges were selected by Frost, who has earned both the coveted Master of Wine degree and the Master Sommelier title. The judges, who have over 200 years of cumulative experience, are experts in wine production, service and distribution.

"We've added a new component following the wine competition this year," said MAWC Director Bob Foster. "A fund-raiser for the American Heart Association titled "Affair of the Heart" was held where wine enthusiasts could sample some of the award winning wines from the 2013 Mid-American Wine Competition."

17 Jul 2013

Local Winery Wins Big at Illinois State Fair Wine Competition

By Jennifer Mital

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.

17 Jul 2013

THE QUAD CITY WOLFPACK'S SPECIAL GUEST JULIAN VANDERVELDE WILL SIGN AUTOGRAPHS & RAFFLE AN NFL JERSEY AT THE GAME ON SUNDAY 7/21 @ 3:00 P.M.

By Rick Martin

The Quad City Wolfpack semipro football team is playing the Mankato Brawlers at Augustana College Ericson Field located in the far northeast corner of Augustana College campus in Rock Island, IL this Sunday, July 21st at 3:00 p.m. Julian Vandervelde, offensive lineman from Davenport, Iowa, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL draft. A four-year letterman at Iowa, Vandervelde earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2010.

It is Scouting Recognition Day for the Wolfpack. All youth wearing a scouting uniform will receive free admission to the game.

The Quad City Wofpack is generously donating a portion of their ticket sales to help King's Harvest and their Shelter for Homeless Mother's with Children.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Matt McClean, owner and General Manager of the Quad City Wolfpack, please call 563-590-3985 or call Jerry Miller at 309-798-4447. If you would like more information on King's Harvest please call Grant Curtis, Fundraising Coordinator, 563-528-0835.

# # #

17 Jul 2013

WILLIAM PENN UNIV SPRING DEAN'S AND PRESIDENT'S LISTS

By Randy Stalsberg
Oskaloosa, Iowa - William Penn University is pleased to announce that Nicki Lee Thomas and Carmen Cristina Wetzel both of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Nannette L. Sims of Davenport, Iowa, have been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2013 semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.5 - 3.89 on a 4.0 scale.

Lisa Ann Lacy of Davenport, Iowa, has been named to the President's List for the spring 2013 semester. To be included on the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.

William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa offers both post-secondary and adult education programs. Founded by Quakers in 1873, we strive to provide a vibrant learning community where all students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually through academic, creative and athletic pursuits. For more information, visit the university's website at www.wmpenn.edu or call 1-800-779-7366.

-30-

17 Jul 2013

Local student earns degree from UW-Superior

By Tom Hanson

SUPERIOR, WIS. - Theresa Bryant of Davenport, Iowa has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communicating Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Students completing their degrees were invited to participate in the university's Commencement held May 18, 2013, in Wessman Arena on the UW-Superior campus.

UW-Superior engages students for lifelong learning and rewarding careers through more than 27 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus along with degrees offered through distance learning. The university is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and plays a central role in the University of Wisconsin System's Growth Agenda for Wisconsin.

-30-

17 Jul 2013

Iowa-made BBQ and Beer

By NewBo City Market

Come to NewBo City Market this Saturday

Our first annual BBQ & Brew event is almost here! General admission to this great event is free (and you can buy all the barbecue you want), including live music from 12:00pm-8:00pm.

If you haven't already, be sure to buy your beer tasting tickets ahead of time. For just $25, you get to taste nearly 20 great home brewed and Iowa-made commercial craft beers. (Don't want that much beer? You can buy a pint or two of Iowa-made commercial beer for just $5 a pint.)

Beer

10 Iowa-based home brewers will be giving samples of styles ranging from IPAs, to porters, to stouts.

In addition to our home brewers, we're pleased to have samples from Great River Brewery, Peace Tree Brewing Co., and Van Houzen Brewing.

Barbecue

We have ten great barbecue vendors coming this Saturday ? and they're all from the great state of Iowa. 

We'll have vendors slinging the finest barbecue styles from throughout the U.S., as well as international styles. Yum, yum, yum!
Betty Calling is a dynamic six piece band specializing in an eclectic mix of music from the 60's to the present.

They'll be playing from 12:00pm-4:00pm.
The Significance Of Simon is a small ensemble that delivers intelligent and emotional lyrics built around detailed, acoustic guitar work.

They're playing from 5:00-8:00pm.
Come to BBQ & Brew as a beer tasting VIP.

For $50, you get in 30 minutes early, get a free t-shirt, a free stein, and an extra people's choice vote.
Copyright © 2013 NewBo City Market, All rights reserved.
At one point or another, you signed up to receive updates about NewBo City Market.
Our mailing address is:
NewBo City Market
1100 3rd Street Southeast
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
17 Jul 2013

City Circle Acting Company Presents RENT, August 2-4

By Nancy Mayfield

City Circle Acting Company will present the musical sensation RENT on August 2-4 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.

Cast members from City Circle's 2009 sold-out teen production of RENT reunite to reprise their roles in this highly acclaimed Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning rock musical with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Puccini's opera La Boheme.

"We are so excited to revisit this awesome cast after four years and see how they've changed, grown and experienced life.  They are now the actual ages of the characters they so memorably portrayed, and so we will get a chance to see and hear this play in a way simultaneously fresh and nostalgic.  Seasons of Love indeed!" says City Circle Community Rep Chris Okiishi.

RENT is an inspiring story about friends and artists struggling in New York City's East Village. Its musical score shifts easily between pounding rock numbers and pop-style ballads, while tackling addiction, poverty, AIDS, and most of all, love.

RENT will be performed August 2 and 3 at 7:30pm and August 4 at 2pm at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets can be purchased online at  http://www.coralvillearts.org/ or by calling 319.248.9370 or in person at the CCPA box office at 1301 5th Street and at the Coralville Recreation Center at 1506 8th Street.
17 Jul 2013

Illinois National Guard Soldiers first to receive Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade insignia

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/16/2013)(readMedia)-- By Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Task Force White Eagle Public Affairs Liaison and Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Sixteen Illinois National Guard Soldiers were presented unit insignia from the Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade (ACB) June 22 in Afghanistan.

The unit insignia of the 25th ACB was awarded to the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A11 (BEST A11) Soldiers. This unit insignia has never been awarded to a non-Polish servicemember. The BEST mission is liaison support with the staff of Polish Task Force White Eagle in Ghazni. The Illinois Soldiers are partnered with the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade of Tomaszow Mazowiecki, commanded by Brig. Gen. Marek Sokolowski.

Sokolowski said the 25th is a close knit, uniquely ran brigade. The decision to bestow such an honor on the embedded Soldiers was an easy one to make, he said.

"We are all family here in Ghazni," said Sokolowski. "My Illinois Soldiers display the pride and honor of a fellow 25th Soldier."

Col. Christopher Lawson of Chatham, Ill., Deputy U.S. Commander of Task Force White Eagle and BEST A11 Commander, has worked with the Polish since 1994.

"The Polish Armed Forces have a proud tradition of service and sacrifice," said Lawson. "The 25th Air Calvary Brigade is an elite air mobile infantry unit that has high standards and expectations of its members. To be recognized as one of its members is the highest honor and I am humbled by this recognition," said Lawson.

Maj. Darren Horton of Springfield, Ill., U.S. Contracting and Personnel Officer for Task Force White Eagle is in the process of getting the insignia authorized for wear as a combat badge.

"I am working with Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia to request approval for our team to wear the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade's insignia as a combat badge on our dress uniforms," said Horton. "Working for a Polish Brigade has been a unique and incredible experience and it would be an honor to be authorized to wear the combat badge of the Polish 25th ACB, which has performed so remarkably."

Horton said it will most likely be a lengthy process and a challenge to get approved, but the great experience of serving with the 25th ACB is well worth it.

With the award of the 25th's unit insignia, the 16-man team from Illinois will forever be a part of the Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade and the Polish Land Forces. The team says its deployment experience has been very unique, and an once-in-a-lifetime moment the men of the BEST A11 will cherish for the rest of their lives. The BEST A11 is expected to be back in Illinois around Christmas.

17 Jul 2013

MODERN WOODMEN PARK NOMINATED FOR USA TODAY AWARD

By Marco LaNave

Voting for "Best Minor League Ballpark" runs for four weeks at 10Best.com

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 16, 2013) - Modern Woodmen Park is frequently recognized nation-wide as a unique destination for Minor League Baseball and family entertainment. Today, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits was announced by USA TODAY as a nominee for "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. The winner will be announced Aug. 14.

Nominees were chosen by a panel of experts from USA TODAY, 10Best.com, and other contributors and sources for other Gannett properties. Readers, fans and the general public can vote online once per day for four weeks. All voting is available on the 10Best.com website, for which www.riverbandits.com is providing a link.

"The River Bandits and Main Street Baseball are delighted for this recognition of Modern Woodmen Park and the Quad Cities community," said team owner Dave Heller. "As an organization, we seek to make our ballpark an integral part of the Quad Cities, maintaining its original charm while working to improve and beautify it each year, and keeping it among the finest, most iconic ballparks in the country."

Modern Woodmen Park, which opened in 1931 as Davenport Municipal Stadium and was previously known as John O'Donnell Stadium, is the oldest stadium used continuously by a current Minor League Baseball team for more than 50 years. The current Midwest League franchise has played in it continuously since 1960, and more than seven million fans have passed through its gates in that time.

As the River Bandits ownership, Main Street Baseball has brought the stadium several improvements - including the Sky Deck, Pepsi Loge Boxes, the Crop Production Services Corn Field, a new high-definition video board and LED ribbon board. Earlier this season, Main Street Amusements opened a FlyWireTM dual zip line by Extreme Engineering, and a Mediacom Frog Hopper by S&S Worldwide, as part of a growing amusement lineup, including a new 112-foot tall Ferris Wheel, that will continue arriving through next season.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar