09 Jul 2013

RET. MAJOR GENERAL GARY WATTNEM TO MEET WITH IOWA SENATORS

By Rick Martin

Iowa Flag Officer will advocate for energy policies that will strengthen national security

MASON CITY, IOWA - Ret. Army Major General Gary Wattnem, a distinguished flag officer residing in Iowa, is traveling to Washington, D.C. on July 9-11 to meet with Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin to discuss the importance of energy security and how it impacts national security.

Wattnem, with his decades of Army experience, will provide the Senators with the first-hand knowledge they need to truly understand the risk the United States will face unless significant changes are made to energy security policies.

The most pressing item on Wattnem's agenda is the permit approval for the Keystone XL Pipeline that will contribute to U.S. energy independence by transporting desperately needed domestic and Canadian oil to American refineries.

"The United States and Canada have an established and friendly trading partnership and this pipeline would eventually provide us with twice of what we currently import from the Persian Gulf," Wattnem said. "If Washington is serious about increasing our economic, energy, and national security then it needs to act fast and get this pipeline built."

The State Department has conducted four separate environmental impact assessments that repeatedly conclude that the pipeline would not have significant impacts on the environment. Despite the overwhelming public support for the pipeline, a final approval for its permit has been put on hold.

Wattnem will also press the Senators to fix the Renewable Fuel Standard, a series of mandates for the production of renewable fuels established in the Energy Independence Act of 2007.

In order to comply with RFS mandates, American fuel supplies have been blending 10 percent ethanol content into fuel. They are approaching the point at which refiners are no longer able to meet the ethanol blending mandates. This will put refiners in the situation of either having to produce 15 percent ethanol or 85 percent ethanol, which could cause engine damage in military vehicles and hurt the economy.

"We need to avoid these unrealistic regulations that severely impact our economic and energy security," Wattnem said.

Wattnem is a member of Vets4Energy, a group of volunteer veterans from a variety of branches and ranks of the military. Dozens of other Vets4Energy are joining Wattnem on Capitol Hill to meet with their Senators. They hail from 25 other states and have fought in every U.S. war or engagement since Vietnam.

About Ret. Army Major General Gary Wattnem

Wattnem served a tour of duty at the Eastern Area Military Traffic Management and Terminal Service in Brooklyn, N.Y. During 1970 and 1971 he served in Vietnam with the 71st Transportation Battalion at Long Binh, Republic of Vietnam.

He entered the Active Reserve in November of 1971. His assignments included Company Commander of the 404th Signal Company in Waterloo, Iowa, and Signal Officer of the 394th Ammo Battalion in Ames, Iowa.  He then was assigned to the 103rd COSCOM at Fort Des Moines where he served in a number of assignments including Battalion Commander.  He was then selected as Commander of the 56th Material Management Center at Fort Snelling, Minn.

In September of 1993, he became the Chief of Staff of the 19th Theater Army Area Command in Des Moines, Iowa. In August of 1996, he assumed command of the 3rd Corps Support Command in Des Moines. He was selected as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics at the Pentagon in 1999.  He retired in 2004.

09 Jul 2013

Christina Nordick earns Doctoral Degree from USF

By Nancy Pohlman

JOLIET, IL (07/02/2013)(readMedia)-- The University of St. Francis conferred a doctoral degree on Christina Nordick of Milan, Ill. at the commencement ceremony on May 4. USF launched its first doctoral program--Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)--in fall 2009 in order to prepare nurses to provide the most advanced level of nursing care. The DNP was a natural outgrowth of USF's highly acclaimed nursing program and was the fourth such program in Illinois.

The University of St. Francis in Joliet serves 3,400 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in arts and science, business, education, nursing, health care and social work. For information, call (800) 735-7500 or visit www.stfrancis.edu.

09 Jul 2013

Senator Harkin endorses Climate March

By Ed Fallon
We are very excited to announce the endorsement of Senator Tom Harkin!

"We are already seeing increasing intensity and frequency of storms, droughts, and heat events caused by climate change, and that trend is just beginning," said Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). "The Great March for Climate Action may be just what's needed at this time to wake-up America to the urgency of climate change, and I commend Ed Fallon for getting the ball rolling. I wish the Climate March every success and hope it helps spur the Congress into action to address this critical challenge to the planet."

Which brings me to this week's Calls to Action:

(1) Invite a US Senator, member of Congress, mayor or state lawmaker from your area to endorse the Climate March. Click here for a full list of endorsing individuals and organizations.

(2) Check out this heart-warming story about a retired Des Moines minster, Bob Cook, who plans to go the distance in next year's March. Please share it with your local media contacts. Better still, share your own story about why you are marching and/or supporting the March. We inspire others to take action not only through our commitment to marching but through the power of our personal witness as well.

Thanks, and have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! Oh, and if you're planning to come to the 80-35 Festival this weekend in downtown Des Moines, check out our booth, which will feature a big map showing the March route, and a fine beverage we're calling "climate-aid."
09 Jul 2013

Nominations Open for 2013 Caring Awards

By Natalie Anderson

BETTENDORF, Iowa - Nonprofit organizations in Scott and Rock Island counties are invited to nominate their top volunteers for the 2013 Quad City Caring Awards. The awards are presented each year by the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend to honor a select group of volunteers who have demonstrated their commitment to the betterment of our community.

This year, five volunteers will be honored. One of the awards will be given to a young volunteer under the age of 21.

"Nonprofits depend on volunteers," said Susan Skora, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. "These generous people give the community something very valuable - their time and hard work. Recognizing them for this gift is one of the happiest events of the year."

Nonprofits are encouraged to submit their nominations. A citizen committee of community leaders will select the winners. Each nonprofit that nominates an award recipient will receive a $1,000 grant from the Community Foundation in honor of the winner.

Quad City Caring Award winners will be recognized at the Community Foundation's Annual Celebration on September 10, 2013. The event will be held at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.

Nomination forms are available at the Community Foundation office, or on the website www.cfgrb.org in the News Section. Completed forms must be submitted by August 1 to the Community Foundation, 852 Middle Road, Suite 100, Bettendorf, IA. Can also be faxed to 563-326-2870 or emailed to info@cfgrb.org.

To learn more, call 563-326-2840 or visit www.cfgrb.org.

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09 Jul 2013

NORTHPARK MALL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN THE QUAD CITIES

By Aleisha Chiesa

-40 Years and Still Going Strong-

DAVENPORT, Iowa, July, 1, 2013 - Get ready to celebrate a major milestone: NorthPark Mall is proud to announce the celebration of its 40th anniversary in the Quad City area.

NorthPark Mall officially opened on Wednesday, July 11, 1973, with a mere 700,000 square feet. At the time, the shopping center was the largest enclosed mall in the entire state of Iowa. Over the years, NorthPark Mall has provided thousands of jobs to local employees, new products to the increasing shopper base and a convenient place where families could get all their shopping completed in one stop.

Today NorthPark Mall is home to nearly one million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment and employs thousands of Davenport-area residents. The center is anchored by JC Penney, Von Maur, Younkers, Dillard's and Sears and offers guests over 135 retailers. Since the mall opened the community has been an integral part to the success of the shopping center and that holds true today.

"Great activities for families and kids are an important part of what our mall offers the community," said Aleshia Chiesa, Marketing Manager, NorthPark Mall. "NorthPark is a staple of the community and we expect to keep it an invigorating shopping experience for everyone."

The community is invited to celebrate the mall's 40th anniversary with a formal ribbon-cutting that will take place on July 11, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., refreshments will be provided at the entrance to the food court and near Barnes and Noble. Local city officials, including the Chamber of Commerce will be attending.

For a complete listing of family-friendly activities at NorthPark Mall, visit www.north-park-mall-ia.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive the most up-to-date information.

Macerich is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company's website at www.macerich.com.

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09 Jul 2013

RIVER BANDITS OPEN MEDIACOM FROG HOPPER

By Marco LaNave

Amusement debut adds to dual zip line, rock-climbing wall at Modern Woodmen Park

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 1, 2013) - As part of a growing amusement lineup at Modern Woodmen Park, the River Bandits and Main Street Amusements opened the new Mediacom Frog Hopper at Monday night's game in the Party Plaza near the Budweiser Backyard Barbecue Deck.

With the debut of the Fly Wire™ dual zip line at the ballpark June 11 and the addition of a rock-climbing wall and four new bounce houses earlier this season, Main Street Amusements continues to enhance Modern Woodmen Park with unique attractions and build the largest set of amusements inside a Minor League Baseball stadium.

"The Frog Hopper will add to the fun and affordable experiences kids can enjoy at a game," said River Bandits owner and Main Street Amusement president Dave Heller. "When River Bandits fans come to the ballpark, we want to offer them fresh, fun and affordable entertainment, and riding the Frog Hopper at a baseball stadium along the Mississippi River will certainly give them a memorable and unique experience."

With a colorful and kid-friendly design, the Frog Hopper, sponsored by Mediacom, bounces up to seven riders comfortably along a tower as they sit in a row looking over the playing field for a one-of-a-kind view of the stadium as they "hop alongside" the Mississippi River. The Frog Hopper is an amusement ride from manufacturer S & S Worldwide, Inc. (www.engineeringexcitement.com), which has more than 400 rides in 30 countries around the world.

"S&S Worldwide is excited for our joint venture with the River Bandits and Main Street Amusements to combine amusement rides and baseball with the addition of a Frog Hopper to Modern Woodmen Park," said Toby Garcia, North American Sales Representative for S&S Worldwide/Sansei Technologies. "With more than 250 Frog Hoppers worldwide, this ride is a family favorite that will delight kids in the Quad Cities and across the region."

The Frog Hopper opened Monday night with a price of $2 per ride, or $5 for three rides.
09 Jul 2013

It takes all blood types to help save lives

By Ben Corey

PEORIA, Ill. (July 1, 2013) – Whether someone is among the 39 percent of the U.S. population with type O positive blood or the 2 percent with B negative, the American Red Cross is looking for eligible donors of all types to give blood this summer to help avert a shortage.

Those with O negative, A negative and B negative are especially urged to donate, as their blood types are often in high demand because they can potentially be transfused to both Rh negative and positive patients. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient.

Vacations, activities and holidays contribute to a decrease in donations during the summer, but patients don't get a break from needing blood. Visit the Summer of Stories campaign website, redcrossblood.org/summer, to make an appointment to donate, then share why you give blood and watch videos about people whose lives have been touched by donors.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County

July 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clinton Ericksen Center, 1401 - 11th Ave. North in Clinton, Iowa
July 29 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Elvira Zion Lutheran Church, 2207 380th Ave. in Clinton, Iowa

Henry County

July 23 from 1-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 214 NW Second Ave. in Galva, Ill.
July 24 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Mercer County

July 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
July 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aledo Genesis Medical Center, 409 NW Ninth Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
July 27 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Sherrard Fire House, 101 E. First St. in Sherrard, Ill.

Muscatine County

July 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at U.S. Bank, 1800 Park Ave. in Muscatine, Iowa

Scott County

July 29 from 12-4 p.m. at Bettendorf Courtyard by Marriott, 895 Golden Valley Drive in Bettendorf, Iowa

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

09 Jul 2013

Youthfest - Change in Location

By Davenport Parks & Recreation
Due to the recent flooding in Centennial Park, the location of Youthfest has been changed to Fejervary Park, 1759 W 12th Street in Davenport.
Calling ALL youth in the Quad Cities and surrounding area to come celebrate at Davenport Parks and Recreation and many partnering organizations at our 20th annual YOUTHFEST.
In addition to our regular activities, this year we are joining forces with the iExploreSTEM program. iExploreSTEM activities challenge kids to think, to solve STEM problems and introduce them to careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). iExploreSTEM is fun!

Wednesday, July 10 
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Fejervary Park
1759 W 12th St
09 Jul 2013

Have Fun Improving Your Brain Power

By Mark McLaughlin

Test Your Trivia Skills at Pepperjack's American Food & Spirits

DAVENPORT, IA - Research suggests that if you wish to increase your brainpower, you should challenge your mental skills as often as possible. Ways to keep your mind active include various forms of puzzles and memory games. If you'd like to improve your mental powers while meeting new people and having fun, Pepperjack's American Food & Spirits offers a weekly mental workout you are sure to enjoy.
Pepperjack's will hold Brain Gamez live team trivia and games from 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday night in July and August, starting July 2, in the cocktail lounge at Pepperjack's American Food & Spirits, located at 1225 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA. During each Brain Gamez trivia night, three games will be held, starting at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m., with prizes every hour. Entry is free.
According to Danny Holmes and Wes Ludloff, co-owners of Pepperjack's American Food & Spirits, they are always happy to offer new entertainment options for their patrons. "Last month, we offered the Evening of Art & Wine painting event, and that was a big success," said Holmes. "The Brain Gamez trivia night will make for a great evening of entertainment, whether you come down with a group of friends, or wish to make some new friends."
"We want people to see Pepperjack's not only as a unique dining experience, but also as a fun place to go with a variety of different activities," Ludloff said. "We already have quite a few regulars who come to our Open Mic/Karaoke Night." Pepperjack's offers Open Mic/Karaoke in the lounge on Thursday nights, 8 p.m. to midnight, with extended Happy Hour specials.
For more information on Pepperjack's American Food & Spirits, call (563) 324-9525 or visit www.PepperjacksRestaurant.com. Be sure to check their Facebook page for upcoming events and specials: www.facebook.com/Pepperjacks.Restaurant.
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09 Jul 2013

CORREA WINS FINAL VOTE FOR ALL-STAR FUTURES GAME

By Marco LaNave
Shortstop is first-ever position player selected to the game during his River Bandits season

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 1, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits shortstop Carlos Correa was selected by fans for the final roster spot on the World Team roster for the 2013 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, set for Sunday, July 14, at Citi Field in New York. The Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, native is the first position player to make the game in the same year he appeared for the Midwest League club.

For the first time in the All-Star Futures Game's 15-year history, fans determined the final player on both the U.S. and World Team rosters by casting their votes in the All-Star Sunday Futures Finalists ballot. Major League Baseball announced Correa's selection Monday afternoon. He is one of three current Midwest Leaguers selected to the game, as he joins Beloit pitcher Michael Ynoa, of the Oakland Athletics, on the World Team; Bowling Green pitcher Taylor Guerreri, of the Tampa Bay Rays, is on the U.S. Team.

The 18-year-old Correa was the No. 1 overall pick by the Houston Astros in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. He was the youngest player in the 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game, which he started at shortstop for the Western Division All-Stars, June 18 at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, Ohio. He is currently third in the Midwest League with a .323 batting average and fifth with a .408 on-base percentage. He is also third in batting average among Astros minor leaguers with full-season affiliates. Rated by Baseball America as the top prospect in the Astros minor league system entering the season, he was the Quad Cities Player of the Month in May, when he assembled a career-high 10-game hitting streak, held a .349 average and had 18 RBIs in 22 games. In his final 21 games in June, Correa hit for a .422 average with two home runs, 13 RBIs and a .578 slugging percentage.

This season, two former River Bandits - both from the 2011 Midwest League Championship team - have already been selected for the All-Star Futures Game. Outfielder Oscar Taveras and infielder Kolten Wong will play for the World and U.S. Teams, respectively, for a second consecutive year.

The last player selected for the All-Star Futures Game in the same season he played for Quad Cities was St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez in 2011. Martinez was promoted to the advanced Class-A Palm Beach Cardinals before being named to the World roster for the game in Phoenix, Ariz. He threw one scoreless inning in a 6-4 U.S. victory.

Cardinals right-hander Shelby Miller was the last River Bandit selected for the All-Star Futures Game while on the Quad Cities roster. Miller pitched for the U.S. in the 2010 game in Anaheim, Calif., and worked two-thirds of a scoreless inning in a 9-1 U.S. victory.

The SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, which is now in its 15th year, features the top Minor League prospects competing in a nine-inning contest as part of Taco Bell All-Star Sunday. The U.S. Team leads the all-time series, 8-6. The game will begin at 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time July 14 and can be viewed live on ESPN2, ESPN2 HD and MLB.com.

UP NEXT: Monday is First Responders Night, when all police, fire and EMS personnel can show a badge or credential at the "Suites" entrance for a $10 package including a bleacher ticket and a hot dog and soda voucher. For $15, fans can purchase a wristband for all-you-can-eat hot dogs, nachos, peanuts and popcorn on Munchie Monday presented by 97X. 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 last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa, as well as first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. The Astros also just made the very first selection in the major league draft June 6 and could have top pick Mark Appel play in the Quad Cities. 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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