Quad Cities citizens and especially those with German ancestry are invited to participate in two Memorial Day events this weekend.  There will be a Founders' Day Celebration at the Dixon, Iowa Cemetery beginning at 10:00 a.m.  The occasion seeks to honor and remember the contributions of German immigrants to the region.  The venue changes annually so that many final resting places receive recognition.  The celebration will include musical selections, a history of the cemetery, and a brief address. Dixon mayor Steve Laughlin will
serve as master of ceremonies.  Refreshments will be available at the conclusion of the event.  In case of rain the ceremony will take place in the Hope Lutheran Church, directly next to the cemetery.  

There will also be a recognition wreath in place along northbound Gaines Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets in remembrance of the 1848-50 "Kampfgenossen" or German war veterans from Schleswig-Holstein who first fought against Danish control of that region. 

Although unsuccessful, many leaders of that group immigrated to Scott and Rock Island counties where they became leading citizens of their day and contributed immeasurably to the development of their new communities.  A large commemorative stone was re-erected in 2008 to mark their achievements.  

These events are sponsored jointly by the American Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society, the German American Family Club of Iowa and Illinois, the German American Heritage Center, the German American National Congress (DANK), and the Schuetzenpark Gilde.

Also on Saturday!

All day-drop by!

There will also be a recognition wreath in place along northbound Gaines Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets in remembrance of the 1848-50 "Kampfgenossen" or German war veterans from Schleswig-Holstein who first fought against Danish control of that region.  Although unsuccessful, many leaders of that group immigrated to Scott and Rock Island counties where they became leading citizens of their day and contributed immeasurably to the development of their new communities.  A large commemorative stone was re-erected in 2008 to mark their achievements.

The wreath is sponsored by the German Roundtable

SEWARD, NE (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Naomi Iltis of Le Claire, Iowa, was named to Concordia University, Nebraska's honors list for the second semester of the 2012-13 academic year.

The top 25 percent of undergraduate students who complete at least 12 credit hours qualify for the honors list.

Founded in 1894, Concordia University, Nebraska is a fully accredited liberal arts university committed to excellence in Christian higher education. Concordia was named to the top tier in a U.S. News & World Report's 2012 "America's Best Colleges" ranking in the Regional University- Midwest category and 28th in the "Top 50 Baccalaureate Colleges" of the 2011 Washington Monthly College Rankings. It is one of ten institutions belonging to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's Concordia University System.

Concordia University, Nebraska, is located in Seward, Neb., and currently serves over 2,200 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit www.cune.edu.

The Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club (RIAWC)honored high school and college-bound students with scholarships during a luncheon on the island May 15. Front row, from left: Alexis Slocum, Karin Carlson, Taylor Horwath, Jori Colarusso, Marina Johnson; back row from left: Erin Toohey, Kelsey Ethington, Mileah Gumpert, Miranda Gumpert, Michael Ryan, Jordan Starkey, Alex Campbell, Jacob Coyne, Maddi Theisen. Not pictured but receiving scholarships " Alex Donovan, Kate Fennelly, Tiffany Merkel, Lindsey Miner.

A total of $20,000 was awarded to 18 students scheduled to attend classes this fall.  For those who received scholarships, 11 are graduating from high school this spring and seven are currently attending college.  Brig. Gen. Duane Gamble, deputy commanding general, Army Sustainment Command, presented the students with certificates that highlighted their selection for the merit awards.

"This is a great day for the Welcome Club and our nation's youth," said Gamble. "You are our future leaders and I am humbled to be here with you."

The purpose of the RIAWC is to develop and foster a spirit of Quad Cities Area community responsibility at RIA by providing opportunities for social, cultural and creative pursuits and to support worthwhile service and community projects.

A fundamental purpose of the RIAWC is to generate funds to support service members and their families, government employees, and other charitable endeavors on the island and within the Quad-Cities metropolitan areas.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

 

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has introduced three amendments to the farm and nutrition bill being debated before the Senate.  Grassley is one of two working family farmers in the United States Senate and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Nearly 80 percent of the funding for the farm bill is geared toward nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and various food assistance programs for seniors and children.  Only 20 percent of the funding for the farm bill is directed toward agriculture programs.

"The small amount of the farm bill that is geared toward agriculture is an opportunity to give farmers the certainty they deserve and to make changes to the farm programs that provide a marketplace where agriculture can thrive and feed and fuel the world," Grassley said.  "These are common-sense amendments that would hold the bureaucracy accountable, keep fairness in farm program payments, and ensure the Department of Agriculture, with its extraordinary knowledge and expertise in agricultural matters, has a more formal role with the Justice Department in scrutinizing ag competition."

Grassley's first amendment would protect livestock and poultry farmers from having their personal information released by the EPA.  It does not prevent the EPA from collecting the information about where farmers' operations are located.  It also does not prevent EPA from disclosing information in the aggregate.  Grassley's amendment stems from the EPA's release of the personal information of over 80,000 livestock and poultry owners from across the nation to three activist groups.  A large portion of the data disclosed to the activist groups did not meet the definition of a Consolidated Animal Feeding Operation.  In fact, in the data collected on farmers from Iowa, the EPA disclosed information on people who owned as few as one pig, and another individual who owned 12 horses.

Grassley's second amendment would hold peanut farmers to the same cumulative $50,000 payment limit that applies to farmers growing other crops.  In current law, and in the underlying bill, peanut farmers essentially can double their farm payments if they grow peanuts and another type of crop.

Grassley's third amendment would create a Special Counsel at the Department of Agriculture.  The Special Counsel would be charged with analyzing mergers within the food and agricultural sectors, in consultation with the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture, the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission.  In addition the Special Counsel would investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

-30-

HOTEL BLACKHAWK AWARDED TRIPADVISOR ® CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE: Davenport hotel achieves prestigious status for second consecutive year

DAVENPORT, IA - Hotel Blackhawk is pleased to announce that it has earned a 2013 TripAdvisor ® Certificate of Excellence Award - the second consecutive year it has earned the honor.

The prestigious award honors hospitality excellence and are given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor ®, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor ® receive this award.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

"Our company is pleased to again receive this award from TripAdvisor," said Tim Heim, VP - Marketing, Innkeeper Hospitality Services. "We strive to offer guests a hip and historic experience, and repeating this recognition shows the hard work of our team at Hotel Blackhawk is continuing to translate into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor."

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor ® offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor ®-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors, and over 60 million reviews and opinions.

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org). For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

-30-

BIX BISTRO EARNS TRIPADVISOR ® SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD: Hotel Blackhawk restaurant continues to complement diner's experience

DAVENPORT, IA - Hotel Blackhawk is pleased to announce that its on-site restaurant - Bix Bistro - has earned a 2013 TripAdvisor ® Service Excellence Award.

The prestigious award honors service excellence and are given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor ®, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor ® receive this award.

To qualify for the Service Excellence award, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

It also marks the second major recognition for the restaurant itself. In 2012, Bix Bistro received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its wine selection and theme.

"Bix Bistro is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence," said Deanna Jensen, General Manager at Hotel Blackhawk. "We strive to create memories for our guests, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org). For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

-30-

RIPON, WI (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Murray Stoffa of River Falls, WI graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ripon College on May 12, 2013 with a English major.

Author, blogger and statistician Nate Silver of The New York Times served as the commencement speaker for the graduation exercises, Ripon College's one hundred forty-seventh, helping the College make The Washington Post's list of Biggest Commencement Speakers of 2013 at number 8. Silver, along with Dr. Steven Brams, renowned game theorist and professor of political science at New York University (NYU), were bestowed honorary degrees for achievements in their fields. This year's Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Andrew Britton of Oshkosh West High School.

Stoffa is the child of COL Donald A. Stoffa of Davenport, IA .

The Family Museum is one of more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense

Bettendorf – Today the Family Museum announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2013. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

"Blue Star Museums is a collaboration between the arts and military communities," said NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa. "Our work with Blue Star Families and with more than 1,800 museums ensures that we can reach out to military families and thank them for their service and sacrifice."

"Blue Star Museums is something that service members and their families look forward to every year, and we are thrilled with the continued growth of the program," said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. "Through this distinctive collaboration between Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 1,800 museums across the United States, service members and their families can connect with our national treasures with this unparalleled opportunity to visit some of the country's finest museums for free."

This year, more than 1,800 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 450 new museums this year. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer. The effort to recruit museums has involved partnerships with the American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Children's Museums, the American Association of State and Local History, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers. This year's Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and 75 children's museums. Among this year's new participants are the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California, Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum in Northport, Michigan, the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan, Alaska, and the World Museum of Mining in Butte, Montana.

About the Family Museum

The Family Museum is a hands-on interactive museum designed for children ages 8 and younger. The exhibits are unique and cater to different interests and playtime adventures. In addition, the Family Museum provides a wide range of classes, drop-in activities, and special events throughout the year. The Family Museum encourages families, caregivers and teachers to play and learn together to spark children's curiosity, explore their interests, and nourish a sense of belonging. For more information call (563)344-4106 or visit www.familymuseum.org.

Summer Hours (Memorial Day - Labor Day):

Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm

Thursday: 9am-8pm

Sunday: Noon-5pm

About Blue Star Museums

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America. The program runs from Memorial Day, May 27, 2013 through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly.

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering military families. With our partners, Blue Star Families hosts a robust array of morale and empowerment programs, including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Operation Honor Corp, Blue Star Careers and Operation Appreciation. Blue Star Families also works directly with the Department of Defense and senior members of local, State and Federal government to bring the most important military family issues to light. Working in concert with fellow nonprofits, community advocates, and public officials, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Our worldwide membership includes military spouses, children, parents, and friends, as well as service members, veterans and civilians. To learn more about Blue Star Families, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. To join the discussion on how art works, visit the NEA at arts.gov.

###

Families can enjoy pre-game on-field catch and a buffet on the Sky Deck at River Bandits' June 16 game

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MAY 22, 2013) - Families in the Quad Cities will have a unique way to celebrate Father's Day at Modern Woodmen Park on June 16, when the Quad Cities River Bandits host a pre-game catch in the outfield and their second annual Father's Day Cookout on the Sky Deck for the 5 p.m. Flat Screen Family Sunday game against the Burlington Bees.

The pre-game festivities kick off with catch in the outfield at 4 p.m. with the all-you-can-eat buffet on the Sky Deck to follow from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The fun-filled day will also feature giveaways and enter-to-win prizes for dad to take home. Individuals and families can now purchase ticket packages that include a game ticket and the cookout.

"This fun and affordable package offers families in the Quad Cities a special day to celebrate fathers and give Dad a memorable afternoon featuring a cookout and baseball game," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "This event combines so much of what people in the Quad Cities can enjoy at Modern Woodmen Park - a gorgeous venue, great hospitality, terrific food, and affordable family-friendly entertainment as we help make Dad feel like a king this Father's Day."

Reservations must be made by Monday, June 10, for the package, which includes the cookout and admission to the River Bandits' 5 p.m. game. Tickets are $20 for each adult and $10 for each child age 10 and younger. The cookout menu features all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips, cookies, lemonade and water, as well as a cash bar. Participants are welcome to enjoy the game from their seats or from the Sky Deck - a climate-controlled environment with large glass windows that offer spectacular views of the ballpark, downtown Davenport, the Centennial Bridge and the Mississippi River.

"Modern Woodmen Park is a fantastic year-round setting for special events, and the Father's Day Cookout is a terrific part of that lineup," said General Manager Harold Craw. "The River Bandits are delighted to welcome families in the Quad Cities for another memorable Father's Day celebration for the whole community.."

As part of another Flat Screen Family Sunday presented by KWQC and B100, fans can enter a drawing to win one of three free 32-inch flat screen TVs given away during the game. All kids will have the opportunity to run the bases after the game, and fans can bring their dogs for Bark in the Park.

Reservations for the Father's Day Cookout must be made by Monday, June 10, by calling (563) 324-3000 or emailing AshleyS@RiverBandits.com. Reservations can also be made by filling out the Father's Day Cookout order form available at www.riverbandits.com, and returning it to the River Bandits front office or by email to AshleyS@RiverBandits.com.

UP NEXT: The McGivern's Mega Jewelry Giveaway will be Wednesday, May 22, at the 7 p.m. River Bandits game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Two fans will also have their bills paid on a Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank and Mix96. 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.

Rivermont Collegiate announces the retirement of 3 respected and beloved faculty/administrators at the end of this school year: Suzanne Johnson, Assistant Headmaster and Early and Lower School Head (40 years at Rivermont), Katherine Topalian, First Grade Teacher (32 years at Rivermont), and Linda Hampton, Middle & Upper School Science Faculty (29 years at Rivermont).

Suzanne Johnson began her career at Rivermont (then known as St. Katharine's-St. Mark's) in 1973, the same year the School moved from its original location in Davenport to the historic Bettendorf Mansion.  Sue began teaching Middle School Science, Math, and Physical Education.  She also taught 5th Grade for 19 years before moving into her current position as Assistant Headmaster and Early and Lower School Head.  She has been recognized as a recipient of Rivermont's Waterman Chair of Distinguished Teaching.

Katherine Topalian has taught over 500 Rivermont first graders to read, having held the position of First Grade Teacher for 32 years!  The beloved "Mrs. T" has been recognized as a recipient of Rivermont's Golden Apple Award for Exceptional Teaching and Waterman Chair of Distinguished Teaching.  Always involved in the life of the School, Kathy served as Chair of Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day for over 12 years and Chair of ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) Evaluation Committees 4 separate times.

For 29 years, Linda Hampton's passion rubbed off on everyone around her as she inspired Rivermont students to take an interest in science.  Though students have consistently taken top science fair honors under her guidance, Linda made a habit of treating every student as an award winner and valuing each project.  She has been the recipient of Rivermont's Golden Apple Award for Exceptional Teaching and Waterman Chair of Distinguished Teaching, as well as numerous outside awards, including Outstanding Mentor at both the Hawkeye Science and Engineering Fair and the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa.

The dedication of these retirees is a direct reflection of their belief in Rivermont and our mission.  Rivermont is the Quad Cities' only private college prep school, dedicated to academic excellence and maximizing the potential of each student.  We congratulate Sue, Kathy, and Linda on all they have accomplished and thank them for the difference they've made in the lives of students they taught and faculty who were privileged to work with them.

FORT WORTH, TX (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- The UNT Health Science Center graduated its first class of Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) on May 18.

Jeffrey Guild from Bettendorf IA is among the first graduating class of UNTHSC physical therapists.

UNT Health Science Center

The UNT Health Science Center comprises the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the School of Public Health, the School of Health Professions and UNT Health, its multi-specialty group practice. Key areas of strength include aging and Alzheimer's disease, applied genetics and primary care and prevention. This year, the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine was named a top-50 medical school in primary care by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth consecutive year. The Health Science Center contributes more than $500 million to the Tarrant County and Texas economies annually.

Pages