Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti Retires from the Illinois National Guard After Four Decades; Story by Mike Chrisman, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/29/2013)(readMedia)-- Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield has always made time for both his military and civilian family. After 41 years, he is saying farewell to his family in the Illinois Army National Guard.

"He holds a strong bond to family life. His ability to manage the busy life of the Guard and then take time to spend time with all of us is unbelievable," said Celletti's only son, Maj. Jason Celletti of Springfield, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Urbana. "As a father and grandfather he is very committed to ensure that he is at events like football games, volleyball games and even just the family cook outs."

Celletti commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1976 and will retire May 31 as the Assistant Adjutant General-Army for the Illinois National Guard.

"In order to be a professional, you have to have a professional career and my wife and family have always understood that and been very supportive and that makes it easier to balance," Celletti said. "When I have had time, I have gone out of my way to have family time and that's important."

Jason said his dad always taught him the Illinois Army National Guard was a family that instills the common threads of commitment, service, dedication and caring. While his dad was extremely busy with work, Jason said he always found time to attend sporting events and volunteer with the Boy Scouts.

Jason said the birth of his daughter Milana brought out a side of the general that many never see.

"The strong, stern major general just melts in her hands," Jason said. "Just the other night she was coloring in her book and like any 2-year old, she missed the page. Sure enough it put a big green streak on the white carpet. What would have been a scold or life lesson for me, for her it was; 'Oh it will wash out, no big deal.'"

Celletti admits his granddaughter tugs at his heart.

"I've missed a lot of family time in my career and it makes you enjoy the precious times even more," Celletti said. "Others have said kids bring out a side of me that most people haven't seen before."

There are many experiences that stand out to Celletti during his career. However, the proudest moments involve his family and watching his son grow as a Soldier and leader.

"I am proud of my son because he has made all of the decisions on his own," he said. "He made all the right decisions and he is right where he needs to be and doing well. I am proud of him, but he is not following in my footsteps. He is making his own way through a professional organization doing what he wants to do."

Celletti became the first Assistant Adjutant General in Illinois history to achieve the rank of major general. He has served in the position since 2005 and advises the Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to the Illinois Army National Guard and its 10,000 Soldiers.

"I feel proud, but it's not about what I have done. It's about what we have done and accomplished as an organization," Celletti said. "We are a solid team. Everyone has the same goals and objectives. I hope I look back in 10 years and still see that we have the same attitude. That is what makes us the Guard."

Celletti grew up in Sterling, Ill., and followed several generations of family who donned a uniform.

"I saw what they did for our country and I felt the need to serve," Celletti said. "Our military is one percent of the population. If you break it down, it goes generation to generation of families serving. It's patriotism built in the genes and it keeps carrying on."

Over his lengthy career, Celletti made a lot of special connections across Illinois. However, the relationship he built in Woodstock, Ill., was different than many others. Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry in Woodstock lost four Soldiers when it deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 to 2009.

"I had the honor of working with several of the Gold Star families," Celletti said. "They are now part of the Illinois National Guard family and we will not forget their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation."

Mark Greenleaf of Woodstock worked with Celletti several times when Celletti visited Woodstock and praised the general for his commitment to the military and community.

"You don't have to serve with Major General Celletti to understand how much he cares for the men and women in his command; a civilian like me could see it," Greenleaf said. 'We're very grateful for the visits he made here when our Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, when they returned from combat, and to honor our local veterans, our military families and our fallen. After his 40 years of distinguished service, I wish him a happy and well-earned retirement."

Over the course of a career, many individuals influenced Celletti and made him the leader he is today. Col. (ret.) Ray Perry of Springfield, Ill., was the commander of the 106th Cavalry in Rock Falls when Celletti first commissioned as a second lieutenant 37 years ago. Perry said he knew Celletti was going to be a solid leader for the Illinois National Guard.

"He was one of the hardest workers I have ever had in my formations," Perry said. "He did the best he could do and always stood up for what was right. He has become an amazing leader."

Celletti said some of the toughest assignments he had in his career have been when he was in command of a unit.

"It's tough when you are in the position, but looking back it was worth it to know Soldiers respected you and do what you want," he said. "They're doing it because they respect you."

Jason said his dad was a great leader, but his leadership is the reason the Illinois Army National Guard won't miss a beat when he retires.

"He once told me that if you do your job as a leader and trainer, then you will have full confidence in the Soldiers that will fill your shoes," Jason said.

Celletti's advice to young servicemembers is to never stop learning and always strive to improve. He also stressed the importance of looking after the people who are important.

"Take care of your family and fellow Soldiers and Airmen by doing the right thing and they will take care of you," he said.

Celletti has numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

Celletti jokingly said the top three things he plans to do when he retires are: golf, golf and more golf with some trips in the RV and occasional work in his woodshop.

"After several months together with my wife Kathy, I know she will make me do something to keep me busy and her sane," Celletti said. "So, until then, I may look for some good retirement job just to keep my mind sharp, but a job with a lot of flexibility to still do number one, number two and number three on my list."


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Read to Win, Starting June 3!

book with wings attached With reading programs for children, teens and adults, the family that reads together this summer may just win together. Have Book Will Travel and Beneath the Surface reading contests for children, adults and teens start June 3 and run through July 26 at the Rock Island Main Library, 30/31 Branch and Southwest Branches.

 

Have Book Will Travel reading logs for children from the "read-to-me" to "reader" levels will be available Monday, June 3. Pick up a form, add your name to the reading globe,  and start tracking your reading journey! Kids can track by title or time read, with prizes and extra chances to win awarded at the half-way and ending destinations. Prize pick up starts June 17.

 

Adults can stow away on their own reading adventure simply by completing an entry form for every book audiobook or eBook they finish between June 3-July 26. One entry per book read, please. Winners will be chosen by random drawing with rewards including a Kindle eReader, Kindle Fire HD tablet or gift cards.

 

Teens ages 12 to 18 are dared to go Beneath the Surface of reading by completing a bingo card form of various actitivies, which include reading and attending programs. 10 squares qualify teens for a prize drawing, with 25 squares equalling an automatic prize.

 

Check our website for free programs!

More Fun for Adults

book as suitcasePick up your free travel notepad on June 3 (while supplies last) and make a note to attend these free programs:

Have Book Will Travel: Free travel planning tips from Marsha Holmes of Gulliver's Travel Agency. 6:30 pm, June 4, Main Library.

 

Independent Movie, 6:00 pm, June 6, Main Library.

 

Historic Cemetery Tours, 7:00 pm. June 10 at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island; and 7:00 pm, June 17 at Riverside Cemetery, Moline. Explore the fascinating history at two of the Quad Cities' oldest cemeteries. Registration requested but not required: Call 732-7341.

 

Movie Flick: Free popcorn and movie based on a book. 5:30 pm, June 18, Main Library. Tip: This movie might make you decide you need a bigger boat!

More to do for kids this summer!
robot with have book will travel masthead

Storytimes, Lego Clubs, Math Clubs, Kids' Scrapbooking, Special Performers - it seems there's no end of ways to take flight with reading and free activities this summer. Here is just a brief sample of the fun to be had this summer at your library:

 

Global Math Club: 3:30 pm, Tuesdays, June 11-16, Main Library. Fun with math, from tutor Elizabeth Russell.

 

Kids' Scrapbooking Mondays: Free for 2nd grades and up. Materials supplied! 3:00 to 4:00 pm, June 10, Main Library; June 17, 30/31 Branch, and June 24, Southwest Branch.

 

Niabi Zoo at Your Library: Free show & tell with zoo animals. 11:00 am, June 13 at Main Library and 11:00 am June 20 at Southwest Branch.

 

Friday Fest Movie: 1:00 pm, June 21, Main Library.

 

Games from Around the World Night: Learn more about the world by trying the games people play in other countries. Fun for the whole family! 6:00 pm, June 27, 30/31 Branch.

 

To see all your traveling options, pick up a brochure or calendar today! Or visit our website.

Tons for Teens


Beneath the Surface type

Teen Feature: Classic movie & free popcorn. Pick up your reading logs, too! 1:00 to 3:30 pm, June 7, Main

 

Library Treasure Hunt: Follow the clues to uncover the treasure & win great prizes! 6:00 to 7:30 pm, June 13, Main

 

Teen Iron Chef: Create a culinary masterpiece and win! 6:00 to 7:30 pm, June 18, Southwest

 

Teen Gaming Night: 6:00 to 7:30, June 20, Main Library. Xbox 360 with Kinect, Wii, board games & snacks!

 

Zombie Night: Be prepared for the zombie invasion with a plan, zombie make-up, a zombie movie & snacks. 6:00 to 7:30 pm, June 27, Main Library

New Service for Music Lovers!

Now you can download music from the Rock Island Library - and what's more, you can keep it.

 

Freegal Music serviceRegistered cardholders of the Rock Island Public Library with accounts in good standing can download three Freegal Music tracks in the MP3 format each month via the library website. Downloaded tunes become part of your personal music library - they do not disappear or need to be returned after a set period.  Sorry, this service is not available to patrons of non-subscribing libraries.

 

Full instructions are available on the Rock Island Library website under "Download This."

A free class will also be offered at 6:30 pm on June 19 at the Main Library.

 

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band will close out the 29th Mississippi Valley Blues Festival on Saturday July 6 on the Bandshell in Davenport's LeClaire Park.  Sponsored in part by Wieblers Harley-Davidson of Davenport, Shepherd's set will show why Guitar World named him the world's #3 blues guitarist?right after B. B. King and Eric Clapton.

Still barely in his 30s, the Louisiana-born axeman and songsmith has been selling millions of albums, throwing singles into the Top 10, shining a light on the rich blues of the past and forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound he has embodied since his teens. He met Stevie Ray Vaughn at 7 and shared the stage with New Orleans legend Bryan Lee at 13.

From 1995 on, Shepherd took seven singles into the Top 10, and holds the record for the longest-running album on the Billboard Blues Charts with Trouble Is.   Shepherd has been nominated for five Grammy Awards, and has received two Billboard Music Awards, and two Blues Music Awards.

In 2007, he released a critically-acclaimed and two-time Grammy-nominated DVD-CD project, 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads. The film and album document Kenny Wayne Shepherd as he travels the country to jam with and interview the last of the authentic blues musicians, many of them now gone. As they tour the backroads, Shepherd, with members of the Double Trouble Band, play with a host of blues greats including Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, blues harp master Jerry "Boogie" McCainCootie Stark,  John Dee HolemanEtta Baker, and Henry Townsend with Honeyboy Edwards.  There's also a concert session with the surviving members of Muddy Waters' and Howlin' Wolf's bands, including luminaries such as Hubert Sumlin, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, and Pinetop Perkins.

"It's exciting to have such a name and talent as Kenny Wayne Shepherd at the BluesFest," said Bob Covemaker, co-chair of the committee that books acts for the festival.  "His energy is perfect for drawing in more young people, the future of the blues."

Kenny Wayne Shepherd is one of 27 acts on two stages at the Blues Festival, which begins at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday July 4 and runs through July 6.  Free workshops by festival artists are scheduled for all three days, and BlueSKool for the kids runs Friday and Saturday.

Discount advance tickets are available until June 30 from Hy-Vee stores in the Quad-Cities, Clinton, and Muscatine, by calling the Mississippi Valley Blues Society at 563-32-BLUES, or online at www.mvbs.org.  Gate admission is $20 per day, with children 14 and under free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Besides the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, this year's artists include, Mighty Sam McClain, Walter Trout, Southern Hospitality, John Primer (who will receive the RiverRoad Lifetime Achievement Award), C. J. Chenier, W. C. Clark, The 44s, Anthony Gomes, Samantha Fish, and Davina & the Vagabonds?among a total of 27 acts on two stages.

Also this year the festival will see the first-ever Mississippi Valley Blues Challenge.  Three bands from within a 175-mile radius of the Quad-Cities will compete in the final round on July 5, with the winner playing a full set on July 6 at the festival and representing the Mississippi Valley Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2014.

The NBA star will make appearances in stores and at events such as the Hy-Vee Triathlon and Hy-Vee IronKids Midwest Series races

 WEST DES MOINES, IA - Hy-Vee, Inc. has teamed up with Iowa native and NBA rookie sensation Harrison Barnes to encourage kids throughout the Midwest to improve their health and fitness.

Barnes, who started this past season for the Golden State Warriors, will make appearances in Hy-Vee stores and at events such as the Hy-Vee Triathlon and Hy-Vee IronKids youth triathlons. He also will encourage participation in sports and fitness activities and will use social media to share messages about the importance of training, perseverance and goal-setting.

Donna Tweeten, vice president of marketing and brand image for Hy-Vee, said Barnes embodies the values that lie at the heart of Hy-Vee's commitment to healthy, active lifestyles.

"We've had the privilege of watching Harrison Barnes grow up here in Iowa and go on to succeed at the highest level of his sport," Tweeten said. "We're proud not only of the things he's accomplished, but also the way in which he's accomplished them - through discipline, drive and determination to be the best he can be. He's a role model who will inspire both kids and adults to achieve their own health and fitness goals."

"I've been shopping at Hy-Vee for as long as I can remember," Barnes said. "It's an honor to come home and partner with them on such an important issue as health and fitness for children."

Barnes will be in Iowa on May 31 and June 1 to sign autographs at Hy-Vee stores and promote the upcoming Hy-Vee IronKids Midwest Series of 20 youth triathlons being held this summer throughout Hy-Vee's eight-state region. He will appear at the Hy-Vee in Urbandale on Friday, May 31 from 4-6 p.m. and at the Hy-Vee at 640 Lincoln Way in his hometown of Ames on Saturday, June 1 from noon to 2 p.m.

Barnes plans to return to Des Moines on Labor Day weekend to greet participants and fans at the Hy-Vee IronKids U.S. Championship and the Hy-Vee Triathlon 5150 U.S. Championship at Gray's Lake. Arrangements are in the works to film a video message from Barnes that will appear on Hy-Vee's website, and Barnes will reach out on behalf of Hy-Vee to more than 120,000 followers on Twitter.

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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 233 retail stores in eight Midwestern states. For FY 2012 the company recorded total sales of $7.7 billion, ranking it among the top 25 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the United States. For more information, visit the company's website at www.hy-vee.com

Harrison Barnes was born and raised in Ames and was the nation's No. 1 basketball recruit coming out of high school. He attended the University of North Carolina for two years and was an All-American during his final season. He recently completed his rookie season as the starting small forward for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors reached the Western Conference Semi-Finals and Harrison finished the playoffs averaging 16 points and six rebounds per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and the Team USA National Select Team.

PELLA, (05/28/2013)(readMedia)-- The following local students graduated from Central College Saturday, May 11. The ceremony was held at H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse in Pella, Iowa. There were 348 graduates from 15 states and one foreign country.

Patricia Braun, of Davenport, graduated summa cum laude with a major in biology, Spanish and international studies-Latin American.

Erik Grunder, of Wilton, graduated with a major in social science.

Stephanie Hasken, of Davenport, graduated with a major in exercise science.

Nancy Huddleston, of Muscatine, graduated magna cum laude with a major in mathematics.

Emily Huegel, of Bettendorf, graduated magna cum laude with a major in elementary education.

Justine Jackovich, of Eldridge, graduated magna cum laude with a major in biology.

Maaike Mielenhausen, of Davenport, graduated magna cum laude with a major in elementary education.

Gregory Oldsen, of De Witt, graduated with a major in environmental studies.

Rachel Pashon, of Sterling, graduated with a major in business management.

Allison Redman, of Davenport, graduated magna cum laude with a major in elementary education.

Samantha Scheckel, of Long Grove, graduated cum laude with a major in art.

Shannon Skalla, of New Boston, graduated with a major in theatre.

Kelly Spavin, of Bettendorf, graduated summa cum laude with a major in English.

Kevin Templeton, of Muscatine, graduated magna cum laude with a major in music education-vocal.

Andrew Weaks, of Fulton, graduated cum laude with a major in accounting and actuarial science.

Treaver Willis, of Muscatine, graduated with a major in athletic training.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, free, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics.

Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. Central College is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southwest of Des Moines. Please visit the college website at www.central.edu.

Jacob taught English and American Literature, and Linguistics at Cheyney University of Pensylvania from 1970 to 2005. He also designed and taught African American Literature. One of his colleagues, Edythe Scott Bagley, at Cheyney University is the sister-in-law of Martin Luther King, Jr. which made it possible for Jacob to meet Mrs.Coretta Scott King. His paper "The Rhetoric of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." was published in 1999 and was also presented at the MLKJr Center in Atlanta.. Jacob now lives in Moline, Il so that he and his wife can be close to their children. He has been participating in Independent Scholars Evening programs since 2005.

Independent Scholars Evenings. 7.00 p.m., Thursday, May 30th.. 2013
1530 Fifth Avenue, Moline, Illinois
309-762-9202 or 762-8547
Doors open at 6.30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Dress code: business casual.

Elevators are located through the 16th Street entrance.

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, LTD is a 501(c)3 at State and Federal level organization under US laws since 1996.
Please visit http://www.qcinstitute.org to see our archives.

Chicago, IL - Hurricane Gumbo will headline the 24th annual Gumbo YaYa fest in downtown Rock Island, Illinois on Friday, June 7th 2013 followed by an encore performance on Saturday, June 8th.

Chicago's Hurricane Gumbo combines zydeco, rhythm & blues, jazz and funk to create some of the finest in Louisiana party music. Through an energetic mix of eclectic originals and cover material, the eight-piece group has performed together for more than 10 years at festivals and clubs throughout the Midwest, including the House of Blues in Chicago, Milwaukee's Summerfest, and the Taste of Chicago.

"We are very excited to once again be a part of this incredible fest!" says Bill Rosas, lead vocalist and keyboardist with HG. "Gumbo YaYa is one the best festivals in the country! It captures all the sights, sounds and atmosphere of New Orleans."

Please visit www.hurricanegumbo.com

For more information on all upcoming show dates.

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today as various local, state and federal agencies make preparations for the possibility of damaging flooding.

"As the danger of damaging floods continues to threaten Eastern Iowa, I remain in close contact with University of Iowa officials, local officials, as well as officials at the Army Corps of Engineers to monitor the situation.  I commend the University for taking precautionary actions to prepare for any flooding that may occur.  With the 10th Anniversary of the Floods of 2003 approaching, we have learned a great deal about how to prepare in advance for the worst situation.  My office and I will continue to coordinate with officials on all levels to determine the best way to move forward."

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the Illinois Senate Executive Committee's passage of House Bill 183, an alternative proposal that would keep local public safety ordinances across Illinois, such as Chicago's assault weapons ban, on the books:

"Senator Kwame Raoul's legislation provides a reasonable framework that would protect critical gun safety ordinances across Illinois.

"This bill would place reasonable limits and restrictions on guns in Illinois while protecting the important principle of home rule. We must ensure that Illinois municipalities can continue to take additional steps to ensure public safety for their residents.

"I thank Senator Raoul and Senate President John Cullerton for their hard work and commitment to public safety. I will continue working with them to pass this common-sense legislation."

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PORT BYRON, Ill. – Reaffirming his commitment to protecting the Second Amendment rights of local residents and fighting overly restrictive legislation out of Chicago, state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) is hosting two concealed carry permit classes on Sunday, June 2 at the Cordova Civic Center located at 910 3rd
Avenue S. in Cordova, with the first class from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the second class from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

"As the legislature drags its feet on passing strong concealed carry legislation that respects the rights of gun owners, residents can get a head start on applying for a carry permit that is valid in every state that borders Illinois," Smiddy said. "Chicago gun-grabbers are losing the fight on concealed and carry, so they're trying another gun restriction by banning certain firearm magazines -- we won't let them. They will continue trying to take away the guns of law-abiding citizens and I will continue fighting them tooth and nail."

These classes are taught by SAFE Gun Permits, LLC, who will take the necessary photographs, fingerprint
students, and mail the student applications after the course is completed. Students will be eligible for a concealed carry license through the State of Utah. The Utah license is recognized in Utah and 30 other
states, including every state that borders Illinois.

Smiddy is a vocal gun rights advocate and a sponsor of concealed carry legislation that respects gun owners' rights, Senate Bill 2193, which passed the House overwhelmingly. Smiddy is opposing a new highly restrictive measure introduced in the Illinois Senate that would prevent many law-abiding gun owners from carrying in public and create burdensome, extensive gun-free zones throughout the state.

"I am opposing all proposed concealed carry legislation that makes it difficult for gun owners to obtain a permit and legally carry," said Smiddy. "This new Senate plan creates a patchwork of localized concealed carry laws so confusing that it would be impossible for gun owners to obtain a permit and legally carry as they travel throughout the state. Illinois and its law-abiding citizens do not want a watered-down, ineffective bill passed in Springfield."

The fee for the concealed carry permit classes is $100 plus a $51 processing fee to the State of Utah.

Residents can sign up online at www.safegunpermits.com/classes. For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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