31 Jul 2013

The Brucemore Garden and Art Show

By Tara Richards

The annual Brucemore Garden & Art Show will return Saturday, August 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. amidst the historic charm of the Brucemore gardens and landscape. More than 60 artists and garden vendors from across the Midwest will share their expertise by showcasing unique products, vivid presentations, and pertinent information, including ceramics, plantings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and more.

Educational opportunities will captivate attendees, whether it's engaging in a one-on-one conversation, participating in an interactive display, or listening to a featured lecture. The Linn County Master Gardeners, Ceramics Center, and Hy-Vee will lead relevant presentations on the festival's main stage.  The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase several displays and demonstrations in the Formal Garden, including raised-bed garden creation, insect identification, and heirloom vegetable care. Plant vendors and horticultural organizations will share unusual and standard specimens, and artists will eagerly discuss their original paintings, pottery, and more.

The 2013 show will continue its rich tradition of incorporating hands-on activities for families.  Children can decorate flower pots with mosaic pieces, fire raku, and participate in a clay activity with the Ceramics Center. For the fourth year, the special section "Chew on This" will highlight organic and locally grown food with interactive displays, heirloom tomato tasting, frozen custard tasting, old fashion lawn games, watermelon seed spitting contests, an insect petting zoo, and more. Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency will provide free compost to all interested attendees.

Tickets are sold at the gate the day of the event or online at www.brucemore.org.  Admission is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is off-site. Shuttle service is available from Washington High School throughout the day. Handicap parking is available on-site by entering the First Avenue gate only. No pets, coolers, outside food, or weapons allowed during the event. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. The Brucemore Garden and Art Show is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency and Penford Products.  For further information on the Brucemore Garden and Art Show, please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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31 Jul 2013

Psychological Abuse is the First Warning: Run, Get Out

By Ginny Grimsley
Psychological abuse can be as damaging to the psyche as physical abuse can be to the body, yet little is written about this common problem, which is typically the precursor to physical abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 95 percent of men who physically abuse their intimate partners also psychologically abuse them.

Psychological abuse consists of impairing the mental life and impeding mental development. It creates distorted beliefs, taught by the abuser, about the world. Those beliefs become ingrained in the victim's mind and can interfere with the flexibility that needed to constantly assess the environment and respond appropriately. Knowing the signs of psychological abuse may save women from the physical abuse that so often follows.

I experienced psychological abuse through the eyes of a child -- part of the stories I share in "Believe in the Magic: Let the Tenacity of Mattie Fisher Inspire You," (www.mattiefisher.com), the story of my mother's remarkable journey.

I watched as my father systematically and maliciously attempted to drive my mother crazy. He would constantly move car keys and other items from the places she normally kept them. He would then pretend to find them in odd places, like the refrigerator. After playing the hero for a month or so, my father would start insulting my mom with degrading remarks.

After months of psychological warfare, with her mental state sufficiently weakened, my father would begin the physical abuse. For the rest of her life, my mother was inconsolable and shaky whenever something went missing.

Signs of psychological abuse include :

• Your partner uses finances to control you.
• He often threatens to leave.
• She seeks to intimidate using looks, gestures or actions.
• He smashes things.
• Your partner seeks to control you by minimizing, denying and blaming
• He makes light of the abuse and does not take your concerns about it seriously.
• You are continually criticized, called names and/or shouted at.
• She emotionally degrades you in private, but acts charming in public.
• He humiliates you in private or public.
• They withhold approval, appreciation or affection as punishment.

Effects of psychological abuse on the victim, from the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness:

• A distrust of his or her own spontaneity
• A loss of enthusiasm
• An uncertainty about how she is coming across
• A concern that something is wrong with him
• An inclination to reviewing incidents with the hopes of determining what went wrong
• A loss of self-confidence
• A growing self-doubt
• An internalized critical voice
• A concern that she isn't happier and ought to be
• An anxiety or fear of being crazy
• A sense that time is passing and he's missing something
• A desire not to be the way she is, e.g. "too sensitive," etc.
• A hesitancy to accept her perceptions
• A reluctance to come to conclusions
• A tendency to live in the future, e.g. "Everything will be great when/after ..."
• A desire to escape or run away
• A distrust of future relationships

If you answered yes to even one, you may be in an abusive relationship. Get help!
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

About Dee Louis-Scott

Dee Louis-Scott is the author of "Believe in the Magic: Let the Tenacity of Mattie Fisher Inspire You," (www.mattiefisher.com), the story of her mother's remarkable journey. Louis-Scott retired after working 30 years as a federal employee. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Scott has co-chaired the Black Family Technology Awareness Association's Youth STEM Fair for nine years; its mission is to encourage studies in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum in urban communities. Twenty years since the death of her heroic mother, Mattie Fisher, Louis-Scott honors her life, which was experienced in a time in American history when it was a double-curse to be a black woman.

31 Jul 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Reminds State Fair Visitors to Register to Win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa Account

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald reminds Iowa State Fair visitors to stop by the College Savings Iowa booth and register for a chance to win the College Savings Iowa $5,290 Fall Giveaway for their child or grandchild. "Visit our booth in the Varied Industries building and register to win $5,290 towards a college education for a special child," Fitzgerald said.

Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages families to start saving for college as soon as possible. "Saving ahead of time may reduce a need to borrow to cover educational expenses, which can help parents - and their children - get through college with less debt," says Fitzgerald. "Even a small amount of money, invested regularly over time, can grow into a substantial sum."

College Savings Iowa is designed to provide families a tax-advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,045 per beneficiary from their 2013 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Earnings grow tax free and investors can withdraw their investment federally and Iowa state tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.**

Saving for a child's education is always a smart investment, and College Savings Iowa is here to help. For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

**Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

31 Jul 2013

ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NONSTOP, LOW-COST TRAVEL BETWEEN QUAD CITIES AND PUNTA GORDA WITH $99.99* INTRODUCTORY ONE-WAY FARES

By Cathie Rochau

MOLINE, Ill. July 30, 2013 - Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announces today new, nonstop jet service between Moline, Ill. and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport, beginning November 1. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $99.99* one way.

 

"We are pleased to add the beaches of Southwest Florida as another affordable, convenient destination option for Quad Cities area residents," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "Our vacation packages and nonstop service to Las Vegas, Phoenix and Florida have been very popular with residents. We are confident the community will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to Punta Gorda and the value of bundling their air, hotel and car rental reservation together."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) seasonally, beginning Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, through April 2014. Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com. Punta Gorda is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination from Moline.  

 

"Many local and regional travelers have been waiting with anticipation for nonstop access to the Southwest Florida region, and we are now able to offer that with Allegiant," said Bruce Carter, Quad City International Airport director of aviation. "This is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination being offered. We are happy that their confidence in this market has grown in such a short time since they entered the market in October 2010."

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast destination features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Punta Gorda Airport is centrally located midway between the white-sand beaches of Fort Myers shore and Sarasota's tropical island communities.  Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Moline travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com.

About the $99.99* one-way fares:
Seats are limited. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 6, 2013, for travel by Feb. 11, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/SQmY7O. 

 

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31 Jul 2013

BANDITS USE EARLY JUMP AGAIN TO DOWN SNAPPERS

By Marco LaNave

Terrell Joyce and Teoscar Hernandez each score two runs to help Quad Cities take three-game series

 

BELOIT, Wis. (JULY 29, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits took a first-inning lead for the third consecutive game at Pohlman Field, and left-hander Colton Cain pitched five innings of one-run, five-hit ball for his fourth straight winning decision in his team's 4-1 road victory over the Beloit Snappers Monday night.

 

The River Bandits (20-15 second half, 58-46 overall) passed the Snappers (20-16, 63-43) for second place in the second-half Western Division standings ahead of a four-game home series with fourth-place Peoria. Quad Cities took its fifth victory in seven games in Beloit and finished 7-5 in its longest road stretch of the season - 12 games in 13 days.


For a third straight game, center fielder Teoscar Hernandez led off by reaching base, as he drew a walk against right-hander Seth Streich (10-6). He moved to second on a sacrifice by second baseman Austin Elkins and stole third base. Shortstop Carlos Correa brought in Hernandez with a grounded out to second base.

 

The River Bandits added on in the third inning. Left fielder Terrell Joyce was hit by a pitch and went to second base on a wild pitch. Hernandez singled - his eighth hit in 13 at-bats - and went to second base when the throw went toward home plate. Catcher Nick Rickles' throw to second base went into center field, allowing Joyce to score. When Elkins put down a sacrifice up the first-base line, Streich's throw to first base hit Elkins, allowing Hernandez to come all the way around to score for a 3-0 lead. In the fifth inning, Joyce reached on an infield single, went to second Hernandez's sacrifice, third on Elkins' groundout, and home on Correa's single to make it 4-0.

 

Cain (5-5) worked with baserunners in each of his five innings. After two first-inning singles, he struck out two batters to escape the jam. He also stranded runners in scoring position with strikeouts ending the third and fourth innings. Beloit scored its run in the fifth inning, when right fielder Aaron Shipman hit a leadoff double - the only extra-base hit by either side - and scored after consecutive groundouts.


Right-hander Daniel Minor inherited the 4-1 lead to start the sixth inning. He gave up two singles but no runs in the sixth, but after allowing two singles around two strikeouts in the seventh, right-hander Jordan Jankowski came in to get an inning-ending strikeout. Jankowski got three straight outs in the eighth, and right-hander Juan Minaya pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his fifth save.


Monday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, July 30. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, July 30.

 

The River Bandits start a four-game series at Modern Woodmen Park against Peoria at 7 p.m. Tuesday. River Bandits right-hander Lance McCullers (5-5) will face Chiefs left-hander Kyle Helisek (7-4) in the opener.

30 Jul 2013

HARRISON STREET UPDATE

By Doing It in Davenport
On Thursday, August 1st, Harrison Street will have one lane closed for city crews to add parking on the west side of the street between 18th and 5th Street.

The work is expected to be finished by the end of the day and the changes to the street will be in effect upon completion.

Please use extra caution when traveling along Harrison Street and follow the signage indicating when to merge at or before 18th Street, one block south of Locust Street.
30 Jul 2013

Discover the Pinta and the Nina

By Columbus Foundation, Inc.

Arrival Time of Columbus Ships Pinta and Nina in Davenport Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 12:00 Noon

Davenport, Iowa - On Thursday, August 1st at 12:00 Noon, the "Pinta" and the "Nina", replicas of Columbus' ships, will arrive in Davenport.  The ships will be docked at Oneida Landing, at the foot of Bridge Street, next to the Boathouse Restaurant, until their departure early Monday morning, August 12th.

The ships open to the general public on Friday, August 2nd.

The "Nina" was built by hand and without the use of power tools and is considered to be the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.  The "Pinta" was built in Brazil and is a larger version of the archetypal caravel.  Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the Fifteenth Century.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard self-guided tour.  The prices are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens and $6.00 for students 5-14.  Children 4 and under are free.  The ships are open every day from 9:00am until 6:00pm. No reservations are necessary.

Teachers or groups wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call the ship directly at 1-787-672-2152.  Minimum of 15 with the group rate of $5.00 per person, no maximum.  All age groups pay $5.00 per person for the guided tour.  For additional information, email columfnd@surfbvi.com. Visit our website at www.thenina.com

 

30 Jul 2013

IDOT, Illinois Law Enforcement partner for the I-80 Challenge to save lives during More Cops, More Stops Campaign

By Paris Ervin

QUAD CITIES - The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Police (SOS) joined other safety advocates and law enforcement officials for the More Cops, More Stops "I-80 Cross Country Crackdown" to ramp up enforcement of life-saving laws during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

The purpose of this campaign is to crack down on drivers who are speeding, driving drunk or distracted, or not wearing a seat belt, with the goal of achieving a zero fatality rate for the eight-day period. The campaign began on July 24 and wraps up on July 31.

30 Jul 2013

ALLEGIANT ADDS NONSTOP, LOW-COST TRAVEL BETWEEN MOLINE/QUAD CITIES AND FORT MYERS/PUNTA GORDA

By Cathie Rochau

MOLINE, Ill. July 30, 2013 – Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announces today new, nonstop jet service between Moline/Quad Cities and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport, beginning November 1. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $99.99* one way.

"We are excited to extend our brand of convenient low-cost travel with nonstop service from the Quad Cities to Southwest Florida," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant President. "We are confident the residents of the entire regional area will appreciate our affordable, nonstop service to popular Southwest Florida destinations, as well as take advantage of the value of booking hotel rooms, car rentals and attractions through us."

The new flights will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD.) Flights begin Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, using MD-80 series aircraft. Travelers can take advantage of everyday low fares and save even more when they book air, hotel, car and even activity and attraction reservations together. Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com. 

"We have been in discussions with Allegiant for the past several months to secure this new service," says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation. "Many local and regional travelers have been waiting with anticipation for nonstop access to the Southwest Florida region and we can now offer that with Allegiant," Carter adds. "This is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination with us since they entered the market in October, 2010.  We are happy that their confidence in the Quad City area has grown in such a short time." 

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast destination features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Punta Gorda Airport is centrally located midway between the white-sand beaches of Fort Myers shore and Sarasota's tropical island communities.  Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com or by calling the company's travel experts at 702-505-8888.

About the $99.99* one-way fares:
Seats are limited. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 6, 2013, for travel by Feb. 11, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/SQmY7O.

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30 Jul 2013

Governor Quinn Proclaims Dennis Farina Day in Illinois

By Brooke Anderson

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed July 29, 2013 to be Dennis Farina Day in Illinois in honor of his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and for his many years of public service.

WHEREAS, Illinois is a leader in supporting the arts, and acting has always been an important component of the artistic fabric of our state; and,

WHEREAS, one of the most successful actors to come from the Land of Lincoln was Dennis Farina, who was born in Chicago to a Sicilian-American family on February 29, 1944; and,

WHEREAS, Dennis Farina is unique in that he did not start acting until he was 37 years old, after serving in the military for 3 years and working for the Chicago Police Department for 18 years, where he spent most of his time in the burglary division; and,

WHEREAS, while still working in the burglary division, Dennis Farina's big break came when he was hired by director Michael Mann for the movie "Thief" (1981). This movie received critical acclaim, and they would go on to work together many times in the future; and,

WHEREAS, after "Thief," Dennis Farina started acting in Chicago theater before being cast by Mann in a lead role for the 1986 TV series "Crime Story"; and,

WHEREAS, Dennis Farina has acted in numerous other films including "Reindeer Games," "Paparazzi," "Midnight Run," and "Manhunter"; and,

WHEREAS, more recently, Dennis Farina appeared in the feature films "The Grand," "Bottle Shock," and "What Happens in Vegas." In addition, he also appeared on the NBC Series "Law and Order" and in the HBO mini-series, "Empire Falls," for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Mini-Series; and,

WHEREAS, on July 22, 2013, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dennis Farina passed away at the age of 69; and,

WHEREAS, Dennis Farina's warmhearted nature, passion for acting, and great sense of humor were evident to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him; and,

WHEREAS, his personality was formed in Chicago and, despite his remarkable accomplishments, he always remained loyal to his hometown; and,

WHEREAS, Dennis Farina is survived by many loving friends and family members including three sons, several grandchildren, and his longtime partner, Marianne Cahill; and,

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim July 29, 2013 as DENNIS FARINA DAY in Illinois, in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the entertainment industry as an actor, and in remembrance of his years of public service to the Chicago Police Department and commitment to the Land of Lincoln.

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