Washington (Apr 11, 2013) –Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chairs of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today introduced legislation to combat transnational organized crime. The Transnational Drug Trafficking Act of 2013, which passed the Senate unanimously in 2011 but was not considered in the House of Representatives, provides the Justice Department new tools to prosecute foreign drug traffickers.

"Drug traffickers are constantly finding new and innovative ways to avoid prosecution, and we cannot allow them to exploit these loopholes." Senator Feinstein said. "Congress must provide the Department of Justice with all of the tools necessary to prosecute drug kingpins both at home and abroad."

"Since drug cartels are continually evolving, this legislation ensures that our criminal laws keep pace." Senator Grassley said.  "This legislation closes a loophole abused by drug traffickers who intend for drugs to end up in the United States but supply them through an intermediary."

 

The Transnational Drug Trafficking Act of 2013:

  • Establishes penalties for drug trafficking activity when individuals have reasonable cause to believe that illegal drugs will be trafficked into the United States.  This provision will help the Justice Department build extradition cases on drug kingpins from the Andean countries of Colombia and Peru who often use Mexican drug trafficking organizations as intermediaries to ship illegal narcotics to the United States.
  • Ensures current penalties apply to chemical producers from other countries (including producers of pseudoephedrine used for methamphetamine) that illegally ship precursor chemicals into the U.S. knowing these chemicals will be used to make illegal drugs.
  • Provides a technical fix to the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act, which increases penalties for the trafficking of counterfeit drugs, by adding a "knowing" requirement so pharmacists can only be held criminally liable if they knowingly sell counterfeit drugs to a customer.

This bill supports the Obama Administration`s July 2011 Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime. 

The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

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(DES MOINES)  - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today issued a proclamation of disaster emergency in response to severe weather that impacted ten counties in northwest Iowa.

Counties included in the proclamation are Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth and Sioux. Beginning April 9, damaging winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms and freezing rains caused damage to public and private property, power outages from downed power lines and poles, and a large amount of debris.

The Governor's proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms, including for removal of debris and wreckage on publicly or privately owned land that may threaten public health and safety, or public and private property.

A copy of the proclamation of disaster emergency can be found at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

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Rivermont is thrilled to welcome award-winning Chicago poet Elise Paschen to campus Friday, April 19th in celebration of Poetry Month.

Elise joins us for an entire day devoted to poetry, including:

  • 2 presentations by Elise Paschen for Rivermont students
  • Rebecca Wee, published poet and English Professor at Augustana, along with upper-level Augustana students, will lead activities including:
    • Interpreting famous authors through a pop-culture persona
    • Incorporating science terminology into poetry
    • Composing poetry in response to sounds - kazoos, ukulele, banjo
    • Exercises in renga, the paired exchange of Japanese tanka or haiku
  • Rivermont faculty-led poetry recitations and workshops
  • On-campus book sale hosted by Barnes & Noble
  • Book signing and reception on the South Patio of the Historic Bettendorf Mansion

Elise Paschen is the co-founder of Poetry in Motion, a nation-wide program which places poetry in subways and buses, putting "poetry at the crossroads of American life."  She is the author of Bestiary, Infidelities (Winner of the Nicholas Roerich Poetry Prize), and Houses: Coasts, as well as editor of The New York Times best-selling anthologies Poetry Speaks to Children and Poetry Speaks Who I Am.

For additional information on Elise Paschen, visit http://elisepaschen.com/

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, visit www.RivermontCollegiate.org

The Iowa Insurance Division Sponsors Live Performances Teaching Financial Literacy in Middle Schools

Minneapolis, MN (April 11, 2013) - Beginning April 15, thousands of middle school students throughout the state of Iowa will be treated to performances of Mad About Money II: Pay Yourself First! This unique and entertaining program - featuring live, educational theatre performances by professional actors - also includes print and Internet curriculum designed to get students to consider good habits around earning, saving and spending money.  Sponsored by the Iowa Insurance Division (IID), the program will play in 50 middle schools throughout the state.

Mad About Money, produced by The National Theatre for Children (NTC), features two professional actors who play a variety of characters in a 40-minute program for the entire school.  Students learn important lessons about their money and buying habits through four comical and informative sketches, including:

  • Wages minus deductions equals take home pay
  • Saving and investing always have some level of risk involved
  • Don't let advertisers make your decisions
  • Financial choices affect your future

While the performance and educational content is completely scripted, the shows are built to incorporate certain moments of improvisation.  At the beginning of each scene, actors solicit information from the audience that is then humorously integrated into the show.  "The improvisational part of the show is really fun," says Jolene Schurman of the Iowa Insurance Division. "The actors are able to take those suggestions from the audience and blend them into the action of the show in some really amazing ways.  The comedy of the show actually changes every time you see it!"

IID is a committed advocate for financial literacy in the state of Iowa, sponsoring a Mad About Money program into Iowa schools for the last six years.  Following the performances, students return to their classrooms to complete print activities and digital classroom games that further reinforce the financial literacy concepts from the show.  "Live theater is a really exciting and unique teaching platform," Ms Schurman confirms.  "Especially when you combine it with classroom activities and homework assignments.  And the sooner students begin learning about managing their money, the better off they are in the long run."

The Mad About Money program and format was the focus of a study conducted by financial literacy researcher Dr. Lewis Mandell.  His study provided empirical evidence that NTC-style productions?live educational theatre combined with print and classroom activities - positively influence student attitudes on personal finance.  For a copy of Dr. Mandell's study, please contact NTC.

About the Iowa Insurance Division (IID)

The Iowa Insurance Division's mission is to protect consumers through consumer education and by effectively and efficiently providing a fair, flexible and positive regulatory environment.  The IID supervises all insurance business transacted in the state. The insurance commissioner grants permission to companies wishing to sell insurance in Iowa and has general control over all aspects of their business, from the forms they use to the rates they charge. The commissioner also serves as the administrator of the securities act which involves the licensing of brokerage firms and their agents, examining new securities offerings and investigating investment fraud cases:  www.iid.state.ia.us

About The National Theatre for Children (NTC)

In 1978, NTC dedicated itself to delivering entertaining and highly educational programs to positively motivate families, students and educators.  We educate young people - and their families - on important and timely curricular subjects including: wise energy use, STEM, financial literacy, health and nutrition and environmental literacy, among others.  Originally focused on delivering its programs via live theatre, NTC has added printed curriculum and multiplatform media and developed the art of teaching through educational theatre into a science of its own.  NTC has grown to become the largest in-school touring educational theatre company in the world: www.nationaltheatre.com

The Disabled American Veterans transportation program is in urgent need of voluntary drivers to drive the local DAV van.  The DAV van carries veterans to the Iowa City VA Medical Center for medical appointments and compensation examinations.

The drivers can expect to spend the entire day performing this volunteer service.  Many drivers have told our people that it is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.

People who would consider volunteering should know that the van is a 12 passenger vehicle that is maintained by the Veterans Administration and is replaced every two years to ensure the safety of the equipment and the passengers.

Interested people should call the QC Chapter at 563-391-1760 or 563-386-3533 to volunteer or learn more about our program.

 

The Alan Feinstein Foundation is giving away $1 Million dollars to fight hunger.

Churches United of the Quad City Area is one of the agencies that will receive a proportionate amount of the $1 million dollars based on what is raised between March 1 and April 30, 2012. We're in the final two weeks now and your help is needed even more!

Help Us, Help Others...

Your donation between March 1 and April 30 will help us raise needed dollars to help feed thousands of Quad Citians through our 24 food pantries on both sides of the river.

Mail your check to Churches United of the Quad City Area, 2535 Tech Dr, Suite 205, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722. Please indicate either Hunger or Feinstein Challenge in the memo line. If sending cash, please enclose a note stating Hunger or Feinstein Challenge.

Many thanks for caring!

Weekly Events Header
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It's opening week for the Quad Cities River Bandits!  Tonight's game has been postponed due to weather, but there's plenty more baseball planned for Friday through Wednesday. Celebrate the return of spring some more with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Master Works Series and enjoy lively classics this weekend at the Adler Theater. The concert will feature Tom Sauer performing Beethoven's Emperor Concerto.
http://www.hotelblackhawk.com/2013/5-course-scotch-dinner-apr-14/ Come try five rare, limited production single malt scotches and complimentary cigars at Hotel Blackhawk this Sunday during their 5 Course Scotch Dinner. Dine on cuisine including Cedar Plank Striped Bass and Black Angus Beef Filet from Bix Bistro while you sip on highlighted scotch.
fierce bad rabbit Winners of the 2008 International Blues Challenge will perform at the River Music Experience tomorrow night!   See what makes Trampled Under Foot a blues band that's incomparable to the rest. Head out Saturday to hear some heavy guitar riffs with melodic vocals when the QC's own Three Years Hollow takes the stage.  If you prefer indie rock, check out the talented Fierce Bad Rabbit fresh off their SXSW appearance in Austin.

QC United will present Raise the Roof Thursday on the RME Community Stage!  This free event is focused on bringing the Quad Cities together through music. Every second Thursday of the month, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., QC United will host a variety of up & coming QC stars with a focus on bringing both sides of the river together.
maps Looking to do something with the family this weekend? Head out to the Figge Art Museum Saturday for Maps Family Day. Make treasure maps, learn about the various kinds of maps, and chart your family tree for FREE! While you're there, be sure to check out the powerful Alison Saar: STILL... Exhibition before it closes this weekend.
zoo What better way to enjoy the weather than with a workshop at the zoo! Learn to catch fast movement and natural grace of wild animals in the Figge's This Place is a Zoo!- Animal Drawing at Niabi Zoo workshop. If you prefer an indoor class, learn something new this weekend through a Cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu class or Faux Finishing on Furniture class.
guys in ties
Enjoy some laughs this weekend when the improv comedic variety show
Guys in Ties comes to Rhythm City Casino. If you're a fan of Whose Line Is It Anyway, you're sure to have a good time! Also, check out the talented Midwest singer Adam Beck when he performs a range of rock and pop on Friday.
Stay tuned for news about oRuby Slipper Promour annual Mother's Day promotion featuring great downtown deals and ideas for the holiday!  For those of you already looking to find something great for Mom, check out The Ruby Slipper's April Mother's Day Deal; you could win a $250 gift card!

See you downtown!

 

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This Week's Events: April 11 - April 17


Thursday, April 11

 

2013 Brand Boeshaar Scholarship Award Ceremony

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

America's Music - Media Kickoff and Blues Performance featuring The Candymakers

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Class: Acrylic Painting- Double-Take

Were: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $65/member; $75/non-member

Website

 

Class: Cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Price: $40/person

Website

Class: Faux Finishing on Furniture

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $55/member; $65/non-member; $25 materials fee payable to instructor

Website

Competitor Coupon Craze

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

German for Travelers Language Classes

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Price: $40/member; $50/non-member

Website

 

Kilkenny's Open Mic with Karl

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Alan Sweet

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Music: Two Peace

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

QC United presents Raise the Roof Thursday

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

POSTPONED:Quad Cities River Bandits Opening Night vs. Peoria Chiefs

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: N/A

Website

 

River's Edge Monthly Turf & Ice Schedule

Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!

Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf schedule for the month.

Ice Schedule

Turf Schedule

Website

 

Thursdays at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Tour: Alison Saar: STILL...

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Trivia Challenge - Win Gift Certificates!

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Stick around for live music by Kilborn Alley Blues Band

Website


Friday, April 12

Adam Beck

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight

Price: FREE

Website

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m, and 8:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

Class: Architectural Watercolor
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Price: $65/member; $75/non-member
Live Lunch with Tony Hoeppner
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Live Music: Just Chords
Where: Kilkenny's Pub
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Mike Cochrane
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Quad Cities River Bandits vs. Peoria Chiefs
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $6 and up
Trampled Under Foot
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.
Price: $10 in adv., $12 day of show

Saturday, April 13

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Exhibition: Marking Territory

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: University of Iowa Faculty Biennial

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Alison Saar: STILL...

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admisson ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: The Photography of Bradley W. Schaupp

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Noon - 4:00 p.m. Sunday

Price: Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children (5-17) $3, FREE for members and children under 5

Website

 

Exhibition: Vintage Vows and Veils

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Noon - 4:00 p.m. Sunday

Price: Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children (5-17) $3, FREE for members and children under 5

Website

 

Exhibition: Young Artists at the Figge - Davenport

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with Membership

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website


Guys in Ties
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Price: $15 in adv., $20 at the door

Live Lunch with Ellis Kell
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Live Music: Just Chords
Where: Kilkenny's Pub
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Maps Family Day
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Material Collection: Juan Angel Chavez Artwork
Where: Figge Art Museum, Plaza
Time: 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Price: N/A

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Power Hour Hot Seat

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Website

Public Skate
Where: River's Edge, Ice
Time: 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $5 and up
Quad Cities River Bandits vs. Peoria Chiefs
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $6 and up
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Where: The Adler Theater
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $10, $23, $32, $42, & $53

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Songwriter's All-Original Open Mic

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Three Years Hollow

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 7:30 p.m.

Price: $8

Website

 

Workshop: This Place is a Zoo! - Animal Drawing at Niabi Zoo
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Price: $35/Figge or Niabi Zoo Member; $45/non-member; $10 site fee payable to instructor includes an Animal Encounter

 

Sunday, April 14

 

5 Course Scotch Dinner

Where: Hotel Blackhawk, Bix Bistro

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Price: $125/person

Website

 

$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Exhibition Closes: Alison Saar: STILL...
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

My Saddle Soars: A Germanic Bicycle Tour presented by Scot Hesdorffer

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission or FREE with membership

Website

 

Quad Cities River Bandits vs. Peoria Chiefs

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: $6 and up

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Live Jazz: Five Bridges Jazz Band

Where: Brady St. Chop House

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tour: Marking Territory

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

Monday, April 15

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas and $5 Tacos

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Quad Cities River Bandits vs. Clinton LumberKings
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $6 and up

Tuesday, April 16


$5k Tax Day Relief Giveaway
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: Noon - 9:00 p.m.

Acoustic Music Club
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Price: FREE

Class: Italian Language Class
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $60/member; $70/non-member

Class: The Art of Drawing- Lines and Colors and Shapes
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $65/member; $75/non-member

Competitor Coupon Craze

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Fierce Bad Rabbit

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 7:00 p.m. / Show 7:30 p.m.

Price: $8

With one last wintry blast taking hold of much of the US, it seemed like an appropirate time for Thunder Power to release their new video for their track "Winter Lingering." It's the Omaha-based group's second official video for a song off of their recent album "Volumes," which was released in December 2012 via Slumber Party Records. The video is based around the amazing world of comic artist Chris Ware (author of "Jimmy Corrigan," "Rusty Brown," "Building Stories," et al).
Here's a link to the video (feel free to share!): http://youtu.be/gqjG3X9ESdI
ABOUT THE VIDEO
The video for "Winter Lingering" is set in an Omaha inhabited by the likes of Rusty Brown, Chalky White and Jason Lint -- characters from comic artist Chris Ware's ongoing graphic novel "Rusty Brown."
ABOUT "VOLUMES"
After six years of what seems to be an ever-revolving cast, Thunder Power remains the collective musical outlet of a group of friends residing in Omaha, anchored by constant members Alex Boardman, Will Silvey Simons and Ian Simons.
After putting out four EPs (two solo, two split), they finally released their debut LP "Volumes" this past December on Slumber Party Records. "Volumes," recorded at ARC Studios in Omaha, features 11 tracks that capture the band's musical approach of attempting to reach peak instrumental lushness, all balanced by the off-putting beauty (and sometimes frailness) of introverted songwriting.
Thunder Power's next show is May 31st at Slowdown in Omaha where the vinyl ediion of "Volumes" will be availble for purchase for the first time.
BETTENDORF, Iowa - The Quad City Contributors Council has launched a new website - http://qccontributorscouncil.org - to give nonprofits in the Quad City area an easy way to apply for review of major capital and endowment campaigns.

The Quad Cities Contributors Council (QCCC) is a consortium of seventeen corporate and private foundation leaders. The QCCC does not award dollars, but is a group that works together to promote the success of Scott and Rock Island counties' non-profit organizations.

The QCCC reviews capital and endowment campaign applications. The group's goal is to provide guidance that will assist in assuring that approved projects are financially viable, fully fundable, non-duplicative and strengthening to the organization and the community.

The website provides the application that nonprofits use to seek review of their campaigns, and a listing of the approved projects.

"We hope that nonprofits will find it easy to apply for review through the website," says Kenny Massey, Chairman of the QCCC. "The Contributors Council believes that the review process for capital campaigns increases the capacity of nonprofits to be successful in their major fundraising efforts."

In recent years, the QCCC has approved 16 capital campaigns for Quad City nonprofits.

If you have questions, please contact the QCCC at info@qccontributorscouncil.org.

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Last chance! Sign up Today to see the Final Performance of the
Chicago Zither Club!


Sunday, April 28th
$70 members
$80 non-members
Don't miss this once in a lifetime performance with Germany's own Tomy Temerson as well as musicians from around the U.S. Special guests include our own Davenport Zither Ensemble!

The performance will take place at the Cultural Center of the Society of Danube Swabians at 625 Seegers Road in Des Plaines, IL (www.donauchicago.com) and will begin at 3:00 pm. There will be a complimentary sweets table, and a cash bar.

Support this beautiful, traditional music and travel with us to witness this unique event!
Register by Calling 563-322-8844
or Clicking Here:

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