OMAHA, NE (05/24/2013)(readMedia)-- More than 1,600 degrees were conferred during Creighton University's Commencement ceremonies held May 18 at CenturyLink Center Omaha. University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., presided at both ceremonies.

Below are the graduates from your area.

Michael Barnes of Bettendorf earned a Bachelor of Arts cum laude degree.

John Philibert of Rock Island earned a Bachelor of Science summa cum laude degree.

Sara Bollaert of Moline earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree.

Sara Bollaert of Moline earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Elizabeth Dentlinger of Moline earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Matthew Laughlin of Sterling earned a Master of Science in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution degree.

Maria Meyer of Eldridge earned a Master of Science in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution degree.

Andrea Millea of Davenport earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Emily Stensrud of Bettendorf earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree.

Emily Stensrud of Bettendorf earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

About Creighton University: Creighton University, a Catholic, Jesuit institution located in Omaha, Neb., enrolls more than 4,100 undergraduate and 3,200 professional school and graduate students. Nationally recognized for providing a balanced educational experience, the University offers a rigorous academic agenda with a broad range of disciplines, providing undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs that emphasize educating the whole person: academically, socially and spiritually. Creighton has been a top-ranked Midwestern university in the college edition of U.S. News & World Report magazine for more than 20 years. For more information, visit our website at: www.creighton.edu

Join the Davenport Public Library for a fun-filled action-packed carnival, kicking off the 2013 Summer Reading Program!  On Saturday, June 1, the Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Avenue) will offer an afternoon of fun and adventure between noon and 4:00 p.m.!  The first stop will be to sign up for the Summer Reading Program, with this year's "Dig Into Reading" theme.  We'll have information about the program, and the grand prizes will be on display.  This year's grand prizes include gift baskets and two 16" bicycles courtesy of Jerry & Sparky's Cycling & Fitness.  After signing up, be sure to stay around and enjoy games, a dunk tank, and get your picture taken with Libby the Library Dog in all her glory as a 25' balloon!

The Davenport Public Library would like to thank the following organizations for their donations to the Davenport Public Library Summer Reading Program:  FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library, Quad City Times, Jerry & Sparky's Cycling & Fitness, HyVee, Monkey Joes, and Isabel Bloom.

The Summer Reading Program is a free fun-filled event for all ages, and we welcome patrons from all over to sign up and participate throughout the summer.  This year's Summer Reading Program concludes on Thursday, August 1 with the 26th Annual Bix Porch Party!  For more information or a complete list of Summer Reading Program events, call (563) 326-7832 or visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Starting on May 29, you are invited to donate your gently used items to the Quad City Symphony Orhcestra's annual 2nd Fiddle Sale. The 2nd Fiddle Sale has found a new home this year at 2252 24th Street in Rock Island, formerly the Rock Island Country Market and Eagle Country Market.

 

The 2nd Fiddle Sale accepts antiques and collectables, automotive parts, hardware, tools, books, costumes, children's toys and clothes, electronics, furniture, games, office supplies, stationery, gifts, holiday decorations, house wares, jewelry and fashion accessories, clothing, lawn and garden tools, linens, men's clothing, pictures, plant gallery, sporting goods, and just about anything else in gently-used condition.

 

Click here for a listing of 2nd Fiddle Sale donation dates and times.

Program provides legal consultation to domestic violence survivors

CARBONDALE - May 24, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced the expansion of her virtual legal clinic program to The Cairo Women's Shelter today. The program connects survivors of domestic violence with lawyers for a free legal consultation using webcams and high-speed Internet technology.

Simon's virtual legal clinic program connects domestic violence survivors at local shelters in underserved areas with attorneys across Illinois that specialize in family law for a single, free consultation. Legal topics for consultation include child custody and visitation, marriage and divorce, elder abuse, immigration and property issues.

"The virtual legal clinics are a confidential, effective way to help domestic violence survivors ensure their safety and the safety of their families," said Simon, a former prosecutor and founder of the domestic violence clinic at Southern Illinois University School of Law. "The legal system can seem overwhelming, but this service helps survivors take the next step toward safety and stability."

The Cairo Women's Shelter serves Alexander, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties and sees approximately 400 survivors every year. This is the third center in Illinois to use the virtual legal clinic program, joining centers in Peoria and Jacksonville.

"We're thrilled to be part of the virtual legal clinic and to offer this free legal consultation to our clients," said Jeannine Woods, executive director of the Cairo Women's Shelter. "This will help survivors understand the important legal rights they have."

Nationally, one in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime, and in Illinois, nearly 40 percent of women will experience domestic violence by an intimate partner. However, there are 47 counties in Illinois with no attorneys practicing family law. An additional 33 counties have five or fewer attorneys practicing family law.

"The virtual legal clinics are a bridge between a survivor being in an immediate crisis and beginning to make a plan to move forward in a safe way," said Vickie Smith, executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV). "Through the virtual legal clinic, we have found that just one hour of time with a licensed attorney can significantly increase a victim's understanding and clarity of their rights and responsibilities resolving legal issues."

The project was developed by Simon's staff, in consultation with the ICADV, with plans to continue expansion to northern Illinois this fall.

"At the time of the consultation, my first client was involved in a legal battle and was fearful because she didn't understand what was happening," said Sandra Quello Chiz, an attorney who consults with clients from her Manteno office. "Not only did I explain to my client what was happening legally, but I was able to point her in the direction of other resources, too. The virtual legal clinic is the best idea I've heard in a long time, and I wish we could expand it faster."

###