14 May 2013

WQPT RECEIVES WARN GRANT

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -WQPT, Quad Cities PBS has received a grant from the PBS Warning Alert and Response Network (WARN) program to a fund power backup and hardening project for WQPT studios and transmitters.

WQPT will purchase, install and test back-up equipment required to maintain the station's broadcast of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) to cellular telephone companies for up to 72 hours in the event of a power outage. WQPT will have the system installed by August 31.

"We are pleased to be working with PBS and the Department of Commerce on the WARN program. Not only will it improve uninterrupted service to our viewers in times of emergency or crisis, but it will protect their investment in public television," said WQPT Director Mary Pruess.

On June 1, 2010, the Department of Commerce awarded PBS a grant under the WARN Act of 2005, which allowed PBS to implement a project establishing the PBS WARN program. With this grant, PBS assists stations like WQPT comply with an FCC a mandate to provide a backup pathway for sending WEAs from FEMA to cellular phone companies. One year later, the Department of Commerce authorized an additional round of funding, which allowed PBS to award sub-grants for the purchase and installation of the generators, UPS systems and related power backup and hardening equipment that would ensure continuous dissemination of WEAs.

For more information on Wireless Emergency Alerts and the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) visit http://www.pbs.org/about/WARN.

WQPT signed on the air November 3, 1983. WQPT's signal covers all or part of 10 counties in western Illinois and three in eastern Iowa. The station reaches 309,000 households and estimates 50,000 households view the station on a weekly basis.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University Quad Cities located in Moline, IL.

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14 May 2013

In Iowa's Interest: Military Appreciation Month is a Time to Recognize Veterans' Contributions

By Rick Martin
By Senator Tom Harkin

May is National Military Appreciation Month - a month dedicated to celebrating and honoring the courageous men and women who have served our country and made incredible sacrifices on our behalf.

As a Navy veteran and proud member of American Legion Post 562 in Cumming, I know firsthand the profound patriotism of America's veterans.  It is patriotism not of words, but of deeds and sacrifice.  Here in Iowa, veterans come from all walks of life - from farms, small towns, and big cities - but they are united by their shared experience of service to country.

Veterans in our state are also a growing demographic in need of better medical, education, and employment opportunities. Yet those who have put their lives on the line for our freedom often face obstacles to receiving the care they deserve.

Current service members and those who are returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq often need specialized assistance to help them acclimate back into Iowa's communities.  That's why I'm proud to cosponsor several bills that aim to provide a better support system for our returning veterans. The Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act and the Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act would create programs to improve the quality of life for returning service members injured in the line of duty.  In addition, the Ruth Moore Act is a bill that would require the VA to provide better access to mental health care to victims of military sexual trauma.

I have also taken a stand against for-profit colleges and universities that have aggressively recruited veterans, collected their precious GI benefits, and then failed to deliver on the promise of a quality education.  My work to uncover this waste, fraud, and abuse played a key role in the Executive Order that President Obama signed one year ago to curb such unscrupulous practices, safeguard veteran education benefits and taxpayers, and ensure that veterans have the information, support, and protections they need to make the decision that is best for them.  I have also worked to introduce numerous bills to improve outcomes for veteran students and will continue to support measures that enable veterans to get the very best training and higher education they need to further their career goals.

Honoring our veterans also means ensuring they receive the decorations they have earned.  To obtain lost, stolen or never-received medals, follow these directions and send a letter to one of my state offices requesting that you be issued all your decorations.  Deceased veterans' family members may also send a letter on behalf of their loved ones.

For more information, please visit http://www.harkin.senate.gov/, or follow Senator Harkin on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tomharkin and Twitter https://twitter.com/SenatorHarkin.

A PDF version of this article is available by clicking here.

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14 May 2013

Cole Bell of Davenport Graduates from Lebanon Valley College

By Emily Summey

Bell earns bachelor of science in business administration

ANNVILLE, PA (05/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Cole J. Bell of Davenport, Iowa, was among more than 370 students to graduate from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa., Saturday, May 11. Commencement ceremonies, held in the LVC Gymnasium, included an address by Dr. Philip Benesch, associate professor of political science and winner of the 2012 Thomas Rhys Vickroy Award for teaching.

Benesch encouraged graduates to take hold of the courage that is instilled by a liberal arts education-courage in inquiry, courage in self-transformation, and political courage. "We should embolden [students] to question their teachers and to endeavor to contribute to a discipline that remains open to growth and open to innovation. This requires an intellectually courageous approach by the student for which a liberal-arts education...provides an ideal preparation... A liberal arts education must enhance the independent capacity of each student to situate him or herself in the world, transforming it while performing within it... Democracy necessitates the education of each citizen, so that he or she may play a part in checking the power of leaders and evaluating the multiple viewpoints available. It is here that a liberal art education is so useful."

Bell earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Bell is a graduate of North High School.

Lebanon Valley College® in Annville, Pa., welcomes 1,630 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 majors, as well as self-designed majors. Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in physical therapy, business, music education, and science education. Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours. On the web at www.lvc.edu.

14 May 2013

Genesis Sponsors Summer

By Craig Cooper
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- May 14, 2013 - Genesis Health System is again sponsoring the premier events of summer life in the Quad Cities.

"Genesis Health System sponsors a wide range of community events that contribute to our diverse quality of life, but also promote wellness,'' explained Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications and business development, Genesis Health System. "These events allow Genesis to reach out to the communities we serve, but also make the region more attractive to skilled health professionals."

Here is information about other Quad Cities events Genesis is sponsoring this summer:

•  Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure. When: 8 a.m., Saturday, June 8. Where: i wireless Center, Moline. Event information: Register for the 5K or 1.2 mile walk/run. Or, you don't have to run a step to support the cause. Sleep-In for the Cure, or register for the race and just cheer on everyone else. Genesis is the Founding Sponsor of the event. Information/registration: www.komenquadcities.org.

•  Red, White and Boom! When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 3. Where: Davenport and Rock Island riverfront; Event information: Celebrate America's Birthday with the best fireworks display in the Midwest shot over the Mighty Mississippi. There are also live performances, fun activities, food, drinks, and more. For more: http://sites.google.com/site/redwhiteboom

•  Genesis Firecracker Run. When: 7:30 a.m., Thursday, July 4. Where: East Moline. Event information: It's the 30th birthday of the event on America's birthday. Running events include 5K/10K; 10K 2-person relay; Kiddie run; The National Bank Mile; Hospital Bed Races. For more: www.firecrackerrun.com.

•  Camp Genesis. When: July 7-12. Where: YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln, Blue Grass, Iowa; Camp information: A free camp experience for children who are dealing with cancer in their families. A traditional camp experience of swimming, horseback riding, a climbing tower but also cancer education and emotional support from  Gilda's Club Quad Cities. For more: Call Gilda's Club at (563) 326-7504 for information or download a camp application at www.gildasclubqc.org (click on the Camp Genesis link.)

•  Carb It Up. When: 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 26. Where: RiverCenter, Davenport. Information: A pasta dinner with choice of sauces, salad, bread sticks and beverage is $10 for adults. Kids buffet (12 and under) with mac and cheese, bread sticks and sundae bar is $5. Get well nourished before you walk or run in the Quad-City Times Bix 7. For more: No reservations necessary.

•  Quad-City Times Bix 7. When: 8 a.m., Saturday, July 27. Where: Downtown Davenport. Information: A world-class 7-mile road race. There is also a 3-mile Quick Bix and Jr. Bix events on July 27. Genesis is a Platinum Sponsor, the volunteer sponsor and Genesis professionals staff the medical tent. For more: www.bix7.com.

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14 May 2013

Ashley Ramker Presents Psychology Research at Central College

By Rachel Vogel Quinn

PELLA, (05/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Ashley Ramker, a junior at Central College, presented a research proposal Monday, April 29 on campus. Ramker, a native of Davenport, was taking the Psychological Investigations class taught by Dr. Keith Jones. Ramker's presentation was titled "Narcissism, Self-disclosure, and Religious Motivation as Predictors of Marital Satisfaction."

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.

14 May 2013

Immigrant hearing screening done by students

By M. McNeil

Quad City Immigrants are getting their first hearing screenings this week.....thanks to Augustana students who are volunteering their time and expertise.

(Rock Island, IL)   According to Augustana Professor, Ann Perreau the screenings taking place this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays is a win-win for all involved.  The 64  immigrants attending "English as a Second Language "classes at Church of Peace in Rock Island will get a vital service and the students will get some experience.

Dr. Perreau says 18-20 student volunteers will be assisting with the hearing screening.  She says all of the students are Communication Sciences and Disorders majors, who will likely pursue careers as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. "We have a relatively new audiology program at the Augustana College Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing and we will be using several pieces of new equipment following funding we have received from local agencies over the past 1-2 years to conduct this screening."

The program is a cooperative effort among Black Hawk College, the Secretary of State, Rock Island School District, the Regional Office of Education Lights ON, Rock Island Library, and the Church of Peace.

The students are from many countries with the majority being from Myanmar (used to be called Burma), Iraq, and Africa (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania).

14 May 2013

B100 to Fuel Pulling Tractors

By United Soybean Board
New rule allows biodiesel to boost tractors this season

ST. LOUIS (May 14, 2013) - A partnership between U.S. soybean farmers and the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) will reach another milestone Friday when the NTPA begins allowing the use of 100 percent biodiesel, in all diesel pulling classes for this season.

This is the seventh season the soy checkoff has partnered with the NTPA to promote the use of biodiesel to pulling fans, including many farmers, truck drivers and other diesel users.

A study funded by the state soy checkoff board in Minnesota and conducted by United Pullers of Minnesota found using biodiesel in pulling competition can provide a 4 percent increase in torque and horsepower.

"Performance results like these are an added bonus to the environmental and economic benefits of using biodiesel," says Larry Marek, soy checkoff farmer-leader and a soybean farmer from Riverside, Iowa. "If NTPA pullers can get these kinds of results on the track, we can certainly get great results using B100 on the farm." 

Also returning to the track this season will be the "Powered by Biodiesel," Light Pro Stock class, in which all competitors are required to use biodiesel blends.

"B100 performs well, and is dependable even in the most excruciating tests," says Gregg Randall, NTPA office general manager. "Pullers will definitely want to take advantage of the fuel this pulling season."

Click here to view the entire 2013 NTPA competition schedule and find out where tractor pullers will be using B100 near you.

Biodiesel is known as America's Advanced Biofuel because it reduces greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared with petroleum diesel. It offers excellent horsepower, mileage and cetane, and adds as much as 65 percent lubricity to an engine.

The soy checkoff funds biodiesel research and promotion efforts through the National Biodiesel Board to help increase the use of U.S. soy oil. Soy oil remains the dominant feedstock for U.S. biodiesel production.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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14 May 2013

100-Year-Old Iowa Mystery!

By Chad Lewis
Creature Attacks Iowa

Hello,

I thought you would be interested in the bizarre Iowa case that led to my newest book,  The Van Meter Visitor: A True and Mysterious Encounter with the Unknown

For several nights in 1903, the small town of Van Meter, Iowa was terrorized by a giant bat-like creature that emerged from an old abandoned coal mine.

The identity of this mysterious visitor was never discovered. Over 100 years later, we set out to Van Meter to shine a light on this amazingly bizarre case. Filled with eye witness reports, historic photos, and current accounts of the paranormal, this in-depth book looks to discover what really happened in the town of Van Meter.

If you agree that this Iowa mystery would be of interest to your readers, I have included all the information along with an attachment of what the creature looked like, and would love to talk to you about the bizarre case.

Keep an eye out,

Chad Lewis

715-271-1831

www.thevanmetervisitor.com

www.unexplainedresearch.com

 

A True and Mysterious Encounter with the unknown

Over 100 years after the mysterious visitor terrorized Iowa, three researchers set out to Van Meter to shine light on this amazingly bizarre case. Filled with eye-witness reports, historic photos, and current accounts of paranormal events, this in-depth book looks to discover:

  • Was it an unknown animal?
  • Was it mass hysteria?
  • Was it an extraterrestrial?
  • Was it a hoax?
  • Or was it something far stranger?

Author / Speaker Bio

For nearly two decades Chad Lewis has traveled the back roads of the world in search of the strange and unusual. From tracking vampires in Transylvania and searching for the elusive monster of Loch Ness to trailing the dangerous Tata Duende through remote villages of Belize and searching for ghosts in Ireland's haunted castles, Chad has scoured the earth in search of the paranormal.
Chad has been featured on the Discovery Channel's A Haunting, William Shatner's Weird or What, ABC's Scariest Places on Earth, along with being a frequent contributor on Ripley's Believe it or Not Radio. With a Masters Degree in Psychology, Chad has authored over 15 books on the supernatural, and extensively lectures on his fascinating findings.  The more bizarre the legend, the more likely it is that you will find Chad there.
14 May 2013

Ballet Quad Cities and Birdies for Charity

By Ballet QC
As Ballet Quad Cities completes another season of bringing the excitement of professional dance to our community and beyond, we would like to take a moment to share some highlights of the past year with you, our biggest fans and greatest supporters.

During Season 2012-2013:

  • we began a partnership with Orchestra Iowa to provide live music accompaniment at The Nutcracker & Cinderella performances in both   Cedar Rapids and Davenport;
  • more dancers were added to the company;
  • our professional dancers presented in-school interactive health & wellness outreach to 2,385 students at 30 schools, and 6,075 students from the     Quad City area attended a live ballet performance;
  • Ballet Quad Cities was a leading partner in C.A.R.E. - QC (Connecting Anti-Bullying Resources & Education in the Quad Cities)     which addresses bullying in our community and helping with solutions;
  • Iowa Public Television filmed our Nutcracker and Cinderella performances at the Adler for future airing;
  • our audiences increased over last year due in part to an increase in promotions;
  • we added a Development Director to the staff in order to increase awareness and contributions to continue our growth;
  • 100% more students from Frances Willard Elementary school will participate in our after-school program  "Dance With the Stars" - twice the number of students that participated last year.

THANK YOU for the time, treasure, and talent you have given to Ballet Quad Cities, whether it was recently or at some point in the past.  With a very successful season ending - and a marvelous season on the horizon - we wanted to ask for your renewed or continued support through the Birdies for Charity program.  We cannot do what we do without the generosity of community members like you!

Chip in for your Charity and for your chance to wina 2013 Chevy Equinox!
When you chip in to help area charities, like Ballet Quad Cities, you can win great prizes.  But Ballet Quad Cities will be the real winner  That's because we receive every single penny from this program, plus a bonus from the Birdies for Charity Fund which historically has been a 5 - 10% match!
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
Simply make a one-time flat donation OR pledge one cent or more per birdie.
After the tournament, you'll be mailed a notice of your pledge amount due.
To enter the contest, guess the number of birdies that will actually be made by Tour Pros during the John Deere Classic, July 10 - 14, 2013.  A grand prize will be given to the person who guesses the correct number.  In case of ties, winners will be randomly selected.
Only guesses made on the official pledge form will be accepted.
No photocopies.  No exceptions.
Contact Ballet Quad Cities to receive an official pledge form.
For complete contest rules and prizes, CLICK HERE
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR PLEDGE TO BALLET QUAD CITIES IS JULY 5TH
How many birdies will be scored during the tournament this year?
Here is a history of birdies scored (YEAR)
1879 (2004)                     1863 (2007) 2010 (2010)
2124 (2005)                     1921 (2008)                  2160 (2011)
1974 (2006)                     1914 (2009)                  2113 (2012)
14 May 2013

May 16th. 2013 : " Wither Moral Courage" joint paper. I.S.E.

By Narveen Aryaputri
On the role of independent scholarship and of artists in society today.

Occassionally, The Independent Scholars' Evening attendees and co-learners write an Institute's joint paper to be circulated upon completion.  Previous joint papers are on the " Democratization of Art"  and the " Herb and Spice Food Pyramid".

Last week's article in the New York Times by Salman Rushdie on the topic of moral courage  will be discussed and copies available.

Independent Scholars Evenings. 7.00 p.m., Thursday, May 16th. 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. Please call. The doors are closed after 7.00 p.m. for security reasons. 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.

Available ongoing :
AMERICAN MIDWEST ART: Please visit the Phoenix Art Gallery, specializing
in American Midwest Art.

Current show is: " Illuminating"  the  Art of LISA ANNE DAVIS at the Phoenix and Photography by
DARREN MILLER in the Dragon, adjacent to the Phoenix.

The jewelry of ELSA ROMERO available at The Artisan Adventure in the corner: the old Fannie May store.

Artists showing at the Moline Commercial Club on the 2nd floor and in the Artisan Adventure are:

ANNA ENGELBRECHT:
Midwest scenes: photography, guache on canvas.

EKKEHARD STOEVESAND:
The Mississippi river in our area. Tractors. Oil on canvas. Genre: German Expressionist Abstract.

HUGH LIFSON:
mixed media

ROBERT KAMECZURA:
photography, ink and pencil on paper, and giclee.

The galleries will be open at 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Contributions may be sent to:
The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. 501(c)3 at Sate and Federal Levels since 1996.
1530 Fifth Avenue, Moline, IL 61265

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