11 Oct 2012

Beer Tasting at GAHC! Only 3 more days for reduced price tickets!

By Kelly Lao
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13TH 5pm to 8pm!

SUDS! BEER TASTING!
Dear Fellow Beer lover,

There are only 3 days left to get reduced price tickets to the Suds! Beer tasting this Saturday!
Call Kelly at 563-322-8844 to reserve your tickets at reduced price now!
German style, local, regional and home brew beers!
Advance Tickets

$18 Members
$20 Non-members
At the Door

$25 for all



Come enjoy fellowship, beer, German sausages and treats, beer, and live music as we celebrate the last weeks of our popular exhibition Suds! and German American Month!
11 Oct 2012

State Mental Institutions - A Crazy Place for the Truly Sick

By Rick Martin
Former Chief of Staff Shares 5 Reasons Why They Fall Short

Psychiatric hospitals have served as effective settings for some of the greatest films in history; it's where Norman Bates went at the end of "Psycho," and it's where Jack Nicholson's character rallied the patients in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

But how much of that fiction is based on fact?

"That depends on what kind of facility we're talking about," says Mike Bartos, a psychiatrist with experience at a state institution for mentally ill patients convicted of violent crimes, and author of the new novel "BASH" (Bay Area State Hospital), www.mikebartos.com.

"Some places are private institutions that more closely resemble a country club when compared to state-run facilities. The differences can be startling; however, these are places that are typically rich with characters, drama, and a fair share of staff burnout."

The intended use of state facilities is to control and contain, if not cure, mental illness. Bartos reviews the reasons why mental institutions often fall short of that goal:

• Bureaucracy: The state hospitals, being government institutions, are rife with bureaucratic confusion, Bartos says. These hospitals are inextricably linked to the legal system, which invites all sorts of problems if the goal is to meaningfully treat patients. "The reality is, when offenders straddle the line between criminal intent and questionable sanity, they can end up in a state hospital, which is part prison and part hospital. This is a difficult place to find healing.

• Drugs: Many of his patients at the state hospital had committed crimes while in a drug-induced haze. "Really, we often have patients there who don't have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder - they are criminals who may or may not have a problem with drug addiction." In other words, many hospital patients are not so different from prison inmates; the biggest difference is they can be tempered with psychotropic drugs and therapy.

• Violence: While not as bad as prison, state mental hospitals are often violent because of the criminal element. The majority of patients at state forensic hospitals committed crimes before their admission. This large percentage of convicts drastically increases violence in hospitals and results in staff requests for heightened security, which can be slow in implementation, and frequently considered inadequate by the people who work there.

• Staff burnout: With limited state budgets and a high demand for professional support, state workers at hospitals work long, difficult and often dangerous hours. The result is less effective treatment.

• A challenging population: A community of people with serious mental disorders or drug habits, and misplaced criminals - or combinations thereof - is quite a melting pot. Unfortunately, bad ideas and habits are shared, and instead of improving the mental conditions of patients, they tend to get worse.

"Through my years of experience as a professional and as a human being, I know the very best medicine for mental health is love - whether it's TLC from loved ones or truly compassionate care from doctors and staff," Bartos says. "Unfortunately, that is too small a part of the state hospital equation.

About Mike Bartos

Mike Bartos is currently in private psychiatric practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he lives with his wife, Jody.  He has several decades of experience in the mental health field, including a stint as chief of staff at a state hospital for mentally ill patients convicted of violent crimes, where he focused on forensic psychiatry. Bartos is a former radio show host and newspaper columnist. While practicing in Charleston, S.C., he served as a city councilman for the nearby community of Isle of Palms.

11 Oct 2012

Fall Fur-stival October 14

By HSSC

The Humane Society of Scott County presents "FALL FUR-STIVAL."  It's a TAIL-gate PAW-tay!  Contests!  Prizes!  Food!  Fun! 

Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 2pm until 4pm at the Humane Society of Scott County, 2802 West Central Park Avenue, Davenport.

Get all the details at www.hssc.us

10 Oct 2012

CBS REPORTER REVEALS AL QAEDA TRAINING CAMPS STILL IN AFGHANISTAN

By Move America Forward
Despite the Killing of Bin Laden, Al Qaeda Continues to be a Threat

Don't believe the Obama Administration's misconception about the war in Afghanistan. If you listen to some of our leaders, they try to make the case that the war in Afghanistan is largely over, that the strength of the Al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists has been broken and that all that remains is a moderate, toothless group of ragtag fighters who couldn't possibly pose a threat to the United States. This is a falsehood.

The truth is that the Taliban and Al Qaeda remain as enemies and they do threaten American security. Our troops are still fighting them!
Send a Care Package to our Brave Soldiers Fighting the Terrorists!

According to a CBS reporter Lara Logan (pictured below) who has been on the ground in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda and the Taliban are still strongly working together, and have enough manpower to continue posing a threat to the stability of the country and even threaten American targets and civilians.

On Sept. 30, CBS's 60 Minutes aired a program, aptly titled "The Longest War," that discussed al Qaeda's resurgence in Afghanistan. You can watch the program [above].

The program makes several points that we here at The Long War Journal have made for years: al Qaeda has provided key assistance to the Taliban, including training and personnel [see our report on the Shadow Army from February 2009]; al Qaeda remains entrenched in Afghanistan, and has a safe haven in Kunar (we warned about this starting in 2009); and the US military's own press releases detail the reach of al Qaeda and other terror groups in the country (LWJ has been covering this exclusively for years, in painstaking detail).

See the following excerpt from the program's transcript:

[Narrator:] He [a Taliban commander] told us al Qaeda fighters are rushing to Afghanistan and that he has more than a dozen of them under his command. He also said they have been the driving force that has made the Taliban more lethal on the battlefield.

LOGAN: Are you the only commander with al Qaeda fighters?

TALIBAN COMMANDER: There are many groups that have them. We can't do this without them.

LOGAN: What skills do the al Qaeda fighters bring?

TALIBAN COMMANDER: They are masters of everything. For example, making IEDs, something we don't know how to do. But they are teaching us. They are also master engineers and good with all weapons. When our weapons break, they are the ones who repair them. We can't do this without them.

LOGAN: While the U.S. has been saying for a long time that al Qaeda in Afghanistan is almost defeated, the U.S. military's own reports from the battlefield reveal a very different picture.

They are rich with detail about al Qaeda's leaders and operations today, confirming the existence of al Qaeda training camps and multiple attack cells. Among those they say they've killed are al Qaeda weapons and explosives experts. In one month, the U.S. says it killed more than 25 al Qaeda leaders and fighters.
The Long War Journal
OCT 9 2012

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2012/10/reports_of_al_qaeda_taliban_de.php#ixzz28vIwXqPT
10 Oct 2012

The Old Creamery Theatre's 2013 season announced

By Rick Martin

Amana - The Old Creamery Theatre is pleased to announce the 2013 season. As always, the line-up includes something for everyone from comedies to musicals to dramas and children's shows.

The 2013 season is as follows:

Special Event
Feb. 14 - March 16, 2013
Death by Disco, a comic, murder mystery by James Daab.

Go back to the 70's with The Old Creamery Theatre and the Ox Yoke Inn for this year's thriller murder mystery Death by Disco. Your favorite Old Creamery Theatre performers, platform shoes and all, will take you to the disco contest where someone won't be "Staying Alive "after all. The evening comes complete with an Ox Yoke Inn dinner fit for any disco king or queen. Held at the Ox Yoke Inn, Amana. Call the Ox Yoke for reservations after Nov. 1, 2012, 800-233-3441.

On the Main Stage:
The Last Romance
April 25 - May 26, 2013
A romantic comedy by Joe DiPietro

Falling in love again was not something Ralph was expecting. Fate, however, had other ideas for this lively widower and a different path home one evening leads him to Carol and changes his life. A funny account about second chances and the surprises life can bring. Rated Theatre PG

Cookin' With Gus
May 30 - June 30, 2013
A comedy by Jim Brochu

With the chance at her own television show being dangled in front of her like a perfectly glazed carrot, famous cookbook author Gussie Richardson decides to face her fear of the cameras to tape a cooking segment. With a few post hypnotic suggestions and "help" from the tipsy Gypsy next door, Gussie cooks up a recipe for laughter that will have you bubbling like a cheese soufflé. Rated Theatre PG

Lumberjacks in Love
August 1 - September 1, 2013
A musical comedy
Book and lyrics by Fred Alley. Music by James Kaplan. Story by Fred Alley and James Kaplan

Four manly lumberjacks living the bachelor life in their northern Wisconsin camp seem perfectly happy tucked away from civilization - and women. But, when a mail order bride is mistakenly sent for, everything changes. Join Minnesota Slim, Dirty Bob, Muskrat, Moonlight and The Kid, as they tell the wonders and woes of being a lumberjack in love with songs like The Bachelor's Prayer, Stupid Love and Could It Be Cabin Fever. From the authors of Guys on Ice. Rated Theatre PG

Unnecessary Farce
September 5 - October 6, 2013
A comedy by Paul Slade Smith

Eight doors, two police officers and three criminals add up to one crazy police stakeout! Officers Eric and Billy are supposed to videotape a meeting between the mayor and his accountant during an investigation of missing city funds. However, nothing is as it seems and it becomes impossible to determine who the real criminals might be - or for that matter - what might happen next. This play is so much fun, it should be illegal! Rated Theatre PG-13

Dial M for Murder
October 10 - November 10, 2013
A mystery by Frederick Knott

Everyone knows there's no such thing as a perfect crime...or is there? When a husband marries for money and then decides to cash in his wife's chips, chaos follows as everything unravels and suspicion begins to shift. A classic thriller full of suspense that you won't want to miss. Rated Theatre PG.

Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas
November 14 - December 22, 2013
A musical comedy inspired by the books of Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson including the best seller "Growing Up Lutheran" Written by Greta Grosch. Music and lyrics by Drew Jansen.

Come celebrate the holidays with The Church Basement Ladies in this all-new show is filled with their heart-warming humor and wisdom. The year is 1959 and the ladies are putting final touches on the annual Sunday School Christmas program. You can almost smell the cookies baking as these ladies dish out much more than holiday goodies. Away in the Basement is a delightfully funny way to celebrate the holiday season. Rated Theatre G.

On the Studio Stage:

Freud's Last Session
April 4 - 21, 2013
A comic drama by Mark St. Germain

Be the fly on the wall as legendary psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud meets with famous author C. S. Lewis to discuss and debate, love, sex, the existence of God and the very meaning of life. Only a few weeks after their meeting, Freud died and Lewis, who in later years wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, was never to forget their historic meeting. A stimulating glimpse into two brilliant minds that you too will not forget. Rated Theatre R

Moonlight and Magnolias
July 11 - 28, 2013
A comedy by Ron Hutchinson
Who's not familiar with Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind? One of the screenwriters of the movie, that's who! This is the hilarious behind-the-scenes account of three men who spent a weekend locked in an office rewriting the screenplay for the
movie, Gone With the Wind, while the cameras were already rolling. See what "really" happened as the producer and director act out key scenes for the screenwriter for what eventually became one of the greatest movies ever made. Rated Theatre R

Lombardi
September 19 - October 6, 2013
A biographical drama by Eric Simonson

Based on the book When Pride Still Mattered - A Life of Vince Lombardi by David Maraniss
1958 begins a whole new era for the Green Bay Packers when Vince Lombardi is named head coach for a team who has not had a winning season for more than a decade. Who could have known that Lombardi's reign would take the Packers to new heights and their coach would become a legend? A look into the real life of famed coach Vince Lombardi and how he inspired
all those he met. You don't have to like football to love this play! Rated Theatre R

Tru
Dec. 5 - 22, 2013
A dramatic comedy by Jay Presson Allen

Truman Capote, or Tru to his friends, was never one to blend in. Throughout his life the flamboyant writer often stood out in the crowd. His ability to weave truth with fiction led to some of his greatest works, such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood. This play gives a glimpse of the man behind the pen, the socially elite and at times outcast Tru, whose impact on literature still runs deep. Rated Theatre R

The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences
On the Main Stage:

The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs
March 30 - April 13, 2013
By Gene Mackey Original music by Cheryl Benge

Can the little pigs remember their survival skills as they go out into the world to make a living? The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences presents a classic with an imaginative and musical twist in The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs.

Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly
June 15 - 29, 2013
Book and music by Joan Cushing
Follow the adventures of Worm, Spider and Fly from the first day of school through the last as they learn to dream big in this show filled with music and fun for all!


The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Oct. 19 - Nov. 2, 2013
Adapted from Washington Irving's story
The headless horseman is said to haunt the village of Sleepy Hollow, riding his horse at  breakneck speed in the dark of night. Ichabod Crane, the new school master soon comes to know first hand if The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is fact or fiction and you will too! Join us for this fun and spooky classic tale. Just in time for Halloween!

The Velveteen Rabbit
Nov. 30 - Dec. 21, 2013
A musical adaption of the classic story by Margery Williams.
Book and lyrics by George Gray
Music by Chris Talbert
New to the toy chest, the Velveteen Rabbit isn't quite sure what he's good for. He can't spin like the top or float like the boat or talk like the Mechanical Man. But the boy comes to love him and the Skin Horse says once a child really loves a toy, it becomes real. See what happens in this delightful classic set to music.

For more information about any of the shows or about 2013 season ticket packages, (now available) please call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. In 2013 the company will be celebrating 42 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

10 Oct 2012

THINGS ARE BLOOMING AT CHRISTIAN CARE

By Rebecca Wheeler
One Small Donation Returns Flowers for a Year

Christian Care, in cooperation with Colman Florists and Greenhouses, is offering a unique fundraising opportunity. For a one-time donation of only $20, you will receive a seasonal bouquet of flowers each month for a year and half the proceeds will go to Christian Care to provide shelter and services for the homeless and survivors of domestic violence in our community. This outstanding value means that you will have the opportunity to brighten up your home or office with flowers while you brighten up the lives of others?all year long. This opportunity only lasts from October 1 to November 30, so please act quickly.

Every month has its own theme. For example, February's bouquet is Love Bunch, July offers the Sizzling Summer Bouquet and November features the Harvest Bouquet. Each bouquet is sure to bring color, fragrance and beauty to even the darkest day. Becoming a part of this select group allows you access to other great values at Colman. For example, when you buy a half dozen roses, you will receive the second half dozen FREE! You can also opt to trade your monthly bouquet for $10 off a purchase of $35 or more. Do this twice and you've made your original investment back. Colman also offers a free Mylar balloon with a purchase of $25 for participants in this offer only.

For more details, please contact Rebecca at 309/786-5734 or email rwheeler@christiancareqc.org. Colman Florist and Greenhouses is located at 2754 12th Street, Rock Island, Illinois and in the East Village in Davenport, Iowa. You can also visit them on the web at colmanflorist.com. Monthly bouquets must be redeemed at the Colman location in the state in which you reside.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for men?serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to their web site at christiancareqc.org or to Facebook at facebook.com/christiancareqc.

###
10 Oct 2012

Lt. Governor Simon: Keep college affordable

By Justin Stofferahn

Kicks off affordability summits with UIC work study students

 

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will call for state, federal and higher education leaders to work together to keep college affordable for all students during College Affordability Summits this fall at public universities across the state.

 

Simon will meet with University of Illinois at Chicago work study students on Thursday morning and advocate for stronger transparency, targeted student aid and a federal tax credit for middle class families. The students are conducting brain research in the UIC chemistry lab.

 

The average costs for a public university education have outpaced family incomes and available aid, increasing 128 percent since 1980 when adjusted for inflation. "We've set a goal to have 60 percent of working-age adults hold college credentials by 2025. To reach our completion goal, we must make college more affordable. Higher education costs should be a higher priority for our leaders," Simon said.

 

The Governor's point person on education reform, Simon is backing legislation for College Choice Reports, a standardized report for all degree-granting institutions that would help students analyze cost, debt and graduation rates across institutions. Simon also serves on the state's MAP Eligibility Task Force that was created to provide the Illinois General Assembly with recommended MAP rule changes to better target the need-based assistance to students. Their report is due January 1, 2013.

 

The College Affordability Summits will begin Thursday, Oct. 11 at University of Illinois at Chicago and continue next week at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale on Monday, Oct. 15, Illinois State University and Western Illinois University on Thursday, Oct. 18 and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville on Friday, Oct. 19. Additional dates and locations will follow.

 

EVENT: University of Illinois at Chicago, Affordability Summit

TIME: 10:15 a.m.

DATE: Thursday, October 11

PLACE: Science and Engineering South Building, Room 4444, 845 W. Taylor St., Chicago

NOTE: Media should assemble in the chemistry lab for the press conference with Simon and the work study students. Immediately following the press conference, Simon will work alongside the students in the lab. The job shadow is for photo and video spray only.
10 Oct 2012

The United Soybean Board (USB) continues to drive demand for U.S. soy, thanks to a partnership with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Goodyear recently announced field tests for a new tire featuring U.S. soy that the company says may offer consumers increased tr

By Theresa Wittenauer
ROCK FALLS, IL - Blackhawk Hills Regional Council, in conjunction with the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District, is sponsoring a Prevailing Wage Workshop to be held October 16, 2012 at 10:00 am. Tom Whalen, Conciliation and Mediation Manager at the Illinois Department of Labor, will be presenting on the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The workshop will help explain how this state law impacts local communities and organizations.

The workshop is open to the public and there is no fee to attend the event. To obtain additional information or to register for the event, please contact Blackhawk Hills by phone at 815-625-3854 or email at info@blackhawkhills.com

About Blackhawk Hills

Blackhawk Hills is a not-for-profit corporation based in Rock Falls, IL, that serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties in northwest Illinois. Services include community planning, development assistance, natural resources  conservation and protection support, and grant writing and administration. Blackhawk Hills is sponsored by local county boards and Soil and Water Conservation Districts and is overseen by an 18-member council, consisting of three representatives from each of the six counties.

Questions about Blackhawk Hills may be directed to Theresa Wittenauer at (815) 625-3854 or theresa.wittenauer@blackhawkhills.com.

###
10 Oct 2012

Soy Checkoff Partners with Goodyear to Develop New Tire

By United Soybean Board
The United Soybean Board (USB) continues to drive demand for U.S. soy, thanks to a partnership with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Goodyear recently announced field tests for a new tire featuring U.S. soy that the company says may offer consumers increased tread life and a greener alternative to those manufactured solely with petrochemicals."The soy checkoff welcomes the opportunity to partner with Goodyear in bringing this tire to the market," says Russ Carpenter, a soybean farmer from Trumansburg, N.Y. and chair of the USB New Uses program.

Click here to watch.
10 Oct 2012

"Waves Of Grace"

By Songs for the Planet
LITA Music's song, "Waves of Grace" written by David Noble, continues to make "waves" by being the only song included in Nowhere But Up:  The Story Of Justin Bieber's Mom, a new autobiography by Pattie Mallette with A.J.Gregory.  The book is currently #17 on the New Times Bestseller list.

In her book, Pattie notes the importance of that song to her son and includes those well-crafted lyrics.  LITA Music's Justin Peters comments, "We are honored to have 'Waves Of Grace' included in Pattie's book and pleased to have played a part in her son's success."

Nowhere But Up:  The Story Of Justin Bieber's Mom looks at Pattie's sexual abuse as a child as well as her own struggles with drugs and alcohol and her suicide attempt.  She discusses her decision at seventeen not to abort her baby and how she found her way with the help of a Christian counselor.  With strength and courage Pattie eventually found a place of faith and peace filled with "waves of grace" - this is truly an inspirational story for all.

Undoubtedly, Justin Bieber is one of today's hottest artists and most watched celebs.  His rise to fame came at an early age and one of the songs that helped garner him his first record deal was the song, "Waves Of Grace."  That song holds a special place in his heart and is often performed during his concert appearances as shown by the numerous videos posted on youtube.com.

Published by Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group), the book is now available at bookstores everywhere and is being heavily promoted on shows like The View, The Today Show, Ellen, The Huckabee Show, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, Huffington Post and DisneyDreaming.com.

"Waves of Grace"

Written by David Noble

The walls are high, the walls are strong
I've been locked in this castle
That I've built for far too long
You have surrounded me, a sea on every side
The cracks are forming and I've got nowhere to hide

Now I see the walls I've built are falling
And Your waves of grace are washing over me

Lord please reign in every part
I give my life to You, I open up my heart
I want to be like You, I want to seek Your face
O Lord please wash me in Your awesome waves of grace

(Lyrics as printed in the book)

Copyright 1995. LITA Music (ASCAP). Administered by Justin Peters/Songs for the Planet, Inc..,

P.O. Box 40251, Nashville, TN 37204.  International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.

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