GOLDBOOK presents the Spring Fling Dance at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), (1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport) Friday, April 5th. Come dance the night away from 7:00-10:00 p.m. with music provided by The Tony Hamilton Orchestra. The cost is just $10 at the door!

But wait, there's more! Interested in learning some line dancing steps before the dance begins? There will be FREE Line Dancing lessons starting at 6:15 p.m.! Make sure to mark the Spring Fling Dance on your Friday night schedule and we'll see you and your dancing shoes at CASI!

For more information please contact Sarah Arp at CASI (O) 563-386-7477 ext. 229 ( C ) 563-343-0038 (E) sarp@casiseniors.org

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today thanked state Auditor David Vaudt for his service as Iowa's "Taxpayer Watchdog," and wished him well as the new chairman of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Vaudt, who served as Iowa's state auditor from January 2003 to present, announced today that he is resigning his post following his election to chair the GASB.

Gov. Branstad's statement on Auditor Vaudt:

"David Vaudt has been a dedicated public servant for the taxpayers of Iowa, and we will miss his incredible work as steward of our tax dollars. David embodied the principles of good budgeting, including not spending more than we take in, and avoiding the use of one-time money for ongoing expenses. David was an outstanding state auditor and will be very difficult to replace. I will look for a replacement who shares David Vaudt's commitment to fiscal responsibility and knowledge of sound budgeting principles

Lt. Gov. Reynolds praised Vaudt's commitment to rooting out budget mismanagement on behalf of taxpayers:

"Auditor Vaudt was instrumental in finding cases of budget mismanagement at both the state and local governmental levels, and ensuring those problems were fixed before causing further harm to taxpayers. In looking out for Iowa taxpayers, David Vaudt was always fair in his dealings with local and state officials. You always knew you could count on him for thoughtful audits, information and recommendations. Because of David Vaudt's outspoken leadership on behalf of Iowa's taxpayers, our office worked with him to put Iowa's budget on sound financial footing for the first time in years. It has been a pleasure to work with him on behalf of Iowa's taxpayers, and his leadership will be missed."

Branstad notes the search for Vaudt's replacement will begin immediately.

FACT SHEET:

 

Details on appointing a new state auditor are as follows:

·        According to Iowa Code Chapter 69, when there is a vacancy in the office of auditor, the governor has the duty to fill the office by appointment.

·        Until an auditor is appointed by the governor, the governor is responsible for maintaining the office and its records in the interim.

·        The person appointed by the governor will serve through the end of the current unexpired term.

·        The next election for auditor will occur during the next regularly scheduled election in 2014.

·        The salary of the auditor is fixed by the General Assembly.

Further information will be available soon for those interested for consideration in serving as Iowa's next state auditor.

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Mexican Travelers Contribute $103 Million Annually to Illinois' Economy

MEXICO CITY - Governor Pat Quinn tomorrow will meet with travel officials in Mexico City to promote Mexican tourism in Illinois, already a $103 million business. The governor is currently on a trade mission to Mexico, as part of his agenda to drive Illinois' economy forward and create jobs. The governor will address members of the travel industry at a breakfast in Mexico City to showcase Illinois and Chicago as a visitor destination and advance Mexican awareness of Illinois' rich cultural heritage.

"Mexico is Illinois' third largest international market for visitors to our state, with 100,000 arriving by plane alone each year," Governor Quinn said. "But we can't stop now, and this mission will strengthen our economy by increasing the number of Mexican tourists to Illinois."

Governor Quinn will headline the Illinois tourism breakfast held at the Torre Mayor, one of the tallest buildings in Mexico City. In his address, the governor will highlight the great and varied tourism opportunities available in Illinois, from the city of Chicago to the Abraham Lincoln and Route 66 sites, and the Shawnee National Forest. Joining Governor Quinn is a host of Illinois businesses and organizations, including Chicago-based United Airlines and Choose Chicago, to encourage travel to Illinois.

Illinois and Mexico have strong social ties. There are 1.6 million persons of Mexican origin in Illinois, representing 12.5 percent of the state's population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet, many Mexican tourists come to Illinois to visit family and friends without taking advantage of the diverse activities in the state.  One of the trade mission's main objectives is increasing Illinois' market share of Mexican visitors to the U.S., as there is great potential. Mexican travel to the U.S. is expected to grow 17 percent by 2017.

"Mexico is critical to our tourism sales, marketing and public relations strategy," Don Welsh, Choose Chicago president and CEO said. "Visitation out of this market is essential as we continue to work toward Mayor Emanuel's two key goals for leisure tourism - to grow annual visitation to exceed 50 million visitors annually, and to elevate Chicago to be among the top five most popular US cities for international travel.  Mexico's travel trade community, and its travel writers and influencers have now discovered the most American of American cities. We look forward to continued success in this region."

"As tourism traffic from Mexico to Chicago continues to grow, United is excited to be a key partner in efforts to connect these two great destinations for business and leisure travelers," Rolf Meyer, United Airlines' managing director of sales in Mexico said. "This marks our 47th year of service to Mexico, and we look forward to continuing to explore new opportunities in the local markets."

According to Google, from 2011 to 2012 the highest increase of online users searching for Illinois information came from Mexico, a 23 percent increase. Since attractions throughout the state are very popular with Spanish-speaking families, Illinois has launched a re-imagined www.disfrutaillinois.com, the state tourism website for Spanish-speaking audiences. The Spanish-language guide can be downloaded for free on the website.

More than 90 million domestic and international travelers visit Illinois every year, supporting more than 290,000 jobs. The Illinois tourism industry generated a record $31.8 billion in 2011, up 8.4 percent from the previous year, fueled by a record increase in leisure travel. The 2012 results, slated to be released this summer, are expected to show another strong year. The robust results emphasize the critical role tourism plays in fueling Illinois' economic growth, creating jobs and providing additional revenue to the state.

The top markets for international visitors to Illinois, in order, are: Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, the People's Republic of China and Germany.

The Mexico trade mission, from April 3 to 6, is the latest by Governor Quinn as he seeks to promote Illinois to an international audience. Past missions include China and Japan in 2011, and Canada and Brazil in 2012.

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Fans can hear every game presented by Mediacom for free online at www.riverbandits.com

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 3, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits open a new era when the Midwest League season begins on Thursday, and fans in the Quad Cities and around the world can experience it for free. The new Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros will broadcast every regular season and postseason game live this season at www.riverbandits.com.

Beginning with Opening Day April 4 at Kane County, fans can listen to every live home and away River Bandits game at www.riverbandits.com, which will carry a free stream of every game courtesy of Mediacom.

"This season, River Bandits fans everywhere will have the unique opportunity to hear every game of River Bandits baseball, and they will have greater access to the talent that will play in front of them throughout the season at Modern Woodmen Park," said team owner Dave Heller. "Our fans will receive more free coverage of future major leaguers with the River Bandits and around the Midwest League, hear the latest team news, storylines, and promotions, and be welcomed by the same familiar voices on every broadcast - which anyone can enjoy free for every game of the season."

River Bandits Director of Media Relations Marco LaNave and Matt Bierl will provide play-by-play and commentary for the broadcasts, which will begin 15 minutes before the first pitch of each game.

LaNave, a native of St. Cloud, Minn., and University of Minnesota graduate, is entering his second season with the River Bandits. He was a production assistant with Minnesota Twins radio broadcasts in 2011. He was also a member of the radio broadcast team for the St. Cloud River Bats of the Northwoods League in 2008 and 2009 and called high school baseball games on the radio in St. Cloud.

Bierl, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, and Iowa State University graduate, is returning to the River Bandits after working in the media relations department for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2012. Bierl was an intern with the River Bandits in 2011, and he worked in media and public relations with the Iowa Energy of the NBA Developmental League before moving on to the Cubs. Bierl has also broadcasted high school basketball and Iowa State football games.

"The River Bandits are excited that our fans can follow the team with the free live broadcast of every game," said General Manager Harold Craw. "Marco and Matt are one of the best broadcast teams in the Midwest, and we wanted to make sure our fans can enjoy the games - and enjoy our incredible broadcast team - all season long."

The River Bandits will have a running start to the season with the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday, April 6. Registration is open through Thursday, April 4, with additional in-person registration at packet pick-up Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park is Thursday, April 11.

UP NEXT: Tickets for the 2013 season are now on sale! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com. It's not too late lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today at 563-324-3000 to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

(Cedar Rapids, IA) - Today, Teamsters Local Unions in Iowa unanimously endorsed Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) for United States Senate. With more than 10,000 members across Iowa, the Teamsters Union is committed to helping Braley in his bid for Senate.
Since his election to Congress in 2006, Braley has an established record of fighting to create good-paying jobs and putting the interests of middle class workers and their families first. He established the Populist Caucus in order to cut taxes for the middle class, level the playing field at the negotiating table, defend American competitiveness by fighting for fair trade principals and ensure all levels of education are available to anyone who desires it.
"Rep. Braley is someone who isn't afraid of hard work," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "He has spent his life standing up for workers and their right to have safety on the job, a pension to retire and dignity and respect in the workplace. He is exactly the kind of person we need in the Senate."
"I have known Bruce for many years and he is a tireless fighter for our members and the working families of Iowa," said Gary Dunham, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 238 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Bruce was born and raised in a small town in Iowa and I can think of no one better to serve in the Senate. I am so proud that our union has endorsed him today."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

Press Contact:

Galen Monroe
gmunroe@teamster.org
202-624-6904
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Illinois Secretary of Transportation Ann Schneider 

to join Quad Cities Interfaith

for a Jobs & Transportation

Stakeholders Meeting 

Monday, April 29th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at
Broadway Presbyterian Church - 710 23rd St. Rock Island, IL.

The Stakeholder's meeting will bring together elected officials, clergy, lay leaders, and concerned community members to hear from Secretary Schneider on the progress of the rail project, to share our work on the "100 Ready Workers" Job Preparedness Campaign, and to find ways that this community and Illinois DOT can work together to create jobs and ensure greater workforce diversity in our region. Lets keep the momentum going!


The One to One Training - Building Relationships to

Strengthen Congregations & Our Community

Saturday, April 20


This One to One training is from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm at Broadway Presbyterian Church, 710 23rd St. Rock Island, IL. Sam Finkelstein of the Gamaliel Foundation will walk us through the most important tool we have in building relationships and our communities: the One to One.

The One to One visit is an intentional, face to face conversation for the purpose of building a relationship, gathering information and understanding what really matters to that person.

This training is to help develop relationships within our organization, our congregations and our community . Bring a team of leaders to learn this essential tools and ways we can put this to use in building key relationships to achieve our goals. This training is free, but registration is required. Call 563.322.4910 to register or for more information. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Rekindling Our Congregations (ROC)


The Fire of Faith Campaign - A Movement to Rekindle Our Congregations!

Quad Cities Interfaith is leading a Fire of Faith campaign for 2013  to support building strong congregations by developing a local Fire of Faith Cohort of 7 congregations that walk together on a year long journey of congregational development and strengthening . Our Cohort includes All Saints Lutheran Church, St. John Vianney, Bettendorf, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bettendorf, St. Mary's Davenport and the Social Action Office of the Diocese of Davenport and Saint Paul the Apostle, Davenport. 

Through this Cohort QCI is helping lay leaders and clergy assess and identify the needs of their congregation and work to develop leaders to meet their congregation's goals. The ROC Cohort is meeting monthly, will send members to attend the Gamaliel National Clergy Caucus training in April, and preparing teams of leaders to to conduct a Listening Campaign within their congregations this spring and summer.  
Using the arts, attitudes and disciplines of the faith based community organizing, Fire of Faith will strengthen a congregation in ways that are measurable to that congregation. While often it is community issue work that draws and keeps a congregation engaged in QCI, this Fire of Faith process focuses in on what a congregation can do using our tools to build their congregation and make sure they are growing and building community. When congregations are strong , QCI is strong.

Become a Sustaining Donor and Help QCI Reach our Goal of 200 Donors Giving $20.00 a Month!

At last Fall's Fundraising Breakfast QCI kicked off our Sustaining Donor Campaign. QCI's goal is 200 sustaining donors contributing $20 a month.  For the cost of a few pricey lattes, each month you could be helping to support developing local leaders and creating change in our Quad Cities community. A contribution to QCI is an investment in people. Making a monthly sustaining donation is easy and convenient through VANCO services on our website. You are able to make a secure payment using your credit or debit card. Each month you will be charged the same amount and you decide to stop or change your contribution at any time. How easy is that?

Ready to Become a Sustaining Donor?

It's Simple:

1.) Visit our website at www.qcinterfaith.org
2.) On the top right hand side of the site, click on donate now
3.) You will be taken to a secured website provided by VANCO Services to the Online Donation Page which has our logo. Your contribution will be processed .
Thank you!

QCI Issue Updates

Transportation and Jobs Equity

100 Ready Workers Campaign. Along with continuing our goal of ensuring equitable access to work force hours for minorities, women, low income persons for the rail project through the Community Benefits Agreement, the task force is tackling the issue of job preparedness in our community. This spring the 100 Ready Workers Campaign will kick off  to address preparing more minority, women and low income persons for pre apprenticeship programs and transportation and other jobs in our community. 

The Transportation Task Force and Jobs Readiness Work Group will meet next Thursday, April 11 at 10 am in the community room ( our usual space) at Church of Peace- 1114 12th Street , Rock Island.

Immigration
The Civil Right for Immigrants A National call In Day on Wednesday April 10th to contact your Congressional representative to move now on just and comprehensive immigration reform.  Immigration meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Harrison Street, Davenport Village Inn.

Community Events

Tuesday, April 9th, 10 a.m
Augustana College Symposium to Explore Social Justice

Dr. Avis Jones- DeWeever, executive director of The National Council of Negro Women, will present in Centennial Hall (3703 7th Ave. Rock Island, IL). The lecture is free and open to the public. The lecture is titled "Life at the Intersection: Black Women and the Politics of Power, Privilege and Persisting Inequality in the Age of Obama."   Quad Cities Interfaith will present about the jobs rail issue at 11: 15am. 

Sunday, April 14 th 4:30 pm - 7:00pm
St. Ambrose University Habitat for Humanity Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser 
Spaghetti Dinner will be held at SAU, 518 W. Locust St. Davenport, in the Rogalski Center Ball Room. SAU Habitat has been advocating, educating, fundraising, and building for Quad-City Habitat for the past 8 years. Each Habitat family works hand in hand with the volunteers to construct not just a house but a home full of hope and support. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly toward our financial home sponsorship. The spaghetti dinner starts at 4:30 pm and ends at 7:00 pm. If you have any interest in joining us for this wonderful and fun event contact Megan Van Hoorn at vanhoornmegana@sau.edu or 815-575-4875. Tickets are $6 for one or $10 or two tickets. 

Friday, April 26th 9:00 am - 4:15 pm
Third Annual Equal Justice Summit
9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. at St. Ambrose University. 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa. 
Registration is required. The cost of this event is $35. Lunch will be provided.
The workshop will go over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Voluntary and Involuntary Conservatorships, Planning for Nursing Home Care and Related Issues, Medicaid eligibility for nursing homes, estate recovery and first-party special needs trust and veteran's benefits. 

Friday, May 10th 2013 12 noon
Cedar Rapids
Postville Immigration Raid- Five Years Later
Join us to commemorate the Fifth Anniversary of the Postville, Iowa, Immigration Raid in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in effort to:

  • Remember the 389 workers who were arrested on May 12, 2008, at Agriprocessor Inc. in Postville, Iowa.

  • To reconcile with those who contributed to the injustices surrounding the Postville Raid.

  • To call for Just, Compassionate, Comprehensive Immigration Reform

12 p.m. Remembrance Ritual
Gather in front of the Federal Court House 
111 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

12:30 p.m. Walk For Justice
Immaculate Conception Church 
857 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

1:15 p.m. Interfaith Prayer
For reconciliation and call for reform

2013 Gamaliel National Training.........
Teaching ordinary citizens to unleash the power within themselves

National Clergy/Team Training April 24-26: St. Mary's, Mundelein, IL
Strategic Campaign Training June 10-14: Gallaudet University, Washington DC


July 14-20 National Leadership Training (7-Day): Mundelein, IL


Tuesday, April 9th 2013 at 6:30pm
QCI Leadership Assembly is at the QCI office building in April - 111 E. 3rd Street , Davenport - the Mezzanine level.

Era Still Encapsulates the Nation's Unique Culture,
Researcher Says

Today, Prohibition is still very much with us, says award-winning writer and historical analyst Denise Frisino.

"The Volstead Act, which enacted Prohibition in 1919, came after decades of groups pushing for alcohol temperance," says Frisino, author of "Whiskey Cove," (www.whiskeycovebook.com), a novel based on firsthand interviews with Prohibition-era bootleggers in the Pacific Northwest.

"When Prohibition was repealed with the 21st amendment in 1933 under Franklin D. Roosevelt, there were lasting consequences from the period - some good, some not so good, but always rich with the color that we expect from Americana."

Frisino reviews the legacy of Prohibition:

• Female progress: Women's groups were primarily responsible for the temperance movement, which led to Prohibition. Shortly thereafter, women's suffrage was achieved with the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920.  Alcohol had been a major problem since America's inception, tempting male breadwinners away from their labors - and the income that work provided for their families -- for a few hours of escape. Carrie Nation wielded her signature hatchet and was a radical in the movement, attacking saloons and breaking bottles, barstools and windows. But it was during Prohibition, in speakeasies and other illegal establishments, where liberated women were free to drink in public and, essentially, do as they pleased. "Flapper girls were America's first 'Girls Gone Wild,' " Frisino says.

• Organized crime: Nothing did more to galvanize organized crime, namely the mafia, than making alcohol illegal. Enterprising bootleggers and rumrunners throughout the country often made small fortunes from illegal hooch, including the prolific Kennedys, who went on to found a political dynasty. The mafia established strongholds in New York City, Chicago and other major cities. Other areas, including the Pacific Northwest, proved tougher for the mob to break into, Frisino found in her research.

• Common cultural denominator: While differences abounded among the ethnicities that make up America's cultural stew, one thing every culture has in common is an appreciation of alcohol. Whether it's French or Italian wine, German beer or Scotch-Irish liquor, alcohol has provided a brief respite from a hard day's work for poor immigrants, and a tangible connection to ancestral heritage.

• The rise of jazz: Synonymous with the time of Prohibition is "The Jazz Age," which combined a variety of popular music of the day with the musical genre's roots. Decades earlier, a mix of African and European musical traditions morphed in the Deep South, primarily New Orleans, and spread north. But it was in the speakeasies during Prohibition where audiences were captivated by jazz, which helped define the raucous and liberating spirit of illegal drinking.

• Individualism and freedom of choice: America is founded upon a rugged tradition of revolution, individualism and frontiersmen who like to leave personal decisions to each person. Our Constitution is rooted in the idea of no taxation without representation; similarly, we don't like freedoms taken away. Our repeal of Prohibition shows that the people are willing to endure certain pains in order to maintain the freedom of individual choice. This concept is gaining more momentum as the debate regarding legalized marijuana continues, with a few states, including Frisino's home state Washington, moving ahead of the federal government.

• Another Americana genre: The end of Prohibition with the 21st Amendment did not stop criminal organizations like the mafia, which was still in its ascendancy in 1933. Just like cowboys and Indians, an American mythology grew from illegal booze, creating an entire genre of storytelling for pulp novelists and filmmakers. Culture may be the nation's most important export, and crime-noir storytelling is a prominent tile in the quilt of Americana.

About Denise Frisino

Denise Frisino is an award-winning writer, actress and arts teacher. She has spent her summers playing and working in the numerous islands that define the Pacific Northwest, where her family spans four generations. Frisino and her husband spend time at Hood Canal and reside in Seattle. Her novel, "Whiskey Cove," is a nominee for the 2013 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will be touring the Health Science Building and Assistive Technology Lab at St. Ambrose University, TODAY, Thursday, April 4th. While on the tour, Loebsack will meet with staff and faculty to learn about the programs housed there.  They will also tour Jim's Place, which is an assistive technology lab that is providing cutting edge training to help people live independently in their own homes.  Media are invited to attend.

Tour St. Ambrose Health Science Building

St. Ambrose University, Health Science Building

1320 W. Lombard St.

Davenport

9:00am

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Davenport, IA- Bicycle enthusiasts will be elated to hear of the trials, tribulations, and tremendous trails that St. Ambrose University professor Scot Heisdorffer details in his program My Saddle Soars: A Germanic Bicycle Tour! Hear Heisdorffer speak about his 3-week unsupported trek across southern Germany, Austria, & Switzerland at the German American Heritage Center on Sunday, April 14th at 2pm.

The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children, and free for members. For more information, contact Kelly at 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org.

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