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"When Prohibition was repealed with the 21st amendment in 1933 under Franklin D. Roosevelt, there were lasting consequences from the period - some good, some not so good, but always rich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

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.

Moline, IL - April 1, 2013 - West Music Quad Cities is excited to get spring rockin' by celebrating International
Guitar Month throughout the month of April. The store will host weekly clinics to educate and celebrate the versatile instrument. West Music Quad Cities is located at 4305 44th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265. For questions or more information, please call 319-351-2000.

Clinic Information
Before anyone can play, they need to pick out a guitar. West Music will kick off the month with a "How to Pick Out the Perfect Guitar for You" clinic on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 6:00 pm. The clinic, hosted by Ellis Kell, is designed to help musicians find the right guitar for their needs, as well as cover the differences between acoustic and electric guitars, various body styles, and pickup configurations. He will also cover how certain guitar models are beneficial for beginners, advancing players, or those looking to play a certain style. This clinic is great for anyone looking to start playing, shopping for a gift, or just interested in learning more about different types of guitars. There will be free giveaways for participants.

The second clinic, "How to Care for Your Guitar," on Saturday, April 6th, starting at 1:00 pm, will teach guitar care basics. Attendees will learn from clinician and luthier, Tony "Sweeps" Carducci, how to tune and clean their guitar, as well as how to change its strings. West Music will also have care kit bundles for sale, in addition to discounts on accessories such as strings and tuners. Musicians in attendance will also be able to sign up for guitar lessons and have their registration fee waived.

So you've got your guitar and you know how to take care of it. Now what? On Saturday, April 13th, beginning at 3:30 pm, the third clinic, "How to Play - Free Guitar Demonstrations!" will teach the foundations of playing the guitar, including learning how to play chords, a simple song, as well as provide information on how to find the right teacher and lesson format. The presenter will be Andy Cowan. The clinic will host a drawing for free giveaways, as well as provide free guitar lesson registration, and special discounts will be available on select lesson book bundles.

On Saturday, April 20th, at 1:00 pm, the fourth clinic, "How to Make Your Guitar Sound Like the Greats with Effects," taught by Scott Whitehall, will teach guitarists new ways of expression through the creative use of effects pedals. Local guitar legends will teach the tips and tricks to guitar effects to help musicians capture the elusive tones established by greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Johnny Greenwood, and Matt Bellamy. Attendees will continue to be able to win free giveaways, register for guitar lessons for free, and get discounts on select guitar effect pedals.

To end the month in celebration of one of the best instruments around, the final event, "Guitar Shows & Open Mic Sessions," will take place on Saturday, April 27th, from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. The event will begin with an informal open mic with appetizers and drinks. The stage will be set up with various products and a sound system so players can jump on up and jam. The event is open to all guitar lovers, who are encouraged to bring their own prized classic, cool, and unique guitars to the guitar show to display for everyone to look at and then jump on stage to show everyone how great they sound. This event will be a fun finale to International Guitar Month with West Music!

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music's mission to "Enrich peoples' lives through participation in music" is at the root of its success and continued growth. West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services. West Music has six retail locations in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. For more information, visit West Music's comprehensive online website at www.westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

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The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (Agency) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the
selection of a new chief administrator for the Agency. William J. Decker, currently the superintendent at the
Muscatine Community School District was selected from 6 semi-finalist candidates. Decker will succeed
Glenn M. Pelecky who has been Chief Administrator at the Agency since 1988.

Upon being selected, Mr. Decker commented, "I am looking forward to working with our outstanding AEA
staff, each of our school districts, and every public and private school building. We will make it our top
priority to improve student success by working together. I am convinced we can accomplish world class
results here in Eastern Iowa by collaborating with each other."

In the position as chief administrator, Decker will oversee 328 permanent and 154 temporary employees,
who provide services to over 53,000 students, including 3,800 educators in 153 buildings throughout the six
counties of Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott.

The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency Board of Directors is confident that their selection of William J.
Decker represents a philosophy that aligns with the mission and vision of the Agency.

A Sioux City native, with an undergraduate degree from Northwestern College in Orange City and graduate
degree and doctoral work at the University of South Dakota, Mr. Decker spent 10 years as a teacher, with
assignments including special education, alternative school, and talented and gifted. He then worked
as a building administrator for six years, before serving the last 10 years as a superintendent. Decker's
superintendent experiences took place in Mt. Ayr, Harlan, and most recently, in Muscatine.

The executive search firm, Ray and Associates Inc., of Cedar Rapids, IA was retained by the Mississippi Bend
Area Education Agency in December, 2012 to assist them in the search for a new Chief Administrator. Ray
and Associates Inc., met with the Board of Directors and stakeholder groups to create and finalize a Chief
Administrator's profile. Individuals who were interviewed for the position, in consideration of the criteria
developed by the Agency, were selected from 50 completed applications. The Board of Directors would like
to thank Ray and Associates Inc., for their objective process, recruiting and vetting of candidates that led to the
Mississippi Bend Area Education Board of Directors casting a unanimous vote approving William J. Decker as
Chief Administrator.

The mission of the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency is to improve teaching and learning for all
students through active partnerships and assertive leadership in a climate of mutual respect.

Mr. Decker will assume the position of Chief Administrator at the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency
effective July 1, 2013.

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