06 Jun 2011

Applications for Internships with Grassley Due on June 15

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON – Applications for fall semester internships in the Iowa and Washington, D.C. offices of Senator Chuck Grassley are due June 15.

Grassley said he encourages young Iowans who are interested in learning more about government to apply. "Spending a semester working in a congressional office is a good way for college students and new graduates to learn more about the legislative branch of the federal government and to gain valuable work experience," he said. "Exposure to the work of a Senate office can enhance a college education and make students more competitive job applicants when they graduate. These internships are available to students in all areas of study.

Full- and part-time internships are available for Iowans in Grassley's offices in Washington, D.C., Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City and Waterloo. The fall internships run from late August to mid-December. Interns assist staff members with administrative, legislative and communications work, including that of Grassley's staff on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, where he serves as Ranking Member.

Application forms are available on Grassley's Senate website, in the placement offices of many Iowa colleges and universities, and in Grassley's offices in Iowa. Due to security-related delays in postal mail delivery to U.S. Senate office buildings, internship applications should be faxed to 202-224-5136 or emailed to intern_applications@grassley.senate.gov. For more information, send messages tointern_applications@grassley.senate.gov or call 202-224-3744.

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06 Jun 2011

Donations and volunteers needed for 2nd Fiddle Sale

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA - Spring cleaning? Donate your gently used treasures to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's 28th Annual 2nd Fiddle Sale!

Donations of used merchandise are requested for the QCSO's 2nd Fiddle Sale and will be accepted on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM and Mondays from 12 noon to 8 PM. Donations can be made at the former Premiere Furnishings space in the Village Shopping Center, 902 West Kimberly Street, Davenport, between Godfather's Pizza and Shoe Carnival. The sale accepts gently-used clothing, furniture, household items, linens, small appliances, books, children's clothing, sporting goods, toys, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and more! All donations are tax deductible and receipted at time of drop off.

The 2nd Fiddle Sale opens with a "first chance to buy" Opening Night on Thursday, June 16, 6-9 PM, with refreshments and live music. Tickets for this event are $10 and may be purchased in advance at the QCSO Office, 327 Brady Street, Davenport, 563.322.QCSO (7276),www.qcsymphony.com, or at the door on June 16.

The sale continues with free admission on Friday, June 17, from 8 AM-6 PM and Saturday, June 18, from 8 AM-4 PM.

Volunteers for Symphony organize and present this much anticipated annual sale of gently used items every year. Many volunteers are needed during the coming weeks for sorting merchandise, set-up, and selling during the sale. Contact VFS by phone at 563.322.0931, x12, or email atvolunteer@qcsymphony.com to help. All 2nd Fiddle Sale proceeds benefit the music education programs of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

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06 Jun 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Partnership with University of Illinois to Study 220-mph Rail Service

By Andrew Mason

Partnership will Include Advisory Group to Study New Illinois High-Speed Rail Line

CHICAGO - June 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a partnership between the University of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation and a special advisory group to study the feasibility of 220-mph passenger rail service between Chicago, Urbana-Champaign and beyond. The study will complement the ongoing construction of a regional 110-mph network that will connect Chicago to 40 cities in the Midwest, while supporting Governor Quinn's vision to create jobs, enhance regional mobility and improve the environment by expanding passenger rail in Illinois.

"Illinois is leading the nation with our work to expand high-speed and passenger rail," said Governor Quinn. "This study will provide greater insight into how we can make 220-mph rail service a reality. An expanded and improved rail network will boost our position in the global economy and create thousands of jobs."

The study will explore the potential costs and benefits of establishing 220-mph service between O'Hare International Airport, downtown Chicago, McCormick Place, and Champaign-Urbana. It will also look at extending the corridor in the region to cities south of Champaign-Urbana, including St. Louis and Indianapolis.

Leading the study will be University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor Christopher P.L. Barkan, director of the school's railroad engineering program and one of the nation's top rail scholars. Contributing will be University of Illinois at Chicago Urban Transportation Center director Stephen Schlickman, former executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority. Their findings, made possible through a $1.25 million contribution from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, is expected to be complete and presented to Governor Quinn in late 2012.

"I'm delighted that the University of Illinois can lend its vast expertise to this crucial study, and I'm grateful to the governor and other leaders in the state for their support of this important work," said University of Illinois President Michael Hogan. "High-speed rail is transformational in its effect on economic development, personal mobility and on our society, in general. It's an idea that is well worth a hard look. The benefits to the University of Illinois alone cannot be overstated."

In addition to offering corridor location recommendations, the study will offer estimated ridership projections, economic impacts, construction costs and financing options. Assisting in the effort will be an advisory group composed of transportation experts, rail advocates, labor leaders, and regional planners who will provide input during the course of the study.

The members of the special advisory group include :

State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago)
State Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook)
Rick Harnish, Midwest High Speed Rail Association
Kevin Brubaker, Environmental Law & Policy Center
Joan Murphy, Cook County Commissioner (6th)
Bob Guy, United Transportation Union
J.D. Ross, Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors
MarySue Barrett, Metropolitan Planning Council
Jack Guthman, Shefsky & Froelich Ltd

Governor Quinn and IDOT broke ground last year on the state's signature high-speed line between Chicago and St. Louis. Speeds of 110-mph along parts of the corridor will be reached as early as next year. A completed Midwest network will create over 57,000 jobs, including 24,000 in Illinois. In addition to Chicago-St. Louis, the Obama Administration has provided funding for the Chicago to Iowa City via the Quad Cities and Chicago to Detroit corridors. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation also awarded additional funding to expand the Midwest's new equipment fleet with modern, domestically-built locomotives and railcars.

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06 Jun 2011

Thunder Bay Hosts Merchant DuVin Beer Dinner

By Katrina Padron

Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:00pm

Thunder Bay will host a Merchant Du Vin Beer Dinner on Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:00 p.m. Whether you are an experienced beer connoisseur or a novice, this dinner will celebrate fine beers and the culinary talents of Chef Andy Wildermuth. Guests will enjoy a five-course meal, with each course paired with a sample from Merchant DuVin's line of brews. Chef Andy Wildermuth will be preparing exquisite dishes including Strawberries with Mascarpone, Citrus Salad with Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette, Bison Meatballs in a Smokey Tomato Sauce, Braised Short Ribs with Chipotle BBQ Prawns, Rosemary Yukon Potatoes and Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Banana Fosters Crepes with Sweet Cream Filling. Beer pairings will include the following Merchant DuVin beers: Framboise, Zatec, Oatmeal Stout, Celebrator, Ayinger Braq Weiss.

The cost per guest is $50 and includes food, beer, tax and gratuity. If you have any questions or to make your reservation please call Thunder Bay at (563) 386.2722. Visit www.thunderbaygrille.com for a full beer dinner menu. Thunder Bay is located at 6511 Brady Street, Davenport, IA.
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06 Jun 2011

The Duttons come to The Old Creamery Theatre

By Shelley Klimes

Amana - The Duttons, international touring and recording artists direct from Branson, Mo, will perform at The Old Creamery Theatre in Amana for two performances only on Friday July 15 at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

The Duttons play everything from bluegrass to classical in their shows, featuring a variety of instruments: violin, guitar, bass, viola, banjo, mandolin, keyboard, harmonica and drums among others. They have not only won recognition in national fiddling contestsand as studio musicians, but have also garnered praise and awards in classical violin competitions.

In addition to their instrumental virtuosity, The Duttons are accomplished singers and dancers and have been recognized as superb vocal talents. Behind the scenes, they have collaborated to create unique production ideas for their shows, which delight audiences.

The show is rated Theatre G and is a special event and not part of The Old Creamery' sSeason Ticket or Discount Ticket offerings. Tickets are $31.50 for adults and$22.50 for students. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the web site at www.oldcreamery.com

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.

06 Jun 2011

Thunder Bay Announces NEW Culinary Class

By Katrina Padron

Eat, Drink and Entertain Better than Everyone Else!
Culinary Class Tuesday, June 21st at 6:30

Thunder Bay will host a NEW culinary class, Eat, Drink and Entertain Better than Everyone Else, on Tuesday, June 21st at 6:30pm. Thunder Bay throws parties every night; Chef Andy Wildermuth and Party Planner Nick Cox are revealing their secrets to make your social events memorable. Each class is designed to teach guests how to throw a party that will 'Wow' theirs friends and will include food, drink and décor elements in a fun, interactive setting.

The culinary class is $40 per participant and the fee is all inclusive: two glasses of sangria, generous samples of each course, recipe cards, class fee, tax and gratuity (substitute 2 martinis or glasses of wine for $45). Space is limited; for more information or to sign up, please call Thunder Bay at 563.386.2722.

The class will be held the third Tuesday of every month in June, July and August. Below is a complete schedule.

June 21st Laid Back Party Planner: Slider Trio - Crab Cake, Kobe and Black and Blue Bison, Sangria, Lemonade Shake-ups, Décor
July 19th Urban Garden Entertaining: Goat Cheese Salad, Hot Tomato Flatbread (on the grill), Pick Up Sticks, Watermelon Martinis, Décor
August 16th Spur of the Moment Parties: Shrimp Tostada, Queso Fundido, Micro Brew Sampling, Décor

06 Jun 2011

School Nurses Support Reintroduction of Reducing Barriers to Learning Act

By Kenny Lull

Congress Urged to Include Legislation as Part of Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

(Silver Spring - June 1, 2011) - The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) applauds U.S. Representative David Loebsack (D-IA) on the reintroduction of the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act. This legislation would provide the leadership to ensure every student receives the critical supports necessary for school success.

"We have to give every student the opportunity to succeed, and for some children that means providing services to address their safety, health, and wellbeing in addition to meeting academic needs. This legislation will help schools and teachers better serve their students and comprehensively address their needs," said bill sponsor Loebsack.

The bill (H.R. 1995) will enable the U.S. Department of Education to establish the Office of Specialized Instructional Support to provide leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to State education agencies and local school districts in providing specialized instructional support services in schools. This effort will also improve cross-agency coordination of services and programs supporting students who face barriers to learning.

"School nurses see firsthand the need for state agencies to have a vehicle which can build their capacity to recruit and retain coordinators of specialized instructional supports at the local and state levels," said NASN President Sandra Delack. "In addition, leadership at the federal level would greatly assist state and local levels enhance and streamline health and other services needed to help students meet academic and behavioral challenges."

NASN urges Congress to pass the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act and include it in the ESEA reauthorization for the improvement of academic outcomes for all students.

NASN
The National Association of School Nurses is a non-profit specialty nursing organization, organized in 1968 and incorporated in 1977, representing school nurses exclusively. NASN has over 15,000 members and 51 affiliates, including the District of Columbia and overseas. The mission of the NASN is to improve the health and educational success of children and youth by developing and providing leadership to advance the school nursing practice. To learn more about NASN, please visit us on the Web at www.nasn.org or call 866-627-6767.

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06 Jun 2011

Parks and Recreation June 2011 Newsletter

By Ron Summers

RECREATION:

For all June 2011 events, go online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 326-7812 for more information. Look this month to sign up for our summer session of classes, camps and special events. Summer session begins June 13^th. Camps run throughout the entire summer! Please check our website for classes on performing arts, sports leagues, volleyball camps and clinics, Japanese, tumbling, martial arts, adaptive and inclusive programs and more!

Various camps run beginning May 31^st-Aug 12^th: whether your interest is sports, drama, dance, nature, or just having fun-we have a camp for you!

Summer Basketball Jamboree for Reece Morgan Basketball League- Sat June 4^th 1:00pm-4:00pm- Free Centennial Park Basketball Courts ($10.00 for league participation, prefer pre-registration ages 11-14 but all members welcome to Jamboree)

Wheelchair Softball Clinic-Mon June 6^th 5-6:30pm, FREE, Modern Woodman Parking Lot

My Little Wheelbarrow Program begins June 8^th-July 20^th -Every Wed 10-11:00am at Vander Veer Botanical Park Playground. Free for ages 2-6years. (parents/Guardian need to accompany children.)

Cream of the Crop Tour-Tuftee's Garden- Sat. June 11^th 10-12 Farm Site. Fee 15.00 Come visit a family owned site. Tour the garden, specialty culinary herbs and learn tricks to stunning containers of all types.

Summer Class Session Begins June 13^th-REGISTER NOW-classes filling up quickly; Japanese, Clowning, Theatre, Dance, Yoga, Tae Kwon Do, Tumbling, Zumba, and more!

JUNETEENTH! Sat June 18^th 10am-9:00pm (Kid's activities 10-5:00pm)Come celebrate at LeClaire Park the real end of slavery in our country! Cultural performances, games, activities, and celebration.

Kindernature: Slithering Snakes Tues June 21st 10-11am at Vander Veer Botanical Park Conservatory. Cost 6.00, parent attends with child.

Performing Arts Camp 1: Ancient Greece Mon-Fri June 20-24^th 150.00 for ages 6-13, 8:30-4:30 (early/late available for extra charge) at Junior Theatre.

Special Olympics Unified Golf Tournament Sat June 25^th 9:00am-2:00PM at Red Hawk Golf Course-free, t-shirts, lunch and prizes to those who participate.

All Aquatic Complexes will be open

River's Edge- Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)

· Stanley Cup Showing: We will show the NHL Final showdown right here at the Rivers Edge on a MONSTER Screen. Bring the family, lawn chairs and your favorite teams gear.

· Women's USA World Cup Showing: Games starting June 28^th!! The games are also showing on the Giant screen so come support the USA!

· Rivers Edge Community Flea Market: On June 25^th from 9am until 4pm. Admission is FREE, Vendors keep 100% of their proceeds!! A table section is only $25 for vendors. Please call asap to get your spot as a vendor.

· Volleyball "Grass" Tournament June 11^th. Coed Sixes play round robin and into a championship bracket. Games start at 3pm.

· River Bandit Al1-start days June 20 and 21.

· The turf is for rent anytime available, and is open to a variety of activities including baseball, volleyball, badminton, Lacrosse and more. Give us a call today.

· Zumba continues on the Turf every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6pm!

GOLF:

· PowerPlayGolf Tournament at Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center - This PowerPlayGolf event will be held on Saturday June 11th, from 1 to 4pm at Red hawk Golf Corse for anyone age 8 and up! Participants may pre-register online, at Vander Veer Park, or at the River's Edge for $25.Pre-registrants will receive a gift certificate to Red Hawk Golf Course ($50 value), and 5 lead points towards event prizes! On site registration will also be available, but they won't receive the lead points. For more information at www.powerplay-golf.com.

·Family Friday Nights at Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center - Start a new activity this summer fit for the whole family. (Must be 8 years of age to use the Driving Range Area) Golf clubs sets are available upon request. Age - Children K and up accompanied by an adult. $10 - per family of Four, $2 each additional person, 6pm - 9pm June 3d - Aug 5th (10 Fridays)

Price includes:

- Unlimited Use of Short Course (Par 3 course)

- Medium Bucket of range balls - one per family

- Putting Green Activities - putting course etc.

- Clubhouse Host with Pizza and Beverage provided. 7:30-9pm

· Golf Gift Cards - great for Fathers Day or any occasion, are always available at Davenport golf shops, Parks and Recreation desk at Rivers Edge, and now at Vander Veer Park Store.

· Visit www.golfdavenport.com for the 2011 Golf fees, latest updates and information.

02 Jun 2011

Bettendorf Architecture Firm Receives Design Award

By Teresa Tobat

Downing Architects Receives Honorable Mention Award and National Recognition for Innovative Educational Facility Design

Alexandria, VA - April 22, 2011 - Downing Architects (Bettendorf, IA) has received an Honorable Mention Award for outstanding educational facility design in the 20th Anniversary Spring 2011 edition of LEARNING BY DESIGN, the premier biannual guide that showcases innovative school and university design and construction projects. Recognized for the innovative design of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at Scott Community College (Bettendorf, IA), Downing Architects is one of only seven firms to receive an Honorable Mention Award in the Spring 2011 design competition.

LEARNING BY DESIGN judges recognized Downing Architects for designing an authentic culinary classroom for future food service professionals in a modest-sized space, all while staying on budget.

Judges praised the attractive, well-proportioned massing of the 10,400-square-foot facility's brick-and-metal exterior. Inside, they commended the very economical plan, which combines instructional space for the college's growing culinary arts and hospitality management programs. Included are instructional labs, hot cooking and baking labs, a hotel-style lobby lounge and bedroom suite, supportive utilities such as a laundry room, and a multipurpose classroom space that can be opened up to seat 80 diners.

This $2.6 million project exemplifies the idea that "you could do a great design on a small budget and a small scale," said the judges. "To be able to provide that level of design in such a small package is impressive."

LEARNING BY DESIGN, published in the Spring and Fall each year, circulates to more than 65,000+ leaders and decision makers at all levels of education?from early childhood and elementary schools to career-technical, college, and university-level institutions. For details and to access the magazine's digital edition, visit www.learningbydesign.biz.

In October, LEARNING BY DESIGN will publish its Fall 2011 edition, part of LEARNING BY DESIGN's 20^th Anniversary celebration. This commemorative issue will showcase educational design excellence in pre-K to 12 and college/universities with special focuses on renovations, adaptive reuse, sustainability and more. Go to www.learningbydesign.biz for details.

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ABOUT LEARNING BY DESIGN: LEARNING BY DESIGN is published twice annually by Stratton Publishing & Marketing Inc. and the National School Boards Association, with support from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), APPA?Leadership in Educational Facilities, Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI), and the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities.

02 Jun 2011

Braley Works to Give Americans Choice, Lower Prices at the Gas Pump

By Alexandra Krasov

Introduces bill that would require county of origin labeling at gas stations

Washington, DC - June 1, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced a bill that would require "country of origin labeling" (COOL) at gas pumps. The COOL for Fuels bill would let American consumers see where their gasoline is coming from and would help create more jobs by encouraging consumption of American-made fuels and alternatives.

"Most Americans fill up their cars with gas a few times a week, but they have no idea where that gas is coming from," said Rep. Braley. "This bill would give American consumers more information at the pump and the choice to vote with their wallets. By showing people exactly where their gas is coming from, we can lower costs, increase demand for American-made fuel and create more jobs in this country instead of overseas."

The COOL for Fuels bill will require the Department of Energy to conduct a study and implement its recommendations to ensure American consumers have the ability to decide at the gas pump whether they want to purchase domestic fuels, such as biofuels produced in Iowa, or gasoline produced in foreign, hostile nations.

Earlier today, General Wesley Clark joined Rep. Braley on a press call to express his support for the legislation.

"Our addiction to foreign oil is one of, if not the greatest, immediate and long-term threats to America's national security," said General Clark. "And without incremental steps toward breaking our addiction to foreign oil, we'll not only be pumping billions of dollars to foreign nations that are known to sponsor terrorism, but also taking a huge step away from building a strong and sustainable green economy. Americans need to know what this addiction is costing us in real terms, and Congressman Braley's country-of-origin labeling legislation is a commonsense way to get that message across."

Currently, 11 percent of America's oil imports come from Saudi Arabia, 10 percent from Nigeria and another 10 percent from Venezuela. By giving Americans a chance to see where their gas comes from and support homegrown products, the COOL for Fuels bill will help create jobs in Iowa and across the country. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every one billion gallons of ethanol produced, 10,000 to 20,000 jobs will be created.

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