20 Jan 2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters Putt-A-Round

By Samantha Shryack

DAVENPORT, IOWA (January 10, 2011) - The Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its annual Putt-A-Round Wednesday through Friday January 19 to 21, 2011 in the Mississippi Hall of the River Center- Davenport, Iowa. This year's course features 21 holes custom built by area businesses, with more than 800 people are expected to participate.

The organization goal is to raise $60,000 to underwrite over 1,000 one-to-one mentoring relationships established and supported in Scott and Rock Island counties.

Shift Schedule for Tournament:

  • Wednesday - January 19th- 5:30-7:30PM "Big Little Night"

  • Thursday- January 20th- 11:30AM - 1:00PM, 3:30 - 5:00PM, 5:30 - 7:00PM, 7:30-9:00PM

  • Friday - January 21st, 11:30AM -1:00PM, 3:30 - 5:00PM, 5:30-7:00PM

Thursday and Friday shifts will be adult/corporate teams.

Over 800 participants expected.

Sponsors:

Presenting sponsor: Wells Fargo Bank.

Major sponsors: River Center, Quad City Amateur Tour

Hole/Contest sponsors: Iowa American Water, Ryan Companies, Tri-City Electric, Ascentra Credit Union, DMW Design, Builders Sand and Cement, Estes Construction, Russell Construction, Treiber Construction, Galaxy 1, Heritage Landscape, Valspar/River Valley Turf, Pigott Interiors, Northwest Bank & Trust, Lujack's, Climate River Valley, City of Davenport, SMG, Bush Construction, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.

NOTE: Media is invited to attend any shift!

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18 Jan 2011

Internships with Senator Grassley

By Sen Chuck Grassley

Q.  Do you offer Iowa students opportunities to intern in your office?

A.  Yes.  I strongly encourage college students and recent graduates to intern in my offices in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City, Waterloo and Washington, D.C.  Four-month internships are available during the fall and spring semesters, and six-week internships are available during two summer sessions.  Many colleges and universities recognize internships for college credit.  In addition to being a tremendous learning opportunity, the experience can make students more competitive in the job market, on and off Capitol Hill. Many members of my permanent staff are former interns.

Q.  What do interns do?

A.  Interns assist permanent staff members in the administrative, legislative, and press departments, as well as my Judiciary Committee staff.  Some intern responsibilities include assisting with scheduling, helping constituents with questions, giving Capitol tours and researching topics related to current Senate issues.  Internships are a great way for young Iowans to gain valuable work experience and learn first-hand about the legislative branch of government.

Q.  Who should apply for an internship?

A.  All college-age Iowans are welcome to apply.  I look for detail-oriented, enthusiastic individuals.  Internships aren't just for political science majors.  I've had interns who were majoring in everything from theater to business to Russian, as well.

Q.  How can students apply for an internship?

A.  My office is currently accepting applications for the summer sessions.  The first session runs from May 23 to July 1.  The second session runs from July 5 to August 19.  Applications for both sessions are due March 15.  Applications are available in the placement offices of many Iowa colleges, my Iowa offices, and online at http://grassley.senate.gov/info/internships.cfm.  Completed applications should be sent to intern_applications@grassley.senate.gov or faxed to 202-224-6020.

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17 Jan 2011

Muscatine Student Selected to Attend Naval Academy

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that Tyler John Husar of Muscatine has been selected to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  Husar is a student at Muscatine High School, and is the son of Cindy L. Husar.

"The U.S. service academies offer students an excellent education and an opportunity to serve their country at the highest level.  I'm proud that another young Iowan is meeting the challenge at one of these great institutions," Grassley said.  "The Naval Academy accepts only the best and brightest, and Tyler will represent Iowa well on campus."

Each year, Grassley nominates young Iowans for the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY.  Information on the application process is available on Grassley's website at http://grassley.senate.gov/info/academy_nominations.cfm.  Applications for the 2012 school year are due on October 1, 2011.

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17 Jan 2011

Local media veteran joins Media Link to expand firm's PR & Marketing capabilities

By Media Link Inc

Rock Island, IL/January 5, 2011 -- A well-known name in Quad-Citiy media has joined forces with the region's only 8(a) certified marketing firm. Leigh Geramanis joins the Media Link team as an Account Manager and will develop and manage new accounts.

Geramanis has been consulting with Media Link over the past eleven months, assisting with client development. "It has been such a great fit for both of us that it just made sense to make it 'official.' I'm so inspired by Natalie Linville-Mass's business model. It's exactly what businesses are looking for in this challenging environment: the ultimate in quality service, flexibility and results."

Leigh's career prior to Media Link afforded her a rare perspective on the workings of media. Leigh has been an award-winning medical reporter and anchor, in the international medical destination of Rochester, MN. Leigh later helped facilitate Mayo Clinic's efforts to fight a railroad's plan to send high-speed coal trains less than 100 yards from the Mayo's Rochester campus. Leigh and her teammates helped educate policymakers, taxpayer watchdog groups, and the media about a proposed $2.3 billion federal dollar loan that would have financed the project. Their work resulted in the loan ultimately being denied. For six years, Leigh served clients of esteemed research and consultation firm, Frank N. Magid Associates, working with some of America's most successful local television stations. Among her clients: Fortune 500 executives, an ambassador, and a recent governor. Since returning to her hometown in 2007, Leigh has worked as News Director for WQAD, and Director of Marketing and Communications for Trinity Regional Health System. Leigh is a graduate of Rock Island High School, Black Hawk College and Southern Illinois University.

"I am so fortunate to have someone of Leigh's caliber on our team. Her expertise as a consultant and in the filed of media is a big help for our customers. She reinforces our scope and capability as a marketing firm," said Media Link founder and President Natalie Linville-Mass, who incorporated the company in 2001.

Media Link is a full-service integrated marketing firm specializing in strategic media buying and placement. Media Link works with businesses in the Quad-Cities and around the country to develop and execute customized marketing strategies to help them more effectively reach their customers. Media Link is the only marketing firm in the region to have obtained an 8(a) SDB certification, a designation of significance to clients who contract with the federal government.

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17 Jan 2011

Winter play reflects classic myths with modern twist

By Clyde Andrew Walter

Rock Island, Ill.-Augustana's Department of Theatre Arts will meld tradition with the avant-garde in its upcoming performances of Metamorphoses, a contemporary retelling of Ovid's classic tales written by American playwright Mary Zimmerman. Performances will run Jan. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30 at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in Potter Theatre, located in Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts (3701 - 7th Ave.).

Metamorphoses made its debut in Chicago in 1998 with the famous Lookingglass Theatre Company.  Rather than telling one story, the play is divided into short segments, each of which portrays a different classic Greek myth. Because of the segmented structure, the actors play multiple roles throughout the show.

One of the play's most striking features is the scenery it requires. The separate vignettes all focus on human change, which is illustrated symbolically through frequent references to water. To convey this central theme, the majority of the stage is occupied by a large reflecting pool, which serves as everything from a wash basin to the River Styx during the production.

In addition to the pool, the myths are mostly conveyed through "ensemble movement" rather than with physical props. Director Saffron Henke explains, "[With ensemble movement,] instead of putting an actual tree onstage, the actors themselves create a tree." Although this technique is difficult, Henke says the students have risen to the challenge. "The cast has come a long way in terms of working together and creating an ensemble. They have been very willing to try new things."

Henke was asked to direct Metamorphoses after visiting Augustana to conduct a short workshop on movement for actors. An accomplished director, educator and performer, Henke currently lives in Iowa City. She has performed in more than 60 professional plays around the world and in television and film. Her directing credits include shows with the Sacramento Theatre Company, the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble.

Tickets for Metamorphoses are available at $11 for the general public and $9 for senior citizens and full-time students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.augustana.edu/tickets, by calling the ticket office at (309) 794-7306 or at the door. This show is appropriate for older youth and adults.

Metamorphoses is the second production of Augustana's 2010-11 theatre season, "Reflections." At the end of April and beginning of May, the Department of Theatre Arts will perform Thornton Wilder's classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town.

For more information, contact Andrew Walter at clydeandrewwalter@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7833.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world. 

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17 Jan 2011

Come Together For Music Education

By Tom Vaccaro

Date: Saturday, Feb. 5th, 2011-7:30 pm

Location: Moline High School Auditorium

Tickets: $25 in advance / $30 at the door

Proceeds to benefit the music dept. at Moline HS

Starring: The Liverpool Legends,  Beatles Tribute Band

Meet Louise Harrison!

 

The Beatles took America by storm when they were barely out of high school. Now Moline High School music students can benefit, thanks to The Beatles Tribute Band, The Liverpool Legends and their spectacular multimedia extravaganza, "Come Together For Music Education".

On Saturday, Feb. 5th at 7:30 pm, George Harrison's sister Louise brings this live, Broadway styled stage production to the Moline High School Auditorium to benefit the Maroon's music students. Don't miss this rare opportunity to meet Louise Harrison and the band!

In a new, special feature, students of the Moline High School music department will perform onstage with the Liverpool Legends, backing them vocally and instrumentally on "Got To Get You Into My Life", "Sgt. Pepper", "Hey Jude", "Yesterday", Hello Goodbye", "Something" and more.

The Liverpool Legends are 4 talented musicians and actors handpicked by Louise Harrison making them the only Beatles Tribute Band in the world with a direct, biological link to the original Fab Four. "The Liverpool Legends present the very best portrayal of The Beatles" says Louise.

Headlining their own production in Branson, Mo. since 2006, Liverpool Legends have been voted Best New Show, Best Band, Best Show and the prestigious Branson Visitor's Choice Award. The Liverpool Legends perform songs spanning the entire career of The Beatles and on through the solo years. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments, big screen documentary footage narrated by Louise and special effects, Liverpool Legends will make you feel like you are watching the real thing! Together, these four lads will bring "A Complete Beatles Experience."

In this era of state budget cuts, school music programs are struggling to survive.  George Harrison did one Public Service Announcement in his life and it promoted the creative and financial well being of music and performing arts programs within our nation's schools.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Call 309-743-8833 for tickets.

17 Jan 2011

Braley Statement on Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

By Alex Krasov

"This year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes on a significant meaning because of the tragic events in Tucson. Dr. King gave his life for public service; the victims in Tucson - friends, colleagues and constituents - did too. And as our nation heals from the horrible events of January 8th, I hope we all recommit ourselves to that idea of service - of helping each other - not just our friends and family, but our neighbors as well. And not just here in Iowa, but across the country and the planet."

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17 Jan 2011

Governor Quinn Urges Participation in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

By Kara Beach

"Serve Illinois" Website Offers More Than 70,000 Volunteer Opportunities"

CHICAGO- January 14, 2011 Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Serve Illinois Commission in encouraging Illinois residents to take part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service this Monday, January 17th. This year's theme is "A Day On, Not a Day Off."

"During this day of service, people of all ages and backgrounds will come together to improve lives and move our nation closer to the 'Beloved Community' envisioned by Dr. King," said Governor Quinn. "Through volunteerism, we work together to strengthen communities and put people to work."

Persons interested in giving back to their community can visit Serve.Illinois.gov to connect with more than 70,000 volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois. Website visitors can search based on location or area of interest, and even generate results for ongoing, one-time or web-based volunteer opportunities.

"Volunteerism helps everyone, and everyone can serve in a variety of ways" said IDHS Secretary Michelle R. B. Saddler. "Research shows that communities with higher rates of volunteerism have reduced crime and higher educational achievement rates. Similar studies have shown that those engaged in their communities on a regular basis live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives."

Visit Serve.Illinois.gov to find a volunteer opportunity, as well as information regarding the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The website is a joint project of IDHS and the Serve Illinois Commission.

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17 Jan 2011

Some John Deere Middle Schoolers are using their Saturdays to learn Science

By M. McNeil

A group of "Lights ON for Learning" students are focusing on engineering for the next 8 Saturday mornings. According to the Lights On site coordinator at John Deere Middle, Chad Potter, 40 students will be attending classes from 8 am until noon every Saturday until February 26th.

Potter says the students will focus on the process of engineering, "The students will weigh out design options and make choices based on the available materials and their own imagination.  They are going to build, test, collect data, and refine.  Many of our students start the program with no understanding of how math and science are used to make lives better and more comfortable."

According to Potter the program offers students an opportunity to experience different aspects of the field of engineering through hands-on problem solving activities. Potter says the students will be producing a mousetrap powered race car that will travel twenty five meters.  The students will also be creating a technical drawing and a detailed report explaining how it works. The students must also be able to explain how their car works in front of a multi-judge panel.

Bruce Boardman, a retired John Deere engineer and volunteer for the program, says working with the young students is as satisfying as seeing a product he helped design succeed in the marketplace.

Boardman says what the kids will learn each week is a life experience that goes well beyond multiple choice and true/false questions.  "While the concept of a mousetrap powered car appears, on the surface, to be simple, it is not.  The students need to balance several conflicting design and material considerations.  It is an exercise in merging both the art and science of mechanical devices to achieve the best overall performance within a demanding set of rules and criterion for success.  It is an exercise where there is no one correct answer - rather there are several solutions from which they must choose."
Caroline Anthony is a former John Deere student who participated in the program last year and was a part of a national winning team.  Anthony says science was not her favorite subject before, but now it is.  "I think that it would be a good idea for anybody to participate in Saturday Science even if they don't like science because it's fun and it's a great way to meet the most interesting people. We met several amazing engineers who came and helped us with anything that we had trouble with. All of them made it a great experience".

The John Deere Middle Engineering Program is made possible through two grants and the generous donation of time by Deere and Company engineers.  John Deere Middle is in year three of a five year 21st Century Lights on for Learning federal grant.  This grant funds academic and enrichment programming beyond regular school hours at the school and covers a substantial part of the Saturday Science program.  Deere and Company also provides funds making travel, team shirts, and morning breakfast possible.  The volunteer engineers work with teams of students each Saturday.  The program would not exist without their help.

17 Jan 2011

Rock Island County launches new website

By Shelly Chapman

Rock Island County is pleases to announce that our newly designed website has launched!  Visitors will find a new look, site navigation, department menus, search, and an email alert registration at www.rockislandcounty.org.

After months of updating, the user friendly menus are in place.  These menus provide a great deal of information to our citizens.  Questions regarding the website design should be directed to our GIS Director, Josh Boudi at 558-3760, or Sue Adams at 558-3761.

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