28 Mar 2013

Books for All Children: Author Fills Much-Needed Demand

By Nicholas Depew
Making the Case for Diversity in Our Kids' Literature

Need is the mother of invention, which is why Jeff Rivera decided to create a line of children's books that emphasis diversity.

"I'm the uncle of 12 nieces and nephews who live everywhere from Costa Rica to Australia to all over the United States, which is no longer the only melting pot in the world," says Rivera, author of "Um...Mommy, I Flushed My Brother Down the Toilet" and "My Two Uncles & Me," (www.jeffrivera.com), which have been endorsed by comic book icon Stan Lee and legendary best-selling novelist Jackie Collins. "There are just not enough books for little kids that represent families with diverse backgrounds, like mine, so I decided to create them."

There are still segments of society that do not embrace differences of race, culture, religion and sexuality, which is why it's all the more important for children of different backgrounds to feel included, he says.

Rivera reviews a few reasons why major publishers should consider children's books for diverse families:

• Something probably makes you unusual, too: "Some of us had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger's syndrome, dyslexia or emotional traumas. Some of us came from blended families, mixed-race families, or were adopted. Some of us had gay and lesbian family members, some of us were on food stamps and welfare growing up, or were homeless, like I was. There are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and atheists. Not everyone can be pegged into a nice square box, and our kids shouldn't be," says Rivera, a media personality featured in a variety of outlets.

• Together, 'minorities' become the majority: In the U.S., one out of five people has a learning difference; one in two children born are a minority ethnicity; and more than 14 million children have gay or lesbian parents. "When you add it all up, that's easily the majority of people in our country," he says. "It just does not make good business sense to ignore so many of us."

• Overlooked entrepreneurs: American history is rife with examples of overlooked business opportunities. Just a few decades ago there was an emerging subculture created by inner-city youth. The most prominent feature? Hip hop, or rap music. For several years record company executives dismissed the budding genre, and all the while an under-the-radar entrepreneur named Russell Simmons helped present the new music to mainstream America and the rest of the world. As of April 2011, he had a $340 million net worth.

About Jeff Rivera

Jeff Rivera is a bestselling author, journalist and inspirational media personality whose work has been mentioned on TMZ, WABC, WNBC, WCBS, NPR and many other outlets. He is a full-time author whose humble beginnings living in poverty on welfare and food stamps as the child of a single mother, to his days living in his car and final success in media have inspired many.

28 Mar 2013

Loebsack to Host Preparing Today's Employees for the Jobs of Tomorrow Roundtable in Bettendorf

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today he will be bringing together a group of stakeholders in Bettendorf, TOMORROW, March 28 at 10:30am for a roundtable on Preparing Today's Employees for the Jobs of Tomorrow.  Loebsack will be joined by local leaders in education, workforce development, labor and businesses to gain insight on how to ensure employees are properly trained so they can effectively compete in the 21st Century global economy.  Media are invited to attend.

Preparing Today's Employees for the Jobs of Tomorrow Roundtable

Scott Community College

Student Life Center, Main Campus (Door 5)

500 Belmont Rd

Bettendorf

10:30am

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28 Mar 2013

German for Travelers Language Class

By Kelly Lao

Due to high demand, we have added a second German for Travelers language class! Our teacher, Eileen Williams-Jackson will be holding a second session every Thursday in April, 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th, from 6:45-7:45. $40 for members or $50 for non-members. Sign up by clicking below or calling 563-322-8844!
Get more information
Register Now!
I can't make it
Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Kelly
German American Heritage Center
28 Mar 2013

Liberty Iowa Endorses Blum for U.S. Congress

By Joel Kurtinitis

PAC rallies Liberty Movement in support of Dubuque businessman

Des Moines, Iowa - Liberty Iowa has renewed its support of Rod Blum for U.S. Congress in Iowa's first congressional district.  Blum, who announced his candidacy today, earned the PAC's support in 2012 as well, when his run ended with a narrow primary loss to Ben Lange. 

"I'm thankful to accept the support of Liberty Iowa, and I believe that their endorsement highlights my unshakable commitment to protecting the civil liberties and Constitutional rights of Iowans who are concerned about the unchecked growth of government," said Blum.

Liberty Iowa, a state PAC that will celebrate its first anniversary in April, has quickly become a leading voice on issues like agricultural freedom and domestic drone use, and boasts a wide network of conservative and libertarian-leaning activists throughout the state.  Adil Khan, Executive Director of LIPAC, believes that network will be a critical part of deciding the upcoming congressional election.  "The nation is witnessing a surge of support for principled leaders willing to stand for the liberties of everyday Americans," said Khan.  "Rod is that kind of leader, and we are going to work to bring the youth and enthusiasm of the Liberty Movement to bear for him in the first district."

Blum, who garnered 47% of the primary vote last year despite being a first-time candidate, acknowledges the importance of appealing to young liberty-minded voters as well as traditional fiscal and social conservatives.  "The Liberty Movement has gained a tremendous amount of momentum among Republicans and Independents, and I want to invite voters from across the spectrum of conservatism to join me in fighting for limited government, sound money, and a responsible foreign policy," said Blum.

Liberty Iowa currently has active chapters in 13 counties within the first district, including the population centers of Linn, Dubuque, and Blackhawk.

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28 Mar 2013

Tickets on Sale: Wizard of Oz!

By Theatre Cedar Rapids

Spring Classes Begin March 30th

ENROLL TODAY, AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Saturday March 30 will kickoff the next session
of Classes at TCR!  Definitely something for EVERYONE and a wide spectrum of ages
and abilities.  You won't find a better way for your little one to spend a few hours
on Saturdays!

* Intro to Theatre (3rd-5th Grade)
* Stories on Stage (K & 1st Grade)
* Intro to Musical Theatre Dance (2nd-5th Grade)
* Acting Through Improv (6th-12th Grade)
* Special Needs Classes
* Early Dismissal School Options
* Click for more information and to enroll!

[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001tOdRCXyD_t8wiWftAniItUABAfijEtx8n5O7zRWX9wjrZBZ4STi6Bqdra_Ot6S9Yrrnj2P1qoDKVWJ7dE9K83RsN7aS0t8u_GWpQBymArD1QppdobN4tbDqPH82X2fvtYtV0wfqxJlYvytCzmqyLUG4chuSdEMGBLLODpp19Wvsdi_VLpIW5Jg==]

28 Mar 2013

"FRESH AIR, FRESH IDEAS, & FLAVORFUL WINES" Creekside Vineyards Winery & Inn Offers its own Trifecta

By Rick Martin
2013 marks the 2nd anniversary of Creekside Vineyards Winery, the 4th anniversary of Creekside Vineyards Inn, and plenty of "fresh and flavorful" offerings, holding true to both the owners' vision and chosen slogan.

FRESH IDEA #1: Seasonal Terrace
"The Seasonal Terrace at the vineyard is the place to be," says Marketing Director Jennifer Mital. "Patrons enjoy flavorful wines, awesome music, and various special events." Word about Terrace Season has spread, as Creekside Vineyards has partnered with Indigo Wellness for Yoga in the Vineyard, Two Rivers Massage for Spa-licious Fridays, local musicians like Ellis Kell, Danika Holmes, Jordan Danielson, Lee Blackmon & others for Saturday afternoon performances, & artists like William Marsoun for art shows. New to this season is Open Mic Saturdays, which allows emerging musicians to perform for the crowd.

"Two of best comments we received are posted online," says Jennifer, "the Illinois Department of Tourism blogged Creekside Vineyards as 'the Quad Cities' hidden gem' & a FB friend commented that 'There's a little slice of heaven tucked right in Coal Valley.'" Picnics are welcome & private rental is available. Terrace hours: Weekends, May-Oct., 1-6.

FRESH IDEA #2: Creekside Vineyards Inn
Creekside Vineyards Inn is nestled in a 30 acre hidden valley between Pinnacle Golf Course and Arrowhead Ranch just south of the Moline Airport. "The inn's vineyard view, along with it being home to the Seasonal Terrace and close to the Quad Cities- yet a world away- makes it a popular place for travelers and natives  alike," says Inn owner Beverly Mital.

The Inn now offers Golf Getaways with Pinnacle Country Club and Wine & Relax Retreats with Indigo  ellness. From vineyard trails, to golf, massage, and ski packages, the Inn offers indulgence at every level, & some  peace and quiet to boot. The Inn is open year round.

FRESH IDEA #3: Winery & Tasting Room along Historic US Highway 67
"I have always had an affinity for old buildings," smiles winemaker John Mital. "Our revitalization of what was once a family diner and service station, connecting the Quad Cities with Macomb and St. Louis, has been  warmly welcomed. My parents renovated an old building in Le Claire, IA in the 1990s, and when the Preemption building came up for sale, well, it was perfect." The Tasting Room opened November 2012, and passersby can watch the completion of exterior renovations on this historic 1940s building throughout 2013. Tasting Room hours are Th-Fri 3-7pm, Sat-Sun 12-6pm.

In terms of the wine, it speaks for itself. Last year Creekside Vineyards entered both the Illinois Wine and  idAmerican Wine Competitions. Nine medals were bestowed, including Gold. Creekside Vineyards also enjoys spreading good cheer at various non-profit and business events in the Quad Cities, from the RME Winter Wine Festival, to Hy-Vee's upcoming Food & Wine Experience in April and the Chamber's annual Schmooza Palooza this summer.

For an Events Calendar, online reservations and details, visit www.creeksidevineyards.com, or call the Inn at 309-787-6919 or the Winery, Tasting Room, & Seasonal Terrace at 309-787-WINE (9463).
28 Mar 2013

Area Residents Make the Dean's List at RIT

By Marie Lang

ROCHESTER, NY (03/26/2013)(readMedia)-- The following local residents made the Dean's List for Winter 2013 quarter at Rochester Institute of Technology:

  • Emma Nelson of Moline, Ill., a fourth-year student in RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
  • John Dvorak of West Liberty, Iowa, a fourth-year student in RIT's College of Science.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 17,500 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

For more than two decades, U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIT among the nation's leading comprehensive universities. RIT is featured in The Princeton Review's 2012 edition of The Best 376 Colleges as well as its Guide to 311 Green Colleges. The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2012 names RIT as a "Best Buy," and The Chronicle of Higher Education recognizes RIT among the "Great Colleges to Work For 2011."

28 Mar 2013

Long Grove Volunteer Fire Department's Enchilada Dinner

By Rick Martin
Saturday May 18, 2013 at the Long Grove Community Center

121 North 1st Street

Long Grove, IA

Dinner Served from 5:30 pm till 8 pm

Dinner Includes 3 beef enchiladas, beans, rice, and drink

$8.00 Adults

$5.00 Children under 18

All proceeds raised will go directly to the purchase of the Long Grove Volunteer Fire Departments New Tanker Truck to be delivered in June.
28 Mar 2013

Library Lines April Events for Teens and Children

By Rock Island Library
Storytimes & Lego Clubs

Children's Play Cube purchased with Friends funds Morning Storytimes for Birth to Five - 10:30 am these dates:

  • Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, at the 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street.
  • Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24, at the Southwest Branch Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road
  • Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, at the Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street.

Evening Storytimes for All Ages - 6:30 pm on these dates:

  • Monday, April 1, Main Library Children's Room
  • Monday, April 8, 30/31 Branch
  • Monday, April 15, Southwest Branch

Wednesday Lego Clubs - 4:00 pm on these dates:

  • April 3, Main Library Children's Room,
  • April 10, 30/31 Branch
  • April 17, Southwest Branch

Saturday Lego Time:

10:30 am, April 13, Southwest Branch,

STEM-tivity hands-on science program:

Fun with kites, 11:30 am. April 13, Southwest Branch

 

All of these events are free. Drop in for some fun at your library.
Kids' Read In
child reading on storytime rugDrop by two locations of the Rock Island Public Library on Thursday, April 4  for Kids' Read In Events. Bring a book you like or pick one from our shelves, and enjoy light refreshments while you read amongst our books.
1:00 pm, Southwest Branch Community Room
4:00 pm, Main Library Children's Room
Free!
El Dia Family Storytimes

Quetzacoatl imageStart your family's Saturday off right with tales from around the world for the whole family!  Each of the short storytimes start at 10:00 am, and include a fun activity:

 

Saturday, April 6: 30/31 Branch

Saturday, April 13: Southwest Branch

Saturday, April 20: Main Library Children's Room

Saturday, April 27: Main Library Children's Room

 

Part of the April "celebration of children's books," also known as El Dia. Free!
Fun for Teens, Too!

Teen chef preps his winning plateTeen Gaming Nights: Play Xbox 360 with Kinect, Wii games, or board games. Two opportunities to get your game on this month:

  • April 2nd at 6:00 pm at Main
  • April 23rd at 6:00 pm at Southwest

Teen Iron Chef Contest:

  • Thursday, April 11th, 6:00 pm, Main Library Community Room.

Do you have what it takes to be our next Iron Chef? Compete against other chefs for a chance to win great prizes for your skills. Our judges will taste your culinary masterpieces and decide who will be the next Iron Chef!

 

Teen Movie:

  • April 18th at 6:00 pm, Main Library Community Room.  Enjoy a movie, snacks and fun.  Free!

All Teen events are for ages 12 to 18.
What's New?

Starting April 1, you can say "charge it" at Rock Island Public Libraries. All Rock Island Libraries will accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express as a payment option on DVD checkouts, fines, charges, and donations to the library.

 

Charges for DVD checkouts will no longer be placed on account.
28 Mar 2013

APRIL AT THE CORALVILLE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

By Nancy Mayfield
CABARET, DAN KNIGHT, BROADWAY MUSIC, DANCE, AND MORE

The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts stage will feature a variety of events in April 2013, giving members of the community many opportunities to participate in performances and enjoy cultural offerings.  Highlights include a production of Cabaret by Way Off Broadway, Iowa's only professional musical theater company; two performances by composer and Steinway artist Dan Knight; and a benefit showcase of Creative Corridor artists performing Broadway music.  In the month of April, the CCPA will host 25 public performances.

The schedule includes:

·        General music concerts by Coralville Central Elementary (Monday, April 1 at 7pm, grades 3-6); Van Allen Elementary (Thursday, April  4 at 6:30pm, grades 3-4); and Kirkwood Elementary (Thursday, April 11 at 6pm).  These events are part of the CCPA's program offering free use of the theater to Coralville schools.

·        The LUNAFEST Film Festival is a traveling film festival of award-winning short films by, for, and about women.  The benefit engagement on Wednesday, April 3 is presented by Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa.  The evening includes a silent auction at 6pm and the films at 7pm.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at lunafest.org.

·        The 2013 American Girl Fashion Show is a fundraiser presented by the Iowa Children's Museum, with 100 local girls serving as models representing American Girl characters in historical fashions and contemporary styles.   Friday, April 5 at 7pm and Saturday, April 6 at 10am and 2pm. Tickets are $27 ($15 tax deductible).

·        Orchestra Iowa Chamber Players present works by Beethoven, Vanhal, Halvorsen, Ibert, and Prokofiev Sunday, April 7 at 2:30pm.  $20 tickets are available at 319.366.8203 or orchestraiowa.org.

·        Ballet Folklorico Los Angelitos brings audiences on a journey through the regions, eras, and customs of Mexico in a free performance at 7:30pm on Sunday, April 7.  Their Iowa tour is presented by a cooperative effort of foundation and individual sponsorship and the support of Rotary Clubs.

·        Hancher presents Compagnia TPO - the world's foremost pioneers in interactive performance media for all ages - in Kindur: The Adventurous Life of Icelandic Sheep, a charming nature adventure.  The public performance is Tuesday, April 9 at 7pm; there will be additional performances for school groups on April 9 and 10.  Tickets ($10-$25) are available through Hancher at 319.335.1160 or at hancher.uiowa.edu.

·        Way Off Broadway presents Kander and Ebb's award-winning musical Cabaret April 12 and 13 at 7:30pm, following a 2-week run in their home Sondheim Center theater in Fairfield.  Lyric Benson as Sally Bowles and Jonathon Christopher as the emcee lead the cast of 18 professional actors accompanied by a live band.  WOB Artistic Director Randal K. West directs. Tickets are $18-$38.

·        Composer and pianist Dan Knight leads children through a fun and educational introduction to jazz (with the help of his dogs Oscar and Ella) in Oscar and Ella Listen to Jazz: A Kid's Musical Introduction by Dan Knight on Saturday, April 13 at 2pm.  Knight demonstrates jazz techniques and works with children to create a new piece of music in this interactive performance.  Tickets are $7.

·        The award-winning dancers of AFFECT Dance Company present a showcase of pieces from the spring competition season on Sunday, April 14, with a solo and duet showcase at 1pm and group performances featuring more than 100 dancers at 6pm.  $5 tickets are available at Nolte Academy, 1619 2nd Street in Coralville, or at the door.

·        Artists from across Iowa's Creative Corridor come together in The Corridor Sings Broadway on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 in a benefit performances for the CCPA and resident theater company City Circle Acting Company of Coralville.  The performance features Broadway favorites and hidden gems, as well as a silent auction and raffle.  Tickets are $10-$25.

·        Dan Knight performs again with two debut compositions: The Kandinsky Suite, inspired by the art of Vassily Kandinsky, and MURAL, inspired by Jackson Pollock's iconic painting, on Sunday, April 21 at 3pm.  Tickets are $12-$17.

·        Borlaug Elementary students perform in My School's Got Talent on Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 PM  My School's Got Talent is a fundraising program for PTO's sponsored by Nolte Academy.  Tickets are $8 and are available at Nolte Academy and at Borlaug Elementary, and at the door.  Weber Elementary also has a MSGT date scheduled for May 1.

·        Dr. Zubo & The Bird Purples, an Iowa-based musical ensemble with members hailing from around the globe, performs music composed for, and dedicated to, the CCPA on Friday, April 26 at 7:30pm.  Music will fill the theater, lobby, and hallways, morphing from classical to pop, and incorporating traditional and nontraditional instruments.  Tickets are $8.

·        Iowa Dance 2013: Dancing Our Visions on Saturday, April 27 at 8pm celebrates National Dance Week and International Dance Day in Iowa with a special evening featuring dancers and choreographers from across the state. Tickets are $3 for children 12 and under, and $8 for adults.

·        The Iowa City Girl's Choir performs on Monday, April 29 at 7pm.  Suggested donation of $5 per family benefits the CCPA Access Fund, which offers rental subsidies for small nonprofit organizations.

Further information on these events and details on other upcoming events are available at CoralvilleArts.org.

Tickets for most CCPA events are available by phone at 319.248.9370, online at CoralvilleArts.org, and in person at the CCPA box office at 1301 5th Street and Coralville Recreation Center at 1506 8th Street.

Owned and operated by the City of Coralville, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the community and contributing to the vitality of Coralville by offering an accessible, affordable venue for a variety of performances, presentations, and public and private events.  The 472 seat theater opened August 26, 2011 and has hosted performances from City Circle Acting Company, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Dan Knight, Lola Astanova, Lorie Line, Judy Carmichael, Jim McDonough, Nolte Academy of Dance, and many others.  Coralville schools are also able to use the Center free of charge up to three times per year; 13 school events took place at the Center in 2012. The Center was named 2012 Member of the Year by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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