14 Jan 2013

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CONFERS DEGREES ON FALL 2012 GRADUATES

By Melissa Perry
WACO, Texas -- Baylor University conferred degrees on almost 800 graduates including Nicole Leeann Cantrill of Bettendorf, who received her Bachelor of Science in Education - Health Science Studies degree during fall commencement exercises Dec. 15 in the Ferrell Center on the Baylor campus. Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked liberal arts institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a research university with "high research activity."
Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor offers 144 undergraduate, 77 master, 32 doctoral degree programs, and two education specialist programs plus the juris doctor degree, through its 11 academic units. Baylor's 735-acre campus in Waco is home to more than 15,000 students from all 50 states and 80 countries.
14 Jan 2013

CLARKE UNIV ALL-CONFERENCE STUDENTS

By Jerry Hanson

Clarke University student-athletes earn all-conference honors!

Dubuque, Iowa - Abby Willich of Davenport has earned Midwest Collegiate Conference All-Conference performers this past semester at Clarke University.

Clarke University is a member of the NAIA and the Midwest Collegiate Conference. For more information, visit www.clarkecrusaders.com.

14 Jan 2013

MOUNT MERCY LEADERSHIP INDUCTEES

By Jennifer Jentz

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (January 7, 2013) - Mount Mercy University welcomed Katelyn Bishop of Davenport into the STEPS leadership program during a special induction ceremony held on Thursday, January 3, in Mount Mercy's Stello Performance Hall. (Last name) is a freshman from (City). In all, 20 freshmen were inducted into the program.

The ceremony officially welcomes and inducts the STEPS class of 2016 through a symbolic pinning, officiated by members of the sophomore STEPS class. Junior STEPS member Kim Moorman of Coggon, Iowa, led newly inducted students in the call to service, a pledge announcing students' oath to aid others and work to grow as leaders through workshops, events and personal reflection. Dr. DeAnn M. Fitzgerald, O.D., founder of Spanda, Inc., and owner of Dr. D.M. Fitzgerald and Associates, served as the keynote speaker, with invocation led by Executive Director of Mission & Ministry Sister Shari Sutherland '71.

Mount Mercy's STEPS program is a four-year leadership program built on the foundation of servant leadership. Students accepted into STEPS have shown a high degree of interest in learning how to utilize their strengths and abilities in order to contribute effectively and efficiently in the communities in which they live and work. The program focuses on empowering students to develop skills that will aid them in their college experience and in life after graduation.

Students inducted into the STEPS program work to gain a fundamental understanding of leadership by participating in workshops and volunteering with a local service agency. By their senior year, students will be able to assess their growth as a leader and be able to identity and increase the innate strengths that they have as individuals.

-30-


Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community and lead courageous lives. Mount Mercy offers baccalaureate and graduate education to more than 1,800 enrolled students and uniquely blends liberal arts education with professional preparation.

14 Jan 2013

In Iowa's Interest: A Guide to the 57th Presidential Inauguration

By Randy Stalsberg

By Senator Tom Harkin

Our country is preparing for a historic event: the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Monday, January 21, 2013.  Iowans will mark this occasion in various ways.  Some may travel to Washington to take part in the festivities, while others may kick off the events by participating in the National Day of Service.  Below, please find some helpful hints for taking part in the inaugural weekend.

The weekend begins with a National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19th.   This is a nationwide event, with events held in each state so that Americans can volunteer in their communities and give back as a nation. For opportunities to participate in your area, please visit: http://www.2013pic.org/service/serve

Inauguration Day itself is an exciting time in Washington, full of events - from the ceremony, to the parade, to the inaugural balls. It will also be a busy time in the City.  For Iowans traveling to Washington please be aware that crowds will be plentiful.  I advise Iowans to get to Capitol Hill early to go through security, and also make sure all visitors have their ticket and a photo ID handy at all times.

Following the ceremony, the inaugural parade will travel along Pennsylvania Avenue from Capitol Hill to the White House. You do not need tickets to attend - just a good spot along the National Mall - but will need tickets for bleacher seats.  The parade will include performers from all fifty states - including the Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps from Des Moines, who will represent   our state in the 1.5 mile march.

The best way to get to the inaugural events is to walk or use public transportation. Officials are expecting large crowds over the three-day weekend, with limited parking and lots of street blockades.  Comfortable shoes are a must, and purchasing your Metro fare in advance will save time (and headache) at subway stations.  Be sure to visit the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority inauguration page for the latest information on public transportation: http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm?nocache

Packing light is also advised for any of the day's activities as strollers, signs, coolers, backpacks and large bags, and weapons of any kind are among the items prohibited from the ticketed sections of the ceremony.  Learn more about the ceremony and events at the official 2013 Inauguration site: http://www.2013pic.org/?nosplash=true

While in D.C., be sure to visit some of the other sites as well, including the National Archives, which contains the permanent exhibit of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; the American History Museum, which features a collection of First Ladies' inaugural ball gowns, or the Air and Space Museum, which houses the original Wright brothers plane.  All of the Smithsonian museums are kid friendly and free of charge.  Although the Capitol building will be closed on Inauguration Day, my office offers congressional tours of the complex every day of the week. Visit my website: http://www.harkin.senate.gov/services/visitdc/ for more information on booking tours through my office.

Once again, I welcome all Iowans who will be traveling to D.C. for this historic inauguration.  For those who cannot make the trip, I hope you can take part by participating in the National Day of Service.

A PDF version of this article is available by clicking here.

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11 Jan 2013

IOWA'S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE PASTRY, CHOCOLATE AND CENTERPIECE COMPTETITION

By Rick Martin

Bettendorf, Iowa (January 10, 2013) - Spend an afternoon watching talented award-winning chefs from the Quad Cities including the Isle's own chef's Matt Meadows and Jason Gomez, Chicago, and Des Moines compete on January 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during our Winterfest Competition.

View amazing creations in candies, celebration cakes, wedding cakes, centerpieces, and ice carving. There will be an Isle chili sampling from Calypsos, Banquets, Farraddays', Tradewinds. You can vote for your favorite Isle Chef's chili. Proceeds from the chili competition voting will benefit Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

The ice carving competition starts at 1 p.m. in the courtyard behind the hotel. The winner will be announced at 5 p.m.. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa at our outdoor cocoa bar and stay warm by our outdoor fire pits while you watch professional carvers from all over the Midwest.

All other competitions take place in the Isle Center from 1 - 5pm. Beverages and concessions will be available for purchase. Visit our vodka luge while you are here.

Winterfest is sponsored by Reinhardt Food Service, Loffredo, King Food Service, and Midwest Imports.

This event is open to all ages. Seating is limited and tickets are free. Pick up free tickets for this event at the IsleOne Guest Service Center, Java Bay Trading in the hotel or online. To stay up-to-date on our other great food events scheduled at the Isle visit www.theislebettendorf.com.

Interested chefs should contact Matt Meadows at 563-359-7280 or 800-724-5825 for registration information. Registration cut off is January 20, 2013.

Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook to Get Winning!

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Isle Casino Hotel - Iowa's largest hotel complex in Bettendorf, Iowa is located on the Mississippi River with over 500 hotel rooms; three dining venues; and meeting and banquet space that seats over 1,500. The casino features 1,000 slots and 24 table games including live poker. Isle Casino Hotel is one of 15 casinos owned and operated by Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., and is dedicated to providing its customers with an exceptional gaming and entertainment experience.

11 Jan 2013

"JOSH GROBAN LIVE: All That Echoes" to Hit 500+ Select Movie Theaters Nationwide on Feb 4

By Rick Martin
Showcasing one of the most powerful and unique voices in modern popular music, NCM® Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Records will present "JOSH GROBAN LIVE: All That Echoes" in select movie theaters nationwide on Monday, Feb. 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT (tape delayed at 7:30 p.m. MT/PT).  Highlighted by exclusive selections from his new album, "All That Echoes," this intimate one-night event will feature Groban as he performs hits from his 12-year career. Fans will be among the first to hear these new songs performed live, and will have the chance to request songs to be included in Groban's playlist. Broadcast live from New York's famed Allen Room, featuring a stunning 50' x 90' window overlooking Central Park, Groban will also answer fan questions submitted via Twitter and text messages prior to the event. Click HERE to view a trailer for the event.
"JOSH GROBAN LIVE: All That Echoes" will be showing at the following theaters in your area on February 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT (tape delayed at 7:30 p.m. MT/PT):
DAVENPORT 53 18 WITH IMAX 3601 E 53RD ST DAVENPORT IA 52807
11 Jan 2013

Davenport Parks and Recreation Weekend Activities Jan 11-13

By Kenneth Asta

Public Skate this weekend at The River's Edge

some kids skating
Fri, Jan 11
8:15pm - 10:15pm

Sat, Jan 12
2:45pm - 4:45pm
9:15pm - 11:15pm
Come on down to The River's Edge for Public Skate. Admission is $5. Skate rental is free during the month of January. We have more skate times in January:

For more public skate times, click here

JANUARY SPECIAL
Start the year off right with free skate rental during all public skates during the month of January.  You only pay the $5 fee to skate and the skate rental is free! Save $3 every time you skate!

Family Friday Nights

Looking for something fun and affordable to do with the whole family on Friday Nights?  Well Davenport Parks and Recreation has the answer for you.  Our Family Friday Night series includes pizza, lemonade and activities (Popcorn also included at Movie Night)!  Best of all, if you register early it is only $2.50 per person ($4.00 per person at the door).  Click here to pre-register.

6:00pm - 9:00pm

January 11 - Movie Night "Jurassic Park": Davenport Junior Theatre

January 25- Friday Night Jam : Roosevelt Community Center

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International Winter Lunch

True authenticity is what was experienced at the International Winter Lunch at Credit Island Lodge on January 4, 2013. Ethnic meals were prepared, on site, by international students attending Black Hawk College, Saint Ambrose University and Scott Community College. The diversity in food and participants were so global, no one had to get on a plane for an international joyride.

Students, Davenport Parks and Recreation staff and the student advisors enjoyed meeting new people and learning to cook delicacies from around the world. The international students, particularly, met friends they could all relate to. Despite the differences in where these students came from, they all shared the same story -they traveled away from home for a better education. Struggle to adjust their life in an American culture is a unique story for each. Some were shared.

Dishes representing twelve countries were prepared on site and shared with attendees from fifteen countries.. Davenport Parks and Recreation has been encouraged to make such rare opportunities open to public in the future. Cooking is both an enjoyable recreational activity and a learning opportunity for all, and we are privileged to have many academic institutions in Davenport according us to taste the variety fare through their international students.

 

 

11 Jan 2013

Finalists Announced in Video Contest Promoting a Positive Midwestern Narrative

By Emily Marthaler

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) announced four finalists in its "America's Smartland: Let the Midwest Surprise You!" video contest. The video contest is part of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's promotion of a positive Midwestern narrative during his tenure as MGA Chair. In addition to highlighting the strengths and unique qualities of the region, these finalists were chosen through a public voting period.

Finalists include :

"Flyover States" by Steve Muntz (Iowa)

"The Midwest" by Chris Wentzle (Ohio)

"The Midwest: America's Smartland" by Aaron Johnson (Minnesota)

"What is the Midwest" by Jerrod Roberts (Illinois)

To view these videos, click here.

"Congratulations to all of our region's talented filmmakers on the excellent videos they submitted that showcase why the Midwest is a great place to live, start a business, work, raise a family and get an education. These video finalists provide a wonderful narrative spanning the wide scope of the Midwest's collective strengths and the excellent character and skills of Midwesterners," said Branstad.

Jesse Heier, Executive Director of the MGA, said, "These videos are awesome! Thank you to all of those who submitted entries and voted for their favorites. I encourage any business, person or group that wants to promote the strengths of our region to post and share these videos."

The MGA's video contest, which was launched in May 2012, features submissions by Midwesterners that tell the Midwest's unique story. The goal of the video contest is to draw attention to the collective strengths of the Midwestern region and all it has to offer. The Midwest is the crossroads for much of the nation's economic activity with a strong work ethic and climate for business and job growth that reflect a diverse mix of industries. Midwestern states are proud of their high-quality schools and colleges with tremendous research capabilities; a stand-out standard of living, which includes vibrant cities and towns, affordable housing, cultural recreational and sporting activities; incredible opportunities in agriculture and the biosciences; and four distinct seasons and breathtaking natural wonders.

The winning entry will be announced in February.

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The MGA is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization that brings together the governors of Midwestern states to work cooperatively on issues of importance to the region. Current members of the MGA are Gov. Pat Quinn (Ill.), Gov. Mitch Daniels (Ind.), Gov. Terry Branstad (Iowa), Gov. Sam Brownback (Kansas), Gov. Rick Snyder (Mich.), Gov. Mark Dayton (Minn.), Gov. Jay Nixon (Mo.), Gov. John Kasich (Ohio) and Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.).

11 Jan 2013

Davenport, Iowa, native set to march in The 57th inaugural Presidential Parade

By Randy Stalsberg

As the subject line states, Airman 1st Class Jonathan Warren from Davenport, Iowa, will be represent the Air Force in the 2013 inaugural parade.

The U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard are proud to represent the Air Force in the 2013 inaugural parade. The 99-piece band and 80-person Honor Guard flight will march along the 1.5-mile route that begins at 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and goes past the White House.


When: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013

Where: Washington, D.C.

BACKGROUND ON HOMETOWN HERO:
Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Airman 1st Class Jonathan Warren is a ceremonial guardsman with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. He said, "I am extremely excited to be a part of a great historical moment in history such as the inauguration. Only a little more than one hundred Airmen get the chance to participate in this event. It is a huge honor to be selected through the Honor Guard to have the privilege to march during the inauguration. Just two years ago I was attending Davenport North High School, wondering what I was going to do with my life, but now I'm here it is such an honor and privilege."

BACKGROUND ON U.S. AIR FORCE BAND AND HONOR GUARD:
The U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard are stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Their presentations instill patriotism, deliver positive messages about the Air Force and America, and demonstrate Air Force excellence to billions of people worldwide.

Since its formation, the Air Force Band has marched in 15 inaugural parades (there was no parade in 1945, and the 1985 parade was cancelled due to weather). The band began in 1941 when the newly-formed U.S. Army Air Corps activated 59 bands into operation. It was initially called The Bolling Field "Band" and consisted of five men?a saxophone quartet and a bandleader. Over the next 71 years, the Band expanded its size and mission to include six primary performing ensembles and a global mission. The band's uplifting programs instill patriotism, deliver positive messages about the Air Force and America, and demonstrate Air Force excellence to billions of listeners on television, radio, Internet and at more than 1,600 live events each year.

The primary mission of the United States Air Force Honor Guard is to render military honors to members of the Air Force, past and present, and their families during funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to this distinguished duty, the Honor Guard also conducts military ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon and national memorials representing the Air Force in presidential, joint service, Air Force and public ceremonies. The beginnings of the Honor Guard's rich history date back to May 1948 when it was originally activated within Bolling Field's 1100th Security Squadron. It remained primarily a function of that squadron until Jan. 1, 1972 when it became a separate unit.

The members of both of these elite Air Force units are proud to represent all Airmen, whose selfless service and sacrifice ensure the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens.

11 Jan 2013

Honoring Dr. King's Legacy Through Service

By Rick Martin

By Congressman Dave Loebsack 

Each January, we pause to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Best known for his work as a civil rights activist, Dr. King dedicated his life to improving the lives of those in his community and across the nation.  At the core of his beliefs was an unwavering dedication to helping others.  It is in the spirit of this commitment to serving that we mark each Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a National Day of Service.

Here in Iowa, we have a longstanding tradition of not only helping our neighbors, but also those who we have not met.  In 2011, the Volunteering and Civic Life in America study found that nearly 40% of Iowa's residents volunteer, making us 3rd in the nation.  All told, Iowans gave over 99 million hours of their time last year serving their communities.

I'm pleased that I was able to honor this tradition by introducing the Volunteer Generation Fund as a part of the bipartisan Serve America Act, which was signed into law in 2009.  This fund builds the capacity of state and local volunteer organizations to recruit, manage, and train volunteers.  Local organizations like the United Way of Wapello County, United Way of East Central Iowa, United Way of Johnson County, and Volunteer Center of Fairfield have already benefited from help to develop and expand their volunteer operations.

I know that as Iowans we will continue to give back and serve others, and this January 21st is a great opportunity to get out and do so.  The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, a national call to service initiative.  On Monday the 21st, people across America will come together to celebrate Dr. King's life and contribution to our nation by serving their communities at soup kitchens, schools, community gardens, and even in their own neighborhoods.

I encourage you to find a way to get involved.  You can find local service opportunities or create your own events at www.mlkday.gov.  Here you will find toolkits to help you plan your projects and get inspiration from what others are planning across the country.  You can also register your own project and invite your friends, family and community to participate at www.serve.gov/recruit_mlkday.

If you are unable to join in on January 21st, you can still get involved.  People in our communities need us now more than ever, and any bit of time you are able to give will make a difference.  As January is National Mentoring Month, you might consider becoming a mentor to someone in your neighborhood.  Through the work of organizations like the Iowa Mentoring Partnership, mentoring promotes positive choices and high self-esteem, and shows proven educational and behavioral results.

However you choose to mark this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the National Day of Service, I hope you will pause to remember his legacy and the difference the time you donate can truly make.

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