17 Jan 2013

Cliff Dwellers Punch Bowl to be on Display at the Figge Art Museum

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (January 17, 2013) - For a limited time only, Quad-Citians will have a wonderful opportunity to view a rarely exhibited Arts and Crafts period punch bowl. The sterling silver bowl is on loan courtesy of The Cliff Dwellers, a Chicago arts club and gathering place for artists and people interested in the arts.

The Punch Bowl is an excellent example of Arts and Crafts period hollowware. The bowl's decoration was taken from Ancient Pueblo pottery designs at Chicago's Field Museum and is an example of how Midwestern Arts and Crafts and Prairie School architects and craftsmen incorporated Native American motifs into their designs.

The Cliff Dwellers, founded in 1907 as "The Attic Club" by the author Hamlin Garland in consultation with prominent Chicago artists Ralph Clarkson, Lorado Taft and others, was intended to be Chicago's answer to the legendary Players Club in New York City.  In 1909, The Cliff Dwellers moved into a space designed for it on the top floor of what was then known as Orchestra Hall.

In 1910, club member Charles L. Hutchinson on the occasion of the club's second anniversary in its new location commissioned a silver punch bowl crafted by renowned Chicago Arts and Crafts metal-smith and fellow "Cliff Dweller," (as members are known) Robert Riddle Jarvie, U.S., 1865 - 1941.  Hutchinson, was one of the founders of the Art Institute and served as the second President of Cliff Dwellers.  On the occasion of the bowl's presentation, a short play, The Masque of Quetzal's Bowl, written by Thomas Wood Stevens and Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, was performed.  The New York Times reviewed the "Masque" and characterized it as "slight," but acknowledged that its authors had considerable knowledge of southwest legends.

Jarvie's works can be found in a number of important decorative art collections including the Art Institute, the L. A. County Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The bowl will be on view in the Figge's Frank Lloyd Wright / Western themed permanent collection galleries through April 14, 2013.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit our website, www.figgeartmuseum.org.

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17 Jan 2013

Common Yard and Garden Questions Answered on New ISU Website

By Amanda Heitz
AMES, Iowa - Iowans have gotten their lawn and garden questions answered by Iowa State University horticulturists for three decades by calling Hortline at 515-294-3108, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach hotline. With the expansion of the Internet, an email option was added in 1997 with inquiries directed to hortline@iastate.edu. Now the Iowa State horticulturists who support Hortline have assembled frequently asked questions on a Yard and Garden FAQs website at http://expert.hort.iastate.edu/.

"The website lets individuals find answers to common garden questions whenever they wish," said Richard Jauron, ISU horticulturist and author of the weekly Yard and Garden column. "Hortline hours are limited to 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, so the Yard and Garden FAQs website allows people to look for answers at other times of the day, evenings and weekends."

The website currently has answers to more than 750 commonly asked questions on a wide range of gardening topics. The FAQs cover topics on vegetables, fruits, annuals, perennials, roses, bulbs, lawns, trees, shrubs and indoor plants. Searching the site is as easy as typing in one or more keywords or browsing the subject categories.

"Answers are specific to Iowa gardeners," Jauron said. "The information may not be appropriate for individuals in other regions of the country because of different weather and soil conditions."

Jauron is the horticulture specialist behind the scenes answering many of the more than 3,200 phone calls and 1,400 emails each year. He has been instrumental in building the database for the new website, calling on his extensive history with the horticulture help line and his understanding of the most common questions asked. Assembling answers to common questions on a website may cut Hortline contact numbers - but it will definitely expand the horticulturists' reach to even more people looking for answers.

"With the addition of the website, gardeners now have a full range of options for having questions answered by an Iowa State University horticulturist," Jauron said. "Some questions will be resolved by the website questions and answers. Other gardeners will want to talk to someone and will call Hortline; while others may want to send a photo and prefer using email."

Jauron also answers yard and garden questions in his weekly news column published on the ISU Extension and Outreach website http://www.extension.iastate.edu/.

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17 Jan 2013

Become a Mater Conservationist in 2013

By Amanda Heitz
If you are interested in understanding the nature around you and making good choices for the environment, the Iowa Master Conservationist program should be on your "to do" list for the new year.

The course will teach topics such as wildlife diversity, prairies and grasslands, wetlands and waste reduction. Participants will receive 32 hours of instruction from February to July, 2013 with many of the classes held at outside locations. A second part of the experience is participation in local natural resource related projects of the student's choosing. Co-sponsored by Nahant Marsh and ISU Scott County Extension and Outreach, the course has support from the Extension Wildlife Programs at Iowa State University.

Registrations are accepted at ISU Scott County Extension and Outreach and there is a maximum class size of 25 so early registrations are encouraged. Participants must be 18 years of age and register by February 11, 2013. Cost is $150.

Contact the Scott County Extension office (563-359-7577) for registration information or Nahant Marsh (563-323-5196) for additional course information.

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17 Jan 2013

Illinois National Guard Soldiers Have Lunch with Chicago Cubs

By Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

USO, 2/24th Marines Host Chicago Cubs Caravan

CHICAGO (01/17/2013)(readMedia)-- More than 50 Illinois National Guard Soldiers along with 250 other servicemembers from all branches of service joined the Chicago Cubs for lunch sponsored by the USO of Illinois at the 2013 Cubs Caravan in Chicago Jan. 16.

Hosted by 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Reserve Regiment in Chicago, servicemembers were treated to lunch from D'Agostino's and had an opportunity to visit with Cubs players, management and front office.

The event started with the 2/24th Marine Color Guard posting the colors followed by an introduction by Cubs radio announcer Len Kasper.

"On behalf of the Chicago Cubs I want to give our thanks for everything you do to protect this country and our freedom," said Kasper.

Cubs manager, Dale Sveum, thanked the servicemembers for serving our country.

"Oh behalf of the Chicago Cubs we want to tell you how much we appreciate what you do here and abroad. We really appreciate that. I even have a tattoo that says thanks," said Sveum. "Thank you for having us here today to be able to serve you like you serve us all the time."

The Soldiers met and talked with the players and managers and appreciated the time the Cubs took to meet with them.

"I really liked it. Getting all the players out here mingling with the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen - it was a good time," said Sgt. First Class Shawn Money of Dekalb. "And I'm impressed. I'm impressed they are out here doing this. You really don't see this that often."

For Staff Sgt. Benjamin Allen of Palatine, being a Cubs fan runs in the family.

"I've been a Cubs fan all my life and I really didn't have a choice. I grew up as one so it was nice to come see them all," said Allen. "My wife was excited I was coming for it, she is a big Theo Epstein fan."

Sgt. First Class Samer Elguindy of Chicago noted how welcoming the Cubs were to the servicemembers.

"I thought it was awesome. Not too often do I get to be served by the general manager or the top players," said Elguindy. "They were very warm and very easy to talk to and they didn't hesitate when asked to get a picture or autograph. It was really cool."

For more on the USO of Illinois visit http://usoofillinois.org/.

For more on the Chicago Cubs Caravan visit http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/community/

https://s3.amazonaws.com/attachments.readmedia.com/files/46226/original/130116-Z-OX517-206_11186_0.JPG?1358395132

Illinois National Guard Soldiers share a laugh with Cubs outfielder David DeJesus and infielder Anthony Rizzo at the 2013 Chicago Cubs Caravan luncheon sponsored by the USO of Illinois in Chicago Jan. 16. More than 300 Active, Reserve and National Guard servicemembers were treated to lunch from D'Agostino's and had an opportunity to visit with Cubs players and management at the event hosted by the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Reserve Regiment in Chicago.  U.S. Army photo by Capt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs.
17 Jan 2013

Iowa Farmers Support local schools through Second Annual America's Farmers Grow Rural EducationSM

By Rick Martin

Iowa to receive up to $115,000 for math and science programs across the state

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 17, 2013) - For the second consecutive year, America's Farmers Grow Rural Education SM, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will give Iowa farmers the opportunity to enhance math and science programs in their communities. Now until April 15, 2013, farmers can nominate a local public school district to compete for a merit-based grant of up to $25,000. Administrators of nominated school districts may then submit grant applications through April 30, 2013. This year, the program expands to 26 new counties, for a total of 1,271 eligible counties across 39 states.

The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to society.  Following a successful pilot in Minnesota and Illinois, America's Farmers Grow Rural Education debuted nationally last year, awarding $2.3 million to school districts coast to coast.

"We believe engaging rural youth in their math and science studies lays the foundation for a bright future," said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. "This generation is the future of agriculture, and funding from the Grow Rural Education program helps ensure they are ready to be the next great leaders."

Eligible farmers can nominate their favorite public school district by visiting www.GrowRuralEducation.com and following the "Nominate Now" link on the top, left-hand corner of the page. Farmers may also nominate a school district by calling 1-877-267-3332.

In 2012, the following Iowa school districts received a total of $165,000 to enhance math and science curriculums:

·         George Little Rock Community Schools, $10,000

·         Hampton-Dumont Community School District, $10,000

·         Lamoni Community School District, $10,000

·         Logan-Magnolia School District, $10,000

·         Marmon Trail Community School District, $25,000

·         New Hampton School District, $25,000

·         New London Community School District, $10,000

·         North Tama County Community School District, $10,000

·         Northeast Community School District, $10,000

·         Riceville Community School District, $10,000

·         Schleswig Community School District, $25,000

·         Sidney Community School District, $10,000

Thanks to the support of local farmers and the grant from America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, Lamoni School District received a $10,000 grant to purchase modern scientific tools to expand student understanding.

"Using the funds from the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education grant, we purchased new lab equipment so our students can apply science to real life," said Shirley Kessel, 2012 grant application writer for Lamoni Schools. "Schools are at the heart of smaller communities and we greatly appreciate the support of our local nominating farmers."

Grants will be awarded by the Monsanto Fund based on merit, need and community support. The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council, a group of 30 farmer leaders from across the country, will select the winning grant applications.  Advisory Council members were selected based on their passion for agriculture and education, as well as experience in rural school districts.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education is part of the Monsanto Fund's overall effort to strengthen America's farming communities. Another program that is part of this effort is America's Farmers Grow Communities, which gives winning farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to a community nonprofit organization in their county.

For more information about the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program and to view the official rules, visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com. To read more about the 2013 Grow Rural Education launch, and to view the 2013 launch video, please visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10308518.htm.

# # #

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org

17 Jan 2013

GRAND VIEW UNIV. HONORS LISTS

By Rachelle Mitchell

Des Moines, IA. Recognition for outstanding academic achievement has been given to Grand View University student Derek Fulton of Bettendorf who was named to the President's List for the 2012 Fall semester and to Amber Bloch, Ragan Duax, and Brian Frick, all of Davenport and each was named to the Dean's List for the 2012 Fall semester.

The students are named to the President's List for earning a grade point average of 4.0 while carrying at least 12 hours of classes.

The students are named to the Dean's List for earning a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying at least 12 hours of classes.

Grand View University, with an enrollment of approximately 2,300 students, is an independent, liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

17 Jan 2013

UW-MADISON FALL DEAN'S LIST

By John Lucas

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean's List for the fall semester of the 2012-2013 academic year.

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the honor.

Adam Vesole, Bettendorf, School of Business, Dean's List

Mehmet Badur, Moline, College of Engineering, Dean's Honor List

Andrew Hoogerwerf, Rock Island, College of Engineering, Dean's Honor List

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17 Jan 2013

Simon issues statement regarding President Obama's gun control proposals

By Randy Stalsberg

CARBONDALE - January 16, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama's proposals to increase gun safety.

"Today President Obama introduced gun safety reforms that merit our full consideration. As Lt. Governor I have sworn to uphold or constitution, and as a mother I cannot help but see the need to better protect our children.

?"Keeping guns from falling into the wrong hands is in the best interest of all Illinoisans, including law-abiding gun owners. Whether we are from large cities or rural southern Illinois, we are united in a desire for safety. I look forward to working with the President on federal controls and the Governor and General Assembly as Illinois undergoes the court-ordered crafting of a concealed carry law."

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17 Jan 2013

Davenport City Council Work Session January 19, 2013

By Jackie E. Holecek
City of Davenport, Iowa

Saturday, January 19, 2013; 9:00 a.m.

City Council Chambers, First Floor

I. FY 14 Capital Budget
17 Jan 2013

imon to new U.S. Reps: Join Defense Communities Caucus

By Kara Beach

GRANITE CITY - January 16, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is calling on Illinois' newest Congressional members to join the federal Defense Communities Caucus, a group tasked with protecting military installations and surrounding communities nationwide. Simon's call came as she convened the state's military base retention committee at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) today.

"The military bases and installations across our state provide a great service to our country, and are also fundamentally important to our local economies," Lt. Governor Simon said. "At every level of government, we must advocate to keep our installations active and make sure the voices of our troops, their families and our defense communities are heard."

Simon serves as the chairperson for Illinois' Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), which coordinates the state's activities and communications relating to current and former military bases. Simon said the state committee could work with the federal caucus to support policies to keep Illinois bases strong.

In an effort to encourage Illinois' newest Congressional members to join the caucus, Simon will send letters to new Reps. Cheri Bustos, Bill Enyart and Brad Schneider to highlight the importance of our state's military bases and their impact on the local economy and invite them to participate in defense community listening posts later this year. These three Representatives' districts include Illinois' largest military installations: Rock Island Arsenal, Scott Air Force Base, and Naval Station Great Lakes, respectively.

Simon said the Defense Communities Caucus can act as a unified, bipartisan voice for communities nationwide with active, closed or closing military installations. The caucus' advocacy could help pave the way for partnerships among the private, public and military sectors that could create jobs or ensure federal tax dollars are used efficiently. 

"As the federal budget is considered, we must keep in mind the value that our defense communities bring to our local economies and work to ensure that they remain strong and efficient to meet our state and country's needs," Simon said. 

The IMBSEDC holds quarterly meetings across the state and selected SWIC as the location for its first meeting of the year because of its proximity to Scott Air Force Base.

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