28 Feb 2013

GOVERNORS AND DoD ACHIEVE MILESTONE AGREEMENT ON BUDGET CONSULTATIVE PROCESS

By Krista Zaharias

WASHINGTON–Following the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting, the Council of Governors (CoG) finalized a consultative process with the Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain an ongoing dialogue that will ensure governors' priorities are better incorporated into the budget process in future years.

"This is a remarkable achievement for all of us. NGA and the Council have worked tirelessly on this issue for several months, and this resolution allows all governors to be a part of the process," said CoG co-chair Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. "As commanders-in-chief of the National Guard, it is critical that our voices are heard as part of this process. This agreement will help us avoid future unannounced spending changes that affect the safety and security of our citizens."

Similar to what governors and DoD were able to achieve on the Dual Status Command agreement to coordinate state and federal military forces during an emergency, this budget consultative process is part of on-going collective efforts to improve how states and DoD work together.

"Improving collaboration and communication with the states and the U.S. Department of Defense is a significant step forward," said CoG co-chair Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. "This agreement on the budget consultative process will help us foster an on-going dialogue so that working together, we can build a more resilient nation."

The agreement:

  • Sets the expectation that all governors and their adjutants general will have the opportunity to discuss budget and programming issues or proposals affecting the National Guard in advance of their formal submission or implementation;
  • Establishes a requirements gathering process that will help ensure the National Guard is treated more equally in DoD's budget process; and
  • Ensures that the CoG will receive regular updates on strategic budget matters affecting the National Guard and have the opportunity to discuss them before they are finalized or implemented.

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ABOUT THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS

The Council of Governors (CoG) consists of 10 governors appointed by the President to focus on matters pertaining to the National Guard, homeland defense, synchronization and integration of State and Federal military activities in the United States and other matters of mutual interest pertaining to the National Guard. CoG governors include : Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer; Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy; Delaware Gov. Jack Markell; Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie; Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, co-chair; Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, co-chair; Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon; Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval; Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell; and Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead.

In addition to the 10 council members, charter federal participants include the secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, the President's homeland security and counterterrorism advisor, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, the commandant of the Coast Guard and the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s, most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.

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28 Feb 2013

SMIDDY PROPOSES CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION FOR CITIZENS' RIGHTS TO HUNT AND FISH

By Rick Martin
PORT BYRON, IL - A proposal by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) would constitutionally protect the rights of Illinois citizens to hunt and fish.

Smiddy recently introduced House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 24 to amend the Bill of Rights of the Illinois Constitution to include the citizens' rights to hunt and fish. If approved by both chambers of the legislature, Smiddy's proposal will be presented for voters' approval on the next general election ballot.

"Hunting and fishing is a time-honored tradition and a basic right of every Illinoisan," said Smiddy. "Protecting this right in the state constitution recognizes the importance of hunting to our heritage and ensures that our children and grandchildren can continue this tradition."

Currently, 17 states include constitutional protections of hunting and fishing, of which 16 were voter-approved ballot referendums. Two additional states guarantee the right to fish only, and several other states are considering similar legislation.

"The public overwhelmingly recognizes our inherent right to hunt," Smiddy. "As gun control legislation is debated in the Illinois legislature and anti-gun advocates try to limit our access to firearms, we have to be proactive to protect every aspect of our right to bear arms."

For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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28 Feb 2013

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton Welcomes New Executive Director

By Kellie Hillis

Clinton, IA (February 26, 2013) - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton, a non-profit agency providing one-to-one youth service mentoring since 1982, welcomes Kellie Hillis as their new Executive Director.

"We are excited to have Kellie join us," said Michael Vopatek, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton Board President.  "Her experience and expertise in event planning, fundraising and social media will help us expand our programs."

Kellie's resume includes over 12 years of event organization, administration, communications and marketing experience.  She also brings with her a knowledge of social marketing.   Prior to this appointment she was an entertainment and marketing technologies manager for Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, developing and implementing social media branding campaigns, planning and organizing entertainment & events and creating revenue enhancing programs.  Kellie has also served as a board member of local nonprofit organizations.

"I look forward to using my knowledge and expertise to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton grow," remarks Kellie.  "Their programs provide a much needed service that gives area children the opportunity to succeed socially and academically."

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton makes a difference in the lives of children and youth and empowers them to realize their highest potential by providing professionally guided one-to-one relationships with caring adults.  Through mentoring, we positively impact individuals, families, schools and communities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, including educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships.  Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors ("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches in building safe, enduring relationships.  With about 350 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves nearly 630,000 children, volunteers and families. Learn how you can positively impact a child's life, donate or volunteer or join a BFKS event near you at BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

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28 Feb 2013

Luther College student Michael Ehrecke to perform in 'On the Verge, or--the Geography of Yearning'

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (02/27/2013)(readMedia)-- Michael Ehrecke of Davenport, Iowa will perform the eight major supporting roles in the Luther College Department for Visual and Performing Arts production of "On the Verge, or--the Geography of Yearning," a comedic tale of three Victorian women's trek through time.

Ehrecke, the son of Mark and Nancy Ehrecke of Davenport, Iowa, is majoring in theatre at Luther. He is a 2011 graduate of Davenport West High School.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. March 8, 9, 14 and 16 and at 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 15 with an additional matinee performance at 1:30 p.m. March 9. All performances will be held in the Jewel Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the Luther campus.

Tickets for the performance are $10 or free with a Luther I.D. and are available at the Luther Box Office, telephone (563) 387-1357 or boxoffice@luther.edu, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with extended hours on Thursdays 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

"On the Verge" by Eric Overmyer tells the story of three adventurous Victorian women who begin their journey in 1888, traveling through what seems like an unexplored land deemed "Terra Incognita." Through clues they discover along the way, the women realize Terra Icognita is actually a link to the future that leads them all the way to the strange era of the 1950's, a world filled with distasteful music and women who wear trousers.

The female leads encounter eight quirky characters in their journey, including the gentlemanly Mr. Coffee, the psychic Madame Nhu and a beatnik gorge troll. These eight characters are all played by the same actor to lend to the surrealism of the play.

The production is directed by Robert Larson, Luther professor of theatre.

The production is also made possible by collaboration with Lisa Lantz, Luther assistant professor of theatre, managing costume design and construction; Tom Berger, technical director of the theatre, managing scenic design and construction; and Jeff Dintaman, Luther professor of theatre, managing lighting for the performance.

28 Feb 2013

Lt. Governor Simon statement on House committee passage of marriage equality legislation

By Kara Beach

SPRINGFIELD - February 26, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon thanked the House Executive Committee today for passing marriage equality legislation in a 6-5 vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), would provide equal marriage rights to all people throughout Illinois.

"Today's vote puts Illinois on the verge of making history, becoming a state that treats all people and relationships equally," Lt. Governor Simon said. "Now is the time for Illinois to become the 10th state in the nation to recognize and protect the rights of all loving couples and their families. I have been a longtime supporter of marriage equality and have worked closely with Sen. Steans, Rep. Harris and members of the House and Senate to send this bill to the Governor and put Illinois on the right side of history."

Senate Bill 10, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), passed out of the Senate Feb. 14 and now moves to the full House for consideration. If passed by the House, the bill would head to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

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28 Feb 2013

Quad City Wind Ensemble Concert Sunday March 3rd

By Tyné Rieck
The 27th season of the Quad City Wind Ensemble continues Sunday, March 3rd at 3:00pm. The theme of the concert is "The Women's Movement," music that focuses much-needed attention on the myriad contributions of women composers to the contemporary wind band repertoire

Conducted by Brian L. Hughes, the QCWE will perform works by Anne McGinty, Nancy Galbraith, Colette Hausey, Shelley Hanson and Julie Giroux. The concert will immediately be followed by a reception with free refreshments and homemade treats.

Admission in $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and FREE for all students through 12th grade. We hope you can join us at the Galvin Fine Arts Center on the campus of St. Ambrose for this special event!

For additional information, please visit www.qcwindensemble.org, or http://www.facebook.com/qcwindensemble


28 Feb 2013

Loebsack Urges Funding for Large Infrastructure Projects Like I-74 in Quad Cities

By Vonnie Hampel
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on leaders of the House Appropriations Committee to fund the Projects of National and Regional Significance (PNRS) program in the remainder Fiscal Year 2013 upcoming spending bills.  Last year, Loebsack led the way to include an authorization for $500 million in the Highway Bill (MAP-21) for the PNRS program to fund large, regionally significant transportation infrastructure projects, such as the I-74 Bridge.  Loebsack called on House Appropriators to fully fund this program while crafting future appropriations bills to ensure I-74 can compete for funding and move forward as quickly as possible.

"As you may be aware, contained in MAP-21 is an authorization of $500 million for Projects of National and Regional Significance (PNRS) for Fiscal Year 2013," Loebsack wrote to House appropriators.  "As the final FY13 Appropriations process further takes shape with H.Res.778 expiring on March 27, 2013, I respectfully request full funding be provided for this critical program to ensure large scale infrastructure projects can move forward in a timely fashion and that the House work with the Senate to ensure the PNRS program meets bipartisan goals of creating jobs and growing our economy."

A copy of the full letter can be viewed here.

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28 Feb 2013

Simon to testify on college affordability

By Kara Beach

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will testify at a joint hearing of the Senate and House Higher Education Committees on Wednesday, presenting her findings on affordability at the state's public higher education institutions.

Simon, the state's point person on education reform, recently released "Game Changers," a culminating report on her Affordability Summits at Illinois' 12 public universities this past fall. Coupled with her first-hand experience visiting the state's community colleges, Simon will outline financial barriers to higher education access and completion, and improvements that can help make college more affordable. Among her suggestions is an income tax credit for Illinois college graduates who stay in Illinois to work.

"Higher education affordability is an overwhelming barrier to our students' achievement and our state's economic growth," Lt. Governor Simon said. "Affordable community colleges and universities prepare our students for in-demand jobs and demonstrate our commitment to fostering a highly-skilled workforce."


DATE: Wednesday, Feb. 27
?TIME: 3 p.m.
PLACE: Stratton Office Building Room D-1, Springfield

NOTE: Lt. Governor Simon will hold a brief media availability immediately following her testimony.

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28 Feb 2013

Learn German at the GAHC!

By Kelly Lao

Davenport, IA-Guten Tag, Auf Wiedersehen, Danke, Bitte, Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Traveling to Germany? Brush up on your German before you go! German For Travelers Language Classes will be offered every Thursday in April (4th, 11th, 18th, 25th) at the German American Heritage Center from 5:30-6:30. Instructor Eileen Jackson-Williams will take us through the basics necessary for travel abroad. The class will feature travel tips, food, hotel, touring basics and typical signage as encountered by the average American tourist. Preregister by April 1st, $40 for members of GAHC and $50 for non-members. Call 563-322-8844 or email kelly.lao@gahc.org to sign up today!

The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, IA. For more information on programs, exhibits, and events visit www.gahc.org.

28 Feb 2013

"Women Composers" by Brian Hughes, Conductor on Feb. 28th. 2013 @ the I.S.E.

By Narveen Aryaputri
Conductor Brian Hughes is going to discuss "Women Composers" on Thursday evening as an introduction to the Quad City Wind Ensembles' * upcoming concert, "The Women's Movement", featuring music by women composers on March 3 at 3:00 p.m. at Allaert Auditorium in the Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University.

*The Quad City Wind Ensemble has won a National Award. Please scroll below for the announcement.

About the presenter:  Brian Hughes, Conductor

Since moving to Iowa in 1983, Brian Hughes has maintained an active regional profile as a teacher, conductor, and author. His education includes degrees from Olivet College and the University of Northern Iowa and he has completed the coursework for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As an educator, Hughes's experience runs the gamut, with ten years in the public and parochial schools (grades 5-12) and 15 years as an Associate Professor of Music at Loras College (Dubuque). Currently he serves as a 5-8 grade string music educator in the Dubuque Community Schools while maintaining an active schedule as a band, orchestra, and choral guest conductor and clinician.

As an author, his study in wind band repertoire has been published in The Instrumentalist. He also maintains a professional blog?Score and Podium?and has written program notes for the Dubuque (IA) Symphony, the UW-Madison Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the Knoxville (TN) Symphony, and his ongoing 12-year association with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls (IA) Symphony.

A very active conductor both at home and abroad, he has conducted many honor bands and festivals, as well as appearances with ensembles ranging from the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, the U.S.A.F. Heartland of America Band, and the UW-Madison Wind Ensemble. An active supporter of community music, he was the first-ever Associate Conductor of the Bettendorf Park Band, and also founded the Tri-State Wind Symphony, a community-based ensemble that will celebrate its 19th season in summer 2013. He has also served as a Graduate Assistant and Associate Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, leading the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and the University Band.

His orchestral experience began with an eight-year appointment as Conductor of the Dubuque Youth Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. He has also appeared many times with the Dubuque Community String Orchestra and his overseas travels have included guest-conducting appearances with orchestras in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Russia.

A proponent of new music, Hughes coordinated the reading/recording project at UW-Madison, and led UW-Madison ensembles in no fewer than four world premieres, including Alex Nohai-Seaman's 50-minute Requiem for soprano and chamber orchestra. Since 1998 he has led 15 first performances of works for wind band and orchestra, most recently in 2011 with the Quad City Wind Ensemble and the Tri-State Wind Symphony.

Garnering conducting prizes from two regional Czech orchestras, Hughes is a two-time winner of the Richard and Agatha Church Conducting Prize, presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the arts," he was presented the 2005 Elisha Darlin Award, given by the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society. In his spare time, Hughes can be found in both the kitchen and his wine cellar, dreaming up the perfect pairing.

Independent Scholars Evenings. 7.00 p.m., Thursday.
1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline. Illinois 309-762-9202
Doors open at 6.30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Dress code: business casual.

Elevators are located through the 16th Street entrance. For security reasons, this door is open from 6.45-7.00pm : after that, please call if you need it opened. The 5th. Avenue entrance door is open for the evening.

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, LTD is a 501(c)3 at State and Federal level organization under US laws since 1996.

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