Animation Cel-ebration - From Gertie to Grinch  Exhibit

Animation Cel-ebration - From Gertie to Grinch features the world renowned animation art cel (individual hand-drawn animation image) collection of Ted and Dawn Hopkins. The Hopkins Collection of Historical Animation Art is one of the top comprehensive collections of rare animation art because of the scope and breadth of its hand drawn historical pieces. Discover how animation developed from its infancy through the classic age of animated features and beyond! Operate some of the earliest animation devices to see how the idea for animated features developed. Sit at a drafting table and learn how to draw your own animation cels or practice animation on a computer art station. Animation educators will staff the exhibit on weekends to demonstrate their craft to the visitors. Revisit your childhood and make new memories with your children and grandchildren! Exhibit hall prices: Adults $7; Senior/Student/ Military $6/Youth $5; Putnam Members free.

Lunch and Learn with Ted and Dawn Hopkins

Ted and Dawn Hopkins will give a Lunch and Learn on Saturday, October 20, where guests will get the opportunity to hear the couple talk about the history of animation through their amazing cel collection.

Cost is $20 per person and includes lunch, program, and a private viewing of the exhibit accompanied by the Hopkins. Lunch will be served at noon on the Lardner Theater Balcony and the program will immediately follow.

Advance reservations and payment are required. Contact Alice Loff at 563-324-1933 ext. 266. Space is limited, so call today!

Edward and Dawn Hopkins

Edward (Ted) and Dawn Fritz Hopkins have graciously loaned a portion of their animation art collection to the Putnam Museum. Ted is an international corporate business leader, fighter pilot, collector of a world class animation art, world traveler, cruise lecturer and one of the best story tellers around. His wife Dawn is an international school teacher, writer, artist, and animal lover who actually raised an orphaned Bobcat cub.

Ted graduated from high school in London, England, attended Purdue University for one year and then graduated from the Air Force Academy in their second graduation class. He has a Masters from Southern California University in Business. He spent six years flying high performance, supersonic jets in the Air Force. His favorite, the 104, is known as the Starfighter. After leaving the Air Force, Ted entered the business world and worked for a number of major companies: General Electric, Gould Industries, Interlake Steel and Sherwin Williams. He retired as Chairman of the board of Medalist Industries, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dawn graduated from United Township high school in East Moline. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Anthropology. She taught high school in New Mexico and was the advisor for the girl's golf team. Wanting to add more adventure to her life, she taught school at American military bases in both France and Germany, where she met her fighter pilot husband.

During his business career, Ted started their collection of animation art quite by accident. On a business trip to Las Vegas thirty years ago, Dawn encouraged him to use his winnings from blackjack to purchase an animation cel of Pepe Le Pew. From then on, he was hooked. Today their collection is in the top five of the world and includes over 350 framed pieces, plus 100s more in bound books.

Since story telling has always been a favorite pastime for Ted, he became a cruise ship lecturer. He has three areas of expertise: Animation Art, Old West History and Supersonic Flight. Dawn is also a story teller of the written word, and has written a book about her baby bobcat, Parthur.

Company Plans to Honor Game Cards, Refund Event Deposits

Davenport, Iowa...America's Incredible Pizza Company (AIPC) today confirmed that its lease on E. Kimberly Road is terminated and the Davenport location has officially closed. The decision to close the Davenport location was the result of a business dispute between external forces, says AIPC founder and CEO, Rick Barsness, and does not reflect AIPC's commitment to the surrounding community.

"We love Davenport. We are grateful for the support of our customers here and have always been proud to serve them. It was not our decision to close. Unfortunately, our hands were tied," said Barsness. "We hope that families will come and play with us at our nine remaining locations."

Refunds will be issued for deposits made for group events and birthday parties. Game cards will be honored at other AIPC locations including Urbandale, outside of Des Moines, the closest to Davenport. No cash refunds for game cards will be given. Employees affected by the closing are being offered jobs at other locations.

"Of course we are disappointed with this outcome, but we are also excited about the many changes taking place within our organization, including the opening of our newest location in St. Louis later this December and our rebranding efforts that will propel the company's growth," says Barsness.

AIPC's rebranding strategy includes the opening of the St. Louis location by year's end, new games and attractions at AIPC's remaining nine locations, more valuable family deals, "Incrediblizers" for a better experience, brighter storefronts, friendlier website and enhanced marketing efforts.

Customers with questions regarding deposits for group events or about game cards are asked to contact Nikki Tunnell at 417-890-1408 or email ntunnell@incrediblepizza.com.

About America's Incredible Pizza Company (AIPC)
America's Incredible Pizza Company (AIPC) is a premier family dining and entertainment center with nine locations throughout the United States and Mexico. AIPC offers Themed Dining Rooms where guests enjoy an all-you-can-eat Incredible Buffet that includes a vast array of freshly prepared, homemade food choices such as pizza and salad bars, hot entrees, pasta, potatoes, side vegetables, and desserts including cinnamon rolls, pies, cobblers and more. The Fairgrounds features an assortment of amusements including state-of-the-art video and arcade games, go-karts, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars and other
attractions.

CREATE Project on Illinois Route 38 to Create 340 Jobs, Reduce Delays, Improve Emergency Response and Enhance Safety

WEST CHICAGO - October 3, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn, joined by Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider and other state and local officials, today announced the plan to construct an overpass bridge at Illinois Route 38 and Kautz Road over the Union Pacific Railroad, marking the 1000th bridge improvement to move forward since Governor Quinn took office. The nearly $26 million dollar project, funded by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, will create nearly 340 construction jobs, reduce traffic delays, and improve safety for travelers in DuPage and Kane Counties.

Today's announcement underscores Governor Quinn's commitment to building a 21st century transportation infrastructure in Illinois.

"Illinois is moving forward to build a 21st century transportation network that will pave the way for future economic growth," Governor Quinn said. "This 1000th milestone bridge symbolizes our efforts to put people to work building a transportation system that is the strongest and safest in the Midwest and the nation."

Illinois Route 38 is one project in the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) plan which involves a new bridge and grade separation to eliminate traffic delays due to train crossings. The goal of CREATE is to address critically needed improvements to increase the efficiency of the region's passenger and freight rail infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for Illinois residents. The project will provide a grade separation and bridge to carry Illinois Route 38 and Kautz Road over the Union Pacific Railroad near Geneva.

"Thousands of vehicles are delayed at this location as a result of heavy rail traffic consisting of 75 freight trains and 54 commuter trains passing through this crossing every single day," said Secretary Schneider. "Thanks to Illinois Jobs Now! and the Governor's commitment, this much needed CREATE project will move forward to minimize the delays to the traveling public, improve emergency vehicle response times, improve access for businesses and enhance safety in the area."

Currently, the Union Pacific Railroad crosses Illinois Route 38 at a skewed angle just east of the signalized intersection of Kautz Road, which has caused delays and safety hazards for motorists. The proposed improvement will also place a T-intersection with signals on the new bridge structure at Kautz Road and Illinois Route 38. The project will widen and reconstruct Illinois Route 38 on a new alignment from east of Kirk Road to east of Technology Boulevard, providing two lanes in each direction. Construction is expected to start in November and the project is expected to be complete in 2014.

Governor Quinn spearheaded the state's first capital construction program in a decade. The $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program is the largest in Illinois history, supporting an estimated 439,000 construction jobs. The program includes $14 billion for transportation, $1.5 billion for higher education, including $788 million for public universities and $400 million for community colleges. Of the $14 billion in the program dedicated for transportation needs, $11 billion has been invested on projects throughout Illinois. These projects have improved 6,900 miles of roads and 1000 bridges, creating or supporting approximately 140,000 jobs.

In July, Governor Quinn authorized $1.6 billion for road, rail and transit projects as a part of the next phase of Illinois Jobs Now! The capital funding includes $211 million for 15 CREATE projects during 2013. More than $1.7 billion in road construction projects are scheduled for 2013.

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