26 Jun 2012

Missouri Celebrations Booming with Fun

By Sarah Luebbert
Missouri Salutes the USA
"Happy Birthday"

Jefferson City, Mo. ? The Fourth of July. Independence Day. An iconic date in United States history. In Missouri, as in all of the states and territories, the celebrations take many forms, chiefly parades, carnivals and festivals, barbecues and picnics, concerts, and glorious fireworks displays. The Missouri Division of Tourism and VisitMO.com invite you to celebrate the birthday of the United States at festivities and activities across the Show-Me State.

As you travel in Missouri, celebrate with us at one of these outstanding Independence Day events. There are many opportunities from which to choose, and not just on July 4; some are held earlier, while others last beyond July 4. And let's be clear, this is just a small sampling of what's available. Whichever you attend, a great time will be had by everyone in your family. Happy birthday U.S.A.!

  • Central Region:

June 28-July 1:

Independence Day activities are the weekend before the Fourth, at Olde Glory Days, in Clinton. This old-fashioned celebration of our country's birthday includes many activities, among them: free entertainment, a carnival, wiener-dog races, concerts, food, games, a parade, and mega-fireworks.

July 3-4:

Jefferson City's annual Salute to America gets underway Tuesday evening with the Salute to Heroes parade. Downtown streets are closed-off to accommodate Wednesday's activities: a carnival; music concerts; beer gardens; a classic car show; games for the kids; food galore; a bald eagle and birds of prey presentation by the World Bird Sanctuary; and other special activities. A tremendous firework spectacular fills the air above the Missouri Capitol and the Missouri River.

July 4:

Fort Leonard Wood invites you to join the Independence Day Celebrations at Gammon Field. Activities include military-vehicle displays; a horseshoe tournament; interactive games; watermelon-eating/seed-spitting contest; a car show; performances by the 399th Army Rock Band, and a concert by Trixie Delight; the U.S. Army Soldier Show; and a rousing fireworks display. Take your lawn chairs and/or blanket and enjoy this free event. Coolers, outside food and beverages, and pets are not allowed.

Downtown Columbia is the new site for Fire in the Sky. Children's activities take place at Flat Branch Park; two concerts (Ironweed, and the Norm Ruebling Band) take place on the main stage in Peace Park. The fireworks display will be launched from atop the Sixth and Cherry parking garage, downtown.

You can enjoy fireworks from shore and on the water at several venues in the Lake of the Ozarks area, including: Tan-Tar-A Resort, in Osage Beach; Lodge of Four Seasons Resort, in Lake Ozark; and Captain Ron's (573-374-5852), in Sunrise Beach.

In Sedalia, relax in the grandstand for a Sedalia 4th of July Celebration at the State Fairgrounds. Enjoy an evening of special activities, including a flag presentation, a concert, and a big fireworks show.

  • Southeast Region:

July 4:

The Civil War soldiers of Fort D, in Cape Girardeau, were very patriotic. On July 4, they celebrated by firing their rifles and cannon, eating a special meal with friends and civilians, and flying their flags proudly. Fourth at the Fort commemorates those activities. Fort D Historic Site is an original earthworks fort dating from 1861.

Take in the Salem July 4th Chamber Parade, at 6 p.m., in downtown Salem. Fireworks begin at dark, at the Dent County Commons.

In Cuba, Missouri, Hood Park is filled with festivities when the fireworks literally Light Up the Sky for Freedom.

East Prairie holds its annual Independence Day parade at 10 a.m.; a fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. (573-649-3057).

The town of Oran has held the annual Oran 4th of July Picnic for more than 100 years. Enjoy an old-fashioned church dinner; bingo; ice cream social; horseshoe tournaments; and fireworks.

  • Northeast Region:

July 2, 3, 4:

The Heritage & Freedom Fest, held at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, is O'Fallon's largest festival of the year. It features national entertainment; regional bands; a carnival; activities for children; crafters; lots of great food; and two nights of spectacular fireworks.

July 3:

The National Park Service holds the Jefferson Barracks Blast at the Jefferson Barracks Historic District, south of St. Louis. Enjoy music under the stars in the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, and watch a brilliant fireworks display. Concessions are available.

July 4:

Take in the 135th Veiled Prophet Parade, in downtown St. Louis. This annual parade is one of the most enduring family traditions in St. Louis. The parade features giant helium balloons; elaborate custom-built floats; a spirited competition among marching bands; and more than 100 entries.

July 4, 6, 7:

Fair Saint Louis is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the Midwest. The 32nd annual event is held on the grounds of the Gateway Arch, overlooking the Mississippi River. Events kick off early July 4 (before the Veiled Prophet Parade), with a four-mile race and a one-mile family fun run. There are two air shows July 4 (noon and 3 p.m.), including top civilian performers and military aircraft. All three days, enjoy local and national entertainment, Kids Town, and other activities. Appearing on the main stage at 8 p.m.: Heart (July 4); Third Eye Blind (July 6); and Dierks Bentley (July 7). Each evening concludes with the star-spangled fireworks display. Note: The fair is not open on July 5.
July 4-7:

Kirksville's Red White and Blue Festival is filled with activities: apple-pie contest; antique car show; a pancake breakfast; bicycle races; a movie in the park; a parade; and a super fireworks display.

A tradition for 57 years, Hannibal, hometown of Mark Twain, has held National Tom Sawyer Days. A spectacular fireworks display celebrates the birth of the U.S.A. Activities include : the National Fence Painting Championships; a frog-jumping competition; Tom and Becky contest; an arts-and-crafts show; mud volleyball; concerts and entertainment; dancing; food; and the famous Hannibal Cannibal 10k/5k run and 5k walk.

July 7:
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, in St. Louis, holds the 1862 Historic Fourth of July at the Old Courthouse. Volunteers and park rangers, dressed in historic period clothing present music, speeches, and weapon-firing demonstrations. There is a reading of the Declaration of Independence, along with several other 1862-era activities.

  • Northwest Region:

July 3:

Take the family to Legacy Blast, a free fireworks extravaganza in Lee's Summit. Food vendors, entertainers, inflatables, face painters and balloon artists fill Legacy Park; plus, there is a marvelous fireworks display, choreographed to music. Visitors may take their own food; however, alcohol, fireworks and grills are not allowed.

July 3-4:

The aptly named town of Liberty lights up the sky at Liberty 4th Fest, on the square and at William Jewell College. Enjoy the all-American barbecue competition; beer garden; concerts; a parade; vendor booths; a car cruise; and bands. On July 4, fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. at William Jewell College.

July 4:

Join the interpreters at Fort Osage, beside the Missouri River in Sibley, as they celebrate Independence Day at Fort Osage with musket and cannon demonstrations, patriotic speeches and interpretive demonstrations highlighting life on the early 19th century frontier.

Attend Independence Day at Missouri Town 1855, in Lee's Summit, and experience the 4th of July in an antebellum Missouri village as it was celebrated in the 1850s. A variety of activities for the entire family provides the setting for a fun-filled day. A special patriotic parade, where visitors join staff strolling through the village, highlights the day.

Jackson County's Fourth of July Appreciation Celebration is held at Longview Lake Beach, south of Kansas City. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Take the family for an evening of live music, food vendors, and be amazed by the fireworks display.

In Bethany, the Bethany 4th of July Celebration includes a picnic in the park at noon; a parade at 3 p.m.; a cake and ice cream social; a pet contest; and a garden contest. At 5 p.m., the Northwest Missouri State Fairgrounds opens, with food vendors on hand; fireworks start at dusk.

July 4-7:

Parkville's good-old-fashioned Parkville 4th of July Celebration includes a parade, a carnival, games, food, and fireworks.

  • Southwest Region:

June 30:

In Joplin, July 4 festivities begin June 30, with the Independence Celebration at Route 66 Carousel Park. Local band Big Smitty will perform rock cover tunes leading up to a dazzling fireworks show. The concert and fireworks show are free and are scheduled from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.  Parking is $1 and proceeds will be donated to the United Way. Show up early and enjoy family fun with bumper cars, mini golf and amusement rides at the Carousel Park before the performance begins.

July 3:

You can't help but have a great time in Branson at Branson Landing when they present the annual Liberty Light Up Independence Day Celebration. The evening starts with a concert, featuring the Nashville band, "Chain Reaction-a Tribute to Journey." Following the concert, the skies over Lake Taneycomo light up with a choreographed fireworks show-the grand finale will leave you breathless.

July 4:

If you are in the Carthage area, find a comfy spot in Municipal Park for the city's Celebration and Fireworks. The park contains grills and covered shelters; it is an ideal spot for a holiday barbecue.

In Branson, Silver Dollar City theme park turns red, white and blue, celebrating the nation's birthday with a special opening ceremony; a morning salute to veterans; an old-fashioned ice cream social; and fireworks. This special event is part of National KidsFest, which runs thru July 22.

The town of Marshfield holds one of the longest running Independence Day Parade (133rd annual) events west of the Mississippi River. The parade kicks off the Independence Day Rodeo and Fireworks celebration, held at the fairgrounds.

In Springfield, Fireworks at the Field includes a full afternoon of activities in various locations, culminating with America's pastime?baseball. At Hammons Field, watch the Springfield Cardinals play the Midland Rockhounds; after the game, stay for a concert by the band, "Members Only." Then, keep your seat for a tremendous fireworks show.

Of course, there are a lot more Independence Day activities and events all across the Show-Me State. This is a time for everyone to be thankful for the freedom we all share, so find an event near you and celebrate America. Oh . . and be careful out there.

To find thousands of attractions, events, lodging choices and places to eat, check out Missouri's only official tourism website, VisitMO.com. While browsing the website, you can order a free copy of the 2012 Missouri Travel Guide, which is also available by calling 800-519-4800. And yes, there is a free app for that?"Official Missouri Travel Guide."

About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.

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26 Jun 2012

Kassie Nicole Osborne graduates from Missouri S&T

By Mary Calicotte

ROLLA, MO (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Kassie Nicole Osborne of Blue Grass, Iowa, graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology during commencement ceremonies held Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, in the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building on campus. Osborne earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering summa cum laude.

More than 770 candidates received degrees during the ceremonies. The university awards bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Missouri S&T has traditionally recognized graduates earning a bachelor's degree with honors by placing the designation "summa cum laude," "magna cum laude" or "cum laude" on their diplomas. The highest honor, summa cum laude, is awarded to students who have earned a cumulative grade point (GPA) of 3.8 or above on a 4.0 scale for all courses counting toward the degree. Magna cum laude is the designation for a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, and cum laude indicates a GPA of 3.2 to 3.49.

Missouri S&T is one of four campuses in the University of Missouri System and one of the nation's top technological research universities.

For more information, visit www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.

26 Jun 2012

Agenda for SECC Board Mtg on 6/28

By Annie Nugent
SCOTT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTER (SECC) BOARD
Board Room, 1st Floor, Scott County Administrative Center,
600 West Fourth Street, Davenport, Iowa
JUNE 28, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.

  1. Roll Call: Gallagher, Gluba, Lehman, O'Boyle, Sunderbruch, Ex officio members: Bruemmer, Frederiksen, Malin, and Ploehn
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Approval of Minutes
  4. Approval to purchase software licensing. (Matt)
  5. Recognition of graduates from Leadership Summit. (Mary)
  6. Approval of merit increase for Scott Emergency Communications Director.
  7. Director's report
  8. Next meeting date - July 26, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
  9. Adjourn
26 Jun 2012

New Iowa-Specific Ad Released by Obama for America

By Elizabeth Purchia

On the day that Vice President Biden is kicking off his Strengthening the Middle Class Tour through Eastern Iowa, Obama for America released a new Iowa-specific TV ad in the state.

 

Referring to the Washington Post story that revealed that Romney's companies were pioneers in shipping US jobs overseas, the ad asks "does Iowa really want an Outsourcer-In-Chief in the White House?"

 

In remarks in Waterloo, the Vice President will highlight President Obama's ongoing efforts to grow Iowa's rural economy and bolster middle-class security for Iowa families while taking on Mitt Romney's history of shipping American jobs overseas.

 

Click here to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLyL4N2O_So
26 Jun 2012

Is Facebook Addiction Similar to Alcohol & Drug Addiction?

By Ginny Grimsley
Addiction Specialist/Mental Health Counselor Opens Up

Social media sites like Facebook connect users with old friends, new acquaintances and everyone in between. However, studies are revealing an inverse link with online connections and deeper, face-to-face relationships.

Norwegian researchers recently developed a test for networking sites, called the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, which likens inordinate amounts of time spent on the networking site to drug and alcohol abuse. The test measures how often people use the site, if they do so to forget their problems and how using the site negatively affects their personal and working lives.

Researchers found the following groups of people most at risk for Facebook addiction:

• Women, who are more social than men,
• Young people, who are more tech savvy than older people
• Anxious or socially insecure people

"Social media, and the new emphasis on the importance of 'multitasking,' have helped drive a wedge between family members," says psychologist Gregory L. Jantz, author of #Hooked: The Pitfalls of Media, Technology and Social Networking (www.drgregoryjantz.com).

Ironically, people become less social the more time they spend on social sites, and they tend to get less done while multitasking because they do not focus on completing one task at a time, he says.

"When people abuse drugs and alcohol, they are trying to feel better, yet they are worsening their situation. We're finding this is also true for those who spend excessive amounts of time on social networking sites," he says. "Perhaps the hardest hit from social media addiction is the family unit."

Parents should monitor their own time online to ensure it's not further limiting the already shrinking amount of time available with their children, Jantz says. And they need to safeguard their children by monitoring their time, as well. Jantz suggests these questions for parents to ask themselves in gauging their kids' media usage:

• How much time do your kids spend with various forms of media? There are plenty of distractions from homework. Estimate how much time your child spends with the television, internet, social networking sites, cell phone, Blu-rays and game systems. The more time spent with media, the lower a child's academic performance, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study.

• How much time do your kids spend with you versus online media? Remember, simply being in the same room isn't necessarily interacting. The less the scales tip in favor of human-to-human interaction, the more likely there may be a problem.

• Do you know how each device works and how it can be used? Familiarity with your children's gadgets gives you a better perspective of what their habits may be like.

• What are the consequences of their tech habits, and what should be changed? Make a list of the good and the bad consequences of your family's technology use. After comparing the two lists, consider changes that can turn negatives into positives.

"Technology continues at its accelerating pace, and we are in unchartered territory," Jantz says. "Increasingly, social networking infiltrates our personal lives, but we need to remember that it is created to serve us, and not the other way around."

About Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D

Gregory Jantz has more than 25 years experience in mental health counseling and is the founder of The Center for Counseling and Health Resources, near Seattle, Wash. The Center, "a place for hope," provides comprehensive, coordinated care from a treatment team that addresses medical, physical, psychological, emotional, nutritional, fitness and spiritual factors involved in recovery. He is the best-selling author of more than 20 books on topics from depression to eating disorders.

26 Jun 2012

BLING BLING SISTERS WILL HOLD A FUNDRAISER FOR KING'S HARVEST.

By Rick Martin
Bling Bling Sisters will have a fundraiser for King's Harvest Ministries on Saturday, June 30th, 10:00 am -
3:00 pm. This fundraiser will be held at 1870 E. 54th Street, Davenport (Behind Bi-State Tax). A
percentage of the proceeds will be donated to King's Harvest to help pay for the fire sprinkler system
required by the City of Davenport..

The City of Davenport is requiring a $57,000 new fire sprinkler system for King's Harvest Ministries.  King's Harvest will need to raise the money for the new system or shut their doors. This includes their Shelter for Homeless Mothers with Children. King's Harvest serves the poor and homeless in the Quad Cities and is located at 824 W. 3rd Street in downtown Davenport.

Bling Bling Sisters Boutique sells jewelry, purses, wallets, scarves, belts, flip flops and more. Refreshments will be served.

If you would like details on this fundraiser or to schedule an interview with Kim Lindsey Gibson, owner of Bling Bling Sisters please call 563-370-1776 or co-owner Lisa Lindsey Moburg 309-269-2941.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Anne McVey, Fundraising Coordinator for King's Harvest Ministries, please call 563-508-4170.

If you would like to make a donation to the King's Harvest Fire Sprinkler fund please visit www.kingsharvest.net and use paypal or mail checks to King's Harvest Ministries at 5837 Wisconsin Ave. Davenport, IA 52806.

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26 Jun 2012

Iowa Distillery Releases Seasonal Strawberry Vodka

By Ryan Burchett

Le Claire, Iowa, June 26, 2012 - Mississippi River Distilling Company is excited to announce the release of their newest seasonal product, "Pride of the Wapsi Strawberry Vodka" on June 29, 2012.  MRDC is once again partnering with an Iowa business on this product.  This time Pride of the Wapsi, a berry patch near Long Grove, Iowa.  The new spirit is just in time for Independence Day celebrations.

 

"The whole idea of the seasonal spirits is to bring some unique products to the market and also partner with other local businesses," Ryan Burchett, MRDC owner and distiller, says.  "We were really excited when the gang at Pride of the Wapsi said they would have enough strawberries to pull this off."

 

MRDC used 1,600 pounds of hand-picked strawberries in this latest creation.  They loaded their still with fresh strawberries and their signature River Pilot Vodka.  After a 12-hour infusion, the strawberries and vodka were redistilled for a one of a kind flavor.

 

"We're so excited about the result," remarks owner and distiller Garrett Burchett.  "Our unique distillation technique gives us the essence, fragrance and flavor of strawberry without the sugary sweetness of a liqueur or other artificially flavored vodkas.  The aroma of this product is amazing.  It smells like fresh strawberry jam."

 

For Pride of the Wapsi owners Pat and Lora Dierickx, this was a big project.  "This year we closed the patch down a little sooner than we had hoped, but we were happy to be able to get the 1,600 pounds of strawberries picked for the distillery before that." Pat says.  "We think this project will bring a whole new awareness to our farm.  We never dreamt that our berries would be used for vodka.  But we're so pleased to see this collaboration work out."

 

The first bottles of the strawberry vodka will be released this Friday, June 29.  The following week, Pride of the Wapsi will be specially featured at MRDC's First Friday event held Friday, July 6 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Along with the farmers being on hand, fans who purchase bottles that evening will be able to get a free commemorative pint glass marking the release of the new vodka.

 

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

 

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26 Jun 2012

THE FUN CO* REOPENS IN THE QUAD CITIES

By Eric Dany
ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED IN 1991

Moline, Illinois - June 25, 2012

The owners of the Fun Co*, Eric W. Dany and Jerry Phillips announced today that the Fun Co* has re-opened at 1520 6th Avenue in downtown Moline, IL.

The original Fun Co* was opened by Dany in Bettendorf in 1991 and ownership passed to Phillips, who eventually relocated the shop in Davenport. After two more successive owners the business has come full-circle and back into the hands of Dany and Phillips.

The Fun Co* carries a large selection of magic tricks, clown supplies, make-up, juggling equipment, novelties, costumes and accessories.

Commenting on the opening, Eric Dany said, "The Quad Cities has a rich history of magicians and magic shops. There has been a magic shop in the Quad Cities for over 100 years."  Jerry Phillips was quick to add, "We intend to keep that tradition alive in the Quad Cities. The last shop closed a couple of months ago and we recognized there was large customer base here in the Quad Cities that was being ignored."

Proprietors Jerry Phillips and Eric Dany have many years of experience and have also been performing their magic acts across the Midwest for several decades. Dany is currently the President of the Quad City Magic Club and Phillips is the club's treasurer.

The local club is affiliated with the world's largest organization for the magical arts, The International Brotherhood of Magicians, and is known within the organization as Ring #11.  Considering the IBM currently has over 300 Rings, holding the title to Ring #11 shows how long magic has been embedded in our community.

The Fun Co* is one of the few remaining brick and mortar magic shops in the country. The magic shops demise is related to the migration of sales to the internet. That doesn't concern Dany and Phillips because they will soon have an online storefront enabling them to market their magic props on a national scale.

The store is open Wednesday through Friday afternoons and on Saturday. A visit to The Fun Co* will definitely put a smile on your face. Come in and you'll be mystified, entertained and you may even learn a trick to perform for your friends.
26 Jun 2012

Michael Herman Makes the Spring 2012 Dean's List at Wake Forest University

By Priscilla Wood-Parker

WINSTON SALEM, NC (06/25/2012)(readMedia)-- Michael Herman a resident of Davenport, IA was among over 1900 students from Wake Forest University who made the Spring 2012 Dean's List.

About Wake Forest University:

Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University's graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.

26 Jun 2012

More Troops Deploying to Afghanistan

By Move America Forward
Troopathon 2012 is almost here! We now have only 17 days left! We have a long way to go if we're going to send the largest-yet shipment of care packages to our troops! Join the cast of celebrities, musicians, journalists, and others who are coming together to support our troops and Troopathon 2012! Send care packages to our troops today!


MORE TROOPS DEPLOYING TO AFGHANISTAN
THEY NEED OUR HELP!

Across several states this weekend, friends and family bade farewell to fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands and wives deploying to Afghanistan to fight and protect our country from ruthless terrorists.

Over 800 Troops from the Alabama National Guard.

About 150 Troops from the Utah National Guard.

300 Troops deploying out of Ft. Benning, Georgia.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is training for deployment.

Over 3,000 Troops from Ft. Riley, KS now set to deploy.

2,950 Troops from the 101st Airborne are set to deploy out of Kentucky.


Army Col. Michael Getchell, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, discusses the concerns of Afghan provincial leader role players during an exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., June 11, 2012. The brigade is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in the fall.




Troopathon is a month-long effort that culminates on July 12th, but we are taking donations for Troopathon RIGHT NOW!

Troopathon brings together conservative celebrities from all walks of life to concentrate on supporting our troops for one day, where we really try to hit it out of the park for our military servicemen and women.

Mark your calendars now, and be ready July 12th for an event that will amaze and energize you to support our troops more than ever! 

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