31 Jan 2012

CELEBRATED FOLK MUSICIAN FROM FINLAND AND NEW FINNISH-AMERICAN BAND TO PERFORM IN DAVENPORT

By Jonathan Rundman
Minneapolis, MN - World-renown Finnish composer and master fiddler Arto Järvelä will tour the Midwest USA this March in support of his new solo album Arto Järvelä plays Fiddle, Volume 2.
Joining Järvelä on tour will be the new Finnish-American acoustic folk band Kaivama. The Minneapolis-based duo of fiddler Sara Pajunen and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Rundman released their self-titled debut CD in June of 2011 and have spent the past year on tour from coast to coast.
The artists will play individual sets, as well as collaborating together during the performances.
SATURDAY, MARCH 10th, doors 7:30PM, music 8PM
all ages, $10 at the River Music Experience: Performance Hall, 129 N. Main Street, Davenport IA 52801
About Arto Järvelä:
Multi-instrumentalist and composer, Arto Järvelä is one of Finland's most accomplished folk musicians and a third generation fiddler in the Kaustinen tradition. He has represented Finnish music and culture in more than 30 countries and returns to the United States after previous tours with the legendary Finnish fiddle band JPP, as well as a solo 2009 artist-in-residence position at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
About Kaivama:
Finnish-American musicians Sara Pajunen and Jonathan Rundman have teamed up to form a new folk music duo called KAIVAMA. The name KAIVAMA stems from the Finnish word "kaivaa:" to delve or dig. Pajunen's unique prowess on the fiddle and Rundman's versatility on guitar, harmonium, piano, and banjo allow KAIVAMA to explore a surprising variety of sonic textures. Audiences from performance halls to folk festivals to rock clubs are captivated by this duo's instrumental skill and fresh approach in creating music that is alternately joyous, primitive, experimental, haunting, and time-honored.
31 Jan 2012

WOC-AM AND WMT-AM ANNOUNCE THE NEW MARK AND STEVE MORNING SHOW

By Julie A Myers
Cedar Rapids/Davenport, IA - January 31, 2012 - Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced today that Mark Manuel and Steve Ketelaar will now host a new show on WOC-AM News Talk 1420 and WMT-AM 600, effective February 28, 2012. The Mark and Steve Show will air live weekdays from 5-9:00 a.m. on WMT-AM and 5:30-9:00 a.m. on WOC-AM. The new show will focus on regional and national news, entertainment and current events. Manuel and Ketelaar will continue to host the afternoon drive on KCQQ-FM Q106.5.

"This is an exciting opportunity to build on the success of these two legendary radio stations," said Jim O'Hara, Operations Manager, Clear Channel Quad Cities. "The Mark and Steve Show will bring a whole new level of entertainment, news and information to our listeners in the 380 corridor and the Quad Cities."

Manuel and Ketelaar are two radio veterans who have worked in the Eastern Iowa market since 1981. Most recently, the duo hosted the Mark and Steve Morning Show on KUUL-FM. They also previously worked in larger markets like Miami, FL, Madison, WI and Minneapolis, MN.

In addition to his career in radio broadcasting, Ketelaar has also worked on several national voicing campaign commercials for companies including McDonald's, Northwest Airlines and the Discovery Channel. He is a stand-up comedian and previously opened for notable acts like Jeff Foxworthy and Louie Anderson. Ketelaar also served as master of ceremonies for several charity events and radio-thons for the Children's Miracle Network, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and others.

Manuel grew up in Eastern Iowa and hoped to one day follow in Spike O'Dell's, former WGN personality, footsteps. He began his radio broadcasting career at Iowa State's college radio station. Manuel later worked at radio stations in Des Moines, IA Macomb, IL and Washington, D.C. He also served as the Morning Show Host on the former WHTS-FM until it was sold in 2006, when he moved to Madison to do mornings at WMAD-FM. Manuel then returned to the Quad Cities and partnered with Ketelaar on KUUL-FM.

Dan Kennedy, Program Director at WOC-AM, and Randy Lee, Program Director and on-air personality at WMT-AM, will work together to develop and produce the new morning show. Lee and Kennedy will also be heard on-air on their respective stations and will continue working with local business and community leaders to keep the stations' programming topical to their specific markets.

About Clear Channel Media and Entertainment
With 238 million monthly listeners in the U.S., Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment serves 150 cities through 850 owned radio stations. The company's radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the  ompany's radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation systems from TomTom, Garmin and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment is a  division of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at clearchannel.com, clearchanneloutdoor.com and ccmediaholdings.com.

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31 Jan 2012

Tax extenders, goals beyond revenue collection

By Grassley Press

Statement of Sen. Chuck Grassley

Senate Committee on Finance Hearing

"Extenders and Tax Reform: Seeking Long-Term Solutions"

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012

There are almost 60 provisions that expired at the end of 2011, and there are even more that expire at the end of 2012. There is general agreement that all of these extenders need to be reviewed in the context of comprehensive tax reform. As we begin to consider what such reform would look like, it is important to discuss what, if any, goals and objectives, other than revenue collection, the tax code should accomplish.

The provisions that expired at the end of last year have various objectives. The non-revenue policy objectives vary from energy independence to job creation, from encouraging donations to charity to incentivizing capital investments and research.

This Committee has held numerous tax reform hearings the past two years.  Yet, we have not discussed what we should do about the numerous non-revenue policy objectives included in the current tax code.  This has also been ignored by the various witnesses who have come before the committee, including those here today.

In his written testimony, Mr. Johnson whimsically picks winners and losers by focusing on the revenue impact but fails to address the non-revenue reasons for many of the expired provisions.  He says they should remain dead. However, he does appear to support a movement to alternative fuels "because we import oil from trouble spots in the world and because fossil fuels pollute and lead to global warming".

However, he believes the existing regime of tax incentives should be eliminated because movement to alternative fuels is better accomplished through a carbon tax.  He also states that the oil industry is undertaxed.  While I appreciate his support for alternative energy, his statements ignore the need to consider whether tax provisions should be part of a domestic energy policy that includes oil drilling.

Ms. Sherlock, a witness at the December 14, 2011, hearing on energy tax extenders, noted in her written testimony, "the income tax code has long been used as a policy tool for promoting U.S. energy priorities".

The oil and gas industries have received massive, permanent tax breaks for over a hundred years.

In contrast, tax incentives for alternative energy have existed only for a few decades and have always been temporary. These incentives first appeared in the 1970s, in direct response to the oil crisis and they help to incentivize renewable resources.

Yet, discussions on incentives for the oil industry and for alternative energy often fail to consider that a key reason to support renewable energy sources should be energy independence.

The United States sends more than $400 billion each year overseas to buy foreign oil.  Now more than ever, the United States needs to ramp up domestic production of traditional energy -- including oil, natural gas, and coal -- and expand alternative fuels and renewable energy -- including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and geothermal.

The U.S. Treasury pays out an average $84 billion a year to defend the shipping lanes by which foreign oil reaches the United States.  I do not see these costs in discussions of cost effectiveness of energy tax incentives.

Aside from energy independence, it is also important to consider the number of domestic jobs supported by the energy sector.

Clearly, in the short-term, Congress should extend tax incentives for alternative energy sources.  With the economy still sputtering, we cannot afford the job losses that occur from pulling the rug out from under industries like biodiesel and wind that are still developing.

In the long-term, however, we need to consider whether a permanent and comprehensive energy tax policy is appropriate and, such a policy should be developed in the context of comprehensive tax reform.

For sure, we need a tax system that is less complicated, fairer, and will make us more competitive in the global economy.  However, we need to consider whether and how to balance these principles against non-revenue policy objectives of priorities.  Energy independence is only one such objective.

-30-


31 Jan 2012

Skip Calorie Counting & Burn Fat Instead

By Ginny Grimsley
Weight Loss Expert Offers Slimming Tips to Last a Lifetime

Losing weight has become a matter of life or death and counting calories, Weight Watcher points and fat grams hasn't lessened the numbers of people affected. In 2010, more than 25 percent of Americans had pre-diabetes and another 1.9 million got a diabetes diagnosis, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The single most effective way for people to avoid the disease? Losing weight.

"The current obesity epidemic proves that the typical low-fat diet recommendations and low-calorie diets have not worked," says Don Ochs, inventor of Mobanu Integrated Weight Loss Solution (www.Mobanu.com), a physician-recommended system that tailors diet and exercise to an individual's fat-burning chemistry. "America is eating less fat per capita than we did 30 years ago, yet obesity, diabetes and heart disease are all up."

To drop the weight and keep it off, people need to get rid of their stored fat by eating fewer processed carbohydrates and the correct amount of protein, and by doing both high and low- intensity exercises, Ochs says.

Here are some of his suggestions for getting started:

• Eat what your ancestors ate - if it wasn't available 10,000 years ago, you don't need it now. Our bodies haven't had time to adapt to the huge increase in processed carbohydrates over the past 100 years. These refined carbs kick up our blood sugar levels, which triggers insulin production, which results in fat storage.  Avoid the regular no-no's such as candy and soft drinks, but also stay away from sneaky, sugary condiments like ketchup; dried fruits, which have more concentrated sugar than their hydrated counterparts, and anything with high fructose corn syrup.

• Eat the right kind of fat - it's good for you! Bad fats include trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils. Look for these on labels. Trim excess fat from meats and stick with mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. Use olive oil for cooking, as salad dressing or on vegetables. Eat avocados, whole olives, nuts and seeds, and don't be afraid to jazz up meals with a little butter or cheese.

• Eat the proper amount of lean protein to maintain muscle mass and increase your metabolism. Eggs, beef, chicken, pork, seafood and dairy in the right amounts are good protein sources. Remember, most of these contain fat, so it shouldn't be necessary to add more. Use the minimum amount needed to satisfy your taste buds. Also, anyone trying to lose weight should limit non-animal proteins, such as legumes, because they   contribute to higher blood sugar levels and increased fat storage.

• Vary your workouts to speed up fat loss. Both high-intensity and low-intensity exercises play a role in maximum fat loss.  Low-intensity exercise, like walking, is effective for reducing insulin resistance so you store less fat.  Alternate walking with high-intensity interval training to build lean muscle mass and increase your metabolism.  Interval training can be cardio blasts such as running up stairs on some days and lifting weights on others. This type of exercise forces your body to burn up its glycogen - a readily accessible fuel for your muscles - faster than an equivalent amount of cardio exercise.  When you're done, your body will replenish that fuel by converting stored fat back into glycogen and you'll lose weight.

"Healthy weight loss isn't about picking a popular diet and trying to stick to it," Ochs says. "It's about discovering the right diet for your unique body. For each person, the optimal amount of carbohydrates, proteins and exercise to burn the most stored body fat will be different. And that's why one-size-fits-all diets just don't work."

About Donald Ochs

Donald Ochs is a Colorado entrepreneur, the president and CEO of Ochs Development Co. and M4 Group, an inventor and sports enthusiast. He developed the Mobanu weight loss system based on research conducted at The Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health. The program is endorsed by physicians, nutritionists and exercise experts.

31 Jan 2012

Strawn to Depart as Iowa GOP Chairman

By Ryan Gough
Des Moines, IA - Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn today announced he will be stepping down as the state's top Iowa GOP party official, effective Friday, February 10. Strawn has served as chairman of the Iowa GOP since January 2009. The Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee will be charged with setting the date to elect Strawn's successor.
Strawn shared his announcement with Iowa Republicans in the following video message.  Please click image to view:
The prepared text of Strawn's message to Iowa Republicans follows below:
January 31, 2012
Dear Iowa Republican:
In December 2008, when I campaigned to serve as your Chairman, my top goal was to make the Iowa GOP a relevant force again in Iowa politics by ushering in an era where the Republican Party returned to winning elections without betraying our conservative principles.
Over the past three plus years, we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. We witnessed sweeping Republican electoral victories at all levels. We saw an explosion in new Republican voters with an unprecedented 34 consecutive months of Iowa GOP voter registration gains. We kept the Iowa Caucuses First-in-the-Nation. We broke fundraising records, hosted the largest Republican presidential caucus in history, and for the first-time ever, the Iowa GOP co-hosted three nationally televised presidential debates that were watched by millions. Most importantly, Iowa Republicans accomplished all this and more working together as a team.
Simply put, your Iowa GOP is better off than it was four years ago thanks to outstanding team work. Your Iowa GOP is a relevant force again in Iowa politics. Your Iowa GOP is winning elections with leaders who are advancing our principled agenda. Your Iowa GOP is in a position to re-elect our members of Congress, win an Iowa Senate majority, and make Iowa's six electoral votes the national battleground in the 2012 presidential campaign.
While the election wins, fundraising successes and media appearances are the aspects of being Chairman that gain the most attention, the most rewarding aspect of my service was the opportunity to travel our state and get to know the people of Iowa. The strength of the rebuilt Iowa GOP rests in the hands of the thousands of committed volunteer activists who give their time, treasure and talents to make Iowa a better place by working to elect public servants who share our values and principles.
The Iowa GOP designs its position of Chairman to be volunteer in nature. But over the past three years I have treated the privilege of serving as your Chairman as a full-time calling. There's no question the job of rebuilding our party was a huge one, and one to which I committed every minute that was necessary to succeed.
It is only because the Iowa GOP has returned as a strong and relevant voice in Iowa politics that I am now able to evaluate all the competing priorities in my personal, business and political life. The party is strong and has the resources in place for victory in November. Now is the time to transition to new leadership.
Effective February 10, I will be ending my service as your Chairman. For this fifth generation Iowan and Benton County farm kid, serving as your Chairman has been an honor, a privilege and the opportunity of a lifetime.
To victory,
Matthew N. Strawn
31 Jan 2012

Bettendorf School Counselor Named Top Six in the Country

By Rachel Adams

NEIL ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR

NAMED AS FINALIST FOR SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR

Shelley Klaas from Bettendorf, Iowa Among Top Six  

Alexandria, VA, January 30, 2012 -Shelley Klaas, a school counselor from Neil Armstrong Elementary School, has been named one of the top six school counselors in America. Klaas is one of more than 270 elementary, middle, and secondary school counselors nationwide who were nominated for the School Counselor of the Year award. The award, which is presented by the American School Counselor Association, honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates and often lifesavers for the nation's students.

A counselor for 27 years, Klaas is widely regarded as a mentor, a leader and a tireless advocate for children and the counseling profession, not only in her district but across the state of Iowa.  Armstrong Elementary has a suburban population of approximately 60% of students live in poverty.  After noticing that many students at the school were experiencing hunger as a barrier to learning, Klaas initiated the Backpacks for Snacks program.  Participating families receive a backpack of nutritious, child-friendly food for their students; often students eat these foods for dinner or on the weekends when school food programs are not available.  The program currently serves 81 families and has spread to four other schools within her district.

Another of Klaas's major accomplishments is the development and implementation of the Bettendorf Community School District Clinical Review Team (CRT).  Established on the "it takes a village" concept, each month staff members anonymously present histories of high risk students and families to various local agencies and community groups for assistance with intervention plans.  The CRT program is so successful it has been in place for 17 years.

Klaas is a member of both her school and district Leadership Teams and is co-facilitator for the Iowa Department of Education's Counseling Transformational Design Team (TDT). She was also one of the first two counselors in the state of Iowa to receive National Board Certification in School Counseling and has won both the University of Iowa's and Chick-Fil-A's Teacher of the Year awards.

"Everything I do as a school counselor, I learned from Shelley Klaas. I still often ask myself, 'What would Shelley do?'" said Jan Powers, Prairie Crest Elementary School counselor. "Shelley provides mentorship, leadership, inspiration and a tremendous example of what it means to be a professional school counselor."

"Shelley Klaas has a special gift - something that cannot be taught in any classroom or gained by any amount of experience," said Nicky Stevenson of St. John Vianney Church. "Thanks to Shelley our district and community has a leader that knows what kids need to be successful and works tirelessly to achieve it. She is the golden thread that holds us all together."

The School Counselor of the Year awards program was open to the more than 107,000 members of the school counseling profession. The top six school counselors were nominated by their peers and administrators and judged by a select panel to be the "best of the best."

The candidates were judged on several criteria, including: creative school counseling innovations, effective counseling programs, leadership skills, and contributions to student advancement.

"School counselors make significant contributions to the overall well-being of students and their success," said Richard Wong, Executive Director, American School Counselor Association. "They have unique qualifications and skills that allow them to address students' academic achievement, personal/social and career development needs."

Klaas, along with the other five finalists, will be flown to Washington, D.C., on February 1, 2012, for three days of celebratory events. The honorees will have meetings with their members of Congress, attend a congressional briefing, tour the White House, participate in a briefing at the Office of the Vice President and be formally recognized at a black-tie gala.

Co-chairs of the 2012 School Counselor of the Year program are U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI - 6th), and U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL - 23rd).

For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, please visit www.schoolcounselor.org.

About the American School Counselor Association

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) professional organization based in Alexandria, VA.  ASCA promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of professional school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, personal and social development, and career planning to help today's students become tomorrow's productive, contributing members of society.  Founded in 1952, ASCA currently has a network of 50 state associations and a membership of nearly 30,000 school counseling professionals.

 

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31 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Announces First Investments from State's New Venture Capital Fund

By Nafia Khan

Invest Illinois Venture Fund Providing Access to Capital for Young, High-Growth Companies to Create Jobs and Grow the Economy

CHICAGO - January 31, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the first investments from the state's new venture capital fund to support two Illinois start-up businesses, Buzz Referrals, Inc. and AuraSense Therapeutics. The Invest Illinois Venture Fund (IIVF) is a new venture capital program that is part of the $78 million Advantage Illinois program launched by Governor Quinn last October. The program supports young, innovative Illinois companies that show high growth potential, can demonstrate their place in the market and already have other investors.

"This new venture fund is allowing us to help small and start-up businesses increase innovation and competition, expand, and create good-paying jobs," Governor Quinn said. "We must continue to do everything we can to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow in order to boost the economy, create jobs and compete in the global marketplace."

The state's $575,000 investment in Chicago-based start-up Buzz Referrals and Evanston-based AuraSense Therapeutics will help the two companies leverage $10.5 million in indirect private investment. The additional capital will help these companies continue to grow their businesses and create jobs. The additional capital will help these companies continue to grow their businesses and create jobs.

Founded in 2011, Buzz Referrals is a high-growth start-up business that develops and operates an online platform that creates custom referral programs based on social media. The platform allows corporations, small businesses, agencies, brokers and nonprofits to create and track online messaging that can be shared via email, social networks and word-of-mouth to maximize their contacts and customers. The IIVF helped Buzz Referrals leverage additional investments, which will enable the company to increase its staff size from four full-time employees to 20 full-time employees over the next two years.

"We'd like to thank Governor Quinn and the state of Illinois for their commitment to entrepreneurship and startups through the Invest Illinois Venture Fund," said Jordan Linville, CEO and co-founder of Buzz Referrals. "Buzz Referrals offers simple and cost-effective solutions to help businesses acquire new customers through referral marketing. The IIVF's funding and resources will accelerate our growth and help Buzz Referrals be a leader within this space."

AuraSense Therapeutics, founded in early 2011, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing spherical nucleic acid (SNA™) constructs, which can help fight diseases such as heart disease, cancer, skin conditions and bacterial infection. With the capital leveraged through the IIVF, the company expects to greatly accelerate the development and growth of multiple therapeutics and create dozens of jobs over the next three years.

"We are delighted to have Illinois' new venture fund as part of the syndicate investing in AuraSense Therapeutics. Their participation is not only important validation of the AuraSense mission and gene regulation platform, but also will be key in transitioning the technology to important new therapeutics for a wide variety of debilitating diseases," said Chad Mirkin, co-founder of AuraSense Therapeutics.

Governor Quinn launched the Advantage Illinois program in October 2011 to provide Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs with the access to the capital they need to start new companies and expand existing businesses. Advantage Illinois will leverage $78 million in federal funding that will allow businesses to bring innovative ideas and new products to market, and accelerate job creation and economic growth in Illinois. The IIVF is supported by the Governor's Illinois Innovation Council, which is actively working to execute strategies to enhance awareness of capital availability in Illinois and connect the dots between great ideas and the partners who can help turn ideas into companies and products.

In addition to the IIVF, the Advantage Illinois program is comprised of several components to spur institutional lending, including the Capital Access Program (CAP), the Participation Loan Program (PLP) and the Collateral Support Program (CSP). Some small businesses may also be eligible to receive Advantage Illinois financing. Businesses interested in participating in the IIVF may submit their applications online to DCEO at www.ildceo.net/AdvantageIllinois.

Advantage Illinois builds upon Governor Quinn's commitment to enhancing business growth. The Advantage Illinois initiative is expected to generate a minimum of at least $10 in new private lending for small and medium-sized businesses for every $1 of federal funding, resulting in around $800 million of private sector investments and loans being pumped into the economy over the next few years. The Brookings Institution recently noted more than 95 percent of new jobs are derived from business expansions or start-up activity.

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), funding for Advantage Illinois is being provided by the U.S. Treasury through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which was created as part of the American Small Business Jobs Act signed into law by President Obama in 2010.

"Through the IIVF, we are giving businesses a booster shot in the form of deploying new tools to ease the credit crunch they have experienced in recent years, improve the field of play and give Illinois companies an advantage against the competition," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "We will continue to target investments in every area of the economy to help keep moving Illinois forward."

Governor Quinn announced the first investments from the state's new venture fund today at Chicago-based Excelerate Labs, a business incubator and accelerator for startups driven by proven entrepreneurs and investors. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's aggressive business agenda that is helping move the Illinois economy forward. The state maintains a large portfolio of programs, which is designed to help Illinois businesses thrive in today's economy. For more information, please visit www.ilbiz.biz.

 

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31 Jan 2012

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS - Voice of the Cardinals coming to the Quad Cities

By Margaret Babbitt
Davenport, IA - January 30, 2012 - Spring training comes early to the Quad Cities with Breakfast of Champions, an event that celebrates perseverance and teamwork, featuring former St. Louis Cardinal Rick Horton.  Horton, a former MLB pitcher who now broadcasts for the team, will talk about the remarkable determination and drive that led to the Cardinals' 2011 World Series win.  The family oriented event will take place on Saturday, February 25, from 9:00am - 11:30am on the suite level of Modern Woodman Park, and will include a full brunch buffet, a silent auction and raffle as well as activities for children. 
   
Breakfast of Champions will also feature the Quad City River Bandits and representatives from local high school championship teams.  Tickets are $40 for adults/ $10 for children under 12 and can be purchased at the Adler Theatre box office at 136 East Third Street, Davenport or online at www.goldroomlegacy.org.  A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to Project Renewal, the Boys and Girls Club and Gold Room Legacy Project.
Local Champions Showcase

Even the Cubs and Sox fans will enjoy coming to applaud our local champion Quad City River Bandits, who won the 2011 Midwest Minor League Championship this summer.  Also being honored are area high school teams that have honored the Quad Cities with their teamwork, sportsmanship and excellence: the Assumption Girls Basketball team, winners of the 3A championship; the Moline Girls softball team that holds the 4A title; Davenport North's Boys Bowling team who are the 2A champions, and the Rock Island Boys Basketball 3A State champions.  All will be represented at the event.
Raffles and Activities

A raffle and silent auction will be held and include items such as season tickets to the Quad City River Bandits; use of a skybox suite with tickets for 16 for a Bandits game; a Cardinal package with hotel, dinner and game tickets for two; the chance to take batting practice on the field with the Bandits; two tickets to Damn Yankees at the Adler Theatre with dinner and a nights stay at the Hotel Blackhawk, as well as Cardinals and River Bandits merchandise.  Rascal the River Bandit will be on hand to join in the fun and have pictures taken with his friends.  There will be an inflatable set up and a putt-putt hole,coloring and activities, some board games for the kids.
About Rick Horton

Rick Horton is a broadcaster on Cardinals telecasts, providing play-by-play commentary as well as postgame analysis. A former left-handed pitcher for the Cardinals, Rick spent seven years in the Major Leagues, playing for St. Louis, Los Angeles and the Chicago White Sox. He made his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 1984 and participated in the 1985 and 1987 World Series with the Redbirds and won the Series in 1988 while with the Dodgers.  After retiring from his Major League playing career, Horton remained in the St. Louis area where he has been active in the Greater St. Louis Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as the Director of the St. Louis FCA since 1993.
About the Non-Profit Partners

The Gold Room Legacy Project is an effort to sustain and protect the legacy of the iconic Gold Room at the Hotel Blackhawk through enriching, educational and entertaining events. In addition to preserving part of Quad City history, we prepare for the future by presenting an active and vibrant place for residents to gather, socialize and entertain.  Bringing life back to the Gold Room has added to the growing vitality of the riverfront, continues the dynamic redevelopment of downtown Davenport and contributes to the health and quality of life of the Quad Cities community.   www.goldroomlegacy.org.
Project Renewal provides educational and recreational activities for children during the school year and summer in a safe, loving environment.  Staff and volunteers are positive role models for the children, reinforcing values needed in order to live healthy and productive lives.  For many children, struggling with everyday issues, Project Renewal is one of the few anchors in their lives.  Project Renewal is an important organization in our community which can deeply impact the life of a child and is very rewarding personally for those who volunteer or provide financial support.   www.projectrenewal.net
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley (BGCMV) provides after-school programming to more than 1,200 youth ages 6-18 annually at three Quad City area locations in Davenport, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois.  Programming in the Club focuses on five core areas:  Leadership & Character Development; Education & Career Development; the Arts; Health & Life Skills; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation.  Our mission: "To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to achieve their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens."  www.bgcmv.org
31 Jan 2012

Royal Neighbors names Kristin Lohse as 2011 Employee of the Year

By Lynnette Meincke
(ROCK ISLAND, IL)–Kristin Lohse, Davenport, IA, was presented the Royal Neighbors of America 2011 Employee of the Year Award by Cynthia Tidwell, President/CEO.

The award program was created to annually recognize an employee who demonstrates professionalism and integrity; shares knowledge and resources with others; embraces the organization's mission; and goes above and beyond to respond to external and internal customers. Employees are nominated for this prestigious award by fellow co-workers. The award comes with a vacation package of Kristin's choice, valued at up to $2,000, and three extra vacation days.

Kristin joined Royal Neighbors in 2010 as a marketing specialist. Her responsibilities include planning and managing the implementation of marketing projects involving branding, product management, research, advertising, member management, and distribution strategies.

"Kristin has been a great addition to our team," said Ms. Tidwell. "Her strong work ethic, professionalism, and marketing expertise are a wonderful asset to our organization."

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501c(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 215,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

Picture: Kristin Lohse, Royal Neighbors of America 2011 Employee of the Year, at left, and Cynthia Tidwell, President/CEO of Royal Neighbors, at right.

 

END
31 Jan 2012

Cain endorses Gingrich

By Cain Connection

Dear Patriot,

You may have already heard that I have officially endorsed Newt Gingrich for President of the United States.  My personal support for Speaker Gingrich does not alter or diminish my full support and endorsement of the American people ("We the People"), the ones who are truly the leaders of this great nation.

I put a lot of thought and prayer into this momentous decision and it is not something I have taken lightly. In addition to recently endorsing "We the People" I decided to publicly announce my support for an individual candidate because I believe the times dictate the importance. Once my internal decision of support was made, I wanted to let my friends and supporters know who I believe holds the closest positions to the ones I promoted during my campaign, including the support of my 9-9-9 Plan to spur economic growth.

I have great respect for all the candidates, but I believe Newt Gingrich is the best candidate to debate and defeat Barack Obama. While you and I may not agree with him on everything, we all share the same overall values and principles, and I believe Speaker Gingrich will make us proud as he represents us not only as the Republican nominee, but as President. 

I have always tried to promote bold and innovative ideas to solve our nation's problems. Newt Gingrich is also unafraid to support bold and innovative ideas, evidenced by his record. Both of us have shown a willingness and ability to buck the system to get things done. 

Now it is time for YOU to buck the system to get things done! Now is the time for the citizens' movement to come together and unite.  We must not let establishment rhetoric divide us.  We must stay focused on solutions and on truly solving the problems that face our country, including the problem of our burdensome tax code, which together we can overhaul through the implementation of my 9-9-9 Plan. We must stay focused and united on solutions!

You were very generous and supportive during my campaign, and it is my hope that you will consider doing the same now as we continue to build the momentum for my Solutions Revolution!

The liberal media attacks with a vengeance those outside the establishment. They do so because they know that outside-the-box leadership and innovative solutions threaten their power base.  We can't let them beat us!  "We the People" are still in charge of this country!

This Solutions Revolution is our chance to send a message that we are done with gutter politics and back-room deals. This is an opportunity for us to send a message to Washington, to the media, and to the political elites that "We the People" are in charge of this country and we are fed-up with politics as usual. We want results!

I cannot do this alone. I need your help.  This nation needs your help. Will you join me in bringing forth bold solutions to cut through the political double-speak? Will you join me in helping to build a nation of citizen leaders, all of whom will get involved to help our country become the beacon of hope and prosperity that it once was? 

Please consider sending your most generous gift today, which will help us promote the simple, efficient, and fair 9-9-9 Plan, Monetary Reform, and Regulatory Reform, in addition to other major solutions that will help our nation.

Remember folks, this is not about us. It is about the grandchildren. Let's unite together and create a revolution of brains and ballots that will secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.  Join me in this Solutions Revolution!

Thank you.  Together, we ARE America!

Herman Cain 

P.S.  You may be unaware that I gave the Tea Party response to the President's State of the Union address last week.  The liberal media and the Washington establishment tried to silence the message and it was not covered on network television.  Click here to watch a video about my speech.

You can see what we are up against.  Please send your most generous gift today to help us with the Solutions Revolution!

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