16 May 2012

Be There June 9th When The Next Miss Iowa Is Named

By Glenn Kass

Tickets for pageant in Davenport available now

Davenport, IA - The Miss Iowa Scholarship Program will host its statewide pageant June 7th-9th, 2012 here at the historic Adler Theatre.

Tickets are available now via the Adler Box Office, 136 E. Third St., Davenport, TicketMaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by mail order until May 25th. A ticket form is available to download and print at the organization's web site (www.missiowa.com) under the 2012 Pageant tab.

In June 2011, Jessica Pray of Johnston, was named the 63rd statewide titleholder. She then reached the Top 10 of Miss America ® 2012 this past January at Planet Hollywood Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, NV. At the completion of her year of service, Pray will have earned over $14,000 in scholarship dollars.

The Miss Iowa Scholarship Program is dedicated to community service and enriching the lives of women at several levels of participation from youth to adult. The Miss Iowa program is an official preliminary to Miss America ®.

The Miss Iowa program began with city representatives traveling to Atlantic City, NJ, such as Alta Sterling, Miss Sioux City 1924. In March 1996, the Miss Iowa program was recognized, by resolution of the Iowa Senate, as the "Official Hostess for the State of Iowa." Follow the program online at www.missiowa.com or on Facebook (Search: Miss Iowa Scholarship Program).

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16 May 2012

Club for Growth Releases Report On GOP Freshmen Asking "Just How Tea Party Are They?"

By Rick Martin
Club for Growth analysis of voting records finds many Freshmen Republicans have abandoned "Tea Party" values of fiscal responsibility

 

Washington, DC - Today, the Club for Growth released a report based on its 2011 Congressional Scorecard focusing on the voting records of the so-called "Tea Party" freshmen Republican class of 2010. After a careful review to see if their records match their rhetoric, the Club for Growth has found that for many of the freshmen Republicans, promises of fiscal responsibility have proven to be empty.

 

A Club for Growth review of the voting records of freshmen Republicans on economic issues found:

 

  • In 2011, freshmen Republicans received an average score of 71% on the Club for Growth's Congressional Scorecard. The average veteran received a 69%. This means the freshmen Republicans voted, on average, about the same as the Republicans who were already in Congress.
  • A majority of freshmen Republicans voted against the conservative Republican Study Committee budget.
  • Only 14 freshmen Republicans signed a pledge promising never to raise the debt ceiling until "Cut, Cap, and Balance" had passed.
  • "Tea Party star" Rep. Allen West received an anemic 64% for voting to raise the debt ceiling and by repeatedly voting against spending cuts.
  • The two freshmen in the Republican Leadership received vastly different scores, with Rep. Tim Scott receiving a 92% and Rep. Kristi Noem receiving a 60%.
  • Charlie Bass ran for the seat he lost in 2006 by declaring that the agenda of the tea party "is exactly the same as mine." He received a pathetic 48% in 2011.
  • The Ten Highest scoring freshmen Republicans were Reps. Amash (100%), Huelskamp (100%), Labrador (100%), Mulvaney (99%), Walsh (99%), Stutzman (99%), Quayle (98%), Duncan (97%), Gowdy (97%) and Ross (96%).
  • The Ten Lowest scoring freshmen Republicans were Reps. Rivera (47%), Grimm (46%), Stivers (45%), Runyan (45%), Gibson (44%), Hanna (44%), Fitzpatrick (43%), Dold (42%), Meehan (42%) and McKinley (37%).

 

The entire report can be viewed by visiting http://www.clubforgrowth.org/freshmanvotestudy/ or by clicking here.

 

"The Club for Growth holds members of Congress accountable for their actions, not their rhetoric,"  said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. "The liberal media likes to pretend that these Republicans have fought for fiscally conservative policies, but the facts don't support their thesis. Just because the Republicans have a majority does not mean that more pro-growth policies have been passed. For example, a majority of Republicans voted to raise the debt ceiling, against spending cuts, and for wasteful subsidies. Republicans rail against the National Labor Relations Board, but some voted to keep funding it. By distributing this report to Club members and the public, we hope to raise awareness about the records of the Republican freshmen and believe their constituents will ask what's happened since they went to Washington."

 

The Club for Growth is the nation's leading group promoting economic freedom through legislative involvement, issue advocacy, research, and education.

The Club's website can be found at http://www.clubforgrowth.org/
16 May 2012

Attention Wedding Disc Jockeys and Masters of Ceremonies

By Kearston Zerzanek

Orion, IL Resort looking for Wedding DJs for a New Reality Show

May 15, 2012, Orion IL- My Wedding DJ a new reality based television show being filmed at Hillcrest Events Center is holding open auditions. The premise of our show is a wedding DJ competition highlighting all the different aspects of entertaining guests at weddings and other events. These skills will range from music knowledge, to complying with requests, to focusing on the audience and keeping them entertained while keeping the bride and groom happy. Eight DJs will be selected per show to compete in five elimination rounds ranging from loading and unloading equipment, correcting sound and technical issues, and knowledge of various genres of music. The final 3 DJs will be judged by a bride and the winner will be DJ'ing the wedding.

The show will be filmed over the course of five days and it will be a difficult process, but the experience and exposure is priceless. The competition is open to any DJ who believes they have the skill to entertain guests and make the big day special for the bride and groom. Equipment will be provided, but professionalism, knowledge of a variety of music, and patience with guests is an absolute must. If you're confident in yourself and your abilities, come out and see how far you can get into the competition.

If you think you have what it takes to be the best and defeat other DJs for the job, then come out to showcase your skills. If you have the skills, the confidence, and the will to win then come out to Orion May 22nd and 24th for open interviews. Interviews will be held from 10am to 2pm, then again from 4pm to 8pm each day. The Hillcrest Event Center is located at 16260 E 350 th St, Orion, IL.

Hillcrest Event Center is a family recreational event center. Hillcrest has tent and RV camping throughout the season, as well as an Olympic size swimming pool, Champion Executive Golf Course for all skill levels and a sports club and grill. Hillcrest is located just 10 miles from the Quad Cities Airport at 16260 E. 350th St. Orion, IL 61273. For more information visit us at  www.HillcrestEventsCenter.com or call (309)755-6550.

Hillcrest Event Center is also the home of reality TV show American Resort and My Wedding DJ.

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15 May 2012

2012 Bettendorf Rotary Lobsterfest June 16th - Tickets Available

By Glenn Kass

THE National Bank presents the meal that serves the community

Bettendorf, IA - As it prepares to host the Sixth Annual "Lobsterfest" presented by THE National Bank, the Bettendorf Rotary Club looks to another successful year of serving the meal that provides service to the Quad City Area community.
The New England-style lobster bake is set for Saturday, June 16th - 5:30 to 10 PM - at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf. Tickets, priced at $70.00 each or a table of eight for $480.00, are available now by calling (563) 445-4264. The event is open to the general public.
THE National Bank is the new presenting sponsor. Additional major sponsors are RLS and Associates, Inc., Iowa American Water, Bowe Machine Company, Quad-City Times, Results Marketing, Rivermont Collegiate, McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Midland Communications, Senior Star at Elmore Place, OnMedia, WOC NewsRadio 1420, Isle of Capri, HyVee and Weerts Funeral Home.
In addition, "Lobsterfest" involves several groups such as the Scott Community College Culinary School, Culinary Kids of Family Resources, Inc. and the Boy Scouts of America that assist other volunteers in delivering the fresh meal of Maine lobsters. New this year will be acoustic entertainment provided by Quad City native and national recording artist Danika Holmes (www.danikaholmes.com).
Thanks to funds raised at last year's event, the Bettendorf Rotary Club's Charitable Giving Board awarded direct grants to area charities totaling $20,000. There also was $6,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
"Our club is fortunate to have great friends and businesses that go above and beyond to support this unique event," said BRC President Scott Naumann. "The evening is already memorable for everyone involved. Once people learn the Lobsterfest story, it truly brings our mission of service to life. We look forward to welcoming the community again on June 16th."
The Bettendorf Rotary Club (www.bettendorfrotary.com), chartered on May 22, 1957, has more than 100 members fulfilling the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" in a variety of local, regional and national community volunteer projects. The club meets each Wednesday at Noon at Fortune Garden Restaurant, 2211 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf. The club also has a page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bettendorfrotary).
Bettendorf Rotary Club is part of Rotary International (www.rotary.org), founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago businessman and University of Iowa alumnus. The international organization, now based in Evanston, IL, has more than one million members participating with 32,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries.
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15 May 2012

2nd Fiddle Sale drop-offs start next week

By QCSO

Volunteers for Symphony would love to take your donations of gently used items. This year 2nd Fiddle returns to the same location as last year, in the Village Shopping Center on Kimberly Road between Shoe Carnival and Godfather's Pizza. The most direct entrance is the stop light by the Family Restaurant. For a list of drop-off days and other volunteer information, please click here.

For 29 years, Volunteers for Symphony has been hosting the area's largest sale of gently used items to support the education programs of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Association. This is your opportunity to buy from an enormous selection of furniture, home furnishings, antiques, jewelry, furs, clothing, books, toys, games, sports equipment, collectibles, and art pieces, to name just a few.

Tickets for the Preview Party on Thursday, June 14, are $10. Admittance on Friday and Saturday is free. Tickets are for sale at the door.

15 May 2012

Meet composer Marc Mellits at Rhythm Unleashed

By QCSO

Marc Mellits will be appearing at Rhythm Unleashed, a collection of his works performed by the musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, in the RME's Redstone Room on May 19 at 8:00 p.m. Mellits' unique blending of classical instrumentation with high-energy, rock rhythms is as sensual as it is intelligent.

Heading this project is Principal Percussionist Aaron Williams with help from Principal Cellist Hannah Holman, Pianist Mary Neil, and fellow percussionist Tony Oliver. The team will perform a variety of Mellits' repertoire, including 5 Quiet Machines, Disciples of Gouda, Mara's Lullaby, and Paranoid Cheese.

Tickets for Rhythm Unleashed are $18 for adults and $7 for students. Buy them now online by clicking here.

15 May 2012

Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Connect Rural Schools to the Digital World

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack recently introduced legislation that will target rural schools to ensure they have access to the latest digital learning technologies.  The Schools of the Future Act will provide grants to transform the typical classroom experience into one that is more student-centered and provides teachers with more accurate information and feedback on student progress so that they can better address the needs of struggling students. Loebsack is co-chair of the bipartisan Rural Education Caucus.

"Technology has the power to vastly expand the educational options available to students in rural areas, providing students with a cutting-edge 21st Century education regardless of geography," said Loebsack.  "Digital technology holds great potential for rural schools, which often have trouble recruiting and retaining teachers and offering a variety of electives or advanced coursework."

This legislation builds off of the work already being done in Iowa.  For example, the Iowa Department of Education is working with the University of Iowa to develop the Iowa Online Advance Placement Academy to deliver Advanced Placement courses to high school students across the state, particularly rural and small schools that may not have the capacity to provide these courses themselves, using online technology. The Iowa Department of Education also runs Iowa Learning Online (ILO), which allows students from across the state to enroll in any number of distance education courses, including high school credit classes and post-secondary courses available through Iowa community colleges and universities.

Specifically, the legislation Loebsack introduced will provide funding for schools to implement digital learning strategies such as:

· providing expanded curriculum opportunities,

· providing accelerated or advanced coursework, or

· personalizing the learning experience by providing content that is tailored to an individual student's learning style, ability, and needs.

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15 May 2012

Iowa Legislative Update

By Peggy Huppert

As most of you are aware, the Iowa Legislature adjourned for the year last Wednesday evening (5-9-12). It was three weeks later than expected, and it was a painful process as they haltingly ground to a close, trying to reach consensus on several high-profile, contentious issues.

Each year seems to bring a different experience lobbying and educating the Legislature and executive branch on cancer-related issues. This session started out with a lot of promise, took a big dip downward about a month in when many of our priorities died and the House again proposed eliminating the state tobacco control programs, and then rallied at the end.  Things could have been a lot worse. We appreciate that there isn't the same gridlock at the Iowa Capitol as there is in Washington, DC.

First let's celebrate our legislative successes:

  • Increase of $400,000 on tobacco prevention and cessation funding, dedicated to the Quitline
  • Increase of $500,000 in funding for cervical cancer education and screening
  • New appropriation of $250,000 for IowaCare patient lodging for those required to travel to Iowa City for care and treatment.  This is of particular importance to cancer patients, who must often stay in Iowa City for many weeks.

There were many legislators who helped accomplish these victories, but I'd like to give special recognition to the co-chairs of the Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee - Sen. Jack Hatch and Rep. Dave Heaton. They both were strong advocates for maintaining and increasing funding for cancer-related programs and services.  Without their support these successes would not have happened.

And a huge Thank You to all of you for contacting your legislators, visiting the Capitol and attending legislative forums. None of our work can be accomplished without your voices!

Of course we still have work to do on some important policy issues such as establishing an Iowa Health Insurance Exchange, eliminating the casino smoking exemption, prohibiting tobacco products on school grounds, and reducing Iowans' exposure to deadly radon gas. We will be starting work soon on outreach and education to legislators and others on these issues.

The governor will have 30 days from the last day of the legislative session to sign, line item-veto appropriations bills, or veto entire policy bills. He has never been shy with his veto pen in the past, so we don't assume he will be now.  As soon as the governor deals with the HHS appropriations bill we will schedule a conference call open to all advocates to de-brief on the session. Stay tuned!

15 May 2012

Hardly Bland and American Great Steak Now Open at SouthPark Mall

By Aleshia Chiesa
Who: Hardly Bland is a new fast food option in the food court at SouthPark Mall. Hemanth Nagaraj opened Hardly Bland on April 24. Hemanth is a graduate of LeCordon Bleu® College of Culinary Arts in Chicago, IL where he studied Indian cuisine.

American Great Steak is open in the food court at SouthPark Mall. This features tender cheese steak sandwiches, turkey clubs and made- to-order fresh fries.

What: Both food options are now open.

Where:
SouthPark Mall Hardly Bland & American Great Steak
4500 16th Street
Moline, IL 61265

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15 May 2012

A Message from State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (05/15/2012)(readMedia)-- With summer just around the corner, parents and children alike are ready for a well-deserved break from the demands of homework, practice schedules and carpools. However, before packing away the books and pencils and leaving for summer vacation, I have an important message for parents - start saving now for your child's future college education. It will be here before you know it!

Saving for college is one of the most significant things you can do for your loved ones. With the cost of a college education rising faster than inflation, the majority of families will have to plan ahead in order to meet the challenges of paying for their children's higher education. My advice is to start saving early and to save regularly. Even a small amount of money, saved on a regular basis over an extended period of time, can grow into a substantial amount. Saving early may help reduce a family's need to borrow to cover educational expenses, which will help parents - and their children - get through college with less debt.

While any form of saving for college is better than not saving at all, there are advantages to using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa. Administered by the State Treasurer's Office, College Savings Iowa offers multiple investment choices, including four age-based options that take into account the child's age and the account owner's tolerance for risk. As a general rule, age-based accounts opened for younger beneficiaries are heavily invested in stocks early on; these accounts try to maximize returns by taking advantage of the longer time horizon. As the beneficiary nears college age, the assets are automatically shifted to more conservative portfolios. This allows you to protect your capital and reduce the market risk before you begin making withdrawals for college expenses.

In addition, 529 plans offer significant federal and state tax benefits to help grow your savings even more. Contributions and earnings grow free of federal and Iowa state income taxes while invested and remain tax-free when used to pay for qualified higher education expenses at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. Iowa sweetens the deal for investors in College Savings Iowa by allowing in-state tax payers who are participants to deduct up to $2,975 in contributions per beneficiary account from their 2012 adjusted gross income.*

With initial and ongoing contribution amounts as low as $25, College Savings Iowa is an affordable way for families to save in order to meet the rising costs of higher education. College Savings Iowa's multiple contribution methods, including electronic investment options that allow you to transfer money directly from an existing checking or savings account, make it easy for busy families to save regularly and manage their accounts.

As a way to help families start saving, we are celebrating "529 Day" on May 29 and giving away a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account. For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com anytime during the month of May.

While a college education is an investment that lasts for a lifetime, the season to save for it is a lot like summer vacation - much shorter than you think. Start saving today and help make college a reality for a child in your life - you'll be glad you did! For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit www.my529iowaplan.com or call 888-672-9116.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

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