May 16, 2012

"Books That Shaped America" Exhibition to Begin Project

The Library of Congress - the world's largest repository of knowledge and information  - will begin an ongoing "Celebration of the Book" with an exhibition this summer of "Books That Shaped America." It will be part of a larger series of programs, symposia and other events that explore the important and varied ways that books influence our lives.

The "Books That Shaped America" exhibition will be on view from June 25 through Sept. 29 in the Southwest Gallery, on the second floor of the Library's Thomas Jefferson Building, located at 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. The exhibition will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Library is closed on Sundays and federal holidays.

The Library's "Celebration of the Book" includes its 12th annual National Book Festival, which will be held Sept. 22-23 on the National Mall. The festival draws hundreds of thousands of book lovers each year.   

The initial selection of "Books That Shaped America" will not be definitive; rather, it will mark the beginning of an ongoing recognition of culturally significant books from all genres of writing. Members of the public will be asked to nominate books for subsequent lists of "Books That Shaped America." In 2013, the Library will recognize "Books That Shaped the World."

"The 'Celebration of the Book' at the Library of Congress demonstrates our recognition of books as the cornerstones of American culture and democracy," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "We want to involve all Americans in a conversation about books and how they have affected them."

The Library of Congress, with collections that are universal and comprise all media, has a long history of acknowledging the importance of books. It sponsors book symposia and author discussions, held year-round; exhibitions, such as the display of Thomas Jefferson's Library, which formed the "seed" of today's Library of Congress; and its annual National Book Festival.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library's rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

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Due to roof construction at Vander Veer conservatory, the conservatory and store will be closed through Tuesday, May 22.  Vander Veer Park will remain open, but the conservatory and store will be closed due to the construction.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Both the conservatory and store will reopen at 10am on Tuesday, May 22.

A not-for-profit thrift store - The Yard Sale Shop - has opened up at 3150 Avenue of the Cities in Moline. The shop is locally owned and operated, focusing on efforts to support the community and organizations that are within it.

They need your donations and your support to make this happen.  Are you done with your yard sale, cleaning out your attic, your hall closet, or just making some space?  Bring your excess treasures to The Yard Sale Shop, where all donations are greatly appreciated.

Children's and adult clothing • Winter wear to Summer wear • Furniture of all types • Household fixtures and decor • Kitchen applicances • Books • Crafts and art supplies • Toys for any age • Bedding and blankets • Electronics • Dishes and silverware • Cookwear and utensils • Jewelry and collectables • First day school supplies • "A Little Bit of Everything!"

The Yard Sale Shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for shopping and donation drop-off.

Thank you for helping us help the community!

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Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 4pm at the Wallenberg Hal inside Denkman Hall at 3520 - 7th Avenue, Rock Island on the campus of Augustana College.

The Piano and Violin Recital will feature David Bowlin on violin and Robert Elfline at the piano playing the music of Franz Schubert, Aaron Copland, Roger Sessions and others.

Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults and $5 for students.  For more information, please visit www.chambermusicqc.com or call 309-797-0516.

sponsored by Alumni Relations at St. Ambrose University, Davenport.

Exhibition to run from June 8, 2012 until September 7, 2012 at the Catich Gallery in the Galvin Fine Arts Center on the campus of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

The opening reception is Friday, June 8th from 5pm until 7pm.

Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays, 9am until 4:30pm through August 18th.

Gallery info and updates are available at www.sau.edu/catich or by contacting QuinnKristin@sau.edu.

Opening Night.jpg        Dueling Pianos Marquee.jpg

ROCK ISLAND, IL - ComedySportz Quad Cities, operators of The Establishment, were honored as 2012 Small Business of the Year (21-50 employees) on May 16th, 2012 at the Morning Network meeting, held by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.  The criteria for the award were based on community involvement, innovation, and leadership through adversity and success.

ComedySportz Quad Cities opened at The Establishment in 2010 after renovating the formerly known Rocket Theatre in The District of Rock Island.  With the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce and DARI, ComedySportz QC Ltd. created a new home for family entertainment with room to grow their creative services.

Since opening at The Establishment ComedySportz QC Ltd. has expanded to offer Dueling Pianos, and Wednesday night comedy showcases as well as hosting many private events.  ComedySportz has also developed an improv theatre training center, open to youth and adults.

In the last year ComedySportz has been involved in the community primarily by donating over 20 private performances to schools and charities, donating over 1200 tickets to regularly scheduled ComedySportz matches and have hosted fundraisers for groups such as QCPaws, JDRF, Children's Therapy Center and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

ComedySportz QC Ltd. recognizes the contributions of both individual and business support that have helped us shape our services and will continue to help us become a greater partner in the community.

The Establishment Theatre is a multi-use venue located in The District of Rock Island.  Visit us online at EstablishmentTheatre.com

Tickets to ComedySportz are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at (309) 786-1111 or visiting the website comedysportzqc.com.

Cover charge for Dueling Pianos is $5.  Dueling Pianos is a rock and roll all request show featuring national talent.  Ages 21 and over will be admitted.  Full bar and drink specials available.

Braley signing on to bipartisan Business Cycle Balanced Budget Amendment today 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold his weekly press conference call with Iowa reporters this morning at 10:30am CDT.

Braley will announce his support for a balanced budget amendment sponsored by Republican Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI), the Business Cycle Balanced Budget Amendment (H. J. Res. 81).

WHAT: Bruce Braley's weekly press call with Iowa reporters

WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday May 16th, 2012 at 11:30am EDT // 10:30am CDT


One Million for the Arctic

One Million Voices for the Arctic

Right now, Shell Oil drillships are on their way to the Polar Bear Seas in America's Arctic. These seas are home to polar bears, walruses, whales, and seals, and a spill there would be disastrous.

We have one last chance to stop this dangerous drilling. More than a million people have expressed their opposition to Shell's drilling plans, and today we're delivering their messages to President Obama -- and flooding the White House with calls.

Add your voice by calling the White House now.

DECORAH, IA (05/15/2012)(readMedia)-- The following local students were inducted into the Luther College chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa national academic honor society at a ceremony held Saturday, April 14 in the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus:

Jennifer Winder, a Luther College senior from Bettendorf, Iowa. Winder is the daughter of Marie and Troy Winder of Bettendorf. She is majoring in Spanish at Luther, and is a 2008 graduate of Bettendorf High School.

Dallas Wulf, a Luther College senior from Durant, Iowa. Wulf is the son of Neil and Chris Wulf of Durant. He is majoring in mathematics and physics at Luther, and is a 2008 graduate of Durant High School.

Carol Gilbertson, Luther professor emerita of English, was inducted as an honorary member. James Limburg, professor emeritus of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., was inducted as an alumnus member.

Gilbertson delivered the Ruth A. Davis Memorial Lecture, titled "Slow Beauty."

Gilbertson was named emerita professor of English following her retirement from Luther College in 2011, having taught for 43 years as a member of the English department. After graduating from Augustana College, S.D., earned the master of arts degree from the University of North Carolina and the doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota, with a specialization in 17th-century British literature.

She has served Luther as an active scholar and poet, and recently published a collection of her poetry entitled "From a Distance, Dancing" (Finishing Line Press). Gilbertson has also published work in a wide range of journals, including Christian Century, Oberton, Pearl Magazine, and Vineyards: A Journal of Christian Poetry.

James Limburg graduated from Luther College in 1956. He holds the bachelor of divinity degree from Luther Seminary, and the master of theology and the doctoral degree from Union Seminary. He is currently professor emeritus of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul.

Since retiring in 2001, Limburg has served as a visiting professor at Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, Calif., and United Seminary in New Brighton, Minn. He continues to teach and preach at a variety of churches in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Limburg has published a number of books on a variety of topics, and is a contributing author on the "Lutheran Study Bible" (Augsburg).

Luther College (http://www.luther.edu) is one of a select group of private liberal arts colleges in the United States with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Each year, Luther honors outstanding seniors with selection to Phi Beta Kappa. Members are elected on the basis of broad cultural interests, scholarly achievement and good character.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most respected undergraduate honors organization in the United States. The society has fostered and recognized excellence in the liberal arts and sciences since 1776, and the society's distinctive emblem, a golden key, is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement.

DES MOINES - Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady and wife of Vice President Joe Biden, will hold her first campaign event with Iowans.

Dr. Biden will host a conference call with supporters and announce the Women for Obama Steering Committee.  Volunteers will gather at house parties and campaign offices across the state to join the call and hear her thoughts about the critical role that women will play in this next election.

This week is Women's Health Week, a national effort to encourage women to make their health a top priority.  After the call, campaign offices will talk about specific components of the Affordable Care Act and how it benefits women.

Media who would like to join the call can RSVP to
IowaPress@BarackObama.com.

Wednesday, May 16

5:30 PM

WHO: Dr. Jill Biden

LOCATION:              House Party with Steering Committee Member State Rep. Jo Oldson

Home of Cheryl Mulvihill  

2915 Thornton
Des Moines, IA

LOCATION: House Party with Steering Committee Member State Rep. Mary Mascher

OFA Iowa City Office

321 Market St, Suite 106

Iowa City, IA

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