22 Mar 2012

Sarah Johnson of Davenport to present at Alpha Chi convention

By readMedia

HUNTINGTON, IN (03/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Sarah Johnson of Davenport, IA, of the Huntington University Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship will be attending the Alpha Chi Super-Regional Convention in Baltimore, Md., on March 22-24.

Johnson, a senior journalism and English major will present on "You Sure, Pooh?: Certainty in A. A. Milne's Child, Adult and Hundred Acre Wood Characters."

The delegation will be accompanied by sponsors Dr. Norris Friesen, Dr. Paul Michelson and Mrs. Jean Michelson.

The Indiana Beta Chapter was awarded the President's Cup in 2001 as the outstanding Alpha Chi chapter nationally. At the 2012 convention, it will be recognized for the 17th consecutive year as a Star Chapter of Alpha Chi, one of only four chapters (out of some 300-plus) nationally to receive this award every year since its inception. Dr. Paul Michelson serves as secretary-treasurer of Alpha Chi's Region V and is a member of the Alpha Chi National Council.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

22 Mar 2012

INTRODUCING EASTER CARE PACKAGES FOR THE TROOPS!

By Move America Forward
Don't let our troops be forgotten! With the media's willful ignorance and Easter on its way we must remind our troops overseas that we still remember why they are there and everything they are doing for our nation!

Look at the latest headlines - the media is obsessed with election coverage, football teams trading players, and which football team Peyton Manning is going to. There is no coverage about the looming fight coming in Afghanistan.

Every spring, the "down-season" of winter melts away with the snow of the Afghan mountain ranges. When spring and summer arrive, the Taliban come out of their caves and face our troops. We can't let our brave military men and women be forgotten!

"They are going to come out at us very hard in the east," predicts US Marine Gen. John Allen, the commander of US-led coalition troops in Afghanistan.
- Wall Street Journal (03/19/2012)

We've finally made Easter Care Packages for the Troops available for you to sponsor. Give our troops some much deserved support and offer a message of gratitude.

Your personal message will be sent in a care package packed by our volunteers and sent along with a box full of goodies including special Easter treats! The Easter Holiday is coming up quickly, so get your orders in now!

Don't Forget! We're On the Lookout for Troops!

Soldier Registration is easy! If you have the address of someone on active military duty, such as a spouse, child or sibling, you can click here for our Soldier Sign Up to register each one with the program, or copy this link:

http://www.moveamericaforward.org/apply-servicing.php

e-mail it to them so they can register themselves. Once registered, they will be eligible to receive a package and messages of support from caring fellow Americans.
21 Mar 2012

Mallards Ink 10-Year Agreement with CHL

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (March 21, 2012) - The Quad City Mallards and Club 9 Sports- the Mallards' ownership group- have entered into a 10-year license agreement with the Central Hockey League, making the Mallards a CHL member for the next decade, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

"We are delighted to have entered into this long-term agreement with the CHL.  After years of uncertainty about league affiliation, it is nice for our fans to know we have a long-term home in a well-managed league," said John Prutch, managing partner of Prometheus Capital Partners, parent company of Club 9 Sports.  "We appreciate the support of the i wireless Center, the Quad Cities community and especially the season ticket holders and corporate sponsors who have remained committed to seeing the Mallards survive and revitalize."

The Mallards are closing in on the finish of their second CHL season, competing in the league under the terms of a joint agreement between the CHL and the International Hockey League that was put in place in the summer of 2010 for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.  The Mallards and three other clubs- the Dayton Gems, Fort Wayne Komets and the Evansville IceMen- are currently operating in the CHL under that agreement.

"This is truly exciting news for our fans.  We're happy to be committed to the CHL," said Mallards executive vice president Ryan Simmons.  "It's another exciting development for us as an organization after the successes we've seen on and off the ice this season- attendance has increased by 14 percent and last weekend we reached 3.5 million in all-time attendance for Mallards hockey.  On top of that, of course, is the success the team has enjoyed on the ice this season."

The Mallards already this season have won more games (35) and totaled more standings points (72) than they have in any season since 2006-07.  The Mallards have used an aggressive, attacking style of play to become the second highest scoring team in the league.  The team's high-powered offense has been keyed by Brandon Marino, a finalist for the CHL Most Valuable Player award and a member of the All-CHL Team.  Marino scored in the Mallards' game last night in Dayton to become the first player in the league this season- and the first Mallard since 2006-07- to reach 40 goals.  In addition to leading the league in goals, Marino also ranks second in points (87) and has recorded more points this year than any Mallard has since 2004-05.

"This is a very good day for the Mallards organization, the team's fans and the CHL," said CHL commissioner Duane Lewis.  "The steps taken to reinvigorate the market in the Quad Cities by Club 9 Sports have brought back the excitement of years past for the Mallards and their following.  We are excited for the future of the team and their place within the CHL."

The CHL is nearing the conclusion of its twentieth anniversary season.  The league's regular season ends next Sunday, March 25, with the Ray Miron Presidents' Cup playoffs to follow beginning next week.  Before transitioning to the CHL in 2010, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the IHL in 2009-10.

The Mallards play their final regular season game Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Bloomington Blaze at the i wireless Center.  The first 1,000 fans through the doors for Saturday's regular season finale will receive free 2011-12 Mallards player card sets.  An auction of game-worn Mallards jerseys will immediately follow Saturday evening's game.

Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or tickets@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets for Saturday night's game.

Tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Individual game tickets are available for $13 in the upper level and $18 in the lower level and $25 for the first row along the glass for adults.  Tickets for kids 12 and under are available for $5 off adult rates.  In addition, tickets are available to military personnel for $2 off the regular adult rate.  

About the Quad City Mallards
The Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their second "AA" Central Hockey League (CHL) season.   This season is the Mallards' first under the leadership of head coach and general manager David Bell.  Bell joined the Mallards after spending seven seasons as an assistant coach in the junior and professional ranks.  Prior to moving behind the bench Bell enjoyed a seven-year pro playing career.  His considerable leadership skills were already evident during his playing days- never more so than when he captained the Greenville Grrrowl to the 2002 ECHL Kelly Cup title.  All Mallards home games are played at the i wireless Center.  The Mallards competed in the United Hockey League (UHL) from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League (IHL) in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The Mallards are owned by CLUB 9 SPORTS.  CLUB 9 SPORTS advises, invests and operates in the sports entertainment and media industries.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or to get tickets for unprecedented family fun at affordable prices, fans should visit www.MyQCMallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.  More information on CLUB 9 SPORTS can be found at CLUB9SPORTS.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

20 Mar 2012

Quad City Symphony Orchestra partners with Quad City Bank and Trust for 30th annual Riverfront Pops

By Jared Johnson
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra announces Quad City Bank and Trust as its new sponsor for Riverfront Pops. Riverfront Pops is the annual kick-off to the QCSO's performance season and a 30-year Quad City tradition. This new, multi-year agreement will ensure the concert remains a highlight of the summer festival season here in the Quad Cities.


"Quad City Bank & Trust is excited to partner with the Quad City Symphony and it's Riverfront Pops concert," said John Anderson, President and CEO of Quad City Bank and Trust. "We deeply believe in strengthening the community in which we work and play. We recognize the vital role music education can play in success in school, in life, and in our society, and we want to ensure that programs such as Instruments for Kids and Youth Orchestra scholarships are maintained, and perhaps even increased. It is our hope that with our commitment to this event, every child who wishes to play a musical instrument will be able to do so."

"We are very excited to announce our new partnership with Quad City Bank and Trust," said Jeff vom Saal, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. "As budgets at home and school get stretched thin, the community is increasingly looking to us for support. Our instrument lending program, school outreach tours, and annual Symphony Day concert have become integral parts of the Quad City music education landscape. Partnerships like this new Riverfront Pops sponsorship allow us to maintain and even look to expand our current educational offerings."

The Quad City Bank and Trust Riverfront Pops concert is scheduled to host is 30th annual concert on Saturday, September 8, in LeClaire Park. The concert draws thousands of people every year to the Mississippi riverside where they can enjoy an afternoon in the park, an evening of live music from the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, and fireworks over Centennial Bridge. Popular events like the Riverfront Pops concert, and the Holiday Pops concert a couple months later, allow the QCSO to maintain their high standard of artistic excellence and provide free education programs to thousands of students in the Quad Cities.

In 2012, the Quad City Bank and Trust Riverfront Pops is proud to be the kick-off event for the East West Riverfest, a 10-day arts festival in the Quad Cities that encompasses Viva Quad Cities, the Beaux Arts Fair, the Celtic Festival and Highland Games, Riversance, and many other festivals, events, and activities.

20 Mar 2012

Deb Bowen's A Book By Me at Moline Public Library

By Rick Martin

The Moline Public Library celebrates National Library Week with a program from Deb Bowen as she discusses her children's book series A Book By Me, Wednesday, April 11th at 7:00 p.m.

A series of books for children authored by young adults, A Book By Me features stories of Holocaust survivors, prison camp liberators, and Christian & Muslim righteous gentiles.  Deb Bowen's project, in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and local educators,    has resulted in 60 books written, 6 of which were printed   and distributed to local schools.  Ms. Bowen will also discuss Operation WRITE NOW, which is seeking out students interested in participating in conducting interviews and writing stories for A Book By Me.

To register for this free program, please visit the Moline Public Library at 3210 - 41st Street, Moline or call 309-524-2470.  This program is sponsored by Friends of the Moline Public Library.

# # #
20 Mar 2012

Leahy, Grassley Urge Leaders to Convene Conference Committee on STOCK Act

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Patrick Leahy and Sen. Chuck Grassley today urged the Senate leaders to convene a conference committee on the congressional insider trading bill to restore two key amendments.

 

Leahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, wants the Senate to restore his amendment to give prosecutors new tools to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal conduct by public officials. Grassley, ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, wants a conference committee to renew his amendment requiring political intelligence agents to register as lobbyists. The Senate overwhelmingly passed both amendments but the House of Representatives' version of the bill excludes the provisions.

 

Leahy and Grassley wrote to the Senate majority leader, Sen. Harry Reid, and the Senate minority leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell, urging a conference committee to resolve the differences between the Senate and House bills or alternatively, the opportunity to offer their amendments if the Senate takes up the House bill instead of convening a conference committee.

 

The text of Leahy-Grassley letter follows.

 

March 19, 2012

 

The Honorable Harry Reid                           The Honorable Mitch McConnell

Majority Leader, United States Senate                      Minority Leader, United States Senate

S-221 Capitol Building                       S-230 Capitol Building

Washington, DC 20510                          Washington, DC 20510

 

 

Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:

 

The Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act) passed the Senate with two critical provisions that would improve transparency and give law enforcement more effective tools to combat corruption.  One, an amendment requiring political intelligence agents to register as lobbyists, strengthens the STOCK Act by ensuring that lawmakers, congressional staff, and the American people know who is feeding information to Wall Street.  The other, a carefully tailored amendment to give prosecutors new tools to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal conduct by public officials, furthers the STOCK Act's goals of stopping public corruption and holding public officials accountable for wrongdoing.

 

The Senate passed both of these amendments with strong, bipartisan support.  Unfortunately, the House stripped both provisions from the STOCK Act without a vote. The Senate should act to ensure that the key improvements it made to this bill are incorporated into the final legislation that Congress passes.

 

We urge you to take the STOCK Act to a conference committee to resolve the differences between the Senate and House bills and to encourage the conference to restore these two key provisions.

 

Should you decide, instead, to have the Senate take up the House-passed version of the STOCK Act, we request the opportunity to offer these two crucial amendments so that the Senate may adopt them, again.

 

Taking up the House-passed bill without the opportunity for the Senate to reassert its position with respect to these provisions would be wrong.  These are two of the most important and substantive provisions in the bill.  Without them the legislation would be significantly weakened.

 

Sincerely,

 

PATRICK LEAHY                          CHARLES GRASSLEY

Chairman                       Ranking Republican Member

 

# # # # #


20 Mar 2012

MARCH COOKING CLASSES AT THE WHISK AWAY CAFE

By Laura

 

 

ADULT CLASSES TASTE OF SPRING

Friday, March 23, 2012 - 7-9 P.M. • $25 per person

Celebrate the fresh, vibrant flavors of spring in this cooking class! This class demonstrates recipes for delicious salad and pasta dishes as well as desserts.

 

ELEGANT BRUNCHES

Thursday, March 29, 2012 - 7-9 P.M. • $25 per person

We will teach you how to put an elegant spin on brunch dishes, making them truly extraordinary. Brunch is a great way to entertain and you'll be ready to host your own party after sampling the array of dishes offered in this class. Many of the recipes include make-ahead options so you can easily plan brunches for Easter, Mother's Day, graduation or just weekend get-together with friends and family.

 

JUNIOR CHEFS (AGES 9-14)
SPRING BREAK-FAST

Monday, March 26, 2012 - 6-8 P.M. • $15 per person

With spring showers comes delicious foods full of flavor and color that will start your morning off right! In this class we will be making spring-inspired breakfast dishes and even a few Easter treats!

 

TINY CHEFS (AGES 3-8)
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Sunday, March 25, 2012 - 3-5 P.M. • $10 per person

This class offers hands-on fun with recipes inspired by the classic children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Kids will learn how to make healthy snacks that are too cute not to eat!

 

 

 

Location:

919 6th Avenue, DeWitt, Iowa 52742 (MAP IT)

 

Find us on Facebook!

Facebook.com/whiskaway

20 Mar 2012

Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives April 1-15

By Marvin Whittaker

Feel Good about Giving Back by Donating Blood

The American Red Cross reminds eligible, volunteer blood donors that in about an hour, they can help save lives by donating blood. As Americans become increasingly mobile, eligible donors can feel good knowing that when donating blood through the Red Cross, they may be helping patients not only in their local community, but also their family and friends across the nation.

Approximately 21,000 times a day, patients receive blood from Red Cross blood donors. All blood types are currently needed to help maintain a sufficient and stable blood supply. Feel good about giving back to those in need by donating blood today.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red  Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Blood Donation Opportunities

CARROLL COUNTY

  • 4/5/2012, 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm, Chadwick Fire Department, 210 Calvert Street, Chadwick, IL


HENRY COUNTY

  • 4/9/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Sacred Heart Church, 108 N. Main, Annawan, IL
  • 4/11/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee, IL


MERCER COUNTY

  • 4/10/2012, 1:00 pm- 6:30 pm, Calvary Lutheran Church, Box 97/121 N. Meridian St., New Windsor, IL

SCOTT COUNTY

  • 4/6/2012, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm, Hy-Vee, 2200 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA


WHITESIDE COUNTY

  • 4/3/2012, 8:00 am-11:00 am, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton, IL
  • 4/3/2012, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm, Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland, Morrison, IL
  • 4/4/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls, IL
  • 4/5/2012, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm, CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling, IL
  • 4/9/2012, 11:30 am- 5:30 pm, Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St., Prophetstown, IL
  • 4/10/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton, IL
  • 4/11/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Sterling High School, 1608 4th Ave., Sterling, IL
  • 4/11/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls, IL

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

20 Mar 2012

Illinois, Simon selected as Lumina Foundation Partners

By Kathryn Phillips

Top education network aids Illinois college completion reforms

SPRINGFIELD - March 19, 2012. Illinois is moving toward its college completion goal thanks to a new partnership between Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and a leading education foundation, the lieutenant governor's office announced today.

Lumina Foundation has selected Lt. Governor Simon to represent Illinois in its Postsecondary Productivity Strategy Lab sites. The Strategy Labs provide policymakers in 22 states technical assistance on Lumina Foundation's "Four Steps to Finishing First" reform agenda. The steps include performance funding, student incentives, new learning models and business efficiencies.

"This partnership with Lumina Foundation will help move toward more college completers and a stronger state workforce," Simon said. "Together, we will work to get more students across the stage at graduation and into good jobs."

Simon, who serves as Governor Quinn's point person on education reform, conducted a statewide tour of all 48 community colleges last year to focus attention on the state's college completion goal and recommend steps to achieve it. The Strategy Labs will help the state's higher education system implement the reforms needed to strengthen completion rates and move students into good-paying jobs in Illinois.

"Lumina Foundation is excited to work with Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon because she understands that our nation's economic health is best addressed by educating more students beyond high school," said Jamie Merisotis, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation. "Her unique ability as a statewide elected leader to convene and collaborate with stakeholders from preschool to graduate school is critical to boosting the college completion effort."

Simon shared Illinois' new higher education performance funding model with Lumina and asked it to compare it to other states. The model, developed by the community college and university communities with input from Simon and other stakeholders, ties up to 2 percent of state funding to performance outcomes, such as certificate and degree completion.

About 41 percent of the state's working-age population holds at least a two-year degree, according to Lumina. Simon and Governor Quinn want 60 percent of workers to hold a degree or credential by 2025 to keep pace with employer demands for skilled workers. The completion goal will require higher education institutions in Illinois to produce nearly 9,400 additional completers each year.

Simon is pursuing three pieces of legislation this session which will help more students complete college on time and with less debt. Her reform package aims to improve college readiness in math, smooth transfers from community colleges to universities and make it easier for parents and students to compare higher education institutions.

In early March, staff from the lieutenant governor's office and the City Colleges of Chicago attended a Lumina lab to study innovative college completion strategies at the City University of New York. The strategies were shared with the Joint Education Leadership Committee, chaired by Simon, which will consider their potential to serve as models for accelerated learning on Illinois campuses.

Lumina Foundation is a private, independent foundation committed to enrolling and graduating more students from college. It will release a new report, A Stronger Nation Through Higher Education, in late March that will includes updated higher education attainment rates for every state and county in the U.S., along with the top 100 metro regions. A Stronger Nation also describes higher education attainment in the context of current economic trends, and shows how the U.S. can move more aggressively to increase it to the levels the nation needs.

 

###


20 Mar 2012

Mike Smiddy Election Night Celebration

By Shirin Bidel-Niyat

Who: Mike Smiddy, Democratic Candidate for the IL 71st State House District, will hold an Election Night Party at the Hampton Heritage Center to watch the election results with friends, family and supporters.

What: Election night party for Mike Smiddy

When: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 starting at 7 PM

Where: Hampton Heritage Center, 251 S State Ave., Hampton, IL 61256

Why: This event will be held to celebrate the accomplishments of Mike Smiddy and Tracy Nesseler.

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