02 Dec 2011

Lt. Governor Simon: Time to fill out school efficiency survey

By Kathryn Phillips

Survey ideas will help Classrooms First Commission improve school efficiency, student opportunity

SPRINGFIELD - November 23, 2011. If you have ideas on how Illinois school districts can operate more efficiently and enhance learning opportunities, you have a little more than a week to share the cost-saving tips with Lt. Governor Sheila Simon's Classrooms First Commission.

An online survey on district efficiency and effectiveness will close Friday, December 2, after eight weeks on Simon's website. To date, more than 330 parents, taxpayers and educators from 72 counties have submitted input to the Classrooms First Commission. Their comments join the 379 people who attended and 79 who testified at four regional public hearings.

"To all the educators, parents and taxpayers who are concerned about education, we want to hear from you," Simon said. "This is your chance to tell policymakers how to best spend our limited education dollars."

Suggestions submitted to the commission via the online survey include :

  • Elimination of administrative redundancies
  • Greater cooperation between school districts and community colleges and universities to increase dual credit offerings and share administrative costs
  • Greater use of shared service agreements to lower purchasing, transportation and health insurance costs
  • Greater use of technology to lower administrative costs and offer more course offerings to students through distance learning
  • Removing barriers that prohibit school districts from developing efficiencies of their own

The commission will soon move into the second phase of its study and break into working groups each focused on one of the following topics: shared services, within-district efficiencies, and realignment. Work groups will review the ideas submitted to the online survey, the testimony collected at public hearings and the presentations given at commission meetings.

In the third and final phase of its deliberations, the commission will draft recommendations and present them at a round of public hearings in the spring. The final report is due to the Governor and General Assembly in the summer.  The survey can be found here or by following the "Education" link at www.ltgov.il.gov.

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02 Dec 2011

Concerti for Celli and more QCSO news

By Jared Johnson

 

The first half of the 2011-12 Masterworks season concludes in just a few weeks on December 3rd and 4th with Concerti for Celli, featuring cellists Tony Ross and Beth Rapier Ross. This husband-and-wife team, respectively principal cello and assistant principal cello of the Minnesota Orchestra, brings their own special connection to a pair of concerti, each written for a pair of celli. The first by Ott in a modern idiom, with the second in Vivaldi's more Baroque style.

 

Michael Abel's Global Warming, originally commissioned by Mark Russell Smith, displays the warming of cultural relations by weaving together folk music from divergent cultures into one noisy yet harmonic global village. The concert is concluded with Brahms' beloved First Symphony.

 

For full program notes and listening samples, click here.

 

For guest artist biographies, click here.

 

Tickets for Masterworks III may be purchased at 800.745.3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by clicking here.

Chili with Celli

 

Friday, December 2 at 5 PM, cellists from around the Quad Cities are invited to join Anthony Ross and Beth Rapier Ross from the Minnesota Orchestra, along with Hannah Holman, Kevin Price-Brenner, and Mark Russell Smith at the River Music Experience in downtown Davenport for a chili dinner and cello performance. Chili will be available at 5, with the program beginning at 5:30.

 

The chili will be provided by Volunteers for Symphony and drinks will be for sale at the RME Cafe. This event is free to the public and everyone is invited to bring their cello and a music stand. Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 30, to Rebecca Swartz, Education and Youth Ensemble Coordinator, at 563.322.0931 or rswartz@qcsymphony.com if you plan to attend.

Win $50,000 in the Symphony Raffle

 

In honor of our 97th season, the QCSO is selling 1000 $97 raffle tickets which could win you $50,000!

 

In addition to that exciting Grand Prize, over $3500 in preliminary cash prizes will be awarded at each Quad City Symphony Orchestra concert this season, including a $2500 "early bird" prize on December 4. Winners of the preliminary prizes will remain eligible for the Grand Prize, so the earlier you buy your ticket, the better your chance to win!

 

Buy your tickets today at the QCSO Box Office or by mailing a check for $97 to 327 Brady Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801. Your tickets will be mailed to you upon the receipt of your check.

The Signature Series continues

 

The QCSO saw great attendance for the premier offering of its Signature Series and expects to see the same when the Lyrebird Ensemble performs at the Figge Art Museum on January 21. The Lyrebird Ensemble, a collaboration between Quad City Symphony Orchestra members Ellen Huntington and Lillian Lau, will perform hidden gems from the flute and harp repertoire. Come to hear the gorgeous combination of these two instruments in a program of rarely performed works ranging from charming to virtuosic. This second concert of the Signature Series is in the Figge Art Museum on January 21 at 8 PM.

 

The Lyrebird Ensemble will be performing in the "Fins and Feathers: Children's Book Illustrations from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art," a temporary exhibit at the Figge Art Museum that showcases original children's book illustrations from the late 1960s through today. Included are works by Leo Lionni (Fish is Fish), Petra Mathers (Lottie's New Beach Towel), and Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar). The exhibition opens on the day of the concert and runs through April 22, 2012.

 

Tickets for the Signature Series are $18, but if you buy both remaining concerts in the series you can save 15%. May 19 will feature the driving rhythms of composer Marc Mellits at the River Music Experience. The first thing you'll do after each concert is tweet: "That was the best music I've heard in a long time."

 

To read more about the Lyrebird Esemble, click here.

02 Dec 2011

Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Juvenile Procedure

By IowaCourts.gov
Chief Justice Cady has signed an order seeking public comment on proposed amendments to chapter 8 of the rules of juvenile procedure.

http://www.iowacourts.gov/wfdata/frame12545-1022/index.asp
02 Dec 2011

Cain Maintains Focus on US Economy, Defines Broad National Security Policy Platform in Debate

By J D Gordon
Republican presidential frontrunner Herman Cain authoritatively tackled a variety of foreign policy issues while stressing the nation's primary challenge of economic instability at Tuesday night's debate at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. Cain stressed the need to focus efforts on strengthening the economy as a component of national security: "This whole discussion tonight about cutting and compromise?we didn't spend enough time talking about the other part of the problem?growing this economy. This administration has failed dismally...we can cut till the cows come home but it will not solve the problem until we have effective economic growth."

Discussing Iran's growing quest for nuclear weapons, Cain explained that the situation with Iran is also shaped by prevailing forces in the region. Cain said, "...If we pull out of Afghanistan too soon, Iran is going to help fill that power vacuum in Afghanistan. And so it is in our best interest in the USA to prevent them from being able to (do that)."

Cain drew from his own wealth of experience in addressing a question about the greatest threat to national security that no one is talking about today: "Having been a ballistics analyst and a computer scientist earlier in my career," Cain said, "Cyber attacks. That's something that we do not talk enough about and I happen to believe that is a national security area that we do need to be concerned about."

Cain explained how Mexico's instability is a national security threat: "An insecure border is a national security threat for the following reasons. Number one, we know that terrorists have come into this country by way of Mexico. Secondly, 40 percent of the people in Mexico according to a survey already believe that their country is a failed state. Thirdly, the number of people killed in Mexico last year equals the number of people killed in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. 

So yes, let's solve the whole problem. Number one, secure the border for real. Number two, enforce the laws that are already there - we don't need new laws. Number three promote the current path to citizenship. Clean up the bureaucracy in Washington D.C. so people can come through the front door instead of sneaking in the side door. And number four, to deal with the illegals that are already here, empower the states to do what the federal government is not capable of doing."

Regarding US foreign assistance Cain stressed his common-sense platform of examining which problems are effective: "It depends upon priorities...Just like every program we have domestically, (we must ask) what have the results been, and then we make a decision about how we prioritize."

Among the other topics Cain addressed during the expansive debate were refining and strengthening the Patriot Act and improving airport screenings for terrorism, in which Cain advocated targeted identification and privatization of services.
02 Dec 2011

Braley Statement on Death of Marine Cpl. Christopher Zachary Reiff

By Jeff Giertz

Iowa Marine died from wounds suffered by an IED explosion in Afghanistan 

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today after learning that Marine Cpl. Christopher Zachary Reiff, a native of Preston, Iowa, died as a result of injuries suffered from an IED explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Reiff family.  Words seem so inadequate at times like these, but I am grateful for Corporal Reiff's service.  He made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of the country he loved.  I urge Iowans to keep the Reiff family in their thoughts this Thanksgiving."

# # #
02 Dec 2011

All 12 HUNGRY HOBO RED KETTLES: Easy to Find, Hard to Resist!!

By Holly Nomura

For the fifth consecutive holiday season, The Hungry Hobo restaurants in the Quad Cities will partner with The Salvation Army by collecting donations in the iconic Red Kettles throughout the Red Kettle Campagin and into January.

But this year, a 12th kettle has been added in their new LeClaire location complete with a beautiful riverfront view!

These smaller kettles, all donated by The Hungry Hobo, will sit on the countertops of all local Hungry Hobo restaurants collecting change and dollar bills. It is another example of a simple act that can help a person or family in crisis. "Every year, the Hungry Hobo customers astound us with their generosity," states Holly Nomura, Development Director.

When you see a counter kettle at your favorite Hungry Hobo location, please give generously and make sure to thank them for hosting the kettle. "The Hungry Hobo is honored to be able to partner with The Salvation Army to help the needy throughout the Quad-City area," said Pryce T. Boeye, President, CEO of The Hungry Hobo.

In fact, 82 cents of every dollar you put into the counter kettle sustains The Salvation Army's life- transforming programs which include shelter, food and clothing for individuals and families with no where else to turn.

Please dine at the following eleven locations where you can find Salvation Army counter kettles:

The Twelve Hungry Hobo Locations are:

  1. Bettendorf: 2320 Spruce Hills Drive
  2. Davenport: 4810 Elmore Avenue
  3. Davenport: 903 E. Kimberly Rd. (Old Town)
  4. Davenport:1432 W. Locust St.
  5. Davenport: 1640 W. 53rd Street
  6. LeClaire: 1109 Canal Shore Drive
  7. Moline: 4101 44th Avenue,
  8. Moline: 1635 Ave. of the Cities (Browning Field)
  9. East Moline: 4117 Kennedy Drive (Kennedy Square),
  10. East Moline: 1842 18th Avenue
  11. Milan: 902 W. 4th Street
  12. Rock Island: 2532 18th Avenue

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29 Nov 2011

Freight House Farmers' Market open on Tuesdays

By Rick Martin

The Freight House Farmers' Market continues to be open on Tuesdays at 421 W River Dr in Davenport.  Although the outdoor vendors have taken shelter for the winter, the indoor market is open and ready for your business!

Stop in and pre-order all your Christmas, New Year's and other holiday needs, from baked goods to sauces, jellies and salsas to Sawyer beef to homemade gifts and on and on. 

Visit us on Tuesday from 3pm until 6pm on River Drive between Ripley and Western Streets, facing the Mighty Mississippi.  The Market is also open on Saturdays from 8am until 1pm.

http://freighthousefarmersmarket.com or find us on Facebook®.

23 Nov 2011

German American Heritage Center's CHRISTKINDLMARKT SHOPPING

By GAHC

German American Heritage Center's CHRISTKINDLMARKT SHOPPING

Just a reminder that The GAHC's Gift Shop will be open:

Tuesdays through Saturday open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m
Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Open the day after Thanksgiving
Sundays open 12 - 4 p.m.

Extended Pre-Christmas Shopping Hours:

Tues Dec.  20 open til 7:00 p.m.
Wed  Dec. 21 open til 7:00 p.m.
Thurs Dec. 22 open til 7:00 p.m.
Fri  Dec. 23 open til 4:00 p.m.
Closed Sat, Sun  Dec. 24-25

A coupon for 15% off any one item in the Gift Shop, valid for the
for the month of December, will be available in the Infoblatt.
All three extended shopping days will feature personal escorts to the parking lot from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and we will help carry your purchases.

22 Nov 2011

All 12 HUNGRY HOBO RED KETTLES

By Todd McGreevy
All 12 HUNGRY HOBO RED KETTLES: Easy to Find, Hard to Resist!!

For the fifth consecutive holiday season, The Hungry Hobo restaurants in the Quad Cities will partner with The Salvation Army by collecting donations in the iconic Red Kettles throughout the Red Kettle Campagin and into January.

But this year, a 12th kettle has been added in their new LeClaire location complete with a beautiful riverfront view!

These smaller kettles, all donated by The Hungry Hobo, will sit on the countertops of all local Hungry Hobo restaurants collecting change and dollar bills. It is another example of a simple act that can help a person or family in crisis. "Every year, the Hungry Hobo customers astound us with their generosity," states Holly Nomura, Development Director.

When you see a counter kettle at your favorite Hungry Hobo location, please give generously and make sure to thank them for hosting the kettle. "The Hungry Hobo is honored to be able to partner with The Salvation Army to help the needy throughout the Quad-City area," said Pryce T. Boeye, President, CEO of The Hungry Hobo.

In fact, 82 cents of every dollar you put into the counter kettle sustains The Salvation Army's life-transforming programs which include shelter, food and clothing for individuals and families with no where else to turn.

Please dine at the following eleven locations where you can find Salvation Army counter kettles:

The Twelve Hungry Hobo Locations are:

Bettendorf: 2320 Spruce Hills Drive

Davenport: 4810 Elmore Avenue, 903 E. Kimberly Rd. (Old Town), 1432 W. Locust St., and 1640 W. 53rd Street

LeClaire: 1109 Canal Shore Drive

Moline: 4101 44th Avenue, 1635 Ave. of the Cities (Browning Field)

East Moline: 4117 Kennedy Drive (Kennedy Square), 1842 18th Avenue

Milan: 902 W. 4th Street

Rock Island: 2532 18th Avenue

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FCoe Contact: Holly Nomura

Date:  (563) 271-7933

 

 

22 Nov 2011

Obama's Failed Leadership Causes Lower than Expected GDP

By Rick Martin

President Obama's Department of Commerce today announced that the country's GDP grew at a meager 2.0 percent for July to September and lower than the advance estimates of 2.5 percent. This discouraging news is on top of 9 percent unemployment and more than 46 million Americans continue to be below the poverty line. Republican Presidential candidate, businessman and entrepreneur Herman Cain issued the following statement:

"Obama's leadership again is failing Americans as anemic GDP numbers released by the Commerce Department show his Great Recession continues to stifle job creation and prosperity building. He refused to standup and lead the Super Committee in cutting wasteful bureaucracy, and his healthcare takeover and constant talk of tax hikes leaves businesses without the resources and long-term direction to plan for the future. 

Our '999 Plan' crushes the barriers blocking prosperity, expands the GDP by $2 trillion, simplifies the tax code for every American along while creating six million new jobs and increasing business investment by one-third and wages by 10 percent.

I'm not a career politician. I'm a husband, father and grandfather. I'm a businessman and entrepreneur who knows how to create jobs and tackle complex problems - and I'm fighting for Americans everywhere who are fed up with Washington's reckless agenda of higher taxes, more spending, more government takeovers, and rising deficits and debt. Now more than ever, we need new leadership in the White House - and I know that Washington answers to the people, not the other way around.

Americans are frustrated with politicians ignoring their concerns. I'm listening to them, and running to restore our nation's values, restore our economy and fix the widespread problems infecting our nation's capital. As president, I'll make Washington responsive to you, the hardworking, taxpaying citizens of the greatest country on the face of the Earth."

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