11 Jul 2011

Braley Fights to Keep Mexican Trucks Off U.S. Roads

By Alexandra Krasov
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) co-sponsored a bill to protect American families and keep long-haul Mexican trucks off U.S. roads. Rep. Braley signed on to the bill, Protecting America's Roads Act, in response to the Department of Transportation's announcement that it will now allow Mexican trucks access to American roads.

"This decision is dangerous and it threatens jobs here in Iowa," said Congressman Braley. "When we have so many hard-working Americans out of a job, I can't support a decision that puts Mexican workers and truckers before American trucking companies. I'm also deeply concerned that this proposal puts American families at risk. Mexico's safety standards are not on par with ours, and letting tens of thousands of these trucks onto our highways poses a serious threat to everyone traveling on our roads. I drove a truck myself and I know just how dangerous these vehicles can be if they're not operated properly."

Yesterday, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced a deal to allow Mexican long-haul truck operators to operate in the United States. This proposal threatens American truck driver and warehouse worker jobs - especially during the recession - and with increased drug cartel violence along the Mexican border, this proposal also threatens to give cartels an alternate way of getting their products across the border. In fact, there is little doubt that cartels would try to infiltrate the trucking system to transport drugs and weapons.

"I strongly urge the President to reject allowing Mexican trucks on American roads," said Rep. Braley.

###

11 Jul 2011

XStream Cleanup Opportunity

By Bob Holliday
Waterway: Sunset Park
Site: Rock Island (IL (Illinois))
Type of Cleanup: Light-duty cleanup
Description: Sunset Park Park
Site Coordinator Name: Wendy Smith
Site Coordinator Phone: 309-794-1101 or 309-314-5071
Site Coordinator Email: ricapdhs@aol.com
Cleanup Stretch: Various Areas Throughout the Park
Cleanup Date: 8/13/2011
Cleanup Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meeting Site: Sunset Park Pavilion
Notes: Follow This Link for a Map: http://mapq.st/iCQZPw
11 Jul 2011

Veteran's Benefit Presentation

By Administrator

Thursday, July 14th at 6:00 p.m.

2500 Grant Street, Bettendorf, Iowa

Iowa Masonic Health Facilities

Community Center

(at top of the hill)

Are you a war-time veteran or widow of a war-time veteran? You may be eligible to receive a monthly Veteran's benefit.

David Woods, from the Office of Veteran's Affairs in Davenport, has graciously offered to lead this FREE, public meeting to inform Veterans of benefits that may be currently available to them, which may include rental assistance. Veterans may qualify for various benefit programs such as Aid & Attendance Benefits, Housebound Status Benefits, and others. David is also available to meet on an individual basis (via appointment) to assist veterans and their spouses in applying for veterans benefits. Attend this seminar to gather information that may assist you in obtaining the benefits that all Veterans deserve.

Public welcome. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP to Amy Wiyrick at 359-9171, Monday-Friday 8-4.

 

Sponsored by Masonic Village & Iowa Masonic Health Facilities

11 Jul 2011

Job Opportunity with Ballet Quad Cities

By Stephanie Burrough
July 11, 2011 - Ballet Quad Cities is looking for an Administrative Assistant that is an energetic, amicable, and highly organized individual who will provide key support to the BQC Executive Director, BQC Professional & Artistic Staff, and the BQC Board. S/he will work independently and directly with with multiple team and committee members. She or he should be a professional in her or his own right, and will be a strong voice for Ballet Quad Cities in the community that many donors and prospective donors will encounter. This individual will receive training and will have the opportunity to learn about endowment fund development and the world of philanthropy, arts, and arts administration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide executive-level support as required by the BQC Executive Director.
  • Assist the Executive Director in planning meetings, events and performances.
  • Manage accounts payable and payroll.
  • Mail out invitations, thank you letters, and mailings otherwise specified for BQC by Executive Director.
  • Prepare any materials needed for meetings or events.
  • Prepare reports and statistical reports, as required.
  • Update the BQC website & use such social networking tools as Constant Contact and Facebook to promote BQC events and performances.
  • Maintain files, database, calendars, and hard-copy files.
  • Record the assignment of donors and prospects into the database.
  • Maintain accurate records of contacts in the database.
  • Serve as a liaison between professional staff, other departments, donors, and prospective donors.
  • Provide logistical support for projects and special events.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:Advanced written and spoken (English) communication and administrative skills; excellent telephone manner.
  • Computer literacy including MS Office products: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point; experience with mail-merges and with customer or donor databases.  Experience with Publisher encouraged.
  • Exceptional time-management, planning, and administrative skills.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
  • Demonstrate high level of diplomacy, sound judgment, and discretion when dealing with donors, volunteers, and community professionals.
  • Combined four years of full-time work experience and/or higher education.
  • High degree of energy, self-motivation, and flexibility.
The applicant will enjoy the benefits of a part-time job with focus on arts administration and will get to work with an amazing group of people!

Please contact the studio at 309-786-3779 or send your resumes in to Joedy Cook, Executive Director, at jcookballetqc@sbcglobal.net to inquire about the position.
08 Jul 2011

Braley Fights to Create Jobs, Boost Investment in Biofuels

By Alexandra Krasov
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a $105 million loan guarantee tosupport the development of the nation's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Rep. Braley's legislation, passed last Congress, allows DOE to provide a loan guarantee for the new biofuel plant and others like it.

"Investment in biofuels is crucial not just to Iowa's economy, but also to our country as a whole," said Rep. Braley. "By producing ethanol in new and innovative ways, we can lower the price of gas across the country and reduce our national dependence on foreign oil. This new plant will help create hundreds of jobs right here inIowa, and I'll keep fighting to make sure we grow our economy and create long-term, good-paying jobs in Iowa and all over America."

The project, sponsored by POET, LLC, will produce up to 25 million gallons of ethanol per year and is estimated to bring approximately $14 million in newrevenue to Iowa farmers. Named Project LIBERTY, the new plant will use corncobs, leaves and husks provided by Iowa farmers - local materials that do not compete with feed grains. Project LIBERTY will displace over 13.5 million gallons of gasoline annually and fulfill more than 25 percent of the projected 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard Requirement for biomass-based cellulosic ethanol. POET estimates that 85 percent of Project LIBERTY will use local, U.S.-grown materials.

###

08 Jul 2011

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE HONOR ROLL - 4th Quarter 2010-11

By Brittany Marietta

Rivermont Collegiate is pleased to announce the following students have been recognized on the Fourth Quarter Honor Roll:  

  Upper   School   Honor Roll (9th-12th)  

Headmaster's List (3.85-5.00)  

Michael Garneau  

Pavane Gorrepati  

Summer Lawrence  

Alejandra Martinez  

Christine Mbakwe  

Victoria Mbakwe  

Amanda McVey  

Matthew Newsome  

Meghana Pagadala  

Shravya Pothula  

Ramya Prabhu  

Kelsey Qu  

Ashish Tadepalli  

 

Distinction (3.50-3.84)  

Vishal Bobba  

Rebecca Cupp  

Karanveer Gill  

Tristan O'Harrow  

Darsani Reddy  

Joann Weeks  

Chi Ieong Wong  

 

Merit (3.00-3.49)  

Archana Chintalapani  

Souriyo Dishak  

Basilia Koster  

Christopher Mbakwe  

Darcy Ryan  

Meghana Yerrapothu  

 

Middle School Honor Roll (6th-8th)  

High Honors 

(All grades B+ or higher or B or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Helena Barber

Madeline Bowman

Sarah Bowman

Adam Dada

Brandon Eckhardt

Christian Elliott

Shivani Ganesh

Hannah Hansen

Grace Moran

Benjamin Nordick

Manasa Pagadala

Emilia Porubcin

Michal Porubcin

Isaac Sears

Suhas Seshadri

Alexander Skillin

Marta Storl-Desmond

Loring Telleen

 

Honors

(All grades B- or higher or C+ or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Collin Hunt

Samuel Lederman

Kaitlyn Mayfield

Hayley Moran

Bhavana Purighalla

Harrison Qu

Claire Wallace

08 Jul 2011

IOWA FARM GROUPS COME TOGETHER TO BRING FUN, FARMERS AND 'FREE FOOD!' TO 2011 RAGBRAI RIDERS

By Iowa Farm Bureau News

FarmersFeedUs Special Events Planned for 2011 RAGBRAI

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - July 6, 2011 - Iowa farmers from across the state are joining together to show RAGBRAI 2011 riders what Iowa agriculture is all about. Iowa-raised beef, pork and dairy products will be featured in free samples for RAGBRAI riders at several locations along this year's route, which winds through the fertile corn and soybean fields, green pastures, vineyards and dozens of welcoming rural towns.

Iowa Farmers Feed Us (FFU) showcases the character of rural Iowa's farming communities and the many farmers who provide a wide variety of nutritious, safe food. RAGBRAI riders come from around the country and are socially-connected consumers who are curious about the farms and food production they see on their trip through Iowa. FFU is an initiative designed to highlight farmers' commitment to providing people with safe, nutritious and affordable food, caring for the animals and the land, and supporting their communities, as well.

At each stop, free food samples and four separate collectable FFU bike spoke cards will be handed out by Iowa farmers for riders to put on their bikes. The front of each bike spoke card celebrates Iowa farming with exclusive drawings created by celebrated former Des Moines Register illustrator Brian Duffy. The back of the bike spoke card has a link to the Farmers Feed Us website and a number to enter in a drawing to win the grand prize: a new Apple i-Pad. Participants can look for the red FFU flag at the

RAGBRAI 2011 Expo in Glenwood on July 23 to pick up their RAGBRAI route maps, which highlight Iowa Farmers Feed Us stops, food samples and collectible bike spoke card for the grand prize drawing.

The Farmers Feed Us stops along RAGBRAI 2011 include :

  • Monday, July 25, nine miles north of Kimballton, the signs and red Farmers Feed Us flag will lead to a beautiful cattle farm. Iowa livestock farmers are bringing out the big grills and offering free Iowa beef samples, while supplies last! Bike spoke card #1 offered here.
  • Tuesday, July 26, in Churdan, look for the Farmers Feed Us flag just blocks from the town's elevator, and get your RAGBRAI 2011 photo taken with real farmers and big tractors! Bike spoke card #2 offered here.
  • Wednesday, July 27, at White Oak Vineyards, located at 15065 NE White Oak Dr., outside of Cambridge, you'll find a big party with music, wine and free food at the Farmers Feed Us stop! Look for the big, red FFU flag and your free sample of Iowa grilled pork, while supplies last! Get your bike spoke card #3 here.
  • Thursday, July 28, brave the hills just outside Baxter and look for the red, Farmers Feed Us flag and giant dairy cow located along F17 to get your free chocolate milk, while supplies last!Collect bike spoke card #4 here.

The drawing for the grand prize will take place on Tues., Aug. 2, 2011.

Agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy; farming accounts for one in every six jobs. This year, Iowa's farm groups are happy to work together to show RAGBRAI riders and supporters how today's family farmers provide a variety of safe, nutritious and affordable food.

The 2011 RAGBRAI Farmers Feed Us sponsors include : the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State Dairy Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Iowa Soybean Association.

For more information about the 2011 RAGBRAI Farmers Feed Us event, check out www.iowafarmbureau.com/ragbrai.

08 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Help Prevent Violence Among Elementary Students

By Laurel White

Three Education Bills Will Equip Youth with Anti-Violence Training and Help Students Struggling in Math and Reading

CHICAGO - July 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help students across Illinois to learn about how to prevent violence and resolve conflicts peacefully. The Governor also signed bills into law that will help elementary school students who are struggling with math and reading by ensuring that they spend more classroom time on these vital subjects.

"All of our students deserve a quality education, taught in a school that is free of violence," said Governor Quinn. "Through these new laws, we are working to improve math and reading instruction for our struggling students while taking steps to address violence among our youngest children."

House Bill 1204, sponsored by Rep. Constance Howard (D-Chicago) and Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago), requires Illinois school districts to educate all students about ways to prevent violence and resolve conflicts peacefully. Older students in grades four through 12 have received this instruction since 1995, but in recent years violence among younger students has increased. The new law, which takes effect immediately, extends this important guidance to students enrolled in kindergarten through third grade, empowering them at an earlier age with a better understanding of how to handle conflicts appropriately.

House Bill 139, sponsored by Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Sen. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), requires school districts to emphasize reading and math during summer school instruction for students who have fallen two grade levels behind in those subjects for two consecutive school years. Currently, there is no specific requirement in place to ensure that struggling students spend more classroom time on these critical subjects. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

"I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this bill into law and helping meet the needs of struggling students. Basic skills such as reading and math are necessary tools for a child's successful school career," said Rep. La Shawn Ford. "I hope this law continues to build on Illinois' commitment to reforming education, supporting teachers and continuing to close the educational achievement gaps found in underperforming communities."

House Bill 2397 sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), requires school boards across Illinois to promote at least 60 minutes of reading instruction in kindergarten through third grade for students who are one or more levels below their grade proficiency. Currently, there is no reading requirement in place. This new law takes effect immediately and will encourage schools across Illinois to provide more robust reading instruction.

###

08 Jul 2011

State Historical Society Board Appointment

By Tara Richards

Brucemore announces the appointment of Assistant Director Maura Pilcher (photo) to the State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees by Governor Terry Branstad.  In addition to her role at Brucemore, she is also active in the preservation community serving as the Chair of the Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission and the Vice President of the Czech Village/New Bohemia Urban Main Street Board. For further information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit Brucemore's website at www.brucemore.org.

Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, is located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

###

08 Jul 2011

Betty Gibson Earns Undergraduate Degree from Washington University in St. Louis

By readMedia

ST. LOUIS, MO (07/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Betty Gibson, daughter of Mary Junck and Ralph Gibson of Pleasant Valley, Iowa (52767), received an undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis on May 20. Gibson graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, French, and German from the College of Arts & Sciences.

Gibson was among the 2,800 students who received degrees at the university's 150th Commencement ceremony, which was held in Brookings Quadrangle on campus. Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and human rights activist, delivered the Commencement address. Wiesel received an honorary doctor of humane letters.

Gibson received the Merle King Undergraduate Honors Fellowship Award for Best Senior Presentation. Gibson is a 2007 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Washington University is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 110 nations. The total student body is nearly 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

The approximately 3,400 faculty teach in seven schools: Arts & Sciences, Brown School, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Law and School of Medicine. Twenty-three Nobel laureates have been associated with Washington University, with nine doing the major portion of their pioneering research there.

The university offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Betty-Gibson-Earns-Undergraduate-Degree-from-Washington-University-in-St-Louis/2797262.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar