31 Aug 2011

USPTO Names the Davenport Public Library to Support Intellectual Property Information Needs of Inventors and Entrepreneurs

By Davenport Library

First Center Focused on Electronic Access and Training for Patent and Trademark Information in the Nation

WASHINGTON - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the designation of Iowa's Davenport Public Library as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). As the 81st library in the nationwide network, Davenport marks Iowa's return to the PTRC program and serves as the first center in the nation geared away from the "paper depository" concept towards electronic access and training for patent and trademark information.

Replacing the State Library of Iowa, the former PTRC for the state, the Davenport Public Library will provide a place for Iowans to access patent and trademark information with the help of USPTO trained librarians.  USPTO's Patent and Trademark Resource Center - formerly known as the Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program (PTDL) - is a nationwide network of public, state, special and academic libraries authorized to disseminate patent and trademark information and to support inventors, intellectual property attorneys/agents, business people, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, historians and the general public who are not able to come to USPTO's offices in Alexandria, Virginia. 

Services at the libraries are free and include assistance in using patent and trademark information, training on USPTO databases and hosting public seminars on intellectual property topics for novice and experienced innovators.  A list of the current PTRC libraries can be found on the USPTO website atwww.uspto.gov/go/ptdl.

The all electronic Patent and Trademark Resource Center will open to the public and celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, September 8, 2011.  There will be a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. at the entrance to the Main Library, 321 Main Street. Mayor Bill Gluba, the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, and other elected officials will be on hand to celebrate the opening.  Training with Tom Turner from the USPTO will be from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Members of a panel of local resources who work specifically in the patent, trademark and intellectual properties realm will begin at 2 p.m.  If you wish to participate in the training on Thursday, September 8, please R.S.V.P. to Karen Neal at 563.326.7841.

The Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) program began in 1871 when federal law first provided for the distribution of printed patents to libraries for use by the public. A list of all the current libraries can be found on USPTO's website at www.uspto.gov/products/library/ptdl/locations/index.jsp.

To stay current with the USPTO, subscribe to regular e-mail updates at www.uspto.gov/subscribe.

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31 Aug 2011

MIKE SMIDDY FOR STATE REP

By Brian Kramer

Mike Smiddy, Democrat and AFSCME member, will be announcing his run for State Representative in the 71st District Thursday, September 1st 2011.  He will be announcing in Savanna, Rock Falls, and at the UAW hall in East Moline.

"Being able to give back to the communities where I grew up is something that I take great pride in. While working for Lane Evans I came to learn the importance of public service and standing up for those who can not stand up for themselves. This campaign will be dedicated to focusing on those issues that are important to the families living in this district."

Mike Smiddy is a proud and active member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union Local 46 (AFSCME) at the East Moline Correctional Center.  Mike Smiddy served as Treasurer and Executive Board Member in his Union local for two terms.  He was also one of two delegates from AFSCME who served as representatives on the Quad City Federation of Labor.  Mike believes "It is the hard work of organized labor that has contributed to the expansion of the Middle Class in the 20th Century, and I plan to be a voice in the Illinois Legislature for those values and those ideas"

Mike Believes that each generation is supposed to do better than the previous one. If we continue down our current path, our children and grandchildren may not be able to reach their potential because of our failures. The people of Illinois must demand more from our elected representatives.  With the right leadership we will be able to turn our state around. Our citizens need to be able to trust in those that they elect and send to Springfield. They need to have the confidence that the decisions being made by our leaders are done for the rights reasons and will benefit all of us here in the 71st district and throughout the state.

Our campaign will be based on a grassroots organizing effort, focusing on the issues that are important to the Illinois families.  This means ensuring that we have a strong economic development and job retention plan, maintaining worker's rights, and creating sound fiscal policies to help bring down our state's rising budget deficit.  And finally, to ensure the best education for our children, so they will be prepared to compete in our global economy.

Mike will be announcing and talking about these ideas at the following locations Thursday September 1st 2011.

9 AM
Aunt Mannies Café
Savanna Marina
1 Main St.
Savanna IL 

12 AM
Carpenter's Local 790
1008 7th Ave.
Rock Falls, IL 

4PM
UAW LOCAL  865
East Moline IL, 61244

31 Aug 2011

District Court Agrees to Keep Aaron Tobey TSA Protest Case Alive, Rejects Government's Motion to Dismiss Airport Stripper Lawsuit

By The Rutherford Institute

RICHMOND, Va. ?U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson has rejected a motion by the Federal government to dismiss First Amendment claims against two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents in a civil rights lawsuit involving college student Aaron Tobey who was arrested for disorderly conduct after removing his shirt at Richmond International Airport (RIC) and exposing a portion of the Fourth Amendment written on his chest. While allowing the viewpoint discrimination claims against the individual TSA agents to move forward, the court dismissed the lawsuit against TSA supervisory officials and the Capital Region Airport Commission as an entity. The suit charging several Capital Region Airport Commission police officers with constitutional violations and false arrest in connection with the incident remains active and is moving forward.

Tobey made his novel protest against the TSA's use of whole-body imaging scanners and enhanced pat downs on December 30, 2010. Attorneys for The Rutherford Institute subsequently filed a free speech lawsuit in U.S. District Court in March 2011. The lawsuit alleges that agents of the TSA and RIC police deprived Tobey of his rights under the First and Fourth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Hudson has tentatively set the case for trial on Jan. 18, 2012.

"Aaron Tobey was arrested for exercising his right to free speech, which is clearly protected under the First Amendment," said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. "Tobey was also unduly seized by government agents in violation of the Fourth Amendment, despite the fact that he did nothing to disrupt airport routine."

Aaron Tobey, who was then a student pursuing a degree in architecture, was waiting in line to pass through screening at Richmond International Airport on December 30, 2010, when he removed his shirt to show that he had written on his chest part of the text of the Fourth Amendment ("The right of the people to be secure... against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated"), which protects the privacy of individuals by forbidding unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents.

Despite successfully passing through the screening, Aaron was arrested and handcuffed. Government agents from agencies including the Joint Task Force on Terrorism questioned Tobey for approximately 90 minutes before citing him for disorderly conduct, a Class I misdemeanor under Virginia law, which carries penalties of up to $2,500 and 12 months in jail. The Henrico County Commonwealth's attorney eventually dropped the charges against Tobey.

In the March 2011 complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Institute attorneys allege that Tobey was arrested and held for questioning without sufficient cause in violation of the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures and the First Amendment's protection against discrimination based on the content and manner of his protest. The Rutherford Institute's complaint in Tobey v. Napolitano is available at www.rutherford.org.

Read online at: http://www.rutherford.org/

31 Aug 2011

BIRDIES & BOGEYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL EDUCATION: DON'T MISS RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE'S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!

By Administrator

Make the hole - make a difference!  Rivermont Collegiate will host its annual Golf Tournament on Monday, September 19th at Crow Valley Golf Club in Davenport. This exciting event will feature co-ed, men's, and women's divisions, as well as special hole events and raffle prizes.  A dinner with awards and trophies will follow.  This event is not limited to Rivermont families - anyone who would like to have a fantastic time while supporting the education of students in their community is encouraged to join us!  The tournament supports scholarships and special projects at Rivermont Collegiate, the Quad Cities' only private, independent, multicultural college preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade.     

This year's tournament features the chance to win a vintage car from Veit's Vettes & Collector Cars!  Qualifying chip off dates for the opportunity to win the car will take place at Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf on Tuesday Sept. 6th, Wednesday Sept. 7th, and Thursday Sept. 8th.  Participants are invited to come multiple days and chip as many times as they like!  Participants whose ball makes it in the circle are eligible for the putt contest at the Rivermont Golf Tournament on Monday, September 19th.      

Cost to participate in the tournament is $150 and includes lunch, golf, and dinner.  Mulligans and raffle tickets for a Galena get-a-way (valued at $600!) are available for purchase.  Participants who would like to attend the dinner and after party only may do so for $25.  The tournament will begin with check-in at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch and shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.  The putt contest for the vintage car will take place at 5:30 p.m., followed by the after party and awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m.      

For additional information and to register, please visit www.rvmt.org/golf and/or contact Drew Boster, Director of Development, at (563) 359-1366 ext. 306 or boster@rvmt.org.      

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, visit us online at www.rvmt.org!      

Crow Valley Golf Club, location of the tournament, is located at 4315 E. 60th St. in Davenport.      

Palmer Hills Golf Course, location of the qualifying chip off, is located at 2999 Middle Road in Bettendorf.      

Veit's Vettes & Collector Cars features 2 locations - 1838 State St. in Bettendorf and 221 E. 2nd St. in Davenport.  For more information, visitwww.vvncc.com.    

-END-

31 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Breaks Ground on $34 Million MetroLINK Transit Facility

By Andrew Mason

140,000 Square-Foot-Facility Will Create Jobs, Consolidate Vehicles and Fueling Stations, and Improve Efficiency

MOLINE - August 30, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn was joined by local officials today to break ground on a new MetroLINK Transit Maintenance Facility in Rock Island. The $34 million project will consolidate the agency's administrative operations and maintenance functions, and it will serve as the cornerstone of a new riverfront development. This project continues Governor Quinn's agenda to improve transportation and grow jobs in Illinois. MetroLINK estimates that the project will create 125 construction jobs.

"In order to continue to compete in the global marketplace, we must invest in updating our mass transit systems," Governor Quinn said. "This project will create jobs, support statewide green initiatives and ensure that MetroLINK has the facilities it needs to provide good service to people throughout the Quad Cities."

The new facility will replace MetroLINK's current maintenance facility, which was built in 1983 and does not contain enough maintenance bays or space to support the current vehicle fleet. As a result, the agency often must lease space off-site to house and fuel vehicles.

"This modern, 'green' facility has the potential to be a catalyst for economic development," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) who has secured over two million in federal funding for the project.  "It is consistent with the goals of the Recovery Act: create jobs, invest in our infrastructure and contribute to an environmentally sustainable future."

The 140,000-square-foot facility will increase efficiency and improve operations consolidating a number of functions in one sustainable space. The facility will house the following: administrative operations and maintenance offices; a full-service maintenance garage; a dispatch center; fueling stations, both compressed natural gas and diesel; a parts' storage area; and storage and/or parking for all buses, support vehicles and employee vehicles.  

The state-of-the-art facility is designed to be LEED silver certified and will contain: a photovoltaic solar system to generate electricity; a geothermal heat pump system; a solar hot water system; a clean-water-recycle bus washer system; and a compressed natural gas fueling station. The project is funded through a combination of federal, state and local capital funds. The project will also receive $15.5 million in Illinois Jobs Now! funds.

The new facility will be centrally located about one mile west of MetroLINKS's Centre Station in Moline. The engineering and design phase of the project is under way, and foundation and utilities work will begin this fall. Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin spring 2012, with an expected completion date in spring 2013.

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31 Aug 2011

Iconic Turn of the Century Posters at the Figge

By Susan Horan

Davenport, Iowa - August 2011 - On Saturday, September 3, an exhibition of original nineteenth century posters from the Krannert Art Museum will open at the Figge Art Museum.  The exhibition highlights original posters by artists including Pierre Bonnard, Alphonse Mucha, Jan Toorop, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and illustrates how artists utilized lithography for different purposes and with varying regional stylistic characteristics.

In the late nineteenth century, the rise of color lithography along with an increasing demand for advertisements presented artists with an alternative space to exhibit their artworks. Mass-produced posters ranged from large-scale ads for consumer products such as lamp oil and bicycles, to promotional materials for cabaret performances at the Moulin Rouge or the Divan Japonais. Artists were also sought after to create intimate, small-scale prints for literary journals, playbills, and exhibition announcements, enabling their art and reputations to reach an ever-broadening audience.

The Figge will host a number of events in conjunction with this exhibition.  On Wednesday, September 7, Figge docents will lead an Art Lovers Book Club discussion at 1pm in the Figge's Arts Café.  The club will discuss Toulouse-Lautrec: Scenes of the Night by Claire Freches-Throy and Jose Freches; this compassionate narrative is combined with reminiscences of the artist's friends to vividly evoke Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's tragic, bohemian life.

A public reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 6pm.  A cocktail reception will begin at 6pm and at 7pm Kathryn Koca Polite, the exhibition curator from the Krannert Art Museum, will lead a talk that will explain how posters reflect changes in society and how the new technical developments in lithography inspired painters to use the largely commercial medium for artistic purposes.  Following the talk, Joseph Lappie and Allison Filley from St. Ambrose University will introduce lithography, and provide an opportunity to draw on lithographic stones and plates.

On Thursday, September 15 at 7pm Dr Dorothy Johnson will offer the art talk "Entertaining Visions: Toulouse-Lautrec and Fin-de-Siècle Paris".  This talk will explore the fascinating career of Toulouse-Lautrec with particular emphasis on his engagement with the entertainment culture of Montmartre in fin-de-siècle Paris.   On September 22, Zaiga Thorson will lead a gallery talk at 7pm that will highlight elements of good design demonstrated in the exhibition.

Families are invited to a Free Family Event on October 1 from 1-4pm to celebrate the exhibition with studio art activities, stories, refreshments and more.  This event is sponsored by John Deere and Butler Insurance Services.

This exhibition and its programs are supported, in part, by Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views and opinions expressed by this program do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities Iowa or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Turn of the Century Posters from the Krannert Art Museum Collection is curated by Kathryn Koca Polite, organized by Krannert Art Museum, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and sponsored in part by Illinois Arts Council, a State Agency; Krannert Art Museum Director's Circle; and Krannert Art Museum Council.

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in Downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, Sundays noon to 5pm and Thursdays 10 am to 9pm.  To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-

31 Aug 2011

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Hosts "Sharing Hope in Crisis" Training at Calvary Church in Moline

By Erik Ogren

Event will Prepare Participants to Aid Those Who are Dealing with Pain and Loss

Moline, Iowa, August 30, 2011 - From personal tragedies like disease and financial difficulties to catastrophes on a massive scale such as tornadoes, fires and floods, many Christians may feel unprepared to offer comfort to the weary and hope to those in despair. 

On Sept. 10, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team - a nationwide network of crisis-trained chaplains ready to deploy whenever disaster strikes - will join with the Quad Cities Association of Evangelicals to host a training to prepare local Christians to practice what the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has done since its inception: appropriately respond with the love and hope of Jesus Christ in times of crisis. 

"So often one's first instinct is to pull away from disasters and avoid pain and suffering," said Rev. Michael Beresford, managing director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. "But these are the times that all Christians - not just pastors - need to be prepared to be a shoulder to cry on and a friend to listen. This training will teach them how to do that." Beresford will lead the training on Sept. 10.

The training event, titled "Sharing Hope in Crisis," will be held at Calvary Church, 4700 53rd St. in Moline. Seminar topics include "A Mission to Respond," "Suffering and Trauma," "A Message of Hope," "A Message to Share," "Communication to a Diverse Community," and "A Model to Respond."

The training will take place 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. There is a registration fee of $35. For more information and to register online, visit www.billygraham.org/rrtshic_moline.asp.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into a nationwide network of chaplains in 40 states who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 120 disaster sites, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.

For more information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt. For videos, photos and news articles from recent Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployments, visit www.billygraham.org/response. Up-to-the minute reports can also be found at www.facebook.com/BGRapidResponseTeam.

- 30 -

30 Aug 2011

MRDC's "First Friday" Tailgate with Irish Dog

By Administrator

Le Claire, Iowa, August 30, 2011 - Mississippi River Distilling Company invites the public to come to Le Claire on Friday evening, September 2 from 5:30-8:00 PM for our Labor Day Weekend First Friday Feature! MRDC is teaming up with the crew from Irish Dog Blood Mary Mix to get you ready for football season. Benny's Bloody Mary Beef Straws from Coralville, IA will be at the distillery to show off their ingenious product.Try our Bloody Mary chili recipe and sample our margarita tailgating cooler made with River Baron Vodka. We'll do an abbreviated tour at 6 pm and 7 pm. There will also be specials on bottles of River Baron Vodka, River Rose Gin and the summer seasonal Wide River Wheat that night. Several other Le Claire store favorites will be staying open late that night as well. The entire evening is free and is the perfect opportunity to join us in Le Claire to kick off the holiday weekend right!

Mark your calendars now for several other big upcoming events at MRDC. October's First Friday, October 7, will also be the launch party for our new River Pilot Vodka. This vodka features MRDC's signature, hand crafted grain to glass and will be 100% local corn vodka with a crystal clear smoothness. November's First Friday feature will be the release of our next seasonal product, coffee liqueur made from River Baron Vodka and coffee from Iowa Coffee Company.

Mississippi River Distilling Company was also recently handed a big honor when named as one of the best in the nation when it comes to fine vodka. TheFiftyBest.com recognized River Baron Vodka as one of the top 10 vodkas made in the United States.River Baron was named as eighth best in a sampling held in New York City. A panel of 28 judges participated in a blind taste test to determine the nation's 50 best handcrafted vodkas.

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays. Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment. The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process. Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

#####
30 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Record Success of 2011 Illinois State Fair

By Andrew Mason

Highlights Importance of Agri-Business in Economic Growth  

   

SPRINGFIELD - August 30, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today highlighted the success of the record-breaking 2011 Illinois State Fair, "We've Got a Good Thing Growing." Attendance increased by 10 percent this year, with 817,393 fairgoers visiting the 11-day event. In addition to offering families affordable entertainment, the fair showcases the best in Illinois agricultural products, from livestock to wine, produce and agricultural technology.  

   

"Illinois has a proud agricultural heritage, and agri-business is key to our long-term economic growth," said Governor Quinn. "This year, record numbers of families came to the fair to enjoy affordable entertainment, food and to learn about the importance of agriculture to our state's history - and our future. The state fair is a tradition that will be around for years to come."  

   

The state fair began 158 years ago as a way for Illinois farmers to showcase their labor. The fair continues to feature Illinois livestock, as well as produce and other Illinois products at the Farmers' Market Tent. This year saw a 10 percent increase in attendance, with more than 817,000 individuals visiting the fair - up by more than 74,000 last year. In fact, this year's attendance levels were the highest since 2002.  

   

"I thank fairgoers for coming out to support the fair," Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said.  "It's their support that has made the Illinois State Fair a premiere summer festival. To borrow this year's theme, we really do 'Have a Good Thing Growing'."  

   

Governor Quinn this year hosted the Governor's Sale of Champions, the annual auction of prize-winning junior livestock, with proceeds going toward scholarships and the state's 4-H and FFA youth education programs. The grand champion junior steer shown by Sherman teenager Austin Burris sold for a record $51,200, surpassing the previous high of $50,100. It was one of three record prices at the sale: the grand champion sheep ($12,500) and Land of Lincoln barrow ($10,100). The event raised $135,200, not only for the youths who raised the animals, but also for the state's 4-H and FFA youth education programs.   

   

Records were not only set in the livestock arena: music fans flocked to the fair en masse to enjoy the affordable entertainment available at the Grandstand. Country music star Jason Aldean attracted a record 15,329 people. Aldean's ticket sales surpassed the previous record set in 1995 by Hootie and the Blowfish. Collectively, the Grandstand performers, who ranged from comedian Jeff Dunham to rap icon MC Hammer, sold 49,649 tickets, the highest sales in 11 years.  

 

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30 Aug 2011

INNOVATIVE DESIGNS BY IOWA STATE UNVIERSITY STUDENT ARCHITECTS ON DISPLAY AT THE FIGGE

By Susan Horan

Davenport, Iowa - August 2011 - Architecture students in Iowa State University's College of Design created designs for the construction of a fictional museum in Columbus, Indiana's already architecturally diverse community and a selection of those designs will be on view at the Figge Art Museum starting September 3 in the exhibition, Innovative Objects of Design: Museum Proposals for Columbus, Indiana.  The student exhibition was preempted by a tour of the Figge last fall as part of a senior design course. Students were asked to design architecture based on several factors: creating an environment that goes beyond the traditional museum structure and one that has the ability to both stand out and blend in to a community that is already known for its architecture. Of the 75 proposed designs, only ten were chosen for display at the Figge.  

   

The exhibition will be on display in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery from September 3 until October 23. An exhibition reception is scheduled from 2-4 pm Saturday, September 24. At 2 pm, Rod Kruse, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal at BNIM Architects, will give a talk entitled, "Design Reflections." A second talk, "Eponymous Exhibition: Developing Innovative Objects of Design," will be presented by Rob Whitehead, AIA, LEEP AP, Principal at Whitehead Design Workshop and lecturer at Iowa State University Department of Architecture, and curator ofInnovative Objects of Design. The two short talks will last about an hour, and will be followed by a reception.  

   

With its strong commitment to art and design education, the Figge is committed to exhibiting the highest quality student work by area students in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery. Innovative Objects of Design was sponsored by Iowa State University, College of Design, and selected Department of Architecture students.  All exhibitions in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery are sponsored by the Brand Boeshaar Foundation Fund.  

   

Figge admission is $7. Admission to the talks and reception is free to Iowa State University students and alumni and their guests.  

   

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in Downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, Sundays noon to 5pm and Thursdays 10 am to 9pm.  To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visitwww.figgeartmuseum.org.  

 

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