WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement after receiving word that President Obama had approved a federal disaster declaration for Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Mills and Fremont Counties.  This declaration allows federal aid to immediately supplement state and local response efforts.  Earlier this month, Harkin wrote the President, urging him to approve the Governor's request and has been pushing for an early declaration since then.  

"Traveling through Western Iowa today, I saw firsthand the rising waters, the damage - both known and unknown - that a flood can have on this area of the state and the real fears residents are experiencing," said Harkin.  "And that is why I personally called the White House to advocate for this declaration.

"State and local response efforts are underway, but with levees needing to hold through the summer, this federal declaration comes in the nick of time and will bring an urgent financial shot in the arm to these efforts.  I thank President Obama for his attention and quick action on behalf of Iowans."

Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theatre Presents

Grimm Brothers Fairy Tale Repair Shoppe

Children and families will be enchanted as their favorite fairy tale characters take the stage for the 2011 Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theatre: Grimm Brothers Fairy Tale Repair Shoppe, July 27 - 30 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. From fixing Cinderella's shattered glass slipper to managing a cranky Sleeping Beauty, participation will be encouraged as Will and Jacob Grimm embark on a mission to mend any fairy tale in need of a happy ending. Brucemore's natural amphitheatre near the pond will set the stage for this show.  Gates open at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Grimm Brothers Fairy Tale Repair Shoppe is an original play written by brothers Joe Link, Associate Drama Director at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School, and Mike Link, sales associate for Medline Industries, Inc. in Dubuque.  Joe Link was also the creator of past Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theatre productions: The Incredible Adventures of Captain Spoon, The Forgetful Pirate (2007), The Princess Who Wouldn't Wear Pink (2009), and Robin Hood: Wanted (2010).

Children and their adult chaperones are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs (no food or beverage please). On-site parking is available. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.  Tickets are nonrefundable and may be purchased the night of the performance.  Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theatre is sponsored by US Bank. For additional information, please visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

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

Dos Amigos now has their Lunch Truck, or Taco Truck if you will, at the corner of 4th and Warren streets on the edge of downtown Davenport Mondays thru Fridays from 11am until 2pm.  They offer steak tacos, tortas and carnitas at a very reasonable price.  All meals include rice and beans.  Beverages are available.

Dos Amigos fills the need for quality Mexican food at lunchtime for the hundreds of folks who work in downtown Davenport, plus all the others that drive along 4th Street during the lunch hours.

CHICAGO (Grassroots Newswire) June 27, 2011 - Columbia College Chicago congratulates Joseph Gallagher, Film & Video major from Davenport (52806), on being named to the Dean's List for spring semester 2011.

To be named to the Dean's List at Columbia College Chicago, students must have taken at least 12 credit hours and have a 3.75 grade point average or above for that semester.

Columbia College Chicago is an urban institution that offers innovative degree programs in the visual, performing, media and communication arts to more than 12,000 students in over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs. An arts and media college committed to a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, Columbia is dedicated to opportunity and excellence in higher education. 

For further information, visit www.colum.edu.

# # #

BOURBONNAIS, IL (06/27/2011)(readMedia)-- Olivet Nazarene University announces the spring 2011 dean's list, which includes local residents:

Kelsey Warp of Parnell

Heidi Behal of Bettendorf

Jacob Ridenour of Bettendorf

Katelyn Flynn of Davenport

Keri Cannon of Rock Island

Rebekah Harrison of East Moline

Hannah Rowen of East Moline

Sarah Quinlin of Milan

Michael Tuttle of Orion

Natasha Evins of Sherrard

To qualify for inclusion on the dean's list, a student must have been enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and must have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering over 120 areas of study. It is centrally located in the historic village of Bourbonnais, Illinois - just 50 miles south of Chicago's loop - with additional School of Graduate and Continuing Studies locations in Rolling Meadows, Ill. and throughout Chicagoland.

ONU news is also available on the web. Go to www.olivet.edu and click on "News & Events." Licensed University photos and official logos available upon request. For additional information, contact Laura Warfel at 825-928-5403 or lwwarfel@olivet.edu.

Davenport, IA - The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Youth Ensembles Program is seeking well-qualified candidates to fill a newly created position. The successful candidate will conduct the Quad City Symphony Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, an intermediary full-orchestral ensemble designed for students in grades 6-11. Due to increased demand, the QCSO has recently elected to create this new ensemble, which will begin work early in the 2011-12 school year. This is a one-year position, with the potential for extension based upon mutual satisfaction of both the conductor and the Association. Programming selections will be made in consultation with the Music Director for the Youth Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble will rehearse weekly Sunday evenings from August through April, excluding usual holidays and school breaks. The ensemble will perform twice per year. The ideal candidate will have an advanced knowledge of both orchestral repertoire and conducting , extensive experience working with students within the appropriate age group, and excellent communications and administrative skills.


To apply: send a one-page letter of interest along with your resume tojvomsaal@qcsymphony.com.

 

The QCSO is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation. By applying, you consent to allow the QCSO toconduct a background check prior to formal engagement as an employee.


RESPONSES RECEIVED AFTER TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2011 WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

 

###

The Independent Scholars are jointly compiling  of a list of recommended daily spices and herbs necessary for optimum health and preventative health care. 
Please join in. Bring your recommendations or send them in via email, blog, facebook or phone.
A hard copy is in The Institute's library.

Second half of the evening will be open for
additions to the list of derogatory words. 
The initial list of derogatory words is on our blog space.
A hard copy is in The Institute's library.

7.00 p.m  
second floor of The Moline Commercial Club
1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.
309-762-8547 for the Moline Club  
309-762-9202 for The Institute.  

Light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.  
The event is free and open to the public.  
Doors open at 6.30  

Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. Is a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996.

June 28 Teleconference, Report Release Will Detail How Cuts Could Cost Iowa Thousands of Jobs, More than a Billion Dollars in Lost Business Activity

Washington, D.C.–The Medicaid cuts in the House Republican budget, if implemented today, would have a devastating impact on the struggling economy of Iowa, putting thousands of jobs and more than a billion dollars in state business activity at risk.

On Tuesday, June 28, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Families USA, the national organization for health care consumers, will release a report titled "Jobs at Risk" that will detail how Medicaid cuts would damage Iowa's economy.

As the report makes clear, there is also a human toll of such cuts, affecting the health and well-being of low-income and middle-class families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. This report, however, will look specifically at the economic effect of Medicaid cuts, spotlighting the potential impact of a 5 percent, 15 percent and 33 percent Medicaid cut on Iowa's economy.

Those percentages were chosen for the report, because the budget proposal adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives, sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), calls for cuts in federal funding to current state Medicaid programs of 5 percent in 2013, 15 percent in 2014, and 33 percent in 2021.

A teleconference for Iowa media will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, to discuss the new Families USA report.

WHAT:  
Teleconference and Release of Families USA Report "Jobs at Risk"

WHEN:  
Noon EDT, 11 a.m. CDT
Tuesday, June 28, 2011

HOW:   
Dial in toll-free: 877-780-3379
Confirmation code: 7301551

WHO:   
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Ron Pollack, Executive Director, Families USA

New Laws Will Boost State's Efforts to Increase Seatbelt Use and Prevent Traffic Fatalities

CHICAGO - June 27, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by law enforcement officers, public safety officials and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to sign two traffic safety measures as families throughout the state prepare for the July 4th holiday weekend.

"Over the Fourth of July weekend and throughout the year, we must ensure our roads are safe when many of us will be traveling to see family and friends," said Governor Quinn. "These new laws are common sense measures that will help all motorists in Illinois arrive at their destinations safely."   

House Bill 219 requires all passengers in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt, regardless of age or where they sit. Under currently law, people in the front seat of a vehicle must use seat belts, but backseat riders are only required to buckle up if they are under 18-years-old. Emergency vehicles, buses and taxicabs are exempt from the new law.  

The bill was sponsored by sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and the late Rep. Mark Beaubien (R-Wauconda). It was the last bill sponsored by Rep. Beaubien before his recent passing. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.  

"What's tremendous about this law is that there is no question that it will save people's lives," said Senate President Cullerton.

In 2010, Illinois experienced one of its best years ever in traffic safety. For the first time since 1921, Illinois has seen two consecutive years with less than 1,000 traffic fatalities. Statewide seat belt usage increased from 64.5 percent in 1998 to nearly 93 percent in 2010, contributing to the reduced fatality rate.

"The Illinois State Police is proud to support legislation which has a positive and direct impact on the safety of the motoring public and reduces the risk of injury to passengers," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "We will continue to partner with local and state agencies in support of enforcement initiatives and programs which effectively target and reduce traffic crash fatalities in Illinois."         

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 1315, which prohibits passengers from riding in trailers, semitrailers, farm wagons and other vehicles while they are being towed on a public highway. Exceptions are made for farm-related activities and parades. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.  

###

Skip-a-Long Child Development Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible care to all children, regardless of financial means, will be hosting a tree dedication ceremony Wednesday, June 29, 2011.


A tree will be planted in memory of Aina Swanson, A Skip-a-Long parent and volunteer board member.  Both of her children attended Skip-a-Long for a number of years and her son, Chris, returned to Skip-a-Long as a teacher for school-age children after receiving his B.A.  Chris unexpectedly passed away at the age of 32 just four years ago, and Aina passed away this last year.


One of Skip-a-Long's most involved friends and a former employee, Ms. Sandy Perry, has also purchased a tree to be planted for her appreciation for all the child care centers have done in the past 41 years to educate, inspire, and enhance the lives of the young children of the Quad Cities.


130 school-age children will help us celebrate on this day, and there will be a t-shirt tye-dying activity, games, and a cookout lunch for the children to enjoy, so it will be an excellent photo opportunity to showcase both the community support Skip-a-Long has as well as the fun summertime activities our children participate in while attending our nationally accredited center!


WHAT:  Tree planting and dedication for long-time supporters of Skip-a-Long's mission


WHERE:  Skip-a-Long's Moline Campus, 4800 60th St., Moline, IL  (309)764-8110


TIME:  Activities in the morning for the kids, tree dedication begins at 12:30pm


QUESTIONS:  Please contact Liz Strader at lizs@skip-a-long.com or (309)764-8110 for more information!

Pages