02 May 2011

Braley Statement on U.S. Appeals Court Stem Cell Decision

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of allowing the federal government to keep funding human embryonic stem cell research:

 

"I applaud the court's decision in this important case. Stem cell research has the possibility of leading to cures for illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. For me, this isn't a Republican or Democratic issue - it's a personal one. My own nephew suffers from juvenile diabetes, and I stand with former First Lady Nancy Reagan in support of the research that might one day save his life."

 

###

02 May 2011

ADAPTIVE SPORTS EXPO PROVIDES OUTLET FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

By Ron Summers
Davenport Parks and Recreation and the QCA Adaptive Sports Association will hold an Adaptive Sports Expo on Saturday, May 7 from 6 - 8pm at the Life Fitness Center, 2222 Middle Road, Bettendorf. The Public is invited to attend the expo, which will highlight the many ways people with disabilities can be active participants in recreational activities and sporting events. Prior experience is not required to participate in the Expo.

The Expo will feature activities such as water-skiing, kayaking, sled hockey, aquatics, wheelchair basketball, tandem biking, tennis and seated volleyball. Demonstrations by professionally trained facilitators and athletes with disabilities will also take place. There will
also be informational exhibits and vendors.

Davenport Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of activities for people with disabilities under its Adaptive and Inclusive Programs. More information about Adaptive and Inclusive programming can be found at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks, or by calling Sherrie Fisher, Adaptive and Inclusive Recreational Supervisor with Davenport Parks and Recreation at 563-888-2219. The QCA Adaptive Sports Association can be reached at 563-271-8822.

What:  Adaptive Sports Expo

Where:  Life Fitness Center, 2222 Middle Road, Bettendorf

When:  Saturday, May 7, 6-8pm






02 May 2011

Governor Quinn Statement on Federal Court Decision

By Andrew Mason

MARION, IL - April 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement in response to the recent federal court decision regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' ability to avert crisis in southern Illinois.

"I thank the court for making the right decision in allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take the steps it deems necessary to ensure public safety during this crisis. We must now continue to work together to protect the lives of everyone affected by this severe flooding. My hope is that this decision will be upheld as it proceeds through the judicial process."

###

02 May 2011

Bettendorf's Kate Gutheil inducted into Alpha Chi National College Honor Society

By readMedia

CANTON, MO. (04/29/2011)(readMedia)-- Culver-Stockton College is proud to announce Kate Gutheil, senior English and history major from Bettendorf, Iowa, was recently inducted into the Missouri Beta chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.

The ceremony was held Thursday, April 28 inside Johnson Hall Parlor on the campus of Culver-Stockton College. Faculty co-sponsors Scott Giltner and Lauren Schellenberger welcomed 18 new members into the society, which honors those juniors and seniors in the top ten percent of their class. Dr. David Wilson, interim dean of Culver-Stockton College, delivered this year's charge to initiates, family and friends.

Culver-Stockton College offers students the advantages of a quality comprehensive education with practical learning experiences. Culver-Stockton is a private, residential, four-year college in a beautiful setting on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Located in Canton, Mo., the historic campus is nestled into 140 acres of gently rolling countryside.

On the web: http://readme.readmedia.com/hometown-news/Kate-Gutheil-inducted-into-Alpha-Chi-National-College-Honor-Society/2284882.

02 May 2011

Parks and Recreation May 2011 Newsletter

By Ron Summers

RECREATION:

May 2011 Recreation Events, for all events go online www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 326-7812 for more information.  Look this month for our special Davenport Parks and Recreation Summer Camps Brochure and Davenport Kids Passes ($50.00) which are available now.  Please check our website for all classes, camps, and workshops on performing arts, sports leagues, volleyball camps and clinics, enrichment, Japanese, tumbling, martial arts, adaptive and inclusive programs and more!

 

  • Alice in Wonderland-Junior Theatre Spring Main stage Show:  Sat, April 30 & May 7th, 1 and 4pm, and Sun May 1st & May 8th, 2:00pm.  Cost 5.00 per ticket.  Call 326-7862 for more information.

 

  • Adaptive Sports Expo: Life Fitness Center-Bettendorf.  When:  Sat May 7th, 6:00-8:00pm. Cost: Free! This expo will highlight the many ways people with disabilities can be active participants in recreational activities and sporting events. Please attend and see the demonstrations by professionally trained facilitators and athletes with disabilities.

 

  • Garlic Mustard Challenge: Sat May 7th 9am-noon.  Call Greg Wolf to register to help at Sunderbruch Park 326-7812.  For more information visit www.extension.iastate.edu/scott

 

  • Kindernature: LADYBUGS! Tues May 10th-10am-11:00am Vander Veer Conservatory.  Cost 6.00. Participants will learn how ladybugs get their name and how they protect our plant world.  Come and learn about these interesting beautiful insects.

 

  • City of Davenport River Bandits Game (Make Up) Tues May 10th 7:00pm - come to Davenport Parks and Recreation to get your free tickets.

 

  • Hersey Track and Field: Sat May 14th 8:00am-noon at Brady Street Stadium, 9-14 year olds can participate in this fun FREE track and field games experience.

 

  • FAMILYFEST: Sat May 14th Noon-3:00pm at Centennial Park.  Walk with the Director to follow this fun FREE family event.  There will be games and activities spotlighting all the programs Davenport Parks and recreation offers to the community in the summer:  The Mobile Playground, Camps, Tumbling, Martial Arts, ZUMBA, Yoga, Soccer, Gardening, and more-rain/flood location inside River's Edge.

 

  • Annie Wittenmeyer Aquatic Center Opens Sat May 28th-Open Swim Hours 1:00-6:00pm Sat and Sun.

 

 

River's Edge- Located at 700 W. River Drive  (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)


  • Public Skate times: Fridays 6-8pm, Saturdays 11:45am-1:45pm and 6-8pm, and Sundays 2:30-4:30pm
  • Skating Lessons begin May 5th. Sign up today! Thursdays 5:30-6:15pm or Saturdays 10:00-10:45am or 10:45-11:30am. 7 weeks * $80 includes skate rental
  • Zumba classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm to 6pm. Drop-ins are welcome. Cost is only $5 a day, and punch cards are available for multi-use packets.
  • Adult Coed Dodge ball Tournament on Saturday May 21st.
  • The Rivers Edge Turf is available for rental- We have Batting Cages, Volleyball nets, and Open Turf!!
  • The Rivers Edge "Ultimate" summer camp begins May 31st. This camp will be fun and packed with exercise, sports and teamwork!

GOLF:

  • A lottery will be held Wednesday May 4th, 2011 at 7pm at Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center 6364 NW Blvd, to assign available Standing Tee Times at both Emeis and Duck Creek Golf Courses for the 2011 golf season. Standing Tee Times are available on Saturdays and Sundays between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. A list of these open tee times are available on www.golfdavenport.com. Call your favorite course for additional details.
  • A minimum of 40 tee times are held open for the general public for the entire 2011 golf season, for both Saturday and Sunday Mornings. These tee times are available for reservation 3 days in advance. A list of open public times is available on www.golfdavenport.com.
  • Duck Creek Golf Course is undergoing a stream-bank restoration project on Duck Creek waterway near the Kimberly Road Bridge. This project is being completed by the Public Works, Natural Resources Division.
  • Davenport Golf Courses will be honoring our area Military and Veterans by complimenting their green fees during Military Appreciation Week, May 13-22.
  • Golf Gift Cards - great for any occasion, are always available at Davenport golf shops, Parks and Recreation desk at Rivers Edge, and now at Vander Veer Park Store.
  • Visit www.golfdavenport.com for the 2011 Golf fees, latest updates and information.

 

02 May 2011

Augustana Art exhibition features seniors' culminating projects

By Andrew Walter

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/29/2011)(readMedia)-- Eight graduating studio artists will present their artwork on Tuesday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the Augustana Art Museum in the lobby of Centennial Hall (3703 7th Ave.) The free and public 50-minute program will include a "walking tour" of the exhibition, conversation with the artists and a reception.

All studio art majors complete a final senior project that is displayed in the Augustana Art Museum. This year, the students' work will be on display from May 7-16 and May 20-21. The museum is free and open to the public from noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The exhibit this year features several local students.

Audrey Waner from Davenport, Iowa, is majoring in art with minors in art history and graphic design. She will display works in 2D and 3D that explore different life stages. She has enjoyed working with a variety of mediums and has always been interested in interplay between childhood and adulthood.

"The senior studio art exhibition could not be a better culmination of my time as an artist at Augustana," Waner said. "I've learned what goes into a professional body of work and its exhibition, and I am more dedicated to my own work than ever."

In addition to studying art, she works on the SAGA Art and Literary Magazine and is involved in the Asian Student Organization and the Web Authors Guild. She intends to pursue a career in graphic design.

Gina Jarrell from Davenport, Iowa, is majoring in art with a minor in art history. Her project is called "A Visual Rondeau of the Imaginary Consciousness." She did a series of fantasy images on vellum that incorporate scenery from East Asia.

Jarrell spent ten weeks in East Asia in the fall as part of an international study program. She kept a journal of sketches as she traveled, which she used as the basis for her project. "I am excited to see people's reactions to my series," she said.

Jarrell is involved in the Asian Student Organization and the Jenny Lind vocal ensemble. Next year, she is moving to New York City to become a graphic novelist/illustrator.

Anita Cook from Davenport, Iowa, is majoring in art with an emphasis in ceramics. Her series is a collection of relief masks depicting various emotions. Her goal is to display the emotional diversity that can be observed in real life.

"My work is a reflection of my personal journey with bipolar disorder," she said. "I want my work to encourage viewers to reflect and meditate on how emotions have played a role in their lives."

Cook works as a licensed massage therapist and sings in the Augustana Choir and the Quad City Choral Arts. She and her husband Patrick will celebrate their second wedding anniversary in May.

Sherry Maurer, director of the Augustana Art Museum, says that the senior project is designed to challenge and encourage student artists. "The capstone project allows students to demonstrate the skills they've developed at Augustana, but also to reflect on the value of their work to the common good," she said. "This process also increases awareness of professional exhibition practices."

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

02 May 2011

2011 IOWA FARM BUREAU SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS SEE OPPORTUNITY IN AG

By Iowa Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau awards $180,000 to current and future college students

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - April 29, 2011 - Agriculture is an important part of Iowa's overall economy and young people continue to see opportunity in ag-related studies as they plan for their future careers.   The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has awarded $1,000 scholarships for tuition to 180 students who plan to study agriculture at their chosen colleges and universities.  The recipients are pursuing majors in a variety of ag-related disciplines, including agriculture business, engineering, education, technology and animal science.

In addition, Justin Menke of Donnellson in Lee County was named the recipient of the Daniel Johnson Memorial Scholarship, a one-time $500 award for a student from one of eleven counties in southeast Iowa: Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Muscatine, Wapello, Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Davis, Van Buren and Lee.  The scholarship is awarded in honor of Daniel Johnson, a former Iowa Farm Bureau director, farmer, volunteer firefighter and school board president.

"Iowa's high school and college students truly represent the future of agriculture and Farm Bureau is proud to support them and contribute to their success," said IFBF Community Resources Director Barb Lykins.

First-time Farm Bureau scholarship recipients include 54 graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in their chosen college or university.  Students are eligible to renew the scholarships for up to four years by maintaining a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and by being a student in good standing with the college or university.

Six recipients were selected from each of the nine IFBF districts.  Scholarships were awarded to children of Farm Bureau members who plan to or currently attend an accredited college, university or community college to earn two- or four-year degrees.

First-time applicants were asked to write an essay indicating the contributions they expect to make to agriculture or agribusiness.  They also were selected based on their academic achievement, financial need, community and extracurricular involvement and letters of recommendation.

- 30 -

Editor's Note:First-time scholarship winners (listed alphabetically by hometown), parent names and future or current college are listed below.

IOWAFARM BUREAU FEDERATION FIRST-TIME SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Ackley, Holly Richtsmeier, Marvin and Glenna Richtsmeier, University of Northern Iowa

Albia, Carolyn Clark, Larry and Patricia Clark, Iowa State University

Ames, Erich Hodges, Gregory and Margot Hodges-Tinner, Iowa State University

Aurelia, Audrey Winterhof, Dan and Lynn Winterhof, Simpson College

Boone, Lauren Haglund, Kriss and Crystal Haglund, University of Northern Iowa

Boone, Leah Haglund, Kriss and Crystal Haglund, Iowa State University

Charles City, Ethan Voelker, Brian and Ann Voelker, Iowa State University

Clarion, Samuel Moore, Jim and Barb Moore, Central College

Corning, Erin Beck, Brent and Janice Beck, South Dakota State University

Corwith, Hillary Hilbert, Dan and Karyn Hilbert, University of Northern Iowa

Diagonal, Brett England, Mitchell and Melinda England, Southwestern Community College

Donnellson, Shannon Krogmeier, Ralph and Colleen Krogmeier, Iowa State University

Dundee, Megan Kleve, Dennis and Dawn Kleve, Iowa State University

Durango, Elizabeth Brehm, Steve and Sharon Brehm, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Essex, Tate Jensen, Blake and Connie Jensen, Wartburg College

Estherville, Holly Enerson, Arvin and Anna Enerson, Dordt College

Farmersburg, Margo Walz, Dean and Melissa Walz, Wartburg College

Fontanelle, Susan Herr, Paul and Virginia Herr, Iowa State University

Guthrie Center, Dustin Clark, Paul and Sheryl Clark, Iowa State University

Hancock, Courtney Harder, Paul and Dawn Harder, Iowa State University

Hornick, Michael Gallagher, Dennis and Lori Gallagher, Dordt College

Keota, Matt Romoser, Robert and Mary Beth Romoser, Iowa State University

Knoxville, Joshua Petersen, James and Julie Petersen, Iowa State University

Knoxville, Zeke Kauzlarich, Rick and Sue Kauzlarich, Iowa State University

LeMars, Brittany Jaminet, Michael and Karen Jaminet, Augustana College

LeMars, Kristen Ahlers, John and Debra Ahlers, Iowa State University

Long Grove, Travis Dierickx, Patrick and Lora Dierickx, Iowa State University

Marshalltown, Michael Burt, Allen and Dee Burt, Iowa State University

Mechanicsville, Sally Weets, Teresa and Steve Weets, Iowa State University

Modale, Blaire Shelton, Jeffrey and Julie Shelton, South Dakota State University

Moulton, Kassi Guinn, Eddie and Melanie Guinn, Iowa State University

New Hampton, Nicholas Winter, Michael and Denice Winter, Iowa State University

New Vienna, Nicholas Hoefler, Brian and Eileen Hoefler, Iowa State University

Newton, Michael Bell, Todd and Jayne Bell, Iowa State University

Ollie, Keaton Philips, Dennis and Sondra Philips, Indian Hills Community College

Osage, Tanner Lewis, Mike and Kim Lewis, Iowa State University

Osceola, Molly Curnes, Kelly and Jill Curnes, Southwestern Community College

Oskaloosa, Samuel Groenenboom, Joel and Laura Groenenboom, Iowa State University

Ottumwa, Ethan Conrad, Randy and Melanie Conrad, Iowa State University

Ottumwa, Jacob Swanson, Donald and Patricia Swanson, Iowa State University

Prescott, Haley Stalcup, Craig and Deena Stalcup, Iowa State University

Rockford, Jennifer Wicks, Terry and Tammy Wicks, Kirkwood Community College

Rockwell City, Bryce Dooley, Jana and Jay Maquire, Iowa State University

Sac City, William Riley, C. Gene and Jenny Riley, Iowa State University

Schleswig, Christina Riessen, Harry and Kay Riessen, Iowa State University

Sibley, Kevin Berkland, Daniel and Loretta Berkland, Iowa State University

Spragueville, Austin Lane, Kenneth and Karen Lane, Iowa State University

Storm Lake, Austin Ehlers, Brent and Carol Ehlers, Iowa State University

Strawberry Point, Ethan Knight, Bill and Lorri Knight, Iowa State University

Swea City, Genna Valvick, Arlyn and Annette Valvick, Northwestern College

Tama, Deanna Bidwell, Dale and Dianne Bidwell, Iowa State University

Van Horne, Evan Brehm, Joe and Sheryl Brehm, Iowa State University

Walcott, Austin Kessler, Jim and Ann Kessler, Iowa State University

Wheatland, Micah Klahn, Sandra Klahn and the late James Klahn, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

02 May 2011

Bethany hosts Teen Forum to Kick Off Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

By Mary Ann McLeod

Moline, Illinois - Bethany for Children & Families, in conjunction with Edgerton Women's Health Center and the Scott County Health Department, is hosting a teen forum, entitled T.O.P. (Teens on Point) to kickoff Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at Bethany for Children & Families, Moline. Invitations have been sent to area high schools, asking each school to bring one student and one staff member.

Teen pregnancy; so what?  Mary Ann McLeod, Director of Community Services at Bethany for Children & Families, said that "In examining the issues related to teen pregnancy and how it effects youth in the Quad-Cities area, the following statistics are sobering:

--only 38% of moms who have a child before 18, graduate from high school;

--80% of teen fathers do not marry the mothers of their first child and contribute less than

$800 annually for child support;

--only 2/3 of children born to teen moms receive a high school diploma compared to 81%

of children born to adults;

--daughters of teen mothers are 3X more likely to become pregnant as a teen than

daughters born to mothers who were age 20-21;

--sons of teen moms are 2X more likely to end up in prison;

--over 75% of unmarried teen mothers will receive welfare; and

--children of teen parents are 2X more likely to suffer from abuse and neglect."

Both Rock Island County, Illinois (13.3%) and Scott County, Iowa (11.5%) have higher teen birth rates than their respective state rates of 10.1% and 8.7%. To address the issues related to teen pregnancy and the implications for the Quad-Cities, the teen forum will provide an opportunity for a representative group of area high school students and a separate representative group of adults, composed of parents, school personnel, social service providers, and community members, to discuss the following four questions:

  • To what extent is teen pregnancy a problem in your school and how does it affect you personally?
  • What is not working in addressing the issue as presented by parents, educators, media, and/or community organizations?
  • Should a different message be sent to junior high school students than high school students, and if so what?
  • What are three steps that can be taken in the next year to help reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy and/or increase awareness regarding teen pregnancy and its related issues?

After the discussion has been completed, the groups will re-convene to share respective findings and direction for action in the upcoming year. A press conference is scheduled at 11:00 a.m., at which time the findings and direction for action will be revealed to the media. The press conference is scheduled to be held in Bethany for Children & Families' Education Center, which is located at 1830 - 6th Avenue in Moline.

For more information about Bethany for Children & Families, its mission and program services please visit www.bethany-qc.org or call 309-797-7700.

 

###

02 May 2011

College Savings Iowa is Named One of the Most Affordable 529 Plans in the Nation

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (04/28/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that College Savings Iowa was listed as one of the top five most affordable 529 plans in the nation. Morningstar, an investment research firm, recently released its 2010 529 College-Savings Plans Research Paper and Industry Survey, which included an analysis of the costs of the 50 largest 529 plans in the nation.*

College Savings Iowa makes saving simple by offering all of its thirteen investment options at the same affordable price of 0.34% without any additional account fees. "As we all know, every penny counts these days, which is why College Savings Iowa works at keeping its costs low enough to enable investors to put more of their investment returns toward the right place: their children's education," Fitzgerald said. "Having Morningstar's national recognition helps reaffirm we are doing all we can to help families save for their children's future educational needs."

With an initial investment of only $25 to open an account, anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can also deduct contributions up to $2,865 per beneficiary from their 2011 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.** Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.*** To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Morningstar 2010 529 College-Savings Plans Research Paper and Industry Survey. http://i.bnet.com/blogs/morningstar529industrysurvey11110.pdf?tag=content;coll

**Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

***Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

02 May 2011

DAVENPORT HOLDS LOTTERY FOR WEEKEND STANDING TEE TIMES

By Ron Summers
DAVENPORT HOLDS LOTTERY FOR WEEKEND STANDING TEE TIMES

A lottery will be held Wednesday May 4th, 2011 at 7pm at Red Hawk Golf Course, 6364 Northwest Blvd, to assign open Weekend Standing Tee Times at both Emeis and Duck Creek Golf Courses for the 2011 golf season. Standing Tee Times are available on Saturdays and Sundays between 6 a.m. and 12 pm.

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 Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

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