09 May 2011

RIVERMONT JUNIOR AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS INTERNSHIP

By Brittany Marietta

Congratulations to Rivermont Collegiate junior Pavane Gorrepati, who has received a Borlaug-Ruan International Internship!  This prestigious internship provides an all-expenses-paid, eight-week hands-on experiencing working with world-renowned scientists and policymakers at research centers around the world.  The internship is a program of The World Food Prize, which, since 1986, has honored individuals who have made vital contributions to improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food throughout the world.  The unique opportunity is different from other study abroad internships in that students participate in original research projects with acclaimed scientists, while getting a firsthand view of pressing food security issues and nutritional problems in poverty-stricken areas of the developing world.  Since 1998, over 140 interns have traveled to Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, Peru, and the Philippines - to name a few!

Pavane will be at the China National Hybrid Rice Research & Development Center (CNHRRDC) in Changsha, China.  Pavane will spend time in the lab, as well as days or weeks at a time in the field, conducting research and gathering data.  Upon return, Pavane will submit a research report and reflection paper documenting her personal experience and the outcome of her research project.

Pavane's many science awards include Champion rankings at the 2009 and 2010 Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fairs for projects on alternative energy, winning her trips to the International Science and Engineering Fairs in Nevada in May 2009 and California in May 2010.  Pavane's talents extend beyond the scientific realm - she recently earned a trip to the National History Day Competition in Washington, D.C. this summer with a performance about the Nuremburg Trials with fellow Rivermont students Joann Weeks, Meghana Pagadala, and Christine Mbakwe.  Pavane is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Rivermont Environmental Club, and intends to devote her life to the study of alternative energy.

The World Food Prize was conceived by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Price.  In 1990, Des Moines businessman and philanthropist John Ruan assumed sponsorship of The Prize and established The World Food Prize Foundation, located in Des Moines, IA.  For additional information on The World Food Prize and the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, visit www.worldfoodprize.org.

Rivermont Collegiate, located in Bettendorf, is the Quad Cities' only private, independent college-prep school for students in preschool through twelfth grade.  For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, contact Cindy Murray, Director of Admissions, at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.  Visit us online at www.rvmt.org!

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09 May 2011

Governor Quinn Unveils Comprehensive Energy Plan

By Laurel White

Proposal Protects Illinois Consumers, Creates Jobs and Encourages Investment in Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency

CHICAGO - May 9, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a comprehensive proposal that will protect Illinois' consumers by stabilizing energy bills, while creating thousands of jobs and encouraging investment in clean, renewable and reliable energy. The plan moves Illinois towards ensuring that 25 percent of our energy comes from renewable sources by 2025, which is mandated by state law.

"A comprehensive approach is required to address the energy challenges of today and tomorrow," said Governor Quinn. "This plan will protect Illinois consumers from high energy costs, while creating thousands of jobs by increasing energy efficiency, improving our state's aging energy infrastructure and shifting to cleaner, renewable and reliable energy sources."

The Governor's comprehensive strategy modernizes our electric grid and energy infrastructure in a way that benefits Illinois' consumers. The plan encourages investment in energy efficiency projects that shield consumers from high energy prices and supports renewable energy projects. It also creates a path for approval of clean coal projects, which will help us responsibly harness our significant coal reserves.

The proposal helps consumers invest in their own clean energy generation (i.e. solar), freeing them from the need to buy power and reducing capacity problems on our electric grid. It also guarantees that consumers benefit from grid upgrades, instead of the utility companies, by strictly defining those kinds of grid upgrades and ensuring that they create jobs.

Under the Governor's proposal, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) will be able to effectively broker long-term contracts for clean energy, which will lock in low rates for consumers, help lower energy prices overall and allow new projects to be built, which will create new jobs. The plan will stimulate investment in clean energy that is projected to create more than 6,000 jobs over six years.

The Governor's plan also encourages energy efficiency, which reduces the amount of high-priced power consumers must buy. Every $1 spent on energy efficiency saves consumers $3 to $4. Each additional 1 percent of energy reductions gained through energy efficiency by the IPA is projected to create 4,000 jobs.

Governor Quinn today also expressed his strong opposition to House Bill 14, which would enable electric utilities to automatically raise rates annually without any prior approval by the Illinois Commerce Commission.  While infrastructure upgrades are necessary, the Governor believes there are alternative proposals that will accomplish these goals and protect consumers.

Governor Quinn's comprehensive energy plan will modernize Illinois' energy policy and helps our state produce and use power more efficiently. It encourages the development of clean, renewable power sources and a reliable 21st-century power infrastructure, while ensuring effective regulation of our state's energy providers.

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09 May 2011

Jewish Cultural Series 2011 Rabbi Jonathan Porath Scholar in Residence Monday May 23 & Tuesday, May 24

By Sheryl Hassell-Bennett
As part of the Jewish Cultural Series 2011, the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities is presenting Jerusalem Rabbi Jonathan Porath as a Scholar In Residence. He will be speaking at three different locations around the Quad City area on several different topics.

On Monday, May 23rd, 7:00 PM at Moline Library, 3210 41st Street in Moline.

Topic All of Jewish History From Abraham Until Today in One Hour An epic and engaging presentation covering the flow of Jewish history for the past 4,000 years, with special emphasis on Jewish life around the world today and the State of Israel. The presentation if free to the public.

On Tuesday, May 24th, 12:00 noon, Temple Emanuel 1115 Mississippi Ave,

Davenport
Topic Creating Caring Hearts & Loving Souls For Ourselves & Our Children How do we go about instilling values and positive feelings in those closest to us? What can we do the make a difference in their lives--and in our own as well?
Lunch is $5.00
RSVP required 793-1300.

Tuesday, May 24th, 7:00 PM HomeRidge Inn and Suites (formerly Holiday Inn), 909 Middle Road,

Bettendorf
175 Trips to the Jews of Russia Rabbi Porath has been traveling to visit the Jews of Russia and the Soviet Union for more than 45 years. How has Jewish life changed over the years and what lessons can we learn from their dedication and fortitude??Presentation is free to the public.

Rabbi Porath is an inspiring and passionate Jerusalem-based rabbi, educator and speaker who makes Jewish texts and values come alive. He received his BA from Brandeis Unversity, his MA from Columbia University, and was ordained a Rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rabbi Porath recently completed 15 years as a senior staff member of the Russian department of

the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). He specializes in conveying Jewish pride and always speaks from the heart. He is the 18th generation Rabbi in his family. Rabbi Porath is married and has five children and three grandchildren.

The Series is sponsored by the Rauch Family Foundation II Inc., Goldstein Family, The Stanley and Bernice Harris Memorial Endowment Fund American Bank and Trust, Lane and Waterman, LLP, Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, RSM McGladrey, Inc., Elsie Kohen Charitable Trust, Weerts Funeral Home, Osco/Jewel. Dr. Andrew and Marilyn Berkow, Laura Silverberg and Phil Seline at Smith Barney.
09 May 2011

STATE FARM ANNOUNCES COST-EFFECTIVE BUILDING CONSOLIDATION

By Missy Lundberg

May 9, 2011 - State Farm announced today a statewide facilities plan that will maximize building efficiencies throughout a three-state area. In Illinois, two operations centers in Bloomington and Downers Grove will remain open, while ten field offices across the state will consolidate to remaining offices in Illinois and Indiana. Some employees will stay in local mobile-worker roles. Local agent's offices and State Farm's Corporate Headquarters, also located in Bloomington, are not part of this announcement.

The announcement is the result of a study analyzing office space capacity and will allow State Farm to utilize technology while gaining operational efficiencies. The company will sell or end leases at the following ten offices over the next few years: Marion, Collinsville, Springfield, Champaign, Peoria, Moline, Rockford, Elmhurst, Tinley Park and Arlington Heights, Illinois.

"It's our responsibility to our customers and associates to make sure we continually evaluate our business operations to remain competitive in today's marketplace" says Cathy Wallace, State Farm Operations Vice President based in Bloomington. "Technology allows us to improve our efficiency and reduce facility related expenses while at the same time enhance service to our customers."

As part of today's Great Lakes Zone announcement, State Farm will be consolidating field operations from nine to two offices in Indiana and also nine to two offices in Michigan.  These announcements do not affect any of the approximately 1,040 State Farm Agents offices in communities throughout Illinois.

09 May 2011

Local Not-For-Profit Begins Construction on New Nursing Facility

By Erin McConaughey

Kahl Home to Build New 135-Bed Skilled Nursing Home

Davenport, IA - A ground-blessing ceremony will be held this week to commemorate the early stages of construction on the new Kahl Home senior living facility, located at 6701 Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, IA on Thursday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m. Participating in the ceremony will be Bishop Martin Amos, Bishop of the Davenport Diocese and Mother M. Mark Louis Anne Randall, O.Carm., Superior General of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, Germantown, NY, that sponsors the Kahl Home for the Aged and Infirm. Press is invited to attend.

The Kahl Home will be a new 138,000 square foot multi-story nursing facility located on a 40 acre site. The building will contain a total of 135 licensed nursing home beds in six nursing units of 22-23 beds each. Each nursing unit will have its own dining area and home-like resident common space. The building will contain a spacious atrium area with a café, pub, and gift shop, in addition to administrative areas, kitchen, physical plant, support services, chapel and a convent. Construction of the new $28,000,000 facility started in October 2010 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2012.

This is Phase One of a long range planned continuing care retirement campus. The current project is the skilled nursing facility, including a dedicated Medicare wing for short term rehabilitation, chapel and convent. Placed throughout the project will be several formal open spaces, such as gardens, plazas, and courtyards. Informal open spaces will occur throughout this site in addition to walking trails, lawns and water features.

Established in 1955, the original Kahl Home housed 21 female residents. As a waiting list for the facility grew, it was immediately apparent that additional space was needed to accommodate those seeking admittance. Additions to the Kahl Home were constructed in 1963 and again in 1987 bringing the total licensed bed capacity to 135 residents. The entire existing facility will be replaced by the new project with the planned disposition of the existing facility.

The Kahl Home's motto, "The Difference is Love" is strongly rooted in their mission, vision and values for the organization. The Carmelite Sisters and the staff of the Kahl Home are committed to providing services that meet all of the physical, spiritual, recreational, and psychosocial needs of the individual residents. The Kahl Home provides widespread services to its residents including 24-hour nursing care, long-term and short-term rehabilitation care, Alzheimer and Dementia care, hospice care, speech therapies, psychosocial counseling, adaptive computer labs, and daily Mass. Each team member works together with residents and their families to identify and meet each person's individual needs, and do so by upholding the resident's dignity and encouraging their independence. For more information on the Kahl Home, please visit their website at www.kahlhomedav.com.

This ground blessing also marks the beginning of a $5 million area-wide capital campaign. Some early commitments have been secured, including an anonymous gift of $1 million. Rosalie Thomas, Administrator of Kahl Home states "We are deeply grateful for the $1 million lead gift and for the gifts of those other early donors that have stepped forward. We believe others will respond generously in recognition of the commitment of the Carmelite Sisters and the high quality of care provided by the Kahl Home over the past 55 years. We are completing the enlistment of our campaign leaders and will announce the team in the very near future."

Russell Construction, located in Davenport, IA, is serving as the Construction Manager on this project. THW Design, located in Atlanta, GA is serving as the Architect. For more information on Russell Construction, please visit their website at www.russellco.com.

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09 May 2011

Andrzejewski, Morthland Announce "We're Spent" Agenda

By Rick Martin
Grassroots Leader Pushes Spending Reforms in Springfield to Reverse Bad Budget Cycle


MOLINE - With state government struggling to find a way out of its budget malaise, the leader of a statewide grassroots organization today teamed with a key state lawmaker on a package of commonsense ideas to enact spending reforms in Illinois. Adam Andrzejewski, CEO and Founder of For the Good of Illinois, outlined his "We're Spent" message in the Quad Cities as he pushes an ambitious legislative agenda that would fix some longtime problems with the state budget.

Andrzejewski teamed with state Rep. Rich Morthland outside Morthland's Moline district office to explain why the pillars of his public policy agenda respond aggressively to the feeling by many Illinoisans that "We're Spent" highlighting the lack of action in reining in state spending. The reforms the grassroots leader proposes will get the state back on solid financial footing, both this year and going forward.

For the Good of Illinois Legislative Agenda
·       PayGo Budgeting (House Bill 111): This concept is very simple yet very effective: Don't spend more money than you bring in. PAYGO restores sensibility to budgeting. If you want to spend more, you need to cut that exact amount to offset that spending increase. Families and businesses do it all the time, so should government.

·       New purchasing for universities (House Bill 89): This measure ensures better overall oversight of how state universities spend their money by creating a universal purchasing system - key at a time when several continue to raise tuition on incoming students, in some cases significantly.

·       Meaningful spending caps (Senate Bill 36): This measure provides real, meaningful spending caps on our budget by limiting spending to 1.5 percent annual increases.

"All across Illinois, citizens say 'We're spent' - they're tired of more tax-and-spend politics driving the agenda. My plan shifts the conversation to how we can better spend our money - keep costs reasonable and always make sure we have enough money to pay the bills. That's the only way we'll ever get back on track in Illinois. I hope lawmakers embrace these good ideas and will work to get them approved this spring for a better Illinois," Andrzejewski said.

"Adam is dead on with the 'We're Spent' agenda. We can't keep ignoring what's putting us in these huge money holes year after year. I gladly join Adam and several colleagues in strongly supporting these initiatives and will work hard over these next weeks to get them approved in Springfield," Morthland said.

About For The Good of Illinois
For the Good of Illinois is a nonprofit organization promoting self-governance in Illinois by engaging, educating and empowering citizens to demand limited, accountable and transparent government of, by, and for the people. Adam Andrzejewski is the CEO and Founder. For more information, please visit www.ForTheGoodofIllinois.org.


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09 May 2011

Braley Announces Over $268 Million for High Speed Rail

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - May 9, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that Iowa will benefit from over $268 million awarded to five Midwestern states for the continued development of high speed rail lines.

This award allows for the purchase of 48 passenger rail cars and 7 locomotives for 8 corridors in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan and Wisconsin.  These new cars and locomotives will be able to travel up to speeds of 125 mph to comply with the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.  The new equipment will replace aging Amtrak equipment with cars that add capacity for anticipated usage, improve operational reliability and reduce operating costs.

"Today's announcement is great news for Iowans and our neighbors," Braley said. "Passenger rail is critical to the continued economic development of the region. This is one more step to create jobs and put Iowa's economy back on track."

In October, the Department of Transportation awarded $230 million in federal funding for a new Amtrak route between Chicago and Iowa City through the Quad Cities. The project is scheduled for completion in 2015 and will create 588 jobs per year for the first four years of design and construction.  Once initiated, the new rail service is expected to increase business activity by $25 million per year.

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09 May 2011

ROCK CAMP USA - QUAD CITIES 2011 INFO MEETING AT RME

By Rick Martin

2011 marks RME's sixth year as a national Rock Camp USA affiliate, and we look forward to our biggest and best year in 2011. Find out why Rock Camp USA is THE BEST summer rock music camp in the country, and how your young rocker can be a part of it all right here in the Quad Cities!  Rock Camp USA - Quad Cities is sponsored by Trinity Regional Health, West Music Company, Mediacom, and is produced by the River Music Experience.  Financial assistance for youth in need of help with program fees is provided by HAVlife Foundation, Moline Foundation, The Terry Lunardi Foundation and the Karli Rose Kell Music Scholarship Fund at RME.  Find more about Rock Camp USA Quad Cities on the web at www.rivermusicexperience.org and on the national Rock Camp USA site at: www.rockcampusa.com .

09 May 2011

34th Annual DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival Offers Music, Art, & Culture

By Paula Neuhaus

DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival celebrates its 34th year as Iowa's oldest all arts festival held in the heart of historic downtown Dubuque, May 20-22. Under the direction of collaborative partners, musician and promoter Aaron Hefel, and arts administrator and culture advocate Paula Neuhaus, the weekend is packed full of free music, art, and culture for all ages. The Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, a non-profit arts organization, launched the multi-faceted all arts festival in 1977 to promote the arts and to revitalize the downtown area by community building through arts and culture development. After 34 years of success DubuqueFest honors great traditions and adds contemporary twists.

The weekend features a fine art fair, live music and performances on two stages, children's hands-on art activities, an Old House Tour by the Old Home Enthusiasts, a book release and reading by the Dubuque Area Writers Guild, a community chalk mural project and a community interactive painting kiosk, pottery demonstrations, an antique car show, an original one act play, dance performances, and music, music, music.

All events are free and open to the public. (The Old House Tour is a ticketed event.) Here are some highlights of what the weekend offers. For a full schedule of events visit www.dubuquefest.org.

Fine Art Fair
Saturday, 10am-5pm & Sunday, 10am-4pm in Washington Park
DubuqueFest 's annual juried fine art fair features the work of 70 artists and artisans from throughout the region offering the very best in fine art and fine craft. Meet the artists, learn about their process and invest in handcrafted on-of-a-kind pieces. With a wide selection of paintings, ceramics, hand-blown and fused glass, free from concrete sculpture, photography, letterpress work, fiber and fabric art, jewelry, slate work, hand-turned wood bowls, wearable art, calligraphy, custom leather footwear, stained glass, book art, clocks, and more this fair has original work for everyone.

Children's Creation Station: Let your creativity soar!
Saturday, 10am-5pm & Sunday, 10am-4pm in Washington Park
The Children's Creation Station will host a celebration of cultures through kites! Parents and children are invited to use recycled materials & paint to assemble and take home their own kite. Examples of kites from all over the world will be on display to inspire young artists to put their own creative spin on this traditional art form. The DubuqueFest Annual Children's Creation Station is made possible by a community partnership grant from McGraw-Hill Companies. Volunteers from McGraw-Hill, the Dubuque Art Center's Residency Program, DubuqueFest Committee members, and friends of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society help staff the tent. Don't forget to pick up your DubuqueFest interactive map that young people can use to navigate a fine art fair. Look for the kites and make your way to the fun!

Community Chalk Collaborative Illustration
Saturday, 11am-2pm in the Town Clock Plaza
Join artists from Dubuque Art Center's Residency Program as they lead you in creating a collaborative illustration that explores community creativity. This sidewalk mural invites everyone to be an artist!

Dubuque Area Writers Guild Annual Book Release Reception: Youth Gallery
Friday, 6pm at Dubuque Museum of Art
The Dubuque Area Writers Guild invites you to the reading & release reception for Youth Gallery, an anthology of original work featuring local writers and artists under the age of 18. Celebrate an evening of words, refreshments, readings by selected contributors, and music. Books will be available for purchase at the reception, and at the art fair information booth in Washington Park throughout the weekend.

Interactive Painting Kiosk
Saturday, 11am-4pm in Washington Park
Join artists from Maquoketa Art Experience's resident artist program in crating a collaborative community painting.

Antique & Vintage Car Display
Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Tri-State Antique Car Club and Main Street Cruisers will have their classic cars on display. The owners of these beauties will be on hand to tell you all about the refurbishing and collecting of classic cars. Take photos and ask question but this is the kind of art you don't touch without asking!

Amusements for Children by LT Amusements
Saturday & Sunday 10 am-4 pm
7th Street & Washington Park
Climbing wall, bouncing castle, super slide, and more!

Highlights of the Live Music on The Town Clock Main stage
Friday & Saturday 5 pm-10 pm
Live music on two stages all weekend long. The Town Clock Main stage offers local, regional, and national touring acts while the Washington Park Gazebo features the unplugged work by area musicians from 10 am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.dubuquefest.org for the full schedule for both stages.

Friday, May 20
Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts
8:00 p.m. @ the Town Clock

A musical brew that Miles himself calls "Beatle-esque Cosmic Americana." A rich and layered sound that seamlessly blends Alternative Country and Blue-Eyed Soul, some Pop and Rock, and Tin Pan Alley song-craft.

The Right Now
6:30 p.m. @ the Town Clock
This Chicago soul funk group mixes a bit of blues with an upfront bass section and retro soul. Singer Stefanie Berecz's voice is one of the most celebrated in the Windy City as it leaps from the rooftops with tense restraint.

The Fast Clydes
5 p.m. @ the Town Clock
This local trio of handsome devils rock as sweet as they look. Cookin' up classic Rockabilly hits, these cats are gonna kick off the festival by rockin' this town inside out. Bring your dancing shoes!

Saturday, May 21
William Elliott Whitmore
8:30 p.m. @ the Town Clock
With a voice that sounds like the reincarnation of an old gospel preacher from the 1920s and a fascination with sin, death, and redemption to match, William Elliott Whitmore is one of the most unique artists to emerge on the Americana scene in years. Whitmore takes the DubuqueFest stage just weeks after finishing a tour with Chris Cornell!

James Leg
7:30 p.m. @ the Town Clock
James Leg is the alter ego of John Wesley Meyers, keyboard man and vocalist for the southern blues duo Black Diamond Heavies. Pounding out southern blues mixed with his own hot and rockin' soul stylings many call him a "keyboard crazy" among the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard, but Leg's howlin', growlin' vocals are in a league of their own. Wear layers...this show is gonna make you sweat!

Starlicker
6:00 p.m. @ the Town Clock
Deeply rooted in the Chicago and International avant-garde and post rock scenes this trio expels sound with pervading energy and other-worldy delicacy. Starlicker is a unique trio, blending the origins of sound with imperative immediacy and sublime power. A must see!

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09 May 2011

Midwest Academy of Dance and Midwest Modern Dance Co. invite you to Solo's and Then Some (Dances Celebrating Spring)

By Kathy Lafrenz
Solo's and Then Some (Dances Celebrating Spring)
Sunday May 15th at 3 pm
Nighswander Jr. Theatre in the Annie Wittenmyer Complex
(corner of 29th st and Eastern Ave in Davenport)
Admission is $10 (Proceeds go to M.A.D. Scholarship fund)

The remarkable talent hidden away in our young dancers is spotlighted in this series of solos, duets, and group numbers choreographed by the professional dancers of Midwest Modern Dance and by the students themselves.  Dances about heartache and grief, joy and hope, sharing and waiting.  Pieces danced with a technical/emotional maturity amazing in 12 and 13 year olds.  Add to that the talent of Midwest Modern Dance and you have an afternoon full of wonderful moving art.  The proceeds will go to help Midwest Academy of Dance rebuild their scholarship fund and help with costumes for our up coming Dance Recital - Dr Suess-The Places You'll Go.

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