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.
09 May 2011

ISE May 12th. Poetry and writings of mystical traditions, contemporary poets

By Narveen Aryaputri

Independent Scholars' Evening on May 12th. 2011

Tonight will be a reading of poetry and writings of mystical saints of various traditions, contemporary poets, and scriptures regarding the power and contemplation of faith, gratitude, and thanksgiving, with sharing.

By Judith Lee.

Judith Lee is an environmental planner who has lived in the Quad Cities since 1993. She is an avid spiritual seeker and has much to be grateful for.  She wants to share the gifts of gratitude with you.

7.00 p.m.

second floor of

The Moline 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. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996.

09 May 2011

Iowans Talk Gas Prices and National Debt

By Sen Chuck Grassley

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Unlike Congress, families in Iowa can't spend more money than they bring in year after year.  At least not without facing grave financial problems.

Unlike Congress, Iowans can't increase their paychecks by passing a law to boost their income.  On the contrary, the big spenders in Washington would like to pass laws that would decrease taxpayers' take-home pay by raising taxes.

When rising gas prices squeeze household budgets, Iowans need to figure out where to spend less to make up for the shortfall.  They don't have the luxury of a blank check co-signed by Uncle Sam to pay for basic necessities or splurging on items they can't afford.

Visiting one-third of Iowa's counties during a two-week road trip in April, I met face-to-face with more than 1,000 Iowans to answer questions and address issues that matter most to their families, communities and way of life.

In county after county, a sweeping majority of Iowans expressed overriding concern about keeping energy affordable.  Filling up the gas tank week after week is eating up a bigger share of family incomes, increasing transportation costs for schools, farms and businesses, and squeezing profitability and savings month after month.

Policymakers and consumers need to use sticker shock at the pump as a catalyst to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.  The United States sends more than $400 billion each year overseas for foreign oil.  Now more than ever, the United States needs to ramp up domestic production of traditional energy -- including oil, natural gas, and coal -- and expand alternative fuels and renewable energy -- including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and geothermal.  Consumers can help lead the way through conservation and choosing energy-efficient appliances, hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels.  Congress needs to keep energy security on the front burner in Washington.

In the U.S. Senate, I have long championed American agriculture for its capacity to help feed a growing world population.  My work also shaped public policy to give Rural America the opportunity to serve as a domestic, renewable energy resource to help displace oil imports, create jobs, grow green energy, increase competition, and strengthen U.S. energy and national security.

America imports more than 60 percent of our oil.  The U.S. Treasury pays out an average $84 billion a year to defend the shipping lanes by which foreign oil reaches the United States.  Those who want to isolate ethanol's federal tax incentives and put them on the chopping block need to remember the massive tax breaks the oil and gas industries have received each year for the last 100 years.  There's an effort under way in the Senate to end ethanol's federal tax incentives, even as oil and gas tax breaks would remain untouched. Policymakers in the United States should not be legislating to slow down domestic energy production.  Killing ethanol's tax incentives would cost U.S. jobs, increase our dependence on foreign oil, increase prices at the pump for U.S. consumers, and keep OPEC's stranglehold on the U.S. economy.

This week I introduced legislation that lays out a fiscally responsible path forward for the ethanol sector.  No one else in the energy field has come forward in a similar way, but I hope my legislation starts a trend.  Today, ethanol is the only source of alternative energy that's substantially reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.  Going forward, the sky's the limit as we move to the next generation of advanced biofuels and cellulosic ethanol.

The mid-term elections in November sent a signal to Washington to stop overspending.  Iowans who attended my town meetings in April asked what can be done to rein in deficit spending.  Washington can't afford to spend 24.7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (and that's what's projected by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office for fiscal 2011) alongside two-percent economic growth without saddling future generations with a legacy of debt.

A divided government in Washington must work together to address chronic deficits and a $14 trillion national debt.  Simplifying the federal tax code would help promote compliance and trigger stronger economic growth, investment and job creation.  I support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require a balanced federal budget just as 46 of the 50 states require.  I don't support raising taxes to balance the budget.  It doesn't work.  Right now, Washington spends $1.68 for every dollar it collects in taxes.  Since World War II, the government has spent $1.17, on average, every time Congress has raised taxes by $1.

At my town meetings, Iowans asked for measurable belt-tightening in Washington.  I'll be working to make it happen as Congress debates raising the debt ceiling and approving the federal budget for fiscal 2012.  The Senate Budget Committee is expected to get to work next week.  The budget resolution deserves a rigorous debate and one that takes place in a transparent manner. As a member of the Budget Committee, I intend to do what I can to make that happen.

Friday, May 6, 2011

09 May 2011

Local Girl Scouts will send over 30,000 boxes of cookies to troops overseas

By Kady Riches

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois would like to thank the supporters of the 2011 Troop 2 Troop Cookie Share Program. Through the generosity people in our communities and the hard work of our Girl Scouts, we have collected more than 31,000 boxes of cookies that will be sent to our troops overseas. This is more than double the amount collected last year. Thanks to all who purchased cookies for our Troop 2 Troop program!

We would also like to thank Iowa's Bravest and Riverbend Troop Support for coordinating the transportation of the cookies to our men and women serving overseas.

Didn't get a chance to purchase cookies or donate cookies to our military troops? Be ready for your opportunity when the girls sell again next February!

Girl Scouts is the premier leadership development program for girls where girls can have fun, make new friends and learn new things in a safe all-girl setting. For more information, visit GirlScoutsToday.com or call your local Girl Scout Leadership Center at 800-798-0833.

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09 May 2011

Harkin, Snowe Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Financially Strained Americans Afford Hearing Aids

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) today introduced legislation to help individuals with hearing loss purchase hearing aids.  The bipartisan Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act seeks to provide a $500 credit for the purchase of hearing aids for both adults and children.  Hearing loss is a serious problem for millions of Americans, as are the financial costs of hearing aids.  68 percent of those with hearing loss cite financial constraints as a core reason for not seeking treatment and only about 25 percent of people with hearing loss actually use a hearing aid, even though 95 percent of people with hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids.  The $500 credit allowed under the bill would apply for each hearing aid, and it would be available every five years.  Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

"Growing up with a brother who was deaf, I saw firsthand the challenges that individuals with hearing loss faces every day.  For many, the solution is as simple as getting a hearing aid, but sadly, many Americans are not able to afford this life-changing device," said Senator Harkin. "We must do more to help people who cannot afford hearing aids to live happier, more productive lives.  This bill makes long-term economic sense and improves the lives of our friends, family members, and neighbors with hearing loss."

"Hearing aids make a world of difference for the millions of Americans who suffer from hearing loss, yet limited health care coverage of these vital devices leave many patients unable to benefit from this essential medical care," said Senator Snowe.  "For patients who rely on these devices to better interact with their families and their communities, access to these devices can significantly improve their quality of life and productivity."

Currently, hearing aids are excluded from Medicare coverage, and 61 percent of all hearing aid purchases involve no third party payment.  The average cost for a hearing aid in 2008 was $1,675 per ear, including fitting, evaluation, and post-fitting treatment.  80 percent of people require two devices.  The lack of action to provide hearing aids to Americans who need them has consequences including:

• Children who do not receive early intervention cost schools an additional $420,000 and are faced with overall lifetime costs of $1 million in special education, lost wages, and health complications.  Children can be fitted with hearing aids soon after birth.

• A 2005 survey of 80,000 households by the Better Hearing Institute indicated that untreated hearing loss results in an average loss of income per household of up to $12,000/year.  

• For seniors, a 1999 National Council on the Aging (NCOA) study demonstrated that untreated hearing loss often results in distorted communication, isolation, withdrawal, depression, anger and severely reduced overall psychological health.
09 May 2011

Morrow Raises $5000 for Kids' Charities

By Rick Martin

Makes Record 2000 Pushups

MOLINE, IL– May 2, 2011 - John Morrow's Push-Ups for Peace event last Saturday netted $5000 for charity and a world record 2000 push-ups on the backs of hands in an hour by John Morrow. According to Morrow, the current Guinness World Record holder for this event is Paddy Doyle of England, who made 1940 five years ago. Morrow will submit his claim to Guinness for review.

"I'm still running on adrenalin," said Morrow on Monday, two days after the event. "I feel terrific, and it's nice to be on the way to eating again!" Morrow accomplished 2000 push-ups in the hour on the backs of his hands, after fasting for 41 days. His videographer, Chuck McClurg, has the event recorded as the climax of a video documentary Morrow hopes will air on national TV.

Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including the group push-uppers, volunteers and the media.

"We more than doubled last year's donations to kids' charities," said Morrow. "It was great to see so many people show up with such enthusiasm and willingness to participate in any way they were able."

All push-up proceeds are evenly divided between Quad City Children's Therapy Center, Kids Against Hunger, and the Make A Wish Foundation. Spectator admission proceeds will benefit the Rock Island Word of Life food pantry.

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09 May 2011

Bettendorf Rotary's Run with Carl's 17th Year Help Us Reach 1,700 Runners

By Rick Martin

BETTENDORF, IA - The Bettendorf Rotary and the Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund have set Labor Day, Monday, September 5 as the date for the seventeenth annual Run with Carl Presented by Trinity Iowa Health Systems. The 5K run/walk and 1/2 and 1-mile fun runs for children 12 and under start and finish at the Bettendorf Life Center (2222 Middle Rd., Bettendorf) with an Awards Ceremony to follow at approximately 9:30 a.m. The course remains the same as in previous years. Entry fees are $20 for the 5K for no t-shirt and $25 for the 5K with a t-shirt. The youth entry fee for the ½ and 1-mile fun run is $10.

Runners in the 2010 Run with Carl attracted 1,300 runners and raised funds to support scholarships for local Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley graduates. This year, we hope to knock that number out of the park by registering 1,700 runners for the 17th year or the race. Participants may register online only at www.runwithcarl.com.

Carl Schillig was 15 years old when he was killed in a car-pedestrian accident in 1994. Carl was active in a variety of community, school and church activities. In commemoration of his life, the Run With Carl Walk/Run attracts participants to the challenging, but scenic, course following city streets, neighborhoods and the Bettendorf Recreation Path.

For more information about this year's run, visit the website at www.runwithcarl.com or find us on Facebook by searching for "Run with Carl.

Run with Carl is supported by the Bettendorf Rotary, Trinity Regional Health Systems and United Healthcare.

About the Bettendorf Rotary: The Bettendorf Rotary Club was chartered in 1957. The group meets every Wednesday at noon at Fortune Garden Restaurant (2211 South Kimberly Road, Bettendorf). They are an annual sponsor of Run with Carl.

About the Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund, Inc.: The Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund was established in 1995 by surviving members of Carl Shillig, who was killed at the age of 15 in a car-pedestrian accident. The fund provides a $4000 college scholarship to graduates of Pleasant Valley High School - which Carl attended - and Bettendorf High School graduates. With Carl's philanthropy as its inspiration, the nonprofit also distributes proceeds from the run to organizations in which Carl was active, including Bettendorf/Pleasant Valley Acquatics, Cornbelt Running Club, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

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