29 Apr 2011

AUGUSTANA GRADS TEAM UP TO BRING NEW PREMIUM MICRO-ROAST COFFEE TO THE QUAD CITIES

By Darlene Murphy

Tom Weigand and Annette Zapolis Introduce True Coffee at Cool Beanz 

Rock Island, Ill. (April, 27 2011) - Rock Island native, Augustana College graduate (1985) and Trustee Tom Weigand has again brought one of his entrepreneurial ventures to the Quad Cities.  Three years ago the Noodles & Company co-founder opened a restaurant in Davenport, Iowa and this time Weigand is working with fellow Augustana graduate Annette Zapolis (2009), owner and manager of Rock Island's Cool Beanz, to sell True Coffee, from his premium artisan coffee company launched in Madison, Wis. in 2010.  Weigand and four partners founded True Coffee Roasters with a commitment to roasting coffees from the great coffee-producing regions of the world using a small-batch roasting process that ensures premium flavor.  According to Weigand "Once we got up and running, I wanted to make our coffees available in the Quad Cities and preferably near Augustana because of all the requests from family and friends!"  He continued, "I learned about Annette's wonderful coffeehouse near Augustana and it was the perfect fit."

As a student at Augustana, Zapolis also began to study coffee, espresso, restaurant management and the needs of the community.   After finding the right location, applying a year of research and fixing up a 100-year-old building, Zapolis opened Cool Beanz in August 2009.  The goal of Cool Beanz coffeehouse is to provide a comfortable environment for the Quad Cities community, as well as a place for Augustana and Blackhawk College students to study, relax, interact and enjoy high quality products in a warm atmosphere.  On any day, guests include families spending time together by the three sided fireplace, students diligently working in books and laptops and couples and friends enjoying gourmet sandwiches, salads and beverages. On weekends, local talent graces the Cool Beanz stage for toe-tapping entertainment. Entertainment schedule, events and more can be found at www.coolbeanzcoffeehouse.com.

In addition to small batch roasting, True Coffee practices many sustainable initiatives such as purchasing predominantly Fair Trade and Organic coffees.  According to Weigand, "These coffees come at a higher cost, but we know we are making a difference in coffee-producing communities throughout the world and in return our customers get a really well-grown coffee."  To take sustainability one step further, True Coffee has launched a unique Can Refill program for customers who purchase coffee beans to use at home or office.  Rather than selling the coffees solely using the industry-standard disposable bag, which is likely to end up in a landfill, True Coffee offers a 12-ounce, refillable can made from tin, which is the most recycled material in U.S.  When guests return to refill their can, they receive 20% discount on their coffee purchase, each and every refill.  "We wanted a program that allowed customers the ability to purchase the freshest coffee, promote sustainability by using a refillable can and reward them with a 20% discount for doing so," said Weigand.  The program is rapidly expanding in coffee shops where True Coffee is sold throughout the Midwest, and the same program is now available at Cool Beanz.  Find out more about True Coffee Roasters at www.truecoffeeroasters.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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29 Apr 2011

Braley Statement on Injured Iowa National Guard Soldier

By Alexandra Krasov

April 27, 2011

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after officials reported that an Iowa National Guard soldier fromDubuque was injured by accidental gunfire in Afghanistan:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Cody and his family - and I know we're all pulling for him as he begins his recovery at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. This has been an incredibly difficult month for all Iowans and the entire National Guard family. My heart is with all these brave young men and women and their loved ones."

Three Iowans have been killed this month in Afghanistan.

# # #

29 Apr 2011

The Friends of Vander Veer Plant Sale Gearing Up

By Natasha Sottos

Purchase the Finest in Plants and Support Vander Veer

The Friends of Vander Veer annual Spring Plant Sale is coming up soon. This year's sale takes place the weekend of April 30th and May 1st with the following schedule:

Friday, April 29th

3:30-7:30 p.m.

Friends Members-Only Preview Sale

Become a Member and get first pick of the outstanding plant selection

Saturday, April 30th

10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Sale is Open to the Public

Sunday, May 1st

1:00-3:30 p.m.

Sale is Open to the Public

Enjoy the 2011 Potting Party!

Take part in Davenport's largest potting party! Drop in for a 15-minute class; the cost to attend is $5.00. Participants will learn planting secrets, while receiving help from experts in choosing their plants. Please furnish your own pot and soil-less potting mix. Soil will be for sale for a nominal fee.

Call 563-940-8809 for more information! The Friends of Vander Veer is a non-profit organization that supports beauty, education, and restoration at Vander Veer Botanical Park. Proceeds from this sale support the Park.

 

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28 Apr 2011

Free Educational Lecture at Gilda's Club QC

By Melissa Wright

Ask the Doctor about updates on Lymphoma Treatment Options


Presented by:

Brian K. Link, M.D.

Department of Internal Medicine

The University of Iowa

200 Hawkins Drive

Iowa City, Iowa

 

Program Overview

  • Lymphoma Overview

  • Treatment Options

  • Research Updates

  • Question and Answer Session

 

Dinner will be provided for all registered attendees.

 

Date and Time:

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Networking: 6:00 p.m.

Program: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

 

Location:

Gilda's Club Quad Cities

1234 East River Drive

Davenport, Iowa 52803

 

Additional Information:

This program is offered free-of-charge to lymphoma patients, survivors and their loved ones; however, pre-registration is required. To register call (800) 500-9976 or (563) 326-7504. Sponsored by the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

26 Apr 2011

Iowa State Fair Grandstand, Admission Tickets on Sale Saturday

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (04/26/2011)(readMedia)-- Tickets for the much-anticipated Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2011 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

In addition to the previously-announced star-studded line-up, Gavin DeGraw will open for Train and Maroon 5. DeGraw is known for numerous chart-toppers like "In Love With A Girl" and "I Don't Want To Be."

Print at home discounted admission tickets are on sale now through the Fair's website www.iowastatefair.org. For the first time, Fairgoers can purchase gate admission tickets online and immediately print their own tickets at no extra charge. Food coupons, Fair Play Packs, midway tickets and 11-day punch cards will also be available to order online beginning Saturday.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 11, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays - Fridays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2011 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 11 Casting Crowns with Sanctus Real, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 12 Jason Aldean with special guests Chris Young and Thompson Square, 8 p.m., $45

Saturday, August 13 Def Leppard with very special guest Heart, 8 p.m. $49

Sunday, August 14 The Incredible Machine Tour featuring Sugarland and Sara Bareilles, 8 p.m., $46

Monday, August 15 Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 16 Lynyrd Skynyrd and Doobie Brothers, 8 p.m., $46

Wednesday, August 17 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull, 2 p.m. $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Thursday, August 18 Ronnie Dunn with special guest Steel Magnolia, 8 p.m., $35

Friday, August 19 Train and Maroon 5 with special guest Gavin DeGraw, 8 p.m., $47

Saturday, August 20 Demolition Derby, 11:30 a.m., $12 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Saturday, August 20 REBA with special guest Jerrod Niemann, 8 p.m., $45

Sunday, August 21 An Evening with Janet Jackson, 8 p.m., $65 and $55

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

# # #

26 Apr 2011

Governor Quinn Announces New Performing Arts Center at Western Illinois University

By Andrew Mason

$67.8 Million Capital Project Will Create Around 400 Jobs; Leverage Private Investment

MACOMB - April 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined state and school officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the $67.8 million Performing Arts Center at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb. This is one of the largest university construction projects in the Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, and construction work is expected to create approximately 400 jobs. The state's investment will help WIU leverage a significant private donation to support the center's operation.

"This project is an investment in the future of Western Illinois University, and in this region's economy," said Governor Quinn. "Not only will this project create jobs during construction, it will also enable WIU to increase its educational offerings and provide the people of Macomb with a state-of-the-art facility for music, dance and theater productions."

The Performing Arts Center will include a 1,400-seat auditorium, a 250-seat thrust stage and a 150-seat studio theatre; dance, jazz and theatre rehearsal studios; dressing rooms; a scenery/design workshop and costume shop; and a loading dock to accommodate large vehicles for touring companies and orchestras.

The design phase of the project is underway, with construction bids scheduled for later this year and completion in 2014. A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Silver certification will be sought for the project, a testament to its energy efficient and environmentally friendly design. The project is administered by the Capital Development Board (CDB), which manages all state-funded, non-road construction projects.

"The WIU Performing Arts Center has become a reality. I cannot thank enough our legislators, campus community and many friends, including Governor Pat Quinn, for their support of this cultural center, which will be an incredible asset to this region," said WIU President Al Goldfarb, who is retiring this month.

"The Performing Arts Center project will employ hundreds of construction workers and provide enhanced educational opportunities for Western students once it's complete," said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. "This will be CDB's largest ongoing construction project, and we are thrilled that Governor Quinn is moving it along."

Joining Governor Quinn, Goldfarb and Underwood at today's ceremonial groundbreaking were State Sen. John Sullivan (D-Rushville), State Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), and Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead.

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25 Apr 2011

Celebrate Arbor Day in Iowa by Planting Trees

By Arbor Day Foundation


Nebraska City, Neb. (April 25, 2011) - Iowa's Arbor Day is nearly here, and the best way to observe the holiday is to plant trees. Arbor Day in Iowa will be celebrated on National Arbor Day, April 29.

Before you get started, you want to make sure you're planting the right tree in the right place. A tree serves many purposes. It is wise to first determine which functions are most important to you when selecting a new tree to plant.

The main functions of a tree are:

  • Shade: Trees are an excellent source for cooling because not only do they block the rays of the sun, they add water to the air through transpiration. Plant where you want the shadow during the hottest time of the year.
  • Beauty: Trees add color and can enhance your home depending on where it's planted.
  • Windbreak: These are most effective when you plant trees in a dense, step-like arrangement of both conifers and deciduous trees.
  • Boundaries: Trees can help delineate your property.

Once you determine the tree's function, you need to pick the best spot to plant it. To help ensure that you plant the right tree in the right place, there are a few things to consider:

  • Short flowering trees are ideal planted under power lines. These trees will not clash with the lines and will add color and beauty to your yard. Some examples of short flowering trees are redbuds, dogwoods and crabapples.
  • Large deciduous trees are best used to shade your home and yard. These trees should be planted on the southeast, southwest and west side of your home to provide cooling shade in the summer and won't obstruct the low winter sun. Examples of large shade trees are maples, oaks, spruce and many pine species.
  • To slow strong winter winds, many people use evergreen trees, but large deciduous trees work well, too. Windbreaks should be planted on the north side of your home, a fair distance from the nearest structure. Spruce, firs and pine trees make fine windbreaks.

Before you plant, you should also discover which trees grow best in Iowa. To do so, consult the Arbor Day Foundation's Hardiness Zone Map at www.arborday.org/treeinfo, or contact a local nursery or arborist.

Once you've determined the function of your tree and which species you'd like, you're ready to plant. You must take special care of your tree during planting time to ensure that it will grow healthy and strong.

When planting a containerized tree, there are six steps you need to take.

1. Call before you dig. Call the 811 hotline to have underground utilities located.
2. Handle your tree with care. Always lift it up by its root ball and keep its roots moist until you plant it.
3. Dig the proper hole. Dig 2 to 5 times wider than the diameter of the root ball with sloping sides.
4. Dig to the proper depth. The trunk flare of your tree should sit slightly above ground level.
5. Back fill the hole with native soil. That is, unless the soil is all clay. Tamp soil gently to fill large air spaces.
6. Mulch your new tree. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the planting area but keep it 1-2 inches away from the trunk.

Planting instructions for bare-root trees and ball and burlap trees can be found at http://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/treePlanting.cfm.

Americans have been planting trees on Arbor Day since 1872. Nebraska City, Neb., resident, civic leader and agriculturist J. Sterling Morton urged Nebraskans to "set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit." The tree-planting holiday was so popular that by 1920, more than 45 states and U.S. territories annually celebrated Arbor Day. Today, the tree-planters' holiday is observed in all 50 states and in many countries around the world.

###

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education of more than 1 million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.
25 Apr 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Increased Bicycle Safety Reporting

By Andrew Mason

New Tracking of "Dooring" Crashes Will Identify Problem Areas

CHICAGO - April 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that the state will begin tracking "dooring" crashes - accidents involving bicyclists who are struck by opened doors from parked cars. The change will take effect immediately to help determine locations where road improvements and public outreach efforts may be necessary to protect bicyclists from these dangerous collisions.

"As more people are riding bicycles and embracing other green modes of transportation, we need to ensure that Illinois collects data that presents a complete picture of what is happening on our roads," said Governor Quinn. "This new initiative will address a major safety issue for bicyclists and drivers, and will make our roads safer for everyone."

The new policy is the result of collaboration between Governor Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Active Transportation Alliance. Prior to the change in policy, dooring collisions went unrecognized in IDOT's annual reporting of traffic statistics because a moving motor vehicle was not involved.

The data collected and analyzed by IDOT can be used to plan for improved roadway designs and additional communication with motorists in areas with high concentrations of bicyclists.

"We appreciate Governor Quinn's action on this issue," said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance, an advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for walking, biking and transit. "Data on dooring problem spots will help communities take steps to reduce these collisions. We are grateful IDOT will track these crashes, and look forward to working with them to increase safety and education surrounding dooring."

To assist police in submitting the correct information, IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety is reaching out to law enforcement agencies across the state with instructions on how to begin recording dooring crashes. Police departments that have already have begun tracking dooring collisions, including Chicago, will have their data included in the state's traffic statistics, retroactive to May 2010.

"We are committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to make roads safer for bicyclists," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "Safety always will be a top priority at IDOT. The recognition of dooring accidents is another step in the right direction."

 

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25 Apr 2011

USDA Announces Support of Research to Confront Childhood Obesity in National Media Conference Call

By USDA Communications Office

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2011 - TODAY, Roger Beachy, Director of USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), will hold a national media conference call to help announce research, education and extension grants to institutions across the country aimed at reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. The long-term goal of USDA-sponsored obesity research is to reduce the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents. This year's funding is focused on supporting research programs aimed at obesity in children ages two through eight. Projects were funded in Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

 

Monday, April 25, 2011

1 p.m. EDT

 

WHAT:          USDA NIFA Director Roger Beachy will hold a national media conference call to help announce research, education and extension  grants to institutions to help reduce childhood obesity

 

 

DIAL IN: 800-593-9988; 1-312-470-7224 International

Passcode: USDA (Given Verbally)

Troubleshooting: 202-720-8560

 

All callers using the above pass code will be placed in listen only mode. To join the Q&A portion of the meeting, these callers are instructed to press *1 on their touch tone phone.

25 Apr 2011

More Flooding Inevitable from Ohio Valley to Oklahoma

By Kristina Pydynowski
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State College, PA April 25, 2011 -- As the onslaught of drenching, and in some cases severe thunderstorms continues into Wednesday, new flooding issues will inevitably develop from the Ohio Valley to Oklahoma.

"Inches of rain have already inundated this area since Friday," stated AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Katie Storbeck.

Rainfall totals over the past three days are approaching 8 inches in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Muskogee, Okla. is near the 7-inch mark.

The ground from the Ohio Valley to Oklahoma cannot handle any more rain, but drenching thunderstorms will not stop, lasting into Wednesday.

In some cases, the thunderstorms will also turn severe with damaging winds, hail and even a tornado.

The potential exists for an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain to pour down through Wednesday with locally higher totals.

That amount of rain will only lead to more serious flooding problems.

Already-swollen streams and rivers will rise further out of their banks, inundating more neighboring land, roads and homes. Flooding will also worsen in low-lying, urban and poor-drainage areas.

"Feet of water could wash across area roadways," Storbeck reported.

Motorists should heed all road closures put in place by officials. Even if barricades are not in place, "Never attempt driving through flooded streets, as it only takes a few inches of flowing water to sweep away a vehicle," Storbeck warned.

Even where flooding is not under way, motorists will be faced with reduced visibility and a heightened risk of vehicles hydroplaning.

Fortunately, relief from the onslaught of rain will finally come Thursday and Friday.

The dry weather will give flood waters a chance to recede. The exception will be along larger rivers, where flooding problems will last longer, as runoff from smaller streams will continue to drain downstream.

The rain-free conditions will only be brief, as more thunderstorms are in the forecast for this weekend.

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

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