23 Dec 2010

Churches United of the QC Area Celebrating 50 Years Serving the Quad Cities!

By Anne Wachal
?December 21, 2010

Churches United of the Quad City Area is proud to announce that the ecumenical organization will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Throughout the year, Churches United will be hosting an array of events and celebrations to recognize its accomplishments and its contributions to the community through its emergency assistance, hunger and shelter programs, special community worship events, interfaith dialogue on community and national issues and much more.

On January 22, 1961 both the Rock Island County and the Scott County Council of Churches merged to become one regional ecumenical organization thus named the Council of Churches of Scott and Rock Island Counties. It was one of the earliest bi - state organizations and still today is one of the few bi -state church councils in the country. Today, we represent over 136 faith groups and 24 religious denominations and work beyond the Christian community in a variety of interfaith special events.

Churches United will be hosting or participating in four major events that will be taking place throughout 2011 although many other activities will be taking place as well. Join us on April 28, 2011 when Kathleen Kennedy Townsend author of will speak on Failing the Faithful and her perspective on faith and the ecumenical movement as it relates to her book. Along with Ms. Townsend will be an original composition that was composed and will be performed by Mr. William Campbell and the Maia String Quartet. In July, Churches United will be participating in the July 4th parade as we focus on hunger as well as the special anniversary in October commemorating 40 years of hosting the Quad City CROP WALK. Lastly, Churches United will again bring the community together as we sponsor an interfaith prayer service representing 10 years since the horrible tragedy of September 11, 2001.

These and other events will be found on our website beginning January 1st.

For more information, please contact Anne Wachal at 563-332-5002 or contact Churches United at awachal@cuqca.org

22 Dec 2010

Red Lobster Debuts New Restaurant Design Inspired by the New England Coast

By Carey Uxa

Guests Can Now Enjoy Fresh, Delicious Seafood Entrees, Including New Affordably-Priced Menu Items

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2010) - Red Lobster today announced a plan to remodel all of its nearly 700 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada in a style reminiscent of the seaside village of Bar Harbor, Maine. Along with a fresh, updated look, Red Lobster is introducing new lunch and dinner menu items, inspired by the flavors of America, that range in price from $8.99 to $18.50. The updated setting and new entrees offer guests the chance to experience fresh, delicious, affordable seafood in a warm, welcoming environment.

The new Bar Harbor design was first developed in 2005 by an internal team of architects and designers, and was selected after a rigorous, multi-year process that included guest focus groups, qualitative surveys and market testing. New exterior features include a stone tower, ship lanterns, Adirondack-style chairs to encourage guest conversation and mingling, and unique window decals that spell out the types of seafood guests will find inside. Guests will also notice new signage, featuring a contemporized logo with an updated lobster icon and a new modifier highlighting Red Lobster's signature fresh fish and live lobster. Interiors now feature cozy booths, warm wood paneling, softer lighting and nautical décor such as signal flags and seaside-inspired artwork. Thirty-three percent of restaurants will be remodeled by June 2011, with the goal of all Red Lobster restaurants receiving a remodel by 2014.

"Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, and while their love for our delicious seafood and friendly service has never been stronger, they've expressed a desire for a more up-to-date atmosphere," said Red Lobster President Kim Lopdrup. "We listened to their feedback and are very proud to now offer guests this beautiful new setting in which to enjoy a refreshing seaside dining experience."

In addition to the restaurant's updated features, Red Lobster is debuting new lunch and dinner entrees, inspired by the flavors and regional tastes of America, that range in price from $8.99 - $18.50. Beginning Nov. 16, the dishes will be available in Red Lobster restaurants across North America.

New dishes include :

  • Maple-Glazed Salmon and Shrimp
  • Pecan-Crusted Jumbo Shrimp
  • Cedar Plank Salmon
  • Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
  • New England Lobster Rolls - (Lunch and Dinner)
  • Shrimp Flatbread and Grilled Shrimp Salad - (Lunch)

"As the place that introduced America to seafood, our menu takes inspiration from different flavors and regions throughout the country," said Red Lobster Senior Executive Chef Michael LaDuke. "I love being a part of Red Lobster because we continuously innovate and bring guests new dishes to please every taste and budget."

These initiatives are the latest in a string of recent additions to Red Lobster. Guests can still enjoy their favorite selections from the restaurant's signature Today's Fresh Fish Menu or a dish expertly prepared by Certified Grill Masters on the Wood-Fire Grill. No matter the dish, guests will always be treated to Red Lobster's friendly, attentive and personalized service, guaranteeing their dining experience is a memorable one.

ABOUT RED LOBSTER

Red Lobster is the world's largest casual dining seafood restaurant with nearly 700 locations and more than 63,000 employees delivering the highest-quality seafood to guests across North America. Guests can enjoy selections from Red Lobster's signature Wood-Fire Grill and Today's Fresh Fish menus in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Red Lobster is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI), the world's largest full-service restaurant operating company. For more information on Red Lobster's new dishes or to find a remodeled location, please visit www.RedLobster.com.

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21 Dec 2010

Members of Illinois Air National Guard's 182nd Airlift Wing Return from Afghanistan Dec. 22

By readMedia

PEORIA, IL (12/21/2010)(readMedia)-- Members of the Peoria-based Illinois Air National Guard's 182nd Airlift Wing are scheduled to return home Dec. 22 after serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Just over 35 members of the 182nd Civil Engineering Squadron were activated in May and deployed to Kuwait where they performed base sustainment and engineering support. The Airmen performed duties in civil engineering including project design and management, water, electrical, heating and air conditioning, pavements, generator maintenance and carpentry. Together the group maintained 441 facilities and 3,750 acres, executing over 40 construction projects totaling more than $2.7 million.

After the return of the Civil Engineering Squadron, the 182nd Airlift Wing will still have approximately 50 Airmen deployed in support of various operations overseas. The remaining Airmen specialize in small air terminal operations, combat communications and air support operations.

The Airmen are expected to return at approximately 11:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22nd, to the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria Ill. Media is welcome to attend the return and should contact Maj. Steve Thomas at (309) 633-5534 to be added to the entrance list and to be updated on any changes in the arrival time.

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21 Dec 2010

Harkin Announces Academy Nominations for 46 Iowa Students

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today nominated 46 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy, West Point for the 2011 classes.  

"I would like to congratulate these students for their many outstanding achievements," Harkin said. "An academy nomination is a great honor because of the intense competition for these nominations across the state of Iowa."

In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer.   Students apply for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin's Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured.  Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy.  From the Senator's nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.  
"In order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic and athletic abilities," Harkin said. "Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character."  

After March 1, 2011, men and women between the ages of 17 and 22 who are interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the academies for the class entering in 2011, should go to http://harkin.senate.gov and complete Senator Harkin's online Service Academy application, or they may contact Senator Harkin's Cedar Rapids Office at (319)365-4504.  

A list of this year's Quad Cities area nominees is below.

Bettendorf
Andrew Peterman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of Carolyn and George Peterman and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Blue Grass
Samual Godwin has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Samual is the son of Mary and Steve Godwin  and is a senior at Davenport West High School.

Davenport
Samuel Larson has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Samuel is the son of Cynthia and David Larson and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Maquoketa
Isaac Kinrade has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Isaac is the son of Julia and Steven Kinrade and is a senior at Maquoketa High School.

Muscatine
Tyler Husar has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Tyler is the son of Cindy and Mark Husar and is a senior at Muscatine High School.

21 Dec 2010

Governor Quinn Thanks Illinois Schoolchildren for Overwhelming Success of Holiday Card Drive

By Kara Beach

Departs on Trip to Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany to Hand-Deliver Cards to Wounded Servicemembers

CHICAGO - December 20, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today thanked schoolchildren across Illinois for their overwhelming response to the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive. The annual drive helps ensure a brighter holiday season for wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany.

"I salute every child in Illinois who made a holiday card to show their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform," said Governor Quinn. "While they serve our country overseas, a little piece of home helps our servicemembers enjoy the holidays even while they are away from their families."

Governor Quinn left Chicago today for his seventh trip to visit troops and hand-deliver the cards to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Landstuhl is often the first stop on a long road home for many soldiers wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. As the largest American hospital outside of the United States, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center has 162 beds. The facility sees an average of six admissions daily, 37,000 outpatient visits monthly, 510 operations monthly and three births daily.

Chicago-based United Airlines is continuing its efforts to support our troops by donating transportation of the cards to Germany.

"United Airlines is proud to offer our help in delivering this important cargo filled with holiday wishes from the school children of Illinois to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces serving abroad," said Scott Dolan, United Airlines senior vice president, airport operations and cargo.

Governor Quinn is also encouraging Illinois residents to support our Veterans year-round by participating in Operation Hero Miles, a program that benefits servicemembers who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan. Through the program, people can donate unused frequent fly miles to allow military families to visit their loved ones recovering in military hospitals around the world.

For more information about how to help our Veterans, servicemembers and their families, please visit OperationHomeFront.org.

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21 Dec 2010

VANDER VEER LAGOON NOT READY FOR SKATING

By Ron Summers

(December 20, 2010) - Despite the recent winter like weather, Vander Veer Lagoon is NOT safe for ice skating.  There was a very thin layer of ice on the surface of the lagoon before snows of the last couple of weeks started.  The snow has since been an insulator stopping additional ice from forming.  In order for there to be a safe and suitable surface of ice, we will need significantly cold temperatures over a long stretch of time.

 

If ice conditions become safe, Davenport Parks and Recreation will work the ice to make it suitable for skating.  Check the Parks and Recreation website at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks for updates on the ice conditions at Vander Veer. In the meantime, indoor skating is available at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive in downtown Davenport.

21 Dec 2010

Galesburg Illinois National Guard Unit Gives Back to the Community

By Stephanie McCurry

The 444th Chemical Company Held a Local Blood Drive and Donated Food to Local Shelter.

GALESBURG, IL (12/20/2010)(readMedia)-- The 444th Chemical Company based in Galesburg wanted to do something for the local community as a way to say thank you for all of the support it has received over the past years. The 444th held a blood drive with the American Red Cross and donated cases of canned food to a local homeless shelter Dec. 18 at the Galesburg Readiness Center.

"It is a matter of giving back to a very supportive community," said 1st Sgt. Robert Heck of Edwardsville.

The Family Readiness Group (FRG), Soldiers and families were invited to donated blood and invited members of the community to do the same.

"I donated blood to show my appreciation for the support from the communities around us," said Staff Sgt. Michelle Melendez of Roseville.

The American Red Cross received 56 pints of blood during the blood drive. Almost every Soldier in the 444th donated. The blood donated is going to help cancer patients.

Over the past couple months, members of the unit have been bringing in cases of canned food to deliver to a local shelter. On Saturday all of the canned food was delivered to the Galesburg Homeless Shelter. 1st Lt. Chad Wester of Adair said he was inspired by the younger Soldiers and how much they donated to the food drive.

"The people at the shelter were very thankful," said Wester. "It was nice to meet some of the people that it was going to benefit."

"The citizens of Galesburg deserve some recognition for all their support to the Illinois National Guard," said Heck. "They give us their sons and daughters and we appreciate everything they have done for us."

Story by Staff Sgt. Stephanie McCurry, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

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21 Dec 2010

Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers Launches New Website

By Brian Waddington

DES MOINES, IA - December 20, 2010 ? The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) announced today the launch of its new website ? www.supportfarmers.com. The colorful site is chocked full of new content featuring new agricultural information, program updates, farm families the Coalition has worked with and easy, user-friendly navigation.

"Our new website is specifically designed to help Iowa livestock farmers successfully and responsibly manage changes to their farms," said CSIF Executive Director, Brian Waddingham.  "Being a livestock farmer is a difficult business, compounded by the growing mass of rules and regulations. The new web site is a resource tool for those farm families who need more information so they can stay rooted in rural Iowa."

In addition to information about the latest rules and regulations impacting livestock farmers, the new site also features information about siting considerations. "Many farmers we work with are multi-generational; it's important to them to care for the land and waterways so they can pass their farm down to the next generation, that's why careful selection of sites is so important," Waddingham said.  The new web site offers considerations that may impact site selection from air modeling and typography to location of public use areas.

The new web site also highlights steps farmers may take with their neighbors when making changes to their farm. "Neighbor relations is an important part of a farmer's business plan and the site provides some initial guidance on how to do that," said Waddingham.

New to the website in the Programs/Activities section is detailed information regarding the Coalition's popular Green Farmstead Partner program and how livestock farmers can participate. The program, a partnership between CSIF, the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association and Trees Forever, promotes the planning and installation of vegetative environmental buffers (VEBs) around new and existing cattle feedlots, hog barns and poultry buildings. VEBs help reduce objectionable odors and provide a windbreak for livestock and farm families.

"The Coalition was founded with the mission of working with Iowa farm families to advocate and help implement on-farm best-management practices for raising livestock responsibly and successfully," Waddingham said. "This new and improved website is our latest step in fulfilling that mission."

The non-profit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can also contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436.

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20 Dec 2010

Achieve 2011 Resolutions with TOPS Strategies

By Kimberly Greene

MILWAUKEE, WI - As shouts of "Happy New Year!" ring out around the world in the earliest moments of 2011, many people also will be making resolutions for something better in the New Year.

While some fall short of accomplishing their January 1 promise, setting smaller, more definite goals is one way to achieve success. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, shares the following tips for realistically planning - and achieving - one's resolutions:

1.    Be specific
Determine an exact goal. Instead of resolving to lose weight, consider a specific amount or goal weight and time frame, such as losing 20 pounds by the Fourth of July and 20 more pounds by Thanksgiving. No matter what the resolution, setting small goals will be easier to achieve one step at a time.

2.    Make a plan for success
Construct a "road map" as a guide to achieve your goal.  Consider what it will take to accomplish the plan. For example, to lose weight, healthy eating, exercise, and joining a support group like TOPS is paramount. Consider keeping a journal to keep track of progress ups and downs.

3.    Review the plan along the way
Once a week, take time and evaluate progress. Review the journal and determine if the goals need revamping or ramping up. Everyone makes mistakes. When that happens, avoid falling into the traps of shame and guilt.

4.    Keep resolutions realistic
Be realistic in goal setting. If completely eliminating a behavior is too difficult, consider resolving to do it less often. 

5.    Make it personally meaningful
A resolution should be something an individual desires to change or achieve and should not be dictated by family members or what society says is good for you.   Resolutions without strong, personal motivation can be doomed to fail.

6.    Tell others about the resolution
Sharing goals with friends and family can be an outstanding support mechanism and a source of gentle nudging if a detour from the plan takes place.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 62 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success.  Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

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20 Dec 2010

New works at the Figge Art Museum

By Stephen Mohr

the Figge is "Flooded" with New Art

The past several weeks have brought numerous changes to the Figge Art Museum that includes new works hanging in the permanent and special exhibition galleries. New photographic images from the Figge's Brent Sikkema Collection are up in the permanent galleries that address the human form, including portraits of famous artists (Dali, O'Keeffe, and Miro) shot by Horst P Horst, Eliot Porter and Irving Penn. Also new to the permanent galleries are prints by the English Romantic John Martin (The Deluge) and Mexican-Costa Rican artist Francisco Zunig (Yucateca con Fruta). Furthermore, the John Deere Collection has several new additions of works by Streeter Blair, Fritz Scholder and illustrator Walter Haskell Hinton.

 

The Figge partnership with the University of Iowa Museum of Art continues, as well, with a new, ongoing exhibition of African Art from the university's world-class collection. Selections from the Stanley Collection features numerous wooden, three-dimensional objects from cultural groups throughout West and Central Africa, such as masks from the Bwa peoples of Burkina Faso and statuettes by the Dogon from Mali.

 

The Figge will be closed for the holidays on Friday, December 24th and Saturday, December 25th. The museum will re-open on Sunday, December 26th - noon to 5pm. For more information call the Figge at 563.326.7804 or visit figgeartmuseum.org.

 

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