Register in September for chance to win a College Savings Iowa account

DES MOINES, IA (09/01/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that Iowa has joined other states in declaring September as "College Savings Month" in an effort to increase awareness among families about the importance of saving for their children's higher education expenses.

"I want families to know it's never too early to start planning for their child's future education," said Fitzgerald. "As a way to raise awareness about the importance of saving for higher education, College Savings Iowa is giving away a free $529 account. I encourage Iowans to register today for a chance to win and jumpstart their college savings." To register, visit www.iowa529contest.com.

Studies show that children who have money saved for them are almost four times more likely to attend a four-year college than those with no account.* This makes saving ahead of time one of the most significant things families can do to help make college a reality for their children. By starting early and saving regularly, families can watch their savings and their children grow side by side. College Savings Month is a time when families are encouraged to explore the benefits of saving through a 529 plan like College Savings Iowa.

College Savings Iowa is an affordable, tax-advantaged option for families who are saving for their children's college education. It takes just $25 to open a College Savings Iowa account, and investors can contribute as little as $25 when adding to the account. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,811 per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2010. **

Anyone can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad. *** To learn more about College Savings Iowa, go to www.my529iowaplan.com or call 1-800-523-0644.

*From the Center for Social Development study: The Role of Savings and Wealth in Reducing "Wilt" between Expectations and College Attendance. William Elliott III and Sondra Beverly, 2010.

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

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

The Quad City Flute Association is excited to announce Jill Felber as our guest artist for Fall Flute Festival on Sunday, September 26, 2010, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Jill Felber has been hailed for her "beautifully finished performances" by The Detroit News and has been praised by Musical America for her "handsome performance." The British journal PAN writes, "Felber was stunning...not only refined but also full of fun." "The incredible flutist...the dazzling flutist...the radiant flutist Jill Felber" (The Independent, Santa Barbara ), is known to excite audiences everywhere in concerts and recitals "played with flair" (The Los Angeles Times). "The outstanding American flutist Jill Felber" (Gazeta Rybnicka , Poland ) is acclaimed worldwide for her "consummate musicianship" (Fanfare). Ms. Felber has performed solo recitals, chamber music, and concertos on four continents and has held residencies in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Mexico, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Italy, Canada and the United States . Also a tireless promoter of new music, Ms. Felber has inspired many composers to write solo and chamber works for her and for her flute duo ZAWA!, and is currently engaged in several commissioning projects. She has premiered over three hundred works for the flute and has released world premiere recordings for Centaur Records, CRI, Neuma Records, and ZAWA!MUSIC.

In demand as a guest clinician because of her extraordinary motivational teaching style, Felber is currently Professor of Flute at the University of California , Santa Barbara . Holding degrees from University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University , Ms. Felber has taught on the faculties of Ohio University , Capital University , and Wright State University . Her teachers include Keith Bryan, Judith Bentley, Samuel Baron, and James Galway.

Jill will present an All-State Clinic for Illinois and Iowa High School students, a masterclass for students, amateurs, and professionals in Extreme Makeover: Flute Edition, and present her beautiful musicianship in a recital. Ginny Broffitt from Western Illinois University will be our guest for a Flute Choir Reading Session to start off the day. Cost is $15 for non-members and $5 for QCFA members. For more information, contact QCFA President Lynne Stukart at lynnestukart@yahoo.com.

Schedule of Events:

12:30 - 1:00 p.m.   Check-in/Registration/Booth shopping

1:00 - 1:45 p.m.   Flute Choir Reading Session with Ginny Broffit, Flute Professor, WIU

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.   Recital with Jill Felber, flute and Diane Frazer, piano

3:15 - 4:30 p.m.   Extreme Makeover: Flute Edition   For all flutists! Bring a stand and Taffanel & Gaubert's 17 Daily Exercises

4:30 - 5:45 p.m.   All-State Clinic (IA and IL) for High School Flutists with Jill Felber

2010 Celtic Highland Games Schedule by Area

Saturday, Sept 18th at Centennial Park, Davenport

Heavy Games - Scottish Athletics: The Caber Toss, Hammer Throw and More!

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Athletics Field - competitions in several stone throws: weight over bar and weight for distance, hammer throw, sheaf toss and the caber toss.

The day ends with the just-for-fun Irish Keg Toss.

Piping

9:00
Three bagpipe bands playing at various times all day around the grounds. Featuring: Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums, of Peoria; Blackhawk Pipe Band, of the Quad Cities, and Turlach Ur, an award-winning pipe and drum band out of Grinnell, Iowa.

4:30 ish - Gathering of the Pipe Bands, playing in rounds and then as one. Who's your favorite? Vote with applause as the bands try to out-do one another.

Highland Dance in the Entertainment Tent

8:30 am
9:00 am
1:00 pm
1:30 pm

Trophies sponsored by the Scottish American Society of the Quad Cities!

Bonnie Knees . . Right after the Parade of Tartans

Bonnie Knees Which man has the best legs? 12:30 p.m.

Stay for the haggis howl and wellie toss, too!

Entertainment Tent - East end of festival grounds

Following the Highland Dance Competition:  Mullane Healy O'Brien Irish Dance Academy performances

5:30 p.m. on - Evening Music, $5. See list below!

Evening Music in the Entertainment Tent - Just $5 for over 6 hours of entertainment!

5:30 - Barley House Band - Irish roots and American branches, a Quad City favorite!
7:00 - Laura and the Lads- Music of Ireland, Scotland, England, France and Northern Spain.
MacKenzie plays a variety of wind instruments and voice, with the lads on percussion, bass,
fiddle, guitar and clarinet.
9:30 - Highland Reign - High-energy progressive Scots-American Celtic music with plenty of
rockin' Scottish tunes.

Workshops and Demonstrations - southeast corner of the festival grounds

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.- Celtic Knot Class: Come and learn the history and motifs of Celtic knot work, see examples by master knot work artists, and try making some knots of your own! These infinite knots where thought to represent eternity to Celtic monks, come discover what they might mean to you.

Primary/Beginner/Novice Registration
Primary/Beginner/Novice Competition Begins
Intermediate/Premier Registration
Intermediate/Premier Competition Begins

10:30 to 11:30 - Cloggers - Learn traditional dances, made famous by Scots-Irish immigrants to the mountains of America

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Hammered Dulcimer workshop with Reg & Linda Shoesmith.

2:15 p.m.- Joe Nobiling, Celtic fiddler with an American accent, Joe Nobiling will provide a presentation on the role of Celtic fiddle tunes and songs during the American Civil War. Beware: should attendees have instruments in hand (or cases) a mini-session is liable to result! John Kinser will be accompanying Joe on bodhran and Heather Nobiling on spoons and vocals.

All day:

Weaving & Spinning demos by Valley Spinners & Weavers- The guild is dedicated to providing guidance, inspiration, continuing education and fellowship to weavers and spinners. Membership is open to all skill levels and provides on-going mentoring and study-group opportunities. They meet on the first Tuesday of most months, at Hauberg Civic Center in Rock Island.

Historic dances and reels, taught by Step Back in Tyme. Enjoy period music as you learn and perform historic dances from the 1700-1800's ranging from English country dances, Scottish Reels, and early American line dances.

What Else is Going On?

Noon: Parade of Tartans around the field. Check in at Clan Row by 11 a.m. to participate as a family group.

Clan Heritage Tents - Meet representatives of Irish and Scottish families, along with organizations of Welsh/Cornish, Irish and Scottish heritage groups.

Vote for the best clan tent! Get your ballot at the clan headquarters tent.

Vendor Row: Stop by for something good to eat or bring home a souvenir of your day!

Beer, pop and water will be available from the Celtic Festival Beverage tents. Yes, that includes Guinness & Smithwick!

Family Fun - Children's Games, Crafts and Living History Camps

Family Activities Tent - Activities sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by anytime for fun family activities and make-and-take crafts for kids. Lots of smiles to go around. All activities are free!

Kingdom of Andorra Living History Camp- north side of the festival grounds

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with scheduled talks throughout the day

Sharing an area are two activities that will be sure to attract attention all day long:

Belegarth Medieval Combat Society

Come join the fun with a safe, and inexpensive sport where participants wear medieval or fantasy-themed clothing and fight with foam-padded weapons. The fighting is hard and fast and has, since 1979, refined into its own brand of martial art. The rules are easy to learn, and after a few practices, you'll be hooked!

Quad City Irish Rugby - Teams will play at 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.