19 Aug 2010

Speed Dating is Back!

By Suzon Esser
Since 2001, 7 Minute Yenta has been responsible for marrying over 104 couples and introducing thousand's of friends. Speed dating is an excellent way for busy people who are looking for new friends, to meet one another in a safe, positive and fun environment. Couples are selected for sessions via age groups (25-35  35-45 45-55 55-65) and are invited to participate in a group of 8-10 couple's. The ladies stay seated as the men revolve around them every 7 minutes. Sessions are held at the ICON'S Martini Club in Rock Island, Il on Thursday evenings from 7-9. After the session, participant's can let the Yenta know their choices for another date and she will then make sure the intended gets your number.

People can sign up at www.7minuteyenta.com or by checking out the Facebook page~ Yenta Suzon. You may also call 563-505-7790 Also, if you have participated in the past, you will need to sign up again.  Please leave your name, age and phone number and Suzon will call you back.
19 Aug 2010

Barney, Baker to head Quad Cities Chamber

By Illinois QC C of C

The Quad Cities Chamber Board of Directors this afternoon named Tara Barney Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the new Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Rick Baker the President & Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the new organization. Chamber directors Steve Bahls, John Roche and Ken Koupal made the announcement after informing staff that Barney and Baker would join forces to lead the new organization. 

We hope you will join us in congratulating Tara and Rick on their leadership roles and thank them for their  commitment to the Quad Cities region.  With Tara's background in economic development and Rick's expertise in chamber operations, Quad City businesses will have an unbeatable combination of talent and skills working on their behalf.

For additional information on today's announcement, visit the website at

www.quadcitychamber.com.

19 Aug 2010

The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Expansion/Renovation Groundbreaking

By Gerald Jones
The King Center builds community, nurtures dreams and changes lives each and every day. Located in a distressed area, within a 2 mile radius of the Center more than 4,100 households live in poverty and have lives characterized by:
  • A 30% high school graduation rate with only 7% gaining a college degree
  • A teenage mother birth rate of 180 per 1,000 versus an Illinois average of 42/1,000
  • Approximately 600 youth with unsupervised time during high-risk evening hours
The Center's presence allows families striving to overcome the challenges of daily life an opportunity for hope and achievement.

The Project - The King Center's programs and services have evolved to meet the needs of the community, but the building must be renovated and expanded to provide more space for youth services including substance abuse prevention, job training, mentoring and after school activities. This facility will be able to serve over 200 youth and a community room will have capacity for 400. These will be spaces designed for the use intended versus the makeshift method the Center has been restricted to for 35 years.

Summary of Costs - Construction, renovation and related expenses are projected to total $3.6 million. To date we have secured $3.37 million toward our goal including funding from the City of Rock Island, the State of Illinois, the federal government and gifts and pledges from donors. Community support has been encouraging.

We must raise a little less than $230,000 to fully fund the project. We hope the community will choose to support the King Center with a contribution via pledge (payable over the next three years), online donation (www.rigov.org/mlkdonation.html), or by calling the King Center at (309) 732 - 2999. We are able to accept
cash, check, or credit card donations and all are tax deductable.

This financial support will directly impact the lives of the children and families the Center serves for decades to come.
19 Aug 2010

Parade Deadline Monday, August 23rd

By Mary M. Chappell
Monday, August 23, 2010, is the entry deadline for the 2010 Rock Island Labor Day Parade. The 26th annual event is scheduled for Monday, September 6, 2010.

This year's Labor Day Parade theme is "Learning Comes to Life!" It was selected to acknowledge the many ways we learn or receive education. Ideas to consider include walking books, an entry honoring teachers, a float inspired by music or a painting, dancing computers, a particular story brought to life, members of a team, a family on vacation, or graduates of a particular class or program.

Non-theme related entries are always welcome. The Labor Day parade provides an excellent opportunity to promote an organization, to announce a special promotion, or to call attention to an upcoming special event.

Parade organizers are excited about the number of musical groups returning to this year's line-up. The Western Illinois University Marching Band will be back for a 12th year along with high school marching bands from Alleman and Rock Island. The outstanding Metropolitan Drill Team or "MetroSteppers" and the Blackhawk Bagpipers are also returning to the line-up.

Staging for the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. in the area around Washington Junior High School, located at 33rd St. and 18th Ave., with the start of the parade set at 9:30 a.m. The parade route travels west along 18th Ave., beginning at 33rd St., turns left on 24th St., and then right on 25th Ave. and disbands into the parking areas at Rock Island High School at 25th Ave. and 17th Street. The parade route is approximately two miles long.

The first Rock Island Labor Day Parade was held in 1984 as part of the Rock Island's Sesquicentennial (150th Birthday) Celebration. Over the past 26 years, the parade has grown into a popular event that averages 150 entries and draws thousands of spectators.

Interested parties should contact the City of Rock Island at 732-2923 for more information. Parade information and an entry form are also available from the City's website at www.rigov.org.

(END)
19 Aug 2010

Figge Docent Training Program

By Dan McNeil

Informational meeting 10:30 am Wednesday, August 25

Share your knowledge and love of the visual arts with others by becoming a Figge Docent! Docent candidates are taught to look at, analyze and discuss works of art in order to engage visitors to the museum in conversations about selected works in the galleries. Candidates should have a strong interest in the visual arts, enjoy public speaking, and have a genuine appreciation for all visitors.

For more information, contact Dan McNeil, Director of Development, 563.326.7804 Ext. 2047; dmcneil@figgeartmuseum.org
www.figgeartmuseum.org

-end-
19 Aug 2010

XSTREAM CLEANUP PRELIMINARY CLEANUP RESULTS

By Erin Vorak
QUAD CITIES?Volunteers at the seventh annual Xstream Cleanup on Saturday, August 14 removed approximately 50,573 pounds of debris from area waterways and illegal dumping sites. Cleanups were held at 42 locations in Bettendorf, Davenport and LeClaire, Iowa; Campbell's Island, Coal Valley, East Moline, Milan, Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois.

1,243 volunteers worked a total of 3,394 hours and collectively gathered 1,287 bags of trash, 682 tires, 14 appliances, 10 bicycles, 25 pieces of furniture, 13 televisions and 16 mattresses. This was the equivalent of 25,730 pounds of trash, 22,968 pounds of tires, 1,050 pounds of appliances, 195 pounds of televisions, 400 pounds of mattresses and 230 pounds of bicycles for a grand total of 50,573 pounds.

Additional items, reflected in the pounds above, included:
· Automotive-related items (bumper, muffler, van seats, front of car, rims, engine head, doors, battery, gas cans)
· Home items (carpet, shingles, siding, sink, chandelier, storm door, laundry basket, filing cabinet, air conditioner, six grills, four toilets, clothing, blankets)
· Metal (fence, pipe, sheet metal, iron tubes, tools, 80 lb metal chain)
· Kids' items (car seat, sled, swing set, slide, inflatable pool, kite, stroller)
· Large items (farm implements, lawn mower, car, part of a camper, two boats, bench grinder, railroad hand cart)
· Electronics (VCRs, TVs, computers)
· Miscellaneous (tiki light, Bettendorf HS sign, fisherman's basket with fish, traffic light, bowling ball, wheelbarrow, channel buoy, shopping carts, eight barrels, picnic bench, gas station sign, Styrofoam, 5-gallon buckets)

In addition, this year the following locations worked on beautification efforts:
· Nahant Marsh: removed 33 cubic yards of invasive species.
· North High School grounds: pulled 75 invasive trees and shrubs and planted 175 native plants.
· West Lake Park: removed one acre of invasive honeysuckle (the equivalent of 150 mature plants).
· Duck Creek at Middle Park in Bettendorf: removed 40 garbage bags of invasive species.
· Duck Creek at Fairmount in Davenport: removed three 30-yard dumpsters of woody invasive species.

Photos of several cleanup sites can be viewed on-line at www.xstreamcleanup.org.

This event was sponsored by the following:
Presenting Sponsor: Riverboat Development Authority

Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, iLivehere: myhome ourcommunity, and Living Lands & Waters

Gold Sponsors: Iowa American Water, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, The Moline Foundation, THE National Bank, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency

Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, Independent Insurance Agents of Scott County, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, Mel Foster Company, Oystar Packaging Technologies, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Sears Manufacturing

Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, LeClaire, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis. Allied Waste, Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Radish Magazine, River Roots Live, Waste Commission of Scott County

With Help From: Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Downtown Partnership, Division of Iowa Quad Cities Chamber, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection, Midas Auto Systems Experts, Wallaces Garden Center


###
19 Aug 2010

Kaplan University Announces Local Summer 2010 Online Graduates

By readMedia

CHICAGO (08/11/2010)(readMedia)-- Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its summer 2010 class during a live ceremony on Aug. 7 in Chicago. Harold Ford, Jr., a former U.S. Representative who President Bill Clinton once described as "the walking, living embodiment of where America ought to go in the 21st century," served as the keynote speaker. The following local students were awarded degrees:

Ronda Arnold of Eldridge, IA, was awarded a Master of Science in Nursing.

Rebecca Bird of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Associate of Applied Science in Accounting.

Kathleen Earnest of Coal Valley, IL, was awarded a 2 + 2 Bachelor in Nursing.

Mark Frederick of Rock Island, IL, was awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Kershanna Harris of Davenport, IA, was awarded a 2 + 2 Bachelor in Nursing.

Machelle Pemberton of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Christina Williams of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences.

Marie Wilmont of Davenport, IA, was awarded a Master of Business Administration in Business Administration.

"Graduates like you must use your education and skill set to make this a stronger, more vibrant and dynamic nation," Ford told the approximately 730 graduates in attendance. "It takes courage and determination to improve your own life and the lives of those around you."

The Kaplan University summer 2010 class, which included more than 4,200 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. Many of them traveled from around the country and the world to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.

19 Aug 2010

Step Out for Diabetes Walk

By Shari Tisinger

Remember this date on your calendar: 10-10-10.

Take that day to help us in the fight against diabetes. The annual "Step Out to Fight Diabetes" event in the Quad-Cities will be Oct. 10 at LeClaire Park, Davenport. Registration is at 1 p.m., with a 2 p.m. start time.

Routes include a 3.2- mile walk and 5K run, and are accessible to people of all ages and levels of mobility.

Along the walk, participants are supported by volunteers offering water, snacks, entertainment and encouragement.

For more information on how to participate, visit the Web site at diabetes.org/stepout or call 888-DIABETES

19 Aug 2010

Augustana students receive honors for exceptional work

By Kamy Beattie

ROCK ISLAND, IL (08/10/2010)(readMedia)-- 85 Augustana students were honored recently at the Recognition of Student Honors Program. The annual ceremony highlights exceptional students from various academic departments through scholarships and awards.

The following students given awards are from your area:

Adam DeSimone was awarded with the Bruce R. Milligan Endowed Scholarship from the Economics department at Augustana College. The scholarship was established by Bruce R. Milligan, a 1978 graduate, in appreciation for the education received at Augustana. It is awarded to an economics major on the basis of academic achievement upon recommendation of the Department Chair. DeSimone is a junior from Bettendorf, IA majoring in economics and mathematics.

Deanna Zwicker was awarded with the Bruce R. Milligan Endowed Scholarship from the Economics department at Augustana College. The scholarship was established by Bruce R. Milligan, a 1978 graduate, in appreciation for the education received at Augustana. It is awarded to an economics major on the basis of academic achievement upon recommendation of the Department Chair. Zwicker is a senior from Orion, IL majoring in business administration-finance and economics.

Adelle DeVolder was awarded with the Harold E. and Louise Lage Swanson Scholarship from the Business Administration department at Augustana College. The scholarship is for students majoring in business administration. The award is based on academic achievement and potential for a business career. DeVolder is a senior from Moline, IL majoring in business administration-finance.

Alyssa Harmon was awarded with the Harold E. and Louise Lage Swanson Scholarship from the Business Administration department at Augustana College. The scholarship is for students majoring in business administration. The award is based on academic achievement and potential for a business career. Harmon is a senior from Moline, IL majoring in business administration-advising.

Courtney VandeWiele was awarded with the McGladrey Scholarship from the Accounting department at Augustana College. The scholarship is awarded from funds provided by the accounting firms individually. VandeWiele is a senior from Rock Island, IL majoring in political science and accounting.

Rayna Narvaez was awarded with the Ralph W. Hansen Endowed Scholarship from the Psychology department at Augustana College. The scholarship was established on the occasion of Ralph's 25th year at the college. It is awarded each year to a junior psychology major who has shown outstanding interest, ability and motivation in pursuing the study of psychology per recommendation by the Department of Psychology. Narvaez is a senior from Bettendorf, IA majoring in psychology and Spanish.

Lauren White was awarded with the S. James Galley Endowed Scholarships from the Accounting department at Augustana College. The scholarship was established by former students, present students and friends to recognize James Galley's twenty-five years of teaching at Augustana. White is a senior from East Moline, IL majoring in accounting.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 60 majors and areas of study. Augustana employs 226 faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

19 Aug 2010

Davenport increases parking rates

By Eric West

Beginning on Thursday August 19th, the City of Davenport will begin charging the rate of $5 dollars for all downtown event parking. This will replace the old rate of $2 dollars. After studying downtown parking trends and surveying several cities, we feel like this new rate will bring us current with surrounding communities pricing for event parking.

For more information, contact Eric West, Parking System Supervisor at (563) 888-3030.

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