07 Sep 2010

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

By Grassley Press

Q.  What are Constitution Day and Citizenship Day?

A.  Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, because the Constitution of the United States was signed on September 17, 1787.  Constitution Day is also Citizenship Day, a day that recognizes all who have become U.S. citizens, whether by birth or immigration.

Originally, U.S. citizenship was celebrated on the third Sunday of every May, on a day known as "I Am An American Day."  In 1952, this day was moved to September 17, to celebrate citizens and the Constitution.  Until 2004, the official name of this holiday was Citizenship Day.  It is now known as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day."

Q.  Why should we celebrate our Constitution and Citizenship?

A.  The Constitution is the framework for our democracy.   It was adopted by the Constitutional Convention 223 years ago, ratified by the original 13 states, and it continues to guide us today.  In the United States, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.  The Constitution embodies the enduring philosophical principles in the Declaration of Independence; that the limited government created by the Constitution only exercise power by the consent of the governed.

That philosophy is clearly stated in the Declaration's second paragraph:  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. ? That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."  The Constitution is a statement of this philosophical belief in limited government.  All power rests with the people, and the Constitution is a compact where the American people delegate certain enumerated powers to the government in order to "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity." 

September 17 is also a day to celebrate the honor, and reflect on the responsibilities, of U.S. citizenship.

07 Sep 2010

Gov. Culver, Iowa Utilities Board Announce Major Step in Iowa's High-Speed Internet Expansion

By Rick Martin

Des Moines, IA - Governor Culver and the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) unveiled a major step forward Wednesday in the Connect Iowa initiative. A new, detailed report is now available on the Connect Iowa website (www.connectiowa.org) that offers the state's first look at key broadband market data that will be used to form a clear, strategic plan for broadband expansion in Iowa. The Iowa Broadband: Current Market Analysis & Initial Recommendations for Acceleration of Iowa's Broadband Market report is a key element in planning to increase high-speed Internet access and adoption across the state.

"We are engaging citizens and stakeholders statewide as part of the process to build a broadband action plan. The data and analysis in this report point us in the right direction," said Brian Mefford, Connected Nation's CEO.

The report provides a detailed review of the current state of broadband in Iowa and is already sparking discussion across multiple broadband stakeholders in the state on key goals and strategies to expand and enhance broadband service.

"While it is encouraging that 95% of Iowa households currently have broadband availability, Connect Iowa's findings that 34% of residents are not adopting the technology is an area of great concern. This shows that digital literacy, demand stimulation, and technology training efforts will continue to be important for urban, suburban, and rural residents alike," said Carolyn D. King, urban representative of the Broadband Deployment Governance Board.

The Iowa Utilities Board conducted the initial assessment of the state's broadband landscape based on the data collected from the Connect Iowa mapping and planning initiative. The report is being used in collaboration with the work of the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board.

"The data contained in this report will be invaluable to the IBDGB as it works toward its goal of stimulating the growth and availability of high-speed broadband in Iowa," said Krista Tanner, IUB member and chair of the IBDGB. "While the report shows that about 95 percent of Iowans have access to broadband today, the report also highlights that fewer Iowans have access to broadband at the higher speeds that will be necessary to compete in tomorrow's economy.  The IBDGB will use this data as a springboard to engage stakeholders like elected officials, civic leaders, educators, economic developers, and private entrepreneurs to help them better understand Iowa's broadband challenges. The IBDGB will rely on insights from these key stakeholders as it works to overcome these challenges and create an action plan for Iowa's future."

The 58-page assessment gives a snapshot of current broadband availability and usage in Iowa, defines where and why availability gaps exist with detailed supporting research, offers strategy and policy recommendations to close the gaps, and presents a thorough technology assessment of Iowa's current broadband service infrastructure.

On June 18, 2010, Governor Chet Culver announced the release of the state's interactive broadband mapping application through the Connect Iowa initiative. Connect Iowa is funded through a $2.2 million award by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to launch the initiative in the state and carry out the work over a five-year period. Under the NTIA State Broadband Data and Development grant program, Connect Iowa is charged with creating statewide awareness, mapping, and maintaining the state broadband inventory for two years, and conduct planning efforts for a period of five years. These funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

All Iowa residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Iowa website, www.connectiowa.org, to join in this important initiative and offer feedback. The website gives residents a one-stop portal where they can find broadband providers at their address, check their current Internet speeds, notify officials of unserved areas, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives.

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07 Sep 2010

New Loan Option for College Students

By Tara Deering-Hansen

Iowa-Area Lenders Pool Resources to Help Students Without Cosigners

 

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (Sept. 2, 2010) ? As the first university bills of the school year start to hit Iowa college students' mailboxes, those with nowhere to turn to fund their college education now have another option. This is thanks to a group of Iowa-area lenders who have stepped up to provide a supplemental private student loan to students who are unable to obtain a qualified cosigner.

"We're seeing a lot of students caught in a difficult spot, said Gary Steinke, president of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. "They need more money to cover what financial aid doesn't, but their parents can't help them out by cosigning for a traditional private student loan. By providing an alternative with transparent and reasonable terms, these banks are helping students who may otherwise have to forego or postpone college."

Students often turn to private student loans after exhausting available federal, state and institutional financial aid. Generally, cosigners are required to meet underwriting criteria on students who have little income and a short credit history. However, with economic conditions continuing to result in unemployment or underemployment for working families, many parents are unable to cosign a private student loan, reducing students' options.

A group of Iowa-area lenders have pooled resources to create the Iowa Alliance Private Student Loan ProgramSM (Iowa Alliance Loan), serviced by Iowa Student Loan®. The program offers supplemental private student loans with upfront terms to students who have been denied a private loan requiring a cosigner. The participating lenders have gone above and beyond by raising enough funds to help Iowa students fill the gap between cost of attendance and available financial aid for the next two academic years.

The following Iowa-area lenders are participating in the Iowa Alliance Loan program:
  • American State Bank, Osceola
  • Bankers Trust Co., Des Moines
  • Community State Bank, Paton
  • Crawford County Trust & Savings Bank, Denison
  • Fairfax State Savings Bank, Fairfax
  • Guthrie County State Bank, Panora
  • Heartland Bank, Gowrie
  • Iowa Student Loan, West Des Moines
  • Manufacturers Bank & Trust, Forest City
  • MidWestOne Bank, Iowa City
  • Modern Woodmen Bank, Rock Island, Ill.
  • Northwest Bank, Spencer
  • Patriot Bank, Brooklyn
  • Shelby County State Bank, Harlan
  • Sibley State Bank, Sibley
  • Treynor State Bank (TS Bank), Treynor
To learn more about the Iowa Alliance Loan program and the lenders offering it, visit www.studentloan.org/alliance. Students must apply through their school's financial aid office.
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07 Sep 2010

OPEN CALL AUDITIONS for the Next Great Special F/X Make-Up Artist!

By Iowa Film Office
A new reality competition series called "Faceoff," a show that will find the best all around special effects makeup artist.  Presented on SyFy, this show aims to test the skill set of any artist who can rise to the challenge.  We are looking for undiscovered talent or semi-professional, self-taught or trained make-up artists who are proficient in: special effects, prosthetics AND beautifying.  You must be 18 years of age or older and a U.S. Citizen.
WINNER RECEIVES $100,000!
We are going to have Open Casting Calls in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 8th and in Orlando on Saturday, Sept. 11th.  If you want to be considered for the show but can't attend one of those two cities, you can submit a short (5-8 minute) video telling us about your background and experience, and then create a special effects character ON YOURSELF (something that can be done in half an hour or less). The deadline for video submissions is Sept. 15.   It can be sent via yousendit.com or post on Youtube and send us the link.

Please e-mail the casting producers below a brief synopsis about yourself and a photo, along with info on your training as an FX makeup artist.  Also include a link to your online portfolio if you have one, as well as your updated resume and photos o f your special FX work.

OPEN CALL AUDITIONS:
Los Angeles, CA
faceofflosangeles@gmail.com for details
Call the casting producer J.R. @ 818-842-2496 x 221

Orlando, FL
faceofforlando@gmail.com for details
Call the casting producer Seon @ 818-842-2496 x 215

Video Submissions
faceoffcasting@gmail.com for details
Call the casting producer Tanya @ 818-842-2496 x 211

FOR ALL AUDITIONS you must bring your own makeup kit, copies of your portfolio and be prepared to create a character on yourself in 20 minutes or less from your own pre-made prosthetics!

Contact:
Seon Park x 215
Casting Producer
Nick Williams x 216
Casting Associate Producer
(office): 818-842-2496
Twitter tvprodseon l Email faceofforlando@gmail.com
07 Sep 2010

Iowa Zoetrope Casting Call!

By Iowa Film Office

Iowa Zoetrope is a film group based in Ames and we are hosting a casting session for a feature film and 3 short films. Parts are availible for all ages, sexes, and looks.

The casting takes place September 11, at the Ames Public Library from 1pm to 4pm.

We are also interested in meeting with people who may be interested in working on one of the films or learning more about our group.

More info can be found on our facebook page, where sides are availible. www.facebook.com/iowazoetrope

07 Sep 2010

Treasurer Fitzgerald Encourages Iowans to Observe College Savings Month

By readMedia

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.

07 Sep 2010

James W. Schroeder Named Assistant Adjutant General, Illinois Air National Guard

By readMedia

Air Force Brigadier General Will Complete the Term of Retiring Brig. Gen. John P. Hughes.

SPRINGFIELD , IL (08/31/2010)(readMedia)-- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn appointed Illinois Air National Guard Brig. Gen. James W. Schroeder as the Assistant Adjutant General-Air Aug. 31.

Schroeder will complete the term of retiring Brig. Gen. John P. Hughes, which ends January 2011.

A pilot for American Airlines, Schroeder has served as the Illinois Air National Guard's chief of staff since July 2007 where he was responsible for assisting in command, control, and operations of all plans and programs for more than 3,000 Illinois Airmen located in Peoria, Springfield, and Scott Air Force Base.

"Brig. Gen. Schroeder brings a wealth of education, experience and expertise, both civilian and military, to the post," said Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "His leadership and expertise will be a valuable asset to me and all Illinois Airmen as we continue to support overseas missions and remain ready to respond to domestic emergencies."

Schroeder, a Westmont, Ill., native, currently residing in Geneva, commissioned in 1982 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School. Schroeder assisted in the initial setup of the aerial refueling training operation at Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany. His involvement helped pave the way for the on-going rotation of Air National Guard refueling units to the NATO base.

He most recently flew combat air patrol sorties in support of Operation Noble Eagle and flew combat support missions in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

"This is an opportunity to positively affect the lives of Illinois Airmen and their families, to build upon the great things we do day in and day out, and to strengthen those relationships with the communities we serve," said Schroeder.

Schroeder holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology from Western Illinois University and completed the Air War College in 2002.

For more information please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs office at 217-761-3569.

07 Sep 2010

QC Flute Association Fall Flute Festival

By Erin Kleiber

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

07 Sep 2010

Roller Derby -- New Season

By Ellonyia Yenney

Flying Elbows And Rat Rods of Derby!

(Davenport, Iowa) The Quad City Rollers had such a great time at the Flying Eyeball Reunion that they decided to keep the fun going inside the RiverCenter as they present "Flying Elbows" Saturday, September 18. The opposing team will be the Old Capital City Rollers from Iowa City.

The night starts off with the Fresh Meat Grinder mixer featuring the newest skaters from the QC Rollers and Iowa City as well as from the Peoria Push Derby Dames and Farm Fresh Roller Girls. After the grinder the main bout will get rolling and if you have ever seen these two teams battle it out, you know that the track side seating will be the place to be!

"I am so excited for the girls who have been working hard to get to skate in what is, for many, their first bout." said mixer team Captain Cheetara Daal (Tricia Willis). "It will be so fun to have all the girls from some very new teams and girls that are just new to derby come out and show what they have been working so hard for".

The QC Rollers were established in 2006 with a "by the skaters, for the skaters" mantra and have since grown to bout with teams from across the MidWest. Based on a mission of inclusion for women of all shapes, sizes and ages the QC Rollers want to promote an active and empowering lifestyle for women through a sport structured around endurance and calculated aggression. What comes as a surprise to many outside the sport is that the skaters do not get paid, at all, for participating; in fact they all pay monthly dues and purchase their own gear to be members of the league. The skaters are also primary owners, managers, and operators of the league. A portion of all bout ticket sales is given back to a local non-profit organization chosen by a skater.

"Giving back is something that is simply part of the sport, like knee-socks and mouth-guards," says QC Rollers Vice President El Efino (Ellonyia Yenney). "We are very blessed to be able to come out and have our fans be there for us and we have to be there for our community."

Balloon animals for the kids, beer and "Rat Rods" for the adults -- combine all of that with the excitement of roller derby and intermission music by the Afterdarks and the entire family will have an amazing night.

"We have an outstanding team of athletes," beams President and Captain of the QC Rollers, Sugar N' Slice (Leigh Ann Hodges). "As we are going into our 3rd home season I am beyond amazement at how far we've come as a league and a sport. This is going to be the biggest and best season yet!"

RiverCenter doors open at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $12 or $9 in advance (kids 12 and under are free). Snag your tickets from a Quad City Roller, RiverCenter box office or other Ticketmaster outlet. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the QCA Adaptive Sports Association.

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07 Sep 2010

Celtic Highland Games Schedule of Events

By Ruth Clayton Davis

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.

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