13 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Delivers Keynote Address To 2nd Annual Sustainable Schools Symposium

By Robert Reed
Declares April "Earth Month", Presents Environmental Hero Awards
CHICAGO - April 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today delivered the keynote address at the 2nd Annual Sustainable Schools Symposium at Walter Payton College Prep. Governor Quinn was joined by officials from the U.S. Department of Education and Chicago Public Schools in declaring the month of April "Earth Month" and presenting Environmental Hero Awards.
"We've come a long way in protecting precious natural resources and making our state 'green' but we can't stop now.  We must continue this important effort by recognizing that every month is Earth Month," said Governor Quinn. "By working together, we can teach today's youth the importance of conservation and creating a sustainable environment now and in the future."
Participants from across Illinois - including school administrators, superintendents, school board members, custodial staff, teachers, government officials and high school student environmental leaders - gathered at the daylong symposium in Chicago to exchange ideas that will enhance and promote green practices in K-12 schools.
The symposium is hosted by the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council Chicago Chapter and Chicago Public Schools, and features presentations from local, state, and federal policy-makers, educators, green businesses and non-profits. Workshops cover a variety of topics aimed at giving participants ideas for making schools across Illinois green. Green school construction and renovation, energy usage in the classroom, environmental education and health, and ways to finance sustainability projects are just some of the areas that were discussed.
Governor Quinn also issued a proclamation declaring April as "Earth Month" in Illinois. Throughout the month, various state agencies will hold events and programs aimed at educating the public about the importance of environmentalism and conserving natural resources. Details about those events will be released in the coming weeks.
Governor Quinn serves as the chairman of the Great Lakes Commission, the Illinois River Coordinating Council and the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council. Governor Quinn has also signed numerous Executive Orders and statutes into law to ensure greater energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and protection of Illinois' land, air and water resources. For more information about Governor Quinn's sustainability initiatives, please visit www.Green.Illinois.gov.
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13 Apr 2010

Hamlet Insurance Agency recognized as Grinnell Mutual top agency

By Joseph Reid
Hamlet Insurance Agency, Inc. of Reynolds, Illinois was recently named to the Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company President's Club for 2010 as a top agency for the company.

Recognized by Grinnell Mutual President and CEO Steve Crawford, Hamlet Insurance Agency ranks among the company's top 50 agencies and 15 farm mutual companies for outstanding production and profitability over a five-year period. President's Club members provide insights on key insurance and business issues to board members and management staff from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance and Grinnell Select Insurance Companies.

"Our President's Club members provide valuable input as we seek their opinions on many topics, from product development to marketing," said Crawford. "The dynamics of today's insurance market continues to evolve quickly. For that reason, listening to our top agents and mutuals keeps our partnership and our service to the policyholder strong and stable."

The agents and staff at Hamlet Insurance Agency were recently presented with a plaque and letter of recognition from Grinnell Mutual for the agency's notable achievement.

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, with headquarters in Grinnell, Iowa, has been in business since 1909 and provides reinsurance and property and casualty insurance products for home owners, farm owners and business owners through nearly 1,600 independent agents in 11 Midwestern states. The company is the largest primary reinsurer of farm mutual companies in North America.
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13 Apr 2010

LOCAL STUDENTS COMPETE IN BATTLE OF THE BRAINS

By Brittany Marietta

Quad City students are gearing up to flex their mental muscle!  Rivermont Collegiate will host the 3rd annual RAI (Rivermont Academic Invitational) next Wednesday and Thursday, April 14th and 15th, on the Rivermont campus in Bettendorf.  Students in grades 5-8 from throughout the Quad Cities participate in this academic competition.  The event continues to grow in popularity, with RAI 2010 being the largest yet - Rivermont is ecstatic to host 300 students from 20 local schools!

At the RAI competition, students spend the day competing in "out of the box" activities that take core curriculum ideas and expand them to hands-on learning and real life situations.  Participants work in teams to apply multiple skill sets in math, engineering, geography, global awareness, current events, and literature.  Trophies are awarded to top teams, with individual honors also awarded.  This year's RAI was made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend.

RAI 2010 will take place from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. both Wednesday and Thursday; 5th and 6th grades will compete on Wednesday, 7th and 8th grades on Thursday.  Rivermont Collegiate is located directly off 18th Street, behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.  Members of the community are welcome to join us and observe our local students in action!

For additional information on the Rivermont Academic Invitational contact Leigh Ann Schroeder at schroeder@rvmt.org or 563.359.1366 ext. 343

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13 Apr 2010

"Be the One!" Leadership Training Coming to Davenport

By Rick Martin

April 2010, Bettendorf, IA?Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of eleven internationally-acclaimed leaders by attending the Chick-fil-A "Be the One" Leadercast at Harvest Bible Chapel in Davenport, IA, on May 7, 2010. The Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leadership training event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Ga. to hundreds of host sites throughout the nation, including Davenport. Results Marketing, "The Shef " and St. Ambrose University are bringing the event to the QCA. Speakers for the event include :

  • Jim Collins, author of "Good to Great," "How the Mighty Fall" and co-author of "Built to Last"
  • Tony Dungy (pre-recorded session), retired head coach for the Indianapolis Colts
  • John C. Maxwell, leadership expert and best-selling author of "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership"
  • Dr. Ben Carson, neurosurgeon, professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • Chip Heath, Author of "Made to Stick," Columnist for "Fast Company," and Stanford Professor
  • Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS Institute, Inc.
  • Ed Bastian, president of Delta Air Lines
  • Connie Podesta, expert in the psychology of human behavior and leadership development
  • Mark Sanborn, best-selling author of The Fred Factor
  • Steve Uzzell, award-winning corporate photographer and former staff member of National Geographic
  • Dave "The Shef" Sheffield, top selling author and "Always Better Your Best" motivational expert

The idea for the Chick-fil-A Leadercast was conceived ten years ago by Dr. John C. Maxwell, "New York Times" best-selling author and speaker. He wanted to combine his influential voice in the community with his desire to reach leaders at the heart level. What started out as a half day, classroom-format event with John Maxwell teaching has since become a full-day, experiential conference featuring authors, leadership experts and practitioners.

"The event was a highlight in my development," said Jennifer Boubel, director of field services for Continental Airlines. "Each speaker brought insights that were inspiring. It is an incredible way to improve upon our leadership so that in turn we can make a difference in the lives of those we influence."

This year's program will focus on how to be the one to make a difference at work, at home and in the community. Topics include connecting with others, standing out amid the competition, ideas for creative problem solving, leading in challenging times, creating strong team cultures and how to avoid, detect and reverse decline.

"Leadership is about who you are within," said Bill George, Harvard Business School professor and author of "True North." "I think it's important to ... listen to leaders to reflect on the kind of leader you want to become."


Cost is just $99 (a $129 value) and includes the day's manual and lunch. Call for group discounts. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the QC Boys & Girls Clubs and Big Brothers/Big Sisters leadership programs.

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08 Apr 2010

Local high school speaker tries for $18K this weekend in Indy

By American Legion

This weekend 53 high school speakers will compete in The American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI).  A student from your area eagerly plans travel to the Hoosier capitol city on Friday.

The contest is in three phases beginning Saturday, April 10 with the opening round at 9:45 a.m.  Winners from this round will enter the semi-finals getting underway at 3:45 p.m.  The finals are Sunday, April 11 beginning at 11 a.m.  Results are generally available by noon.

Thank you for covering the outstanding high school student from your area.  The final 53 come from a field that is thousands strong when the competition began.  They are all state champions and have earned scholarship funds.

Below is a listing of contestants by state.

-30-

 

CONTACT:  Joe March (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926 or John Raughter (317) 630-1253 or (317) 441-8847.  You can also attempt to contact your local competitor at the hotel in Indianapolis.  To directly contact a competitor's room while in Indianapolis:  Hotel switchboard (317) 269-9000/1-800-627-2700.

 

State champions listed by state for the 2010 The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - "A Constitutional Speech Contest."

- conducted by The American Legion.

 

Alabama - Elizabeth Blessing of Auburn, Alabama, is a sophomore at Farmville Christian Academy.

Alaska -  Neilius Finnesand of Anchorage, Alaska, is a senior at Kenny Lake High School.

Arizona - Nicholas Everetts of Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a junior at Fountain Hills High School.

Arkansas - Luke Macfarlan of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is a home schooled sophomore.

California - Samuel Stone of Danville, California, is a senior at Monte Vista High School.

Colorado - Rachel Ford of Lyons, Colorado, is a home schooled senior.

Connecticut - Timothy Lachapelle of Southington, Connecticut, is a junior at Southington High School.

Delaware - Andrew Ball of Seaford, Delaware, is a senior at Sussex Technical High School.

District of Columbia - Ikechukwu, Eronini of Washington, DC, is a senior at McKinley Technology High School.

Florida - Caroline Schechinger, of St. Augustine, Florida, is a sophomore at Bishop Kenny High School.

France - Christina Lowry of Germany is a senior at Patch American High School.

Georgia - Joseph Rondone of Marietta, Georgia, is a home schooled junior.

Hawaii - Ryan McDonald of Honolulu, Hawaii, is a home schooled sophomore.

Idaho - Charles Baines of Meridian, Idaho, is a sophomore at Arts West High School.

Illinois - Matthew Schuhriemen of Naperville, Illinois, is a home schooled senior.

Indiana -Meagan McAllister of Logansport, Indiana, is a senior at Faith Christian School.

Iowa- Justin J. Grubbs of Davenport, Iowa, is a senior at Davenport West High School.

Kansas - Gray Henry of Colby, Kansas, is a senior at Colby High School.

Kentucky - Christina Sauer of Corydon, Indiana, is a senior at Presentation Academy.

Louisiana - Michael Graves of Bossier City, Louisiana, is a senior at Airline High School.

Maine -Renata Schalk of Sabattus, Maine, is a home schooled senior.

Maryland - Nathan Chai of Ellicott City, Maryland, is a home schooled junior.

Massachusetts - Nicholas Jacob of Milton, Massachusetts, is a senior at Milton Academy.

Michigan - Robin Luo of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a senior at Portage Central High School.

Minnesota - Austin Knott of Red Wing, Minnesota, is a senior at Red Wing High School.

Mississippi - Anthony Martinez of Madison, Mississippi, is a senior at St. Joseph Catholic School.

Missouri - Derek Schulze of Warrenton, Missouri, is a senior at Warrenton High School.

Montana - Katherine Sizemore of Gildford, Montana, is a senior at North Star High School.

Nebraska - Caitlin Molczyk of Columbus, Nebraska, is a junior at Columbus High School.

Nevada - Jacqueline Burks of Reno, Nevada, is a senior at Reno High School.

New Hampshire - Katy Devine of Amherst, New Hampshire, is a senior at Bishop Guertin High School.

New Jersey - Isabelle Foley of Montclair, New Jersey, is a senior at Montclair High School.

New Mexico - Emma Elizondo of Rio Rancho, New Mexico is a sophomore at V. Sue Cleveland High School.

New York - Madison Kircher of Queensbury, New York, is a senior at Queensbury High School.

North Carolina - Daniel Nelson of Goldsboro, North Carolina, is a home schooled junior.

North Dakota - Sibinee Jokela of Watford City, North Dakota, is a senior at Watford City High School.

Ohio - Grace Pyo of Powell, Ohio, is a junior at Olentangy Liberty High School.

Oklahoma - Kristalynn Hefner of Chelsea, Oklahoma, is a junior at Chelsea High School.

Oregon -  Dalton Hellman of Canby, Oregon, is a senior at Canby High School.

Pennsylvania -- Samuel Hardy of Pazmyra, Pennsylvania, is a junior at Palmyra Area High School.

Puerto Rico -Jean DeJesus of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, is a sophomore at Antilles Military Academy.

Rhode Island - Hayley Hutchins of Hope, Rhode Island, is a home schooled senior.

South Carolina - Victoria Black of Iva, South Carolina, is a home schooled junior.

South Dakota - Joseph Schartz of Humboldt, South Dakota, is a sophomore at West Central High School.

Tennessee - Clarissa Stewart of Cleveland, Tennessee is a senior at Gateway Christian Schools.

Texas - Camille Peeples of Austin, Texas, is a senior at Hyde Park Baptist High School.

Utah - Amanda Tibbitts of Riverton, Utah, is a senior at Riverton High School.

Vermont - Brooke Connor of Bridport, Vermont is a senior at Middlebury Union High School.

Virginia - John Stegner of Powhatan, Virginia, is a home schooled junior.

Washington -Mitchell Murdock of Kingston, Washington, is a senior at Kingston High School.

West Virginia - Aleksandr Fedyszyn of Wheeling, West Virginia, is a junior at The Linsly School.

Wisconsin - Kelsey Marsolek of Independence, Wisconsin, is a senior at Independence High School.

Wyoming - Clayton Dexter of Casper, Wyoming, is a senior at Natrona County High School.

 

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08 Apr 2010

Those who say cutting human services would be disaster for Illinois are meeting April 8th to learn how to tell lawmakers NO to budget cuts

By Lindsay Bayer

(Moline, IL)  "The U in Community - An Education Fair On Ways U Can Be Part of the Solution" is being held on April 8th at the Moline Viking Club.  The Early Childhood Coalition has partnered with a number of other local agencies to offer the event for parents, family members, and concerned citizens to learn more about ways that their voices can be used to make a difference in the state.

There will be tables of information focusing on the impact of possible budget cuts and a variety of ways individuals can advocate for the services that impact them, their families, and their communities.

This event is not early childhood specific, but is concentrating on the impact cuts across education and human services will have on all of our community.   This event is scheduled for April 8th from 4:00-7:00pm at the Moline Viking Club.

Available for interviews are organizers, parents who are worried about education cuts and spokespeople for human services agencies.  The free fair is sponsored by the Early Childhood Coalition of the Illinois Quad Cities.

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08 Apr 2010

AARP Launches New On-line Resources to Answer Health Reform Questions for Older Americans

By Ann Black

WASHINGTON & DES MOINES (April 8, 2010)?As a part of its efforts to help older Americans understand the impact of the recently enacted health reform package, AARP has launched new on-line resources for people with questions about the new law.

The AARP Bulletin's new "Health Care Reform Explained" column - available at www.aarp.org/getthefacts - provides practical answers to questions submitted by visitors.  Each week, AARP is answering the top questions about the new health care reform law emailed by readers to HCRquestions@aarp.org.

"Older Americans have a lot at stake as the new health reform package rolls out, and they're having a hard time getting complete or consistent information about how it will affect them," said AARP Senior Vice President Drew Nannis.  "This new resource is just the latest part of our efforts to make sure they have straightforward, reliable information to make the best decisions for themselves and their families."

AARP's Get the Facts website hosts a user-friendly guide to understanding the benefits of the new health care law, as well as fact sheets in plain language on various topics including prescription drugs and long-term care.  The page offers information both for people in Medicare and for those with private health insurance.

The new "Health Care Reform Explained" column follows the model of the AARP Bulletin's "Ask Ms. Medicare" column, which has become the go-to consumer information resource for millions of people who navigate the in's and out's of the Medicare program.  Since announcing the new effort in an email to members late last week, more than 30,000 people have visited the page and submitted hundreds of questions.

Nannis added: "AARP will use all of our communication channels - from our publications and website to in-person events - to make sure that our members and all older Americans have reliable information about what they can expect - and how they can benefit - from health care reform."

AARP's web site will be continually updated with answers to the latest questions sent in to HCRquestions@aarp.org, as well as other useful information to help older Americans get the most out of the new health care reform law.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.7 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org.  AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.  We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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08 Apr 2010

Annual Spring Rummage & Bake Sale

By Lillian

WHO:  GENERAL PUBLIC

WHAT: ANNUAL SPRING RUMMAGE & BAKE SALE

WHEN:  SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010

    • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

    • LUNCHEON SERVED 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:  IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

3834 ROCKINGHAM ROAD

DAVENPORT, IOWA

The Lutheran Women's Missionary League of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Davenport is sponsoring their Annual Spring Rummage & Bake Sale on Saturday, April 17, 2010 Time is from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for the Rummage & Bake Sale. A luncheon will be served from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Fill a paper bag for $3.00 Rummage items include : men, women's & children clothing, shoes, coats, household items, knick knacks, toys, books, and large donation of various craft items. There will also be baked goods, popcorn and homemade soups, sandwiches, and desserts for lunch. If you would like more information contact the church office at 563-324-6431

Proceeds will go to support various mission projects.

08 Apr 2010

Quad City Arts' Arts Dollar$: Community Access to the Arts Awards

By Rick Martin

Since 1979, Quad City Arts' Arts Dollar$: Community Access to the Arts has provided funding for local artists and non-profit organizations to carry out high-quality community-based art projects. Quad City Arts is pleased to announce the regranting of $24,500 to 13 outstanding community arts projects.

 

Garfield Elementary, Davenport

Garfield Elementary students will work with artist Sarah Robb to explore their neighborhood community and tell the story of the relationship among themselves, their school, and their community as they create a permanent mixed media mural.

 

River Music Experience

Kids Dayz will be a monthly program series on the first Saturday of each month, April 2010 through February 2011, featuring a variety of presenters from the community: Terry Hanson, Paul Cioe, Hal Reed, Shellie Moore Guy, Larry Lockwood, and Steve Couch.

 

Jeanne O'Melia

Artists Jeanne O'Melia and Angela Rathman will partner to provide at-risk youth with drama and visual art workshops in conjunction with Thurgood Marshall's year-long green team project to connect students to the environment through the arts and community service.

 

East Moline Park Board

East Moline Music in the Park Summer Concert Series provides five free outdoor music concerts to the general public in June through September, featuring Los Mocambos, Tony Hamilton Orchestra, Ellis Kell Band, Bix Beiderbecke Youth Jazz Band.

 

The Friends of Vander Veer

Storyteller Jessica Sheridan will present literature in the garden, using Eric Carle's children's books, promoting art and horticulture both indoors and outdoors at Vander Veer Botanical Garden all summer.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley

The "Art Buddies" program will match low-income children who have an interest in the arts with members of the local art community in one-to-one mentoring relationships. BBBSMV will provide these matches with arts-oriented activities throughout the year.

 

JB Young Intermediate

JB Young students meet three days per week with Melanie Holdorf-Prince. The class roster changes quarterly. All students are encouraged to participate in the after-school program, Pathways.

 

Henry County Courthouse

Henry County Artist Lee Kinball will paint a scene depicting or referencing Henry County, which will add to the already historically rich Henry County Courthouse.

 

Moline Public Library / German American Heritage Center

German "Artober" Fest is visual and performing arts partnership between the Moline Public Library and the German American Heritage Center.

 

Midwest Writing Center

The Young Emerging Writers Internship Program provides high school students with skills in writing, publishing, decision making, and project coordination. The program culminates with the production of a literary magazine. Artist Ryan Collins

 

Ballet Quad Cities

In June 2010, Ballet Quad Cities' Production of "Ballet Under the Stars" will feature "The Ugly Duckling: A Message of Acceptance Told in Dance," which will culminate a five-week residency at Rock Island's Longfellow Elementary.

 

Davenport Chordbusters Barbershop Chorus

ACAPPELLOOZA workshop introducing high school males to the joy of harmonizing their voices through a cappella barbershop style singing, culminating in an evening performance featuring the ACAPPELLOOZA participants with the Chordbusters, open to the public

 

Jeff Coussens

The Quad City Playwrights' Festival will select original scripts to be performed as staged readings by Augustana College students for a general audience. Jeff Coussens will produce the festival.

An awards reception will be held at the Quad City Arts Center Gallery on Wednesday, April 14th from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at 1715 2nd Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois.

Arts Dollar$ is made possible by support from the Illinois Arts Council, Doris and Victor Day Foundation, John Deere Foundation, and Mary Iva Gittens Knouse Charitable Trust.


Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development, and celebration of the arts and humanities. All Quad City Arts programs are partially supported by Quad City Arts Festival of Trees; Quad City Arts Partners; and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

08 Apr 2010

Quad City Arts Metro Arts Summer Youth Employment Program

By Michael Woods, PhD

What: Applications Available for Arts Apprenticeships for Youth Aged 15-21

When: Deadline for Application, April 17; Program Dates June 14 - July 16


Quad City Arts Metro Arts Summer Youth Employment Program brings together artistically talented and interested young adults and provides them with productive, creative, paid apprenticeships in the arts. Metro arts will take place on June 14 - July 16, and applications are open to all Quad City area youth aged 15-21 years old. Applications are available at www.quadcityarts.com or by contacting Jessi Black at 309-793-1213 x103. Applications are being accepted until April 17.


Quad City Arts will hire 50 area youth to serve as paid apprentices of professional artists. Apprentices will work in one of four groups: Mural Painting, Public Sculpture, Dance 101: Studio to Stage, and Micro-Fiction. Metro Arts participants learn about the techniques, history and context of their particular area, produce original works of art, and develop valuable professional skills in areas such as problem-solving, communication and accountability.


Metro Arts is made possible by generous support from Bechtel Trusts & Foundation, Riverboat Development Authority, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Davenport Noon Optimists, City of Rock Island Gaming Funds, and City of Moline Community Development Block Grant.


Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development, and celebration of the arts and humanities. All Quad City Arts programs are partially supported by Quad City Arts Festival of Trees; Quad City Arts Partners; and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

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