24 Sep 2009

Northwestern College Piano Extravaganza Comes to Moline

By Nancy Zugschwert
SAINT PAUL, MINN. -- Northwestern College in Saint Paul, Minn. presents A Piano Extravaganza, a program of piano solos and duets, on Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Butterworth Center in Moline, Illinois. Northwestern's top piano performance students will share the music of Mozart, Debussy and more. Butterworth Center is located at 1105 8th Street in Moline; for directions call 309-743-2700. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Northwestern College music tours office at 651-631-2080.
23 Sep 2009

Tommy Sands appears at Deere Wiman House

By Gretchen Frick Small

A unique performance in Moline presents music as a way to bridge cultural differences. In an Oct. 9 performance at the Deere-Wiman House, Irish singer and peace activist Tommy Sands will share his dreams of an Ireland without conflict.

One of Ireland's most powerful songwriters and an enchanting performer, Sands uses vocals and guitar to highlight our common heritage, transcending cultural differences to bring about world peace. His repertoire ranges from traditional Irish music to contemporary folk, telling the story of a country with a troubled past but indomitable spirit.

As an acclaimed musician and social activist, Sands has performed in venues all over the world, including a recent appearance at Pete Seeger's 90th birthday concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. His original compositions include There Were Roses and Daughters and Sons, recorded by Joan Baez, Kathy Mattea, Sean Keane and The Dubliners.

This event is part of the Fridays at Deere-Wiman House series funded by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust, and part of the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series. Tommy Sands, 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue, Moline, Ill. Admission: free; refreshments following. For more information, call (309) 743-2701; www.butterworthcenter.com

end

23 Sep 2009

German American Heritage Center News

By Angela Hunt

After the culmination of 14 years, the Midwest-upper Mississippi region debuts The German American Heritage Center as a new museum during Grand Opening on October 3-4, 2009
1862 - 2009: From immigrant hotel to interacitve heritage museum

DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 23, 2009) Over the past 14 years, the German American Heritage Center building (712 W Second Street, Davenport, Iowa) was saved from demolition, restored, renovated and became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was accomplished through the efforts of volunteers who gave their time, labor and support to the vision of GAHC.

"The vision of the German American Heritage Center began with a humble start. A small group of passionate volunteers united to celebrate German-American heritage. Since then we have grown into a historic treasure that also reaches across cultural boundaries, finding commonalities amongst us all," said Executive Director, Angela Hunt.

View several photos that show the amazing transformation of the building over the past 14 years in our photo gallery.

Since 2007, GAHC underwent a complete interior renovation and has increased exhibit space by six times the original layout. A ribbon cutting ceremony will kick off the grand opening weekend that takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, 2009 from noon - 4 p.m. Admission is free to GAHC during the grand opening weekend. The museum will debut the improvements and the new interactive, audio-visual permanent exhibit, "The German Immigrant Experience." The exhibit takes visitors on an exploration of what it was like to be an immigrant to this area in the 1800s.

A brief history: From immigrant hotel to heritage museum
Built around the late 1860s, the GAHC location appears to have had its earliest history in the hostelry enterprise. Around 1872, the thirty-room hotel was a popular spot for many immigrants, visitors, and farmers who came to Davenport. Its German character as a "Gast Haus" lasted well into the early years of the twentieth century. Today the GAHC serves as a museum, genealogy research center, and educational/cultural resource.

What to expect at the newly expanded museum

New interactive, audio-visual permanent exhibit, "The German Immigrant Experience"
The new exhibit space at the museum is 3,550 square feet and includes two additional traveling exhibit spaces. The permanent exhibit is highly interactive and includes a theater, audio-visual stations, artifacts and two restored hotel rooms. The creation of this exhibit area marks a major milestone at GAHC; achieving its goal of providing a premier educational, historical and recreational experience. The exhibit was designed by Morgan-Bailey Consulting out of Des Moines, Iowa.

Additional new traveling and special exhibit spaces
 GAHC now has two special/traveling exhibit spaces. These spaces will change throughout the year showcasing different exhibits. Current special exhibits include "Brewery Ephemera," that explores the history of local breweries established by German immigrants; and "A to Zither," a journey into the world of the sounds and tradition of the German zither instrument.

Expanded education and recreational programs and events
With the newly expanded exhibits at GAHC, we will create seven new education programs for schools, new field trips, outreach programs and education tours. The permanent exhibit is specifically designed so that all curriculum areas from geography and literature to science can be explored. Special new group tours, community programs, member-only events and trips will also be offered.

New facility rental space
GAHC has a new rental space on fourth floor that boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the City of Davenport. GAHC will use the space for programs and will also make it available for private and nonprofit groups to rent. Discount rates are available for GAHC members and nonprofit groups. The space can hold up to 100 persons, includes a kitchenette, restrooms, tables/chairs, and audio-visual equipment.

Below are details on the grand opening event:

GRAND OPENING WEEKEND:"The German Immigrant Experience"
Open to the public, Free admission during the grand opening weekend
Saturday, October 3 - 4, 2009; 10 am - 4 pm

Sunday, October 4, 2009; 12 - 4 pm

During grand opening festivities, the Center will unveil the new interactive permanent exhibit. Enjoy special performances by the German Dancers, zither music demonstrations, children's activities, and more. Visit www.gahc.org or call 563-322-8844 for more information. The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W 2nd Street, Davenport.

After the grand opening weekend, GAHC will offer new hours. Below the new hours, admission and membership rates are listed:

ADMISSION
$5 ADULTS; $4 SENIOR CITIZENS (60+); $3 CHILDREN (AGES 3 - 17); FREE (UNDER 3)
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $35
COUPLE $45 (TWO ADULTS IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)
HOUSEHOLD $55 (UP TO TWO ADULTS & CHILDREN IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)
GRANDPARENTS $55 (UP TO TWO GRANDPARENTS & THEIR GRANDCHILDREN)
LIFE MEMBER INDIVIDUAL $1,000 (OR $1,500 FOR TWO ADULTS IN SAME HOUSEHOLD)

For more information please visit www.gahc.org for photos, videos, programs, and events.

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23 Sep 2009

Cajun Seafood Boil is Back at Thunder Bay Grille

By Katrina Padrón

Thunder Bay Grille in Davenport will re-create a southern summer favorite - Cajun Seafood Boil on Saturday, September 26th starting at 4pm!  Head Chef Andy Wildermuth invites guests to experience a Cajun boil that includes crawfish, shrimp, mussels, corn on the cob, Andoullie sausage and red potatoes all cooked in a Cajun bouillabaisse broth.  Guests will be seated at tables that are wrapped in butcher block paper and the chef will empty the Cajun seafood boil in the center of the table.  It is an event that friends and family can all enjoy!

Call 563-386-2722 to reserve your table, price is $14.99 per person and includes salad, the Cajun Seafood boil and dessert. Thunder Bay's full dinner menu is also available.  Thunder Bay Grille is located at I-80 and Brady Street in Davenport.

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23 Sep 2009

BEST BREW WINNERS NAMED AT BREW HA HA

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLNIOIS - The sun was shining. Minus Six was performing. The Iowa game was on the big screen television, and 1,800 people tasted a variety of beers and cheeses at the 10th Annual WQPT Brew Ha Ha on Saturday, September 19th.

At the end of the day, once the ballots had been tallied, Bend River Brewing Company and Blue Cat Brew Pub took home the trophies for Best Brews at Brew Ha Ha 2009..

First Place went to Bent River Brewing Co. for their brew, Uncommon Stout. They also won Second Place with Dry Hopped Ale and their trophies were picked up by Steve Ratcliff. Third Place went to Tucks Tenacious Trippel from Blue Cat Brew Pub with Melissa Wileke picking up the award.

WQPT's Brew Ha Ha was sponsored by Old Chicago Bettendorf, Rock 104-9 and Cumulus Broadcasting, Rhythm City Casino, River Cities' Reader, KWQC, Mediacom, Pratt Audio Visual & Video Corp., Penguin's Comedy Club, Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Inc., Glazer's Distributors of Iowa, Miller Lite, Budweiser, Cabot Cheese, Downtown Partnership, City of Davenport, Hawkeye Ice, Iowa American Water, Midwest Originals Booking, Millennium Waste, Quad City Golf Cars, and Sunbelt Rentals.

WQPT is the Quad Cities local public television station located on the campus of Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois.

# # #

23 Sep 2009

Bras for the Cause Gala and Auction

By Beth Cummings

The hottest charity event in Iowa and a night you won't want to miss!

(Des Moines, IA) The third annual Bras for the Cause Gala and Auction will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009, at Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des
Moines. It will be a night packed with dinner, dancing, auctions and MORE:

7:00 pm  Appetizers, Cocktails and Silent Auction Opens
8:00 pm  Dinner and Live auction
9:00 pm  Dance

One of the hottest and most creative fundraising events in central Iowa, artists from all over the globe have created one-of-a-kind bras to be partnered with a
variety of other incredible items for the auction. Sponsored by Mercy Medical Center; The Iowa Clinic; Iowa Health - Des Moines; ABC 5; Bank of the West;
HyVee; Stacey's Bra & Lingerie and Sitehawk; the event allows the Bras for the Cause Iowa Foundation to continue to help Iowans in the fight against breast and cervical cancer.

In 2009 there will be an estimated 16,000* new cancer cases in the state of Iowa. Of those new cases, 7,800 will be women and 2,150 of those women will be affected by breast cancer. 100% of the funds raised by Bras for the Cause Iowa Foundation remain in Iowa to promote women's health.

Learn more about Bras for the Cause Iowa Foundation and how you can get involved by visiting www.brasforthecause.com.

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For More Information Contact:
Beth Cummings 515-490-9214
Cummings@CooperaConsulting.com

 

23 Sep 2009

Airline Passengers Conduct Their Own Hearing in Congress

By Kevin Mitchell

Momentum Accelerated Behind Initial 3-Hour Deplanement Standard

Senator Boxer and Representative Thompson Champion Passenger Rights

September 22, 2009, Washington, DC - FlyersRights.org and Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today conducted a Passenger Rights Stakeholder Hearing before a packed hearing room of airline passengers, travel professionals, Congressional staff and media in the Rayburn House Office Building. Experts, both for and against legislation to address a growing extended-tarmac-delay problem, were sharply questioned by aviation journalists and travel industry professionals . The clear outcome from the hearing is that legislation is urgently required to address a growing passenger health and safety problem that airlines are apparently unable or unwilling to fix themselves.

The hearing was sponsored by the Honorary Chairwomen Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) who have championed a 3-hour national standard for providing passengers the option of deplaning, should a captain decide it is safe to do so. Their bills, S.213 and HR 674, were strongly endorsed by airline passengers, FlyersRights.org, BTC, other travel groups at the hearing.

PassengerRights.org Executive Director Kate Hanni testified , "The airline industry has been the voice of "NO" for too long. The system is broken and passengers have been paying a dear price with their health, lost productivity and missed family events. This hearing shone a bright light on the fallacious arguments put forward by those airlines that seek to continue stonewalling against reforms that will benefit passengers and all airline industry stakeholders."

"There is now a clear expectation that Congress will move to enact legislation to create a national standard beginning with the requirement that airlines provide passengers an option to deplane after 3 hours. Airlines will likely have several months to adjust operations before the law is effective," stated BTC Chairman Kevin Mitchell. "BTC further encourages Congress to phase-in a 2-hour standard 1 year after the initial 3-hour rule becomes effective. Congress should likewise make mandatory the U.S. Department of Transportation Tarmac Delay Task Force recommendations," added Mitchell. (BTC recently issued a report on passenger rights legislation .)

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22 Sep 2009

Papa Murphy's Named "Best Pizza Chain in America" by Consumers for Seventh Straight Year

By Rick Martin

Take 'n' bake pizza giant named Platinum Award Winner in Restaurants & Institution's Consumers' Choice in Chains Survey; Among top 10 chains in highest overall scores

VANCOUVER, Wash. - September 22, 2009 - According to thousands of U.S. consumers, Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza is not only the "Best Pizza Chain in America" for the seventh straight year, but it's also one of the top 10 restaurant chains in the country. In the overall rankings among all restaurant categories, Papa Murphy's was one of only two quick service restaurants (QSR) in the top 10, joining other industry leaders such as P.F. Chang's China Bistro (NASDAQ: PFCB), Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory.

"The past year has been a great test," said John Barr, CEO at Papa Murphy's. "While many restaurant brands tried to save market share by reinventing themselves or their product offerings, Papa Murphy's has stuck to what we know our customers want - quality pizza with the freshest ingredients at a great value. It's what we've always stood for and our customers know they can count on us for that. We're honored that they consider Papa Murphy's not only the best pizza company in the country, but one of the best restaurants out there, period."
Earlier this year, more than 3,000 consumers rated over 200 chain restaurants on a variety of guest satisfaction attributes in Restaurants & Institution's Annual Consumers' Choice in Chains survey. Papa Murphy's received the highest possible accolade - the Platinum Award - in the pizza segment by a large margin, soaring 16% above the pizza category's second-place winner.  For full results of the survey, log onto www.rimag.com.

About Restaurants & Institutions
Restaurants & Institutions (R&I) (www.rimag.com) is the leading source of vital information for the entire foodservice industry, online and offline, covering chains, independent restaurants, hotels and institutions. Published monthly, R&I magazine is the only source of complete industry coverage and reaches more than 120,000 commercial and noncommercial subscribers, including executives who operate independent and chain restaurants, hospitals, colleges, schools and hotels/resorts, as well as dealers/distributors and consultants in the foodservice industry. R&I is published by Reed Business Information.

About Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is the fifth-largest pizza chain in the country and the pioneer and leader of the take 'n' bake pizza segment. Papa Murphy's operates over 1,150 franchised and corporate-owned locations in 32 states and Canada. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company offers custom-made pizzas featuring high-quality fresh toppings generously layered on pizza dough that is made fresh each morning in each store. By baking Papa Murphy's pizzas at home, customers get to experience the home-baked aroma of a convenient, delicious meal that the brand is known for. In addition to handmade pizzas, the company offers a growing menu of take 'n' bake items, including Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheels, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Papa Murphy's has been voted "Best Pizza Chain in America" for seven consecutive years by consumers nationwide in the Restaurants and Institutions "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey and is a four-time recipient of Pizza Today's Chain of the Year award, most recently in 2009. For more information, visit www.papamurphys.com.

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22 Sep 2009

Lindsay Park Community Meeting

By Matt Johnston

As an outreach to the community from the Lindsay Park meeting last May, a Steering Committee was formed and has been meeting to make recommendations for the park. The committee will preview the recommendations and seek additional public input at a public forum prior to presenting to the city council.

7:00 PM on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

McKINLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

1716 KENWOOD AVENUE, DAVENPORT

21 Sep 2009

New Kingdom Trailriders celebrates fall down on the farm with a Western Jamboree Fall Festival and Fundraiser!

By Barbara Clausen

Event Date:  September 26, 2009, 12:00pm-5:00pm at Schone's Friendship Farm, 15711 13th Street, Milan, IL.

We're rustlin' up all volunteers, riders, parents, and friends for the New Kingdom Trailriders' Western Jamboree Fall Festival and Fundraiser!  Help us raise some much-needed dollars while having fun with the whole family.  Admission is $2.00 and every paid admission is an entry into a great door prize drawing from Ascentra, this year's Platinum Sponsor.

This fundraiser will be chock-full o'fun and games for everyone in your posse.  There will be games for the little greenhorns, vittles for the hungry and of course, our cowboys and cowgirls will put on a fine show for ya'all.

Our Chuck wagon will be servin' up Texas chili and dogs, along with other tasty grub.  We'll have horse rides available for purchase to all who want to be a cowboy for the day.  Hold on to your hats folks, that ain't all!  We have a surprise for you- "It's a Pleasure" Precision Drill Team will be performing too (www.itsapleasure.org).  Dust off your boots, we've also roped in "The Posse" for your country western dancin' and listenin' pleasure.  Bring your decorated pumpkin to enter the Pumpkin Design contest!

If that ain't enough for ya'all to flip your lids, we have invited some of our compadres to join us and have information available about their fine programs and products also.  All this fun is brought to you with the help of our good friends at Ascentra.  So grab the young'uns, the old'uns and everybody in-between for a hootin', hollerin' good time at the NKT Western Jamboree Fall Festival and Fundraiser!

New Kingdom Trailriders is the Quad Cities' only equine-assisted therapeutic riding program.  NKT is celebrating its 25th year of offering a quality recreational therapy program to specially challenged individuals.  Donors, local grants and fundraisers fund NKT.  You can donate to this program online at their website - www.NKTriders.org.  Click on the "Just Give" logo.

WE NEED YOU TO HELP!

Committees are being set up NOW.  Please sign up as a worker or leader today or call the NKT office at 309.764.4220 or email Christina Chom, Director of Development at christinankt@yahoo.com.  We cannot do fun events like this without the help of our super volunteers!  Thank you for lending a hand and supporting New Kingdom Trailriders.


If you would like more information about this event or New Kingdom Trailriders (NKT), or if you need directions, please visit our website at www.NKTriders.org or contact Barbara Clauson at (309) 764-4220, email NKT at info@NKTriders.org.  You can also stop by our office located in SouthPark Mall next to Dairy Queen/Orange Julius.

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