What:  the Zion Lutheran Church Blood Drive

When:  Wednesday, October 14th from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm.

Where:  Downstairs  in the Fellowship Hall, 1216 W. 8th St, Davenport

Appointments: To donate, call Wanda McDonnell at 563-381-3893

About the Drive:  Donors who last gave blood on or before August 19, 2009 are eligible.

About Donating:  Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that only takes about an hour.  Donors must be at least 16 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.  A Bllood Donor coard or other photo I.D. is required to donate; 16 year old donors must present a signed parental consent form available from the Blood Center or for download from www.bloodcenter.org. Controlled high blood pressure and diabetics are acceptable.

About MVRBC:  Mississippi Regional Blood Center is the exclusive blood provider to Unity HealthCare, Muscatine and Genesis and Trinity Medical Centers, Quad Cities.  For more information about the MVRBC, see the River Cities' Reader issue #731 (July 22, 2009).

The Mississippi Valley Growers' Association announces the following October special events at your local Farmers' Market - don't miss the fun, excitement and the locally grown fresh produce.

? The Davenport Farmers' Market at NorthPark Mall, 8:00 am until Noon, East of J. C. Penney's

  • October 3:  Apple Cider Press, taste some delicious fresh pressed cider
  • October 10:  Wine, grape juice and cheese tasting, compliments of our vendors
  • October 17:  Caramel Apple Day - don't leave without your apple for the day
  • October 24:  Carved Pumpkin contest - kids - don't miss out on the fun!
  • October 31:  Costume Party, get an early start for Halloween at the market.

? And, at the Bettendorf Market on Thursday, October 8th from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm, the Annual Wiener and S'mores Roast.  The Bettendorf Market is located at 23rd and State Streets, parking is behind the vendors if you enter from the light at 23rd Street.

? Coming in November - the Indoor Market.  More details to follow.

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Kuhl's Under The Sun is holding their annual Scarecrowrow on Friday, Oct 9th (9am-6pm), Satuday, Oct 10th (9am-4pm) and Sunday, Oct 11th (11am-4pm).

Come out to 1850 South 1st Street in Eldridge for antiques, one-of-a-kind gifts, artisans, handcrafted gifts, Tabor Home Wines, pumpkins, gourds, corn shocks, food tent and more tents in the gardens. Baked goods from Northridge Community Church and the 4-H girls. Plan on lunch at the farm!

For safety concerns, no pets are allowed. Free parking is provided.

For more information, go to www.scarecrowrowartfestival.com

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra launches its 2009-10 season with a concert showcasing the talent and versatility of the 95-year-old organization. This concert features the intricate and concise music of Mozart juxtaposed with the sweeping  majesty of Mahler. These concerts will be performed on October 3 and 4, and are sponsored in memory of Katherine Stafford, by her family. Saturday evening's concert will be held at the Adler Theatre in Davenport at 8 PM, and followed on Sunday afternoon at 2 PM at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. Tickets for this concert can be purchased in person at the QCSO Box Office, 327 Brady Street in Davenport, by phone at 800.745.3000 or online at www.QCSymphony.com.

A gulf of 100 years lay between Mozart's final symphony and Mahler's first. In 1788, as Mozart was scoring his final and perhaps greatest symphony, the romantic period in music was yet to be born. By 1888, when Mahler was completing work on his symphonic premier, composers found themselves in a world just beginning to challenge the now established the romantic movement. In both cases, the powerful music created by these two masters merits the celestial monikers with which they have come to be associated: the primordial Titans of Greco-roman mythology and the Olympian god Jupiter who led their overthrow.

On the Thursday before the concerts, Quad Citians will get the chance to hear Music Director Mark Russell Smith give his insights into the upcoming performance at Inside the Music. Expert and novice alike will enjoy this casual musical conversation at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on Thursday, October 1. This event is free to the public, with wine and cheese provided.

Mark Russell Smith will also be available at Kai Swanson's Concert Conversations, held an hour before each of the weekend's concerts. At Concert Conversations the audience members will be given a quick tour of highlights from the program they are about to experience. New this season, concert conversations will be held in the concert hall itself. This look into the background of the concert's repertoire, sponsored by Rich James of Wells Fargo Advisors, is in its tenth year and has become an audience favorite.

Also new this season, audience members are invited to reminisce about the amazing performance at the Woodfire Grill, 131 West 2nd St., Davenport, immediately following the Saturday night concert. Mingle with Mark Russell Smith, musicians from the QCSO, and sometimes even the guest artist. You never know who will be there! The evening promises free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and remarkable repartee.

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27 Mothers Presented with Gold Star Banners; More Than 80 Families Attend

CHICAGO - September 27, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today presented Gold Star Banners to 27 Illinois mothers whose sons and daughters died in combat while serving their country in the Global War on Terror. More than 80 members of Illinois Gold Star families who lost family members on active duty since September 11, 2001 attended the ceremony at the University of Illinois at Chicago Student Center.

The ceremony, which was co-sponsored by USO of Illinois, marked Gold Star Mother's Day. The day has been commemorated on the last Sunday in September since President Franklin Roosevelt declared the first Gold Star Mother's Day in 1936. Please see attached list of the 2009 Illinois Gold Star Recipients.

On August 16, Governor Quinn signed legislation to formally designate the fourth Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers Day in Illinois.

"Gold Star Mother's Day honors those whose sons or daughters gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our democracy," said Governor Quinn. "It is so important that we give everyone in our state the opportunity to express our reverence and respect for these patriotic families and their loss."

Presenting Gold Stars to mothers is an American tradition dating back to 1918, at the end of World War I. At that time, President Woodrow Wilson suggested that instead of wearing conventional mourning black from head to toe, families of men and women who had died in service to their country should wear a black armband with a gold star to signify their loss and their pride. Bereaved families also displayed Gold Star banners - gold stars on a white background with a wide red border - in the windows of their homes.

Verizon Wireless also generously sponsored the Illinois 2009 Gold Star Ceremony. Committed to honoring those who lost their lives in service to our country and their families, Verizon was also a sponsor for the 2007 and 2008 Gold Star Mothers ceremonies.

Governor Quinn was joined at the ceremony by Dan Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs; Anthony Enrietto, Jr., President of the USO of Illinois; and Alice Smith, Gold Star Mothers of Illinois. Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein recited the poem "To Illinois' Gold Star Mothers.

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Davenport, IA - The Alzheimer's Association is inviting Quad-City residents to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer's by participating in the annual Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®.  The i wireless Center will be site of the Memory Walk on October 3, 2009 at 9 am.  Pre-walk registration begins at 8am the day of the walk.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic that is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.  It is estimated that someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds.  By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer's disease every 33 seconds.

"There has never been a greater need for Quad-City citizens to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease by participating in Memory Walk," said Julie Seier, an Alzheimer's Association spokesperson.  "As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and funds raised will provide support services to area residents in Iowa and in Illinois living with Alzheimer's, while also contributing to critically needed research."

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is an empowering event that gives participants an opportunity to be Champions and take action in the fight against Alzheimer's.  In addition to the 3 mile walk participants will enjoy music provided by Jukebox Junkie, face painting, children's crafts, food, raffle prizes and vendor displays. The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is nationally presented by Genworth Financial.

About the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®:

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer's.

About the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; to advocate for policy change; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information visit www.alz.org.

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Boys Teams Grades 5-8 Pre-Season Basketball Tournament

A pre-season boys basketball tournament will be held at the Monticello Berndes Center in Monticello, IA on Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th. This event will be a fundraiser for Camp Courageous that is sponsored by 5th Quarter Sports. Steve Cooper, a past Camp Courageous counselor, and now with the Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids, is organize this event.

The tournament will be open to boys in 5th through 8th grades. Saturday will include the 5th and 6th grade divisions and the 7th and 8th grade boys will play on Sunday. There will be a limit to eight teams in each division. Expect an 8 AM to 8 PM time-frame. No schedule requests will be accepted for this tournament.

Team entry fee is $135.00. Spectator admission will be charged and concessions will be offered. All proceeds from this event will go to Camp Courageous, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities that is run on donations. For additional information about this tournament or to download entry form go to www.campcourageous.org or call 319-465-5916, ext. 2100.

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FC John Patrick Kelly from Bravo Troop Second Squadron of the 106th Calvary will be returning to his local hometown of Aledo, IL at 6:30 p.m. today (September 28) with a heroes welcome.

Based out of Dixon, IL, PFC JP Kelly has had a long trip home.  Part of his squadron has returned home already, and some, I believe, are still awaiting a plane home.  PFC JP Kelly will be arriving at the Dixon Armory in Dixon, IL from Ft. McCoy, WI this morning and will attend a short ceremony before being released to his family around 4:30 p.m.  He will then be escorted by the Patriot Guard from the Dixon Armory where he will meet up with a pre-scheduled caravan of family and friends in Milan, IL, along Route 67 acrossed from Coyne Center and the old Silver Oaks restaurant (there is currently a trailer park there now and a BP gas station kitty-corner from the meeting place).  The Patriot Guard will then lead PFC Kelly and his caravan of family and friends down Route 67, through Viola, IL (around 6:20 p.m.) and into Aledo, IL around 6:30 p.m. and end at the Aledo Central Park Pavilion, where JP will be reunited with is remaining family and friends.

PFC Kelly is the only Quad Cities native, I believe, that will be retuning to this area today. Please come and help us welcome him home properly from a tour of serving his country. 

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that a total of $20,634,955 has been secured for 156 rural energy projects in 62 Iowa counties.  The funds will be used to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

"This funding is great news for family farms and small town businesses all across Iowa.  These projects will improve energy efficiency and lower energy costs, while at the same time aiding our state's economy," said Harkin.  "Rural communities are so important to the fabric of Iowa and projects such these will help them continue to prosper."

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  As former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Harkin worked to include a version of this program in the 2002 farm bill and expanded it to the current program in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, the 2008 farm bill.

A list of all of the projects is attached.

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DES MOINES, IA (09/24/2009)(readMedia)-- Sergeant Major Michael Matson, a Junior Army Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) teacher from Davenport Central High School, is a 2009 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, KDSM Fox 17, and STAPLES. Juhl was among a top field of over 70 teachers?all nominated by colleagues, students, parents, and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's schoolchildren.

"This award is truly about recognizing the educators who work hard on a daily basis and rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve," said Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "All of the nominations are a testament to the dedication and compassion Iowa educators have for their students and demonstrate how educators go above and beyond the scope of their work and change the lives of the students they teach."

Mike was the instructor who started the JROTC program at Davenport Central High School and has a deep commitment to shaping the cadets into strong, self-reliant leaders who are responsible citizens. Basic to the program is improving the cadets' ability to communicate both orally and in writing?something that was successfully demonstrated in spades as Mike's nominator was a former student who wrote a superior essay outlining Mike's special abilities and love for his career.

"Clearly Mike taught his young students well as demonstrated by the young man who wrote to nominate Mike," Bern said. "The essay was compelling in that the young man's story was tough, but it was also a testament to Mike's skills as a compassionate leader and teacher who clearly cares about his students. Mike is in a tough field, but manages to show a tender side that gets through to his kids and they respond to him. He obviously has affected many lives for the better and that's what this award is all about. We are very proud to count him among the education professionals who go to work each and every day, helping kids and shaping the future."

Now in its eleventh year, the 2009 Excellence in Education Award honors the countless educators across the state that, like Mike Matson, go the extra mile to make a difference. Nominations were solicited beginning in August through September 16, and forms were available from the ISEA and at local county Farm Bureau offices.

Matson will receive a gift certificate from STAPLES during an awards ceremony and banquet on Tuesday, October 20, at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

The winner of the 2009 Excellence in Education Award is Nancy Kunickis, a language arts teacher at Laurens-Marathon Community Middle School in Laurens. Other runners-up are Annette Baker, an English teacher at South Hardin High School in Eldora; Mike Earll, a vocational agriculture teacher at Sibley-Ocheyedan High School in Sibley; and Tim Juhl, an instrumental music teacher at North Butler High School in Greene.

All of the nominees, along with the individuals who nominated them, are invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge. The Iowa Farm Bureau will also provide free tours of the Iowa Hall of Pride, located within the Hy-Vee Hall.

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