MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS will host the 10th Annual Brew Ha Ha at LeClaire Park in downtown Davenport on Saturday, September 19th from 1 to 5 p.m.

The annual tasting event will celebrate its 10th Anniversary and will feature tasting a variety of brews and cheeses.

Musical performances by Minus Six will take place from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and Penguins Comedy Club will present Dwayne Clark at 2:30 p.m. to bring the "ha ha" to Brew Ha Ha. The always popular Sports Corner will feature big screen televisions to catch Saturday's sports action. Admission to the Brew Ha Ha includes an event program, unlimited tasting, and a commemorative tasting glass.

"As we did last year, we are limiting the number of attendees" said event coordinator, Bea Brasel. "

Presenting Sponsors for Brew Ha Ha are Old Chicago, Rock 104.9, Rhythm City Casino and the River Cities' Reader along with KWQC, Pratt Audio Visual & Video Corporation, Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Inc., Glazer's Distributors of Iowa, Wolfe Beverage, Vanguard Distributing, Midwest Originals Booking, Penguin's Comedy Club, Cabot Cheese, Downtown Partnership, City of Davenport, Hawkeye Ice, Iowa American Water, Millennium Waste, Quad City Golf Cars and Sunbelt Rentals.

Tickets for Brew Ha Ha are $20.00 prior to the event and $25.00 at the gate. Tickets may be purchased at the WQPT offices, Old Chicago in Bettendorf, CO-OP Records in Davenport and Moline or at www.wqpt.org. Attendees must be 21 or older. Children in strollers and animals will not be admitted. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair.

Brew Ha Ha is a fundraising event to support WQPT, the local public television station located in Moline, Illinois.

# # #

Michael & Penni Steen, the owners of a popular Halloween attraction have moved their seasonal event to downtown Rock Island. Located in the former Masonic Temple at 420 - 18th Street, "Terror in the Woods" will now be known as " Terror at Skellington Manor".  Bringing this event to the District will be an exciting addition to the downtown area during the month of October.

Terror at Skellington Manor will be hosting open acting auditions for those dedicated individuals who have an extreme passion and creative talent for scaring the yell out of people! We need passionate and creative individuals to join our haunt improv team. Volunteer positions with profit sharing opportunities are available to those who can commit to working every operating night during the season. For our 2009 season calendar, visit: www.terroratskellingtonmanor.com  The cast at Terror have lots of fun, but it's not for everyone! Haunted House acting is hard work both in preparation for your role and throughout the season. It is also, extremely rewarding and fun! OPEN AUDITIONS will take place on Wednesday, August 19th and Thursday, August 20th 6pm - 9pm and Saturday, August 22 1pm to 4pm at 420 - 18th St, Rock Island. You must be 16 or older to apply. Applicants ages 16 - 18 will need parental consent to participate. If you cannot make it to an audition please email: terror@skellingtonmanor.com or call 563-344-9187.

Policy Forum Begins at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13 at Lewis and Clark Community College

Godfrey, Ill. - The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center's (NGRREC) Annual Conference will culminate on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College as conference attendees present recommendations related to sustainable practices in the Mississippi River Basin to key elected officials and decision makers. The Policy Forum will begin at 10 a.m. in the Commons, on the College's Godfrey campus.

NGRREC's conference entitled "Visions of a Sustainable Mississippi River" will take place Aug. 10-13 in Collinsville and on the College's campus. The conference has attracted more than 200 diverse participants with interest in the nation's largest river. Participants include stakeholders in the recreational, navigation, and agricultural sections, as well as researchers and natural resource professionals.

"Through conference presentations, panel discussions and workshops, our conference attendees will formulate new and useful insights and recommendations on four issues critical to the sustainable management of the Mississippi River and the human communities that depend on it," Dr. John Chick, NGRREC affiliate and organizer of the conference, said.

The four issues to be presented at the conference include Ecosystem Services and the Economic Value of the Mississippi River; Floodplain Connectivity, Flood Control and Hydrologic Regime; Ethanol Production and the Mississippi River; and Clean Water and the Mississippi River - Uses and Threats.

Policy makers in attendance at the Aug. 13 Policy Forum will include Congressman Jerry Costello (Illinois), Congressman John Duncan (Tennessee), Brigadier General Michael Walsh and members of the presidentially appointed Mississippi River Commission, Tinka Hyde, Water Division Director , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5,  William A. Spratlin, Water, Wetlands, and Pesticides Division Director, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director, Marc Miller, and Colonel Thomas O'Hara. Other invited guests include Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, members of Congress' Mississippi River Caucus, representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other key policy makers and legislators dealing with environmental and river-related issues.

The conference is hosted by NGRREC and The Nature Conservancy. This year's keynote address will be given by Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of the legendary Jacque-Yves Cousteau and founder of Blue Legacy International. Cousteau will present "This Blue Planet" beginning at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12 in the Hatheway Theater on the College's campus. The event is free and is open to the public.

For more information on the conference contact Chick at 618-466-9690.

###

Rock Island County Master Gardeners, Dallas and Roxie DeShane, will host garden tours for the Home Grown Challenge through University of Illinois Extension, on Tuesday, August 11 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.  Their gardens are located at 3316 N. 1600th Avenue, Orion, IL (if you are coming from the QC Airport - go 5 miles east on Route 6, turn right at the green Orion sign on CR 12 blacktop - go 5 more miles to 1600 Avenue North.  Take a left and go 1.3 miles and their driveway is on the left).

At Whispering Winds Ranch Arbors and Gardens, there are a variety of gardens available to see, from informal country gardens to full size vegetable gardens, berry bushes, a grape arbor, rhubarb patch, small apple orchard, and other fruit and nut trees.  There are also four 40 foot gourd arbors with 102 hills, gourds growing in a container, over an antique wagon, on the ground and up a tree.   The DeShane's grow produce with no pesticides which they sell at the East Moline Skateland Farmers Market.  They also sell gourds in the fall beginning at the "Gourd"geous Day in the Country a day long free festival.  You will see various ornamental gardens and raised beds featuring plants and flowers.  They range from native flowers to roses, variety of shrubs and a number of hostas and heuchera.  Some of the gardens are shade and others are in full sun.  Down by the stocked 1.5 acre "Ponderin' Pond" is a grass garden with coneflowers and among the grasses is a bench to just sit, read a book or just ponder.

The DeShane's purchased their property 13 years ago when they started renovating their log home and planting their gardens.  About five years ago, they became interested in gourds by purchasing one apple gourd and so began the gourd arbors and gardens.  They started the QC Area Gourd Patch and host a gourd festival in the fall.  They try to plant for pollinators as they value their presence and they feed many variety of birds and have seen some rather rare birds.   Their gardens attract lots of wildlife, from twin fawns drinking down at the pond, to twin foxes who love ice skating on their frozen pond.  The DeShane's enjoy sharing a bit of the country with people (and wildlife) and have hosted a number of events at their home.  Each year they continue to add more to their gardens so each year when someone comes, they have new things to see.

The public is invited to attend the tour.  Please register in advance at (309) 756-9978 Ext 10 or online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/rockisland and follow the Home Grown Challenge Garden Tour link.

Davenport, Iowa - August 7, 2009 - Accomplishing your goals can be a difficult task but for USA Powerlifter Deborah Ferrell, overcoming obstacles is a skill that has given her world-wide recognition.  On Thursday, August 13, at 1:30pm, Ferrell will share her story with the Quad City community at a free public speaking event.

Text Box: Deborah Ferrell 2007 USA Powerlifting Women's Bench Press TeamThis 45-year old is a 4-time Master's World's Bench Press Champion and Champ of Champions.  She currently holds the Open and Master's world record in single lift bench press and is a 4-time Open World Bench Press Champion.  She is in the Quad Cities to help Palmer College of Chiropractic celebrate their 2009 homecoming and will participate in a free community presentation on goal setting, overcoming obstacles and achieving your personal best.

Deborah lives in Anchorage, Alaska and is a collections manager for GCI Communications.  She began lifting in 1996 and her best competition bench press is 420 lbs.  One of her motivations for success - being drug free.  She has been recognized by fellow lifters as the first drug-free female to bench over 400 lbs.

"When you think of powerlifting many think of it as a man's sport but Deborah along with her fellow female bench press athletes are changing that mind-set," said Jan Trimble, Executive Director of the North Family YMCA. "We are very excited to be able to share her inspirational story with our YMCA members, area athletes and the community at large.  Anyone looking for a way to discover the power within will not be disappointed."

Deborah will share here unique story and talk about her success in this physically and mentally challenging sport at 1:30pm, on Thursday, August 13, at the Paul Holzworth Auditorium, at Davenport North High School, 626 West 53rd Street, Davenport.  This free community event is sponsored by Palmer College of Chiropractic, the North Family YMCA and Davenport Community School District.

The YMCA: A Long-Standing Commitment to Health of Spirit, Mind and Body

The Scott County Family Y is one of the area's largest community service organizations.  Serving more than 2-million people in 2008, the Scott County Family Y offers a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening and health and well-being for all.  The YMCA unites men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels - proudly serving the Quad Cities for nearly 150 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. For more information visit the Scott County Family Y website, www.scottcountyfamilyy.org.

Scott County Family Y Chosen as Benefactor for 21st Annual Golf Outing

Russell Construction is pleased to announce the Scott County Family Y as the recipient of their charity golf outing. The 21st annual event was held on Tuesday, August 4 at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Course in Rock Island, IL.

Each year, the company hosts the golf outing to raise proceeds for their charity of choice.

The golf outing is organized and staffed by an internal Russell Construction employees, in order to assist worthy organizations in the surrounding Quad Cities communities. "Our event has become so successful thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, sponsors, raffle contributors and, of course, the golfers. It's an event that we look forward to every year," noted Jim Russell, President.

2009 marked another record-breaking year, as Jim Russell presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to the Scott County Family Y.

"We are extremely grateful to Russell Construction for designating the Scott County Family Y as the beneficiary for the proceeds from the Annual Russell Construction Charity Golf Outing," said Kellie Esters, Vice President for Fund Development. "This outstanding gift has been directed to support this year's Partner with Youth & Kids to Camp Annual Campaign, which helps disadvantaged children and families enjoy services like memberships to the YMCA, youth sports programs, child care, and a week at YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln."

In previous years donations have been made to Genesis - Clarissa Cook House ($17,500), CASI ($18,000), Community Care, Inc. in DeWitt, Iowa ($24,000) and the American Cancer Society ($47,775). Over the last ten years more than $165,000 has been donated to charitable organizations in the Quad Cities area through the Russell golf outing.

Established in 1983, Russell Construction is a regional provider of Construction Management, Design Build and General Contracting services. For more information on Russell Construction, please visit their corporate website at www.russellco.com.

Bill provides more campus resources for student veterans

CHICAGO - August 7, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law a bill that provides greater educational and informational resources for veterans attending Illinois public colleges and universities.

"This legislation provides our student veterans with the needed information, assistance and guidance they deserve," said Governor Quinn. "It is necessary that we take care of these fine men and women who have served our country proudly and ensure they are aware of the resources and benefits that are available to them to further their education."

The Higher Education Veterans Service Act will require schools to create, publish and distribute a comprehensive guide of services available specifically to veterans at their institutions. The bill also requires schools with 1,000 or more full-time students to appoint a coordinator to act as a liaison between administrators and student veterans.

Senate Bill 1624 was sponsored by Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights).

Within 60 days, schools must produce a comprehensive guide to services and post the information online. The measure is effective immediately.

Within six months, schools with 1,000 or more full-time students must appoint a Coordinator of Veterans and Military Personnel Student Services. The Coordinator will serve as an ombudsman to assist student veterans, military personnel and their families, and also act as a liaison and advocate with the college or university for the needs of student veterans.

"Many public and private universities have already gone above and beyond to serve veteran populations, and we hope this will further encourage best practices for student veterans throughout our state," said Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Dan Grant.

Governor Quinn was joined at the bill signing ceremony held at the University of Illinois at Chicago by UIC Dean of Students Linda Deanna; Dr. Randy Plunkett, National Director of Military Affairs for DeVry University; and Robert Malnik, Illinois State Director for Student Veterans of America.


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Charity Navigator Awards the Y Its Highest Honor, Three Years in A Row

DAVENPORT, Iowa - August 7, 2009 - The Scott County Family Y is one of the best charitable organizations in the country, that according to Charity Navigator.  The nation's largest independent evaluator of charities has awarded the Y its coveted 4-Star rating for the third straight year.

The Scott County Family Y is the only Iowa Quad City charity to receive this rating; is one of 10charitable organizations in Iowa and one of only 16 YMCAs in the United States to receive this recognition in 2008.  In addition, only 12-percent of not-for-profit agencies receive this rating in consecutive years, according to Michael Smith, Interim President and CEO of Charity Navigator.  "The Scott County Family Y outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible," said Smith.  This four-star rating was awarded to the Scott County Family Y for efficiently managing and growing its finances.

"One way in which the Scott County Family Y expresses its gratitude to our donors is by being a good steward of the gifts that have been entrusted to us - making the most of every donated dollar, said Kellie Esters, Vice President of Fund Development for the Scott County Family Y.  Frank Klipsch, President and CEO of the Scott County Family Y, stated that he was proud that our commitment to donors and our community, fostered by our partnership between our board of directors and staff has been recognized by this prestigious national organization.

Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator uses an unbiased and objective rating system that evaluates the financial health of more than 5,000 charities, with the goal of helping charitable givers make informed, intelligent donation decisions.  All of Charity Navigator's information is available to the public at no cost and can be found on line at www.charitynavigator.org.

Tomorrow: Franklin Graham and Some of America's Top Rock and Hip-Hop Christian Bands Will Rock the River in Quad Cities

Thousands of Youth to Gather at Centennial Park

WHAT: Quad Cities Rock the River Tour

WHEN: Aug. 8 from 3:30 - 9:30 p.m. (gates open at 2 p.m.)

WHERE: Centennial Park in Davenport
Media parking available in volunteer lot
just north of the park

WHO: Franklin Graham with Flyleaf, Grits, The Afters,
Fireflight and DecembeRadio


COST: Admission is $10 per person at the gate.  Children
10 and under are free.  Immediate family of three or
more is a maximum of $30

quotes
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse
  • "This is an evangelistic summer concert tour filled with hard rock and hip-hop that kids are going to love."
  • "Kids today are bombarded with messages from all sides, but they want to hear the truth.  They want to have meaning and purpose in their lives."
about rock the river
Launched by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Rock the River is a new evangelistic summer concert tour for youth featuring top Christian hard rock and hip-hop bands.  The one-day outdoor events are traveling up the Mississippi River from Louisiana to Minnesota, packed with hours of high-voltage music and brief, challenging messages by Franklin Graham.

Music helps bring youth together from all walks of life.  That's why the Rock the River Tour has invited some of today's top Christian hip-hop and hard rock bands.

For specific city information visit rocktherivertour.com.


Davenport, IA - August 7, 2009 - Helping men, women and children through rough times has been part of the Scott County Family Y's mission since its beginning in October of 1858.  From World War I to the Great Depression through the ups and downs of the Quad City area's economy, the Scott County Family Y has remained true to its belief - no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.

That is more than a saying at the Scott County Family Y especially when it comes to providing a safe and positive environment to area children.  The Scott County Family Y is the largest child care provider in the Iowa Quad Cities.  Serving more than 450 children a week and connecting more than 1,300 family members, the Child Care and Family Services Division is committed to all those it touches.

One of the ways the Scott County Family Y Child Care and Family Services is able to make this connection is through its participation in the United States Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).  CACFP helps the Y insure that nutritious meals are provided, at no separate charge to children enrolled in the following programs: YMCA/Palmer Learning Center, Davenport Family YMCA's Learning Center, YMCA Kid's Club Before and After-School programs at Riverdale Heights Elementary School in Bettendorf and at the Davenport Family YMCA. Meals are provided without regards to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and the Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services Division receives partial reimbursement based upon the income information provided by the children's parent or legal guardian.  Eligibility guidelines for reduced price meals are as follows:

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Reduced Price Meals

Effective 7-1-2009 to 6-30-2010

Household Size

Reduced Price Meals

Free Meals

Yearly

Monthly

Twice per Month

Every Two Weeks

Weekly

Yearly

Monthly

Twice per Month

Every Two Weeks

Weekly

1

20,036

1,670

835

771

386

14,079

1,174

587

542

271

2

26,955

2,247

1,124

1,037

519

18,941

1,579

790

729

365

3

33,874

2,823

1,412

1,303

652

23,803

1,984

992

916

458

4

40,793

3,400

1,700

1,569

785

28,665

2,389

1,195

1,103

552

5

47,712

3,976

1,988

1,836

918

33,527

2,794

1,397

1,290

645

6

54,631

4,553

2,277

2,102

1,051

38,389

3,200

1,600

1,477

739

7

61,550

5,130

2,565

2,368

1,184

43,251

3,605

1,803

1,664

832

8

68,469

5,706

2,853

2,634

1,317

48,113

4,010

2,005

1,851

926

For each additional family member add:

+6,919

+577

+289

+267

+134

+4,862

+406

+203

+187

+94

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services division is committed to maintaining federal and state standards, which meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of area children.  All child care programs are licensed by the State of Iowa and staff members are trained to meet initiatives above and beyond licensing requirements.

In addition to following these income eligibility guidelines, the Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center has earned a level 4 rating from the Iowa Department of Human Services - one of the highest quality assurance ratings the state offers.

The Iowa Quality Rating System for Child Care Providers (QRS) is a voluntary program that rates child care providers on quality indicators such as professional development; health and safety; environment; family and community partnerships; and leadership and administration.  Established in 2005 by the state legislature, QRS is designed to make providers aware of the many paths and steps they can take to improve the quality of their care.  The system also offers parents another resource in evaluating and selecting a child care provider.

The Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center is one of only six licensed child care centers in Scott County to receive this rating, showing that the YMCA goes above and beyond state licensing standards.  "We believe that quality is an ongoing process and we continually strive towards maintaining and improving the quality of care we provide, said Deb Gustafson, Executive Director, YMCA Child Care & Family Services.  "This rating shows along with our participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program helps show that we arecommitted to nurturing the whole child, and his or her family, all while making sure they have a healthy and safe environment to grow and learn in."

For more information about the programs and services offered through the Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services Division, call (563) 323-5725 or visit the Scott County Family Y website, www.ScottCountyFamilyY.org.

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