VALPARAISO, IN - Jason Davis, a junior meteorology student from Davenport, is one of three Valparaiso University students to be awarded the prestigious Hollings Scholarship.  The scholarships provide Summer research experiences with the Nationalal Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Valpo is joined by only six other schools in the country in having this many undergraduates selected for the program.

Jason, the son of Larry and Mary Davis, was among 122 students selected for the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program. The scholarships are geared to encourage undergraduates to pursue study in NOAA fields, such as atmospheric and oceanic science, research and technology.

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QCSO announces 2009-10 Pops season
Davenport, IA - Following on the heels of a sell-out Spring Pops concert, the QCSO has some exciting announcements regarding its Pops schedule for next year:

The Riverfront Pops returns to LeClaire Park - September 12th
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Mark Russell present Steve Lippia performing the music of Frank Sinatra as the 27th annual Riverfront Pops returns to LeClaire Park. Steve Lippia is one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of "standards" and traditional pop music in the nation. Steve's youthful, energetic talent and powerful show create a perfect blend of "classic" with "today." His show introduces a new generation to this timeless music, while appealing to long-time listeners. As is traditional, the concert will end with the 1812 Overture, Stars and Stripes Forever, and fireworks.

Cirque comes to Holiday Pops - November 21st
The QCSO and Quad City Arts take the Holiday Pops in an exciting new direction this year with Cirque de la Symphonie. Cirque is an exciting adaptation of the artistic performances widely seen in theaters and arenas everywhere. Artists include the most amazing veterans of exceptional cirque programs throughout the world - aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen. These artists include world-record holders, international competition gold-medal winners, and some of the most original talent seen anywhere. Conducted by Music Director Mark Russell Smith and featuring return engagements from the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir and the Holiday Pops Children's Chorus, this year's concert promises to be the most spectacular Holiday Pops ever.

Another rockin' Spring Pops - June 5th
Conductor and arranger Brent Havens returns to the Adler Theatre with the Music of the Eagles, a program he scored to extend the listening experience of the Eagles' timeless tunes. Amplified by a full rock band and accompanied by singers Terry Brock, Randy Jackson, and John Hines, creator Brent Havens guest conducts the ensemble as they capture the Eagles' amazing vocal harmonies surrounded by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in a concert rich with lush melodies like you've never heard before. The 2-hour concert features 18 Eagles tunes, including Heartache Tonight, Desperado, New Kid in Town and Hotel California.

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MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS announces their 2009 WQPT/PBS Ambassadors.

The WQPT/PBS Ambassador program is in its fifth year and provides an opportunity for college students to represent their local public television station at a variety of events throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois. "Ambassadors are a highly trained extension of our volunteer team," said WQPT Special Projects Coordinator, Bea Brasel. This year WQPT/PBS Ambassadors come from Black Hawk College, Western Illinois University, University of Iowa, and Illinois College.

The 2009 Ambassadors are Daniel Brasel, Joan Frank, Troy Keegan, Alan Morris, Koko Nicoue and Stephanie Reagan.

"We are particularly happy to have a number of students return as Ambassadors because they found the experience so rewarding," said Ms. Brasel.

WQPT has been the local public television station serving western Illinois and eastern Iowa since 1983.

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Organization Holds Fundraiser with Budget Questions Looming

MILAN, IL (June 12, 2009) - Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers is holding their second annual Trivia Night on Friday, June 19^th at the Milan Community Center, US Highway 67, Milan, IL.  Doors open at 6pm, trivia starts at 7pm.  Teams of 8 can compete for cash and door prizes.  Food may be brought in and a cash bar will be available.

Just Kids Executive Director, Vera Hinrichsen, says "This fundraiser comes at an interesting time, as state funds for human services in Illinois could be cut by more than 50%.  In order for Just Kids to be efficient in serving families and children in the future, we need a great deal of support from our local community."

The proposed Illinois operations budget would cut child care by 63% and eliminate the Preschool for All program, which operates in the 3-5 year old classrooms at Just Kids.  In addition, funding assistance that is currently utilized by 175,000 Illinois families for early education services would only be available to 25,000 if the proposed budget goes into effect.

Proceeds from Trivia Night will benefit contingency funds and program development opportunities for Just Kids, a non-profit early childhood education organization that serves over 200 families annually.  Just Kids is a United Way partner and is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  Just Kids has been providing services in Milan for over 30 years and employs over 45 early childhood professionals that educate young children, build public support for high-quality programs, improve professional practice and support area families.

Teams may register for Trivia Night by contacting Lisa Redecker at (309) 787-6303 or lredecker@justkidsinc.org Teams may also register directly on the Just Kids website: www.justkidsinc.org.