QUAD CITIES–Xstream Cleanup, the Quad-Cities' annual, volunteer-based cleanup of area waterways, is turning 10 this year–and community input is needed.

Xstream organizers are looking for new cleanup sites and encourage members of the community to make suggestions. If a site is dirty, litter-ridden or host to illegal dumping, organizers want to hear about it! To make a suggestion, send an e-mail to info@xstreamcleanup.org or call (563) 468-4218.

The annual cleanup, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this summer, will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2013.

In celebration of this milestone, organizers plan to release a series of mini-documentaries over the summer to highlight event accomplishments, to recognize the volunteers and organizations that make it happen, and to raise awareness about water quality in the Quad-Cities.

"At its heart, Xstream Cleanup is about the community picking up, dragging out and hauling away unwanted trash and debris from its waterways. We value our water and our waterways, and Xstream Cleanup proves that, as a community, we're willing to sweat together to protect and improve them," says Curtis Lundy, longtime chair of Xstream Cleanup.

As the cleanup date approaches, mini-documentary releases, a complete media kit, photos, and more will be available for view and/or download at www.xstreamcleanup.org. Volunteer registration will begin online in June. In addition, periodic updates about the event will be released on the Xstream Cleanup Facebook page.

Quad City Native Honored For His Devotion to Cleaning Up Rivers

East Moline, IL/April 2, 2013 - The Lincoln Academy of Illinois recognizes Chad Pregracke for its highest honor, the Order of Lincoln. The Academy will present Pregracke with this award at its 49th Annual Convocation at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 13^th at Augustana College's Centennial Hall. The Order of Lincoln is presented to those who have a devotion to public service and the betterment of humanity

Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 at the age of 23. In the past 15 years, he and his crew have worked with more than 70,000 volunteers and have collected and removed more than 6 million pounds of debris from our waterways. Living Lands & Waters works throughout the Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio rivers, as well as many of their tributaries.

"This is an incredible honor not only for myself but for Living Lands & Waters and our volunteers. What we do wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our volunteers" said Pregracke. "I'm looking forward to continuing to fight the fight against trash and debris in our waterways."

There are six recipients of the 2013 Order of Lincoln Award; they are Brenda Barnes, William Hammer, Timothy Johnson, Bob Lane, Bob Ontiveros and Chad Pregracke.

"These six incredible individuals have one thing in common, and that's our community," Kai Swanson, executive assistant to Augustana College President Steve Bahls, said. "They spent a critical time of their lives in the Quad-Cities."

"Lincoln laureates are those who have excelled in their occupation and have led exemplary volunteer lives," Julie Kellner, executive director of the Lincoln Academy, said. The Lincoln Academy was established in 1964 and began honoring Illinoisans with the Order of Lincoln Award in 1965.

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown into an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the MillionTrees Project.

DES MOINES, IA (March 27, 2013) -Three times the challenge and three times the fun is set for Sunday, April 7^th at the 10^th annual "Fight for Air Climb" to raise funds and awareness for the American Lung Association in Iowa. Over 1,000 participants will climb up the stairs of  three prominent Des Moines Buildings: EMC Insurance Companies, Hub Tower and the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.

This unique event, now in its 10^th year, attracts participants of all shapes and sizes. There is a climb for everyone! Participants can choose to climb one, two or three buildings. If a participant chooses to climb all three buildings, it is 66 floors!

Online registration is open until midnight, Sunday, March 31^st with a registration fee of just $25.  Each participant is required to raise or donate a minimum of $100 on or before event day to benefit the American Lung Association.  Visit FightForAirClimb.org to learn more about the event and to register today! After Sunday March 31^st at midnight, call the American Lung Association directly to register at 515-309-9507.

Thank You To Our Event Sponsors: EMC Insurance Companies, Hub Tower, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Cable Connection, Interstate All Battery Center, Van Meter, The Iowa Clinic, Scheels, Otis Elevator, Push Pedal Pull, Above+Beyond Cancer, Mercy Cancer Center, Mediacom, KIOA and Business Record

About the American Lung Association: Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungia.org.

Today is World Water Day. Share this post to spread the word about women and girls' urgent need for safe access to safe water. Help us reach our goal of 1,500 shares!

World Water Day is an opportunity to spotlight the fact that many women and girls in crisis zones worldwide must trek miles every day just to reach clean water. And as they make this difficult journey, they often face the threat of sexual violence.