CEDAR FALLS - Friends of the Gallagher-Bluedorn will host Beers to You and Gourmet Too, a beer and gourmet food tasting at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center on Sunday, February 23, 2014, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at any UNItix location.  Prices are $40 in advance or $45 at the door, if tickets are still available.

This fundraiser supports programming for the 2014-2015 season; including general programming and the Kaleidoscope Series.

The tasting features local restaurants and businesses in the Cedar Valley that bring in food to pair with beer samples.

Participating restaurants and businesses include : Carlos O'Kelly's, Famous Dave's, Hilton Garden Inn, Hy-Vee, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Longhorn Steakhouse, Main Street Sweets, Moment in Thyme Catering, Mulligan's, Noodles & Co., Pepper's, Peppercorn Pantry, Qdoba, Ramada Inn, Scratch Cupcakery, Taste of India, UNI Catering, Briqhouse Bar and Grill, Against the Grain, Damon's, Hurricane Bar and Grill, Randall's Meats and Catering, and Single Speed.

Beginning at 3 p.m. will be the featured guest speaker, Brett Porter, Head Brewmaster at Goose Island. Porter is responsible for creative and technical development of Goose Island's award-winning portfolio of beers. Head Brewer since May 2010, Porter was promoted to Brewmaster in April of 2011. Goose Island's third Brewmaster, Porter is poised to continue the company's growth as it sets the stage for the future, "As Brewmaster, my biggest responsibility is making sure there is enough of each of our Goose Island beers to go around."

Renowned in beer circles for his mastery of the techniques of brewing, Porter's experience at Goose Island has allowed him to focus on creativity and innovation. "Goose Island has somehow retained an approach to beer that you often only find at brewpubs," he says, "an ultimate respect for the craft of brewing. John Hall is always encouraging brewers to first do what is best for the beer. It is the kind of environment where a brewer can focus on the craft and be creative to explore."

Tasting begins at 4 p.m.

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"60-Day Hunger Drive" aims to raise $100,000 to alleviate hunger in Illinois and western Indiana

Champaign, Ill. - Birkey's Farm Store, Inc., a full-line Case IH dealer with 13 locations in central Illinois and Indiana, is partnering with the River Bend Foodbank and 6 other local food banks to provide 600,000 meals for the hungry. The 60-Day Hunger Drive fundraiser kicked off on Feb. 3 and runs until April 4 in every Birkey's location. A fully restored 1954 Farmall tractor will travel across the state to encourage donations; individuals who give $10 or more are entered into a drawing to win it.

Customers and community members are invited to an open house at each Birkey's location to talk with food bank representatives and view the restored tractor. Locations supporting the River Bend Foodbank include Macomb on Feb. 25 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Annawan on Feb. 27 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Henry on Feb. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Polo on March 4 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Prophetstown on March 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Galesburg on March 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Instead of asking for food donations, we wanted to take a different approach and leverage the food banks. Using their networks, a dollar donated can be stretched into 6 meals for hungry families," says Mike Hedge, President and CEO of Birkey's.

The food banks in Illinois and western Indiana are pleased to partner with Birkey's in the fight against hunger," says Jim Hires, President of the board of directors of Feeding Illinois. "Their commitment to local communities will make a huge difference in the lives of the individuals we serve."

Customers, residents and store employees can donate at any of the company's 13 locations with cash or check, or by adding a donation to their total purchase. Donations can also be made through Birkey's website. Proceeds from each Birkey's location will be allocated to agencies in that store's local community. More than 550 agencies?food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters?will benefit from the drive.

"Our farm customers are growing crops that help to feed our world. This drive is one way for us to partner with them and carry out this mission on a local level," says Hedge.

In the 47 counties served by Birkey's Farm Stores, Inc., more than 286,000 people are not able to access a nutritious meal when they want it, and one in five children are food insecure. Food banks selected to benefit from the drive are all part of the Feeding Illinois or Feeding Indiana's Hungry (FIsH) networks.

Champaign-based Birkey's has locations throughout central and northern Illinois, and in western Indiana. The event is part of the company's 60th anniversary celebration.

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing more than 8 million lbs of food annually to more than 300 charitable feeding programs throughout a 22 county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Childhood hunger programs include the Backpack Program which provides up to 1700 Quad City children with nourishing food to take home on the weekends during the school year, the Kids Café Program providing evening meals to children at three sites, and the Mobile Food Pantry which directly feeds thousands of families each month.

Moline, IL - During the cold weather season, we pull on our overcoats, mittens and hats to help brave the weather. Stepping out in frigid temperatures is bearable with the proper clothing and attire. Similarly, for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD, controlling their sensory inputs is an essential part to daily living, just like pulling on a protective barrier to winter temperatures, individuals with ASD need ways to manage these inputs.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is pleased to announce the opening and ribbon cutting for the ASD Program for individuals who receive services at Opportunity Center in Moline, one of the sites run by The Arc of the Quad Cities Area. The program was created thanks to essential funds provided by The Wilber L. Burress Endowment and features low diffused lighting, open spaces, comfortable seating and access to devises for sensory integration. In keeping with The Arc US focus, and Arc of the Quad City Area's commitment and skill in support of individuals with ASD; staff have developed curriculum and enhanced programming for individuals who receive this service. Further, an ASD Resource Room has been added for utilization by the community, family and Arc staff.

Members of The Arc of the Quad Cities Board, its Executive Director Kyle Rick, members of the Quad City Chamber of Commerce, families and staff will be present for the official opening of the ASD Room, Thursday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m. at 5101 52nd Ave. Moline, Illinois.

The Arc is on the front lines to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have the support they need to be members of the community. In partnership with the Arc US, The Arc of the Quad Cities Area invites everyone to visit one of the most informative web pages to support answer questions about ASD at Autism Now (www.austimsnow.org). The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Photo opportunities will be available. The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is located at 5101 52nd Ave, Moline, Illinois (309) 797-4677. From John Deere road take 41st Street, turn left onto 49th Avenue, take first right on 48th Street, take first left on 52nd Avenue, building on left.

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