10 Apr 2012

Family Fun Days

By Ann McGlynn
The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois invite families to come and explore our
council's camps at Family Fun Days.

During this open-house style event, experience camp facilities, take part in games, and try your
hand at a Girl Scouts Forever Green activity to learn more about helping the environment.

The trading post will be open for business. Lunch will be served, with S'mores.

Family Fun Days will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the following days:

Camp L-Kee-Ta at Danville in Des Moines County: Sunday, May 6
Camp Little Cloud at Epworth in Dubuque County: Sunday, May 6
Camp Conestoga at New Liberty in Scott County: Sunday, May 20
Camp Tahigwa at Dorchester in Allamakee County: Sunday, May 20

Cost is $5 per family. All ages are welcome.

Registration is required. Please visit www.GirlScoutsToday.org/calendar or call 800-798-0833.

About Girl Scouts
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization
for girls with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and
Western Illinois has 19,000 girl members and 4,500 adult members in 38 counties. For more
information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-798-0833 or
visit www.GirlScoutsToday.org.
06 Apr 2012

CAMP TO BELONG SUPPORTER RIDES ACROSS AMERICA TO CREATE AWARENESS FOR SIBLINGS SEPARATED IN FOSTER CARE

By Lisa Roughley
Alex Denig's Bike to Reunite takes her across country, covering 5,200 miles in support of organization dedicated to reuniting siblings.
MARANA, AZ. (April 4, 2012) - Riding across America in 45 days is a lofty goal, especially when the bicycle ride is being accomplished by one cyclist, hoping to bring awareness and raise funds for an organization she has supported for years. Born and raised in Sycamore, IL., Alex Denig is the youngest of three children. She first became involved with Camp To Belong in 2005 when a high school teacher spoke to her Interact Club about the organization.  "I remember thinking what I'd do if my brother or sister was taken away from me and I came up blank," states Denig.  "I wouldn't be "me" without them, so I decided to get involved."
A few months after she was introduced to Camp To Belong, Denig participated in a year-long Rotary Youth Exchange in Denmark. This was her first time being apart from her siblings and the experience hit home.  "The year I spent abroad taught me what it was like to have to live with only an occasional email from my siblings. I was lost without them, and that was when I began to think of a new way to help Camp To Belong," shares Denig.
Camp To Belong is an international organization dedicated to reuniting siblings placed in separate foster homes for events of fun, emotional empowerment and sibling connection during a week-long summer camp experience.  Denig hopes to both raise $20,000 to send youth to camp and spotlight the importance of building a camp in every state.
Her Bike to Reunite begins July 2, 2012 in San Francisco and ends in Bar Harbor, Maine. Other states she will be riding through include Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.  During the final leg of her journey, Alex will then visit Camp To Belong's along the east coast where she will get to meet some of the siblings involved in the program including:
CTB-Maine
Camp Site: Camp Wigwam, Waterford, ME
August 14-19, 2012
CTB-Massachusetts
Camp Site: Camp Taconic, Hinsdale, MA
August 20-25, 2012
CTB-New York
Camp Site: Camp Chingachook, Lake George, NY
August 25-30, 2012
"Camp To Belong is thrilled to have such a dedicated donor," shares Executive Director Sherry Brock. "Alex and her siblings embody what we are all about. Camp To Belong and our siblings are honored to have such spirit and enthusiasm as an additional gift from Alex!"
To learn more about Alex's Ride to Reunite in support of Camp To Belong, please visit www.biketoreunite.com or www.camptobelong.org where you can follow her progress online on Twitter and Facebook, read her daily blog and support her ride. For each $10 or more donation, a "Bike to Reunite" bracelet will be sent as a thank you.
ABOUT CAMP TO BELONG:
Camp To Belong (CTB) is an international non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to reuniting siblings who have become separated in foster homes and other out of home care. CTB accomplishes its mission through our association of members who conduct summer camps filled with opportunities for fun, empowerment and sibling connection. Founded by Lynn Price, herself once separated from a sibling in foster care, the organization is in its 18th year and has reunited more than 4,500 brothers and sisters in that time. Supervised by volunteer counselors, siblings experience new things together including horseback riding, rafting, swimming, wall climbing, in addition to signature programs and activities that strengthen the sibling bond.
With eight member camps across the nation?Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Southern California and Washington?plus an international chapter in Australia, the youth who attend spend a life-enhancing week at camp, building bonds to last a lifetime. The long-term goal of Camp To Belong is to develop our network so that member camps are in every U.S. state and throughout the world. To learn more about the specific needs of Camp To Belong and how you can help, please call (888) 7-BELONG.
CAMP TO BELONG: P.O. Box 1146, Marana, AZ., 85653, (520) 413-1395 www.camptobelong.org .
03 Apr 2012

Unique Fundraiser for Eastern Iowa JDRF

By Chris Starman

COMEDY COMPETITION STANDS UP TO DIABETES

Davenport, IA  Mar 6, 2012 - Iowa and Illinois comedians will raise money and awareness for the Eastern Iowa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with a night of standup comedy and competition in this year's Comedy For A Cause 3 - Last QC Comic Standing, April 13th at The Establishment Theatre.  Tickets for finals will cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door, with all proceeds going to support the Eastern Iowa JDRF.

For the third year, DubStar has called upon area comedians to lend a helping hand to the Eastern Iowa branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Last QC Comic Standing is the area's only LOCALLY produced comedy competition.   This year, the event injects a new level of excitement with a competition format.  Forty comics competed over four weeks to earn one of ten spots in the finals.

The finals will be held Friday, April 13th at The Establishment Theater.  The top ten will perform for local judges Tony Tone from the Red Hot Brian Scott & Tony Tone in the Morning on B100, Entertainment Editor for the the Quad City Times - David Burke, Local headlining comedian - Jim Petersen, and local retailer and JDRF parent - Bob Boyer.  These judges will narrow the field from ten to three, and then name a champion.  Tickets for finals will cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door, with all proceeds going to support the Eastern Iowa JDRF.  Tickets can be purchased through The Establishment Theatre's box office:  by Phone: 309.786.1111 or on the web at: www.EstablishmentTheatre.com.

"The Establishment is very excited to be hosting Comedy For a Cause 3 - Last QC Comic Standing," says Patrick  Adamson, General Manager of The Establishment.  "It is important to support JDRF and DubStar, two organizations working to make a difference in our community.  There is no better way to make an impact than to share some laughter for a cause."

JDRF is a leader in setting the agenda for diabetes research worldwide, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease which strikes children and adults suddenly and requires multiple injections of insulin daily or a continuous infusion of insulin through a pump.   According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 25.8 million people in the United States, 8.3% of the population, have diabetes, with 7 million going undiagnosed.

DubStar is an amateur fundraising group founded in 2008 by Tony Boyer and Chris Starman; both have histories related to helping diabetics. DubStar's mission is to make a positive impact on deserving charities or groups, through fun and unique ways; "Party With A Purpose".  In February, DubStar hosted Minute 2 Win It, a recreation of the popular TV game show that raised funds for the Quad Cities Autism Center.  Additional information can be found at the DubStar website, www.facebook.com/DubStarQC.

DubStar Presents: Comedy For A Cause 3 - Last QC Comic Standing

Eastern Iowa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Fundraiser

Finalists

Mindy Berry (Moline, IL) - 1 Year in Comedy
Christopher Schlichting (Davenport, IA) - 9 Years
Noway Josue (Joliet, IL) - 2 Years
Wayne Wiskow (Trenton, IL) - 12 Years
Brian Huggins (Cedar Rapids, IA) -- 6 Years
Bobby Ray Bunch (Riverdale, IA) - 1 year
Tom Garland (Cedar Rapids, IA) - 2 Years
James Draper (Rock Island, IL) - 4 Years
Theodrick Nelson (Omaha, NE) - 2 Years
Mike Steele (Sherrard, IL) - 7 Years

 

###

03 Apr 2012

Local Companies Help Renovate Homeless Shelter

By Holly Nomura
FIND OUT EVEN MORE on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 2pm at the Family Service Center, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport

QUAD CITIES, USA - When The Salvation Army unveiled their Adopt An Apartment Program, a community resident, Kathy Rhinehart, knew how she could share her talents and connections. Over the last 8 months, Kathy has donated hundreds of hours to The Salvation Army by creating beautiful window coverings on every floor of the Family Service Center.

"It's not about me," said Kathy, "It's about the businesses that donate their fabrics and the community organizations that build the boards. Since I only work part-time now, the curtains are actually a great way to keep myself busy. Most of all, it's about the families who live at the shelter."

Kathy also designs and sews all the curtains for the Habitat for Humanity homes in the Quad Cities.

Knilans Furniture and State Street Interiors are the generous businesses that have donated the fabric.

Eldridge Methodist Church supplies the lining, and Eldridge Lions Club builds and donates all the wooden boards and rods.

A tour of The Salvation Army Family Service Center is offered to the public and media on April 4, 2012, 2pm to see all the great improvements.

There are still 18 apartments left to be adopted and renovated. Please call Holly Nomura at 563-271-7933 to find out more about this life changing program.

About the Family Service Center

The Family Service Center, the only family shelter in the Quad Cities area, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, provides housing and meals to over 100 people every night. Right now, there are 55 children living at the Center. Over a year's time, more than 40,000 meals will be served along with more than 19,000 nights of shelter.

####
02 Apr 2012

Operation Gratitude and Team Rubicon Announce Partnership Supporting First Responders

By Operation Gratitude

Military support charity Operation Gratitude and veteran-focused disaster relief organization Team Rubicon today announced a strategic partnership to send "First Responder Kits" to volunteers assisting with natural disaster and crisis relief efforts world-wide. 

The "First Responder Kits" (FR Kits) will be assembled at the Operation Gratitude Headquarters in Van Nuys, CA and shipped to every Team Rubicon volunteer across the country.  Each FR Kit will contain an assortment of donated items such as batteries; a drawstring backpack; a towel; energy bars; a spork (a combination utensil/tool); heavy work gloves; head lamp; safety glasses; a write-in-the-rain notebook; pens; a Leatherman; a Nalgene water bottle; a Team Rubicon t-shirt and a Paracord "Survival" bracelet hand-made by Operation Gratitude supporters.  

Most of the Team Rubicon volunteers are recent U.S. Military veterans. "We sent care packages and supported these heroic service members while they were deployed overseas in combat zones," says Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek. "Now that they are serving our country and the world by assisting with natural disasters and humanitarian relief, we will continue to express our deep appreciation and respect to them through our First Responder Kits." 

Team Rubicon co-founder William McNulty agrees that the partnership between the two organizations makes perfect sense: "Team Rubicon engages U.S. military veterans, many returning home after fighting ten years of war, and offers a renewed sense of purpose for their skills and experiences," he said.  "The FR Kits will provide our volunteers with essential gear as well as morale-boosting encouragement from fellow Americans who are grateful for their continued service."   

As with its other programs, Operation Gratitude will rely on the generosity of the American people -- individuals and corporate sponsors -- to supply, assemble and ship the initial 5,000 FR Kits by the end of June, 2012.  The organization seeks both product donations to fill the FR Kits as well as financial donations to pay assembly and shipping costs of $75,000.  

Item donations may be shipped to:

Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Attn: First Responder Program

Financial donations are welcome and may be made online: 
https://www.operationgratitude.com/donate/

Or by check payable to Operation Gratitude and mailed to:

Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436 

In keeping with Operation Gratitude's mission of providing "hands-on" opportunities to say "Thank You" to our nation's heroes, the organization is encouraging supporters all over the country to make Paracord "Survival" Bracelets to include in each First Responder Kit, as well as in the care packages to deployed troops.  More information and instructions can be found here: How to Make a Paracord Bracelet.

About Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind, to military families and veterans in financial distress due to unemployment, and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in transition units. The organization's mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 760,000 packages to American Military members and their children.   

Learn more about Operation Gratitude by visiting:

Web: http://OperationGratitude.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/OpGratitude
Facebook: http://facebook.com/OperationGratitude
Blog:          http://OpGrat.wordpress.com
YouTube: http://youtube.com/OpGrat
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/opgratitude

About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with medical professionals to rapidly deploy emergency response teams into crisis situations. TR is creating a new paradigm in disaster response that recognizes and harnesses the skills of military veterans; offering them a chance to continue their service by helping and empowering those afflicted by disasters, and also themselves.

Learn more about Team Rubicon by visiting:
Web: http://teamrubiconusa.org
02 Apr 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters taking pre-orders for annual Plant Sale

By Emily Jepsen
DAVENPORT, IA–Big Brothers Big Sisters is now accepting mail-in and online orders until April 23rd for its Annual Plant Sale. Flowers will be available after this date at their retail site May 5th - 13th at Northwest Bank Tower in Davenport.

The Plant Sale offers hundreds of annuals and specialty plants for purchase including flats, hanging baskets, spikes, and vinca vines. Individual, group, and corporate orders are encouraged through the pre-order campaign by visiting www.bbbs-mv.org. Pre-orders over $150.00 can be delivered to your home or business May 5th-8th.

"Hanging baskets in particular have been really popular in recent years. They make a great Mother's Day gift. In addition to the online order form, the website features photos of all the types of plants we have available, so people have a better idea of what they're ordering," Justin said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters recommends that customers order their plants in advance to ensure the fulfillment of their entire order. Pre-orders can be placed on the agency's website at www.bbbs-mv.org. Customers can also call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (563) 323-8006 to have an order form mailed to them.

For pre-orders, customers have a chance to help beautify a local summer camp for youth and a woman's shelter. Purchase one or more flats of flowers to be donated to Camp Shalom or Winnie's Place.

Pick-up and delivery of pre-orders will be Saturday, May 5th through Tuesday, May 8th. Retail and walk-up sales will be held Saturday, May 5th through Sunday, May 13th, at the Northwest Bank Tower in Davenport.

"People like to bring their mothers and shop for plants together," Justin said. "For many families, companies and individuals, the Plant Sale has become a Mother's Day tradition."

The plant sale is presented by Iowa American Water, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, Hazelwood Homes and Heritage Landscape Design. Other sponsors include Northwest Bank & Trust Company, Becker & Becker, RSC Equipment Rental, Modern Woodmen, Lujack's, DMW Design, WHBF-TV, Quad-City Times and Koehler Electric.

A portion of the proceeds from the plant sale support AmeriCorps member's direct service projects within Big Brothers Big Sisters.

###
27 Mar 2012

German American Heritage Center

By Janet Brown-Lowe
March 24, 2012

Dear Members and Friends

We have news of an exciting proposal from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, which manages a part of our endowment. They have set aside a challenge pool of $100,000 to be distributed to the first 20 non-profit groups in the area that can raise $15,000 from at least 10 donors. Groups that meet this challenge will receive an additional $5,000 toward their endowment from the challenge pool. It is important to note that the money raised must be in this calendar year and must be a paid donation, not a pledge or payment on an earlier pledge.   If a group raises $30,000 the $5,000 match may be used for operating expenses OR it may go to the endowment, whichever the group prefers.

 

A healthier endowment is one way in which we can assist our operating funds during challenging times. Interest from this money helps pay our regular bills and ensures a more secure future. If you would consider a contribution to this effort now, in any amount, we would be very thankful. No donation is too small...or too large! We are already at $4,600 as of today, with four leaders contributing! Can I count on you making this sum grow at a fast and furious pace?

The last time a challenge of this nature was made the money was distributed in six months, despite setting a deadline until the end of the year. Please do not wait; send in a check ASAP. Your check should be sent to GAHC for tally purposes, but made out to The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend (CFGRB) and marked GAHC Endowment Challenge. We will keep track of our progress and let you know how the fund is growing. Wouldn't it be great if GAHC were to be one of the first groups to meet the challenge?

 

Thanks in advance for helping!   I look forward to your solid support!

 

Best,

Janet Brown-Lowe, Executive Director
23 Mar 2012

INDULGE YOUR APPETITE TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED

By Rebecca Wheeler
Moline, IL? How can indulging in a scrumptious lasagna dinner pay dividends for those in need? The Landing will host a delicious Lasagna Night to support Christian Care on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. A mere $4.00 donation will provide a generous helping of lasagna made by D'Alessandro's Italian Cuisine, as well as a slice of garlic bread. Those who bring an item mentioned on the Christian Care needs list will be eligible to participate in a drawing for a prize package. The needs list can be found at www.christiancareqc.org or by calling Rebecca at 309/788-2273. There will be a 50/50 drawing and other prizes available, as well. The Landing is located at 1601 River Drive in Moline. Make reservations by calling Amanda at the Landing at 309/236-2818. Join the feast and help provide for the growing number of homeless and abused individuals who are served each day by Christian Care.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission  or men?serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses. Christian Care's Community Meal site is open to anyone who is hungry in the Quad Cities. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to christiancareqc.org or to facebook.com/christiancareqc.
22 Mar 2012

Dan and Jennifer will speak about their lives with 2 different forms of Multiple Sclerosis.

By Charlie Becker

 

 

Dan, son of Nancy(library director) and Roger Digmann, and his wife Jennifer will be here to talk about their lives with 2 different forms of MS (multiple sclerosis).

In 2011, Dan and Jennifer published the book "Despite MS, to spite MS" a compilation of their heartfelt essays, accented by haiku-style poems by Judy Williams.

Jennifer and Dan both have Multiple Sclerosis, and combined, they have taken on this chronic disease of the central nervous system for nearly 25 years. Jennifer was diagnosed in 1997; Dan was diagnosed in 2000. She has secondary-progressive MS. His is relapsing-remitting. Through their writing, public speaking and advocacy work, the Digmanns have inspired countless friends, colleagues and perfect strangers with their amazing love story and passion for life.

Join us for some readings from their book and a question and answer session with Dan and Jennifer.  They will sign copies of their book and will have copies available for purchase that day.  Portions of the book proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Camp Courageous.

 

 

 

 

What
  • FEATURED SPEAKER
When Apr 07, 2012 from 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Where Monticello Renaissance Center - Council Chambers
Contact Name Nancy Digmann
Contact Email ndigmann@monticello.lib.ia.us
Contact Phone 319-465-3354
22 Mar 2012

INTRODUCING EASTER CARE PACKAGES FOR THE TROOPS!

By Move America Forward
Don't let our troops be forgotten! With the media's willful ignorance and Easter on its way we must remind our troops overseas that we still remember why they are there and everything they are doing for our nation!

Look at the latest headlines - the media is obsessed with election coverage, football teams trading players, and which football team Peyton Manning is going to. There is no coverage about the looming fight coming in Afghanistan.

Every spring, the "down-season" of winter melts away with the snow of the Afghan mountain ranges. When spring and summer arrive, the Taliban come out of their caves and face our troops. We can't let our brave military men and women be forgotten!

"They are going to come out at us very hard in the east," predicts US Marine Gen. John Allen, the commander of US-led coalition troops in Afghanistan.
- Wall Street Journal (03/19/2012)

We've finally made Easter Care Packages for the Troops available for you to sponsor. Give our troops some much deserved support and offer a message of gratitude.

Your personal message will be sent in a care package packed by our volunteers and sent along with a box full of goodies including special Easter treats! The Easter Holiday is coming up quickly, so get your orders in now!

Don't Forget! We're On the Lookout for Troops!

Soldier Registration is easy! If you have the address of someone on active military duty, such as a spouse, child or sibling, you can click here for our Soldier Sign Up to register each one with the program, or copy this link:

http://www.moveamericaforward.org/apply-servicing.php

e-mail it to them so they can register themselves. Once registered, they will be eligible to receive a package and messages of support from caring fellow Americans.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.