DAVENPORT - On Monday, October 14th at 5 PM, concerned Quad Citians will gather at United Neighbors (808 N. Harrison St. Davenport, Iowa) to call on Congress to raise the debt ceiling in order to prevent a catastrophic default that will severely harm the economy.

Speakers will call on US House Republicans to follow the sensible positions of Congressmen Loebsack and Braley, who have shown leadership on this issue.

Speakers at the event will include :

Chuck Conger, President of AFGE 2119 (Rock Island Arsenal JMTC Employees), will speak about how the shutdown has affected federal employees and how a debt ceiling breach would drastically magnify the damage done to our economy.

Tom Seymour, President of the Quad City Alliance for Retired Americans, will talk about the potential of Social Security benefits to retirees stopping if the debt limit is reached and the government defaults on its payments to retirees, the disabled, and other SSA recipients.

Mike Malmstrom of the Homeless Veterans Outreach Center will give examples of the type of work done by the outreach workers at the VA Homeless Outreach center, and how they have been already affected by the shutdown. He will also provide other examples of how veterans will be affected by the potential debt ceiling limit including the effects of a debt ceiling breach on GI Bill benefits.

The event is open to the media and open to the public.

The event is sponsored by AFSCME Iowa Council 61, the Quad City Federation of Labor, the Quad City Alliance for Retired Americans, the Iowa Federation of Labor, and the Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2013

WHAT: Concerned Quad Citians to hold an event calling on Congress to raise the debt ceiling.

WHO: Chuck Conger, President of AFGE 2119 (Rock Island Arsenal JMTC Employees).

Tom Seymour, President of the Quad City Alliance for Retired Americans.

Mike Malmstrom of Homeless Veterans Outreach Center.

Union members, activists, and concerned Quad Citians.

WHERE: United Neighbors

808 N. Harrison St.

Davenport, Iowa 52803

WHEN: 5:00 PM

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library Foundation will offer book-loving guests a tasty way to enjoy "A Night of Roaring Reads" with Food for Thought, a fundraising event from 5:00 pm. to 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 14 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island.

A Night of Roaring Reads transforms the historic library into a jazz-age night spot for dining, socializing and bidding on books signed by best-selling authors. Admission includes food stations from guest chefs, complimentary beverages, and jazz music by Edgar Crockett & friends.

Guests also enjoy a private night at the library, with dining at six food stations, including selections from Martha Cleaveland of Blue Cat Brew Pub, Eudell Watts, III, of Eudell's Specialty Foods,Chef Craig Joos of Rock Island Hy-Vee and Chef Kyle, of Doc's Inn in Silvis. Complimentary beverages include wine tasting selections personally selected by Thad Miller, craft brew samples from Dan Cleaveland of the Blue Cat Brew Pub, soft drinks and coffee. A silent auction includes bidding on more than 30 signed books, as well as unique gift items and packages from local businesses.

The 9th annual fundraiser helps the Rock Island Public Library Foundation fulfill requests for special programs and projects that are outside the Rock Island Library's normal operating budget. Foundation dollars support special purchases of materials and equipment as well as programs and beautification projects.

The Main Library will be open to Food for Thought guests only that night, with admission payable at the door by cash, check or credit. Guests who RSVP in advance receive preferred admission prices of $30 for one or $55 for two. Without an RSVP, admission is $35 at the door per person. RSVPS are requested by Nov. 6.

To RSVP, please call Foundation secretary Amy Penry at 309-732-7302 or email penry.amy@rigov.org. Donations to the 501c3 Rock Island Library Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

To accommodate the event, the Main Library will close at noon to the public on Nov. 14. The Rock Island 30/31 and Southwest Branches will be open until normal hours.

More information also available on the Support Your Library page at the library website, www.rockislandlibrary.org

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It's time for the annual St. Mark Huge Rummage Sale and Bake Sale, being held October 17, 18 and 19 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2363 West 3rd Street in Davenport.

Come on out from 8am until 7pm on Thursday, 8am until 5pm on Friday and 8am until Noon on Saturday to shop among the dozens and dozens of tables filled with treasures.

Proceeds from this sale benefit St. Mark programs, including their Seminarian Scholarship Fund.

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and the Moline Public Library welcome Rabbi Jonathan Porath as he presents "All Five Books of Moses from the Creation of the World Until the Death of Moses in One Hour," Thursday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m.  No registration is required for this free program.   For more information, visit the Moline Public Library (3210 - 41st Street, Moline) or call 309-524-2470.

No single book has had a greater impact on Western Civilization and humanity than the Hebrew Bible, the Five Books of Moses.  Participants will enjoy a fast-paced review of the 187 chapters which changed the world!  Open to believers and non-believers of all faiths, theologies, and persuasions, from the perspective of Rabbi Porath from Jerusalem, who has been a guest of the Quad Cities in the past.  This event is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and Friends of the Moline Public Library.