31 Oct 2011

"Blueprint for a Nonviolent World" offered at The Canticle

By Rick Martin

Michigan Peace Team founder to train activists in Clinton

Rev. Peter Dougherty, founder of Michigan Peace Team, will lead a day-long nonviolence training workshop in Clinton on Saturday, November 12, at The Canticle, home of the Sisters of St. Francis, 841-13th Ave. No., Clinton.  He also will offer a public presentation on Saturday evening at 7:00 pm.

Registration for the Clinton workshop is open to the public but limited to 25 persons. Anyone interested in participating is urged to call 563-242-7611, or email office@clintonfranciscans.com as soon as possible. A donation is requested to cover the cost of the program and the meals provided.  The workshop will begin at 8:30 am with a continental breakfast and conclude at 5 pm.  The 7 pm program is free and open to all.

For details, call 563-242-7611 or visit www.clintonfranciscans.com/news-and-events
31 Oct 2011

Author David W. Dorris Book Signing Event

By Nicholas Depew

WHEN: 11-7-11

TIME: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Betterdorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Dr., Bettendorf, IA 52722

WHAT: Dorris, a resident of Davenport, IA, will be available to sign copies of his book, Life Is Too Short; Life Is What We Make It.

Fear not, for in Life Is Too Short: Life Is What We Make It, author David Dorris shows you how to approach life's problems and that making the right choices is easier than you think. Life is like a baseball game where the pitcher is constantly throwing you curveballs. As this is the case, do you want to simply be a spectator, or do you want to get in the game and face life head-on? Although it may sound simple sometimes, life is not an easy game to play. There are many challenges to overcome and many choices you have to make. None of you have a choice as to how you come into the world; however, you do have a choice as to the kind of life you live. Follow David in Life Is Too Short: Life Is What We Make It, and find out for yourself how you too can knock life's curveballs out of the park.

For more information, contact Jim Miller at 888-361-9473 or jim@tatepublishing.com

31 Oct 2011

Unique Arts + Crafts Show

By Rose Noble

Handmade City will host its THIRD indie arts+crafts show at Rozz-Tox in Rock Island on Saturday, December 3rd from 11am until 4pm. Free to attend with over 20 local vendors selling amazing items.  Unique indie art and crafts all day long, unlike any other show int he QC!

FREE to attend.

Rozz-Tox, 2108 - 3rd Avenue, Rock Island.

@ Rozz-ToxHandmade Holiday Love.

----------------

Who is Handmade City?

We are an indie arts + crafts collective that supports and promotes local handmade artisans. We pride ourselves in being different and creating unique, high quality handmade items. Living in the Midwest we are surrounded by traditional craft shows with the same art and items you can find anywhere. We decided it was time set up our own DIY collective and host our own events.

Handmade City provides an outlet for artists who don't belong in a traditional show. We host art & craft events that are free to attend, affordable to sell at and unique compared to other craft shows in the area. We appreciate handmade, high quality art with an indie twist!?

Handmade City supports this art community online as well, showcasing featured artist interviews, vendor spotlights, artist updates and links to artists' shops. We want our handmade items to be just as available to the public as traditional art & crafts. Different is good, different is art!

When is the next show?

Handmade City's Holiday 2011 Craft Show will take place December 3rd, 2011, from 11am - 4pm at Rozz-Tox- a new venue located downtown Rock Island Illinois. (2108 3rd Avenue) This show is FREE to attend!
There will be over 20 vendors! Things you will find include : knits, ceramics, art prints, original artwork, photography, home decor items, jewelry, hand-spun yarn, candles, pet goods, terrariums, accessories, baby items, handmade handbags, clothing, handcrafted bicycles, self-published books & more!

Visit us online at handmadecity.org

27 Oct 2011

Watch the Hawkeyes, support a good cause

By Karole Snyder

The Scott County I-Club along with the Children's Therapy Center are co-hosting the Iowa vs. Minnesota game from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport. 

Watch the game on big-screen televisions, take part in the silent auction and giveaways, and enjoy some food and drink.  Some former Iowa football players will also be on hand.

The cost is $15 per person and that includes certificates good for food and drink and also purchases at the Black & Gold store.

Advance tickets are availabe at the Village Corner Deli, 1030 Mound Street, Davenport, at the Black & Gold store, 102 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, from Scott County I-Club board members or by calling Karole Snyder at 563-391-5287.

25 Oct 2011

Protest at Iowa Social Security Offices, Thursday October 27

By Jeremy Maske

Protest at Iowa Social Security Offices

Social Security Advocates Join Forces to Protest Budget Cuts, Proposed Cuts will Severely Impact Service to Public

WHAT: An informational picket at Social Security offices around the country

WHEN: 12:00 pm, Thursday, October 27, 2011

WHERE:              

  • Council Bluffs Social Security Office, 20 Arena Way
  • Des Moines Social Security Field Operations, 455 SW 5th Street
  • Dubuque Social Security Office, 1635 Associates Drive
  • Waterloo Social Security Office, 3121 Greyhound Drive

WHO: American Federation of Government Employees Social Security employees

Alliance for Retired Americans

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

Strengthen Social Security Campaign

Thousands of American Federation of Government Employees Social Security employees, along with the Alliance for Retired Americans, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and the Strengthen Social Security Campaign across the country are taking to the streets on October 27 at 12:00 p.m. to protest recent proposals from Congress that would cut the Social Security Administration's operational budget.

"Cutting Social Security's budget at a time that record baby boomers are seeking benefits is another example of bad Washington politics.  These cuts will only punish Americans who count on Social Security and Medicare by adding to backlogs and limiting assistance for our seniors, the disabled and families that have lost a parent or spouse," explained Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE's Council of Field Operations Locals.

Congress has proposed reductions from $ 473 to 882 million from President Obama's budget request in SSA funding for 2012. FY 2011 current status, results from nearly $1 billion below the amount the President requested.

As a result of those cuts, SSA implemented an agency-wide hiring freeze with the exception of the hearings operations.  This resulted in a loss of more than 3500 SSA and DDS (Disability Determination Service) State employees.  More than 300 contact stations were closed, eliminating in-person services in many rural and remote sites.   SSA indefinitely suspended mailing the Social Security statement, without advance notice to the public, eliminating an important link between young workers and the benefits they will receive when they retire.

###
25 Oct 2011

BAM! TO OPEN IN NORTHRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER

By Gloria Laster
DAVENPORT, IA (October 24, 2011) Books-A-Million (BAM!) is delighted to announce the addition of a new location in Northridge Shopping Center in Davenport, IA. This is the first BAM! store in Davenport and the second in Iowa.

"Our Northridge Shopping Center is an exciting new BAM! location. We're venturing into Davenport to offer an active bookstore with a diverse product offering for everyone," said Terrance G. Finley, President and Chief Operating Officer for Books-A-Million, Inc.

The Northridge Shopping Center BAM! will give new customers an expansive selection of books, toys, tech and more to entice every shopper.

"We look forward to coming to the Northridge Shopping Center and anxiously await the opportunity to meet and serve Davenport book lovers and those seeking our wide selection of books and more," said Kit Whan, General Manager.

The Northridge Shopping Center BAM! will feature:

•       NOOK - featuring NOOK Simple Touch and NOOK Color. NOOK products are available for customers to see, hold and try at special in-store displays.
•       Kids-A-Million - featuring children's books, learning resources from Leap Frog and more and toys and games that appeal to children, parents, teachers and librarians.
•       Faithpoint - featuring a generous selection of Bibles, Christian Living and Christian Fiction books.
•       Electronic Accessories - featuring the hottest ear buds, headphones and iPhone, iPod and eReader accessories from Skullcandy, JVC and more.
•       DVDs - featuring the newest releases plus great bargains on previously viewed DVDs and Blu-rays.
•       Bargain Books - featuring a vast selection of books with savings up to 80 percent on favorites from best sellers to classics.
•       Joe Muggs Café - a coffee, tea and espresso bar complete with comfortable seating and decadent snacks.
•       Magazines - over 2,600 magazines featuring lifestyle, sports, health, wedding, fashion, science, news and more.

Customers who are new BAM! patrons are encouraged to sign up for the Millionaire's Club, where members save 40 percent off bestsellers, 20 percent off hundreds of items throughout the store and 10 percent off everything, every day. Millionaire's Club members are also invited to special sale events and receive exclusive promotions and coupons through weekly emails.

The new BAM! store is scheduled to open in early November.

About Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million, Inc. is one of the nation's leading book retailers and sells online at www.booksamillion.com. The Company presently operates over 200 stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia. The Company operates large superstores under the names Books-A-Million and Books & Co. and traditional bookstores operating under the names Bookland and Books-A-Million. The common stock of Books-A-Million, Inc. is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol BAMM. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.booksamillioninc.com.
25 Oct 2011

Immigrants celebrate their first Halloween with help from college students

By M. McNeil
54 immigrants in the Quad Cities will be receiving trick or treat bags this month...but they are not going to be stuffed with candy and popcorn.  These "special care" bags are going to be filled with essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

These treat bags are the brainchild of some graduate students in the Occupational Therapy program at St. Ambrose University.  Professor, Christine Urish, says the Black Hawk College program at the Church of Peace in Rock Island is the perfect place to help her students learn how to teach functional living skills.  Every day, approximately 54 immigrants attend "English as a second language" class at the church.  The program is a cooperative effort among Black Hawk College, the Secretary of State, Rock Island School District, the Regional Office of Education Lights ON, Rock Island Library, and the Church of Peace.

Dr. Terry Schlabach and Dr. Urish say their students are teaching the refugees such skills as reading a recipe, writing a check, using a phonebook, understanding clothing sizes, and using US currency.  Since this is the Halloween season, the students decided to do a self-care drive and collect items such as shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes to put in a bag to give to each of the refugees.  Kelsey Nolan, a first year student in the St. Ambrose Master of Occupational Therapy program, sent emails to family and friends seeking money to buy the toiletries.  "I felt personally compelled to do.  I admire the determination with which the family literacy program participants work to better their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.  I figure the least I can do is help to provide for some of their basic needs".

The "treat bags" will be handed out to the students on October 25th at 11:00.  The media is invited to attend the event and interview teachers, students and the immigrants.  The students are from many countries with the majority being from Myanmar (used to be called Burma), Iraq, and Africa (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania).

WHO:  Quad City Immigrants
WHAT:  "Special Care" treat bags distribution
WHEN:  October 25, 2011 at 11:00 am
WHERE:  Church of Peace  1114 12 Street    Rock Island, IL  61201
25 Oct 2011

Teen Groups Meet

By Jan LaRoche

Teen Advisory Group

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Teen Advisory Group at the Moline Public Library. Help plan programs, give input about what books and materials to add to the collection, make friends, and have fun. We meet the first Thursday of the month, and the next meeting is Thursday, November 3 at 3:30 in the Platinum Room. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 - 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

Teen Writers Group

Teen and Young Adult writers are invited to the Moline Public Library on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Bring a few short items to share with the group, get feedback, and learn some new tricks. The next meeting will be on Monday, November 14 at 7:00. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 - 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

Anime Club

Teen and Young Adult fans of anime, manga, and all things Japanese are invited to the Moline Public Library the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 for Anime Club. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 15 at 3:30. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 - 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

Teen Book Club

The Moline Public Library's Teen Book Club will discuss The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis on Thursday, November 17 at 7:00. Read the book. See the movie. Discuss with friends. This program is free and open to students in grades 6-12. If you are interested in attending please contact Jan LaRoche at 309-524-2478 or jlaroche@molinelibrary.org. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 - 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

Teen Writers Group

Teen and Young Adult writers are invited to the Moline Public Library on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Bring a few short items to share with the group, get feedback, and learn some new tricks. The next meeting will be on Monday, November 28 at 7:00. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 - 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com.

25 Oct 2011

QC Festival Looking to Move

By Gregory Schmidt
The annual Four-Kingdoms Renaissance & Pirate Fest that went on hiatus, this year, is looking for a potential new site.

"I'm thinking we need a more adaptable site where we could build in permanent infrastructure," states the event's founder Gregory Schmidt of Festivals International. "The folks at the KOA Camelot Campgrounds in Rock Island were great to work with through the years, but they have their own on-going space needs and physical limitations for what could become of this event."

Schmidt enlisted Mr. Bruce Eyton of Sword-in-the-Stone Productions out of Minneapolis to try shifting the festival from the front campgrounds area to the primitive back meadow in 2010. He accomplished the task of re-inventing the olde-school type of Renaissance faire with no running water nor electricity.
The weather turned out ideal, but we'd still be working under the threat of future water and mud conditions, because that portion of the property is on a designated flood plane," Eyton observes.

The two producers have begun the search in the Quad Cities for a new site, where they could start to build a stand-alone event complex with a dining pavilion, jousting arena and castle facade.

Gregory Schmidt currently produces the Iowa Renaissance Festival at the Amana Colonies, the Des Moines Renaissance Faire, the Nebraska Renaissance Faire and the Midlands Pirate Festival. He also produces documentaries and independent movies.

Anyone interested in working with them on this endeavor can contact greg@festint.com or bruce_eyton@yahoo.com. Tel. (641) 357-5177.

-30-

25 Oct 2011

Spirit of Assisi event at The Canticle Oct. 27

By Sister Sallyann McCarthy

The Spirit of Assisi:  the 25th anniversary celebration on Oct. 27 religious gathering

On October 27, 1986, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Patriarchs of many Eastern Churches, leaders of native religions - 70 religious leaders in all - made history when they gathered in Assisi, Italy to talk and pray together for peace in the "Spirit of Assisi."

This year, on October 27, religious leaders will again gather in Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare, patrons of peace and reconciliation, to continue their dialogue.

The Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, will also commemorate the "Spirit of Assisi" with a public prayer service at their home, The Canticle, 841-13th Ave. No., on Thursday, Oct. 27, beginning at 6:30 pm.

"In the footprints of Francis and Clare, we are all called to walk the path of peace as pilgrims" said Pope Benedict in inviting other religious leaders to join in the commemoration, "to pray and fast for justice in our world, and to dialogue with one another in an effort to discover creative ways to build peace in our own day."

"Just as persons of many faiths will gather in Assisi as 'pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace,' we invite all our neighbors to join us in prayer on Thursday evening," said Clinton Franciscan Sister Joan Theiss who is coordinating the service.

"The Spirit of Assisi carried an important message," she said.  It affirmed that the desire for peace is shared by all people of good will; but taking into account the situation of the world today and the relationship between peoples, it recognized that real peace can only be achieved through an intervention by God.  That will be the hope of our prayer."

John Paul II, who initiated the original gathering, said that he chose the city of Assisi as location for this day of prayer due to the special significance of the saint venerated here, St. Francis, who is known by many all over the planet to be a symbol of peace, reconciliation and community.  So the Pope decided to promote this initiative "in the name of St. Francis, the man," he said, "who breaks down barriers, who knows how to open doors and who is brother to all."

"Today," noted Sister Joan, "religions are not only asked to dialogue among ourselves, but to reach out to all people whether they are believers or not.  Even more, we are now being challenged to reach out beyond humanity, because violence is being visited on God's creation as well.  There is an ever-growing consciousness in all religious traditions that respect and peaceful relations must be fostered between people and between people and all creatures."

Sister Joan explained:  "Our hope is that if we come together in the Spirit of Assisi and pray as believers in the way our respective religious traditions have taught us, we will be strengthened to commit ourselves to concrete actions that will allow us to work together to confront the threats to peace and to the environment that we face in our world today."

For more information call Sisters of St. Francis, 563-242-7611 or visit www.clintonfranciscans.com.

CUTLINE:   The late Pope John Paul II at the opening of the 1986 ":Spirit of Assisi" gathering in Italy. The 25th anniversary will be celebrated at The Canticle, Clinton, at a public prayer service on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 pm.

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