21 Apr 2011

Morel Mushroom Festival May 7

By Daniel Shockey
The Stark County Morel Mushroom Festival will be held Saturday, May 7, in Wyoming, Illinois, 40 miles northwest of Peoria. The Festival will feature food, crafts, family activities, and a Morel Mushroom Auction that will start at 1:00 p.m. The Festival will run from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. There is no entry fee.

Mushroom sellers are to register for the auction from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. Morels to be auctioned must be in clear 8 oz. bags, cleaned but not washed. A $2.00 fee per bag will be charged to the seller. A drawing will be held after 11:00 a.m. to determine selling positions.

A Mushroom Cooking Class is offered, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Chef Anita Palmer will teach the class and participants will be able to enjoy the creations for lunch. Pre-registration ($10 class fee) is recommended since the class size will be limited. Chef Anita trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago, has been a chef at Chicago restaurants and has operated her own catering service.

A double-elimination Bean Bags Tournament will begin at 10:00 a.m. The entry fee is $20.00 per person. The two-person teams will compete for the $200 first place award. Pre-register for the Bags Tourney and the Cooking Class at (309) 286-6200.

Pony rides will be available for children, weather permitting, provided by Personal Ponies Ltd., an organization that places ponies with handicapped children. The Central Illinois Agricultural Society will offer hayrides pulled by an antique tractor. "World's best" mushroom soup and other festival food favorites will be available for purchase. Thomas Park is located 2 blocks west of downtown, at 300 W. Elm St.

The event is hosted by the Wyoming Area Chamber of Commerce and the Stark County Economic Development Office. For more information, please contact chairman Duke Frisby at dukefrisby@hotmail.com, phone (309) 883-3057, or Denny Rewerts at dennystarkco@gmail.com, (309) 286-6200.
11 Apr 2011

Piano Celebration this Weekend Supports Ronald McDonald House

By Jim Foster

Piano Celebration gearing up for another successful event in 2011

Piano Celebration, hosted by Piano for a Richer Life, will take place this year at North Park Mall on April 16th and 17th Last year over 400 talented local celebrities, student pianists and piano enthusiasts of all ages performed at Northpark Mall in Davenport with a dual purpose: to raise funds to support Ronald McDonald House and get the message out that piano study equals brain development!

Iowa City Ronald McDonald House serves the families of thousands of children suffering from critical conditions. The House receives no state or federal tax dollars, relying 100% on private gifts.

Numerous University studies prove that piano study leads to increased brain development, academic achievement and builds confidence while keeping you happy and healthy.  "Piano Celebration helps to get the important message of piano study & brain development out - while raising substantial dollars for Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City," quotes Jim Foster, the spokesman for Piano for a Richer Life.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 16th from 10am-5pm and Sunday, April 17th, from noon-5pm at Northpark Mall in Davenport, Iowa. Three conservatory grand pianos will be placed outside of Dillard's, Younkers and JC Penny's stores.

Donations can also be made during the performances at any of the three concert locations.

Over the past six years Piano Celebration has raised over $210,000 for Iowa City's Ronald McDonald House, and this year the goal is $35,000.  Admission is free and the public is welcome!

11 Apr 2011

Upcoming Donna Mander-Fiser Book Signing Events

By Connie Wilson

Upcoming Donna Mander-Fiser Book Signing Events

WHEN: 4-9-11

TIME: 9 a.m. - Noon

WHERE: The Book Rack, 3937 41st Ave. Drive, Moline, IL 61265

AND

WHEN: 4-9-11

TIME: 1 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Whistle Stop Java Shop, 400 4th St. West, Milan, IL 61264

AND

WHEN: 4-16-11

TIME: 1 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Readmore Book World, 1518 15th St., Moline, IL 61265


WHAT: Fiser, a resident of Milan, IL, will be available to sign copies of her book, Waiting for Pete to Go Home.

The first time I saw Pete, I thought he looked like a total fool. I was seventeen years old, out of high school, and working at my first job in Springfield, Illinois. Pete was a twenty-year-old college student, and he was thrashing about without any rhythm. It was obvious that he thought he was pretty cool. He was a total turn-off, but little did I know...we would fall in love. While Waiting for Pete to go Home, Donna Mander-Fiser experienced over a year of doubt and frustration. She treaded lonely and unfamiliar waters while caring for her husband in his dying days. She could never have imagined the unresponsive reaction of some friends and the fear of feeling single again. After Pete's death, Donna took comfort in memories of the life she and Pete shared by reminiscing about wedding anniversaries, family traditions, and Pete's fantastically told stories. Join first-time author Donna Mander-Fiser as she learns how to cope with illness, losing a loved one, and finally regaining her own life.

11 Apr 2011

April 28th. Independent Scholars Evening presentation

By Narveen Aryaputri

Independent Scholars' Evenings:

 2012:  Apocalypse or Enlightenment?

An introduction to the cultural phenomenon of December 21,  2012.

 Some of the ideas of John Major Jenkins, Patrick Geryl, Carl  Johan
Calleman and others on  the significance of the Mayan calendar and 
end of time prophecy, galactic center alignment, ancient myth-astronomy and
mathematics, and the evolution of consciousness will be covered.

by Michael Rosenthal

Presenter Michael Rosenthal has completed extensive graduate work in 
theology,philosophy and psychology

at the St. Paul Seminary and the University  of Iowa.

He studied for the Diocese of Davenport in his youth.

April 28th. 2011 @ 7.00 p.m.

second floor of

The Moline Club

1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.

309-762-8547 for the Moline Club

309-762-9202 for The Institute.


light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.

The event is free and open to the public.

Doors open at 6.30

 

Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996.

01 Apr 2011

Illinois author releases latest magical adventure

By Nicholas Depew

GALESBURG, Ill. - This week marks the nationwide release of "Midsummer's Magic," the latest in Illinois author Sandra McCone's Three Little Lasses series for young readers.

The story is set on the first day of summer, Midsummer or Solstice, the most magical day of the year. The lasses?Kaylyn, Kirsten, and Payton?and laddie, Jack, are back for a weeklong visit with Nana and Papa at their country home and are excited to see what mystical adventures are in store for them this time.

Young readers find out for themselves in this fantastically magical story and discover that the stories Nana tells really do come true.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

McCone has written two other books in the Three Little Lasses series, "The Secret in Nana's Garden" and "The Magical Tea Party." She has been an interior designer for over twenty years and has found new inspiration for writing after the births of her grandchildren. She and her husband, Alan, have three children and four grandchildren and live in Galesburg, Illinois.

29 Mar 2011

Comedy For A Cause 2 - Stand Up To Diabetes Fundraiser

By Chris Starman

LOCAL COMEDIANS STAND UP TO DIABETES

Davenport, IA March 29, 2011 - Local comedians lend a helping hand to the Eastern Iowa branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as DubStar Presents: Comedy For A Cause 2 - Stand Up To Diabetes.  The event will take place April 8, 2011, from 8:00 to 11:00pm, at Uptown Neighborhood Bar & Grill (2340 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf).  Tickets are $10 at the door, and $15 for a ticket and event shirt in advance. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the local JDRF.

"Having only moved to the US [from Ireland] in October, I am very honored to have been asked to be a part of this year's Comedy for a Cause, there is a wonderful energy about the event and I'm totally psyched about performing," stated Comedy For A Cause headliner, Colin Ryan.

"When I was asked to do this benefit last year, I was excited to help with such a great cause....but when I saw the turnout and support for this event, I was absolutely amazed." says comedian Jim Petersen.   "The talent is top-notch. DubStar does such a great job that I consider it an honor to be a part of this event."

Ten acts will perform for the event, including Quad Cities' residents: Brandon Gale, David Rotz, Chris Starman, Jim Petersen, Trish Mathias, and David Casas, and Tom Pearce who is type 1 diabetic himself.  The event will be headlined by Ryan from Monticello and the Tuttle Twins from Champaign, IL, and hosted by Bobby Ray Bunch of Bettendorf.

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 January, DubStar hosted Minute To Win It, a recreation of the popular TV game show that raised funds for the Quad Cities Autism Center, and drew attention from NBC producers.  Additional information can be found at the DubStar website, www.facebook.com/DubStarQC.

 

###

29 Mar 2011

Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild Meeting April 5th, 2011

By Colleen Sibthorp
The Mississippi Valley Quiters Guild will holds its monthly meeting on April 5th  at 1 PM and 7 PM at the First Congregational Church in Moline. Judy Hasheider will be giving a lecture and trunk show with a class to follow on Wednesday April 6th at the Butterworth Educational Center (Garage) from 9am -3pm. The class is her pattern"Uffizi". This is a class for all skill levels.

The Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild, organized in 1983, to educate and encourage members in the quilting arts, and to stimulate interest in quilting in the local community.  Guild meetings are the first Tuesday of the month, at 1 PM and 7 PM, at the First Congregational Church, Moline, IL.  Current membership of 350, and is open to anyone who is interested.  Meetings consist of a business meeting, local, regional or national teachers, and a show-and-tell of projects completed by our members.  

The quilt guild participates in many community charity activities by donating time and quilts to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Family Resources, Crisis Pregnancy and Lutheran Social Services. The guild provides community educational demonstrations at local venues, with a biennial quilt show, held at the Mississippi Valley Fair Ground.  

For more information about the Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild, visit our website at mvqg.org.
28 Mar 2011

"Voices of Change" Leadership Training Coming to Davenport

By Rick Martin
March 2011, Bettendorf, IA–Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of eleven internationally-acclaimed leaders by attending the Chick-fil-A "Voices of Change" Leadercast at Harvest Bible Chapel in Davenport, IA, on Friday, May 6, 2011.  The Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leadership training event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, GA, to hundreds of host sites throughout the nation, including Davenport.  Results Marketing,  "The Shef " and St. Ambrose University are bringing the event to the QCA.  Speakers for the event include :
  • Seth Godin, Entrepreneur, marketing expert, best-selling author of 12 books including "Linchpin"
  • Robin Roberts, Anchor of ABC's Emmy-Award Winning Show, "Good Morning, America"
  • John C. Maxwell, Leadership expert and best-selling author of "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership"
  • Dave Ramsey, Money-management expert, radio personality, best-selling author of "The Total Money Makeover"
  • Sir Ken Robinson, Best-selling author & leader in the development of creativity, innovation and HR
  • Dan Cathy, President and COO of Chick-Fil-A, Inc.
  • Muhtar Kent, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Coca-Cola Co.
  • Suzy Welch, Best-selling author, TV commentator, noted business journalist
  • Mack Brown, Head Coach of the Texan Longhorns, 2009 Big 12 Coach of the Year
  • Erin Gruwell, Founder and President of Freedom Writers Foundation
  • Frans Johansson, Best-selling author of "The Medici Effect"
The idea for the Chick-fil-A Leadercast was conceived eleven years ago by Dr. John C. Maxwell, "New York Times" best-selling author and speaker.  He wanted to combine his influential voice in the community with his desire to reach leaders at the heart level.  What started out as a half day, classroom-format event with John Maxwell teaching has since become a full-day, experiential conference featuring authors, leadership experts and practitioners.
"The event was a highlight in my development," said Jennifer Boubel, director of field services for Continental Airlines. "Each speaker brought insights that were inspiring. It is an incredible way to improve upon our leadership so that in turn we can make a difference in the lives of those we influence."
This year's program will focus on how YOU can use your passion to create positive change in your workplace, your community and in your family so we can make ourselves, our teams and our cities better.  When we join together, even the small changes we effect can become a powerful collective.

"Leadership is about who you are within," said Bill George, Harvard Business School professor and author of "True North." "I think it's important to listen to leaders to reflect on the kind of leader you want to become."
Cost is just $99 (a $129 value) and includes the day's manual and lunch.  Call for group discounts.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit to be determined.
Contact: Lori Freemire, Results Marketing
24 Mar 2011

COMMUNITY UNITES TO GIVE BACK AND DONATE DURING BLOOD DRIVE

By Marvin Whittaker
DAVENPORT, IA. (March 15, 2011) - For Beth Sweeney of Davenport, donating blood was a way to give back for the blood products 11-year-old Carina Benson with leukemia has used.  Carina is the daughter of Sweeney's friends Jill and Kevin Benson.

On March 23, blood donors like Beth in the Quad Cities area, are being encouraged to give a little of themselves and give back during the Giving Back for Carina Benson Blood Drive. During the four hour blood drive at the Knights of Columbus Hall, the American Red Cross hopes to collect more than 50 pints of blood.

The Red Cross, along with Sweeney and the Benson family, are encouraging the community to make the time to give blood this March - Red Cross Month - to ensure a stable blood supply for patients like Carina. Every day, more than 38,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in hospitals across the country.

In about an hour, you can make a lifesaving difference in the Quad Cities community and beyond by giving blood.

Giving Back for Carina Benson Blood Drive
Wednesday, March 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Knight's of Columbus Hall, 1111 E. 35th St.
To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
or visit redcrossblood.org.

The more you share, the more you get back. Give blood.

How to Donate Blood
A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age or younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
21 Mar 2011

Forgiveness - Three Religions - Three Questions

By Allen Mothershed

Representatives from Christianity, Judaism, and the Muslim faiths discuss three questions: What does forgiveness mean in your faith tradition? How is your faith misunderstood by people of other faiths? Given the misunderstanding of your faith by others, what is the place of forgiveness? With Rabbi Tamar Grimm (Tri-city Jewish Center) - the Jewish faith; Rev. Ron Quay (Churches United) - the Christian Faith; Dr. Lisa Zaynab Killinger (Palmer College) - the Muslim Faith. Wednesday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Son Cafe (downstairs level) at First Congregational Church, 2201 7th Avenue, Moline. Free and no pre-registration required. For more information: allen@fccmoline.org.

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