WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Artist-in-Residence Gaynell Gavin will read from her writings and present a writing workshop at the visitor center of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site on Saturday, June 18 at 9:30 a.m. The workshop will last about two hours. Dr. Gavin will discuss how writers find an attachment to place and use it to inspire writing. If you are interested in attending, please call (319) 643-2541 before June 18. Writing paper and pens are all you will need to bring.

Gaynell Gavin's prose and poetry has been published in many literary journals and anthologies, including Fourth Genre, North Dakota Quarterly, The Best of the Bellevue Literary Review (Bellevue Literary Press), Nebraska Presence (Backwaters Press), and Best New Poets 2006 (Samovar Press). Her poetry chapbook, Intersections, was published by Main Street Rag Publishing. Her essay, "What We Have," published in Prairie Schooner, was included among "Notable Essays " in The Best American Essays 2009. This essay, like much of her work, is grounded in the Midwest. She is originally from Illinois and is a faculty member at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. 

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go to www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541

Media Advisory

Local Bettendorf residents get sneak peek into the life of an American farmer with new
America's Farmers Mobile Experience

What:    Ever wonder what it's like to be a farmer today?  Curious about the men and women who care for the fields that you drive by?  Now people in Bettendorf have the opportunity to take a look into the life of an American farmer and learn more about the vital role they play in the world of agriculture today through the America's Farmers Mobile Experience.  Kevin Green, local farmer, played a large role in bringing the traveling display to the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf and will serve as the host of the Mobile Experience while it is here.

The new Mobile Experience is a traveling 53-foot trailer that expands into 1,000-square feet of exhibit space that immerses visitors in the lives of America's farm families.  The tour is designed to educate consumers on modern agriculture and the challenges farmers face to meet the growing demands of the rapidly increasing world population.

Visitors will take a journey through three different focus areas with interactive tools and displays to better understand the life of an American farmer.
•    An interactive globe will allow visitors to see population growth and how many people one acre of farmland will need to feed to meet the demand of the growing population.
•    A 180-degree theater immerses visitors in a video experience that spotlights an American farm family and what they are currently doing to meet the world demand.  Hear three generations of farm women speak about what farm life means to them.
•    Ag educators serve as personal guides teaching guests about the tools and technologies, including breeding, biotechnology and agronomics, that help farmers meet current challenges.

When:        June 7th & 8th
Tours will run from 8am to 6pm daily. (Closed for break 1:30 to 2:30pm each day)

Where:    Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf
1777 Isle Parkway
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Who:    Media and the general public are invited to tour the America's Farmers Mobile Experience and speak with local farmers and Monsanto  Ag Educators.

Background:    The Mobile Experience will tour the U.S. stopping at a variety of urban and rural events to give people the opportunity to learn more about every aspect of the farmer's life, from food production to the challenges they face. For more information on Monsanto's America's Farmers' efforts or its Mobile Experience, please visit www.AmericasFarmers.com

###

The Independent Scholars are collecting derogatory words to be compiled in a list held in the library at The Institute as well as circulated on the internet. These are the words being used, at this time, in our social history, and words which are to be generally avoided, since they can be taken as humiliating, hostile and derogatory or 'fighting'  words to the listener.

These words are also very revealing, reflecting the underlying prejudices and bias that weave in all societies and cultures.

Please bring in your personal lists of  words you consider derogatory.

You can also access this list on our QC Institute Independent Scholars on LinkedIn.

We will continue to expand it as our Independent Scholars bring in their contributions.

First session in compiling the list is on

Thursday. June 9th. 2011

7.00 p.m.

2nd floor of  The Moline Club

Free and Open to the Public,

Light snacks and wine and refreshments are served. 

Doors open at 6.30.p.m.

The Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by

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

309-762-9202 www.qcinstitute.org

The flip-flops are on.  The lemonade is made.  It's time to kick back, relax, and enjoy summer!  There's nothing children look forward to more than summer vacation - but it's also an important time to give thought to the upcoming school year.  In a time of cash-strapped school districts cutting programs and consolidating classes, Rivermont Collegiate continues to provide students with a comprehensive education.  Rivermont, located in Bettendorf, is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college-prep school for students in preschool through twelfth grade.

At Rivermont, small class sizes, individualized attention, and high academic standards result in students who nourish personal talents and passions while gaining a critical foundation to life and learning.  Rivermont infuses a traditional curriculum with innovative ideas and technology, as well as the freedom to take risks in academics, leadership, athletics, arts, and service.  Foreign language instruction begins in kindergarten and individualized college counseling begins in the ninth grade.  100% of Rivermont graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities and over 90% earn four-year renewable college merit scholarships.

What are you waiting for?  Come explore Rivermont Collegiate at our Summer Open House on Thursday, June 9th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. This casual event gives families the opportunity to tour campus and explore our philosophy and programs.  Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf, directly off 18th street behind K&K Hardware.  No appointment necessary!  Join us!

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Thursday's Summer Open House, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 ormurray@rvmt.org.

-END-

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT's annual on-line auction is open and available for bidding. The auction closes on June 12th

The WQPT on-line auction can be accessed at www.wqpt.org, featuring vacations to Chicago, Gettysburg, Milwaukee and Florida. Additionally, there are services, gift certificates, art and PBS items.

On June 5 at 11:00 a.m. and June 8 at 7:00 p.m. WQPT airs a Sneak Peek Auction  program.  The auction is a fundraising event for WQPT.

Auction items include : a Lobster Feast for two with the Lobsters flown in from Maine;  Autographed items from the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bear;  passes to Brew Ha Ha and tickets to the Quad Cities River Bandits. "We've got nearly 100 items to choose from. The auction is a great way for people to find a wonderful gift item and support WQPT, all at the same time" said Bea Brasel, WQPT's Special Projects Coordinator.

WQPT is a broadcast service of Western Illinois University and has been the local public television station serving western Illinois and eastern Iowa since 1983.

# # #

Davenport, IA - Spring cleaning? Donate your gently used treasures to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's 28th Annual 2nd Fiddle Sale!

Donations of used merchandise are requested for the QCSO's 2nd Fiddle Sale and will be accepted on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from  8 AM to 4 PM and Mondays from 12 noon to 8 PM. Donations can be made at the former Premiere Furnishings space in the Village Shopping Center, 902 West Kimberly Street, Davenport, between Godfather's Pizza and Shoe Carnival. The sale accepts gently-used clothing, furniture, household items, linens, small appliances, books, children's clothing, sporting goods, toys, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and more! All donations are tax deductible and receipted at time of drop off.

The 2nd Fiddle Sale opens with a "first chance to buy" Opening Night on Thursday, June 16, 6-9 PM, with refreshments and live music. Tickets for this event are $10 and may be purchased in advance at the QCSO Office, 327 Brady Street, Davenport, 563.322.QCSO (7276),www.qcsymphony.com, or at the door on June 16. 

The sale continues with free admission on Friday, June 17, from 8 AM-6 PM and Saturday, June 18, from 8 AM-4 PM.

Volunteers for Symphony organize and present this much anticipated annual sale of gently used items every year. Many volunteers are needed during the coming weeks for sorting merchandise, set-up, and selling during the sale. Contact VFS by phone at 563.322.0931, x12, or email atvolunteer@qcsymphony.com to help. All 2nd Fiddle Sale proceeds benefit the music education programs of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

###

RECREATION:

For all June 2011 events, go online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks to register or call 326-7812 for more information.  Look this month to sign up for our summer session of classes, camps and special events.  Summer session begins June 13th.  Camps run throughout the entire summer! Please check our website for classes on performing arts, sports leagues, volleyball camps and clinics, Japanese, tumbling, martial arts, adaptive and inclusive programs and more!

 

  • Various camps run beginning May 31st-Aug 12th: whether your interest is sports, drama, dance, nature, or just having fun-we have a camp for you!

 

  • Summer Basketball Jamboree for Reece Morgan Basketball League- Sat June 4th 1:00pm-4:00pm- Free Centennial Park Basketball Courts ($10.00 for league participation, prefer pre-registration ages 11-14 but all members welcome to Jamboree)

 

  • Wheelchair Softball Clinic-Mon June 6th 5-6:30pm, FREE, Modern Woodman Parking Lot

 

  • My Little Wheelbarrow Program begins June 8th-July 20th -Every Wed 10-11:00am at Vander Veer Botanical Park Playground.  Free for ages 2-6years. (parents/Guardian need to accompany children.)

 

  • Cream of the Crop Tour-Tuftee's Garden- Sat. June 11th 10-12 Farm Site. Fee 15.00 Come visit a family owned site.  Tour the garden, specialty culinary herbs and learn tricks to stunning containers of all types.

 

  • Summer Class Session Begins June 13th-REGISTER NOW-classes filling up quickly; Japanese, Clowning, Theatre, Dance, Yoga, Tae Kwon Do, Tumbling, Zumba, and more!

 

  • JUNETEENTH! Sat June 18th 10am-9:00pm (Kid's activities 10-5:00pm)Come celebrate at LeClaire Park the real end of slavery in our country!  Cultural performances, games, activities, and celebration.

 

  • Kindernature: Slithering Snakes Tues June 21st 10-11am at Vander Veer Botanical Park Conservatory.  Cost 6.00, parent attends with child.

 

  • Performing Arts Camp 1: Ancient Greece Mon-Fri June 20-24th 150.00 for ages 6-13, 8:30-4:30 (early/late available for extra charge) at Junior Theatre.

 

  • Special Olympics Unified Golf Tournament Sat June 25th 9:00am-2:00PM at Red Hawk Golf Course-free, t-shirts, lunch and prizes to those who participate.

 

  • All Aquatic Complexes will be open

River's Edge- Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)

·         Stanley Cup Showing: We will show the NHL Final showdown right here at the Rivers Edge on a MONSTER Screen. Bring the family, lawn chairs and your favorite teams gear.

·         Women's USA World Cup Showing:  Games starting June 28th!! The games are also showing on the Giant screen so come support the USA!

·         Rivers Edge Community Flea Market: On June 25th from 9am until 4pm. Admission is FREE, Vendors keep 100% of their proceeds!! A table section is only $25 for vendors. Please call asap to get your spot as a vendor.

·         Volleyball "Grass" Tournament June 11th. Coed Sixes play round robin and into a championship bracket. Games start at 3pm.

·         River Bandit Al1-start days June 20 and 21.

·         The turf is for rent anytime available, and is open to a variety of activities including baseball, volleyball, badminton, Lacrosse and more. Give us a call today.

·         Zumba continues on the Turf every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6pm!

 

GOLF:

 

· PowerPlayGolf Tournament at Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center - This PowerPlayGolf event will be held on Saturday June 11th, from 1 to 4pm at Red hawk Golf Corse for anyone age 8 and up! Participants may pre-register online, at Vander Veer Park, or at the River's Edge for $25.Pre-registrants will receive a gift certificate to Red Hawk Golf Course ($50 value), and 5 lead points towards event prizes! On site registration will also be available, but they won't receive the lead points. For more information at www.powerplay-golf.com.

 

·Family Friday Nights at Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center - Start a new activity this summer fit for the whole family. (Must be 8 years of age to use the Driving Range Area) Golf clubs sets are available upon request. Age - Children K and up accompanied by an adult. $10 - per family of Four, $2 each additional person, 6pm - 9pm June 3d - Aug 5th (10 Fridays)

 

Price includes:

 

- Unlimited Use of Short Course (Par 3 course)

 

- Medium Bucket of range balls - one per family

 

- Putting Green Activities - putting course etc.

 

- Clubhouse Host with Pizza and Beverage provided. 7:30-9pm

 

 

· Golf Gift Cards - great for Fathers Day or any occasion, are always available at Davenport golf shops, Parks and Recreation desk at Rivers Edge, and now at Vander Veer Park Store.

 

· Visit www.golfdavenport.com for the 2011 Golf fees, latest updates and information.


Davenport, Iowa (May 25, 2011) -- Take a stellar lineup of grandstand acts and a variety of free grounds shows and attractions. Add the Evans United Shows Carnival, commercial and craft displays, some great fair food and lots of livestock shows. And you've got the recipe for the 92nd Great Mississippi Valley Fair, being held here Aug. 2-7, at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St.

Fun Cards -- good for daily admission to the grounds and all grandstand shows -- are now for sale at Hy-Vee stores and the fair office. They are $40 each through July 6, then the price goes to $45.

For those without Fun Cards, grounds admission is $10 at the gate for adults and $3 for children 4-12. Children 3 and under are free.

Entertaining in the grandstand this year at the Great Fair are Joe Nichols on Tuesday, Blake Shelton on Wednesday, Darius Rucker on Thursday, the Steve Miller Band on Friday, the Charlie Daniels Band on Saturday and Miranda Lambert on Sunday. All shows begin at 8 p.m., and admission is by Fun Card only. Those 3 and under, however, are admitted free.

Grounds shows and attractions, as always, include some perennial favorites and some newcomers. Fair manager Bob Fox, who books the acts, keeps a close eye on them and doesn't let any one get stale with fair-goers.

In no particular order, the 2011 shows and attractions include the Caboodlestoppers, the Giant Ejector Seat, The Diamonds, Gym Bob's Jamboree with Mike Porter, a diving show, Robinson's Racing Pigs, Kachunga and the Alligator Show, professional break dancers, Frisco's Elephants and Petting Zoo, Todd the Stilt Walker, Michelle's Magic Poodles, a woodcarver, the National Belgian Horse Show, Great Cats, Granpa Cratchet and Dallas, the Fire Guy.

For more information, go to www.mvfair.com or phone (563) 326-5338.

-30-

June 7th at 1 PM & 7 PM: The Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild features Janette Dwyer, with her trunk show & lecture on "The Grand Ladies of Quilting...and a Gent".  Janette is a Professional Quilt Appraiser and a former local Quilt shop owner.  She will be doing Quilt Appraisals between programs.  Spaces are limited.  Sign up sheet will be on the program table.

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.
Due to requests from our co-learners at the ISE, we are continuing through the summer this year, or at least throught the next month till demand stays.  Past custom has been to close for the summer by the middle of  May to reopen in the middle of  Septemeber. This year we are responding to requests to continue ISE.
This summer we will be making entires in the manuscript kept at the Institute. This hand written manuscript is titled: "  Life on the Mississippi: The New Mellinium"  and is about what life is along the Mississpi living in historic river towns along the Mississippi.
All entries are open to the public and hand written with archieval pens provided by the Institute.
Come in and write your memory.
you are leaving a peice of  you that will continue to be handed down generation to generation, long after we are no longer here.
its a peice of  history...
in the making...
Continued  discussions on the presentation by Michael Rosenthal will be held. This discussion is also continuing online on LinkedIn under QC Independent Scholars group discussion. Please join in.
Everyones input is vital and valuable for us all.
Independent Scholars' Evenings are free and open to the public.
Second Floor ofn the Moline Club.
7.00p.m doors open at 6.30pm.
light refreshments and wine are served.
The Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level organisation according to US.
laws.
The Institute was incorporated in 1996.

Pages