02 May 2012

Help Ensure a Stable Blood Supply for Patients in Need

By Ben Corey
Every day, patients in local communities are helped by blood donors who give at blood drives coordinated by generous volunteers. Below are just a few examples of patients recently helped by American Red Cross blood donors:

•  A child with sickle cell disease was treated with 10 pints of type B negative red cells. 

•  In just two days, over 100 blood products were needed to treat a child heart transplant patient.

•  A new mother received 2 pints of red cells after delivering her baby

Because of dedicated American Red Cross blood donors, blood products were available for these patients and many others like
them. The need is constant. Approximately every two seconds a patient in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood regularly this summer, helping to ensure a stable supply for patients in need.

This summer, the American Red Cross Live Life. Give Life. summer promotion is helping to raise awareness of the constant need for blood and to encourage regular donations. Presenting donors between May 21 and September 5, 2012 will be entered  automatically into the Live Life. Give Life. and the chance to win prize packages to GiftCertificates.com. Visit redcrossblood.org/GiveWin to learn more.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities

CLINTON COUNTY

5/28/2012, 2:30 pm- 6:30 pm, Northeast Elementary School, 1450 370th Avenue, Goose Lake

5/29/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Clinton Church of Christ, 210 N. 13th Street, Clinton

HENRY COUNTY
5/23/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

MERCER COUNTY
5/30/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Mercer County Hospital, 409 North West 9th Avenue, Aledo

WHITESIDE COUNTY
5/16/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

5/16/2012, 4:30 pm- 7:30 pm, Montmorency School, 9415 Hoover Road, Rock Falls

5/18/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, RRCA Accounts Management, 201 E. Third Street, Sterling

5/22/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

5/23/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

5/25/2012, 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St., Prophetstown

5/26/2012, 7:00 am-11:00 am, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

5/29/2012, 1:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Latin American Social Club, 2708 W. 4th Street, Sterling

5/30/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

###
02 May 2012

Riverside Theatre in the Park to produce As You Like It and The Merchant of Venice

By Sarah Burnett

IOWA CITY, IA- Riverside Theatre, Iowa City's resident professional theatre company, will produce Riverside Theatre in the Park from June 15 - July 8, featuring As You Like It by William Shakespeare, directed by Theodore Swetz, and The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, directed by Kristin Horton.

This is the 13th season of the four-week event, formerly called Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival.

"Emphasizing the outdoor setting will, we hope, remind people about how magical live theatre in the outdoors can be. As the play begins, night begins to fall, the birds sing, the stars come out. It transports you to another time and place," said Riverside Theatre Artistic Director Jody Hovland.

Tickets for this summer's Riverside Theatre in the Park will go on sale on Friday, May 4 at noon.

In As You Like It, Rosalind, Shakespeare's most breathtaking heroine, and her boyfriend Orlando find themselves in the enchanted Forest of Arden, where "all the world's a stage," and where sudden infatuation is as confusing as it is beautiful. As You Like It has everything people adore about Shakespearean comedy: mistaken identity, cross-dressing, madness, mayhem, lust, laughter, and of course plenty of romance, both heartbreaking and joyous.

"This romantic comedy celebrates the importance of love and has a soothing transformative effect on all who enter its world," said Swetz.

Arguably one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, The Merchant of Venice introduces characters rich in complexity, humor and, most of all, flaws. To help Bassanio win the heart of the wealthy heiress Portia, Venetian merchant Antonio borrows money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Amid the blossoming love, romance and comic pursuits of the heart, Shylock's loan goes unpaid. Antonio must suffer the consequences of defaulting on the loan - and therefore pay the penalty: a pound of his own flesh. Post-performance Talkbacks will be held after all performances of The Merchant of Venice.

"Shylock is a man desperately grasping for respect in a world infected with hatred and greed - he is a tragic character who can't escape this infection himself. A more modern play one will not find," said Swetz, who will be portraying Shylock in The Merchant of Venice in addition to directing As You Like It.

The Merchant of Venice and related audience education and outreach efforts are supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Riverside Theatre in the Park is performed outdoors at the Riverside Festival Stage in Iowa City's Lower City Park every summer. This Globe-inspired theatre set against a bluff and adjacent to a willow-ringed reflecting pond, seats 472.

"It's always exciting for us to assemble the summer company -more than 30 actors, directors and designers from New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, Kansas City, as well as right here in Iowa City. Actors play roles in both productions, and often understudy additional roles, so their time here is very full," said Hovland.

Several returning actors will appear in featured roles this summer: Kelly Gibson (Ah, Wilderness!) as Portia, Kalen Harriman (Mary's Wedding, Romeo and Juliet, Love's Labour's Lost) as Rosalind, Jim Van Valen (A Steady Rain, Ah, Wilderness!) as Jaques and John William Watkins (Guys on Ice) as Gratiano.

Single tickets for Riverside Theatre in the Park range from $17-$39 with discounts available for students, seniors, and youth, as well as those wishing to purchase tickets to both shows. Special pricing is also available for groups of 10 or more.

Four Family Nights will take place on June 17, 24, 26, and July 3. On Family Nights, up to two adults accompanying a youth will receive their tickets at the $17 youth price. Family nights are sponsored by funding from the Johnson County Community Foundation.

Tickets can be ordered by calling the Riverside Theatre Box Office at 319-338-7672. The Riverside Theatre Box Office is open Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. After Memorial Day, the Box Office hours change to Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Single tickets may also be order online at www.riversidetheatre.org

###

Performance Schedule

June 15, 8 p.m. - As You Like It

June 16, 8 p.m. - As You Like It

June 17, 7 p.m. - As You Like It*

June 22, 8 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice

June 23, 8 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice

June 24, 7 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice*

June 26, 7 p.m. - As You Like It*

June 27, 8 p.m. - As You Like It

June 28, 8 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice

June 29, 8 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice

June 30, 8 p.m. - As You Like It

July 1, 7 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice

July 3, 7 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice*

July 5, 8 p.m. - As You Like It

July 6, 8 p.m. - As You Like It

July 7, 8 p.m. - The Merchant of Venice

July 8, 7 p.m. - As You Like It

* Family Night, where up to 2 adults accompanying a youth will receive their tickets at the youth price.

02 May 2012

Ballet Quad Cities presents The Sleeping Beauty

By Ballet QC
What: The Sleeping Beauty

Who: Ballet Quad Cities

When: Saturday May 9th 1:00pm & 7:00pm

Where: the Adler Theatre

136 E. 3rd St. Davenport, IA

Ticket Prices: $10, $19, $25, $27 & $32

Ticket Purchase: Tickets are available at the Adler Theatre Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000, and Ticketmaster outlets. Family 4-packs available.

The Ballet Quad Cities season will end with one of the most beloved fairytales of all time, The Sleeping Beauty. A world premiere with all new choreography by Courtney Lyon, artistic director.

Join Ballet Quad Cities for a magical performance filled with princesses, fairies, and beautiful court dancers

For more information about this performance please go to www.balletquadcities.com or call 309-786-3779.

01 May 2012

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is coming to Moline!

By M. McNeil
Moline--April 20, 2012--Moline High School will host Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's production of The Taming of the Shrew.  The performance will be held in MHS Auditorium on May 1, 2012 at 1:15pm.  The public is encouraged to attend.  Tickets are $10/person and may be reserved through MHS bookstore at (309)743.8833 or purchased at the door.

Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew is a 75-minute abridged production of Shakespeare's lively battle of the sexes adapted and staged by Jeff Award-winning director Rachel Rockwell. Providing the opportunity for adults to give young people in their lives a high-energy introduction to Shakespeare, the cast of Rockwell's production includes CST favorite Ericka Ratcliff, who performs the role of strong-willed Katherina after appearing in Chicago Shakespeare's Jeff Award-winning Shakespeare "hip-hoptation" Funk It Up About Nothin' at CST, Scotland's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London and a six-week Australian tour. Performing the role of Katherina's sparring partner, Petruchio, is Matt Mueller, whose credits include numerous productions at the Utah and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals. Five-time Jeff Award nominee Don Forston returns as Baptista after performing the role of Geppetto in Rockwell's acclaimed world premiere CST Family musical The Adventures of Pinocchio last summer. Local comedic actor Alex Goodrich returns to CST to perform the role of Tranio.

The wildly spirited Kate and machismo-driven Petruchio scream, fight and woo their way into one another's heart in Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew. Drawn together by their strong personalities almost against their will, the unlikely pair ultimately falls in love. Rockwell's production combines an adaptation of Shakespeare's original verse and Elizabethan dress with original rock-inspired music to connect young audiences with the characters' journeys. Immediately following thr performance, actors remain on stage for a discussion with the audience.

For more info: visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com/shortshakespeare.

This is the 5th consecutive year that Moline High School will be hosting the tour, which offers a unique opportunity for students and community members to experience professional, world-class theatre within our own community.


About Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare's genius for intricate storytelling, musicality of language and depth of feeling for the human condition. Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare's work has been recognized internationally with three of London's prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with 62 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary classic productions, new works and family fare; unlocking Shakespeare's work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago's cultural ambassador through its World's Stage Series.
01 May 2012

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Jay Leno Day" in Illinois

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO - April 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed Sunday, April 29th "Jay Leno Day" Illinois in honor of the late-night comedian's work on behalf of Omni Youth Services, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary working towards positive change in communities through counseling, mentoring, and substance abuse treatment for at-risk youth and their families. The text of the proclamation is below.

 

WHEREAS, James "Jay" Douglas Muir Leno was born in humble beginnings in New Rochelle, New York on April 28, 1950 to parents Catherine and Angelo; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, the son of a Scottish immigrant mother and first-generation Italian American father; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno learned the value of hard work and overcame great adversity, going on to receive a bachelor's degree in speech therapy from Emerson College in Boston, defying the expectations of his teacher and guidance counselor; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno began performing comedy in 1970 and was performing 300 nights a year by 1973; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno, after several minor roles in television and film, became a regular substitute for Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show" in 1987; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno eventually replaced Carson on "The Tonight Show" as host, upon Carson's retirement in 1992; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno is the recipient of numerous awards, including an Emmy in 1995, a People's Choice Award in 2006 and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and,

 

WHEREAS, in addition to comedy, Jay Leno is a published author, philanthropist and avid car collector; and,

 

WHEREAS, for the past forty years, Omni Youth Services has been dedicated to developing youth, strengthening families and serving communities through innovative programs and partnerships in the greater Chicago area; and,

 

WHEREAS, on April 28th, Jay Leno will appear in Chicago for a special performance to celebrate Omni Youth Services' fortieth anniversary; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno is an extraordinary comedian, celebrated actor, philanthropist, author and husband; and,

 

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 29, 2012 as JAY LENO DAY in Illinois, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the global community through the arts, and thank him for his partnership with Omni Youth Services.

###
01 May 2012

Davenport Parks and Recreation Programs

By Kenneth Asta

Recreation Programs

Family Friday Nights all spring and summer

Are you looking for a low cost way to spend QUALITY time with your family?  Davenport Parks and Recreation heard this need and has responded in a way that is sure to appeal to ALL members of the family.  We have developed a rotating schedule of activities at our various facilities to offer families a night full of FUN!  April - August you can count on spending the night with us from 6:00-9:00 and we will take care of everything for $2.50 a person pre-registered (you must register each family member attending over 2yrs old) $4.00 per person at the door.  This is FAMILY FRIDAY, parents or guardians need to accompany and participate with their kids.

  • First Friday of the Month:  Environmental Exploration, Sites vary
  • Second Friday of the Month:  Family Movie Night at Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave
  • Third Friday of the Month:  Golf at Red Hawk Event Center, 6364 Northwest Blvd
  • Fourth Friday of the Month:  " Around the world" at Roosevelt Community Center, 1220 Minnie Ave

Robin HoodRobin Hood

Robin Hood and his merry band take the stage at Davenport Junior Theatre!  Join us for this timeless classic, as Robin battles the evil Sherriff of Nottingham and wins a maidens heart.

$5.00 for anyone 3 years and up, tickets sold at door

 

@ 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM /

@ 2:00 PM

Chocolate Candy Making Class

If you like chocolate, you will love learning to make delicious treats for yourself or for gifts.  We will cover holidays, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and school treats.  You will go home with the chocolates you create in class.  Please bring:  pencil, waxed pape, and a small bag.  Class will meet Thursday, May 3, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.  Fee is $18.  Register on-line at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks.

 

Garlic Mustard Challenge

Garlic Mustard is an invasive, noxious plant that threatens our native woodlands, natural areas & wildlife habitat. Help us control it in our community by participating in the Challenge!  Register your family and friends to help fight this plant. Saturday, May 5, 2012, 9 a.m. to noon.  Davenport Parks and Recreation will coordinate Sunderbruch Park pull.

 

Senior Coffee - Hydrangeas

Come enjoy the sights, sounds, and fragrance of the Conservatory at Vander Veer Botanical Park.  Your $1.00 admission fee includes entertainment, and refreshments.  Entertainment will begin at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, May 9.

 

Hershey's Track & Field Program

This program was created to provide fun learning experiences for children 9 to 14 years old. This event is FREE to the youth participants, thanks to sponsorships that support youth physical fitness. Join us as we help kids discover their potential, make new friends, and gain newfound self confidence. Every child is a winner with the Hershey's Track & Field Games! Hundreds of athletes make it to the grand finale.  This event will be at Brady St. stadium from on May 12, 10 am - 2 pm.

 

Urban Rain Garden Workshop

Discover the benefits of urban rain gardens! In addition to improving water quality and reducing flooding, Rain Gardens address drainage problems, reduce mowing, beautify properties and attract birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects.  This workshop will provide participants with all the information they need to plan, design and build a rain garden. Participants will also learn how Scott County Residents can receive free technical assistance and cost share funding for rain gardens through the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District. The $10 registration fee includes a Rain Garden Resource Packet with plant lists and other resources. The Workshop will be held on May 17th at 6pm in the Duck Creek Lodge.

 

Tennis Block Party

Let's make some "Raquet" for the 11th annual Tennis Block Party. Come join the neighboorhood and have fun playing and learning the sport of tennis. This grande event is brought to you in partnership by Davenport Parks and Recreation, United Neighbors, Davenports Schools, BI-State and Missouri Valley bring you this community event. The event will be held on the West high school courts and indoors in case of rain.  Saturday, May 19, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

 

 

Splash Bash at Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center

SPLASH BASH is here!!! We will have fun and enjoy the sun, while sharing all the great things we do at Davenport Parks and Recreation with you. We will have our instructors and camp counselors at the event to offer a sampling of our summer offerings, and so that they can answer any questions you have and enable you to register on the spot.  Friday, May 25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Cost is regular evening admission to the pool - $1.50 for youth; $2.00 for adults.

 

FREE Learn to Swim - try it day

Join us at Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center on

Saturday, May 26 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am for a FREE try it swim lesson day.  FREE try it sessions will begin at 10, 10:30 and 11:00.  Students will be given a basic swim skills assessment for 10 minutes and then divided into appropriate classes and taught swimming skills for 15 minutes.  A 5 minute free time will end each session.  This will be a great opportunity to see if your child is ready for swim lessons or to see what the appropriate swim level is for them.  Space is limited - register online!

 

Davenport Municipal Aquatic Facilities opening dates

for 2012 season:

Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center - Saturday, May 26

Fejervary Family Aquatic Center - Tuesday, May 29

Dohse Pool - Saturday, June 2

Centennial Park Spray Park - Saturday, May 26

 

MIDWEST BMX FEST

This FREE family event is to promote BMX and all types of cycling. We will have a vintage bike show, BMXX and cycling vendors, concessions and more. Race, freestyle, new and old, custom bikes and more are ALL invited. Ride your bike down to the skate park down town to check it out!

Saturday, May 26, 11am - 7pm, Centennial Park Skate Park

 

 
At The River's Edge

Parade of Nations Spring Skating Show

2:00pm - 4:00pm Sunday May 6th doors open at 1:30pm

Tickets on sale at The River's Edge Front Desk

$10 for adults $5 students/seniors 3 and under free

 

Picadilly Circus

Saturday May 12 and Sunday May 13

Saturday Shows at 1:30pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm

Sunday Shows at 1:00pm, 3:30pm, and 6:00pm

Advance tickets available at www.thefuncircus.com

 

Kick off Memorial Day weekend on the Ice!

Saturday May 26th Public Sessions from

1:30pm-3:30pm, 3:45pm-5:45pm, and 6:00pm-8:00pm
(The River's Edge will be closed Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 to allow our employees to spend holiday time with their families.)
Golf

Military Appreciation Week

Davenport Public Golf Courses will provide free green fees to anyone with a military ID from May 12 - 29, 2012, as a kickoff for Military Appreciation Week in the Quad Cities.  The free green fees apply to the three public courses in Davenport - Emeis, Duck  Creek, and Red Hawk.

"It's our way of honoring the service men and women of our country," said Troy Evans, Superintendent of Revenue Facilities for Davenport Parks and Recreation.  "We hope that the military members of the Quad Cities take full advantage of our three great golf courses".

No increase in golf fees for 2012
We've held the line with no increase in fees for 2012! That's right, green fees and cart fees for this year are the same as 2011. We've also improved our rain check policy for this season.

 

Davenport Parks and Recreation is dedicated to constantly improving our three courses and keeping costs down to create the best golfing experience for our customers. We've made some great improvements to our courses, added a Player Card and an indoor golf range. So get those clubs shiny and head out to your favorite course.

Player Card
Player Card
Our new Player Card works like a credit card, only with a 10% bonus! Money added in multiples of $100 to the card is good for green fees and cart fees. Minimum purchase is $100, but you'll get $110 to use on the card.

 

Purchase at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive in downtown Davenport during normal business hours.  Hurry though, the 10% bonus may not last forever.

 
01 May 2012

Consumer Advocates and Food Safety Inspectors Tell Christie Vilsack to Oppose Privatized Poultry Inspection

By Matt Ohloff

On Tuesday, May 1, a rally will be held outside the Ames campaign headquarters of Democratic Congressional Candidate Christie Vilsack to demand that she stands up for food safety and oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed privatized poultry inspection program. The proposal has received widespread public criticism and national media attention including an April 18th ABC World News investigation that led the USDA to extend the public comment period until May 26.

Who: Food & Water Watch and the National Joint Council of Food Inspection Local Unions

What: Rally to oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed privatized poultry inspection program.

Where: Outside Christie Vilsack's campaign headquarters:  600 5th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010

When: Tuesday, May 1, at 9:00 a.m.

Speakers: Trent Berhow, Vice Chair of National Joint Council of Food Inspection Local Unions; Matt Ohloff, Iowa Organizer for Food & Water Watch; other speakers TBD.

Background:

Food & Water Watch released an analysis of the USDA's HACCP-based Inspection Models Project (HIMP) that reveals large numbers of defects are routinely being missed when inspection tasks are performed by company employees instead of USDA inspectors.

The USDA has been running the pilot project with privatized inspection in two-dozen slaughter facilities since 1998. USDA is proposing an expansion of the pilot to all poultry slaughter plants, and forecasts that over three years this change will save $90 million through the elimination over 800 inspector positions. And, since most poultry plants will be able to increase their production line speeds to 175 birds per minute, the industry expects to save an estimated $256.6 million in production costs.

Poultry plants involved in the HIMP pilot have been granted line speed waivers. Some plants in the pilot have operated at line speeds upwards of 200 birds per minute, compared to 35 birds per minute for which each USDA inspector is responsible for in plants receiving conventional inspection.

More information on Food & Water Watch's analysis can be found here: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/pressreleases/privatized-meat-inspection-experiment-jeopardizes-food-safety/

Food & Water Watch is a non-profit organization working with grassroots organizations around the world to create an economically and environmentally viable future.  Through research, public and policymaker education, media, and lobbying, we advocate policies that guarantee safe, wholesome food produced in a humane and sustainable manner and public, rather than private, control of water resources including oceans, rivers, and groundwater. For more information, visit www.foodandwaterwatch.org.

 

# # #

25 Apr 2012

Grassley votes support small business

By Grassley Press

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has earned a score of 100 percent in an interim report monitoring key small business votes during this session of the United States Senate.

The report was issued by the National Federation of Independent Business, the largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in the United States.  Click here to see the report.

Grassley said that jobs and the economy are the number one issue nationwide, small businesses create two-thirds of all new jobs, and Congress should act to improve the landscape for job creation.

"The priorities need to be giving employers and small business owners greater certainty with taxes and regulations.  The threat of higher taxes and overly burdensome regulations inhibit economic activity and job creation.  There also ought to be a much more active effort by the administration to expand international trade.  Manufacturers, farmers and the services industry need new markets for products created by U.S. workers, and the rest of the world is moving ahead and building trading relationships without us.  Affordable energy is a major economic issue, too, and much more needs to be done to increase domestic production of traditional and alternative energy sources, both for lower energy costs and job creation," Grassley said.

-30-
25 Apr 2012

The Salvation Army & QC River Bandits Partnering for Paper Products Drive

By Holly Nomura
Quad Cities, USA: The Salvation Army's 700 lb. red kettle will be placed outside Modern Woodmen Park for the April 26th baseball game: Quad Cities River Bandits against the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Baseball fans are encouraged to purchase toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, dinner napkins or baby wipes. Fans will receive $1 in Bandit Bucks for each item they donate, up to three items.

The paper product drive will help to stock the personal hygiene closet at the Family Service Center.

The Family Service center is the Quad Cities' only fully intact family shelter in the Quad Cities, and houses 105 homeless people each night 65% of the residents are children. An additional 75-130 community members go to the Family Service Center each night for their evening meal, Monday through Saturday.

WHAT: Paper Products Drive

WHERE: Modern Woodmen Park, in front of the stadium

DATE: Tuesday, April 26, 2012

TIME: 5:30pm - 7:00pm, game begins at 7pm
25 Apr 2012

Samantha Kammerman Performs in Augustana's Bat Boy Production

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/23/2012)(readMedia)-- During the next two weekends, Augustana students will present the cult classic, Bat Boy: The Musical, described by The New York Times as "a jaggedly imaginative mix of skewering humor and energetic glee." The unusual storyline is based on a 1992 Weekly World News article about a half-boy, half-bat named Bat Boy.

Augustana's theatre arts department and Opera@Augustana have joined together to deliver six performances of Bat Boy: The Musical in Potter Theatre, inside Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts (3701 7th Ave.) between April 27 and May 6.

Among those involved in the performance:

Samantha Kammerman, a first year from Milan, Ill., majoring in liberal studies, plays the role of Ron Taylor/Maggie/Clem Kammerman.

Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming wrote the story and book on which Bat Boy: The Musical is based, and Laurence O'Keefe wrote the music and lyrics. It was premiered at Actors Gang Theatre in 1997 and has become a cult classic. Off-Broadway productions around the world have increased its popularity.

Dramaturg Jacqui Schmidt, an Augustana senior English and theatre arts major from Algonquin, Ill., will give a pre-performance talk on Sunday, April 29, at 12:30 p.m., and Friday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m., in Larson Hall, inside Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts. A dramaturg typically explores the context of the story and assists with adapting it to the stage.

Bat Boy: The Musical often is seen as a fluff musical, without any academic context. The pre-performance talk will use William Shakespeare's play The Tempest as one way to bring academic context to the production. In addition to the similarities between characters, the talk will present the blurring distinctions between human and beast.

This musical contains offbeat, adult content and is recommended for high school students and older.

Showtimes and ticket information

Fri., April 27 & Sat., April 28 - 7:30 p.m.

Sun., April 28 - 1:30 p.m.

Fri., May 4 & Sat., May 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Sun., May 6 - 1:30 p.m.

General Admission - $14

Students & Seniors (60+) - $12

Purchase tickets online at augustana.edu/tickets or call (309) 794-7306

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Samantha-Kammerman-Performs-in-Augustanas-Bat-Boy-Production/3824912.

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.