CANTON, MO. (02/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Culver-Stockton College theatre students will take the stage Feb. 16, 17 and 19 for their production of "Much Ado about Nothing."

Cast members for the production include :

Ian Sodawasser, a sophomore musical theatre major from Davenport, Iowa, as Conrade.

Kirsten Sindelar, a junior musical theatre major from Sherrard, Ill., as Margaret.

The production will be staged Feb. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday, Feb. 19 performance will begin at 3p.m. All performances will be held in the Black Box theatre inside the Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center on the campus of Culver-Stockton College. Tickets are $6 for adults. Admission is free with Culver-Stockton College identification.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (02/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Augustana College presented How I Learned to Drive, the story of a young woman's complicated relationship with her uncle, from Friday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Feb. 5. The play, written by Paula Vogel, premiered in 1997 and brought Vogel the Pulitzer Prize for drama one year later.

Students from across the Augustana campus worked together-both on stage and off-to produce this play, including Christine Harb a first year from Davenport, Iowa.

In this memory play, the main character, Li'l Bit, takes the audience on a journey conjuring up troubling events and people from her past, working to find answers to her life and a path for her future.

Guest director Dr. Jennifer Popple, who also served as an adjunct instructor of English and liberal studies at Augustana, wanted to direct the play ever since it premiered. She selected the play because it shines a light on something that is painful and devastating to a child, while showing a method for making one's way through it.

"To do all of this and still be extremely funny much of the time is a difficult thing to do, but Vogel's play accomplishes all of this and more," said Dr. Popple. "It has a beautiful message about how we can let our pasts shape, but not completely define, who we are going to be."

Moline, Illinois - Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Congressmen Bobby Schilling (IL-17), Bruce Braley (IA-01), and Dave Loebsack (IA-02) released the following statements after hosting a forum in support of preserving and strengthening the Rock Island Arsenal and the Quad Cities' defense manufacturing capabilities:

Grassley said: "The Rock Island Arsenal has proven over decades its ability to meet its mission in a cost effective way, and any new effort to restructure operations for cost savings need to demonstrate a commitment to real savings and provide for a legitimate process to correct recommendations that don't meet that basic test.  The last time a cost-savings effort was made with BRAC, the Arsenal in Rock Island was hurt unfairly.  A function was moved from Rock Island Arsenal to Michigan even though it cost more money, short and long term, to do it that way.  The commission staff knew the cost savings wasn't there, misrepresented the facts in public testimony before the commission, and failed to fix the flawed recommendation.  Neither the military nor the taxpayers were served, as a result.  Every effort needs to be made to establish a fair process."

Schilling said: "Many thanks to those from both sides of the river and both sides of the aisle for taking the time today to join us in strong support of the Rock Island Arsenal and our entire area's remarkable defense manufacturing.  It is truly an honor to represent the hardworking men and women of the Arsenal.  Today's discussion was a great step early in this process, and I look forward to continuing to work as a close, united group in proactively promoting our region's significance to our national defense and security needs."

Braley said: "Today's turnout shows how critical an economic engine the Arsenal is for the Quad Cities and how vital the Arsenal is for our national defense.  Time and time again, the workers at the Arsenal have stepped up to produce the equipment and supplies our troops need when no one else has been able to.  In Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, Arsenal employees have answered the call to help make America stronger and safer.  I'm committed to working with friends from across the river and across the aisle to keep the Arsenal a strong and productive part of the Quad Cities for decades to come."

Loebsack said: "I was pleased to see all of the folks who came together today to stand united in support of the Rock Island Arsenal.  Its highly dedicated, highly talented workforce is central to defending our nation and protecting our troops.  The over 8,000 people that are employed by the Arsenal are also critical to the Quad Cities economy.  The best way that we will all be able to strengthen the Arsenal's future during these changing times is to rally around it together and work as one group.  We all must pull together as 'Team Rock Island' to ensure the longevity of the Arsenal."

Following Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's announcement last week regarding efforts by the Department of Defense in the Pentagon's Fiscal Year 2013 budget to achieve cuts included in America's new defense strategy, Senator Grassley and the Congressmen are working with the entire Quad Cities region to come together in support of the Rock Island Arsenal and the Quad Cities' defense manufacturing capabilities.  The FY2013 budget is the first budget that will begin addressing the $487 billion cut to defense spending over the next decade.  This budget does not reflect potential triggered 'sequestration' cuts, which would add an additional $500 billion cut starting in January 2013.  

The Secretary's announcement included mention of programs vital to the Quad Cities, including industrial base skills.  Per the DOD's Defense Priorities and Choices, the planned budget states that it will "sustain, where possible, these segments of the industrial base."  It takes into account the "key skills in the design and manufacture of military systems that cannot be duplicated elsewhere in the economy or regenerated quickly.

The Congressmen, and their guest Senator Grassley, are part of the bi-state, bipartisan delegation that represents the Rock Island Arsenal, and have led the charge to grow workload and jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal.  The Arsenal is a major jobs engine in the Quad Cities and - with approximately 8,600 workers living on both sides of the Mississippi River - its largest employer.  Over 35 private-sector companies have leases at the Arsenal, which also houses approximately 50 Department of Defense organizations. Further, its business supports over 14,000 additional jobs in the surrounding area.  Schilling and Loebsack both serve on the House Armed Services Committee, and successfully inserted language into the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to permanently lift the cap on the number of public-private partnerships that arsenals are able to enter into.  Removing that cap increases the Arsenal's ability to increase its workload, grow their local economies, and strengthen our domestic manufacturing base.   Senator Grassley and the Congressmen look forward to continuing to work with the many local leaders and their representatives who have expressed their support for the Arsenal and local defense manufacturing to promote our region's value to America's overarching national defense strategy.

# # #

Half-million dollars projected in revenue

CHICAGO - January 27, 2011. The nation's "seconds-in-command" will convene in Chicago this summer at a conference expected to generate more than a half-million dollars in revenue for the state.

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced today that she will host the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) annual meeting July 18-20 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. The NLGA estimates the meeting will generate $612,000 in hotel, food, entertainment, transportation and other expenditures in Illinois.

"More than 200 people are expected to attend the conference, including many of the nation's lieutenant governors," said NLGA Director Julia Hurst. "The meeting will focus on issues impacting the economy, and the people of the states and territories, from education to energy, health care and more."

Lt. Governor Simon is seeking Illinois businesses to sponsor conference sessions to "showcase the best that Illinois has to offer." Chicago was selected to commemorate the NLGA's 50th anniversary as it was the site of the inaugural annual meeting in 1962 when Samuel Shapiro was the Illinois Lieutenant Governor.

"The association is delighted to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the very city in which it was founded - Chicago," said NLGA Chair and Nebraska Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy. "We thank Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon for hosting this bi-partisan group, and we look forward to the energy that she and the Windy City will add to our gathering."

The NLGA is a nonprofit, professional organization for elected officials who are first in line of succession to the governors in the United States and five territorial jurisdictions. Since 2000, at least 20 lieutenant governors have succeeded governors, including former Lt. Governor and current Governor Pat Quinn.

"We welcome the opportunity to host these influential policymakers and generate tourism dollars for our state," said Simon, the NLGA Midwest Regional Chair.

For more information on NLGA, see www.nlga.us or contact 859-283-1400. To inquire about sponsorship, contact 312-814-5240.

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Davenport- The German American Heritage Center and SAU Music Dept. are proud to present The Des Moines Metro Opera's 2 hour performance in English of Mozart's The Magic Flute on Tuesday February 7th at 7pm at the Rogalski Center at Saint Ambrose University, located at 518 West Locust St. Davenport, IA.

Mozart's delightful commentary on love, forgiveness, tolerance and the brotherhood of mankind has become one of the most beloved operas in all the repertory. Filled with star-studded queens, dragons, bird-catchers, heroes and heroines and noble priests, The Magic Flute is a spectacular potpourri of worldly and heavenly delights all set with sublime enchantment to some of Mozart's greatest music! One of our most popular shows, The Magic Flute returns to OPERA Iowa after an absence of ten years and is the perfect opera to delight and dazzle audiences of all ages. Sung in English with piano accompaniment. Show lasts approximately 2 hours.

Tickets are $15 for General Admission, $25 for Premium seating, and free for students with I.D. Tickets are available at the German American Heritage Center at 563-322-8844 and at 712 West Second St. Davenport, IA. Visit our website www.gahc.org for more information. This event is made possible by the Riverboat Development Authority.

Congressman Loebsack, area residents, others to testify

WASHINGTON, D.C.–On Friday, January 27, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, will convene a field hearing of the Committee to discuss ways to rebuild the middle class.  Congressman Dave Loebsack will join Harkin as part of the hearing.

"For decades, the middle class has been  falling behind," said Harkin.  "Wages have not kept up with costs, and families' savings accounts have dried up along with home values and good jobs. Iowans are justifiably worried about the future.

"It does not have to be this way.  It is time to rise to these challenges and face them head-on, as a nation, by remembering what made our country great. Creating good jobs, investing in education, rebuilding our infrastructure, and preparing our workforce for the 21st Century will help to ensure that the middle class has a bright future ahead, in Iowa and around the country."

Harkin has held a series of hearings in Washington over the past year examining the causes behind the decline of America's middle class.  Last year, Harkin staff members visited all 99 counties to gather insight into the challenges facing middle class families.  This field hearing will focus on what is working in the Quad Cities to rebuild the backbone of America's economy.

HEARING: "Rebuilding the Middle Class: What Washington can learn from Iowa"

WITNESSES:
Panel I
Hon. Dave Loebsack, United States Congressman, Second Congressional District, Iowa
Panel II
Bob Allbee, Interim President, Muscatine Community College, Muscatine, IA
Skip McGill, President, United Steel Workers Local 105, Bettendorf, IA
Robert J. Fox, a Davenport resident working to maintain a middle class lifestyle for his family

DATE: Friday, January 27, 2012

TIME:

12:15 PM: Tour: Prior to the hearing, Harkin and Loebsack will tour the welding room at the Blong Center, which houses a partnership between John Deere, the local schools, and workers.

1:15 PM: Hearing begins

PLACE: John T. Blong Tech Center?, 8500 Hillandale Road, Davenport

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Military service personnel of all branches of service, be it Army, Navy, Marine Corp,  Air Force or Coast Guard.  They serve with pride and honor and are sworn to protect our Country's borders, our Constitution and Bill of Rights.  They serve in peace time and war time, all with one common goal, our Country's Freedom.

We who served and those who now serve, ask only to be cared for by our Government if we have become sick with disease or injured in the line of duty.  We are from all walks of life.  We represent all religious faiths, all races, all political parties.

A bullet, a disease, does not discriminate who we are or what we are in time of war.  A bullet or a disease does not care if we are of any one religious faith, black or white, yellow or red, democrat or republican or independent.  We are all equals.   Some of us are injured by a bullet or explosive device.  Some of us get sick by the use of poisonous herbicides that causes cancer, Hodgkin's disease, and Ischemic heart disease, just to name a few.  Some of us end up with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Yes, some of us even end up with a whole deck full of problems.

Some of our Legislators introduce Bills to the House and Senate to care for us who are in need.  We submit claims to Veterans Affairs.  Mountains of paperwork is required for us to prove we have disabling problems during our time in service to our Country.   It can take months, more likely even years for that paperwork to get through the system.  In the meantime those Legislative Bills receive little to no action in a hurry up and wait mode of operation.  Some of our Legislators aren't sitting on their hands, some support us, they are of the minority.  A few can not do the job needed, it takes a majority.

What are the priorities of our Legislative Body?  Do they tax the very wealthy, millionaires and billionaires or give them tax breaks?  To what countries do they give billions of dollars?  To what banks do they give assistance?  To what giant manufactures do they give assistance?  What Pork Barrel projects do they support? Just to name a few top priorities. But our military personnel who are sick and injured, where are they on this priority list?  At what point does the almighty dollar stop to help those who served? It seems to me, if the bureaucracy waits long enough and makes VA claims difficult enough, more of us will just die out, then there are fewer of us to be concerned about.  Sounds like a rotten death sentence?

What say you, The American People, is this what it has come to?  Are those who fought for Freedom to be forsaken?  Ask your Congressional Representatives and your Senators, are those who served to be forgotten?

Better than Dancing with the Stars and American Idol, on February 17 & 18 the Music Departments of Davenport Central and West high schools proudly present the Great River Show Choir Invitational at the Adler Theater.  The talented teens of Iowa and beyond will be presenting two nights of dazzling dancing, creative costumes, magnificent music, and great family entertainment.  

The middle school show choirs all competing for Grand Champion. What is a Show Choir you ask? All show  choir participants must audition for the opportunity to perform. Once selected, all participants spend endless produced and directed by professional Choreographers.  Costumes are then selected, fitted, and re?fitted until the finished product is a show choir performance that rivals most area stage performances. These show choirs then travel to many different venues all competing for the chance to become the "Grand Champion".  

The Great River Show Choir Invitational is unique in many ways. Most importantly, it allows the show choirs to perform on a professional stage, with professional sound and light crews. For many students, performing career. This Invitational is sponsored by two different high schools working together to bring you a weekend of excellent family entertainment at an extremely reasonable price.  

The Great River Show Choir Invitational at the Adler Theater begins Friday at 5:30 PM on February 17, 2012. Ticket prices are $5.00 for the Middle School Competition. High School competition begins Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 AM. Ticket prices are $8.00 for the Saturday competition, $8.00 for the Evening Finals Competition or $14.00 for the entire Saturday and Finals competition. An all weekend pass is available for $16.00.  Student tickets are $5.00 for each session, and there is a $1.00 per ticket discount for seniors.  Awards will be announced approximately 5:00 PM and Finals will begin at 7:30 PM. The Grand Champion will be announced at the conclusion of the Finals competition.  

Come which will begin approximately 7:30 PM.  For more information please visit our website at www.greatrivershowchoir.com Please feel free to call Tom Stanger at 322?3660 if you have any questions, or would like to arrange interviews with the Directors or performers.

We hope you will come support your local high school talents, and enjoy the show!!

Who: High School Show Choirs from 24 regional Junior and Senior High Schools from Omaha to Chicago, hosted by Davenport's Central and West High Schools.

What:  Usually held in school gymnasiums, the Great River Event is the only one that showcases the choirs in such a large and ornate performance theater.  With over 2400 comfy seats, this is truly the finest class competition in the Midwest

When:  Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18th, with the middle school competition beginning Friday night at 5:30.  High school groups compete from 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday, with final competitions starting at 7 PM until 11.

Where:  The Adler Theater in downtown Davenport.

Hosting Sponsored by the The Bechtel Trusts and Foundation and the Riverboat Development Authority, this event will support the expenses of the Central and West Show Choirs.  During the completion season, each of the regional groups take turns hosting events to help lower the costs for participants, and to show off their facilities.

Hairball - A Celebration of Arena Rock
Saturday, February 4; 8:00 pm
RiverCenter - Great River Hall

On Sale
Friday, January 13; 10:00 am

Find Tickets
Mike Epps & Friends
Friday, January 13; 8:00 pm
Adler Theatre

On Sale Now

Find Tickets
TobyMac
Thursday, January 19; 7:30 pm
Adler Theatre

On Sale Now

Find Tickets

For more event information, adlertheatre.com


What: Love Stories - Love on the Run!

Who: Ballet Quad Cities

Where: Augustana College

Wallenburg Hall • Denkman Second Floor

3520 - 7th Ave • Rock Island OF AU

When: February 17th at 8:00pm

February 18th at 2:00pm

February 18th at 8:00pm

Ticket Prices: Adult - $20

Senior - $15

Students & Children - $10

How: Tickets may be purchased at the Augustana Ticket Box Office. 794-7306

For more information call 309 786 3779 or visit our web site www.BalletQuadCities.com

Love Stories 2011 was one of our most popular performances of all time! So it's back with new choreography by five different choreographers, eclectic music, and both new and old love stories to tell. Lynne Anderson, Johanne Jakhelln, Deanna Carter and Rebekah vonRathonyi bring their own style of dance to this very up close and personal performance, and introducing Kelsee Green as an emerging choreographer.

You won't want to miss BQC's version of the Black Swan Pas de Deux.

Grab someone you love and join us for an evening of amazing dance!

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