14 Feb 2011

Old Creamery offers summer theatre camp

By Shelley Oehler

Amana- The Old Creamery's Theatre for Young Audiences is bringing a week-long theatre camp to Amana this summer!

Camp Creamery: The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold is a week-long workshop for children interested in exploring the exciting world of theatre! The camp is designed to give children ages 7 and up the unique opportunity to work and perform with three professional actors from The Old Creamery Theatre while they rehearse and present a play. The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold is a brand new musical full of pirates, damsels in distress, and plenty of fun! It's a great way for girls and boys to have a theatrical adventure this summer!

Camp Creamery: The Legend of Blackbeard's Gold will be held at The Old Creamery Theatre in Amana July 18th through 22nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Cost is $65 per child and includes the workshop and a T-shirt. No prior experience is needed but the cast is limited to 60 actors and participants must be able to attend rehearsal every day. Registration is first come, first served and everyone that signs up will be cast in the show. Final performance of the show will be on July 22nd at 7:00 p.m on The Old Creamery's Main Stage.

For more information or to register visit www.oldcreamery.com or contact Jackie McCall at 319- 622-6034 or jmccall@oldcreamery.com. Scholarships will be available for those in need thanks to the generosity of this year's camp sponsor, AEGON.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.

14 Feb 2011

Grassley to Visit 10 of Iowa's 99 Counties Next Week

By Rick Martin

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley will be in Clinton, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Van Buren counties next week to hold town meetings, visit an Iowa workplace, speak with service club members, and answer questions from students.

These meetings are part of Grassley's annual 99-county tour, which is one of the things he does to stay in touch with Iowans.  Grassley has held a constituent meeting in all of Iowa's 99 counties every year since he was first elected to the United States Senate in 1980.

"These meetings give me a chance to talk with Iowans face-to-face.  I answer their questions and listen to what they think about the issues.  I work for the people of Iowa, so I want this feedback.  Constituent meetings are very important when it comes to taking common-sense views to Washington," Grassley said.

Details of Grassley's schedule are below.  Grassley will be available for media interviews for approximately 15 minutes following each event.  Grassley is a guest at these events.  Please contact the organizations for additional information.

Monday, February 21, 2011

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.          Meet with Jackson County residents, Jackson County Town Meeting, Hurstville Interpretive Center, Community Room, 18670 - 63rd St., Maquoketa

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.        Meet with Clinton County Residents, Clinton County Town Meeting, DeWitt Community Center, 512 - 10th St., DeWitt

Noon - 1 p.m.             Speak at "Lunch with Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley" sponsored by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Iowa Quad City Area Rotaries, Steeplegate Inn, 100 W. 76th St., Davenport

1:45 - 2:45 p.m.          Meet with Scott County Residents, Scott County Town Meeting, Eldridge Community Center, 400 S. 16th Ave., Eldridge

3:45 - 4:45 p.m.          Meet with Muscatine County Residents, Muscatine County Town Meeting, Wilton Community Center, 1215 Cypress St., Wilton

6 - 7 p.m.                    Speak to Columbus Junction Lions, Columbus Community Senior Center, 115 E. Walnut St., Columbus Junction

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

9 - 10:15 a.m.             Meet with students and staff at Keokuk Christian Academy, 1578 Hilton Road, Keokuk

Noon - 1 p.m.             Speak to Burlington Host Lions, Comfort Suites, 1780 Stonegate Center Drive, Burlington

3:15 - 4:15 p.m.          Meet with Van Buren County residents, Van Buren County Town Meeting, Village Cup and Cakes, 202 Main St., Keosauqua

6 - 7 p.m.                    Speak to Wayland Lions, Wayland Community Center, 218 W. Main St., Wayland

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

7:30 - 9 a.m.               Tour and meet with employees at Whirlpool, 2800 - 220th Trail, Amana

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10 Feb 2011

Free Preview of The Old Creamery's Theatre For Young Audiences 2011 School Tour!

By Rick Martin

The Old Creamery's Theatre for Young Audiences kicks off the 2011 school tour with a free preview of What a Difference a Play Makes, Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. on the Main Stage in Amana.

The Old Creamery offers this chance for the community to see What a Difference a Play Makes before it begins traveling to schools throughout Iowa with positive messages incorporated in a thoroughly entertaining show. Stories and songs in the show are based on materials submitted by children in grades 1 through 6 as part of the accompanying writing contest.

Although geared to school aged children, adults will find What a Difference a Play Makes just as much fun as the kids. "Always the highlight of our school year," said a teacher from Horizon Elementary School of a previous school tour. "The kids and adults enjoy the performances equally."

Sean McCall, artistic director at The Old Creamery Theatre said this year's show will be highly theatrical while focusing on ways we all can make a difference in the lives of others and our planet. "Not only is it exciting to once again partner with Character Counts in Iowa to remind everyone that each one of us can make a real difference, but this particular show is going to be a delightful way to celebrate 40 years of The Old Creamery Theatre bringing its particular blend of entertainment and education to Iowa students and educators," he said.

The cast consists of Tom Milligan and Deborah Kennedy of East Amana; Kamille Zbanek of Ely; Nicholas Hodge of South Amana, and T.J. Besler of Manchester. No reservations are needed for the free preview.

The Old Creamery is offering performances of What a Difference a Play Makes, to schools from Feb. 21 through May 13.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.

07 Feb 2011

SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONTINUES TO STRESS BLOOD SUPPLY

By THERESA KUHLMANN
All eligible donors are urged to give blood or platelets to help replenish decreasing supply

PEORIA, Ill. (February 3, 2011) - The massive winter storm that pounded much of the United States this week increased the number of canceled blood and platelet donations through the American Red Cross to nearly 23,000 since January 1, 2011. Of that number, 1,027 donations have been canceled in Illinois, eastern Iowa and eastern Missouri since Monday, January 31. The situation continues to stress the Red Cross national blood supply for more than 3,000 hospitals across the country.

"The need for blood is constant - patients can't take a snow day," said Shelly Heiden, CEO of the Heart of America Blood Services Region.  "We want our donors to stay safe when severe weather strikes. But if it is safe to travel, it's important to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment to help replenish the blood supply."

The Red Cross urges all eligible donors in unaffected areas to make an appointment to give blood or platelets today, and those in affected areas to donate as soon as travel is safe, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting HTUredcrossblood.orgUTH. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with type O negative, A negative and B negative blood. Donations will help replenish the Red Cross blood supply to ensure that blood products are readily available for patients with serious medical needs. A listing of upcoming blood drives follows at the end of this news release.

The Red Cross overstocked major medical centers in some of the hardest hit areas in the Midwest earlier in the week expecting airport and road closures. All wheel drive Red Cross vehicles were also readied and deployed to make emergency deliveries. And local law enforcement assisted with emergency deliveries of blood products in some cases.

People have been responding to the call for blood donations, and the Red Cross is grateful to those who are stepping up to donate blood and build the blood supply back to sufficient levels. Every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood is perishable and has no substitute. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just 5 days - they must be replenished constantly.

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.  Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Helping those affected by the storm
TThe American Red Cross has also been on the ground in 19 states, offering food, comfort and a safe place to stay to people affected by the massive winter storm which has buried the country in ice and snow from the Rocky Mountains to Maine.

In Chicago alone, more than 360 people spent Tuesday night in Red Cross shelters. Many were motorists stranded by the storm. In Tulsa, Red Cross disaster workers housed almost 70 people Tuesday night who could not make it home due to the storm.

To help people affected by this winter storm and thousands of disasters in this country and around the world, visit HTUredcross.orgUTH, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

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01 Feb 2011

Governor Quinn Activates Illinois National Guard To Assist Stranded Motorists

By Laurel White

Will Coordinate with Illinois State Police to Ensure Traveler Safety

SPRINGFIELD - February 1, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today activated more than 500 Illinois National Guard troops to assist stranded motorists on several interstate highways as part of the state's ongoing efforts to prepare for a large winter storm approaching the state. The troops will be stationed at rest areas along interstate highways, including Interstate 70 and those north of I-70, and will coordinate with Illinois State Police (ISP) to ensure the safety of travelers stranded along the roads.

"We must do everything we can to keep motorists safe during this massive winter storm. Illinois Department of Transportation crews are working non-stop to clear roadways, and the Illinois State Police will also be closely monitoring our highways," said Governor Quinn. "These troops from the Illinois National Guard will help ensure public safety along the roadways, and I urge everyone to exercise caution when traveling."

Illinois National Guard troops deployed for this mission are from the following units:

  • The 2/106th Cavalry Squadron based in Kewanee, with subordinate units from Galva, Dixon and Pontiac, which are being deployed to the northern part of the state.
  • The 766th Engineer Company based in Decatur, the 1844th Transportation Company based in Quincy and the 3637th Maintenance Company based in Springfield, which are being deployed to the central part of the state.
  • The 634th Brigade Support Battalion based in Sullivan and the 233rd Military Police Company based in Springfield, which are being deployed to the southern part of the state.

In addition, an Illinois National Guard headquarters element is being drawn from the 65th Troop Command Brigade and 183rd Fighter Wing, both from Springfield.

Troops stationed along the highways will carry supplies such as water, snack bars and roadside safety tips to provide to stranded motorists. Guard members will also relay information regarding road conditions, vehicle accidents and stranded motorists to ISP officers working in the area.

"I'm proud that the Illinois National Guard is able to play our part in responding to this winter storm," said Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Our Soldiers and Airmen respond to the Governor's call to help in state emergencies just as we answer the President's call to serve overseas. It takes selfless citizens to serve in today's National Guard, whether in Illinois or across the world."

Governor Quinn activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield Monday afternoon to coordinate the state's response to the storm. The center will operate around the clock until the storm threat subsides.

Illinois travelers can check on highway conditions by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or visiting the IDOT's road conditions website at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and clicking on "Winter Road Conditions."

For more information about winter storm safety, visit the Ready Illinois Web site at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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31 Jan 2011

Sankofa Performing Arts Ensemble Presents, "No Man Can Hinder Me"

By Rick Martin

In Honor of Black History Month, the Sankofa Performing Arts Ensemble Presents, "No Man Can Hinder Me" a musical journey from Africa to America, from Slavery to Freedom.

Friday February 4, 2011  at 5:00pm  & Saturday February 5, 2011 at 6:00pm at the Rock Island High School Auditorium, 140 - 25th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois.

Ticket Prices: Adults $8.00, Seniors $5.00, Students W/ID $5.00, Youth $3.00, Children 6 yrs & under Free. (No Advance Ticket Sales)

For More Information: (309) 793-5950 Ext: 1206

27 Jan 2011

The Old Creamery opens with Marriage Can Be Murder at the Ox Yoke I nn, Amana

By Shelley Oehler
Amana - A flirty bridesmaid who has a thing for the groom, an over-the-top wedding planner and an unsolved murder would spell disaster for any other wedding. But, in The Old Creamery' s production of Marriage Can Be Murder, it only brings on more laughs.

Marriage Can Be Murder, by James Daab opens Friday, Feb. 11 at the Ox Yoke Inn and runs through Feb. 27. The cast consists of Old Creamery regulars Kamille Zbanek of Ely; T.J. Besler of Manchester; Tom Milligan and Deborah Kennedy of East Amana; Jackie McCall and Sean McCall of Marengo; and Nicholas Hodge of Marion.

The evening includes a savory Ox Yoke Inn meal with choice of entrée, beverage and dessert. Performance times are 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Seating begins half an hour prior to performances. Cost is $40 per person for dinner and the show and includes all gratuity and tax. Because the action takes place during dinner, there are no " show only" tickets available.

For reservations, call the Ox Yoke Inn, Amana at 800-233-3441. It' s sure to be a wedding you' ll never forget!

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.
17 Jan 2011

Winter play reflects classic myths with modern twist

By Clyde Andrew Walter

Rock Island, Ill.-Augustana's Department of Theatre Arts will meld tradition with the avant-garde in its upcoming performances of Metamorphoses, a contemporary retelling of Ovid's classic tales written by American playwright Mary Zimmerman. Performances will run Jan. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30 at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in Potter Theatre, located in Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts (3701 - 7th Ave.).

Metamorphoses made its debut in Chicago in 1998 with the famous Lookingglass Theatre Company.  Rather than telling one story, the play is divided into short segments, each of which portrays a different classic Greek myth. Because of the segmented structure, the actors play multiple roles throughout the show.

One of the play's most striking features is the scenery it requires. The separate vignettes all focus on human change, which is illustrated symbolically through frequent references to water. To convey this central theme, the majority of the stage is occupied by a large reflecting pool, which serves as everything from a wash basin to the River Styx during the production.

In addition to the pool, the myths are mostly conveyed through "ensemble movement" rather than with physical props. Director Saffron Henke explains, "[With ensemble movement,] instead of putting an actual tree onstage, the actors themselves create a tree." Although this technique is difficult, Henke says the students have risen to the challenge. "The cast has come a long way in terms of working together and creating an ensemble. They have been very willing to try new things."

Henke was asked to direct Metamorphoses after visiting Augustana to conduct a short workshop on movement for actors. An accomplished director, educator and performer, Henke currently lives in Iowa City. She has performed in more than 60 professional plays around the world and in television and film. Her directing credits include shows with the Sacramento Theatre Company, the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble.

Tickets for Metamorphoses are available at $11 for the general public and $9 for senior citizens and full-time students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.augustana.edu/tickets, by calling the ticket office at (309) 794-7306 or at the door. This show is appropriate for older youth and adults.

Metamorphoses is the second production of Augustana's 2010-11 theatre season, "Reflections." At the end of April and beginning of May, the Department of Theatre Arts will perform Thornton Wilder's classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town.

For more information, contact Andrew Walter at clydeandrewwalter@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7833.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world. 

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13 Jan 2011

DISCOVER THE EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGE - EXPLORE RIVERMONT!

By Rick Martin

Extraordinary things happen at Rivermont Collegiate!  Join us at two special events to explore our approach to learning!  Observe Rivermont students and faculty in action at the Family Math Night and Open House on Thursday, January 20th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Family Math Night, a tradition at Rivermont, engages students from Junior Kindergarten through Fifth Grade and their families in a variety of math activities and competitions.  This special night will be accompanied by a casual open house, giving local families the opportunity to tour campus and explore our philosophy and programs!  In addition, local families are invited to join us for a cup of coffee and a tour at an Open House Coffee on Saturday, January 22nd from 8:30-11:00 a.m. Rivermont will be hosting the BESTS Test (Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search), accompanied by an open house to allow parents of students taking the test, as well as local families, to drop in and explore Rivermont!  Cindy Murray, Director of Admissions, will be on hand to provide tours and answer questions.

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school for preschool through twelfth grade.  Featuring a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, our small class sizes ensure individualized attention and a supportive, family-like environment.  Rivermont turns traditional education inside out, encouraging students to explore unique opportunities and programs - to design their own Rivermont Experience!  At the heart of the Rivermont Experience is an unwavering dedication to academic excellence, with 100% of graduates accepted to 4-year colleges and universities and 90% earning renewable college merit scholarships.  What are you waiting for?  Discover Rivermont!  Join us for Thursday's Family Math Night or Saturday's Open House Coffee - or both!

Rivermont is located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.  Visit us online at www.rvmt.org!

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, contact Cindy Murray at  (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

 

For additional information on the BESTS Test, visit www.education.uiowa.edu/belinblank

13 Jan 2011

Iowa Fire Departments to Receive More Than $800,000

By Sen Chuck Grassley

January 12, 2011

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award nine grants totaling $860,292 to Iowa fire departments.

The Department of Homeland Security will distribute the money as shown below.

  • Chickasaw Township Fire District will receive $35,150 to purchase a complete air-fill system and thermal imaging devices.
  • Davenport Fire Department will receive $131,184 to purchase a mechanical chest compression device and fund training.
  • Elkhart Fire Department will receive $39,140 to purchase monitoring and sampling devices and other supplies.
  • Jackson Township-Ollie Fire Department will receive $169,575 to purchase a fire truck.
  • Janesville Fire Rescue will receive $196,427 to purchase a fire truck.
  • Latimer-Rural Fire Department will receive $8,550 to purchase medical and rescue supplies.
  • Pomeroy Fire Department will receive $30,416 to purchase communication devices and a complete air-fill system.
  • Pulaski Volunteer Fire Department will receive $64,600 to purchase a brush truck - a fire truck capable of fighting fires in rough terrain.
  • Stockport Volunteer Fire Department will receive $185,250 to purchase a fire truck.

"Iowa's firefighters must have access to training and equipment in order to do their job to the best of their ability.  Their lives - and ours - depend on it," Grassley said.

Each year, thousands of local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government.  The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual's ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.

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