23 Jul 2014

Modern Woodmen displays "Bix" in lights at home office

By Rick Martin

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Quad City Times Bix 7, Modern Woodmen of America will light the word "Bix" in the windows of its downtown Rock Island headquarters. The building will be lit from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27.

The tradition began in 1988, but is no simple task. Modern Woodmen's administrative services team will set the lights based on a hand-drawn schematic. The preparations take approximately one day for two people to accomplish; blinds must be closed and lighting must be adjusted on the five-story home office. Approximately 100 of the 252 windows on the north side of the building will be lit to spell out "Bix."

Modern Woodmen's location along the Mississippi River provides a perfect opportunity to display "Bix" for  Quad-City residents to enjoy. Modern Woodmen's mission is to improve the quality of life for its members and their communities. This is one way Modern Woodmen can support its mission and a family-friendly event.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial products and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

-end-
23 Jul 2014

USDA Reminds Farmers of 2014 Farm Bill Conservation Compliance Changes

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded producers that changes mandated through the 2014 Farm Bill require them to have on file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification (AD-1026). The Farm Bill relinked highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation compliance with eligibility for premium support paid under the federal crop insurance program.

"It's important that farmers and ranchers taking the right steps to conserve valuable farm and natural resources have completed AD-1026 forms on file at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office," said Vilsack. "This will ensure they remain eligible for crop insurance support."

For farmers to be eligible for premium support on their federal crop insurance, a completed and signed AD-1026 form must be on file with the FSA. Since many FSA and Natural Resource Conservation (NRCS) programs have this requirement, most producers should already have an AD-1026 on file. If producers have not filed, they must do so by June 1, 2015.

When a farmer completes the AD-1026, FSA and NRCS staff will outline any additional actions that may be required for compliance with the provisions. The Risk Management Agency, through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), manages the federal crop insurance program that provides the modern farm safety net for American farmers and ranchers.

Since enactment of the 1985 Farm Bill, eligibility for most commodity, disaster, and conservation programs has been linked to compliance with the highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation provisions. The 2014 Farm Bill continues the requirement that producers adhere to conservation compliance guidelines to be eligible for most programs administered by FSA and NRCS. This includes the new price and revenue protection programs, the Conservation Reserve Program, the Livestock Disaster Assistance programs and Marketing Assistance Loans implemented by FSA. It also includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and other conservation programs.

FSA recently released a revised form AD-1026, which is available at USDA Service Centers and online at:www.fsa.usda.gov. USDA will publish a rule later this year that will provide details outlining the connection of conservation compliance with crop insurance premium support. Producers can also contact their local USDA Service Center for information. A listing of service center locations is available at www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/local/.

Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit: www.usda.gov/farmbill.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

#
21 Jul 2014

CAST to open Wonderful Town July 24th

By Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

Wonderful Town is the fourth production being offered at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre this summer. This Leonard Bernstein musical premiered on Broadway in 1953, winning five Tony Awards. The show follows two sisters who leave their small hometown in Ohio to chase their dreams in New York City. They find adventures (and misadventures) , frustration, career opportunities, and romance in the big city of their dreams.

Coming from all over the country, the visiting artists of this season's CAST company share their considerable talents with Showboat audiences. Ruth is played by Jenna Haimes (B.F.A. in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan) and Eileen is played by Carly Ann Berg (B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Brenau University, Gainsville GA.) Heather Baisley, a senior musical theatre major at Rider University in NJ, will play Helen. Jenna, Carly and Heather were all seen in The Taffetas, Annie Get Your Gun, and Wizard of Oz.

Nathan McHenry, a senior studying musical theatre at Belmont University (Nashville,TN), will play the role of Robert Baker. He was Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, and the Witch of the West in Wizard of Oz. Caleb Jernigan, who played Chief Sitting Bull and Tin Man and just completed his second cruise contract working for Norwegian Cruise Line as a singer, will portray The Wreck in Wonderful Town. The role of Appopolous will be played by Jalen Lee, a senior BFA musical theatre major at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Jalen was seen as Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun, and Dorothy's Uncle in Wizard of Oz.

Two local actors will play roles in Wonderful Town. Kris Doss, a graduate of the University of Dubuque (Theatre) will be Chick Clark and Derrick Bertram, a senior Theatre Arts major at University of Northern Iowa, will be Frank.

Members of the ensemble include : Dorothy Farach (retired special education teacher), Jake Hopson (studying performing arts at Iowa State University), Robert Rice (junior at Southeast Missouri State, Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz), Lara Rose (Fulton), Daxx Jayroe Wieser, (a musical theatre student at Oklahoma City University, Tommy Keeler in Annie Get Your Gun). CAST interns performing in Wonderful Town include : Matt Espey (senior at Clinton High), Ireland Knapper (freshman at Northeast), Audrey Simpson (high school junior), Danica Smith (Clinton High), and Cassandra Van Zuiden (sophomore at Fulton High), and Aiden McMinimy (junior at Camanche High).

Wonderful Town is being directed by Producing Artistic Director Tommy Iafrate. The Creative Team includes: Musical Director Laurie Lewis, Choreographer Zachary D'antonio, Scenic Designer Adam Spencer, Lighting Designer Cassie Mings, Costume Designer Nicole Angell, Stage Manager/Sound Designer Nicole Frechette, and Assistant Stage Manager Seth Kieser.

Wonderful Town opens at the Showboat on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30pm followed by a reception in the lobby. Performances continue on July 25, 26, 31, August 1, 2 at 7:30pm and on July 27 and 30 at 3pm. Tickets cost $23, $20 for seniors and $16 for students and children. The CAST box office is open 11am to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11am to 7pm on Thursdays through Saturdays and noon to 4pm on Sundays. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.clintonshowboat.org or by calling 563-242-6760.

On Tuesday, July 29th at 7:30pm will be the Follies. This fundraising event is a review showcasing the talents of this summer's company. Another special event takes place on the Showboat on August 12th at 7pm. Peter J. Grady of Marshalltown, Iowa will present "Unconditional Surrender". Ulysses S Grant comes to life in this informative, humorous and touching portrayal, written and performed by Grady. Refreshments will be served after the performance in the Showboat Lobby. Tickets for this special event are $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at the box office, Clinton Printing, Wagner Pharmacies and Sweet Woodruff (Fulton). The last production of the 2014 CAST season will be Alice in Wonderland (August 8-17).

There are still openings available in the second theatre camp for children entering grades 1 to 8. Camp Wonderland is August 4-13th for just $75. Registration is available on line or at the box office.

Every Saturday at noon CAST's Intern Company offers Theatre for Children. This year's shows include : A Very Clinton Variety Show, The Beginning of Armadillos, and A Sour Study in Lemonade. Tickets are only $5 and are available at the door.

18 Jul 2014

Snoopy Loves Supporting Animal Shelters!

By Lily Allen-Duenas

Here at the Old Creamery Theatre we all love animals!

Guess who else loves animals? SNOOPY!

The Old Creamery Theatre is partnering with Iowa animal shelters! Stop by your local animal shelter to pick up a $5-off adult ticket coupon to Snoopy!!! The Musical! For every coupon we redeem, we will donate $2 to the corresponding shelter. See Snoopy and help the animals!

Snoopy!!! The Musical, opens July 17 and runs through August 10 on the Old Creamery's Main Stage, with shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 2:00 pm and on Fridays and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $28 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5 to 18.

It's the world according to Snoopy! Come join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Linus, Woodstock, and Sally as they celebrate the wisdom of Charles Schultz and the world's most famous Beagle in this delightful musical that's fun for the whole family.

This is a family friendly show that is Rated G. Sponsored by Rockwell Collins. Media Sponsors are 96.5 Kiss Country and ICAN. For more information, Call the box office for tickets and information 319-622-6262 or visit us online at www.oldcreamery.com.
18 Jul 2014

Not to Late to Donate to Thanksgiving in July

By Jeff Herzberg

Bettendorf Community-Wide Food Drive Seeks to Raise the Quality of Nutritional Items Available to the Food Pantry Visitors

Thanksgiving in July to collect non-perishable food items to benefit three Bettendorf pantries

Bettendorf, IA (June 16th, 2014) - Thanksgiving in July, a community-wide food drive seeks to collect non-perishable food items for three Bettendorf area pantries - the Bettendorf Community Center, First Baptist Church and St. James Food Pantry. The drive will be held Monday, July 14 through Saturday, July 19.

"Food pantries spend up to $1,500 each month on purchasing perishable and non-perishable food items," said Jeff Herzberg, Founding Member. "Our goal is to collect enough non-perishable food items to allow the pantries to use those funds for milk, eggs and other high protein, good-for-you products on a regular basis to their visitors."

  • Items in demand include canned fruit, vegetables, meat (tuna, chicken, Spam), peanut butter, rice, pasta/pasta sauce, Macaroni & Cheese, juice boxes, boxed meals and soups.

"While the beneficiaries of this year's food drive are the citizens residing in the City of Bettendorf, we hope to expand our scope and help more pantries throughout the Quad-City area in the future," said Herzberg.

Ways the Bettendorf community can support Thanksgiving in July:

  • Businesses are encouraged to hold a non-perishable food drive.

  • Athletic clubs, dance troops and nonprofit or civic organizations can sponsor a food drive through ball games, dances, raffles or other community events

  • Individual donations can be made at Hy-Vee on Devils Glen or Fareway on Belmont, in Bettendorf.

  • Personal checks payable to "Thanksgiving in July" can be sent or delivered to, Thanksgiving in July - Bettendorf, Northwest Bank, 2550 Middle Rd. Bettendorf, IA 52722.

Food items will be collected on Saturday, July 19 from 10 am to 2 pm at Faye's Field parking lot - near the Family Museum, Bettendorf. Volunteers will load the food, weigh it and deliver items to the food pantries in the City of Bettendorf.

To learn more about Thanksgiving in July, contact Jeff Herzberg by calling 563 343 9737 or emailing jherzberg@pfgc.com.

About Thanksgiving in July

Locally in Scott County, 19.6% or approximately 8000 children under the age of 18 are faced with food insecurity -- a need that's even greater during the summer months when children are out of school. Local food pantries see a significant amount of their contributions during the November and December months. Our local pantries have demand all year long and the summer months are an especially high period of demand for their services. Thanksgiving in July is an opportunity for the citizens of Bettendorf to provide support to the food pantries in Bettendorf.

15 Jul 2014

Snoopy Loves Sparky!

By Lily Allen-Duenas

The Old Creamery Theatre is offering free admission to all firefighters at the Friday, August 1 performance of Snoopy!!! The Musical on the Main Stage at 7:30 pm.

Reservations are recommended. Reserve by calling our box office at 319-622-6262. Please bring your badge or any sort of firefighter identification to show the box office staff.

Snoopy!!! The Musical, opens July 17 and runs through August 10 on the Old Creamery's Main Stage, with shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 2:00 pm and on Fridays and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $28 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5 to 18.

This is a family friendly show that is Rated G. Here's a bit more about the show: It's the world according to Snoopy! Come join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Linus, Woodstock, and Sally as they celebrate the wisdom of Charles Schultz and the world's most famous Beagle in this delightful musical that's fun for the whole family.

Sponsored by Rockwell Collins. Media Sponsors are 96.5 Kiss Country and ICAN.
15 Jul 2014

"The Giver: World Premiere Red Carpet Event" Coming to Select U.S. Cinemas on August 11 Only

By Rick Martin
Fathom Events is joining The Weinstein Company and Walden Media to give movie fans across the country the unique chance to experience the glamorous red carpet for the Aug. 11 premiere of the highly anticipated new film "The Giver" as though they were invited guests with the cast and crew. In addition to seeing the full film, attendees  at "The Giver: World Premiere Red Carpet Event," at 250 select theaters nationwide, will have the opportunity to interact with the film's stars - Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, Katie Holmes, Taylor Swift and Brenton Thwaites are among those scheduled to appear - as they speak directly to theater audiences from the red carpet.
It'll be almost as if you're there with the stars and creators of this exciting film, at 7 p.m. local time (live in ET, delayed for CT, MT and PT). And, just like a real film industry insider, attendees at "The Giver: World Premiere Red Carpet Event" will get to enjoy "The Giver" four days before its official theatrical release.
"The Giver: World Premiere Red Carpet Event" will be presented at the following cinemas in your area on Monday, Aug 11:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53RD ST DAVENPORT IA 52807
14 Jul 2014

TLP's Comedy Stars Spread 'Rumors'

By Rick Martin

Mount Carroll--Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) presents the side-splitting comedy Rumors Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 26 starring ten performers who have quickly become some of the area's favorite comedic actors.  Derek Bertelsen, who staged last year's Spamalot, returns to direct the play by American comedy master, Neil Simon, about an anniversary party gone hilariously wrong.

Cody Jolly (Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein) and Allison Hunt (Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein) kick off the mayhem as Ken and Chris Gorman, married lawyers who arrive at the home of the Charlie Brock, deputy mayor of New York City, only to discover that their host seems to have shot himself and his wife is nowhere to be found. As more of their upperclass friends arrive, the Gormans conspire with Lenny and Claire Ganz, played by Matt Webb (Patsy in Spamalot) and Caroline Murrah (Sheila in An Inspector Calls), to make sure that everyone's reputations are kept firmly intact, despite the mounting absurdity.

Analisha Santini and Grant Brown (Frau Blucher and Inspector Kemp/Blind Hermit, respectively,  in Young Frankenstein) are the next to arrive as Cookie and Ernie Cusak, a TV cooking host and her psychoanalyst husband. The farcical accusations and cover-ups continue to spin out of control with Glenn and Cassie Cooper, a bickering political couple, played by Gabriel Brown (Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and Lexie Plath (Inga in Young Frankenstein).

When the police arrive (Blake W. Price and Christian Chambers), it's time for explanations, no matter how ludicrous they might seem. Director Bertelsen said, "The dream cast we have assembled for this play brings it to new comedic heights. Audiences already love them for their past work at TLP, and I think people are going to continue to be blown away by their talents."

Neil Simon's success as a comedic playwright and screenwriter is unmatched. His work includes The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park, Biloxi Blues, The Goodbye Girl, Sweet Charity, The Out-Of-Towners and Promises, Promises. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost In Yonkers.

Rumors performs evenings at 7:30 p.m., and there are 2:00 p.m. matinees on Sunday and Wednesday. There is also a Saturday matinee performance on the opening weekend at 3pm. Order tickets through the box office 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily at 815-244-2035 or any time at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, through federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

###

08 Jul 2014

Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater Presents: The Land of Lost Toys

By Rick Martin

Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater continues a tradition of placing imagination center stage with a Joe Link original, The Land of Lost Toys, July 23 - 26 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. When Aunt Peggy is babysitting, her bedtime stories are usually beyond compare. Children and parents alike will be transported into a magical and mysterious world to help Jack and Jill find their way home to Aunt Peggy before it is too late. The Land of Lost Toys is Joe Link's eighth original production on the Brucemore stage; previous plays include The Incredible Adventures of Captain Spoon, The Forgetful Pirate; The Princess Who Wouldn't Wear Pink; Tyrannosaurus Fetch; and The Amazing Story Machine. Each year, the Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater promises an engaging performance sure to keep the young audience captivated and the adult audience entertained.

Brucemore's natural amphitheater provides an enchanting backdrop for this 50-minute performance. Children and their adult chaperones are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs; no picnics please. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Gates open at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater is sponsored by US Bank and media sponsored by ImOn Communications. Purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org, by calling (319) 362-7375, by visiting the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor's Center, or at the box office the night of the performance.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

###

07 Jul 2014

'Pinkalicious the Musical' Brings Beloved Books To Life

By Rick Martin

Mount Carroll, IL-- The Magic Owl Children's Theatre at Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) presents an hour-long version of Pinkalicious the Musical, based on the books by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann July 8, 10, 11 and 12 at 2:00 pm. All tickets for Magic Owl shows are only $6.00 and partially sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Each year, these subsidized Magic Owl shows introduce thousands of young people to the joy and magic of live theatre.

The musical tells the tale of Pinkalicious Pinkerton, who can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, and her brother --and some dancing birds and flowers--get involved, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament. Pinkalicious the Musical is about learning the power of self-control and the importance of moderation.

The cast includes members of TLP's professional resident company from all over the country including Anastasia Arnold, a recent graduate of Millikin University, in the title role. James Kolditz directs with choreography by Bethany Fay.

Pinkalicious the Musical has additional performances August 5, 7, 8 and 9 at 11:00 a.m. TLP is located at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in rural Mount Carroll, IL. Tickets are $6.00 and are available at the box office, by calling 815-244-2035 or visiting www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. The show is appropriate for all ages. Early reservations are suggested, as many Magic Owl shows sell out.



###

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.