Mark your calendars! The 2010 QC Earth Charter Summit will be held on Sat., Oct 16th. Event registration is at 8am; the program starts at 9am. Lunch is included. Speakers will present on the economy, local foods and the environment. To register, call PACG or email. If you would like to volunteer, call PACG at 563-676-7580.

Mark your calendars and watch for more details!

The IOWA PEACE INITIATIVE CONFERENCE, a statewide conference for all Iowa peace-loving people, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Loras College in Dubuque.

This event is being planned by representatives of AFSC, PSR, UNA, VFP and many local and regional groups. It will be a stimulating day of discussions that feature Iowa groups and a panel of the presidents/national chairs from NEA Peace and Justice Caucus, Physicians for Social Responsibility and Veterans for Peace (all committed). There is NO registration fee. A lunch will be available for purchase.

GOALS: Face-to-face connection among Iowa peace people. Statewide networking for coordinated advocacy and effort. Opportunities for meaningful action in common . The Peace Movement is not dead, but it needs a shot in the arm, and this conference is the right medicine!

The Freight House Market is hoping to expand operations and it is very important to get YOUR input as a consumer. We need you to take a short online survey that will help us in the decision making process. Your time is very much appreciated! Simply go to the link and share your thoughts… http://www.surveymonkey.com/

David Kirby author of “ANIMAL FACTORY: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment” will speak about his book at The Putnam Museum on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 7 – 9 PM. Putnam is located at 1717 W 12th St. (just west of Division St. on top of the hill) in Davenport, IA 52804.

The following morning, Sunday, September 12, 2010, he will have a book reading and signing at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 320 W Kimberly Rd., Northpark Mall in Davenport, IA 52806 from 10:30AM – Noon.

Lastly David will visit Geest Farms, a sustainable beef and pork farm, located at 8705 145th St., Blue Grass, IA 52726 from 1 – 2 PM.

To learn more about David’s book, visit www.animalfactorybook.com

This important topic is timely to the local events happening in Scott County, IA and Rock Island County, IL. There will be an explosion of confined animal feeding operations (CAFO’s) if Triumph Foods is allowed to build a slaughterhouse on the wetlands of the Rock River by Barstow, IL Also, half a billion contaminated eggs produced in animal confinements in Iowa is of grave concern.

Thank you for your great opinion page comments, and let me know if you can attend any of the events.

Molly Regan
Environmental Facilitator, Progressive Action For The Common Good

On the National Day of Unity and Healing, An Interfaith Gathering will be held Sept. 11th form 5:00pm-6:00pm at the Moline Mosque at 6005 34th Ave., Moline, IL 61265 (just west of Black Hawk College)

This activity is supported by local Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders. We will gather for reflection focused on healing & unity between all people of faith. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support local food pantries

Free event, open to the public. Light refreshments served. Sponsored By: Churches United of the Quad Cities, the Muslim Community of the Quad Cities, Temple Emanuel, the Islamic Center of the Quad Cities, Bridges of Faith, Tricity Jewish Center, Islamic Society of Clinton County. For more info, please contact Talia Alvi: (563) 503-0708, Saad Baig: (630) 915-5874, Lisa Killinger: (563) 650-5733.

Tom Cordaro, author of “Be Not Afraid”, is presenting his seminar, Be Not Afraid: An Alternative to the War on Terror, Living Unafraid: a Biblical Path to Freedom on Sat. Sept 11, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm., at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA in the New Hall Building (lower level at the corner of Gaines and Lombard) Parking available across Gaines St.

Grounded in history and a faith tradition, “Be Not Afraid” invites us to overcome the narrative of fear in our country promoted by the “War on Terror” and the attacks of September 11, 2001. Instead, we are called to embrace an alternative narrative of hope and freedom This alternative requires that we, as individuals and as community members, act to reclaim the civic and religious principles at the core of our national story, principles that can build genuine peace rooted in justice at home and around the World

Early registration: $8.00. Registration at the door: $10.00. Students with ID free.

First Lutheran’s next coffeehouse will be Friday, Sept 10th from 7-10pm at 1600 29th Street in Rock Island.

All open mic performers and audience members are welcome. Refreshments will be served. All donations benefit St Joe’s Evening Meal at RI Township. Hope to see you there. Call 309-788-9661 for more info.