For one night Brucemore's infamous Tahitian Room will spill out into the pool area for the estate's seventh annual Tahitian Party on June 26 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Throw on a hula skirt or Hawaiian shirt and dance to the beat of the steel drum band to help preserve Brucemore as a community resource. With Polynesian noshes, exotic beverages, and roast suckling pig, this popular event cannot be missed.

Brucemore's role as an irreplaceable community hub reflects the organization's mission?to engage the public in the history, traditions, resources, and on-going preservation for the enrichment of the community. Throughout the year, staff and Trustees work to preserve the buildings and grounds of this historic twenty-six acre estate to ensure that the gardens, grounds, and 21 mansion continue to be enjoyed by the community. Some of the upcoming projects include tuckpointing the east side of the mansion, repairing rotten wood in the window frames and sills, and restoring the pool area landscape design of the Douglas family, who lived in the house from 1906 to 1937. Preservation endeavors like these help to ensure that Brucemore remains a quality cultural destination and community landmark.

Tickets are $60 per person. Space is limited. Purchase tickets by June 19 by visiting www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375.  On-site parking is available. On-site food vendors and bar included with ticket. Personal and corporate sponsorship levels are available starting at $125 and offer additional benefits.

About Brucemore

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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In an effort to protect access to healthcare for the most vulnerable citizens in the 71st district, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation that will reduce spending and allow the state greater access to federal funds for Medicaid users.
"Residents of this state deserve first rate health insurance no matter their economic situation," Smiddy said. "This legislation will help reduce the state's continuing financial issues without sacrificing the healthcare resources for the thousands of Illinoisans that depend on Medicaid for their wellbeing."
Smiddy voted in favor of Senate Bill 788, which is estimated to save Illinois $106 million and secure additional federal dollars. The proposed bill will safeguards against fraud and abuse within the system while ensuring patients who qualify for Medicaid will be enrolled in managed care.
"Legislators supporting Senate Bill 788 enable hospitals to continue providing high quality health care services in communities across the state," Illinois Hospital Association President and CEO Maryjane Wurth said. "We appreciate their recognition that steps can be taken to control spending without sacrificing needed patient care."
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Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Preservation Society has donated books to the Rock Island Public Library Children's Department in celebration of Historic Preservation Month in May.

Rock Island Preservation Society donated three sets each of Old House New House, by Michael Gaughenbaugh and Herbert Camburn, and Under Every Roof, by Patricia Brown Glenn and illustrator Joe Stites. Old House New House reveals how American houses have changed over time through the example of a family renovating a Victorian mansion. Under Every Roof is a field guide to American architectural styles and features. Kids and families can create their own walking tour by using the guide to identify architectural styles in their neighborhoods.

"It is never too early to begin to appreciate our history and the built environment around us, and these books can provide a great introduction," says Linda Anderson, president of the Rock Island Preservation Society.

The donated titles will be available for checkout with any valid public library card at the Rock Island Main Library, 30/31 and Southwest Branches. For availability, check the library's online catalog at www.rockislandlibrary.org.

For more information about Rock Island Library services and programs, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is working to preserve care programs for seniors and disabled residents by sponsoring legislation urging the preservation of the several in-home care options for thousands of Illinois residents.
"The Governor's proposed increase to the Determination of Need score will have devastating consequences for seniors the developmentally disabled across the state," Smiddy said. "I'm happy the Governor shares my concern for the state's ballooning budget, but balancing that debt on the backs of our most vulnerable and frail residents is simply cruel."
Under current law, the Determination of Need (DON) score is used to identify need and determine eligibility for the Community Care Program and Home Service Program (HSP) which allows elderly and disabled people receive the care they need to remain in their homes. Governor Rauner has proposed an increase from the current standard of 29 to 37. At current enrollment levels, this increase would eliminate 10,000 people from eligibility for services they need to maintain their health and stay out of nursing homes. Smiddy is sponsoring House Resolution 344, which urges the governor to abandon the proposal to increase this score for determining eligibility to these two programs.
"Care programs are critical to the health of tens of thousands of people in our state and keeping these residents comfortable in their homes is much less expensive than state-sponsored stays in nursing facilities," Smiddy said. "Increasing the DON score to deny people in-home care will push them toward nursing home options and attempting to pass this change off as meaningful savings for the state is shortsighted and irresponsible."
House Resolution 344 was adopted by the House on May 6.
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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds were joined by Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie during their regular weekly press conference today to encourage Iowans to attend the third annual Preserve Iowa Summit from June 25-27 in Winterset.

"As many of you know, I'm a strong supporter of Iowa history and the Preserve Iowa Summit is the premier statewide annual conference for historic preservation in Iowa," Branstad said. "The summit highlights the economic development and quality of life benefits our communities receive through the preservation of historic properties. I invite all Iowans interested in our state's history to attend the summit."

"The summit will inspire Iowans to discover, preserve and enhance their communities' unique history and sense of place," Reynolds said. "I want to acknowledge the work Winterset and Madison County have done to preserve and enhance their historical and cultural assets. Studios and galleries occupy rehabilitated historical buildings, and the John Wayne Birthplace Home and Museum and the Bridges of Madison County continue to draw interest from people around the world. These and other attractions in the area will make this summit an exciting event, so I encourage Iowans to register today."

Coordinated by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs' State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Madison County Historic Preservation Commission, the "2015 Preserve Iowa Summit: The Power of Preservation" will be June 25-27, 2015, in Winterset. Iowans and others may register for the summit at www.preserveiowasummit.com.

The summit is designed for all Iowans interested in history, and the sessions will particularly be of interest for local government, civic and community leaders, chambers of commerce, developers and architects, owners of historic properties, preservation professionals and volunteers, and other Iowans invested in community development.

"We are pleased and grateful to partner with the Madison County Historic Preservation Commission to present this summit," Cownie said. "Attendees will have access to excellent content related to community development that impacts local quality of life. Hopefully they will return home with new ideas and inspiration to make impactful changes in their own communities. This is going to be a terrific summit and I join Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds in encouraging and inviting Iowans to register and attend."

Keynote speakers are Ed McMahon of the Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C., Bonnie McDonald, president of Landmarks Illinois, and Underground Railroad authority Matthew Pinsker. Preservation Iowa will present its "Preservation at its Best" awards, and preservationists from across the state will share "Three-Minute Success Stories."

The summit will also feature an all-day Underground Railroad (UGRR) workshop, including a tour of the historic Hitchcock House near Lewis. Registration is included as part of the summit, but individuals not attending the summit may register for the UGRR workshop separately.

In addition, attendees can experience "parklets" on Winterset's Courthouse Square, built by Iowa architecture firms. These innovative temporary parks re-purpose parking spaces for seating, planting, art installations and conversation so people can enjoy the local scene.

Rich Mills of the Madison County Bike Club and Leo Landis and Jess Rundlett of the State Historical Museum of Iowa will host a 13-mile round-trip bicycle ride from the Cutler-Donahue Covered Bridge in Winterset's City Park to Pammel State Park. Advance registration and bike helmets are required.

 

During the summit, a State Nominations Review Committee meeting will be held to review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The committee will consider Winterset's Courthouse Square, a post-World War II school in Cedar Rapids, Manning's downtown and many other interesting Iowa properties. The committee meeting is free and open to the public.

The summit is supported by Preservation Iowa, AIA Iowa, Madison County, the City of Winterset, Madison County Development Group, Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Historical Society and the community of Winterset. It is funded in part by the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior.

Detailed information about the summit, sessions, speakers, programs and registration is available at www.preserveiowasummit.com. Early Bird Conference Registration runs until May 15, 2015, and offers $30 off the registration fee.

 

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its three divisions - the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa-State Office of Media Production and the State Historical Society of Iowa - empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department's work enables Iowa to be recognized as a state that fosters creativity and serves as a catalyst for innovation where the stories of Iowa are preserved and communicated to connect past, present and future generations. www.culturalaffairs.org.
Rock Island County Forest Preserve District has begun the 2015 camping season, and Loud Thunder and Illiniwek forest preserves are now open. The Forest Preserve District has made some significant changes to the way Loud Thunder and Illiniwek operate so when you visit the preserves be sure to stop in at the camp office prior to setting up at a campsite.
Loud Thunder and Illiniwek have instituted a new policy in regard to firewood as follows:
Only firewood that meets the State (Illinois Department of Agriculture) & Federal
(USDA) certifications and labeling requirements is allowed to be brought onto District
premises. All unauthorized firewood may be removed and destroyed by District staff.
Firewood that is in compliance with this ordinance can be purchased at both Loud Thunder and Illiniwek.
Loud Thunder will be hosting an open house on 5/12/2015 from 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. at the new Park Office located on the west side of the preserve.
The Office phone numbers for the preserves are as follows:
Loud Thunder (309) 795-1040 Illiniwek (309) 496-2620
We are featuring Hell's Kitchen Signatures for Mother's Day this year!
Appetizer
Scallop Risotto
Shitake mushroom-Edamame-Asian Herbs Stock-White wine, Onion
Entrees
Lamb Chops
Nuoc Mam Marchan De Vin-Shitake Mushroom-Okra-Asian potato-Fried rice
Grilled Salmon
Basil Lime Sauce-Shitake Mushroom-Okra-Asian Broccoli-Fried Rice
Dessert
Mini Cheesecakes
Raspberry-Turtle-New York
Hurry and Make Your Reservation!
Complimentary Dessert when you make reservation before the 25th.
Thank you for being a part of Nho's Cafe.
Nho's Cafe-3801 Rockingham Road, Davenport IA 52802-563-275-8905

Affordable Housing Projects to Move Forward in Appanoose, Clay, Dallas, Lee, Linn, Polk, Scott, Sioux, Union Counties

DES MOINES - The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors today announced federal Housing Tax Credit and HOME program awards to thirteen affordable rental projects totaling more than $83.7 million to build and preserve 523 affordable housing units in nine Iowa counties.

"The tax credit and HOME program awards announced today will improve affordable housing options in communities all across Iowa, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for thousands of Iowans," said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison "These projects have leveraged an additional $8 million in local contributions, and each of these communities will see the far-reaching benefits of these projects for generations to come."

Housing Tax Credits

The Internal Revenue Service makes an annual per capita allocation of federal tax credits to each state for the Housing Tax Credit program. IFA is charged with allocating those credits to developers of affordable housing in Iowa. Developers who receive tax credits sell them to investors to generate equity for the housing developments. The tax credits provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction to the investor's federal tax liability on ordinary income.

IFA had more than $7.8 million to allocate in the 2015 Tax Credit Round. IFA received 23 applications requesting more than $13.2 million in Housing Tax Credits. The IFA Board of Directors today awarded more than $7.8 million in Housing Tax Credits to thirteen projects. The actual awards exceed $78 million because the credits are committed annually for a 10-year period.

HOME Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates HOME program funding among states and hundreds of localities nationwide. IFA allocates Iowa's allocation of HOME funds to eligible entities to build and preserve affordable housing.

The IFA Board of Directors today approved more than $4.9 million in state HOME funds to support six rental housing tax credit projects.

 

 

2015 Housing Tax Credit, HOME awards


 

Centerville Senior Lofts, Centerville

•       Address: 421 N. Main Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 41 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $601,791

•       HOME award: $600,000

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan:  $600,000

•       Set-Aside: Senior, Rural

•       Co-Developers:

-      St. Mary Development Corporation: 937-277-8149

-      MV Residential Development, LLC:  513-774-8400

 

Lincoln School Apartments, Creston

•       Address: 1001 West Jefferson Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 24 affordable units for families

•       Project type: Adaptive Reuse & New Construction

•       Tax Credit award: $412,731

•       Set-Aside: Rural

•       Developer: Seldin Affordable Housing Program, LLC: 402-952-4566

 

Lafayette Square, Davenport

•       Address: 625 West 4th Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 45 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $799,500

•       Developer: MWF Properties, LLC: 612-243-4636

 

MLK Crossing Senior Apartments, Des Moines

•       Address: 2455 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

•       Units/Eligibility: 50 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $697,176

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan:  $631,095

•       Set-Aside:  Senior

•       Developer: Curly Top, LLC. dba CT  Development: 515-554-9773

 

Southridge Senior Lofts, Des Moines

•       Address: Army Post Road

•       Units/Eligibility: 46 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax credit award: $704,188

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan: $350,000

•       Set-Aside:  Senior

•       Co-Developers:

-      St. Mary Development Corporation: 937-277-8149

-      MV Residential Development, LLC:  513-774-8400

 

Goldfinch Grove, Hull

•       Address: 1612 3rd Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 12 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax credit award: $203,886

•       HOME award: $608,791

•       Developer: Excel Health Services, Inc. dba Excel Development Group: 402-434-3344

 

Keokuk Senior Lofts, Keokuk

•       Address: 925 Main Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 40 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $616,184

•       HOME award:  $700,000

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan: $700,000

•       Set-Asides: Senior, Rural

•       Co-Developers:

-      St. Mary Development Corporation: 937-277-8149

-      MV Residential Development, LLC:  513-774-8400

 

The Arbor at Lindale Trail, Marion

•       Address: 1220 Blairs Ferry Road

•       Units/Eligibility: 60 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       HOME award:  $1,000,000

•       Tax Credit award: $800,000

•       Set-Asides: Non-Profit, Senior

•       Co-Developers:

-      Full Circle Communities, Inc.: 847-656-5182

-      Iceberg Development Group, LLC: 563-505-5611

 

Blairs Ferry Senior, Marion

•       Address: 830 Blairs Ferry Road NE

•       Units/Eligibility: 57 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $780,377

•       Set-Aside Requested: Senior

•       Developer: TWG Development, LLC: 317-550-3844

 

Hamlin Bell Senior Housing, Perry

•       Address: 2023 Willis Avenue

•       Units/Eligibility: 32 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $517,628

•       HOME award: $1,000,000

•       Set-Aside: Senior

•       Co-Developers:

?  Newbury Management Company dba Newbury Living: 515-490-9001

?  Nudgers, Inc.: 515-229-9085

 

Willis Avenue Apartments, Perry

•       Address: 913 Willis Avenue

•       Units/Eligibility: 34 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $437,799

•       Developer: Bear Development: 262-842-0452

 

Canterbury Heights, Pleasant Hill

•       Address: 755 NE 56th Street

•       Units/Eligibility:  55 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $779,858

•       Set-Aside Requested:  Senior

•       Co-Developers:

?  Barnes Realty, LLC: 515-490-3000

?  Conlin Development Group, LLC: 515-246-8016

 

Southern Pointe, Spencer

•       Address: 902 13th Street SW

•       Units/Eligibility: 27 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $534,300

•       HOME award: $1,000,000

•       Set-Aside Requested:  Nonprofit, Rural

•       Developer: Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.: 515-262-5965

 

 

 

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DES MOINES, IA (03/10/2015)(readMedia)-- April 15 is right around the corner! When you file your Iowa state income tax return, don't forget to support the Iowa State Fair by participating in the Corndog Tax Checkoff. All it takes is one little checkmark on your state tax form to help the Fair continue to preserve the allure of the historic Fairgrounds.

Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Checkoff on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A and check off $1 (or more!) to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.

The Corndog Checkoff is a simple way to support your Iowa State Fair! Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised over $1.7 million, and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to the newly air conditioned Cultural Center. In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Tax Checkoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or emailbluerf@blueribbonfoundation.org.

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Rock Island, IL: The Civil War memorial at the Rock Island County Courthouse has seen better days, but organizers of a local monument restoration project hope to change that.

You can learn more about Restoring Rock Island's Civil War Monument at 3:00 pm Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Project organizers Doug Lambert, Quad City Civil War Roundtable, and Lt. Ron Ericson, a Rock Island County deputy sheriff, will present a history and images of the badly weathered memorial, discuss the need for saving it, and list local soldiers honored on the memorial. Questions and answers will follow. The program will last about an hour.

In July 2014, the life-sized marble soldier at the top of the memorial was lifted off the pedestal base after observers noted the statue had moved several inches off center. Since then, the 1,200 pound statue has been secured in a frame next to the 18-foot marble column. According to a report prepared by Diane Oestreich of the Rock Island County Preservation Society, more than 30,000 people gathered at the statue's unveiling in 1869. Rock Island's statue is an original work. It was commissioned especially for the county from artist Leonard Volk, one of two sculptors to model Abraham Lincoln from life, and a later founder of the Chicago Academy of Design.

The Restoring Rock Island's Civil War Monument program is free and open to the public. For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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