Davenport, IA - (November 3, 2015) Hupy and Abraham, S.C., P.C., personal injury law firm, has announced Attorney John Simmons as a new addition to the firm in its Quad Cities office.

Prior to joining Hupy and Abraham, Attorney Simmons successfully arbitrated numerous cases as an associate attorney in Illinois.  He was primarily responsible for several workers compensation cases and other personal injury practice areas. At Hupy and Abraham, Attorney Simmons will be representing clients in various personal injury fields.

Attorney Simmons earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2006. During his time at the university, he was awarded best oralist and best brief in the Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition. Attorney Simmons is licensed to practice in the states of Illinois and Iowa.

 

Hupy and Abraham, S.C., P.C.

Founded in 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, personal injury law firm Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has a proven record of success with large settlements in serious cases, collecting $100s of millions for more than 60,000 satisfied clients.  The firm has a long-established reputation of providing sound legal representation to accident victims, securing fair compensation for its clients and giving back to the community.

With 11 offices located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, the law firm handles personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, pharmaceutical and medical device class actions and nursing home neglect and abuse cases.

The firm's 24 experienced attorneys are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty for their clients by tirelessly representing them to the best of their ability while being involved in the local community ? from raising funds for local charities to participating in safety and accident prevention initiatives.  In the past three years, the firm has donated more than $500,000 to more than 100 worthwhile causes.

 

Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has received top ratings from a number of national professional organizations for many years and was voted Best Personal Injury Lawyers in 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm in 2014, 2013 and 2012 in another popular poll, and named Best Law Firm in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's 2015 Top Choice Award. In 2015, the firm was named a Webby Award Honoree in the Best Law Website Category and was honored at the Legal Marketing Association's "Your Honor Awards" for Best Website: Reboot.

Ski Swap & Open House, November 7

This annual event is our way of helping the Snowstar Ski Patrol raise much needed funding that supports thier tireless and sometimes unappreciated hard work of keeping us all safe on the slopes.
Bring in your used equipment to trade in, trade up or sell! This is the perfect chance to upgrade your gear for the upcoming season!
No equipment to sell? That's okay too! We also bring in local retailer's equipment, gear and apparel so there are great deals for everyone whether you're looking for new or used items.

Want a more than just a shopping trip?
It's also celebration to launch the winter season and get a sneak peek of the many improvements coming to Snowstar!
Meet our new General Manager, Dan (a.k.a. Deli Dan) McCanna whose motto is: Experience the CHANGE!
Bring your family and join us for free scenic chairlift rides and enjoy our beautiful view of the fall foliage. Don't forget to grab lunch at our outdoor BBQ and enjoy live music by AAA group!
Great giveaways and FREE samples...Sign-up for fabulous prizes!
Tour our facilities, meet our managers and the pros.  Ask questions but pardon our dust as we work hard to get ready for opening day offering you the very best in winter fun.
For ONE DAY ONLY, take advantage of our General Manager's Season Pass Special!
Haven't purchased your season pass yet? Well you're in luck; only at the Ski Swap & Open House will you be able to receive this great offer! When you purchase a Gold Season Pass ($275) you are entered in a drawing to receive an upgrade to a VIP Pass ($320 value! to get you from parking to slopes).
When you purchase a VIP Season Pass at the Ski Swap & Open House you are entered into a drawing to receive a $50 Snowstar gift card that can be used at any of our facilities.
Visit our retail store for awesome offers and "kick the tires" of our heavy outdoor equipment and groomers.
Swap & Shop Hours
9am - 2pm


Chairlift Rides:

10am - 1pm


Live Music

11am - 1pm, weather permitting


Outdoor BBQ:

11am - 1pm

We want to pay special thanks to our sponsors:

  • A.D. Huesing
  • Stern Beverage
  • Bent River
  • Creekside Vinyards
  • Vibrant Credit Union
  • Martin Brothers
  • Edwards Creative

Sign up for the following:

  • Learning Center (ski & ride school)
  • Ski Patrol
  • Monday Night Ski & Board Race League
  • Youth Ski Team
  • Mississippi Valley Ski Club

How The Swap Works

You can drop off your items the morning of the Ski Swap beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 9:00 a.m. (Drop off only, no shopping).
It's easy, just bring in your ski and snowboard equipment and fill out a simple form with the description and the price you want, and we'll sell it for you.  For each item submitted, there is $1 fee and once your item sells, Ski Patrol retains 15% of the price.  This is only way our top notched Snowstar Ski Patrol raises funds that support the many costs necessary to provide all of us with excellent medical and safety services.

Call Us: 800.383.4002

©2015 Ski Snowstar Winter Park - 9500 126th West - Andalusia, IL - 61232
 

Each November, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the people who provide compassionate support to those living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be overwhelming, so we want to take this opportunity to remind caregivers to take care of themselves. Last year alone, more than 15 million caregivers provided an estimated 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care to family and friends living with Alzheimer's ? a contribution to the nation valued at $217.7 billion. If you know a caregiver in need of support, please forward this email or encourage them to visit alz.org/care.

We know that people with Alzheimer's and dementia rely on caregivers to live their best life possible. When you give to the Alzheimer's Association, you're helping to fund critical research, fuel important advocacy efforts and support caregivers with local and online resources such as:

  • 24/7 Helpline: A free resource for reliable information and support, day or night, at 800.272.3900.
  • ALZConnected®: An online community that enables caregivers to connect with one another.
  • Educational resources: Our educational workshops and online Caregiver Center offer strategies and proactive advice.
  • Community Resource Finder: A comprehensive listing of Alzheimer's and dementia resources and local community programs and services.
  • Alzheimer's Navigator®: A powerful online tool to help caregivers identify their needs and local community programs and services.

To learn more about the resources we provide for caregivers, visit alz.org/care. Please join us this National Family Caregivers Month in honoring the unsung heroes of the Alzheimer's epidemic. Thank you.

P.S. I hope you'll consider making a donation today in honor of a special caregiver in your life. Your gift allows us to accelerate research for a future without Alzheimer's, while providing programs and services to support people living with the disease today. Thank you.

Author chronicles life with fibrosing mediastinitis, how faith has helped her persevere

WAVERLY, Iowa - In 2002, Rebecca Lalk was diagnosed with a rare disease: fibrosing mediastinitis. A rare disease, doctors gave Lalk only 10 years to live. After beating their estimates, Lalk faced some new challenges from the disease and decided to transform her journals into a memoir in case the worst should happen.

"I'll Take My Disease Rare Please: My Journey with Fibrosing Mediastinitis" (published by WestBow Press) is the story of Lalk's fight and how her faith in God has sustained her, even in the darkest of times. The search for answers, never giving up and putting trust in God are the core values around which the memoir revolves.

Written with her children in mind, "I'll Take My Disease Rare Please" is Lalk's journey of hope to pass on to her family and to those who are also struggling with disease.

"I wanted my kids to know how hard I fought and how as long as they have trust in God, everything will be okay, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment," Lalk says.  "I wanted them to see through my life, how God worked and turned some extremely difficult challenges, into amazing blessings later on in my life. And for them to see how much I would have missed out on...if I would have given up my fight."

"I'll Take My Disease Rare Please"

By Rebecca Lalk

Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 128 pages | ISBN 9781512707403

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 128 pages | ISBN 9781512707397

E-Book | 128 pages | ISBN 9781512707380

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Rebecca Lalk grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and currently works for Bremer County. Her husband, Tim manages and operates the family cattle business and they have four children. In 2002, Lalk was diagnosed with an extremely rare and life-threatening disease?fibrosing mediastinitis. She currently resides in Waverly, Iowa and shares her daily health challenges and triumphs on her blog at Rebecca1010.com.

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On November 8, exactly one year before the presidential election, Iowa Pays the Price is hosting a rally to say "enough" to the obscene amount of special interest money that's taken over our election. 

Will you join us this Sunday on the steps of the State Capitol in downtown Des Moines as we Stand Up to Super PACs?

We know you're fed up with billionaires pouring money into the 2016 election to advance their own special interests. You're in good company. According to a recent Bloomberg/Des Moines Register poll, more than 90% of caucus-goers in both parties are "mad as hell" or "unsatisfied" with the amount of money in politics. 

Help us send a message this Sunday. We'll be gathering on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol for an afternoon of hot cocoa, live music by The Uniphonics, and a special appearance by the Iowa Nice Guy. Find the event on Facebook and remember to invite your friends and family.

#StandUpToSuperPACs
Sunday, November 8
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Steps of the Iowa State Capitol

Thanks for your support,

Iowa Pays the Price

2014-15 STEM Scale-Up programs reached more than 100,000 preK-12 youth in the state

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Today, the Iowa Governor's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council released a nationwide invitation for STEM programs to compete for a unique partnership that allows them to 'scale' across Iowa during the 2016-17 academic year.

Each year, the STEM Council cost-shares with STEM program providers to deliver the programs to more than 2,000 educators both in and out of the classroom at little or no cost. Results from the 2014-15 Iowa STEM Evaluation report show that STEM Scale-Up programs have impacted more than 100,000 preK-12 youth from rural to urban settings and across gender, age, race and ethnicity. On average, students who participate in STEM Scale-Up programs score roughly 6 percentage points higher in mathematics and science on the Iowa Assessments.

"Iowa's STEM Scale-Up program was conceived by leaders on the STEM Council as a means for leveling the playing field across our state and bringing top-quality STEM to PreK-12 learners regardless of their zip code," said STEM Council Executive Director Dr. Jeff Weld. "Now entering year five of the initiative, outstanding program partners have equipped and inspired thousands of educators to ignite the dreams of a quarter million young Iowans in STEM."

The current STEM Scale-Up programs will be asked to reapply alongside other potential new partners who will compete for a spot on the 2016-17 menu of offerings that Iowa's educators can apply for in the spring. Selected programs will demonstrate through their proposals clear evidence of success in increasing student interest and achievement in STEM, as well as inspiring children of diverse backgrounds and abilities by driving connections with business and industry.

For the second year in a row, the STEM Council will partner with the national STEM organization, Change the Equation, that works to build a national registry of exemplary STEM programs, known as the STEMworks Database. The partnership enables applicants to submit simultaneously for STEMworks listing and Iowa's STEM Scale-Up menu. They will be evaluated through Change the Equation's rigorous Design Principles for effectiveness as well as additional state-specific criteria to assess their readiness to expand in Iowa.

"Change the Equation is honored to help the STEM Council identify the most effective STEM programs for its STEM Scale-Up initiative," said Change the Equation CEO Linda Rosen. "Corporate America has long been a leader in its focus on effective STEM programs that deliver a return on the investment. The collaboration between Change the Equation and the STEM Council embodies this critical principle."

The most competitive proposals, which may come from a variety of sources, including academic institutions, nonprofit organizations or the private sector, will be those that are clearly evidence-based, well-planned, targeting areas of need in Iowa and readily scalable across the state. The proposal form is located at http://changetheequation.org/stemworks_application/how-it-works/ia.php and must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 7, 2015.

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About the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Established in July 2011 via Governor's Executive Order, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies, and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa's educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STEM Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain the state's historic leadership position in education and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 47-member STEM Council is chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.

About Change the Equation

Change the Equation works at the intersection of business and education to ensure that all students are STEM literate by collaborating with schools, communities, and states to adopt and implement excellent STEM policies and programs. CTEq's coalition of members are working toward universal STEM literacy by advocating for state policies and practices that are known to produce STEM-literate high school graduates; ensuring high standards for all students; and supporting evidence-based high quality STEM learning programs.

Nebraska City, Neb. (November 2, 2015) Scott County Family Y-Newcomb Early Learning Center, located at 2619 North Division Street in Davenport, Iowa has earned national certification as a Nature Explore Classroom from Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation. This is the 3rd Scott County Y Center to achieve certification of their outdoor space, with previous certifications awarded to the Palmer Learning Center and the Learning Center, all located in Davenport.

Scott County Family Y-Newcomb Early Learning Center, joins a growing network of organizations and institutions that have created effective nature-based outdoor learning environments for children. This network allows for idea-sharing, peer support and continuous development.  More information on Scott County Family Y-Newcomb Early Learning Center may be found at http://certified.natureexplore.org/scott-county-family-y-newcomb-early-learning-center/

"Scott County Family Y-Newcomb Early Learning Center has shown tremendous leadership in growing the next generation of environmental stewards," said Susie Wirth, Nature Explore Outreach Director. "Their commitment to providing research-based and nature-rich learning offers a wonderful example to educators throughout the country."

Nature Explore Classrooms are part of the Nature Explore program, a collaborative project of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation developed in response to the growing disconnect between children and nature. Certified Nature Explore Classrooms help fill the void by integrating research-based outdoor learning opportunities into children's daily lives.

The classrooms, which are being developed across the country, offer interactive elements such as musical instruments made of natural materials, garden or pathway areas and natural materials for building and creating art. Children who learn and grow in Certified

Nature Explore Classrooms enhance concentration, develop creativity and problem-solving, relieve stress and improve skills in many areas of development.

Outdoor classrooms that are designed according to standards and principles described in Dimensions Educational Research Foundation's Learning With Nature Idea Book are eligible to become certified Nature Explore Classrooms. A new guidebook, At Home With Nature: Creating Nature Explore Playscapes for Families, helps parents bring the same research-based approach to learning in nature to their own children at home.

The first Nature Explore Classroom is located in the Tree Adventure attraction at Arbor Day Farm, the Arbor Day Foundation's interactive conservation venue in Nebraska City, Nebraska. More information on the program can be found at natureexplore.org.

About Arbor Day Foundation:  Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.  More information on the Foundation is available at arborday.org.

About Dimensions Educational Research Foundation:  The mission of the non-profit Dimensions Educational Research Foundation is to inspire children, families and educators to connect more deeply with the world around them by providing innovative, research-based programs and resources.

Davenport, Iowa - We like it when you can't keep a secret . . . and this is a secret we must share.   The growing needs of many seniors throughout the Quad City area is growing.  And with the upcoming holiday season, many older adults spend the holidays alone, in their homes with little to no friend or family support.

 

It's estimated that more than 50% of adults report feeling lonely during the holiday season.  This feeling can be intensified for older adults who have lost loved ones over the years.  Many seniors report not leaving their homes and not receiving any visitors or gifts during the holiday season.

 

At The Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), we see many older adults whose gift list consists of everyday household and personal care items such as laundry soap, socks, pajamas or new under garments. They are not looking for extravagant gifts costing hundreds of dollars. They are hoping for items of everyday comfort and care as well as the warm feelings brought by spending time with those who care for them.

 

We need your help.  In partnership with Quad City area Walgreens, CASI, Milestones Area Agency on Aging, Western Illinois Area on Aging and Alternatives for the Older Adult are working together to ensure that older adults are not forgotten this holiday season.

 

Thanks to Walgreens, it is easy to be a part of the gift giving program.  While at any Quad City area Walgreens store, simply pick-up a scannable tag at the check-out and tell the clerk the amount of money you'd like to donate.  Funds raised through the Senior Secret Santa program will be used to purchase gifts and provide services for seniors during the holidays and throughout the year. Scannable tags are available for purchase now through November 15th at any of the Quad Cities area Walgreens stores.

 

It's simple. Visit your local Walgreen's store, and help a senior in need this holiday season.

 

To be eligible for the Senior Secret Santa program, persons must 60+ years old and would otherwise not have a Christmas if not for this program.  Household annual must be less than $23,000 for a single person or, if married, less than $26,000.   Recipients must be a current
client of CASI, Milestones Area Agency on Aging, Western Illinois Area on Aging or Alternatives for the Older Adult.


For more information, please call CASI-The Center for Active Seniors at 563.386.7477.

DAVENPORT, IA?Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Normal hours of operation will resume on Thursday, Nov. 12. Facilities closed include the following:

  • Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport

  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport

  • Household Hazardous Material Facility, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport

  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th St., Davenport

Waste Commission of Scott County is an intergovernmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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(DES MOINES) -Gov. Terry Branstad announced today that Ron Hansen of Durant, Iowa, will serve as Superintendent of the Iowa Division of Banking beginning on November 16, 2015.  Hansen is the Chairman and CEO of Liberty Trust & Savings Bank.

"Today, I'm pleased to announce that Ron Hansen will serve as Superintendent of the Iowa Division of Banking," said Branstad. "I am confident that Ron's background, expertise and experience within the Iowa Bankers Association and Liberty Trust and Savings Bank will serve Iowans well."

The Iowa Division of Banking works to protect the interests of those who interact with banks and financial service providers to ensure that all laws and regulations are followed. The department works to maintain a healthy and prosperous regulatory environment to allow Iowa citizens safe and stable banking.

"I am honored to have been selected by Gov. Branstad to serve as Superintendent of the Iowa Division of Banking," said Hansen.  "The division and previous superintendents have a long history of promoting a healthy financial climate contributing to the success of Iowa's citizens, communities and the banking industry.  I look forward to continuing that tradition."

Hansen has been active in the Iowa Bankers Association for the past nineteen years serving as a Board Member, Treasurer and the Chairman from September 2011 to September 2012. Hansen has also been active in the American Bankers Association (ABA) serving currently on the ABA Membership Council as well as having served on the Government Relations Council Administrative Committee, Community Bankers Council and the Federal Home Loan Bank Administrative Committee.

Hansen is a native of Durant, Iowa, where he is actively involved in the community having served in various capacities with Durant Chamber of Commerce, Durant Development Corporation, Durant Ambulance Service and Durant Jaycees as well as having served on various committees within the Durant Community School District.

Hansen is a graduate of Arizona State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. Ron and his wife Kristy, live in Durant. They have three grown children, Brett, Samuel and Henry.

Hansen's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Iowa senate.

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