Iowa residents Craig Farlinger and Mike Whye need no words to explain how incredible their home state is?the proof is in the 109 color photographs that make up their new book, Iowa: A Photographic Journey, available from Farcountry Press this fall.

Working independently from Cresco and Council Bluffs, respectively, Farlinger and Whye have covered nearly every corner of Iowa in their 54 combined years of professional photography. In Iowa: A Photographic Journey, the duo delivers not only the cozy farm scenes and small-town charm that make the state great, but also a wide variety of true-blue Iowa subjects visitors and even locals may not have previously seen.

Although both photographers are well rounded, Iowa: A Photographic Journey brings out their individual strengths. Farlinger takes readers on a journey through majestic natural places, including Iowa's beloved state parks, old-growth forests, limestone bluffs, winding rivers, and the unique prairies of the Loess Hills. Whye highlights the state's culture, from the famous covered bridges of Madison County to the golden Iowa Capitol, from the freewheeling sculptures of Pappajohn Sculpture Park to the two-wheeled extravaganza RAGBRAI, and all the rodeos, museums, historical sites, and giant concrete bulls in between.

The book's images reveal a rare passion for all things Iowa. If, as the old saying goes, a picture is worth 1,000 words, Farlinger and Whye have composed a splendid love letter to the Hawkeye State.

Iowa: A Photographic Journey (9781560376330, $12.95, Farcountry Press, 2015) is available at local bookstores and gift shops, through online retailers, or from Farcountry Press at 1.800.821.3874, www.farcountrypress.com.

About the Photographers

Clint Farlinger, a professional photographer since 1992, photographs nature's beauty extensively in the Midwest as well as throughout the world. Through careful use of light and composition, he creates images that are both artful and illustrative of nature's story. He has years of experience working on assignment for magazines such as Midwest Living and writing for magazines including Outdoor Photographer, Sierra, and Shutterbug. In addition to these magazines, his vast array of credits includes National Geographic books and calendars, National Parks magazine, BrownTrout calendars (including several containing only his images), and numerous other books, magazines, and calendars. See Clint's work at www.farlingerphoto.com.

Mike Whye developed his love of travel from when he was an Air Force brat. As a freelance writer-photographer, he has been writing and photographing articles for newspapers, magazines, and private, public, and government entities since 1984. Mike has won the top Mark Twain Award for excellence in photojournalism four times from the Midwest Travel Writers Association, and he teaches photography and journalism at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa. For more on Mike's work, visit mwhye.home.radiks.net.

About Farcountry Press

Celebrating more than 30 years in business, award-winning publisher Farcountry Press specializes in softcover and hardcover color photography books showcasing the nation's cities, states, national parks, and wildlife. Farcountry also publishes several popular children's series, guidebooks, cookbooks, and regional history titles nationwide. Farcountry publishes more than 50 books annually; the backlist has grown to more than 300 titles. Visit www.farcountrypress.com or call 1.800.821.3874.


Revisions to Trial Scheduling and Discovery Plan Forms (September 25, 2015)

These amended forms are temporarily adopted and effective immediately. The forms will become permanently effective November 25, 2015.

Order (78 kb)


Fillable and savable versions of the forms will be posted soon.

Rule 23.5 - Form 2 (354 kb)


Rule 23.5 - Form 3 (430 kb)



Amendments to Iowa Court Rule 35.14 for Reinstatement of License After Revocation (May 18, 2015)

Order (37 kb)


Chapter 35 (103 kb)



Amendments to Iowa Court Rule 31.16 for Registration of Foreign House Counsel (May 18, 2015)

Order (30 kb)


Chapter 31 (96 kb)



Revisions to New and Amended Rules Governing Court Interpreters (May 18, 2015)

Chapters 47 and 48 of the Iowa Court Rules

Order (45 kb)


Chapter 47 (8 kb)


Chapter 48 (7 kb)



Adoption of Clarifying Amendments to New Discovery Rules and Forms (April 1, 2015)

Order (116 kb)


Revisions to Ch. 1 Rule 1.500 Discovery Amendments (140 kb)


Revisions to Ch. 1 Rule 1.507 Discovery and Inspection (139 kb)


Revisions to Ch. 1 Rule 1.906 Discovery Amendments Trial and Judgment (126 kb)


Trial Scheduling and Discovery Plan: Rule 23.5–Form 2 (631 kb)


Trial Scheduling and Discovery Plan for Expedited Civil Action: Rule 23.5–Form 3 (1941 kb)



In the Matter of the Basic Skills Course Requirement for Newly Admitted Attorneys (January 21, 2015)

Basic Skills Course Requirement
Effective immediately

Order (420 kb)


Rule 41.12 Basic skills course requirement (151 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Chapter 46 of the Iowa Court Rules (December 18, 2014)

Certification of Shorthand Reporters
Effective immediately

Order (68 kb)


Chapter 46 (102 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules 31.3 (December 16, 2014)

Required Examinations
Effective immediately

Order (35 kb)


Rule 31.3 Required examinations (157 kb)



Adoption of New and Amended Rules Governing Court Interpreters (December 4, 2014)

Chapters 47 and 48 of the Iowa Court Rules
Effective July 1, 2015

Order (177 kb)


Chapter 47 (326 kb)


Chapter 48 (219 kb)



Revisions to Expedited Civil Action Rule and Recent Amendments to Iowa Discovery Rules (October 30, 2014)

Order (92 kb)


Revisions to Ch. 1 Expedited Civil Action Rule 1.281 (27 kb)


Revisions to Ch. 1 Discovery Amendments (65 kb)


Joint Motion to Proceed as an Expedited Civil Action: Rule 1.1901–Form 18 (18 kb)


Notice of Civil Trial-Setting Conference: Rule 23.5–Form 1 (40 kb)


Trial Scheduling and Discovery Plan: Rule 23.5–Form 2 (74 kb)


Trial Scheduling and Discovery Plan for Expedited Civil Action: Rule 23.5–Form 3 (71 kb)



Adoption of Expedited Civil Action Rule and Amendments to Iowa Discovery Rules (August 28, 2014)

Order (1195 kb)


Ch. 1 Expedited Civil Action Rule 1.281 (300 kb)


Ch. 1 Discovery Amendments (439 kb)


Expedited Civil Action Certification: Rule 1.1901--Form 16 (220 kb)


Expedited Civil Action Certification: Rule 1.1901--Form 17 (221 kb)


Joint Motion to Proceed as an Expedited Civil Action: Rule 1.1901–Form 18 (176 kb)


Health Care Provider Statement in Lieu of Testimony: Rule 1.1901–Form 19 (238 kb)


Ch. 23 Time Standards for Case Processing (220 kb)


Notice of Civil Trial-Setting Conference: Rule 23.5–Form 1 (208 kb)


Trial Scheduling Order and Discovery Plan: Rule 23.5–Form 2 (310 kb)


Trial Scheduling Order and Discovery Plan for Expedited Civil Action: Rule 23.5–Form 3 (312 kb)



In the Matter of Interim Rules to Govern the use of the Electronic Document Management System (August 15, 2014)

Order (80 kb)



In the Matter of Probate Forms in Chapter 7 of the Iowa Court Rules (June 17, 2014)

Amended forms to take effect permanently August 16, 2014

Order (43 kb)



In the Matter of Probate Forms in Chapter 7 of the Iowa Court Rules (May 23, 2014)

Order (53 kb)


Chapter 7 Title and Contents (140 kb)


Probate Forms (286 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules (April 29, 2014)

Further amendments to rules and forms of Chapter 25
Effective May 1, 2014

Order (43 kb)


Chapter 25, Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage (246 kb)


Chapter 25, EMNC forms (562 kb)


Summary of Amendments to Chapter 25 (203 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Division III of the Iowa Court Rules (April 25, 2014)

Order (45 kb)


Rule Changes for Law Student Registration & Lawyer Reporting Dates (98 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules (April 2, 2014)

Effective May 1, 2014

Order (115 kb)


Chapter 25, Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage (245 kb)


Chapter 25, EMNC forms (512 kb)


Summary of Amendments to Chapter 25 (201 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 17 of the Iowa Court Rules and Self Represented Litigant Forms for Disestablishing Legal Parent (March 26, 2014)

Order (73 kb)


Rule 17.200 Family law forms for dissolution of marriage with dependent children (129 kb)


Form 212: Joint Statement on Legal Parent (501 kb)


Form 213: Motion to Disestablish Legal Parent (504 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating Student Practice (March 21, 2014)

Order (29 kb)


Rule 31.15 Student Practice Rule (152 kb)


OPR Memo Re: Amendment of Student Practice Rule (65 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating Continuing Legal Education (March 21, 2014)

Order (28 kb)


Chapters 41 and 42 (176 kb)


OPR Memo Re: Distance Education Changes as Adopted (65 kb)



In the Matter of Adoption of New Chapter 17 Forms for Applications to Modify Child Support in the Iowa Court Rules (March 6, 2014)

Order (406 kb)


Rule (127 kb)


Forms (1451 kb)


Guide (492 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 17 of the Iowa Court Rules and Adoption of New Forms for Dissolutions of Marriage with Children (December 19, 2013)

Order (79 kb)


Divorce Forms for Self Represented Litigants With Minor Children (4394 kb)


Guide to Representing Yourself in an Iowa Divorce Case with Minor Children (543 kb)


Chapter 17 of the Iowa Court Rules (153 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Division III of the Court Rules Regarding the Client Security Trust Fund (November 26, 2013)

Order (160 kb)


Office of Professional Regulation Memorandum (118 kb)


Chapter 39 and 40 (141 kb)



In the Matter of Adoption of New Forms for Dissolutions of Marriage with no Minor Children (November 6, 2013)

Order (60 kb)


Divorce Forms for Self Represented Litigants With No Minor Children (2415 kb)


Guide to Representing Yourself in an Iowa Divorce Case with no Minor Children (445 kb)



In the Matter of Interim Rules to Govern the use of the Electronic Document Management System (October 22, 2013)

Supervisory Order (66 kb)


Rules 16.302, 16.320, 16.701 (132 kb)



In the Matter of the New Rule of Juvenile Procedure (October 16, 2013)

Juvenile Procedure 8.36

Order (125 kb)


Rule 8.36 (253 kb)


Standards of Practice (309 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating Admission to the Bar (August 22, 2013)

Effective immediately

Order (25 kb)


Chapter 31, Admission to the Bar (214 kb)



In the Matter of Adoption of Clarifying Comments (June 13, 2013)

Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:1.13
Effective immediately

Order (61 kb)



In the Matter of Iowa Court Rules New Chapter 26 (June 4, 2013)

Rules for Installment Payment Plans and Other Court Collection Activities
Effective July 1, 2013

Order (253 kb)


Chapter 26 (294 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 9 (May 9, 2013)

Child Support Guidelines
Effective July 1, 2013

Order (69 kb)


Chapter 9, Child Support Guidelines (2035 kb)


Child Support Guidelines Review Committee Final Report (2595 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure and Organization and Procedures of Appellate Courts in Chapters 6 and 21 of the Iowa Court Rules (March 5, 2013)

The Iowa Supreme Court has approved rules governing electronic appellate processes. The rules, to be contained in the Chapter 16 court rules pertaining to EDMS, are prospective only. The court will announce an effective date for the rules and for implementation of electronic filing in the appellate courts at a later date.

Order (63 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure and Organization and Procedures of Appellate Courts in Chapters 6 and 21 of the Iowa Court Rules (March 5, 2013)

The Iowa Supreme Court has amended the rules of appellate procedure contained in chapter 6 of the Iowa Court Rules and has rescinded and rewritten the rules governing the organization and procedures of appellate courts contained in Chapter 21 of the Iowa Court Rules.
Effective May 3, 2013

Order (74 kb)


Chapter 6 and Chapter 21 (116 kb)



In the Matter of Adoption of an Emeritus Pro Bono Practice Rule (March 1, 2013)

The Iowa Supreme Court has adopted an emeritus pro bono practice rule (Iowa Court Rule 31.19) that encourages retired or retiring Iowa attorneys, including attorneys licensed in other states, to provide volunteer legal services on behalf of legal aid organizations serving low income persons in Iowa.
Effective immediately

Order and Rule Amendments (323 kb)



In the Matter of New Rule of Civil Procedure (December 6, 2012)

The Iowa Supreme Court has approved the addition of rule 1.1702 to the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure providing a uniform process for interstate depositions and discovery.

Supervisory Order (157 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to the Iowa Court Rules (November 8, 2012)

Forms Regarding Appointment of Counsel
Temporarily adopting the attached forms, effective immediately. Forms permanently take effect January 7, 2013.

Supervisory Order and Forms Regarding Appointment of Counsel (294 kb)



In the Matter of Iowa Court Rule 31.16 (Sept. 13, 2012)

Registration of House Counsel
Effective immediately

Order (49 kb)


Chapter 31 (272 kb)



In the Matter of Standard Forms of Pleadings for Small Claims Actions (Sept. 13, 2012)

Chapter 3 of the Iowa Court Rules -- Form 3.27:Verification of Account
Effective immediately

Order (90 kb)


Chapter 3, Form 3.27 (45 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to the Iowa Court Rules Governing Lawyer Advertising (August 28, 2012)

Effective January 1, 2013

Order and Chapter 32 (1114 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules 35.17 and 42.1 (August 24, 2012)

Effective immediately

Order, Rule 35.17 and 42.1 (66 kb)



In the Matter of Amendment of Iowa Court Rule 35.1 (August 24, 2012)

Effective immediately

Order, Rule 35.1 (56 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating Admission to the Bar (July 13, 2012)

Effective immediately

Order, Rule 31.11(3), and OPR change to rule 31.12 (119 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 13 of the Iowa Court Rules (July 5, 2012)

Supervisory Order, Chapter 13 (516 kb)



In the Matter of Chapter 13 of the Iowa Court Rules (June 29, 2012)

Order, Chapter 13 and Forms (1418 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure (May 21, 2012)

6.1005 Regarding Frivolous Appeals and Withdrawal of Counsel (Including Related Changes to Other Rules)
Effective immediately

Order (147 kb)


Rule 6.1005 (194 kb)



In the Matter of Standard Forms of Pleadings for Small Claims Actions (May 7, 2012)

Chapter 3 of the Iowa Court Rules is rescinded effective July 1, 2012, and revised Chapter 3 is adopted. Until July 1, 2012, parties may use either the current pleadings forms or the new pleadings forms.

Order (129 kb)


Chapter 3 -- Small Claims forms (711 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating the Practice of Law (May 2, 2012)

Amendments concerning the attorney disciplinary process, client trust account reconciliation and record retention procedures, continuing legal education, and the bar exam.
Amended effective immediately

Nunc Pro Tunc (59 kb)


OPR Rules Revisions (Strikethrough version) (4618 kb)


OPR Rules Revisions (Final version) (396 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rule 32:7.4 (March 12, 2012)

The Court adds Veterans Law to the list of fields of practice and specialization.

Order (80 kb)



Iowa Courts Rules

The Chief Justice has signed a supplemental order specifying the effective date of the amendment to Rule 41.3(2)

Supplemental Order (35 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (February 20, 2012)

Amendments concerning the attorney disciplinary process, client trust account reconciliation and record retention procedures, continuing legal education, and the bar exam.
Amended effective immediately

Order (183 kb)


Amendments (10043 kb)


Summary of Amendments (87 kb)

DES MOINES, IA (09/28/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald's Great Iowa Treasure Hunt's fall publication is scheduled to be released soon. "The upcoming publication has the most up-to-date unclaimed property listings in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, so make sure to search, even if you've checked before. A lot of Iowans may be pleasantly surprised," said Fitzgerald. "You may also search for your name any time by visiting GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $198 million in unclaimed property to more than 468,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, safe deposit box contents and many other types of property.

(@GreatIATreasure).

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Davenport, Iowa (October, 2015) - Gilda's Club is excited to announce its 17th Annual Noogiefest event to be held on Saturday, October 10th from 4 - 6 p.m. at Gilda's Club (1234 East River Drive, Davenport).

Join us for a hauntingly good time with themed rooms, games, door prizes, goodies and more!

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are encouraged at this free family event that is open to the community. Event takes place rain or shine.

For questions about the event, contact Anita at 563-326-7504 or anita@gildasclubq.org.

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About Gilda's Club
Free of charge, Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides support, education, and hope to all people affected by any type of cancer.  As a Cancer Support Community affiliate, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States.  Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer.
By Nathaniel Sillin

A generation ago, most families didn't think about financial fraud. Today, it can come in many forms - over the phone, through the mail and increasingly, online. It's an equal opportunity crime that affects consumers of all ages.

For the 15th straight year, the Federal Trade Commission tapped identity theft as the number one source of consumer complaints in its 2014 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book (https://www.ftc.gov) released in February. The agency also noted a "large increase" in so-called "imposter" scams - phone calls and emails from thieves purporting to represent the government as a way to steal data and money from unsuspecting adults.

Young people - particularly students - may be the fastest-growing group of fraud targets. Due to their dependence and sometimes unwitting use of computers and mobile devices, young people may be the greatest potential victims of financial fraud, according to a 2015 study (https://www.javelinstrategy.com) by Javelin Strategy & Research. More than 64 percent of respondents said they were not "very concerned" about identity fraud, but were far more likely to find out they were fraud victims long after the damage occurred, such as through a call from a debt collector or a rejection letter from a lender.

Most consumers under the age of 18 shouldn't have a credit record at all. But as digital thieves become more sophisticated and federal agencies become occasionally vulnerable to hackers, critical privacy data like Social Security numbers - which many parents obtain for their children in infancy to save or invest money or buy insurance on their behalf - could be at risk years before a child ever opens a bank account or applies for a loan.

For all of these reasons, it may be time to think about a family fraud plan. Here are some steps to consider.

  • Check the accuracy of all family credit data. Parents should begin by checking their own credit reports (https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action) to make sure creditor data and loan balances are accurate and no inaccuracies or unfamiliar lenders have crept into their information. Once clear, adult children can make sure senior relatives are taking similar steps. As for minors, the three major credit agencies - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian - have their own website guidelines for confirming and evaluating a minor's credit data.
  • Make sure mailboxes are safe from thieves and any document with an account number or identifying data is destroyed before it is placed in the trash. The same goes for tax returns that are no longer needed.
  • Learn how to protect all mobile computer and handheld data and have a plan in place in case any family member loses a smartphone, tablet or laptop/desktop computer. Tips are available online, from smartphone service providers and device manufacturers.
  • Online, by phone and in person, be wary of collection demands or requests for Social Security numbers or other specific account data unless the identity of the caller can be verified. Fraudulent calls are called "vishing" scams, similar to "phishing" scams that involve fraudulent emails, texts and websites used to illegally collect personal data.
  • Install all software security updates immediately on mobile devices and computers and ensure passwords are unique and frequently updated.
  • Sign up for fraud alerts from banks, credit card issuers or investment companies to receive immediate word of unusual or potentially illegal activity on accounts.

Bottom line: Identity thieves and other financial fraudsters watch consumer behavior closely and are equally adept at stealing money and data in person, over the phone and online. Have a plan in place to protect the entire family.

Residents can show their support for individuals with special needs on Saturday, October 3rd. Camp Courageous will be holding it's 2nd Annual Stuff the Bus drive in Cedar Rapids at the Hy-Vee stores at 1843 Johnson Ave. and in Marion. Supporters can donate needed supplies such as wet wipes, paper towels, canned food, napkins and paper plates. Our goal is to fill the bus with donations! The event runs from 9am until 7pm.
On a typical busy Friday at Camp Courageous a van from Handicap Development Center of Davenport pulled up to pick up campers who had spent the week enjoying a variety of activities outdoors. The HDC staff knew many campers look forward to their week at camp all year long. They also know the camp relies on donations. The HDC staff had joined together to bring nearly a van full of needed items for camp. They brought new fishing poles, life jackets, paper towels, wet wipes, toilet paper and other items from the "Needs List" (entire list of needed items can be found on the Camp Courageous web site).
The gifts from HDC were inspiring and a reminder of what a few committed people can accomplish when they come together.
Camp Courageous is open year round. Therefore, donations are needed year round.
Camp Courageous is an example of people in the community coming together and contributing to something which benefits over 7,000 individuals of all ages with disabilities every year.
Just stop by the Marion Hy-Vee or the Hy-Vee at 1843 Johnson Ave. in Cedar Rapids to leave a donation. The location also makes it easy to get a "Needs List" from a camp volunteer and purchase items camp needs on the spot.

The Figge Art Museum and Heart of America Group are pleased to announce the opening of the Figge Café located in the Figge Art Museum at 225 West Second Street, Davenport, IA 52801.  Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m..

"We are pleased to partner with Heart of America to open the Figge Café, a beautiful and casual lunch atmosphere, that is great for both businesses and families," said Tim Schiffer, Executive Director, Figge Art Museum.

HOA's Executive Chef Steve Hall will create a new menu each week with a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts featuring both fresh and local food options, as well as, cappuccino and espresso available for dining in or carry out.

There is no museum admission fee to eat at the restaurant. Call 563.726.2087 to make your lunch reservation.  Walk-ins are welcome.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Cost of admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is always free to Figge and institutional members, and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.
12th Annual Night to Honor Israel
October 15th, 2015 at 7:00PM
Calvary Church of the Quad Cities
4700 53rd Street
 
Date: October 15th
 
Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm. Pre-show begins at 6:30 and program begins at 7:00 pm
Place: Calvary Church of the Quad Cities
4700 53rd Street
Moline, IL. 61265
12 tribes of Israel for our Jewish friends and 12 apostles for Christians. The number 12 relates to divine government, God's authority, perfection, and completion. So, our twelfth Night to Honor Israel promises to be a very special night starting with our keynote speaker Pastor Mark Biltz.
I first met Mark at a CUFI Summit meeting in Washington D.C. several years ago. He was a main platform speaker and spoke with such passion and authority on Israel I knew then he would one day be our keynote speaker here in the Quad Cities. Please see his biography below. Mark's message is timely and relevant with everything unfolding in the Mid-East. Please never stop praying for the peace of Jerusalem. I hope to see you on October 15th.

PORT BYRON, Ill. -State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, joined local volunteers and community leaders to provide meals and resources at the 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event, held September 17 through 19 at the Q.C.C.A. Expo Center in Rock Island.

"We owe our freedom to those who have served, and I'm proud that our community stands behind them and embraces the 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event and to help veterans get the support they deserve," Smiddy said. "I'd like to thank 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' for their commitment to serving homeless veterans in our community, and for allowing me to join them for this important event. I invite everyone in our community to look for ways to help those who have served our country."

'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' is a local not-for-profit dedicated to serving veterans in the community, and connecting services at a variety of levels. The 13th annual 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event offered food, clothing, grooming, medical testing, support programs, legal assistance and employment counseling. 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' partnered with other local non-profits to host the event, and Smiddy attended the event to serve hot meals to local homeless veterans. Residents who wish to contribute to the organization or volunteer should contact Mike Malmstrom, co-director of 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' at 309-269-2012.

One in six children in Iowa and 1 in 5 children in Illinois face food insecurity. This issue and these statistics have motivated a Quad-City teen to join the fight against hunger.

"Many know that hunger is a big problem in other countries around the world, but few realize that people in our own communities go hungry every day," says Clare VanSpeybroeck, age 16. VanSpeybroeck, an active member of the 4-H Teen Hunger Ambassadors, held a food packaging event at which volunteers helped assemble over 15,000 meals. The event was held Sunday, September 27 at St. Pius X Farrell Hall, 2502 29th Avenue, Rock Island.

"The goals of my project are to provide nutritious meals to the hungry in the Quad Cities, educate youth and adults of the need in our area, and unite the community by working together to help others," says VanSpeybroeck. The non-perishable family-sized rice casserole meals will be distributed to the needy through the Riverbend Food Bank and the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Rock Island.

Clare says she has participated in three other 4-H meal packaging events in the past but is excited to take on the challenge of organizing an event herself. "I couldn't undertake this project without the support of the Rock Island County 4-H Extension Foundation and the co-sponsorship of my 4-H Teen Hunger Ambassador group. I am honored that the adult leaders of these groups have confidence in me to take on this leadership role," says VanSpeybroeck.

Clare organized all of the logistics of the event including publicity, recruiting volunteers, fundraising and ordering the food and supplies from Illini Fighting Hunger (IFH). IFH is a student organization at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana founded to address local and international hunger issues by making meal packaging events more frequent, more accessible, and more effective.

Clare's project is partially funded by a grant from Illinois 4-H Feeding and Growing Communities, the Rock Island Knights of Columbus, and private donations. She still has an additional $1,000 yet to raise to cover the costs of the food and supplies. If any funds over this amount are collected, the money will be used to sponsor additional meal packaging events or activities of the 4-H Teen Hunger Ambassadors.

If you would like to contribute to this charitable cause, a letter showing receipt of your tax-deductible donation will be mailed to you. Please make checks payable to: RICO 4-H Extension Foundation and mail to: University of Illinois Extension, Attn: Clare VanSpeybroeck, 321 W 2nd Avenue, Milan, IL 61264

The 4-H Teen Hunger Ambassadors welcome other teens ages 12 and older who are interested in helping combat hunger in the local community to get involved. For information on joining the group, contact Diane Baker, 4-H Youth Development Educator, bakerd@illinois.edu or (309) 756-9978.

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