21 Sep 2015

Deputy Secretary Harden to Lead Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Mission

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden will lead a trade mission to Accra, Ghana, Nov. 17 to Nov. 20, to expand export opportunities for U.S. agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.

"Two years ago, I led a mission to southern Africa to launch USDA's Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Initiative, which aims to expand U.S. agricultural and commercial ties in the region," Harden said. "I am excited to return to Africa with a new group of U.S. agricultural leaders to further explore market opportunities, especially for small, minority and women-owned businesses."

The delegation will meet with potential customers from more than a dozen countries across sub-Saharan Africa, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment in the region. This first-hand intelligence will help them develop strategies to start or expand sales to these key markets.

Participants will include representatives from companies representing a wide array of U.S. food and agricultural products, as well as leaders from state departments of agriculture and U.S. agricultural organizations.

With a strong economic outlook, a growing middle class, and surging demand for consumer-oriented foods, sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions for U.S. agricultural exports. Over the past decade, U.S. agricultural exports to the region have grown by more than 50 percent, totaling $2.3 billion in 2014. Exports of consumer-oriented products have grown by nearly 90 percent in just five years, from $480 million in 2010 to a record $909 million in 2014.

Additional information about the mission, including application materials, is available at www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. Applications are due Oct. 2, 2015.

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21 Sep 2015

News from Senator Grassley's Office Sept. 17, 2015

By Grassley Press

Q/A:  Know Before You Owe with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

 

Q: How can students avoid graduating with an overwhelming debt burden?

A: A new school year is under way and a fresh crop of students has started a new chapter on college campuses across the country. In our 21st century economy, it's widely considered a smart move to pursue higher education or vocational training as the next generation looks to secure financial independence and self-sufficiency. Many studies report that college graduates significantly improve their lifetime earning potential by earning an advanced degree. However, reading the fine print of those studies also shows a disparate range of earning potential based on one's field of study, as an example.  So, considering the substantial student debt burden that a growing percentage of graduates struggles to repay - the U.S. Department of Education's student loan portfolio exceeds $1 trillion  - it's important that policymakers examine the federal government's lending practices and the borrowing behavior of college-bound students.  Specific steps can be taken to encourage financial literacy and teach students to become smarter, savvier borrowers. The federal government has a responsibility to the taxpaying public and to student borrowers to ensure that students understand their income to debt ratio, as an example. My bipartisan legislation, the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act, would strengthen loan counseling requirements and establish a more transparent process in which institutions of higher education take steps to help student borrowers graduate with less debt hanging over their heads. Apart from my legislation, colleges should take care to keep tuition and living expenses as low as possible to avoid putting pressure on students to borrow more than they can afford.

Q: How would your bill address staggering student debt in America?

A: As a fiscal conservative, I share the tight-fisted views of hard-working Iowans who agree that Washington can't tax, spend or borrow its way to prosperity. Borrowing beyond one's means or potential ability to repay puts future prosperity at risk. A sensible rule of thumb for student borrowers is not to take on more debt than what is necessary to pay for college. A University of Iowa estimate suggests about 40 percent of the average $25,000 student loan debt exceeds what is needed to pay tuition, room and board.  That means a student borrower graduates with an extra $10,000 debt burden. That makes it even harder to stretch a paycheck to pay other monthly bills, such as rent, insurance and utilities. And let's be clear. The federal government shouldn't lend more than is necessary and underwrite lifestyle extras that aren't necessary to earn a college education.  Student borrowers need to come to grips with the size and scope of their debt burden. That's why my bill would upgrade the student loan counseling provision into an annual requirement, not just for first-time borrowers. It also would require colleges: to furnish an estimate of a student's projected debt to income ratio that forecasts a repayment schedule with the starting wages in their particular field of study; inform student borrowers how not graduating on time would add significantly to their debt burden; and to counsel them against the risks of over borrowing. Again, students need to understand they do not need to borrow the maximum amount for which they are eligible. Finally, my bill would require that students receive regular statements about their loan while they are still in school, not just when they must start repaying. Regular reminders about one's repayment responsibilities will help promote mindful borrowing, as opposed to an out of sight, out of mind debt burden. Knowing what you owe, before you go to college, will help make the next generation of students smarter borrowers and better financial stewards. These are invaluable lifetime lessons that will pay it forward for years to come.

Grassley Praises Committee Passage of Bill to Fight Transnational Drug Trafficking

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today praised Judiciary Committee passage of a bill he co-sponsored to help combat transnational drug trafficking.

"Since drug cartels are continually evolving, this legislation ensures that our criminal laws keep pace," Grassley said. "The bill closes a loophole abused by drug traffickers who intend for drugs to end up in the United States but supply them through an intermediary.  The Justice Department needs every legal tool to help crack down on those who ship these substances over the border into our country."

Grassley is the lead Republican on the bipartisan Transnational Drug Trafficking Act, introduced in January with Sen. Dianne Feinstein as the lead Democrat.  The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously in the 112th and 113th Congresses, would provide the Department of Justice with new tools to prosecute international drug traffickers in foreign countries.  In particular, it would help the department build extradition cases on drug kingpins from the Andean region, which includes Colombia and Peru.  Kingpins from these countries often use Mexican drug trafficking organizations as intermediaries to ship illegal narcotics to the United States.

The bill also would help the Department of Justice combat the international trafficking of methamphetamine, which is increasingly being trafficked from Mexico into the United States, including into Iowa.  Meth continues to be a problem in Iowa.  The latest data indicates that meth labs are at an all-time low in Iowa, but treatment admissions are at an all-time high.

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Grassley Joins Effort to End Federal Power Grab that Threatens Agriculture

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has joined 46 senators to introduce a resolution of disapproval of the rule on the Waters of the United States put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers.

A resolution of disapproval is a legislative procedure used to try to overturn regulations and rules put forth by the executive branch.  If the Senate and House pass the resolution, the President must sign it to become law.  If the President vetoes the bill, Congress must overturn the veto for the resolution to take effect.

"The indifferent attitude that the EPA took toward agriculture is a real concern for Iowans who know the impact agriculture has on the state's economy.  Every Iowa farmer has to be on their toes. The rule could result in significant red tape and expense for Iowa farmers as they make routine decisions about how best to use their land, even ironically hampering projects to improve water quality," Grassley said.

Grassley is a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill in the Senate to require that the Waters of the United States rule be completely revised with stakeholder input.  He also is a cosponsor of legislation that would clearly define the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction in the law rather than leaving it to the EPA.  In addition, both the Senate and House of Representatives appropriations committees have passed bills that deny funding for the EPA to carry out this rule.

The resolution was led by Senator Joni Ernst.  Original cosponsors of the resolution include Senators Lamar Alexander, John Barrasso, Roy Blunt, John Boozman, Richard Burr, Shelly Moore Capito, Dan Coats, Thad Cochran, John Cornyn, Tom Cotton, Mike Crapo, Ted Cruz, Steve Daines, Mike Enzi, Deb Fischer, Jeff Flake, Cory Gardner, Lindsey Graham, Orrin Hatch, Dean Heller, John Hoeven, Johnny Isakson, Ron Johnson, James Lankford, Mike Lee, John McCain, Mitch McConnell, Jerry Moran, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, David Perdue, Jim Risch, Pat Roberts, Mike Rounds, Marco Rubio, Ben Sasse, Tim Scott, Jeff Sessions, Richard Shelby, Dan Sullivan, John Thune, Thom Tillis, Pat Toomey, David Vitter, and Roger Wicker.

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21 Sep 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 09/18/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Divine Dezigns by LauraLee - 123 S. Cody Road, LeClaire. Interior design, decorating, accessorizing, organizing, and retail making old items new. Furniture, home accents, gifts. www.DivineDezignsbyLL.com 563-729-1108

 

LeClaire River Retreat Guest Condo - Stephanie Graham, owner. 215 1/2 Cody Road, LeClaire. leclaireriverretreat@gmail.com, www.leclaireriverretreat.com Beautiful Riverfront Guest Condominium

 

Kristine Rose - Avon - LeClaire, IA. Avon stands for beauty, innovation and optimism. Products include make-up, beauty regimes, fashion, jewelry, and fragrances for men and women, Skin So Soft and more. www.youravon.com/kristinerose - 920-246-0939

Bennion Essentials, LLC - 605 Statestone Circle, LeClaire, IA 52753. Health and wellness education, business training. www.Mydoterra.com/bennionessentials - 480-567-4356

Decades - 521 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, IA 52753. Now Open! A shop full of nostalgia! A combination of antiques, painted and re-purposed furniture, wicker, smalls, etc., etc! 309-314-7702

RIBBON CUTTING!

October 1st - Riverbend Retro 9:30a.m. Mid-Century Modern and Danish-Modern furniture and home décor. Vintage clothing and accessories, vinyl records and electronics. 106 S. Cody Road, LeClaire, 52753. Facebook.com/RiverbendRetro 563-579-2615. Everyone Welcome!

LECLAIRE CHAMBER MEMBERS - QC TIMES 2015 READERS' CHOICE AWARD WINNERS!

LeClaire, Iowa - Best Place to Take an Out-of-Town Guest - 4th year in a row!

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Best Gift Shop and Best Resale Shop

El Rio Spa and Wellness - Best Spa

The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits - Best Fine Dining

Grace Marine - Best Boat Sales and Service

Finalists in various categories:

Ascentra Credit Union - Bank or Credit Union

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Customer Service and Take an Out-of-Town Guest

Bierstube - Locally Owned Restaurant, Outdoor Dining, Burger, Chicken Wings, and Bar Food

Big Dave & Holly's - Take Out and Tenderloin

Blue Iguana - Margarita

Dwellings - Home Furnishing Store

El Rio Spa and Wellness - Nail Salon

Happy Joe's - Buffet, Pizza, and Kid's Birthday Party

Isabel Bloom - Gift Shop

Jones St Java House - Coffee Shop

Mississippi River Distilling Co. - Brewery

Riverside Family Eye Care - Eye Care Provider

Tug Fest - Summer Festival

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

The September newsletter has been delivered to all homes and businesses in the 52753 zipcode area.  See it online at www.leclairechamber.com under Chamber News!

CALENDAR

September 18th -  Tonight Is The Night!! First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Night for Nepal Gala to benefit victims of the recent earthquakes in Nepal.  The First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and the Quad City Nepalese Society (QCNS) are partnering, 4:30-8:30 pm. Nepalese native dance and music and American desserts. $10 per person; $5 for children, 8 years and under. Carnival games for the children (4:30-6:30 pm), live auction and silent auctions. There is desperate need in Nepal since the earthquakes and aftershocks in April and May, 2015. We are accepting donations for the auctions and financial contributions to our Nepalese relief fund. Come, bring your friends and enjoy a fun evening for a great cause!

September 18th - Wide River Winery Live Music Jordan Danielson 5-8p.m.

September 19th - Star Gifts for Kids Golf Outing is at Olathea Golf course. 4-person best ball, 18 holes with cart. Prizes on every hole. Shotgun start at 9am sharp. Food and prizes will be at the Riverview Roadhouse following the golf outing. This is a great cause that gives back to kids and senior citizens in the LeClaire and Princeton area. Cost is $65 per person. Contact Barry Long today at 563-949-6969 to reserve your foursome.

 

September 19th - Twilight Dinner Cruise sponsored by the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. Sold Out!

September 19th - Trivia Night in LeClaire, LeClaire Civic Center - Benefits the LeClaire Community Library.  Tables of 8; $10 per person.  Mulligans and refreshments available for purchase.  Participants may bring snacks, wine, beer and soft drinks.  Doors open at 6:30PM; game starts at 7PM.  Door prizes; 50-50 raffle.  Reservations:  563-639-4621 or 563-349-4403.

September 25th - Wide River Winery Live Music Jason Carl 5-8p.m.

September 25th - LeClaire Boy Scouts Venture Crew is serving a "grilled out" dinner at Snow Masonic Lodge #44 113 South Cody Road 6:30-7:30pm:. Price is $7 and includes dinner, dessert and a beverage. This is a fundraiser for the Venture Crew and benefits the Boy Scouts. Call Julie Crouse for more information, 563-940-8923.

 

September 26th - Cure it With Corn - Beating Leukemia Iowa Style on LeClaire Levee 11am-dusk. Fun event for a great cause! Live music by Just Chords, Rude Punch, and Battle Red, raffles, silent auction, Kids Zone, pulled pork sandwiches, sweet corn and fireworks at dusk. $10 at gate. All proceeds will go to helping find a cure for cancer at University of Iowa Hospitals and the American Cancer Society. T-shirts are available online for $15 plus $4 shipping at www.cureitwithcorn.com More information at https://www.facebook.com/cureitwithcorn

September 26th - Oktoberfest Celebration in Colona. 2-7pm. Enjoy Bierstube food and beer.

September 27th - The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Wine Tasting 3-5 p.m. includes small bites and 15 wines for $15; call 563-289-4156 to reserve your glass.

September 28th - Economic Development Meeting - Cancelled

 

SAVE THE DATE

October 1st - Riverbend Retro Ribbon Cutting 9:30a.m. Mid-Century Modern and Danish-Modern furniture and home décor. Vintage clothing and accessories, vinyl records and electronics. 106 S. Cody Road, LeClaire, 52753. Facebook.com/RiverbendRetro 563-579-2615. Everyone Welcome!

October 2nd - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8p.m.

October 11th - Apple Fest on the River 11a.m.-4p.m. Fun, family event that features apples, apple cider and a variety of homemade food items including pie, strudel, scones, and cupcakes. Huge truckload of pumpkins and gourds. Vendors include kettle corn, wide variety of unique craft and gift items. The LeClaire Lions Club will be selling Chili, Brats, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, and Pork Chop Sandwiches. The QC Antique Car Club will be displaying their cars, and there will be a "Kids Only" area for a small fee that includes face painting, beanbag toss, other children's games, and a jump house. Specialty items related to Apple Fest will be available at downtown businesses along with wonderful fall shopping, dining, and touring. For more information, contact boehlb@hotmail.com.

 

October 11th - Dogtoberfest at Bierstube 2-5:30pm Free doggy bags to the first 150 dogs. Raffle items, auction, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds go to Crow Creek Dog Park. Free admission. 563-289-2121.

 

October 13th - Chamber Networking - Bierstube lunch, noon

October 19th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8a.m.

October 24th - Annual Witch's Walk Free Family Fun on the Levee! Registration for the Witches' Walk & Costume Parade begins at 11:30am. Parade starts at 1pm. Rain date October 31st. Businesses are invited to hand out candy, create photo opportunities for families (use #witcheswalk2015 and #yourbusiness), give financial support for prizes and activities. To donate candy, prizes or for activities, or to volunteer, contact April, 920-287-8851, or Jenna, 717-580-1101.

 

FYI

Looking for Strolling Santas and Other Characters for Christmas in LeClaire! Volunteers for Friday evening after 4 p.m. Sat. from 11 until 7pm and Sunday from 12 noon until 3pm. Great Costumes and goodies to pass out provided! Just bring your Holiday Spirit and Smile to show everyone our community's spirit and zest for fun!  Call Kim and leave message - 563-289-5699. 4 to 6 women and 8 to 12 men needed for short shifts and longer periods to stroll and be on the trolley!

On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, the Moline Public Library hosted Terri Applegate with LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals. Read more at http://kwqc.com/2015/09/16/antiques-appraised-at-moline-library/

Isabel Bloom - Don't miss out!  Save $6 when you purchase both our new "Boo" and "Jack-O-Lantern" for just $50! Offer valid September 8-30, 2015.  Not valid with any other offers, on previous purchases or web orders.

Steventon's has Prime Rib on the first Saturday of each month.

Bierstube of LeClaire would like to offer all LeClaire Business Employees 10% food items!  Voted #1 Rueben in the QC!  We make our own sausages! Check out our daily specials and lunch features! New late night menu, Fri-Sat, 9pm to midnight!

 

Reusable Usables - Every Sunday at 1:30 RU features "Re-purposed Sunday Art" with a new re-purposed project each week!

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. You will be contacted with confirmation of being included in the agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for families in need, will hold their 10th Anniversary Mr/Ms Habitat fundraiser on Saturday, October 10, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Ambrose University Rogalski Center. Chamber member, Kathy Anderson, asks that you consider getting involved. You can help by donating items for a LeClaire Basket for the silent auction, sponsoring a table or attending the event. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of eight person. Please contact Kathy by September 28 at 563-650-8137 or 563-289-1487 or andersonkathleenm@sau.edu to donate items for the LeClaire Basket and she will be happy to pick them up.  To purchase tickets for the event, contact Dougal Nelson at 563-359-9066 or dougal.nelson@habitatqc.org.

The Ascentra Credit Union Foundation gave a total of $17,000 to 37 different charities and organizations throughout the region this summer. These efforts stem from the credit union's encouragement of staff to volunteer and give back to the community.  The foundation committee wanted to support the causes that the volunteer board of directors and senior leadership are active with and elected to allow them to give out $1,000 to their efforts and causes.  In total 37 organizations were positively impacted.

 

Milestones Area Agency, which serves meals to the elderly at the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and delivers meals to homebound seniors, is looking for someone to help deliver meals on Mondays, from 11 am to 12 noon. You would receive training in August and begin in September. This is a quick job that is deeply appreciated by those receiving the meals and their families. Could you help two or more Mondays a month? If so, call Heide at 563-289-3646.

Pick up the LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

The shop building with upstairs apt. at 123 S. Cody is for sale. For information please call D.R. Peterson at 563-289-5958.

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

October 11th - LeClaire Apple Fest - 11am to 4pm on the LeClaire Levee.

October 24th - Witch's Walk (rain date October 31st)

November 28th - Small Business Saturday

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

October 13th - Bierstube - Lunch - noon

November 10th - Riverview Roadhouse - Lunch - noon

December 8th - Subway, LeClaire - Lunch - noon

21 Sep 2015

Pancake Breakfast & Open House

By Blue Grass American Legion Post 711
MONTICELLO, IA-The Camp Courageous Annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House will be held at the Camp Courageous Main Lodge on Sunday, September 27th, 2015 from 8 am to Noon.
Camp Courageous began serving individuals with disabilities during the summer of 1974. That year, 211 campers were served. This year Camp Courageous is celebrating 41 years & will serve over 7, 000 campers.
Camp Courageous will be serving a hot breakfast of pancakes, pork sausage, juice, milk & coffee. The cost is $6.00 for Adults and $3.00 for children under the age of 12.
Live reenactment Train Robbery by Red Cedar Regulators will be at the Train Depot at 9 am, 9:45 am, 10:45 am, and 11:45 am. The Super Zip and Bounce House will also be available during the duration of the breakfast, weather pending.
The musical sound of the Dixie-Notes-Plus will be playing live at the Sill Barn at 9:30 am. 10:30 am, and 11:30 am. The DVD presentation about the camp can be found in the camp's main office playing every half hour. The Camp Store with new camp merchandise will be open and located in the main office.
Open House will feature the new extension of the Camp Courageous Train & progress on the Durgin Pavilion.
Camp Courageous is located at 12007 190th Street, Monticello, IA 52310. From US Highway 151, take exit 65 and follow the signs. The camp is located about five miles south-west of Monticello.
21 Sep 2015

Upcoming Quad City STEM Events for Students, Teachers, Parents & Volunteers

By The Quad City Engineering & Science Council
Upcoming Events with Volunteer Needs and Reminders:
  • FIRST LEGO League (FLL) 3rd Annual Kickoff Saturday, September 26 from 8:30 A.M. until 12:05 P.M. at the Putnam Museum & Science Center. 
    Quad City area FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams from Iowa & Illinois including students, coaches and mentors are cordially invited to attend the 3rd Annual FLL Kickoff free of charge.

    The Kickoff is a fun way to meet other teams, learn and share FLL information including opportunities to talk with trash experts, FLL judges and referees. In addition, several returning teams from last year who won awards and participated at State Championships and International Tournaments will be on hand to share their experiences.  At the kickoff, we will also be sharing the plans for FLL qualifiers for Iowa & Illinois teams including dates, locations, and the registration process.
    Nov. 7 Quad Cities STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Festival.
    Interactive style conference for youth in grades 3-8 from 8:00 AM - Noon at Western Illinois University Quad City Campus.
  • Sept. 30 STEM Teachers Night Out Event at Moline High School.
    Free event for area STEM Teachers, School Administration & key STEM Stakeholders to collaborate and share information & ideas and see local STEM education facilities. Pizza and pop provided by the QCESC at
    6:00 PM with an optional tour after the meeting.  Pre-registration is required.
  • Saturday, October 3rd "CORNcon" 8am-6pm at St. Ambrose University, McCarthy Hall, Davenport, Iowa
    Link to flyer
    For Adults and Kids
    Adults: QC Security Conference
    Kids: Kids Hacker Camp for ages 7-17
    REGISTER at: www.corncon.net
  • Nov. 7 Quad Cities STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Festival.
    Interactive style conference for youth in grades 3-8 from 8:00 AM - Noon at Western Illinois University Quad City Campus.
    Link to further information


  • Reminder - Applications for John Deere grants are still be accepted for new and returning FIRST Robotic Teams for Junior FIRST LEGO League (K-3 graders), FIRST Tech Challenge (7-12), and FIRST Robotics Competition (9-12) teams.
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21 Sep 2015

FRANKLY SPEAKING ABOUT CANCER TREATMENT

By Kelly Hendershot
FREE WORKSHOP TO HELP PEOPLE BETTER MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

DAVENPORT, IA (September 2015) - Gilda's Club will host a free workshop for cancer patients and their caregivers entitled "Frankly Speaking About Cancer Treatment."  Designed to help people understand and manage the physical and psychological side effects of treatment, the online workshop will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please register online at http://iowacancerconsortium.wildapricot.org/event-2008204.  

"As people live longer with cancer," said Melissa Wright, Program Director, Gilda's Club, "effectively managing the physical and psychological effects of treatment is increasingly important to improving quality of life."  Today more than 10 million Americans are cancer survivors, many of whom regularly receive a range of cancer-related treatments.

This is an online educational webinar, call-in information will be provided once registered. Advance registration is required at http://iowacancerconsortium.wildapricot.org/event-2008204.  

The Workshop will Include: Katie Browne MS, RN, NP-C, Iowa Cancer Specialists, Davenport, Iowa

Frankly Speaking About Cancer Treatment is part of a Frankly Speaking About Cancer series, a collection of cancer-related education programs created by Cancer Support Community.  The Frankly Speaking About Cancer Treatment program is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Amgen Inc.

About Gilda's Club

Free of charge, Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides support, education and hope to all people affected by 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.

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21 Sep 2015

Adult Education and Literacy Programs Provide a Seamless Pathway to Employment Opportunities

By Matt Berry

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Secretary of State Jesse White, and the State Library's Literacy office along with the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association (IACEA) invite you to join in a celebration recognizing September 21 - 26, 2015 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.  Adult Education and Literacy programs serve adult students who need to improve their basic skills, learn English, obtain a high school equivalency, and transition to postsecondary education/training and employment.  This observance of 49 years of Adult Education services is intended to underscore the value of programs and services that serve this population.

The passage of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) in July 2014 has placed a strong emphasis on acceleration of instruction to move individuals into postsecondary education/training and employment.

"Connecting adult learners to postsecondary education and training will have a tremendous effect on their future earning potential," said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, ICCB Executive Director.  "Illinois has taken the lead in creating partnerships that coordinate services between education and workforce to ensure a seamless pathway for students that leads to high skilled and high demand employment opportunities."

Nationwide, more than 93 million adults have basic or below basic literacy skills that limit their ability to advance at work and in education.  In Illinois, more than 1.8 million adults lack a high school diploma or equivalent.  While the number of adults with less than nine grades of education has increased by 26 percent since 2001, nearly 90 percent of the fastest growing jobs of the future will require education or training beyond high school.

"Filling the jobs of the future is dependent upon educating more adult students", says Jennifer Foster, Deputy Director for Adult Education and Workforce.   "It is critical that adult education students have the skills that will further their growth in education leading to greater career pathway opportunities in the workforce"

In addition to adult education programs throughout the state that provide comprehensive instruction to more than 87,000 learners each year, the Office of the Secretary of State and Illinois State Library Literacy Office supports literacy programs serving nearly 25,000 adult learners.

"I want to make sure every citizen of Illinois has access to quality literacy programs that help them reach their utmost potential and put them on a path to lifelong learning," said Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian. "Our local literacy programs are among the finest in the nation. I encourage citizens wanting to enhance their literacy education to reach out to these local providers. "

IACEA, the voice of adult education in Illinois, works closely with ICCB and the State Library Literacy Office and is a professional adult education organization whose mission is to provide leadership, representation and advocacy for adult education and literacy practitioners in order to advance, unify and professionalize the field.

"We appreciate the opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional work that our adult educators do to equip our students with college and career readiness skills that are foundational to their selection of a quality career pathway programs," Kathi Lee, President of IACEA said.

For more information about Illinois Literacy and national adult education facts, visit the following websites:

•             Illinois Adult Education:  http://www.iccb.org/adulted.html

•             IACEA:  www.iacea.net

•             National Coalition for Literacy:  http://www.national-coalition-literacy.org/litfacts.html

•          State Library Literacy Office: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/who_we_are/literacy/home.html

 

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21 Sep 2015

Public meeting dates set for Governor's Working Group on Justice Policy Reform

By Rick Martin

Branstad encourages public engagement in reforming Iowa criminal justice practices

(Des Moines) - Public meeting dates for the Governor's Working Group on Justice Policy Reform today were announced after Gov. Terry Branstad announced the formation of the group at the Iowa Summit on Justice and Disparities on August 28, 2015.  The summit was organized by the Iowa-Nebraska State Conference of Branches for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The purpose of the working group is to research and make policy recommendations related to reforms in Iowa criminal justice practices. The group will consist of a core group of experts on justice polices, and have the access to all state agencies and resources for information and assistance.

The public meeting dates are as follows:

Thursday, September 24, 2015

1:00

G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol

Topic:  Mental health/drug courts and jury pool selection

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

1:00

G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol

Topic:  Juvenile records and prison/jail phone rates

Thursday, October 15, 2015

1:00

G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol

Topic:  Subgroup updates and open discussion with public

Thursday, October 29, 2015

1:00

G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol

Topic:  Review of subgroup proposals and final strategy recommendations

 

The members of the working group are as follows:

-Adam Gregg - State Public Defender

-Dr. Roxann Ryan - Commissioner of Public Safety

-Betty Andrews - NAACP's Representative

-David Boyd - State Court Administrator

-Alan Ostergren - County Attorney's Representative

-Kevin McCarthy - Attorney General's Representative

-Jerry Bartruff - Director of the Department of Corrections

-John Hodges - Chair, Iowa Board of Parole

The working group members will set aside three hours for each meeting.  The meetings could end before the conclusion of the three hours allocated if there are not further comments from the public, stakeholders or working group members.

The Governor's Working Group on Justice Policy Reform will present a written report to the governor, stakeholders, and the public in November, so that the Iowa Legislature can consider these recommendations in the 2016 legislative session.

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21 Sep 2015

Military Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 24 at Rock Island Arsenal

By Theresa R. Fitzgerald
FORT McCOY, Wis. - A military Retiree Appreciation Day will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. Retirees from all branches of the armed forces and their family members are eligible to attend. The event begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at noon.

Retiree Appreciation Day provides an opportunity for all armed forces retirees, spouses, surviving spouses, and/or guests to receive updated information about retiree entitlement programs.

Photo identification is required for all personnel to access the installation.

Pre-registration is required and must be accomplished by Oct. 15.  The registration form, available online at http://www.mccoy.army.mil/Services/ACAP_Documents/2015_RAD_REGISTER.pdf, contains detailed information about the event. Direct any questions to 563-508-5123.

-30-
21 Sep 2015

USDA Partners with EPA, Offers New Resources to Support Water Quality Trading

By USDA Office of Communications

LINCOLN, Neb., Sept. 17, 2015 - This week, following the recent announcement of $2 million in Conservation Innovation Grants to support water quality trading markets, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a joint workshop to expand markets for water quality benefits generated on farms, ranches and forest lands.

Water quality trading is an innovative approach to reduce pollution and efficiently achieve water quality goals. Trading is based on the fact that sources in a watershed can face very different costs to control the same pollutant. Trading programs allow facilities facing higher pollution control costs to meet their regulatory obligations by purchasing environmentally equivalent (or superior) pollution reductions from another source at lower cost, thus achieving the same water quality improvement at lower overall cost.

USDA and EPA signed a partnership agreement in 2013 to advance water quality trading and other market-based approaches that provide benefits to the environment and economy. The workshop attracted over 200 participants involved in water quality trading from across the nation.

"Conservation practices that improve soil health and conserve nutrients also produce real water quality benefits. With support from USDA and our Federal partners, water quality markets can create incentives to increase these environmental benefits and boost investment in rural America. The actions we are announcing today will help us get there," said Ann Mills, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.

Among the new water quality trading resources announced:

EPA-USDA Water Quality Trading Roadmap

  • The Water Quality Trading Roadmap is a decision support tool for those designing and participating in water quality trading programs. The Roadmap is a searchable database that consolidates policy guidance from EPA, information from State programs, and examples and supporting materials from across the U.S.

EPA-USDA partnership on EnviroAtlas to support environmental markets

  • USDA and EPA will incorporate environmental markets data layers into the Federal ecosystem service decision support tool, EnviroAtlas. The data layers will show where markets for water, carbon, wetlands, and habitats occur on the U.S. landscape, provide information about these markets, and allow this information to be displayed in the context of existing environmental data from Federal agencies.

Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT)

  • USDA will release this fall the next version of NTT, ready for use in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio River Basin. The new version of NTT is a USDA hosted, user-friendly, web-based tool that calculates edge of field nutrient and sediment loads for use in conservation planning and environmental market credit calculation. NTT will be made available in additional regions in 2016.

USDA Environmental Markets Website

  • USDA released the Department-level environmental markets website. The site integrates information, tools and resources on environmental markets from across the Department, allowing users to easily gain a snapshot of environmental market activities at USDA.

These new resources were announced days after the Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded over $2 million in Conservation Innovation Grants to support water quality trading markets. The 2015 Water Quality Trading Conservation Innovation Grant Awardees are:

Conservation Marketplace Midwest ($243,933)-proposes to develop and pilot a Field Stewards program, an innovative conservation credit system designed to allow companies in the food industry to buy "offsets" for water quality and agricultural conservation. Through the purchase of certification credits, food companies can demonstrate sustainability to their customers without having to create a new chain-of-custody supply chain for agricultural commodities, keeping costs low for retailers and the consumer. (MN)

Electric Power Research Institute ($300,000)-proposes to develop and execute, for the first time, trades of "stacked" ecosystem services-both water quality and greenhouse gas emissions reduction credits. EPRI administers the Ohio River Basin nutrient trading program, the only multi-state trading program in the country. (IN, KY, OH)

Great Lakes Commission ($400,000)-substantial water quality issues plague the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB), leading to harmful algal blooms each summer in Lake Erie. The Great Lakes Commission proposes to develop a framework for water quality trading in the WLEB. (IN, MI, OH)

Iowa League of Cities ($700,000)-proposes to develop a framework for water quality trading in Iowa to support the State's Nutrient Reduction Strategy. (IA)

National Association of Conservation Districts($116,725)-proposes to develop guidance materials and engage in outreach and training to increase participation of soil and water conservation districts in nutrient trading programs. In many water quality trading programs, district employees are the conservation experts interacting with agricultural producers generating credits from the installation of conservation practices. (Nationwide)

Virginia Tech University ($285,729)-proposes to develop the information and tools required to incorporate agroforestry into Virginia's nutrient trading program, which currently largely depends on the retirement of marginal agricultural lands for credit generation. In December 2014, USDA, EPA and the State of Virginia celebrated a first-of-its-kind transaction when the Virginia Dept. of Transportation purchased phosphorous credits generated by a Virginia farmer. (VA)

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