DES MOINES, IA (09/01/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is pleased to announce a new financial literacy initiative, College Savings Iowa InFocus. This interactive learning experience introduces parents, grandparents and others to the benefits of saving for the higher education of a loved one. "We want savers to learn the ins-and-outs of 529 plans," Fitzgerald said. "By completing the 10 minute tutorial, families are automatically registered to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account." Visit Iowa529InFocus.com to complete the tutorial and see official rules.

"As a way to encourage families to take the first step towards saving, College Savings Iowa is also offering an additional $10 contribution to the first 500 people who complete the tutorial and open a College Savings Iowa account," Fitzgerald added. "This is a great way to join us, and other states across the nation, in celebrating College Savings Month by learning about 529 plans and potentially getting a boost to your college savings!" The newly established accounts must have a minimum $25 contribution and be opened within the first seven days of tutorial completion to be eligible for the $10 contribution.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Iowa taxpayers have the additional benefit of being able to deduct contributions up to $3,163 per beneficiary account from their 2015 Iowa adjusted gross income.*

Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses, which includes tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad.**

. For more information about future giveaways and events find College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan).

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

**Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-672-9116, or visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

Located at The University Club

1518 5th Ave, Moline, IL

This elegant affair will provide a fun "night out" atmosphere, and brides-to-be will be pampered with sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Come for the experience in a stunning venue. This event, not too big and not too small, will help you plan your storybook wedding!

Tickets are $7 per person if ordered in advance. $10 at the door.

Click Here to purchase your tickets now! Or You can purchase tickets at the Dispatch/Argus customer service counter, 1720 Fifth Ave., downtown Moline. For more information call 309-757-5026

Right-hander gives Quad Cities three weekly pitching award winners for the first time since 2007

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 31, 2015) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Dean Deetz has been named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for his performance during the week of Aug. 24-30, the Midwest League announced on Monday.

Deetz, 21, is the third River Bandit to win Midwest League Pitcher of the Week honors this season, following right-handers Angel Heredia and David Paulino, who won the award back-to-back for June 29-July 5 and July 6-12, respectively. Quad Cities last had at least three Pitcher of the Week winners in 2007 when Elvis Hernandez (April 5-12), P.J. Walters (May 7-14), Tyler Herron (June 5-July 2), and Michael Schellinger (July 16-23) took home the award.

Following infielder Mott Hyde, who was the Midwest League Player of the Week for April 27-May 3, Heredia, Paulino and Deetz give the River Bandits four Midwest League weekly award winners this season. Quad Cities last won four weekly awards in 2011, when Oscar Tavares won Player of the Week July 11-18 and Aug. 22-29, and pitchers Anthony Ferrara (April 25-May 2) and Trevor Rosenthal (July 18-25) won Pitcher of the Week.

Deetz won the award for his start Aug. 24, when he pitched seven no-hit innings against Clinton, striking out a career-high nine batters and walking two. In the 18-0 win over Clinton, Quad Cities came within two outs of pitching its first no-hitter since 2009. The shutout was one of Quad Cities' 16 this season - the club's most since pitching 17 in 1980. The River Bandits' 2.61 team ERA leads all of full-season baseball and is on pace to be the lowest in the 56-year franchise history for Quad Cities in the Midwest League.

In five games since joining the River Bandits from Short Season Class-A Tri-City July 29, Deetz has started four games and is 3-1 with a 1.11 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and 11 walks while allowing 13 hits in 24 1/3 innings. In his second season pitching in the Houston Astros organization, Deetz is 7-3 with a 2.05 ERA in 52 2/3 innings with 47 strikeouts and 21 walks, a .180 opponents' average and 1.06 WHIP.

A native of Nixa, Mo., Deetz was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.

Deetz was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week on the same day right-hander Andrew Thome was promoted to the River Bandits from rookie-level Greeneville and was named Appalachian League Pitcher of the Week for Aug. 24-30. Signed by the Astros as a non-drafted free agent July 1, the St. Cloud, Minn., native earned his first two professional wins Aug. 25 and Aug. 30, while pitching a combined nine scoreless innings, in which he allowed six hits and no walks with seven strikeouts.

Davenport, Iowa - Don helps in the Café and walks Main Street. Millie, line dances on Thursday. And each morning, you'll find Jan leading group exercise classes. Just another day until you realize these are older adults, volunteering, exercising and staying active - each playing a role to help Quad City seniors Celebrate LIFE at CASI, The Center for Active Seniors.
The National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) has deemed September National Senior Center Month and CASI - The Center for Active Seniors is celebrating. More than 5000 older adults will Celebrate LIFE this September at CASI during National Senior Center Month - dubbed A Celebration of LIFE - Learning, Independence, Friends and Energy . And like Don, Millie and Jan, the Quad Cities older adults are invited to participate, come together and Celebrate LIFE during National Senior Center Month.
"The Center for Active Seniors, Inc., CASI, as it is known to most, is the Quad Cities most comprehensive Senior Center. More than 80 events will happen throughout the month of September," said Laura Kopp President/CEO. "We're not your average senior center - we're here when you need us. But, don't take my word for it. Come experience CASI for yourself," added Kopp.
Senior Center Month kicks off on September 1st and 2nd when the Cities of Bettendorf and Davenport will each proclaim September as Senior Center Month. The Honorable Bob Gallagher, Mayor of Bettendorf and the Honorable Bill Gluba, Mayor of Davenport, will each proclaim September as Senior Center Month at their council meetings held September 1st and 2nd respectively. Both cities will recognize CASI's daily contributions to enhance the well-being of the older citizens of our communities.
In addition to CASI's normal schedule of activities, two special events, Laughs on Tap and Caring for the Caregiver tie in with Learning, Independence, Friends and Energy. Both events take place at CASI, 1035 W Kimberly Road, Davenport.

? Thursday, September 17th: Laughs on Tap is a first time event at CASI and serves as a Fun(ds) raising event to benefit activities and programs at Jane's Place CASI's Adult Day Service and CASI. ComedySportz, an Improv Comedy Group, will be onsite at CASI Thursday September 17th with Brews and Heavy Apps beginning at 5:30 followed by Draughts and Heavy Laughs beginning at 6:30 at CASI. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
To order tickets: www.Eventbrite.com /Laughs on Tap (http://www.eventbrite.com/e/laughs-on-tap-tickets-17834502477?aff=es2)
? Thursday, September 24th: Caring for The Caregiver, presented by Dr. Steve Kopp, PhD, LMFT, LMHC; Genesis Psychology Associates. Often overlooked and forgotten, yet the most important person to care for is the caregiver. When a caregivers needs are met, the person being cared for will benefit, too. Learn more during this special event, Thursday, September 24th. Cost is $10 per person and reservations can be made by calling CASI at 563.386.7477 or emailing info@CASIseniors.org
Here's a sampling of CASI's month long Celebration of LIFE - Learning, Independence, Friends and Energy, will take place during September. For a complete list of all activities is available online at www.CASIseniors.org.
Learning - expand your knowledge. Educational seminars including Caring for the Caregiver, Alzheimer's and Dementia awareness, Documents your kids will need when you're gone, Electronics Clinic and more will occur during September.
Independence - live on your terms. Celebrate your independence by attending the Stand Up to Prevent Falls Balance and mobility screenings, Flu shots and 20th Anniversary Band Concert of CASI's New Horizons Band.
Friends - enjoy life, laughter & feeling connected. A special showing of Still Alice starring Julianne Moore, card games, QC Times Plus 60 Art Intake Wine and Cheese reception, Jane's Place Open House and our feature event, Laughs on Tap starring Comedy Sports, while enjoying adult beverages and appetizers.
Energy - discover health & vitality. Throughout September celebrate with daily, gentle exercise, a Spine Clinic, Zumba Class, Line Dancing, Tai Chi and plenty of other fun & fitness activities.

The NISC's national celebration of senior centers began in 1979, as just a week in the month of May. Since then, thanks to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Aging Task Force, numerous mayoral proclamations have declared Senior Center Week.
In 1985, NISC was instrumental in achieving the first Senior Center Week Presidential Proclamation signed by President Ronald Reagan. In 2007, NISC designated the entire month of September as Senior Center Month to give centers greater flexibility in scheduling celebratory events.
? CASI - The Center For Active Seniors, Inc., established in 1973, serves the needs of older adults by providing a variety of events and daily activities keeping older Quad Citians socially, mentally and physically engaged. As 10,000 baby boomers turn age 65 every day, "senior citizen" is being redefined as is the senior lifestyle. CASI's multi -pronged approach to helping seniors age successfully includes health and wellness initiatives, social engagement opportunities, lifelong learning and volunteer opportunities to keep the older adult active and involved with our Quad Cities community.
? Senior Advocacy programs at CASI help older adults, their families, and caregivers with needs assessment helping partner them with other area agencies and programs keeping them in their own home for as long as is safely possible.
? CASI's Jane's Place, the only adult day services center in Eastern Iowa, provides a comfortable, homelike atmosphere for adults who need supervised care during the day due to stroke recovery, Alzheimer's and dementia. Jane's Place provides just the right amount of personal care allowing maximum independence while at Jane's Place Day Service Center.
? For more information about the programs and services offered through CASI, Jane's Place and/or Senior Advocacy, visit www.CASISeniors.org or call 563.386.7477.
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Units Representing 4600 State Employees Sign On

SPRINGFIELD - All eligible units of the Teamsters union have signed onto a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with the state of Illinois. The current agreement expired June 30, 2015.

The state previously announced an agreement with Teamsters Local 700, which covered 300 state workers in Cook County. Today's announcement covers Teamsters throughout the state and increases the number of covered employees to 4,600. Members of the Teamsters will vote to ratify the agreement within the next few weeks.

"This agreement is good for taxpayers and good for state employees," Governor Bruce Rauner said.  "We were able to reach an agreement with the Teamsters quickly because all parties negotiated in good faith, something we are committed to doing with all unions representing state employees."

The terms of the agreement include :

·         Maintenance of the current level of health care benefits for employees and their dependents as part of the State's continued contributions to the independent Teamsters Local 727 Health & Welfare Fund.

·         A four-year wage freeze, continuing the 75% in-hire rate.

·         Continuation of a 40-hour work week.

·         A new performance incentive program to reward employees with bonuses for cost-saving measures and meeting or exceeding performance metrics.

·         A collaborative program that allows management and the Teamsters to work together to provide low-cost alternatives to outsourcing.

·         A reduction in the payout for accumulated unused vacation from 75 to 45 days for employees hired after January 1, 2016.

Status with various Teamster bargaining units:

·         Teamsters Local 700 (Cook County highway maintainers): 300 members; agreement ratified by members.

·         Teamsters Local 700 (Master Sergeants): 200 members; agreement ratified by members.

·         Teamsters Local 330 (suburban group): 300 members; tentative agreement signed; members will hold ratification vote in the next few weeks.

·         Teamsters Local 916 (Protech): 1100 members; tentative agreement signed; members will hold ratification vote in the next few weeks.

·         Teamsters Downstate Illinois State Employee Negotiating Committee: 2700 members; tentative agreement signed; members will hold ratification vote in the next few weeks.

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2015 Theme:  Working. For A Better Life.

QUAD CITIES -- The Quad City Labor Day Parade Alliance will hold their 32nd Annual Labor Day Parade in East Moline on Monday, September 7th. This year's Grand Marshall is Brother Tom Moritz, UFCW #431 1st Vice President and Iowa Vice President for the Quad City Federation of Labor. On Labor Day, more than sixty area unions, community non-profits, businesses, and elected officials will march west on 15th Avenue from 13th Street to 3rd Street in East Moline, IL. Line up begins at 8 a.m. at the John Deere Harvester Works Parking Lot: 1100 13th Avenue, East Moline, IL. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. After the parade, join us at the "Salute to Labor Chicken Fry" at Illiniwek Park, Rt 84 Hampton, IL. Serving from 11:30-3:00pm. The picnic tickets are $10 for adults and $6.00 for children under 12 and can be purchased at the event.

This Labor Day, we recognize the incredible achievements of America's working people and celebrate all those who make our country run. Many of us will be busy this weekend with barbecues, festivals and other types of family events. But this is also a time to truly consider what strengthens our families and take a look at how failed public policies have diminished working peoples' ability to sustain a good living and created an economy that is increasingly out of balance. Working people are the backbone of our economy and need to be recognized as such, both in word and deed. Too often, working people have taken a back seat to corporate interests that put profits above their pursuit of a better life?a better life they are perfectly willing to work for. Many hardworking people are frustrated because despite our sweat, our sacrifice and our innovation, too many of us struggle to support our families. We recognize the need for change, because the cost of living continues to rise while employers deny working people the wages and benefits needed to sustain their families.

Born from struggle and driven to find solutions, the labor movement is fighting back to correct this economic imbalance, and these efforts have captured the attention of everyone from the President to the Pope. We are determined to counteract these imbalances because we know they did not come about by chance. They have been the result of failed public policies and a rise in political and corporate attacks on working people. Simply put, it is time to change the rules. Working people are united under the banner of Raising Wages because America should have an economy of shared prosperity that lifts families up and strengthens our nation. By raising wages, providing for paid sick days, paid maternity leave and equal pay for equal work, combating wage theft and other things that stand in the way of economic stability, we can empower working people to not just survive, but thrive. On Labor Day, let us refocus on doing what is best for our families, our communities, our state and our nation. Working people everywhere are standing up and speaking out for fundamental, lasting change, regardless of whether they work in manufacturing, engineering, service or retail. Every day, they work hard and sacrifice to make our country stronger. This Labor Day should be a celebration of working families, because we are ready to speak up together, change the rules and bring lasting economic balance so every family can pursue the American Dream and work for a better life.

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Federal grants through the FCC accepted by four companies will foster high-speed broadband Internet growth

 

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined at the administration's weekly press conference by leaders from CenturyLink, Windstream, Frontier and Consolidated Communications to announce that the companies will expand broadband internet services across Iowa to nearly 90,000 homes. The broadband internet expansion, a priority of the Branstad-Reynolds administration, was made possible by $53.2 million in grants from the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Connect America Fund (CAF).

SEE THE MAP OF THE EXPANSION TO UNSERVED AND UNDERSERVED AREAS

"In Iowa, technology and access to broadband Internet is the great equalizer for our rural communities," said Branstad. "We have put a focus on broadband Internet expansion because if our small businesses are to compete in a global economy, our schools are to have access to an abundance of online learning resources and our farmers are to connect their modern equipment for precision farming, we must connect every acre with broadband infrastructure.  I'm pleased that CenturyLink, Windstream, Frontier and Consolidated Communications are all choosing to invest in Iowa to connect our communities."

"To date, nineteen communities across our state have become certified Connected Communities. These cities and towns have demonstrated a commitment to continued economic growth by embracing the opportunity presented by 21st century technology," said Reynolds. "As an elected official who grew up in rural Iowa, I know that a key part of maintaining continued growth in all corners of our state is our vision to connect every acre with broadband Internet and becoming the most connected state in the Midwest."

The FCC created the CAF in 2011 to foster growth in broadband access by transitioning funding that was supporting rural landline service to broadband service.

Joining the governor and lt. governor at the press conference were Michael Sadler, Assistant Vice President Public Policy and Government Relations of CenturyLink, Gregory Gray, Iowa Operations Chief of Windstream, Jack Phillips, Director of Government and External Affairs of Frontier and Mike Shultz, Vice President Regulatory and Public Policy of Consolidated Communications. The companies are planning the following buildout of broadband Internet in Iowa:

  • CenturyLink will be receiving $17,893,887 to build out broadband to 34,827 locations.
  • Windstream will be receiving $28,672,554 to build out broadband to 44,930 locations.
  • Frontier will be receiving $4,240,587 to build out broadband to 5,438 locations.
  • Consolidated Communications will be receiving $2,393,216 to build out broadband to 3,019 locations.
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A growing number of the 8,000 baby boomers who turn 65 each year are looking overseas in search of a better retirement. They're looking to havens where costs are lower, the climate is often better, the healthcare is top-notch, and property prices deliver good value, report the retire-overseas experts at InternationalLiving.com.

"The traditional age for retirement in the U.S. is 65, but many Americans feel they'll have to keep working into their 70s before they can retire comfortably... if they ever can," says Executive Editor of InternationalLiving.com, Jennifer Stevens.

"As many as 92% of working American households aren't meeting recommended savings targets. But you can't just tell people to save more. For many folks, it's not possible. So retirees face a choice: 1. toil on?perhaps indefinitely, 2. significantly scale back plans for a 'comfortable' retirement, or 3. consider better options overseas. In some of the countries we recommend, a couple could cut their monthly costs to as little as $1,000 and still enjoy a great lifestyle. That would be nearly impossible to do in the States these days."

Expats Duane and Judy Allen, for instance, originally from Tampa, Florida, were able to trade up in retirement by going abroad. They always wanted to live by the beach, and for years, they say, they scoured Florida's coasts looking for an affordable property. But everything was out of reach. Today, though, they're living their dream on a good-value Caribbean island where they live comfortably, right on the water, on a budget of $1,300 a month.

"Our view is breathtaking, no matter what time of day it is," says Judy. "Sitting on our porch watching the sun rise is a daily pleasure."

Expats report that when things cost less, they can do more?thus improving their quality of life. Amanda Walkins, a writer for InternationalLiving.com based in Roatan, says, "My two-bedroom, beachfront apartment runs me about $750 per month with all utilities included. I go out to eat several nights per week, share drinks with friends, and I regularly host barbecues at my house?all without flinching at the cost."

InternationalLiving.com report increasing interest in their products and services among Americans and Canadians looking to maximize their retirements overseas. The number of attendees at International Living's live events, for instance, has increased significantly over the past few years.

The organization's annual Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference, held in Las Vegas every September, has seen the attendee number rise to 650 in 2014. And International Living expects that number to rise again for this year's conference, set for September 25-27, 2015.

For those considering a similar move overseas, International Living's annual Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference covers more than a dozen beautiful places in the world where retirees can live a great lifestyle on a low budget and turn their dreams of a comfortable retirement into reality?for a small fraction of what it would cost at home.

Registration remains open for International Living's Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference 2015. For details about this event, see here: Fast Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference.

(US), CBarron@InternationalLiving.

For 35 years, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.

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DAVENPORT, IA–Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 in observance of Labor Day. Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Facilities closed include the following:

  • Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Household Hazardous Material Facilities, Davenport
  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th St., Davenport

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental 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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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Students starting college this fall will have more support and security to combat sexual assault thanks to a new law supported by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale.
"A college education can be a great resource, and no one should have their safety at risk while they gain an education," Smiddy said. "Sexual violence affects far too many young people on campuses right here in Illinois, and by incorporating the ideas of organizations and advocates across the state, students will have more resources and help."
The new law that Smiddy backed, Public Act 99-0426, requires institutions of higher learning to offer victims and witnesses of sexual assault more options to report incidents confidentially. Schools must make confidential advisors available, have better systems in place to make students aware of their options, train students and employees to improve responsiveness to allegations, and adopt a uniform process for addressing and adjudicating sexual violence.
"As a father, I want my kids to have a safe, secure place to learn and grow," Smiddy. "This new law will help colleges create a community where sexual violence is not tolerated, and students feel protected, listened to, and supported."
Public Act 99-0426 was signed into law and took effect on August 21.
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