22 Jul 2015

Local Student Receive Academic Honors at Saint Mary's College

By Gwen O'Brien
NOTRE DAME, Ind. (July 21, 2015) - Saint Mary's College named the following students to the Dean's List for the spring 2015 semester:  Rachel Moore and Caitlin Poster, both of Davenport.

To earn academic honors at Saint Mary's, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have at least 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women's liberal arts college offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. In the fall of 2015 Saint Mary's College will begin to offer two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary's College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2015 published by U.S. News & World Report.

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22 Jul 2015

The Basics of Meditation - A 4-Week Series

By Rick Martin

July 21, 2015,  Davenport, IA: "Meditation affects the brain physically, science is revealing this more and more," states Joe Gauthier, Resident Teacher at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center in Davenport, Iowa,  "More importantly is the affect meditation has on our state of mind, changing it from a negative state to a positive state."

Beginning August 13th, Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center in Davenport, Iowa will present a 4-week Series titled The Basics of Meditation. In this series learn everything you need to know to start meditating and gain in-class practical meditation experience. Series topics will include : How to Meditate, Why Learn to Meditate, The Benefits of Meditation, Ways to Meditate, Breathing Meditation & Transforming Meditations.

Through practicing meditation we can improve both our physical and mental well-being. Meditation is a powerful way to overcome stress and cultivate a calm and relaxed mind, making everything we do more satisfying and enjoyable. Everyone can benefit from meditation and the public is invited to attend this Series.   
Thursday evening class dates are August 13th , 20th , 27th & September 3rd at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center, 502 1/2 West 3rd Street, entrance on Scott Street in Davenport, IA.   Cost is $10 per class or $30 for the series (no cost with class card). This series is open to the public.  For more information or to register call (563)322-1600 or email info@meditateiniowa.org, or visit www.MeditateInIowa.org.

22 Jul 2015

U.S. News Ranks Genesis Medical Center, Davenport As Top Community Hospital In Iowa

By Craig Cooper

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- July 21, 2015 -- Genesis Medical Center, Davenport has been rated as the top community hospital in Iowa for the second consecutive year by U.S. News Media & World Report's 2015-16 Best Hospitals ratings.


Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was recognized as "High Performing'' in three Common Care measures.  Genesis was rated as "High Performing'' in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure and hip replacement.


The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, an academic center, was rated No. 1 overall in Iowa. Genesis Medical Center, Davenport shares the No. 2 overall rating in Iowa with Alegent Creighton Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.


"The important message from the high Iowa rating for the second consecutive year is that Genesis Medical Center, Davenport is consistently providing high quality care,'' said Doug Cropper, President and CEO, Genesis Health System. "We want patients to expect a high quality of care and excellent patient outcomes when they are Genesis patients.


"This is a tribute to the quality and safety of care provided by our doctors, nurses and everyone who is part of the patient experience at Genesis.  In these Common Care conditions ... treatment of COPD, heart failure and hip replacement ... Genesis Medical Center, Davenport met high standards for patient safety and survival.


"Patients have better access than ever before to information about safety and quality of care at hospitals.  Information in the hands of our patients is a valuable tool.  We value their research and evaluation of Genesis."


Of the 4,665 hospitals that were considered as possible Best Hospitals for Common Care, only 16% achieved a "High Performing'' rating in any of the five procedures being evaluated.


Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was the only Quad Cities hospital receiving a "High Performing'' rating in any of the five Common Care procedures.


U.S. News also evaluates hospitals in 16 adult specialties and 10 pediatrics specialties.  In most specialties, U.S. News ranks the nation's top 50 hospitals. Only 3 percent of the nearly 5,000 hospitals that were analyzed for "Best Hospitals 2015-2016'' were nationally ranked in even one specialty.


The 2015-2016 national top five were: 1. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; 2. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Mn.; 3. Tie, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore and UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles; 5. Cleveland Clinic.


"This annual report by U.S. News is considered to be an objective, credible resource for how hospitals are caring for patients,'' Cropper added.  "The next step for Genesis is to make the highly selective honor roll of hospitals ranked in the top 50 nationally in at least one specialty.  We're getting closer to that goal.''


U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age.  Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, the adequacy of nurse staffing levels, and, other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties.


The regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. The regional rankings are aimed primarily at consumers whose care may not demand the special expertise found only at a nationally ranked Best Hospital or who may not be willing or able to travel long distances for medical care. The U.S. News metro rankings give many such patients and their families more options of hospitals within their community and in their health insurance network.


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22 Jul 2015

West Music Recognized by Lieutenant Governor As Give Back Iowa Challenge Winner

By Kelly Goerdt

Coralville, IA - July 21, 2015 -  West Music is proud to announce their recent recognition as a Give Back Iowa Challenge Winner, in conjunction with the Employer Volunteer Initiative (EVI) Advisory Council. West Music was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds at a reception held today at West Music Coralville, which included remarks from the Lieutenant Governor as well as West Music President, Robin Walenta.  West Music won in the medium-sized company category with 659 volunteer hours reported in a six-week time frame.

"One of West Music's core values as a company is "Cultivate Community' and our associates have embraced that core value.  We all share in the commitment to cultivate stronger, healthier communities through volunteer service. Throughout this challenge, our scope was wide and our reach was far, covering the entire eastern half of the state from Des Moines to the Quad Cities, from Decorah to the southern borders - participating in many social service events, regional community festivals, and fine arts advocacy." remarked Robin Walenta, West Music President and CEO.

The Give Back Iowa Challenge, a new initiative from the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, served as a campaign to encourage employees to volunteer and log their hours as part of a six-week challenge, April 14-May 31, across the state of Iowa.  Winners were selected in three categories based on the highest average number of volunteer hours per employee. In its inaugural year, the Give Back Iowa Challenge had 50 participating organizations representing 48,686 employees in Iowa that logged 41,702 volunteer hours impacting Iowa communities.

About the ICVS (or Volunteer Iowa)

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts.  The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need.  The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base.  Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building the volunteer infrastructure.  More information is available at www.volunteeriowa.org.
21 Jul 2015

Newly Remodeled MidAmerican Energy Stage to Debut at 2015 Fair

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IA (07/21/2015)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to free entertainment at the Iowa State Fair! Be sure to "Find A New Path" to the newly remodeled MidAmerican Energy Stage this August 13-23 and enjoy a variety of free acts and entertainment.

Formerly known as the Fairview Stage, the MidAmerican Energy Stage, located on Expo Hill, is currently undergoing renovations and will be complete in time for the Fair. The stage will debut with new restrooms and additional seating so Fairgoers can enjoy the array of acts such as 38 Special, Village People, Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Home Free, and Here Come the Mummies.

Demolition to the stage began in fall 2014, and other additions include dressing rooms and a loading dock. The renovations are possible because of a donation from MidAmerican Energy and Iowa Realty.

"Thank you to MidAmerican Energy for the support with this project. The Iowa State Fair would not be what it is today without their generosity and the generosity of all Iowans across the state," said Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director Peter Cownie. "We are so pleased to have the support which will allow for a better experience for future generations of Fairgoers."

In addition to the free music acts, Fairgoers can also enjoy the Opening Ceremonies and Ribbon Cutting at 9 a.m. on August 13 at the MidAmerican Stage, as well as special events like the 4x4 Stomper Pull, held on August 22 at 9:30 a.m.

For a list of all entertainment and events at the 2015 Iowa State Fair, visit our website at http://www.iowastatefair.org/daily-events/daily-schedule/.

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21 Jul 2015

Reps. Loebsack, Blum Call on Army Corps of Engineers to Prioritize Cedar Rapids Flood Project

By Joe Hand

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congressman Rod Blum (R-IA) called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to begin construction on the Cedar Rapids flood management project that was authorized by Congress in 2014. A

After the severe flooding of the Cedar River in 2008 -- which resulted in $2.4B in estimated property losses -- Congress authorized $73.1 million in funding towards a flood management and prevention project for Cedar Rapids in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) in 2014.  However, since the project's approval there have been multiple delays keeping the project from moving forward, and the joint letter sent today by Loebsack and Blum requests that the Corps address the delays and expedite construction.

"The residents and businesses in downtown Cedar Rapids have waited too long to get the protection necessary to prevent future devastation. I have been fighting since the Floods of 2008 to get these protection measures approved by Congress and signed into law by the President, as well as delivering more than $4 billion in disaster assistance to help Iowa rebuild. While we can't predict what future weather will bring, we have to get these flood protection measures in place quickly so downtown Cedar Rapids can continue its recovery and thrive," said Congressman Loebsack.

"This project has already been authorized by Congress, and it's my hope that the Army Corps of Engineers recognizes the importance of the project so it can move forward in a timely fashion. Ensuring that the community of Cedar Rapids never again experiences the devastation of 2008 is critical, and I look forward to working with the Corps, my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle, and local Cedar Rapids officials to expedite this process so the city can receive the funds designated by Congress," said Congressman Blum.

Reps. Loebsack and Blum will continue to work together with the Corps, the Administration and the relevant Congressional committees to ensure the completion of the project to protect the lives and property of their constituents that live along the Cedar River.
21 Jul 2015

Flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff to honor five Tennessee soldiersFlags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff to honor five Tennessee soldiers

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today ordered flags in Iowa will be lowered to half-staff today, Tuesday, July 21, 2015, until Monday, July 27, 2015, at 8 a.m., to honor the five soldiers killed in the terrorist attack at military facilities last week in Chattanooga, Tenn. President Barack Obama today issued a proclamation calling for flags to be lowered on federal buildings.

The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under control of the State of Iowa.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

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21 Jul 2015

New Classes Being Offered!

By Pat Bereskin
These are the new classes being offered at Bereskin Fine Art Gallery & Studio!
Oil Painting 1 & 2 (Adult & H.S.)
Saturdays, August 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Learn to see, draw, and understand value and edges. Study color by understanding the importance color charts. Grasp the value of composition and learn how light effects color and apply it to a still life. Utilizing what was learned in the first session each ongoing class will continue to build upon the last in moving students forward in the art of oil painting. New incoming students should contact the gallery. Materials list will be provided.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Dave Anderson
Beginning Portraits
Thursdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Portraits in Black and white- refresh or learn the beginning skills of how to draw the human head/portrait. Material list provided upon request.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Brad Bisbey
Watercolor (Adult & H.S.)
August 6, 15, 22, 29 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Open to beginners, intermediate, or advanced painters, this transparent watercolor class will focus on strengthening your paintings. Starting with a review of tools. pigments, papers, and the impact that tone and composition play in creating a successful watercolor painting, the instructor will then do demos and provide guidance as each student paints.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Bob Zeidler
Portraits in Acrylic Paints- Level 1
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Further studies of portrait painting in acrylic will be explored. Learn where to begin and how to execute color. Material list provided upon request.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Brad Bisbey
Portraits in Acrylic Paints- Level 2
Oct. 2, 9, 11 11a.m.- 2p.m.
Taking portrait painting to the next level in acrylic paint. Learn the use of advanced color. Material list provided upon request.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor Brad Bisbey
Contemporary Figure Painting
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 1p.m.-4p.m.
Acrylic painting of the human figure with emphasis on contemporary styles. Material list provided upon request.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Brad Bisbey
Pen and Ink Illustration
Thursdays Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19 11a.m.-2p.m.
Students will master the techniques of traditional illustration using technical pens. This techniques class will focus on portraying light on form with line and stipple. Material list provided upon request.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Brad Bisbey
Beginning Drawing for Children Ages 4-5
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 8:30a.m.-9:30a.m.
An introduction to beginning drawing skills; shape, form, and value will be explored. Beginning students will incorporate their newly developed skills from still life to drawing animals and people.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Pat Bereskin
Beginning Drawing for Children Ages 5-7
Sep. 6, 13, 20, 27 9:30-11a.m.
An introduction to beginning drawing skills; shape, form, and value will be explored. Beginning students will incorporate their newly developed skills from still life to drawing animals and people. Materials: Ebony pencil, #2 pencil and drawing pad 8 1/2" x 11" or larger.
Class Fee: $95
Instructor: Pat Bereskin
Beginning Painting Grades 4 to 8
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 11:30a.m.-1p.m.
Beginning & intermediate level students will explore creating still life and landscape using proportional techniques, value, shapes and basic color theories.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Pat Bereskin
Beginning Drawing and Painting Portraits Grades 4 to 8
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 11:30a.m.-1p.m.
Beginning & intermediate level students will explore creating a likeness using proportional techniques, value, shapes and basic color theories into their artwork. Materials: a drawing pad 8 1/2" x 11" or larger and 8" x 10" canvas
Class Fee: $100
Instructor: Pat Bereskin
Artist with Special Needs Classes
Fridays 3:30-5p.m.
Seven weeks of drawing and painting for young adult artists with special needs. Materials included
Class Fee: $140
Instructors: Pat Bereskin & Brad Bisbey
Figure Drawing/Painting Class
Every Thursday 6:15-9:15p.m.
Class Fee: $60 per month or $15 per session
Facilitators: Brad Bisbey & Jason Frank
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Consultations are available on an individual basis available for artists seeking to create a professional portfolio & for high school seniors seeking college admission. Please call for details.
Bereskin Fine Art Gallery & Studio | 563-508-4630 | bereskinartgallery@gmail.com | bereskingartgallery.com
21 Jul 2015

Scale-Up training helps Iowa educators prepare for new school year

By Angel Mendez

STEM Council coordinates more than 70 trainings to impact more than 100,000 Iowa students this year

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - This summer, thousands of Iowa educators are engaged in in-depth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Scale-Up trainings aimed to equip them for implementing new STEM programs come fall. Through the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council, nearly 3,000 Pre-K through 12 educators, both in and out of the classroom, will bring STEM learning to more than 100,000 students across Iowa.

This year, the STEM Council offered 14 STEM Scale-Up programs that include building robots and wind turbines to virtual reality and STEM career awareness. All programs demonstrate an appeal to diverse youth, show success in improving academic performance, provide evidence of integrating STEM concepts, promote the development of school-business-community partnerships and attain sustainability beyond STEM Council financial support.

Each program requires professional development that focuses on the best practices for incorporating the programs into current STEM curriculum. With the help and coordination of the six regional STEM managers, a total of 73 trainings will happen in each region across the state.

Results from the 2013-2014 Iowa STEM evaluation report show more than 90 percent of students who participated in a STEM Scale-Up program reported higher interest in at least one STEM subject or career. Nearly 75 percent of participating teachers report greater skill and confidence in teaching STEM and continue their program after the STEM Council's financial support ends.

STEM Scale-Up training will continue into October. For a full list of upcoming trainings, please visit http://iowastem.gov/sites/default/files/2015-16%20PD%20Plan%20Coordination.pdf.

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About the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

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

21 Jul 2015

Drug Enforcement Administration's use of confidential informants; report finds problems, Grassley cites Amtrak incident

By Grassley Press

Nearly a year ago, in August 2014, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa asked the Drug Enforcement Administration why it paid an Amtrak secretary $854,460 over 19 years for train passenger information it could have received for free, according to an inspector general report.  Grassley was and is concerned that the DEA might have paid for the information instead of working cooperatively with a drug enforcement task force to get the material at no cost.  The same month, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General confirmed it "has been conducting an investigation of alleged payments for information by Drug Enforcement Administration personnel to an Amtrak employee."  Today, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General issued an audit report entitled "Audit of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Confidential Source Policies and Oversight of Higher-Risk Confidential Sources."  The report does not specifically address the Amtrak informant payments.   Instead, it raises serious issues about the DEA's failure to oversee its agents' use of confidential sources.  Grassley, Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, made the following comment.

"The latest report confirms concerns raised by the Amtrak incident.  The DEA needs to do a better job of managing the handling of confidential informants.  When the agency overpays and fails to manage long-term informant relationships properly, that's both detrimental to taxpayers and can impede the agency's ability to use informants effectively to help enforce the law.   It's good news that the DEA agrees with the inspector general's recommendations.  The agency needs to implement the recommendations.  On the Amtrak incident, since it's been nearly a year since the inspector general confirmed an investigation, the results of the investigation seem overdue.  The inspector general should advise on where the investigation stands and release any results for the sake of accountability."

The report released today is available here.  More information on Grassley's work on this issue is available here.  

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