24 Jun 2015

Iowa City VA Hosts Open House & ALS Recognition Event

By Jon Pruett

IOWA CITY - Members of the public and press are invited to take part in open house events throughout the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS).
Main Event:
When: July 2, 2015 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Iowa City VA Medical Center (Beginning at the front entrance area), 601 Highway 6 W, Iowa City, IA 52246

The main event will begin with a recognition ceremony where the National ALS Association formally designates the Iowa City VA Medical Center (ICVAMC) a "Recognized Treatment Center." Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, requires a high-level of coordinated, interdisciplinary care; which the Iowa City VA ALS Clinic has been providing since June of 2013. The event will be attended by Veterans with ALS, the ALS Association, congressional guests, ICVAHCS leadership and staff; and members of the press and public. "The care that people receive at the Iowa City VA is a model for other parts of the country and I'm proud that we are able to recognize the hospital for its outstanding multidisciplinary approach to treating people with this devastating disease," said Josh Nuss, Executive Director of The ALS Association, Iowa Chapter.

Following the recognition ceremony, attendees will be escorted to view the ALS Clinic, then move on to a Telehealth Technology Fair, where ICVAHCS Telehealth staff will showcase how VA is adapting and innovating in the modern medical age.

In addition to the main event, VA Clinics throughout the Iowa City VA Health Care System will hold informational open houses with an emphasis on those interested in volunteering. ICVAHCS appreciates the support of local media affiliates in spreading the word about events in their areas:

  • Dubuque VA Clinic: 200 Mercy Dr., Suite 106, Dubuque, IA 52001 June 30, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Lane A. Evans VA Clinic (Galesburg): 310 Home Blvd., Galesburg, IL 61401 June 30, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Quincy VA Clinic: 721 Broadway St., Quincy, IL 62301 June 30, 2015 | 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Waterloo VA Clinic: 945 Tower Park Dr., Waterloo, IA 50701 July 1, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Decorah VA Clinic: 915 Short Street, Decorah, IA 52101 July 1, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Bettendorf VA Clinic: 2979 Victoria Street, Bettendorf, IA 52722 July 1, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Sterling VA Clinic: 406 Avenue C, Sterling, IL 61081 July 2, 2015 | 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
  • Ottumwa VA Clinic: 1009 East Pennsylvania Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501 July 2, 2015 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact jonathan.pruett@va.gov or call 319-339-7104

24 Jun 2015

Governor Designates Emmet County as Home Base Iowa Community and Iowa Lakes Community College as Certified Higher Academic Military Partner

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced Emmet County has met the criteria to become designated as a Home Base Iowa Community. Today he also announced Iowa Lakes Community College has been designated as a Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partner (CHAMP).  A formal announcement and press conference will be held today in Estherville at the Iowa Lakes Community College at 4:30 p.m.

Emmet County joins eighteen existing communities in becoming a certified Home Base Iowa Communities. To become a Home Base Iowa Community, an area must meet the following criteria: 10% of its businesses with potential to hire sign on as Home Base Iowa Businesses; local government supports the effort; signage indicates the community is a Home Base Iowa Community and the community creates local incentives that offer additional benefits for Veterans and that complement those in the statewide Home Base Iowa Act.

"More than 1300 Veterans hired through Home Base Iowa effort now call Iowa home," said Branstad. "Iowans are embracing the Home Base Iowa initiative to create communities that are welcoming and attractive to Veterans and to provide transitioning military members with every opportunity for success."

"We've seen the momentum build with this program," said Lt Governor Kim Reynolds. "With the support of over 900 businesses, education CHAMPS, our Iowa communities and the aggressive career and recruitment efforts of the program, we are both pleased and excited to know what began as a great idea is now becoming a program recognized as a national model."

Iowa Lakes Community College joins the existing HBI CHAMPs?Upper Iowa University, Mount Mercy University, University of Dubuque, Mercy College of Health Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Des Moines Area Community College, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa Central Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College, Western Iowa Tech Community College, Kirkwood Community College and Northern Iowa Area Community College.  The Home Base Iowa CHAMP program allows Iowa colleges and universities to become certified for their ability to educate and assist Veterans on campus. The certification will help attract Veterans and transitioning Service Members to Iowa. It also helps academic institutions market their campus as Veteran-friendly. To become a Home Base Iowa CHAMP, education institutions must meet criteria in each of the three categories: On-Campus Veteran Resources, Mindfulness of Service Member Transitions and Financial Considerations.

There are over 57 businesses who have committed to hire veterans as part of Emmet County's Home Base Iowa efforts.  Emmet County offers incentives for veterans visiting the county for job interviews and additional incentives for those who choose to relocate to Emmet County. That is in addition to the $5,000 offered through the Home Ownership Assistance Program statewide.

BACKGROUND ON THE HOME BASE IOWA ACT 

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. Branstad and Reynolds named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs of the initiative.

The Home Base Iowa Act was signed into law on May 26, 2014. It passed the Iowa Senate 46-0 and the Iowa House 94-2. The Home Base Iowa initiative does the following:

  • Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax.
  • Gives veterans, their spouses and dependents in-state tuition at Iowa's colleges and universities.
  • Allows Iowa's licensing boards to adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
  • Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
  • Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
  • Expands eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.  Additional funding for the program is provided in a separate appropriations bill.

In addition to the Home Base Iowa Act, Branstad also signed Senate File 2352 in 2014.

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit www.HomeBaseIowa.org. Those interested in becoming a Home Base Iowa Business, a Home Base Iowa Community or a Home Base Iowa CHAMP should contact Kathy Anderson at Kathy.anderson@iowa.gov or homebase@iowa.gov.

###
24 Jun 2015

Alex McWhorter graduates from Fort Lewis College

By Rick Martin

DURANGO, CO (06/18/2015)(readMedia)-- Alex McWhorter, of Taylor Ridge, IL, graduated from Fort Lewis College on Saturday, May 2, 2015. McWhorter received a bachelor's degree with a major in Exercise Science - Physiology option .

Over 450 students participated in the Spring Commencement ceremony. Read more about the ceremony here.

Fort Lewis College is the Southwest's crossroads of education and adventure. Our blend of small classes, dynamic academic programs, and a liberal arts perspective leads to transformative learning experiences that foster entrepreneurship, leadership, creative problem solving, and life-long learning. And our unique & beautiful mountain campus, on a mesa above historic Durango, Colorado, inspires an active and friendly community with a spirit of engagement, exploration, and intellectual curiosity.

24 Jun 2015

July 1 Marks Deadline for State Fair Competitions, Parade Entries

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (06/18/2015)(readMedia)-- July 1 is the deadline to enter the Iowa State Fair parade and many of the Fair's competitive events.

Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at iowastatefair.org/premiumbooks. Entrants in competitive events may enter online or submit their entry by mail. While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department. Many departments will accept late entries through July 8 with additional fees. For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions or the online entry system, contact the Competitive Events Department at 515/262-3111 ext. 207.

The Iowa State Fair parade, set for Wednesday, August 12, will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units.

The Iowa State Fair invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and "Find a New Path" by entering the "Fair Tour" State Fair parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair.

Applications are available at iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM 17 beginning at 10 p.m.

# # #

24 Jun 2015

Grassley Bill to Help Individuals With Disabilities Gain Independence Earns Support in Iowa

By Rick Martin

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today introduced bipartisan legislation that would create a demonstration project to encourage states to improve opportunities for individuals with disabilities to obtain employment in the community, gaining self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion.  Grassley cited supportive Iowans in announcing the measure.

"A key public policy goal is giving individuals with disabilities every chance to live and work as fully in the community as possible," Grassley said.  "Medicaid is one of the biggest programs that provides support for the disabled, and it doesn't do enough to achieve the policy goal.  States have financial disincentives to do more under the current system.  This bill would try something different.  For participating states, it would change the incentives and help states do what they'd really like to do to better serve individuals with disabilities."

The Transition to Independence Act, S. 1604, would create a five-year, 10-state Medicaid demonstration program to give bonuses to states for helping individuals with disabilities achieve the goals of working and living in the community.  It would encourage coordination among those who provide health services, housing, education and workforce training, transportation and other support to people with disabilities to maximize the outcome for the individual.  The bill would be deficit-neutral.  Grassley introduced the bill with Sens. Ron Wyden and Bob Casey.

In his introductory remarks, Grassley noted Iowans who exemplify the ways the bill would help their experience.  Rose Carroll of Dubuque recently visited Grassley through the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.  She is in college working on a math degree and would like secure knowledge of the supports available to her when she needs them so that she can do all she can to participate in her community.  The bill is designed to give states greater security in the programs they offer so they can in turn better serve individuals and their families.

Chris Sparks, executive director of Exceptional Persons Incorporated in Waterloo, and his staff go out into the community every day to provide direct support services for people with disabilities.  It's a struggle to find workers, train them and retrain them.  The bill would provide states the incentives to increase the workforce to make it easier for Sparks and those like him to provide the services that allow individuals with disabilities to achieve independence.

Iowa affiliates of the national American Network of Community Options and Resources support the bill.  They are Christian Opportunity Center in Pella; Hope Haven in Burlington; Opportunity Village in Clear Lake; Hills & Dales in Dubuque; New Hope Village in Carroll; and Exceptional Persons Incorporated in Waterloo.

The National Council on Disability provided technical assistance in developing the bill.  Other national organizations supporting the bill include the American Association of People with Disabilities, the American Association on Health and Disability, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the National Adult Day Services Association, the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services and Autism Speaks.

Grassley's introductory remarks are available here.  A technical summary of the bill is available here.  The bill text is available here.

-30-
24 Jun 2015

Smiddy-Backed Legislation Protecting Student Athletes from Brain Injuries Advances

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help preserve the safety of young people participating in sports, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation protecting student-athletes suffering from concussions from sustaining further injuries.
"Science has shown that multiple concussions have lasting negative health consequences," Smiddy said. "Sports are a great way to build character and discipline for students, but we must be certain that the long-term health of young people is not put at risk as a result of their participation."
That National Federation of State High School Associations estimates that at least 140,000 student-athletes sustain concussions annually through their participation in sports. Smiddy joined a bipartisan group of legislators in supporting Senate Bill 7, which would require physician evaluation and approval before a student athlete could return to regular academic or extracurricular athletic activity. Under the bill, schools would also create emergency plans for handling instances of traumatic brain injury and develop concussion training for coaches, trainers and school nurses. The implementation of these plans would be supervised by concussion oversight teams, made up of physicians, school athletic trainers and nurses. The measure is supported by the Illinois High School Association, Illinois Athletic Trainers Association, Illinois Advanced Practice Nurses Association, the University of Illinois and many Illinois hospitals.
"As a father of two young student-athletes, I'm extremely concerned with the prospect of sport-related concussions and the health consequences that can result if they go untreated," Smiddy said. "Providing a safe and productive education for young people is my first priority and this legislation will help to preserve the safety of our student-athletes."
Senate Bill 7 passed both houses of the General Assembly with bipartisan support and now awaits action from the governor.
###
24 Jun 2015

Trade Promotion Authority vote in House of Representatives

By Nicholas Depew

The U.S. House of Representatives today voted 218-208 in favor of Trade Promotion Authority, the process seen as necessary for entering new trade agreements, including the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership.  The vote sends the proposal back to the Senate for consideration.  Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the vote.

"A Des Moines Register editorial said, 'The value of open markets is well understood in Iowa.'  What's less understood to all of us who support free trade and the good-paying jobs that exports make possible is the opposition to a process.  Trade Promotion Authority is only a process.  It leaves the decision on whether to vote up or down on any trade agreement to Congress.  If we don't like a trade agreement, we don't have to vote for it.  It's as simple as that.  I'm looking forward to voting in favor of Trade Promotion Authority again."
24 Jun 2015

Illinois' Camp "I Am Me" Celebrates 25 Years of Memorable Experiences for Young Burn Survivors

By Rick Martin

Mount Prospect, IL - From June 21-27, 2015, over 65 burn-injured children will attend the 25th annual Camp "I Am Me" in Ingleside, Illinois. The burn camp, which is organized by the nonprofit Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) and hosted at YMCA Camp Duncan, provides burn survivors between the ages of eight and 16 a safe, nonjudgmental environment with opportunities to build their self-esteem. The children are able to enjoy typical camp activities with other children who have had similar experiences.

To celebrate the camp's milestone anniversary and 25 years of making a difference in young burn survivor's lives, IFSA Executive Director Philip Zaleski has been counting down the days until camp through a social media campaign titled, "25+ Faces for 25 Years." The campaign highlights the stories of current and former campers and volunteers.

"Hundreds of children are hospitalized for scald, chemical and flame burns in Illinois each year, but for 25 years Camp 'I Am Me' has given these young children a wonderful weeklong opportunity to be themselves and not worry about their physical and emotional scars," says Zaleski. "Through our '25+ Faces for 25 Years' campaign, we are looking to create awareness for burn survivors, while also celebrating camp and the positive and lasting impact it has had on so many children's lives."

Zaleski notes the cost to send one child to Camp "I Am Me" is approximately $2,200, but the generosity of donors allows the camp to be provided at no cost to the campers. Camp also is made possible each year through volunteerism from numerous individuals, mostly members of the fire service and medical community, but also educators, members of the private sector and former campers. There is nearly one volunteer for each camper. They undergo orientation that prepares them to deal with the special physical and self-esteem needs of burn survivors.

From 11:00am-1:45pm on Wednesday, June 24, guests will be welcome to attend a special Appreciation Day ceremony that will be held to thank donors, supporters and volunteers. There also will be a fire apparatus parade and barbeque. Following those events, campers will participate in a Fun Fair featuring carnival games, face painting, dunk tanks, bounce houses, prizes and more.

In addition to typical camp activities throughout the week, campers also participate in special activities that deal with the specific needs of burn survivors. The camp's Challenger Program supports campers in character development by challenging them to accept and demonstrate positive values. Also, journaling and therapeutic activities allow them to reflect on their lives before and after they were burned and further the healing process.

"Camp 'I Am Me' gives the kids a chance to escape reality and just be kids, enjoying everything and everybody without having to worry about being viewed as 'different,'" says parent Diane Williams, whose son has attended camp for four years. "I am so thankful to the volunteers that make it possible."

For more information about Camp "I Am Me," please visit www.IFSA.org/Camp-I-Am-Me.

About the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance: Since 1982, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been bringing together persons and groups with common interest in fire safety, burn prevention, and public education, and to promote programs and disseminate information related to fire safety and burn prevention. The IFSA also hosts burn survivor support programs including the Young Adult Summit and Camp "I Am Me," a unique weeklong camp for children who have experienced severe burn injuries. For more info, visit www.IFSA.org.


###
24 Jun 2015

Loebsack Praises DOL Funding to Assist Workers Displaced by Bird Flu Outbreak

By Joe Hand

$5.25 million grant will implement Sector Partnerships for workers displaced due to bird flu outbreak

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for awarding $5,250,000 to the Iowa Workforce Development to implement and expand Sector Partnerships in the state. Today's funding announcement will provide intensive worker-centered services including case management, individual and group skill building, soft-skills training, connection to community resources, and assistance in obtaining training, credentials, and certificates to individuals in rural areas who were displaced from the poultry and egg industry due to Avian Influenza. The funding comes from the DOL's Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant program.

Loebsack has been a long time champion of establishing and expanding Sector Partnerships. Portions of his legislation, the SECTORS Act, passed as a part of the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that was signed into law last year.

"I am pleased that the Iowa Workforce Development will receive this funding to make an investment in Iowa's greatest resource: its workers. Many parts of rural Iowa have been devastated by the recent Avian Flu outbreak and this emergency funding will help stem some of the losses our workers are facing," said Loebsack.

###
24 Jun 2015

THE IOWA 80/CAT SCALE GO IOWA FUND AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED

By Rhonda Johnson

Churches United of the Quad City Area has received a $2,000.00 grant from The Iowa 80/Cat Scale Go Iowa Fund, in support of its Hunger Program in the Quad City Area.  This generous award will help fund Churches United's 14 Iowa Food Pantries.


Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community.  Its 136 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area.  As well as 26 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites, Churches United also operates Winnie's Place, a shelter for women (with or without children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence.  For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.


###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar