06 Feb 2015

Treasurer Fitzgerald has Treasures for Valentine's Day

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (02/05/2015)(readMedia)-- Valentine's Day inspires a day of card and gift giving to those we love. Throughout the years, those cards and keepsake mementos sometimes become lost treasures. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants to reunite Iowans this Valentine's Day with those lost treasures. "In addition to money, we have safe deposit box contents, which include an assortment of valuable items waiting to be reclaimed," said Fitzgerald. "Some of these items may have been gifts from a past Valentine's Day."

Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages all Iowans to check the website for a forgotten treasure. "Check regularly and check often," Fitzgerald advises. New property is uploaded throughout the year, so even if you have claimed property in the past, there is a chance your name could reappear. "Our goal is to keep reminding people to check their names for any unclaimed property."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt database contains more than one million accounts for individuals that have lost track of some money or a treasure. The program has returned over $188 million to more than 452,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Companies and financial institutions in Iowa and from across the nation report millions of dollars in unclaimed property to the state treasurer each year. Common examples of unclaimed property include money in forgotten savings/checking accounts, uncashed insurance benefit and payroll checks, lost stock and dividends, abandoned safe deposit box contents and utility refunds or deposits. Simply visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.com to begin your search. Be sure to like the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter @GreatIATreasure.

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06 Feb 2015

Augustana theatre students present Katrina: the K Word

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (02/05/2015)(readMedia)-- Augustana's theatre department continues its season with Katrina: the K Word, a performance presented by a 300-level course focusing on play production. Katrina: the K Word is conceived and created by Lisa S. Brenner and Suzanne M. Trauth and presented by special arrangement with the authors. Katrina: the K Word is an original play inspired by true stories of individuals impacted by Hurricane Katrina a decade ago.

Katrina: the K Word is an original play inspired by true stories of individuals facing one of America's most challenging crises. Both tragically heartbreaking and poignantly uplifting, Katrina chronicles the journeys of New Orleans residents whose lives are forever changed.

The piece is brought to life by the THEA 350: Play Production class in honor of the tragedy's tenth anniversary. Students assume all of the production staff positions and work collaboratively to create the finished piece. They are responsible for auditions and casting, directing, designing scenic and costume elements, and stage management.

Students participating in the production are:

Rowan Crow of Coal Valley

Payton Brasher of Davenport

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

06 Feb 2015

Waste Commission Facilities Closed Presidents' Day

By Randy Stalsberg

DAVENPORT?Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents' Day. Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Facilities closed include :

·    Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Avenue, Davenport
·    Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Avenue, Davenport
·    Scott Area Household Hazardous Material Facilities, Davenport
·    Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th Street, 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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06 Feb 2015

Rauner, Kirk Statement on FutureGen Announcement

By Danielle Varallo

Springfield - Governor Bruce Rauner and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Energy's decision to end federal funding of FutureGen, the public-private clean coal project in Meredosia, Ill.:

"We are thoroughly disappointed in the Administration's decision to hastily end the bipartisan FutureGen project. This decision will block advancements in clean coal and more than 1,000 new jobs in Central Illinois. We will not give up on this state-of-the-art technology and bringing new jobs to the state."

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06 Feb 2015

Family Museum Announces 2015 Spring Break Spectacular Lineup

By Elly Gerdts

Bettendorf ? With a week off from school, area parents and kids are looking for fun and exciting activities during spring break. From March 15 - March 21, the Family Museum offers seven days of just that: programs ranging from live music, special events, science, and performance art. Events and performances are included with paid admission or Family Museum membership.

 

The Junkman

Sunday, March 15

1:00 pm performance followed by "Junk Jams"

Inspired by the sounds his mechanic father made while working in the garage, Donald Knaack, The Junkman®, uses the sounds of found objects and recycled materials to make music.  Don't miss this unique performance! www.junkmusic.org

 

Comedy Sportz "Rated E for Everyone!"

Monday March 16

10:30 am

Get ready for some laughs! The Comedy Sportz team from right here in the Quad Cities will take the stage at the Family Museum! The "act-letes" hilarious improvisation skits will have kids giggling!  The audience-involved show is appropriate for the entire family. www.comedysportzqc.com

 

West Music's Instrument Petting Zoo

Monday March 16

2:00- 4:00 PM

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and pet some...instruments! Our friends from West Music are bringing along a sampling of instruments kids can try for themselves.  It's a great way to pique a musical interest in young children. Prizes too! www.westmusic.com


"Frozen" Day

Tuesday, March 17

Ice Sculpting Demonstration

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Come see an ice sculptor in action! See what creations can be made from a huge block of ice!

 

Meet Elsa, Anna, and Olaf

10:00 - 11:00 am and 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Meet, greet, and take pictures with your favorite friends from Frozen!

*Please note, meet and greet will end at the times stated. Lines may need to be cut short.

 

Dry Ice! With Mr. Glenn

1:00 - 1:30 pm

What is dry ice? How cold is it?  Don't miss this "cool" science show with Mr. Glenn.

 

Play Fake Snow

1:30 - 2:30 pm

It may look like the real thing, but it's not!  Come check out our fake snow!

 

Frozen Sing Along and Dance Party

3:00 - 3:30 pm

Sing and dance to your favorite songs from the movie!

 

Snowball Fight!

3:30 - 4:30 pm

How about a snowball fight without the cold, wet snow? Make your own "snowballs" and have a good old fashioned snowball fight right here in our Great Hall! Fun for grown-ups too!

 

Balloon Magic

Wednesday, March 18

10:30 am

Billed as the "Funniest Magic Show Ever!" Bring the kids for a comedy, magical, balloon adventure!


Balloon Twisting

Wednesday, March 18

12:30 - 2:30 pm

Get in line and get a cool balloon creation! Animals, hats, flowers, and more!

 

Magic Classes

Wednesday, March 18

3:30 - 4:30 and 4:30 - 5:30 pm

How would you like to learn some magic? TJ Regul will hold classes for kids and parents to learn some "tricks" of the trade! Children age 6 and up (with an adult) only, please. Classes limited to 20 participants. Sign-ups will begin at 11:30 am. First come, first served.

 

Planetarium Fun!

Thursday, March 19

9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Join us in the inflatable planetarium for a 20 minute tour of the night sky! Find the bright stars and constellations of spring. Shows begin every half hour and are limited to 20 people. Sign in at the front desk for an available time.

Members of the Quad Cities Astronomical Society will also be here to display their telescopes. There will be an opportunity to gaze at the night sky through a telescope, if the night is clear, between 7 and 8 pm (or as soon as it gets dark).

 

Pajamas with Pete the Cat

Thursday, March 19

6:30 - 7:30 pm

If you love Pete the Cat stories, put on your pajamas and come to the Museum for a fun night! We'll have a PJ story time.... And Pete the Cat himself will be there too!

 

Dan Wardell from IPTV

Friday, March 20

10:30 am

Story time and adventure with IPTV Kids Clubhouse host, Dan Wardell! There's sure to be lots of fun when Dan's in the house!

 

Over the Ledge with Pete the Cat

Friday, March 20

1:00 pm

Join Pete the Cat for a special Over The Ledge! See what comes tumbling down when Pete goes on one of his silly adventures! "It's all good!"

 

Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Saturday, March 21

11:00 am

Grammy nominated Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. With numerous national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents. You won't want to miss this family friendly concert! www.justinroberts.org

All events sponsored by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
06 Feb 2015

Type 2 Diabetes and Complications.

By Dr. Sanjay Gupta
For people with type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar levels pose a serious health risk with a range of potential complications.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, new blindness, and leg and foot amputations unrelated to injury. It's a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. Poor blood sugar control may also raise the risk for Alzheimer's disease.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't use insulin properly to convert glucose into energy. As a result, blood sugar levels become elevated. This buildup of glucose, known as hyperglycemia, can damage blood vessels and vital organs. The A1C blood test is commonly used to see how well, on average, a patient's blood sugar level has been managed over the past two to three months.

"A person's A1C level is an excellent marker of complications," said Joel Zonszein, MD, director of the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "If you have a lower number, you'll be healthier." The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C of 7 percent, or an average glucose level of 145 milligrams per decileter (mg/dL).

The following are three common types of complications that can occur when diabetes isn't properly controlled over time.

Eye Damage (Retinopathy)

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new-onset blindness in adults. It occurs when blood vessels of the retina swell and leak fluid into the macula, where focusing occurs. The result, known as macula edema, causes blurred vision. A more serious form of eye complication, called proliferative retinopathy, occurs when new blood vessels form in the retina to replace damaged ones. Scar tissue can develop and cause the retina to become detached.

Fortunately, "this kind of damage doesn't happen overnight," said Stephanie Marioneaux, an ophthalmologist in Chesapeake, Va., and a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Vision loss can be prevented if the blood vessel damage is caught early enough through regular eye exams.

"If we're seeing damage in the retina that means their blood sugar has been elevated for a while," said Dr. Marioneaux.

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

When hyperglycemia damages blood vessels that feed oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, it can result in nerve damage or neuropathy. Common signs include tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet and hands.

Patients may develop blisters or sores on their feet that can spread infection to the bone and cause tissue death. These infections are very hard to treat and can result in amputation.

"If people are experiencing the numbness and tingling, they should be checking their feet regularly for any sores or wounds and get them seen by a doctor before they get infected," said Priscilla Hollander, MD, an endocrinologist at the Baylor Endocrine Center in Dallas.

While A1C is "a great tool," Betul Hatipoglu, MD, an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said it's not a replacement for daily blood sugar monitoring. "Keeping it level can decrease chances of terrible complications that could potentially cause you to lose your limbs," said Dr. Hatipoglu.

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. "About 10 percent of people with type 2 diabetes will develop [it]," said Dr. Hollander.

High blood sugar levels compromise the kidneys' ability to properly filter waste products in the blood. Protein that's useful to the body leaks into the urine, while wastes start to collect in the blood. Left untreated, this can lead to kidney, or renal, failure requiring a machine to filter the blood (known as dialysis) or a kidney transplant.

According to Hollander, it usually takes about 10 years for diabetic kidney disease to manifest, and it can be caught in the early stages. A simple urine test can detect excess protein in the urine. Other signs to look for include frequent urination, weight gain, and ankle swelling.

"The incidence is improving," said Hollander. "And we've made a lot of progress by controlling blood pressure, which plays a big role in furthering kidney damage."

For anyone with type 2 diabetes, as Dr. Zonszein points out, "the sooner you can catch that your blood glucose hasn't been under control, the better you can prevent these complications."

06 Feb 2015

Augustana Symphonic Band to tour southern United States

By Lauren Reed

ROCK ISLAND, IL (02/04/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana College Symphonic Band, will continue its annual tradition of a spring tour featuring performances in the southern United States beginning on February 20 in Kansas and continuing to Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Missouri. The band will return to perform a home concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, in Augustana's Centennial Hall (3703 7th Avenue). Admission for all concerts is free, and a freewill offering will be accepted.

The Augustana Symphonic Band is the college's oldest ensemble, established in 1874 as the Silver Cornet Band. Currently under the direction of Dr. James Lambrecht, the band is composed of more than 60 student musicians with academic majors across the liberal arts. As the college's premier touring band, the ensemble has toured in 32 states, as well as the United Kingdom, Italy, and most recently to Japan in 2014.

The tour program will be a diverse mix of musical genres, ranging from arrangements of traditional hymns, to a Japanese composition, to a symphonic adaptation of the blues.

Students sharing their talents in the ensemble are:

Ingrid Schneider of Davenport, IA (52806)

Andrew Bainter of Coal Valley, IL (61240)

Bailey Driscoll of Davenport, IA (52803)

Lizandra Gomez-Ramirez of Rock Island, (61201)

Sergio Tekeli of Bettendorf, (52722)

Erik Whitcomb of Rock Island, IL (61201)

Robert Holmquist of East Moline, Ill. (61244)

Benjamin McKay of Rock Island, IL (61201)

Biniam Anberber of Coal Valley, (61240)

Caitlin Thom of Bettendorf, IA (52722)

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

06 Feb 2015

Allan Carlson's 'The Natural Family Where It Belongs' Named 'Outstanding Academic Title'

By Rick Martin

ROCKFORD, Ill., Feb. 4, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- CHOICE magazine, the influential journal for academic libraries published by The American Library Association, has recognized Allan Carlson's most recent book, The Natural Family Where It Belongs:  New Agrarian Essays, as an "Outstanding Academic Title" for 2014.

Dr. Carlson is President of The Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society, Editor of its journal The Family in America, and Co-Founder and International Secretary of The World Congress of Families. The book is published by Transaction of New Brunswick, NJ, which Dr. Carlson also serves as Series Editor for Marriage and Family Studies.

According to the Editors of CHOICE, the "prestigious list" of volumes receiving this designation "reflects the best in scholarly titles and attracts extraordinary attention from the academic library community." Books awarded "Outstanding Academic Title" status must show: "overall excellence in presentation and scholarship;" "importance relative to other literature in the field;" "distinction as a first treatment of a given subject in book or electronic form;" "originality or uniqueness of treatment;" and "value to undergraduate students." Dr. Carlson's volume is one of only 24 books in the field of Sociology to receive this honor.

In The Natural Family Where It Belongs, Allan Carlson argues that agrarianism is alive and well in the twenty-first century, especially as a metaphor for the self-reliant and free natural family. The volume focuses on households where the sexual and the economic merge through marriage and child-bearing and where the family is defined in considerable measure by its material efforts. Dr. Carlson points toward the recreation of a family-centered economy and renewal of the true democracy, resting on autonomous homes, dreamed of by Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.

A complete review of the book, appearing in an earlier issue of CHOICE, calls it "a brilliant history and analysis of the most important building blocks of civilization: marriage and family." The review continues: "Throughout the work, Carlson demonstrates the outworn nature of standard political categorizations of 'Left' and 'Right' by perpetually skewering the sacred cows of both. Consequently, the book will generate vitriol from many corners, but that is merely one of many reasons his essays deserve the widest of audiences." It concludes: "In a time obsessed with the possibility of redefining both marriage and family, Carlson's work is simply indispensable. Summing up: Essential."

The hardcover edition of The Natural Family Where It Belongs appeared in early 2014. As of February 2015, a new paperback edition is also available. In addition, the volume can be secured as a Google eBook.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Dr. Carlson at (815) 964-5819 or send a query to acarlson@profam.org or media@worldcongress.org.
06 Feb 2015

Recital performed by Augustana College students

By Lauren Reed

ROCK ISLAND, IL (02/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Augustana senior Elyzia Powers of Silvis, Ill. and junior Jamie Hochmuth of Medina, Min. performed in their student recital sharing their talents with the Augustana community. Hochmuth's selections included "Love in the Dictionary" and "The K'e" by Celius Dougherty. Powers performed Sondheim's "Agony" from Into the Woods. Additional pieces as well as duets were performed. The students were accompanied by Gail Baldwin and Sheila Doak.

Senior recitals at Augustana College are a requirement for those pursuing a major in music performance. Other students pursuing a major or minor in music related to composition, general music, or education are highly encouraged to perform in a recital to showcase their progress and musicality.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

06 Feb 2015

5 Tax-Saving Strategies To Help Your Family This Tax Season

By Ginny Grimsley
Overlooked Deductions May Cost You Thousands

Millions of Americans face a challenge in meeting their budgets every month - not just financially, but also in their time budgets, says investment advisor Reid Abedeen.

"Knowledge is power and time is often money, but what if you don't have the time to empower yourself with knowledge? For many households, that often means losing out on thousands of dollars through tax deductions," says Abedeen, a partner at Safeguard Investment Advisory Group, LLC (www.safeguardinvestment.com).

"As a family man myself, I understand what it means to work hard to provide the best possible for my wife and children. Had I not worked in the financial sector for almost two decades, I might not have understood how to best troubleshoot my tax return, I sympathize."

Abedeen offers the following strategies that may be relevant for your family this tax season.

•  Take tax deductions for capital loss. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, the excess can be deducted on your tax return and used to reduce other income, such as wages, up to an annual limit of $3,000, or $1,500 if you are married filing separately. However, you may deduct capital losses only on investment property, not on property held for personal use.

•  Fund your retirement to the max. You can contribute up to $5,500 to an IRA in tax-year 2014, or $6,500 if you are age 50 or older. Workers in the 25 percent tax bracket who contributed $5,500 to an IRA would save $1,375 on their 2014 tax bills. You'll want to check your eligibility and understand the deadline for the 2014 deduction. If you make a deposit between Jan. 1 and April 15, you need to tell the financial institution which year the contribution is for.

•  Advisory fees are tax-deductible. Don't feel like spending money to save and make money? There's a workaround. Before closing the door on the possibility, inquire with a financial expert. Most are happy to give a free initial consultation, and you don't have to be a millionaire to make it worth your while.

•  Gift assets to children. You don't even have to file a gift tax return on an asset that's valued less than $12,000, which is not taxable. If the fair market value of the gifted asset is more than $12,000 per person per year, but less than $1 million, there is the requirement of filing a gift tax return, but you won't be taxed. The gift still is not income taxable to the recipient.

•  Deduct a home-based office when used for your employer. If space in your home is used exclusively and regularly for a trade, you can count that as a deductible. Calculate the square footage of your home office and divide the area of your office by the area of your house. If the percentage is 14 percent, for example, that represents the percentage of your total home expenses that can be allocated toward the home office deduction. For further questions, consult a professional.

"You'll want to be very vigilant regarding these details of these deductions," Abedeen says. "For any questions, I seriously recommend consulting a professional."

About Reid Abedeen

Reid Abedeen is a partner at Safeguard Investment Advisory Group, LLC (www.safeguardinvestment.com). As an investment advisor, Abedeen has helped retirees for nearly two decades with issues such as insurance, long-term care planning, financial services, asset protection and many other areas. He holds California Life-Only and Accident and Health licenses (#0C78700), and holds a Series 65 license, and is registered through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Abedeen is a family man who owes much of his fulfillment in life to his wife, Smyrna, and his three children, Yusef, Leena and Adam.

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