13 Jan 2015

New Director Joins Iowa City VA Health Care System

By Jon Pruett
Iowa City – The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Judith Johnson-Mekota as the new Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System.

"We are excited to bring Ms. Johnson-Mekota on board as the new Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System," said Ms. Janet Murphy, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 23) Director. "Her sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the health care system, the employees, volunteers, and most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve. We anticipate she will arrive at the Iowa City VA medical center February 8 to begin her appointment."

Ms. Johnson-Mekota holds a Master Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa and an undergraduate degree in Nursing from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Ms. Johnson-Mekota has served more than 20 years in health care leadership positions within VA, most recently as Director, VA Central Iowa Health Care System.

The Iowa City VA Health Care System provides health care to more than 40,000 Veterans with an operating budget of about $182M - to include ten Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). With 1,100 employees, the system covers 32 counties in eastern Iowa and 16 counties in western Illinois.

It is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care.

Ms. Johnson-Mekota has an exceptional background and possesses the leadership, knowledge, and skills necessary to successfully lead the Iowa City VA Health Care System into the future.

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13 Jan 2015

A CALL TO ACTION AGAINST VIOLENCE!

By Ginger Busby

Come hear Apostle Jonathan Byrd speak on violence and destruction!

WHEN: Friday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Center located at 1411 Brady Street in Davenport

COST: No charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted.

Apostle Jonathan Byrd is the founder of The Mighty X-Men Program for men and women who have been incarcerated. This program has been successful in the Rockford, Illinois, area. He also is the Pastor of The Faith Center in Rockford.

We invite all those who love our community and desire to alleviate the violence and destruction that is plaguing our families and neighborhoods.

We believe all will be blessed who come!

12 Jan 2015

Beat Cabin Fever with Winter fun in LeClaire, Iowa!

By Cindy Bruhn

Friday-Monday, January 16-19: Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard!

Come on out to LeClaire, Iowa, January 16-19 and "Be A Tourist In Your Own Backyard!" Bierstube, Blue Iguana, Steventon's, Buffalo Bill Museum, Holiday Inn Express, and Mississippi River Distilling Co. will have specials that you can enjoy. Find more details and coupons here: http://www.qcbeatourist.com

Saturday, January 17: Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center, 127 S. Cody Road. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. 8-person teams; $10 per person. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans are 10 for $10. Each team may bring its own snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Pork roast dinner available to "take and go" or "stay and play." Call Debbie at 563-349-4403 or email Smith73075@aol.com to reserve a table.

Sunday, January 18: Dress for Success Charity Wine Tasting at Faithful Pilot beginning at noon. Bring in a gently used dress for women who need to "dress up" for job interviews and receive $5 off wine tasting of a selection of their wines. They will also be open noon-5pm for lunch. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

Sunday, January 18: Bald Eagle Day. Learn about the area's bald eagles at the Medic EMS building, 107 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, Iowa. At 1:30pm, wildlife photographer, Burt Gearhart, will give an all-ages slide presentation and lecture that will reveal many interesting discoveries about Bald Eagles and their everyday lives in Iowa. See eagles diving for fish, eating while flying, flying with icicles on their toes and much more. Learn to distinguish between immature and mature eagles, what they eat, and why they winter in the area. Attendees will learn about this incredible wildlife opportunity to view and photograph the annual winter gathering of Bald Eagles along the Mississippi River north and south of LeClaire.

At the conclusion of the presentation, join Burt at Lock & Dam 14 to view and photograph the Eagles of LeClaire.

Burt's prints that celebrate Bald Eagles, the Mississippi River, and the historic beauty of LeClaire will also be on display. This program is free and open to the public.

Also that day, The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits will be open noon-5pm for lunch with a great view of the bald eagles soaring above. Isabel Bloom will have a drawing for a free Eagle sculpture. Bierstube's Bald Eagle Day special on January 18 is 10% off your bill, excluding alcohol.

El Rio Spa & Wellness, 1000 Stagecoach Road, has January specials! Free Trial Fitness Class and Free Consultation with our Fitness Manager. The Café has 20% off Salads. Come tour El Rio Spa & Wellness and enter your name in a drawing for a chance to win a "Spa Product Package". Drawing will be on the "Be A Tourist In Your Own Backyard" weekend. www.elriospa.com

January - April: Join the 2015 LeClaire Cocktail Cruise with Mississippi River Distilling Co.! From January to April, eight different bars and restaurants will have a showcase MRDC cocktail. You can go try each one and get your cocktail "passport" stamped for chance to win monthly prizes. Plus, during First Friday, with any bottle sold, get a coupon for a free showcase cocktail! Pick up your passport today at Mississippi River Distilling Co., 303 N. Cody Road. Find all the details here: www.LeClaireCocktails.com

renee grae gallery, 101 S. Cody Road, has introduced their newest artist, photographer Thomas Bertilsson. Born in Sweden, Thomas Bertilsson moved to Minnesota in 2001. His photography focuses mostly on landscape, large bodies of water and their allure, the beauty of shorelines, and the mystery and magic of the woods. In the last decade he has focused on creating interesting and involving photographs, always with a handmade finished print in mind. Thomas' featured work will be kicking off their extended winter group exhibition. Their biggest exhibition to date, this show features over 175 original pieces of art by all of their local and regional gallery artists. They will also be turning the gallery into a working studio during winter business hours. They will be bringing in their studio supplies and creating new works all winter. Stop in to see artists at work! Winter hours are Wednesday 11am-4pm; Friday 11am-4pm; Saturday 11am-5pm. www.reneegraegallery.com

Check out the Wide River Winery Inn, 106 N. Cody Rd., above the Wide River Winery Tasting Room for a fun winter get-away! They have a reduced winter rate of $119 during the months of January and February. The fully furnished apartment sleeps four adults. Why not plan a weekend to look for the Bald Eagles or enjoy the shopping and charm of LeClaire? For more information, contact Cecilia 954-242-6878. www.wideriverwinery.com

Details on all LeClaire events can be found at: http://www.visitleclaire.com/events.html

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12 Jan 2015

4 Misconceptions That Won't Help When You Hit the Slopes This Season

By Rick Martin
Common Errors to Avoid from Sought-after Instructor & Keynote Speaker

As the season gets underway and skiers of all levels journey to the snow capped mountains, chances are that a great many of them will do some things that won't help their cause, says world-class ski instructor Chalky White.

"You can boil down skiing to a few basic principles, but like any sport, there are many finer details that matter, and with an activity like skiing, the details can mean the difference between a safe ski trip and a hazardous one," Chalky says.

"Skiing is a truly wonderful sport; it changed my life! I hate to think that there are beginners who may be steered away from it due to avoidable mistakes. And, there are those who've become decent skiers - they love the sport and they continue skiing each season - but they're held back by questionable technique and inaccurate practice."

Due to the popularity of his Amazon, in-category, No.1 bestselling how-to book, "The 7 Secrets of Skiing," Chalky was able to craft a new program for business professionals and celebrities called Ski the World with Chalky White, (www.the7secretsofskiing.com).

Chalky reviews four common mistakes skiers make on snow-capped slopes.

•  "I'm too old to be a great skier, so I'll just wing it." Some people are raised on the slopes, carving up the snow at age 6 and entering competitions at age 8. Most folks, however, have average natural ability and aren't raised on skis. But, as I was they can, if accurately trained, become very competent skiers.

If you're completely new to skiing, take the time to learn some basics - preferably with a qualified instructor. The most important fundamental to learn is balance, as applied to skiing; all sports rely on balance to some extent, and for skiing it all starts there!

•  "I can be great if only I can overcome my fear." Indeed, hurling one's body down what they perceive to be a steep slope of slippery snow takes courage. It makes sense to have butterflies at the top of a slope, but overcoming nerves alone won't make you great.

Some skiers, even a few new to the sport, have little fear when skiing - but that's often because they've practiced and have undergone sound training. The more adept you become as a skier, the more fear-based emotion is pushed to the "back-burner" and is, as practice continues, largely replaced by new-found confidence and more fun.

•  "I'm beyond the basics." Ninety-five percent of skiers, including some professionals, do not fully appreciate and utilize the power of balance - at least not consciously. Many simply believe they are fully balanced, but this is often delusional and maybe arrogant thinking. The best advice is to be a constant student, which means consistent vigilance toward one's balance.

A great skier is one who can consistently recover following balance losses. You may be frustrated that you lost balance at all. However, the ability to recover with ease is a sign that you are well-balanced.

•  "I don't want to pre-release from my ski bindings; my gear seems okay." Just as it is silly to think that gear alone will make you a good skier, so too is the idea that gear doesn't have specific requirements. Most vitally, you'll want to make sure ski bindings - a device that connects a ski boot to a ski - adhere to the right D.I.N. (German for "Deutsche Institut Fuer Normung") standard. If your bindings are accurately set to suit your age, ability and weight, and if you are skiing with proper technique, you will probably not pre-release from them. But if you make a mistake serious enough to merit a release from attachment to your skis before falling, then chances of injury are dramatically decreased. Some skiers tamper with these professional standards to prevent release, which can be extremely dangerous.

Other important facets include boots - the most important gear item for technique - and ski poles, which should be the correct length.

I have heard far too many disturbing stories due to the inaccurate setting of the binding alone. Too many of my friends, and the general skiing fraternity, have experienced broken legs. Don't be one of many skiers, experts included, who neglect the binding setting. Get your skis' bindings regularly checked by a professional, and don't tamper with them!

About Chalky White

For many years, Chalky White has been a professional ski instructor who is highly regarded for being able to help develop the skill of balance for skiers of all levels, including experts. Through his business, Seven Secrets International Ski Services LLC, he has taught students in the Alps, New Zealand and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where he remains a longtime member of the esteemed Vail and Beaver Creek Ski School. Since 2011, his book, "The 7 Secrets of Skiing," (www.the7secretsofskiing.com), has been at or near the No.1 for ski books on Amazon. Chalky is a sought-after inspirational/motivational speaker.

12 Jan 2015

Rock Island Libraries Closed Monday, Jan. 19

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: All locations of the Rock Island Public Library will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 so that staff can attend an in-service training day.

The one-day closing affects the Main Library location at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Branch at 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch at 9010 Ridgewood Road.

For January only, the library's 30/31 Book Club will meet at the Hauberg Civic Center, 1300 24th Street, on Monday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 pm. Members will discuss "Emma" by Jane Austen. Library book club discussions are open to anyone who has read the selected book.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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12 Jan 2015

STEM Council names five Iowa STEM CAPS Programs

By Angel Mendez

Centers for Advanced Professional Studies will serve as models across the state

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Iowa Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council took a major step in bringing innovative STEM education solutions to Iowa last month by naming five winners of a competition to build Iowa STEM Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs.

The STEM Council committed this year to identifying the most successful models known to connect schools with community-based business and industry to drive an understanding of how STEM concepts learned in school apply to careers. After studying various STEM schools across the country, the CAPS model of the Blue Valley School District of Overland Park, Kan., was determined by STEM Council leaders to be the closest to what Iowa seeks. Rather than a central destination, the Iowa team favored a "satellite" version being implemented by a consortium of districts in the North Kansas City region.

Iowa STEM CAPS programs will unite businesses and education for the organic development of STEM programs matching their local industry strengths, challenges and resources. Students at Iowa STEM CAPS sites will learn at business and industry sites or at an industry site located on a school campus.

"The STEM CAPS satellite model will allow students to experience the industry or business environment firsthand," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the STEM Council. "That experience is vital to prepare students for STEM success in college or career training after high school, and it allows business and industry to introduce students to outstanding career opportunities."

The STEM Council Executive Committee voted unanimously in December to award and support five competitively-selected school partnerships, bringing to the table a total cost-share commitment of $773,509. The $150,000 STEM Council investment is divided up among these five applicants that includes funding for professional development:

  • Bettendorf/Pleasant Valley;

  • Cedar Rapids/College Community (or Iowa BIG);

  • Kirkwood CC/University of Iowa/Clear Creak Amana/Iowa City/Regina/Solon/Tipton/West Branch/West Liberty;

  • Northeast; and

  • Rock Valley (or Rocket Manufacturing).

"These programs will unite local businesses and educators into a collaborative STEM environment, which is a key priority of the STEM Council," said Vermeer CEO Mary Andringa, co-chair of the STEM Council. "These partnerships represent a wonderful new paradigm for education that may ultimately shape the future of our state's economic development."

Each selected program submitted in-depth proposals, considering factors like education driven by business and industry need, rigorous, relevant and dynamic STEM curriculum and authentic partnerships. Their Iowa STEM CAPS models bring various strengths in community partnerships, district demographics and program focus.

During spring 2015, the STEM Council will hold professional development opportunities for potential and current districts and business and industry partners to learn more about Iowa STEM CAPS and strengthen statewide networks.

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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 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 Council is chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Vermeer Corp. CEO Mary Andringa. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.

12 Jan 2015

Loebsack Statement on the Keystone Pipeline Vote

By Grassley Press

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House voted on the Keystone Pipeline.

"I have long subscribed to the belief that the best course of action regarding energy policy is to move from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy as quickly and as feasibly as possible. I understand the concerns about the potential impact of the Keystone XL pipeline proposal. At the same time, any decision such as the one regarding Keystone is hardly a simple or easy one to make. Environmental concerns are important, but so are other factors.

"In my mind, one of the most important reasons is the infrastructure jobs that will be created due to the construction of the pipeline. I am fully aware of the short-term nature of the 40,000 plus jobs that will be created by this project. But I cast my vote today in favor of creating these jobs that can't be shipped overseas and for the countless hardworking men and women who put their hard hats on every morning so that they can put food on the table and help their children pay for college. We have seen Wall Street recover, yet working folks across Iowa and America continue to wait their turn. Our focus must continue to be on improving the economy, getting Americans back to work, and moving our country forward. It is unfortunate that Republicans have refused to move any comprehensive jobs legislation to keep jobs from going overseas.  A good first start would be an immediate consideration of a long-term transportation bill so American workers can get back to work and the U.S. economic recovery can be further enhanced.

"Additionally, today's vote marks only the beginning of the work Congress must do on energy policy during the next session and in the years beyond.  First, we must do all we can to reduce carbon at its sources and ensure that polluters bear the costs of their action.  This can be done by imposing a carbon fee on the pollution emitted by the use of fossil fuels, with the revenue generated returned to households.  We also must extend the Production Tax Credit to continue to spur the generation of wind power, extend the Investment Tax Credit to incentivize the development of solar power, and continue other policies to enable the increased use of other renewable forms of energy. These policies will both protect our environment and create hundreds of thousands of jobs across America. These efforts will continue to move our nation on a path that practically and affordably moves us farther from reliance on fossil fuels and towards significantly more use of renewables."

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12 Jan 2015

Jared Hershberger, Loebsack's District Representative, to Hold Office Hours

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Southeast Iowa for open office hours. Jared Hershberger, Loebsack's District Representative, will be at the following locations. Hershberger will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for Dave, or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend. Hershberger holds regular office hours throughout Iowa.

If residents are unable to attend but have a concern to share with the Congressman, please call our district office toll-free at 1-866-914-IOWA (4692).

Hershberger's schedule for January is as follows.

 

Tuesday, January 13

Burlington City Hall

400 Washington Street

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

Mediapolis Public Library

128 North Orchard Street

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

Wednesday, January 14

Mount Pleasant City Hall

220 West Monroe Street

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

 

New London H.J. Nugen Public Library

103 East Main Street

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

 

Tuesday, January 20

Burlington City Hall

400 Washington Street

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

West Burlington City Hall

122 Broadway Street

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

Wednesday, January 21

Columbus Junction City Hall

232 2nd Street

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

Wapello City Hall

335 North Main Street

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

 

Oakville City Hall

601 2nd Street

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

 

Thursday, January 22

Muscatine City Hall

415 Sycamore Street

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

West Liberty City Hall

409 North Calhoun Street

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

 

Tuesday, January 27

Burlington City Hall

400 Washington Street

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

Danville Community Center

105 West Shepherd Street

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

Wednesday, January 28

Farmington City Hall

203 South Elm Street

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

Keosauqua City Hall

804 1st Street

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

 

Fairfield Convention Center

200 North Main Street

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

 

Thursday, January 29

Keokuk City Hall

415 Blondeau Street

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

Montrose City Hall

102 South 2nd Street

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

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12 Jan 2015

Loebsack to Visit Volunteer Fire Departments in Scott & Clinton Counties

By Joe Hand

Will meet with volunteer first responders and discuss legislation to provide them with tax credits

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will visit volunteer fire departments in Eldridge and Camanche, TOMORROW, Saturday, January 9th. Loebsack will highlight the importance of our local volunteer first responders and the impact they have in our communities. He will also discuss legislation he helped introduce last Congress that would provide a tax deduction for volunteer first responders as well as help Volunteer Fire Departments and other public safety organizations recruit and retain volunteers.

Eldridge Fire Department

120 N. 2nd St.

10:00am

 

Camanche Fire Department

720 9th Ave.

11:30am

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12 Jan 2015

Shannon Beshears Named to the Fall 2014 Dean's Honor Roll at Oklahoma City University.

By Rod Jones

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (01/08/2015)(readMedia)-- Oklahoma City University is proud to announce that Shannon Beshears of Milan, IL (61264) has been named to the fall 2014 Dean's Honor Roll.

Dean's Honor Roll status is awarded to students who successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University is a non-profit, comprehensive, private United Methodist university that is consistently ranked among the best in its category. OCU students pursue academic excellence through a rigorous liberal arts & sciences core curriculum that focuses on their intellectual, moral and spiritual development.

For more information visit www.okcu.edu

Oklahoma City University is a coeducational, urban private university located in Oklahoma City, in the Uptown district. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences and business. The only Oklahoma institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master's-level university category by U.S. News and World Report, Oklahoma City University is also listed in Forbes' "Best Christian Colleges" & "100 Best College Buys." OCU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate degrees (including a law degree, MBA and doctoral programs in nursing).

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