DES MOINES, IA (03/11/2015)(readMedia)-- The Davenport Education Association (DEA) applauds the courageous stand taken by the Davenport Community School District's (DCSD) Board of Education and the DCSD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Arthur Tate to bypass Iowa state law which limits the school district's spending per pupil annually up to $175 per student.

"We know what it means to be given less per pupil spending than other districts in the state," said Rebecca Menard, President of the DEA. "In simple terms it hurts kids, our teachers and members of our community and our way of life. It is unjust that the state has unequal spending for our school district up to $175 per pupil annually. That adds up to nearly $3.2 million for the entire DCSD in FY 16 and over $17 million in the last five years. Dr. Tate's act of civil disobedience in not following that limited spending authority and instead, raising spending to prevent larger class sizes and employee layoffs without increasing taxes is courageous and clearly the right thing to do. We thank him and the school board for standing so strong for our kids," said Menard.

In a speech on Monday, March 9, to the DCSD Board of Education, Tate said that he will violate state law which limits how much the DCSD can spend on public education. Instead, he said he will use $3.2 million in cash reserves (out of $29 million in reserve) to prevent increases in class sizes, fight the achievement gap and address the ill effects of poverty on a student's education. Tate is particularly dismayed that the legislature has not passed SSA for FY 2016 and FY 2017, as required within 30 days after the Governor presents his budget. Tate says that because the legislature is breaking school finance law and is proposing to underfund public schools he is prompted to recommend the DCSD break the school finance law as well.

"We are also asking the legislature and Governor to support 4 percent SSA for all Iowa's public schools. Iowa spends $1,612 dollars less per student than the other 49 states combined and we are seventh out of the eight Midwestern states. That's wrong. Iowa used to be a national leader in public education but we are falling behind. We can't grow a 21st century economy on the cheap. That's why we also need to increase SSA to all Iowa's public schools as well as focus on Dr. Tate's plan of increasing the DCSD's spending authority. They are both critical to the future of our kids," added Menard.

"Dr. Tate's approach does not raise taxes but allows the DCSD to spend money the district already has out of its reserves. If the legislature would do its job, the school district can do theirs. Davenport kids are not worth less than other kids in this state. Dr. Tate's actions are justified and deserve of our support," said Menard.

The Davenport Education Association (DEA) is the exclusive bargaining representative of the professional-level employees in the Davenport Community School District. With 1,000 members, the DEA is affiliated with the +34,000 member Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) and the +3 million member National Education Association.

For further information contact: DEA UniServ Director, Toby W. Paone at 563-355-3731 (office); 563-370-3270 (cell); tpaone@isea.org

DAVENPORT, Iowa - March 10, 2015 - Federally trained health insurance navigators from Genesis Health System are still available to assist those seeking health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act through the special extended enrollment period.

The enrollment period for those seeking health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act was extended for certain individuals who meet specific requirements. The enrollment period lasted from November 15 until February 15. But, for some individuals who meet certain criteria, they may qualify for a special enrollment period that will last until April 30.

"We want to inform the community that, for many, there are still options available to get covered and that we are still here to help," said Jennifer Busch, a health insurance navigator for Genesis. "Obtaining health insurance is a key part of protecting yourself and your family."

In order to qualify for the special enrollment period, an individual must meet three requirements. First, they must not currently be enrolled in coverage through the marketplace for 2015. Second, they must attest that
when they filed their 2014 tax return they paid the penalty for not having coverage in 2014. Lastly, they must attest that they first became aware of, or understood the implications of, the Shared Responsibility Payment after the end of open enrollment in connection with preparing their taxes.

"This is an opportunity for those who didn't fully understand the implications of not having health coverage in 2014, and would like to obtain health coverage for 2015 to avoid paying the penalty," Busch continued. "A
catastrophic injury or illness can devastate a family's finances, so having health coverage is extremely important."

The special enrollment period will begin on March 15 and will last until April 30. During this time, those who meet the criteria can meet with Genesis navigators for assistance in enrollment. As a reminder, those who qualify for Medicaid do not have the requirements of an enrollment period and may enroll in the program at any time.

To contact the Genesis navigators, an email can be sent to enrollment@genesishealth.com. They are also available by calling 563.421.ENRL (3675).

For more information regarding this news release, please contact Austin Bird at 563.421.9276 or birda@genesishealth.com

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Visit every floor, peek into closed rooms, and satisfy curiosity through this all-access pass to the Brucemore Mansion during the Nooks and Crannies Tour -March 19, April 2, April 16, and April 30 at 5:30 p.m. Marvel at the Skinner pipe organ room, discover the architectural oddities in the attic, and experience the sight and sound of a "rain storm" in the basement Tahitian Room. Examine the superior craftsmanship and learn about ongoing preservation work. The tour is not recommended for children under ten or individuals who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Tickets are $10 per Brucemore member and $12 per person in advance. Tickets purchased the night of are $15, if available. Purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375.

The Nooks and Crannies Tour is part of Brucemore's Thursday Night Lineup. Every Thursday night Brucemore will feature a different specialty tour focusing on topics for all interests, including arts and culture, Midwestern industry, gardening, landscape design, architecture, preservation, and behind-the-scenes at Brucemore. For more information on the Thursday Night Lineup, visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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Affordable Housing Projects to Move Forward in Appanoose, Clay, Dallas, Lee, Linn, Polk, Scott, Sioux, Union Counties

DES MOINES - The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors today announced federal Housing Tax Credit and HOME program awards to thirteen affordable rental projects totaling more than $83.7 million to build and preserve 523 affordable housing units in nine Iowa counties.

"The tax credit and HOME program awards announced today will improve affordable housing options in communities all across Iowa, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for thousands of Iowans," said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison "These projects have leveraged an additional $8 million in local contributions, and each of these communities will see the far-reaching benefits of these projects for generations to come."

Housing Tax Credits

The Internal Revenue Service makes an annual per capita allocation of federal tax credits to each state for the Housing Tax Credit program. IFA is charged with allocating those credits to developers of affordable housing in Iowa. Developers who receive tax credits sell them to investors to generate equity for the housing developments. The tax credits provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction to the investor's federal tax liability on ordinary income.

IFA had more than $7.8 million to allocate in the 2015 Tax Credit Round. IFA received 23 applications requesting more than $13.2 million in Housing Tax Credits. The IFA Board of Directors today awarded more than $7.8 million in Housing Tax Credits to thirteen projects. The actual awards exceed $78 million because the credits are committed annually for a 10-year period.

HOME Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates HOME program funding among states and hundreds of localities nationwide. IFA allocates Iowa's allocation of HOME funds to eligible entities to build and preserve affordable housing.

The IFA Board of Directors today approved more than $4.9 million in state HOME funds to support six rental housing tax credit projects.

 

 

2015 Housing Tax Credit, HOME awards


 

Centerville Senior Lofts, Centerville

•       Address: 421 N. Main Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 41 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $601,791

•       HOME award: $600,000

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan:  $600,000

•       Set-Aside: Senior, Rural

•       Co-Developers:

-      St. Mary Development Corporation: 937-277-8149

-      MV Residential Development, LLC:  513-774-8400

 

Lincoln School Apartments, Creston

•       Address: 1001 West Jefferson Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 24 affordable units for families

•       Project type: Adaptive Reuse & New Construction

•       Tax Credit award: $412,731

•       Set-Aside: Rural

•       Developer: Seldin Affordable Housing Program, LLC: 402-952-4566

 

Lafayette Square, Davenport

•       Address: 625 West 4th Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 45 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $799,500

•       Developer: MWF Properties, LLC: 612-243-4636

 

MLK Crossing Senior Apartments, Des Moines

•       Address: 2455 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

•       Units/Eligibility: 50 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $697,176

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan:  $631,095

•       Set-Aside:  Senior

•       Developer: Curly Top, LLC. dba CT  Development: 515-554-9773

 

Southridge Senior Lofts, Des Moines

•       Address: Army Post Road

•       Units/Eligibility: 46 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax credit award: $704,188

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan: $350,000

•       Set-Aside:  Senior

•       Co-Developers:

-      St. Mary Development Corporation: 937-277-8149

-      MV Residential Development, LLC:  513-774-8400

 

Goldfinch Grove, Hull

•       Address: 1612 3rd Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 12 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax credit award: $203,886

•       HOME award: $608,791

•       Developer: Excel Health Services, Inc. dba Excel Development Group: 402-434-3344

 

Keokuk Senior Lofts, Keokuk

•       Address: 925 Main Street

•       Units/Eligibility: 40 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $616,184

•       HOME award:  $700,000

•       Senior Living Revolving Loan: $700,000

•       Set-Asides: Senior, Rural

•       Co-Developers:

-      St. Mary Development Corporation: 937-277-8149

-      MV Residential Development, LLC:  513-774-8400

 

The Arbor at Lindale Trail, Marion

•       Address: 1220 Blairs Ferry Road

•       Units/Eligibility: 60 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       HOME award:  $1,000,000

•       Tax Credit award: $800,000

•       Set-Asides: Non-Profit, Senior

•       Co-Developers:

-      Full Circle Communities, Inc.: 847-656-5182

-      Iceberg Development Group, LLC: 563-505-5611

 

Blairs Ferry Senior, Marion

•       Address: 830 Blairs Ferry Road NE

•       Units/Eligibility: 57 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $780,377

•       Set-Aside Requested: Senior

•       Developer: TWG Development, LLC: 317-550-3844

 

Hamlin Bell Senior Housing, Perry

•       Address: 2023 Willis Avenue

•       Units/Eligibility: 32 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $517,628

•       HOME award: $1,000,000

•       Set-Aside: Senior

•       Co-Developers:

?  Newbury Management Company dba Newbury Living: 515-490-9001

?  Nudgers, Inc.: 515-229-9085

 

Willis Avenue Apartments, Perry

•       Address: 913 Willis Avenue

•       Units/Eligibility: 34 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $437,799

•       Developer: Bear Development: 262-842-0452

 

Canterbury Heights, Pleasant Hill

•       Address: 755 NE 56th Street

•       Units/Eligibility:  55 affordable units for seniors 55+

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $779,858

•       Set-Aside Requested:  Senior

•       Co-Developers:

?  Barnes Realty, LLC: 515-490-3000

?  Conlin Development Group, LLC: 515-246-8016

 

Southern Pointe, Spencer

•       Address: 902 13th Street SW

•       Units/Eligibility: 27 affordable units for families

•       Project type: New construction

•       Tax Credit award: $534,300

•       HOME award: $1,000,000

•       Set-Aside Requested:  Nonprofit, Rural

•       Developer: Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.: 515-262-5965

 

 

 

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Moline, Il. (March 11, 2015)  - Quad City Mallards goaltender Evan Mosher has been signed to a professional tryout agreement by the American Hockey League's Lake Erie Monsters while the Mallards have signed forward Mason Baptista to an amateur tryout agreement, the Mallards announced today.  The Mallards also announced defenseman Nicholas Rioux has returned to the team from the AHL's Iowa Wild and that they have signed Jake Reed as an emergency backup goaltender.


Mosher, a 24-year old rookie, has gone 11-12-4 in 29 games with the Mallards this season while posting a 2.81 goals against average, a .913 save percentage and one shutout.  He ranks second among ECHL rookies in save percentage.  Mosher's is the thirteenth AHL call-up for a Mallard this season.

Mosher joined the Mallards after enjoying a standout campaign at Acadia University in Wolfsville, Nova Scotia last season.  Mosher was named to the 2013-14 All-Canadian second team after going 17-5-0 in 22 games to finish tied for first in in the nation in wins in addition to finishing fifth in goals against average (2.12), seventh in minutes played (1358:42) and tenth in save percentage (.919).  The 5' 11", 176-pound Conception Bay, Newfoundland, product backstopped the Axemen to the Atlantic University Sport conference playoff title and a berth in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport University Cup national tournament.   

Mosher went 32-19-0 In 52 career games over three seasons at Acadia while turning in a 2.64 goals against average and a .902 save percentage along with a pair of shutouts.   

Mosher moved on to Acadia after tending goal for all or part of five seasons with the Prince Edward Island Rocket of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.  In 117 career QMJHL games, Mosher went 50-57-0 while posting a 3.17 goals against average, a .907 save percentage and three shutouts.  In 2010-11, Mosher completed his junior career in style by leading the "Q" in minutes played (3266:38) and total saves (1694) and finishing second in save percentage (.918), eighth in goals against average (2.19), tied for eighth in shutouts (2) and ninth in wins while going 25-22-3 in 57 games. 

 

Baptista, 25, joins the Mallards from Divison III power St. Norbert College, where he completed his collegiate career last weekend.  The 6' 2", 200-pound North York, Ontario, native this season led the Green Knights in points (34) and assists (26) and scored eight goals while playing in each of his team's 28 games.

Over his four seasons at St. Norbert, Baptista scored 29 goals and added 75 assists for 104 points in 117 career games while helping the Green Knights to the national title in 2012 and against last year.  Among Baptista's teammates for his first three collegiate campaigns was Joe Perry, who started this season with the Mallards before being called up to the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild last month.

 

Baptista played four seasons in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Vaughan Vipers and Villanova Knights before arriving at St. Norbert.

 

Baptista will wear uniform number nine for the Mallards.

Rioux returns to the Mallards after signing a professional tryout agreement with the Wild yesterday.  He has scored three goals and added 19 assists for 22 points while recording a plus/minus rating of +10 in 53 games with the Mallards this season.  Rioux has played three games for Iowa this year.

Reed, 20, joins the Mallards for the second time this season.  The 6' 2", 190-pound Coal Valley native first served as the team's emergency backup for a January 9 game against Wichita.

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library will host a volunteer coffee for current and prospective library volunteers at 9:30 am on Friday, March 20 at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch bookstore, 3059 30th Street, Rock Island.

The event will include a discussion of current and upcoming volunteer opportunities available at the three locations of the Rock Island Public Library. Opportunities include book sale needs and helping with the library's "Every Hero Has a Story" summer reading program. Coffee and donuts will be served.

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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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

The Art of Losing Yourself (Waterbrook Press, April 21, 2015) by Christy Award finalist Katie Ganshert follows TV weather girl Carmen Hart as she pretends to the live a perfect life behind her phony on-camera smile.
"I think all of us, if we're being honest, pass through seasons of doubt at one point or another," states Ganshert. "But so often, it's such a taboo topic to talk about. I hope this book can open up some dialogue regarding the doubts we face. I think doubt loses its power when we bring it out into the light."
Set in Florida's panhandle, Carmen struggles with doubt wondering if she made a mistake marrying her husband and if the God she once believed in is even real. After years of losses and empty arms longing for a baby of her own, she's not so sure anymore. Even more so, when instead of a newborn, she ends up with her 17-year-old runaway, half-sister Gracie Fisher in her care.
Ganshert will be signing copies of her new novel:
May 2, 2015
2-4 PM
Books-A-Million
400 E. 53rd St.
Davenport, IA, 52807.

Memory care expert encourages conversation and understanding of disease  

DAVENPORT, IA (March 11, 2015) - Senior Star at Elmore Place is proud to welcome back national Alzheimer's and dementia expert Susan Scanland, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at 4500 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

Scanland's presentation, "Assisted Living: Preventing the Hazards of Staying Home Too Long," encourages a proactive discussion regarding the impact of prolonging a decision to move to a community that supports empowering activities and appropriate care for those with Alzheimer's and dementia.  Scanland will address several risk areas for at-home seniors including financial losses and exploitation, driving issues, nutrition complications, adverse drug reactions, falls and injuries, wandering without supervision and depression from social isolation. 

As the CEO and Founder of Dementia Connections, Scanland brings to the open forum more than 30 years of experience as a nurse practitioner working with direct care professionals who meet the needs of residents with dementia.  With a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, Scanland has provided more than 500 Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other age-related topics in 40 states.  She has spoken at many national conferences, including the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Society on Aging and the Assisted Living Federation of America.

"Sharing valuable information on Alzheimer's and its effects on the entire family is vital when this disease is touching the lives of so many people," said Marc Strohschein, executive director of Senior Star at Elmore Place. "It's important to note that assisted living also provides valuable resources to those individuals who don't have dementia but require extra care.  We are thrilled to have Susan Scanland return to our community.  Her national recognition and credentials bring valuable information to residents in the Quad Cities and beyond."

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.  Scanland's presentation will take place from 12 to 1 p.m., followed by tours and lunch.  

 

RSVPs are requested by March 17.  Please call 563.484.5114 to register.  The first 25 to RSVP will receive a free copy of Scanland's DVD, "Talk the Talk/Walk the Walk: Optimal Communication and Dementia Symptoms."

 

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.484.5114 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

WQPT SEEKING MUSIC VIDEOS FROM LOCAL PERFORMERS

 

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS is looking for music video submissions from area musicians for use in the music segment of "The Cities" with Jim Mertens.

 

"We have been highlighting local musicians since the show began five years ago," said Lora Adams producer of the public affairs program. "We know that many of our areas local musicians have created music videos, and we would like offer then a wider audience and share them on our air."

 

Videos should be shot in high definition (HD) and use an independent audio mix. WQPT reserves the right to reject songs that contain inappropriate language or images. Music videos may be dropped off at the WQPT offices at 3300 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265, or contact us for information on how to upload your materials at 309-764-2400 and ask for Chris Ryder.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

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Rock Island, IL: If you're staying around town during the Rock Island/Milan school spring break of March 16 to 27, the Rock Island Library is offering plenty of free activities to keep everyone in the family occupied and entertained.

Activities for children and families include :

Duct Tape Crafts for Kids: Tuesday, March 17, at 4:00 pm at the 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, and Thursday, March 26, at 10:00 am at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Kids ages 8 and up can make a coin or pencil case out of colorful duct tape and recycled chip bags. All materials will be supplied.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. Kids of all ages can bring in a favorite toy, doll or stuffed animal for a toys-only stuffed animal sleepover in the Main Library Children's Room. Library staff will keep track of the toy's fanciful adventures, and reveal what kind of mischief they got into at a Saturday morning stuffed animal story time. Drop off toys at 1:00 pm on Friday in the Main Library Children's Room; pick-up and story time is at 10:30 am on Saturday.

Creation Stations for Kids: Monday, March 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. Kids ages 8 and up will get a chance to make and create at three stations that include making and playing with an "art-bot," learning computer coding with the "Robot Turtles" board game, and creating simple computer animations with the Scratch program from MIT.

Family Movie: Friday, March 27, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Main Library. Kids and families can see a free new release animated movie. The movie is rated PG, and features the adventures of a boy raised by underground box-collecting trolls. It's based on the children's book "Here Be Monsters," by Alan Snow. The movie and popcorn are free.

Other children's events include March sessions of Read with Rover, which gives children from grades Kindergarten to 6th grades a chance to read aloud to certified therapy dogs at 5:30 pm on March 16 at the 30/31 Branch and 5:30 pm on March 30 at the Southwest Branch. Reading aloud to a dog gives children a change to practice their reading skills before a friendly audience. Each event is followed by a 6:30 pm Pajama Storytime for ages birth to five.

Children from grades 2nd to 6th grades may also take part in science and art with "Make it Play It Times" at 4 pm on March 18 and 25 at the Main Library. Activities include board games on March 18 and paper airplane building on March 25. LEGO brick building times will also be offered  at 4:00 pm on March 18 at the 30/31 Branch, and at 4:00 pm on March 25 at the Southwest Branch.

Activities for teens during the school break include a Teen Insurgent Party at 5:30 pm on March 19 at the Main Library. The party celebrates the release of the second movie based on Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy of young adult books with a scavenger hunt, snacks and showing of the first movie. Teen gamers will also want to check out Teen Gaming Night with video gaming on the XBox 360 and Wii platforms is from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm on March 26, and a Teen Minecraft Day from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 28, also at the Main Library. Teens will take turns playing Minecraft on the library's XBox 360 system, enjoy Minecraft themed snacks, and make Minecraft "weapons" to take home. All Teen events are for ages 12 to 18.

Adults haven't been left out either, with a "Know Your Kindle Fire" class at 6:00 pm on March 16 at the Main Library, and two "Gadgets and More" drop in help sessions at the 30/31 Branch. The one-on-one tech help times will be offered from 11:30 to 1:30 on March 17 and from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on March 19.  Blueberries: Our Native Super Fruit, a free program on growing and using blueberries, will be offered by Master Gardener LaRea McMillin at 2:00 pm on March 26 at the Main Library. There's also still room in the March Pinterest class, offered at 6 pm at the 30/31 Branch, also on March 26. Crafters will make embellished greeting cards. All materials are supplied. To sign up for the craft, call 309-732-7369 or use the registration button on the library's online calendar.

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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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

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