02 Jan 2015

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Wednesday, December 31, 2014**

By William Palmisano
Bill No.: SB 2711

An Act Concerning: Finance

Amends certain qualifying provisions for a principal endorsement to be applied to a Professional Educator License.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

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02 Jan 2015

News from Arizona State University

By ASU Social Media

More than 12,000 students graduate at ASU spring commencement

TEMPE, AZ (01/01/2015)(readMedia)-- More than 12,000 ASU undergraduate and graduate students had their degrees conferred at the May commencement ceremonies.

The following local students were awarded diplomas from Arizona State University:

Samuel Russell of Bettendorf, IA

Linda Taylor of Bettendorf, IA

ASU announces Fall 2014 Dean's List

TEMPE, AZ (12/31/2014)(readMedia)-- Undergraduate students who earn 12 or more graded semester hours during a semester in residence at ASU with a GPA of 3.50 or higher are eligible for the Dean's List. A notation regarding Dean's List achievement appears on the unofficial transcript.

The following local students were named to the Fall 2014 Dean's List at Arizona State University:

Aaron Betczynski of Geneseo, IL

Destini Goodwin of Davenport, IA

Mikala Malmgren of Bettendorf, IA

Hannah Mcatee of Davenport, IA

William Murphy of Davenport, IA

ASU announces Spring 2014 Dean's List

TEMPE, AZ (12/31/2014)(readMedia)-- Undergraduate students who earn 12 or more graded semester hours during a semester in residence at ASU with a GPA of 3.50 or higher are eligible for the Dean's List. A notation regarding Dean's List achievement appears on the unofficial transcript.

The following local students received academic honors from Arizona State University by making the University's Dean's List for the Spring 2014 semester:

Hannah Mcatee, a Davenport, IA native.

Linda Taylor, a Bettendorf, IA native.

Arizona State University is a New American University-a major public educational institution, a premier research center and a leader in innovation. Our vision is described by our three core principles: excellence in scholarship, access to education and impact in our global community. As a New American University, ASU is intellectually vibrant, socially conscious and globally engaged.

02 Jan 2015

Pre-Register for STEM Teachers and Educators Night Out Event January 14th

By QCESC

Join us STEM Teachers/Educators Night Out Event

 

This free event will include free pop/pizza provided by QCESC, a review of major STEM events calendar, an overview of host school's STEM program, and input from other schools attending the meeting. This is a great networking opportunity for sharing STEM successes and learning.

STEM Teachers/Educators Night Out Event
Wednesday, January 14th
6:00-8:15 P.M.

at Rivermont Collegiate (1821 Sunset Dr, Bettendorf)

PRE-REGISTER NOW

The calendar of major STEM events will be discussed, including:

  • Bridge Building Competition Feb 6-7 @ Putnam Museum
  • Mouse Trap Car Race (Date??) @ Williams Intermediate School, Davenport
  • Trebuchet Competition. Apr 10 (Tentative) @ Bettendorf HS
  • Cardboard Boat Regatta. May 8 (Tentative) @ Bettendorf Lagoon
  • A highlight will be a tour of Rivermont Collegiate and its STEM program.
  • As always we want representatives from the various schools to share their successes and plans for STEM programs in their school.
  • Please come, enjoy the pizza and soda provided by QCESC at 6:00pm and participate in this important QC STEM event.

To attend this free event, the only requirement is that you need to pre-register which only takes a minute using the On-line Google Form. This helps insure we have adequate food and space.

 

Please forward to other STEM Educators who would be interested in attending!

Contact Carl Loweth with any questions
563-505-1196 or carl.loweth@gmail.com

02 Jan 2015

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Tuesday, December 30, 2014**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: SB 649

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the sunset of the Medical Practice Act to December 31, 2015.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 803

An Act Concerning: Children

Amends the implementation date of the "differential response program."

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1740

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Makes changes needed to implement a law enacting penalties for erroneous homestead exemptions in Cook County.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2887

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Makes changes to the return to work policy for certain university employees.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2992

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Creates a partial exemption for positions within the Department of Juvenile Justice that require licensure with the State Board of Education.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

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02 Jan 2015

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Expand Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

By Dave Blanchette

Also Signs Legislation to Improve Government Transparency and Prohibit Eavesdropping

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to support secure homeownership for veterans with disabilities and their families. The new law expands property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities, which will reduce the financial burden of homeownership. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"When our brave men and women return from service, they deserve a safe place to call home," Governor Quinn said. "Those of us on the homefront have a duty to take care of our servicemembers who have borne the battle. This new law is another way we can support veterans with disabilities by ensuring that Illinois' heroes aren't burdened by overwhelming property taxes."

Senate Bill 2905, sponsored by State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Matteson) and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora), expands property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their spouses, increasing the disabled veterans' homestead exemption from $70,000 to $100,000. The law also expands the disabled veterans' homestead exemption to housing donated to veterans with disabilities by charities.

Senator Hastings, who is a military veteran, introduced the legislation after hearing from a veteran who was 100 percent disabled and unable to pay the property taxes on a home that had been equipped for his disability and given to him by a charity. The law also extends the disabled veterans' standard homestead exemption to a veteran's spouse in the event of the veteran's service-related death.

The new law goes into effect immediately.

Governor Quinn also today signed House Bill 3672 which requires open meetings of the Metropolitan Transit Authority Board (CTA), the Regional Transportation Authority Board (RTA), the Suburban Bus Board (Pace) and the Commuter Rail Board (Metra) to be streamed online.

The bill, sponsored by State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and State Representative Al Riley (D-Olympia Fields), also requires a recording of the meeting be posted to each board's website. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

The new law goes into effect June 1, 2015.

In addition, the Governor signed Senate Bill 1342, sponsored by State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and State Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), which prohibits the secret recording of private conversations without the consent of all participants.

A conversation is considered private if any of the participants have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as during a private telephone conversation. The law includes exemptions for law enforcement investigating certain felonies such as kidnapping, gang or drug offenses, as approved by the State's Attorney and county judge on a case-by-case basis.

The legislation replaces portions of the Illinois Criminal Code found unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court in March. The new law does not prohibit overt recording in public space, where there can be no reasonable expectation of privacy.

The law goes into effect immediately.

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02 Jan 2015

Governor Quinn Announces More Than 121,000 People Sign-up for Healthcare in First Month of Open Enrollment

By Katie Hickey

Eighty Percent of Illinois Enrollees are Eligible for Financial Assistance

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that more than 121,000 people have enrolled or re-enrolled in a healthcare plan in the first month of enrollment for the second year of Get Covered Illinois (GCI). The strong start for year two means that approximately 800,000 people in Illinois have obtained coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) either through the private plans offered through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace or the expanded Medicaid program. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare and improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Illinois.

"In the past 14 months, we have been able to help 800,000 people enroll in health coverage through Get Covered Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Expanding health coverage to more families has strengthened Illinois' comeback. For all of those who have taken advantage of this historic opportunity, it means better health and financial stability, which are instrumental to a healthy family and a healthy state."

According to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 121,243 people in Illinois selected plans through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace leading up to the December 15 deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

About 80 percent of Illinois residents who selected health insurance plans in the first month of open enrollment were determined eligible for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums, compared to 73 percent who selected plans over a similar period last year. Of the 121,243 Illinoisans who selected a plan, 46 percent re-enrolled in a Marketplace plan in 2015 and 54 percent signed up for the first time.

"We're pleased that in Illinois 121,243 people signed up for Marketplace coverage during the first month of open enrollment. The vast majority were able to lower their costs even further by getting tax credits, making a difference in the bottom lines of so many families," HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said. "Interest in the Marketplace has been strong during the first month of open enrollment. We still have a ways to go and a lot of work to do before February 15, but this is an encouraging start."

In year one of the Marketplace, 217,000 people enrolled in a private healthcare plan. In addition, to date, more than 536,000 have enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program under the ACA.

Get Covered Illinois has a made an aggressive push to start to the second enrollment season with more than 500 enrollment events and extended enrollment hours across the state.

"Year two of Open Enrollment is off to a successful start. These first month's results show that Get Covered Illinois' outreach and education efforts are making an impact," GCI Executive Director Jennifer Koehler said. "In fact, we enrolled more people in the first 30 days of this round of open enrollment than we did in the first 90 days last year. As pleased as we are with our progress, we know there are still tens of thousands of uninsured residents in Illinois, and our goal is to reach and enroll as many of them as possible in the remaining 47 days of the Open Enrollment Period."

There are more than 400 plans offered through the Marketplace in 2015, all of which are quality, private insurance plans available from the top insurance companies in the state to fit consumer needs. All plans cover essential health benefits including doctor visits, emergency care, preventive services and more.

Residents can seek free, in-person help enrolling in coverage from a trained professional near them. To learn more about GCI and how to find free in-person help:

·         Visit our website at GetCoveredIllinois.gov (which includes a Spanish-language version) for more information and to make an appointment for free- in-person help with a trained professional near you.

·         Call the GCI Help Desk at (866) 311-1119. Help desk representatives are available each day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

·         Meet in person with a specially trained Navigator, agent or broker who can help you understand your options and help you enroll. There are hundreds of certified professionals ready to help you that can be located on the GCI website or through the GCI Help Desk.

Twitter: @CoveredIllinois

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02 Jan 2015

Tom Awad - Remnants of Earth Art Exhibit at L&D15

By David Balluff

L&D15 opens its first monthly art exhibit with local artist Tom Awad on January 10. A mixture of photographic collage, paintings and mixed media sculpture, Remnants of Earth is an investigation of matter both physical and emotional. In his artist's statement, Awad describes his process "I work in layers. None of my pieces happen over night - they take time to evolve...the process of growth and destruction is always apparent in my work."

There will be a reception for Tom Awad on Saturday, January 10th starting at 7pm. Hors d'ouvres and drinks will be provided. For more info: www.tomawad.net. The exhibition runs through February 8th.

Tom Awad will also be present on Sunday, January 11 from 1-4pm to give an artist talk about Remnants of Earth as part of L&D15's ongoing Meet Your Maker series.

The Meet Your Maker series was conceived by L&D15 co-founders David Balluff and Lopeti Etu as a way to provide artists and art lovers with a forum to share ideas, techniques and information about a wide range of artistic topics. Future events include demonstrations, artist talks, and skill sharing workshops. Coffee provided.

L&D15 brings a new style of retail to the Quad Cities, featuring clothing, accessories and housewares created by local and international artists and designers. The store is located at 520 West 2nd Street in downtown Davenport. For more information, please visit http://www.landd15.com

30 Dec 2014

Most Popular Baby Names At Genesis BirthCenters

By Craig Cooper

FYI: Through Dec. 28th, 2,504 babies had been born at Genesis BirthCenters.

Avery, Olivia and Jackson Top List Of Most Popular Names Of Genesis Babies

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Dec. 30, 2014 - Parents of baby girls born at Genesis BirthCenters broke with the national trend in 2014.

Avery (only No. 15 most popular nationally) and Olivia (No. 3 nationally) shared No. 1 (12 each) as the most popular names for baby girls born at Genesis this year.

Jackson was the No. 1 boys name at Genesis BirthCenters with 19 baby boys going home with that name and was No. 1 nationally in 2014, according to Babycenter.com.

Olivia has become a traditional naming choice in the Quad Cities for baby girls. Olivia was No. 2 last year and No. 1 the previous year.

Avery made the Genesis top 10 previously at No. 8 in 2012.

Jackson has also appeared in the Genesis top 10 lists previously but jumped from not even making the top 10 to No. 1 in one year.

Liam, No. 1 last year as the most popular Genesis boy name, dropped just one spot on the Genesis list and is No. 3 nationally in popularity. Liam may owe some of its continuing popularity to Australian actor Liam Hemsworth and his recurring role as Gale Hawthorne in the film series The Hunger Games. Hemsworth is a star with young fans.

Sophia, which was the most popular girls name three times at Genesis since 2010, fell all the way to a tie for eighth this year but remains the most popular name nationally for baby girls.

The top five most popular girl names at Genesis BirthCenters in 2014 were Avery and Olivia (12 babies); Zoey (11) and Lillian, Evelyn and Mia (10 babies each).

Following Jackson (19) as the five most popular boys name at Genesis in 2014 were Liam (16), Alexander (13) and James and Logan (12 each).

The top five girl names nationally in 2014, according to babycenter.com were Sophia, Emma, Olivia, Ava and Isabella. The top five boy names were a repeat of 2013; Jackson, Aiden, Liam, Lucas, and Noah.

While popularity is nice, a few babies born at Genesis in 2014 will have names they won't be sharing with anyone in their class. Among the less common names given to babies born at Genesis in 2014 were Daleyza (girl); Dezyare, (girl); Khamiyah (girl); Za'Leihna (girl); Abhivadyua (boy); Acecytho (boy); Scoeteriouz (boy); and, Xzayvian (boy).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2014 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Tie, Avery and Olivia (12); 3. Zoey (11); 4. tie, Lillian, Evelyn and Mia (10); 7. Isabella (9); 8. tie, Nora, Gabriella, Sophia and Harper (8).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2014 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Jackson (19); 2. Liam (16); 3. Alexander (13); 4. tie, James and Logan (12); 6. tie, Gabriel, Dylan, Jacob, Elijah, Henry and David (11).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2013 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Sophia (19); 2. Olivia (14); 3 tie, Ava, Elizabeth, and Emma (10) 6. tie, Addison, Aubrey, and Mia (9); 9. Ella;10. Charlotte

Most Popular Boys BabyNames In 2013 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Liam (21); 2. tie, Isaac and William (16); 4. tie, Carter, David, and Ethan (15); 7. tie, Aiden and Brayden (12); 9. Mason (11); 10. Logan (9)

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2012 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Olivia (18); 2. Isabella (17); 3. Sophia (14); 4. tie, Ava and Madison (12); 6. tie, Emma (11) and Zoey (11); 8. tie, Avery and Chloe (10); 10. Lily (9).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2012 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Mason (17); 2. Benjamin (14); 3. tie, William, Alexander and Noah (13); 6. Elijah (12); 7. tie, Henry, Anthony, Jayden and Jackson (11).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2011 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Sophia (22); 2. Ava (17); 3. tie, Addison and Isabella (16); 5. Lily (13); 6. tie, Olivia, Emily and Ella (11); 9. Madison (10); 10. Kylee (9).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2011 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Alexander (17); 2. Elijah (15); 3. tie, Noah and Landon (14); 5. Logan (13); 6. tie, Owen, Aiden, Brayden, Liam (12); 10. tie, Gavin and Jackson (11).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2010 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Sophia (30); 2. Isabella (23); 3. Emma (22); 4. Ava (20); 5. Addison (18); 6. Ella (17); 7. tie, Madison (14) and Madelyn (14); 9. tie, Lillian (13) and Abigail (13).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2010 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Mason (22); 2. Aiden (17); 3. tie, Alexander (13); Jacob (13); Jayden (13); Luke (13); Zachary (13); 8. tie, Noah, Owen, Caleb, Benjamin, and Carter (12).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2009 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Isabella (27); 2. Olivia (20); 3. Addison (17); 4. Abigail (16); 5. Ava (15); 6. Grace (14); 7. tie, Emily; Emma and Madison (12); 10. tie, Alexis and Hailey (11).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2009 At Genesis BirthCenters

1. Noah (20); 2. tie, Ethan and Carter (19); 4. Alexander (18); 5. Logan (17); 6. tie, Jacob and Aiden (16); 8. Benjamin (15); 9. Jack (14); 10. William (13).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2008 At Genesis Birth Centers

1. Addison (21); 2. Hailey (20); 3. Madeline (18); 4. tie, Abigail, Emily and Emma (17); 7. tie, Isabella and Olivia (16); 9. Chloe (15); 10. Ava (12).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2008 At Genesis Birth Center

1. Jaden (25); 2. Aiden (23); 3. tie, Alexander and Noah (21); 5. tie, Kaiden and William (19); 7. tie, Landon and Logan (17); 9. Elijah (16); 10. Benjamin (15).

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2007 At Genesis Birth Centers

1. Ava (22); 2. Olivia (21); 3. tie, Addison and Lily (18); 5. Elizabeth (16); 6. tie, Madeline, Alexis, Sophia, Isabella (14); 10. tie, Emma, Madison (13).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2007 At Genesis Birth Centers

1. Aiden (29); 2. tie, Noah and Jacob (18); 4. Ethan (17); 5. tie Jackson, Tyler, Landon, Gabriel, Benjamin, William and Alexander (Alex) 15.

Most Popular Girls Baby Names In 2006 at Genesis Birth Centers

1. Emma (29); 2. Olivia (20); 3. tie, Ava and Hannah (19); 5. Addison (18); 6. Grace (17); 6. Isabella (16); 7. Abigail (15); 8. tie, Alexis and Lauren (14); 10. Emily (13).

Most Popular Boys Baby Names In 2006 at Genesis Birth Centers

1. Ethan (28); 2. tie, Aiden and Carter (20); 4. tie, Andrew, Logan, Mason and Noah (17); 8. tie, Alexander and Jacob (16); 10. tie, Hunter and Joseph (15).

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30 Dec 2014

Open House & Monuments Men Weekend!

By G A H C

Monuments Men film showing!
@ Figge Auditorium
$5 admission
Showings at 11am & 2pm
Don't miss this chance to see the movie
on the big screen once again!

Sunday, Jan 4th

GAHC Open House & Free Admission
Nancy Trask of Winterset, IA
speaks on Monuments Men's
Iowa native Lt. George Stout,
portrayed by George Clooney,
at 12:30 & again at 2:30

This weekend is also your last chance to see these wonderful exhibits:
Truce in the Trenches: The WWI Christmas Truce of 1914 &Schleswig Holstein: Turmoil on the Danish German Border
We have a lot of great things planned for 2015 making NOW a great time to become a member! Visit GAHC.ORG for more info!
30 Dec 2014

Kelly Van Acker receives UI College of Education commencement award

By Teresa Thorpe

IOWA CITY, IA (12/30/2014)(readMedia)-- Kelly Van Acker, a native of Muscatine, IA, has graduated with High Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Education.

The College awards degrees "with highest distinction" to students in the highest 2 percent of the graduating class, "with high distinction" to students in the next highest 3 percent, and "with distinction" to the next highest 5 percent. Ranking is based on students' grade point averages for all college level study undertaken before the final registration.

To be eligible for graduation with distinction, students must complete a minimum of 60 s.h. in residence in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, of which at least 45 must have been completed before the student's final registration.

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