For most children in America, the holiday season is a wonderful time, with tasty treats, vacation from school, and plenty of toys and gifts that seem to magically appear.

Of course, parents know it's not magic -- those gifts cost money! Not having to worry about that part of it is a gift found only in childhood, but young children do need to learn to appreciate the value of a dollar, says C. Ernie Nivens, the 2005 Father of the Year for Charlotte, N.C. - so designated by the American Diabetes Association.

"As a parent, grandparent and veteran financial advisor, I can talk all day about what I can do for an individual's specific needs, but so much of it comes down to the basics of how we're raised," says Nivens, (www.nivenswealth.com), a celebrated financial specialist since 1990.

"When children are 'spoiled' and never taught the value of money, parents have neglected to empower them with the ability to budget and prioritize resources."

Nivens, author of "Baker's Dozen: 13 Insights from Highly Successful Financial Advisors," says that a percentage of money children earn or receive as gifts this holiday season should be put aside for at least one of four pockets.

•  Pocket 1: College savings. College graduates in the Class of 2014 share a sad historical fact - they're the most indebted class ever. The average graduate with student-loan debt has to pay back some $33,000, according to an analysis of government data published in Edvisors, a group of websites about planning and paying for college.

"Hopefully, we'll have a better handle as a country on student debt in the future," he says. "Teaching children the importance of this pocket from a young age is important. They'll understand the concept and need for establishing a budget for their future betterment."

•  Pocket 2: Fun and games: Dream Pocket. Children need to know that the entertainment they consume on a regular basis - including TV, movies, internet and video games - isn't free. Having them help pay for a video game or a summer trip is a direct and concrete way for a child to experience the necessity of giving up something in order to gain something they'd like to have. It also helps them become more discerning about requests for toys, games and outings.

•  Pocket 3: God Pocket. While the ability to save money is a virtue to a child's future well-being, giving part of one's savings to a higher purpose is a way of acting on their values. Giving donations to a church, charity or to buy a friend a treat teaches children that money isn't the ultimate goal in life.

•  Pocket 4: Saving for the future. Can a child always predict her money needs to the last dollar? Can adults? Of course not, and that's why a pocket for general expenses is useful. It could be that a charitable effort takes off within the community, which could require travel. Or, she may accidentally break a window while playing catch with her friend. However the money may be needed for future use, it's great to be able to supplement the other pockets with savings.

About C. Ernie Nivens

C. Ernie Nivens, (www.nivenswealth.com), entered the United Methodist Church ministry while working his way through college. After completing his bachelor's degree in English from Francis Marion University, he earned his Master's of Divinity from Emory University's Candler School of Theology. He retired from the ministry in 1990 and began his career as a financial professional. Nivens completed his Master's in Financial Services, MSFS, with an AEP (Accredited Estate Planner), in 2002, as well as a National Social Security Advisor NSSA. A popular speaker, he is also the author of three books: "Bakers Dozen," "A Light in the Darkness: Insights of a Southern Christian Gentleman," and "Southern Fried Hope," a mystery. This latest book is Popa's Britches. He's been married to Rosemarie for 47 years. They have three daughters and six grandchildren.

Rock Island, IL: The days of getting a manual with your technology purchase are long gone, but help is at hand from the Rock Island Public Library. To meet post-holiday demand, the library will add extra technology class sessions and topics for those who unwrap new technology this holiday season.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, the library will offer "Download This! Magazines, Music and Movies" to show participants how to read magazines online with the library's new Flipster service, to download or stream music with Freegal Music, and how to stream movies for free with Freegal Movies and TV. The class is offered at 6:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Use of the services requires a Rock Island Public Library card, or a card from a library that also subscribes to Freegal or Flipster.

The library will offer multiple sessions of "How to Download eBooks and eAudiobooks" to lead attendees through how to use library eBook and eAudiobook services to download free books. Each session covers all common device types, including personal eReaders, computers, tablets and Mp3 players. Participants should bring their devices along. Classes will be offered:

• Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 2:00 pm, at the Main Library, 401 19th Street;
• Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6:00 pm, at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, and
• Thursday, Jan. 29 at 2:30 pm, at the Main Library.

Also on Tuesday, December 30, the library offers Getting to Know Your iPad or Tablet at 11:00 am in the Main Library Community Room. The class will cover basic features, tips and settings for users of both Apple-based and Android-based tablet computers and phones. Attendees should bring their devices.

Attendees looking for classes focused on a specific device or operating system get their chance in January and February with:

• ·         Getting to Know Your Android Tablet or Smartphone Device: 11:00 am on Wednesday, Jan. 7, Main Library Community Room. (This class repeats at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 3.)

• Getting to Know Your Apple iPad or iPhone: 2:30 pm on Thursday, Jan. 8, Main Library Community Room.
• Getting to Know Your Kindle Fire: 11:00 am on Friday, Jan. 9, Main Library Community Room. (This class repeats at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, at 6:00 pm on Monday, Feb. 2.)

Attendees at any of these classes should bring their devices along. Each class covers basic functions, settings, organizing apps, tips on other uses, and more general information. All library classes are free and open to the public. Instruction is aimed at adult learners. Children and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, check the calendar on the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-READ (7323,)

###

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

Program offers research-based method for weight management

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Profile by Sanford is now open at 3010 E. 53rd Street in Davenport. This is the second store Iowa.  The Hawkeye state's first Profile store is in Clive and opened in July.

Profile launched in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, opening its first store front in November 2012. Today, it has 16 locations in five states with several more planned openings by the end of 2014.

Profile was designed using a large body of clinical research to ensure a sustainable means to healthy weight loss. A clinical and scientific advisory board comprised of Sanford Health physicians and researchers oversaw the development of the Profile system.  Sanford Health is the largest, rural, not-for-profit health care system in the United States.

"This state-of-the-art weight-loss system has brought clinically-proven results to communities across the Dakotas, Minnesota and Nebraska," said local store manager Justin Roberson. "I'm eager to see the results this nutritional program will have here in Davenport."

The rapidly growing Profile system utilizes meal-replacement products, nutritionally complete food and qualified health coaches. In addition to members consuming both Profile-produced and grocery-store food, coaches develop customized plans for their clients and offer advice on nutrition, exercise and behavior.

Profile continues to focus on program advancements through the launch of new food products, such as three new pizza varieties available this fall. Profile is also on the cutting edge of technology, expanding to better assist members with measuring daily activity. A new fitness tracker will provide additional measurable data that will be helpful to members and coaches in helping to monitor progress toward goals.

In addition to face-to-face meetings, coaches are able to efficiently track members' progress through the use of smart wireless technology. Each member is outfitted with wireless devices to measure progress, including tools to track body weight, measurement and blood pressure. These devices automatically upload to a secure server, where members and coaches can monitor improvement on the web or mobile applications. Printed options are also available to members.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60 percent of the U.S. population is considered overweight or obese.

To learn more, visit profileplan.net or call (877) 373-6069.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health is an integrated health system headquartered in the Dakotas and is now the largest, rural, not-for-profit health care system in the nation with locations in 126 communities in nine states. In addition, Sanford Health is in the process of developing international clinics in Ghana, Mexico and China.

Sanford Health includes 43 hospitals, 140 clinic locations and 1,360 physicians in 81 specialty areas of medicine. With more than 26,000 employees, Sanford Health is the largest employer in North Dakota and South Dakota. The system is experiencing dynamic growth and development in conjunction with nearly $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford. These gifts are making possible the implementation of several initiatives, including global children's clinics, multiple research centers and finding cures for type 1 diabetes and breast cancer. For more information, visit sanfordhealth.org.

###

The Davenport Education Association (DEA) is offering a student-focused alternative to Superintendent Art Tate's proposed budget cuts for the Davenport Community School District. The DEA alternative plan balances the budget while still delivering quality instruction to all students regardless of their zip code.

The DEA represents more than 1,300 professional educators, nurses, and other licensed personnel in the Davenport Community School District.

"We recognize the district's budget situation is serious and needs immediate attention to maximize the opportunities for student learning for the 2015-2016 school year," said Toby Paone, Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) UniServ Director. "Our alternative starts at the top of the organization where it affects kids the least. The biggest problem with the Superintendent's recommendation is that it makes too many cuts in the classroom. We approached the budget with a scalpel instead of a meat axe," added Paone.

Paone added: "Keeping budget cuts out of our classrooms and away from our students should be everyone's number one priority. We hope to work with the school district's administration and the board of education to achieve this goal."

The DEA budget-balancing plan includes:

Savings totaling $3 million.

Keeping all schools open.

No mid-year program changes.

No increase in class-sizes.

Maintaining block scheduling.

Early retirement incentive for teachers.

Eliminates redundant administrative positions.

Reductions in the Achievement Services Center (ASC).

Reduction of (2) Curriculum Specialists.

Reduction of the District Athletic Director position.

Eliminating Administrative Retirement Annuity.

The DEA Executive Board appointed five experienced teachers and DEA leaders to a special committee to develop the association's recommended alternative. Committee members include Karen Kline-Jerome, English/language arts teacher at Central High School; Dan Flaherty, social studies teacher at Central High School; Rich Adams, science teacher at Sudlow Intermediate School; Cari Johnson, District Teacher Leadership Support teacher and the DEA Vice President; and Rebecca Menard, physical education teacher at Truman Elementary and the DEA President.

There will be a news conference to discuss the DEA's budget proposal:

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Time: 4:30 PM

Place: Madison Elementary School Auditorium

116 E. Locust Street, Davenport

--00--