18 Nov 2014

A Surprise Check for $2,250 Will Help Milan Woman Continue To Use Wedding Dresses to Ease the Pain of Losing a Child

By Lynnette Tarchinski
There are no words to describe the pain of losing a child, but Jayna Lindell of Milan, IL, has found a way to help. She makes infant burial gowns from donated wedding dresses. Royal Neighbors of America will now help Jayna by surprising her with a check for $2,250 from its Nation of NeighborsSM Program to expand her efforts and comfort even more families.

Jayna lost her daughter, Lila, at birth. When Lila was brought to her, the baby was wearing a boy's outfit. Jayna didn't want other parents to have that type of lasting impression so she began donating dresses to area hospitals. Today, she is turning her idea into a non-profit, Lila's Dresses, through which she and other volunteers create hand-made burial gowns from wedding dresses. The gowns are gift-wrapped and include a special note from Jayna.

What: $2,250 check presentation to Jayna Lindell

Where:  MVP Collision Repair, 300 W. 10th Avenue, Milan, IL

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 4:30 p.m.

Contact: Lynnette Tarchinski, (563) 340-7419

Media is invited to attend: meet in the MVP parking lot at 4:15 p.m.


Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1.5 million to nearly 1,200 families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates Royal Neighbors' vision of protecting women financially and empowering them to improve their lives, families, and communities, the philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded more than a century ago.

Through the 2014 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, empowers women to meet the needs of their families with annuities and life insurance products such as whole life, term, final expense, and universal life. One of the most financially secure insurance carriers in the industry, it has the financial strength and stability to ensure its nearly 200,000 members are protected when the expected, and unexpected, happen. In addition to insurance products, Royal Neighbors provides member benefits at no additional cost which currently include scholarship opportunities, health and retail discounts, and participation in volunteer activities that give back to communities through the organization's local chapters. Royal Neighbors' philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.


Royal Neighbors is headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ. For more information, visit www.royalneighbors.org or call (800) 627-4762.

18 Nov 2014

Simon to speak at summit of first responders

By Ken Lowe

Lt. Governor will address challenges to rural ambulance service

 

SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will address emergency medical service providers and local stakeholders Wednesday at the second annual Illinois EMS Summit.

The summit brings together first responders, medical service organizations and local officials for workshops and panel discussions about the recruitment and funding challenges facing ambulance services in rural Illinois.

Simon was among those who called for the summit's creation. As chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, Simon has advised the General Assembly on improvements to EMS in rural communities.

 

DATE: Wednesday, Nov. 19

TIME: 12:45 p.m.

LOCATION: Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield

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18 Nov 2014

BANDITS CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS WITH GREAT DEALS

By Marco LaNave
Cyber Monday has amusements and merchandise specials; Stocking Stuffers, ticket packs to go on sale
DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 18, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits will bring the baseball season's greetings to the upcoming holidays, with several ways to spread the joy, including merchandise and amusement special offerings on Cyber Monday, Dec. 1, Holiday Ticket Packs available through Dec. 10, and Holiday Stocking Stuffers on sale through Dec. 19.
Cyber Monday, Dec. 1, includes a one-day special for season-long amusements passes. A pass for unlimited rides - including the award-winning Ferris wheel, zip line, Space Camp gyroscope and Mediacom Drop'N Twist - will be $39 (separate baseball ticket admission required on game days) - savings of more than 40 percent off the regular unlimited-ride pass price.
Also on Monday, Dec. 1, for one day only, the online team store will have special offers at riverbandits.com/banditwear. Customers may choose either free shipping on an order over $100 (using the promo code CYBERSHIP) or choose to receive a 20 percent discount on an order (using the promo code CYBER20).
The Cyber Monday specials will only be available from midnight until 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, Dec. 1.
Now through Dec. 10, fans may also choose from two Holiday Ticket Packs. One package includes four box seats and four Ferris wheel ride tickets for any 2015 River Bandits home game, as well as a Rascal Holiday Gnome and a limited edition River Bandits sweater T-shirt, all for just $49 plus shipping. Another package includes a book of 10 upper box seat vouchers for any 2015 River Bandits home games, a Rascal Holiday Gnome and two River Bandits sweater T-shirts for $99 plus shipping.
The holiday season continues with team store specials through Friday, Dec. 19. A Holiday Stocking Stuffer package is just $40 and includes a River Bandits pennant, a River Bandits logo ball, a stuffed plush of River Bandits mascot Rascal, baseball card sets from the 2012 and 2014 seasons, and a $10 gift card to the River Bandits team store - for a total package value of $50.
Also through Dec. 19, gift cards of a $25 value or more can be purchased with no shipping costs. The gift cards can be redeemed in the ballpark or over the phone for merchandise purchases only.
More information and links to take advantage of the specials are available by visiting riverbandits.com or calling 563-324-3000.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
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18 Nov 2014

Summit to help farmers understand Big Data

By Mike Wilson
Farmer panelists and industry experts will weigh the pros and cons of Big Data analytics and ownership at the 2015 Farm Futures Business Summit, held January 7-8 at the Hilton at the Ballpark Hotel in St. Louis.
ST. CHARLES, ILL., (11/18/2014) - Farm Futures, the leading U.S. ag business information resource for farmers and producers, will feature a special session focusing on the pros and cons of Big Data, one of the hottest topics in agriculture. The Big Data debate is one of 21 sessions that will take place during the 2015 Farm Futures Business Summit, to be held Jan. 7-8 at the Hilton at the Ballpark Hotel in St. Louis.
Big Data promises to help farmers on the profit side, but issues of ownership and control continue to unfold.
"While companies have collected and analyzed agronomic data for some time, the amount of real-time information we can collect now is staggering," says Brian Marshall, a Missouri farmer who will speak at the summit. "It is a big change that is cause for both excitement and concern."
Several agricultural equipment firms have introduced technology whereby the data from combines is uploaded every few seconds to the Cloud. Real-time yield data is available to whoever controls those databases. But more important, who owns and controls the data?
"A farmer's information is valuable, so farmers should have a say in and be compensated when their data is sold," says Marshall. "Farmers need to protect their data and make sure they bargain wisely as they share it with suppliers and interested companies."
Along with Marshall, the panel includes Mary Kay Thatcher, American Farm Bureau Federation; Bruce Erickson, education distance and outreach director, Purdue University; and Jim Krogmeier, Open Ag Data Alliance.
Max Armstrong, co-host of the popular This Week in Agribusiness TV program and Farm Progress America radio programs, will emcee the debate.
Better risk managers
The summit will also focus on risk management in 2015. "We're gearing up to help farmers combat difficult economic challenges by boosting their business and marketing skills," says the magazine's Executive Editor, Mike Wilson.
Sessions will focus on global demand, marketing, estate planning, employee management, business and landlord relationships, crop budgeting, crop insurance choices, the new farm bill, and future technology such as drones used for agriculture.
The summit is held in early January so young people on college break can attend.
"Whether you are a young farmer or a senior manager, this meeting is all about getting better so you are prepared for tighter profit margins in the year ahead," adds Wilson.
Early bird discount
Farm Futures' earlybird registration discount ends Dec. 1, 2014. Participants who register by that date pay $349 per person, a savings of $150 off the regular rate; early bird partners can attend for just $299. The student rate is $199 per person.
For agenda, registration and hotel booking links, go to www.farmfutures.com/summit2015. If you prefer to register by phone, call 1-800-441-1410. The Hilton offers summit attendees a special rate of just $85 along with free parking. To book hotel by phone, call (314) 421-1776.
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18 Nov 2014

Rock Island Library Wants Your Ideas at Community Forums

By Lisa Lockheart
The Library Wants Your Opinion - Rock Island Public Library Hosts Open Community Forums for Building & Feasibility Study

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library is planning ahead for future library needs and it wants your input. The library will host open community forums with veteran library planner George Lawson on Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25.

The forums will be held at 6:30 pm on Nov. 24 and at 2:00 pm on Nov. 25 at the Rock Island Main Library downtown, 401 19th Street. Ample free parking is available in the library lot, just off 4th Avenue and 20th Street. The open focus group forums will allow the public to share their ideas for future library services and facilities.

"Providing comfortable, responsive spaces that meet current and emerging patron needs is part of our four-year strategic plan," said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library Director. The sessions are designed to provide the library's planning team with information on community needs for library spaces and services.

Lawson is an Ames, Iowa based library space needs consultant with 39 years of library experience. He focuses on building, strategic and operational planning, and has consulted on more than 400 library building projects, including studies for Moline, East Moline, River Valley Library District (Port Byron,) and Clinton Public Libraries.

The Rock Island Public Library board of trustees engaged the team of Gere Dismer Architects, George Lawson Library Planning, KJWW Engineering Consultants and Missman Civil Engineers to create a Library Master Plan Study that will include a facility assessment of all three branches and planning recommendations for each.  Since Oct. 15, the study team has been working on a library needs assessment, which includes touring the three library locations, observing operations, interviewing staff, and reviewing worksheets.

Once the needs assessment portion of the study is completed, the team will develop recommendations and a final report, which could include recommendations for building, space utilization, conceptual design, engineering needs, site planning, and cost estimates.

Buildings included in the study are the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

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18 Nov 2014

Loebsack Encourages Students to Apply for Spring Internships

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that his office is now accepting applications from Iowa college students to participate in a Congressional internship program in his Washington, D.C. office. The internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major. Spring internships typically begin after January 1st and run through Memorial Day, though specific dates can be set for each individual.

"As a former educator, I have seen the benefits that internships can provide by giving students a firsthand look into the government process," said Loebsack. "I encourage all hardworking, motivated students and recent graduates to apply."

Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and the federal government by working closely with the legislative, communications and constituent services staff members. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, a short writing sample and a letter of recommendation to  LoebsackInternship@mail.house..

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18 Nov 2014

The Giving Tree Band - This Friday - The Redstone Room at River Music Experience

By The Giving Tree Band

Hello everyone!

We like to remind you about The Giving Tree Band's return to The Redstone Room at River Music Experience in Davenport, IA this Friday. We grateful to be joined by The Nick Moss Band and the nationally recognized environmental charity Living Lands and Waters.

The doors open at 8:00 pm and the show starts at 9:00 pm. Advance tickets are still available at $12 for general admission and increase to $15 on the day of the show.

Click here for ticket Information and click here to RSVP.

Much love!

-The Giving Tree Band
18 Nov 2014

Enroll Today!

By Rep. Dave Loebsack
Open enrollment for health coverage through the Iowa Health Insurance Marketplace has just begun and will run through February 15, 2015.  During these next three months, you will have the opportunity to renew your current coverage, enroll in a different plan, or purchase insurance for the first time.  I wanted to provide you with some information as you begin exploring your options.

Here are a few key things to remember:

  • If you are currently enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace, you do not have to sign up again and will be automatically re-enrolled.  However, I encourage you to take a look at the plans available to see if you can get a better deal or a plan that better fits your health care needs.

  • If you do not currently have coverage, you must apply by December 15 in order to get coverage beginning January 1.  If you apply past the 15th of the month, your coverage begins the first day of the second following month.

  • You may qualify for a special enrollment period outside of open enrollment in the following circumstances:

    • You change your job

    • Your income changes

    • You turn 26 and leave your parents plan

    • You move your residence

    • You have a baby or adopt a child

    • You get married or divorced.

  • There are several ways to apply for coverage on the exchange.  These include :

    • Over the phone by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.

    • Online at HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov

    • In-person. Find people in your community trained and certified to help you enroll at Localhelp.HealthCare.gov

    • Paper application. You can get a paper application by calling the Marketplace Call Center of downloading a copy from HealthCare.gov.

Updates to the HealthCare.gov website now allow you to shop for and compare plans before submitting an application and have streamlined the application process.  Further, the website has been improved to allow for many more users than are expected in order to avoid the frustrating wait times that some experienced during last year's enrollment process.  I will continue to monitor the operation of the site to ensure that all Iowans who want to purchase or change their insurance are able to do so.

As always, please feel free to contact my office if you need any assistance as you consider your options and apply for health care coverage.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

18 Nov 2014

Change in Leadership for Iowa's Premier Gun Rights Group

By Rick Martin
Barry Snell follows Jeff Burkett as IFC President
There's been a change in leadership within the Iowa Firearms Coalition. Jeff Burkett has retired from his
position as president of the organization. Burkett is being succeeded by Communications Director Barry
Snell. Burkett will join the IFC Board of Directors where he will remain active with organization.
Burkett has been with the organization since 2008 and has served as president since 2011. He's played a
key role in many major projects, including: changing Iowa's Concealed Weapons Permitting system from
May Issue to Shall Issue, the creation of a Dove Hunting season, and fighting off proposed weapons bans
in several Iowa communities.
Barry Snell has served as Communications Director for the Iowa Firearms Coalition since early 2014. A
lifelong shooter, Snell's professional experience includes a political science degree from Iowa State,
legislative work in the Iowa Capitol, and public service in both Iowa law enforcement and the US Army.


Snell and Burkett have already coordinated on many projects, and the change in leadership will not have
any effect on day to day operations.
Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible
for bringing uniformity to Iowa's Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC's members work to protect
and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively
seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports.
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18 Nov 2014

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29

By QCCVB
You can shop small this holiday season.  Small Business  Saturday is November 29th.  Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday® is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support your neighborhood and is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Now in its fifth year, Small Business Saturday has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to Shop Small® and show their neighborhood pride. #ShopSmallQC
- At checkout on Small Business Saturday, select one of the presents to reveal your savings!  Anywhere from 10% to 25% OFF your entire bill!

- The first 25 customers receive a canvas Shop Small tote bag!

- Enter into a drawing to receive a $50 gift card!
Quad Cities Gifts                      Union Station Visitor Center
1601 River Drive, Ste 110       102 S. Harrison St.
Moline, IL  61265                      Davenport, IA  52801
Phone: 309-736-6833             Phone: 309-736-6834

Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 am-4 pm
Show off your Quad Cities hometown spirit with our new hooded sweatshirts. Perfect for a holiday gift, they come in a variety of colors (red, brown, white, gray, pink, turquoise). Full zipper front with pockets. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price: $20.00

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