DAVENPORT–Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, for Thanksgiving.  Facilities closed include :

  • Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Household Hazardous Material Facilities, Davenport
  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th St., Davenport

Regular hours will resume at all facilities on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014. However, no appointments for household hazardous material drop-off will be available on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an intergovernmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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'There is Always a Way Through' Emotional Trauma, Says One Who's on the Journey

Neglect. Abuse. Divorce. Addiction. These are just a few of the life experiences that can leave children emotionally bruised or worse, causing some to develop dysfunctional outlooks and behaviors that condemn them to perpetual self-victimization as adults.

"We not only perpetuate, but also protect the obstacles that stand in the way of our healing and happiness," says Marta Maranda. "But there is always a way through, no matter what your situation."

The author of "What It Looks Like," (http://martamaranda.com/), a new memoir detailing her own journey of healing, Maranda says she continued to use the defense mechanisms she developed in response to childhood trauma far into adulthood, which only served to block healthy emotional growth.

"As an adult decades after the initial abuse, I was still surrounding myself with similar trauma, and still reacting in the same ways to the trauma, even though those childhood survival tools no longer served me. Basically, the only one keeping me stuck in a dysfunctional and unfulfilling life was me."

Maranda says she didn't realize she played a part in her own dysfunction until the treatment of a family member for substance abuse caused her to think differently.

"I don't drink, use drugs, or have a sexual dysfunction. I've never even had a cup of coffee in my life," she says. "So it was easy to look at everyone else as the cause of my problems.

"But during family therapy sessions, I finally realized that there are two dysfunctional people in an unhealthy relationship, and there is an entire dysfunctional family in an unhealthy family system."

Maranda became a rarity: sober and voluntarily, she admitted herself into a five-week residential treatment center. That's where her healing began.

"But I'm not done," she says. "Healing involves tearing down all those dysfunctional coping mechanisms?fear, anger, denial, justification?and rebuilding your life piece by piece. I still have to do the work every day."

She offers these tips for others whose past trauma has resulted in self-destructive thought and behavior patterns, such as a willingness to remain in unhealthy relationships or an over-reliance on comforts like food, drugs, or alcohol to soothe painful emotions.

·  Look inward for reasons, not outward for blame.
It's easy to find other people or situations to blame for your problems. Even if the initial trauma was inflicted when you were at your most vulnerable, and by someone you should have been able to trust, at some point you have to take responsibility for your own life. "How are you contributing to the dysfunction in your life?" Maranda asks. "The decision to remain stuck in a dysfunctional life is yours. The responsibility to move forward toward healing and happiness is also yours."

·  If you've done it, admit it.
Look fearlessly at the wrong you've done, at the pain you've inflicted on yourself and others through your own dysfunctional behavior, and admit it. "Only by owning it can you change it," Maranda says. "And only through change can you heal." Likewise, look kindly and with humility at the good you've done. Own all that is valuable about you, and build upon it.

·  Information, not shame.
The lessons of healing always come with a choice: information or shame? If you are doing your healing work properly?meaning completely breaking down every defense mechanism you've built to keep yourself blind to your own dysfunctional behavior?the realizations that you've caused others harm, pain, or even extreme damage will come. But eventually you have to choose between continuing to feel shamed, which leads to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, or accepting the realizations as the information necessary to repair your life. "Much like a doctor needs to objectively understand what's broken to diagnose a problem, so do you need to look objectively at your dysfunction and its consequences to heal it," Maranda says. "Then use your healthy guilt feelings, not shame, as a reminder of what you can't do again."

·  Build a support system.
No one's said it better than Einstein: You can't fix a problem with the same broken mind that created it. Left to their own devices, many people who are convinced they need to change will still seek out environments that support their dysfunctions rather than strengthen their healing. "Change is hard, and healing isn't always comfortable," Maranda says. "That's why people often find their way back to what they know, even if what they know is destructive or deadly." Building a support system of people?whether family or friends, or from a therapeutic or spiritual community?whose perspectives get you out of your comfort zone and away from the dysfunction you know is essential for healing.

About Marta Maranda

Marta Maranda is a writer, businesswoman, and author of "What It Looks Like," (http://martamaranda.com/). She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and undertook a year of post-graduate study in psychology. She is currently working on her second book.

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions.

The following individuals' appointments are effective November 20, 2014, unpaid, and are subject to Iowa Senate confirmation in the 2015 legislative session:

 

Health Facilities Council:

Kathleen Parris, Audubon

 

 

Board of Social Work:

Karilynne Lenning, West Des Moines

 

Vision Iowa Board

Rebecca Anderson, Burlington

 

Commission of Asian and Pacific Islanders Affairs

Manisha Paudel, Dubuque

 

Board of Physician Assistants

Dennis Janssen, Clive

 

Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council

Timothy Carmody, Council Bluffs

 

Iowa Emergency Response Commission

Yuxiang (Angela) Chen, Windsor Heights

 

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Changes in health insurance raise many questions for consumers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a FREE online two-hour unbiased, research-based educational workshop for consumers on December 10 from 6 - 8 PM. The Smart Choice Health Insurance Education program will equip consumers with tools they need to make the best possible decision when choosing health insurance plans for themselves and their families. Register for this free online class at http://tinyurl.com/pvmceb7. For more information, contact Phyllis Zalenski, Human Science Family Finance Specialist, at 319-465-3224 or zalenski@iastate.edu

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Governor Quinn Statement on Senate Committee Passage of Minimum Wage Legislation  

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the Illinois Senate Executive Committee's passage of a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour next year, then to $10.50 per hour in 2016 and $11 per hour in 2017:

"In the November election, people across our state overwhelmingly voiced their support for raising the minimum wage to $10 per hour.

"I commend Senator Kim Lightford and the members of the Illinois Senate Executive Committee who today voted to make this proposal a reality and improve the lives of thousands of working families in Illinois.

"Raising the wage is about dignity and decency and building an economy that works for everyone. Now is the time to get this important legislation passed through the General Assembly for the hundreds of thousands of minimum wage workers across the Land of Lincoln."

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Simon urges support of minimum wage increase; Legislation passes Senate committee

SPRINGFIELD - Nov. 19, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon issued the following statement in support of Senate Bill 68 sponsored by Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood).

"Voters at the polls this month were loud and clear: they support raising the state's minimum wage. Making sure that Illinois workers are earning a decent wage is in the best interest of all Illinoisans and will help us grow our state's economy.

"I would like to thank Sen. Lightford for her commitment to fighting for Illinois' workers and their families. I encourage the Senate to pass this important legislation quickly."

Senate Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 68 would raise the minimum wage in Illinois in increments. Under the amendment, the wage would increase to $10 per hour on July 1, 2015, $10.50 per hour on July 1, 2016 and $11 per hour on July 1, 2017.

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Company-wide initiative proves beneficial when faced with the daunting challenge of moving

 

DAVENPORT, IA (November 19, 2014) - Senior Star is pleased to announce a company-wide initiative designed to help reduce the stress of moving on both residents and their family members through a personalized moving assistance program.  The program provides information about issues to consider when making the decision to move, and a detailed account of the before, during and after process of moving into a retirement community.  The Quad Cities very own, Senior Star at Elmore Place, has had much success with this personalized outreach program and, as a result, has reduced much of the stress of moving for residents and their families.

"Many of our residents haven't moved in 40 years and the stress of deciding what to bring and all of the particulars surrounding this decision can be very overwhelming, not to mention the many other details of handling a move," said Marc Strohschein, executive director of Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "Our trained associates work with families in such a special and personal way and realize that moving from a longtime family home can bring a range of emotions.  Our job is to make this transition seamless and as easy as possible so residents can concentrate on the exciting things that await them in their new home at Senior Star."

Once the decision is made to move to Senior Star, residents and families are partnered with an experienced, compassionate and detail-oriented move-in coordinator to handle all aspects of the move.  This includes a home visit or, if that is not possible, the use of a specialized computer program to help decide what will fit into the new home based on needs, interests, lifestyle and space.  The move-in coordinator's role is designed to stay with residents and their families from beginning to end including working with the movers on moving day, all the way to planning a personal housewarming party.

"We do everything possible to make residents feel at home," said Cara Joiner, one of Senior Star's move-in coordinators.  "It may be as simple as making sure the newspaper is delivered to their new home or, more complex, helping them decide which treasured pieces to bring with them."

This initiative has been a huge help to residents and families as they prepare for the transition of moving from a single- family home into a retirement community.  "Cara not only helped with the entire moving process for my mom, but she also made moving day more pleasurable.  And, she visits with mom on a regular basis to make sure she's doing OK," said Judy, daughter of a Senior Star resident.   Senior Star resident Joe also said, "Cara was there to help and answered all my many questions.  I felt at home overnight due to this wonderful staff."

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place, to schedule a tour or meet Cara to discuss your potential moving needs, call 563.484.5114 or visit the web site at www.seniorstar.com.

About Senior Star at Elmore Place

Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.

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2014 Downtown East Moline Christmas Activities

December 2nd brings to Downtown East Moline its 4th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade.  At 6pm the lights are turned on and turned loose.  Heading east on 15th Avenue from 7th Street, the magic begins.

Events begin at 4pm on 15th Avenue from 7th Street east to 10th Street with Children's Activities sponsored by Happy Joe's-East Moline including two hunts, a Candy Cane Hunt and a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Hunt.  Make & Take Crafts added to the hunts will keep young ones occupied until the Parade begins.

The East Moline-Silvis Rotary Club Christmas Market will be open from 4-9pm in the former Manor House building at 834-15th Avenue.  Gifts, Christmas, and pet goodies will lead the offerings.

Frosty's Chilly Supper sponsored by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union and benefitting Black Hawk Area Education Center will be open from 4:30 until 8pm.  Smokey's Country Diner Chilly and hot dogs will be available.  It is located in the American Legion.  An Ugly Sweater Contest will be held at 7:30.

Santa & Mrs. Claus, along with their spotted dog Sparky courtesy of the Davenport Fire Department, will greet children after the Parade in the Lobby of Triumph Community Bank.  A photo provided by Walgreens and a coloring book with an East Moline Christmas theme will be given to each child.

Wreathes decorated by East Moline City staff and elected officials will be on display at Triumph Community Bank from November 17th until December 2nd.  A silent auction will be conducted during this viewing period.

A benefactor of Main Street East Moline's efforts this year is Operation: SANTA PAWS.  Donations of supplies and financial contributions to assist K9 Kindness Rescue and Quad City Animal Welfare Center will be collected at many drop off locations listed on our website, www.emmainstreet.com.

This great community event is underwritten by the following generous sponsors in addition to those listed above: Senator Mike Jacobs, East Moline Glass, City of East Moline, WQAD Channel 8, Dispatch/Argus, Blackhawk Bank & Trust, Alderman Jeff Stulir, Van Hoe Funeral Home, Cattani Crane, Corrective
Chiropractic, Rep. Pat Verschoore, KVF Quad, Collison Repair Center, P.E. Potteramics, Quad City Marathon, and Rock Island County Auditor April Palmer.

For questions please contact:

Brian Wagner - 309-314-3730 Cell

PEORIA, Ill. (Nov. 19, 2014) - The first nationwide partnership and "Fuel Your Community" campaign between the American Red Cross and energy provider Suburban Propane in October helped collect thousands of lifesaving blood and platelet donations for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusions centers served by the Red Cross.

Hundreds of Suburban Propane employees rolled up their sleeves to give blood and volunteer at 64 Red Cross blood drives across the country the October campaign, resulting in more than 1,500 blood donations at those drives, and nearly 600 first-time donors. With each blood donation potentially helping up to three people, as many as 4,500 lives could be impacted.

"Our employees are proud to support the American Red Cross and the hospitals and patients it serves," said Chief Operating Officer Mark Wienberg of Suburban Propane. "This is the sixth time Suburban Propane has partnered with the Red Cross to raise awareness about the constant need for blood and platelet donations, and is our largest and most successful effort to date. We look forward to continuing to support the Red Cross and its humanitarian mission with our national sponsorship."

Through the "Fuel Your Community" campaign, Suburban Propane also sponsored an advertising campaign to raise greater awareness for the constant need for blood and platelet donations, and donated a $5,000 Visa gift card for one lucky presenting blood donor to win.

"Partnering with civic-minded organizations, like Suburban Propane, is at the heart of our humanitarian and volunteer supported organization," said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Blood Services. "With Suburban Propane's support, overall the Red Cross collected more than 460,000 blood donations at over 19,000 blood drives in October, helping to meet the need of about 15,000 blood donations every day for patients."

"It's the blood products already on the shelves that help to save lives in an emergency," said Shelly Heiden, community CEO, Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. "Suburban Propane's support helps ensure that blood is available for cancer patients, those fighting blood diseases, trauma victims and others here in the Heart of America Region as well as patients throughout the country."

To learn more about blood donation or find a blood donation opportunity, download the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Eligible donors with all blood types - especially O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to maintain an adequate supply for patients.

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Suburban Propane

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the energy needs of more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 710 locations in 41 states.

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SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will be joined tomorrow by Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch to announce findings from a comprehensive study of the economic impact military bases and the defense industry has on Illinois' economy. The first-of-its-kind study in Illinois will be available for use by advocates at the local, state and federal levels to take full advantage of changes in Defense Department (DoD) spending.

The study was produced by the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Lt. Governor's Office. It examined economic factors tied to Illinois' three major, active military installations -- the Scott Air Force Base, the Rock Island Arsenal and the Naval Station Great Lakes - as well as DoD contracts, National Guard facilities and payments tied to military retirees and students.

 

DATE: Nov. 20

TIME: 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Blue Room, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today made the following statement regarding the selection by the University of Illinois' board of trustees of Dr. Timothy Killeen as the university's next president:

"Dr. Timothy Killeen is a distinguished scholar and brings over three decades of experience to lead the University of Illinois. Chosen unanimously by the university's search committee, Dr. Killeen's acclaimed background in research and his roots as an educator and administrator will greatly benefit the university and its diverse population of students from around the globe. I congratulate Dr. Killeen and extend a warm welcome to Illinois. I am confident he will continue the university's legacy of excellence in preparing graduates for a 21st century economy."

"I commend current President Easter, whose leadership and vision strengthened the university and secured its place as one of the best in the world. I join thousands of grateful students, faculty and alumni in thanking President Easter for his service to the U. of I. and to the people of Illinois."

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