20 Nov 2014

Free Health Insurance Workshop to be Offered Online on December 10

By Amanda Heitz

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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20 Nov 2014

Statements on Senate Committee Passage of Minimum Wage Legislation

By Katie Hickey and Ken Lowe

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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20 Nov 2014

Taking the Stress Out of Moving to a Retirement Community - the Senior Star Way

By Rick Martin

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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20 Nov 2014

East Moline Christmas Activities

By Brian Wagner
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
20 Nov 2014

First nationwide "Fuel Your Community" campaign boosts blood donations in October

By Rick Martin

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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20 Nov 2014

Simon to release findings of statewide military economic impact study

By Ken Lowe

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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20 Nov 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Selection of New University of Illinois President

By Randy Stalsberg

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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20 Nov 2014

Kaplan University Davenport Campus to Host Commencement for 87 Graduates

By Amy Hawkinson

Kaplan University's Davenport campus will celebrate the commencement of 87graduates at the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Kaplan University, will be the keynote speaker.

Who: Graduates of Kaplan University Davenport Campus - See full list below

Kay Runge, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Kaplan University

What: Kaplan University Davenport Campus Commencement

 

Where: RiverCenter, Great Hall

136 E. 3rd Street

Davenport, IA 52801

 

When: Friday, December 5, 2014

6:00 p.m.

 

Note to Media: Upon arrival at the graduation please ask for Lisa Zerbonia. Interviews are available.

 

The Fall/Winter 2014 graduates of Kaplan University's Davenport Campus:

Master of Business Administration

Derrick Barry, Clinton, IA

Nichole Karstens, Colona, IL

Jennifer Kritz, Wilton, IA

 

Master of Health Care Administration

Rosina Boddicker, Long Grove, IA

 

 

Master of Science

Criminal Justice

Sharita Couch, Davenport, IA

Stacey Hart, Davenport, IA

Raitanza Kalu, DeWitt, IA

 

Psychology

Heather Brown, Davenport, IA

Jessica Sabel, Davenport, IA

 

Bachelor of Science

Accounting

Heather N. Damewood, Knoxville, IL

Tracey Kirschbaum, Marquette, IA

Trisha Lester, Tukwila, WA

Amanda McElroy, Muscatine, IA

Samantha Strohbehn, DeWitt, IA

Lauren Vincent, Cambridge, IL

Patricia Woolley, Muscatine, IA

 

Business Administration

Rhoda Burrage, Knoxville, TN

Elizabeth Hayward, Maquoketa, IA

Ashley Hixson, Andalusia, IL

Sharon James, Davenport, IA

Dean D. Macke, Taylor Ridge, IL

Jedidiah Petersen, Davenport, IA

Jessica L. Phillips, Muscatine, IA

Greg Reed, Hemet, CA

Kerry Rempt, Park View, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Angela Holtby, Fort Wainwright, AK

Cheryl Murphy, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Sariah Luna, Davenport, IA

 

Environmental Policy and Management

Jada King, Davenport, IA

 

Health Care Administration

Amanda Hitchcock, Moline, IL

Latisha Humphrey, Norcross, GA

Gwendolyn Marino, Davenport, IA

Kelsey Pisel, Bettendorf, IA

 

Health Science

Stephanie Simmons, Moline, IL

 

Human Services

Tonya Bartrom, Bettendorf, IA

Susanne Goodner, Davenport, IA

Renea Harbison, Davenport, IA

Brittany A. Mussmann, Coralville, IA

Stephanie Stansbarger, Clinton, IA

 

Information Technology

Hannah Gray, Davenport, IA

Mark Rankin, New Bern, NC

 

Nutrition Science

Rachel Ostberg, Bettendorf, IA

 

Psychology

Amanda Lightfoot, Davenport, IA

Brianna Varner, Clinton, IA

 

Associate of Applied Science

Business Administration

Olmedo Clarke, Davenport, IA

Ayanna Dawson, DeWitt, IA

Rhonda Estes, Milan, IL

Cord Heim, La Motte, IA

Noble Henry, Moline, IL

Stephen Koonce, DeWitt, IA

Patricia Musch, Camanche, IA

Stephanie Stevens, Davenport, IA

 

Criminal Justice

Demetrios Elliott, Davenport, IA

Brittney Noel, Donahue, IA

Joelle Stone, Davenport, IA

 

Early Childhood Development

Jillian Miller, Savanna, IL

 

Human Services

Jessica Bass, Rock Island, IL

Larry Bebber, Muscatine, IA

Jessica Cervantes, Moline, IL

Jenny Dierikx, Orion, IL

Courtney Elijah, Tipton, IA

Doris Lee, Davenport, IA

Terry Randolph, Davenport, IA

Robert Snell, Colona, IL

 

Information Technology

Lylah Lagerstam, Silvis, IL

Michael Myers, Davenport, IA

 

Medical Assisting

Perla L. Anaya Sanchez, Davenport, IA

Chiquita Austin, Clinton, IA

Kaitlynn Francois, Port Byron, IL

Jennifer Griebel, Clinton, IA

Ashley Hartz, LeClaire, IA

Sara Loerzel, Davenport, IA

Carol Noah, Davenport, IA

Sarah Ribbens, Davenport, IA

Danielle Robinson, Davenport, IA

Doris A. Septer, Wilton, IA

Kelsey Woolam, Muscatine, IA

 

Medical Office Management,

Brenda G. Bogle, Clinton, IA

Tammy Dirksen, Long Grove, IA

Jennifer Wendt, Atkinson, IL

 

Paralegal Studies

Kylara Brandt, Rock Island, IL

Melissa Brune, Davenport, IA

Sharlia Clark, Moline, IL

Keila Jordan, Davenport, IA

Tori Lawson, Tampico, IL

Larisha Tot, Davenport, IA

Courtney Yeater, Colona, IL

 

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). Kaplan University serves approximately 46,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 13 campuses in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland and Missouri.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan's higher education institutions serves approximately 61,000 students online and through 56 campus-based schools across the United States and offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

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20 Nov 2014

" Similarities and differences between Vedic, European and Middle Eastern philosophy." Session 3 .

By Narveen Aryaputri

November 20th. 2014 " a Similarities and differences between Vedic, European and Middle East philosophy" by Michael Rosenthal and Narveen Aryaputri Independent Scholars Evenings

This is the third session on the exploration in this area of thought.
This session will be taped for review and circulation.
Please join in.
Public input in the discussion  is requested
7.00.p.m.
Independent Scholars Evenings*
1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline
At
The Moline Commercial Club
Above The Phoenix Art Gallery.
About the presenters:
Michael Rosenthal studied at St. Paul's seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and has completed graduate work in Philosophy at the University of Iowa.
Narveen Aryaputri taught English Literature in New Delhi, India and in Ahwaz, Iran. She completed her graduate work in English Listerature from Meerut University, India. She is an Essayist, an Artist and a lifelong student of Vedic studies. She is one of the Directors of The Institute for Cultural & Healing Traditions, Ltd.
Michael Rosenthal and Narveen Aryaputri are frequent presenters at these Evenings reserved for area Independent Scholars. Please review archives at The Institute's website to see their individual work.
20 Nov 2014

Area students compete in mock trial

By Jenni Hodges

PELLA, IA (11/19/2014)(readMedia)-- Local students will compete with Central College's mock trial team throughout this winter.

Dan Dankert of Davenport

Jacob Logan of Bettendorf

The team travels Nov. 21 to Omaha, Neb., for the Creighton Invitational, then competes next semester in Pella, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. Central College will host a mock trial competition Jan. 24-25, and students will also compete at the Loras National Invitational Jan. 30-31 and the American Mock Trial Association regional competition in February.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics. Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. The college is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southeast of Des Moines. Learn more at www.central.edu.

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