DAVENPORT, IA (October 17, 2014) - Senior Star at Elmore Place welcomes all Quad City shoppers to join them for a one-of-a-kind On the Go Shopping event from 1 to 3 p.m., October 25 at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport - just in time to shop for the holidays!

Twenty vendors will be in one place for the convenience and fun of a power two-hour shopping event.  Vendors including well-known designers, will be featured:  Stella and Dot, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Avon, 31 Bags, Origami Owl Necklaces, Jamberry Nails and local artisans.

The event also will include a raffle and silent auction to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.  For more information, please call 563.484.5114.

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, please call 563.484.5114 or visit the website 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.

All Community Members Invited to Pasta Lunch; Donations to Benefit Alzheimer's Association

 

DAVENPORT, IA (October 17, 2014) - Senior Star at Elmore place is pleased to host greater Quad City neighbors and friends to Pasta with a Purpose from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, October 24th in the Independent Living Dining Room at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

The Pasta with a Purpose luncheon is free but donations are welcome to support the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to provide referral, consultation, information and support programs to the greater Davenport community.

A raffle and silent auction also will take place during the lunch.

RSVP for this event no later than October 23 by calling Senior Star at Elmore Place at 563.484.5114.

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.484.5114 or visit the website 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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SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/17/2014)(readMedia)-- CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The 108th Sustainment Brigade, an Illinois Army National Guard unit out of Chicago, turned over its sustainment support mission to the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, following a transfer of authority ceremony, Oct. 14, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

The 108th Sust. Bde. served in Kuwait for nine months, providing logistical support to U.S. and coalition forces in the U.S Central Command's area of responsibility.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Mitchell, deputy commanding general of the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), said the 108th Sust. Bde. served with honor and distinction by managing sustainment and retrograde operations.

"When they recognized a problem - they addressed it," said Mitchell. "When they saw that something could be done better, they did it better. They improved sustainment and retrograde operations throughout [the region] with steadfast support, keeping them in the fight."

Mitchell thanked the Soldiers of the 108th Sust. Bde. for all they have done and will continue to do for the Army and the nation. Col. Drew Dukett, commander of 108th Sust. Bde. said, "The concept of sustainment is not always pretty or glamorous, but it is a necessity to the evolving military challenges we face today."

Since arriving last February, the 108th Sust. Bde. has been challenged numerous times with support requirements that stressed both its capabilities and experience level, said Dukett.

"Whether responding to the demands of difficult and quickly evolving contingency operations in Iraq, maintaining mission command over troops in seven different countries throughout the region, supporting sustainment operations or supporting the robust retrograde operations out of Afghanistan, the Soldiers of the 108th performed admirably."

As the 3rd Sust. Bde takes over operations, Dukett said he is confident the brigade is ready to support logistical operations in the region.

"As you now take on this mission I look forward to seeing your unit continue the legacy of successful sustainment operations here in Kuwait," said Dukett. "The theater is in good hands with you at the sustainment helm. Enjoy the varied challenges that this theater provides and continue the excellence of supporting the warfighter."

Mitchell said the 3rd Sust. Bde. has provided support for service members in combat theaters time and time again; and while Kuwait is not a combat zone, the sustainment mission is unique and ever changing.

"You are the Soldiers who provide the warfighter what they need to win and make our forces and our allies successful on the battlefield," said Mitchell.

Col. Anthony Coston, commander of the 3rd Sust. Bde., said that his Soldiers are ready to take on the mission.

"Each of our subordinate units wears a different patch, but we're all united for a single purpose-- to sustain the Soldiers," said Coston. "For this mission in Kuwait we support a total force of active duty, National Guard and Reserves and other forces from across the globe."

ROCK ISLAND- Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White stopped by Rock Island to endorse Mike Jacobs' (D-Moline) campaign for State Senate of the 36th Senate District.

"Our state is better served when more people participate in our democracy. Mike Jacobs continues to be an advocate for every resident of his district- regardless of their race or socioeconomic background," said White.  "Mike has worked hard to protect everyone's right to vote and I know with Mike in the Senate, we will have an ally who will continue to work in our best interests."

White has continued to be a champion of promoting transparency in government.  Over the years, he has passed a series of reforms to ensure government is working for the citizens of Illinois.

To make voting more accessible to the residents of Illinois, White has spearheaded a number of initiatives to make voting safer and easier this election.

"I urge everyone to take the time to vote- either early vote or on Election Day. I believe that if you don't vote, you lose your right to complain about anything in society," said White. "The streets that you walk on, the food that you buy, the schools that your children attend, someone in our government has had something to say about all those issues. "

Campus-Style Community Designed to Serve Veterans with Families Now Open in Chicago

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the opening of Hope Manor II, one of the first large-scale housing developments in the nation designed to address the needs of female veterans and veterans with families at risk of homelessness. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) provided approximately $1 million in funding to finance the development located at 60th and Halsted streets in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.

"Hope Manor II is not only about housing, it is about helping our veterans get a job, keep a job and provide for their families," Governor Quinn said. "We have a duty on the homefront to take care of our heroes and protect those who protected us especially when it comes to jobs, education and housing. For all they have sacrificed in the name of freedom, Hope Manor II will give our servicemembers the comforts and safety of home they deserve."

Developed by the Volunteers of America of Illinois (VOA), Hope Manor II is designed for veterans and their children. It will be home to more than 100 Illinois heroes and family members who were previously homeless or at risk of homelessness. The development will be an important part of the state's goal to help struggling veterans change and improve their lives over the long-term by promoting self-sufficiency, building new skills, creating strong support networks and integrating veterans more positively into community life.

Services at the campus include employment readiness classes, job training and coaching, computer training, peer support groups, recovery resources, individual and family counseling, mental health screening, emergency assistance for food and household items and case management support. Residents will also have access to the Volunteers of America of Illinois' True North Project which aids veterans who are struggling, in crisis or at risk of serious instability in their lives.

"This is a great day for our veterans, Chicago businesses and for Illinois," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Acting Director Rodrigo Garcia said. "We know that employment and stability for families is critical in helping veterans and those at-risk bridge from the military to a thriving civilian life. Hope Manor II will be a great base for our veterans to find great jobs here in Illinois and help businesses thrive."

The campus-style community features a mix of single-family town homes and apartments built around a park, all located on a three-acre site donated by the city of Chicago. In addition to state resources, the development also received a $1.9 million loan and a $3 million tax-increment financing grant from the city of Chicago. All 73 apartments will receive Project-Based Rental Assistance from the Chicago Housing Authority.

"We are excited to partner with the Volunteers of America of Illinois to provide the stability and support our veterans need to transition back into civilian life," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "Our goal is to provide a comprehensive response to the unique challenges of today's veterans, delivering the tools they can use to change their lives over the long-term."

Women veterans and those with dependent children are the fastest growing demographic in the veteran community, often facing significant challenges as they transition to civilian life. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately six to eight percent of all homeless veterans are women and as many as 175 female veterans, most with children, are homeless in Chicago each night. After IHDA provided federal stimulus funds and federal tax credit financing for Hope Manor I to provide housing and services to single veterans, a community to serve families was the next appropriate step.

Since Governor Quinn took office, Illinois has made it a priority to address the need for affordable housing and supportive services. He is the first Governor in Illinois history to dedicate state capital dollars to supportive housing, creating approximately 2,150 community-based supportive housing units since 2009. IHDA has financed 860 units of affordable housing either reserved or specifically targeted to veterans in that same timeframe.

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MOLINE, IL - A viewing event for an upcoming partial solar eclipse will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 on the northwest corner of the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Library, 3300 River Drive, Moline, IL. 

The event is open free to the public. An observation area, with a telescope and viewing glasses, will be set up on the patio outside the library weather permitting, or inside the library to accommodate cooler temperatures.
"After last month's blood moon, when the earth blocked the sun's light, on Oct. 23 the moon is returning the favor and will partially block the sun's light from reaching earth. The solar telescope will also permit viewers to see sun spots and any coronal activity on the sun," according to WIU College of Arts and Sciences Assistant Dean James Rabchuk, who will be in attendance at the viewing to answer any questions.

The event is sponsored by the WIU-QC the Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Organization (LASSO). 

For more information, contact James Rabchuk at ja-rabchuk@wiu.edu.

Bat Boy the Musical opens at the QC Theatre Workshop this Friday, October 24.

The cult hit musical-comedy opens just in time for Halloween. It can be enjoyed at 1930 Wilkes Ave in Davenport

Click here to make your reservations!

Davenport, IA– On October 15th, The Amy Helpenstell Foundation presented River Bend Foodbank with a check for $15,000 to support the Backpack Program. This is the 4th year The Amy Helpenstell Foundation has awarded a grant to River Bend Foodbank.

Tom Laughlin, River Bend Foodbank Executive Director, said, "This is an incredible donation and insures that children will not go hungry on the weekends throughout the school year. We are so thankful for the continued support from The Amy Helpenstell Foundation."

The Backpack Program provides children at risk of hunger with nourishing food to take home on Fridays to get them through the weekend when programs like school breakfasts and lunches are not available.  The Backpack Program targets pre-school, elementary and middle school children who are at risk of chronic hunger.  These children are identified by name by their school staff.  Each child receives a weekly food pack on Fridays to put in their Backpacks and take home for the weekend.  The food is child friendly, easily consumed and vitamin fortified. The bags contain about eight items and include two "entrees" like stew or soup, two servings of fruit, cereal, milk, and juice. The Foodbank partners with the schools to select the children and distribute the food. Currently RBFB serves 47 schools and 1,700 of the neediest children in the Quad City Area.
New ad released as Braley campaigns across Iowa talking about his plans to strengthen Social Security, increase benefits, and call on millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share

Des Moines, IA - This election isn't about Bruce Braley or Joni Ernst, it's about who would be best for Iowa. That's why in a new 30-second ad, titled "Strong," released today, Bruce Braley tells Iowans about his plan to keep Social Security strong and increase benefits, strengthening the program and looking out for all Iowans instead of just the wealthiest few. Under Braley's plan, millionaires would pay Social Security taxes on all of their earned income, just like Iowa's middle class families.

In contrast, state Sen. Ernst's plans would privatize Social Security and put Iowans' guaranteed benefits at risk. At last night's debate, Joni Ernst refused to walk away from privatizing Social Security.

Watch "Strong" here:
Philanthropist Says Money CAN Buy Happiness - But Only When You Give It Away

Many Americans are choosing to hold onto their money these days, a lesson learned from the 2008-09 financial crash.

It's good to have savings - but not to the point of hoarding, says entrepreneur and philanthropist Tim McCarthy, author of "Empty Abundance," (mindfulgiving.org).

Americans are saving at a rate of 5.30 percent, well above the record low of 0.80 percent in 2005, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The world's billionaires are holding an average of $600 million each in cash, which is more than the gross domestic product of Dominica, according to the new Billionaire Census from Wealth-X and UBS. That's up from $60 million the previous year, signaling that the very wealthy are keeping their money on the sidelines and waiting for an optimal investment time.

"All of us could invest part of our 'fortune,' great or small, on something that gives back on a deeper human level, such as non-predatory loans to individuals from impoverished communities,"

McCarthy diverts all of his business profits annually to his foundation, The Business of Good, which invests in socially conscious businesses and scalable nonprofit concepts.

He reviews what everyone has to gain from mindful giving.

•  Money buys you happiness - up to $75,000 worth. Life satisfaction rises with income, but everyday happiness - another measure of well-being - changes little once a person earns $75,000 per year, according to a 2010 Princeton study. Another widely published survey by psychologist Roy Baumeister suggested that "happiness, or immediate fulfillment, is largely irrelevant to meaningfulness." In other words, so many who finally achieve financial excess are unfulfilled by the rewards that come with that.

•  Remember the wealth disconnection to overall fulfillment. A Gallup survey conducted in 132 countries found that people in wealthy countries rate themselves higher in happiness than those in poor countries. However, 95 percent of those surveyed in poverty-stricken countries such as Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan and Sierra Leone reported leading meaningful lives, while less than 60 percent reported the same in wealthier countries.

"While more investigation to wealth, happiness and well-being is certainly in order, I think it's clear that while money is important, it cannot buy purpose, significance or overall satisfaction," McCarthy says.

•  Giving money reliably equals happy money. Two behavioral scientists, Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, explore in their recent book, "Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending," what makes people engage in "prosocial behavior" - including charitable contributions, buying gifts and volunteering time. According to Dunn and Norton, recent research on happiness indicates that the most satisfying way of using money is to invest in others.

In 2010, multi-billionaires Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates co-founded The Giving Pledge, a long-term charitable effort that asks the wealthiest among us to commit to giving more than half of their fortunes to philanthropy. Among the first to join, Michael R. Bloomberg wrote in his pledge letter: "If you want to do something for your children and show how much you love them, the single best thing - by far - is to support organizations that will create a better world for them and their children."  To date, 115 of our country's 495 billionaires have pledged.

•  Anhedonia, amnesia and the fallacy of consumption. Anhedonia is the inability to enjoy activities that are typically found pleasurable.

"After making my wealth, I found that I suffered from anhedonia," McCarthy says. "Mindful giving - intelligent and conscious giving to those who need it - turned out to be my best therapy."

Everybody has experienced the limits of consumption, the economic law of diminishing returns. One cookie is nice and so, too, is your first $1 million. But at some point, your ability to enjoy eating cookies or earning millions diminishes more with each successive one.

"Everyone learns this lesson, yet the horror is that so many of us succeed in forgetting it," McCarthy says. "I think that, in every moment, we need to remind ourselves that continually reaching for the next 'cookie' is not in our best interest."

About Tim McCarthy

Tim McCarthy's first business, WorkPlace Media, eventually built a permissioned database of 700,000 gatekeepers who reach more than 70 million employees with incentives for clients such as Coca-Cola, Lenscrafters and McDonalds. He sold the company in 2007 and recently bought it back. In 2003, he partnered with his son, Tim Patrick McCarthy, to open Raising Cane's of Ohio, which had 13 stores with over $30 million in revenue in 2013. McCarthy, author of "Empty Abundance," (mindfulgiving.org), earned his bachelor's in political science and MBA from Ohio State University. In 2008, he received the Fisher Alumnae Community Service Award and was named an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

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