10 Oct 2014

2014

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 10/10/2014

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

FREEDOM ROCK UNVEILING October 12^th, 5:00 p.m. The painting of the Freedom Rock on the LeClaire Levee began on October 2^nd, two+ years ahead of schedule, and will be completed this weekend. The unveiling ceremony will be attended by various military and other groups who will perform or participate in special presentations. See Freedom Rock Tour - Scott County on Facebook, or go to www.thefreedomrock.com for more information.

The Java House is now open at 204 Jones St., LeClaire! Go in for a great muffin, brownie, danish, coffee, latte, tea and more! Current hours 6a.m-6p.m.

CALENDAR

October 10^th - Chamber Member Kathy Anderson will be picking up items for the LeClaire Basket which will be part of the silent auction for Habitat for Humanity's annual fundraiser, Mr/Ms. Habitat. Please contact Kathy at 563-650-8137 if you have an item to be picked up or if you have questions.

October 10^th - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Pieces of Candy

October 10th-12^th - Craft Show at LeClaire Civic Center 127 N. Cody Rd., 563-639-4621 for more information.

October 11^th - LeClaire Farmers' Market LeClaire Levee - 3-6p.m.

October 12^th - LeClaire Lion's Club - Apple Fest on the River 11a.m. - 4p.m. on the Levee and downtown LeClaire.

Fun, Family Event featuring apples, apple cider and variety of homemade food items including pie, strudel, scones, and cupcakes, a huge truckload of pumpkins and guards. Also, popcorn, handmade aprons, sweaters, purses, jewelry, bath items, copper jewelry, garden art and many other unique items.

Register at Aunt Hattie's for the 2^nd Annual Apple Fest Apple Pie Baking Contest! Deliver 2 identical homemade apple pies in disposable pans from 9a.m. to no later than 11:00 a.m., October 12 to Aunt Hattie's. Proceeds from entry fees of $10 and sales of pies after the 11 a.m. judging will go to Freedom Rock of Scott County, LeClaire. Top 3 winners will receive cash prizes! You can also donate a pie to be sold even if you do not want to be judged. Stop by Aunt Hattie's for more information!

The LeClaire Lions Club will be selling chili, brats, hot dogs/chili dogs and pork chop sandwiches. Antique Cars will be displayed on the levee. "Kids Only" area on levee for a small fee that includes face painting, beanbag toss and other children's games along with a jump house. Specialty items related to Apple Fest will be available at downtown businesses along with wonderful fall shopping and dining. The Lions Club's involvement in LeClaire includes various community improvements and programs. The Club has made donations to the LeClaire Police Department, LeClaire and Princeton Fire Departments, LeClaire Library, Levee improvements, Parks and Recreation, and they provide a $1,000 college scholarship to a local Pleasant Valley high school student every year. They have offered financial support for the Freedom Rock project. They also assist those in the community in need of glasses and hearing aids. Proceeds from the Apple Fest help further the LeClaire Lions Club's community efforts.

If you are interested in membership with the LeClaire Lions Club, please contact any member listed on our roster at www.iowalions.org/cgi-bin/clubrosterlist.pl?207 They are probably people you know in our community right now!

October 12^th - Freedom Rock Unveiled 5:00 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee. The unveiling ceremony will be attended by various military and other groups who will perform or participate in special presentations.

October 17^th - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Tony Hoeppner

October 17^th - 129 - Live Music 8-11pm. Ryan Goettsch

October 18^th - Safety Day with Medic EMS and Friends 9am-noon, fun and prizes on the LeClaire Levee. Ambulance tours, child passenger safety seat checks, bike helmet checks, Mikey the Medic, fire truck tours, Jaws of Life demo, fire safety house, MedForce helicopter tours, Scott County Sheriffs' display, and SECC display and demo. 563-323-6806 for more information.

October 18th - LeClaire Farmers' Market LeClaire Levee - 3-6p.m.

October 18th - Trivia Night and Dinner at the LeClaire Civic Center sponsored by the Christmas in LeClaire committee and benefiting an emergency assistance fund responding to needs not fully met by the local food banks or clothing closets. Roasted or smoked turkey sandwiches with cranberry relish, cheese potatoes, stuffing, and Christmas cookies available as eat in or "grab and go". $7/meal; $5/sandwiches. Door prizes. Doors open 6:30pm, trivia 7:00pm. Cost $10 per person, 8 people per table maximum. To reserve a table or for more information, call Vicky at 563-639-4621 or email kettlepopper@gmail.com.

October 20^th - Marketing Retreat - LeClaire Tourism Annual Brainstorming Session 5-6:30pm, Mississippi River Distilling Co. Join us as we review the past and current years and start planning for fiscal year 2015-16. Everyone's input is vital to the health of tourism in LeClaire. Please RSVP to Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963.

October 21^st - The Faithful Pilot - Chamber Networking Event 5:30-7p.m. Come check out the new bar! Everyone Welcome!

October 22^nd - Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan - Charles Schwab Davenport Branch, 5345 Elmore Avenue, #300, Davenport, IA. Presented by Eric Johannes CFP and Tomas Shie, Attorney at Law. 10:00 a.m. Reservations online schwab.com/davenport or call 563-275-3663.

October 24^th-25^th - LeClaire Community Library - The Friends of the Library Book Sale More information to come soon.

October 24^th - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Buddy Olson

October 25^th - LeClaire Witches' Walk! Free Family Fun on the Levee! Registration for the Witches' Parade begins at 11:30a.m. Parade is 1-3 p.m, and Costume Contest Winners prizes awarded at 3:30p.m. Registration forms for parade and costume contest can be picked up in advance at LeClaire Community Library or LeClaire Information Center.

October 25^th - LeClaire Farmers' Market LeClaire Civic Club Parking Lot - 3-6p.m.

October 25^th - Muddy River Tug Club's Costumed Trivia Night at the LeClaire Fire Station 7 p.m. More details to come!

October 31^st - Wide River Winery - Live Music 5-8p.m. Travis Hosette

FYI

Earlier this year, MRA - The Management Association, Inc., asked Iowa and western Illinois residents to nominate businesses in their areas for two community involvement awards. Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc., is one of the finalists for the award. MRA, a Midwest-based employers association, will host a ceremony recognizing the finalists and the award winners. The public is invited to the 2014 Business Appreciation & Awards Reception, to be held 5 p.m. Monday, October 27, 2014, at the iWireless Center, Moline, Illinois. The theme of the event will be Celebrating Our Past, Growing Our Future. To register for the awards reception, call 888-516-6357 or email awards@mranet.org.

The Ascentra Credit Union Scholarship Competition is once again offering a total of $10,000 in scholarships to assist their members planning to further their education starting the 2015 - 2016 school year. The ten scholarships will be awarded to students as follows: • Five $1,000 scholarships for high school students planning to enter college • Five $1,000 scholarships for members age 19 or over, considered non-traditional or continuing education students. The scholarship entrants will be judged on a 500 word essay on the topic, "How do you plan on using your education to improve your community?" All entries are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer services and work experience. Deadline for the Ascentra Scholarship Competition is March 2, 2015. Applications and official rules may be picked up at any of our branches or found online at www.ascentra.org/scholarships. There members can find information on other scholarships. Awarding a total of $10,000 in scholarships is another way Ascentra Credit Union recognizes that financial planning and education is essential to lifetime success for its members and the community.

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4^th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall. The October meeting will be held, however, on October 22^nd.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

The Lions Club of LeClaire is involved in many various community improvement projects and programs. The Club has made donations to the LeClaire Police Department, LeClaire and Princeton Fire Departments, LeClaire Library, Levee improvements, Parks and Recreation, and more, and they provide a $1,000 college scholarship to a local Pleasant Valley high school student every year. They have offered financial support for the Freedom Rock project. They also assist those in the community in need of glasses and hearing aids. If you are interested in membership with the LeClaire Lions Club, please contact any member listed on our roster at www.iowalions.org/cgi-bin/clubrosterlist.pl?207 They are probably people you know in our community right now!

LeClaire Community Library SHIIP Medicare Enrollment Assistance. A representative from SHIIP will be here on Oct. 14th, Oct. 28th, November 4th, and November 18th from 12-3pm to answer any questions community-area seniors may have regarding Open Enrollment for Medicare. SHIIP is a service of the State of Iowa. All services are free, confidential and objective.

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Men's group Saturday at 7:30 am at church; there are donuts, coffee, discussion and Bible Study, plus really great guys! What more could you ask?

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: 0.64 acres of development land available on Cody Road. This "ready to build" property is located on a high ground lot with an exceptional view of the river. Possibility for a dock installation with city inceptives possible. Land could be developed for multi-family, condo, possible office or mixed use. For more information, please contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107. Website Link for More Information: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7030973

Commercial Property for Sale 0 Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: Price recently reduced on this great Riverfront Development opportunity located on the main shopping corridor in downtown LeClaire. Strong market for retail and apartments or condominiums. Lot totals 0.28 acres (180' X 70'). For more information, please contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126. Website Link for More Information: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7031174

Commercial Property Available - Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

May-Oct - LeClaire Riverfront Farmers' Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

October 12- Apple Fest

October 18 - Cars and Coffee - Bierstube - 9-11a.m.

October 25 - Witches Walk

November 7 - First Friday in LeClaire

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

October 21st - The Faithful Pilot - 5:30-7p.m.

November 11th - Bier Stube - lunch - noon

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon

10 Oct 2014

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 10/10 - 10/16

By QC Chamber

Hello!

The top 10 finalists of TV reality competition, So You Think You Can Dance, bring their moves to the Adler Theatre Tuesday. Prepare for an evening of captivating movement during a show celebrating their momentous 11th season. Ladies, spend some time reflecting with other women during Iron Sharpens Iron Conference. Gentlemen, gather up the crew and check out Caged Aggression XIV, a premiere mixed martial arts event at the RiverCenter tomorrow night.

Warm up your weekend with some smooth jazz in the Redstone Room Saturday. Grammy nominated Jeff Lorber Fusion and special guest Eric Marienthal team up for this year's Smooth Jazz Festival. Then next week, uncover tunes derived from the Cajun culture of Louisiana right here in the Quad Cities when Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet performs. Don't forget about Open Mic & Jam Wednesday, too!

Ladder ball, bags, das boot pass, a pretzel eating contest, and more...find it all at Barrel House 211 Sunday as they host their Oktoberfest Bash! In addition to Great River Brewery's Oktoberfest Beer, you can expect to enjoy an evening of music, games, and good times galore. Word on the street is the Oktoberfest Burger will be back, too...nom nom nom.

Whether you're looking to paint your own wine glass or brush up on your figure drawing skills, Atom Studio + Gallery offers art classes for all this week. Sign up for a class and make it a point to stick around after to peruse the other unique galleries within Bucktown Center for the Arts. If you're looking for more opportunities to work with art, check out the Figge art classes or the Re-Cre8 Studio event calendar.

It's not quite the last Thursday of the month, but keep in mind the Figge is hosting PechaKucha Night twice this October. Tonight, engage yourself in presentations revolving around the Artists First Exhibit and hear the stories behind various pieces from the artists themselves. Remember the Quad Cities Food Hub celebrates the local harvest this evening as well.

See you downtown!

"An Evening with Area Artists" Benefitting artsBASICS

By artsBASICS

Please join us for "An Evening with Area Artists," the first annual fundraiser of artsBASICS, to be held October 15, 2014 at the Figge Art Museum, Davenport, IA. artsBASICS is a volunteer group of advocates that helps provide equal access to the arts for all students in the Davenport, IA school district.

Your hosts for the evening will be Dan Portes and Judy Shawver and emcees will be Nathan Porteshawver, Dan Sheridan, and Tom Vaccaro.

Find out how the creative process works by observing a variety of local artists, each in the midst of creating a work of art before your eyes, in what we call "The Quick Draw Event." Works of art will be completed during the event and the highest silent bidder will be able to take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art work at the end of the evening. Mingle with renowned artists of the Quad Cities in the elegant setting of the Figge Art Museum.

Enjoy appetizers while you take in the creative process. There will be additional silent auction items, a 50/50 raffle, and an opportunity to win a gift certificate worth up to $100 or a $1,500 piece of jewellery from a local jeweller. Cash bar will be provided. Doors open at 5:00 pm with events commencing at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $25 per person in advance through October 1st when purchased through the website http://l.facebook.com/l/iAQFq-8_3AQEO-JTizzxvMj-URpLoj9B84dxhuYtNrDv4UQ/www.artsbasics.org using PayPal. Tickets purchased after October 1st will be $30 per person. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. For more information, please call 563-210-0137.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Figge Art Museum

225 W. 2nd Street, Davenport (use entrance on north side of building)

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Doors open at 5:00 pm)

$25 per person by October 1st, $30 per person after October 1st

Sponsored by the Figge Museum, Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, Doland Jewelers,

Arthur Murray Studios of Davenport and Brian O"Neill Art

09 Oct 2014

Parents: Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road; Talk to your Teen Drivers About the "5 to Drive"

By Rick Martin

Learning to drive is very exciting for teens, and a driver's license is a giant step toward independence. But when a teen driver is getting ready to hit the road, a parent's job isn't done. In fact, talking to your kids about the dangers of driving is one of the best things you can do to keep them safe. Tragically, many parents just assume their teens get this information elsewhere, so they don't have the conversation. October 19-25 is Teen Driver Safety Week, and it's a great time for parents to talk to their teen drivers about the risks they face.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 14-18 in America. In 2012 alone, 2,055 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes, and 859 died.

Every parent should talk to their teens about the rules of safe driving, but a recent survey shows that only 25 percent of parents have done so. It can be difficult to talk to teens about anything, let alone a serious topic like safe driving. Many parents don't know what to say, or give up if they feel like they're not being heard. In order to provide parents with the tools, resources, and words they need to keep their teens safe, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has teamed up with state and local highway safety and law enforcement organizations on the teen driver safety campaign "5 to Drive". The education and awareness campaign identifies the five most important rules all teen drivers need to follow.

We encourage you to get the facts, start talking to your teen about the "5 to Drive," and Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road.

1. No Drinking and Driving. Compared with other age groups, teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes, even though they're too young to legally buy or possess alcohol. Nationally in 2012, 28 percent of the young drivers (15 to 20 years old) killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.

2. Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Front Seat and Back. In 2012, of all the young (15- to 20-year-old) passenger vehicle drivers killed in crashes, more than half (55%) of those killed were not wearing seat belts.

3. Put It Down. One Text or Call Could Wreck It All. In 2012, among drivers 15 to 19 years old who were distracted in fatal crashes, nearly 1 in 5 were distracted by their phones. This age group had the highest percentage of drivers distracted by phone use.

4. Stop Speeding Before It Stops You. In 2012, speeding was a factor in almost half (48%) of the crashes that killed 15- to 20-year-old drivers. By comparison, 30 percent of all fatal crashes that year involved speeding.

5. No More Than One Passenger at a Time. Extra passengers for a teen driver can lead to disastrous results. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teens in a car. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers.

Please talk to your kids?this week and every week?about how to be smart and safe behind the wheel.

For more information about Teen Driver Safety Week and the "5 to Drive" campaign visit www.safercar.gov/parents.

Susan DeCourcy is the Regional Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Region 7.

Patrick Hoye is the Bureau Chief, Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau.

09 Oct 2014

Branstad, Reynolds to hold press conference announcing expansion of economic development project in Iowa

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced they will hold a press conference tomorrow, Friday, October 10, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., to announce the expansion of an economic development project in Iowa. The press conference will be held at the Capitol with representatives from the company that is expanding in attendance.

A live-stream of the news conference will be made available at www.Youtube.com/GovernorBranstad.

The following event is open to credentialed members of the media:

Friday, October 10, 2014

9:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds announce economic development project expansion

Robert D. Ray Conference Room

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

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09 Oct 2014

Old Wisconsin and Miller Lite Celebrate the Deep-Rooted Traditions of the Green Bay Packers

By Alyssa Ahern

The Green Bay Packers and Miller Lite Partner with Old Wisconsin to Create the Ultimate Retail Destination for Wisconsin Shoppers and Packers Fans

Homewood, Ill. (Oct. 9, 2014) - A new tailgating promotion from Old Wisconsin brings together Miller Lite with the brand's popular meat snacks in the "Touchdown to Flavor Town" campaign cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Old Wisconsin and Miller Lite are teaming up to help fans celebrate the Packers with high-value offers at participating grocery stores, convenience stores and liquor channels. The campaign is supported with in-store displays, POS and merchandisers; stadium and scoreboard signage at Lambeau Field; out-of-home, digital and radio advertising; and game-day sampling. This is the third year Old Wisconsin has sponsored fall Packers Nation promotional programs.

"Old Wisconsin is thrilled to be joining forces with Miller Lite to enhance the Packers Nation experience for fans and cheer on the Packers to another title this year," said Jeff Weber, Old Wisconsin's national brand manager. "This campaign builds on the success of past Packers Nation retail efforts to create shopper excitement and drive retail sales."

This Wisconsin-based promotion supports Old Wisconsin meat snack brands including 6 oz. and 8 oz. Snack Bites, 6 oz. and 8 oz. Snack Sticks and 9 oz. Summer Sausage paired with Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, and Miller64 (24- and 30- packs, both cans and bottles). The dual-branded program features two retail windows ending in late November.

During the second retail window, Old Wisconsin invites fans to participate in the "Touchdown to Flavor Town" photo caption contest. Visit Old Wisconsin's Facebook page from Nov. 3 through Nov. 16 to submit a caption and vote for your favorites for a chance to win a green and gold tailgating prize package worth $1,500. For more details, visit http://www.OldWisconsin.com.

About Carl Buddig & Company
Based in Homewood, Ill, Carl Buddig & Co. has been feeding family traditions for more than 70 years with the very best in taste, variety and convenience. Carl Buddig & Co. is the family-owned parent company of Buddig lunchmeat and Old Wisconsin hardwood smoked sausage and snack products. Buddig offers an assortment of quality, thin-sliced lean meats for sandwiches, snacks and special recipes including Buddig Original, Premium Deli, Deli Cuts and Fix Quix products. Old Wisconsin sausage and meat snack products are handcrafted and smoked over real hardwood fires. To learn more, visit www.buddig.com and www.oldwisconsin.com.

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09 Oct 2014

Mallards Welcome Woodley

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 8, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards have signed forward/defenseman Ben Woodley, the Mallards announced today.

The 6' 6", 230-pound Woodley had a goal and an assist and collected 47 penalty minutes in 11 games with the Brampton Beast last season. The 22-year old London, Ontario, native spent 2012-13 in the ECHL, where he split time between the Toledo Walleye and Greenville Road Warriors, producing one goal and two assists along with 30 penalty minutes in 19 games. Woodley first skated in the professional ranks when he played in three playoff games for the ECHL's Toledo Walleye in the spring of 2012.

"I didn't want to be caught not having enough big guys to look out for the other guys on our roster," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski. "Ben has a reputation for being able to score as well as handle the rough stuff and can play defense or forward. Ben and Tyler Barr can make the rest of our guys feel about three inches taller."

Woodley turned pro after two junior A seasons. In 2011-12 he scored five times and notched 42 assists for 47 points and was also assessed 125 minutes in penalties in 59 games with the British Columbia Hockey League's Prince George Spruce Kings. Woodley joined the Spruce Kings late in the 2010-11 season after starting that campaign with the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

The Mallards open the 2014-15 season at home against the Rapid City Rush on Friday, October 24 at 7:05 p.m. The Mallards being training camp tomorrow at the iWireless Center.

Season tickets for the coming campaign are still available. Ticket packages are available to meet almost any budget. A limited edition season ticket holder Mallard jersey, 12 additional ticket vouchers per seat and free parking are among a host of exclusive benefits available to season ticket holders. For more ticket information fans can call the Mallards' business office at 309-277-1364.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are approaching their eighteenth season and their first in the ECHL. One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007; in the International Hockey League in 2009-10; and in the Central Hockey League from 2010 through 2014. The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record. In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched. The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club. For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com. Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at 8http://www.facebook.com/qcmallards.

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09 Oct 2014

In Iowa's Interest: Confronting the Disability Unemployment Crisis

By Rick Martin

Over half a century ago, when my brother Frank was at the Iowa School for the Deaf, he was told he could be one of three things: a printer, a cobbler, or a baker. He had unlimited potential, but his choices were limited by the societal barriers faced by too many people with disabilities. Our country has changed since then. With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, we began to tear down those obstacles and expand the opportunities for people with disabilities. We have increased the accessibility of our buildings, streets, parks, beaches, and recreation areas. Today, our books, TVs, telephones, and computers are more accessible. We are on the path toward the full realization of the four goals we set out to achieve with ADA: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency; however, there is still work to be done.

Unfortunately, one area of American life has been resistant to change: employment and the pathway it provides to participate in the middle class. Twenty-four years after the signing of the ADA, Americans with disabilities remain disproportionately poor and face significant barriers to joining and remaining in the middle class.

This October, we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month. While we should celebrate the progress that has been made, we must also recognize and confront the very real employment crisis faced by Americans with disabilities. People with disabilities remain far more likely to be impoverished, to be out of the workforce, and to be experiencing the detrimental effects of living in poverty.

On the most important economic measures such as unemployment, workforce participation, annual earnings, and poverty, people with disabilities often are in the worst condition compared to almost any other group. Twice as many Americans with disabilities live in poverty than those without disabilities. Less than 30 percent of working-age Americans with disabilities participate in the workforce, and households with an adult member with a disability earn 38.4 percent less than households without an adult member with a disability. These facts make it clear that people with disabilities are still encountering roadblocks in the path to the middle class and that the ADA's goal of economic self-sufficiency has not yet been achieved.

As chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I launched an investigation into these roadblocks. I heard from over 400 people with disabilities from across the country, all of whom had or currently live at the poverty level. They reported experiencing employment discrimination, discriminatory wages, inaccessible workplaces, and persistently low expectations about what they can accomplish. They also reported that they often cannot participate in the workforce because they lack reliable, accessible transportation and accessible, affordable housing. To fully realize the vision of the ADA, we as a nation must confront these problems.

Congress needs to do its part to develop strategies to clear the path to the middle class. I am optimistic that we will begin to see the benefits of the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, passed by my committee, and recently signed into law by the president. The new law requires that schools and vocational rehabilitation programs work together to ensure young people with disabilities develop the skills and knowledge needed in emerging fields. It also provides resources for employers to learn how to support people with disabilities in the workforce and how to provide accommodations so individuals with disabilities can be successful at work. I have also recently introduced three bills, the Universal Home Design Act, the Accessible Transportation for All Act, and the Exercise and Fitness for All Act, to address the physical barriers to employment that people with disabilities still experience.

At the same time, we can all work to eliminate attitudinal barriers by celebrating the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities and educating others about disability employment issues. The time for America to shed narrow views about people with disabilities - prejudices that limited the opportunities for my brother and continue to limit the opportunities for countless others - is well overdue. Together, we can take the needed steps towards ensuring opportunity for all.

To read my report on disability and poverty visit: http://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/HELP%20Committee%20Disability%20and%20Poverty%20Report.pdf. You can also learn more about ways to observe Disability Employment Awareness Month by visiting the Department of Labor website: http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/index-2014.htm.

A PDF version of this article can be found here.

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09 Oct 2014

Subject: NRA ad on Braley Stretches Truth

By Erika Soto Lamb

You may have noticed that the NRA has begun running an ad against Congressman Bruce Braley this week (you can see it here) that claims Braley voted to take away gun rights.

But what you might not know is that it's essentially a carbon copy of an ad the gun lobby has been running against Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu - one that has been fact-checked by at least four different media organizations and found to be outright dishonest. The Washington Post gave it the maximum four Pinocchios for its "hyperbolic disconnect between between the images on the screen and the practical impact of the law in question", FactCheck.org called it "misleading", while Time Magazine named it one of the five most dishonest political ads of 2014 and Politifact's rating for that same ad: "Pants on fire".

The same results would be found on a fact check of the NRA's claim against Braley's record as well. Braley co-sponsored the House version of the same background check legislation backed by Landrieu - a bill that would have closed the loophole that allows criminals and other dangerous people to easily get guns, no questions asked.

The NRA knows background checks don't infringe on anyone's rights and that they don't put law-abiding citizens in danger, as the ominous ad would like voters to believe. Yet the NRA sought to radically deceive voters by running a shadowy attack ad smearing Braley's record.

When covering the heated Iowa senate race, we're hopeful you'll let your readers know about these NRA distortions - and consider editorializing in favor of having local stations pull this ad down because it is based on a lie.

09 Oct 2014

'Growing Season' Warms Up: New Dates for the Mustache Challenge

By Rick Martin

October 8, 2014

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES- In its 9^th year, the 2014 KJ's Mustache Challenge is a local event where participants toss out their razors for four weeks in an effort to raise funds for preventive programs provided by the Quad Cities Child Abuse Council. This year the Challenge will occur one month earlier in hopes to enjoy a warmer 'growing season'. The Challenge begins on October 23^rd and culminates in a Mustache Bash Pub Crawl in downtown Moline on November 22^nd.

New this year, too, is a Ladies Night Event celebrating those women who are 'Stache Enablers', at this event ladies can sign up their husbands, brothers, fathers and friends into the Challenge. This new 'Stache Enablers' event is October 16^th at Refresh in downtown Moline from 6p to 8p featuring fun mustache prize giveaways.

"The Mustache Challenge is for everyone," says longtime Challenge committee member, Tracie Veto. "We encourage our sister Challengers to support the men in their efforts to grow a mustache, yes, some Challengers look a bit different for a few weeks but it's for a great cause. The women have just as much fun with the Challenge as the men do!"

The Mustache Challenge committee is hosting the Official Challenge Kick-Off Party at Pints on Utica Ridge Road in Davenport on October 23^rd from 5:30p to 7:30p, this officially begins the 'Growing Season'. At the Kick-Off Party you can sign up for the Challenge, participate in a prize winning raffle and win mustache merchandise.

For a minimum donation of $25 Challengers will receive the commemorative t-shirt, eligibility to compete in the Best Stache competition and to win prizes during the Mustache Bash Pub Crawl on November 22^nd in Downtown Moline.

This fundraiser is in memory of Mustache Challenge participant, Kyle John of Moline, who at age 27 passed away in 2008 after a courageous five year battle against Ewings Sarcoma. His close friends have continued the Mustache Challenge in celebration of his spirit and charitable heart.

For more information about KJ's 2014 Mustache Challenge and the QC Child Abuse Council visit www.kjmustachechallenge.org and www.childabuseqc.org. KJ's Mustache Challenge is also on Facebook.

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River Cities Reader #1032 -... by River Cities Reader

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LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 10/10/2014

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 10/10 - 10/16

"An Evening with Area Artists" Benefitting artsBASICS

Parents: Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road; Talk to your Teen Drivers About the "5 to Drive"

Branstad, Reynolds to hold press conference announcing expansion of economic development project in Iowa

Old Wisconsin and Miller Lite Celebrate the Deep-Rooted Traditions of the Green Bay Packers

Mallards Welcome Woodley

In Iowa's Interest: Confronting the Disability Unemployment Crisis

Subject: NRA ad on Braley Stretches Truth

'Growing Season' Warms Up: New Dates for the Mustache Challenge

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