16 Jul 2014

Simon to advocate for women's rights at Aurora clinic

By Ken Lowe

Lt. Governor Simon: Protect Women`s Access to Health Care  

 

AURORA – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will tour a health clinic in Aurora on Wednesday and advocate for full access to birth control coverage and preventive care.

"A woman`s decision to use birth control is a personal one, and her boss should not be able to interfere with it," Simon said.

Simon`s visit comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 30 that some corporate employers can use religious objections to deny access to birth control coverage. Legislation to override the decision is expected to move on Wednesday, and Illinois voters will be asked to weigh in on an advisory referendum in November asking whether any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides prescription drug coverage should be required to include prescription birth control.

TIME: 2:15 p.m.

DATE: July 16

LOCATION: Aurora Health Center, 3051 E. New York St., Aurora

NOTE: Simon`s tour will be private due to patient confidentiality. The media availability will take place in the clinic waiting room.

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15 Jul 2014

Amazing New Food and Amusing Fun at the 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/15/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair will offer a wide variety of new offerings to taste, watch and experience this year. New Fair foods, attractions and entertainment are available in addition to the many traditional Fair favorites. "Nothing Compares" to this array of new excitement that awaits Fairgoers August 7-17.

Foods

This year's Fair foods feature over a dozen new items including a collection of value-priced items. New bargain-priced treats include food contest finalists Funnel Cake Sticks, Smoked Brisket and Bacon Mac N Cheese, Caprese Salad On-a-stick, Brownie Blitz, and the Three Buck Bowl - all for only $3 each. The Fair's newest Fair Square Flavor, Fair-berry, a tasty blend of crisped rice cereal and marshmallows with a burst of strawberry flavor, is available for just $2.

Attractions

The newly completed renovations to the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center include a fully air conditioned building and a new exhibit space for the Photography Salon on the third floor. In celebration of the 75th year of the Fair's popular Photography Salon, the Cultural Center will display hundreds of black and white entries as a salute to Ansel Adams. In addition, the Atrium will feature an exhibit of historic photos from Bill Woolston's 1975 photo essay, "Iowa's Fair."

Stop by the West Grand Exhibit Area (north of Elwell Family Food Center) to check out the Hoover Presidential Library Museum Special Exhibit Preview. This exciting new display focuses on President Hoover's food relief efforts during World War I. Brush up on your history, snag a Hoover biscuit, and be sure to catch the Hoover Humanitarian Relief Ship as it cruises the grounds daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Visit Seward Johnson's amazing "God Bless America" sculpture. Standing at 25 feet tall and weighing 5,900 pounds, the traveling sculpture depicts Grant Wood's "American Gothic." It will be on display every day at the entrance to Pella Plaza on Rock Island Ave.

This year the Thrill Zone will be relocated to the southwest corner of the Fairgrounds, west of the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Building. Those daring enough to test their courage will find the Crazy Mouse, Sky Scraper, Sling Shot, and more in the new location.

Stage Entertainment

This year's free stage line-up features alternative rock band Alien Ant Farm. The group boasts more than five million record sales, a Grammy Award nomination and four top-ten singles including their double-platinum cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal." Other rock groups include Great White, Slaughter, Los Lonely Boys, Winger and The Romantics.

GenerationNOW Entertainment, Sub Sonic Social and 515 Alive present the "Fair-well to Summer Dance Party," offering teens and young adults a place to show off their dance moves at the Iowa State Fair. Featured performances include Jesse Jamz (Sub Sonic Social / 515 Alive), DJ Raj (Sub Sonic Social / 515 Alive), DJ Mad Mardigan (Official DJ of the Minnesota Timberwolves), Mister Black (Firepower Records) and emcee Shawn Brighton. Not only will they be spinning music from all eras and genres but they will also be offering some fun surprises and special guests.

After reuniting in 2013, Trick Pony is back and better than ever with a new flare to fit today's country radio. Their hits include "On a Mission," "Just What I Do" and the top-ten single off their gold-certified debut album, "On a Night like This." Other country acts include Dustin Lynch, The Swon Brothers, Kristian Bush and Eric Paslay.

Back by popular demand, the self-proclaimed "Glee-meets-Stomp" group Vocal Trash will perform daily. Also returning is southern rock band Black Stone Cherry, Here Come the Mummies and Hairball, the world's ultimate 80s arena rock impersonation act.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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15 Jul 2014

Team Rubicon Appoints New Director to Lead Disaster Response

By Sam Kille

LOS ANGELES, July 15, 2014 - Team Rubicon, a disaster relief organization which unites the skills of military veterans with first responders, has appointed David Burke as its director of field operations. He replaces Vince Moffitt, who will take on a new role as incident management team chief. Burke is a 2003 graduate of Bettendorf High School, and his family resides in Davenport.

"I am excited and humbled by this opportunity to take on more as we scale TR's capabilities to help an even greater number of people affected by disasters, while giving veterans a renewed sense of purpose," said Burke, a veteran Marine officer. "I'm also very grateful for the mentoring I've received from Vince and look forward to helping him build out our incident management teams."

Burke has served as deputy director of field operations since April. He came to Team Rubicon as an AmeriCorps VISTA to volunteer with the programs team, Oct. 2013. When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, he moved into field operations and helped manage the response. In Dec. 2013, Burke joined the staff as senior field operations associate.

"David has done a tremendous job as my deputy and has shown his potential to make this next step," said Moffitt. "I have complete confidence in him to continue the direction already set, as well as take it to the next level."

As director of field operations, Burke will develop and execute the strategy to train, prepare and respond to domestic and international disasters. He will be responsible for establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with counterparts in various federal agencies and voluntary organizations participating in emergency response operations.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Team Rubicon enlists volunteers from across the country. The nonprofit has experienced explosive growth?from a team of eight to more than 16,000 members?since its founding in 2010.

Because TR's ability to respond to any disaster depends on the commitment of these volunteers, Burke will be tasked with managing development of divisional, regional, and state competencies, to include response plans, and incident specific, standard operating procedures.

"In a short-period of time, David has shown himself to be a passionate, proven leader," said Jake Wood, CEO and cofounder of Team Rubicon. "He has the vision necessary to take Team Rubicon to the next tier as we look to not only grow our capabilities, but afford our members the training, tools and mentorship needed to perform our mission."

Team Rubicon was founded in the wake of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake by Wood and William McNulty, both Marine veterans. It now has more than 60 operations under its belt, including Haiti, Superstorm Sandy, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

The nonprofit has already responded to more than a dozen tornadoes and floods this year. Beyond disaster relief, Team Rubicon helps veterans find a renewed sense of purpose?vital as many return to civilian life after more than a decade of war.

While in the Marines, Burke served as a logistics officer and deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, for meritorious service while serving in leadership roles above his pay grade, including executive officer of Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division Forward, Camp Leatherneck Afghanistan, in 2011.

Burke holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Iowa. He currently resides in El Segundo, Calif., with his wife Amanda, also a Marine veteran and member of Team Rubicon.

To learn more about Team Rubicon's mission, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.

About Team Rubicon Team Rubicon (TR) unites the skills and experience of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. TR offers veterans a chance to continue their service by helping and empowering those afflicted by disasters, and also themselves. For more about Team Rubicon, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.

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15 Jul 2014

Snoopy Loves Sparky!

By Lily Allen-Duenas

The Old Creamery Theatre is offering free admission to all firefighters at the Friday, August 1 performance of Snoopy!!! The Musical on the Main Stage at 7:30 pm.

Reservations are recommended. Reserve by calling our box office at 319-622-6262. Please bring your badge or any sort of firefighter identification to show the box office staff.

Snoopy!!! The Musical, opens July 17 and runs through August 10 on the Old Creamery's Main Stage, with shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 2:00 pm and on Fridays and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $28 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5 to 18.

This is a family friendly show that is Rated G. Here's a bit more about the show: It's the world according to Snoopy! Come join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Linus, Woodstock, and Sally as they celebrate the wisdom of Charles Schultz and the world's most famous Beagle in this delightful musical that's fun for the whole family.

Sponsored by Rockwell Collins. Media Sponsors are 96.5 Kiss Country and ICAN.
15 Jul 2014

Senior Star at Elmore Place Hosts Community Health Fair Featuring Several Local Wellness Organizations July 24

By Marc Strohschein

Screenings provide a variety of tests for adults 50-plus

 

DAVENPORT, IA (July 17, 2004) - Senior Star at Elmore Place is teaming up with several Quad City wellness partners to provide free health screenings for residents age 50-plus from 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, July 24 at 4500 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

Tests and information booths include :

Ø  Blood glucose, body composition and blood pressure tests by Walgreens

Ø  Hearing aid checks and hearing screenings by Parker Audiology

Ø  Fall prevention; low vision check; keeping the aging brain in shape; blood pressure checks;  balance and fall risk assessment by Genesis Visiting Nurse Association and Genesis Hospice

Ø  Grip testing by Manor Care

Ø  Spinal screening by Nelson Chiropractic

Ø  Fall prevention screening by Gentiva

Ø  Nutrition information and samples by Hy-Vee

Ø  Dementia information provided by the Alzheimer's Association

Ø  Information and testers provided by Doterra Essential Oils

Ø  Massage information provided by 2 Rivers Massages

Ø  Information provided by Meridian including Medicare Advantage Plans

"We are pleased that we are able to provide these free screenings from such high-quality health partners in our community to our neighbors over age 50," said Marc Strohschein, executive director of Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "It is a privilege to help share these health services so we can all focus on how to live well."

In addition to the health services, Senior Star at Elmore Place also will provide:

Ø  Several door prizes including a Grand Prize from Jumer's Casino!

Ø  Free one-year membership to AARP for 50-plus attendees completing screenings with Walgreens!  Must present IDs.

Ø  Presentations throughout the day.

Ø  Light refreshments.

All tests and screenings are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.  Those attending who would like to donate blood can also make a contribution through Mississippi Valley Blood.  For more details, call Senior Star at Elmore Place at 563.484.5114.

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 or call 563.484.5114 to schedule a tour.

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15 Jul 2014

Loebsack Statement at Hearing Entitled "Protecting America's Youth: An Update from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children"

By Rick Martin

Earlier this morning, Congressman Loebsack made the following statement on the need to ensure the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children receives the support necessary to carry out its mission and protect our children. Loebsack also made comments about the importance of the Amber Alert and the recent success of the Alert in locating three missing children in Eastern Iowa. The remarks were given at a hearing of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, which Loebsack serves as Ranking Member, the senior most Democrat.

Loebsack also supports efforts to prevent and reduce child exploitation, including a recently passed package of anti-trafficking legislation. This included measures to improve services for victims of trafficking and treat them as victims rather than criminals, crack down on online advertisements for trafficked children, and improve outreach and supports for youth in foster care to prevent them from falling into these devastating circumstances.

Video of Loebsack's opening statement:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scFWj52h_oU&feature=youtu.be

Questioning of John Ryan, President, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T61YG_74tUc&feature=youtu.be
15 Jul 2014

Loebsack's Representative to Hold Office Hours

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Clinton and Scott Counties for open office hours. Henry Marquard, Loebsack's District Representative, will be at the following locations. Marquard will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for Dave, or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend. Marquard holds regular office hours throughout Eastern Iowa.

If residents are unable to attend but have a concern to share with the Congressman, please call our district office toll-free at 1-866-914-IOWA (4692)

Marquard's schedule is as follows.

Tuesday, July 22

  • DeWitt Community Center

512 10th St.

9:00 - 10:00 AM

  • Clinton City Hall

611 S. 3rd St.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Eldridge City Hall

305 N. 3rd St.

2:00 - 3:00 PM

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15 Jul 2014

John Deere Pavilion Learn & Play Day July 19

By Wendy Artman
WHAT
Kids of all ages are invited to come play and learn about a day in the life of John Deere customers at the John Deere Pavilion's Learn & Play Day on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this free event, children will learn about life on a farm, see what it's like to work on a construction site, explore the world of forestry and more. 

For hands-on fun, kids can test their driving skills in a battery-powered Gator™ obstacle course or put their muscles to work in a pedal-powered tractor pull. Other special exhibits include a hands-on Little Johnny's Farm with cows that can be milked (not real ones), a petting zoo, and a construction zone to test toy equipment in the sand. Blacksmith demonstrations will also be conducted on site throughout the day. 

Also featured throughout the day will be a variety of informational booths from ag-related organizations including the Rock Island Farm Bureau, Rock Island 4H & Extension, Fischer's Honey Farm, and Country Corner.

The John Deere Pavilion Learn & Play Day is open to the public and is free of charge. 

WHERE
The John Deere Pavilion 
1400 River Road
Moline, IL 61265

WHEN
Saturday, July 19 
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
15 Jul 2014

48 State Leaders Selected as CSG Toll Fellows

By The Council of State Governments

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Forty-eight state policymakers from across the country have been selected as The Council of State Governments' Henry Toll Fellows for the Class of 2014.

The 2014 Toll Fellows represent 34 states and Puerto Rico, with 33 representing the legislative branch, five serving in the judiciary and 10 hailing from the executive. A nine-member committee of state leaders, many who are Toll Fellows themselves, reviewed a record number of applications to select the class.

"Individually, these leaders have a proven track record of accomplishing great things; collectively they represent the future leadership of the states," said David Adkins, CSG's executive director/CEO.

Members of the 2014 CSG Toll Fellows Class by state are:

Alabama: Sen. William Holtzclaw

Alaska: Rep. Lora Reinbold

Arizona: Sen. Kelli Ward

Arkansas: Judge Rhonda Wood, Court of Appeals & state Supreme Court justice-elect;Marquita Little, director of Policy and Planning, Department of Human Services

Colorado: Rep. Lois Landgraf

Connecticut: Andrew Clark, director, Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy; Rep. Roland Lemar; Judge Erika Tindill, Connecticut Superior Court

Delaware: Deputy Secretary Nicole Majeski, Delaware Department of Transportation; Sen. Nicole Poore

Hawaii: Rep. Linda Ichiyama

Idaho: G. Richard Bevan, administrative district judge, District Court for Fifth Judicial District

Illinois: Rep. David Harris

Indiana: Rep. Judson McMillin; Sen. Karen Tallian

Iowa: Rep. Deborah Berry

Kansas: Sen. Elaine Bowers

Kentucky: Matthew Trebelhorn, legislative analyst, Judiciary Committee, Legislative Research Commission

Maine: Rep. Michael Devin

Massachusetts: Scott MacLeod, Mitigation and Disaster Recovery section chief, Emergency Management Agency

Nebraska: Sen. Lydia Brasch

Nevada: Assemblyman Elliot Anderson; Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle

New Hampshire: Rep. Cindy Rosenwald

New Mexico: Rep. George Dodge; Sen. Tim Keller

North Dakota: District Judge Bradley Cruff, Southeast Judicial District

Ohio: Judge David Michael Gormley, Delaware Municipal Court

Oklahoma: Rep. Lee Denney; Sen. Dan Newberry; Commissioner Terri White, Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Oregon: Rep. Nancy Nathanson

Pennsylvania: Rep. Ryan Mackenzie

Puerto Rico: Sen. Jorge Suárez

Rhode Island: Rep. John Edwards

South Dakota: Secretary Trevor Jones, Department of Public Safety; Secretary Lynne Valenti, Department of Social Services

Tennessee: Sen. Becky Massey; Sen. John Stevens

Utah: Sen. Deidre Henderson

Vermont: Commissioner Noelle MacKay, Department of Housing and Community Development

Virginia: Nathan Hatfield, assistant clerk, Virginia Senate

West Virginia: Jason Pizatella, deputy chief of staff, West Virginia Governor's Office; Sen. Roman Prezioso

Wisconsin: Rep. Jill Billings;Sara Buschman, assistant deputy secretary, Department of Children and Families

Wyoming: Rep. Donald Burkhart

15 Jul 2014

Upper Iowa University announces May 2014 graduates

By Monica Bayer Heaton

FAYETTE, IA (07/15/2014)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its May 2014 graduates, followed by the degree earned and respective honors.

Nicole Belz of Davenport, IA, Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin in May.

Amanda Smith of Moline, IL, with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in May.

Dustin Snow of Bettendorf, IA, with a Associate of Arts in General Business in May.

Samantha Thrapp of Davenport, IA, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in May.

James Yackley of Davenport, IA, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin in May.

Allan Jackson of Davenport, IA, with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management in May.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to more than 6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

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