23 Jul 2014

Braley Survey Shows Strong Opposition to Impending Social Security Cuts

By Kirsten Hartman

Report from Congressman's survey shows 70 percent of Iowans opposed to cuts that begin August 1

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley's (IA-01) office today issued a report that included the results of a survey of over 2000 Iowans who shared their opinions about upcoming cuts to Social Security field offices in Iowa. Sixty three percent of respondents had used their local Social Security field office, and 70 percent of respondents were opposed to upcoming cuts in services.

Beginning in October 2014, the Social Security Administration (SSA) planned to stop providing benefit verification letters in local field offices?however, after significant opposition from Braley?SSA announced that those cuts would be indefinitely delayed. Many seniors rely on these verification letters for a variety of services. Last year alone, millions of Americans used SSA offices to request benefit letters.

However, SSA also stated their intention to move forward implementing their plan to eliminate the issuance of Social Security number printouts face-to-face in its field offices beginning August 1?a cut Braley continues to oppose.

"The overwhelming majority of Iowans don't support these cuts?and they shouldn't?there's no indication they save taxpayers money or that those that need them won't be greatly inconvenienced," Braley said. "We were successful in eliminating one of these senseless cuts, and I'll be providing this survey information to the Social Security Administration so they can better understand how Iowans feel about these cuts."

These survey results stem from a call Braley made for Iowans to share their opinions on these cuts and their experiences with their local SSA field offices.

Iowa's 19 SSA field offices are located in Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Burlington, Coralville, Davenport, Ottumwa, Council Bluffs, Creston, Des Moines, Ames, Carroll, Ft. Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, and Storm Lake.

Over 450,000 Iowa seniors received Social Security benefits in 2013.

Earlier this year, Braley introduced the Seniors' Access to Social Security Act, which would prevent cuts for one year, during which time Braley would seek verification that the proposed service cuts will not adversely affect Iowa's seniors and will save taxpayers money. This bipartisan legislation quickly gathered the support of nearly two dozen lawmakers.

Colvin's response came after Braley wrote the SSA Commissioner asking her to provide a series of answers about the proposed cuts, including whether an analysis of cost savings has been done and if public input was solicited prior to the proposed cuts. Braley also sought information from Colvin on how Iowans seeking these services would be informed of cuts.

In June, Braley joined a Congressional push to prevent the elimination of the SSA services in a letter to the head of the SSA, noting that it's vital that seniors be able to receive these services in person especially given that telephone wait times for SSA services have risen drastically in the last year, and that many seniors lack internet access.

The report can be found online HERE:

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23 Jul 2014

Governor Branstad issues disaster proclamation for Louisa County

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Today, Governor Terry E. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Louisa County. This is in response to the flooding and severe weather that began June 26, 2014.

The governor's proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,580, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

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23 Jul 2014

Modern Woodmen displays "Bix" in lights at home office

By Rick Martin

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Quad City Times Bix 7, Modern Woodmen of America will light the word "Bix" in the windows of its downtown Rock Island headquarters. The building will be lit from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27.

The tradition began in 1988, but is no simple task. Modern Woodmen's administrative services team will set the lights based on a hand-drawn schematic. The preparations take approximately one day for two people to accomplish; blinds must be closed and lighting must be adjusted on the five-story home office. Approximately 100 of the 252 windows on the north side of the building will be lit to spell out "Bix."

Modern Woodmen's location along the Mississippi River provides a perfect opportunity to display "Bix" for  Quad-City residents to enjoy. Modern Woodmen's mission is to improve the quality of life for its members and their communities. This is one way Modern Woodmen can support its mission and a family-friendly event.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial products and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

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23 Jul 2014

Bellevue University Celebrates January to June Degree Conferrals

By Jim Maxwell

(July 23, 2014 - Bellevue, Neb.) Bellevue University proudly acknowledges the accomplishments of students who have earned degrees from January through June 2014 - 813 total, including 247 graduate degrees and 566 bachelor's degrees.

Graduates include Cosby Johnson of Rock Island with a BS in Business.

Bellevue University offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 21 graduate degree programs, with more programs in development. Those programs apply the University's unique active learning approach which allows students to attend class in a classroom or online, and meet with fellow students, discuss lessons with instructors, complete assignments and conduct research.

Bellevue University has more than 7,000 online students from all over the globe enrolled in more than 400 courses. Overall, more than 13,000 students attend the University throughout the calendar year, making it the largest private university in Nebraska. The University recently earned a top twenty ranking by the U.S. News 2014 Top Online Education Program Rankings in the category of best online bachelor's degrees.

Bellevue University is ranked second among all Nebraska institutions conferring degrees and first among independent institutions, according to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

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23 Jul 2014

Adopting a Child? The Benefits of Going Private

By Ginny Grimsley

Celebrities Gary and Cassie Chapman Discuss Their Journey

For many married couples, there comes a time when having children becomes the first priority. Often, the urge to create life and see it into the world becomes overwhelming.

But that urge can put many couples on an unpredictable journey, especially when they decide that their love, time and resources can be best put to use through adoption, says award-winning singer-songwriter Gary Chapman. He and his wife, former Nashville Wives star Cassie Piersol Chapman, say they were open to whatever God had in store for them.

"We knew it was time to give our hearts to a child," says Gary, 56, a five-time Grammy-nominated, seven-time Dove Award-winning artist who recently released his first album in a decade, The Truth, (www.garychapmanmusic.com).

But, while the decision to have a child was made, conceiving was taking awhile. Gary, who had reversed a vasectomy and is 23 years older than Cassie, has three grown children.

"During this period, I got a call from a friend telling me about a woman who was four months pregnant and looking for a suitable adoption family," says Cassie, who is proactive in multiple charity groups which facilitate a legal alternative to going through an agency. "It was as if God knew where this child needed to be after the birth. I immediately understood that this would be our path."

Through private, or independent, adoption, the Chapmans received their blessing, a baby girl they named Eva Rose. Gary and Cassie talk about the benefits involved in private, or independent, adoption:

• Parents can begin bonding with their child more quickly after birth:Private adoption allows for the newborn infant to bypass foster care, which is typically required by state-run agencies. Most babies adopted between private parties go home from the hospital with the adoptive parents.

"In our case, the birth mother had a 10-day grace period starting from time of Eva's birth," Cassie says. "While that was tough, I think it offers more peace of mind for birth mothers."

• It allows for more control, more collaboration and more choice:Independent adoption gives all parties greater autonomy in making important choices about the baby and each other. For many, the opportunity for the birth mother and adoptive parents to meet adds reassurance that decisions are being made in the best interest of the child. This dynamic doesn't exist in the more common state-run agencies.

"I think some folks actually prefer a more anonymous approach," Gary says. "Let's admit it - these can be some of the toughest decisions in a woman's life, and she may not want a relationship with adoptive parents."

• Better access to information: What's the child's background? Should you anticipate medical issues down the road? What if a child wants to know more about his biological mother and father, including their spiritual background? Private adoption allows for direct communication between the two parties.

"Birth mothers may not even know if they'll want contact with their child 20 years later," Cassie says. "If adoptive families go this route, they ought to collect as much relevant information about the child's birth parents as they can."

• Adequate safety measures: Like other types of adoption, private adoption is governed by state laws. In addition, if a child is brought from one state to another, then the provisions of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children apply.

"Folks should understand that private adoption isn't like the Wild West; it's just a less bureaucratic method of adoption," Gary says.

About Gary & Cassie Piersol Chapman

Gary Chapman is a veteran musician in the contemporary pop, country, Christian and southern gospel genres. His Dove Awards include Male Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, and he's written hits including I Prefer the Moonlightfor Kenny Rogers and Finally for T.G. Sheppard along with songs for Alabama and Wynonna Judd. He was the host of TNN's hit show Prime Time Country for four years and founded the record label that launched current Disney music mainstays Everlife, among many top performers.

Cassie Piersol Chapman starred in TNT's 2014 docudrama Private Lives of Nashville Wives (from the Real Housewives creators). She grew up on her family's West Virginia farm and was active in 4H and other agricultural activities. She also sang in a choir, modeled and became a star cheerleader in high school. She won two national cheerleading titles at Morehead State University in Kentucky. She has appeared in music videos, commercials and printed work. She works with her husband, Gary, on A Hymn a Week, a popular online devotional.

23 Jul 2014

Tickets Still Available for Some Iowa State Fair Grandstand and Track Events

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/23/2014)(readMedia)-- There are just a few weeks left to purchase tickets for Grandstand concerts and track events during the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Tickets are selling fast for this year's "Amazingly Amusing" line-up, setAugust 7-17.

Great seats are still available for Christian artists the Newsboys and special guest Matthew West on August 7, Happy Together Tour 2014 on August 8, A Conversation with Willie, Kori & Si Robertson, the stars of A&E's Duck Dynasty, on August 10, country artists Jake Owen, Eli Young Band and special guest The Cadillac Three on August 14 and hard rockers Chevelle, Halestorm and special guest Saville Row on August 15.

New this year to the Grandstand is winged sprint car races. Flying into the Fairgrounds on August 10, the races will begin at 11 a.m. with hot laps at 10:30 a.m. Improvements to the track were completed in time for this year's racing season, including over 150 truck-loads of track resurfacing and improvements to the corner guardrails to allow faster and safer racing. The track will also host the Deery Brothers Summer Series on August 11 and the Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull on August 13.

Tickets for all Grandstand events are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, online atticketmaster.com, by phone at 800/745-3000 and through the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office. Convenience charges apply to all tickets. All concert seats are reserved. All track events are general admission. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office, located on the front porch of the Administration Building, will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to Noon Saturday through August 6 for walk-up orders only. During the Fair, August 7 through 17, the Ticket Office is open only for will-call pick-ups. Any remaining tickets go on sale at the Grandstand ticket windows, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. the day of the show.

"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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23 Jul 2014

Trivia Night at All Saints Episcopal in Moline

By Jared Johnson

Time to put your thinking caps on and join the folks over at All Saints Episcopal Church, at 2420 41st St. in Moline, Illinois, in a trivia night!

On Saturday August 16th they will be hosting a night of fun, featuring Mister Trivia, to raise money for their upcoming mission trip to Belize. There they will be volunteering their time and efforts at Holy Cross Anglican School where they will help in providing education for the poorest residents.

Entry fee for the trivia game is $10 per person, raffle prizes will be available, a 50/50 raffle will be held, and there will be food and beverages available for sale.

Doors open at 6pm and the games begin at 7pm. Reserve your table of 8 today by calling 309-797-2515 and make plans to have a great night while supporting a wonderful cause!
23 Jul 2014

The Holmes Brothers—Saturday, August 16 At the Muddy Waters, Bettendorf

By Rick Martin

The internationally acclaimed Holmes Brothers will make their only Quad-Cities appearance at The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf IA) on Saturday August 16.  The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and admission is $15.  Advance tickets are on sale at the Muddy Waters for this special show in an intimate venue.

The Holmes Brothers perform "Timeless, deeply soulful and uplifting gospel-drenched blues, street corner doo-wop, ballads, R&B, country and funk" (New York Times).  Their brand of roots music was recognized this year when the National Endowment for the Arts awarded the Holmes Brothers a National Heritage Fellowship in the Folk and Traditional Arts.  The NEA Fellowships recognize the recipients' artistic excellence and support their continuing contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage.

The Holmes Brothers - Wendell Holmes (guitarist/pianist/vocalist/songwriter), Sherman Holmes (bassist/ vocalist/songwriter) and brother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon (drummer/vocalist) - are true treasures of American roots music. For 35 years, The Holmes Brothers' joyous and moving blend of blues, gospel, soul, R&B, rock 'n' roll and country has been captivating audiences around the world. Their spine-tingling three-part harmony singing, mixing Wendell's gruff and gravelly vocals with Popsy's soaring falsetto and Sherman's rich baritone, brings the spirit of gospel-inflected deep soul music into every song they perform. Equally gripping is the rhythmic foundation laid down by Sherman's bass playing and Popsy's drumming, perfectly complementing Wendell's blues-soaked guitar solos and church-inspired piano playing. The band expertly blends Saturday night's roadhouse rock and blues with the gospel passion ofSunday morning's church service. Rolling Stone says The Holmes Brothers play "impressive, fervent country soul."  Entertainment Weekly goes farther, declaring "The Holmes Brothers are juke joint vets with a brazenly borderless view of American music...timeless and rapturous."

The band's new Alligator Records album, Brotherhood, was produced by Glenn Patscha (Ollabelle, Marc Cohn), Chris Bruce (Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Seal) and Hector Castillo (Brazilian Girls, David Bowie). It is another stellar chapter in The Holmes Brothers' storied and still-evolving history. It's also their most bluesy album to date, filled with roadhouse wisdom, late-night doo wop, a proto rock 'n' roll punch, soulful R&B and closing with an amazing dose of Sunday morning spirit. Featuring fourteen songs?including eight new Holmes Brothers originals and six carefully-chosen covers?Brotherhood finds The Holmes Brothers at the top of their game, creating timeless roots music.  Brotherhood is a testament to the uplifting musical power that comes from the close-knit, fraternally telepathic relationship of The Holmes Brothers.

The Holmes Brothers have seemingly done it all?from winning multiple Blues Music Awards to sharing stages and recordings with Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Osborne, Willie Nelson, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Ben Harper, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle. WithBrotherhood, The Holmes Brothers prove yet again they are, as USA Todaysays, "glorious...full of soul and surprises."  "Fervent, inspired and joyful blues, R&B, soul, roadhouse rock and gospel...beautiful harmonies, true magic."-NPR

Since their recording debut on Rounder in 1989, The Holmes Brothers have toured virtually non-stop. They've performed in 50 different countries, including dates across the United States, Canada, throughout Europe, and in Singapore, Japan, Russia, Turkey, South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In addition to their four critically acclaimed Rounder albums, they recorded Jubilation for Peter Gabriel's Real World label in 1992, becoming the first American group to record for the standout world music imprint. 1996 found The Holmes Brothers starring in the independent motion picture Lotto Land, for which they also recorded the soundtrack.

The Holmes Brothers joined Alligator Records in 2001, releasing the Joan Osborne-produced Speaking In Tongues to overwhelming popular and critical acclaim. They followed with 2004's Simple Truths, 2007's State Of Grace and 2010's Feed My Soul (which debuted at #1 on the BillboardBlues Chart), each release earning the band more fans and more accolades. The success of their albums led to multiple appearances on national television, including visits to The Late Show With David Letterman and two trips to Late Night With Conan O'Brien, as well as a rousing performance on CBSSaturday Morning. Profiles and concerts on NPR have put them in front of millions of listeners. They have appeared on Weekend Edition, All Things Considered, A Prairie Home Companion and performed on NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert. They played their original song "Opportunity to Cry" with Willie Nelson for the Willie Nelson & Friends: Outlaws And Angels TV special. The Holmes Brothers continue to tear up the highway, touring across the country and around the world. Greg Kot of The Chicago Tribune said The Holmes Brothers are a "joyous, foot-stomping carnival...a gift to the world of music."

23 Jul 2014

Shannon Beshears Named to the Spring 2014 President's Honor Roll at Oklahoma City University

By Randy Stalsberg

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (07/22/2014)(readMedia)-- Oklahoma City University is proud to announce that Shannon Beshears of Milan, IL has been named to the President's Honor Roll for the spring 2014 semester.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during a semester and maintain a GPA of 3.9 or higher to meet the President's Honor Roll requirements.

Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University is a non-profit, comprehensive, private United Methodist university that is consistently ranked among the best in its category. OCU students pursue academic excellence through a rigorous liberal arts & sciences core curriculum that focuses on their intellectual, moral and spiritual development.

23 Jul 2014

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY BLUES SOCIETY PRESENT THE IOWA SOLO/DUO BLUES CHALLENGE

By Kristy Bennett

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents the 2014 Iowa Solo/Duo Blues Challenge Preliminary Round to be held July 27 atThe Muddy Waters, 1708 State St., Bettendorf, IA. Four Solo/Duo groups will compete starting at 4:00 p.m. The cost of admission is $5 for all persons.  

For 21 years, the competition has been sponsored by the Central Iowa Blues Society in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. The contest is open to any Iowa blues groups that has not been nominated for the Blues Music Awards (Handy's).

Competitors are 'Detroit' Larry Davison & Charlie Hayes, Dan Peart, SaJes, and the Zach and Mike Show.  The solo and duo groups will start at 4 PM and perform 20-minute sets.

Two of the group will proceed to the final Iowa competition, held atZimm's Food & Spirits, 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines on August 24, with the final winner earning $250 cash prize, 8 hours recording time courtesy of Junior's Motel in Otho IA, opportunity for paid performances at 2015 Winter Blues Fest and the 2015 Bottoms Up Blues Bash, among others, and entry into and $300 travel expenses for 2015 International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN. The prize package, considered one of the best for such a competition, includes cash, travel expenses, and recording time.

 

FOLLOWED BY BRENT JOHNSON AND THE CALL UP

The Muddy Waters presents Texas native Brent Johnson and his band The Call Up on Sunday, July 27 starting at 6:00 p.m. Admission to the show in only $5 per person.

A guitar prodigy from the age of four, South Texas born Brent Johnson always knew where he wanted his playing to take him. Drinking in the very best of Blues, Jazz, Rock, Punk, Country and World Music, by the time his family moved to New Orleans in his teens, he was predestined towards a career in music.

"My sound is rooted in the Blues, though I don't pretend to be a purist, and I don't want to be" he explains, " I write music based on my experiences and the sounds I grew up with... I never want to pretend that I had the same experiences as the old Bluesmen did - so I'm not going to go around trying to sound like them. What I do is put the emphasis on the feeling of the music, the passion, the urgency, the directness - that's the goal".

Brent describes himself as "always a guitarslinger... I always loved songwriters and wrote songs for myself".

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