03 Jul 2014

Simon celebrates 50 years since the Civil Rights Act this Independence Day

By Annie Thompson

CARBONDALE – July 2, 2014. Heading into the Fourth of July weekend, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"As we prepare to celebrate our country`s 238th birthday, we should take time to look back on the half century since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act," Simon said. "Today, we should honor the brave struggle of activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders. We have come a long way, but there is still more work to be done to ensure true equality."

Simon spent part of the day Wednesday, the anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, at Southern Illinois University, where she spoke to international students about American politics and civil rights.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was conceived by President John F. Kennedy, defended in Congress by U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen of Illinois, and enacted under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Signed July 2, 1964, it ensures equality under the law regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The law has given Americans a tool to fight discrimination in housing, the job market, the courtroom, and at the polls.

Simon continues to support the expansion of civil rights in Illinois. She spoke out in favor of marriage equality, and celebrated alongside activists as the marriage equality law went into effect last month. The law ensures the marriages of same-sex couples are legally recognized in Illinois.

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03 Jul 2014

BBB Asks Donors to Honor July 4th by Helping Advocacy Charities

By Better Business Bureau
BBB Wise Giving Alliance Urges Donors to Actively Show Support for Advocacy Charities that Meet its Rigorous Standards
As Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, BBB Wise Giving Alliance calls for donors to show their support for charities that fight for a variety of causes.  "As we gather to cheer America's birthday," notes H. Art Taylor, President & CEO of BBB Wise Giving Alliance, "we should also applaud and assist those charities that conduct advocacy."
"The freedom of choice, to support the causes we care about, reminds us of the spirit of the July 4th holiday. But whether the charity advocates for issues related to civil rights, immigration, the environment, animal welfare, health care, veterans,  military service members or other issues," Taylor cautions donors to, "verify if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability by visiting give.org."
"Donor trust is essential for helping to maintain a vibrant and independent charitable community," notes Chris Coleman, President & CEO of BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities & Siouxland Region, "we believe that charities that seek to meet our rigorous standards understand the significant role that trust plays in successful fundraising."
To help donors support advocacy charities during the Independence Day and throughout the year, BBB offers the following tips:
  1. More than a Charity Name. Don't assume the nature of the advocacy charity's programs based solely on its name. Review the organization's website to better understand its positions and activities.
  2. Be Wary of Overly Emotional Appeals. Watch out for charity appeals that seek to stir your passions for an advocacy issue but don't tell you what the charity is specifically doing to address the matter.
  3. Many Voices for Each Cause. For any advocacy issue, there are a variety of charities seeking to address the matter in their own way.  The charity soliciting you is not the only option to consider. Many charities that carry out program services such as health care research, education, veterans assistance are also engaged in advocacy activities related to their mission.
  4. Accountability is More than Finances. It would be a mistake to overemphasize charity finances when assessing a charity.  BBB Wise Giving Alliance reminds donors that its broad standards address many other aspects of accountability such as governance, effectiveness reporting, appeal accuracy, website disclosures, donor privacy and other matters.
  5. Deductibility Verification. Don't assume that all advocacy organizations are tax exempt as charities.  If deductibility is important to you, see if the advocacy appeal references whether the organization is tax exempt as a charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ABOUT BBB WISE GIVING ALLIANCE: BBB Wise Giving Alliance produces reports on over 1,300 nationally soliciting charitable organizations, and local BBBs report on another 10,000 local and regional charities. BBB Wise Giving Alliance does not rank charities but rather seeks to assist donors in making informed judgments by providing objective evaluations of national charities based on 20 standards that address charity governance, finances, fund raising, appeal accuracy, and other issues. The outcomes of the evaluations are available online at give.org.  For more information on local charities, you should contact Lynn Ross-Cope, Charity Review Coordinator, at lynn@dm.bbb.org or 515-243-8137 x309.
03 Jul 2014

BANDITS TO WEAR CAPS TO SUPPORT VETERANS

By Marco LaNave
The same caps worn by the team on July 4 will be on sale in the team store July 3 and online July 7

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 2, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits are among 113 teams across Minor League Baseball teams that will honor America and help raise much-needed funds for a worthy cause this Independence Day holiday weekend by wearing specially designed "Stars & Stripes" caps from New Era Cap Company.

The River Bandits will wear the specialty caps - as well as sell the caps in the team store at Modern Woodmen Park - as part of fundraising and awareness initiatives for Welcome Back Veterans, an organization dedicated to addressing the ongoing needs of military personnel and their families.

"Our military and their families make tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom and defend our country, and we look forward to honoring them this Fourth of July weekend," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "The Stars & Stripes program gives River Bandits fans a unique opportunity to support our military personnel and their families, show their Bandit pride and look great in the process!"

The caps have the American flag etched into a star behind the team's white primary logo, with a red crown and blue brims and buttons. The caps can be purchased in the River Bandits team store for $30 each beginning Thursday, and they will be available to order online beginning Monday, July 7.

Minor League Baseball, in conjunction with its licensing partner Major League Baseball Properties, will once again donate 100 percent of the proceeds from cap sales to Welcome Back Veterans as part of its contribution to the program. Since the program's inception in 2010, MiLB has contributed annually to the veterans' organization.

The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park to face the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 7 p.m. Friday in the opener of a three-game series and a six-game homestand. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

03 Jul 2014

Why Even Diet Soda Is Bad for You

By Dennis Thompson Jr.

Say No to Soda, Yes to Healthy Drinks

Learn five reasons why soda is bad for you and five healthy drinks that are better for quenching your thirst.

Sodas are sweet, sparkling and tasty ? but don't confuse them with a healthy drink. Doctors have discovered a ton of health risks connected with drinking soda pop. Worse, you're robbing yourself of a healthy drink alternative brimming with needed vitamins and minerals every time you chug down a soft drink.

"If you're choosing a soda, chances are you aren't choosing a healthy beverage," says Keri M. Gans, a nutrition consultant in New York City and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. There are a number of healthy drink choices you can make instead.

Why Say No to Soda?

  • Soda is truly worthless to your body. "In my opinion, there's really one major reason to not drink soda," Gans says. "It has absolutely no nutritional value. Soda is filled with sugar and calories and nothing else." Even diet sodas ? low to no calories and sugar ? don't have any redeeming virtues, nutritionally. Healthy drinks, on the other hand, have vitamins and minerals the body can use. Even plain water can rehydrate your body without adding extra calories to your diet.
  • Sugary sodas contribute to obesity and diabetes. Soda is loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener that has been linked to obesity. Soda consumption also has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, both due to its sugar content and its effects on the body's hormones. And diet soda? It may not be any better. At least one study has linked artificial sweeteners, such as those used in diet sodas, to increased appetite, greater difficulty losing weight, and a harder time maintaining weight loss.
  • Soda damages your teeth. The sugar in soda coats your teeth, combining with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. Both regular and diet soda also contain carbolic acid through carbonation. These acids work to weaken tooth enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay.
  • Drinking soda can weaken your bones. Most sodas contain phosphorous and caffeine, agents that are believed to contribute to osteoporosis. Experts also worry that people consume soda in place of milk or other healthy drinks, depriving the bones of calcium.
  • Soda can harm your major organs. Research has demonstrated that increased soft drink consumption may be linked to chronic kidney disease, development of metabolic syndrome (a group of symptoms that add up to increased heart risk), and fatty liver, a chronic liver disease.

Healthy Drink Alternatives

Luckily, there are limitless options when choosing a healthy drink over a soda pop. Some soda alternatives include :

  • Water. It is the ultimate healthy drink. "It's free in every sense of the word," Gans says. "It has no calories and it comes straight from your tap."
  • Fruit juice. Gans urges you not to drink straight fruit juice, which contains a lot of sugar. "Drink some seltzer with a splash of juice for a little flavoring," she says. "Rather than drinking juice, eat a piece of whole fruit. You're also getting the fiber in the fruit."
  • Milk. This is another essential healthy drink, particularly for kids. "An 8-ounce glass of nonfat milk has 80 calories and nine essential nutrients," Gans says. "You get a lot of bang for your buck."
  • Tea. Whatever teas you prefer ? green, black, herbal ? they all have been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants, which are believed to protect the body from damage.
  • Powdered drink mixes. They contain no tooth-rotting carbonation, and come in sugar-free varieties. They give your sweet tooth a fix without harming your overall nutrition.

And remember that you can always cut up some fresh fruit and pop a little into a tall glass of water for an extra flavor kick. Choosing healthy drinks over soda: Give it a try. Your body will thank you.

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
03 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Strengthen African American Family Commission

By Katie Hickey

Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act by Signing New Law at Chicago's Oldest African American Church

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to strengthen the Illinois African American Family Commission. The Governor signed the legislation at the Quinn Chapel AME Church, the oldest African American congregation in Chicago. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all Illinois residents.

"The Civil Rights Act was signed 50 years ago and proved that working hard for what you believe in can change the world," Governor Quinn said. "History shows that in the fight against injustice, justice will always prevail. This new law is the latest of many steps in the long journey toward true equality in Illinois."

Senate Bill 121, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago), expands the African American Family Commission's role to include monitoring legislation and developing programs to address the needs of African Americans in Illinois. The new law also updates official statistics concerning education, employment, income and health and adds additional state agencies to the commission to assist with implementing the commission's recommendations. The new law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

"Including African-Americans in the development and planning process of policies and programs will guarantee Illinois is better serving the needs of minorities," Senator Hunter said.

"I am proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights movement and the strides that we have made toward social equality," Representative Dunkin said. "The African American Family Commission is a critical tool in furthering our efforts to overcome inequalities in the black community such as access to employment opportunities, healthcare, quality education and a fair justice system. I am honored to stand here with my colleagues and the residents of Illinois to make positive change for the future of our state."

Courageous acts such as nation-wide sit-ins, the March on Selma and the integrated Southern bus tour of the Freedom Riders in the 1960s helped lead to passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. President John F. Kennedy first proposed the legislation, and it was drafted by Attorney General Robert Kennedy. President Lyndon Johnson picked up the torch and a bipartisan push in the U.S. Senate, led by Illinois' U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen, broke the filibuster that opponents were trying to use to stop the legislation.

Governor Quinn has long supported equal rights and opportunities for all. Between 2008 and 2013, Illinois increased state contracts awarded to minority and women-owned firms by more than 59 percent - an increase of more than $120 million. He fought for legislation creating a program that provides working capital loans for minorities and women and ensuring a fair state contract bidding process for minority and women-owned businesses.

In addition, Governor Quinn led the charge for marriage equality and signed legislation making Illinois the 16th state in the nation to embrace full marriage equality. He also created the Governor's Office of New Americans to provide services, build partnerships and spearhead legislation to improve the integration of Illinois' two million immigrants. The Governor has also more than doubled the number of Illinois Welcoming Centers, which provide a wide range of services to newcomers.

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03 Jul 2014

Gov. Branstad issues disaster proclamation for six more counties

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad issued two proclamations of disaster emergency for a total of six counties in response to flooding and severe weather.

The first proclamation allows State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from flooding and severe weather beginning on June 26, 2014. Counties included in the proclamation are:  Clinton, Des Moines, Hardin, and Lee.

The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for three counties:  Clinton, Hardin and Lee.

In addition to this, Gov. Branstad issued a second proclamation of disaster emergency for two counties in response to the ongoing severe storms beginning June 13, 2014. Counties included in the proclamation are: Crawford and Shelby. The governor's proclamation allows State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of the storms.

The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for three counties: Cedar, Clay and Emmet.

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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03 Jul 2014

Despite Flooding, Davenport is Open for Business

By T. Brecht

Front Street Brewery's signature beer is called Raging River Ale.

The name is hitting a little close to home for the long-time Davenport business, which boasts two riverfront locations - one between Pershing and Perry streets on River Drive and the other in the riverfront Freight House building.

The muddy Mississippi may be knocking at the front door, but manager Jenny Ash says both locations are open and serving.

"It was a little slow at lunch today, probably because parking is hard to find," she said. "But this flood is typical and manageable."

Ash has worked at Front Street for 22 years and has been through seven major floods. Improvements in the city's flood protection plan over the years have made them much easier to deal with than the deluge in 1993 that knocked the brewery out of business for an extended period.

"When we see the Hesco barriers going in, it's very reassuring to us," she said, as several patrons stepped in to order lunch and gawk at the rising waters just outside the large picture window out front.

Downstream a bit, Ed Kraklio Jr. of Nostalgia Farms Deli said the lunch rush today was more like a trickle. Too many people don't realize that despite River Drive being closed, you can still access businesses south of the road. Still, he's pleased with the flood protection measures in place.

"We're still prepping and getting ready for the weekend," he said. "Although we will be closed on the 4th because they cancelled Red, White and Boom."

Michelle Magyar, one of the co-owners of Mid-American Glass on River Drive, said they are coping with this flood much better than the last major flood in 2011.

A recent $5 million expansion, with a new building on their site, allows them to ship out a new dock to the north, meaning they no longer need access from River Drive.

"We are an island, but it's business as usual although it's hectic," she said. "The city helped us put this new building in and we can now get in without going through the water."

Any business owner that needs assistance with flood fighting should contact Public Works at (563) 326-7923.

03 Jul 2014

Volcanoes on the Clinton Showboat

By Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

The Children's Theatre Series at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre opened each of its shows this month, and they will continue to run each Saturday at noon throughout the summer. The latest production, A Sour Study in Lemonade, included the high school students solving a mystery through science experiments. Kate Struble, a freshman at Clinton High School, plays the lab technician at Max's Lemonade Stand. She explains to the children in the audience how to create ooze, invisible ink, and volcanos by using regular household products. Clayton Melvin, a freshman from DeWitt, plays the owner of the Lemonade Stand that has been sabotaged. His employees, played by Audrey Simpson, Ireland Knapper, and Emma and Cassie Van Zuiden, run a full-scale investigation to solve the mystery. Spoiler alert: there is a volcano that erupts on stage.

The second show of the series is The Beginning of the Armadillo, playing this Friday in a special free performance for Independence Day, and again July 12 and August 2. This charming musical, written by Bill Kincaid of Macomb, Illinois, brings the Rudyard Kipling story to life. Allison Winkel, a junior at Fulton High School, and Matt Espey, a senior at Clinton High School, play the Hedgehog and Tortoise, who try to trick the Jaguar, played by Clinton High junior, Danica Smith. Two more Clinton High School students complete the cast of this exciting new musical: Alice Lind and Savannah Medley.

The first show of the series, A Very Clinton Variety Show, is a vaudeville performance including musical numbers, comedy acts, and sketches outlining the history of Clinton and the Showboat. DeWitt Clinton, played by Kayla Zeimet of DeWitt, even makes an appearance. Hailey Goble, a recent graduate of Clinton High School, helps lead the show as one of the emcees, even helping audience volunteers create an animal symphony on stage. "It's inspiring to see the high school students taking the lead when the younger children want to get involved," says Kristin Katsu, Education Director at the Showboat. "It's different at every show, but they know how to keep the audience entertained."

Each performance leaves the audience of children with an excitement to create their own theatre at home. The talkback sessions give the children a sneak peak into the world of theatre, connecting their lives to the message of each show. The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre definitely builds a curiosity in the children, giving them a reason to create their own science experiments or lemonade stands or animal costumes. The internship program creates productions that inspire the younger children to become life-long learners as well as life-long theatre patrons.

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is located on Riverview Road in Clinton, Iowa, and the interns are from Clinton, Fulton, Camanche, and DeWitt. Haley Appel, Kaela Baker, Liv Clark, Erin Hardigan, and Aiden McMinimy complete the cast of high school students that create these outstanding productions. Children's Theatre performances take place on the Showboat stage every Saturday at noon. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door. To find out about show times and tickets, visit www.clintonshowboat.org or call the box office today: 563-242-6760.

03 Jul 2014

East Moline Resident Shannon Strickland Makes the Spring 2014 President's List at Pratt Institute

By Randy Stalsberg

BROOKLYN, NY (07/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Shannon Strickland, East Moline resident and a student at the prestigious Pratt Institute, was among more than 1,000 students who made the President's List in the Spring 2014 semester.

Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is a global leader in higher education dedicated to preparing its 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in art, design, architecture, information and library science, and liberal arts and sciences. Located in the cultural hub of New York City with historic campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Pratt is a living lab of craft and creativity with esteemed professors and scholars who challenge their talented students to transform their passion into meaningful expression.

Under the leadership of President Thomas F. Schutte, the curricula and reputations of Pratt's four professional schools, which include 22 undergraduate and 25 graduate degree-granting programs, are recognized internationally and perennially listed among the best in top-tier rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, DesignIntelligence, and others.

03 Jul 2014

Illinois and Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers sweep the MAC IV Regionals

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Regional Soldiers share camaraderie during competition

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Illinois and Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers sweep the MAC IV RegionalsCAMP PERRY, Ohio. - National Guard soldiers from five states gathered at Camp Perry, Ohio this weekend to compete in the Marksmanship Advisory Council Region Four-Small Arms Championship.

Illinois teams took first and second place overall, while the Wisconsin team placed in third. Both states also claim an individual champion. The individual pistol champion hails from Illinois and the individual rifle champion calls Wisconsin home.

The first place team consists of Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Mix, Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; Staff Sgt. Gabriel Cullers, HHC, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment; Sgt. 1st Class John Stockton, HHC, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team; and Spc. Joseph Miller, 232nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion; all of the Illinois National Guard. Stockton was also the individual pistol champion.

Sgt. Brandon Swanson, of the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Brigade Combat Team, Wisconsin National Guard, not only took the top individual spot, but was part of the third place team.

Swanson is also a member of the All Guard Service Rifle Team, which means he represents the National Guard at military and civilian marksmanship competitions across the U.S.

Competitions aren't just about winning awards though. The ability to shoot accurately is a basic soldier skill. "I think fundamentally, it's the most important thing in the entire military," said Swanson.

Swanson uses his marksmanship skills to positively affect his fellow soldiers. He works with other units in his state to pass along those skills. He will soon be attending the Small Arms Master Gunner course in his efforts to become a marksmanship instructor.

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Glover, of the Master Weapons Training Team, Ohio National Guard, also knows a little bit about training marksmanship skills. He has personally been shooting competitively since 2002, but has been part of the MWTT for the last six years.

Glover has spent a lot of time on the range training soldiers how to be an effective shooter. "We have done a lot of support for the pre- and post-mobilization training for deploying units," said Glover. "They bring us in to help them out on the live fire portion of their training."

The primary mission of Glover's team is to provide primary marksmanship instruction for all Ohio units. As the Assistant Noncommissioned-Officer-In-Charge of the team, it is something that he takes a lot of pride in, but he isn't too proud to learn some new tips at the competitions though.

"One of our guys has a different hold on his standing position where he gets his arm fully extended on the front hand guard," said Glover. "I think it has promise."

The Marksmanship Advisory Council Small Arms Championships occur each year around the nation. There are seven MAC regions in the U.S. that include all 54 states and territories. Ideally, each state conducts their own state matches to find the best teams to send to the MAC regional matches.

The matches are sponsored by the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center in North Little Rock, Ark. Col. Franklin D. Powell, commander of the NGMTC, feels competition is another training tool to strengthen our core of service members.

"These shooters need to take what they learn at these competitions back to their units," said Powell. "If they work hard out here and learn from other shooters, they can bring back a wealth of knowledge that can be invaluable to their units."

First time shooter, Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Zabinski, Alpha Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Wisconsin National Guard, seems to agree.

"The shooting community is awesome," said Zabinski. "I can talk to anybody from any state and they're willing to give up any information whatsoever. We're all on the same team."

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