15 Apr 2014

Simon releases 2013 tax returns

By Ted Nelson

Urges officials to pass Senate Bill 1361, disclose more about personal finances

CARBONDALE - April 14, 2014. Illustrating her commitment to government transparency, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today released her 2013 tax returns along with personal financial statements for herself and her senior staff. Simon said the financial data goes beyond the disclosure required by law and is necessary for taxpayers to determine if she or her staff harbors any conflicts of interest. For a copy of Simon's returns click here.

This is the fourth consecutive year in state office that she released the data, a tradition she started as Carbondale City Council Member and will maintain while holding elected office.

"Transparency and accountability go hand in hand," Simon said. "I invite residents to view my financial information and learn that I have no conflicts of interest. I urge state lawmakers to strengthen our disclosure laws so that taxpayers can trust their leaders."

According to the tax returns, Simon and her husband, Perry Knop, a community college professor, reported adjusted gross income of $207,522 in 2013. They paid $44,393 in federal and state taxes, which equates to an effective tax rate of almost 27 percent (22 percent federal, 4.7 percent state).

Simon and Knop contributed more than $3,300 to charity, including support for Southern Illinois University Foundation and various arts, health and women's organizations. Their primary debts include a mortgage for their Carbondale home and a car loan for a Ford Focus, and they sold stock to help pay for a daughter's college tuition.

State law does not require elected officials to release tax returns, but they are mandated to file a Statement of Economic Interests each May. Simon, the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and other good government advocates have criticized the mandated form for being too confusing and riddled with loopholes.

Simon backs legislation, SB 1361, that would overhaul the questions for the first time in 40 years. It passed the Senate with overwhelming support and is now in the House Rules committee.

The Chicago Tribune editorial board has called for passage, stating in a December editorial: "Disclosure statements, as they stand now, are a joke. Speaker Madigan, let this bill out of Rules and bring it to a vote. This kind of sunlight is really needed."

Until the law changes, Simon encouraged lawmakers to voluntarily disclose their finances.

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15 Apr 2014

Governor Quinn Urges Homebuyers to Act Fast and Take Advantage of Welcome Home Illinois Program

By Dave Blanchette

Program Offers First-Time Homebuyers Down-Payment Assistance and a 3.75 Percent Interest Rate on a 30-Year Fixed Mortgage

CHICAGO - Two weeks after first launching the Welcome Home Illinois loan program, Governor Pat Quinn is traveling to cities across Illinois to raise awareness of the program, discuss its benefits and explain how people can participate. The Governor is visiting Chicago, Rockford, the Quad Cities and Peoria to discuss the impact first-time homebuyers have on the state's economy and urge them to act fast while the program is available. The events are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive economic growth by making homeownership more affordable in Illinois.

"Welcome Home Illinois is helping first-time homebuyers afford their first home and we want to make sure that everyone who qualifies gets a chance to participate," Governor Quinn said. "This program will help give hardworking men and women the opportunity of homeownership that they deserve, and help drive our economy forward."

The new loan program is administered through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and provides first-time homebuyers $7,500 in down-payment assistance with an interest rate as low as 3.75 percent for a secure, 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Generating interest at a faster pace than other IHDA programs, the timing is perfect for Welcome Home Illinois, tailored to working families, with borrower income limits up to 140 percent of the area median income (AMI) as the spring buying cycle hits its stride. For example, a family of three in Cook County could qualify even if earning as much as $106,000 in annual household income, and a family of three in Rockford could qualify with an annual household income of $90,020.

Following an overwhelming response to the launch of the program, more than $19.7 million in financing has been reserved as residents lock in $7,500 in down-payment assistance and below-market rates. Many house hunters are already flooding the housing market during the spring buying season. More than 24,000 have visited the Welcome Home Illinois website and local home buyers are quickly recognizing the program for its historically low rates, currently at 3.75 percent, which is well below the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4.47 percent.

"We know it is time to get our own home to meet the needs of our family, but we weren't sure where to start or how we could afford it," Nick Ng, Chicago resident and prospective first-time home buyer, said. "Learning we pre-qualified for the Welcome Home Illinois program really opened the door to the possibility of homeownership for us."

Nick and his wife have been married for seven years and are parents to four young children. Hearing impaired and working as a graphic designer at Roosevelt University, Nick will soon experience the important milestone of moving out of a relative's home and into one he can finally call his own.

"Families across the state are quickly recognizing Welcome Home Illinois as a perfect first step to becoming a homeowner," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "With 175 reservations made in the program's first 14 days, it's truly gratifying to see this program help real people realize their dream of home ownership, helping them to build a better future and leading to a stronger overall economy in Illinois."

According to the Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR), every home sold generates two jobs and $60,000 in ripple effects to the overall economy. This impact has already been realized statewide with other IHDA programs. In 2013, 3,000 families purchased homes through one of IHDA's programs, generating 1,500 jobs and infusing $70 million into Illinois' economy. Projections show that even just a 15 percent increase in 2014 could generate an additional 1,725 jobs and infuse another $10 million into Illinois' economy.

Welcome Home Illinois is open to qualified Illinois first-time homebuyers on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is funded through Illinois Jobs Now! and the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund. In addition to creating homeownership opportunities, the Welcome Home Illinois loan will stimulate statewide economic activity and will generate an estimated:

•       1,500 full-time jobs.

•       $50 million from real estate-related industries.

•       More than $40 million in economic activity for the state.

•       Additional $16 million in other statewide spending.

With funding quickly being reserved, interested homebuyers can find additional details about the program and a list of 100 lenders at welcomehomeillinois.gov.

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14 Apr 2014

RIVER BANDITS-WHITECAPS POSTPONED MONDAY

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities and West Michigan will play free doubleheader at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 14, 2014) - Monday night's game between the Quad Cities River Bandits and West Michigan Whitecaps at Modern Woodmen Park has been postponed due to snow and cold weather. The game will be made up in a doubleheader at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Gates will open with free admission at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, and any individual tickets for Monday's game may be exchanged at the box office for any remaining 2014 home game.
The free-admission Quad Cities Community Appreciation Night on Tuesday will now feature two free baseball games. When the gates open at 4:30 p.m., everyone can walk into Modern Woodmen Park for free. All regular individual (non-season ticket) seating is first-come, first-served. Tuesday night is also presented by WOC and Q106.5.
Quad Cities (5-5) and West Michigan (6-4) are scheduled to play a pair of seven-inning games Tuesday. It will be the third doubleheader of the season for the River Bandits, and the first of the season for the Whitecaps. Game 1 will feature River Bandits left-hander Kent Emanuel (0-0) against Whitecaps right-hander Jeff Thompson (0-0). Game 2 will is scheduled to have River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (1-1) against Whitecaps left-hander Kevin Ziomek (0-1).
UP NEXT: Everyone is invited for free to the 5:30 p.m. doubleheader Tuesday on Quad Cities Community Appreciation Night at Modern Woodmen Park. To order any of the 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.
14 Apr 2014

Jordan Catholic School- Peanut Butter & Prayers

By Janine Parr

Jordan fourth grade students have collected Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Crackers for their Lenten service project "Peanut Butter & Prayers." The food will be donated to the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry to serve as a healthy snack for children. The Jordan students pray each day for all children in our community who go to bed hungry.

Fr. Jeremy Freehill will visit Ms. Debbie Patronagio's 4th grade classroom at 9:00 a.m. this Thursday April 17th to accept the donation.

14 Apr 2014

CATHOLIC SISTERS RELEASE "EARTH AS OUR HOME" BOOKLET

By Rick Martin

Too often when we hear the word 'house' we only think of a physical building and its rooms. But what if we began to think of Earth as our house - with various rooms - what would we need to do to make this 'house' a true 'home?'  The Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth have prepared a reflection booklet on the various rooms of a house, placing each room and its activities into the broader context of our Earth-home. The booklet is available as a free download at www.ClintonFranciscans.com/earth.html.

The word ecology has its roots in the Greek words "oikos" meaning house or household and "logos" meaning to gather, count, recount, say, speak. Ecology is understood as the legend or logic of the dwelling place. In its essence it is the story of where we live.  This story of the house instructs us and informs our actions in managing this household we call Earth.

"We are excited to make this publication available in time for Earth Day on April 22nd," says the group's coordinator, Joy Peterson, PBVM.  "Our intention is to take a new look at how everything we do, no matter where we are, is interconnected and tied to the well-being of all living things."  The booklet includes suggestions of simple actions for families to take in order to live more sustainably and walk more gently on Earth.

Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth is made up of representatives from congregations of women religious from the upper Mississippi Valley in eastern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin including: Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport, IA; School Sisters of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province, St. Louis, MO; Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, Sinsinawa, WI; Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, IA; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, IA; Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA and the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, IA.  The mission of the group states: "Respecting the interdependence of creation, we will promote eco-literacy and influence a just relationship with the environment.
14 Apr 2014

Agenda for Eastern Iowa MH-DS region Governing Board of Directors Meeting

By Lori Elam

EASTERN IOWA MENTAL HEALTH AND DISABILITY SERVICES REGION

Governing Board of Directors Meeting

Scott County Administration Building

Room 605

April 21, 2014

3:00 PM

  1. Roll Call

  1. Approval of Minutes

  1. Appointment of Fiscal Agent

  1. Gender Balance

  1. Website

  1. Contracts

  1. Insurance

  1. Legislative Update

  1. CEO Report

  1. Other Items

  1. Public Comment

  1. Adjournment

14 Apr 2014

Marketing on Facebook

By Ginny Grimsley

Forget the 'Likes' - How to Market Effectively
Using Today's Facebook

3 Ways to Benefit from Paid Ads & Boosted Posts

It seems nothing changes faster than the big social media platforms -- Facebook, Twitter, Google+. No sooner do marketers figure out how to best promote a product or business than they change the rules!

That's been especially true for Facebook, which had to find new ways to make money after going public two years ago. Twitter has also been making changes since its IPO in November, but most of them - including a visual redesign, tagging people and uploading multiple photos - are geared toward user friendliness. Even Google+, owned by Google, which went public way back in 2004, is constantly tweaking.

But the tweaks bringing the most squeals of protest are those being made by Facebook. Basically, it has taken away users' ability to reach - for free - all or even most of the people they've worked so hard to attract to their pages.

So, do brands and businesses just abandon the platform and the audience there?

"No - they just have to change how you use Facebook," says Jonathan Sellers, a social media strategist at EMSI Public Relations, (www.emsincorporated.com).

"In the past, the goal was to get as many people to 'like' your page - or to 'friend' you if you were using a personal page for marketing purposes," he says. "Forget likes. Now, Facebook makes you pay to get people to like your page by charging you to promote your posts, and then it makes you pay again to get your posts in front of them. That seriously devalues the like!"

Only 5 to 10 percent of people following your business or brand pages - sometimes even less! - will see what you have to share if you don't pay for extra visibility via a "boosted post," he says.

"So the focus should shift from working to get people following your page to getting your content to your market."

Facebook's inexpensive ads and "boosted posts" actually offer some great benefits, he notes. Here are three he says we should be taking advantage of:

•  Flexibility. Facebook allows you to create ads and boost posts for any number of reasons.  For example, you can create content designed to drive people to your website; get them to engage with you; to sign up for an event; or even track visitors.

•  Targeting. Did you know that when you create an ad on Facebook, you can choose the specific types of people you want to see the ad?  Targeting on Facebook goes far beyond the traditional demographics of age, sex and location. You can target people based on their interests. Are you a sports bar owner in Miami who wants to attract Chicago Bears fans to watch the games at your place every week? Facebook makes it super easy for you to reach people who live in your ZIP code, who are over 21 and who love the Bears.

•  Reporting. Facebook offers very detailed reporting so you can rest assured that you will see exactly where your ad dollars are going.  There is a slight learning curve to figure out the best ways to utilize the data, but it's there for you.

"This experience should be a lesson to all of us that we cannot become too dependent on any single platform," Sellers says.

"They're all going to continuously evolve to find the best mix of optimal user experience and profit."

About Jonathan Sellers

Jonathan Sellers is a social media strategist at EMSI Public Relations, a social media marketing and national pay-for-performance PR firm. A graduate of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Sellers specializes in online content marketing strategies, driving engagement through blogging best practices and use of multiple media formats including video, photos and graphics. He has managed online marketing initiatives for companies in a variety of industries, including health care and advertising.

14 Apr 2014

Sing-along 'Sound of Music' and 'Young Frankenstein' films at TLP

By Rick Martin

Mount Carroll, IL--Timber Lake Playhouse announces the Sing-a-long 'Sound of Music' Event and a one night only screening of the classic Mel Brooks film 'Young Frankenstein.' Let's start at the very beginning (a very good place to start)...

For those not yet converted, Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen technicolor, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along! TLP will host two screenings, Saturday, May 3 at 6:30 pm and Sunday, May 4 at 2:00 pm.

The fun-filled show starts with a vocal warm-up led by the evening's host, who also takes the audience through their complimentary 'magic moments fun pack', containing various props to be used at strategic points throughout the film. Tickets to this interactive event are $15 and include the fun pack of props.

Then of course there is the famous costume competition in which everyone who has come in costume is invited onto the stage to show off their fantastic tailoring skills. And the more venues we play, the more elaborate the costumes get. Previous entries have included:

  • Nuns of both genders (including a pregnant nun!)

  • Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

  • A lonely Goatherd!

  • A group of twenty people were joined together and completely covered in fake turf (the alps!)

  • A man in a gold lycra catsuit (Ray a Drop of Golden Sun!)

  • A man dressed in work overalls and a tool belt (Christopher Plumber)

  • A gazebo!!

  • A carburetor

So get those vocal chords warmed up, cut up those chintz curtains and hurry down for another dose of the international smash-hit sensation! It's the perfect night out for hen parties, birthday celebrations, office outings family trips, or anyone who has ever shed a tear during 'Edelweiss'! Book early because this show sells out.

On Friday, May 2, TLP will screen the acclaimed film comedy 'Young Frankenstein.' The film begins at 7:00 pm and tickets are $10 each. Seats are reserved, so advance purchase is recommended. The film stars Gene Wilder, Cloris Leachman and Madeline Kahn in unforgettable (and endlessly quotable) performances. The stage musical adaptation, also by Mel Brooks, will be presented in July as part of TLP's 53rd summer season!

To order tickets for 'The Sound of Music' or 'Young Frankenstein, or for more information, visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call 815-244-2035. Concessions, including beer and wine, will be served at all events.

14 Apr 2014

Matching Grant Campaign Benefiting Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. Continues Through April 30, 2014

By Kevin Gibbs

To encourage new and/or increased donations from the Quad City community to support and ensure the continued operation of the Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. the Congregation of the Humility of Mary has established a goal of raising $250,000 before April 30, 2014. As a challenge and inspiration, the CHM sisters will match dollar for dollar the first $100,000 raised by the Quad City community. This financial support is vital in order to continue to provide emergency shelter 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year for homeless adult men and women. Thank you to all those who have already donated and we ask those of you who have not to please consider it.

Individuals and groups can send their contributions to Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., Attn: Sister Johanna, 1016 West 5th Street, Davenport, IA 52802. Online donations can be made by visiting the shelter website at www.humilityofmaryshelter.com.

Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. provides emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs that offer opportunities for men and women experiencing homelessness to become emotionally, mentally, and physically more stable. The shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has proudly served the Quad City community since 2008.

14 Apr 2014

Youngblood Brass Band Concert Press Release

By EINNOC10@aol.com

Bettendorf - The Pleasant Valley High School Band Program is excited to be hosting the internationally renowned Youngblood Brass Band live in concert on May 5, 2014. The concert will start at 7:00 in the Pleasant Valley High School Auditorium with PVHS Jazz Combos followed by an hour long set by the Youngblood Brass Band. The concert is an all-ages show and is open to the public. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students in grades K-12 and are available online at www.spartanbands.com.

Youngblood Brass Band flouts convention in an ecstatic, raucous, incendiary fashion, taking the form of a New Orleans brass band and morphing it into a punked-out hip-hop behemoth of groove and purpose. The ten-member ensemble, born in Madison, Wisconsin, now hails from all over the US (Madison, Brooklyn, Nashville, Minneapolis, Chicago) and has been unleashing their crash course in genre-bending on stages worldwide since 2000.

Youngblood has headlined countless tours in the States and abroad, selling out dates in over 20 countries. Their festival re?sume? reads like a list of the heaviest music events in the world: Roskilde, Glastonbury, Lowlands, Pukkelpop, SXSW, CMJ, North Sea Jazz, WOMAD...ad infinitum. Whitehot live shows secured the band's status as an incredible group to witness, whether in an intimate club setting or in front of thousands on a festival stage.

Youngblood's new album (the first in 5 years), Pax Volumi, sees the band partnering with Tru Thoughts, the Brighton UK label that includes a roster ranging from deep soul (Alice Russell) to hiphop (Ty) to straight-up New Orleans brass band (Hot 8), and the pairing couldn't be more apt. This album sees the band finally achieving not just its musical but its production aims, capturing the live intensity of the stage as well as crafting beats and rhymes that bang right out of the speakers. It's almost as if they spent the last 15 years getting ready to become THIS Youngblood Brass Band; as though everything in the past had led up to the creation of an album that defies classification, an album that couldn't be made by any other group. On stages in the states and overseas, the verdict has been issued: the band has never sounded so good. Youngblood Brass Band has become an institution, one that demands to be seen and heard.

This appearance of Youngblood Brass Band has been made possible, in part, through an educational grant from Griggs Music, Jupiter Band Instruments, XO Professional Brass, and Mapex Drums.  Members of Youngblood Brass Band perform on Jupiter Saxophones, XO Brass, and Mapex Drums

For more information, please contact Drew Anderson at andersond@pleasval.k12.ia.us

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