04 Mar 2014

Simon designates Silvis as Illinois Main Street community

By Annie Thompson

Diverse community celebrates heritage, proud history of service

SILVIS - Feb. 28, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon was joined today by state and local officials to name the Village of Silvis as the newest Illinois Main Street community. Silvis becomes the 41st community to hold the Illinois Main Street designation.

"Silvis got its start as the hub of the Rock Island Lines, and continues to be a community on the move," said Simon, the Illinois Main Street Ambassador. "Today Silvis is a vibrant, welcoming city that celebrates its history and diversity."

Today's designation comes after years of economic and population growth in Silvis, a 2012 recipient of the Governor's Hometown Award. Now home to more than 7,000 residents, one of the city's main destinations is Hero Street, U.S.A. The street was renamed in 1968 to honor 57 service members from 33 families who served their country between 1941 and 1968. Six of those died serving during World War II and two during the Korean War. By 1989, over 110 men and women from the block-and-a-half Hero Street, U.S.A. had served in a branch of the United States Military.

"We are very excited to be named the newest Illinois Main Street community and to be able to showcase our many hometown friendly amenities," said Silvis Main Street, Inc. President Dave Emerick. "To be associated with the other municipalities who have earned this special designation is a real honor for the many individuals who have worked so hard to arrive at this day of achievement."

Thousands of visitors head to Silvis each year for events including the John Deere Golf Classic, yearly Mexican Fiesta and the annual Moonlight Parade. Each summer the pro golf event and the only lighted parade for hundreds of miles bring tens of thousands of tourists to the area.

Lt. Governor Simon serves as the ambassador of the Illinois Main Street Program. Over the past 20 years, Illinois Main Street communities have created 9,300 jobs, opened over 1,200 new businesses, and represent public and private investment of over $750 million. In Illinois, 41 communities hold the Illinois Main Street designation.

###
04 Mar 2014

Grassley: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Selects Marion Student

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that John Mark Gorman of Marion has received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, N.Y., for the 2014-2015 school year.

Gorman is the son of Cathy and Joseph Gorman.  He will graduate in May from Marion High School.  Gorman is a member of National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Council on Youth Leadership and is an Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America.  He lettered in basketball and football, as well as served as captain of the football team.  Gorman's hobbies also include fishing, camping and archery.

"Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor," Grassley said.  "Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity.  I wish John well and thank him for his commitment to serve our nation."

Gorman was among the 55 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley's website.

For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.

-30-
04 Mar 2014

Gov. Branstad joins letter of 50 governors in continued effort to leverage the cost effectiveness of the National Guard

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Letter sent as President Obama reappoints Gov. Branstad as Co-Chairman of the Council of Governors

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today joined a letter signed by 50 governors to President Obama to express overwhelming bipartisan concerns regarding the Obama Administration's proposed Army budget.

The governors write:  "For more than a decade, our National Guard has demonstrated that it is a cost-effective, operational force that is critical to our national security at home and abroad."

This past weekend, Gov. Branstad discussed his concerns about the cuts to the National Guard with his colleagues during the meetings of the National Governors Association.  He also directly shared concerns with President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary of Defense Hagel, and additional high-level Pentagon leaders.

In addition, President Obama yesterday announced he reappointed Gov. Branstad as co-chairman of the Council of Governors.

The Council of Governors was established by the National Defense Authorization Act in 2008 to strengthen further partnership between the Federal and State governments as it pertains to national security. The council is balanced by political party and serves the nation as a whole. The governors serve two-year terms and are appointed by the President. The President designates two members of different political affiliations to serve as co-chairs of the Council. The governors work closely with the Adjutants General, including Major General Timothy Orr, to help amplify the states' perspective in Federal policy discussions.

Governor Branstad stated the following: "Iowans are served extremely well by the men and women of the Iowa National Guard.  The Guard has helped communities across Iowa effectively respond to disasters, like floods and tornadoes, and Guard personnel have aptly served our entire nation abroad since 9/11."

Lt. Governor Reynolds stated the following: "In a time of fiscal constraints the Guard provides our nation with a cost-effective hedge against risk, provides capability and capacity, and the ability to quickly surge to meet our nation's security needs.  With the Guard we get double value as Guard personnel serve our citizens at home during emergencies, and serve effectively in operations overseas."

Major General Timothy Orr, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, stated the following:  "The Iowa National Guard has proven its readiness, reliability, and cost-effectiveness continually over the past 12 years. The performance of our Soldiers, Airmen, and units during the historic operation tempo of our nation's military has been second to none, particularly as evidenced by the deployment of more than 17,000 Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in defense of our nation since Sept. 11, 2001. We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of Governor Branstad and all of the nation's governors to maintain the readiness and organizational integrity of the National Guard."

Since 9/11, significant growth in the Army active duty was not matched in the Guard personnel increases.  Governors and Adjutants General are now encouraging congressional leaders to preserve National Guard force structure and end-strength.  State leaders understand the need to cut Federal spending and want Federal leaders to work with the Adjutants General to find and achieve cost savings and common ground.  State leaders do not want the Guard to return to its former role as a strategic reserve.  The Guard also helps drive connectivity between the 1% of Americans who serve and the 99% of Americans who do not or have not.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

February 28, 2014

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The nation's governors strongly oppose the potential cuts to the Army National Guard advocated by the U.S. Army's fiscal 2015 budget request.

For more than a decade, our National Guard has demonstrated it is a cost-effective, operational force that is critical to our national security at home and abroad.

As commanders-in-chief, we appreciate the need to reorganize, restructure and modernize the military to meet new threats and economic realities. All sectors of the military need to be involved in meeting the targets set by the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the realities of having fewer forces engaged abroad. In doing so, however, the Army Guard's operational capabilities and 350,000 end strength level must be preserved.

The Army's proposed cuts suggest a pre-2001 strategic reserve construct. Governors are extremely proud of the role that the National Guard plays in protecting this nation and its citizens. The modern National Guard is a highly experienced and capable combat force and an essential state partner in responding to domestic disasters and emergencies. A return to a pre-9/11 role squanders the investment and value of the Guard and discredits its accomplishments at home and as an active combat force.

Two years ago we opposed similar efforts to dramatically cut personnel and equipment from the Air National Guard. Congress subsequently chose not to impose the cuts and called for a National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force. That commission recently concluded that the Guard is a cost-effective and invaluable force that should be a critical component of the total force structure. The Commission's conclusions and the ongoing Army debate strengthen the case for a similar independent review of the Army's future force structure and active and reserve component mix.

We respectfully request that you reconsider proposed cuts to the Army National Guard and changes to the Guard's combat aviation capabilities, and that you work with us to fashion solutions that provide a scalable, cost-effective force that best serves the interests of our nation.

###
04 Mar 2014

COMMENTARY: possible cuts to the National Guard

By Grassley Press

Q & A on the National Guard

with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

 

Q: What are your thoughts on the President's military budget proposal?

A: First, getting this administration to propose less federal spending in any area ought to be music to the ears of the taxpaying public. It's long overdue for Washington to exercise across-the-board fiscal discipline and dial back Uncle Sam's spending spree that puts taxpayers on the hook for generations to come.  That's why I voted against raising the debt ceiling and against the budget agreement in December that raised fees and lifted the spending lid previously agreed to in the Budget Control Act of 2011. The Obama administration's $496 billion military spending request previewed by the Defense Secretary raises important questions. As a tight-fisted fiscal conservative, I'm all for trimming the fat. But the plans put forward by Secretary Chuck Hagel may do more harm than good. Specifically, does the proposed reduction in troops put at greater risk our men and women in uniform? We can't afford to gut America's military muscle that may undermine the federal government's most fundamental responsibility to provide for the nation's security. Will shrinking the armed forces to pre-World War II levels maintain military readiness to respond to unforeseen, emerging 21st century threats? There are plenty of cuts to go around. But the Pentagon needs to consider cost-saving measures that would not destabilize U.S. military authority and strategic interests around the world. For example, reducing troop levels and trimming military pay and benefits without taking accountable steps to root out systemic financial mismanagement at the Pentagon would be a terrible mistake.  I've identified cost savings that could be achieved through better audit procedures, completely apart from personnel levels.

Q: How does the National Guard tie in to the proposed budget request?

 

A: The U.S. Army is made up of three components: full-time, active duty soldiers; Army National Guard troops (in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories); and, Army Reservists. The Iowa National Guard includes 9,200 members. The adjutant general of the Iowa Guard recently told state lawmakers that for the first time since 2003, the Iowa National Guard does not have troops serving in combat missions overseas. The National Guard serves a unique dual mission. In addition to training combat-ready soldiers who may be called up to active duty, the Guard also responds to homeland security threats, domestic emergencies and natural disasters in local communities across the state. According to the budget proposal advanced by Secretary Hagel, the U.S. Army would drop from 520,000 to roughly 440,000 soldiers by 2019. The Army National Guard and Army Reserve would see a five percent reduction, trimming the National Guard from today's 335,000 to 315,000; and reducing the Army Reserve from 205,000 to 185,000. The Defense Secretary pitched the budget proposal under the guise of fiscal discipline. And yet, the National Guard has a strong record of making the most cost-effective use of defense dollars. Policymakers need to make sure we don't shortchange the taxpaying public by downsizing the military to levels that would require even more expensive upgrades, recruitments and training in the long run to address unforeseen security needs. The National Guard has proven itself as a capable, experienced force on the front lines when called to active duty. As good coaches know, your team is only as strong as your bench. So as Washington looks to cut costs, we need to make sure the savings aren't misguided shortcuts that turn out to be more expensive down the road.

Q: What is your position on how the budget request would impact the National Guard?

 

A: Every tax dollar spent by Uncle Sam deserves scrutiny.  No doubt the Defense Department needs to make sound fiscal decisions as it makes adjustments from wartime spending levels and looks ahead to maintain military readiness with looming budgetary restrictions. However, I'm concerned the proposed military spending request fails to adequately reflect the National Guard's role as a fully operational reserve, which is a vital, cost-effective component of the total force structure. That's why I joined bipartisan forces with a dozen lawmakers in a letter to Secretary Hagel that points out the shortsighted approach to the Guard's share of proposed cuts.  It would be penny-wise and pound-foolish to squander the investments made to train and outfit the men and women serving in the National Guard. The American people depend on the best Army we can afford to protect the homeland and U.S. strategic interests. Iowa communities, law enforcement and emergency preparedness teams have reason to take pride in their local heroes who work full-time in the private sector and make the time to serve their country and their community as members of the National Guard. They embrace the motto of the National Guard in service to their country and their community: "Always Ready, Always There."  As a keeper of the purse strings in Congress, I will work to make sure the Army isn't cutting off its nose to spite its own face.  To meet the nation's most urgent threats, America will need a nimble, expandable, affordable and experienced force structure. By that measure, the National Guard is not an expendable part of our military readiness equation.

Friday, February 28, 2014
04 Mar 2014

March Children's Programs - Enjoy Some Fun Family Time at the Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: March is full of reasons to visit your library, with a wide selection of free children's programs for learning and family fun. Choices range from Dr. Seuss celebrations and crafts, to  an early St. Patrick's Day party, technology workshops and crafts during the Rock Island Schools intersession break, and a free magic show to celebrate the birthday of Harry Houdini.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Events:

·         Read Across America Day is March 3, held annually to celebrate the birth of great children's writer Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel. Families are invited to join us at the Rock Island Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street, at 6:00 pm on Monday, March 3 to enjoy free Dr. Seuss stories, songs, and crafts for all ages.

·         The library's monthly "crafternoon" also celebrates Dr. Seuss, with several make-and-take crafts for ages 6 to 12. The drop-in crafternoon event is from 4:00 to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 5, also in the Main Library Children's Library.

 

Saturday St. Patrick's Day Storytime and Party:

·         Families can get ready for St. Patrick's Day with storytime for ages birth to five on the color green from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm on Saturday, March 8, at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Activities include stories about the color green, singing, dancing, and a green craft.  The fun continues with a "Super Saturday" party for St. Patrick's Day at 2:00, also at the Southwest Branch. Events are for all ages, and include several books, games and crafts to provide holiday fun.

Special Events For School Intersession

 

Rock Island/Milan Schools are on intersession break starting March 17. If you're looking for free things to do with your children while school is out, try these free events:

 

·         Making Videos with Animoto: 6:00 pm, Tuesday, March 18, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. Kids in grades 2 and up can learn how to make a quick video using their own pictures. Participants should bring a flash drive or disk with pictures. Registration is required. Call 309-732-7360.

·         Using TumbleBooks & Book Flix: 4:00 pm, Thursday, March 27, Rock Island Main Library. A special hands-on program for Grades K-6 to demonstrate the fun you can have with free online versions of children's books. Drop in event; no registration required.

 

·         Craft Extravaganza Days: 10:30 am on  Thursday, March 20,  Main Library, and Tueseday, March 25, at the Rock Island Southwest Branch. Kids in Grades K-6 can choose from several crafts to make and take.

Celebrate Houdini's Birthday -

·         Harry Houdini, the world's greatest magician, was born on March 24. To celebrate, the Children's Room will offer a special magic program for all ages with local magician Rick Eugene, at 6:00 pm on March 24, in the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

 

Friday Movie Fest -

·         The Rock Island  Library Children's Department offers free movies and popcorn when the Rock Island/Milan school system dismisses early. The next family film will be shown at 1:00 pm on March 21 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The movie is a recent Disney release, loosely based on "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen.

All events are free and open to the public.

Additional events for children and families at Rock Island Libraries include Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning storytimes, Wednesday Lego Block Clubs and Monday evening storytimes. For dates, times and locations, check the library website or pick up a flyer at Rock Island Libraries.

For more upcoming library events, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or call 309-732-7323.

(End)
04 Mar 2014

Students serving others over Spring Break

By Jamie Kelly

MOUNT VERNON, IA (02/28/2014)(readMedia)-- More than 120 Cornell College students are taking part in the college's annual Alternative Spring Break. This is the10th year the college has sponsored a service trip that takes place during its 10-day Spring Break.

This year, students are going to 10 different locations, including Philadelphia, Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis, Tenn., Jacksonville, Fla., and El Paso, Texas.

Leanna Doyle of Davenport is taking part of the trip to El Paso.

Aubrey Kohl of Bettendorf is taking part of the trip to Memphis.

You can find out more about the Alternative Spring Break program, including details about each trip, on Cornell College's Civic Engagement Office website.

One of the 40 "Colleges That Change Lives," Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time curriculum. The One Course schedule provides students the chance to dive into their studies, focus more intensely on the disciplines of their choice, and learn authentically with the unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship-all without missing out on other classes.

Cornell has been recognized by numerous publications for the value its education offers and for academic excellence. This year it was named one of the 20 "Best Buys" in higher education by the "Fiske Guide to Colleges," and one of the 100 best values in liberal arts education by Kiplinger's. It has also been called a "Great School at a Great Price" by U.S. News and World Report. Ninety-three percent of Cornell graduates earn their degrees in four years, compared to the national average of slightly more than five years. In 2013 Cornell was named one of the 25 colleges with the best professors by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.

03 Mar 2014

Join Bruce Braley in Davenport

By Jeff Link

Please Join
Mary Ellen Chamberlin | Ken Croken | Dennis Dedecker | Rick and Nancy Seidler
Kriss Wells and Martha Easter-Wells | and Pat Walton

For a Fundraising Reception Supporting

Congressman Bruce Braley
Candidate for U.S. Senate

Friday, March 21st
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

At the
Hotel Blackhawk
In the Davenport Club Room
200 E 3rd St.
Davenport, Iowa

CONTRIBUTION LEVELS
Host $1,000
Sponsor $500
Patron $250
Supporter $125

Suggested Contribution
$25/person

RSVP Here

To RSVP contact Jessica Cullen
at jessica@brucebraley.com or (319) 321-3275

03 Mar 2014

Local Students Awarded Merit Scholarship from Oklahoma City University

By Office of Undergraduate Admissions

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (02/28/2014)(readMedia)-- The following individuals have been awarded a merit scholarship based on grade point average and ACT/SAT test scores. Oklahoma City University awards merit-based scholarships to freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential, regardless of financial circumstances. Merit scholarship amounts range from $1,500 to $7,500.

All admitted undergraduate applicants are considered for merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to students during the admission process and renewed annually up to seven consecutive semesters if satisfactory academic performance is maintained.

Brynn Sweere of Muscatine

Ryan VanHoosier of Eldridge

Oklahoma City University is a coeducational, urban private university located in Oklahoma City, in the Uptown district. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences and business. The only Oklahoma institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master's-level university category by U.S. News and World Report, Oklahoma City University is also listed in Forbes' "Best Christian Colleges" & "100 Best College Buys." OCU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate degrees (including a law degree, MBA and doctoral programs in nursing).

03 Mar 2014

3 Smart Retirement Tips

By Ginny Grimsley

The Next Phase of the American Dream:
Growing & Preserving Your Wealth
Financial Planner Shares 3 Smart Tips for Retirement

Ever since the financial crisis of 2008, many pundits and experts have openly doubted the viability of achieving the American dream.

With homeownership, job opportunity and retirement security in decline, an Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor poll shows that most Americans agree with what the experts have said. Seven in 10 think that tomorrow's adults - today's kids - will have less financial security than adults today.

"There are several long-term issues we need to address, including our estimated $17.3 trillion debt, a legacy that our children are poised to inherit; but I think the United States will be stable for the next 10 years, and maybe longer if we get our financial house in order," says Stephen Ng, founder and president of Stephen Ng Financial Group, (www.stephenngfg.com).

"Many Americans who've worked their entire lives for a comfortable, if not luxurious, retirement want to know their money will be there - that's their dream."

Ng is an international financial planner with certifications in 19 states. He's passionate about teaching sound wealth practices to both clients and his community. Here are three important tips every pre-retiree and retiree should know to help preserve their wealth.

• Go to an independent retirement-planning advisor. Financial planning can be confusing. For most retirees who are not professionals, the numbers, rules and terminology can seem like a foreign language. An independent advisor, who is licensed in multiple products - insurance, annuities and more - allows for a higher degree of objectivity, tailoring options for a client's specific needs. He or she will not be bound to a corporate agenda or limited in their knowledge. Also, talk to the person who will be the architect of your financial future. Find out his or her values. How do they feel about their job? Are they patient in explaining your options? Do you trust your advisor?

• Pre-retirees: know your start-date options for retirement. Be aware that in most cases, withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement plans before age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty. The latest date to begin required minimum distributions is usually April 1 of the year after you turn age 70½. In most cases, withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. There are 10 common planning options, some of which are funded by employers. They are the defined benefit pension; money purchase pension; profit-sharing plan; savings plan; employee stock ownership plan; tax-sheltered annuities, or 403(b) plans; individual retirement accounts; self-employed plans; simplified employee pensions; Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees; and annuity contracts.

• Make sure you feel good about your annuity. An annuity is a contract with an insurance company in which you make one or more payments in exchange for a future income stream in retirement. The funds in an annuity accumulate tax-deferred, regardless of which type of annuity you choose. Fixed annuity contracts are issued with guaranteed minimum interest rates. Although the rate may be adjusted, it should never fall below a guaranteed minimum rate specified in the contract. Keep in mind that annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the insurance company and contain fees and charges which are not limited to sales and surrender charges. All withdrawals of tax-deferred earnings are subject to current income tax, and, if made prior to age 59½, may also be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty. Additionally, if purchased within a qualified plan, an annuity will provide no further tax deferral features. The contract, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the total amount invested.

"This may be plenty of information to take in for now, but this is only the tip of the iceberg," Ng says. "Don't be afraid to ask questions. And, the more education you have about your own money, the better."

About Stephen Ng

Stephen Ng is the founder and president of Stephen Ng Financial Group™ (www.stephenngfg.com). Since 1992, he has helped pre-retirees and retirees preserve and increase their wealth by, in part, helping them avoid common mistakes. He regularly holds financial management, retirement investing and insurance planning seminars at businesses, churches and non-profit organizations. Ng is a Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and a Certified Estate Planner. He is also an Investment Advisor Representative offering securities and advisory services through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Stephen Ng Financial Group and SagePoint Financial, Inc. are unaffiliated entities. Stephen brings a national and international perspective to his financial advice, with professional and educational roots in Australia and Asia, and certifications in 19 states.

03 Mar 2014

Heart of America Group with Elmore Marketplace News Remaining Retailers will open during March

By Pamela Cooper
DAVENPORT, IOWA - The 2nd retailer to join Elmore Marketplace, Pier 1, opened on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. The new Pier 1 location is more centrally located, easily accessible to both the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities, and a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

With Phase 1 of the project nearing completion, the remaining retailers are scheduled to open throughout the month of March. Heart of America Group Company officials indicated the retail line up will be completed with the opening of Banana Republic Factory Stores, Carter's, Charming Charlie, DSW, Gap Outlet, and Lane Bryant. While retailers are busy preparing for their upcoming openings, Heart of America Group is busy working on the construction of their Holiday Inn & Suites and newest creation---The J Bar, featuring high end bar fare and specialty drinks. The duo is located at the apex of Elmore Marketplace. Heart of America Group anticipates an early August opening for the hotel and restaurant.

Heart of America Group is a thirty-six year old development company headquartered in Moline, Illinois with a knack for conceptualizing, designing, developing and managing some of the most exceptional hotel, restaurant and retail developments in the Midwest.

www.heartofamericagroup.com

--- ### ---

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar