18 Sep 2013

Augustana Students Teach Children with Special Needs at Florida School

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (09/18/2013)(readMedia)-- Earlier this year six Augustana teacher candidates and Dr. Deborah Bracke, assistant professor of education, spent five days at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind at St. Augustine, Fl., as part of the students' Augie Choice involvement experience. The students had the opportunity to study the teaching methods for the children who are deaf and/or blind, forming their own sense of "best practice" regarding the process of teaching and learning in special education classrooms. The teaching experience ended in August when the participating students presented their findings at a paper session at the National Association of Teacher Educators Conference in Washington, D.C. Among contributing Augustana students:

Amelia Beveroth from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in elementary education.

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in language arts education and English.

All six Augustana students used Augie Choice funding to help cover the expenses of the trip. Augie Choice allows students of all disciplines to apply for $2,000 to immerse themselves in qualifying hands-on learning experience of their choice.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana College is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 146 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

18 Sep 2013

What's Happening At The Putnam Sept 19th Edition

By Putnam Museum

NOW ON EXHIBIT

 



COMING SOON


Theater Throwbacks:
The Muppet Movie

Friday, September 20
6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 21
4:15 p.m., 7 p.m.



jewish film series
The Other Son
Sunday, September 22
4:00 p.m.

Kaddish For A Friend
Sunday, September 29
4:00 p.m.






Classic Film Series:
Roman Holiday

60th Anniversary
Tuesday, September 24
1 p.m., 4p.m., 7p.m.







Theater Throwbacks:
Sixteen Candles

Friday, September 27
6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 28
4:15 p.m., 7 p.m.

Putnam Museum
1717 W 12th St
Davenport, Iowa 52804
563-324-1933
18 Sep 2013

Local Chiropractor raising donations for the Children's Therapy of the QC

By Rick Martin

Moline, Illinois - Local entrepreneur is helping bring awareness and raise funds for the Children's Therapy of the Quad Cities.

Dr. Rebecca Bravard is a chiropractic physician and the owner and operator of the Quad City Spine Clinic (QCSC) in Moline, Illinois. Dr. Bravard chose chiropractic as a second career. After serving in the Army for twelve years as a combat medic and Black Hawk helicopter crew chief, she herself had debilitating back pain and foot pain. After trying the medical model for a long period of time, her condition was progressively getting worse. Out of desperation, she tried chiropractic and had immediate results on her first visit. She instantly knew this was her calling, and six months later she moved to Davenport, Iowa to begin her pre-requisites for Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2001.

The Quad City Spine Clinic, says Dr. Bravard, has been giving back, since she opened her doors in 2008. We have a great promotion for new patients. If you donate $40 towards the Children's Therapy of the Quad Cities, then you in turn will receive a complimentary consultation, history, exam, one set of x-rays (if needed), and a report of findings. This is a service well over the donation price.

The Children's Therapy of the Quad Cities is an important establishment in our area. They offer medical rehabilitation therapy services to children with developmental disabilities and developmental delays. No child is denied because of financial difficulties and over half of the children don't have the resources. Our goal at the Quad City Spine Clinic is to raise $1,000 for the Children's Therapy of the QC. Please help us. We have donated thousands of dollars toward many different local charities through philanthropic promotions. It is important to give back to our community and this one way we are doing our part.

The Quad City Spine Clinic can be found on the web at www.quadcityspine.com or contacted at 309-764-7272.

Contact: Brandy at the Quad City Spine Clinic

Address: 1523 47th Ave. Suite 2, Moline, Illinois 61265

Phone: 309-764-7272

Email: quadcityspineclinic@gmail.com

URL:http://www.quadcityspine.com

18 Sep 2013

Absentee Ballots Now Available; Vote By Mail or In-Person at Auditor's Office.

By Rick Martin
DAVENPORT - Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz announced today that absentee ballots are now available for the October 8, 2013 Davenport Municipal Primary Election.  Absentee ballots can be voted in the Auditor's Office, or voters may request ballots be mailed to them. A fill-able Official Absentee Ballot Request form is available at the Auditor's webpage http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/.  Voters can also call the Auditor's Office at 326-8631 and request that a form be mailed to them.  Once the form is completely filled out voters need to sign the form and return it to the Auditor's Office, 600 West 4th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801.  

Ballots are mailed within 24 hours of receipt of the request.  

The October 8th election will feature five candidates vying for Alderman-at-Large throughout Davenport and three candidates for Third Ward Alderman.  The four candidates receiving the most votes for Alderman-at-Large, and  the two candidates receiving the most votes for Third Ward Alderman will advance to the November 5th Municipal Election.  

For more information contact the Scott County Auditor's Office at 563-326-8631.
18 Sep 2013

Agriculture Secretary Announces Electric System Improvements in Eight States

By USDA Office of Communications
Agriculture Secretary Announces Electric System Improvements in Eight States
More Than $11 million in Smart Grid Improvements Included

NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 5, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for projects in eight states, including Virginia, to improve electric service for about 10,000 rural residents. Rural Utilities Service Administrator John Padalino made the announcement on the Secretary's behalf in Norfolk, Va., during the 2013 regional meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The loan guarantees are made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) rural utilities program and include more than $11 million in smart grid project funding.

"These investments will continue to ensure safe, reliable and affordable service for rural residents, farmers, and commercial and industrial consumers," Padalino said. "This funding, which is part of the Obama Administration's vision for a new rural energy economy, includes investments in smart grid technologies that modernize our nation's electric system and improve its operation."

For example, the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative will use USDA funding to build 327 miles of line and invest more than $1.1 million in smart grid technologies across 14 counties. The following is a list of rural electric utilities that will receive USDA funding, contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.

Iowa

  • Midland Power Cooperative - $25,300,000. Funds will be used to serve 530 customers, build 552 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $520,000 for smart grid projects.

Kansas

  • Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $28,460,000. USDA funds will be used to serve 580 customers, build 121 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,000,000 for smart grid projects.
  • Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $12,850,000. Funds will be used to serve 431 customers, build 62 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $312,000 for smart grid projects.

Missouri and Iowa

  • United Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $26,625,000. Funds will be used to serve 652 customers, build 167 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements.

North Carolina

  • Halifax Electric Membership Corporation - $4,050,000. Funds will be used to improve 2 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements.

New Mexico and Texas

  • Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $24,508,000. Funds will be used to serve 1,158 customers, build 138 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $75,000 for smart grid projects.

Ohio

  • South Central Power Company - $64,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 5,160 customers, build 558 miles of distribution line, 34 miles of transmission line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $6,370,485 for smart grid projects.

Virginia

  • Central Virginia Electric Cooperative - $22,100,000. Funds will be used to serve 1,989 customers, build 327 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $1,157,330 for smart grid projects.

The $207.9 million in USDA loan guarantees announced today will be used to build nearly 2,000 miles of line, fund more than $11 million in smart grid projects and make other system improvements. Since 2011, USDA has invested more than $526 million in smart grid technologies nationwide.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration - the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act.

USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)

#
18 Sep 2013

Improving Leadership through the Brain-to- Belly Nerve

By Ginny Grimsley
Business Execs Should Embrace Mind-Body-Business
Connection, Says Veteran Consultant; Offers Tips

You've heard the expressions: "He lost his nerve;" "He doesn't have the stomach for it;" "No guts."

"As it turns out, those expressions are anatomically accurate," says Dr. Stephen Josephs. "The nerve that you lose when you're afraid is the vagus nerve, which runs from the belly to the brain. It transmits messages about whether the world is a safe or dangerous place. What we now know about the functioning of this nerve has direct applications making leaders more effective and all of us happier and more courageous."

Josephs, author of the new book, "Dragons at Work," (www.DragonsAtWork.com), teaches executives how to reliably create states of optimal performance by achieving control of the vagus nerve. When making decisions about resources, leading teams or talking with the board of directors, courage and poise in the face of rapidly changing business environments are essential for a leader.

"Rather than losing your nerve, you can strengthen it. Courage is a skill you can learn and a capacity you can systematically build. The vagus nerve has been linked to everything from digestion issues to stress and depression," he says. "A benefit of inner body balance includes the projection of true poise; authentic confidence from a leader is what can create a business culture that breeds financial success because employees and clients trust the person in charge to make important decisions from a stable perspective."

Using specific techniques from martial arts, meditation and other mind-body disciplines, Dr. Josephs guides executives to build resourcefulness and courage as a habitual response to challenge.

He offers tips for business executives to promote a healthy, vagus nerve-friendly environment:

• When angry or afraid, take a high quality breath: People might tell an agitated person to "take a breath," but it's the quality of the breath that makes all the difference. For someone who has practiced breathing has wired in an automatic relaxation response, one breath immediately begins to calm them. To practice do this when you're not under stress: As you inhale, relax your belly and the muscles of your torso, and soften your muscles on the inhale. On the exhale become still. Widen your peripheral vision - take in more of the room, and rest in a more wide open awareness. At this point, your vagus nerve will be sending you messages that the world is a safe place and your ability to respond intelligently will be greatly enhanced.

• Move forward with a relaxed vagus nerve. Now, in a calmer, more resourceful and masterful state, you can apply a saner perspective to a variety of tasks: connect with employees; complete the agenda; let good ideas emerge from employees, with less pressure from management, so they affirm their own competencies. Acknowledge what's already working well by giving individuals and teams credit. Enjoy your work, knowing that whatever emerges, you can handle it.

• Get over thyself and lighten up: See how much you can accomplish with the least amount of force. And drop self-importance. Remember, unless you're Donald Trump or Miss Piggy and self-aggrandizement is part of your brand identity, it's bad for business. It introduces unnecessary noise into the system and distorts communication. Drop self-importance and you'll hear critical bad news faster, and people will trust that you can handle it.

About Dr. Stephen Josephs

With more than 30 years experience as an executive coach and consultant, Stephen Josephs, Ed. D, helps leaders build vitality and focus to make their companies profitable - and great places to work. His doctorate at the University of Massachusetts focused on Aesthetics in Education: how to teach anything through art, music, drama and movement. Josephs is particularly interested in the intersection of business performance, psychology and mind/body disciplines. His new novel, "Dragons at Work," tells the story of a tightly wound executive - a fictionalized case study of coaching that produces fundamental changes in a leader. Josephs has also co-authored "Leadership Agility: Five Levels of Mastery in Anticipating and Initiating Change" (Jossey-Bass, 2006) with Bill Joiner, which shows how certain stages of psychological development affect leadership.

18 Sep 2013

Act Now! Great things coming up at the GAHC

By Kelly Lao
We are excited for all of our upcoming programs and offerings! Read below to find out more!
Springerle Workshop Discount Extended for Members!
Members- receive $5 off when registering for BOTH of our upcoming Springerle workshops!
Sat. Nov. 9th
12:30 - Papercasting
2:30 - Cookies
Sun. Nov. 10th
12:30 - Papercasting
2:30  - Cookies

Each workshop is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. If you are a member and register for both classes before Sunday, September 22nd, you will receive $5 off!

Don't Forget about our FREE CONCERT tomorrow! Flutes Unlimited of the Quad Cities will be performing a homage to Water & Waves at 7pm on Thursday, September 19th! Donations will be heartily welcomed!
Sincerely,

Kelly
German American Heritage Center
18 Sep 2013

Governor Quinn, Magic Johnson Join to Get Illinois At-Risk Students Back on Track

By Brooke Anderson

Launch 'Friends of Magic' to Provide At-Risk Students with Resources to Get Back on Track and Build a Bright Future

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today joined Earvin "Magic" Johnson to launch the NBA Hall-of-Famer's new organization, "Friends of Magic." The movement aims to provide at-risk students with the tools they need to graduate high school and have a successful future. The Governor's participation in the launch is part of his agenda to prepare every child for success in college, career and beyond.

"It means a lot to have someone like Magic Johnson make this important investment in the students of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "We must remember that it is everyone's responsibility to help students who are  struggling by keeping them in school or on the road to recovery. I thank Magic for bringing attention to this cause, especially as someone who knows that - either on the court or in the classroom - you can accomplish great things if you never give up."

Friends of Magic is a new organization that brings together a network of individuals, foundations and companies whose mission is to provide students who are at risk or have dropped out the resources and assistance they need to not only graduate high school, but the opportunity to build their future through educational resources, internships and real-world experiences.

"As many as one quarter of our nation's students are not finishing high school, our goal is to ensure that no student falls through the cracks, and that all students have the opportunity to receive their high school diplomas and be fully prepared for college or the workplace," Johnson said. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring our Bridgescape program to Chicago, and greatly appreciate the support we have received from the community."

Today's announcement takes place at the newly established North/South Lawndale Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy, one of two Chicago-area blended-learning programs that provides students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school with a free alternative path to earn a high school diploma in an environment that fits their schedule, life circumstances and learning needs. Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies are currently in six states with a total enrollment of 1,675.

Governor Quinn has been leading a strong education agenda to build a brighter future for all Illinois students. The Governor signed landmark education reform laws in 2011 that gained national attention and in August enacted a new law that lowers the compulsory school age for students in Illinois in order to ensure all children have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for academic achievement and to help combat truancy. Research shows that children who start school at an earlier age are more likely to attend college and less likely to drop out of school, be placed in special education or commit crime.

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18 Sep 2013

White House Rural Council Hosts Forum on Regional Innovation

By USDA Office of Communications
Vilsack Announces Loans and Grants to Create Jobs, Support Regional Economic Development

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2013 - The White House Rural Council met today with officials from economic development districts, county governments and non-profit organizations to discuss ways to replicate successful regional economic development strategies.

"Innovative regional development can work especially well in rural areas because it helps communities share resources across boundaries such as county and state lines," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "By focusing on one or a few common sectors, regional development can produce greater economic returns."

The forum at the White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building is the second on regional economic development. The first was held in June 2012. Vilsack, who chairs the White House Rural Council, delivered the keynote address at this today's forum.

The White House Rural Council coordinates the Obama Administration's efforts in rural America by improving the effectiveness of federal programs. It works with public and private-sector partners on new ways to solve problems.

Attendees included John Morgan and James Baldwin, representing the Appalachian Spring economic development project in Southwest Virginia. This project received an $815,000 Rural Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge grant in 2012 to integrate downtown revitalization plans with cultural assets and natural resources. Also in attendance was Valerie Klinefelter of Central Sierra Resource Conservation and Development, in Jackson, Calif. The organization received a $250,000 Rural Business Opportunity Grant in 2010 to provide technical assistance for regional development. William Bolin of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments is representing the Copper Corridor Stronger Economies Together (SET) initiative. SET is a USDA initiative that helps rural communities bring together local stakeholders to development strategic economic development plans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) commitment to regional economic development spans several department wide initiatives. The The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative coordinates the Department's work on local and regional food systems to grow regional economies, preserve regional agricultural heritage and create additional opportunities for regional farmers and ranchers. USDA's Strike Force Initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity aligns USDA resources to promote economic stability, job opportunities and regional growth in targeted high poverty areas. It leverages efforts with the private sector and community partners.

For more information on these initiatives and to read success stories, visit www.usda.gov.

During today's forum, Vilsack announced the selection of 186 projects for USDA Rural Development loans and grants to support economic development in rural communities. The funding is being provided through the Community Facilities program, the Intermediary Relending Program, the Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program and the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.

In funding announced today, the Fresno Community Development Financial Institution will be able to continue its regional economic development work because it has been selected for a $500,000 Intermediary Relending Program loan to support business development in central California. The organization will re-lend the money to public and non-profit groups that will establish revolving loan funds to support local businesses.

The Little Colorado River Plateau RC&D will receive a $50,000 Rural Business Opportunity Grant to provide forest-based business development services in the Cibecue region of Arizona. The organization coordinates technical and financial assistance programs for Native American and other residents of Navajo County.

The city of Albion, Mich., will receive a $32,000 Community Facilities grant to establish a community food hub and purchase commercial kitchen equipment. The project will allow hub operators to provide education and job training on food preparation and processing.

Funding for each award is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement. View the http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/supportdocuments/WHRC_News_Release_Chart_9182013.pdf here. In total, Vilsack today announced more than $27 million in support for regional and economic development projects in 32 states and the District of Columbia. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's overall efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)

#
18 Sep 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Awards $1,000 Summer Giveaway College Savings Iowa Account to Mason City Child

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (09/18/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald met with the family of a Mason City child yesterday to present a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account. Hannah Dixon, age one, was randomly chosen to receive the award after her mother, Michelle, entered her for the giveaway as part of College Savings Iowa's Summer Giveaway.

"With college tuition rising faster than inflation, saving for college is not an easy task these days," stated Fitzgerald. "Saving ahead of time is one of the most significant things a family can do to help make college a reality for their child. It can reduce a parent's need to borrow to cover educational expenses, which can help them-and their child-get through college with less debt."

College Savings Iowa offers a convenient, affordable, tax-advantaged way for families to start saving for their children's education. It takes just $25 to open a College Savings Iowa account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,045 per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2013 and there are no income or residency restrictions.*

Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, go to www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116. You can also like College Savings Iowa on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com/CollegeSavingsIowa529Plan to keep up to date on other giveaway opportunities.

*Adjusted annually for inflation if withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-332-7545, or visit www.my529iowaplan.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

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