Fills Positions on Capital Development Board, Developmental Disabilities Council and Others

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a number of key appointments to the state's boards and commissions. Today's announcement continues the Governor's commitment to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

"The individuals I am appointing are committed to serving the people of our state," Governor Quinn said. "These appointees will work hard every day to move Illinois forward."

As a result of Governor Quinn's efforts to make the executive appointment process more accessible and transparent, residents who are interested in serving on boards and commissions can now apply online. For more information on all of the state's boards and commissions, or to apply to serve on a board, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.  

Appointments made by the Governor include :

Advisory Council on Spinal Cord And Head Injuries

James Young of Chicago is a Physician at Rehab Associates of Chicago. He holds an M.D. from Indiana University School of Medicine and an A.B. from Indiana University.

Capital Development Board

Miles Beatty III (reappointment) of Lake Zurich is President of Beatty Decorating Co. He attended Lake Forest College.

Peter O'Brien (reappointment) of Chicago is the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of MADO Management LP. He attended Loyola University.

Glyn Ramage (reappointment) of Millstadt is a retired construction worker and Business Manager at the Southwestern Illinois Laborers' District Council.

Employment and Economic Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities Task Force

Rene Luna of Chicago is a Community Organizer and Advocate with Access Living. He holds a B.A. from DePaul University.

Dale A. Morrissey of Champaign is CEO of the Developmental Services Center. He has 35 years of experience in disability services and holds a B.S. and an M.S. from Eastern Illinois University. 

HIV/AIDS Response Review Panel

Lam Nguyen Ho of Chicago is staff attorney for Equip for Equality. He holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M. St. from Oxford University and an M.A. and a B.A. from Brown University.

Illinois Community College Board

Dr. Teresa Garate (reappointment) of Chicago is the President and CEO of Neumann Family Services and was formerly the Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Jonathan Jackson of Chicago is a Professor at Chicago State University. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a B.S. from North Carolina A&T State University.

Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities

JJ Hanley of Wilmette is the Executive Director of JJ's List. She holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College.

Kathryn Lavin of Chicago is Director of Creative Strategies at Neumann Family Services. She holds an MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work and a B.A. from Boston College.

Jose A Mendez of Chicago is Director/Employment Specialist for CARES Chicago.  He holds an M.Ed. and a B.A. from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal 

Brian Barov of Skokie is an Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Division Chief of the Civil Appeals Division. He holds a J.D. from the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and also graduated from the College of William & Mary.

State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council

Leslee Stein-Spencer of Chicago is Director of Medical Administration and Regulatory Compliance, Chicago Fire Department and a registered nurse. She holds an M.A. from the National College of Education and a B.A. from DePaul University.

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today announced the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) submitted an appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the reconsideration of an earlier FEMA decision to deny funding to four rural electric cooperatives (REC) in northwest Iowa in the aftermath of an ice storm that struck the state earlier this year.

The April 9, 2013, storm caused millions of dollars in damage to electrical utility lines in five Iowa counties: Dickinson, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola and Sioux. The damage was so extensive that a Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued on May 6, 2013.

FEMA originally denied funding to restore the downed utility lines in the amount of $19 million on Aug. 30, 2013. The reason FEMA gave for the denial was because the utilities did not conduct "comprehensive laboratory testing."

"We hope FEMA will come to a fair and just decision regarding this REC appeal," said Governor Terry Branstad. "This funding is important for the recovery of Iowa communities. Denying such assistance could result in a financial burden for the customers of these cooperatives."

HSEMD filed the appeal in conjunction with Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative, Osceola Electric Cooperative, and Sanborn Electric and Telecommunications Utility. FEMA has 90 days from the date they receive the appeal to make an evaluation and then, issue a determination.

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management leads, coordinates and supports homeland security and emergency management functions in order to establish sustainable communities and ensure economic opportunities for Iowa and its citizens.

No Manual? Never Fear, Your Library is Here!

If you just received technology under the tree, you may notice that the user's manual is  no longer included. Fortunately, the Rock Island Public Library offers a number of free programs and resources to help you get the most of your new tablet, computer or other portable reading or listening device..

Classes start as early as this Friday, Dec. 27, with a 2:00 pm session on "How to Download eBooks and eAudiobooks" at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. The free class will show participants how to use the OverDrive digital books service to check out books for free to a personal eReader, computer or tablet. The demonstration covers multiple device types.

The same OverDrive session repeats at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 21, also at the Rock Island Main Library. Patrons with a current library card from any OverDrive subscribing library can use the service through their library's website.

Additional technology literacy classes coming up in 2014 at Rock Island Library include :

Library How-to: Downloading Magazines with Zinio on:

• 6:30 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 7, Rock Island Main Library
• 6:30 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 4, Rock Island Main Library

Zinio is a web-based digital magazine service. Cardholders of participating libraries in Rock Island, Moline and Iowa can use Zinio to download some of their favorite magazines for reading at their convenience. The broad selection of popular titles includes US Weekly, The Food Network, Digital Photo, Chicago Magazine and Rolling Stone. Patrons need a valid library card and Internet connection to use their library's Zinio subscription. Magazines downloaded through the library subscription are free.

Library How-to: Using your Apple iPad tablet:

• 2:30 pm on Thursday, Jan. 9, Rock Island Main Library.

The free program will familiarize users with various Apple iPad features, and offer some tips on various uses. Participants should bring their iPad. The library does not supply devices for use.

No registration is required for the above classes.

Free mobile apps for using the library's digital products, including OverDrive, OneClickdigital, Freegal and Zinio, are available via the product links on the library website, www.rockislandlibrary.org.

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

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - December 23, 2013 - The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and the University of Iowa Athletic Department are bringing some much-needed assistance to the Iowa Food Bank Association with a special donation of $21,500 through the America Needs Farmers (ANF) initiative, which began three years ago.

"With 1 in 8 Iowans classified as 'food insecure' they face some tough choices during the season of giving.  This generous donation by the ANF program sponsors helps us meet the needs of thousands of needy Iowans, so at least they will have a healthy meal on the family table for the holidays," says Cory Berkenes, state director of the Iowa Food Bank Association.

The Iowa-based ANF initiative was originally launched by the University of Iowa Hawkeyes during the 1985 Farm Crisis to honor the contributions of farmers.  IFBF joined the initiative in 2011 to heighten the awareness of today's diverse farms, while raising donations for Iowa food banks.  "The ANF initiative has helped increase understanding about today's farming, but it has also helped raise awareness of the issue of food insecurity in Iowa," said Craig Hill, IFBF president.

"We are very pleased that our work with Iowa Farm Bureau and ANF is helping to provide a helping hand to those Iowans who need some assistance.  We also invite all who can to consider a gift to their local food pantry during this holiday season and periodically throughout the year," added Gary Barta, director of athletics at the University of Iowa.

To learn more about the ANF program, visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org. The Iowa Food Bank Association is a collaboration of eight food banks that collect and distribute food and essential supplies across the state.  To learn more or to make a donation, go to: www.iowafba.org.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.