18 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Opens Rockford's New Morgan Street Bridge

By Rick Martin

$29 Million Project Will Improve Commerce and Quality of Life on Both Sides of the Rock River

ROCKFORD - Governor Pat Quinn today joined local and state officials to cut the ribbon and open the new $29 million Morgan Street Bridge over the Rock River. The new bridge is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and build a 21st century transportation system that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Residents and businesses who need to cross the Rock River now have a better way," Governor Quinn said. "We expect as many as 60,000 people will use the new Morgan Street Bridge each day, improving commerce and the quality of life throughout the Rockford area."

The 497-foot Morgan Street Bridge includes a 370-foot tiered arch main span anchored to each bank of the river. The original bridge, which was built in 1916, was recommended for replacement in a 2000 bridge study. The new bridge includes a new roadway plus improved lighting, railings, sidewalks and a multi-use path.

The Federal Highway Major Bridge Fund, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), provided $21.17 million for the bridge project. $4.26 million came from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, and $3.55 million from the city of Rockford.

"The city and state worked collectively to find the gap funding we needed in order to get the bridge built," Mayor Larry Morrissey said. "The commitment to the project by Governor Quinn and our local legislative delegation really made the project possible."

"We are proud to celebrate the completion of this important bridge project in Rockford," IDOT Secretary Ann L. Schneider said. "This project is a great example of federal, state and local officials working together to create jobs, improve safety, boost the local economy and help ensure Illinois' transportation system remains among the best in the nation."

The Morgan Street Bridge is part of a $40 million project that also involves $11 million worth of road work on both sides of the river. This includes reconstructing College Avenue from the bridge to Kishwaukee Street; Morgan Street from the new bridge to South Main Street; plus intersection upgrades. The City of Rockford also paid for land acquisition, utilities and engineering costs. Citizen input was incorporated throughout the planning process.

The project is part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.

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18 Dec 2013

Grassley Hopes to Include Pharmacists in Accountable Care Organizations

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today he will look for opportunities to advance his proposal to include pharmacists in Medicare's program encouraging providers to give coordinated, high quality care to their Medicare patients.

"Pharmacists can play a critical role in coordinated health care," Grassley said.  "As Medicare moves toward payment policies that reward integrated care, we should recognize the role pharmacists play in encouraging adherence with doctors' drug prescriptions."

Grassley filed an amendment to the physician payments bill considered in the Finance Committee last week that would include pharmacists in Medicare programs encouraging Accountable Care Organizations.  These are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who come together voluntarily to give coordinated, high quality care to their Medicare patients.  The coordinated care is meant to achieve the right care, especially for chronically ill patients, while avoiding wasteful duplication and preventing medical errors.

The organizations share in the savings they achieve for the Medicare program when they succeed in delivering high-quality care while avoiding wasteful duplication and spending.  Medicare currently does not promote pharmacists' participation in Accountable Care Organizations, even though pharmacists play a significant role in overseeing patients' prescription adherence.

Grassley said he will look for legislative opportunities to advance this proposal in the coming months.  He also co-sponsored an amendment offered by Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware encouraging the development of quality metrics related to medication adherence.

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18 Dec 2013

Grassley, Bennet Look to Advance Provision for Children with Medically Complex Conditions

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado said today they will look for ways to advance their provision to better coordinate care for children with complex medical conditions under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), leading to better care and health for these children.

"Considering creative models to promote better outcomes for children with medically complex conditions is something we need to explore in the future," Grassley said.  "Working with the Finance Committee on a bipartisan basis and the Congressional Budget Office, I hope we can move these ideas forward."

"Kids in Colorado and around the country deserve doctors and hospitals that have every tool and resource they need to help them get better," Bennet said. "We need to explore ways that we can ensure kids are getting the seamless care they deserve. We'll continue to work closely with the Senate Finance Committee to get this signed into law."

Grassley, Bennet and seven other bipartisan members of the Finance Committee sponsored an amendment to the physician payments bill considered in committee last week that would establish under the Medicaid program and Children's Health Insurance Program an accountable care collaborative providing a network of services to children with medically complex conditions.

The amendment, which was offered and withdrawn, establishes a Medicaid Children's Care Coordination Program for children with complex medical conditions that would provide services through nationally designated children's hospital networks. Medically Complex Children are defined as those who are included in Clinical Risk Groups (CRG) 5b-9.  The CRG methodology is a well-documented and accepted manner of classifying pediatric patients and their diagnoses nationally and can be adopted for these purposes easily.

Patients in these groups have significant lifelong chronic diseases, limiting the probability of churning in and out of the network, Grassley and Bennet said.  Approximately three million children in the country suffer from medically complex conditions, and two million of these children are in Medicaid, accounting for 6 percent of children enrolled in Medicaid and 40 percent of Medicaid spending on children.

 

Children with medically complex conditions are often need of specialized care that requires services provided by providers found in states outside of the family's state of residence.  Medicaid's state-based structure creates impediments to seamless, integrated models of care that may be more appropriate for these children.

Children's hospitals are seen as the anchors to the nationally designated hospital network.  While anchor hospitals will provide services for network patients including physician, inpatient and outpatient care, the network will necessarily include other hospitals, physicians, and providers to ensure these children receive the needed services in the most appropriate setting possible.  Key to these networks is assurance that there is an adequate network to support the specific pediatric population, Grassley and Bennet said.

Through integrated care and risk-based reimbursement, improved patient outcomes and lower health care costs can be achieved, the senators said.

Grassley and Bennet said they will look for legislative opportunities to advance this proposal in the coming months.

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17 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Encourages People Across Illinois to Help Those in Need This Holiday Season

By Brooke Anderson

Governor Volunteers at New Jesse Brown Veterans Food Pantry to Prepare Holiday Meals

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Greater Chicago Food Depository CEO Kate Maehr to volunteer at the Jesse Brown Veterans Food Pantry and emphasize the importance of supporting Illinois food banks this holiday season and into next year.

"This pantry serves those who served our country and we are forever grateful for their sacrifice," Governor Quinn said. "It is always a good time to support local communities and look out for our fellow neighbors. I encourage all Illinois citizens to make a difference this holiday season and throughout the year by contributing to their local food bank."

The new Jesse Brown Veterans Food Pantry at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center serves veterans under a partnership between the Greater Chicago Food Depository, AmeriCorp and the Jesse Brown VAMC. The pantry is unique in that it offers veterans a "Client Choice" model of food distribution enabling veterans to select their own food unlike many pantries that only offer fixed boxes or bags of food. The choice allows veterans to better meet their personal dietary needs, increases satisfaction for individuals and creates less waste. The pantry is one of the largest in the nation and will help the thousands of veterans who live below the poverty line in Illinois.

"This is a great example of veterans helping other veterans and making tangible impact on their communities," Erica Borggren, Director of Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, said. "We believe veterans are proven community assets, and this targeted and common-sense effort is already helping thousands."

The pantry, located at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center on the 2nd floor of the Damen Pavilion, distributes food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository to veterans every Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a not-for-profit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in local communities. For more information about how to volunteer or donate food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, visit ChicagoFoodBank.org.

In 2012, Governor Quinn helped launch the "No Kid Hungry" campaign to help end childhood hunger across Illinois by using proven strategies. In 2011, Governor Quinn appointed the first members to the Illinois Commission to End Hunger with the goal of exploring how Illinois can overcome barriers and develop sustainable policies and programs to effectively end hunger in the state. Since 2011, the No Kid Hungry network has helped bring more than 34 million additional meals to kids who need them and created ways to replicate that success throughout the country.

Feeding Illinois, the state food bank association, has provided meals to more than 1.4 million people in need. In 2011, the association's network of 2,000 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters distributed 120 million pounds of food to residents throughout the state. To find out more about hunger in your community or how to help food banks across the state, visit FeedingIllinois.org.

In addition, as of Nov. 27, there is a food donation box in the James R. Thompson Center (100 W. Randolph St., Chicago) next to the Christmas tree. All donations go directly to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

 

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17 Dec 2013

CARL'S JR. AND HARDEE'S TEAM UP WITH TERRELL OWENS IN ODE TO PHILLY'S MOST FAMOUS FOOD

By Rick Martin

Former Philadelphia wide receiver helps chains reintroduce Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger on new Fresh Baked Buns

 

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - Dec. 17, 2013 - Former Philadelphia pro wide receiver Terrell Owens will soon share the love for Philly's most famous food item, the iconic Philly Cheesesteak, in a new ad for the return of the Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger® - the chains' tribute to, and twist on, Philadelphia's classic cheesesteak sandwich. Premiering later this month, the humorous new spot titled "Philly Love" will follow Owens down memory lane as he lightheartedly reflects on his hot-and-cold relationship with the City of Brotherly Love. The Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger is available now at all Hardee's locations and will be available at Carl's Jr. locations starting tomorrow.

Back by popular demand, the meat-on-meat Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger features flavorful, thinly sliced steak, grilled onions and green peppers, melting Swiss and American cheeses and mayonnaise atop a charbroiled, 100 percent Black Angus Beef Thickburger patty, all served on a Fresh Baked Bun that's baked fresh inside the restaurants every day. The meaty guest-favorite was last featured on the Carl's Jr. menu in 2010 and at Hardee's in 2008.

"We pioneered the idea of putting great American sandwiches on a burger - or using 'meat as a condiment' as Jay Leno riffed about the practice on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - and the Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger has been our most popular creation," said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. "This time around, the Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger is better than ever because we serve it on our new Fresh Baked Buns. The slightly sweeter, denser buns that are baked fresh in our restaurants really bring out the flavor of the charbroiled 100% Black Angus beef patty, the thinly sliced steak and the grilled onions and peppers."

"And, who better to help us promote the best-ever Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger than former Philadelphia pro wide receiver Terrell Owens? Terrell had sort of a love-hate relationship with Philly fans and we make the most of that in the humorous ad campaign for the burger. I think the world will see that he has pretty good acting chops and doesn't mind poking fun at himself."

"I really liked the idea for the ad on this one," said Owens. "It was a great way to tie into my career and it was fun to try my hand at acting."

Created by Los Angeles- and Amsterdam-based creative agency 72andSunny, the new Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger commercial will begin airing nationally on Dec. 30 and will also be featured on the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's YouTube channels (www.youtube.com/carlsjr and www.youtube.com/hardees).

"When you have a great product like this, an in-your-face sports town like Philly, a controversial elite athlete like Terrell Owens, and an audience of young, hungry guys, our job is to get out of the way and let them do what they do best," said Glenn Cole, chief creative officer at 72andSunny.

The Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger is available as a single, double or Six Dollar or 1/3lb. Thickburger starting at $3.69 for the single and can also be ordered as a combo meal with fries and a drink. Prices may vary by location.

Stay tuned to Facebook (www.facebook.com/carlsjr and www.facebook.com/hardees) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/carlsjr and www.twitter.com/hardees) for the latest product news.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE") is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. Through its subsidiaries, CKE owns and licenses Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® quick-service restaurants.  CKE operates Carl's Jr. and Hardee's as one brand under two names acknowledging the regional heritage of both banners.  CKE has a total of 3,410 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and 30 foreign countries and U.S. territories.  Known for its one-of-a-kind premium menu items such as 100 percent Black Angus Six Dollar Thickburgers®, Made from Scratch Biscuits™, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™ and Fresh Baked Buns, as well as an award-winning marketing approach, the Carl's Jr./Hardee's brand continues to deliver substantial and consistent growth in the U.S. and overseas.  Since the end of Fiscal Year 2011 and through November 4, 2013, our most recently completed fiscal quarter, CKE's annual system-wide sales were up 15% and the number of franchised and company-operated restaurants increased 8% worldwide, driven by 2% domestic growth and 53% growth outside the U.S.   The Carl's Jr./Hardee's system is now 74% franchised, with international restaurants representing 16% of the system.  For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.

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17 Dec 2013

Belmont University Students Perform in Nationally Televised Christmas Concert

By April Hefner

NASHVILLE, TN (12/17/2013)(readMedia)-- More than 800 Belmont University student musicians, singers and faculty along with the Nashville Children's Choir perform in the nationally televised airing of "Christmas at Belmont." Hosted by internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, the annual production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites, produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), will premiere on NPT on Thurs., Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. Central. The nationwide premiere on PBS is scheduled for Fri., Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. Central, with an encore broadcast Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. Central. This is the 11th consecutive year "Christmas at Belmont" has been seen by a national audience on PBS.

Student performers appearing on the broadcast include the following:

Kathleen Walter of Bettendorf (52722)

Kellen Moss of Eldridge (52748)

This year's edition of "Christmas at Belmont" features the University Symphony Orchestra, Belmont Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, Musical Theatre, Jazz Band and Bluegrass Ensemble, as well as mass choir. The performance includes both classic sacred holiday music such as "Ave Maria" and "My Lord Has Come," as well as festive seasonal songs such as "Go Tell It On the Mountain," "On This Winter's Night" and "We Need a Little Christmas," to name a few.

"'Christmas at Belmont' is an amazing opportunity to showcase Belmont University's world-class School of Music in front of a national audience," said Belmont University President Bob Fisher. "We're incredibly grateful that this partnership with NPT puts our talented students and faculty in living rooms across the country."

"We're always thrilled to bring Nashville to the nation, and the 'Christmas at Belmont' production is one of the finest examples of this," said Beth Curley, president and CEO of NPT. "Belmont's School of Music is world class, exemplary of the city's dedication to music and performance in all of its forms and genres. 'Christmas at Belmont' is always magnificent and a highlight of PBS' holiday programming."

Ranked No. 7 in the Regional Universities South category and named for the fifth consecutive year as one of the top "Up-and-Comer" universities by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University consists of approximately 6,900 students who come from every state and more than 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university's purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world's needs. With more than 80 areas of study, 22 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.

17 Dec 2013

Quad Cities Comic Book Convention

By Alan Morton

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday December 28 at the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2).

It will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free. Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys and related. Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer want bring them by dealers are buying. For further information contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.

17 Dec 2013

Holiday Donation to Churches United

By Rhonda Johnson

Churches United is grateful and humbled to be the recipient of such a generous gift during this Holiday Season.

Holiday Vacations makes gift to Churches United of the Quad City Area Food Pantries

Eau Claire, Wisconsin - December 17, 2013 - Holiday Vacations is pleased to support our neighbors in need with a donation to the Churches United Food Ministry. The "Holiday Dinner" includes a donation of 1500 turkeys, hams and pork roasts to benefit 24 food pantries throughout Rock Island and Scott Counties. Holiday Vacations is donating with the goal of providing protein rich meals to over 1500 families during the holiday season. Company President, Pat Stoffers, grew up in Bettendorf, and appreciates the opportunity support his hometown community.

 

17 Dec 2013

Adler Theatre... One Stop Shop for the Holidays!

By Adler Theatre
Still looking for something fun to do this week?   Under The Streetlamp is set to arrive at the Adler Theatre this Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 PM to sing the hits of the '50s, '60s and '70s while also singing some of their hit Holiday songs from this last album.  Stay under the same roof while enjoying your Pre-Show Dinner!  

Looking for that perfect Holiday gift?  
Remember, Adler Theatre tickets or gift certificates make a great Holiday gift or stocking stuffer!


Thursday, December 19, 7:30 PM
Under The Streetlamp
 Tickets
With the mantra "Retro never sounded so now," the dreamy voices of the four lead singers of pop quartet, Under The Streetlamp breathe fresh new life into the world of music and prove that great music is timeless.  Comprised of former members of the Broadway touring production of Jersey Boys, Under The Streetlamp is poised to bring the repertoire of The American Radio Songbook of the '50s, '60s and '70s.
For more information...

Wednesday, January 8, 7:30 PM
American Idiot
 Tickets
Direct from Broadway. the smash-hit musical American Idiot tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia.  Their quest for true meaning in a post 9/11 world leads them on the most exhilarating journey of the season.  Based on Green Day's Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, American Idiot boldly takes the American musical where it's never gone before.
For more information...

Tuesday, February 11, 7:30 PM
The Addams Family
 Tickets
The Addams Family features an original story and it's every father's nightmare.  Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family.  A man her parents have never met.  Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.  Come meet the family.  We'll leave the lights off for you.
For more information...
B
17 Dec 2013

Rep. Tyler Olson Ends His Campaign for Governor

By Alex Youn

CEDAR RAPIDS - Today, Rep. Tyler Olson released the following statement regarding his campaign for Governor: 

Thank you to everyone that reached out with words of encouragement and support the last two weeks. While focused on supporting my children through the transition in my personal life it is clear they need my full attention. It is time to end my campaign for Governor.

I will continue to focus on my family, finish my term as state representative, rejoin Paulson Electric and look for opportunities to serve my community as time allows.
Thank you to all the friends, supporters and volunteers that joined my campaign. I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope you still believe as I do that Iowa's brightest days are ahead.
Best wishes for a peaceful and bright holiday season.
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