Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation that will help students apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real world experiences by incorporating volunteerism and civic engagement in curriculum.  The Engaging Students Through Service-Learning Act aims to connect the classroom to the community by establishing a national center to expand opportunities for students to incorporate skills that are critical to success in the 21st century economy, such as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration, with activities outside the classroom. The bill would also help teachers to provide students with this hands-on education.

"Iowans have a strong sense of community and have seen firsthand the difference dedicated volunteers can make.  The earlier we can start incorporating volunteerism and civic engagement in school settings, the more likely it is that students will continue to participate in their communities in meaningful ways throughout their adult lives," said Congressman Loebsack. "When students engage in this type of hands-on learning, it can boost their academic engagement and performance, which will help them secure good jobs and contribute to Iowa's economy in the future."

"We must make our schools better. We simply can't keep organizing our classrooms and using the same teaching approaches that have been used for decades if we want to improve outcomes that result in students who are truly college and career ready and internationally competitive," said Teri Dary, Co-Chair National Coalition for Academic Service-Learning.

Specifically, the Engaging Students Through Service-Learning Act will:

·         Ensure states have the resources and support needed to establish effective service-learning programs;

·         Strengthen a federal-state partnership to improve quality through creation of the National Center for K-12 Service Learning and ensure adequate oversight through effective evaluations;

·         Encourage states to grow professional development models for service-learning and provide resources to local education agencies and communities to apply service-learning in different content areas and in schools and communities with high percentages of struggling youth.

Examples of effective service-learning programs in Iowa include :

  • In 2012, the Reach Out Iowa program engaged over 4,000 youth between the ages of 5 and 17 in service-learning programs and activities. The youth provided more than $100,000 in volunteer hours to communities across the state, specifically targeting Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Marshalltown, Winterset, and Adair County.
  • 13,000 Iowans benefitted from the service learning projects.
  • Additionally, 50 partner organizations received training on effective service learning principles and practices.  Of these partners, more than 60% of the organizations now engage youth in leadership positions.
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BETTENDORF, IA - The Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund, Inc. has announced Paul Conway, Pleasant Valley High School, and Madison Ruge, Bettendorf High School, as the recipients of its 2013 Scholarship. Mr. Conway plans to attend the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, and Ms. Ruge will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

The scholarship grants a $4,000 educational awarded to one Bettendorf and one Pleasant Valley High School student, each with at least a 2.3 grade point average and who exemplifies Carl's spirit through participation in a variety of school, community and church-related activities. To date, the Carl D. Schillig Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded 28 Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley High School students with educational scholarships.

The Carl D. Schillig Memorial Scholarship was first awarded in 1998 to graduates of Pleasant Valley High School. In 2002, it was extended to graduates of Bettendorf High School. It was established in memory of Carl Schillig, who was 15 years old when he was killed in a car-pedestrian accident in 1994. Carl was active in a variety of community, school and church activities.

For more information about the scholarship, visit the website at www.runwithcarl.com or find us on Facebook by searching for "Run with Carl."

Funding for the scholarship is provided by proceeds from the annual Labor Day tradition of the Bettendorf Rotary's Run with Carl event. Unity Point Health- Trinity and United Healthcare provide majority support for Run with Carl.

About the Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund, Inc.: The Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund was established in 1995 by surviving members of Carl Shillig, who was killed at the age of 15 in a car-pedestrian accident. The fund provides a $4000 college scholarship to graduates of Pleasant Valley High School - which Carl attended - and Bettendorf High School graduates. With Carl's philanthropy as its inspiration, the nonprofit also distributes proceeds from the run to organizations in which Carl was active, including Bettendorf/Pleasant Valley Acquatics, Cornbelt Running Club, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

 

-end-

STORM LAKE, IA (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Austin Baker of Blue Grass was named to the Dean's List for the spring semester at Buena Vista University:

Students named to the Dean's List must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the semester based on a 4.0 grade point system and must have taken at least 12 hours of coursework.

Buena Vista University is a regionally acclaimed university that relentlessly focuses on learning. The faculty, staff and students set and meet the highest standards of academic achievement, character, conscience and compassion. Visit www.bvu.edu.

3 Things a Father Must Teach His Kids About Managing Their Money

As a father of five teenagers, it feels like all I do every day is teach my kids lessons. These lessons span a wide range of topics - from "how to treat others," to "being a team player," to "exude confidence not cockiness." It has taken me years to determine the most important lessons pertaining to personal money management, which is one of the most important skills they need to learn.

With all the issues facing teenagers today, why do I say this? Three reasons:

1. Schools teach them absolutely nothing about personal money management.
2. The example set by our society is to spend more than they make (in other words, debt is good).
3. It is one of the most important skills they need to take into adulthood.

It is imperative to set the right example for your children when it comes to money management. In my book, "Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By" (www.whydidnttheyteachmethisinschool.com), I discuss these lessons in a simple, memorable manner.

Here are what I consider every dad's three "must teach" principles:

• Always live below your means. If you want to manage your money successfully, this is one of the most important principles to follow. And, this is where most Americans have gone, and will continue to go, wrong. People want to have everything ... now. They just can't wait until they can afford it. But you must wait until you can afford something before you buy it. If you make a habit of purchasing things you can't afford, you will quickly begin a downward spiral that will continue until you go bankrupt. Plus, you'll enjoy your purchase all the more.

If you always live below your means, you will always have extra money to save and invest. Over the years, your money will grow and you will find yourself with significant financial security. Keep in mind that living below your means doesn't mean living badly. It means you prioritize your spending and focus on what is most important to you. It means "living smartly."

• Develop a written budget and evaluate it every single month. People think this is painful but it's actually quite simple. And it must be done. You can't manage something you're not tracking. And the concept is clear - more money must come in every month than goes out! I have a simple budgeting process that takes a half-hour every month and allows for the three most important parts to be completed: developing, tracking and analyzing. The analysis part is so important. Where did you spend too much? Where didn't you spend as much? What else do you need to include next month? What is in your emergency fund? What are your financial goals for the next 12 months? And remember, you will always have tradeoffs!

• Save and invest 50 percent of every salary increase. This is an easy principle that requires a little discipline. Think about it; you were living on your old salary before you got a raise. You can have the best of both worlds. You're still going to live better, but why not invest some for your future? Most people don't do this because they get behind in the first place. They start by spending more money than they make in the first place. You just can't do that. If you employ this principle, you will be shocked at how well you do financially over time.

Ninety-five percent of adults don't follow these principles because they've been told that debt is OK and they're trying to keep up with the Joneses (who, by the way, are bankrupt)! I've told my teenagers (and my nephews who are in their 20's), if they always follow these three basic principles, they will become extremely adept at personal money management.

Take the time to talk with your children about all the issues that confront them. Especially, take the time to discuss the issue of personal money management. From experience, we all know that it is an issue that has caused much pain to our generation.

About Cary Siegel

Cary Siegel is a retired business executive. After earning his MBA from the University of Chicago, he began his career in brand management with Kraft and went on to lead several companies in marketing and sales. He wrote "Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By," whydidnttheyteachmethisinschool.com for his five teenage children. Following his personal money management principles allowed him to retire at the age of 45. Siegel is a popular speaker on both marketing and personal money management.

Quad Cities has starting shortstop, two pitchers selected to June 18 Summer All-Star Classic in Dayton

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JUNE 5, 2013) - Shortstop Carlos Correa and pitchers Jordan Jankowski and Lance McCullers have been selected to represent the Quad Cities River Bandits at the 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game June 18 in Dayton, Ohio, the league announced on Wednesday.

All three River Bandits were 2012 draft picks by the Houston Astros and earned their first professional All-Star selections.

Correa was named the starting shortstop for the Western Division All-Stars and was the youngest player selected for either All-Star roster. The Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, native and No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft is hitting .275 in 43 games. He leads the River Bandits with 33 RBIs and 14 multi-hit games and is tied for the team lead with three home runs. In the month of May, Correa led the team with a .349 batting average, 38 total bases and 18 RBIs.

Jankowski, 24, was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 34th round of the 2012 draft out of Catawba College. The McMurray, Pa., native is 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 12 games, including seven starts for Quad Cities. In 48 1/3 innings, Jankowski has walked just nine batters and struck out 42. He leads the pitching staff with a 1.06 walks-plus-hits per inning pitched (WHIP). He had a team-high 32 strikeouts with a 0.80 WHIP in May while assembling a streak of 23 1/3 innings without a walk from May 3 to May 31.

McCullers, 19, was drafted in the first supplemental round with the 41st overall pick of the 2012 draft out of Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla. He leads the Midwest League with a 1.70 ERA and is 2-4 in 13 appearances and eight starts with Quad Cities. In 47 2/3 innings, he has allowed just 37 hits while posting 51 strikeouts - the second-highest total on the pitching staff. His first professional win came on May 28 against Kane County, and he also won his next start June 2 at Beloit.

The Dayton Dragons are hosting the 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game Tuesday, June 18, at Fifth Third Field.

UP NEXT: Reservations can be made from now until June 10 for the River Bandits Father's Day Cookout and pre-game catch scheduled for Sunday, June 16. Check out www.riverbandits.com for details or call 563-324-3000. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., held commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 19. lllinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride delivered the commencement speech, and 522 students graduated.

Among the graduates:

Kyle Amati, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in music education instrumental.

Amber Anderson, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Courtney Anderson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in English.

Anthony Ash, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in accounting and business administration-finance.

Jennifer Baker, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Hannah Barney, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-marketing and communication studies.

Samantha Bazely, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Allie Bierhaus, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in elementary education and Spanish.

Brandy Blakeney, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in applied mathematics and Scandinavian.

Christopher Boley, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in political science.

Austin Boyle, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance, political science, and accounting.

Joe Bright, from Erie, Ill., graduated with a major in political science and international business.

Jasmine Brooks, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in political science.

Ryan Brummet, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in mathematics, applied mathematics, and computer science.

Arielle Campos, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in art.

Ceara Campos, from Rock Falls, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Richard Coppula, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in environmental studies.

Angela Cummins, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Nicholas Cummins, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

George Dexter, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Grace Drenth, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Zachary Dryoel, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in economics.

Alannah Golden, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in elementary education.

Aurora Graze, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology-social welfare.

Jonathan Grchan, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration - management information system.

Asta Gustafson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Thomas Harris, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology.

Sallie Hohenboken, from Prophetstown, Ill., graduated with a major in multimedia journalism and mass communicationunication.

Paul Hurd, from Wilton, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Kjerstin Hurty, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Mary Kandis, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Michael Kautz, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Rachael Kellums, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology-social welfare.

Clare Kilbride, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Ryan Kopatich, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Zachary Kozelichki, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Manisha Kumar, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in pre-medicine.

Mary Lambrecht, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology.

Kate Lang, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance.

Anna Letendre, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Courtney Linn, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology.

Ryan Lundeen, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Hannah Maloney, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Jared McIntosh, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Lauren Mentado, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-international business.

Kelsey Miller, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology and women and gender studies.

Leart Neziroski, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in pre-medicine and biology.

Jacob O'Rourke, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in accounting and business administration-finance.

Andrew Palm, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in physics.

Eric Pease, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in neuroscience and pre-medicine.

Douglas Peters, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in neuroscience and biology.

Nicholas Petre, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in philosophy, pre-medicine, and biochemistry.

Lauren Ploen, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Richard Rector, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Jessica Roche, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Amie Rogers, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in art.

Jessica Scheckel, from Taylor Ridge, Ill., graduated with a major in biology and psychology.

Jennifer Schroder, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Katelyn Sedig, from Morrison, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Moselle Singh, from Le Claire, Iowa, graduated with a major in anthropology.

Jonathan Smith, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Will Tolmie, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Michael Tovar, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology and business administration-management.

Megan Vandersee, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in chemistry education and chemistry.

Chelsea Vickerman, from Silvis, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance.

Calvin Vo, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in theatre arts and English.

Kaleigh Wall, from Eldridge, Iowa, graduated with a major in art.

Drew Wiersema, from Prophetstown, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Peter Wiese, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in neuroscience and mathematics.

Stormy Almanza, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology.

Rebecca Anderson, from Taylor Ridge, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Saleta Anderson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Kayle Boggs, from Reynolds, Ill., graduated with a major in biology and women & gender studies.

Stacey Bollinger, from Silvis, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration - management information system.

Kayla Descamps, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Erin Gehn, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in applied mathematics.

Elaine Guthrie, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Jessica Larrison, from Hampton, Ill., graduated with a major in English.

Kelsey Lovaas, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management and accounting.

Floyd Mays, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in multimedia journalism and mass communication and psychology.

Stephanie Morris, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management.

John Peters, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in history.

Abdur Razzaque, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

David Richard, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Jeffery Siirila, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Abbigale Staples, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in elementary education.

Anna Tunnicliff, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in honors history major.

Alex Wilson, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology and pre-medicine.

Those graduating were given advice by Justice Kilbride, who said, "In doubt, do right. You will gratify some and probably stun others."

It was President of Augustana College, Steven Bahls, who quoted scripture, saying, "Pursue justice, love mercy and walk humbly."

Representing the class, Moselle Singh, noted the happiest of times come when happiness is being shared.

During the ceremonies, honorary degrees were presented to three individuals: Justice Kilbride; Don Wooten, the founder and former general manager of Augustana Public Radio; and Kim Brunner, chairman of Augustana's Board of Trustees.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana 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 142 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.

The American Lung Association released this report  today in its Disparities in Lung Health Series ? "Taking Her Breath Away: The Rise of COPD in Women." This report examines the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, among women.

COPD has long been considered a disease of white men, as they have historically smoked at higher rates than other groups. That profile is changing, and the rate of COPD among women has climbed steadily in recent years. Closer examination reveals a number of disparities in burden of disease, risk factors, and healthcare practices that must be addressed.

This report is an important tool to raise awareness of this health disparity, generate constructive discussions and build partnerships within the healthcare industry, as well as governments, community leaders and individuals to seek solutions.

key findings include :

  • Since COPD has historically been thought of as a "man's disease," women are underdiagnosed and undertreated for COPD.
  • Women are more vulnerable than men to lung damage from cigarette smoke and other pollutants.
  • Women are especially more vulnerable to COPD before the age of 65.
  • Women with COPD have more frequent disease flare-ups?a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms that is often caused by a cold or other lung infection.
  • Effective treatment of COPD is complicated, and women don't always get the kind of care that meets their needs.

The quality of life for women with COPD is impaired at an earlier age, and is worse overall than that of men with similar severity of disease.


Yarn Crafter Shares 4 Unexpected Benefits

The idea of "DIY" is definitely in vogue, bringing an upswing in popularity of knitting and crocheting, and there's no sign interest will wane anytime soon, says lifelong craftswoman Betty Hechtman.

"Pinterest and Etsy are two of the hottest websites online today, and they're brimming with hand-knitted items, from socks and scarves to purses and pretty much anything that can be made from yarn," says Hechtman, author of "Yarn to Go," (www.BettyHechtman.com), the first in a new cozy mystery series scheduled for publication in July by Berkley Prime Crime Books.

"The hand-knitted caps and sweaters that might have embarrassed us as kids are now a hip expression of artistry," she says. "Young adults appreciate originality and craftsmanship, and they're an innovative bunch. They're doing amazing things with yarn!"

Surprisingly, she notes, crocheting is even more popular than knitting. It's No. 3 on the top 10 U.S. crafts list compiled by the Craft and Hobby Association, with 17.4 million devotees. Knitting comes in at No. 9 with 13 million needle fans.

"What's interesting is people say they're drawn to yarn crafts because of the creativity," Hechtman says, citing a Craft Yarn Council survey of more than 5,000 knitters. "But once they get into it, they say they realize it also helps with stress."

That's just one of the unexpected benefits of time spent knitting and crocheting. Hechtman cites four more:

• Knitting (and crochet) actually produce beneficial physical changes! Spend enough time with your needles or a hook and yarn, and you can strengthen your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and change your brain chemistry to reduce stress hormones and increase the natural "happy" neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. These findings were reported last year at an "academic study day" in England on the therapeutic benefits of knitting.

• It won't leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Having trouble sleeping? Instead of reaching for a pill, pick up a yarn project an hour or so before bedtime. The calming repetition of knitting or crocheting slows restless, racing thoughts and helps us transition from busy day to quiet, restful night.

• Keep your hands out of trouble. Are you trying to quit smoking and don't know what to do with yourself? How about biting your nails? Have you become obsessed with checking your social media? Crocheting or knitting keeps hands busy - and out of trouble - while you're traveling, waiting at the doctor's office or sitting at your kid's soccer game. And, unlike smoking, nail-biting and wasting time on Facebook, the result of knitting and crocheting is a positive one.

• Make new friends. An internet survey of 3,500 knitters found 90 percent made new friends through the craft. One of the beautiful aspects of yarn work is that you can do it alone or in a group. In fact, the opportunities to socialize seem to be driving the strong interest from young adults, who meet at bars, Starbucks and office lunchrooms for a good stitch session, according to the yarn council. People who are alone much of the time are more prone to depression and other mental health issues, getting together for a knit with friends is good for you!

About Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman is the author of "Yarn to Go," the first book in the Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Retreat mystery series, as well as the author of the best-selling Berkley Prime Crime Crochet  mystery series. The eighth book, "For Better or Worsted," comes out in November.  She has also written newspaper and magazine pieces, short stories and screenplays as well as a children's culinary mystery. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree and has been active in handicrafts since she was a small child. Hechtman divides her time between Los Angeles and Chicago.

St. Paul, Minnesota - Foundation Financial Group completed its second quarter national philanthropic initiative, FFG's Viva Musica. The corporation supported Viva Musica's mission to ensure music education stays in schools. Through a significant financial contribution, Foundation Financial was also able to finance musical scholarships for Minnesota high school students.

Due to limited funding, many schools are having difficulty maintaining music and art programs. By implementing FFG's Viva Musica initiative, Foundation Financial Group employees were able to directly affect and improve the education of Minnesota's youth. The initiative included employee fundraising, volunteer efforts, and a significant corporate donation.

Foundation Financial Group employees from the corporation's Saint Paul Branch Office also volunteered to staff Viva Musica's first fundraising event of the year, the Drive for 5 Anniversary Event. One musically inclined FFG volunteer even performed as the event's opening act. In addition to FFG's generous donation, the Drive for 5 Anniversary Event generated over $2,000 which will benefit Minnesota's youth through Viva Musica's "The Lucille Project." Named after B.B. King's beloved guitar, Lucille, the project awards musical scholarships that provide custom built guitars to local aspiring musicians.

"In true FFG fashion, the company just couldn't resist joining in on the Viva Musica excitement," said Foundation Financial Group Event Coordinator Kirk Brown. "Foundation Financial donated $4,600 to help the local charity keep the arts alive in public education. The generosity of Foundation Financial Group and its employees have helped make 2013 the most successful fund raising year in Viva Musica's history. I am so blessed to work for a company that takes such pride in making a difference. FFG's heart is as big as the sky."

Foundation Financial Group's Viva Musica campaign funded three Apprentice Program Scholarships for local high school students. The scholarships will be awarded to high school musicians who are currently learning to play guitar. The students will receive guitars made exclusively for the students by LaDoten Custom Guitars. The owner of LaDoten Custom Guitars will also provide three guitar instruction sessions and a lesson on the guitar making process.

"Music has brought me comfort, energy, and purpose from a very young age, so I can't help but want that same opportunity for every child," continued Brown, who has been a passionate supporter of Viva Musica since the organization began in 2007. "The work that Viva Musica does with the Minnesota school system has the potential to positively influence thousands of kids. We're bringing children one of the world's greatest gifts - music."

Viva Musica is working towards a future filled with music and art; a world where all students have access to music and art education and can benefit from a well-rounded education. The organization is dedicated to growing music programs by supplying instruments and resources to schools in need. Viva Musica's goal is to advance children's education, spark creativity, and enhance brain development through the medium of music. With the disbursement of instruments and resources to music and art programs, Viva Musica has become a vital asset to Minnesota schools by ensuring music remains a part of every student's curriculum.

About Foundation Financial Group

Foundation Financial Group is a multibillion dollar financial services corporation. FFG offers its customers Best in Class service through its Insurance, Retirement and Mortgage Services. Named one of the fastest growing financial companies in the country by INC magazine, FFG has continued to grow its nationwide presence with over 100,000 new customers per year in 39 states. In addition to the value that Foundation Financial provides every customer, it is also dedicated to its communities and the people who live in them. Through a vast array of philanthropic endeavors the company not only provides significant monetary donations but also fosters a workforce environment that encourages all team members to personally make a difference. Foundation Financial is committed to its strong focus on customer service and community investment as it continues to grow and compete with the largest financial institutions in the world.

Foundation Financial Group reviews all public relations inquiries. For additional information, interview and image requests, contact the Foundation Financial Group Public Relations team.

The MVBS and R.I.A. Federal Credit Union recognize the great contribution to our country's freedoms made by active military personnel and veterans, who should be celebrated on the most American of holidays, July 4, Independence Day?the first day of the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival.  To honor them, we are offering discount BluesFest tickets in advance;  these special tickets will not be available at the gate.

Active military personnel and veterans can get Fest tickets for only $10 (gate admission is $20) by showing official military ID at the R.I.A. Federal Credit Union locations listed below through June 30.  Tickets are limited to two per military ID.

  • ·        Arsenal Island, Building #61?Rock Island IL
  • ·        1522 - 46th Ave.?Moline IL
  • ·        In the Hy-Vee at 750 - 42nd Ave. Drive?Moline IL
  • ·        110 E. 10th Ave.?Milan IL
  • ·        In the Hy-Vee at 2001 - 5th St.?Silvis IL
  • ·        4217 Utica Ridge Rd.?Bettendorf IA
  • ·        3509 Harrison St.?Davenport IA

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