Festival of Trees

Experience the magic of the most loved holiday tradition in the Quad Cities from November 23-December 1. Quad City Arts Festival of Trees, entering its 27th year, is one of the top 10 events of its kind in the country with something for everyone at the RiverCenter in Davenport. www.quadcityarts.com

Center Offers Disaster Information, Assistance for Tornado Survivors

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the opening of a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Washington to make it easier for people affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes to access disaster-related relief services and information. The MARC will bring together representatives from more than 20 local and state agencies in one location.

"The MARC will be a one-stop shop for people affected by the deadly tornadoes to connect with the services and information that are available to them," Governor Quinn said. "While the recovery will be long and hard, we will continue to work around the clock to ensure that every community can rebuild."

Anyone affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes is encouraged to visit the MARC at Five Points Washington, 360 N. Wilmor Road in Washington from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sat., Nov. 23 through Tues., Nov. 26. Proof of address is requested.

State agencies offering assistance Saturday through Tuesday at the Washington MARC include the departments on Aging and Human Services. The Department of Insurance will offer help with insurance issues at the MARC on Monday and Tuesday. The Secretary of State's Drivers Services Mobile Unit will be at the site on Monday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The American Red Cross will provide client casework, information and referrals. More than 20 local disaster relief agencies will also be there to provide assistance and give people much needed information about their recovery process. Additionally, there will be bulk distribution of a variety of items.

After less than one day of documenting tornado damage in four tornado-affected areas of Illinois, damage assessment teams from IEMA, FEMA, the SBA and local officials have already surveyed more than 400 homes, including 281 homes that were destroyed, 58 that suffered major damage and 120 that also were damaged. The teams will work throughout the weekend and into next week until complete.

Governor Quinn has declared 15 counties state disaster areas following a severe storm system that generated at least 25 confirmed tornadoes, including two EF4 tornadoes. Counties included in the declaration are Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment to remove debris, communications equipment and assistance with security and other public safety issues.

For more information about disaster recovery resources go to www.ready.illinois.gov.

Simon surveys storm recovery in Gifford, Brookport

Urges Illinois residents to make donations to support recovery

GIFFORD - Nov. 22, 2013. Less than a week before Thanksgiving, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today surveyed storm damage in the towns of Gifford and Brookport and urged Illinois residents to donate to recovery efforts. A total of 15 Illinois counties have been declared disaster areas by the Governor in the aftermath of Sunday's tornadoes.

"The work to rebuild these communities is just beginning," said Simon, who chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. "As we get ready to celebrate the holidays, I urge people to honor the spirit of the season by reaching into their pockets to help support ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts."

Officials from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began preliminary assessments Thursday that will enable towns to apply for federal disaster aid. Earlier this week, Simon participated in the Help on the Homefront Telethon, which raised more than $786,000 for the American Red Cross, and fund raising efforts are ongoing.

More than 22,000 meals have been provided by the Red Cross, which deployed 21 emergency response trucks from around the country and operated nine overnight shelters until residents could find alternative housing, said Kelly Formoso, manager of the Champaign office of the Red Cross.

The National Weather Service reports that 24 tornadoes swept across Illinois on Sunday, killing six people, injuring 180 residents and devastating rural communities. The Governor expects the total  number of homes damaged and destroyed to exceed 1,500. However, residents in the areas affected are beginning to see signs of recovery. Power has been restored in several areas, and schools are open.

In order to donate to the American Red Cross, click here or visit www.redcross.org. Donations designated for "Illinois tornadoes and storms" will remain local.

Washington, D.C. - On Monday, November 25^th, Congressman Dave Loebsack will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award from Rock Island Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Congressman Loebsack was nominated and received this award for his work to support the Rock Island Arsenal as well as the individual soldier. Loebsack is the only member from the Iowa delegation who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He sits on both the Military Personnel and Readiness subcommittees. He is also the co-chair of the House Depot, Arsenal, Ammunition Plant, and Industrial Facilities Caucus, as well as Army National Guard Vice Chair of the National Guard and Reserve Component Caucus. Jeff Carr, President of the local AUSA will present the award to the Congressman.

Presentation of AUSA Distinguished Service Award

Quad Cities Visitors Center

102 Harrison Street

(use southeast entrance)

Davenport

10:00am