24 Oct 2013

Simon applauds passage of bill to improve emergency medical services

By Annie Thompson

House Bill 2778 heads to governor's desk

SPRINGFIELD - October 23, 2013. Continuing her work to improve rural health care, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today applauded the Illinois General Assembly for passing House Bill 2778. The legislation sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) and Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign) will enable emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to provide more patient services.

"Seconds can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency, and EMTs need to able to use all of their skills and training to aid patients," said Simon, chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. "I would like to thank Rep. Moffitt and Sen. Rose for their leadership, and the EMS Task Force for its work on this important legislation, and I encourage the governor to sign this bill."

The legislation is a result of recommendations released last by the House Emergency Medical Services Task Force. Simon testified in support of streamlining regulations for EMTs and recently hosted an EMS Summit in Springfield. A number of providers gathered to discuss ways to further improve EMS delivery in Illinois.

Rep. Moffitt co-chaired the House Emergency Medical Services Task Force and served as the House sponsor for HB 2778.

"This bill is the result of a lot of hard work, and I thank those who participated in the hearings our EMS Task Force held throughout the state," said Moffitt. "This legislation is important because it allows the EMTs staffing the ambulance to perform medical treatment at the highest level for which they are licensed and trained, instead of being limited only to the basic skills of an ambulance licensed as a basic ambulance service."

"This legislation can help save lives, and I hope the governor will sign it quickly," said Sen. Rose, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. "The men and women staffing ambulances throughout the state should be able to use all of their skills, which can make all the difference in an emergency.

Ambulance services can be delivered at various levels, ranging from basic life support to advanced life support and specialty care transport. Currently, EMTs may provide services only at their assigned ambulance level, even though they may have training to provide a higher level of service.  Under HB 2778, a licensed EMT may perform medical services compliant with his or her level of education or training, regardless of the level of their ambulances.

Lt. Governor Simon is the chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, and enhancing emergency medical services is a part of the council's strategic plan for rural Illinois. HB 2778 passed both chambers and now heads to the governor for signature.

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24 Oct 2013

2013-2014 Swimming Lessons at Camp Courageous

By Charlie Becker
It's time for American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim classes at Camp Courageous. Lessons are held Monday to Friday after school beginning December 2, 2013.

Transportation is provided to and from Monticello schools at the end of the school day (approximately 3:20 pm - 4:15 pm). Each session includes 8 - 10 lessons. Cost is $50 per child per session ($45 without transportation).

Level 1: Water Exploration - Children learn basics of swimming: bobbing, floating in prone & supine positions, gliding in prone & supine position flutter kick in prone & supine positions, front crawl, basic safety rules, & jumping in.
Level 2: Primary Skills - Children should already be able to: float on front & back and put head under water. Children will work on: floating, gliding, flutter kick, front crawl, back crawl, turning over from front to back and back to front, retrieving object, and jumping into deep water.
Level 3: Stroke Readiness - Children should already be able to: swim front & back crawl. Children will work on: gliding, front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, retrieving object, treading water, jumping into deep water, kneeling dive, and compact dive.
Level 4: Stroke Development - Children should already be able to: swim front & back crawl 10 yards, elementary backstroke, and dive in kneeling and compact position. Children will work on: deep water bobbing, rotary breathing, front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, scissors kick & side stroke, whip kick & breaststroke, intro to turning at wall, treading water with modified scissors, breaststroke, rotary kicks, and diving in stride & standing positions.
Level 5: Stroke Refinement -Children should already be able to: swim front & back crawl 25 yards, elementary backstroke 10 yards, scissors kick, whip kick, treading water, & diving. Children will work on: alternate breathing, stride jump, long shallow dive, front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, side stroke, breaststroke, dolphin kick & butterfly, open turn on front & back, feet-first surface dive, & treading water.
Level 6: Children should already be able to: swim front & back crawl 50 yds, elementary backstroke 25 yards, breaststroke 25 yards, butterfly 25 yards, side stroke 10 yards, tread water 3 minutes, & dive. Children will work on: All six strokes, front and back crawl flip turn, breast stroke turn, breaststroke speed turn and pullout, butterfly turn, side stroke turn, pike & tuck surface dive, tread water 5 minutes, & basic water rescue.

After-School Sessions:
Session 1: 12/2/13 - 12/13/13 - Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4
Session 2: 1/13 - 1/24 - Levels 2 and 3
Session 3: 1/27 - 2/7 - Levels 1, 3, and 4
Session 4: 2/10 - 2/21 - Levels 2 and 5
Session 5: 2/24 - 3/7 - Levels 1 and 6

Later Time Classes: Camp DOES NOT provide transportation for the following lessons. Later Time Classes are held 5:00-5:45. Each session includes 8-10 lessons. Cost $45 each.

Later-Time Sessions:
Session 6: 12/2/13 - 12/13/13 - Levels 1, 2, and 3
Session 7: 1/27 - 2/7 - Levels 2, 4, and 5.

Parent & Child Aquatic: For ages 6 months to about 3 years. Designed to give young children a head start on swimming. Great for children to get comfortable in the water and begin to work on basic skills while interacting with instructor and other children in a fun and safe environment. NOTE: A parent (or adult) must accompany the child in the water. Swim diapers are required. Camp DOES NOT provide transportation for these lessons. Cost is $25 per child.
Session 8: Saturdays 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22; 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Preschool Aquatics: For children about ages 3 - 5. Designed to orient preschool-age children to the aquatic environment and to begin working on basic aquatic skills such as: enter & exit the water, blow bubbles through mouth & nose, go under water, bobbing, front & back glides, retrieve submerged objects and learn how to stay safe in the water. Children who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper. Camp DOES NOT provide transportation for these lessons. Cost is $35 per child.
Session 9: 1/27 – 2/7 (M, W, & F) 11 am – 11:45 am
Session 10: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8 (Saturdays) 8:30 a.m.-- 9:15 a.m.
Session 11: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8 (Saturdays) 9:15 a.m.-- 10:00 a.m.

St John's Preschool Aquatics: Camp also offers lessons to children at St John's Day Care with camp providing transportation. Cost is $40 per child.
using the camp's online request system on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 8 AM or after. Optional: register by leaving a message for Carol Melton @
Session 13: April 11 - 13, 2014 Friday 6pm-10pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Session 14: May 9 - 11, 2014 Friday 6pm-10pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

Lifeguard or CPR/FPR Recertification: For individuals who need to renew their certification(s) All water and land skills will be tested & written tests will be administered Cost $75 ($50 CPR/FPR).
Session 15: April 13, 2014 Sunday 10am-5pm
Session 16: May 11, 2014 Sunday 10am-5pm

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24 Oct 2013

Switch in Third Party Administrators producing savings for Davenport, says Alderman Jason Gordon

By Jason Gordon
Davenport, Iowa - October 24 2013 - A switch in Third Party Administrators (TPA), the entity that processes city employee insurance claims and provides employees with a PPO network of doctors, is producing significant cost savings for the City of Davenport. Effective January 1st of this year, the city switched from its previous TPA to United Health Care, after the city went out with a Request for Proposals (RFP) last year. Alderman Gordon first brought up the potential for cost savings if a new TPA was secured during FY13 budget discussions, and continued to work on the issue throughout the year. "For the first few months under the new TPA, we didn't see the savings right away as we were still paying out claims from the previous TPA, but by about July 1, we started to see the cost savings I thought we would," said Alderman Gordon. He continued, "It is my understanding from finance staff that we have seen a 12% savings in health care claims in the first quarter of FY14 compared to the same period last year. Assuming that trend continues for the rest of this calendar year, the savings to the taxpayer will be between $1 to $1.5 million."

Alderman Gordon was the driving force behind the switch in the city's TPA. "I had a conversation with a colleague who works in the insurance industry, and I was convinced we could save money if we went out to bid for a new TPA. I am not sure staff was initially convinced it was the best idea, and putting together an RFP is somewhat labor intensive, so I kept gently insisting that we pursue this course of action."

Alderman Gordon indicated that he is excited to see what the savings will be in 2014. "That will really be the first full year that the new TPA is processing 100% of our employees' insurance claims, and I am optimistic that the savings to the taxpayer might be closer to $2 million. As we continue to deal with growing budget constraints, I am proud of the fact that I found a way to save taxpayers approximately $1.5 million this year."

For more information, contact:
Jason Gordon
563/529-4468
gordon.c.jason@gmail.com

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23 Oct 2013

Food and Toy Program for the Community-registration starts next week

By Holly Nomura

Is the thought of Christmas making you feel bleak? Let us help.

The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities Announces the Christmas Assistance Program

Quad Cities: The Salvation Army's Christmas Assistance Program - a community wide effort - is The Salvation Army's largest outreach event each year. Last year, for example, more than 6,000 toys and gifts were distributed to 2,206 children and more than 1,900 households received food.

Families who would like to receive assistance during the holidays must register and complete the application process before December 6th.

Registration Location in Scott County, IOWA

3400 W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport 563-391-5325

Registration Location in Rock Island County, ILLINOIS

2200 - 5th Avenue, Moline 309-764-6996

 

Registration Dates and Times for both Locations:

Mondays– 12:00PM to 2:30PM On October 28; November 4, 11, 18, 25; and December 2

Wednesdays– 1:00PM to 4:00PM On October 30; November 6, 13, 20; and December 4

Fridays– 11am-2pm On November 1, 8, 15, 22; and December

What to bring: Applications will not be taken without the items below:

1. Adults: a. Picture ID with valid date, b. Social Security card & c. Proof of address (2 pieces of mail)

2. Children: a. Social Security Cards or b. Medical Cards or c. Birth certificates for each child.

3. Proof of: a. Household Income & b. Federal or State Benefits.

Generous Quad Cities residents make this program possible with their monetary donations, as well as donations of toys through the Angel Giving Trees. Beginning November 2, Angel Trees will be displayed at all QC Wal-Marts. NorthPark and SouthPark Mall will again host trees in their JC Penney and Younkers Courts, respectively, starting November 29.

To volunteer with The Salvation Army this season, please go to www.ringbells.org.

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23 Oct 2013

Trunk or Treat at St. James Lutheran Church

By Sharon Wren

Get Your Spooky On At Trunk or Treat

 

All ages are invited to join St. James Lutheran Church members in the church parking lot for "Trunk or Treat"      on Saturday, October 26 from 3-5 p.m.  Wear your best costume, enjoy games and collect lots of candy!  A community meal of chili, tomato soup, grilled cheese and salad will be served starting at 5:30 p.m.

St. James Lutheran Church is located at 1705 Oak Street in Bettendorf, just up the hill from K&K , Hardware, on the corner of 18th and Oak Streets.
23 Oct 2013

November events at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts

By Megan Flanagan

SPAMALOT, ANGELINA BALLERINA, LORIE LINE AND MORE AT THE CCPA IN NOVEMBER

The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts will welcome local, national, and international talent for a variety of November events.

The schedule includes:

·        City Circle Acting Company's production of Monty Python's SPAMALOT (October 25-November 1, performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm).  This Tony-Award winning  musical is "lovingly ripped off" from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Tickets are $12-$27.

·        Flutes for Food (November 6 at 6:30pm) Students of West Conservatory teachers Megan Hofeldt, Beth Ramsey, Shivhan Dohse, and Sarah Beland perform in solos, duets, and small group ensembles.  The program concludes with the West Music Flute Choir of over 40 flutists performing Simple Gifts. The price of admission is a non-perishable food item to benefit the Johnson County Crisis Center, North Liberty Food Pantry, and Coralville Ecumenical Food Pantry.

·        Vital Theatre Company's national tour of Angelina Ballerina The Musical (November 10 at 1pm and 4pm

).  This fun-filled family musical has delighted audiences across the country!  Based on the beloved books and the PBS Kids® animated series, this production features Angelina and her friends Alice, Gracie, AZ, Viki, and their teacher Ms. Mimi.  Everyone is aflutter because a special guest is coming to visit Camembert Academy.  Angelina is the most excited of all, but will she get the starring moment she hopes for?  Tickets are $15.

·        The Alejandro Ziegler Tango Orchestra (November 12 at 6:30pm).  Directly from Buenos Aries, the Alejandro Ziegler quartet will perform classical tango, mixed with their own compositions.  Ziegler's style of tango music reflects both innovation and tradition.  Audience members are invited to dance on the stage during the concert.  Tickets are $12-$23; patrons have the option of adding on a special reception with the artist at Mendoza Wine Bar for an additional $8.

·        Lorie Line: Born in Bethlehem (November 14 at 7:30pm).  Lorie Line's 2013 Holiday Tour begins in Coralville and will feature favorites and brand new seasonal songs.  Expect all the elements that make a Lorie Line show successful: signature musical arrangements with her Fab Five, colorful costumes, stories, world-class musicians, and most importantly, bells!  Tickets are $48.

·        Kirkwood Instrumental Jazz Ensembles featuring Gabe Medd (November 22 at 7:30pm) Kirkwood Community College presents the Kirkwood Jazz Ensemble and the CR Jazz Big Band in concert under the direction of Kirkwood's Director of Instrumental Jazz Studies and Jazz Educators Hall of Famer Al Naylor.  Guest artist Gabe Medd is a Coralville native who is finishing his degree at Julliard.  Tickets are $7-$12.

·        City Ballet of Iowa: Winter Dances (November 24 at 2pm).  This dance performance features City Ballet, Edith Ballet Academy, and Movment Dance Co.  Tickets $6-$10.

·        2013 Generations of Jazz (November 25 at 7pm) features the Silver Swing Big Band, a subset of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center New Horizons Band, with Iowa City High School Jazz Ensemble, West Brand High School Jazz Band, West Liberty High School Jazz One Ensemble, Lin-Mar's Colton Center Jazz Ensemble, and Moline High School Jazz Ensemble.  This event is free and open to the public.

Further information on these events and details on other upcoming events are available at CoralvilleArts.org.

Tickets for most CCPA events are available by phone at 319.248.9370, online at CoralvilleArts.org, and in person at the CCPA box office at 1301 5th Street and Coralville Recreation Center at 1506 8th Street.

Owned and operated by the City of Coralville, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the community and contributing to the vitality of Coralville by offering an accessible, affordable venue for a variety of performances, presentations, and public and private events.  The 472 seat theater opened August 26, 2011 and has hosted performances from City Circle Acting Company, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Dan Knight, Lola Astanova, Lorie Line, Judy Carmichael, Jim McDonough, Nolte Academy of Dance, and many others.  Coralville schools are also able to use the Center free of charge up to three times per year; 16 school events took place at the Center in the 2012-2013 school year. The Center was named 2012 Member of the Year by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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23 Oct 2013

Frankly Speaking About Lung Cancer

By Erin @ Gilda's Club

Davenport, IA (November 2013) - Gilda's Club will host George Kovach, MD, Certified in Internal Medicine and Hematology, physician with Iowa Cancer Specialists for a free, two-hour workshop covering the latest treatments for lung cancer. Our expert speaker will also discuss side effects, side-effect management, and tools to overcome the social and emotional challenges of the diagnosis. We hope to answer many of your questions about lung cancer to help you (or your loved one) manage the disease more successfully. The workshop will take place on Thursday, November 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Gilda's Club Quad Cities, 1234 East River Drive, Davenport, Iowa.

Advanced Registration is preferred as dinner is included.

For more details and registration, call (563)-326-7504 or email melissa@gildasclubqc.org

23 Oct 2013

Former Rock Island Arsenal attorney announces candidacy for Senate District 47

By Ben Foecke

BETTENDORF - Maria Bribriesco, a former attorney advisor to the U.S. Army at the Rock Island Arsenal has announced her candidacy for the Iowa Senate in district 47. District 47 includes the cities of Bettendorf, Riverdale, Panorama Park, part of eastern Davenport and Pleasant Valley Township.

"This is a unique district, with many distinct communities," said Bribriesco. "But we are united by our common challenges. We must continue to have economic stability, which includes not only thriving Main Streets and good-paying jobs, but also great local schools and a safe environment for our families.

"I am running for the Iowa Senate because I believe the politicians in Des Moines have lost sight of their job as lawmakers: which is to come together to solve problems for everyday Iowans. Instead they play politics and focus on divisive social issues, which do absolutely nothing for our Main Streets, our local schools or the economic future for Iowa families.

"I will listen to the people here," added Bribriesco. "I will work hard every day of this campaign to find out what they are most concerned with and, if elected, work on those issues at the State Capitol.

Bribriesco spent twenty-seven years as a civilian attorney with the U.S. Army at Rock Island Arsenal, rising to the position of Chief Counsel to TACOM before retiring in 2011. She's active in Ministry Gardens, an organization dedicated to supplying local food pantries, homeless shelters and meal sites in Scott County.

Maria and her husband, William have three grown sons: Alex, Anthony and Andrew. They also have three grandchildren: Ava, Liam, Marissa and another granddaughter due in November. The Bribriescos are active members of Our Lady of Lourds Catholic Church in Bettendorf.

"I hope I get a chance to talk with every voter in this district. I'm starting today by knocking doors and planning community events in Bettendorf, Riverdale, eastern Davenport and Pleasant Valley. But if we don't get a chance to meet, I welcome anyone interested in my campaign, and interested in adding your voice into State Government, to contact me at (563) 505-5711 or email me at maria4iowa@gmail.com."

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23 Oct 2013

CAPRI CARES CAPRI COLLEGE FIGHTS BREAST CANCER

By Abigail Degenhardt

Dubuque, Iowa- Capri Colleges (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Dubuque) is excited to announce their fifth annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser. Capri College rose over $27,000 the past four years for local, non-profit organizations. This year's large raffle item includes one year FREE services at Capri College Student Salon & Spa.

"We are exceptionally proud to support our local communities with this event," said Abigail Degenhardt, marketing director.

Stop by Capri College during the month of October to enter the raffle drawing for ONE year FREE services at Capri's Student Salon & Spa*, CHI flat iron, CHI blow-dryer & much more! *Some restrictions apply. Ask for details. 

Raffle Tickets - $5 each or 5 for $20.

Fight Breast Cancer by stopping by Capri College on Thursday, October 24th or call to schedule an appointment. Capri will be providing discounted services including $5 haircuts, hand massages, polish change and paraffin dip all proceeds supporting breast cancer.

Cedar Rapids     2945 Williams Pkwy SW       319-364-1541 Proceeds Donated to: Especially for You

Davenport          2540 E. 53rd Street                 563-388-6642 Proceeds Donated to: Genesis Cancer Center

Dubuque            395 Main Street                     563-588-2379 Proceeds Donated to: Images & Information

Capri College Mission Statement: "Capri College is dedicated to providing the highest quality education possible. We enroll, educate and graduate individuals in an ethical and respectful manner, ready to excel in the field of their choice."

For more information, contact Capri College, at (800) 728-0712 or visit us on the web at www.capricollege.edu.                               ###

23 Oct 2013

Sarah Shafer sings Barber and Mozart

By QCSO

Mark Russell Smith knew he was working with a budding talent the first time he worked with Sarah Shafer at the Curtis Institute in 2007. Sarah had been given the small but important part of Barbarina in Mozart's Marriage of Figaro. "She made an immediate impression as an innately musical singer and had a radiant presence on stage," explained Mark Russell Smith. Smith invited her to perform with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as one of the four vocalists for Mozart's Requiem during the 2010-11 season, and later as one of three soloists for Strauss' Suite from Der Rosenkavalier in 2011-12 season. In the mean time, Shafer's professional career has blossomed.

 

Shafer recently made her professional operatic debut in the role of Barbarina and the cover role of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Glyndebourne Festival and at the BBC Proms in London's Royal Albert Hall. Roles for the 2012-13 season included her American debut with Opera Memphis singing Adina in L'Elisir d'Amore, Mary Lennox in the world premiere of San Francisco Opera's newly commissioned work The Secret Garden, and Papagena in Opera Philadelphia's Die Zauberflöte. And now Shafer returns to the Quad Cities from these lead operatic roles to lend her "luminous voice" (New York Times) to Samuel Barber's deeply personal Knoxville, Summer of 1915.

 

Shafer will also make an appearance on the second half of the program to perform Mozart's "Ch'io mi scordi di te?" with celebrated pianist Joel Fan. Joel Fan has been described as a "versatile and sensitive pianist" (Washington Post) and praised for his "vivid imagination" (New York Times). This impromptu recital for soprano and piano will be followed by Richard Strauss' "Morgen!" for soprano and orchestra and performed in the midst of Strauss' Suite of incidental music from Le bourgeois gentilhomme, enacting a portion of the original stage play. You are sure to be smiling at the end of this delightful production.

 

Masterworks II

Saturday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m.

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

Sunday, October 27, at 2:00 p.m.

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

 

Masterworks II is sponsored by Margaret Burrows-Getz and Tom Getz, MD, in memory of Meg Burrows LeGrand

Click here to purchase tickets online

 

Click here to read the concert program notes

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