21 Oct 2013

Department of Energy's National Science Bowl Registration Now Open

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Teams of high school and middle school students across the country can now register to compete in the 24th annual Department of Energy's National Science Bowl (NSB). Thousands of students compete in the contest annually and it has grown into one of the largest academic math and science competitions in the country.

The top two high school teams nationwide win educational adventure trips and the top middle and high school teams win money for their schools' science departments.

"Participating in the National Science Bowl both regionally and at the national championships encourages student involvement in math and science activities, which is of importance to the Department of Energy and the nation," said Patricia M. Dehmer, Acting Director of the DOE Office of Science, which manages the National Science Bowl and sponsors the NSB finals competition. "These students represent our nation's future science leaders. We wish them success in their efforts to reach the National Finals in Washington, D.C."

Teams of students can sign up to participate in the NSB by registering with the coordinator for their local competition, which they can find on the NSB website HERE. Separate competitions are held for high school and middle school. Regional competitions for each area typically last one or two days and take place throughout the country between January and March.

During the regional and national competitions, students participate in a fast-paced verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions from all branches of science and math. Each team is composed of four or five students and a teacher who serves as a coach. Teams can find sample questions on the NSB website to help prepare for the competitions.

The winning team from each qualifying regional competition will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the National Finals held in Washington, D.C., from April 24 to April 28, 2014. The national events include several days of science activities, sightseeing, and competitions. As part of the National Finals, middle school students design and race lithium ion battery-powered model cars. High school students compete in team science challenges in addition to participating in the academic competition.

The prizes for the top two high school teams for the 2014 NSB will be announced at a later date. The high school team that won the 2013 NSB received a nine-day, all-expenses-paid science trip to Alaska, where they learned more about glaciology, marine and avian biology, geology, and plate tectonics. The second-place high school team at the 2013 NSB won a five-day, guided adventure tour of several national parks, which included a whitewater rafting trip.

The top 16 high school teams and the top eight middle school teams in the National Championship also win $1,000 for their schools' science departments.

Last year, approximately 14,000 high school and middle school students from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico competed in the NSB.

DOE created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. More than 225,000 students have participated in the competition since it began.

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21 Oct 2013

Medicaid Program Integrity Initiative Saves $86 Million over 3 years

By Tim Albrecht
  • Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) says initiative exceeds savings targets by $18.5 million over three years 
  • Innovative program targets fraud, abuse, errors across Medicaid programs, including personal care providers, in-home respite care, Medicaid-funded lawn-mowing and snow-removal abuses, inappropriate hospital charges, Medicaid/Medicare dual-eligible billing errors 

 

(Des Moines) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad announced today that an Iowa Medicaid initiative saved taxpayers $41 million in fiscal year 2013. That brings the total three-year savings of the program integrity effort to more than $86 million.

"The savings are six times greater than the overall cost of the program integrity contract, and $18.5 million above the savings target. That's very good news for taxpayers," said Branstad. "These savings help us provide better care for 400,000 Iowans in need, without reducing provider rates or trimming services."

The savings were achieved through a three-year, $14 million program integrity contract awarded to Optum of Eden Prairie, Minn. Optum, which manages most of the program integrity work for Iowa Medicaid Enterprise, will continue its program integrity efforts for FY 2014 in the first of two performance-based option years under the contract.

Iowa Medicaid Enterprise Director Jennifer Vermeer said savings under the program integrity contract include both "cost avoidance," which is money not spent because claims errors or fraudulent activities are caught in advance, and "recoveries," which refers to funds inappropriately billed to Medicaid that providers must repay.

A strong emphasis on avoidance is especially beneficial to Medicaid programs, since it is less costly than "chasing" inappropriately paid claims in an effort to recover funds.  Optum discovered inappropriate behavior by both providers and beneficiaries.

"We are pleased with the innovative approaches Optum has instituted," Vermeer said. "We've put those who deliberately seek to defraud the system on notice that we're using some very sophisticated techniques to thwart their efforts. For those who make mistakes or are misinformed, there's an educational component to the program that our Medicaid providers have found helpful."

The majority of the approximately 20,000 Medicaid providers bill appropriately and understand how the program works. But, Vermeer said the few who are fraudulent can cost taxpayers millions.

Some examples of potential fraud or inappropriate claims and payments that Optum analysts found include :

  • Questionable In-home Respite Care Claims: Iowa Medicaid pays for some in-home non-medical services to families with disabled children, who can't be left alone, to give parents an opportunity to shop or run errands. Program integrity analysts found that some of these companies were billing for services not provided, submitting bills that show they were at two different households at the same time, or inflating the time they were at a household. In addition, parents sometimes had siblings or other relatives establish a "storefront day care center," and would bill Medicaid for in-home respite care through the company. Optum's work has resulted in a change in the law that now prevents billing through a day care center.
  • Questionable Chore Claims: People who are eligible for Medicaid-paid nursing home care can sometimes remain in their homes with the help of various services, including chores such as lawn mowing and snow removal. Program integrity analysts found that some chore providers billed for snow removal on days it did not snow, or billed excessively for mild snowfall. In addition, analysts compared plot plans with lawn-mowing claims and discovered that often, providers would bill for far more hours than it would take to mow a small lawn. In one case, analysts found that one provider was submitting bills of $700 per month for lawn care at one single-family address.
  • Questionable Durable Medical Equipment Claims: Generally, durable medical equipment, which includes items such as oxygen tank dispensers, home hospital beds, wheelchairs, etc. - are either purchased outright or rented by Medicaid, whichever is more cost-effective. In some cases, for example, a patient may require a wheelchair or a nebulizer for only a short period of time, and renting is more cost-effective than buying. Program integrity analysts found many instances of companies submitting rental claims long past when purchasing the item would be less expensive. In other cases, companies would submit rental claims even after Medicaid had already purchased the item from them, meaning they were receiving double payments.
  • Questionable "Swing Bed" Claims: Critical access hospitals - defined as smaller, rural hospitals - at times keep injured or very sick patients in more expensive "swing bed" units, which can cost $4,000 per day, rather than moving them to lesser expensive care settings in the same hospital or to different facilities. For example, in several rehab cases, the level of care required could have been handled just as well in a nursing home setting, which costs Medicaid about $250 per day. Program integrity analysts focused on cases where patients were kept in "swing beds" for more than a year - generating up to $1.5 million in Medicaid bills - and found many cases of inappropriate billing by hospitals. The program's efforts resulted in a legislative change that now requires some prior authorization before patients are placed in swing beds.

In addition, Vermeer said there were other Medicaid fraud areas in which IME is collaborating with law enforcement officials, who are investigating based on information from Optum analysts. Steve Larsen, executive vice president of Optum Government Solutions, said Iowa's Medicaid program has become a national model in program integrity.

"The state shares our philosophy about payment accuracy - every taxpayer dollar must be properly spent, and every provider must be properly paid for the critical work they do," Larsen said.

###

For more information:

Amy Lorentzen McCoy

Iowa Department of Human Services

515-281-4848

amccoy@dhs.state.ia.us
21 Oct 2013

Six Tips for Quick and Convenient Healthy Eating During the Holidays from a Holistic Chef

By Ginny Grimsley
For many people, the holidays involve indulging in buffet tables loaded with lots of fattening, processed foods and sugary sweets.

For those of us who strive the rest of the year to eat a healthy diet while leading busy lives, it can be a challenging time. Not only are we busier than ever, we know that all those foods we usually try to avoid are going to give us indigestion, sap our energy, and pile on the pounds.

"It really isn't hard to give yourself, your family and friends the gift of delicious, nutrient-rich meals over the holidays," says holistic chef and certified healing foods specialist Shelley Alexander, author of "Deliciously Holistic," (www.aharmonyhealing.com), a new, full-color cookbook featuring more than 154 of her favorite healing foods recipes and 50 pages of holistic lifestyle tips to increase energy and immunity.

"Instead of heading to the local supermarket, visit a farmers' market, where you can buy fresh, local, seasonal and organic produce, along with other nutritious foods created by farmers and local food artisans," she says. "You'll have a much more enjoyable experience in addition to stocking up on all the ingredients you need to have handy. You can also find excellent choices at natural and health food stores."

Nutrient-rich, whole foods that don't have unnatural fillers and other additives, including seasonal, organic vegetables and fruits, wild-caught seafood, and pasture-raised, organic chicken and meats that come from well-fed, unadulterated, healthy animals, will completely nourish your body, make you feel better and ramp up your energy, she says. And you'll find you won't overeat, so it's much easier to maintain your weight without counting calories.

Alexander offers six tips for quick and convenient healthy eating during the holidays.

• When shopping, check labels and avoid foods with a long list of ingredients. The best whole foods have one or just a few unprocessed or minimally processed, easily recognized ingredients, Alexander says. Among ingredients to avoid: chemicals, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, nitrates, MSG, genetically modified ingredients and preservatives (indicated by the initials BHT, BHA, EDTA and THBQ.)

• Set aside a few hours each week to prep foods to eat in the days ahead. Cut up produce and store it in airtight containers. Lightly wash produce before using with natural vegetable wash or use one part white vinegar to three parts water. Make several homemade vinaigrettes or dressings to last all week so you can make leafy greens and vegetable salads in minutes. Clean and marinate enough meat or poultry for dinners over the next few days.

• Start your day with a green smoothie. Cut and freeze organic fresh fruit to use in green smoothies. You can also buy frozen fruit that's already cut up. Add organic kale or spinach, coconut water or nut and seed milks plus natural sweeteners such as dates or stevia for an energy-boosting beverage.

• For your holiday dinners, plan on making at least three to four dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Good examples are pasture-raised, wild turkey with sage and garlic, baked wild salmon with lemon and herbs, steamed greens, roasted heirloom root vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze, pureed winter squash soups, and desserts made with seasonal fruits, spices, and healthy sweeteners like coconut sugar or raw honey.

• Invest in a dehydrator. Dehydrate fruits and vegetables and raw nuts or seeds that have been soaked in unrefined sea salt water (which removes anti-nutrients, kick-starts the germination process, and increases key vitamins), and you'll have plenty of on-the-go snacks with a long shelf life. Dehydrators are convenient and easy to use; Alexander recommends Excalibur.

• Make batches of fermented vegetables twice a month. Alexander recommends eating fermented vegetables every day to keep your digestive system healthy. They're loaded with probiotics - the good bacteria your intestines need. Mix a variety of organic vegetables such as carrots and celery into brine with warm filtered water, unrefined sea salt, and cultured vegetable starter or liquid whey, and mix with shredded cabbage heads. Pack the mixture into sterilized glass jars and allow the vegetables to ferment for five to seven days. Once done fermenting, store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

"Stick to whole, healthy foods this holiday season, and you'll feel so good, you won't want to go near the buffet table at your office party," Alexander says.

About Shelley Alexander, CHFS: Shelley Alexander has enjoyed a lifelong love of delicious, locally grown, seasonal foods. She received her formal chef's training at The Los Angeles Culinary Institute. Alexander is a holistic chef, certified healing foods specialist, cookbook author, and owner of the holistic health company, A Harmony Healing, in Los Angeles.
21 Oct 2013

Don't Ignore Tax Deduction for Moving Expenses

By Steve Burke

Don't Ignore Tax Deduction for Moving Expenses

By Jason Alderman

Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, moving is expensive. By the time you've paid to have your household goods packed and moved, cancelled and reconnected utilities and racked up storage fees, you could easily be out thousands of dollars.

Many people don't realize that if they're moving to start a new job, transferring with a current employer or even returning to the U.S. to retire after working abroad, their moving expenses may be tax deductible. Plus, moving expenses are an "above-the-line" deduction, which means they reduce your adjusted gross income and can be claimed even if you don't itemize deductions.

Two tests generally must be satisfied to claim a moving-expense deduction:

Distance test. The distance between your new job and your former home must be at least 50 miles farther than your previous workplace is from that home. For example, if you used to work 10 miles from home, your new workplace must be at least 60 miles from your old home. If this is your first job or you were unemployed, the job must be at least 50 miles from your old home.

Time Test. Regular employees must work full-time at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after moving, although the weeks needn't be consecutive or for the same employer. (For self-employed people, it's 78 weeks during the first 24 months.)

If you moved this year, you can claim the deduction on your 2013 taxes even if you haven't yet met the time test, provided you expect to during the coming year. If you later fail to meet the time test, you must reverse the deduction, either by including the amount as "other income" on your 2014 tax return, or by filing an amended 2013 return.

Qualified moving expenses include :

  • Costs for packing and transporting household goods, personal effects, pets and vehicles.
  • Fees to disconnect and/or connect utilities.
  • Travel costs for you and household members to the new home. (Meals cannot be charged).
  • Use of your car during the move.
  • Storing and insuring your possessions for up to 30 days.
  • Note: Family members needn't move at the same time nor by the same means of transportation.

Expenses that do not qualify include :

  • Expenses of buying or selling a home, including closing costs, mortgage fees, house-hunting expenses, home improvements or new furnishings.
  • Loss on the sale of your old home.
  • Charges for signing or breaking a lease.
  • Fees for new car tags or driver's license in your new locale.
  • Expenses incurred on side trips en route to your new home (e.g., sightseeing).
  • Security deposits (including any given up due to the move).
  • Also, you cannot take a moving expense deduction and a business expense deduction for the same expenses.

See IRS Publication 521 for all eligible and ineligible expenses and other details about the moving expense deduction. To file for the deduction, complete IRS Form 3903 and attach it to a Form 1040 Income Tax Return. You don't need to complete a Schedule A unless you are otherwise itemizing deductions. (You cannot claim moving expenses on a 1040EZ Form.)

Also note: If your employer reimburses you for any deductible expenses, you must reduce your moving deduction by that amount; and, employer reimbursement for non-deductible expenses will likely be treated as wages on your W-2 Form.

Take a few minutes to calculate whether you qualify for the moving expense deduction - you could save a bundle on your taxes.

Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

21 Oct 2013

Rolling Calendar of Events from Churches United of the Quad City Area

By Janet Martin
November

November 1st - Taizé Service, 6:30 p.m., in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Dav Taizé worship is filled with song, scripture, and silent meditation. It is based on the liturgical season and is modeled on the style as practiced in the Taizé Community in France. The Chapel is candlelit, the music is repetitive and chant-like, and the silence ushers in the presence of God.

November 2nd - "Holiday Happenings" - Church Bazaar at Faith United Church of Christ, 1630 W. 38th Street, Davenport, 8am-2pm, Breakfast 8am-10am., Salad and Dessert Lunch  11am - 1pm. Cookies by the Pound, Bake Sale, Holiday Crafts, and much more!

November 14th - Bettendorf Senior Recourse Center at Harmony Hills Church - 1642 Tanglefoot Ln, Bettendorf, IA. Harmony Hills Church will present the 2nd program in our Thursday night Senior Informational Program on Nov 14th from 6:30-8:00pm. In this session Five Wishes deals with all of a person's needs: medical and legal for end of live issues. Five Wishes will help you express how you want to be treated if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 309-517-1937 or 563-355-0980. Refreshments will be served.

November 16th - Old Fashioned Bazaar & Luncheon at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2363 West 3rd Street, Davenport. Vendor and Craft Fair 8:00am-2:00pm with the Luncheon served from 11 am-1pm. Luncheon tickets available for sell now, or at the door for $5. Lunch will include a chicken casserole, salads and dessert. Forty vendors will be available, so start your Holiday shopping early!! For information call Angi Kauffman 563-579-7285.

November 23rd - Photo Opportunity!! Bring your child and/or pet to 15th Avenue Christian Church, 3600 15th Ave., Rock Island on Sat. November 23rd from 1-5pm for a photo with Santa Claus! Your donation will be a canned good which will go to a local food pantry.

November 23rd - 21st Annual Cookie Walk at First Lutheran Church, 1230 5th Avenue, Moline on Saturday Nov. 23rd from Noon-2pm. We will also have craft items, a silent auction and a raffle for an amethyst-colored, handmade shawl. Come early for best selections!

November 23rd - Holiday Pops Dinner, 5:00 p.m.; Holiday Pops Concert, 7:30 p.m. On November 23 at 5:00 p.m., we will celebrate the Christmas holiday season with a festive dinner in Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Dav., followed by bus transportation to the iWireless Center for the Holiday Pops concert featuring Debby Boone. The cost is $53 per person which includes dinner, transportation, and concert tickets. Tickets can be purchased in advance during normal office hours, Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or by credit card through the church office: 563-326-1691(concert tickets will be distributed at the dinner). A reminder postcard will be sent to you a week prior to the event.

November 27th - Thanksgiving Eve Service 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Dav. After service, please join us for pie and fellowship.

November 28th - Thanksgiving Meal Riverside church is having a free home cooked Thanksgiving meal on November 28th, 12pm, at Riverside United Methodist Church, Moline, IL. This will be in addition to our end of the month meal which is the last Sunday of every month. All are welcome!

 

December

December 6th - Chordbuster Chorus and Churches United presents Celebrate the Holidays, on Friday, December 6th at 7:00pm. This variety show benefits Churches United and its hunger ministries including 24 food pantries and 3 meal sites. There is no admission charge but a free will offering will be taken. Come join us at Heritage Church, 4801 44th Street, Rock Island.

December 6th - Taizé Service, 6:30 p.m., in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St.,Dav. Taizé worship is filled with song, scripture, and silent meditation. It is based on the liturgical season and is modeled on the style as practiced in the Taizé Community in France. The Chapel is candlelit, the music is repetitive and chant-like, and the silence ushers in the presence of God.

December 7th - Annual Cookie Walk at 15th Avenue Christian Church, 3600 15th Ave., Rock Island on Saturday, Dec. 7th from 9-11am

December 15th - The Performing Arts Series of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Dav. Destino, 2:00 p.m. Back by Popular Demand!Popera - a Canadian Classical Crossover Sensation Co-sponsored by Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series Reserved seating: Sunday, December 15, 2013 2:00 p.m. Adults $15, Students $10, Tickets will be available at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance during normal office hours, Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or by credit card through the church office: 563-326-1691

December 21st - The Performing Arts Series of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Dav. O Holy Night, Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. The Twenty-fourth Annual Christmas Concert Featuring the choirs of First Presbyterian Church - The Sanctuary Choir, Chamber Chorale, Celebration Singers, Cecelian Carolers, Cathedral Choir of Young Men and Boys, Vesper Bells, organ, and orchestra. Complimentary Tickets with Reserved seating: Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets must be picked up in advance at the church office, during normal office hours, Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Limit four (4) tickets per person.

December 22nd - The Performing Arts Series of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Dav. O Holy Night, Christmas Concert, 4:00 p.m. The Twenty-fourth Annual Christmas Concert featuring the choirs of First Presbyterian Church - The Sanctuary Choir, Chamber Chorale, Celebration Singers, Cecelian Carolers, Cathedral Choir of Young Men and Boys, Vesper Bells, organ, and orchestra. Complimentary Tickets with Reserved seating: Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.Tickets must be picked up in advance at the church office, during normal office hours, Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Limit four (4) tickets per person.

December 24th - Three thematic Christmas Eve Services with Christmas Carols and the choirs of First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Dav. Christmas Eve Family Service, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary featuring the Cherub Choir and Kirkwood Choir. Christmas Eve Communion Service, 9:00 - 10:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary featuring the Celebration Singers Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 11:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., in the Sanctuary, featuring the Sanctuary Choir, Cathedral Choir of Young Men and Boys, Cecelian Carolers, and Vesper Bells

21 Oct 2013

Trunk n Treat at St Mark Lutheran Church, Davenport

By Pastor Doris Nolan

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2363 West 3rd St., Davenport will be having a trunk n treat event on Sunday, October 27th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the east parking lot of the church.

Children of all ages are invited to this fun event. In addition to candy filled trunks, there will be a balloon man who will make balloon animals, a facepainter, other small gifts will be distributed and hot apple cider will be served. During the event, a police car and a fire engine will be there so the kids will be given a brief tour of these vehicles.

All are welcome.

For more information, call the church office, at 563-322-5318; from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. week days

St. Mark Cares...Welcome, Worship, Witness.

-end-

21 Oct 2013

Mallards Drop Opener to Rapid City 6-4

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 19, 2013) - Ryan Palmer broke a 4-4 tie with just over four minutes left in the third period and the Rapid City Rush, who got a 40-save effort from Tim Boron and a goal and two assists from Tristin Llewellyn, went on to defeat the host Quad City Mallards 6-4 Saturday evening and in the process spoil the Mallards' season opener.

 

Palmer's shot from the point put the Rush up 5-4 and set the stage for Scott Brannon's game-clinching empty net goal in the final minute.  Brannon's was the fourth Rapid City goal of the third period.  The Rush overturned a 3-2 deficit earlier in the third with consecutive goals from Konrad Reeder- a tip-in at 4:36- and Jared Brown- a long-range blast at 8:28.  The 4-3 lead given to the Rush by Brown lasted only 17 seconds before the Mallards' Mike Stinziani pounced on a rebound to equalize.

 

It was the Mallards who twice grabbed the lead in the first 40 minutes.  The Mallards responded after letting a 2-0 advantage slip away in the second period when Jim McKenzie stuffed in his second goal of the night to break a 2-2 tie at 15:54 of the middle frame.  The Rush had briefly tied the game thanks to back-to-back goals from Eric Giosa and Llewellyn.  Giosa got Rapid City on the scoreboard for the first time by burying a rebound at 9:58; Llewllyn's breakaway goal knotted the score at 13:42.

 

The Mallards had jumped in front early when McKenzie's drive from the right wing circle gave Quad City a 1-0 lead at 5:14 of the first period.  Gabriel Levesque doubled the advantage with a wrist shot from the slot at 15:55 of the first.

The Mallards return to action next Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. on home ice against the St. Charles Chill.  Tickets for next Saturday's game and all other Mallards regular season home games are now on sale at Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com, through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or at the iWireless Center ticket office.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are approaching their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The i wireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards. 

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

21 Oct 2013

Governor Quinn Announces 600 Rental Units for Seniors and People with Disabilities to be Rehabbed

By Grant Klinzman

State-Funded Preservation Now Project to Create 500 Jobs in Chicago and Peoria 

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the state's Preservation Now program will finance the preservation of approximately 600 affordable rental units for seniors and people with disabilities in Chicago and Peoria. The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs and is part of the Governor's agenda to ensure quality affordable housing for working families, seniors and people with disabilities across Illinois.

"This project will preserve critical affordable housing options for hundreds of families while creating 500 jobs," Governor Quinn said. "Today it is more important than ever that we maintain reasonably priced rental homes for all residents, no matter what challenges are, and the Preservation Now program is key to making that happen."

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) administers the Preservation Now program to preserve affordable housing across the state. IHDA board members on Friday approved financing for the first two projects under the program: 478 apartments in four developments in Peoria and a 100-unit development in Chicago.

"Governor Quinn's commitment will safeguard the affordability of these developments by extending existing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development project-based rental subsidies by an additional 20 years," IHDA Executive Director Mary Kenney said. "Under Governor Quinn, IHDA has provided more than $3 billion to create or preserve approximately 18,600 rental units across the state."

Work is expected to be completed by next fall.

 

Peoria Developments:

231-unit Parkview Estates - 2401 N. Gale Ave.

97-unit Reservoir Estates - 3336 W. Kiva Court

75-unit Hurlburt House - 818 W. Hurlburt St.

75-unit Schlarman House - 707 NE Madison Ave.

IHDA will provide approximately $30 million in low-interest loans and other financing to rehabilitate 478 units in four developments in Peoria. An estimated 400 construction and post-construction jobs will be created.

Developer Wallick Asset Management will replace roofs, windows, siding and exterior doors. Green and Energy Star upgrades include windows, doors, appliances, low-flow water devices, lights and flooring. Site improvements will provide new paving and striping, landscaping upgrades, upgraded recreational spaces and fencing repairs. The planned scope of work will dramatically upgrade these developments, preserving these affordable housing units and their vital rental subsidy.

Chicago Development:

Evergreen Towers I - 1333 N. Cleveland Ave.

IHDA will provide approximately $18 million in low-interest loans and other financing toward the acquisition and rehabilitation of Evergreen Towers, a 100-unit high-rise apartment building for seniors in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. An estimated 120 construction and post-construction jobs will be created.

In partnership with Voice of the People in Uptown and Near North Development Corp., developer Daveri Development Group will modernize the apartments with green and sustainable features designed to increase resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and yield cost savings through a long-term reduction in operating expenses. Green features will include a photovoltaic solar system (PV), solar thermal water system, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency lights in common areas, and low-flow plumbing.

The Preservation Now program aims to preserve project-based rental subsidy in existing developments by encouraging the acquisition and rehabilitation of properties by owners agreeing to extend the existing rental subsidy contracts related to the development. Approximately $245 million in project-based subsidy will be preserved over the next 20 years as a result of Preservation Now.

Preservation Now has made available Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund and other resources, which are anticipated to leverage up to $100 million in IHDA bond volume cap to support preservation efforts. Trust Fund revenue is generated from half of the state real estate transfer fee.

###

21 Oct 2013

Simon to march in support of marriage equality

By Annie Thompson

SPRINGFIELD - As the 2013 fall legislative session gets underway, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will rally in support of marriage equality Tuesday. Simon will join marriage equality proponents in the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality.

"Tuesday marks the start of the fall veto session, and I am hopeful that it also marks the time that equality for all becomes the law of the land in Illinois," said Simon. "Illinois families have waited long enough."

The March on Springfield for Marriage Equality is part of a grassroots movement aimed at passage of Senate Bill 10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), passed the Senate in February and is awaiting a vote in the House. Its passage would make Illinois the 14th state in the nation to recognize marriage equality.

 

DATE: Tuesday, Oct. 22

TIME: Rally begins at 1 p.m.

LOCATION: Lincoln Statue, Illinois State Capitol, 401 S. Spring St., Springfield

###

21 Oct 2013

2014 Iowa Teacher of the Year

By Tammy Wawro

DES MOINES, IA (10/18/2013)(readMedia)-- The ISEA is proud that one of our own, Jane Schmidt, has been selected as the 2014 Iowa Teacher of the Year. Jane is a tremendous educator who has dedicated her career to the success of every student in her care. She represents the best of the best in Iowa schools today with unending passion and commitment to continuous improvement. She truly embodies what we know is at the heart of our profession and what is taught in our schools.

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Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

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