Illinois Partners with Six Nations to Share Best Practices, Stimulate Exports and Promote Tourism 

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled a website highlighting the Illinois Sister Rivers/Lakes Initiative today in honor of United Nations World Water Day 2013, whose theme is "International Year of Water Cooperation." The website is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to protecting our natural resources and driving Illinois' economy forward. This is the 20th Anniversary of World Water Day, which highlights sustainable management of freshwater resources. Illinois has built partnerships with officials in six nations to share creative solutions to common problems, such as run-off, silt and invasive species.

"The Illinois Sisters Rivers/Lakes Initiative celebrates the spirit of 'water cooperation,' as we share our successes with and learn from our partners across the world," Governor Quinn said. "Each nation has unique challenges, but we have common priorities: clean and healthy waterways, improved commercial and recreational opportunities, and we all are working hard to leave a better watershed than we inherited."

The goals of UN World Water Day's "Year of International Water Cooperation" are to spark concrete, innovative action and foster partnerships and dialogue around water. Dozens of events have been organized worldwide, such as 6,000 students in 21 nations who will walk six kilometers (3.7 miles) while carrying a water-filled backpack to dramatize the inaccessibility of fresh water for many of the world's children.

Governor Quinn has crafted Lake Michigan and Illinois River "sisterships" with Brazil's Capibaribe River, China's Huangpu River, Ireland's River Lee, Israel's Lake Kinneret, Poland's Vistula River and South Korea's Han River.

The new Illinois Sister Rivers/Lakes website (SisterRivers.Illinois.gov) is designed to share best practices with not only our partners, but advocates for waterways worldwide. The website details successful initiatives such as Governor Quinn's innovative Mud-to-Parks project, Dam Removal and Safety Initiatives and the Clean Water Initiative to modernize drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The new site will also help boost tourism and export opportunities among the Sister Rivers/Lakes partners.

The website also helps Illinois residents planning a trip abroad with information on Illinois' Sister Waterways. For example, you can fish for salmon in Ireland's Lee River, pedal along Seoul's Han River or Israel's "Jesus Trail," or kayak on Poland's Vistula River. The skylines of Shanghai and Recife, Brazil, may best be seen from a boat on the Huangpu or Capibaribe Rivers.

Governor Quinn also invited tourists in China, Israel, Poland, South Korea, Brazil and Ireland to enjoy all that Illinois waterways have to offer.  For tourism information, visit EnjoyIllinois.com. For information about fishing, boating, paddling and birding, visit dnr.illinois.gov.

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CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

Bill No.: HB 1588

An Act Concerning: Property

Reallocates a portion of the recording surcharge from Rental Housing Support Program.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

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Healing Lotus Acupuncture and Moline Chiropractic Clinic will be giving a seminar on non-prescriptive treatment options for chronic headaches on March 27th, 2013 from 6pm - 7:30pm.

Some of the highlights of this seminar will include a short discussion on the differentiation of headache types (tension, migraine, cervicogenic, etc.), diagnosis, and the selection of treatments that are available from both an Eastern & Western perspective.

Seating is limited, so please call to reserve your place.

 

Contact:

Moline Chiropractic Clinic

4300 12th Avenue

Moline, IL. 61265

(309) 764.4753

www.qcchiro.net

or

Healing Lotus Acupuncture

www.healinglotus.co

healinglotustcm@gmail.com

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NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 10-2037

PHUOC THANH NGUYEN vs. STATE OF IOWA

No. 11-0549

TRONG DUC LUONG NGUYEN vs. STATE OF IOWA

No. 11-1394

SHARECE RUCKER vs. MIKE TAYLOR and SHERIE TAYLOR

No. 11-2031

STATE OF IOWA, Plaintiff, vs. IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WARREN COUNTY

WELCOMING NEW MEMBER!

 

Minuteman Press - Davenport, Sue Grant, Owner.  563-386-4566. http://www.davenport.minutemanpress.com/ Full service print shop, in business for 21 years.

 

CALENDAR

March 23rd - Tug Fest Trivia Night - LeClaire Fire Station. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trivia starts at 7 PM. $10 per person. 8 person max per team. Bring your own snacks and drinks. (alcoholic beverages are allowed but limited to beer and wine coolers only please) Contact Kari Long iatugfestfan@gmail.com or Barry Long bal400@aol.com for more details or to reserve your table.

March 26th - Civic Club Annual Corporation Meeting that was originally scheduled for Feb. 26th, is now rescheduled for March 26th at the LeClaire Civic Center. Pot Luck at 6:30 PM and Annual Meeting at 7:00PM. All Civic Club members and their guests are encouraged to attend. Also, anyone interested in joining the Civic Club may attend as my guests.

March 26th - Reusable Usables - Women's Full Moon Circle Yoga - 7:30-8:45 p.m. Full Moon Circle is our opportunity to explore and learn from each other, and yoga will be led by Jennifer Vondracek.  We look forward to this opportunity to learn from a wonderful group of women, and to celebrate our strength, wisdom & love. $8 or donation. Ongoing event and for more info you can visit our website at www.reusableusables.org or our facebook page or call 563-289-3946

March 30th - Wide River Winery Easter bonnet Contest! Be creative and have fun! Judging at 3:30p.m. Tasting room is open 11AM-7PM

March 31st - Bier Stube - Special Easter Sunday Brunch - 9am - 12pm. Seatings begin on the hour.  Price $13.99 for buffet or $19.99 per person with unlimited Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. Also taking reservations for Mothers Day Brunch (May 12th). 1001 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire. 563-289-2121

Save the Date

April 3 - "Dinner with Mrs. Dawley" The museum's fundraiser at the Dawley Home (Crane & Pelican Café) is SOLD OUT! Dinner in a riverboat pilot's home, joined by the couple's friends and family. It will be an enjoyable evening!  If you would like to be contacted if any reservations are cancelled, please send an email to: BuffaloBill@iowatelecom.net, or message the museum on FaceBook:  Buffalo Bill Museum LeClaire IA (Please include your phone number, and number in party).

April 5th - First Friday in LeClaire!  5:00-8:00 p.m.

Food and Beverage Samples at Mississippi River Distilling Company www.mrdistilling.com 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Wine samples at Wide River Winery www.wideriverwinery.com

Karaoke at Sneaky Pete's Every Friday Night 9:00 P.M.-1:00 A.M. 207 North Cody Road Le Claire, IA (563) 289-4277.

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium will be open late - go in for a free red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries will be open late. Come in to shop and get free samples of booze cake (while it lasts)!

Restaurants and several other shops will be open late, too!

 

April 6th - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton Announces - One Show Only!

Benefit Performance of "Johnny Cash and the Sun Rocket Railway: A Tribute to the Music of Sun Records 7:00 P.M. Enjoy AJ Haut performing the songs of Johnny Cash, as well as Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley accompanied by Tristan Tapscott and Kyle Jecklin. Tickets: $10 each, available at the door. Princeton Community Center, 428 S. River Dr. Princeton, Iowa. Doors open at 6:30 PM

 

FYI

 

Grace Marine and Captain's Quarters, a 3rd Generation Family Tradition boat dealer, specializes in Crownline, Skeeter, Alumacraft, Manitou, Yamaha, and Mercury. We not only sell boats, but we also buy boats and repair boats. We now offer Pontoon, and Jet Ski rentals. We can be found at www.gracemarine.com, and also on Facebook.

The Buffalo Bill Museum offers admission discounts for group tours!   School groups, 4-H, fraternal and civic clubs, family reunions, etc. Call 563-289-4603 for more information and schedule a guided tour! Reservations are required and can be made months in advance! 

 

"LIKE" the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce on FaceBook Visit the chamber's Face Book page and discover a great source of news, business announcements, events, and other information that is updated frequently. It's a useful source of updated information for all members and non-members!

 

(ext 1135) or email Cindy Bruhn, Tourism Manager, at Info@VisitLeClaire.com

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

April 9 - Wide River Winery - after hours - 5-8pm (tentative)

May 14 - Great River Financial - after hours

June 6 - Black Watch Room - after hours - 5-8pm (1st Thursday)

July 9 -  Blue Iguana - Lunch -noon

August 13 - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch -noon

September 10 - Steventon's - after hours - 5-8pm

October 8 - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon

November 12 - Faithful Pilot - after hours -5-8pm

December 10 - Happy Joes - lunch -noon

January 14, 2014 - Sneaky Pete's - lunch -noon

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

Meet and greet Pastor Melody any Wednesday from 1-3 pm at Happy Joe's. Pastor Melody from First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, will be at Happy Joe's in LeClaire, every Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, sipping on a soda, reading and waiting to visit with you and your friends. Stop by and say hi. Or, if you have a prayer request or a question, just let her know.  Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center

2013 Trivia Nights:

April 6 - LeClaire Little League

May 4 - LeClaire Lions

June 8 - Buffalo Bill Museum

July 13 - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

 

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar

Spring - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt (Hollyhock Park)

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 17-18 - French Market Days

June 7-8 - LeClaire Garage Sale Days

June 21-22 - Girls' Getaway Weekend - Details to come!!

Summer - City-Wide Water Explosion (Hollyhock Park)

Summer - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 8-10 - Tug Fest - www.tugfest.com

October 6 - Dogtoberfest (rain date - Oct. 13)

October 13 - Apple Fest

October 24 - Hallowine

October 26 - Witches' Walk

December 6-8 - Christmas in LeClaire

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

A BOOK by ME: Holocaust Series

True stories written by children for children

™



Teaching History, Tolerance, Courage, Compassion, Kindness, Perseverance, Integrity, Cooperation and more.

 

This week A BOOK by ME series features
#30 A True American Liberator
The story of an American Liberator as told by
author/illustrator Amanda DeVilder of East Moline, Illinois

Amanda DeVilder &
Eugene Parmer
This week we highlight our young author and illustrator Amanda DeVilder of  East Moline, Illinois.
Hi!  My name is Amanda DeVilder!  I wrote and illustrated A True American Liberator when I was fifteen years old and a freshman at United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois.  In school, I participated in volleyball, basketball, track & field and student council.  I also enjoy reading and listening to music.

One thing I really want to do is travel.  In fact, I would really like to be a foreign exchange student.  I like history too and A BOOK by ME gave me a better understanding of the Holocaust.  You can't capture someone's feelings, thoughts, worries, or fears by reading a textbook.  But you can capture it when a person describes how they felt in their own words.

If someone told me they were thinking about being involved in this writing project, I would tell them, without hesitation, to go for it.  Only good things will come out of it.  Not only will you learn new things but you will pass on this information to young children who read your book.  Plus, you give the WWII veteran or Holocaust survivor recognition and honor they truly deserve.

 

Carol Eugene Parmer

92nd Signal Battalion

As a young boy, Eugene Parmer lived in Bettendorf, Iowa. Just before he joined the military he moved 40 miles north to the quiet town of Maquoketa, Iowa.  He joined the 92nd Signal Battalion who furnished communications for the United States Army. While serving in Europe during WWII, Eugene was ordered to join American soldiers liberating a concentration camp called Dachau. He was to investigate the camp's communication equipment and report to his officer.

When he arrived at Dachau, Eugene didn't want to park his weapons carrier at the main gate so he drove around the side of the camp. There he located railroad tracks with parked coal cars leading out of the camp.  Eugene's curiosity got the best of him so he climbed up the ladder. There was no coal in the cars. Eugene was not prepared for what he witnessed. Shock hit him hard. The train cars carried human bodies. Then he looked in the second car and there were more. He could not believe his eyes.  What he saw made him physically sick.

Eugene then approached the gate and shot the lock off with his revolver. Immediately, a prisoner who spoke English yelled "don't open the gate".  This man told other prisoners to stay back but then disappeared. The prisoners didn't listen and came towards Eugene and began to mob him.  He fell to the ground. The American soldier assumed they were after his rifle. But the Jewish prisoners did not want his rifle nor did they want to harm him. All they wanted was American flags lapel pin which was the Signal Corps insignia. All they wanted were the flags of their liberator.

The English speaking prisoner quickly returned with something to secure the gate. He wanted that gate shut! Eugene removed his flag pin and gave it to the man. The others backed away. The frightened soldier was relieved.

"Do you have some spare time?" asked the prisoner, "Follow me."

As they walked past buildings, Eugene saw more death. The horrors of this war were everywhere. Then the prisoner suggested Eugene get his rifle ready. What was going to happen?

They uncovered a German guard who hid when the camp was liberated. It wasn't safe for the guard to be surrounded by angry prisoners. There was another guard hiding in a 55 gallon container used to store human waste. When they tipped it over, the guard fell out. His life was also in danger. The German guards had been cruel. Now the prisoners wanted revenge.

Eugene needed to stay focused and asked the English speaking prisoner to show him the signal equipment and he did. Finally, his simple yet dangerous mission was accomplished. The young soldier returned to his regular duty.

Those horrible memories of war stayed with Eugene his whole life. Years later at an event recognizing veterans, Eugene listened to a grateful Holocaust survivor speak to the audience. While she spoke about her memories, Eugene felt sick all over again - just like he felt during his time at Dachau.

Eugene returned to and lives today in historical Maquoketa, Iowa.  When Eugene is asked what message he'd like to say to children, he replies:  "Children should see pictures and realize what can happen if we lost our freedom. I have no words to express my feelings towards these people. If I hadn't seen it, I don't know if I'd believe it. It happened."

Deb Bowen
Creator, A BOOK by ME
To learn more about A BOOK by ME...
CLICK HERE!
Track trips online, win prizes

CHICAGO - The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Active Transportation Alliance will launch the Earth Day Rideshare Challenge next month to increase awareness and appreciation by encouraging commuters to consider an alternative form of transit.

The new challenge encourages companies and their staff to participate in a free, team-based carpooling and vanpooling competition for Chicago-area employers by logging on to www.drivelesslivemore.com and tracking their trips. The website features a unique, interactive trip-tracking calendar, which can rank competitors and display statistics, such as greenhouse gases prevented, fuel and money saved, and calories burned. The Earth Day Rideshare Challenge begins April 8 and runs through Earth Day, April 22.

"Ridesharing is a great option for commuters who don't have easy access to transit or safe cycling routes to their job," said Richard Kwasneski, Chairman of the Pace Board of Directors. "Getting involved in ridesharing saves commuters money and is easy to do using our free, online matching service at www.PaceRideShare.com."

The Earth Day RideShare challenge will offer employers the tools to organize their workforce and participate in a fun competition that can encourage environmental and social change.

"Drive Less Live More has proven to be a groundbreaking program for the Chicago region," said Joe Costello, RTA Executive Director. "We're very excited how this contest has engaged our transit riders, companies and their employees to leave their cars at home and choose an alternative form of transportation,"

Challenge participants must register at drivelesslivemore.com, and then either create a team or join an existing team for their employer. Each team competes for the highest percentage of carpoolers and vanpoolers among similar-sized organizations.

Teams will find everything they need at the website to prepare their teams including: easy sign-up process, automated trip logging and team ranking, posters, and online resources. Team members can also choose to sign up as an individual participant, track their trips and be eligible to win prizes.

The companies with the highest percentage of employees who log rideshare trips at the website during the challenge win?and all teams will be publicly recognized!

A company wins if it has the highest percentage of employees logging an eligible commute to work in its category during the challenge time-frame. The winning team receives public recognition, a virtual winner's certificate, and the satisfaction of being the healthiest and greenest workplace in northeastern Illinois.

The RTA's transit system makes a significant impact on the region's environment by saving approximately 150 million gallons of gas annually. And as saving money continues to be on everyone's mind in this economic climate, the drive less live more challenge is another means to encourage travelers to see the value in public transportation and other alternative methods of greener travel.

Learn more by visiting www.drivelesslivemore.com. For all your travel plans, visit www.RTAchicago.com.

The RTA provides financial oversight, funding and regional planning for the three public transit operations in Northeastern Illinois: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and train, Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus and paratransit.  For more information, visit www.RTAchicago.com.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit safe, convenient and enjoyable. We advocate for transportation that encourages and promotes safety, physical activity, health, recreation, social interaction, equity, and resource conservation. The Active Transportation Alliance is supported by more than 7,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

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2012 SPRING/SUMMER CATALOG
Registration for Spring and Summer programs are now open!  Click here to browse our online catalog. You can also register online as well! Our spring session begins April 1 so sign up today!
Catalogs are now available at the River's Edge, 700 W River Dr, and also at other selected Parks facilities.
There are programs for all interests and all ages. Take a look at what we offer:
Adaptive & Inclusive Programs
Adult Programs
Aquatics (Swim Lessons & Sailing)
Birthday Party Packages
Camps
Diversity and Outreach Programs
Nature and Garden
Junior Theatre
School of Dance
Seniors
Ice Sports
Youth & Adult Sports
Wellness Programs
DON'T DELAY - SIGN UP NOW! SPRING SESSION STARTS APRIL 1 -
Nothing kills a program quicker than everyone waiting until the last minute to register for it. Register well in advance to secure your place, and to make sure the program runs. At some point, we must determine if enrollment is sufficient to hold the activity. By registering well ahead of the deadline, you help us and everyone!
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today gave the following statement:

"I'm encouraged by the positive steps recently taken by the Illinois General Assembly toward comprehensive pension reform.

"In the past few weeks, the Illinois House has passed three pension reform bills, culminating with today's major cost-saving measure, which reforms the Cost of Living Adjustment factor.

"In addition, yesterday's votes in the Illinois Senate indicate that there is support for pension reform.

"There's much more work to do, but I'm pleased to see progress being made.

"I will continue working with the leaders and members of both houses and both parties to get comprehensive pension reform legislation on my desk so that I can sign it into law."

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For Americans 65 and older, falling down can be the worst thing to happen to them, according to statistics from the National Council on Aging:

• One in three seniors experiences a significant fall each year
• Every 18 seconds, a senior is admitted into an emergency room after losing balance and hitting the ground
• Every 35 minutes, an elderly person dies from a fall -- the leading cause of death for seniors

"The projected cost in health-care expenses for 2020 due to fall-related injuries in the United States is $55 billion," says Karen Peterson, a therapist with multiple certifications, and author of "Move With Balance: Healthy Aging Activities for Brain and Body," (www.MoveWithBalance.org). She's also the founder and director of Giving Back, a nonprofit organization that grows and spreads programs that support senior health.

"It's important for seniors to keep moving and learning, that's what helps improve balance and coordination, and even helps build new neural pathways," says Peterson, who emphasizes the cognitive importance to her workout programs. "But if you're rather frail, or just very fearful of falling, you're less likely to get up and move around." These activities benefit all seniors, from 55 to 105.

Peterson says a fun, social program of games and activities that include exercises specifically designed for seniors helps them address multiple issues, including those that tend to keep seniors sedentary - which only lessens their strength and balance.

Last year, her program was independently evaluated from Hawaii's Department of Heath, which found a statistically significant reduction in falls from seniors - 38 percent. It also won the MindAlert Award from the American Society on Aging.

"Seniors of all ages need to continually work on improving their balance, coordination, strength, vision and cognitive skills. When they do, they're less likely to fall - and more able to enjoy life."

Peterson suggests these moves, which address many different areas of the body:

• The cross-crawl: After various light warm-ups, begin with the basic cross-crawl, which focuses on the fundamentals of balance. March in place, lifting the knees high. At the same time, reach across and touch the lifted knee with the opposite hand or elbow; alternate and keep going. This can be done sitting, standing or lying down. Once any of these exercises are mastered, Peterson says, participants should continue to challenge themselves. For even greater balance work, and to exercise the vestibular system, close your eyes and count backwards from 100 by threes. "It's not fun if you're not conquering a challenge," she says. Her book includes several challenges for each exercise.

• Forward toe-touch dancer: To improve motor skills, physical coordination and cognition, there are many dance exercises that are appropriate for seniors. If needed, use a chair for assistance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Now, simultaneously extend your left foot and your right arm forward. Keep your left toes pointed down, touching the floor; or for more difficulty, maintain the toes a few inches off the floor. Repeat this move with your left arm and right foot. Hold each pose for several seconds, and increase holding time.

• Sensory integration - the arrow chart: Look at an arrow chart and call out the direction indicated by each individual symbol. Then, thrust your arms in that direction; in other words, say and do what the arrow indicates. For an additional challenge, do the opposite of what the arrow indicates.

• Side-step walk: Walk sidestepping - bring your right foot across the left and step down three to five inches away from the left foot, ankles crossed. The closer the feet, the harder it is to balance. Alternate crossing the foot in front and then behind the other foot as you move along; repeat several times, then do the same with opposite feet. As a bonus challenge, try a reading exercise from a vision card, designed for stimulating the brain/visual system, while sidestepping.

• The cat jump: This activity is practice in case of a fall; the muscle memory of the movement will be etched in your body. Bend your knees in a squat. Jump a little off the ground with both feet, and land softly, like a cat, without jarring your body. Repeat until you are confident in your ability to prevent a spill.

"Research shows that most falls are preventable," Peterson says. "These and other exercises, performed regularly, are a great way to achieve safety and a revitalized lifestyle."

About Karen Peterson

Karen Peterson is founder and director of Giving Back, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of elders through intergenerational mentoring. She has multiple certifications, including as a Brain Gym® instructor, educational kinesiologist, natural vision improvement instructor, Touch for Health instructor and a massage therapist. For 25 years, Peterson has been teaching these modalities to children, businesspeople, athletes, classroom teachers and adults of all ages and occupations.

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