08 Mar 2013

Eastern Iowa Stocker/Feeder Forums

By Amanda Heitz
The Iowa Beef Center and Iowa Cattlemen's Association will be sponsoring two programs this month for small and medium beef and dairy operations. Any cattle operations with less than 1000 animals in outside yards are invited to attend to learn more about how  environmental regulations and inspections may impact their operation.

Both programs start at 10 AM and will conclude about 3 PM. The keynote speakers are Stephen Pollard from EPA, and Gene Tinker or Bill Ehm from IDNR. They have been asked to address fly-overs, inspections and environmental compliance- all topics of high priority for Iowa livestock operators regardless of size and scope of operation. Justine Stevenson, ICA Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, will provide an update on policy, administrative and other hot topics the Iowa Cattlemen's Association is working on in 2013.

With high feed costs producers need to evaluate and seek out feedstock options to manage through high feed input costs. Dr. Dan Loy will discuss current use of alkali treatment to increase the digestibility and value of corn stalks in cattle rations. With the current challenge on producers' minds being the availability of water for summer 2013, there's no doubt that it's important to have a plan in place to insure cattle are managed appropriately to avoid heat stress and other issues this summer. Greg Brenneman & Byron Leu, or Dan Huyser & Denise Schwab, ISU Extension engineer and beef specialists, will focus on considerations producers can use to navigate through a hot dry summer if this is a reality.

The programs will be held March 21, at the Mahaska County Extension Office in Oskaloosa, and March 22, at the Jones County Extension Office in Monticello. Please RSVP your intent to participate by calling the ICA office at 515-296-2266 by Friday, March 15. Lunch will be provided free of charge thanks to local business sponsors.

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08 Mar 2013

Pick the perfect gift for Mother's Day and watch your love grow all year.

By Rick Martin
The Iowa State University Scott County Extension & Outreach Master Gardeners are selling planted containers for Mother's Day giving. Choose from four flowering pot combinations in either a table top or hanging pot or an herb container.

Each pot is planted by the ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach Master Gardeners with plants from a local greenhouse especially chosen to create a container that blooms all summer long. The cost is $25 per container with deadline for orders and payment by 4pm on April 2, 2013. Call the ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach Office to order: 563-359-7577

Your container will be available for pick up at the Extension Office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf, IA 52722 on Friday, May 10 from 4:30-6:00 pm or Saturday, May 11th from noon-4 pm. Proceeds from the sale supports horticulture education programs in Scott County.

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08 Mar 2013

LeCLAIRE CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 03/08/2013

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

Have You Renewed Your Chamber Membership for 2013?!

Deadline to remain in good standing is March 15!

Being a Member of the Chamber helps you to gather leads, meet prospects and promote your products and services.  Your business is listed on www.LeClaireChamber.com for all who visit the site to see, not to mention the 1000's of visitors to our Facebook page!  The Chamber refers our members first and encourages others to do business with our members. Attend Annual and Monthly Events! Stay up to date with news and events, and post your announcements for free on the Friday Announcements!  Low cost advertising is available to members in our quarterly Newsletter.  Stay involved, meet new people, and make a difference in your community! Membership form attached!
 
Members - If you would like for your Announcements to be included in this weekly email that goes out to so many, please send them to leclairechamber@gmail.com by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday before Annoucements come out on Friday!

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!

Kernel Cody's Popcorn Shoppe - new owners, Diane Frascello and Joel Johnson, 125 North Cody Road, Le Claire, IA 52753

kernelcodys@iowatelecom.net All different flavors of popcorn, Lagomarcino's fine chocolates and over 85 types of candy!

The Black Watch Room - Kelly Schone - 3851 Forest Grove Drive, LeClaire, IA 52753. phone: 563-332-5072. Website: theblackwatchroom.com Planning a Wedding?  Hosting a Retirement or Graduation Party?  Coordinating a Bridal or Baby Shower? Book your Special Events with us!

Charles Schwab - Eric M. Johannes, CFP®, Independent Branch Leader and Financial Planner - 5345 Elmore Avenue, Suite 300, Davenport, IA 52807 phone: 563-275-3663. Helping you plan meet your financial goals for years to come.

CALENDAR

March 8th - Slagle's Wine, Spirits and Beer Tasting - 5-7 p.m. Slagle Foods 2, Inc.,1301 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. Stop in and try something new!

March 8th - Ascentra Branches - Casual for a Cause Day. Employees pay $5 to dress casually. Proceeds collected will go towards St. Bladrick's Foundation, a cause dedicated to curing childhood cancer.  Locally, the "shaving of the heads" will take place at the DeWitt Just Irish Enough Parade & St. Baldrick's Fundraiser on Saturday, March 16th. Ascentra's Casual for a Cause days are held twice a month where each staff member donates $5 to dress casual with all proceeds benefitting a local organization or family in need.  Anyone is welcome to join this effort and donate to this great cause.

March 9th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the LeClaire Civic Club Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Participants may bring beer, wine, snacks and soda. Water and snacks will also be for sale. Up to eight people per table. $10 per person with a $50 table minimum. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Contact Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703 for reservations or information. Don't have enough for a full table? Come anyway and we can put you on a table that needs people!

March 12th - Chamber Networking Breakfast - 8:00 a.m. McDonald's, LeClaire

March 14th - Vegan & Vegetarian Night at the Crane & Pelican Café - Details and Menu at www.craneandpelican.com

March 15th - 17th - Bier Stube St. Patricks Day Celebration - $9.99 corned beef and cabbage and red potatoes, served all day long Fri-Sun. 1001 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire. 563-289-2121

March 16th - LeClaire Rec Center Family Night - www.leclairereccenter.com

March 23rd - Tug Fest Trivia Night - LeClaire Fire Station. Doors open at 6 PM. 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.

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - go in for a free red velvet cupcake! Yummmy!!

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!

FYI

Wide River Winery - New location in LeClaire, IA opening soon! Location: 1 building north of our current location at 106 N Cody Rd.

Paul and his team have been working hard for months. In mid November they uncovered an opening to a tunnel that was part of the Underground Railroad. The building is being transformed and progress is made daily. We are very excited about the opportunities in LeClaire and promise to keep you posted on the opening date. Don't miss the new Wine Garden and live music events this Summer!

Reusable Usables, Planet Green After School Classes 322 N Cody Road, LeClaire, IA  52753 www.reusableusables.org TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS   4:00-5:30 PM Learn creative and fun ways to respect our planet with hands on eco-friendly art and educational activities based on the Iowa DNR Planet Patrol Series.   $5 per class thanks to GRANT funding from Iowa DNR. visit www.reusableusables.org Ongoing event and for more info you can visit our website at www.reusableusables.org or our facebook page or call 563-289-3946

"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!

March 12 - McDonalds - breakfast -8am

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 First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire 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:

March 9 - LeClaire Civic Center

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
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!

08 Mar 2013

History and Culture Live this Spring at the Rock Island Public Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: History and culture will be brought to life this spring in five free programs at the Rock Island Public Library.

 

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people really know her. Aided by actress Laura Keyes, the Rock Island Library shares the first lady's side of the historical story during Women's History Month in Mrs. Lincoln Goes to Washington. The one-woman show, set against the Lincolns' first trip to Washington City in 1847, will be performed from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Monday, March 18 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master's Degree in Library Studies, and is currently the Library Director at The Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg. Her past stage roles include Mary Todd Lincoln in Mrs. Lincoln, Elizabeth in Frankenstein, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, Claire in Fuddy Meers, Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest and Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

If Mary Todd's story leaves you wanting to hear more about her famous husband, the library will offer "Lincoln and Liberty, Too," a special performance of Civil War songs and stories in April by Bob Welch of Dubuque. Combining storytelling and history with music on guitar and banjo, Welch's Civil War songs bring history to musical life. The performance is at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 2 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

With current interest high as a result of the Lincoln movie, and the importance of April in Civil War history, Welch has been particularly busy performing at school and public venues. Past performances have included the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, the American Civil War Museum in Gettysburg, PA, the Sailors Creek Battlefield in Virginia and historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul, MN.

Both the Mary Todd Lincoln and Lincoln and Liberty programs are made possible by sponsorship from the Friends of the Rock Island Public Library.

April also marks the 45th anniversary of the death of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The library and the Afro-American Heritage Center of the Quad Cities will recognize the event with a film and discussion of "A Ripple of Hope." The independent historical documentary retells the events of April 4, 1968, when King was assassinated outside a Memphis hotel room. The film and discussion will be presented from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 3, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

A Ripple of Hope retraces the steps of Presidential Candidate Robert Kennedy as he absorbs the news of King's death and responds with courage and compassion. Though advised not to speak, Kennedy delivered a moving impromptu address to a tense crowd in Indianapolis. Featuring digitally restored news footage and original music by John Colby, the Grammy Award winning music director of the Ken Burns Civil War soundtrack, A Ripple of Hope dramatically narrates the events of that tragic day through the eyes of those who were there.

Also in April, the library celebrates William Shakespeare's 449th birthday anniversary with two events.

On April 23, the bard's presumed birthday, Don Wooten and Genesius Guild will present a look at a fascinatingly complex character and play with "Who is Macbeth?" In what is considered to be Shakespeare's shortest and bloodiest tragedy, Macbeth employs themes and elements from all other Shakespearean plays. But who was Macbeth really? What do we know about him? Learn more with this free event on 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 23, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

Next, the library considers Shakespeare's The Tempest, with help from high school student performers from Rockridge High School, and a discussion led by members of Prenzie Players. Students will present a pivotal scene from the play, followed by discussion, at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 25, at the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more news about Rock Island Public Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-7323 (READ) or follow the Rock Island Library on Facebook and Twitter. A monthly calendar of library events is available online and at Rock Island Library locations.

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08 Mar 2013

Please help BiState Literacy Council make some money and spend some money!

By Dave Layton
First you can help us make money by coming to the BSLC Trivia Night this Saturday 3/9 at the Rock in Coal Valley.  Reservations not needed. Individual players welcome.

Next you can help us spend some money by applying for funding that will help you improve  the literacy of those you serve (application attached) or by sharing this message with someone who may want to apply. More info. is below:

BiState Literacy Council is now accepting funding requests from literacy-related programs. These requests of up to $500.00 can be for support materials or any literacy program needs not included in a regular budget. Literacy programs can serve anyone from preschool to adult. Schools are welcome to apply but it can't be for materials that are required for the regular curriculum. The Request form is attached. You may complete and email back to me or fax to number below or mail to BSLC PO Box 1602 Bettendorf IA, 52722-1602  Completed requests must be returned (post marked) no later than March 31st.
08 Mar 2013

Smiddy's budget statement

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, IL - In response to Governor Quinn's annual budget address delivered on Wednesday, state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) issued the following statement:

"Governor Quinn's budget address highlighted the many fiscal challenges the state is facing and the urgency with which we must address these issues. As our debts pile on and families struggle to fully recover from the recession, state lawmakers have to be responsible in capping spending, preventing hardworking families from being hit with higher taxes, and paying down our bills.

"Just yesterday, I worked in a bipartisan manner in the House to take the first steps in crafting the next budget by agreeing to a plan of what we estimate the revenue will be coming into the state and setting a cap for spending. The House's revenue estimates are more conservative than the governor's estimates in his spending plan. These estimates will serve as the base of the House's  budgeting to ensure that limit our spending, pay down our backlog of bills, and commit to a more fiscally responsible budgeting process.

"As we make these difficult decisions to cut the state budget, we have to be careful that we are making smart cuts that do not hurt our long-term goals. I strongly disagree with the governor's proposed $400 million in cuts the already-decimated education budget. Continuing to slash education spending will only make it more difficult for our youth to succeed in today's ever-challenging job market, and I will fight to preserve educational opportunities for our students.

"I look forward to the opportunity to work with my colleagues and collaborate with the 71st District to find new and creative ways to cut the state budget, hold lawmakers accountable, and create a more fiscally sound state for our families."

For more information, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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08 Mar 2013

SEN. JACK HATCH STATEMENT ON SEN. HARKIN'S CONCLUSION THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS LIKELY TO REJECT BRANSTAD PLAN

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES -- "When it comes to health care reform, Governor Branstad is truly edging toward a worst-case scenario for Iowa.

No one is more involved with federal health care policy than Sen. Tom Harkin. His conclusion that the federal Department of Health and Human Services likely will reject the Branstad Plan for covering some of Iowa's uninsured is troubling to say the least.

Not only does the Branstad Plan purposely leave 70,000 Iowans without coverage, it requires new federal spending to be approved by Congress and offers less coverage than Medicaid.

If that weren't reason enough to reject the Branstad Plan, it's now clear the Governor failed to run his proposal by federal authorities or even design it in a way that is likely to be approved.   Now, Iowa stands to lose the IowaCare program we have, while missing out on a one-time opportunity to cover more than 150,000 of our uninsured neighbors.

Today, I am asking Governor Branstad to direct whatever concerns he may have to the existing Senate Plan (SF296) for Medicaid expansion, and working together I know we can find a solution to bring health care coverage to 150,000 Iowans.

I sincerely hope the Governor comes to his senses soon and realizes accepting federal funds set aside to cover uninsured Iowans is the best path forward.  The alternative would demonstrate failed leadership at its most harmful to Iowa."

 

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08 Mar 2013

New Book Projects Completed for ABBM Series - #52 A Hidden Life

By Deb Bowen
A BOOK by ME: Holocaust Series

True stories written by children for children

™


Teaching History, Tolerance, Courage, Compassion, Kindness, Perseverance, Integrity, Cooperation and more.
Announcing a new title in the A BOOK by ME series
#52 A Hidden Life
H#52
The story of Jewish survivor Michelle Rubovitz as told by
author/illustrator Chloe Marie Gosa of Rock Island, Illinois

 

This week we highlight our young author and illustrator Chloe Marie Gosa of Rock Island, Illinois. Chloe's grandmother is Dr. Marrietta Castle, a distinguished member of the Holocaust Education Committee of the Greater Quad Cities. Chloe's grand parents lived next door to the Rubovitz family in Rock Island for many years. She has known Michelle her entire life and it's an honor to tell her story through ABBM.

Michelle and her husband, Rabbi Chuck Rubovitz, live in Joliet where he is Rabbi at Joliet Jewish Congregation. Grants are being written through the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities this spring to put this book (and many others as well) into schools in Iowa and Illinois. If grants are received, these books will soon be in the hands of teachers and students.

Today we salute both Michelle and Chloe for telling this amazing story. Through her work at the public library, many students in the Quad Cities know Michelle.  The Holocaust will become more real to them when they read this book.
We encourage other young authors (especially those personally knowing survivor stories or having stories in their families) to embark on this amazing journey of writing the stories for future generations.

Michelle Trop Rubovitz
When Michelle Trop was born on June 2, 1938, her family was living in the small village of Orleanais, France located about 30 miles southwest of Lyon. Her parents, Sonia and Jacob Trop, had moved to southern France in 1936. Before that they lived in Grodno, Poland. Jacob's and Sonia's families had lived in Poland for many generations. Jacob's father, his grandfather, and all his uncles had been bakers there. Although Jacob made a living in Orleanais as a plumber, Michelle later recalled how good he was at baking because he grew up around bakers. She especially remembered that he made a wonderful jelly roll treat for Rosh Hashanah each year after the war.
As more and more restrictions were being placed on their lives as Jews living in Poland, the Trops began to think of leaving. Riots in that country reflected a growing anti-Semitism, and when Hitler took over Germany, they heard about the horrible things that were happening to the Jews there. So, when the Trops moved to France, they thought they would be avoiding many of these problems. In the early 1930s, even before the Trops moved to France, two of Sonia's aunts immigrated from Poland to the Untied States with their families in order to escape persecution.

Between 1936 and 1939 life for the Trop family in Orleanais was a happy one. Jacob's business as a plumber was going well, and Sonia enjoyed being a homemaker caring for baby Michelle. Their home was in a two-story, C-shaped building, with Jacob's plumbing shop downstairs and the living quarters upstairs over the shop. Michelle remembers that beautiful flowerboxes were situated in every window across the top floor.

When German troops invaded Poland in the fall of 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Jacob became increasingly concerned that France would fall under Nazi rule, which it eventually did. Of course, being Jewish meant the possibility of being sent to a concentration camp or being killed outright. At that time he decided to go underground and join the French resistance, so he arranged for Sonia and baby Michelle to live with a Catholic family on a remote farm in the French countryside.

Michelle was only one year old when she arrived at the farm with her mother, so she was too young to even remember having lived in Orleanais before the war. She and her mother remained on the farm for the next six years. Her earliest memories are of life on the farm. The farmer's wife treated Sonia and Michelle as part of her family and told Nazi soldiers, when they came to inquire, that both husbands were away fighting in the French army. In order to protect Michelle and her own life, Sonia didn't tell Michelle that she had a father or even that she was Jewish. Sonia knew that if Michelle were questioned by anyone about these matters, she could answer truthfully without any knowledge of either. That's why, when Michelle was question about her father by a Nazi soldier who came to the farm, she answered, "I don't have a father."

Jacob visited Sonia at night several times over those six years, without Michelle ever knowing that he came and went. She happily played around the farm, climbing cherry trees in the orchard and taking care of her baby brother, Charles, who was born on November 10, 1942. Michelle remembered running to hide in the cherry orchard when her baby brother, whom she was supposed to be watching over, fell down an outside stairway. He was not badly injured, but Michelle knew she would be blamed for his fall. After her father returned in 1945, Michelle learned that he had also hid in a cherry tree at one time to avoid being discovered by the Nazi soldiers who visited the farmhouse.

Although Michelle's father rarely mentioned his activities while fighting with the French Underground, he did tell a story about being captured one day along with some of his fellow partisans. They were put into a camp and then were forced to march in a line to what he though was likely a certain death. Realizing what was going on, he began looking for a way out. As the line moved past a small, wooden building, he noticed that a plumber had left his tools and coveralls behind. Carefully sneaking out of the line, he put on the coveralls, picked up the tools and some pipes lying nearby, and walked out of the camp right under the noses of the guards.

In the spring of 1945 when World War II ended in Europe, the Trop family moved back to Orleanais to resume their life together there as a family. At seven years old, Michelle found out that she did indeed have a father. Her first memory of discovering that she was Jewish was when the family celebrated Passover that spring and her father brought out the Matzoh. She knew nothing about Passover, had never seen Matzoh before, and had not tasted chicken soup with matzo balls like Sonia prepared. From that time onward, her family celebrated the Jewish holidays and Michelle began to learn Hebrew.Spring of 1945 was also when Sonia's cousin Mitchell came to visit the family Orleanais. He was the son of one of Sonia's aunts who had immigrated to the United States from Poland in the early 1930s. Michelle remembered being in awe of this handsome American soldier when he visited her home, but she was also confused at first when she heard Sonia call him by name and give him a big hug. His visit was a most happy reunion, but Michelle couldn't understand what was said at that time because her parents spoke Yiddish, a language similar to Germany used mostly by Jews from Eastern Europe. Mitchell had obviously learned Yiddish from his parents. Otherwise, he would not have been able to communicate with Sonia and Jacob at that first meeting. Michelle later learned her parents spoke Polish, Russian, and German, and they read Hebrew.

With the help of Mitchell's family in America as sponsors, the Trop family (with a new daughter Annick, born October 11, 1946) was able to immigrate to the United States in 1950. Today Michelle lives in Joliet, Illinois with her husband of 52 years, Rabbi Chuck Rubovitz. For years they lived in Rock Island, Illinois where Michelle worked for the public library. They raised their two sons, David and Robert there and today have four beautiful grandchildren: Sara Brinna, Jakob, Kyle and Evie.

Deb Bowen
Creator, A BOOK by ME
To learn more about A BOOK by ME...
esther avruch young framed Esther katz - young framed esther schiff - young framed
A BOOK by ME was born to tell the stories of three Jewish survivors from the Quad Cities, each named Esther.  We honor our friends Esther Avruch, Esther Katz and Esther Schiff.  Because of the inspiration they provided, 70 stories have been written or are in process.

I'm asking ordinary children all over the world to use their talents to share extraordinary stories. Many students write about Holocaust survivors, Righteous Gentiles (non-Jews who risked their lives to save the Jewish people), prison camp liberators and other important stories of World War II. Since this generation is getting older, the time to interview them, write and illustrate their important story is RIGHT NOW!
-Deb Bowen
08 Mar 2013

QC Author Katie Ganshert book signings

By Nicholas Depew

Meet local author Katie Ganshert at a Quad Cities upcoming local book signing event, celebrating her second novel Wishing on Willows (Waterbrook Press, March 19, 2013) that continues the story in her debut novel Wildflowers from Winter.

 

The story of Robin Price as she deals with a three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories of her late husband, where Ganshert explores if second chances at life and love always involve surrender?

Meet Ganshert at one, or both, book signing events!

 

Saturday, March 23, 2013

1:00-3:00 PM

Books-A-Million

4000 East 53rd St

Davenport, Iowa 52807

Phone: 563.355.0705

 

Friday, April 5, 2013

6:30-8:00 PM

Dunn Brothers,

787 Middle Rd

Bettendorf, IA 52722

Phone: 563.345.6099

 

Although fiction, the real-life topics addressed by Ganshert provides readers thought provoking situations such as single-parenting, second chances and surrendering personal plans for God's plans.

Through Ganshert's skillful writing, readers are able explore their own life choices and concerns as they journey with the characters through their own situations.

08 Mar 2013

Department of Management: New AFSCME Contract Saves Iowa $94 million

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(Des Moines) - Today, the Department of Management released the following information related to cost avoidance the State of Iowa obtained by entering into aggressive, professional negotiations with AFSCME.

 

Key elements of new state contract with the AFSCME bargaining unit:

 

1.       0% across-the-board (ATB) raise for FY 14 and 0% ATB for FY 15

2.       Annual STEP increases for FY 14 and FY 15 included

3.       No change in health insurance

 

Total cost of new AFSCME contract for FY 14 and FY 15:

General Fund:                   $56 million

All State Funds:                 $107 million

 

Key elements of Governor Culver's AFSCME contract for FY 12 and FY 13:

 

1.       2.5% ATB raise for FY 12 and 2.5% ATB for FY 13

2.       Annual STEP increases for FY 12 and FY 13 included

3.       No change in health insurance

 

Total cost of Culver AFSCME contract (if applied to our current workforce):

 

General Fund:                   $104 million

All State Funds:                 $202 million

 

Savings to State of Iowa resulting from new AFSCME contract:

General Fund:                   $48 million

All State Funds:                 $94 million

 

According to available data, the FY 14 -15 AFSCME contract represents the first time since the inception of public sector collective bargaining in Iowa that the State has successfully negotiated no across the board pay increases in both years of a contract. Clearly, Iowa taxpayers have benefitted from having a seat at the table during the collective bargaining process with Iowa public sector unions.

 

The State's Position in Arbitration:

The State and ASFSCME agreed on 0% ATB raise for by FY 14 and FY 15.

 

The State and AFSCME agreed on annual STEP increases for FY 14 and FY 15.

 

The State and AFSCME reached an impasse on health insurance.  The arbitrator ruled in favor of the AFSCME position regarding health insurance.

The State's final offer on health insurance was a 20% employee contribution for all health plans. Employees would have the opportunity to earn a credit of $90 per month towards their share of the health insurance premium by participating in a wellness program.

 

The State's final offer on health insurance still exceeded the average of other states when the wellness premium incentive is included.  In comparing Iowa's wage and benefits using data provided by the National Compensation Association of State Governments:

  • The employer-paid value of the State of Iowa's status quo health insurance benefit is ranked first when compared to other states.
  • The average base pay of State of Iowa employees is 33% above the base pay of other state government employees.
  • The average total compensation (wages and benefits) of State of Iowa employees is 27.5% higher than the total compensation of other state government employees.

 

Had the arbitrator ruled in favor of the State's offer regarding health benefits, the State had estimated additional cost avoidance of approximately $45 million over the 2 years of the contract.

 

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