05 Aug 2013

Skip-a-Long Child Development Services to Celebrate 10 Years of Quality Care!

By Liz Strader

Skip-a-Long Child Development Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable care to all children in the Quad Cities, will celebrate a milestone this week.

Our Trinity School of Nursing location will celebrate ten years of providing Nationally Accredited, Quality Rated child care to the children of the community. It will be a bittersweet celebration, however, since the hospital will be expanding its Health Education program and announced in March of 2013 that it would close the center by August 31.

We invite all members of the community, especially past and current families of the Trinity Skip-a-Long location, to join us for food, fun, and games - it will be a farewell to remember!

WHAT: Skip-a-Long Trinity Campus' Tenth Birthday/Farewell Party

WHERE: Skip-a-Long Child Development Services, 2122 25th Ave., Rock Island, IL

WHEN: Friday, August 9, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm

05 Aug 2013

IOWA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS CAN SAVE ON MOBILE PHONE PLANS WITH NEW EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH READY MOBILE

By Andrew Wheeler

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA -August 5, 2013- Iowa Farm Bureau members are now eligible to save 10 percent on flexible, no-contract mobile phone plans through a new exclusive partnership with Iowa-based wireless provider, Ready Mobile.

Individual and family plans are offered to Farm Bureau members starting at $13.50 per month with no contracts for subscribers to sign and the ability to change plans at any time without penalty.

To kick off the new partnership, Ready Mobile representatives will be in Farm Bureau Park from 8 a.m. to  8 p.m. every day of the Iowa State Fair, which runs August 8 to 18.  Fairgoers can register to win a free smartphone, given away daily by Ready Mobile.  Fairgoers can also check out the selection of basic, keyboard, and smartphones on display and visit with Ready Mobile about their phone plans and exclusive discounts for Iowa Farm Bureau members.

The Hiawatha-based company provides wireless service on a national, multi-carrier network platform with coverage across the state.  Founded in 2004, Ready Wireless, LLC, was named amongst the Fastest Growing Businesses in Iowa in 2009, 2010, and 2011 by the Corridor Business Journal.  "Ready Mobile no contract service puts control in the hands of our customers.  They can manage their plans to meet changing lifestyles and needs," said Ready Mobile Executive Vice President and Co-founder Fred Haumesser.  "We're proud to partner with Iowa Farm Bureau and offer a variety of plan choices to meet the needs of Farm Bureau members who want nationwide coverage and are looking for a budget-friendly, lower-cost alternative to traditional wireless phone plans."

For more information, call Ready Mobile's exclusive toll-free number for Farm Bureau members at 855-327-2661 to learn more and place an order.  Download more information on the plans and phones at www.readymobile.com/ps/farmbureau.html.  Subscribers will need to provide the promotion code FB123NOW and Iowa Farm Bureau membership number to qualify for the exclusive savings.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

05 Aug 2013

12th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival & Car Show Celebrates the Golden Age of Route 66 in Downtown Springfield, Illinois with over 1,000 cool cars, 80,000 spectators, live music, food & fun

By Travel and Leisure News

Springfield, Illinois - A shiny car with lots of power hitting the open road is part of the American fabric. That spirit will be celebrated in grand style again on September 27, 28 & 29, 2013, in downtown Springfield, Illinois, along Route 66 as the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival returns to celebrate its 12th annual event. The festival draws over 1,000 cars and as many as 80,000 spectators. Admission is free to all spectators. Participants may register for $40 plus a $3.50 handling fee at www.route66fest.com or by phone at 866-783-6645. Registration includes weekend admission for the vehicle.

http://travelandleisurenews.com/news/Route-66/Mother-Road-Festival-Car-Show.htm

05 Aug 2013

Rep. Smiddy Invites Community Members to Share Concerns At His Port Byron Town Hall Meeting

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, invites community members to share their concerns about state and local issues at his upcoming Port Byron Town Hall Meeting to be held on Monday, August 5 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the River Valley District Library located at 214 S. Main Street in Port Byron.

"Knowing that there are many pressing issues that continue to weigh on our state and impact daily life in our district, it's crucial that I continue an ongoing discussion with local residents about their views and priorities," said Smiddy. "I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns or would simply like to listen to a legislative update to join me at this town hall meeting, because I need to hear from you to be a true voice for your needs."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie, Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna, Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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05 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Signs "Patricia's Law" and "Kelsey's Law" to Make Illinois Roads Safer

By Rick Martin

New Laws Help Ensure that Drivers in Fatal Accidents Don't Receive Court Supervision and Keeps Driver's Licenses from Those Under 18 With Violations

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed "Patricia's Law" and Kelsey's Law," two new traffic safety measures that will help eliminate the option of court supervision for drivers involved in fatal accidents and prohibit the issuance of driver's licenses to those under 18 years of age with outstanding traffic violations. These actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois roads safer for all drivers.

"What happened to Patricia and Kelsey were tragedies that must not happen again," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will make our roads safer for drivers and passengers by keeping more distracted and dangerous drivers from getting behind the wheel."

Both laws were strongly supported by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

"I initiated these important pieces of legislation to make the roads of Illinois safer," Secretary of State Jesse White said. "I commend the legislature for passing them and the Governor for signing them into law. I would also like to commend the Spears Family for their support of Patricia's law, and Kelsey Little and her family for their work on behalf of Kelsey's Law."

Sponsored by State Representative John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Matteson), House Bill 1010, "Patricia's Law," is named after Patricia McNamara, who was killed by a distracted driver who was then fined and sentenced to court supervision, which meant that no conviction appeared on his record. The new law prohibits a court from granting supervision to anyone charged as the result of a fatal accident if that driver has had a prior court supervision. The law takes effect January 1, 2014.

"Too many drivers do not concentrate on the road and this too often puts the safety of others at risk," Representative D'Amico said. "Almost three traffic-related deaths occur in Illinois every day. Our roads need to be safer. These new laws are important steps toward protecting the lives of all citizens on our roadways and holding those responsible for serious traffic incidents accountable for their actions."

Sponsored by Representative D'Amico and State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero), House Bill 1009, "Kelsey's Law," is named for a 15-year-old who was seriously injured in an accident when hit by a teen driver who was able to apply for and receive a full driver's license just three days later. The law authorizes the Secretary of State to deny driver's licenses or permits to those 18 years of age and under who have unresolved traffic citations. The law takes effect immediately.

"This measure was named in honor of Kelsey Little, who received serious injuries in an accident caused by a young driver who had a GDL," Senator Sandoval said. "The GDL has been successful in curbing the number of teen driving deaths since it became law in 2008, and this will give the Secretary of State additional abilities to enforce who receives a license."

Governor Quinn also today signed House Bill 772, sponsored by Representative D'Amico and State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) that requires those between the ages of 18 and 21 who did not take a driver's education course in school to complete an adult driver education course before receiving a driver's license. The law takes effect July 1, 2014.

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05 Aug 2013

4 Ways to Give Your Teen Some Freedom Without Destroying Your Peace of Mind

By Ginny Grimsley
??Expert Offers Solutions for a Touchy Subject

Teenagers pose many dilemmas for parents, and one of the biggest is determining how much freedom to allow.

"There's such a fine line - they have one foot in childhood and the other in adulthood, so you can't completely trust their decision-making. And yet, you need to allow them some independence because in a very short time, they will be adults," says George Karonis, a location-based services specialist.

"And, let's be honest, life is better when your teen is happy. It's nice to see them looking forward to something like a friend's party or a weekend camping trip."

Figuring out how to balance their need for a measure of freedom and independence against a parent's concern for safety can be difficult.

"It is important for teens to be social, but as teenagers, they have a tendency to test their boundaries, which can lead to trouble. The good news is, there are ways to give your teen the freedom that he or she needs, and the peace of mind you require," Karonis says.

He offers the following solutions for parents:

• LiveViewGPS, Inc.: This new service temporarily turns any cell phone into a location device. It's an economical solution for families that occasionally need to be able to pinpoint someone's location but don't want to download software to their phone or spend a lot of money on hardware, says Karonis, who is the founder and CEO of the company. The service requires the permission of the son or daughter whose phone would be tracked, which adds an element of honesty and transparency. Users pay a minimum of $19.95 for 30 locates and when they need to find the phone - and the person to whom it's attached - they simply log into the website, where tracking is instantaneous and displayed on a satellite-view map.

• Reward Responsibility: If your teen has already proven himself or herself to be reliable and punctual with multiple responsibilities - completing schoolwork in a timely manner; diligent with extracurricular activities like sports, band or theater; or has responded well to after-school employment - it's time to give him or her the benefit of the doubt when it comes to fun. Make it clear, you trusting them to use good judgment because they've earned that trust. But trust can also be lost.

• Set the example of consistency: Predictability is good when it comes to raising children, especially in terms of personifying virtues like honesty, punctuality and reliability. Teenagers are keenly aware of hypocrisy and are liable to use a parent's contradictions against them in rationalizing bad behavior. The "do as I say, not as I do" rule may be convenient, but teens see through it. Use a calendar, perhaps on your refrigerator or synch schedules on your family's smartphones, to encourage everyone to show up at expected times. If someone is going to be late, have a system in place for sending appropriate notification.

• Don't be strangers: Most parents assume they know who their child is, but teens are our most rapidly changing family members. They're eager to establish their own identities and try new experiences in their run-up to adulthood. Who are the most relevant people in their lives, and do you know his or her friends? The more a group of friends knows the teen friend's parents, the more responsibility those friends will feel in honoring the parent's rules.

About George Karonis

George Karonis has a background in security and surveillance, and has specialized in location services since 2005. A self-professed computer geek, one of his chief concerns is balancing the usefulness of tracking with the protection of individuals' privacy. He is founder and CEO of LiveViewGPS, Inc. (www.mobilephonelocate.com)

05 Aug 2013

IOWA FARM BUREAU SHOWS HOW "IOWA RISES UP"AT 2013 IOWA STATE FAIR

By Rick Martin

Visitors to Farm Bureau Park can meet Iowa farmers, win great prizes

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Aug. 5, 2013 - This year Iowa State Fair visitors will have the opportunity to Spin the Wheel at Farm Bureau Park to win great prizes while learning how Iowa's farmers help "Iowa Rise Up."  No matter the degree of agriculture knowledge, fairgoers will have the opportunity to interact with Iowa farmers while also having the chance to earn great prizes.

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) members will enjoy a number of perks at the fair, while Farm Bureau Park showcases how Iowa farmers help "Iowa Rise Up" by raising and growing our food and energy.  Members can redeem a thank you coupon for a free gift and register for a chance to win a free Cub Cadet Zero Turn Riding Mower.  Members are encouraged to sign up family and friends as new Farm Bureau members, with the new member entered in a drawing for $2,000 in free ethanol.

All park visitors can take a guess at how many balls are loaded in the cab of a Ford F-150 for a chance to win $500.  Farm Bureau Park visitors also have the opportunity to win a Big Green Egg smoker grill and sign the fair's largest Thank You card to Iowa's farmers, courtesy of Farm Bureau Financial Services.  Park guests will have the chance to sign up daily to win a free smart phone from Farm Bureau's newest benefit partner, Ready Mobile.

Visitors are encouraged to learn more about Farm Bureau benefit partners and special member discounts on services and products including Morton Buildings, Case IH tractors, hay equipment and utility vehicles, Ford and Lincoln vehicles and Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance available through Farm Bureau agents.  The newest partner, Ready Mobile, will be on site to answer questions and will provide a free phone charging station for fairgoers with a low cell phone battery.

Young fairgoers will also find free entertainment at Farm Bureau Park as the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee members offer a variety of free kids' activities and prizes from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10.

The IFBF is again promoting the importance of healthy lifestyles by featuring a number of free blood pressure, cancer, hearing, balance, and other health screenings on select fair days. Other special activities at Farm Bureau Park on select fair days include :

Saturday, Aug. 10

4:00 p.m., Governor's Charity Steer Show in the Livestock Pavilion.  Charity Auction immediately following

Tuesday, Aug. 13 - Farm Bureau Day at the Fair

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Farm Bureau's Cookout Contest on the Grand Concourse, judging at 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Free farm consultation services provided by Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Morton Buildings Tent

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., If you pay health insurance premiums or out-of-pocket healthcare costs, learn about tax savings plans provided by BASE Third-Party Benefit Administration

9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sign up to win a Case IH pedal tractor provided by Case IH

9:00 a.m., Century and Heritage Farm Awards on the Century/Heritage Farm Stage (note location change)

Thursday, Aug. 15

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Free business consultation services provided by Renew Rural Iowa, VentureNet Iowa and CIRAS (ISU Center for Industrial Research and Service)

Farm Bureau Park is located next to the Varied Industries Building, right off the Grand Concourse. For a complete listing of Farm Bureau activities at the fair, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the newsroom at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

05 Aug 2013

SISTER OF NEWTOWN VICTIM, SURVIVOR OF TUCSON SHOOTING, AND MAYOR COWNIE TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF SENSIBLE GUN LAWS, HOLD SENATOR GRASSLEY ACCOUNTABLE FOR OPPOSING BACKGROUND CHECKS

By David Axelrod
Grassley Voted Against Background Checks Even Though 88 Percent of Iowans Support Them; Participants Set To Thank Senator Harkin for Supporting Sensible Gun Legislation
Event is Part of "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" Bus Tour; www.NoMoreNames.org
On Wednesday, August 7th, the sister of a victim of the Newtown massacre, a survivor of the 2011 Tucson mass shooting, Mayor Frank Cownie, state lawmakers, law enforcement, and local advocates will gather at Union Park in Des Moines as part of the "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" - a 25-state national bus tour over a period of 100 days aimed at urging America's leaders to support common-sense gun policies. Participants will come together Wednesday to voice their support for comprehensive background checks that would keep guns out of the wrong hands, and they will hold Senator Chuck Grassley accountable for voting against this life-saving measure. They will also thank Senator Tom Harkin for supporting bipartisan background checks legislation in April.
It remains far too easy for criminals, domestic abusers, the seriously mentally ill, and other dangerous individuals - people who know they can't pass a background check - to skirt the law and obtain guns by purchasing them online or at gun shows, where background checks are not required under federal law. Bipartisan legislation sponsored by NRA A-rated Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey would have closed this dangerous loophole by extending background checks to commercial gun sales. But Senator Grassley voted to block this sensible legislation, despite the fact that 88 percent of Iowans support background checks for all gun sales.
While Senator Harkin stood with his constituents and voted to support this tough-on-crime bill, Senator Grassley voted to maintain a loophole that allows dangerous people to easily obtain guns.
Every day, 33 Americans are murdered with guns in this country. "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" is part of Mayors Against Illegal Guns' ongoing, national effort to continue raising awareness to the issue of gun violence in America - and most importantly, to urge elected officials to prioritize the safety of the people they represent.
What: Rally to support common-sense background checks and hold Senator Grassley accountable for voting against bipartisan gun bill that would have helped keep guns out of the wrong hands
Who: - Carlee Soto, whose sister Victoria was killed in the Newtown massacre
- Pat Maisch, survivor of the 2011 Tucson mass shooting
- Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines
- Major Steve Waymire, Des Moines Police Department
- State Senator Jack Hatch
- State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad
- Rev. Cheryl Thomas, Executive Director of Iowans for Gun Safety
Where: Union Park
725 Thompson Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa
When: Wednesday, August 7th at 10:00 a.m.
05 Aug 2013

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING EVENT ON TUESDAY

By Holly Nomura

50+ Quad Cities Students Awarded Back-to-School Shopping Spree from Target and The Salvation Army

QUAD CITIES, USA: On August 6, 2013, more than 50 local students in need will have the opportunity to visit one of the two area Target stores to purchase school supplies, gym clothing and other must-have necessities just in time for back-to-school. The Salvation Army and Target are helping Quad Cities' least fortunate kids in grades K-8 gear up for the upcoming academic year with a Target School Spree gift card of $80. Each child will be paired with a volunteer chaperone for their fun day of back-to-school shopping.

WHEN: August 6, 2013

8:30am - 10:30am

LOCATIONS: SUPER Target @ 5225 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807

Target @ 900 - 42nd Avenue Drive, Moline, IL 61265

 

Nearly 500 Target stores will participate in the Target School Spree event between July 16 and September 15 in select regions across the country. Each $80 Target GiftCard awarded as part of the program will provide a child with the necessary supplies to go back to school in the fall, ready to learn. Through programs like the Target School Sprees, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by 2015.

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,763 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.

05 Aug 2013

"Elevate" Campaign Works to Change the Perception of Advanced Manufacturing in Iowa

By Rick Martin

Common Goal Unites Industry, Education and Government to Make a Lasting Impact

August 5 - The Iowa-Advanced Manufacturing (I-AM) Consortium and Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) jointly announce the launch of a new campaign to promote careers and educational pathways in advanced manufacturing. The "Elevate Advanced Manufacturing" campaign will begin by addressing the current public perception of manufacturing and educating Iowans on the opportunities that exist within this industry.

By 2018, there will be a shortage of 6,672 skilled workers in the advanced manufacturing sector*. These available positions offer attractive pay and benefits packages. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis in 2011, the average manufacturing worker made $77,060 annually, including pay and benefits, while the average worker in other industries earned $60,168.

"When you ask the average Iowan about advanced manufacturing, they think of an outdated image - a dirty, unsafe work environment," says Mike Ralston, President of ABI. "That simply is not the case. Iowa has strong, innovative companies that produce cutting-edge products and are well-regarded as leaders in their industry," says Ralston.

A website,www.elevateiowa.com , has been launched to support this campaign with the use of video testimonials, self-assessment career guides, job search tools and training information.

"Iowa's 15 community colleges offer a range of training opportunities within advanced manufacturing," says Stephanie Ferraro, Project Manager of I-AM Grant. "With the I-AM Grant building capacity for these programs, many schools have developed plans for industry-influenced curriculum, embedding industry credentials and the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment. Now is the ideal time for those considering careers in manufacturing to begin their training at their local community college."

Manufacturing contributes the largest share of Iowa's gross domestic product (GDP) at an annual level of $27.6 billion, more than 18 percent of the state's economy. As of March 2012, Iowa's manufacturing firms supplied 215,600 jobs to Iowans, representing 14% of the state's total employment - and that number is growing.

In order to make a lasting impact on the state of Iowa's economy, many sectors have combined efforts including industry, government and education. Key players include ABI, the I-AM Consortium, a collaboration of all 15 Iowa Community Colleges, and the inclusion of various programs throughout the State of Iowa including the Governor's STEM initiative, Iowa Workforce Development's online Job Bank and more. Each party has a common goal: to elevate the perception of advanced manufacturing and to arm Iowans with the skills they need to engage in Iowa's workforce.

Elevate Advanced Manufacturing's message and efforts are in action throughout the state, including:

·      The Elevate campaign website will feature video testimonials, a self-assessment for potential career pathways, career search tools (powered by Iowa Workforce Development), information on training opportunities (at Iowa's 15 community colleges), and ways for industry to get involved. Visit: www.elevateiowa.com

·      Educational opportunities and curriculum integration with K-12 schools involving advanced manufacturing tours, speakers and demonstrations.

·      Statewide media campaign using testimonials from skilled employees and manufacturers in Iowa.

·   Statewide events including exhibits at the Iowa State Fair with the American Welding Society booth, Iowa Speedway (Sept.7-8), Girls Scouts of Iowa Annual Conference and more.


The Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (I-AM) is an Iowa community college initiative to elevate advanced manufacturing, funded through a $13 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program.

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903, and its mission is to collectively provide value to business and industry on issues impacting Iowa employers. ABI is currently comprised of over 1,400 Iowa businesses of all types and sizes employing more than 300,000 Iowans


*State and Regional Employment Analyses

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