Hoboken, NJ (May 2013)?Parents, the green season is upon us. Summer. And the "green" doesn't just stand for the leafy trees kids climb and the lawns through which they chase fireflies. It stands for cold hard cash. Kids cost money all year long, of course, but summer brings with it a slew of extra expenses: summer childcare programs . . . summer camps . . . extravagant family vacations. According to financial counselor and bestselling author Eric Tyson, if parents aren't careful, they can easily find themselves living a summer lifestyle they really can't afford.

"Many people assume, 'Oh, it's summertime?of course we have to take a fabulous family vacation,' or 'Of course we have to send Travis and Kaitlyn to the same camp their friends are going to,' when, really, they can't afford it," says Tyson, author of Personal Finance For Dummies®, 7th Edition (Wiley, 2009, ISBN: 978-1-118-11785-9, $22.99, www.erictyson.com). "They may not think of it this way, but they're trying to keep up with the Joneses, or worse, the Joneses' kids?and they're harming themselves in the long run."

Tyson says overspending on summer activities and "stuff" doesn't do kids any favors. In fact, your conspicuous consumption may be teaching them poor money management habits, which sets them up for problems in their own financial lives down the road.

"Make this the summer that you rein in your spending and start teaching kids by example how to make smart financial decisions," urges Tyson. "You may be surprised to find that, far from feeling that you're sacrificing, this is the most fun, fulfilling summer you've ever had."

Here are a few of his tips:

· Think about your value system before you make your summer plans. The way we spend our money and our time reveals our values, says Tyson. Actions really do speak louder than words?and your kids are listening. "You'd never say to your children, 'You can't have fun unless you spend a lot of money to have prepackaged experiences,' or 'Kids can't have fun hanging out with their families' or even 'It's fine to rack up lots of debt?to take a lavish vacation or put in a pool, for instance?even if you don't know how you're going to pay it back,'" says Tyson. "And yet, that's what kids hear when you make certain decisions about how you spend your summer."

His point? Really think about what's important to you?and what message it sends?instead of following the summer crowd.

· Don't charge summer activities. Period. "If a vacation or a summer camp doesn't fit your budget, it doesn't fit your budget," says Tyson. "Use debt only to make investments in things that gain value, such as real estate, a business, or an education. If you can't pay cash for summer trips and activities, don't do it or buy it."

· When you're trying to decide whether you can afford a vacation, factor in all the hidden costs. Before you reserve your hotel, sit down, wrack your brain, and make a list of all the expenses you may have forgotten, advises Tyson. "The cost of a vacation is not just hotel and airfare," he says. "It's also the new swimsuits you might have to buy; it's the gas you'll burn driving around in the rental car; it's the cost of boarding your dog and it's the cost of developing all the pictures you take. You can't make an informed decision until you know how much the vacation will cost when all's said and done."

· Vacation close to home. You don't need to put the entire family on an airplane and fly thousands of miles away to have a nice vacation. Airfare is expensive, and so is the rental car you'll probably need once you get to where you're going. Regardless of where you live, there is sure to be a worthwhile destination within a few hours' drive: a beach, a mountain range, a national park, or an exciting city.

"When you get in the car and drive for a few hours, you still have that getting-away-from-it-all feeling, but without the huge price tag," notes Tyson. "Do some research ahead of time and you can plan for some fun and inexpensive activities?say, attending a festival or hiking to a breathtaking waterfall. You'll actually enjoy your vacation instead of fretting about how much it's costing."

· Be a smart vacationer. No matter where your wanderlust leads you and your family, you can cut costs. Here are a few tips:

• Plan, plan, plan. Do plenty of research before you ever leave home so you'll know the best and most budget-friendly activities and destinations in advance. "It's when we fail to plan ahead that we fall prey to overpriced tourist traps," notes Tyson.
• Don't go overboard on the hotel. There's really no reason to spend big bucks on a room you'll do little more than sleep in.
• BYOF: Bring your own food. If you're taking the family to a theme park, bring along a backpack of snacks. (If you don't, be prepared for some serious sticker shock!) And choose a hotel room with a kitchen (or vacation home) so you can prepare a few meals in.
• Don't buy a bunch of T-shirts and trinkets. It's usually better to spend the money on photos than "keepsakes" (i.e., clutter you don't need).
• If your child brings along a friend, make sure he pays his own way. "Don't assume that because Billy is inviting his friend Josh, you have to pay for Josh's meals, amusement park tickets, and so forth," says Tyson. "If you aren't comfortable having a frank discussion with Josh's parents ahead of time about who pays for what, don't invite him."

· Strapped for cash? Dream up creative vacation alternatives. For instance, you can "vacation at home" by spending a week exploring fun, kid-friendly destinations?zoos, museums, gemstone mines?within easy driving distance of your home. Or spend a few nights camping in a local wilderness spot. (Assuming you already have the tents, sleeping bags, and other gear, that is; otherwise you'll spend a fortune on your "roughing it" adventure!) Or visit relatives you rarely see who have an unfamiliar lifestyle?if you're a "city mouse" family, spend a few days on the farm with Great Aunt Bertha.

"The point is, you can find endless fun and educational activities that don't require a major outlay of money," says Tyson. "Use your imagination."

· Skip the expensive summer camp. It's easy to see why summer camps are popular: kids get to spend weeks on end swimming and playing sports. Unfortunately, these adventures can cost thousands of dollars, and especially if you have more than one child, can be costly. If summer camp is a "must" for your kids, seek out the more affordable ones run by non-profit organizations or churches, says Tyson. But don't assume your kids have to go to summer camp at all.

"If you think about it, this is the time of year families should be together," he says. "The kids are out of school; they don't have homework to take up their time; the weather is nice?wouldn't it be better to spend that time doing fun things as a family?"

· Don't rule out "summer jobs" for your kids. If you're worried that, in the absence of summer camp, your kids will spend their summer lounging in front of the TV and computer and playing video games, put them to work. No, seriously, says Tyson. In addition to their regular chores, give your kids summer projects to complete, such as painting their rooms (under your supervision, of course) or designing, planting, and maintaining a flower garden in the yard. Or volunteer them to walk an elderly neighbor's dog or (if they're old enough) cut her lawn.

"Working is good for kids," notes Tyson. "You can pay them a modest allowance for their labor, which helps them learn financial responsibility."

· Encourage your kids to give this summer, not receive. Spending lots of money on kids, whether in the form of vacations, summer camps, or brand new bikes, can breed materialism and a sense of entitlement. You can counteract these forces by insisting that your children spend some time giving back this summer. This will also help foster compassion for others in your children.

"There are many nonprofit organizations for which kids and entire families can volunteer," says Tyson. "Of course, it doesn't have to be that structured. You can make a decision to, say, visit nursing home residents once a week. Adopting a 'cause' as a family helps kids gain a healthier perspective to see that others are less fortunate, and frankly, it serves as a good reminder for parents as well."

Generally, it's best not to indulge children any time of the year, says Tyson.

"Toys, art classes, sports, field trips, and the like can rack up big bills, especially if you don't control your spending," he writes in Personal Finance For Dummies. "Some parents fail to set guidelines or limits when spending on children's programs. Others mindlessly follow the examples set by the families of their children's peers. Introspective parents have told me that they feel some insecurity about providing the best for their children. The parents (and kids) who seem the happiest and most financially successful are the ones who clearly distinguish between material luxuries and family necessities."

# # #

About the Author:
Eric Tyson is an internationally acclaimed and bestselling personal finance book author, syndicated columnist, and speaker. He has worked with and taught people from all financial situations, so he knows the financial concerns and questions of real folks just like you. Despite being handicapped by an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BS in economics and biology from Yale University, Eric remains a master of "keeping it simple."

After toiling away for a number of years as a management consultant to Fortune 500 financial-service firms, Eric took his inside knowledge of the banking, investment, and insurance industries and committed himself to making personal financial management accessible to all.

Today, Eric is an accomplished personal finance writer. His "Investor's Guide" syndicated column, distributed by King Features, is read by millions nationally. He is the author of five national bestselling books, including Personal Finance For Dummies, Investing For Dummies, and Home Buying For Dummies (coauthor), among others, which are all published by Wiley Publishing. Personal Finance For Dummies was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Award for best business book of the year.

Eric's work has been featured and quoted in hundreds of publications, including Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Forbes magazine, Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, Parenting magazine, Money magazine, Family Money magazine, and Bottom Line/Personal magazine; on NBC's Today show, ABC, CNBC, PBS's Nightly Business Report, CNN, and FOX-TV; and on CBS national radio, NPR's Sound Money, Bloomberg Business Radio, and Business Radio Network.

Eric's website is www.erictyson.com.

WORCESTER, MA (05/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that Julie Eagle of Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, was named to the university's Dean's List for academic excellence for the spring 2013 semester.

A total of 1,340 undergraduate students achieved the criteria required for WPI's spring 2013 Dean's List. The criteria for the WPI Dean's List differ from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean's List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

"WPI's academic programs are remarkably rigorous, so being named to the Dean's List is a testament to hard work, a sharp mind, and a commitment to excellence," said Provost Eric Overström. "Some of this nation's best and brightest students come to WPI to learn subjects ranging from engineering to science to business and the humanities, and through our innovative project-based curriculum they conduct professional-level research and solve important problems all over the world. Those named to the Dean's List have excelled at facing such demanding challenges, and we are exceptionally proud of these outstanding students."

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. WPI's talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Perspective Program. There are more than 30 WPI project centers throughout North America and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.

Veterans form WWII, Korean Wars view monuments built in their honor 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities to the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington.  Loebsack presented the members of the Honor Flight with copies of the Congressional Record statement he submitted in recognition of their service, as well as copy of the Our Flag booklet.  The Honor Flight of the Quad Cities brings both World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington to visit our nation's capital and Memorials built in their honor.

"I look forward to welcoming each Honor Flight to our nation's capital so they can see the memorials that were built in their honor.  Being able to welcome these veterans today was especially meaningful," said Loebsack.  "We cannot thank these veterans enough for their service to our nation.  I was honored to present them with a copy of the statement I made for the official Congressional Record to recognize their service."

The Honor Flights are all fully paid for, and the veterans are typically accompanied by volunteers who donate their time to ensure that the veterans have a safe trip. This group included 94 veterans. The Honor Flight left from the Quad Cities Airport this morning and will return tonight.

Loebsack is an avid supporter of our veterans. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has worked to improve care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, including expanding Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for the National Guard; expanding access to mental health care; helping our veterans find civilian jobs; and opening new Community Based Outpatient Clinics to improve access to VA services for Iowa veterans.  He also recently co-introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for servicemembers wounded in combat.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Pebble Creek Golf Course - 3851 Forest Grove Drive, LeClaire, IA 52753, phone - 563-332-5072 LeClaire, IA. http://www.pebblecreekgolf.org Pebble Creek is a challenging course located near LeClaire, IA. The superb design and excellent condition of the golf course guarantees an enjoyable round of play for golfers of all abilities. Open to the public, our social atmosphere is casual and welcoming for everyday play, social functions, and tournaments. Our customer service is friendly and personalized. We look forward to seeing you!  

CALENDAR

May 24^th - Wide River Winery - 106 N. Cody Rd. LeClaire, IA. Kick off your Memorial Day weekend in our courtyard wine garden Friday with our Summer Music Series!  Every Friday evening, 5-8 p.m., and on first Sundays from 2-5 p.m., we will feature local up and coming musicians. This Friday's featured artists: Ellis Kell & Tony Hoeppner!

Programs, performers & activities for all ages. Registration materials for Children (B-5th G) available at the library starting May 20th.Program information & Activity Calendar available at the library & online @

June 2nd - Live Music at the Wide River Winery Tasting Room "The Ripplers" from 2-5pm 106 N. Cody Road www.wideriverwinery.com

June 7^th - First Friday in LeClaire!  5:00-8:00 p.m.

Food and Beverage Samples at Mississippi River Distilling Company www.mrdistilling.com

Wine samples and live music at Wide River Winery www.wideriverwinery.com

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

Razzleberries Come in to shop and get free samples of booze cake (while it lasts)!

Free appraisals at LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals until 7 p.m.

Restaurants and many other shops and will be open late!

June 8th - Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the Buffalo Bill Museum. 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!

June 16th - Asbury Methodist Church "WORSHIP IN THE PARK" and Potluck Service The Worship Committee of Asbury United Methodist Church, Bettendorf, is planning a Praise Worship Service in the Park on Sunday, June 16 at 10:30 a.m.  The service will be held at Veterans Memorial Park Bandshell, 1645 23^rd St., Bettendorf. Following the service there will be a potluck picnic with sliced ham provided.  Please bring a dish to share and your own table service, drink & lawn chair.

June 17^th-21^st - Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School - Asbury United Methodist Church 9 a.m. to noon, 1809 Mississippi Blvd., Bettendorf - 563-355-5218 Register on-line www.asbury-bett.org.  VBS is offered for participants ages Kindergarten through 5th grade (completed), and to volunteers 6th grade and up.  If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Swinney at 563-505-0060 or mswinney@mchsi.com.

June 21^st - 22^nd - THE LeCLAIRE GIRLS' GET AWAY WEEKEND! On the evening of Friday, June 21, and all day Saturday, June 22, 2013, TUGFEST hosts the Girls's Getaway Weekend in LeClaire, Iowa! Sign up today for this amazing event featuring give aways, coupons, music, games and delicious food. MEET Anthony Ryan Auld the Winner of this year's "Project Runway All Stars" at the Girls Get Away Fashion Show & Cocktail Party on Saturday evening. No other contestant has had more wins beating the best designers in a single season of the show. Anthony Ryan will be speaking about his journey to becoming a top fashion designer and winning Project Runway All Stars. KWQC's anchor and on-air reporter Bailey Deitz will be the mistress of ceremonies for this special event. The LeClaire Girls' Get Away will start on Friday evening, June 21, at the Wide River Winery, where you will taste award-winning wines and pick up your GIRLS GET AWAY passport to LeClaire with your goody bags.

On Saturday, June 22, LECLAIRE GIRLS GET AWAY events include :

* Grasshoppers will host music and wine tasting on their beautiful lawn.

* Win Prizes every hour on the hour at Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium.

* Dwellings will be hosting Margarita Man.

* Zaruba's will host mini make overs.

* Free Tours at the Mississippi River Distilling Company.

* Expert Tammy Allen will teach a FREE Class in "Punch Needle" at Primitive Cottage.

* The Buffalo Bill Museum will offer a Quilt Making Class.

Cost to participate in the LeClaire Girls Get Away are $65 per person. Go to Leclairegirlgetaway.com

July 1^st - Friends of the LeClaire Community Library is planning an Open House to celebrate our 9th anniversary! Details are forthcoming!

July 15^th-19^th - LeClaire Baptist Church - "Colossal Coaster World" VBX Week For kids age 4 up through kids going INTO 6^th grade! Cost: FREE! Time:  9:00 AM - Noon Location:  1326 Wisconsin Street LeClaire, Iowa  52753 Family program:  SUNDAY, July 21 at 10:30 PM followed by our "Burger Bash" lunch! For more information or registration: phone:  (563) 289-4191 e-mail:  leclairebaptist@leclairebaptist.org or REGISTER ONLINE at www.leclairebaptist.org (under ministries and kids vbx link)

FYI

The LeClaire Tourism Board Has Two Openings - one for Restaurant and one for Retail representation. Please consider applying, if you feel you are qualified: 1. You need to own or manage a LeClaire restaurant or retail store. 2. Get the application from City Hall or online: http://www.leclaireiowa.gov/MEMBERSHIP%20FORM.pdf 3. Turn the completed application in to City Hall no later than Thursday, May 30, 2013.Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve your community!

Grace Marine/Captain's Quarters now has Pontoon Boat and Jet Ski Rentals! 2 hour Rental - $150. 4 hour Rental - $300.  6 hour Rental - $400.  All day Rental - $500. Jet ski Rentals: $80 per hour or all day for $400.  All fuel costs are the responsibility of the customer.  Any damage sustained will be the responsibility of the customer.  A reservation will need to be made at least 1 week in advance, at which time a $250 fee will be charged to hold the rental and will serve as the damage deposit - customer will need a Visa or MasterCard to hold the rental.  Please call 563.359.1635 to make your reservation or email junior@gracemarine.com

Please volunteer or help recruit volunteers for the LeClaire Information Center! We get a lot of great comments about the LIC, and we help promote all of LeClaire:

1. Through telling visitors about our great attractions, shops, restaurants, parks, schools, housing developments, etc.,

2. By mailing out information to individuals, small groups and bus tours who want to come find out what LeClaire is all about, and

3. Through providing nice, convenient public restrooms to shoppers, diners, people checking out our attractions, families, LeClaire residents who are just out for a walk - everyone appreciates the restrooms!

Almost everyone knows at least one person who loves to talk and meet new people - a retired neighbor or stay-at-home mom, a relative, a friend, a person from church, a person from your civic club, a person from exercise class... Please contact Cindy at 563-650-7963 or info@visitleclaire.com Volunteers are trained and there is lots of brochures and information to share with visitors.

Let's make downtown LeClaire and the LeClaire Information Center the best it can possibly be!

Buffalo Bill Museum is now open until 5pm daily. As of April 1st, the museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays 12noon to 5pm. A reminder: group discounts are available for tour groups, clubs/reunions, and school groups. Call the museum at 563-289-5580 for details!

Reusable Usables - Planet Green recycled art after school classes on Tuesday and Thursdays.RSVP 563-289-3946 or angie@reusableusables.org

"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!

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

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 - tbd

December 10 - Happy Joes - 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:

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:

First Fridays each month 5:00-8:00 P.M.

June 7th-8th LeClaire City-Wide Garage Sales

June 21st-22nd - Girls' Getaway Weekend

Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion (Hollyhock Park)

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 8th-10th Tugfest

October 6th - Dogtoberfest at Bier Stube

October 13th - AppleFest

October 24th - HalloWine

October 26th - Witches Walk Costume Contest and Parade

December 6-8, 2013: Christmas in LeClaire

Family Nights at the LeClaire Rec Center: Details at www.leclairereccenter.com

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