26 Nov 2012

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council Lay Ministry lecture at Clarke University

By Sallyann McCarthy, for Sisters of St. Francis

"The Laity after Vatican II: Collaboration in Ministry," a lecture by Dr. Zeni Fox on Sunday, December 2, 2012, will begin at 2:00 pm in Terence Donaghoe Hall, Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa.  Parking will be available in campus lots on Clarke Drive.  The event is free and open to the public.

The lecture is the second in the series "Celebrating Vatican II: Sharing the Vision" sponsored by the Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi Valley as a gift to the Church in the Year of Faith.

The series, designed to review and renew understanding and appreciation of the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church which opened 50 years ago, examines four key themes of the Council - its history and structure, the role of the laity and lay ministry, liturgical reform, and the role of the church in the world.

Dr. Fox, Professor of Pastoral Theology at Seton Hall University, New Jersey, describes the call to an awareness of lay ministry as one of the great fruits of Vatican II. Her works include Called and Chosen: Toward a Spirituality for Lay Leaders, and New Ecclesial Ministry: Lay Professionals Serving the Church.

Widely regarded as an expert on lay ministry, Dr. Fox describes laypeople as "the disciples of Jesus who share responsibility for the mission of the church."  Indeed, she has noted, without the laity, who comprise more than 99 percent of the church, the church's mission could not be realized.

"It grew up like dandelions in the spring, just here, there, and everywhere," says Fox of professional lay ministry. "This phenomenon has a grassroots dynamic."

"Even before the Second Vatican Council," Fox says is describing the role of the laity, "Pope John XIII said that we need to pay attention to the signs of the times and ask ourselves, 'Where is it that God is moving among us at this time?'?"

There is no registration or admission charge for the lecture series which explores the enduring significance of Vatican II, the most important event in Roman Catholicism in four centuries, and probes its implications for the present and future.  Hailed for its spirit of open-mindedness and change, Vatican II was referred to as a "bringing up to date" or aggiornamento of the Church in the modern world by Pope John XXIII in 1959. The term became a key word in describing the Council, which has been called "one of the most important religious events of the 20th century."

Follow-up sessions to each of the lectures will be offered in the cities where the sponsoring congregations minister.

Future programs in the series will include :

* Dr. Massimo Faggioli speaking on "Liturgical Reform: the Crucial Impact and Legacy of Vatican II" at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hiawatha, Ia., on February 24, 2013.

Dr. Faggioli studied and taught in Europe before becoming Assistant Professor of Theology at St. Thomas University, St. Paul Minnesota.  Specializing in the history of Christianity, his most  recent books are "Vatican II: The Battle for Meaning," and "True Reform:  Liturgy and Ecclesiology in the Sacrosanctum Concilium." He will reflect on how the liturgical constitution is central to the achievements of Vatican II, to the core theology of the Council and to its impact on Catholicism throughout the world.

* Dr. Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA addressing "The Church in the Modern World: Vatican II's Challenge for Our Time," on April 21, 2013, at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Church, Clinton.

Dr. Weisenbeck, a Canon lawyer and past president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, will describe Vatican II's invitation to read the signs of the times and  to respond in dedicated service.  Panelists, including Most Rev. Daniel Turley, OSA, Bishop of the Diocese of Chulucanas, Peru, will reflect on ways the Church is called to solidarity with the people of God throughout the world.

"Celebrating Vatican II: Sharing the Vision" is sponsored by the Carmelite Nuns, Eldridge, Ia.; Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport, Ia.; Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wis.; Sinsinawa Dominicans, Sinsinawa, Wis.; Sisters of Mercy, West-Midwest Region, Omaha, Neb.;  Benedictine Sisters, Rock Island, Ill.; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Ia.; and Sisters of Charity BVM, Sisters of the Presentation, Sisters of St, Francis, Sisters of the Visitation, and Trappistine Nuns, all of Dubuque, Ia.  The October program is hosted by St. Ambrose University. The December program is co-sponsored by Clarke University.

For details see www.facebook.com/catholicsisters

26 Nov 2012

Governor Quinn Encourages Consumers to Support Illinois' Small Businesses this Holiday Season

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO - November 23, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today encouraged shoppers to use the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, to support Illinois' more than 1.1 million small businesses. Nationally, the Saturday between "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" - traditionally two of the busiest shopping days of the year - is recognized as Small Business Saturday where consumers around the country are encouraged to shop at small businesses. In recognition of the effort, Governor Quinn today proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 24 as "Small Business Saturday" in Illinois.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the state's economy and we want to see them flourish," said Governor Quinn. "Through efforts like Small Business Saturday, we can show our support for local merchants that are contributing to our local economies, helping put people to work and keeping our economy moving forward."

Small business success is critical to Illinois' and the nation's overall economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are approximately 28 million small businesses in the United States, which have created 65 percent of new jobs over the past two decades. For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to the 3/50 Project, a small business advocacy group.

Recognizing the vital role entrepreneurs and small businesses play in Illinois' economic recovery, Governor Quinn has made supporting these businesses a top priority. The Governor recently extended the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Program, which allows eligible small businesses that create one or more new, full-time position to receive a $2,500 per job tax credit. Governor Quinn also launched Advantage Illinois, a new program for small businesses to access capital, thanks to more than $78 million from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Advantage Illinois consists of three programs to spur institutional lending to small businesses and one program to leverage private venture capital in start-ups and high-growth businesses.

For more information on the state's small business resources, visit www.ildceo.net. A copy of the Governor's proclamation is attached.

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26 Nov 2012

LeClaire Calendar of Events - December 2012

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 11/23/2012
CALENDAR
November 23rd - Reusable Usables Black Friday Specials - 10am-6pm- Stuff a bag in our bulk room for $8/$5 for Green Bag Club Members. Drop in art all day 2 for $5.
November 23rd - Wide River Winery - Shop (& Sip) Black Friday - 10:00am-7:00pm.  Featuring Ms. Holly Day, Merry Berry, Harvest Hurrah for $7.99, *Black Friday only - Not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Enjoy a more relaxed approach to Black Friday!
Now through Jan. 6th - Enright's LeClaire Super Car Wash - "Holiday Token Sale "7 tokens for $20 - each token has a value of $6.00. Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for Winter!
November 28th - LeClaire Community Library Monthly Adult Book Discussion Group Meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the LeClaire Community Library 6:30 p.m.  Bookmarks listing the reading selections for 2012 are now available at the Circulation Desk or visit our website for details. www.leclairelibrary.org

November 29th - Reusable Usables will be featuring Mira Binzen of Chicago 's Global Family Yoga. Mira will do a Young Living Essential Oils Talk. 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided. Feel free to byob and please rsvp by Wed, Nov 28.
November 29th - Faithful Pilot 5 Course Wine Dinner - 6:30p.m. Team Faithful Pilot brings you a 5 course wine dinner paired with d 'Arenberg Vineyard. For more details or reservation, please call 563-289-4156.
Through November 30th - LeClaire Community Library Silent Auctionbenefiting the Library (3rd and Wisconsin ) Stop by and place a bid on many great items! All proceeds support the library. www.leclairelibrary.org

Save the Date
December 7th and 8th First Friday and First Saturday in LeClaire. The Mississippi River Distilling Company will be celebrating First Friday AND First Saturday featuring their Spirited Chef Stephanie's great food items, free signature cocktails, and for the first 100+ bottles sold on Friday, receive a festive Holiday pint glass!  For First Friday, Wide River Winery will have Appetizers and Samples of their Holiday Wine, "Merry Berry"! Other restaurants and shops open both nights!
December 7th-8th-9th - Christmas in LeClaire 2012!
Friday, 10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
*LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Cookie Tin Sales, Live Nativity, Bazaar, Baked Goods, Crafts and Silent Auction
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*4-8 p.m. - Calvary Chapel 4-Square - Free Ornament Decorating
Saturday, 10:00 A. M. - 8:00 P.M.
*8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast with Santa
*10a.m.-noon- Expressions in Thread - Make Sock Snowmen - $3 lessons
*Noon - 3-4 p.m. Santa's Playhouse
*Noon - 4 p.m. Wide River Winery's WINTER WONDERLAND
*LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Cookie Tin Sales, Bake Sale , Crafts and Silent Auction
*Strolling Santas
*Grasshoppers - Castle Ridge Wine Tasting Sat. afternoon - Christmas Music
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Live Music, Holiday Treats
* Calvary Chapel 4-Square - Free Ornament Decorating
Sunday, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
* LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Craft and Silent Auction (Bidding closes at 2p.m.)
*Strolling Santas
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*Noon - 4 p.m. Wide River Winery's WINTER WONDERLAND
All Weekend - Local Stores Open with Great Shopping Opportunities!
Razzleberries - Free sequin flower ring with any $25 purchase!
December 8th: "Stampin' Up" Class - LeClaire Library-10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the community room. There is a 10 person limit to the class and patrons must sign up at circulation desk. Persons signing up for class also must bring double sided sticky tape and a pair of scissors with them on day of event. www.leclairelibrary.org

December 15th: Holiday Party with Games and MusicThe LeClaire RecCenter, 429 N. 3rd Street (Corner of 3rd Street and Ferry) 5:30-8:00 P.M. Details coming soon!

FYI
The LeClaire Office of Tourism Board is accepting resumes' for the Office of Tourism Manager's position until December 14, 2012. The position is a contracted position. Responsibilities include but are not limited to training and staffing at the LeClaire Information Center , communicating tourism information, promoting LeClaire tourism and sales of advertising opportunities. Applicants should have good public relations skills, as well as organizational and media skills. Tourism background is helpful but not required. The contract is available for viewing on the City of LeClaire website at www.leclaireiowa.gov. For more information or to submit a resume' please contact Ryan Burchett, Chairman-LeClaire Office of Tourism Board of Directors at (563) 271-0608.
Reusable Usables - Planet Green After School Program
Option #1 TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $36 per student
Option #2: TUESDAYS OR THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $25 per student
Option #3:  Planet Green Kits to GO! You can now purchase Planet Green Kits for $5.
Must preregister and prepay by 11/30 for December classes
The River Cities' Reader has sent out the latest issue of the Quad Cities' Dining Guide. Contained in the guide, along with 700+ restaurant listings, is the annual Best of the QC Survey.  But this survey is different from ones in the past as this one focuses exclusively on food and drink. You can vote online at http://www.rcreader.com/best-of-qc/survey.php?sid=72 now to February 1, 2013. There are fifty questions, you only have to answer 15 or more to make your ballot count.  Results will be published in the Spring of 2013. Pass this link along and vote for your favorite area eating and drinking establishments!
SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Generations Café - A Low Cost Noon Meal-Service for Seniors is in need of a driver every other Friday to deliver lunch to homebound seniors. Mileage is reimbursable. Helping the less mobile enjoy a nourishing mid-day meal is so rewarding. If interested, please call Heide at 563-289-3646.  They also serve 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:
January 12th - LeClaire Community Library
February 9th Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship
April 6th - LeClaire Little League
April 27th - Civic Club
May 18th - American Legion
June 8th - Buffalo Bill Museum
LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

LeClaire Park Board Special Events Calendar (clip and save)
Spring 2013 - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt ( Hollyhock Park )
Spring 2013 - Cinco de Mayo
Spring 2013 - LeClaire Plant Exchange (downtown)
Spring 2013 - Spring/French Market Days
Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion ( Hollyhock Park )
Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating
Summer 2013 - Tug Fest
www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!
26 Nov 2012

Watch a Sneak Peak of "BON JOVI - Inside Out" - Broadcast to Select Cinemas on November 27

By Rick Martin
Coming to select movie theaters nationwide next week for one night only, NCM Fathom Events and AEG Live present BON JOVI Inside Out on Tuesday, November 27 at 8:00pm ET / 7:00pm CT and tape delayed 7:00pm MT / 8:00pm PT.
In a first-ever interactive theater event, Bon Jovi fans from across the country will have the opportunity to submit their questions for a very special Q&A with Bon Jovi, hosted by Allison Hagendorf of The CW's "THE NEXT:  Fame Is At Your Door Step." The  Q&A will be broadcast LIVE from Times Square on Tuesday evening. Questions can be submitted in advance of the event and live on event night. There are two ways to join the conversation:
1.       Tweet your questions now via Twitter using the hashtag #AskBonJovi
2.       Text in your question on event night using a number provided onscreen during the event (This option is for Eastern and Central Time Zones only as the event will be tape delayed in Pacific and Mountain Time Zones)
Featuring a hand-selected set list from their catalog of hits, BON JOVI Inside Out includes the iconic group's best performances from their sold-out, 12-night stand at London's The O2, the inaugural multi-night run at New Meadowlands Stadium, and their celebratory shows at the famed Madison Square Garden.
For a sneak peek, click here to watch video of the band performing their classic hit, "Livin' on a Prayer."
Tickets for BON JOVI Inside Out are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
Click here for a full list of participating theaters (theaters and participants subject to change).
Please contact us for BON JOVI Inside Out review tickets, high-resolution artwork (or click here), or any other details on Fathom's upcoming events. For more information on Bon Jovi visit bonjovi.com.
"BON JOVI - Inside Out" Hits the Big Screen for One Night Only in
Select Cinemas on November 27
NCM® Fathom Events and AEG Network Live Present a Bon Jovi Concert Event Featuring a LIVE Intro and Interactive Q&A Plus Split-Screen Footage from New Meadowlands Stadium, Madison Square Garden and London's The O2
Centennial, Colo. - Nov. 9, 2012 - Bon Jovi's epic concert performances will hit the big screen this fall, when NCM® Fathom Events and AEG Network Live present "BON JOVI Inside Out," a special in-theater event on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT (tape delayed in MT and PT).  The one-night-only event showcases split-screen concert footage of Bon Jovi performing a "Dream Set" of their timeless hits, handpicked especially for movie theater audiences, and pre-recorded live at three different venues:  London's The O2, New Meadowlands Stadium and Madison Square Garden.  This not-to-be-missed cinema event will feature a LIVE broadcast from Times Square, at which the band will share exciting details about their upcoming 2013 world tour and highly-anticipated studio album to be released in the spring.  Additionally, theatergoers will get unparalleled insider access during an interactive Q&A session.
Tickets for "BON JOVI Inside Out" are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. The event will be broadcast to nearly 600 select movie theaters across the country through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Critics were unanimous in their praise of Bon Jovi's New Meadowlands concerts, with The New York Times stating that Bon Jovi "lays claim to his home turf with exultant pride, and with exhortative anthems about hanging in and hanging on." The New York Post wrote, "...the forever-young singer and his band of Jersey pop giants christened the shiny new stadium with a rollicking extravaganza of light, sound and performance energy...," while The Star-Ledger simply raved that "it was spectacular."
"Fans have never seen the band perform like this as the split-screen footage from New Meadowlands, MSG and O2 concerts allow movie theater audiences to experience each song differently," said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of Business Development for Fathom Events. "Although Bon Jovi's performances may vary from concert to concert, the music continues to rock arenas and on Nov. 27, movie theaters across the country."
Blazing a trail across the globe, Bon Jovi will hit the road in 2013 to fill stadiums and arenas worldwide with "BON JOVI Because We Can - The Tour." The band will bring their signature brand of rock n' roll to fans in North America, Europe, the Far East, Africa, Latin America and Australia beginning February 2013. The group's return to the road is the next step in the incredible run which has secured Bon Jovi's status as the essential live rock band.  View the "BON JOVI Because We Can - The Tour" video here. #BecauseWeCan
Bon Jovi has sold more than 125 million albums, performed 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 35 million fans and racked up a stellar resume of career accomplishments. For more information on all things Bon Jovi, visit www.BonJovi.com.
About National CineMedia (NCM)
NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology.  The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom Events present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater advertising network covers 183 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 19,300 screens (over 18,400 digital). During 2011, approximately 680 million patrons (on an annualized basis) attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place.  The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network ("DBN") is comprised of over 720 locations in 170 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 41 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications.  National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.6% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.
About AEG Live
AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Live is comprised of touring, festival, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, fifteen regional offices and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. The current and recent concert tour roster includes artists such as Alicia Keys, American Idols, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, The Black Eyed Peas, Trey Songz and Wisin & Yandel. The company is also currently producing residency shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas including Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Shania Twain opening in December and is the exclusive promoter at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. AEG Live is also the largest producer of music festivals in North America from the critically acclaimed Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival to Stagecoach Country Music Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. www.aeglive.com
About AEG Network Live
AEG Network Live is the industry's premier provider of live, digital and 3D entertainment, offering fans unparalleled access to the artists they want?when and how they want it?via broadband, TV, radio, wireless, theatrical and retail. AEG Network LIVE has completed successful tour and album launch campaigns for AEG Live clients including Katy Perry, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Prince, Linkin Park, Usher, Garth Brooks, and many others. More information on AEG Network Live can be found at www.networklive.com.

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26 Nov 2012

Governor Pat Quinn Takes Clemency Action

By Alicia Anderson

CHICAGO - November 21, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today granted 81 and denied 88 clemency petitions. This action marks another step in a series of clemency decisions aimed at eliminating a backlog of more than 2,500 cases that built up during the previous administration.

The 169 clemency petitions acted upon by Governor Quinn are part of dockets ranging from 2005 through 2010. Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

A granted clemency request for a pardon with expungement allows the petitioner to seek expungement of their conviction through the court system.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has acted on 2,237 clemency petitions. Governor Quinn has granted 842 and denied 1,395 petitions. Those actions include granting 825 pardons and authorizing 17 people who had previously received pardons to seek expungement of their convictions.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact Ken Tupy at the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-7274 or ken.tupy@illinois.gov.

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26 Nov 2012

Statement from Governor Pat Quinn Regarding the Resignation of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

By Nafia Khan

CHICAGO - November 21, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn issued the following statement regarding Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s resignation:

"Today I was informed of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s resignation as congressman for the 2nd District of the state of Illinois.

"Within five days, I will set forth a schedule for a special election to allow the people of the 2nd District to choose a new member of Congress to represent them in Washington.

"This election will be carried out in a manner that is fair to the electorate and as economical as possible for taxpayers.

"We know that Congressman Jackson is confronting health challenges, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time."

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26 Nov 2012

IOWA FARM BUREAU OFFERS GRANTS TO IOWA TEACHERS TO BRING AGRICULTURE TO THE CLASSROOM IN A VARIETY OF WAYS

By Laurie Johns

Nearly $120,000 awarded in last three years of program

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Nov. 21, 2012 - Agriculture is much more than a farmer driving a tractor across a field. It's the scientist at the seed company, the sales person at the local implement store and even the veterinarian who cares for pets and livestock alike. Modern agriculture reaches people every day from the jobs they hold, the food they eat, the fuel in their cars and the clothes in their closets.

Farming is a diverse and dynamic industry and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and the state's county Farm Bureau offices continue to help teachers take that information to their students with an annual Teacher Supplement Grant program.

The program, established in 2003, awards $200 for use in classroom programs that promote agricultural literacy. With Iowans two to three generations removed from the family farm, IFBF's program works to help today's students learn about the diverse and dynamic nature of agriculture. The 2013 subject areas are health or wellness with an emphasis on nutrition, art, music, physical education or fitness.

"We've awarded nearly $120,000 to teachers in the last three years of the grant program and we've been so impressed with the creative ways teachers have devised to bring agriculture to their students," said Barb Lykins, IFBF director of community resources. "It's not just buying some books about farming. We've seen music teachers creating songs and nutrition classes incorporating information about raising food into their classes. With one of six Iowa jobs related, indirectly or directly, to agriculture, it's a great opportunity to bring creative ag education to Iowa's elementary schools and help them understand how farming is part of those students' lives."

The program is accepting applications until Feb. 8, 2013. To apply, go to www.iowafarmbureau.com/articles/73415/2012_-_2013_teacher_supplement_grant_program and fill out the online form. Grants will be awarded in March 2013. For more information, contact Lykins at 515-225-5460.

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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.

26 Nov 2012

Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB - Night of Luminaria is set to glow in downtown Galena

By Celestino Ruffini

December 15 event transforms the city into a winter wonderland

GALENA, Ill. - Watch Galena come alive with the glow of thousands of luminaries on this special winter night, Saturday, December 15. Take part in this Galena tradition by helping to set out luminary bags during the day or assist in lighting the candles before the spectacle begins. Later in the evening, relax and enjoy the magical winter wonderland scene as night falls. It is a must see event!

Night of Luminaria is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year. From Galena's Main Street to the hills overlooking the park, all of town will be glowing. Enter a land of enchantment on this night when you see more than 5,000 candle-lit luminaries on streets, steps and sidewalks.

Whether you drive the streets of Galena, walk the sidewalks, take a trolley or enjoy a carriage ride, you'll be amazed at the sights. Walk through Grant Park on Galena's eastside or take in a gorgeous view from Prospect Street as you look across downtown Galena.

Local businesses offer extended hours of operation on this night, so take advantage of it and wrap up your holiday shopping. Afterwards, warm up as you enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of many local restaurants.

For further event information, visit www.galenachamber.com, e-mail office@galenachamber.com or call 815.777.9050. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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26 Nov 2012

Flowers Bloom Until Nov. 30 - One Small Donation Returns Flowers for a Year

By Ann Ring
Rock Island, IL - Christian Care, in cooperation with Colman Florist and Greenhouses, is offering a unique gift opportunity until Friday, Nov. 30. For a one-time donation of only $20, recipients will receive a seasonal bouquet of flowers each month for a year, and half the proceeds will go toward providing shelter and services for the homeless and survivors of domestic violence in our community.

For more details, please contact Andrea at 309/786-5734 or email astclair@christiancareqc.org. Colman Florist and Greenhouses is located at 2754 12th Street, Rock Island, Ill., and in the East Village in Davenport. You can also visit them on the web at  colmanflorist.com. Monthly bouquets must be redeemed at the Colman location of the state in which you reside.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for men?serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to its web site at christiancareqc.org or to Facebook at facebook.com/christiancareqc.
26 Nov 2012

Royal Neighbors to name $10,000 surprise Nation of Neighbors recipient during special Rock Island High School awards ceremony

By Lynnette Meincke
Description: Medellion_c_letterhead

(Rock Island, IL)– Royal Neighbors of America will make a surprise visit to Rock Island High School to present a check for $10,000 to Teresa Babers and her daughter, Jasmine. The funds from the organization's Nation of NeighborsSM Program will help Jasmine enhance the magazine, "LOVE Girls," which she publishes with her fellow students. Jasmine and her team are dedicated to empowering young women through the quarterly magazine.

Jasmine, a junior, founded the magazine last year when she decided to start a non-profit to help girls with self-esteem. In the past year, she has not only published her magazine, but also has been involved in several community service projects. LOVE stands for "lead," "overcome," "value," and "empower." The magazine features articles on topics such as careers, fashion, hair care, makeup, and community service.

Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO, and staff from the Royal Neighbors Home Office will present the check to the Babers and the editorial team during a special awards ceremony at the school.  Rock Island School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Oberhaus and High School Principal Tim Wernentin will also be in attendance to present the school's "Whatever It Takes" award  to the young magazine entrepreneurs.

What: Surprise $10,000 check presentation

Where: Rock Island High School, 1400 25th Avenue

When: Monday, November 26, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Contact: Sarah Reemtsma, (563) 343-7770

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1 million to assist 900-plus families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895.

Through the 2012 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities. Each year, Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country are asked to nominate individuals they know who want to change their lives for the better. A panel reviews each nomination and determines the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

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