Rock Island, IL -Christian Care, a local nonprofit charity that provides shelter for homeless men and for women and children who have experienced domestic violence, now offers a support group called Understanding Suicide: ASAP (Awareness, Support, Action, Prevention). The group has been formed to serve individuals who have contemplated or attempted suicide, those coping with the suicide of a loved one and those concerned about a loved one.

The Understanding Suicide group will meet the first and third Wednesday of every month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Christian Care's Rescue Mission located at 2209 3rd Ave in Rock Island. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17 th at 4:00 p.m. Although a mental health professional will facilitate the group, this is not a therapy group.

The group's goal is to provide education, resources, support and an opportunity to share and process thoughts and feelings related to suicide. Participants will be able to share experiences related to suicide, learn suicide's warning signs, understand the process for helping at-risk individuals, and provide information and knowledge about preventing suicide. For more information about this group, call Sharon De Frieze at (309) 737-4658 or visit Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org. For those in danger, call Christian Care's Crisis Hotline at (309) 788-2273.

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Davenport, Iowa (April 16, 2013) - The Figge features two musicians this Thursday, April 18 for a FREE night of music.

University of Iowa violinist Katie Wolfe, who has played in eleven countries all over the world, will play in the Figge Lobby at 6 p.m., and will welcome a brief question and answer session following her performance.

Singer-songwriter Abbie Sawyer, the lead singer of soul-rock-Indie band Bermuda Report, will perform a musical tour of five artworks from the Figge's permanent collection and special exhibitions at 7 p.m.

After each performance, Sawyer will discuss the connections between her musical interpretations and the artworks. Come ready to share your own interpretation of both the sights and sounds of this one-night-only experience.

Each Thursday, the Figge offers a different experience to the public, such as a lecture, class, performance or other special activity. Most Thursdays begin at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and light snacks. Museum admission is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

-end-

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Eastern Iowa Community College in Davenport has been awarded $26,518 from the Department of Transportation's National Summer Transportation Institute Program (NSTI). The funding will be used to promote awareness of educational and career opportunities among disadvantaged and at-risk middle and high school students around the country. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee that funds the DOT.

"Job training and educational programs like NSTI provide resources that help prepare young Iowans for good jobs in high-demand industries.  This is an investment that provides opportunity and promotes job growth for local communities," said Harkin.  "I congratulate Eastern Iowa Community College on this award and look forward to the progress these classes will bring."

Specifically, Eastern Iowa Community College will use the funds to host educational classes focusing on transportation careers for Quad Cities area high school students.

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Governor Pat Quinn today issued the below statement in response to today's tragic events in Boston, Massachusetts:

"We are closely monitoring the developments in Boston and the people of Illinois stand with those impacted by today's tragic explosions. As we wait for more details to become available, all of the runners, spectators, loved ones and first responders are in our thoughts and prayers.

"May God bless our emergency responders and the everyday people for their heroic efforts to help the wounded and save lives.

"I have directed all of the state's public safety agencies - including the Illinois State Police, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Military Affairs and Office of the State Fire Marshal - to stand ready to assist and remain vigilant in responding to and reporting suspicious activity. As always, the people of Illinois should be aware of activities around them and report anything suspicious to local law enforcement officials."

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RANTOUL, IL (04/15/2013)(readMedia)-- Illinois National Guard (ILNG) Soldiers and Airmen searched a collapsed building, extracted victims and decontaminated mass casualties during the three-day Prairie North 2013 exercise in Rantoul, April 11 to 13.

The ILNG Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and High Explosive Response Force Package (CERFP) team along with 15 local and state agencies conducted a full-scale exercise to better communicate and enhance their training for a potential manmade or natural disaster.

"There was a lot of hands-on training," said Pvt. Kyle Eldridge of St. Louis, a medic with the 445th Chemical Company out of Shiloh, Ill.

During the exercise, Eldridge cleaned and decontaminated the simulated casualties after they were extracted from the collapsed building.

"(The training) could potentially save a lot of lives," said Eldridge.

Sgt. 1st Class Mike Markham, a noncommissioned officer in charge for CERFP with Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., said he was there to support the Soldiers and Airmen when they had questions during the training scenario and to make sure everyone was safe.

Markham of Chatham said he watched over the search and rescue teams as they climbed through the demolished building looking for casualties. He said the scenario included casualties with a range of issues from simulated arm and leg injuries to fatalities.

"The training is very realistic," said Markham. "I don't think we could get a better training area. This is what they would call a dynamic pile. If you mess up you may pay for it."

With approximately 200 Soldiers and Airmen, the ILNG CERFP team helps ensure the Governor and Adjutant General have the means to mitigate risks associated with search and extraction, mass decontamination, and medical triage and stabilization to the casualties.

Capt. Scotty A. Duranceau, a clinical nurse with the 126th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Ill., said his training focused on mass casualty triage treatment. He said his group assessed all patients before sending them on to the next station for further help.

"We stage for all events so we are ready in case a real situation occurs," said Duranceau of St. Louis. "I believe it keeps us honed in on our skills, especially those life support skills."

Duranceau said Illinois is properly preparing for a disaster by conducting these mock training exercises. He said the ILNG is ready to fill any void the civilian sector may need in the event of an emergency.

"It's a great opportunity for us to put that footwork into the local population so they can see we are there and can use us," said Duranceau.

It shows Illinois citizens there is one line of force and they are all there to accomplish the same goal, "get the people the care they need and to get them better," he said.

The CERFP used this exercise as the final preparation for an upcoming external evaluation.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today:

"The events that happened today in Boston are appalling. My thoughts and prayers are with all those injured and the families and loved ones of those who were lost.  I would like to thank the first responders, members of the National Guard, and all those who responded and provided assistance to those who needed it.  As a nation, we stand with the people of Boston."

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(Moline/Quad Cities) For the first time in history, Delta Air Lines will provide mainline service to the Quad City International Airport.  Airport officials were informed late last week that Delta will use an A-319 Airbus once per day, for one departure and one arrival.  The aircraft seats 126 passengers- twelve in first class, and 114 in coach.

Flights will be to/from Atlanta, and will depart the Quad Cities at 6:00 a.m., arriving in Atlanta at 8:51 a.m. The evening flight will depart Atlanta at 9:21 p.m., and arrive in Moline/Quad Cities at 10:17 p.m. (All times local.)  These flight times are already in the current schedule, along with two other daily arrivals and departures offered between Moline and Atlanta by Delta.

Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation, says "We are very excited that Delta is inaugurating service with a mainline aircraft.  This opens up more opportunities for operating larger aircraft from the Quad City International Airport.  We have already made the investment in special ground handling equipment to support the A-319 operations," Carter adds.  "We know our leisure and corporate travelers, in particular, who use these flights for domestic and international connections through the Atlanta hub, will enjoy and appreciate the upgraded aircraft."

The flights utilizing the A-319 will begin June 10, 2013.  Delta currently serves the Quad Cities with three popular hub, or connecting cities: Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The Quad City International Airport strives to make travel an easier experience. There are four airlines serving travelers from throughout eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. There are currently 10 nonstop destinations,  with dozens of daily departures and hundreds of connections beyond. Visit qcairport.com.

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Families share reactions to the Senate Gang of 8's draft legislation and what it means going forward

(CHICAGO, 4/15/2013) ? Today, the Senate Gang of 8 introduced its highly anticipated draft immigration bill after months of negotiations. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights along with families affected will react to the new bill and share their thoughts on what this means for the legislative debate ahead.

Today's bill introduction follows a week of action in Washington, DC and across the country. On Wednesday, April 10, tens of thousands of supporters gathered on the west lawn of the Capitol to rally for immigration reform at the "Rally for Citizenship." In addition to Wednesday's event, leaders across the country led a week of local actions. In Illinois, local leaders visited all 20 members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, including Senator Durbin and Kirk.

WHAT: Press Conference and Community vigil

WHO: Lawrence Benito, CEO, and Fred Tsao, Policy Director at ICIRR, will be joined by families directly impacted by the legislation in vocalizing a reaction to the bill. Community leaders from Muslim, Asian and Latino will be available to press, including CAIR-Chicago Executive Director, Ahmed Rehab. Additionally, SEIU's president Tom Balanoff will also be available.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16, 3:30 pm - Press conference, 8:30 pm - Community vigil

WHERE: Press conference at Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, 55 East Jackson, Suite 2075, Community vigil at Casa Michoacán at 1638 South Blue Island

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PEORIA,Ill. (April 15, 2013) – May 8 is World Red Cross Day, and the American Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to celebrate by donating lifesaving blood in their communities. The need is constant, and all blood types are needed, especially O negative, B negative and A negative.

For more than 130 years, the Red Cross has been dedicated to helping people in communities large and small across the U.S. It is the only humanitarian services organization that provides blood services, serves as the emergency communication link between military personnel and their families, offers health and safety training and responds to disasters of all types and sizes.

Join the Red Cross family this month and make an appointment to give blood in honor of World Red Cross Day at redcrossblood.org.

World Red Cross Day

World Red Cross Day is celebrated every year on May 8, the birthday of Henry Dunant, who officially founded the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement nearly 100 years ago. The holiday recognizes worldwide efforts to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, disaster, war or famine.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County
May 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive in Savanna, Ill.

Clinton County
May 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ashford University Calling Center, 1310 19th Ave. North in Clinton, Iowa

Henry County
May 2 from 12-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church South Campus Building, 302 N. State St. in Geneseo, Ill.
May 8 from 1:15-5:15 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.
May 9 from 2-6 p.m. at St. John's Vianney Church, 313 S. West St. in Cambridge, Ill.

Mercer County
May 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sherrard High School, 4701 176th in Sherrard, Ill.

Whiteside County
May 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fulton High School, 1207 12th St. in Fulton, Ill.
May 1 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave. in Rock Falls, Ill.
May 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Prophetstown High School, 310 Riverside in Prophetstown, Ill.
May 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Erie High School, 435 Sixth Ave. in Erie, Ill.
May 7 from 8-11 a.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
May 9 from 3-8 p.m. at Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave. in Tampico, Ill.
May 13 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Montmorency School, 9415 Hoover Road in Rock Falls, Ill.
May 14 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
May 15 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an
appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for
patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required
at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school
students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and
weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters;
supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides
international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red
Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the
American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join
our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency's Parent & Educator Connection Program is sponsoring a
workshop to present basic IEP information.

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2013

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Location: Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency
729 21st Street
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722

There are a limited number of seats available. Minimum of 15 participants required.

A $25 stipend per family is available.

Reserve your seat by April 25, 2013 by contacting:
Kathy Anson, Parent & Educator Facilitator
kanson@aea9.k12.ia.us or 563-242-6454 ext. 6392

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