Justin Long, Congressman Braley, President Obama and Bruce Springsteen to Highlight Early Voting at College Towns

 

DES MOINES - #CampusTakeover is coming! This week, an unprecedented early vote operation will take place on college campuses across the state.  At community colleges, private colleges and Universities, the Obama campaign is organizing voters for a record number of satellite voting locations between now and Election Day for students and the campus community.  Early voting is a simple and easy way to make sure young people have their voice heard in this election.

 

Actor Justin Long, Congressman Braley, President Obama and Bruce Springsteen will join #CampusTakeover events to encourage early voting and talk about key issues impacting young Americans like President Obama's plan to make college more affordable, expanding access to quality health care, equal rights and creating new job opportunities for graduates.

 

Long and Rep. Braley will visit campuses, phone banks and voter registration drives. The President will deliver remarks at a grassroots event at Cornell College on Wednesday, October 17.  Bruce Springsteen will appear at Ames on Thursday, October 18. Several campuses will also have special guest appearances by Green Man.

 

There is a clear choice in this election, particularly for college students.  Mitt Romney thinks that students should "shop around" or "borrow money" from their parents to help pay for college or start a business.  Under the Romney-Ryan budget, 221,000 Iowa students will see their college scholarships cut while the deduction for college tuition would be eliminated for 78,000 Iowa families. President Obama believes in the economic benefits of investments in education and that a college education should be in reach for as many students as possible.  That's why he has overhauled higher education financing by eliminating bank middlemen from college loans and used the savings to double funding for Pell Grants.

 

SATELLITE VOTING INFORMATION

Between October 15 and October 29, there will be 53 satellite voting locations on college campuses. This week, 24 Satellite Voting sites will be set up at the following campus areas:

 

On Monday, October 15

·         Cero Gordo - 10AM to 3PM at NIACC Activity Center in Mason City

·         Johnson - 2PM to 8PM at University of Iowa Campus Recreational & Wellness Center 100 CRWC E230 in Iowa City

·         Story - 9AM to 3PM at Iowa State University Union Drive Community Center Room 136 in Ames

·         Story - 9AM to 3PM at Iowa State University Maple-Willow-Larch Room 01C in Ames

 

On Tuesday, October 16

·         Black Hawk - 9AM to 3PM at Hawkeye Community College - Brock Student Center in Waterloo

·         Hardin - 9:30AM to 3:30PM at Ellsworth CC - Formal Dining Room - The Gentle Student Union in Iowa Falls

·         Johnson - 9AM to 3PM at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City

·         Linn - 11AM to 5PM Mt. Mercy University - Heritage Hall in Cedar Rapids

·         Scott - 9AM to 3PM at Scott Community College - Belmont Campus in Bettendorf

·         Scott - 10AM to 4PM at St. Ambrose University - Rogalski Center in Davenport

·         Story - 9AM to 3PM at ISU Carver Hall in Ames

·         Story - 9AM to 3PM at ISU Memorial Union in Ames

 

On Wednesday, October 17

·         Bremer - 10AM to 4PM at McCaskey Lyceum in the Saemann Student Center in Waverly

·         Linn - 11AM to 5PM at Cornell College Cole Library Room 108 in Mt. Vernon

·         Mahaska - 10AM to 2PM at Atkins Memorial Union - WPU in Oskaloosa

·         Muscatine - 9AM to 3PM at Muscatine Community College - McAvoy University Center in Muscatine

·         Poweshiek - 11 AM to 5PM at Joe Rosenfield '25 Center in Grinnell

 

On Thursday, October 18

·         Johnson - 9AM to 3PM at University of Iowa Memorial Union at Hubbard Commons in Iowa City

·         Johnson - 2:30PM to 8:30PM at University of Iowa Theatre Building in Iowa City

·         Linn - 10AM to 4PM at Kirkwood Community College - Iowa Hall in Cedar Rapids

·         Story - 9AM to 3PM at ISU Parks Library main floor in Ames

 

On Friday, October 19

·         Black Hawk - 12PM to 6PM at UNI Redecker Complex Center Residential Hall in Cedar Falls

·         Johnson - 12PM to 6PM at University of Iowa Burge Residence Hall in Iowa City

·         Johnson - 11AM to 5PM at University of Iowa Mayflower Residence Hall in Iowa City

 

#CAMPUS TAKEOVER EVENTS OPEN TO THE MEDIA

 

Monday October 15

11:00 AM

WHERE:        Kirkwood Community College with Justin Long

The Café

6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

 

12:45 PM

WHERE:        Cornell College with Justin Long

Thomas Commons

Mount Vernon, IA

 

3:00 PM

WHERE:        OFA-IA Iowa City Office with Justin Long

321 E. Market St.

Iowa City, IA

 

5:30 PM

WHERE:        University of Northern Iowa with Justin Long

Maucker Union

Cedar Falls, IA

 

Tuesday October 16

12:00 PM

WHERE:        Hawkeye Community College with Rep. Bruce Braley

1501 E Orange Rd.

Waterloo, IA 50701

 

12:00 PM

WHERE:        Iowa State University with Justin Long

In the Free Speech Zone near Parks Library

Corner of Osborn Dr. & Morrill Rd

Ames, IA

 

2:45 PM

WHERE:        Simpson College with Justin Long

Kent Student Center

Indianola, IA 50125

 

Wednesday, October 17

9:15 AM CDT Doors Open

WHERE: President Obama Grassroots Event at Cornell College

Armstrong Hall Lawn at Cornell College

600 First Street SW

Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314

RSVP HERE 

 

10:00 AM

WHERE:        Wartburg College with Rep. Bruce Braley

McCaskey Lyceum in the Saemann Student Center

100 Wartburg Blvd.

Waverly, IA 50677

 

Thursday, October 18

Time TBD

WHERE:        #CampusTakeover Event with Bruce Springsteen

Ames, IA

RSVP Spalla@barackobama.com

 

Friday, October 19

12:00PM

WHERE:        University of Northern Iowa with Rep. Bruce Braley

Redecker Complex Center Residential

Redecker Drive

Cedar Falls, IA 50614

"Arlen Specter and I were first elected to the United States Senate the same year, and I served with him on the Judiciary Committee for 30 years.  We came from very different places, an Iowa farmer and a Philadelphia lawyer, and we had different views, but we shared a commitment to making the legislative process work in the Senate.  Sen. Specter was a friend to his colleagues, and he served Pennsylvanians with his tenacity and willingness to fight hard no matter what the challenge."

Dubuque Telegraph-Herald
October 14, 2012

The election campaign for Iowa's 1st District seat in the U.S. House is a rematch of 2010, when incumbent Democrat Bruce Braley squeaked past Republican Ben Lange by just 2 percent of the vote.
The tight finish two years ago and the close battle under way should not surprise anyone. Whatever the voters decide on Nov. 6, the 1st District will be represented by a hard-working, constituent-centered congressman.
Though they differ on many issues, Braley and Lange offer their respective strengths and a mutual commitment to serve the people of the district, state and nation.
After deliberation and discussion on the pros and cons regarding each candidate, the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board recommends the re-election of Bruce Braley.
Though the candidates and district number are the same, this race is not the same. A big reason is that the 1st District is not what it used to be.
Due to redistricting after the 2010 census and Iowa's loss of a House seat, the 1st is larger and reconfigured. It drops Scott County (Davenport) and adds Linn (Cedar Rapids). It drops Clinton County but adds 10 counties that are not presently represented by Braley. All this means that, for roughly half the voters of the reconstituted 1st District, this will be the first time they will choose between Braley and Lange.
Since being elected to Congress six years ago, Braley has established himself as a leading advocate for military veterans.
He championed the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act, which addressed the adaptive housing needs of veterans. Well before the act became law, Braley worked hard to help Connolly, a military veteran battling multiple health and physical issues after returning from duty overseas, and his family secure housing that accommodated his disabilities. Connolly died before Braley's bill became law in August, but other veterans in similar circumstances should have a somewhat easier time of it because of this legislation.
Another Braley bill with military and Dubuque connections is the Holley Lynn James Act, which brings about reforms better protecting the victims of domestic and sexual assault among service personnel. James, whose family resides in Dubuque, was murdered by her husband while both served in the military.
Braley's efforts have gone beyond helping men and women in uniform. He has pushed hard to reduce the outrageous inequity Iowa suffers in Medicare reimbursements. He battled what might prove to be a lost cause -- keeping small, rural post offices open. He has advocated for student safety through Kadyn's Amendment, to help authorities to more strictly enforce traffic laws concerning stopped school buses.
There is more to Braley's record, and those are the areas where Lange zeroes in on the Democrat. Braley voted for stimulus spending (and borrowing) during the darkest days of the economic recession. Lange, of Independence, tags Braley with the disputed charge that President Obama's $716 billion cut in Medicare funding, which Braley supports, will hurt seniors' access to services. (Lange does not necessarily agree with the GOP platform of scuttling Obamacare -- at least not without a sound plan on what would replace it.)
We share Lange's deep concern over government spending. (He notes that "no one party is to blame" for this mess.) Braley says he has voted for $3 trillion in spending cuts. If so, then he needs to vote for more cuts. This can't continue. Braley calls for bipartisan conversation on solving the huge deficit, including entitlement programs. If he returns for a fourth term, constituents should watch carefully to see if there is more action than talk from Congress, and Braley in particular, toward reducing the fiscal time bomb awaiting our children and grandchildren.
Bruce Braley has been a strong advocate for the citizens of the old 1st District of Iowa. We believe he will do the same if voters of the new 1st District return him to Washington.
Editorials reflect the consensus of the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board.

# # #

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/13/2012)(readMedia)-- The U.S. Department of Defense has approved an Innovative Readiness Training project that will allow the Airmen of the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, 183rd Fighter Wing to build affordable, safe and decent housing with Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County in local low-income neighborhoods.

183rd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Michael Meyer announced the partnership today with representatives from Habitat for Humanity and the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association at the site of the first project, a two-story townhouse that will be built at 1137 North 5th Street, Springfield.

"This is a win-win for both the Illinois Air National Guard, Habitat for Humanity, and - most importantly - local low-income families," said Illinois National Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air Brig. Gen. William Cobetto. "Our Airmen practice the skills they need to perform their military missions and, through Habitat for Humanity, local families get decent safe housing."

The project is scheduled for three years and the 183rd CES will help build as many as 12 homes in Sangamon County. Three of those homes are slated to be built in Springfield's Enos Park Neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity will provide the building materials and supplies as well as meals for the Airmen working on the project and the Airmen will provide the labor and tradesman skills they acquired from their military training.

"As the Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard, I am so proud that Illinois was one of a handful of states to administer an Innovative Readiness Training Project approved by the Department of Defense," Gov. Pat Quinn said. "This project will improve the training of our men and women in uniform and strengthen the communities where they live and work."

This isn't the first DoD-approved Innovative Readiness Training project for the 183rd CES. Last year, approximately 35 members of the squadron helped construct a 3,200-square-foot adult programs building for the St. Michaels Association for Special Education in the heart of Navajo Nation in Arizona.

"My Airmen really enjoyed helping the Navaho Nation, but this project is even better," Meyer said. "Now they are helping their own communities in their own state. This is very special to us."

To acquire DoD assistance through the Innovative Readiness Training program, Habitat for Humanity had to submit an approval packet that underwent legal, fiscal and operational scrutiny. The local nonprofit had to prove the IRT would not put the military in competition with local contractors, would be a fiscally responsible use of military training funds and the work performed would accurately exercise the military skills the Airmen would need to perform their military mission. The 183rd CES' wartime mission is to build structures in support of military operations.

Airmen with the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, 183rd Fighter Wing help construct a home with Habitat for Humanity through an Innovative Readiness Training project in Springfield, Oct. 13.

Thousands of Illinois Residents Getting Help to Save Their Homes; South Holland Event is Latest to Connect Families Facing Foreclosure with Resources

SOUTH HOLLAND - October 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today met with homeowners seeking help from foreclosure and outlined the progress of his Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) that has been helping thousands of families across the state stay in their homes.

Thanks to the network, Illinois homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payments are able to access the assistance and information they need to help them avoid foreclosure. The "Keep Your Home, Illinois" regional foreclosure prevention workshop was held at the South Holland Community Center.

"The home is the foundation of working families across Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Keeping people in their homes strengthens families, communities and our economy. The Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network provides homeowners with the guidance they need to do what's best for their families at no cost."

Most importantly, it offers homeowners a safe and trusted source for assistance so they do not fall prey to mortgage rescue scams offered by unscrupulous business entities.

IFPN has made a far-reaching impact, enabling tens of thousands of residents in every part of Illinois to access services they need to help them keep their homes. Thanks to IFPN:

·         Almost 350,000 homeowners have accessed either the IFPN website or the Illinois Hardest Hit program website.

·         More than 10,000 people have called IFPN help hotlines.

·         More than 37,000 homeowners have received homeownership counseling.

·         Almost 1,800 people have attended a series of IFPN workshops across the state.

·         More than 4,600 homeowners have been given more than $52 million in mortgage payment assistance with almost $105 million in funds approved through the Illinois Hardest Hit program.

"When the governor launched the IFPN, we knew that it was the best way to help people navigate the often confusing and overwhelming world of foreclosure prevention assistance programs," said Mary Kenney, executive director of the IHDA. "We now see the impact and success of IFPN and we will continue to reach out across the state so more and more people can get the help they need."

As states across the nation recover from the Great Recession, foreclosures continue to be a challenge. As of September, according to RealtyTrac, one in 376 Illinois homes had some form of foreclosure filing on record. The first half of 2012 saw a 3.1 percent increase in foreclosure filings in the Chicago region, compared to the same period in 2011. For the same period, Cook County as a whole saw an increase of 3.4 percent.

"Under Governor Quinn's leadership, Illinois has made many important strides to reduce foreclosures and protect homeowners - including providing access to free homeownership counseling," Kenney said. "Studies show that housing counseling nearly doubles the chances of mortgage modifications and reduces the likelihood of re-default by at least 67 percent. We are pleased that through IFPN, more than 37,000 homeowners have been referred to counseling."

Interagency cooperation and partnerships are a key element of IFPN, linking the various agencies and nonprofit organizations that play essential roles in providing resources to Illinois homeowners.

"We are proud to be one of the 68 counseling agencies providing services under the network," said Ofelia Navarro, executive director of the Spanish Coalition for Housing. "Governor Quinn understands that homeowners have difficulty understanding and keeping up with which foreclosure prevention programs are available to them. Now more than ever, as the number of programs increase, homeowners need guidance to choose the best option for them."

Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) comprise the IFPN.

Illinois residents who are having trouble paying their mortgage, facing foreclosure or know someone who is should reach out to IFPN as soon as possible by calling the IFPN hotline at 855-KEEP-411 or by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org. A list of upcoming IFPN events is also available.

 

About IHDA

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (www.ihda.org) is an independent, self-supporting bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $11.1 billion to finance more than 221,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois.

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The Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi River Valley will host a four-part lecture series commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church. "Celebrating Vatican II: Sharing the Vision" will be held at venues throughout the region from October, 2012 through April, 2013. The series, which coincides with the "Year of Faith" being  observed by the Catholic Church, is free and open to the public.

The opening lecture is on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Rogalski Center, St Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz will address "What Happened at Vatican II? Keys to Understanding the Council," exploring the enduring significance of the most important event in Roman Catholicism in four centuries and probing its implications for the present and future.

Gaillardetz, the McCarthy Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College, author of Ecclesiology for a Global Church and co-author of Keys to the Council, is President-Elect of the Catholic Theological Society of America. He has received numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and is the 2000 recipient of the Sophia Award from the faculty of the Washington
Theological Union, Washington D.C., in recognition of his contributions to the life of the church. He previously taught at the University of Toledo and St. Thomas Graduate School of Theology, Houston.

There is no registration for the lecture series and no admission charge. Follow-up sessions to each of the four lectures will be offered in the cities where the sponsoring congregations minister,

Future programs in the series will include :

* Dr. Zeni Fox speaking on "The Laity after Vatican II: Collaboration in Ministry" at Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa, on December 2, 2012 at 2 p.m.

* Dr. Massimo Faggioli will speak on "Liturgical Reform: the Crucial Impact and Legacy of Vatican II" at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hiawatha, Iowa, on February 24, 2013 at 2 p.m.

* Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA will address "The Church in the Modern World: Vatican II's Challenge for Our Time," at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Church, Clinton, Iowa, on April 21, 2013 at 2 p.m.

"Celebrating Vatican II: Sharing the Vision" is sponsored by the Carmelite Nuns, Eldridge, Iowa; Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport, Iowa; Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wis.; Sinsinawa Dominicans, Sinsinawa, Wis.; Sisters of Mercy, West-Midwest Community, Omaha, Neb.; Benedictine Sisters, Rock Island, Ill.; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton,
Iowa; and Sisters of Charity BVM, Sisters of the Presentation, Sisters of St. Francis, Sisters of the Visitation, and Trappistine Nuns, all of Dubuque, Iowa. 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 or call Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, 563-242-7611.

Findings Will Guide Governor's Comprehensive Solution to Strengthen Protections of People with Disabilities Across Illinois

CHICAGO - October 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today received the official report from Michael McCotter following his special investigation of the Office of the Inspector General of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Earlier this year, Governor Quinn appointed McCotter, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, as Special Investigator to review cases and develop recommendations to reform the investigative operations of the Inspector General's office.

"I thank Special Investigator Michael McCotter for his diligent work in conducting this report," Governor Quinn said. "We will immediately review the findings and work with members of the General Assembly and advocates to implement a comprehensive solution that reforms the operation of this office and ensures all people are treated with dignity and respect."

Following reports of abuse and neglect, Governor Quinn took immediate action by issuing an executive order to strengthen protections for adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of such mistreatment and ensure that potential cases will be properly reviewed and referred to the appropriate authorities. The governor also directed a comprehensive overhaul of the office to ensure accountability and the protection of our most fragile citizens. He appointed Michael McCotter to probe the operations of the Inspector General and develop recommendations for reform.

As Special Investigator, McCotter was charged with reviewing the OIG's investigative procedures and policies. The recommended reforms included in the report are designed to ensure the OIG fulfills its mission of protecting people with disabilities.

McCotter was previously appointed by Governor Quinn as chief public safety officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections and has served in several senior positions at the Chicago Police Department, including chief of patrol, deputy chief of detectives, commander of special events and district commander. He has had professional training with the FBI, United States Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among other law enforcement agencies.

After reviewing the McCotter report, the governor's staff will move quickly- working with members of the General Assembly and advocates - to implement a comprehensive solution that best protects citizens with disabilities.

Please see the attachment for a copy of the full report.

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Top-Rated Surgeon Shares Tips for Warding Off Infection

Hospitals can be scary places: They're brimming with bacteria, viruses and fungi -- the last things sick and injured people should be around.

In fact, hospital-acquired infections are the most common complication of a hospital stay, affecting nearly 2 million Americans a year and killing nearly 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

"There are a number of public and private initiatives under way to bring those numbers down. Life-threatening MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staph) infections have actually been declining since 2005," says Dr. Marc Stevens, an AMA Physician Recognition Award recipient and formulator of Rapid Recovery (www.DRSHealthInc.com), a beverage mix of nutrients that help tissue heal quickly after surgery or injury.

"The other good news is that there are steps patients can take to reduce the risk of being infected - and bolster their ability to fight infection. As a surgeon, I make it a priority to educate my patients and the public at large about what they should be doing before and during a hospital stay to protect themselves."

Stevens says patients should always take responsibility for doing what they can to avoid infection and bolster their immune system.

"Young people, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses - particularly diabetes - are most at risk for being overwhelmed by infection," he says.

He suggests:

• Hand washing: This is the No. 1 precaution recommended by the CDC, Stevens says. "Wash your hands, ask visitors to wash theirs, and don't be shy about asking hospital personnel, including doctors and nurses, to wash up before treating or examining you."

• Monitor your bandages: Alert a nurse if you notice your bandage is not clean, dry or completely attached to the skin surrounding a wound.

• Get in the best health possible before a scheduled hospital stay: People in their best possible mental, nutritional and physical health are better able to ward off infection and their wounds heal more quickly, closing portals to infection, Stevens says. "Whether it's physical therapy you need, or vitamin supplements - there are 13 with a demonstrated role in healing - patients should do what's necessary to prepare before going to the hospital, particularly, before a scheduled surgery."

• After discharge, watch for signs of infection: Symptoms that can indicate an infection include unexpected pain, chills, fever, drainage or increased redness around a surgical wound. If you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor.

About Dr. Marc Stevens

Dr. Marc Stevens is an award-winning orthopedic surgeon certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons. He has been recognized as one of America's Top Orthopedic Surgeons and a World Leading Physician (International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.) Dr. Stevens has found optimal nutrition - particularly the 13 vitamins known to promote tissue healing - dramatically speeds surgical patients' recovery. His flavored Rapid Recovery mix of these vitamins offers convenience and better absorption.

Monticello, Iowa - On Saturday, Oct. 27, AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) members are collaborating with Camp Courageous to do trail maintenance at the camp's ropes course. The community day is being held from 9 am to 1 pm at 12007 190 Street in Monticello, Iowa.

Volunteers are coming together to clean up brush to make the woods, specifically the ropes course, as safe as possible and more easily accessible for campers. In the event of rain, volunteers will clean the pool, lodge, cabins and a closet with costumes used for weekly dances. AmeriCorps NCCC invites residents from throughout the area to participate in this collaborative event.

"I'm very excited to meet community members and spread the word about Camp Courageous," says NCCC member Callie Keeney.

Tools and snacks are being provided. Volunteers are encouraged to dress warm. For further information about the community day please email serviceproject.outreach14@gmail.com or call 319-529-0587.

Camp Courageous serves over 6,000 individuals with disabilities annually. Their mission is to provide exceptional year-round recreational and respite care opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families. The camp is run primarily on donations, giving all individuals the opportunity to give through gifts of time, materials, money and other means that support the camp.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, residential, national service program in which 1,100 young adults serve nationwide each year. During their 10-month term, NCCC Members - all 18 to 24 years old - work on teams of eight to 12 on projects that address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Members mentor students, construct and rehabilitate low-income housing, respond to natural disasters, clean up streams, help communities develop emergency plans, and address countless other local needs. The North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa is one five regional campuses in the United States and serves Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The other campuses are located in Perry Point, Md.; Sacramento, Calif.; Vicksburg, Miss.; and Denver, Colo.

In exchange for their service, NCCC Members receive $5,550 to help pay for college, or to pay back existing student loans. Other benefits include a small living stipend, room and board, leadership development, increased self-confidence, and the knowledge that, through active citizenship, people can indeed make a difference. AmeriCorps NCCC is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation improves lives, strengthens
communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC, visit the website at www.americorps.gov/nccc.

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Mercer County Nursing Home in Aledo, Ill., and Illini Restorative Care, Silvis, Ill., have each earned 5-star quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Five stars is the highest and most respected rating a nursing home can achieve. The combined rating is based on health inspections, staffing and quality measures.

Westwing Place at Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, earned a 4-star rating in overall quality.

The 5-star rating from CMS is the highest ever for Mercer County Nursing Home.

"We believe in high quality resident care and set a standard of excellence in everything we do," said Myron Higgins, administrator, Mercer County Nursing Home. "Every member of our staff is dedicated to our residents and their families."

Mercer County Nursing Home is a 92-bed skilled nursing facility managed by Genesis Health System. The nursing home provides residents with superior short and long-term skilled nursing care administered by caring professionals. Highly trained and experienced staff offer residents individualized and compassionate attention while providing a wide range of health care services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy along with around-the-clock nursing care.

Mercer County Nursing Home earned 5 stars for quality ratings, 4 stars for health inspections, and 3 stars for staffing.

Illini Restorative care earned 5 stars for health inspections and 5 stars for staffing.

Westwing Place earned 4 stars in every category and 4 stars overall.

For more information about senior living options at Genesis, go to www.genesishealth.com/srliving.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System and its affiliates offer a full continuum of care, including preventive, primary, acute and tertiary hospital care; home health; hospice; rehabilitation; and long-term care. Its affiliates include Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, DeWitt and the Illini Campus in Silvis, Illinois; the Genesis Health Services Foundation, Visiting Nurse Association and GenVentures Inc. Genesis also manages Mercer County Hospital, Aledo, and Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, Iowa. Serving a 10-county area of eastern Iowa and western Illinois, the Health System also operates Genesis Health Group. For more information, visit our Web site at www.genesishealth.com.

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