18 Oct 2012

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area will hold a Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony of its new group home.

By Maureen Dickinson
WHO: Individuals served, staff, board members, organization members and family of individuals
served will be in attendance. The Arc's Board of Directors, Staff, and Quad Cities
Chamber representatives will conduct the ceremony. Mayor John Thodos and
Alderman Gary Almblade of the City of East Moline have been invited, as well as
project contractors. The event is by invitation only and is open to the media.

WHAT: Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony celebrating the licensing of The Arc's newest
Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA group home). Additionally the
home will be dedicated and named the "LaSalle House," in grateful memory of
Manita LaSalle, lifelong Moline resident and special friend of The Arc. A reception
offering light refreshments will follow.

WHY:

WHEN: Wednesday, October 17, 2012
1 pm

WHERE:

Publicly announcing this major program expansion of The Arc's residential services.

4013/4015 Kennedy Drive
East Moline, Illinois

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area serves more than 300 individuals with intellectual and other
disabilities. Programs foster the highest degree of independence possible, offering residential
services, developmental and vocational skills training, supported employment, and respite
care. From its humble beginnings in the home of a privately-hired teacher in 1952, The Arc has
evolved to a $13.5 million non-profit which employs a staff of more than 250.

The Arc is a CARF-accredited organization and a United Way partner agency.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area
4016 9th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201

309-786-6474 - www.arcqca.org
18 Oct 2012

River City Radio Hour Friday Oct. 19th. 2012

By Heidi M. Sallows
It's that time again:
3rd. Year of
The
RIVER CITY RADIO HOUR
Presenting:
Joshua Forbes, Tenor Sax/ Flute
Jon Moss, Bass
Corey Kendrick, Piano
Glorie Iaccarino, MC/ Oral Essay
1530 Fifth Avenue, Moline, IL , 61265
OCTOBER 19th. 2012
Social Hour: 5.30 p.m.
Dinner : 6.30 p.m.
Show: 7.30 p.m.
The Moline Commercial  Club's Chef Linda will be serving a magnificent dinner prior to the show, by reservation only.
Please call 309-762-8547 to make reservations.
Tickets for dinner and show: $25.00 per person
Tickets for the show only: $5.00 per person
Priority seating is given to guests who make dinner reservations.
This event is open to the public and the audience can attend without dinner.
17 Oct 2012

U.S. Veteran Charities: Beyond Lip Service

By Ginny Grimsley
SEAL Team 6 Author Discusses Value of Legit Nonprofits

With the war in Afghanistan set to end in 2014, and the Iraq war having ended two years ago, charities that help veterans and their families may be busier than ever - but without the public awareness generated by an ongoing conflict.

Support for the war effort in Afghanistan is on par with the unpopular Vietnam War during the early 1970s, according to a recent Associated Press-GfK poll; only 27 percent of Americans support the effort in Afghanistan. A fundamental difference between then and now, however, is Americans' nearly unanimous support of U.S. troops, says J. L. Narmi, author of SEAL Team 6, bin Laden and Beyond (www.narminovels.com).

"The vitriol expressed toward our Vietnam veterans by many was disgusting, but I think we learned from that injustice, and most Americans think the troops deserve much more support than they're getting," says Narmi, who comes from a military family. All proceeds from his book sales will go to support veterans' charities.

"The problem is that funding, whether it's through government or private charities, doesn't match the expressed support," he says. "And I worry that will only get worse as these soldiers move out of the public eye and try to take up peace-time lives."

Narmi cites some good resources for Americans looking for quality charities that support the troops:

• The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org): With advances in protective gear and life-saving medical technology, fewer troops are coming home in coffins than in previous wars, but more are coming back with lifelong injury. This charity seeks to foster a generation of well-adjusted wounded service members, and to raise public awareness about their needs and how fellow military men and women can help each other.

• The Navy SEAL Foundation (www.navysealfoundation.org): As detailed in Narmi's novel, SEALs are among the most physically and mentally talented individuals in the world. But they, along with their families, endure enormous stressors, many of which are never discussed due to the nature of their duties. This charity supports these elite warriors and their families.

• Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org): Whether or not you think you know about the legitimacy of a charitable organization, it doesn't hurt to take a few minutes to verify an organization's status. This site is widely recognized by investigative reporters to be a reliable resource in reporting a nonprofit's activity. The above two groups, in which Narmi has donated money, have been verified via Charity Navigator.

• Still not sure? ... Skepticism is understandable. It seems the more we hear or read about charities, the more we learn that we shouldn't simply take their word for how donations will be spent. Media coverage spotlights those outlier groups that are clearly fraudulent; however, most charitable organizations are absolutely streamlined, with workers donating their time or receiving a minimal wage. It has never been easier to verify a charity's reputation. Additionally, for those with the time and willingness, individuals may create their own nonprofit. Narmi is working to set up his own, called Hire the Vets!

"If everyone who said they support the troops gave just a modest amount to help a veteran that has risked his or her life for our freedom, we would come across far fewer tragedies on the news about vet-related joblessness, homelessness and suicide," he says.

About J. L. Narmi

J. L. Narmi comes from family with deep roots in the military; his brother, retired Rear Admiral Ronald E. Narmi, worked closely with SEAL teams throughout his career. Narmi's fascination with the Navy SEALs resulted in ""SEAL Team 6, bin Laden and Beyond," which was completed just eight days before the real-life mission that resulted in bin Laden's death. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and earned his MBA from Creighton University. Narmi is a graduate of the Securities Industry Institute of the Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania.

17 Oct 2012

Loebsack Calls on Social Security Administration to Reform COLA

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack, in response to the announcement that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries in 2013 will be 1.7 percent, called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reform the way this adjustment is calculated.

"I was raised in poverty by my grandmother, who relied on Social Security survivors benefits to care for my brothers and me, so I understand how difficult it is for seniors to get by on fixed incomes," wrote Loebsack.  "Particularly in these difficult times, it is imperative that Social Security benefits keep up with inflation.  It is important to remember that the yearly COLA is not a benefits increase, but rather it is intended to ensure that monthly payments keep up with the rising costs of essential expenses."

The COLA in 2012 was 3.6 percent, after two years of no COLA in 2010 or 2011.  Loebsack urged the SSA to work with Congress to reform the way the adjustment is determined to ensure that benefits keep up with the increase in seniors' everyday expenses.

A copy of the letter sent by Loebsack can be found here.

###
17 Oct 2012

Kudos to Cheri Bustos For Visiting 'Bainport' in Support of Sensata Workers Facing Outsourcing by Bain

By Rick Martin
Rep. Bobby Schilling a "No Show" Per Usual

Freeport, IL - Residents of Congressional District IL 17 thanked candidate Cheri Bustos for visiting 'Bainport' today and for her continued support of Sensata workers' fighting to save their jobs from outsourcing to China by Bain Capital.

Sensata has emerged as a flashpoint in the controversy over Romney's ties to Bain with the company's employees asking Mitt Romney to intercede on their behalf and save their jobs. Their cries go unanswered and Romney seems to be simply ignoring these workers.

For months, residents too have been calling on Rep. Bobby Schilling to stop the export of these U.S. jobs overseas and their pleas have obviously fallen on deaf ears.

"We now know firsthand what a Romney/Schilling economy looks like, losing good U.S. jobs," said Deborah Johnson a voter in IL 17. "We need someone to speak for us in Washington D.C. and Cheri Bustos has shown us time and time again that she is a leader and speaks for the 99% instead of the richest 1%. Cheri needs to win this election and I will not rest until she is elected."

In September, the workers began to camp outside the plant to protest Bain's decision to ship their jobs to China and increase the pressure on Mitt Romney. Romney still receives income from Sensata Technologies. The workers say will they stay on-site in until they are heard and in the hope of illustrating the dangers of re-electing Bobby Schilling and of a Romney economy.
16 Oct 2012

St. Mark Annual Huge Rummage Sale & Bake Sale

By Janet Martin

It's time for the annual St. Mark Huge Rummage Sale and Bake Sale, being held October 18, 19 and 20 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2363 West 3rd Street in Davenport.

Come on out from 8am until 7pm on Thursday, 8am until 5pm on Friday and 8am until Noon on Saturday to shop among the dozens of tables filled with treasures.

Proceeds from this sale benefit St. Mark programs, including their Seminarian Scholarship Fund.

16 Oct 2012

30th Anniversary Celebration and Conference at the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center

By Steve Hart

Join us as we recognize 30 years at the Davenport Public Library Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center (321 Main Street) on Saturday, October 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a celebration that includes genealogy and history guest speakers, historical film footage, and more.

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center opened in 1982 in a small area on the first floor of the Main Library. Donations and grants have allowed the Center to expand its collection and relocate to the roomier basement of the Main Library. Over the years, the support of our city and county personnel, volunteers, genealogical society members, library directors, staff, and generous donors have culminated in one of the finest genealogy and local history collections in the Midwest.

The schedule for the 30th Anniversary Celebration and Conference will be as follows:

9:45 a.m. -Welcome.

9:50 - 10:50 - Researching at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin by George Findlen.

10:50 - 11:20 Break.

11:20 - 12:30 - Draper Manuscripts - George Findlen.

12:30 - 1:30 - Lunch Break. You may either eat in local restaurants or bring a lunch to the library. Water and coffee will be provided for those who wish to eat at the library.

1:30 - 2:30 - Screening of local film footage from the SC Collection - SC staff will present with Bob King from Classic Films.

2:30 - 2:45 - Break.

2:45 - 3:45 - Civil War Camps - Jim Jacobsen of History Pays!

3:45 - 4:30 - Davenport 1857 Map: Conservation and Content by Amy Groskopf.

Participants are welcome to stay the whole day or attend the programs of interest. The Special Collections Center will be open for research as well. This event is free and registration is not required. For more information or questions please call (563) 326-7902.

 

***

 

 


16 Oct 2012

Simon announces opening of new training facility

By Justin Stofferahn

Will improve efforts to train workers for green jobs

CHAMPAIGN - October 16, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced the opening of a new facility at the University of Illinois that will help improve training for workers that weatherize homes through a state program that offers low-income residents an opportunity to improve their homes' energy efficiency.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 6,700 square foot Indoor Climate Research and Training Center, Simon, who serves as Governor Quinn's point person on education reform, said the center will help better prepare workers for green jobs in the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) through increased hands-on training.

"In order to compete for the jobs of the 21st Century our workers need the right training," Simon said. "This new training facility will provide workers with the hands-on training needed for jobs in home weatherization, allowing them to ensure families maximize the potential to lower their energy bills and live more comfortably."

The training facility will provide classroom space and hands-on application areas for trainees completing the Weatherization Training and Certification Program at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center located in Champaign. Graduates will provide weatherization services to low income families that qualify for assistance from IHWAP.

Trainees include weatherization subcontractors and staff from the 35 not-for-profit organizations across the state that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity works with to administer the assistance program. The organizations identify applicants, evaluate homes, determine the scope of work and contract with weatherization contractors to complete work. Contractors use the training they receive to bid for both IHWAP and private-sector weatherization projects.

The assistance program provides free weatherization services including air sealing, attic and wall insulation, furnace repairs or replacements and window and door work to low-income families. Over the last three years the program has weatherized over 42,000 homes, with nearly 20,000 homes weatherized in the past year. Weatherization typically reduces household energy consumption by 12 to 25 percent and improves indoor environmental health and safety, according to DCEO.

"The Indoor Climate Research and Training Center will help put people to work making low-income homes more comfortable for residents," said David Vaught, director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "The program marks an important economic opportunity for the state and prepares workers for jobs in Illinois' expanding green economy."

Funding for the training center was provided by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. The facility will feature props, videos and other interactive materials that will enhance the hands-on training for weatherization assessors and workers, according to Manohar Kulkarni, the director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) at the University of Illinois.

The training currently is offered to ISTC-related subcontractors, but going forward the certificate program will be open to the public, Kulkarni said.

"The ISTC has been proud to partner with DCEO to provide the most up-to-date training for workers providing services for the IHWAP program," said Kulkarni. "Over the last year we have trained about 300 individuals who took 900 training classes. Over the five years the same numbers are 600 and 2500, respectively. These are impressive indeed and the new facility will allow us to expand upon those efforts including research on indoor human health and comfort issues in buildings."

The ISTC houses the weatherization training program and is among the five state scientific surveys at the Prairie Research Institute. The other surveys are the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey and the Illinois State Water Survey.

Following the ribbon-cutting Simon chaired a meeting of the Illinois River Coordinating Council, which works closely with the ISTC to promote the environmental and economic health of the Illinois River and its tributaries. The council is composed of a diverse group of citizens, not-for-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies, and holds quarterly meetings across the state to gather local input on conservation issues.

###
16 Oct 2012

FREE Lecture Series Open to QC Parents: The Future of STEM & Student Robotics Across Iowa

By Brittany Marietta

What:  Parent Talk - a recurring FREE lecture series open to QC community

When:  Wednesday, 10/24 - 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where:  Auditorium - Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf, IA  (directly off 18th St. behind K&K Hardware)

Topic:  The Future of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) & Student Robotics Across Iowa

Operate on your next chicken or turkey dinner, taking a moment to examine the vertebrae of the neck or hinge joints of the wings.  Discuss oil-eating bacteria in the Gulf on the way to swim practice.  After the big game, calculate how much the university football coach earns per game or per hour.  Sound like weird family activities?  Reconsider!  Future careers, as well as daily life decisions, will increasingly depend on a firm grounding in math and science.  Set your kids on course for a bright future by helping them prepare for their STEM-based world!

Rivermont Collegiate is excited to present Parent Talk, featuring industry experts on education topics.  The October session will feature guest speaker Pat Barnes, Program Director for John Deere's new STEM initiative, John Deere Inspire.

Join us to explore why STEM is critical to our community, what STEM initiatives are happening in the Quad Cities, and how to get involved and spark your child's interest in STEM.

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent college prep school for students in preschool through 12th grade.  For additional information, contact Rachel Chamberlain, Director of Admissions and Marketing, at 563-359-1366 x302 or chamberlain@rvmt.org

Visit us on the web at www.rvmt.org

-END-
16 Oct 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Second Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge Winner

By Ryan C. Woods

State's $1 Million Seed Investment Will Connect Education, Business, Healthcare Communities to Aurora's Fiber Optic Network; Help Create 2,500 Jobs Over Five Years

 

AURORA - October 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that OnLight Aurora is a recipient of an Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge award, a statewide competition to establish ultra-high speed broadband networks across Illinois. The state is awarding $1 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital funding to OnLight Aurora to help connect the city of Aurora's fiber optic network to its education, business, and healthcare communities and accelerate economic growth and job creation.

Announced during Governor Quinn's 2012 State of the State Address, the Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge advances the governor's efforts to encourage world-class broadband infrastructure in every area of Illinois.

"Smart communities will foster the job engines of the future," Governor Quinn said. "To win in the information economy, we need information infrastructure that is second to none. Through the Gigabit Communities Challenge, Illinois will build stronger, smarter communities with Internet connections more than 100 times faster than they are today."

OnLight Aurora is among the first in a series of Challenge award recipients that will be announced in the coming weeks. The state's investment will help connect Aurora's robust, state-of-the-art fiber network to more than 12,000 end users, including students, nurses, business men and women, and residents.

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the $1 million award represents a seed investment for OnLight Aurora's pilot project and will help leverage an additional $1 million in public and private matching funds and create 2,500 jobs over the next five years. The state's investment will help provide connectivity to Aurora's public and private K-12 schools, higher education and healthcare institutions, commercial corridors and community anchors in underserved areas, and major non-profit organizations across the city.

"This grant will help OnLight Aurora continue to close the digital divide within our city by capitalizing on our Fiber Optic Network," said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner. "We know that technology has the potential to revolutionize our educational system and it is an absolute must for successful companies of all sizes. By developing the infrastructure of the future, we drive economic development, strengthen our tax base, and address our community's most fundamental needs: jobs, quality of life and global competitiveness."

OnLight Aurora is an independent, not-for-profit organization that was formed out of a technology task force organized by Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner in 2011 that included public and private sector volunteers. The mission of OnLight Aurora is to leverage the world-class connectivity of Aurora's Fiber Optic Network for non-municipal use.

"One of the major factors in companies locating to a city is the access to technology," said Joseph Henning, President and CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. "This grant will make it more cost effective to provide current businesses and those looking to make Aurora home, with the technology they need to succeed in today's global business environment while creating thousands of jobs over the next five years."

As part of the comprehensive, multi-year Illinois Jobs Now! economic development program, the Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge sought proposals from private and public organizations to encourage promising ultra high-speed broadband deployment projects throughout Illinois. Applicants were required to provide a viable plan to connect at least 1,000 end users to an ultra high-speed broadband network. Award recipients will receive seed funding to help build or expand world-class broadband networks in Illinois.

Earlier today, Governor Quinn awarded the first Gigabit Communities Challenge grant to Gigabit Squared during an awards ceremony held in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood. For more information on the Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge, visit Gigabit.Illinois.gov.

A longtime advocate for improving our technology infrastructure, Governor Quinn has been a strong voice for broadband deployment in all areas of Illinois. As part of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, the Broadband Deployment Fund was used in 2010 and 2011 to jumpstart more than 4,000 miles of new fiber optic cable construction and more than $300 million in private and federal investment in Illinois.

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