Legislation to Advance President Obama's Affordable Care Act Moves to Illinois House of Representatives

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn released the following statement on the Illinois Senate's passage of Senate Bill 26 to increase access to health coverage:

"I thank Senate President John Cullerton, Senator Heather Steans and everyone in the Illinois Senate who voted today to increase access to health coverage for the uninsured under President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.

"Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right. We strongly support the Affordable Care Act, which will improve the health of hundreds of thousands of people across Illinois, strengthen our healthcare system and create thousands of good jobs in the healthcare field.

"I urge the Illinois House to also pass Senate Bill 26 and make the promise of the Affordable Care Act a reality in Illinois."

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Weekly Events Header
Hello!
scooby doo
A trouble-making ghost is haunting the Adler Theatre, and what better crew to solve the mystery than Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma! Take the family out to see the hilarious live theater show Scooby-Doo Live Musical Mysteries on Saturday.

lifestylesLadies, make your way out to the RiverCenter this weekend to get health and lifestyle tips from Dolvett Quince of The Biggest Loser at the 2013 KWQC-HD 6 Women's Health & Lifestyle Fair. Enjoy a multitude of vendors and a variety of health-related activities! All proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Quad Cities.

 

mapExplore a collection of historic maps representing the early world we live in at the Figge when Marking Territory: Cartographic Treasures of the Mississippi River and the World Beyond Exhibit opens Saturday!  This evening, the museum is hosting PechaKucha Night!  This fun, informal event allows community members to share their ideas and interests-from recent travels to hobbies and major academic pursuits.

 

job fair The River Bandits are looking for hard-working, outgoing, and friendly people to assist fans this baseball season. Head out the Job Fair at Modern Woodmen Park this Saturday for a chance to work with the River Bandits! While you're there, show off your pipes and tryout to be a National Anthem singer this season as well!

 

Gabriel Iglesias will bring his Stand-Up Revolution Tour to the Adler Theatre on March 7! With a mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects, Iglesias brings all his personal experiences to life. Gabriel's unique and animated comedy style has made him popular among fans of all ages.

 

wine Looking for an evening out to enjoy a mix of contemporary American cuisine with classic French cuisine? Indulge in the 5 Course Wine Dinner at the Bix tonight! You can even take home recipes from the dinner so you can make the dishes at home.

 

Old ShoeDon't miss Americana Folk/Rock band Old Shoe as they make their way from Chicago to the River Music Experience Saturday! These talented songwriters from across the country will draw you in right from the start! Head out Friday to hear the virtuous sounds of The Giving Tree Band or Quad City locals Sunset 4Ever, with Fairhaven and Dream Anabelle, too.

 

See you downtown!

 

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This Week's Events: February 28 - March 6


Thursday, February 28

5 Course Wine Dinner at Bix

Where: Hotel Blackhawk Bix Bistro

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Price: $60/person

Website

Competitor Coupon Craze

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Drop In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Draw, Draw, Draw! Class

Where: Figge Art Museum

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

Price: $65/member; $75/non-member

Website

 

 

Kilkenny's Open Mic with Karl

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Mo Carter

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

MVBS Presents Blues in the Schools: "Generations of Blues" with Hal Reed & Ellis Kell
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

River's Edge Monthly Turf & Ice Schedule

Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!

Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf schedule for the month.

Ice Schedule

Turf Schedule

Website

 

Thursdays at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: Noon

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Trivia Challenge - Win Gift Certificates!

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website


Friday, March 1

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m, and 8:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge, Ice
Time: 8:15 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Price: $10
Karl Beatty - Live Music
Where: Brady St. Pub
Time: 9 p.m.
Price: FREE
Live Lunch with Angela Meyer
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Live Music: Powell
Where: Barrel House 211
Time: 9:00 p.m. - Midnight
Price: FREE
Website

Live Music: Mer
Where: Kilkenny's Pub
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Mystery Dinner Theater
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Price: $15

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Sunset 4Ever with Fairhaven and Dream Anabelle
Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall
Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 7:00 p.m.
Price: $5
Website

The Giving Tree Band
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.
Price: $8
Website

Saturday, March 2

 

2013 KWQC-HD 6 Women's Health & Lifestyle Fair

Where: The RiverCenter

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $1, 17 and under FREE

Website

 

$20,000 Cash is King Drawing

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 5:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Exhibition Opens: Marking Territory

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Portrait of Maquoketa: The Dimensional View

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Sculpting with Fiber

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: University of Iowa Faculty Biennial

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Alison Saar: STILL...

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admisson ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition : Young Artists at the Figge - North Scott

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with Membership

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website


German American Heritage Center Open House
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Intro to Encaustic Painting Workshop
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Price: $80/member, $90/non-member, $30 materials fee payable to instructor

Josh Duffee Orchestra
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Live Music: Mer
Where: Kilkenny's Pub
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Mississippi Misfits

Where: Brady St. Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website


Old Shoe
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.
Price: $8 in adv., $10 day of show
Public Skate
Where: River's Edge, Ice
Time: 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ; 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Price: $5 and up

River Prairie Minstrels
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

River Bandits Ballpark Job Fair
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

River Bandits National Anthem Tryouts
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
RME Guitar Circle
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Scooby-Doo Live Musical Mysteries

Where: The Adler Theater

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: $15, $25, $35, $55

Website

 

Uke-A-Pa-Looza

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Sunday, March 3

 

2013 KWQC-HD 6 Women's Health and Lifestyle Fair

Where: The RiverCenter

Time: Noon - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $1, 17 and Under FREE

Website

 

$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Drop-In Soccer
Where: River's Edge, Turf
Time: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. ; Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Price: $6

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Scherenschnitte Papercutting Workshop with Keith Bonnstetter

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Price: $15/member, $20/non-member

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Live Jazz: Manny Lopez Trio

Where: Brady Street Chop House

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

 

Tour: Alison Saar: STILL...

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

Monday, March 4

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas and $5 Tacos

Website

 

Drop In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 8:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

Tuesday, March 5


Acoustic Music Club
Where: River Music Experience, RME Cafe
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

Blues Cafe
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

Class: Figure Drawing
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 6:00 p.n. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $20/3 classes/student; $30/3 classes/adult; $12/single session
Website

Class: Rug Hooking
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Price: $65/member, $75/non-member, $35 materials fee payable to instructor
Website

Competitor Coupon Craze

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: The River's Edge, Ice
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Price: $10
Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market
Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Burger Baskets

Website

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Wednesday, March 6

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Live Lunch with Lojo Russo
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
... And 4 More Unlikely Good-for-You Foods
Recommended by Celebrity Dietician

Bacon has always been popular, but now it's the standard by which many express affection with the ubiquitous online meme: I love you more than bacon.

It's considered by many to be the ultimate food indulgence, but according to Dr. John Salerno, a protégé of "Atkins Diet" creator Dr. Robert Atkins, bacon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

"Many think of bacon as one of the guiltiest pleasures possible, but it has also been shown to alleviate the effects of diabetes, heart disease and strokes," says Dr. Salerno, author of "The Silver Cloud Diet," (www.thesilverclouddiet.com). "Nitrate-free bacon is an excellent source of high protein, low-carbohydrate energy that helps to reset the metabolism, and it's filled with amino acids delivered without the risk of dangerous levels of mercury, which can be found in many fish."

Need more reasons to love bacon?

• It has a 4:1 ratio of protein to fat;
• It contains choline, which boosts memory and healthy brain function;
• It's composed of monounsaturated fats, the kind that contains lots of healthy fat-soluble vitamins and minerals
• It's a potent source of oleic acid and saturated fats, which help reduce levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), lower triglycerides, and raise HDL - commonly referred to as the good form of cholesterol.

Dr. Salerno says there are other indulgent-yet-healthy foods out there, including:

• Butter: Butter contains the highest amount of butyric acid found in a natural food source. Butyric acid is recognized for its roles in cellular health, antioxidant protection and metabolic properties; it also increases energy and may prevent cancer. Butter derived from natural, grass-fed animals is recommended.

• Barbecue: Add sauces and condiments and this American favorite will have more starch and sugar than Salerno recommends. But the main ingredient - meat - speaks to the heart of a low-carb, high-protein diet. Grass-fed hamburger meat and organic, hormone-free chicken provides the nutrients your body needs. Stay away from the buns, sugary condiments, sauces and marinades, and you can enjoy a healthy barbecue.

• Omelets: Eggs contain lots of cholesterol and saturated fats, which have been demonized throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Fortunately, we know there is such a thing as good cholesterol and fat. Packed with vitamins, minerals and one of the best-absorbed proteins we can feed our body, any negatives associated with eggs are far outweighed by the benefits. Natural, unprocessed cheeses and cream add to the nutritional value of an omelet.

• Chocolate ice cream: Ice cream made with organic egg yolks, heavy cream and a small amount of stevia herb for taste, instead of sugar, is actually a healthy dessert. Fats are fine, with the exception of trans fats, so long as dieters control their carbohydrate intake. Humankind did not evolve with the vast amount of foods today that contain complex carbs and hidden sugar. Our bodies are used to high amounts of natural fat and a limited amount of unprocessed carbs.

About Dr. John Salerno

A board-certified family physician, Dr. John Salerno has been pioneering complementary medicine for more than 20 years. Best known for his Silver Cloud Diet nutrition program, anti-aging supplements, and natural therapies, Dr. Salerno has crafted original treatment plans to restore human health. His publications and professional studies have made him a popular expert on the physiology and assessment of many complex medical conditions. Dr. Salerno was a protégé and colleague of prestigious Dr. Robert Atkins and served as a clinical preceptor at the Yale University School of Medicine for three years. He has worked with Hollywood actress/author Suzanne Somers (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pioneer); actor Steven Cannell; and president of the International Congress of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Hiroyuki Abe M.D.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives left for the weekend only hours before the automatic, across the board spending cuts known as sequester go into effect.  Loebsack has been opposed to these drastic cuts since they were created by the Budget Control Act, which he voted against.  Earlier this week, he called on House leadership to keep the House in session and working until a bipartisan way to stop the cuts is reached.

"There are many things that go on in Washington that are baffling to both me and the American people. The fact that Congressional leaders and the White House have not yet sat down to discuss how to avert this self-imposed mess is only the latest.  Since the New Year, after the proverbial can was kicked down the road for two months, I called on everyone involved to come to the table and find a bipartisan solution.  But yet, we remain in the same position that got us here.  The American people deserve better and are demanding better.  These cuts will have real life effects on Iowans.  Congress should not be leaving town until a real, commonsense solution is reached."

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today issued the following statement upon learning Iowa had moved into the top 10 in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®. Iowa increased 0.7 points to 68.1 in overall well-being in 2012, moving from No. 16 to No. 9 in the state rankings.

"I am excited about the progress we have made in making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation," said Gov. Branstad. "This ranking proves our efforts are working. We jumped seven spots in an effort we began less than two years ago. I want to commend all Iowans who are working on this important effort, and I want to encourage the people of this state to continue their great progress."

The following information was released by Wellmark, Inc., earlier today:

About the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®

Gallup and Healthways conducted more than 353,000 surveys between January and December 2011. The WBI, which has been polling 1,000 Americans per day, 350 days a year, evaluates six key areas of well-being in an effort to better understand the overall state of well-being in the U.S. Approximately 1.5 million surveys have been collected since polling began in January 2008, making the WBI the largest database of behavioral economics and information concerning holistic well-being in existence. The WBI is calculated on a scale of 0 to 100, where a score of 100 represents ideal well-being.

The core questions that make up the WBI survey were scientifically designed by some of the world's leading experts in economics, psychology and health to thoroughly measure how respondents are faring in all aspects of their lives: physically, emotionally, socially and professionally, as well as to take a daily pulse of how Americans rate the overall quality of their current life and outlook for the future.

The data resulting from the WBI can be used to identify where communities are doing well and where communities are struggling to target policies and invest in initiatives to optimize well-being, improving the lives of people in America and reducing health care costs.

About Wellmark

Wellmark, Inc. (www.wellmark.com) does business as Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Wellmark and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, including Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., insure or pay health benefit claims for more than 2 million members in Iowa and South Dakota. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota, and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Healthways

Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) is the largest independent global provider of well-being improvement solutions. Dedicated to creating a healthier world one person at a time, the Company uses the science of behavior change to produce and measure positive change in well-being for our customers, which include employers, integrated health systems, hospitals, physicians, health plans, communities and government entities.  We provide highly specific and personalized support for each individual and their team of experts to optimize each participant's health and productivity and to reduce health-related costs.  Results are achieved by addressing longitudinal health risks and care needs of everyone in a given population. The Company has scaled its proprietary technology infrastructure and delivery capabilities developed over 30 years and now serves  approximately 40 million people on four continents.  Learn more at www.healthways.com.

About Blue Zones

Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live longer, better. The Company's work is rooted in the New York Times best-selling books The Blue Zones and Thrive?both published by National Geographic books.  In 2009, Blue Zones applied the tenets of the books to Albert Lea, Minn. and successfully raised life expectancy and lowered health care costs for city workers by 40 percent.  Blue Zones takes a systematic, environmental approach to well-being which focuses on optimizing policy, building design, social networks, and the built environment. The Blue Zones Project is based on this innovative approach.  For more information, visit www.bluezones.com.

About Iowa Healthiest State Initiative

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is the nation's first statewide comprehensive well-being improvement program. This business-led, government-endorsed effort is expected to help Iowans live longer, healthier and more productive lives, while also enabling the state to redirect billions of dollars currently spent on health care to efforts that will further grow the state's economy. The Healthiest State Initiative is designed to help Iowa become the number one ranked state for well-being within five years as measured by the WBI.

# # #
PORT BYRON, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) invites local residents and business leaders to share their concerns and experience of the local economic climate at a meeting of his Economic Development Advisory Committee on Monday, March 11 at 7 AM. The meeting will be hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, located at 622 19th Street in Moline, IL and is free and open to the public.

"The health and future of our state depends on our ability to create and retain good-paying jobs in our community," said Smiddy. "I am committed to finding the long-term, effective solutions we need to improve the business climate and encourage companies to invest in Illinois."

Recently appointed to the House Small Business Empowerment and Workforce Development Committee, Smiddy is working to shape the state's business and economic policies to help people get back to work, support small businesses as they struggle to stay afloat and to bring more opportunities to communities in the 71st District. The advisory committee allows him to meet in a small group setting with residents and business owners interested in economic issues to discuss legislative proposals and their impact.

"Advisory committees are another outlet for me to meet with residents to better understand the issues and priorities of this community," Smiddy said. "Collaboration with community leaders is a vital partnership to enable us to move forward as a stronger Illinois."

In addition to his Economic Development Advisory Committee, Smiddy has met with Advisory Committees focusing on senior citizen issues and education. He plans to form committees centering on other pertinent local issues in the coming months. He welcomes area residents to participate, or to share their concerns and questions at his full-time constituent service office, open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; from 10 AM to 6 PM on Wednesdays; and from 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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Greetings!

At its October 2012 meeting, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommended that the National Organic Program (NOP) take several actions.

In advance of the April 2013 NOSB meeting, the NOP has published a response to these recommendations.

October 2012 NOSB Recommendations


The NOSB recommended that the NOP:
  1. Allow synthetic biodegradable biobased mulch film in organic crop production with restrictions.
  2. Prohibit rotenone, a natural substance, in organic crop production.
  3. Take multiple actions related to the use and review of inert ingredients.
  4. Allow L-Methionine in organic handling with restrictions.
  5. Encourage USDA research agencies to prioritize funding for emerging organic research needs as recommended by NOSB on an annual basis.
  6. Amend the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual regarding the policy on public comments at NOSB meetings.

View NOP Response

About the NOSB


The 15-member National Organic Standards Board is made up of organic farmers and growers, handlers and processors, retailers, environmentalists and conservationists, consumer and public interest advocates, a scientist, and a USDA-accredited certifying agent. The NOSB advises the Secretary of Agriculture on allowed and prohibited substances in organic production and handling and other issues related to the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act.

 

About the National Organic Program (NOP)

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

Davenport, Iowa (February 28, 2013) - Beginning Saturday the Figge Art Museum will present the exhibition: Marking Territory: Cartographic Treasures of the Mississippi River and the World Beyond in the second floor print gallery.  

Curated by Rima Girnius, PhD, the exhibition features a selection of more than 25 historic maps that range from early representations of the world to more detailed examinations of America's vast interior west of the Mississippi. The exhibition explores how maps communicate highly complex ideas about identity, politics and culture.

American identity coincided with the evolution of maps. From the late 17th through the 19th centuries, cartographers and explorers recorded what they were learning about the United States interior west of the Mississippi. Never innocent of broader political objectives, these maps of the New World function as exercises in power, attempts on the part of one nation and race to exert control over another. For example, the shifting boundaries of Iowa in the 19th century demonstrate the American government's interest in solidifying borders and publicly laying claim on territories.

In documenting the fluidity and continuity between territories, maps suggest that the West is capable of being traversed and thus inhabited, conquered and exploited. Informed by political agendas and underlying values, maps function as important historical and cultural documents that offer a compelling look into the past. They remind the exhibition viewer to look for what is not only present in an image but also what has been hidden from view.

According to Girnius, "The featured maps contribute to our growing knowledge of the physical world by functioning as essential navigation and information-gathering tools and thus providing insight on what people knew (or thought they knew) about their environment."

The exhibition will be on display through June 16 and is sponsored by Humanities Iowa.

Companion Programming:

Collecting and Curating Reception and Talk

Thursday, March 7

6 p.m. Reception • 7 p.m. Talk

Presenters: Rima Girnius, PhD, and H. Dee Hoover

Introduction to the exhibition by Curator Rima Girnius followed by a gallery talk with map collector H. Dee Hoover about the maps featured.

Artist Talk

Personal Geography: Charting a Course

7 p.m. Thursday, March 21

Presenter: Maureen Bardusk

Join studio artist Maureen Bardusk for a presentation of her unique stitched paper work, during which she will discuss her ideas and technique. Bardusk also will describe her creative life in Galena, Illinois, after which she will provide audience members with a hands-on display of her work in various stages.

Free Family Day

Maps: Adventure, Fun & Family

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13

Find the fastest route to the FREE Figge Family Day, "Maps-Adventure, Fun and Family." Make a treasure map, learn about maps of all kinds, chart your family tree and more as you explore the wonderful world of maps!

Docent-led Tours

3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 9, 16 and 23

6 p.m. on Thursdays, March 7 and 21

1:30 p.m. on Sundays in April 7, 14, 21 and 28

Interactive Workshop

Given Space: Writing Your Own Cartography

6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 6

Presenter: E. Marie Bertram

Join poet and Augustana Professor E. Marie Bertram for this interactive workshop combining visual art and the written word. This workshop is free, but space is limited so registration is required. To register, contact Heather Aaronson at 563.326.7804 x2045 or haaronson@figgeartmuseum.org .

X Marks the Spot

March 9-June 16

Families can visit X Marks the Spot in Studio 1. Chart a route to learning and adventure, exploring everything from the trusty road atlas to genealogical maps that trace your family history. 

About the Figge Art Museum 

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed S. 47, The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA).  After a long delay, the House has finally allowed a vote on the Senate legislation which passed last year and again this year with the support every female Republican Senator and which has the support of over 1,300 domestic violence, sexual assault, and law enforcement groups.  Loebsack is a cosponsor of the bipartisan, comprehensive bill.

"I am very pleased that House leaders finally heard the public's call from women and men across the country, along with over a thousand organizations and groups and allowed a vote on the bipartisan, comprehensive Violence Against Women Act.  I was proud to stand with my colleagues and cosponsor this important legislation.  It was unconscionable that politics held up the reauthorization for as long as it has, it is long overdue.  Today is an important day for women and families in Iowa and across the nation."

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Negotiators Send Proposed Three-year Agreement to AFSCME Members for Ratification

SPRINGFIELD - The Quinn Administration and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 have reached a tentative agreement on a new union contract covering some 35,000 state employees. Negotiations have been ongoing for more than 15 months.

"At a time when the state is facing unprecedented financial challenges, this agreement is fair to both hard-working state employees and all taxpayers of Illinois," Governor Pat Quinn said. "I want to thank the women and men who have stayed at the table for more than a year for their commitment to reaching an agreement."

"AFSCME is very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement that protects our members' standard of living, and is fair to them and all Illinois citizens, even in these very challenging economic times," AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Henry Bayer said.

AFSCME members must ratify any contract negotiated by their elected bargaining representatives. The ratification process will get under way at worksites statewide during the week of March 4.

Details of the tentative agreement will be released after the union's membership has had the opportunity to review it.

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