24 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Crack Down on Loan Sharking

By Ryan C. Woods

New law protects consumers from unlicensed lenders

CHICAGO - August 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to shield consumers from unlicensed lenders. House Bill 3935 imposes a Class 4 felony on lenders who have not been licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and protects consumers trapped in these high-interest loan deals from having to pay back the debt. Today's action is the latest by the governor to crack down on predatory lending and help consumers.

"Two years ago, we signed new laws to curb predatory lending and make the payday loan industry more transparent," Governor Quinn said. "Today's action is the next step in protecting consumers from unscrupulous, unlicensed lenders."

Sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), HB 3935 provides consumers with greater protections by putting teeth into the penalty and declaring any such loan as "null and void." Under existing law, the IDFPR may issue a cease-and-desist order to anyone doing business without the required license. Currently, 522 payday lenders are licensed and regulated by the IDFPR, which also regulates 1,054 Consumer Installment Loan Act lenders and 240 Sales Finance lenders.

Often called "loan sharks," unlicensed lenders charge extremely high interest rates and impose short-term repayment deadlines under threat of violence for non-payment. They are often associated with organized crime or street gangs.

The effort to increase regulation of predatory lending began with the "Monsignor John Egan Campaign for Payday Loan Reform," launched in 1999 after the Catholic priest heard the confession of a woman whose life was being ripped apart by usurious interest rates. The resulting reforms -The Consumer Installment Loan Act and Payday Loan Reform Act - are amended by this law.

The law is supported by Illinois Citizen Action and the Illinois Small Business Loan Association, and is effective on Jan. 1, 2013.

 

 ###

24 Aug 2012

UUCQC Adds 2nd Service

By Margaret Thomas

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities

3703 Eastern Ave

Davenport, IA 52807

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities announces a change in its Sunday services schedule.  Beginning September 9, 2012, there will be two services every Sunday to better serve the needs of our Congregation. The first service will begin at 9:00 A.M., followed by coffee and socializing in the Social Hall at 10.00. At 10:15 each week there will be a Forum in the Community Room with a speaker on a topic of interest to the community. Look for the announcement of the topics on our website, qcuu.org. The second Service will begin at 11:15 A.M., with the Religious Education program running concurrent with that service.

With these changes, we will be able to offer greater flexibility in using our beautiful worship space surrounded by windows looking over our wooded campus. We have hired a second pianist to provide the music for the early service. Her name is Zoe Pinter, and she will begin on September 16. Sheila Doak, our Music Director, will provide the music for both services on September 9.

All are invited to come join our celebration, with our Minister Jay Wolin, starting his second full year with us, and our choir in our geothermal conditioned worship space and Social Hall.  For more information, call the congregation office at 563 359 0816.

24 Aug 2012

Gov. Branstad appoints Joel Dalrymple and Gregg Rosenbladt District Court Judges

By Office of Governor Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad on Friday appointed Joel Dalrymple as judge to the 2A Judicial District.  He also appointed Gregg Rosenbladt as judge to the 1B Judicial District.

Dalrymple, of Waterloo, received his law degree from Drake University and is currently serving as First Assistant Black Hawk County Attorney.  Dalrymple was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Thomas Bower to the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Rosenbladt, of Mason City, received his law degree from the University of Iowa and is currently serving as a District Associate Judge in 2A.  Rosenbladt was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stephen Carroll.

###

24 Aug 2012

Do You Want to Fix the System or Just Feel Good?

By Ed Fallon
The battle over heckling Paul Ryan at the Iowa State Fair continued in force this weekend - in the mainstream media, with social media, and "on the street." It's an important conversation and raises questions activists need to confront.

The Ryan protesters say they care about the poor and middle class. I don't doubt that. But fixing the systemic problems that exacerbate poverty in America require, literally,  fixing the system. You do that by building public support for change and ultimately, by pressuring policymakers to do the right thing (or even better, by electing policymakers who don't need pressuring).

Heckling. Shouting down a speaker. Storming a stage. That's the easy way out. The hard work is the daily grind of building public consensus to move policy forward. Sure, when you drown out a presidential or vice president candidate you feel powerful - for a few minutes. Then what? If you're honest, you're left with the reality that you just alienated most of those who agreed with you on the issue. You've actually set-back the movement to fix the system, to make it work better for the very poor and middle-class people you want to help.

I repeat the question that none of my activist friends involved in the Ryan action have answered: How can you cite Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. as inspirational figures for your actions and yet fail to provide even one example of either Gandhi or King heckling or shouting down an opponent? The answer is simple. Neither Gandhi nor King ever - not once - treated an opponent this way. Sure, they embraced protest and civil disobedience (the operative word is "civil"), but these were used judiciously, in conjunction with other types of political action, to build the broadest possible public consensus and to motivate others to take action.

There's a lot more to talk about on this subject. Perhaps there's a compromise in here somewhere. Maybe next time an action such as this is planned any shouting of questions could be done before or after the candidate's speech? Just throwing that out there.

Monday, we talk with Heather Ryan of Ryan Talent and Model about a troubling child custody case involving a mom who could lose her daughter because she let her participate in beauty pageants. We also talk with Drake professor David Courard-Hauri about climate change and the myth that addressing the problem would be economically ruinous.

Tuesday, Bradshaw is my guest. We talk - surprise, surprise - politics! One item on the docket: the question posed above regarding last week's Paul Ryan protest.

Wednesday, there's plenty to cover: an update on the ethics complaint filed against Bruce Rastetter, more on the Ryan/Romney budget, and a bunch of other stuff.

Thursday, State Rep Dan Kelley joins me.

Friday, Dr. Charles Goldman is my guest as we discuss the Keystone pipeline, and how an alternative plan to route the same pipeline through western Canada is on its way to being rejected by the Canadian people and the provincial governments due to environmental concerns.

So, join the conversation live, Monday-Friday, online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077. And tune-in to Bradshaw, Monday-Friday from 1:30-2:30, also on the Fallon Forum website. Video and audio podcasts are available, too.

Thanks! - Ed

EVENTS

August 21 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month with Irish jigs and reels and Lebanese cuisine washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians and patrons are welcome at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

August 22 - Maternal Health and Warfare Survivors (Des Moines)
Dr. Lisa Menzies, a local pediatrician, discusses the safe birth projects she has assisted with in Tanzania, and Rachel Reynolds, a nursing instructor from Mercy College of Health Sciences discusses her recent work with survivors of the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda. At 7:00 pm at Friends Meeting House, 42nd and Grand. Light snacks and drinks provided. Contact Mike at (515) 238-1782 or mikecollet4@aol.com.

August 23 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

August 24-26 - White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow (Waukee)
At Hawkeye Antique Acres, 3322 Ute Ave. Twelfth annual event, fostering better understanding of all cultures through drumming, music, dance and story-telling from Native American and other cultures. Contact dcmoonwolf@hotmail.com or (515) 266-3187.

August 30 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

October 7 - Images of Peace Interfaith Prayer Service (Des Moines)
A 7:00 pm at DMACC Auditorium, Urban Campus, 9th and University for an interfaith prayer service featuring a video by Rodger Routh, presenting images of peace from various faith traditions and a variety of perspectives. At the end of the service people will walk to the Path of Peace Sculpture nearby to scatter the soil gathered from representatives of many different faiths at last year's Interfaith Service. Sponsored by the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee For Peace. Contact Eloise Cranke at (515) 262-5974 or Susie Paloma at (515) 480-1872.

October 20 - Contra Dance at Odd Fellows Hall (Des Moines)
Contra-Indications is hosting a contra dance at Odd Fellows Hall, 2904 Kingman Blvd, 8:00-11:00 pm, with lesson at 7:30 pm. Live music by Barn Owl Band; Jill Allen as caller. $10 adults; free under 12; $25 family maximum. Visit info@contra-indications.org.

20 Aug 2012

International Competition Should Drive School Reform

By Shawn Hamerlinck

With two high-profile Olympic competitors ? Lolo Jones and Gabby Douglas ? plus a host of other athletes with Iowa ties to cheer on, Iowans were into the patriotic spirit of the Olympic Games.

As a teacher and elected official, I wish our nation showed more of this drive and ambition when it came to our academic standing in the world. We have much to be proud of when it comes to our athletic accomplishments, but our students are significantly missing the mark on key international benchmarks.

One of the most disconcerting statistics highlights our poor performance in science and reading. U.S. students rank 17th and 24th, respectively, out of 34 developed nations in those subjects. Likewise, our teens didn't do particularly well in math on the international assessment, which had us at 25th.

Iowa's schools can become among the best in the nation. But we must remember that our children, while attending some of America's top schools, are competing with students around the world. That's why we have to ensure our schools are globally competitive and that our students are prepared for the "innovation economy." A strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics must be a priority of our school leaders.

International performance rankings aren't alone in showing our education system is in need of continued reform. The Council on Foreign Relations recently issued a report warning that the state of U.S. education has put America's national security at risk. It cited high dropout rates, low test scores and large disparities in achievement levels between poor and minority kids and their wealthier, white peers.

What do we do to regain our footing as an academic leader in the world? We should start by tapping into the competitive spirit that was on display at the Olympics. Let's set high expectations for every single student in our most critical academic subjects and push our children to reach farther and dig deeper.

We also need to look at the policies that are holding kids back. There's little doubt that the work our teachers do in the classroom is the most critical factor impacting how well students learn. State law should mandate that staffing decisions be based on teacher effectiveness, not seniority, and reward the teachers who perform the best. By evaluating our teachers we'll ensure that the needs of our students remain a top priority.

We need to look at these policies now and make changes quickly. We simply can't wait any longer. While our international rankings are troubling, what's worse is the direction in which we appear to be headed: We're falling farther behind each day.

Let's work together to reverse that trend. I can't think of anything more patriotic or a bigger rallying point for Iowa's children.

Thank you for letting me serve you in Des Moines.  Feel free to contact me at shawn.hamerlinck@legis.iowa.gov or visit my website at www.shawnhamerlinck.com.

hamerlinck signaturesmall.jpg
Shawn Hamerlinck
State Senator
District 42

20 Aug 2012

QC NATIVE COMES TO CALL MEDIA LINK HOME

By Natalie Linville-Mass
Rock Island, IL/August 20, 2012 - Please welcome Courtney Boothe to the Media Link team! Courtney is a recent college graduate with a great love of the Quad Cities. She will serve as the Office Manager and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Manager for the full service advertising agency.

Courtney says "I am so happy to have this opportunity to work at Media Link. The Quad Cities is home to me and it is a dream come true to be able to help out a locally owned business such as Media Link Inc and the clients they help."

Courtney is a 2011 graduate of Carthage College, where she was a double major in Public Relations and Communication. Courtney has gained a wide range of knowledge through her studies. Classes ranged from Rhetoric and Persuasion to Managerial Accounting to the Principles of Marketing. While at Carthage, Courtney was a four year varsity swimmer and member of the social fraternity, Tau Sigma Chi. One summer during her college career, Courtney actually served as a Marketing Intern for Media Link. She is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in the office and utilizing her previous knowledge. After college, Courtney brought her love of swimming back home to the Quad Cities where she Assistant Coached the Moline Middle School Swim Team. In her spare time, Courtney is a college sports junkie; spending her Saturdays in the fall at Northwestern Football games.

 

"Courtney is an amazing addition to our team.  She is so driven, precise and creative.  It was a dream having her intern with us while she was in College and we're fortunate to have the chance to bring her on board and keep her in the Quad Cities," exclaims Natalie Linville-Mass, President of Media Link, Inc.

Media Link is a full-service integrated marketing firm specializing in strategic media buying and placement. Media Link works with businesses in the Quad-Cities and around the country to develop and execute customized marketing strategies to help them more effectively reach their customers. Media Link recently developed and launched its own media buying software system, Media Link Software.  This company is also one of the only marketing firms in the region to have obtained an 8(a) SDB certification, a designation of significance to clients who contract with the federal government.

 ###

20 Aug 2012

Burn ban lifted for Scott County

By Ross Bergen
To Whom It May Concern:  Pursuant to Chapter 100.40, State Code of Iowa, and at the request of ROSS BERGEN, representing each fire department having all or part of their fire districts within SCOTT COUNTY, the open burning ban for SCOTT COUNTY will be lifted effective August 20, 2012 AT 3:00 P.M.
20 Aug 2012

NELSON CHIROPRACTIC SUPPORTS CHRISTIAN CARE SHELTER: Waiving First Day Fees

By Rebecca Wheeler
During the month of August, Nelson Chiropractic, is offering their First Day Services for the donation of a back pack or $20 to the Christian Care Rescue Mission and Domestic Shelter. Complimentary first day services include a health history and consultation, orthopedic and neurological exam, initial x-rays (if needed), and reports of the findings with one of the doctors.

Christian Care is a nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Dr. Traci Nelson Hassel of Nelson Chiropractic states, "This is such a great opportunity to give to a wonderful cause and make a difference. We are excited to support Christian Care and help introduce people to chiropractic care at the same time."

For more information about Nelson Chiropractic and their First Day Services visit www.nelsonchiropractic.com or call 563-359-9541. Due to legal restrictions, this offer is not available to patients with state or federally funded healthcare plans, such as Medicaid and Medicare.

-End-
20 Aug 2012

Employee of 34 years receives national award

By Julie Coppock
August 20, 2012 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa -

Joan Sammons, 80, from Cedar Rapids was awarded the Spotlight Award from the American Association of Community Theatres.  She was presented with this award by Rod McCullough, past president of the AACT at the Theatre Cedar Rapids Ovations Ceremony, an annual event to recognize TCR volunteers.    "Joan represents the highest level of commitment to the theatre she has served and, thus, the community she lives in.  AACT is pleased to be able to recognize Joan and Theatre Cedar Rapids," commented McCullough in his remarks to the 250 person audience.

Sammons recently retired from Theatre Cedar Rapids after working over 33 years in various positions throughout the organization.  At the event, Sammons was also named a Fed Hedges Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.  This TCR award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a life-long commitment and passion for theatre and the performing arts. "For years Joan was the theatre's administrative staff in its entirety - accountant, receptionist, box office manager. Though she professes to not be a "theatre person," she was, in truth, more of a community theatre person than most of us.  She was the community theatre's essence.... always so incredibly warm , welcoming and committed to volunteers and patrons alike, that I always felt she embodied what this community theatre is all about," said J David Carey, TCR Finance Director and longtime friend of Sammons.  "Her day to day presence will be missed but her positive influence on this organization and the thousands of people she inspired serves as her legacy."

The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) is the national voice of community theatre. As part of that responsibility, AACT seeks out and recognizes the efforts of the most important aspect of community theatre:  the people who come together to make it happen. AACT evaluates award nominations from the communities that support over 5,000 theatres in the U.S.

For more information, contact:

Theatre Cedar Rapids
Julie Coppock
20 Aug 2012

TLP Presents An Evening of Art & Music

By Melissa Parsons
Mount Carroll, IL--Although the mainstage season for Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) is coming to a close, the theatre is pleased to announce an upcoming off-season event, An Evening of Art & Music.

An Evening of Art Music.jpg

An Evening of Art & Music will take place at Brick Street Coffee, downtown Mount Carroll, in conjuction with Brick Street Days on Saturday, September 1st from 3pm to 8pm.  The evening will include local TLP performers from 3pm-6pm featuring:

2:30pm: Joe Morrow, Mount Carroll, will be kicking off the event outside of the coffee shop on his acoustic guitar. Joe was a participant in the TLP Arts & Music Festival last season. He has performed locally in several events.

3pm: Susie Rogers, Mount Carroll, played Ren's mom in Footloose this season at Timber Lake Playhouse. She appeared onstage at TLP in West Side Story starring Sandra Santiago in 1980. She is a member of the New Spirit Band and owner of Red Rudy Inn in Mount Carroll.  Juliene McCormick will be accompanying by piano, Bill Foley on guitar and Ron Deyo on harmonica for An Evening of Art & Music.

3:30pm: Levi Skoog, Chadwick, has appeared in TLP productions of Footloose, Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz, All Shook Up and many others, including a featured role in Children of Eden in 2011. He is a freshman at Milledgeville High School and performs at the Woodland Arts Academy. He is a member of the Triple Threat Team at WAA and was selected to perform at the Waterfront Stage in Downtown Disney, Orlando, FL. He will be performing with Natailie Old who teaches dance at WAA and was Elle Woods in Legally Blonde this summer at Centennial Auditorium Summer theater Academy.

4:00pm: Carissa Heath, Mount Carroll, is a concession stand worker and usher at TLP. She played Maria in the Sound of Music at WCHS in the spring. She will be attending Knox College in the fall, majoring in psychology and minoring in art. Carissa went to IMEA her Junior year for choir.

4:15pm: Liesl Meador, Mount Carroll,  One of the ensemble of Footloose, Played Elsa in the Sound of Music at WCHS in the spring. She plays the clarinet in band and was named the Most Outstanding choir member as a Freshman. Liesl won the 1st timer in a Play award in 2011.

4:30pm: Ben Rogers, Savanna, was in the ensemble in Footloose at TLP this past summer. He played Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music at West Carroll High School last spring. He plays at least 15 different musical instruments and was a National Anthem Finalist for the IMEA Honors Choir. He sang the National Anthem at a semi-finals softball game in June.

4:45pm: Katie Woods, Savanna, was in the ensemble of Footloose this season at TLP. She played Luisa in the Sound of Music at WCHS this past spring. She plays the clarinet in band and was named the Best Concert Choir Student of the Year her Sophomore year. Katie made it to Junior IMEA once and Upstate Illini Festival twice.

5:00pm: Brad Field, Mount Carroll, appeared in Guys and Dolls and Footloose this season at TLP. He performs with Northwest Illinois Theatre Coalition and last appeared as in the Mike Craver musical, Oklahoma Hale and Damnation. Brad is Technical Director of the West Carroll School District.

5:30pm: John Chase, Mount Morris, appeared in TLP productions of Oklahoma!, Sunset Boulevard and Working. This Spring, John returned from a short tour to California and Wisconsin with his wife, Beth, performing their 2-person version of The Cotton Patch Gospel that will be sampled at An Evening of Art & Music. Upcoming dates for their 2013 Spring Tour are at www.chaseact.com. John premiers a new musical in October, One More For the Road- A Johnny Mercer Tribute. His other local theatre credits include Performing Arts Guild of  Mt. Morris,  Byron Theatre, Pecatonica Playhouse, and Rockford's Starlight Theatre and Artist Ensemble.

The evening will end with an open mic from 6pm-7:30pm with a guest appearance from TLP's Magic Owl to close out the event. TLP Board member Andy Shaw will be emceeing the event. Admittance is free and donations for the 2013 season will be accepted.
###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar