04 Feb 2013

Must-have Insurance Plans

By Steve Burke

By Jason Alderman

Many people adopt a "penny wise, pound foolish" mentality when it comes to buying insurance. When trying to lower expenses, some will drop or reduce needed coverage, gambling that they won't become seriously ill, suffer a car accident or fall victim to a fire or other catastrophe. But all it takes is one serious uncovered (or under-covered) incident to potentially wipe you out financially.

Here are insurance policies no household should be without:

Medical. This is the most critical - and unfortunately, the most expensive - coverage you need. When comparing plans, consider:

  • Are your doctors in their provider networks? If not, can you afford out-of-network charges - or are you willing to find new doctors?
  • Are your medications covered under the plan's drug formularies?
  • Do they restrict specialized services you might need like maternity, mental health or weight reduction treatments?
  • If you choose catastrophic coverage to lower premiums, can you afford the high deductible in case of an accident or major illness?

Homeowner/renter. Faulty plumbing, theft and home-accident lawsuits are only a few catastrophes that could leave you without possessions or homeless. A few tips:

  • "Actual cash value" coverage repairs or replaces belongings, minus the deductible and depreciation, whereas "replacement cost" coverage replaces items in today's dollars. Depreciation can significantly lower values, so replacement coverage is probably worth the extra expense.
  • Jewelry, art, computers and luxury items usually require additional coverage.
  • Review coverage periodically to adjust for inflation, home improvements, new possessions, change in marital/family status, etc.
  • The market is competitive, so compare your rate with other insurance carriers. Get "apples to apples" quotes since policies may have varying provisions.

Vehicle. You probably can't even get a driver's license without demonstrating proof of insurance. Consider these coverage options:

  • "Liability" pays if you cause an accident that injures others or damages their car or property.
  • "Uninsured motorist" pays for damage caused to you or your car by an uninsured motorist.
  • "Collision" pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision and "comprehensive" pays for damage caused by things like theft, vandalism and fire. However, they only pay up to the actual cash value (ACV) minus deductibles. Because the ACV for older cars is low, repairs often cost more than the car is worth.
  • Common ways to lower premiums include : Raising deductibles; discounts for good drivers, exceeding age 55 or installing security systems; comparison shopping; and buying homeowner and car insurance from the same carrier.

Life insurance. If you're single with no dependents, you may get by with minimal or no life insurance. But if your family depends on your income, experts recommend buying coverage worth at least five to 10 times annual pay. Other considerations:

  • Many employers offer life insurance, but if you're young and healthy you may be able to get a better deal on your own.
  • After your kids are grown you may be able to lower your coverage; although carefully consider your spouse's retirement needs.
  • You probably don't need life insurance on your children, but you might want spousal coverage if you depend on each other's income.
  • If your divorce settlement includes alimony and/or child support, buy life insurance on the person paying it, naming the receiving ex-spouse as beneficiary.

Don't gamble your future financial stability by passing on vital insurance coverage - the odds aren't in your favor.

04 Feb 2013

Feb. 7th. 2013 " The Lion in Winter" Evergreen Poems and Poets. I.S.E.

By Narveen Aryaputri

Feb. 7th. 2013
" The Lion in Winter" !   Evergreen Poems and Poets.
  Our annual evening devoted to your favorite poems and poets that we turn to, as  resources, during  times for  reinforcing and renewal. You can being in poetic prose as well as extracts from drama if you wish.

Original work composed by you is reserved for another evening.

This Thursday evening is reserved for your sources of inspiration and resources of joy.Independent Scholars Evenings. 7.00 p.m.
Thursday.

1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline. Illinois 309-762-9202
 Doors open at 6.30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Dress code: business casual.
Elevators are located through the 16th Street entrance.
The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, LTD is a 501(c)3 at State and Federal level organization under US laws since 1996.
Please visit www.qcinstitute.org to see our archives.

04 Feb 2013

"Kids teaching kids" Leadership Squad

By M. McNeil
The "Leadership Squad" is back at Edison Junior High and its teaching other Rock Island middle school students how to be leaders...

(Rock Island, IL)  It began last fall when Diane Baker, with the University of Illinois Extension Service, taught a core group of students leadership and problem solving skills.  Now the group is back and they are going teach 25  new students what it takes to be a leaders?students teaching students.  Edison's "Leadership Squad" is part of the 21st Century Lights ON For Learning federal grant.

The students will become teachers for the next four Mondays from 2:45 - 4:30 pm.  Baker works with the "teen teachers" to plan a sequential leadership development curriculum.  Participants learn more about their own leadership styles, develop their communication skills, and are challenged to a variety of teambuilding experiences.  The program taps into each individual's leadership potential. "The Leadership Squad helps students realize that they can be leaders through group interaction and gives them the confidence to express themselves in a positive manner to their peers."

***The media is invited to see the Leadership Squad in action on Monday, February 4th between 3:00 pm and 4:00 p.m. in room 103 at Edison Junior High in Rock Island (4141 9th Street).   The students, teachers and site coordinator will be available for interviews.
04 Feb 2013

Ballet Quad Cities Presents The Ugly Duckling

By Ballet QC
04 Feb 2013

Team Runablaze Iowa - featuring Danna Herrick

By Cal Murdock
Des Moines - January 22, 2013

Learn more about the team, visit the web site Runablaze.com that includes the resume of the 34 team members and past running highlights.  1300 of the best Iowa runners, race directors, coaches, volunteers & fans receive this e-mail.
______________________________
______

Runablaze Iowa is sponsored by:

Iowa's best running specialty stores:
Fitness Sports - Des Moines
Runners Flat - Cedar Falls

Iowa's on-line registration leader:
GetMeRegistered.com - Bettendorf

Iowa's best races:
2013 races will be announced soon
____________________________________

And now for the "News" . . .

Mason Frank won his first trail race, Rocks and Roots 10K in 40:53 (Columbus, OH, Jan. 20). Mason relates, "It was a gorgeous single track trail that had a lot of switchbacks and looped around a beautiful lake."

Chris Robertson ran a 5000 meter 15:32.07 at the ISU Open indoor track meet (Jan. 18).  Chris states, "Coming off of some piriformis and achilles problems and haven't been training properly. Motivated to get healthy and work hard for the rest of the season now."  Also running the 5000 was Rob Duncan 15:56.97 and Nate Hoop 16:07.30.  In the mile race Kristy Harken (Feldman) ran 5:10.95.

Nate Hopp won the Amana Freezer Run 5K (Jan. 26) in 16:08 better than his winning time last year in 16:18.

Iowan's in the news - Lisa Uhl is moving to Des Moines, she ran the Houston Half-Marathon (Jan. 13) in 1:13:28, PR.  Diane Nukuri-Johnson is included in the elite runners signed up to run Boston Marathon (Apr. 15).

A computer glitch (user error) and a southwest vacation delayed these e-mails.  Featured in this e-mail and the next ones will be Danna Herrick, Kristy Feldman, Mason Frank and Jason Flogel, all Runablaze Iowa 2012 Runners of the Year.

- - - - - - - -

2012 FEMALE Runner of the Year - Danna Herrick (Kelly)
It was a banner year for Danna, too.  The year started out with a 2:45:42 at
the Olympic Marathon Trials and ended with another solid marathon in
2:46:24.  Danna other road times were just as good, 8K in 29:15, 10 mile in
59:22, 20K in 1:15:38 and 1:19:41 in the Half-Marathon.  All of Danna times
were PRs or almost best times too.

* What made 2012 a great running year for you?
I have noticed a trend in the past busy years: I am happiest when I am busy and am challenged by time management skills, ultimately producing optimal outcomes in all areas of my life. 2012 proved this to be DEAD ON. I started the year out with the biggest race of my life, at the Trials, and seemed to propel that motivation and excitement into the entire year. With many big changes to come within the year, I had made a lengthy list of goals on my iphone. I disciplined myself to focus on one-at-a-time, knocking off one goal before looking ahead to the next. The great thing was, that each goal I crossed off only snow-balled mental and physical drive to attack the next goal. By the end of the year, it is hard to believe how many things can be accomplished with just a little discipline and a lot of balance in life.

* How did you start running and what was your HS/College running career?
I used to run loops of 0.6 miles around my neighborhood in 5th grade because I wanted to beat every boy in the "1 mile test" at school. (Now, I still do that... just longer loops, in order to beat my husband). I was a 4 sport athlete and active in dance during my high school career. I enjoyed cross and track, but it was never super intense at Boone High School.  I suffered a torn ACL in basketball as a sophomore and gave golf a try, missing my spring Track season that year. It really put my athletic drive and appreciation for running into perspective. During my senior year in HS, I knew I wanted to participate in a sport in college and realized that I had could improve my running, a lot, while still being a part of a team.  I ran at Truman State University (Kirksville, MO Division II) obtaining my goal of All-American in cross country and All-American in the steeplechase during track season, finishing 3rd in the nation at my last collegiate career race. I seemed to really improve each year of college, with smart training and coaching.

* How do you train during the winter?
I like to brave the cold days outdoors, I think it makes you tough and is a challenge, mentally. With not-so-safe footing, I will resort to the tready if the workout requires speed, though I highly dislike the rolling belt. I have begun to enjoy alternate options, such as spin classes and getting in the pool. The winter is the best time for me to let the body and mind relax from intense running, and try out other aerobic fun...before specific race training begins.

* What Iowa race is special to you?
Dam to Dam. 2 weeks after ending my collegiate career, I decided to run (2009) and finished 5th. Robyn Friedman pulled me aside after awards and encouraged me to apply for Runablaze Iowa... the rest is history. Thanks Rob!

* What race distance do you enjoy the most?
Currently, 26.2  ... give me a few years, and that may change.

* If no one was listening, tell us your secret to running success?
Easy. CHOCOLATE MILK.

********************

About Runablaze Iowa
Runablaze Iowa athletes are based throughout Iowa.  Formed in 2006, the purpose of the team is to improve post-collegiate Iowa distance running. Major Iowa running specialty stores, Iowa races and Iowa runners at those races support Runablaze Iowa.
04 Feb 2013

Families and Friends of Scott County, IA Use Hearts and Feet to Fight Cancer

By Cindy Bruhn

Davenport, IA - Walkers will go around the track in the battle against cancer when the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life® of Scott County gets underway with teams of residents gathering at the Davenport River Center on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

During Relay For Life events individuals and teams "camp" out with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the day. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups . . . people from all walks of life - all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society's efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

Last year our two Walmart teams, lead by team captain's Tony Flemming and Terri Benner, raised approximately $16,000. The stores are located on Elmore Avenue and West Kimberly Road in Davenport.

Please consider being a sponsor of this great event; we have sponsorships for every budget. Call Sara at 563-785-4554 for more information. And, consider forming a team to raise money and participate. Register your team today by visiting www.RelayForLife.org/scottcountyia or by calling Allie at 319-430-9648.

"Relay For Life is great opportunity for everyone who has been touched by cancer to come together and Celebrate Survivors, Remember those we have lost, and Fight Back together to end this terrible disease," says event chair, Allie Lamb. "I encourage all Scott County residents to get involved, from forming a team and spending the day enjoying activities and entertainment to just  stopping by for a few minutes to see what it's all about. The event is open to the public and we encourage everyone to attend."

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

###

04 Feb 2013

LeClaire is Truly the Coolest Small Town in America

By Cindy Bruhn
LeClaire, Iowa's town motto "It's all there... In LeClaire" appears to hold true. With increasing growth in retail, attractions and housing, LeClaire has gained national attention and become a model community for many other small towns throughout the Midwest. With an increase in visitors to LeClaire, hotel/motel tax collections increased approximately 18% from 2011 to 2012. With growth and diversity of many new retail stores, attractions and restaurants, retail sales tax increased approximately 25% during the same time frame. As a small town with no large industrial base for tax support, LeClaire has managed to be successful with tourism as their cornerstone of growth in a down economy.

City Administrator, Ed Choate, attributes this success to "creating a business friendly atmosphere that encourages entrepreneurship and risk taking."

A new business that was launched during the down economy in 2010, Mississippi River Distilling Co., owned by brothers Ryan and Garrett Burchett is thriving and already expanding. Ryan says their growth has been spurred by "a genuine entrepreneurial spirit that is encouraged and supported by the community and its leaders."

Former LeClaire Chamber President and revitalization expert, Dr. Rick Reed, attributes LeClaire's success to its spirit of community and strength in volunteers. "LeClaire's rich history and recent downtown revitalization in 2007 helped lay the foundation for future growth and expansion. In many small communities, the downtown is the location for important human interaction, business development, culture, and history. The identity of a small community is closely tied to the sustained development of commercial area revitalization. This always stimulates the local economy through planned economic development and growth. In LeClaire, the success of the historic downtown area is a vital link to its future".

For more information, please contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com.
04 Feb 2013

Valerie Van Ee of Eldridge Named to Huntington University's Dean's List

By readMedia

HUNTINGTON, IN (02/01/2013)(readMedia)-- Valerie Van Ee of Eldridge, IA was named to the Dean's List at Huntington University for the fall semester of the 2012-13 school year.

Van Ee is a senior Animation and Computer Science major.

The Dean's List is published two times per year at Huntington University. The honor recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement during the previous semester. Honorees must be classified as regular students, be enrolled full-time with a load of 12 hours or more in graded courses, and must achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.50 on a four-point scale.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

04 Feb 2013

Feinstein Foundation helps fight Hunger in the Quad Cities

By Anne Wachal
It is that time of year again to promote the Feinstein Foundation to help raise money for Churches United's Hunger Ministries.

Last year, $12,000 was raised for Churches United by our local community donations between the dates of March 1 and April 30th, 2012. Our goal this year is $13,000. We hope that you can participate in this endeavor. The Feinstein Foundation is not a match dollar for dollar but he does give a proportion of his one million to each agency that participates. Last year, the average amount received in Iowa and Illinois for groups like ours was $280.00. with a guarantee of $250.00 for very little effort.We can purchase approximately 4300 pounds of extra food simply by participating with the Feinstein Foundation . Won't you please help us and send an additional contribution of any size during this 60 day period to help us participate with the Feinstein Foundation? Thank you so very much!

Churches United of the Quad City Area, 2535 Tech Dr, #205, Bettendorf, IA 52722

For more info on Alan Feinstein simply go to his website at: www.feinsteinfoundation.org
01 Feb 2013

Loebsack Statement on Cobham Adding 60 Jobs in Davenport

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after Cobham announced they would be adding an additional 60 jobs at their plant in Davenport.

"Today's announcement by Cobham is great news for Davenport and the Quad City area. These are good jobs that will be a boost for the Quad City economy and families.  I look forward to continuing to work with Cobham to ensure our servicemembers have the equipment they need and will continue to work to support good jobs like these in the Quad Cities."

###

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 Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

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