23 Jan 2013

Local Students Volunteered In Texas During Winter Break

By Rachel Vogel Quinn

PELLA, (01/22/2013)(readMedia)-- The following local students volunteered on a mission trip in McAllen, Texas, during winter break at Central College:

Emily Huegel, a native of Bettendorf, Iowa and a elementary education major at Central College

Ashlyn Huegel, a native of Bettendorf, Iowa and a exploring major at Central College

Levi Spain, a native of Lost Nation, Iowa and a business management major at Central College

Angie Allgood, a native of Muscatine, Iowa and a exploring major at Central College

Meghan Brophy, a native of Bettendorf, Iowa and a religion major at Central College

Alicia Huegel, a native of Bettendorf, Iowa and a exploring major at Central College

Kevin Templeton, a native of Muscatine, Iowa and a music education-vocal major at Central College

Students traveled during winter break at Central College in order to volunteer on a mission trip in McAllen, Texas from Jan. 3 to Jan. 12.The group of 84 students was led by the Campus Ministries team, including Chaplain Joe Brummel, Sarah Schlager and Nick Rohner.

The students had the opportunity to volunteer in public schools, Habitat for Humanity houses and boarding schools for Mexican girls; serve meals at Boarder Missions; and put on kids' carnivals in impoverished neighborhoods.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, free, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics.

Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. Central College is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southwest of Des Moines. Please visit the college website at www.central.edu.

23 Jan 2013

Immigrant youth shares his dreams

By Hector Salamanca
We stand at the brink of a new America, one that stands up for those millions like me who are American in all but legal status.  As an undocumented immigrant, I cannot just sit and hope that a knight in shining armor will rise and fight for my cause.  Too many of us undocumented people sit in the shadows and do not stand to fight for what is fair.

I understand that some of us don't act because we are afraid: Afraid that our mother or father will not be there to pick us up from school. Afraid of an immigration officer knocking on our doors. Afraid of letting others know of our situation and afraid how they will respond once we tell them.

I am here to tell you, do not be afraid. I am also here to tell our friends and neighbors, classmates and coworkers, "Do not be afraid" of me and the millions like me who want only to live the American Dream, to work hard, build better lives for our families and a brighter future for our communities and our country.

I, too, was once afraid. When my father broke the news to me in 2010 that my undocumented status meant that my chances for a driver's license, a college education and a good job were slim, I felt stuck and alone. The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors), which would help people like me, has stalled in Congress since 2001.

But I persevered. I began volunteering with the American Friends Service Committee, a non-profit group providing legal services to immigrants. I finished high school and began study at a community college, where I'm an honors student.

So now I am motivated by a dream, a dream similar to the civil rights activists and the community organizers who have fought for immigration reform before you and I were born. I dream of one day having comprehensive, fair immigration policies that set a path to allow me -- now a Deferred Action participant with my Social Security number and work permit -- to affordably attend college, receive a driver's license, drive my girlfriend around for a change, and to eventually become a citizen, among other things. I dream that one day, I will see Dreamers and our allies organize in all 50 states to make that path a reality. In order for my dream to come true, my generation needs to take the lead and move our country forward.

This plea does not apply to just the country's estimated 1.9 million Dreamers, but to all members of our generation. We cannot allow ourselves to grow content with the way things are, for when we are old, the next generation will ask us why we stood by as the rights of others were trampled.

I, too, have faith in the American Dream, because I am living it. Through hard work, I have been given opportunities for success, which is the American Dream. As a child, I read history books filled with great men and women who all struggled to keep that dream alive for all those who called the United States home.

I and many others strive to continue the fight for the American Dream, but we need help. To continue building upon the legacy of those before us, we need to stand up and fight for the rights of the oppressed. For we are the generation of hope and change. We cannot allow the flame that is the American Dream to be extinguished.

We the Dreamers, in fact, represent the American Dream for the 21st century because many of us have risen out of the abyss of despair to achieve success. We are honor students, graduates from universities and hardworking; above all else, we long to contribute to the country we call home.

The American Dream has always been to rise from nothing and become successful through hard work. For me, I want to continue my education and be the first in my family to graduate from college and to continue to contribute back to my community. I want to prove to our opponents that they can try and deny us opportunities, but we shall overcome our obstacles and surpass our goals.

If you are a Dreamer reading this, I urge you to go and start volunteering. Every time you  volunteer, you are making a positive impact on someone's life and taking down misconceptions as well. Take courage in knowing you are not alone, for I and many others are right beside you, fighting for our opportunity to contribute and move our country forward.

I also ask those who are not Dreamers to help out in any way you can. We need a coalition of friends, neighbors, Democrats, Republicans, young and old, black, brown, yellow and white, to pass not just the Dream Act, but comprehensive immigration reform. Stand in solidarity with us, and together we can keep the American Dream alive for all those who just want an opportunity to give back to this great nation we call home.
23 Jan 2013

Vista Career Fair Offers Global Opportunities for QC Job-Hunters

By Mark McLaughlin

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Looking to leverage your experience and skills with competitive benefits and excellent salary potential? Most people might need to hire an employment agency to find such an extraordinary position, or spent months or even years sending out countless resumes. But according to Teresa Johnston, Communications Director at Vista International Operations, many qualified Quad-City residents will discover exceptional positions at an upcoming Vista Career Fair.
"Vista has many positions which may need to be filled very quickly," Johnston said. "We are gearing up to begin work on multiple potential contracts, and may have to fill hundreds of jobs, locally and abroad. It's a very exciting time for both Vista and the Quad-Cities. For many individuals who are unemployed or dissatisfied with their current positions, the Career Fair will provide outstanding opportunities."
The Vista Career Fair will be held 1 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 31, 2013, at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Riverfront 103-104, 3300 River Drive, Moline, IL. Employment opportunity presentations will be held at 2, 4, and 6 p.m. Vista International Operations is a global provider of enterprise-level information technology (IT) services, logistics management, and engineering support services to government and private industry. Vista is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), which was formed in 1972 as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
According to Johnston, available positions with Vista include Call Center Associate, Computer System Support Specialist, Database Administrator, LAN Administrator, System Administrator, Web Developer, Email Administrator, and Application Programmer. The Career Fair will also include positions with Vista Technical Services, another BBNC subsidiary.
High-Paying Positions Here and Abroad.
"Many of the positions will be based locally, while others are overseas positions," Johnston said. "Vista is a global company, with 348 employees worldwide. The average salary is about $64,000." She added that in the last three years, Vista has paid more than $16 million in payroll to Quad-Cities employees.
In addition to Vista's work in the United States, the corporation also performs information technology and logistics on behalf of the U.S. Government overseas. Locations include Kuwait and Afghanistan and have salaries ranging from $100,000 to $190,000, depending on the position. For stateside opportunities, salaries will range from $45,000 to $95,000, depending on the position and location. Benefits offered by Vista include :

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance for employee and dependents
  • Cafeteria plan for dependent care/flex accounts/HSA accounts
  • Short-/long-term disability, company paid
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Annual leave: Two weeks first year, increases after five years
  • Sick leave: One week first year, increases after five years
  • $5k spouse, $2k child life insurance, company paid
  • Life/accidental death insurance, company paid
  • Emergency leave
  • Civic leave: Jury duty/voting
  • Educational assistance
  • 401(k) company match
  • Additional profit-sharing plan, contribution to 401K
"At the Career Fair, people will get to meet and talk with the actual hiring Project Managers," said Johnston, "so each attendee will have the chance to meet their potential boss, face to face. We encourage career-minded individuals to come to the event, get to know Vista, and check out the opportunities we have available."
For more information on Vista International Operations and the Career Fair, call Teresa Johnston, Communications Director, at 563-823-6657, or visit www.viops.com.
23 Jan 2013

Community Foundation of North Lee County Announces Lawrence and Marilyn Matteson Foundation Scholarship

By Natalie Anderson
Lee County, IA - The Community Foundation of North Lee County, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, is excited to announce a scholarship opportunity available to graduating seniors who are entering 2-year degree or certificate programs.

The Lawrence and Marilyn Matteson Foundation Scholarship was established in 2012 to assist graduating seniors from select area high schools pursuing degrees leading to careers in career & technical programs or engineering. Examples of 2-year degree or certificate programs include fields like construction, technology, industrial production, electronics, or similar fields.

Seniors from the following high schools are eligible to apply: Central Lee, Danville, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mediapolis, Mount Pleasant, New London, Waco, Wapello, Winfield and home school students who live in these school districts.

Scholarships will be awarded for either $1000 or $2000 for the 2013-14 school year. Students who make adequate academic progress can qualify for a second year of funding, at the same amount as the first year.

For the 2013-14 academic year, applications will be accepted until March 31, 2013. A panel of volunteers who live in the Lee County region will review applications and select recipients. Recipients will be notified by the end of June and scholarship checks mailed to the student's college or program by the end of August, 2013.

To learn more and to apply, visit www.iowacommunityfoundations.org/north-lee-county-community-foundation.aspx.

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23 Jan 2013

Brucemore Mansion Tours Begin in March

By Tara Richards

Brucemore announces the reopening of the 21-room mansion for guided tours on March 1, 2013. Explore over a century of Cedar Rapids history through the lives of the three families who called Brucemore home. For three generations, the estate was home to social and economic leaders of the community, as well as the servants that made their lifestyles possible. As Cedar Rapids evolved, so too did life in the Mansion, reflected in the art, furnishings, technology, architecture, surrounding landscape, and stories preserved at Brucemore. The Mansion tour provides a glimpse into the past and an irreplaceable way to understand modern Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa.

Mansion tours are offered March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m. Tours begin on the hour and last approximately 50 minutes. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children between the ages of 6 and 18, and free to Brucemore members. Purchase tickets in the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor Center.

Groups of ten or more are encouraged to schedule a private tour a minimum of two weeks in advance. In addition to the standard tour, Brucemore's tour menu features a range of tours and learning opportunities available for school and youth groups, scout troops, garden clubs, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and more. Visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375 for more information or to schedule a group tour.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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22 Jan 2013

IOWA FARM BUREAU HONORED FOR GRASSROOTS POLICY PROGRAMS, CONSUMER OUTREACH SUCCESSES AT AFBF NATIONAL CONVENTION

By Laurie Johns

WEST DES MOINES - January 14, 2013 -Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) received several awards at the 94th annual national convention being held in Nashville, Tennessee, for outstanding state Farm Bureau activities.

IFBF was honored with five awards of excellence in all program areas including education and outreach, leadership development, member services, policy development and implementation, and public relations and communications.  IFBF earned a President's Award for outstanding grassroots programs and policy development.

IFBF also received special recognition this year:  the national New Horizon Award for innovation.  The AFBF New Horizon Award recognizes a new program that brings exceptional value to members through many efforts.  IFBF's New Horizon Award was granted for exceptional creation of a new membership outreach and information-gathering data tool, which helps the grassroots organization engage its increasingly diverse membership.

"We are proud to receive all of these awards because our organization works hard to show the public the value of farming today.  Farming in Iowa is diverse and in order to remain a vital part of our state's economy, we must embrace innovation.  Our organization strives to always bring these new tools of information to benefit all our members," said IFBF President Craig Hill.   "We are pleased to receive these awards because they celebrate the many ways we work to better consumer communication and policy outreach.  It's about increasing the value of Farm Bureau membership for all Iowans, while ensuring the sustainability of farming and that means every day we put our motto, 'People, Progress and Pride,' to work for Iowa."

-30-

 

About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the Newsroom page on the IFBF website at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

22 Jan 2013

LeClaire Chamber Announcements 1/11/13

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

It is time again to join or to renew your membership with the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce! Please see the attached form to complete and return with your payment by January 31, 2013.  Thank you for your current and past membership, and certainly let us know if you have any questions in regard to your membership or about the Chamber in general. Let's have a Great 2013!  After all - "It is all there....In LeClaire!"

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 01/11/2013

CALENDAR

January 12th - Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the LeClaire Community Library. Only 2 Tables Left! RESERVATIONS SO FAR:  LeClaire Library Staff,  Zane Nielsen, Bettendorf Library, Willaredt/Black, Graupmann, Weaver, Mediacom , Leiby, Marcus, Keck, Martin, Miller, Friends of the LeClaire Community Library. If you don't have enough for a full table, we always have a few people that would like to come and join a table that isn't full. Cost is $10 per person with tables up to 8 people each, $50 per table minimum. Everyone will be entered for door prizes. You may bring your own beer, wine and snacks, but soda, water and snacks will also be for sale. Doors open at 6:30, trivia starts at 7:00. 1st place: Entry Money Back; 2nd place 1/2 of Entry Money Back. Call 563-505-6703 or email cournoyer@yahoo.com to reserve a table or for information. Join the fun!

 

January 13th - Family Day at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center Family Yoga:  3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per family up to four members/$5 additional per family member. Taught by yoga master Jennifer Vondracek.  Family yoga will be held once a month for families with children ages 2 & up.   No experience necessary.   Bring a water bottle and a towel or yoga mat for each family member. Join us afterwards for a FREE Wildtree family tasting party 5:00-6:00 p.m. Kate Ramsdell along with Reusable Usables and Kiddie Karrasel Academy will host a Wildtree family tasting party. Taste different entrees as well as some desserts and appetizers.  Wildtree products are made with the finest natural ingredients available. Instead of "good for you" foods with all the flavor of sawdust, Wildtree products are taste-tested winners.  Wildtree offers the highest quality herbs, spices and culinary blends that are free of preservatives, additives, fillers and promote a healthier lifestyle. RSVP by January 11 Angie@reusableusables.org or call 563-289-3946.

 

January 19th - LeClaire Lions Club Annual Blood Drive facilitated by the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center - 7:00 to 11:00 AM in the Bridgeview Elementary School Cafeteria. Any first-time or long-time blood donors are welcome. Snacks and beverages will be provided to donors that morning. Please contact Tony Hiatt at 563-332-0215 to sign up for an appointment to donate.

 

January 26th - Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner - Steventon's

1399 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire.

6:00-6:30 pm - Cocktails (Cash Bar)/Silent Auction

6:30 pm - Awards

7:00 pm - Dinner

8:00 pm - Live Auction

6:00-10:00 pm - Music by Keep Off the Grass

Please RSVP by January 18, 2012 to First Central Bank, 563-289-2265 or email DMULVANIA@FIRSTCENTRALSB.COM $30 per person paid in advance. Make checks payable to LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 35 , LeClaire , IA 52753

 

January 28th - Economic Development Meeting (rescheduled due to holiday January 21st) 8:00 a.m.

Great River Financial Services office

Save the Date

 

February 8th - Reusable Usables NEW Freezer Meal Workshop 6:30 PM.  Cooking is MUCH more fun with friends!!  Let's get together and make enough meals to fill our freezers!  Bring your bags filled with designated "protein" and other groceries. You go home with 10 meals, each feeding a family of 4-6, ready to freeze (with leftover Wildtree products to make more freezer recipes or use on your own.)  You'll also go home with side dish recipes to either accompany your freezer meals or use with other meals...and the peace of mind of knowing that dinner is already DONE!  Just thaw, cook and enjoy!   $73 (includes all Wildtree products, recipes and shipping) To register, reserve your spot by 1/23/13 and Purchase the "Crockpot Meals" Workshop by 1/23/13 . Contact Kate Ramsdell •563-508-948•ramsdellgirls@yahoo.com•www.mywildtree.com/katewildtree/ (This is an "Adults Only" event.)

 

FYI

Please note - the Chamber has a new email address - leclairechamber@gmail.com

 

The folks at Buffalo Bill Museum hope to see you over the winter! It is a great place to take visiting family and friends and "free admission" is a benefit of your membership! The gift shop is also a great place to pick up unique items as well as books about local history, "Buffalo Bill" sweatshirts and t-shirts, and other items you can't find elsewhere!  The museum is open daily 9am to 4pm, and Sundays 12noon to 4pm.

 

Reusable Usables Planet Green After School Classes for kids Ages 6-12  Tuesday's & Thursday's 4:00-5:30 p.m. Learn creative fun ways to respect our planet with hands on eco-friendly art and educational activities based on the Iowa DNR Planet Patrol Series. Limit 25 per class. Thanks to Iowa DNR SWAP Grant funding.

 

If you would like to share information about events, promotions, news, etc., with Tourism, please send an email to info@visitleclaire.com. Your information will be shared with Shopkeepers, the Chamber and the Tourism Board and will be promoted on Facebook and in monthly emails.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Meals for Seniors at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

 

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center

2013 Trivia Nights:

January 12th - LeClaire Community Library

February 9th - Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship

March 9th - hosted by First Presbyterian Church to raise $$ for Hurricane Sandy victims

April 6th - LeClaire Little League

May 4th - LeClaire Lions

June 8th - Buffalo Bill Museum

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

LeClaire Park Board Special Events Calendar (clip and save)

Spring 2013 - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt ( Hollyhock Park )

Spring 2013 - Cinco de Mayo

French Market Days 2013 -May 18th, plant exchange, sale benefiting Parks Dept.

Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion ( Hollyhock Park )

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

Summer 2013 - Tug Fest

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!
22 Jan 2013

Bath Fitter Expands into eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

By Andrew Zahn
Davenport, IA-Iowa Bath Solutions, LLC dba Bath Fitter, www.bathfitter.com, announces expansion of
it's Des Moines location into eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Due to increased demand, Bath Fitter
will offer its services in the following counties in Iowa: Clayton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware,
Dubuque, Linn, Jones, Jackson, Clinton, Cedar, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Des Moines and Lee.
In Illinois, Bath Fitter will service the following counties: Whiteside, Rock Island, Henry and Mercer.

Bath Fitter® is North America's premier acrylic bath, shower and wall-system company.

  • Fast, Clean and Affordable
  • Less hassle and mess than conventional bathroom remodeling
  • Exclusive one-piece seamless walls, custom made for each individual installation
  • Custom acrylic tub and shower liners installed right over your existing unit...in just one day
  • Fiberglass replacements also available, installed in two days
  • FREE in-home estimate with absolutely no obligation
  • Financing is available

For over twenty nine years, Bath Fitter® has been working to meet the custom needs of homeowners, as
well as, commercial businesses and residencies. Bath Fitter® provides specialized bathtub and shower
solutions with unique products, allowing for a precise, completely individual look that is custom made
to fit the business or home's exact specifications. Numerous accessories available such as shower seats,
storage options, and a variety of modern acrylic finishes. When safety or ease of access is a concern,
Bath Fitter® can even convert an existing tub into an easy access shower.

Customers can call to schedule a free, in-home estimate. At the in-home estimate, a Bath Fitter®
representative will review the current situation and answer any questions. The company offers an
Exclusive Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of its work. Bath Fitter® manufactures its own products
and provides their own Certified Technicians, so they can stand behind every single job. No part of the
process is subcontracted.

Customer service is one of Bath Fitter®'s top priorities. At the eat job completion, the customer receives
a customer satisfaction survey, allowing customers to express their satisfaction or offer any suggestions.

Bath Fitter® has received the award for Top Performer in bathroom remodeling from Qualified
Remodeler for 11 years in a row.

For a FREE in-home estimate, please call 1-800-594-8776. For employment opportunities visit
www.bathsavercareers.com.

Fast, Clean and Affordable
Less hassle and mess than conventional bathroom remodeling
Exclusive one-piece seamless walls, custom made for each individual installation
Custom acrylic tub and shower liners installed right over your existing unit...in just

Fiberglass replacements also available, installed in two days
FREE in-home estimate with absolutely no obligation
Financing is available

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22 Jan 2013

Governor Quinn Convenes School Safety Summit

By Ryan C. Woods

More than 50 Education, Public Safety, Mental Health and Law Enforcement Officials Meet to Seek Ways to Further Safeguard Illinois Schools

 

SPRINGFIELD - January 22, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today convened top experts from across the state for a summit to develop short and long-term actions to further safeguard schools in Illinois. The governor brought together the group of more than 50 representatives from the fields of education, public safety, mental health and law enforcement following last month's deadly school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Today's meeting is part of the governor's ongoing commitment to ensuring safe schools in Illinois.

"Every parent should feel that their child is safe in school," Governor Quinn said. "Today we brought together teachers, school administrators, mental health experts, law enforcement and public safety officials to discuss ways to further safeguard our schools. We must continue to take every step possible to ensure our children are protected."

During the meeting at the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield, participants discussed crisis prevention, school and community planning and coordination and facility protection and security. Additional meetings of the full group or smaller working groups will be scheduled to address specific problems and develop solutions.

Today's meeting followed an initial conference call on the subject on Dec. 21, 2012, one week after the tragic shooting in Connecticut.

Organizations represented at today's summit included:

·         Governor Quinn's Office

·         Illinois Emergency Management Agency

·         Illinois Terrorism Task Force

·         Illinois State Police

·         Illinois State Board of Education Illinois Department of Human Services

·         Illinois Department of Public Health

·         Office of the Illinois Attorney General

·         Office of Senator Dick Durbin

·         Illinois Principals Association

·         Illinois Association of School Administrators

·         Illinois Education Association

·         Chicago Teachers Union

·         Illinois Federation of Teachers

·         Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System

·         Illinois Association of School Boards

·         Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police

·         Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois

·         American Association of Architects

·         U.S. Attorney's Office

·         University of Illinois-Springfield Center for Public Safety and Justice

·         Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities

·         American Red Cross

·         Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications

·         Cook County Homeland Security and Emergency Management

·         DuPage County Sheriff's Office

·         Madison County Sheriff's Office

·         Ball-Chatham School Board and School District

·         Sangamon County Regional Office of Education

·         Illinois Math and Science Academy

In addition, the School and Campus Security Training Program, a cooperative effort of the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Terrorism Task Force and the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, recently rolled out a School Safety Drill Video and Computer-Based Training tutorial, which reflect best practices based on lessons learned from real life emergency events. The videos are free and currently available for distribution to public and private schools. The videos detail specific actions for administrators, teachers and support staff for each drill, based on post-incident reports and de-briefings from real school events.

Since 2009, schools in Illinois have been required to perform an emergency drill at least once per year. In addition, schools must have emergency and crisis plans in place and review them annually. Since 2005, the School and Campus Security Training Program provided more than 250 K-12 school safety planning courses attended by more than 8,600 participants representing 817 public school districts and 545 non-public schools. In 2012 the program delivered 55 preparedness training courses for both K-12 and higher education institutions, which were attended by 1,486 participants, to update emergency operations plans and increase their capacity to respond to and recover from all hazards, including active shooters. Currently, there are 11 courses scheduled from January through March of 2013.

For more information, please visit www.ready.illinois.gov and www.isbe.net/safety.

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22 Jan 2013

Quad City Interfaith January Newsletter

By QC Interfaith

Happy New Year!

QCI Trivia Night


Quad Cities Interfaith Trivia Night on March  2nd, 2013 at Knights of Columbus (Downstairs) Doors open at 6:30 pm, Game starts at 7 pm. Bring your own food. ALL beverages to be purchased there. $10 per person. Reserve your table now. Call Beth at 563-322-4910.


Fire of Faith 



In October of 2012, QCI kicked off the Fire of Faith Campaign - Rekindling Congregations, Democracy, and the Economy campaign. Fire of Faith is a three-year campaign that will strengthen member congregations and institutions, increase participation in democracy, and move one million people into jobs and increase economic dignity. Our faith traditions teach us that loving our neighbor cannot be just a sentiment- we must help to shape a world we can be proud to leave to our grandchildren.  "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:24)


What's New at QCI

Fire of Faith - A movement to Rekindle Our Congregations!

Quad Cities Interfaith is leading a Fire of Faith campaign for 2013, developing a local Fire of Faith Cohort  of 6-7 congregations that walk together on a year long journey of congregational development and strengthening . Through this Cohort QCI will help lay leaders and clergy assess and identify the needs of a congregation and work to develop leaders for the congregation's ministries. The FOF Cohort will meet and receive training, intensive technical assistance and mentoring . This cohort of congregations will journey together, but each member congregation in the cohort will develop and work on their individual plans.

The purpose of QCI and Congregational Based Organizing, is to identify and develop lay leadership in a cohesive and active congregation so they can fully proclaim their faith in the public sphere, increase membership and engagement and create long term sustainability. Using the arts, attitudes and disciplines of the faith based community organizing, Fire of Faith will strengthen a congregation in ways that are measurable to that congregation. While often it is community issue work that draws and keeps a congregation engaged in QCI, this Fire of Faith process focuses in on what a congregation can do using our tools to build their congregation and make sure they are growing and building community. When congregations are strong , QCI is strong. Curious? Interested in learning more about this process? Call Leslie Kilgannon at 563.322.4910.


Photos from Gamaliel's Fire of Faith Retreat in January in Mundelein, Illinois. 68 leaders came together from Iowa, Indiana and Illinois to chart our course for 2013, Fire Of Faith is a year long journey of strengthening congregations. Clockwise from top. Quad City lay leaders and clergy joined QCI Director Leslie Kilgannon for the two day spiritual retreat and planning session. QCI Director and a leader from Gamaliel of Chicago.Gamaliel of Illinois Director Juan Soto explaining the Fire of Faith Campaign for 2013. 


Please Consider Becoming a Sustaining Donor!

We are trying to diversify our funding. To do this, the breakfast kicked off the individual sustaining donor campaign. The goal is to get 200 individuals donating at least $20 a month.  Any contributions to Quad Cities Interfaith are an investment in the work for justice in our community. Your tax-deductible donation is essential to our future and the work for justice. Making a monthly (or an annual) sustaining donation is easy and convenient through VANCO services on our website. You are able to make a secure payment using your credit or debit card. Sustaining donors make an on-going contribution. Each month or year you will be charged the same amount. You can also decide to stop or change your contribution at any time.

Ready to Become a Sustaining Donor?

It's Simple with these Step by Step Instructions
1.) Visit our website at www.qcinterfaith.org
2.) On the top right hand side of the site, click on donate now
3.) You will be taken to a secured website provided by VANCO Services to the Online Donation Page which has our logo
4.) Go to Donations
Enter the dollar amount you wish to contribute.
Donation Frequency: Identify how often you will be giving i.e weekly, monthly, one time gift
Donation Start Date: Identify the date you want a withdrawal to begin or to be made
5.) Click on Continue
Fill out donation information including how you would like to pay, your name and address, etc.
Review the information carefully
Make sure you click on process
6.) Confirmation. A confirmation page comes up with a thank you, confirming the donation and a confirmation number.
You can print off a receipt of your donation for your records.
It is recommended that you create a profile so that the system remembers you and you can log in and make changes, etc. 

QCI Issue Updates

Transportation and Jobs Equity

As part of  Gamaliel of Illinois, the task force is working to secure a State wide Project Labor Agreement (PLA) from the contractors,unions and Illinois Department of Transportation that will include requirements for diversity in the work force on all transportation projects in Illinois. The Task Force is also looking to build a local monitoring committee in early 2013, that will hold accountable IL DOT on the Community Benefits Agreement principles it agreed to for the passenger rail project coming to the Quad Cities. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 10 am at Church of Peace- 12th and 12th in Rock Island.  Join us! For information, please contact QCI.


Health Equity

Imagine this situation:  Your six-year-old child has a fever and a sore throat.  You're worried, so you take him to the doctor. You say, "I notice he talks little.  Little by little and he has difficulty eating and swallowing."  The doctor asks you, "Does he have a sore throat?" Pretty straightforward, right?

But now imagine the same situation when your first language isn't English, and you have to bring someone, in this case a family friend, to interpret for you, and this is how the friend translates what you told the doctor:  "She says he is talking like, like lazy, whatever he says all the time, and plus he is not eating at all."  Then, when the doctor asks about the sore throat, your no doubt well-meaning friend keeps interrupting and doesn't let you answer the question.
Research is starting to show that medical communication problems caused by language barriers are not only distressing, they are also potentially dangerous.
Medical interpretation and translation are key health care services in reducing health disparities.  There are many other issues of disparity, of course: geography, ethnicity, physical and mental limitations, but the disparities caused by language services in our communities are the current focus of the QCI Health Equity Task Force.

Our next meeting is in Tuesday, February 19th at 4:30pm at the QCI office -111 E. 3rd Street Davenport Suite 423.  We will be refining our plans for 2013.  Please join us.  We hope to have at least one representative from every congregational member of QCI as we address the challenges of improving health equity in the Quad Cities! If your congregation would like more information, please contact QCI at 563.322.4910.

QCI is in the process of developing a round table on education and is looking for clergy and community leaders to join together to establish round table that will identify and advance local issues and connect to regional and national education  issues. If  you are interested please email us at qcinterfaith@gmail.com. QCI staff is looking to connect with the Gamaliel Education Equity Task Force and will schedule a first meeting in February - watch this space.



Community Events

Continuing Series -Race Matters at St. Ambrose University
The Hyphen Matters: Race and Asian-Americans
Thursday, Feb. 7th, 7 pm

Placing Blame: European Racism in an Era of Crisis
Thursday, Feb. 28th , 7 pm

For more info and Race Matters updates visit: www.sau.edu

"Celebration of Life, Honoring Reverend Ron Quay"

On Saturday, February 2nd, 2013 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation for a 2 pm community celebration of  Ron Quay, who passed away in December. Rev. Quay was dedicated to social justice and the area is a more just community because of his work. 

Upcoming Dates

Calling all leaders!!!!!! Quad Cities Interfaith Strategic Planning Session for 2013-2014 is Saturday, February 9th, 2013, 8 am to 2 pm at Church of Peace, 1114 12th Street, Rock Island
Calling Clergy and lay leaders from our member congregations to help chart a course for the next year for QCI. Well feed you, but we need you to RSVP to QCI by February 7th. More details to come.


Quad Cities Interfaith Trivia Night on March  2nd, 2013 at Knights of Columbus (Downstairs) Doors open at 6:30 pm, Game starts at 7 pm. Bring your own food. ALL beverages to be purchased there. $10 per person. Reserve your table now. Call Beth at 563-322-4910.


2013 Gamaliel National Training.........
Teaching ordinary citizens to unleash the power within themselves

February 24-March 2 (7-day): Villa Maria, PA
July 14-20 (7-Day): Mundelein, IL
November 11-17 (7-Day): Western Region
Civil Rights of Immigrants Retreat March, 2013
National Clergy/Team Training April 24-26: St. Mary's, Mundelein, IL
Strategic Campaign Training June 10-14: Gallaudet University, Washington DC
Gamaliel Leadership Retreat June 2013


Tuesday, February 12th - 6:30 pm 

QCI Leadership Assembly 

St Mary's Church , 516 Fillmore, Davenport

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