16 Oct 2012

183rd Fighter Wing to build housing in Springfield with Habitat for Humanity

By National Guard PAO Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/13/2012)(readMedia)-- The U.S. Department of Defense has approved an Innovative Readiness Training project that will allow the Airmen of the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, 183rd Fighter Wing to build affordable, safe and decent housing with Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County in local low-income neighborhoods.

183rd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Michael Meyer announced the partnership today with representatives from Habitat for Humanity and the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association at the site of the first project, a two-story townhouse that will be built at 1137 North 5th Street, Springfield.

"This is a win-win for both the Illinois Air National Guard, Habitat for Humanity, and - most importantly - local low-income families," said Illinois National Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air Brig. Gen. William Cobetto. "Our Airmen practice the skills they need to perform their military missions and, through Habitat for Humanity, local families get decent safe housing."

The project is scheduled for three years and the 183rd CES will help build as many as 12 homes in Sangamon County. Three of those homes are slated to be built in Springfield's Enos Park Neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity will provide the building materials and supplies as well as meals for the Airmen working on the project and the Airmen will provide the labor and tradesman skills they acquired from their military training.

"As the Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard, I am so proud that Illinois was one of a handful of states to administer an Innovative Readiness Training Project approved by the Department of Defense," Gov. Pat Quinn said. "This project will improve the training of our men and women in uniform and strengthen the communities where they live and work."

This isn't the first DoD-approved Innovative Readiness Training project for the 183rd CES. Last year, approximately 35 members of the squadron helped construct a 3,200-square-foot adult programs building for the St. Michaels Association for Special Education in the heart of Navajo Nation in Arizona.

"My Airmen really enjoyed helping the Navaho Nation, but this project is even better," Meyer said. "Now they are helping their own communities in their own state. This is very special to us."

To acquire DoD assistance through the Innovative Readiness Training program, Habitat for Humanity had to submit an approval packet that underwent legal, fiscal and operational scrutiny. The local nonprofit had to prove the IRT would not put the military in competition with local contractors, would be a fiscally responsible use of military training funds and the work performed would accurately exercise the military skills the Airmen would need to perform their military mission. The 183rd CES' wartime mission is to build structures in support of military operations.

Airmen with the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, 183rd Fighter Wing help construct a home with Habitat for Humanity through an Innovative Readiness Training project in Springfield, Oct. 13.

16 Oct 2012

Governor Quinn Helps Working Families Connect With Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network

By Ryan C. Woods

Thousands of Illinois Residents Getting Help to Save Their Homes; South Holland Event is Latest to Connect Families Facing Foreclosure with Resources

SOUTH HOLLAND - October 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today met with homeowners seeking help from foreclosure and outlined the progress of his Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) that has been helping thousands of families across the state stay in their homes.

Thanks to the network, Illinois homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payments are able to access the assistance and information they need to help them avoid foreclosure. The "Keep Your Home, Illinois" regional foreclosure prevention workshop was held at the South Holland Community Center.

"The home is the foundation of working families across Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Keeping people in their homes strengthens families, communities and our economy. The Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network provides homeowners with the guidance they need to do what's best for their families at no cost."

Most importantly, it offers homeowners a safe and trusted source for assistance so they do not fall prey to mortgage rescue scams offered by unscrupulous business entities.

IFPN has made a far-reaching impact, enabling tens of thousands of residents in every part of Illinois to access services they need to help them keep their homes. Thanks to IFPN:

·         Almost 350,000 homeowners have accessed either the IFPN website or the Illinois Hardest Hit program website.

·         More than 10,000 people have called IFPN help hotlines.

·         More than 37,000 homeowners have received homeownership counseling.

·         Almost 1,800 people have attended a series of IFPN workshops across the state.

·         More than 4,600 homeowners have been given more than $52 million in mortgage payment assistance with almost $105 million in funds approved through the Illinois Hardest Hit program.

"When the governor launched the IFPN, we knew that it was the best way to help people navigate the often confusing and overwhelming world of foreclosure prevention assistance programs," said Mary Kenney, executive director of the IHDA. "We now see the impact and success of IFPN and we will continue to reach out across the state so more and more people can get the help they need."

As states across the nation recover from the Great Recession, foreclosures continue to be a challenge. As of September, according to RealtyTrac, one in 376 Illinois homes had some form of foreclosure filing on record. The first half of 2012 saw a 3.1 percent increase in foreclosure filings in the Chicago region, compared to the same period in 2011. For the same period, Cook County as a whole saw an increase of 3.4 percent.

"Under Governor Quinn's leadership, Illinois has made many important strides to reduce foreclosures and protect homeowners - including providing access to free homeownership counseling," Kenney said. "Studies show that housing counseling nearly doubles the chances of mortgage modifications and reduces the likelihood of re-default by at least 67 percent. We are pleased that through IFPN, more than 37,000 homeowners have been referred to counseling."

Interagency cooperation and partnerships are a key element of IFPN, linking the various agencies and nonprofit organizations that play essential roles in providing resources to Illinois homeowners.

"We are proud to be one of the 68 counseling agencies providing services under the network," said Ofelia Navarro, executive director of the Spanish Coalition for Housing. "Governor Quinn understands that homeowners have difficulty understanding and keeping up with which foreclosure prevention programs are available to them. Now more than ever, as the number of programs increase, homeowners need guidance to choose the best option for them."

Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) comprise the IFPN.

Illinois residents who are having trouble paying their mortgage, facing foreclosure or know someone who is should reach out to IFPN as soon as possible by calling the IFPN hotline at 855-KEEP-411 or by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org. A list of upcoming IFPN events is also available.

 

About IHDA

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (www.ihda.org) is an independent, self-supporting bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $11.1 billion to finance more than 221,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois.

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16 Oct 2012

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council

By Sallyann McCarthy, for Sisters of St. Francis
The Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi River Valley will host a four-part lecture series commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church. "Celebrating Vatican II: Sharing the Vision" will be held at venues throughout the region from October, 2012 through April, 2013. The series, which coincides with the "Year of Faith" being  observed by the Catholic Church, is free and open to the public.

The opening lecture is on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Rogalski Center, St Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz will address "What Happened at Vatican II? Keys to Understanding the Council," exploring the enduring significance of the most important event in Roman Catholicism in four centuries and probing its implications for the present and future.

Gaillardetz, the McCarthy Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College, author of Ecclesiology for a Global Church and co-author of Keys to the Council, is President-Elect of the Catholic Theological Society of America. He has received numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and is the 2000 recipient of the Sophia Award from the faculty of the Washington
Theological Union, Washington D.C., in recognition of his contributions to the life of the church. He previously taught at the University of Toledo and St. Thomas Graduate School of Theology, Houston.

There is no registration for the lecture series and no admission charge. Follow-up sessions to each of the four lectures will be offered in the cities where the sponsoring congregations minister,

Future programs in the series will include :

* Dr. Zeni Fox speaking on "The Laity after Vatican II: Collaboration in Ministry" at Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa, on December 2, 2012 at 2 p.m.

* Dr. Massimo Faggioli will speak on "Liturgical Reform: the Crucial Impact and Legacy of Vatican II" at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hiawatha, Iowa, on February 24, 2013 at 2 p.m.

* Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA will address "The Church in the Modern World: Vatican II's Challenge for Our Time," at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Church, Clinton, Iowa, on April 21, 2013 at 2 p.m.

"Celebrating Vatican II: Sharing the Vision" is sponsored by the Carmelite Nuns, Eldridge, Iowa; Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport, Iowa; Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wis.; Sinsinawa Dominicans, Sinsinawa, Wis.; Sisters of Mercy, West-Midwest Community, Omaha, Neb.; Benedictine Sisters, Rock Island, Ill.; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton,
Iowa; and Sisters of Charity BVM, Sisters of the Presentation, Sisters of St. Francis, Sisters of the Visitation, and Trappistine Nuns, all of Dubuque, Iowa. The October program is hosted by St. Ambrose University. The December program is co-sponsored by Clarke University.

For details see www.facebook.com/catholicsisters or call Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, 563-242-7611.
16 Oct 2012

Special Investigator Michael McCotter Issues Report on the DHS-OIG

By Erin Wilson

Findings Will Guide Governor's Comprehensive Solution to Strengthen Protections of People with Disabilities Across Illinois

CHICAGO - October 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today received the official report from Michael McCotter following his special investigation of the Office of the Inspector General of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Earlier this year, Governor Quinn appointed McCotter, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, as Special Investigator to review cases and develop recommendations to reform the investigative operations of the Inspector General's office.

"I thank Special Investigator Michael McCotter for his diligent work in conducting this report," Governor Quinn said. "We will immediately review the findings and work with members of the General Assembly and advocates to implement a comprehensive solution that reforms the operation of this office and ensures all people are treated with dignity and respect."

Following reports of abuse and neglect, Governor Quinn took immediate action by issuing an executive order to strengthen protections for adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of such mistreatment and ensure that potential cases will be properly reviewed and referred to the appropriate authorities. The governor also directed a comprehensive overhaul of the office to ensure accountability and the protection of our most fragile citizens. He appointed Michael McCotter to probe the operations of the Inspector General and develop recommendations for reform.

As Special Investigator, McCotter was charged with reviewing the OIG's investigative procedures and policies. The recommended reforms included in the report are designed to ensure the OIG fulfills its mission of protecting people with disabilities.

McCotter was previously appointed by Governor Quinn as chief public safety officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections and has served in several senior positions at the Chicago Police Department, including chief of patrol, deputy chief of detectives, commander of special events and district commander. He has had professional training with the FBI, United States Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among other law enforcement agencies.

After reviewing the McCotter report, the governor's staff will move quickly- working with members of the General Assembly and advocates - to implement a comprehensive solution that best protects citizens with disabilities.

Please see the attachment for a copy of the full report.

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16 Oct 2012

Planning a Hospital Stay?

By Ginny Grimsley
Top-Rated Surgeon Shares Tips for Warding Off Infection

Hospitals can be scary places: They're brimming with bacteria, viruses and fungi -- the last things sick and injured people should be around.

In fact, hospital-acquired infections are the most common complication of a hospital stay, affecting nearly 2 million Americans a year and killing nearly 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

"There are a number of public and private initiatives under way to bring those numbers down. Life-threatening MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staph) infections have actually been declining since 2005," says Dr. Marc Stevens, an AMA Physician Recognition Award recipient and formulator of Rapid Recovery (www.DRSHealthInc.com), a beverage mix of nutrients that help tissue heal quickly after surgery or injury.

"The other good news is that there are steps patients can take to reduce the risk of being infected - and bolster their ability to fight infection. As a surgeon, I make it a priority to educate my patients and the public at large about what they should be doing before and during a hospital stay to protect themselves."

Stevens says patients should always take responsibility for doing what they can to avoid infection and bolster their immune system.

"Young people, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses - particularly diabetes - are most at risk for being overwhelmed by infection," he says.

He suggests:

• Hand washing: This is the No. 1 precaution recommended by the CDC, Stevens says. "Wash your hands, ask visitors to wash theirs, and don't be shy about asking hospital personnel, including doctors and nurses, to wash up before treating or examining you."

• Monitor your bandages: Alert a nurse if you notice your bandage is not clean, dry or completely attached to the skin surrounding a wound.

• Get in the best health possible before a scheduled hospital stay: People in their best possible mental, nutritional and physical health are better able to ward off infection and their wounds heal more quickly, closing portals to infection, Stevens says. "Whether it's physical therapy you need, or vitamin supplements - there are 13 with a demonstrated role in healing - patients should do what's necessary to prepare before going to the hospital, particularly, before a scheduled surgery."

• After discharge, watch for signs of infection: Symptoms that can indicate an infection include unexpected pain, chills, fever, drainage or increased redness around a surgical wound. If you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor.

About Dr. Marc Stevens

Dr. Marc Stevens is an award-winning orthopedic surgeon certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons. He has been recognized as one of America's Top Orthopedic Surgeons and a World Leading Physician (International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.) Dr. Stevens has found optimal nutrition - particularly the 13 vitamins known to promote tissue healing - dramatically speeds surgical patients' recovery. His flavored Rapid Recovery mix of these vitamins offers convenience and better absorption.

16 Oct 2012

NCCC Hosts Community Workday at Camp Courageous

By Camp Courageous
Monticello, Iowa - On Saturday, Oct. 27, AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) members are collaborating with Camp Courageous to do trail maintenance at the camp's ropes course. The community day is being held from 9 am to 1 pm at 12007 190 Street in Monticello, Iowa.

Volunteers are coming together to clean up brush to make the woods, specifically the ropes course, as safe as possible and more easily accessible for campers. In the event of rain, volunteers will clean the pool, lodge, cabins and a closet with costumes used for weekly dances. AmeriCorps NCCC invites residents from throughout the area to participate in this collaborative event.

"I'm very excited to meet community members and spread the word about Camp Courageous," says NCCC member Callie Keeney.

Tools and snacks are being provided. Volunteers are encouraged to dress warm. For further information about the community day please email serviceproject.outreach14@gmail.com or call 319-529-0587.

Camp Courageous serves over 6,000 individuals with disabilities annually. Their mission is to provide exceptional year-round recreational and respite care opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families. The camp is run primarily on donations, giving all individuals the opportunity to give through gifts of time, materials, money and other means that support the camp.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, residential, national service program in which 1,100 young adults serve nationwide each year. During their 10-month term, NCCC Members - all 18 to 24 years old - work on teams of eight to 12 on projects that address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Members mentor students, construct and rehabilitate low-income housing, respond to natural disasters, clean up streams, help communities develop emergency plans, and address countless other local needs. The North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa is one five regional campuses in the United States and serves Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The other campuses are located in Perry Point, Md.; Sacramento, Calif.; Vicksburg, Miss.; and Denver, Colo.

In exchange for their service, NCCC Members receive $5,550 to help pay for college, or to pay back existing student loans. Other benefits include a small living stipend, room and board, leadership development, increased self-confidence, and the knowledge that, through active citizenship, people can indeed make a difference. AmeriCorps NCCC is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation improves lives, strengthens
communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC, visit the website at www.americorps.gov/nccc.

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16 Oct 2012

Genesis Nursing Homes Earn High Ratings From CMS

By Craig Cooper
Mercer County Nursing Home in Aledo, Ill., and Illini Restorative Care, Silvis, Ill., have each earned 5-star quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Five stars is the highest and most respected rating a nursing home can achieve. The combined rating is based on health inspections, staffing and quality measures.

Westwing Place at Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, earned a 4-star rating in overall quality.

The 5-star rating from CMS is the highest ever for Mercer County Nursing Home.

"We believe in high quality resident care and set a standard of excellence in everything we do," said Myron Higgins, administrator, Mercer County Nursing Home. "Every member of our staff is dedicated to our residents and their families."

Mercer County Nursing Home is a 92-bed skilled nursing facility managed by Genesis Health System. The nursing home provides residents with superior short and long-term skilled nursing care administered by caring professionals. Highly trained and experienced staff offer residents individualized and compassionate attention while providing a wide range of health care services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy along with around-the-clock nursing care.

Mercer County Nursing Home earned 5 stars for quality ratings, 4 stars for health inspections, and 3 stars for staffing.

Illini Restorative care earned 5 stars for health inspections and 5 stars for staffing.

Westwing Place earned 4 stars in every category and 4 stars overall.

For more information about senior living options at Genesis, go to www.genesishealth.com/srliving.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System and its affiliates offer a full continuum of care, including preventive, primary, acute and tertiary hospital care; home health; hospice; rehabilitation; and long-term care. Its affiliates include Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, DeWitt and the Illini Campus in Silvis, Illinois; the Genesis Health Services Foundation, Visiting Nurse Association and GenVentures Inc. Genesis also manages Mercer County Hospital, Aledo, and Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, Iowa. Serving a 10-county area of eastern Iowa and western Illinois, the Health System also operates Genesis Health Group. For more information, visit our Web site at www.genesishealth.com.
16 Oct 2012

PRESIDENT OBAMA TO TRAVEL TO IOWA, OHIO, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND NEW YORK

By Randy Stalsberg

CHICAGO–Obama for America announced today that President Obama will travel to Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire and New York next week, following the second presidential debate.  On Wednesday, October 17, President Obama will campaign in Cedar Rapids, IA and in Athens, OH, and in Manchester, NH on Thursday, October 18. Also on Thursday, President Obama will deliver remarks at the 67th Annual Alfred. E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City.

Details on the President`s events in Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire and New York City are forthcoming.

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16 Oct 2012

Library Lines - Rock Island Public Library - Oct 2012

By Lisa Lockheart
Learn More About Your Family Tree: Wednesday, Oct. 17, a program on Computer Genealogy. Main Library Community Room at 401 19th Street. No registration is required.

 

Thinking of buying a new computer, eReader, tablet or cell phone? The library will offer Technology Basics, a free showcase on what to look for in technology, at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

 

Learn more about social media, with Facebook and Twitter: What You Want to Know, at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Library employees will answer some common about the features of both Facebook and Twitter, and how people use them to build connections with others.

 

Magic Workshops with Rick Eugene. Participants have a choice of two dates and locations: Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 pm, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street or Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 pm, in the Rock Island Southwest Branch Community Room, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Children from second grades on up will learn how to do magic tricks with professional magician Rick Eugene.

 

To register for any of the above events, call the Rock Island Library Children's Department at 309-732-7360.

 

Other events during the school break include :

  • Evening Storytimes: 6:00 pm,  Oct. 15 at the Southwest Branch;
  • Wednesday Lego Time: 4:00 pm, Oct. 17 at the 30/31 Branch;
  • Saturday Lego Time: 10:30 am, Oct. 20, Southwest Branch
  • Saturday "STEM-tivity:" 11:30 am, Oct. 20, Southwest Branch. Why do things float? Explore this topic with a fun, hands-on project around concepts in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math.)
On Oct. 18, the library will celebrate the Teen Read Week theme of "It came from the library!" with a free murder mystery party for ages 12 to 18. The murder mystery party is from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, and features chances to play a murder mystery game, enjoy snacks, and win prizes. Teen Read Week dares teens to "read for the fun of it," from Oct. 14-20, 2012.

 

Learn how to survive a zombie attack with a Teen Zombie party, 5:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library. Teens ages 12 to 18 will watch a zombie movie, enjoy snacks, and share tips on zombie survival.

16 Oct 2012

Hotel Blackhawk Wins 2nd Consecutive Smart Meetings Award; 1 of 125 hotels nationally to be recognized

By Rick Martin
Davenport, IA - Hotel Blackhawk has been named a 2012 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award winner. This is the second consecutive year it has received the recognition which was given to only 125 hotels nationwide.

The awards, in their ninth year, are presented by Smart Meetings magazine, the hospitality industry's premier resource for meeting professionals.

Results are decided during a two-month vote by readers with additional input from editors and industry experts. The awards recognize excellence in service and amenities among meeting facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

"This year's winners exceeded expectations and exemplified positive, professional standards that reflect a true commitment to the meetings industry," said Marin Bright, founder and publisher of Smart Meetings. "We want to reward industry leaders, innovators and top service providers that make a real difference for planners and attendees."

"We are very excited to win this prestigious award from Smart Meetings two years in a row," said Tim Heim, General Manager of Hotel Blackhawk. "Being one of just 125 nationally with this recognition again shines the spotlight on our stated goal to make the City of Davenport, Iowa and the Quad Cities a destination."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 96-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Summit Hotels & Resorts group (www.summithotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org).

For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

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