Strengthened Measures Target Bad Actors in Nation's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

WASHINGTON, August 9, 2012– Agriculture Under Secretary Kevin Concannon today announced a broad range of additional strategies to further improve program integrity in USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and hold those misusing benefits accountable. The measures include tougher financial sanctions for the small number of retailers that defraud the program and new requirements and tools for States to ensure benefits go solely to eligible individuals.

"USDA has a zero tolerance policy for SNAP fraud," said Concannon. "These additional measures reaffirm our ongoing commitment to ensuring these dollars are spent as intended-helping millions of people in need get back on solid economic footing."

The retailer sanctions proposal allows USDA to not only permanently disqualify a retailer who traffics, but also assess a monetary penalty in addition to the disqualification. Financial penalties would be proportional to the amount of SNAP business the store is conducting, which will help ensure that the financial punishment more closely fits the crime. Currently, when a retailer is found guilty of fraud or abuse, USDA can either disqualify the retailer from participating in SNAP, or issue a financial penalty, but not both.

Today's announcement includes new requirements for States to take specific actions that would catch fraud and abuse on the front end and ensure that ineligible people do not participate in the program. The new standards strengthen integrity by giving States an additional tool to identify cases that may require further investigation and review when an applicant or recipient is found in a Federal database.

"These requirements will make us better at identifying potential fraud and abuse before it occurs, as well as help us hold bad actors even more accountable than in the past and discourage them from abusing the public's trust," said Concannon.

Concannon also today released third quarter, fiscal year 2012 results of USDA work in fighting fraudulent activity in SNAP retail stores, tallying final actions to sanction or disqualify retailers violating program rules. In that quarter, USDA staff took final actions to:

  • Impose sanctions, through fines or temporary disqualifications, on more than 574 stores found violating program rules; and
  • Permanently disqualify 1,016 stores for trafficking SNAP benefits (i.e. exchanging SNAP benefits for cash) or falsifying an application.

These announcements are part of the Obama Administration's ongoing Campaign to Cut Waste designed to fight fraud and abuse in Federal programs. For more information about USDA efforts to combat fraud, visit the Stop SNAP fraud website at www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fraud.

USDA continues to work with local, state and federal partners to root out fraud, waste and abuse in SNAP and ensure the integrity of our nation's most important food assistance program. Recent actions include :

  • Sending letters to the CEOs of Craigslist, Ebay, Facebook and Twitter to reiterate the need to help prevent the illegal sale or purchase of SNAP benefits online;
  • Proposing a rule to provide States the option to require recipients to make contact with the state when there have been an excessive number of requests for EBT card replacements;
  • Increasing documentation required for high-risk stores applying to redeem SNAP benefits;
  • Continuing to notify state social service agencies and federal agency partners about violators to better protect our public programs. This includes information on program recipients with suspicious transactions at stores that have been sanctioned for trafficking so that the recipients can be further investigated by States.

Reducing childhood obesity and improving the nutrition of all Americans are vital to achieve a healthy future for America. That's why the Obama administration and USDA are committed to promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles and to ensuring that all Americans have access to safe, nutritious, and balanced meals.

SNAP-the nation's first line of defense against hunger-helps put food on the table for millions of low income families and individuals every month. The largest of USDA's 15 nutrition assistance programs, it has never been more urgently needed than it is today. SNAP is a vital supplement to the monthly food budget of more than 46 million low-income individuals. Nearly half of SNAP participants are children and more than 40 percent of recipients live in households with earnings.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including school meals programs, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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Mark Ross to guide club in 55th year of "Service Above Self"
Bettendorf, IA - The Bettendorf Rotary Club announces its officers for 2012-2013. The gavel was passed from Scott Naumann to Mark Ross who will serve as President of the club for the next year.
Ross is a consultant with IGO Partners. As an active entrepreneur, he has created several successful companies in addition to serving in management positions with McGladrey & Pullen and Per Mar Security Services.  Besides his participation in Bettendorf Rotary, Ross has served the community as a board member for the Scott County Regional Authority and as an Alderman for the City of Bettendorf.
Here is the complete board roster for 2012-13:
President:  Mark Ross
President-Elect:  Chelsea Powers
Secretary/Treasurer:  Chuck Mooney
(with assistance from George Daugherty)
Club Service Director:  Sharon Sarver
Community Service Director:  Kevin Kraft
Youth Service Director:  Dr. Jim Spelhaug/Dr. Theron Schutte
Vocational Service Director:  Chris Glass
International Service Director:  Ann Kappeler/Lee Semenow
Rotary Foundation Director:  S.K. Nanda
Immediate Past President:  Scott Naumann
The Bettendorf Rotary Club (www.bettendorfrotary.com), chartered on May 22, 1957, has more than 100 members fulfilling the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" in a variety of local, regional and national community volunteer projects. The club meets each Wednesday at Noon at Fortune Garden Restaurant, 2211 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf. In addition to the website, you can find the club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bettendorfrotary).
Bettendorf Rotary Club is part of Rotary International (www.rotary.org), founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago businessman and University of Iowa alumnus. The international organization, now based in Evanston, IL, has more than one million members participating in 32,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries.
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Sean Casey and the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV) will be at the Putnam Museum on August 18! Sean Casey is a professional storm chaser who appears in the reality television series Storm Chasers. Casey is also the filmmaker of Tornado Alley 3D - a film that the Putnam Museum will begin playing on August 18! In Tornado Alley 3D with the TIV, Casey captures inside footage that no one else has ever had!

Want to win a ride in the TIV, here's how!

Spot the sticker and win a ride in the Tornado Intercept Vehicle at the Putnam Museum!

Snap a picture wherever you see an "I BRAKE FOR WIND" sticker and email it to webmaster@putnam.org!

Remember to include :

·         Your name

·         Where you found it

·         The 4-digit number on the sticker

Stickers are placed at different location throughout the community so keep an eye out! The person who find the most stickers by August 15 will win a ride in the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV) with Sean Casey, star of Storm Chasers and Tornado Alley 3D!

Win tickets to watch Tornado Alley 3D with Storm Team 8!

Win tickets to see the 10 a.m. showing on Saturday, August 18 with the Storm Team 8 meteorologists! 50 winners will be selected to receive 4 tickets to the show and one lucky viewer will win a ride in the Tornado Intercept Vehicle!

Deadline for entry is Sunday, August 12! Meet the Storm Team 8 meteorologists and enjoy the film which "reveals the beauty and the power of some of our planet's most extreme?and least understood?weather phenomena."

For more information or to entry to win, visit WQAD's Facebook page.

One time only events! Don't miss out!

TIV Challenge: build and test!

Register today for the ultimate tornado challenge on August 18! From Noon - 2 p.m. participants will build their own TIV and learn about engineering design in the process! Then it's time to put your TIV to the test with a crush, drop and water test to see if it can remain undamaged!

Are you up for the TIV challenge? Do you think your TIV can pass the tests?  Register today; call 563-324-1933 ext. 219. This is not a drop-off program. Registration is required, per team (1-4 members allowed) $8 members, 10 non-members.

Sean Casey, star of Storm Chasers and Tornado Alley 3D, and the TIV will be at the Putnam during this exciting challenge! This is a one time only event, don't miss out!

Meet and greet with Sean Casey and the TIV!

Meet and greet as well as photo-opportunities with Sean Casey and TIV will be available on Saturday, August 18 from 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. and on Sunday, August 19 from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.!

River Bandits Game on August 18!

Sean Casey will be at the 7 p.m. game to throw the first pitch! Don't miss out! For more information on this event please contact the Quad City River Bandits.

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Des Moines,  August 9, 2012?Iowa voters can find information about the professional qualifications and background of every judge on the November 6th retention ballot at the Iowa Judicial Branch website?www.iowacourts.gov.

The 2012 Iowa Voters Judicial Directory contains biographies of each of the justices and judges on the ballot. These biographies include information about each judge's background and education, career, and professional and community activities. The directory also contains information about Iowa's judicial retention elections, as well as factors voters may want to consider when deciding whether to retain a justice or judge.

Today, The Iowa State Bar Association released the results of a performance evaluation by Iowa lawyers, providing Iowa voters with additional information about judges on the ballot. The evaluation asks members of the association to rate judges on a number of issues, including knowledge and application of the law, temperament, communication skills, timeliness of rulings, and impartiality. The performance evaluation also asks lawyers to state whether each judge should be retained.

In1962, Iowa voters approved a constitutional amendment that replaced the unpopular process of selecting judges by general elections based on political party politics with a nonpartisan merit selection and retention process. In the merit selection system, a nonpartisan commission reviews the qualifications of applicants for judicial office. Once the commission screens and interviews applicants, it forwards a slate of nominees to the governor who makes the final appointment. Merit selection and retention focuses on the professional qualifications of judges?experience, legal expertise and knowledge, judicial temperament, and promotion of a fair, impartial, and accountable judiciary.

After serving a full year on the bench, every justice and judge must stand for retention at the next general election, and then near the end of each regular term of office. In a retention election, judges do not have opponents. Instead, voters decide whether to retain a judge based on the judge's professional competency. If a judge receives a majority of "yes" votes, the judge may serve another full term.

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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

Facilities & Economic Development

1. Approval of temporary road closures for the Quad City Air Show. (Item 1)

2. Approval of the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 10, Sec. 10-10 of the
Scott County Code to establish a new "No Parking" area in Parkview. (Item 2)

3. Approval of purchase of an aluminum box culvert. (Item 3)

4. Approval of award of bid for fine paper purchase. (Item 4)

5. Approval of award of bid for the purchase of a Jail transport vehicle for the Sheriff's
Office. (Item 5)

Human Resources

6. Discussion of pending litigation pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c). - CLOSED
SESSION

7. Approval of personnel actions. (Item 7)

Finance & Intergovernmental

8. Discussion of setting upcoming canvass dates: North Scott School District Election
on Tuesday, September 18 at 8:00 a.m. and General Election on Wednesday,
November 14 at 1:00 p.m.

9. Approval of beer/liquor license for Mickey's Country Cafe.

10. Resolution approving the appointment of Tony Brus (Muscatine County appointment)
to the Benefited Fire District #6. (Item 10)

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Regular Board Meeting - 5:30 pm
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

Presentation

1. Urban County Coalition update by Murphy Consultants.

By Jim Willers, United Soybean Board director and a soybean farmer from Beaver Creek, Minn.

I know how much time I spend around diesel-powered vehicles, equipment and machinery, and I'd bet that most farmers around the United States spend similar amounts. That's why I'm so alarmed at the recent news from the World Health Organization and its International Agency for Research on Cancer, which now considers diesel fuel exhaust to be a carcinogen as dangerous as secondhand smoke.

Farmers and ranchers make up the third-largest category of diesel fuel users behind truck drivers and heating oil users.

Thankfully, recent clean-diesel technology has cleaned up our emissions immensely, including significantly reducing some of the elements of diesel exhaust that prove to be so damaging to our health.

For example, in 2007, engine manufacturers began adding filters to trap soot. They added technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions starting in 2010.

You can reduce these harmful emissions even more by using biodiesel.

Petroleum diesel exhaust contains toxic fumes that you don't get from biodiesel. Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel that's made from U.S.-grown, renewable and biodegradable sources, and doesn't have those toxins.

Soybean oil remains the primary feedstock for U.S. biodiesel production and our soy checkoff continues to support the U.S. biodiesel industry. For example, the checkoff funds research into biodiesel's performance, environmental and health benefits.

According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, using 100 percent biodiesel significantly reduces some of the emissions that prove harmful to our health, including:

  • A 67 percent drop in hydrocarbon emissions.
  • A 48 percent decrease in poisonous carbon monoxide.
  • A 47 percent reduction in particulate matter.

Additionally, the National Renewable Energy Lab says a B20 blend of biodiesel (20 percent biodiesel mixed with 80 percent petroleum diesel) drops particulate matter emissions by 25 percent in engines without clean-diesel technology and by 67 percent in engines with the new cleaner-burning attributes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes biodiesel's clean-air qualities in its regulation that requires the use of at least 1 billion gallons of biodiesel this year. Under this regulation, biodiesel remains the only commercially available fuel that qualifies as an Advanced Biofuel. It earned that distinction from the EPA because it reduces greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared with petroleum diesel.

That regulation continues to improve biodiesel availability, which could make it easier for U.S. farmers to find and use the fuel.

To find biodiesel distributors or retailers in your area, visit www.biodiesel.org. To learn more about the soy checkoff's efforts to promote biodiesel as a way of increasing demand for U.S. soybean oil, click here.

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New Law to Pave the Way for "Parent Academies" in Illinois

CHICAGO - August 9, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law designed to strengthen bilingual education in Illinois. The law authorizes the Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to study and make recommendations on the state of bilingual education in Illinois, as well as the role of parents of students whose first language is not English. Today's action at the Inter-American Magnet School paves the way for the possible implementation of "parent academies" and is the governor's latest to further improve education in Illinois.

"School is challenging enough for students and parents alike without having to struggle with a new language," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will keep Illinois on the cutting edge of bilingual education programs to ensure that every student is ready for the workforce."

Sponsored by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) and Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), House Bill 3819 requires the Advisory Council to evaluate the success rate of bilingual programs, examine innovative initiatives such as "parent academies" and "cultural competency programs", and submit a report to the State Superintendent of Education, Governor and General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2013.

According to an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) study, there were 183,000 Illinois students in 2010 for whom English was not a first language, nearly 10 percent of the entire student population. Spanish-speakers comprise 80 percent of those enrolled in English language programs; rounding out the top ten are Polish, Urdu, Arabic, Tagalog, Korean, Cantonese/Mandarin, Gujarati, Vietnamese and Russian. While most live in Chicago, there are growing numbers of non-English speaking students in Elgin, Cicero, Aurora and Waukegan.

The Advisory Council on Bilingual Education, which was created in 1992 to propose recommendations to ISBE, will examine the feasibility of "parent academies" through which parents learn about standardized testing, homework completion strategies and student-teacher relationships. Some states offer free two-hour workshops for parents that cover "conditions for learning", such as school safety, home supportiveness and nutrition. In urban areas, the "parent academy" approach has successfully addressed the specific needs of single parents and immigrant families.

"Parents of non-English speaking students want - and need - to feel a greater stake in navigating their child's education. This new law opens the door to such innovations as 'parent academies' to accomplish that," said Rep. Chapa LaVia, who Chairs the Illinois House Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Committee.

"We are always looking for ways to help all students maximize their academic potential. This new law will help," said Sen. Martinez.

The bill was supported by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and passed unanimously in both chambers. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.

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CHICAGO - August 9, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No: SB 3287

An Act Concerning: Government

Creates the Illinois Service Member Civil Relief Act to protect the financial security of Illinois soldiers.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No: SB 3555

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows Professional Sports Team License Plates to be issued to motorcycles.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

 

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Almost $29 million in Smart Grid Projects Included

WASHINGTON, August 9, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that rural electric utilities in 18 states will receive loan guarantees to make improvements to electric lines, transmission facilities and to reduce peak electric loads by deploying smart grid technologies. USDA Rural Utilities Administrator Jonathan Adelstein made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf while visiting the offices of one of the recipients, Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) in Crewe, Virginia. The cooperative is using funds to build and improve a distribution line, transmission line, and will invest almost $7.4 million for smart grid system enhancements. In all, service will be upgraded for about 1,500 SEC members.

"Maintaining and upgrading rural electric systems improves system reliability, creates jobs and supports economic development," Vilsack said. "With these loans, we are continuing to help cooperatives provide reliable service to rural residents. A significant portion of this funding will go to smart grid technologies, helping consumers lower their electric bills and reducing peak demand for producers."

With this funding, USDA Rural Development moves closer to reaching Secretary Vilsack's goal to fund more than $250 million for smart grid technologies. Today's announcement includes support for nearly $29 million in smart grid projects. In all, USDA is investing more than $420 million in rural electric infrastructure.

The following is a list of rural utilities that will receive USDA funding, which is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.

Idaho/Oregon/Washington

  • Clearwater Power Company -- $13,524,000. Funds will vey used to serve about 500 consumers, build and improve 132 miles of distribution line and 5 miles of transmission line, and make other system improvements.

Indiana

  • Whitewater Valley Rural Electric Membership Corporation - $12,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 240 consumers, build and improve 121 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan includes $519,405 in smart grid projects.

Kansas

  • Leavenworth-Jefferson Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $7,580,000. Funds will be used to serve 375 consumers, build and improve 100 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $104,028 in smart grid projects.

Kentucky

  • Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation - $22,894,000. Funds will be used to serve about 2,800 customers, build and improve 248 miles of distribution and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $232,800 in smart grid projects.
  • Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation - $13,000,000. Funds will be used to serve about 3,300 consumers, build and improve 216 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements.

Minnesota

  • Lake Region Electric Cooperative - $27,151,000. Funds will be used to serve about 1,300 consumers, build and improve 151 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,297,855 in smart grid projects.

Mississippi

  • Coast Electric Power Association - $51,766,000. Funds will be used to serve 9,240 consumers, build and improve 246 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $128,000 in smart grid projects.

North Carolina

  • Central Electric Membership Corporation - $22,000,000. Funds will be used to serve about 2,800 consumers, build and improve 102 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $278,800 in smart grid projects.

New York

  • Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $9,362,000. Funds will be used to serve 318 consumers, build and improve 121 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $706,050 in smart grid projects.

Oklahoma

  • Northwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $18,306,000. Funds will be used to serve 912 customers, build and improve 134 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $843,400 in smart grid projects.

South Carolina

  • Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. - $44,347,000. Funds will be used to build 77 miles of new transmission line.

South Dakota/Minnesota

  • East River Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. - $62,207,000. Funds will be used to build 44 miles of transmission line, three new substations, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,951,000 in smart grid projects.

South Dakota/Iowa/Minnesota

  • Sioux Valley - Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc - $39,098,000. Funds will be used to serve over 1,400 consumers, build and improve 618 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,585,806 in smart grid projects.

South Dakota/Montana/North Dakota

  • Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. -$14,164,000. Funds will be used to serve 153 consumers, build and improve 185 miles of distribution line and 1 mile of transmission line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $1,480,903 in smart grid projects.

Texas

  • Comanche County Electric Cooperative Association - $18,469,000. Funds will be used to serve 1,068 customers, build and improve 143 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $6,551,790 in smart grid projects.

Virginia

  • Southside Electric Cooperative - $44,881,000. Funds will be used to serve 1,460 customers, build and improve over 700 miles of distribution line and 9 miles of transmission line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $7,352,881 in smart grid projects.

Funding is provided by USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The loans help electric utilities upgrade, expand, maintain and replace rural America's electric infrastructure. USDA Rural Development also supports energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy and strengthening small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $170 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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Dr. David Ellis presents
"First Servant of the State: Frederick the Great's Leadership and Legacy in War and Politics"
Dear friend of GAHC,

Come to the German American Heritage Center this weekend for a great presentation! Don't forget about our bus trip on August 25th to Cedar Rapids and also to RSVP for our member dinner on Sept. 18th at the Outing Club!
Sunday, August 12th at 2pm! Free for members!
Following Kai Swanson's talk two weeks ago on Frederick the Great's musical talents, GAHC is presenting Dr. David Ellis, professor of history at Augustana, and his talk on this legendary leader's military and political career. Please Join us for this interesting discussion on one of history's most notable characters!
Art Nouveau exhibition bus trip to Cedar Rapids!
Join GAHC as we travel to Cedar Rapids to visit the newly renovated National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. We will see such highlights as the celebrated exhibit Alphose Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau as well as the recently restored textile collection in It All Comes Out in the Wash. The trip will be on Saturday, August 25th from 9 am to 5pm. The cost is $50 for members and $60 for non-members.

Call 563-322-8844 today to reserve your spot! This is a chance you do not want to miss! Visit http://www.ncsml.org/ for more information on the exhibits and http://gahc.org/CedarRapidsBusTrip.htm for more information on the trip!

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