SPRINGFIELD - May 25, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement regarding the Illinois House of Representatives passing Senate Bill 2194, a key part of his proposal for Medicaid restructuring.

 

"I applaud Speaker Madigan and Leader Currie and members of the House of Representative for passing legislation to increase the price of cigarettes to help eliminate Medicaid's $2.7 billion deficit, improve the health of people across Illinois, and bring back federal dollar-for-dollar matching funds.

 

"We need to take decisive action to protect Illinois' Medicaid system from collapse. The cigarette tax is not just good fiscal policy, but good health policy. Adding a dollar per pack will help 60,000 people quit smoking, prevent 60,000 deaths from smoking-related conditions and keep 80,000 kids from taking up smoking in the first place.

 

"Today's action will improve the health of our people and lower the burden of smoking-related conditions on our Medicaid system, while helping to fill the $2.7 billion Medicaid shortfall and stabilize the system for those that need it.

 

"We hope Senators will follow their colleagues in the House, and quickly pass this legislation, which is critical to rescuing Medicaid."

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Summer/Holiday Hours

Summer Hours start Saturday, May 26 at all Rock Island Libraries. The Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches close at 1:00 pm on Saturdays, May 26 through Sept. 1.

 

Rock Island Libraries are closed Monday, May 28 for the holiday. Please have a happy and safe Memorial Day.

Part 4 of the Arab-Israeli Series is May 29

Professor and historian Dr. Art Pitz will continue his discussions of the Middle East on May 29 at the Rock Island Main Library. This is the last lecture in the four-part series at the Moline and Rock Island Libraries. Tuesday's topic is: "Can Israel Negotiate with any Palestinian Government?"

 

The free presentation is at 6:00 pm. No registration is required.

 

The 2012 series is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, the Rock Island Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Moline Public Library.

Bite into delicious summer activities, starting June 4!

books on a plate illustration Summer Reading starts Monday, June 4 at all Rock Island Libraries, and with themes such as Reading is So Delicious, Feed Your Mind: READ and Books are Brain Food, the library is cooking up a summer stacked high with fun and reading.

 

The library is "serving up" food-themed reading contests and more than 103 events for children, teens and adults. Activities begin Monday, June 4, with reading logs and entries due back to the library by Friday, July 27.

 

To see the entire list of events, see "Summer @ Your Library" on the library website.

 

Summer Reading events and prizes sponsored by Friends of the Rock Island Public Library, Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District (Southwest Branch events) and the Rock Island Public Library Foundation (summer art and drama.)

 

Reading is So Delicious for Kids

 

The delicious selection of things for kids to do this summer at the library includes "all-you-can-eat" reading programs that reward entrants as they read. The Reading is So Delicious summer reading club offers reading logs for three age groups: A Read-to-Me club log for ages two to five, the I'm a Reader book club for ages six to eight, and the Ravenous Reader log for ages nine to 11. With each contest, children earn prizes for reaching age-appropriate reading goals at three levels, and an extra chance to win a Movie, Olympic or Outdoor Fun prize basket. Forms will be available at all Rock Island Libraries starting June 4.

 

Families can also stretch their summer fun budget with free events from June 4 through August 22. Events are free and open to any member of the public, regardless of library card status or participation in the reading clubs. The library offers both weekly events, including storytimes, "book-tastings," and a math munch program with Elizabeth.

Special events and performers include two Friday Fest movies (Ratatouille and Chicken Run) and performances by Niabi Zoo, award-winning ventriloquist Kevin Horner, a birthday bash for library mascot Max Reader Mouse, magician Rick Eugene, Mad Science demos, the Reading is So Delicious puppet show with Rob "Mr. E" Erdmann, and the Incredible Bats show, featuring live fruit bats and education from Daniel and Sharon Peterson, of IncredibleBats.com.

Teens: Feed your Mind - READ!

Feed Your Mind- READ is the Teen Summer Reading club theme. Readers ages 12 to 18 turn in a reading card when they complete at least six hours of reading, or a program card for attending any one of 20 events. Participants can enter multiple times, and earn more chances to win books, DVDs, gift cards, or the grand prize, an Amazon Kindle® eReader. Teens can also earn gift cards for attending Iron Chef or Food Jeopardy game programs. Entry boxes and cards will be available at the June 4 Food Myths Kickoff (5:00 to 6:30 pm, Main Library), and at all Rock Island Library locations.

 

The more than 20 teen events this summer include movie and food craft events, pioneer cooking demos, cupcake and cookie decorating, pizza and international food tastings, Iron Chef and chocolate and food jeopardy contests, and non-food tie-dying and gaming nights. See the library website or pick up a free brochure for details!

Books are Brain Food for Adults

Adults 18 and up also have chances to win and take advantage of more free events, with the Books Are Brain Food reading club. The ample list of adult programs this summer include the Stephen Foster music program on June 5,  food and fitness education, OverDrive demos, monthly independent movies, four "recipe club" cooking demos and recipe swaps, and a series of three "dinner and a movie" events, where participants can bring in carry-out food or a picnic while enjoying a food-related movie.

 

To enter the reading contest, adults fill out an entry form for every book they read between June 4 and July 27. Print, audiobook and eReader formats all qualify. Entry forms and boxes will be available at all Rock Island locations. Top prize is a new Sony® eReader. Entry deadline is July 27, with prizes drawn after Aug. 3.

 

For a full list of events, pick up the summer program brochure at any Rock Island Library, or visit the library website. Reading logs and entry forms will be available at the Rock Island Main Library, 30/31 Branch and Southwest Branch starting June 4.

Guy Penrod

Adler Theatre, Davenport

7:30 p.m. Friday, July 13

Reserved tickets ($18, $24 & $30) on sale today: Friday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Adler Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at select Ticketmaster outlets. The Adler Theatre is located at 136 East Third Street in downtown Davenport.

Penrod's latest recording, Hymns, debuted at #1 on Nielsen Soundscan's Southern Gospel retail chart and #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart following its release in March. His 2010 Dove Award-nominated release, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, featuring successful mainstream country and southern gospel radio singles.

A 2011 Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod made his Grand Ole Opry debut last year.  Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

For more information: www.GuyPenrod.com

Long Grove Christian Church

202 South 1st Street

Long Grove, Iowa 52756

Free admission!

Free food, games, kids fun starts 5:00 pm.

Show starts 7:00pm

With guest: Steve Ernst

Quick Artist Agency presents:

Photoside Café

No tickets needed!

Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

In case of bad weather, event will be held inside the church.

More information:

http://www.newanthem.com/prime.htm

or call 563-570-8638


 

Who is Photoside Cafe?

Photoside Cafe is an aggressive, acoustic, rock band from Chicago, IL that is most often compared to the likes of Dave Matthews with an edgier sound.
The foursome met at Greenville College, a school noted for its music program, and have already created a solid fan base throughout the Midwest; playing on multiple stages in such notable music festivals as Ichthus Fest and Cornerstone Festival. They have shared the stage with several rising artists including Toby Mac, Relient K, and Switchfoot.
The chemistry within the group is outstanding, and it shines onstage. Each member brings elite individual talent into the mix, making the final product the perfect combination of talent and creativity. With their blazing songs and lyrics, Photoside Cafe blends all the right elements to create an ambiance that is nothing short of remarkable.
"Once again Photoside did a fabulous job at Cornerstone Festival this summer. For the first time we gave them a spot on our Mainstage and they didn't disappoint. this band continues to impress me with their musicianship, stage presence, and attitudes (and after 38 years in the music business I have grown pretty picky). I can't wait to work with them again next summer. I highly recommend this group and I am confident you and your crow will love them." -John Herrin, Festival Director of Cornerstone Festival 2010
"Photoside Cafe is an Ichthus Festival favorite. They have a great sound that appeals to a wide audience-- but it doesn't blend in with all the rest. They have a great sound with thoughtful lyrics. And they're great musicians who always leave the audience wanting more. We've become big fans of Photoside Cafe and believe you will too." Mark Vermilion, CEO of Ichthus Ministries

 

Who is Steve Ernst?

Steve Ernst is an extremely talented and musically diverse worship leader from Davenport, Iowa, who leads Jesus Country, the region's only weekly country western worship service, at St. John's United Methodist, and also leads contemporary worship at First Baptist Church. Steve's ability to play across all musical styles, including rock, folk, jazz, blues, country, and ballads... from fingerpicking to power chords... gives him unique access to Christian music. In 2006, Steve Ernst was the acoustic guitarist for the Festival of Praise Band that opened the Casting Crowns show for 10,000 people at LeClaire Park in Davenport.

See and print the flyer!

http://www.newanthem.com/grove.pdf

 

The 2012 Camp CourageousSprint Triathlon, presented by TransAmerica, is fast approaching! This year's event begins at 8am on Sunday August 5th and the entire Triathlon will take place at the camp located near Monticello, Iowa.

This is the third year that this Sprint Triathlon is being held to benefit Camp Courageous. Individuals and teams will participate in a 400 yard swim, 15.5 mile bike ride and a 4K run that will take competitors through Pictured Rock State Park as well as the Camp Courageous grounds. New for this year is that the event will be held entirely at Camp Courageous.

There are no age restrictions; children and adults who are physically prepared to participate in the Triathlon are welcome. All athletes must be a U.S.A.T. member. Entry fees include a one-day membership. Early registration savings are in affect through May 31, 2012; $70 for individuals ($60 for current U.S.A.T. athletes), $165 for teams (deduct $10 for each U.S.A.T. member).

To register, or for complete event information, go to www.campcourageous.org.

Dear Rivermont Community,

 

Well, here it is.  The last HEADlines of the school year.  It has been an exciting year with so many accomplishments and firsts.  Once again the students and faculty of Rivermont have demonstrated that Excellence comes first, Character is expected, and Creativity can be found in every corner!  Please be sure to join us on Wednesday and Friday of next week as we celebrate these accomplishments, hear what our seniors learned about themselves and their chosen field in the Senior Projects, and  graduate our 125th class of seniors!  These students join the ranks of an exceptional group of leaders, philanthropists, professionals and engaged citizens who make up our ALUMNI!

 

This weekend marks the commemoration of those who have sacrificed for our freedoms and prosperity.

 

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  (http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html#1)

 

In honor of the day we reprint the poem that inspired the tradition of poppies to remember.

 

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae, 1915.

 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Have a safe and restful long weekend, 

 

Rick St. Laurent

Headmaster

 

Poppies

 



The Class of 2012

Matt Newsome
University of Pennsylvania



Meghana Yerrapothu
University of Illinois at Chicago

Joann Weeks
Benedictine University

 

Pavane Gorrepati
Yale University


Meghana Pagadala
California Institute of Technology





 

Christine
Christine Mbakwe
Washington University in St. Louis

 

Ramya
Ramya Prabhu
University of Illinois at Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for our 125th Commencement Exercises on
Friday, June 1, 10:00 AM on the South Terrace of the Mansion.

WHEATON, IL (05/25/2012)(readMedia)-- Spc. Samuel T. Watts, 20, of Wheaton, Ill., died May 19, in Bethesda, Md., of wounds sustained April 25, in Zharay, Afghanistan, when he was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device. Watts was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

"Sam was a really, really good guy and well loved in our community. We are so proud of what our son has done and are truly humbled by the outpouring of prayers and affection," said Susan Watts, Sam's mother. "We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support."

The family respectfully asks to not be directly contacted by the media at this time for interviews.

Honorable transfer, visitation, funeral and burial information is as follows:

Honorable Transfer:

May 26-10 a.m. arriving at Dupage Airport, 2700 International Drive, West Chicago, Ill.

***Media should arrive at least 30 minutes prior. Media will have access to the tarmac, but the family requests that media NOT take photos or video imagery of grieving family members.

Visitation:

May 29-3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 North Main St., Wheaton, Ill.

Funeral:

May 30-10 a.m. at St. John Lutheran church, 410 N. Cross St. in Wheaton, Ill. then procession to Wheaton Cemetery, 1209 Warrenville Road, Wheaton, Ill.

***Media will not be allowed access to the church.

Become our Facebook Fan!

www.facebook.com/illinoisnationalguard

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College Choice Reports bill advances to House, math curriculum bill moving to Governor's desk

 

SPRINGFIELD - May 25, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon commended the Illinois Senate today for voting to help students make informed choices about Illinois' higher education options through publication of College Choice Reports. House Bill 5248, Amendment 2, passed the Senate 56-0 and now moves back to the House for concurrence.

 

Under the Simon-backed legislation, College Choice Reports will be published annually and provide students, parents and taxpayers with key institutional data for Illinois' community colleges and universities. Data included on the reports could include degree and certificate completion rates, net costs, average student debt, and student demographics. The goal is to help students make informed choices about educational paths so they can graduate on time and with less debt.

 

"Parents and students should think of this new resource as a consumer report, guiding them toward high-quality, affordable higher education investments," Simon said. "This new tool will help students comparison-shop between institutions so they can select schools that meet their educational and career needs."

 

Upon House approval of HB 5248, Amendment 2, Simon will convene a committee of higher education stakeholders to determine the style and content of the reports. Public and private degree-granting institutions will publish their first College Choice Report by January 1, 2015.

 

Simon serves as Governor Quinn's point person on education reform and helped draft two bills this session that aim to improve college completion and career readiness. The first bill to pass both chambers, SB 3244, authorizes the Illinois State Board of Education to design curriculum models that detail content and teaching techniques for middle and high school math standards. SB 3244 currently awaits Quinn's signature.

 

Simon is a former professor and serves as the chair of the Joint Education Leadership Committee of the P-20 Council.

 

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(Kansas City, Kan., May 25, 2012) - The sunny days of spring and summer represent an entirely different dynamic for people in the Midwest.  While large numbers of people are heading for camp sites, parks and beaches that flourish throughout our region, it also means that the agriculture community - our farmers and ranchers - are hard at work in the fields and on rangeland. This means that the risk will increase for those spending more time in the sun.

 

Several agencies have designated Friday, May 25, 2012, as "Don't Fry Day" as a way to highlight sun safety. EPA has joined the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Park Service (NPS) to emphasize the dangers of skin cancer and has provided simple steps Americans can take to protect themselves. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day "Don't Fry Day" as a way to highlight sun safety.

Farmers and ranchers face a range of occupational hazards--from machinery accidents to chemical exposures from fertilizers and pesticides, to injuries from working with animals. A less-visible danger comes from the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can damage skin, leading to skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, and suppression of the immune system.

 

"Ultraviolet radiation is a serious threat to our health and especially to the health of those who make a living outside in the fields and on the rangeland in our region," EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks said. "The increased threat faced during the long and hot summer days of the heartland makes it imperative that we remember sun safety this summer."

 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and the most common cancer among 20 to 30 year-olds. It's estimated that one American dies every hour from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Approximately 76,000 new cases of melanoma will occur this year.

To help protect people's health, EPA's SunWise program, one of the nation's largest environmental and health education programs, encourages kids and their caregivers to practice safe sun habits and raises awareness about UV sunlight that penetrates the Earth's ozone layer.

Here are some tips to help Americans continue to exercise, get outside and be SunWise this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer:

Check the UV Index app: Check the ultraviolet (UV) index anytime by downloading EPA's app (epa.gov/enviro/mobile) to help plan outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. UV rays from the sun (and from artificial light sources such as tanning beds) can lead to skin cancer.

Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing: Apply a palm-full of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to exposed skin about 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply every two hours. Wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses also prevents sun damage.

Seek shade, not sun: The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so seek shade during this time.

Although less common in individuals with darker complexions, skin cancer does not discriminate and is more often fatal for individuals with darker skin. Overexposure to the sun also causes immune suppression and up to 90 percent of wrinkles, brown spots, leathering of the skin and sagging.

EPA's SunWise program offers factsheets online that have state-specific information (epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html ).

 

# # #

WEST BRANCH, IOWA–Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, in cooperation with Main Street West Branch, invites visitors to celebrate Humanitarianism and Public Service Month in Iowa with a series of special musical events each Thursday night in June. The weekly performances feature artists Joe and Vicki Price (June 7th), James Kennedy and Friends (June 14th), Maintainers (June 21st) and The Beggarmen (June 28th). The concerts are free and begin at 7:00 p.m. at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa.

A statewide proclamation, to be signed on June 7 at the Governor's office in Des Moines, will highlight the importance of humanitarian and public service work within communities. The proclamation will emphasize the humanitarian and public service accomplishments of two of Iowa's most famous sons: President Herbert Hoover of West Branch and Dr. Norman Borlaug of Cresco. "The signed proclamation will be displayed during each of the Thursday evening events," said Pete Swisher,  Superintendent of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the national park which commemorates the life and accomplishments of the 31st President of the United States. "We hope it will inspire a new generation of Iowans towards public service work and humanitarian deeds."

The outdoor concerts will take place at the gazebo on the Village Green at 110 Parkside Drive, the intersection of Parkside Drive and Main Street in historic downtown West Branch. The Village Green provides a classic small town setting in which to enjoy an evening of free entertainment. There is ample parking nearby, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or ground blankets. In the event of inclement weather the program will be moved to the Herbert Hoover Elementary School gymnasium at 148 North Oliphant Street in West Branch.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring so many artists with Iowa roots to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site," said Swisher. "They will show those in attendance a great diversity of musical styles that connect directly to our landscape, communities, and cultures. We are very much looking forward to their performances."

June 7, Joe and Vicki Price: A winner of multiple musical awards, Joe and Vicki's music is flavored more to the juke joint end of the blues: a bit rough and tons of fun. Joe Price was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2002, The Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge 2006. Joe has appeared on National Public Radio on the Michael Feldman show "What Do You Know" and the "Big Top Chautauqua" show, where he opened for Grammy nominated folk
singer Greg Brown.

June 14, James Kennedy and Friends: James Kennedy has been a force in "indie" music for many years, performing blues, jazz, world, and more. During that time, he and his groups have toured regionally, nationally, and internationally playing venues of all sizes. Their instrumental melodic style is strong and appeals to audiences across all age groups. The variety of styles includes jazz, blues, folk, ragtime, and contemporary - something for everyone's taste in music.

June 21, Maintainers: Playing its own brand of roots-rock-country-folk music and building a loyal following through its live shows, Maintainers entertain their audiences through the performance of both original compositions as well as known numbers.  This is all done through excellent instrumentation backed up with gritty vocal performances.

June 28, The Beggarmen: The Beggarmen are celebrating their eleventh year as one of the region's best Irish music ensembles. Since their first performance at a small pub in Iowa, the band has gone on to headline at folk festivals and concert halls throughout the Midwest, greeting audiences with their unique style of Irish folk music.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

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